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Ad Space Deadline: WORLD CLASS AIR THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER
Ad Materials Deadline: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
Already providing commercial air service from
Smith Provision Co., Inc.
Phone: 814/459-4974 Fax 814/879-0998 Toll-free: 800/334-9151
three major airlines, United, Delta and American Airlines, the Erie Regional Airport Authority has now announced the launching of the activated Erie Foreign Trade Zone (Erie FTZ) powered by Logistics Plus, a globally recognized leader in logistics services.
The ERI FTZ allows Erie International Airport to expand beyond passenger-only transportation – to a capable hub for air cargo and global commerce.
WE’RE IN THE
131 YEARS OLD, AND IT STILL HAS ALL ITS TEETH.
ZONE
The 430® Tongue and Groove Plier. Behold. It’s a beefy 18 ounces of American high-carbon steel. At a healthy 10 inches long, it’s got the leverage you need to really get around on a stubborn nut. And its right angle, laser heat-treated teeth hold fast in either direction. Is it more plier than you need? Probably. It took 131 years to make a plier this awesome.
www.channellock.com
Erie Regional Airport Authority - 4411 West 12th Street - Erie, PA 16505 - www.erieairport.org
www.smithhotdogs.com
Committed to Tradition For Nearly 90 Years When Anton Weber and his son Magnus purchased Smith’s in 1949, they hardly envisioned that the small butcher shop founded in 1927 would eventually occupy more than 100,000 square feet of space, two locations and see annual sales of $16 million. At the time, Anton and Magnus were too busy formulating their own recipes and stuffing sausages, wieners and bologna by hand to focus on that sort of planning. But their work ethic and the example that they set for future generations of the family owned and operated business set the stage for growth and expansion. As president of Smith Provision Co., Inc. for the past 25 years, Mike Weber never strayed far from the basic principles that his father and grandfather used to guide the business: never compromise on quality; treat people with respect; and, give back to those who support you. Those who know Mike will tell you his mantra has always been that the customer comes first. This tenet has served Smith’s well over the past eight decades. The Company sees growth year over year, and while proud of that growth, the Weber family is careful to manage it in conservative steps, which has served customers, the community and Smith’s employees well. As the Erie community braces for changes in the future, Smith’s offers a small but important example of what community commitment means and why it is important. Weber is proud to note that while the employee group is relatively small, with 47 full-time employees, the Company has never had a layoff and offers family-sustaining wages and a health-care and retirement plan that is almost unheard of in this day and age. Says Weber, “In my view, dedicated, knowledgeable
Family founded, owned and operated since 1886 and manufactured in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality hand tools, that can be found in hardware stores, retailers, toolboxes and workshops around the world.
Profile Materials Deadline: MONDAY, JULY 24, 2017
1300 Cranberry Street Erie, PA 16501 Third and fourth generations of the Weber Family (from left): Liz Weber, assistant plant manager; Mike Weber, president; Sara Kallner, vice president, Business Operations; John Weber, senior vice president, Manufacturing; Emily Weber, plant manager
employees are the key to consistently preparing safe, delicious and memorable foods to our friends, neighbors and community.”
Mike Weber, president
CO M PAN Y PR O FIL E
With a limited marketing budget, Smith’s has been creative in the path it has chosen to grow its business, leveraging relationships with iconic sports teams, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, to expand its geographic footprint and brand itself in a way that encourages customers to try the product for the first time.
Weber nears retirement, he takes great pride in passing the reins to his brother, John, as the new president; as well as watching the fourth generation: three of his five daughters and his son-in-law continue to leave their mark on the family business. “If I have a legacy to leave, it is the commitment to quality products that was passed down to John and me from our grandfather Tony, and our dad Max, and that we are happily instilling in the fourth generation to operate Smith’s,” he says.
Smith’s also has rolled out several new items in the past decade enjoyed by loyal customers who appreciate product that is smoked the way it would have been 100 years ago: by burning real, locally sourced, sugar maple wood. Smith’s sliced bacon; old fashioned hams and the iconic Ox Roast are all products that die-hard fans will ship across the country if they can’t make it home to Erie to find it on the store shelf. Recently, the Company rolled out the family’s oldfashioned kielbasa, branding it Boski Kielbasa, an homage to “divine sausage.” Weber will tell you that there is no greater compliment than the customers who will stop him to tell a story about Smith’s products being enjoyed with family and friends, and that it is those moments that make him feel both humbled and incredibly grateful. As mbabizmag.com • OCTOBER 2016
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HURRY, SPACE IS LIMITED! To reserve your ad space (full-page, four-color only), please contact David Thornburg at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or dthornburg@mbausa.org today.
BUSINESS VOL. XXX NO. 6 | JUNE 2017
MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT Q&A:
WHY NATURAL GAS IS THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE
ERIE WATER WORKS DELIVERING WORLD-CLASS WATER, FIRST-CLASS SERVICE FOR 25 YEARS
EMPOWER YOUR EMPLOYEES: VIEW THE ASSOCIATION’S NEWEST TRAINING CATALOG
• PROCUREMENT • REBATES • ENERGY CURTAILMENT • ENERGY EFFICIENCY CREDITS • UTILITY AUDITS
FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
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THE POWER FOR SUCCESS Why every business needs an energy strategy.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
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ERIE WATER WORKS Learn how Erie’s public water utility has enhanced its operations to deliver worldclass water and first-class service to customers in the Erie region.
SPOTLIGHT Q&A | ENERGY
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Michael Colpoys, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation vice president who is based in Erie, Pennsylvania, and oversees the Pennsylvania Utility subsidiary, talks about the future of natural gas and what’s in store for this $6.2 billion company.
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EDITORIAL HEALTH MATTERS | RESOURCES
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Feature Photography Rob Frank R. Frank Photography
Contributing Writers Jo Hartoyo Judy Rosatti Laurie Templeton Mark Shaw
Additional Photography Erie Water Works Erie Zoo Casey Naylon iStockphoto.com
Advertising Sales David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org
Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors
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Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
A closer look at the renewable energy resources that are playing a greater role in electricity production. Judy Rosatti
ON THE HILL | INFRASTRUCTURE
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Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org
© Copyright 2017 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
How changes in the Toxic Substances Control Act will reverberate throughout the energy industry and beyond. Mark Shaw
ENERGY UPDATE | INDUSTRY
On the Cover: Surrounded by core team members, Erie Water Works Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Paul Vojtek (center) holds one of the of state-of-the-art Ultrafiltration Membranes being used at the Richard Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant. The filtration system is one of the many upgrades by EWW in recent years. For full story, see page 4. Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business
Three simple ways to energize employees about their health benefits. Jo Hartoyo
LEGAL BRIEF | REGULATIONS
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Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org
See the Association’s upcoming professional development, HR and computer training courses.
Guest columnist Laurie Templeton of RETTEW’s Williamsport office discusses why green is the new black when it comes to redefining sustainable energy for today’s competitive business economy.
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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Our health coaches are with your employees every step of the way. When your employees are healthier, they’re happier and more productive. That’s why we have health coaches like Stephanie who team up with members like Cortne. Cortne was at risk for diabetes, so Stephanie suggested a plan that helped her lose 50 pounds — so far. And Stephanie even calls her regularly and meets her every month for a walk, to keep her on track and motivated. Members who get help from health coaches are #LivingProof.
Visit discoverhighmark.com/employer to learn how your employees can benefit from health coaches, too.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
The Power For Success WHY EVERY BUSINESS NEEDS AN ENERGY STRATEGY Just as with raw materials or labor, energy is another big cost to businesses. Companies of all sizes can achieve substantial reduction in energy bills by implementing simple housekeeping measures and incorporating an energy strategy into their business plan. In fact, reduction and control of energy usage can be vital for any organization and its bottom line. According to experts, reducing cost is the most compelling reason for saving energy. Research shows that most organizations can save up to 20 percent on their fuel cost by managing their energy use. Futhermore, reducing energy use helps reduce risk of energy price fluctuations and supply shortages.
Many are taking actions to reduce energy usage, including: • Using monitoring technology – 47 percent • Promoting energy-saving practices – 65 percent • Making energy-saving improvements – 68 percent
Businesses that boost their energy management programs get good results, according to a 2017 Energy Decision Makers Survey Report. Of the 300 business owners and energy decision-makers surveyed across the United States and Canada, 94 percent are acting to reduce their energy use.
But there is still room for improvement. Today, experts agree that employers must take a look at energy management, as well as renewable resources, as part of their long-term vision for growth.
Equally impressive, 85 percent of businesses said that their energy management practices lowered energy costs. And one-quarter successfully lowered energy costs anywhere from 11 percent to 20 percent. Given these results, it’s not surprising that companies are enhancing their commitment to energy efficiency.
In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll take a look at some of the success stories and various energy resources that are found in our membership region, including such organizations as the Erie Water Works. We’ll also hear from Michael Colpoys of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation about why natural gas is the fuel of the future. And, we’ll talk with guest columnist
Laurie Templeton of RETTEW’s Williamsport office about why “Green is the New Black” and redefining sustainable energy. In fact, since 2009, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) itself has supported its members’ energy needs. That means consistently looking for ways to help them maintain a competitive advantage. Through the Association’s own energy program, EnergyAdvisors, more than 400 participating member companies have access to our energy experts and assistance with their energy needs – no matter how simple or complex they may be. To learn more, visit www.mbausa.org or www.mbaenergyadvisors.com.
Energize Your Business!
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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Paul Vojtek (center), Craig Palmer and Dave Motherwell, reviewing plans for Phase III improvements, were instrumental in the conversion from traditional filtration to membrane filtration.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
ERIE WATER WORKS Delivering World-Class Water, First-Class Service for 25 Years For those who live and work in Erie, Pennsylvania, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the fact that water — our region’s greatest natural resource — is in abundant supply and clean drinking water is always within reach.
EWW’s primary goal is to: “To guarantee a continuous, uninterrupted, reasonably priced supply of quality water to its customers which assures public health while promoting regional stability and future development.”
“I always say if people take their water for granted, we are doing our job,” insists Paul Vojtek, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Erie Water Works (EWW), which provides water service to more than 62,000 customers — residences and businesses — throughout the Erie region.
Through its oversight and more than $277 million in investments, the EWW has taken calculated steps — starting with the extension of its lease agreement on September 11, 2001 — to ensure that it had the financial support to put its operations in a position to provide high-quality water that meets or exceeds all local, state and federal regulations. “From that point until today,” explains Vojtek, “We’ve strategically invested in the infrastructure as well as new technology, making Erie’s water system more reliable, and capable of providing the finest quality water available through a public water system.”
These customers use water for a multitude of purposes. And, for businesses, clean, potable water can be essential to their operation and production line, as well as employee health and sanitation. Equally important, the availability of water for fire protection can mean the difference between staying in business or a catastrophic loss.
Paul Vojtek, CEO and CFO Erie Water Works
Since April 2016, the City of Erie has been rated a Class 1 in the Public Protection Classification from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). In 2015, of the 48,000 fire protection areas in the United States, only 132 communities achieved a Class 1, the ISO’s highest rating.
Investments and Upgrades
In fact, a significant amount of EWW’s infrastructure has been upgraded with a $50 million investment at the 85-year-old Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant, formerly known as the Sommerheim Water Treatment Plant, located along Presque Isle Bay in Millcreek Township. More than $6 million was spent on the completion of Phase I, which included the installation of new highefficiency pumps, piping and electrical switchgear. Phase II, focused on improving the treatment process. The installation of Ultrafiltration Membranes transformed the water treatment plant from a traditional
“What many people don’t realize is that we also provide fire protection,” explains Vojtek. “If the power grid goes down, one of the things you have to worry about is fire. With the combination of emergency backup power generators and millions of gallons of storage, the ability to pump water and keep our system pressurized mitigates that threat.” In 1865, the Erie Water and Gas Company was incorporated to do just that — provide both safe drinking water and readily available fire hydrant water for the City of Erie. It wasn’t until January 1, 1992, that the EWW, also known as the Erie City Water Authority, assumed operation of the City of Erie’s water system. It operates independent of city government, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors appointed by the mayor and members of Erie City Council. For the past 25 years, the EWW has been the organization making sure water is properly treated to meet clean water standards.
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JUNE 2017 • mbabizmag.com
EWW staff members Dave Motherwell, Ron Loader, Pete Hirneisen, Ron Costantini and Craig Palmer are essential to the day-to-day operations of the Erie Water Works.
“I have served as consulting engineer and project manager on many capital improvement projects for the Erie Water Works since the early 1990s. The Erie Water Works is a very forward thinking, pro-active public water utility. They have invested approximately $250 million over the past 20 years to upgrade and maintain their treatment, pumping, transmission, storage and distribution facilities. The Board and management have developed programs to evaluate and plan necessary capital improvements that provide the highest quality water and service to their customer base in the City of Erie and surrounding municipalities. The Erie Water Works is one of the most progressive and well-managed utilities that I have had the privilege to serve in my 30-plus year career in the water and wastewater engineering business.” — Craig Bauer, P.E., President, KLH Engineers
Operator Bryan Colish monitors the filtration system at the Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant. Typically, surface water requires more treatment and filtration than groundwater because lakes, rivers and streams contain more sediment and pollutants and are more likely to be contaminated than groundwater.
has reduced EWW’s “unaccounted for” or “lost” water (water that is treated and pumped but never reaches a customer and is never billed) from nearly 65 percent to less than 25 percent. Eliminating that lost water increases EWW’s excess capacity and reduces expenses.
charcoal / rapid sand filtration system to a state-of-the-art membrane filtration plant. This transition makes Erie home to the largest retrofit membrane filtration water treatment plant in the United States. The new system allows EWW to clean and pump 24 million gallons of water per day to meet the demands of its customers with a total treatment capacity of 45 million gallons of water per day. According to EWW, the membrane system produces water turbidity levels — the measurement of particles in the water — as low as 0.015 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), well below the 1.000 NTU maximum and 0.300 target levels established by PA DEP. Other benefits of the new system include higher reliability, full automation, and a reduced need for chemicals in the purification process. The plant also provides backup power, which includes two 2,000 kilowatt dieselpowered electrical generators. The generators enable the continuous operation of the water treatment plant should a power outage occur. “EWW offers the highest quality water available through a municipal water system at this time, and easily meets and exceeds all water quality standards,” adds Vojtek. Phase III is currently in design with plans for architectural and structural improvements aimed at ADA compliance, energy efficiency and restoration of historical features at the Wasielewski facility. EWW also operates a lab certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that will be relocated from the Chestnut Street Plant to the Sommerheim Drive campus. EWW hopes to have designs finalized by the end of the year, with construction completed by October 2018. According to Vojtek, EWW has added more water storage capacity to the system, which enhances its ability to provide a continuous supply of water at a more consistent pressure to all of its customers. This increased storage, along with other system improvements,
“All of these improvements make the Erie region more attractive to businesses that require the availability of a reliable source of water service,” explains Vojtek. “Combine that with our improvements to water quality and EWW is an organization on the brink of world-class status.”
Operational Excellence
Achieving such a high level of service requires the commitment of EWW’s highly trained staff. Of EWW’s 115 employees, Vojtek says there is a significant amount of experienced, senior employees and management, but the water industry is experiencing tremendous turnover. “I think it’s a testament to the more senior employees, as well as the supervisors at the management level for doing a nice job training new employees and bringing them up to speed,” says Vojtek, “Working together as a team is absolutely essential.” To further assist in the use of new technology, EWW has partnered with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania to provide an accredited GIS (geographic information systems) internship in its Engineering Department, which is helping EWW tap future talent in this expanding field. “It gives the students a lot of experience, while EWW benefits from their skill set,” says Vojtek. “This partnership provides a win-win for all parties involved.” Vojtek believes EWW’s future will be as a regional water supplier, especially after purchasing the Millcreek system, which added 7,500 customers to its customer base. “It will certainly provide a litmus test for system expansion,” says Vojtek. “The efficiencies gained could be used as a model for future regionalization efforts.” Undoubtedly, Erie Water Works will continue to play a key role in the Erie region’s future by, first and foremost, delivering world-class water and first-class service. For more information about Erie Water Works, visit www.eriewater.org.
The Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant is an 85-year-old facility that is undergoing extensive renovations as part of a three-phase project. EWW expects to have all the upgrades completed by 2018.
In addition to upgrades at the water treatment plant, the Sigsbee Reservoir, opened in 1873, underwent a $2.5 million renovation in 2016 that replaced the liner and cover, and helped improve circulation and water quality for EWW customers.
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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SPOTLIGHT Q&A | ENERGY
Why Natural Gas Is The Fuel of the Future National Fuel Gas Company is an integrated energy company, headquartered in Williamsville, New York, which operates a collection of natural gas and oil assets across five business segments: Exploration & Production, Pipeline & Storage, Gathering, Utility, and Energy Marketing. Here, Michael Colpoys, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation vice president, who is based in Erie, Pennsylvania and oversees the Pennsylvania Utility subsidiary, talks about the future of natural gas and what’s in store for this $6.2 billion company. National Fuel has been at the forefront of the energy industry since it was founded in 1902. How would you describe the state of NFG today? National Fuel is a diversified energy company with 115 years of experience across the natural gas value chain. Our integrated business model and unique asset mix allows us to compete successfully, provide safe and reliable service to our customers and be a responsible steward of the environment. NFG’s Utility segment, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, delivers natural gas to more than 740,000 residential and commercial customers in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. In your expertise, what are the biggest advantages of using natural gas? North America is the world leader in the production of natural gas, supporting millions of American jobs while providing energy security through reduced reliance on foreign sources. Northeast produced shale gas has resulted in the lowest natural gas costs in 20 years; half of what they were 10 years ago. Not only is natural gas the most affordable energy option, it is a main contributor to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States and is delivered to consumers with more than 90-percent efficiency. Why is natural gas considered to be the fuel of the future? Natural gas improves our quality of life
and provides immeasurable value by heating homes, generating electricity, fueling fleets, and serving as an essential component of everyday products. The global growth of natural gas use elevates standards of living across the world. Lowcarbon natural gas is a critical component of a greener energy future, supporting the energy mix needed to achieve economic and environmental goals. Natural gas is one of North America’s abundant natural resources. What are the biggest opportunities for this key industry, especially here in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest natural gas fields in the world. We have a tremendous opportunity to expand our economy not only through the extraction, processing and transportation of natural gas, but its use can cultivate the rebirth of manufacturing within our Commonwealth. For example, last June, Shell Chemical Appalachia announced plans to build a petrochemical plant in Beaver County. The location for the ethane “cracker” was chosen because of its proximity to gas supplies. The plant will take ethane, a component of natural gas, and process it into ethylene. The company anticipates creating 6,000 construction and 600 permanent jobs. What are some challenges for this non-renewable resource as we increase our use of this fossil fuel? A big challenge is correcting the
misconception that natural gas is bad for the environment. The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have performed multiple studies and found that natural gas has had no negative impacts on air or water quality. In fact, the increased use of natural gas for electric generation has improved air quality in the United States. Another challenge is regulatory and political uncertainty relating to permitting the infrastructure needed to get gas to market. Experts believe that the United States has enough natural gas supply to last nearly 100 years. How is NFG positioning itself to remain an energy leader for the future? Our integrated model within the natural gas industry has allowed us the flexibility to both operate our businesses and allocate capital efficiently. This strategy has produced positive results and helps guide us as we continue to invest in our region, build new pipelines and facilities, expand our workforce, and support local businesses and communities. We employ safety and environmental best practices in our operations and strive to provide high levels of reliability and customer service. We take a long-view approach when making business decisions, because we plan to be operating in this region for another 100 years.
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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Energy Efficient Comfort
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At Bauer Specialty, we offer several types of insulation from cellulose to spray foam and the environmentally-friendly, AirKrete. AirKrete is 100% fireproof and can be installed from the outside of the building. Our representatives will provide a free analysis of your current insulation and offer the best options for your home or business. Let us make your home or office more energy efficient with proper insulation!
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HEALTH MATTERS | RESOURCES
Three Simple Ways to Energize Employees About Their Benefits
Employees are consumers and, as such, expect retail-like websites that are easy to use. It’s also vital to allow employees the ability to enroll in and manage all of their benefits seamlessly through a secure single-sign-on technology platform. Also, single-page application allows you to access your benefits, claims information and Human Resource updates all on the same screen, as opposed to skipping around from screen to screen whereby each screen has a different look and feel. The one-screen approach makes navigation far simpler, more intuitive and more responsive for a better user experience.
Jo Hartoyo is chief technology officer at EBenefits Solutions, which is an affiliate company of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. The UPMC Insurance Services Division also includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, Askesis, and Community Care Behavioral Health. Surveys show that health benefits selection is confusing and stressful for employees. Getting your employees more involved in open enrollment and other benefits administration activities can pay significant dividends in reducing this negative experience. Exhibit A: When employees are actively engaged in choosing their benefit options, they are three times more likely to be satisfied with their jobs than employees who are not actively engaged, according to a recent survey. Exhibit B: Those who are actively engaged in choosing their benefits are
twice as likely to value those benefits their employer is offering. The bottom line? A more engaged employee is going to make better-informed benefit choices. This helps both employee and employer. The employee can potentially save thousands of dollars by choosing the right plan, and the employer is more likely to save on overall health care costs. Here are three key ways to increase employee engagement: 1. Offer integrated tools. It’s best to integrate decision-making tools, cost calculators and other helpful information directly into the benefits enrollment process. These tools enhance the benefits enrollment experience and provide a more interactive, engaging experience. This makes it easier for employees to evaluate options and to make the right decisions. This enhanced level of self-service has the nice side effect of freeing up your HR business partners so they can tend to higher-level strategic programs aimed at achieving an organization’s goals. 2. Provide user-friendly, Web-based technology. Better-designed technology with simpler, more intuitive interfaces is vital for increasing employee engagement.
3. Communicate with a multichanneled approach. A recent workplace survey found that when employees received benefits communications through their preferred channels — via print, email, onsite meetings or a combination — 70 percent were very confident in their selections. When employees didn’t receive benefits communications through their preferred channels, less than 40 percent were very confident in their selections. Overall, the study showed that when employees both receive communications and enroll through their preferred channels, they are more likely to make better enrollment decisions. They are more informed about health benefit details such as deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and employer contributions. At the end of the day, in order to energize and engage your employees with their benefits, you just want to make things easier for them. A basic example of this is to allow employees to enroll online. This means employees can sign up 24/7 from their home or office, and can check their selections and benefits any time. It’s also much easier for employees to compare plan options and benefit details when everything is online. These are all simple strategies, but the payoff is huge in terms of getting employees more engaged in the process and happier with their benefit selections. This translates to higher employee retention. For more information, visit www.upmchealthplan.com. mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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Learn it today. Apply it tomorrow! As a leader in professional development and computer training programs for more than 25 years — the Manufacturer & Business Association’s expert trainers deliver the knowledge and skills you need to compete in today’s business world.
ENHANCE Your Career!
“MBA has designed a Supervisory Skills training course that has provided our new and experienced supervisors with the ability to incorporate sound management practices, proper discipline techniques and resolution of conflict into our everyday operations. This training has resulted in increased teamwork among supervisors and employees alike, and our supervisors have been empowered to make small changes that result in significant contributions to the overall success of the company. Our gratitude to the staff at the MBA!” — Brook Siar, Human Resource Manager Franklin Bronze Precision Components
Certified Supervisory Skills Series — Franklin
Top, from left: Ed Wolfgong, Machine Shop team leader; Chris Barber, Wax Room supervisor; and, Sherry Miller, Shipping supervisor, Franklin Bronze Precision Components. Bottom, from left: Sam Lyons ,Foundry supervisor, and Anthony Haag, Wax Room team leader, Franklin Bronze Precision Components.
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Professional Development
Professional Development
Course II Course IV (Corry) Course V
7/19 and 7/26 7/18 and 7/19 7/27 and 8/3
Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course I
7/20
Food Safety Certification
7/17
Women in Leadership
7/12
NEW! Having Difficult Conversations (Half Day, a.m.)
7/17
Customer Service (Half Day, a.m.)
7/24
Essential Skills for Supervisors (Oil City)
7/25
Coaching for Success
7/25
NEW! Leading Change (Half Day, a.m.)
7/26
HR Essential Certification Series – Level I Interviewing & Hiring (Half Day, a.m.)
7/27
Computer Excel Level I Excel Level II Excel Level III Word Level I QuickBooks Pro 2015
7/26 7/6 7/11 7/19 7/21
Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course I Course III Course V (Corry) Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course II
8/17
Food Safety Certification
8/21
Marketing Planning
(Half Day, a.m.)
8/1
PR Boot Camp! (Half Day, p.m.)
8/1
Writing to WOW! (Half Day, a.m.)
8/7
Statistics for the Non-Statistician
8/9
Getting Organized and Becoming More Efficient (Half Day, a.m.)
8/15
NEW! Building Effective Teams
8/22
Coaching for Success (Hermitage)
8/29
Coaching for Success (Warren)
8/30
Coaching for Success (St. Marys)
8/31
NEW! Influence & Persuasion: Getting Better Results (Half Day, a.m.)
8/31
HR Essential Certification Series – Level I Compensation & Benefits (Half Day, a.m.)
8/17
Computer Access Level I Access Level II (Two Days) Excel Level II Excel Level III Word Level II QuickBooks Online
“The training provided by the Manufacturer & Business Association fills a real need for our organization. Our area is fortunate to have a resource like this providing the knowledge and reference materials for the professional development of both up-and-coming and experienced leaders. The soft skills learned in the Leadership program have and will continue to pay dividends to our organization and, most importantly, to our customers. It’s an excellent resource that businesses in the area should take advantage of.” — Ryan Ray, Plant Manager Power Drives, Inc.
8/29 and 9/5 8/16 and 8/23 8/8 and 8/9
8/22 8/31 and 9/7 8/9 8/15 8/2 8/11
“After taking the HR Essential Certification Series at the MBA, I have found that all the information has become very useful in my everyday work environment. Our instructor did an excellent job presenting the information in a way that kept your attention and also taught you what you needed to know.” — Dina Heile, Administrative Assistant Intellectual Property Services
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Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course I (Clarion) Course II Course IV
9/20 and 9/27 9/26 and 10/3 9/6 and 9/13
Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course III
9/14
Food Safety Certification
9/18
Effective Workplace Communication Skills
9/7
Introduction to Social Media (Half Day, a.m.)
9/12
Advanced Social Media (Half Day, p.m.)
9/12
Blueprint Reading
9/12, 9/14, 9/19, 9/21 and 9/26
Design of Experiments
9/13
Essential Skills for Supervisors (Bradford)
9/21
NEW! Developing Website Content (Half Day, a.m.)
9/22
NEW! Creating and Maximizing E-Newsletters (Half Day, a.m.)
9/25
Training the Next Generation
9/26
Women in Leadership
9/29
Lean (Three-Day Workshop)
9/18, 10/16 and 11/13
Six Sigma (Three-Day Workshop)
9/19, 10/17 and 11/14
HR Essential Certification Series – Level I Employment Law (Half Day, a.m.) 9/21 HR Essential Certification Series — Level 1 (Titusville) Interviewing & Hiring (Half Day, a.m.) 9/12 Terminations (Half Day, p.m.) 9/12 Compensation & Benefits (Half Day, a.m.) 9/13 Discrimination & Harassment (Half Day, p.m.) 9/13 Employment Law (Half Day, a.m.) 9/14 HR for Non-HR Professionals
9/28
Computer Excel Level I Excel Level II
9/13 9/20
NOTE: A.M. classes run 8 a.m. to noon; P.M. classes run 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
“Whether it is computer classes or professional development courses, the training provided by the Manufacturer & Business Association has allowed us to provide a cost-effective solution that is critical to our ability to stay competitive.” — Joy Sherry, Human Resources Director Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
All courses are held at the MBA Conference Center in Erie, unless otherwise noted. Bradford: Holiday Inn Express 30 Tarport Drive Extension Butler: Fairfield Inn & Suites 200 Fairfield Lane Clarion: Park Inn by Radisson, Clarion 45 Holiday Inn Road Corry: Higher Education Council 221 North Center Street DuBois: Best Western 82 North Park Place Erie: Manufacturer & Business Association Conference Center 2171 West 38th Street Grove City: Hampton Inn & Suites Holiday Boulevard Hermitage: LindenPointe, Training & Workforce Development Center 3050 Prosperity Place Kittanning: Armstrong Educational Trust 81 Glade Drive Meadville: Holiday Inn Express 18240 Conneaut Lake Road Mercer/Grove City: Hampton Inn, Grove City 4 Holiday Boulevard Oil City: Keystone Community Education Council 206 Seneca Street St. Marys: Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties 4 Erie Avenue, Suite 200 Titusville: Towne Square Conference Center 110 West Spring Street Warren: Warren/Forest Higher Ed Council 589 Hospital Drive, Suite F Williamsport: Genetti Hotel 200 W. Fourth Street * Handicap access and parking available at all sites.
Onsite Training Get more flexibility and convenience with our onsite training options — one of the most cost-effective choices for group instruction. • Flexible and convenient scheduling • Customized instruction • Eliminate travel expenses
Course Registration Contact Terry Nunez at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or tnunez@mbausa.org to register or for more information on upcoming courses. Online registration also is available at www.mbausa.org.
How you need it. When you need it. Where you need it.
Considered a leader in professional development and computer training for more than 25 years, the Manufacturer & Business Association offers you the ease and flexibility of onsite training for your group. ONSITE CONVENIENCE: Nothing beats the convenience of training conducted at your facility. Let our expert instructors bring the training you need, when you need it, where you need it. CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS: From full-day to half-day programs, all of our courses can be tailored to address your organization’s specific needs. FOCUSED INTERACTION: Facilitated by our training specialists, your employees’ experience is further enhanced through group discussion on key topic areas specific to your company’s work environment. For more information about onsite training programs, call 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or visit mbausa.org.
LEGAL BRIEF | REGULATIONS
Toxic Substance Control Tightening required to identify the first 10 existing chemical substances on which to complete risk evaluations within three years. These include some widely used chemicals: methylene chloride, tetrachloroethlylene (“perc”or “PCE”) and trichloroethylene (“TCE”). USEPA also identified five persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals to be evaluated, including isopropyl phenol phosphate (3:1), which is used as a flame retardant and 2,4,6 -Tris(tert-butyl) phenol, used as an antioxidant additive for fuel, oil, gasoline or lubricants. If USEPA concludes an unreasonable risk exists, it must ban, phase out or restrict the use of the chemical, without regard to cost.
Mark Shaw is a partner in the law firm of MacDonald Illig Attorneys. He is chairman of the Firm’s Environmental Law Group and has extensive experience in handling environmental litigation, compliance and permitting matters. The Toxic Substances Control Act (“TSCA”) is a little known federal environmental law enacted in 1976 that recently was overhauled with impacts that will reverberate throughout the energy industry and beyond. TSCA regulates the use of chemical substances by manufacturers, importers, processors and distributors. TSCA’s purpose is identifying chemical substances presenting an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment and controlling the use of such chemicals. TSCA presently restricts the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon and lead-based paint. TSCA gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) authority to require manufacturers, importers and processors to test any chemical substances that may present an unreasonable risk of
injury to health or the environment and to create an inventory list of each chemical substance manufactured or processed in the United States. TSCA prohibits a person from manufacturing or processing a new chemical substance not on the inventory list or initiating a significant new use of an existing chemical substance on the list without first notifying USEPA. TSCA requires that any person who manufactures, imports, processes or distributes in commerce a chemical substance to immediately notify USEPA if they obtain information reasonably supporting the conclusion that such substance presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment. Significant Changes TSCA recently was amended after years of efforts to fix a number of recognized flaws. For instance, USEPA’s ability to evaluate the risks posed by existing chemicals was limited, resulting in the “grandfathering” of 62,000 existing chemicals without a risk assessment. The Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (“Act”) was signed into law in June 2016. The Act made a number of significant changes to TSCA that will have long-term effects on industry. First, the Act requires USEPA to evaluate the safety of existing chemicals and provided USEPA with a firm schedule to follow for conducting those evaluations. USEPA was
Second, the Act requires USEPA to designate chemical substances on the inventory as either “active” or “inactive” in commerce. In January 2017, USEPA has proposed a regulation requiring manufacturers to notify USEPA of any chemical substances on the TSCA Inventory that were manufactured or imported during the ten-year period before June 21, 2016. If substances are not identified, they will be designated “inactive.” The regulation has yet to be finalized. Third, a party’s ability to rely on Confidential Business Information (“CBI”) will be more limited. The Act has shifted the burden of proving CBI more heavily on the person seeking it, and any protection will only last 10 years without a request to renew. Finally, the Act contains preemption language preventing states from regulating those chemicals that USEPA has determined are not a risk. Thus, USEPA’s determination as to a chemical will be the final word. What’s Next? The activity on TSCA generated by the bipartisan passage of the Lautenberg Act is just beginning. The impact the new administration will have on that activity has yet to be seen. The challenge for the administration is that much of this activity is required by the Act with deadlines and is not discretionary. There will be more to come. For additional information, contact Mark Shaw at MacDonald Illig Attorneys at 814/870-7607 or mshaw@mijb.com.
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW MALENO ADVENTURE WOODS COMING TO ERIE ZOO
Maleno Development recently broke ground on a new nature playground in the children’s area of the Erie Zoo. Called Maleno Adventure Woods, the new playground will feature a series of tree houses, joined together by rope bridges, with climbing areas, and children’s activities and play centers. “There’s all kinds of research that shows that kids that connect with nature are more physically fit, they have a better attention span, there’s all kinds of benefits to getting out and playing outside,” stated Erie Zoo Executive Director Scott Mitchell. “It fits perfectly with the Erie Zoo’s theme of natural play,” said Natalie Washburn of Maleno Development, in published reports. “There are lots of studies of natural play and how important that is for children, so it’ll be a great place for kids to get their energy out, enjoy the ropes and enjoy the tree houses.” Maleno Development is donating the materials and labor for the entire project. The project is expected to be completed this month. For more information, visit www.eriezoo.org.
EXPANSION UNDER WAY AT LARSON TEXTS
Larson Texts is expected to more than double its size, with construction scheduled to begin this month on a $5-million project that will add a new four-story addition and an additional 32,000 square feet to the existing structure at 1762 Norcross Road in Millcreek Township. The project is expected to be complete by July 2018. According to news reports, the new building will help alleviate that but will also facilitate the next phase of employment growth. The company employs a team of more than 100 mathematicians, writers, artists, web developers and others who have quietly built an information company that’s a force in the field of math education. Founded in 1978 by then-Penn State Behrend math professor Ron Larson, the company has been headquartered since 2000 at its two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility — the former Belle Valley Elementary School. For more information, visit www.larsontexts.com.
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Maleno Development is donating all the materials and labor for the new Maleno Adventure Woods playground at the Erie Zoo, which is illustrated here. ERIE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION WINS TWO INDUSTRY MARKETING AWARDS Erie Federal Credit Union (Erie FCU) was recently recognized for marketing creativity and excellence at two recent national credit union award ceremonies. 2017 Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing & Business Development Diamond Awards: Erie FCU was awarded a prestigious “Diamond Award” for creative excellence and outstanding community involvement in the Ongoing Event category for its “80th Anniversary Celebration – Year of Giving Back.” CUNA is the largest national trade association in the United States serving America’s credit unions. 2017 Card Services for Credit Unions (CSCU) EMI Marketing Awards: Erie FCU walked away with an EMI marketing award in the Community Outreach category for its “Be Happi, Be Green – Plant It Forward” initiative. The initiative visited seven Erie area elementary schools to help set an environmentally sound example for the Erie youth by teaching them the value of keeping their world “green.” The students were involved in planting new trees around the perimeter of their school. CSCU, one of the nation’s leading Credit Union Services Organizations (CUSO), is the nation’s largest electronic-payments association exclusively serving credit unions. Since its inception in 1936, Erie Federal Credit Union has been serving its members in and around the Erie, Pennsylvania area. Erie FCU has grown its membership to nearly 55,000 with assets of more than $480 million. SSJ NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK TO RECEIVE $1.56 MILLION CORPORATE INVESTMENT The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) announced that it will receive investments totaling $1.56 million from Erie corporations toward SSJNN neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
Through the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit program of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, five corporate partners have pledged investments over the next six years, including: Highmark Health Insurance Company ($900,000), Marquette Savings Bank ($300,000), Northwest Bank ($300,000), Erie Insurance ($50,000) and PNC Bank ($10,000). The SSJNN, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, is dedicated to providing leadership, advocacy and collaboration with the communities it serves to develop opportunities for personal growth and neighborhood revitalization. Through the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Revitalization Project, the SSJNN will implement a number of project activities related to the following revitalization objectives: Neighborhood beautification; Community engagement; Crime reduction and increased feeling of safety; Education and empowerment; Job training and economic development and Community connectedness and meeting the needs of neighbors. “The SSJ Neighborhood Network is overwhelmed with gratitude to these local companies who are investing so tangibly in the Erie community, as well as to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, who makes this tax credit program possible,” said Heather Caspar, executive director. “In addition to helping us meet the daily needs of individuals, the revitalization goals we can accomplish with these funds will make a lasting, visual impact, creating opportunity for neighbors and neighborhoods right across the heart of Erie. We are excited to partner with so many to accomplish these revitalization goals.” For more information on the SSJ Neighborhood Network, volunteer and donor opportunities, call 814/454-7814 or visit www.SSJNN.org.
MBA ANNOUNCES 2017-2018 BOARD OF GOVERNORS Harry Eighmy, chief operating officer of American Turned Products (ATP), with facilities in Erie and Fairview Township, Pennsylvania, has been named Board chairman. In addition to being COO and Erie plant manager, Eighmy, has been with ATP since 1989. He received his undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and his MBA from Case Western University. ATP specializes in producing high-volume precision machining components used in a vast array of industries, including automotive and off-highway equipment, fluid-power systems, major appliances, oil and gas construction equipment, and medical applications. Eighmy is joined on the MBA’s Executive Committee by Vice Chairman Mark Rose, director of Aerospace Operations & Supply Chain at LORD Corporation; Treasurer Greg Sbrocco, general manager, Global Supply Chain – Services, GE Transportation; Secretary Mike Mankosa, executive vice president – Global Technology – Eriez Magnetics; Immediate Past Chairman Don Hester, president and chief executive officer of MAJR Products; and, Ex-Officio Scott Bonnell, owner of Bonnell’s Collision Center.
in Saegertown. Greenleaf Corporation manufactures advanced materials used in the industrial cutting tool, electronic, and medical device industries. The company currently sells in more than 60 countries around the world and has approximately 400 employees. Greenleaf studied mechanical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mark H. Raimy, chief executive officer at Welders Supply Company in Erie. The company has grown to become northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York’s leader in the supply of medical and industrial gasses to the health care, laboratory, manufacturing and transportation industries. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Denison University, minoring in philosophy. He is the 2016-2017 president and executive committee member of the Gases and Welding Distributors Association. Other members of the MBA Board of Governors include: Andrew Foyle, president of H&H Machined Products Co.; Steve Jones, president of Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc.; Phil Katen, president and general manager of Plastikos Inc.; C. Bruce Kern II, president of Curtze Food Service; and Mike Weber, chairman of Smith Provision Company, Inc.
New Board members who will serve threeyear terms include:
Tracy Daggett, a Training specialist at the Manufacturer & Business Association recently earned his PHR Certification. The certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), signifies that individuals possess the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass an examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field. Daggett, who joined the MBA’s Training Department in 2013, is responsible for
ATHENA POWERLINK AWARDEES ANNOUNCED
ATHENA PowerLink® recently announced the 2017 ATHENA PowerLink® Program Awardees, who will receive assistance and mentoring from a panel of highly skilled professionals. They are: Allison Keenan, Au.D., Erie Audiology Inc.; Rachel Artise, Zoelevi Inc. DBA The UPS Store; and, Dr. Tammy Kay Cassa, Cassa Family Chiropractic. The Advisory Panel works with the business owner for one year, free of charge. The panel, which can include everyone from lawyers and bankers to accountants and marketing professionals, help each woman with her individual needs to help grow her business. Linda Stevenson, chair of the ATHENA PowerLink® Governing Body commented, “We are delighted to see an increase in the amount of applications and diversity of the program. This is a true testament to the community’s support for our program and our belief that these women have all positioned themselves to move forward to the next level in Erie. We do this because when women businesses grow the entire community benefits - it’s a win/win.”
KNOX LAW WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE
Jim Greenleaf, president and chief executive officer of Greenleaf Corporation, a third-generation family business based
ASSOCIATION TRAINER EARNS PHR CERTIFICATION
PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
William B. Helbling is a new associate with Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C.
developing and presenting professional development training programs — such as the MBA’s regionally recognized Leadership for Team Leaders and Certified Supervisory Skills Series — both publicly and onsite at Association member companies. He also is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with MBA member companies in order to provide relevant and topical training classes as requested. Daggett, a Union City native, is a management professional with extensive experience in the retail industry, including general management, finance and production management, and general sales management. He also has experience in the establishment of programs to increase sales, improve productivity, reduce costs and improve customer relations.
Helbling will focus his practice on business & tax and intellectual property & technology. He graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University and earned his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he was associate editor of the Pittsburgh Tax Review and winner of a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Mergers and Acquisitions. Helbling also served as a certified legal intern at the University of Pittsburgh Securities Arbitration Clinic, where he represented small investors in FINRA Arbitration. Helbling joins a team of 40 attorneys who have been providing legal services to businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, insurance companies, financial institutions, individuals and families for nearly 60 years.
mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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ENERGY UPDATE | INDUSTRY
Renewable Energy Sources Playing Greater Role in Electricity Production below from EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) still has hydropower over wind.
Solar While solar power is always a hot topic in renewable energy conversations, it represents less than 1 percent of electricity generation. However, a new report finds that solar power’s contribution could grow to 10 percent of the nation’s power needs by 2025 – a significant increase for any industry. If you still think that it isn’t time to consider the benefits of renewable energy sources, consider this: The Benedictine Sisters of Erie recently signed the Paris Pledge to reduce their use of fossil fuels 50 percent by the year 2030. They were able to obtain an electricity contract that contained 100 percent renewable energy, which is a big step toward that goal. In general, renewable energy is more expensive to produce and to use than fossil fuel energy. However, the Benedictines were able to obtain 100 percent renewable and still save money. New technology and efficiencies allow renewable energy sources to continue to increase their footprint.
Judy Rosatti is the manager of MBA EnergyAdvisors, an affiliate of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA). She has an abundance of consulting experience assisting a variety of businesses in reducing their costs and increasing their bottom line for the past 25 years. I recently experienced an unplanned cross country train trip from Los Angeles to Chicago. I spent two days on the train traversing eight states with some of the most breathtaking views in our country – passing wheat fields and ranches, missions and pueblos, mountains and deserts. At some point, we passed what appeared to be a wind farm, which made me think more about the power of wind and other renewable energy sources. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, renewable energy sources regenerate.
Of those, hydropower, wind and solar are typically the most commonly thought of renewable energy sources. Here is a closer look at them: Wind The United States has approximately 168 wind farms in 40 states, plus Guam and Puerto Rico, which represent 82,183 megawatts of capacity through end of 2016. Wind now represents a little over 5 percent of current electricity generation mix, but plans are in place to increase that to 20 percent by 2030 and 35 percent by 2050. The number of wind-related jobs in the United States at the end of 2016 was more than 100,000, including development, construction, transportation, manufacturing, operations and services. Hydropower Hydroelectric stations exist in at least 34 U.S. states. Our country’s largest concentration of hydroelectric generation is in the Columbia River basin with the Hoover Dam being the most recognizable. Some reports put hydropower second behind wind power for renewable energy production, but the table
Energy Breakdown Major energy sources and percent shares of U.S. electricity generation at utility-scale facilities in 2016 1 • Natural gas = 33.8 percent • Coal = 30.4 percent • Nuclear = 19.7 percent • Renewables (total) = 14.9 percent o Hydropower = 6.5 percent o Wind = 5.6 percent o Biomass = 1.5 percent o Solar = 0.9 percent o Geothermal = 0.4 percent • Petroleum = 0.6 percent • Other gases = 0.3 percent • Other nonrenewable sources = 0.3 percent • Pumped storage hydroelectricity = -0.2 percent U.S. Energy Information Administration
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For more information about how you can participate in a renewable energy program or more about how the MBA’s energy program EnergyAdvisors can assist you, contact Judy Rosatti at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2600 or jrosatti@mbausa.org. mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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Energy Logistics Expertise (and more) for MBA Members
Learn more about the Logistics Program for MBA members at www.mbausa.org/logistics or email us at mbausa@logisticsplus.net
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ON THE HILL | INFRASTRUCTURE
Green Is the New Black: Redefining Sustainable Energy For a Competitive Business Economy Laura Templeton is principal-in-charge of RETTEW’s Williamsport office. She works with local officials, businesses, and other stakeholders to address the economic drivers and infrastructure needs of the region, including bolstering manufacturing businesses throughout the state. As our economy, business climate, and world change, one thing remains unchanged: Facilities need a plentiful supply of energy to keep pace with production goals. And optimizing energy efficiency at a manufacturing site or a processing plant requires thinking way beyond LED light bulbs and programmable thermostats. However, sustainability is not feasible if it means investing in green projects that can’t pay for themselves in our lifetime. In practical terms, today‘s sustainable energy projects must apply the latest innovations in engineering, systems optimization, and resource recovery and reuse— first to realize major cost savings and operational efficiencies — then to reap the environmental benefits. Sustainable energy projects can take many forms — from treating wastewater for reuse, to implementing combined heat and power generation (cogeneration), to installing solar arrays or battery systems and reducing reliance on the grid. Some renewable energy projects are also eligible for the added perk of energy credits that can be sold.
Every company should ask itself the question: Can we become more energy efficient while improving our operations and reducing our costs? It’s hard to know where to start, so here are two recent success stories in western Pennsylvania:
Wastewater Treatment Facility
Food Manufacturer
Our anaerobic digestion experts guided the authority through the permitting and design of systems improvements that maximized biogas generation and recovery. By increasing biogas production from municipal waste, sewage and organic matter, the authority can now prevent about 6,000 tons of residual waste from entering landfills each year, while generating up to 500 kilowatts of electricity — enough to power its entire operation and eliminate its yearly $100,000 electric bill.
A food manufacturer was considering a large investment to replace its existing low-efficiency electric chillers that serve several process areas of its 521,000-square-foot facility. Its goal was to reduce energy costs and allow for future expansion. The company partnered with us to determine the best solution. Our energy and environmental engineering team performed a cooling system upgrade analysis, reviewing options for either combined heat and power or natural gas-fueled adsorption chillers at the site. The study laid out construction costs, total project costs, electrical and natural gas costs, utility costs, and capital and operational savings for each system. We recommended an alternative that converted the electric system to an adsorptive cooling system, reducing the manufacturer’s energy demand by 700 kilowatts. After completing the analysis, we moved into the design stage, obtaining vendor quotes for equipment and finding options to ultimately yield a higher-performing, capital-and cost-saving system upgrade. Other system upgrades included two centralized air-handling units and installing a glycol-based system to provide waste heat to the chillers. This new system design is projected to save the manufacturer more than $2 million over the first 10 years after installation and provide the needed capacity to accommodate facility expansions.
A western Pennsylvania municipal authority wanted to optimize biogas production to generate more of its own energy and, ultimately, lower energy costs for its operations.
We also assisted the authority by studying and recommending depackaging technology that has allowed greater intake of food waste (such as expired or recalled products) from food manufacturers. This has increased the biogas generation at the site by 18 percent. Through this project, the municipal authority not only achieved its goals of reducing energy costs and improving operational efficiency, it also increased the sustainability of its own operations and the sustainability of manufacturers’ food wastes.
Green Is the New Black
Gone are the days when sustainability projects were thought of as expensive, experimental projects to fulfill corporate environmental promises. With the proper expertise, significant sustainability improvements can be achieved through innovative engineering. Industrial operations should look to reduce overall energy usage and reassess waste streams as possible energy sources. Today, going green can actually equate to adding black to your bottom line. mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2017
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MBA Ad (HP0417) .indd 1
TE! 17 A D 0, 20 E TH ER 2
VE CTOB A S Y, O
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5TH ANNUAL
5/8/17 11:30 AM
HUMAN RESOURCE & EMPLOYMENT LAW CONFERENCE
Join us for the MBA’s fifth annual Human Resource & Employment Law Conference! Hear from these highly acclaimed speakers:
• Katee Van Horn, VP of Engagement & Inclusion at GoDaddy and Coach and Leader of Bar the Door, LLC
Presentation: Emotional Intelligence: Not just an HR Buzz Word! What is emotional intelligence? How do I build this skill as a leader and as a human resource practitioner? • Tracy Daggett, Professional Development Trainer, Manufacturer & Business Association Presentation: Coaching for Success • Julia Herzig and Robert Zaruta, Attorneys at Knox Law Presentation: Employment Law Updates • Phyllis Shurn-Hannah, Northeast Region Field Services Director, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Presentation: The Future of HR: Promoting Business Success through a Global Workplace Knowledge is power and this one-day conference delivers! Gather with your fellow human resource professionals from a wide variety of industries and businesses for this full day of interactive sessions, thought-provoking information and numerous networking opportunities (breakfast and lunch included). For more information or to register, call 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 or visit www.mbausa.org.
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Attendees will receive 5.65 credits.
HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS ENERGY JOBS AMONG FASTEST-GROWING A recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) report on jobs and the economy found that 6.4 million Americans work in the energy sector, with 300,000 jobs added last year. A huge percentage of these new jobs are in renewable energy and efficiency. Here are just a few of the fastest-growing jobs in the sector: • Wind Turbine Technician - Adding 25,000 new jobs last year, the U.S. wind industry now boasts 102,000 workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the sector will grow 108 percent by 2024. • Solar Installer - The solar industry added more than 73,000 jobs in 2016 – a 25-percent increase over 2015. In fact, it’s estimated that one out of every 50 new jobs created nationally came from solar.
Medicare Costs to Consider When Planning for Retirement
• Clean Car Engineer - More alternative fuel vehicles are hitting the streets – and so are opportunities related to sustainable transportation. Today more than 259,000 Americans work with these vehicles, including cars and trucks running on electricity, hydrogen and other alternative fuels, such as natural gas. The growing demand for cars that both save money and create less pollution has driven a need for skilled engineers.
More and more people are putting off retirement because of how expensive health insurance can be. Many believe that if they wait until age 65 they will be covered by Medicare and everything will be fine. However, that is often not the case. While the monthly premium for Part B may be affordable, there are a number of deductibles and co-pays that could be incurred and those costs can add up quickly.
• Sustainable Builder - Nearly 1.4 million energy efficiency jobs are in the construction industry. Construction firms have also seen a marked increase in the percentage of their workforce that spends at least half their time on work related to improving energy efficiency, rising from approximately 65 percent in 2015 to 74 percent in 2016.
There are four parts to Medicare. Part A covers hospital care and Part B covers doctors. Some people have Medicare Part C (often referred to as advantage plans), which is an option where Medicare pays a private insurance company that creates a network to cover your medical costs. Part D is for drug coverage. Sometimes advantage plans cover prescriptions so you would not need Part D. If receive Social Security at age 65, you will automatically be signed up for Parts A and B. If you are still working and the company plan covers 20 or more workers, you can decline the Part B until you are no longer in the employer plan. You will not automatically be signed up for Part C and D. If you have not started receiving your Social Security at age 65, you must pro-actively contact Social Security to sign up for Medicare.
• Sustainability Professional - In addition to designing and building new homes and facilities, there are vast job opportunities for making our existing buildings more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient. A growing network of experts, consultants and energy managers are responsible for setting and implementing plans to effectively meet these goals and find greater efficiencies in their facilities.
The initial enrollment period is the seven months surrounding when you turn 65 and three months before your birthday, your birthday month and up to three months after your birthday. You should do so as early as possible to make sure coverage begins at the start of the month you turn 65.
OSHA’S LOCKOUT/TAGOUT FACT SHEET HELPS SAFEGUARD WORKERS
Just remember that Medicare plans do not cover all of your medical expenses. After your deductible, Medicare pays 80 percent, and you are responsible for 20 percent. Medicare does not cover long-term care, but will cover up to 20 days in a facility if you have been admitted to a hospital for at least three days. It will provide for up to 80 more days with a high deductible, and then there is no more coverage. This is useful if you need some short-term therapy or a short time to recover from surgery. Medicare also doesn’t coverage dental or hearing services.
Failure to control hazardous energy accounts for nearly 10 percent of the serious accidents in many industries. Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet, https://www.osha. gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/factsheet-lockouttagout.pdf, describes the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release. The OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147) for general industry outlines measures for controlling different types of hazardous energy. The LOTO standard establishes the employer’s responsibility to protect workers from hazardous energy. Employers are also required to train each worker to ensure that they know, understand, and are able to follow the applicable provisions of the hazardous energy control procedures.
Melissa Damico is manager of Client Services for the Manufacturer & Business Association Insurance Agency (MBAIA) and a licensed insurance agent. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mdamico@mbausa.org.
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HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS CAN I ASK FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON AN EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION? An employment application should not include any questions that will produce a response that would indicate an applicant’s protected class such as age, race, national origin, disability, etc. Although many state and federal equal opportunity laws do not directly prohibit employers from asking such questions on an application, such inquiries may be used as evidence of an employer’s intent to discriminate, unless the questions asked can be justified by some business purpose of the employer.
Although asking applicants for their Social Security numbers is not unlawful, requesting this information from applicants is not recommended due to identity theft and privacy concerns. Employers do not need this information until it is time to run a background check or complete a W-4; therefore, including it on an application carries unnecessary risk. In addition, some states require security measures to be in place if applications asking for Social Security numbers are transmitted electronically or mailed without being in a sealed envelope.
HOW CAN I ENSURE MY COMPANY PROTECTS PERSONAL EMPLOYEE INFORMATION?
Companies must ensure that there are safeguards in place to protect personal employee information from theft. Identity theft has become a top consumer fraud issue, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that identity theft tops the list of consumer complaints that are reported every year. Every employer maintains records that are at risk of theft and misuse; therefore, employers should develop processes that protect this sensitive employee information. Employers can minimize the risk of inadvertent disclosure of employee information by implementing, but not limited to, the following practices: • Undertake periodic audits of record-keeping processes to evaluate the safeguarding of employee records. • Develop a written records retention policy that identifies what information must be kept and for how long. • Shred all discarded employee information, including information on temporary workers, contract employees and former employees. • Secure physical records and limit access to employee information to those with a legitimate business need. • When using digital copiers, use the security features available such as encryption or overwriting, as sensitive information that is copied can be retained on the copier hard drive. • Have a plan ready and in position to act quickly should a theft or data breach occur. Employers should remain abreast of state and federal employee record-keeping responsibilities. Some states have enacted laws related to the protection of Social Security numbers of employees.
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Five Easy Steps to Engage Employees in Energy Savings Here’s a low-cost way businesses can lower their energy bills: Get employees to chip in. Some people simply aren’t programmed to think about energy conservation and thus forget to, say, turn off lights when they leave rooms. Others don’t see personal value in taking time to unplug equipment. It only takes a couple minutes to turn off and unplug a computer, yet that’s a minute or two they figure can be better spent doing something else (and besides, they’re not paying the energy bills). Some might even believe their employer wants them to leave the lights and equipment on. How do you motivate them to make energy conservation part of their workday? Here are five strategies for getting employees engaged in energy savings: 1. Educate them. A big reason many people don’t take conscious effort to save energy is they don’t realize the full financial and environmental benefits. Employers can change this by providing employees with information. Managers might send emails with factoids on energy savings (such as, turning off a printer at night saves the equivalent of 1,500 photocopies.) Some businesses even host lunch seminars to help employees. 2. Form a team. Some of the most effective workplace campaigns come not from managers but other employees. Some companies start “green teams” made up of employees who encourage their colleagues to be more environmentally conscious. Such teams could also tackle energy conservation and find ways to educate and motivate their colleagues to save energy. 3. Constant reminders. For many people, not turning things off is habit, and habits are hard to change. Putting signs in key places around the office, such as by the printer or by the doors, reminding people to turn off lights or turn off their computers can make a big difference. And of course, managers should be energy-saving role models: employees will only pitch in if the boss walks the walk. 4. Rewards. Businesses have shown that offering employees some financial incentive for ecoconscious moves, such as buying a hybrid vehicle or taking public transportation to work, can pay off. Companies could motivate employees to save energy by giving gift cards to employees who do the most to save energy or come up with a workplace strategy for doing so. 5. Make it fun. There is growing recognition that the most successful approaches to make people voluntarily participate in environmentally conscious activities is to make them fun, positive and interesting. At a workplace, this might mean hosting an employee competition or producing a funny video about ways employees can save energy. Simple steps such as turning off lights when rooms are unoccupied, or turning off and unplugging office equipment such as computers, printers and copiers at night can help a business save hundreds of dollars annually on their energy bills.
Stacey Bruce is the director of HR Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or sbruce@mbausa.org.
EVENTS & EXTRAS | NETWORKING & MORE The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) strives to keep its members informed on the most current business issues affecting employers in the region. For more information about upcoming events, see the Association’s website, www.mbausa.org.
State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49th District) shared his thoughts on his first 100 days in office, as well as his focus and outlook for the coming year, during the Association’s April 6 legislative luncheon starting at the MBA Conference Center.
reasons for Erie mayoral candidates share their 8 candidate running for office, during the May er. forum at the MBA Conference Cent
Lisa DeFilippo (left), MBA Training specialist and WILD speaker, presents the Association’s gift basket to attendee Elisa Konieczko, during the 10th annual Women in Leadership Development Conference. The MBA is a proud sponsor of the annual leadership event in Erie. Business leaders packed the Association’s Board of Governors Room to hear from candidates for City of Erie mayor, during a forum held on May 8 at the MBA Conference Center.
ciation The Manufac turer & Business Asso Erie (MBA) recently hosted a forum for May 1, County executive candidates on at the MBA Conference Center.
The County Executive Forum gave businesses leaders a chance to meet the candidates in perso n and learn more about the experiences, knowledge and skills that each of them will bring to the office they seek.
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