Business Magazine - June 2019 by MBA Business Magazine

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REGISTER NOW! CONTACT MELISSA LESNIEWSKI at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mlesniewski@mbausa.org QUESTIONS? Contact Sharon Ventrice at 412/342-1602 or sharon@smc.org Thank you to our sponsor:

BUSINESS

VOL. XXXII NO. 6 | JUNE 2019

MAGAZINE

SPOTLIGHT Q&A:

CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION SHINES AS A SUMMER DESTINATION

SPECIAL SECTION:

$10 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO TRANSFORM WILD OPEN SPACES

DISCOVER THE MBA TRAINING CLASSES THAT CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

Mobilia Farms was started in the 1920s by Carmelo and Fortunata Mobilia. When the couple came over from Sicily, they settled in Erie, where Carmelo was a Mason. However, Fortunata’s asthma was so bad, the couple moved to the country (North East) where they started Mobilia Farms. When he was ready to retire, their eldest son Nicholas and his wife (Jennie) took over the farming operations. In the late 1970s through the early 1980s, Nick and Kathy Mobilia — thirdgeneration owners of Mobilia Fruit Farms — began pressing grapes into juice for wineries in North East, Pennsylvania. It wasn’t until 1998 that Arrowhead Wine Cellars was established, after Nick saw the need to offer a product to consumers that he had full control over. With the knowledge and experience of processing grapes, it was decided that Mobilia Fruit Farms would go the extra step and begin producing the wine on their own. After all, they were already growing the different varieties of wine grapes and fruits that are now used in their fruit wines. At Arrowhead Wine Cellars, they have full control of the process from growing and pressing to the fermenting and bottling, so they opened their doors in July 1999. Arrowhead Wine Cellars has been producing internationally recognized award-winning wines, with more than 32 varieties to choose from. Arrowhead uses the highest quality European, Native and hybrid grapes, most of which are grown on their 250-acre farm. The winery is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie where Native American Tribes crafted precision arrowheads and thrived on fertile soil. The winery’s name was derived from the frequent discovery of arrowheads on many local grape farms, including Mobilia’s Fruit Farms.

Join us for an open house on July 6th to celebrate our 20th year in business! Arrowhead Wine Cellars 12073 E. Main Road North East, PA 16428 (814) 725-5509 www.arrowheadwine.com

FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE

Hospitality & Tourism Customer service is key to success.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

Erie Zoo Officials unveil plans for a $10 million capital campaign at the Erie Zoo in Erie, Pennsylvania, which will transform the 95-year-old, 15-acre zoological park and help it better meet the needs of its animals and plants, as well as improve the experience for guests.

SPOTLIGHT Q&A | TRAVEL

7 DEPARTMENTS

BUSINESS BUZZ WHAT’S NEW

PEOPLE BUZZ

HR CONNECTION

HR Q&A

SPECIAL SECTION & EXTRAS 21 EVENTS See exclusive photo

EDITORIAL

coverage of the Association’s networking events and more.

LEGAL BRIEF | UPDATE

AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS

WORKPLACE TRENDS

GET ANSWERS

Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org Contributing Writers Stacey Bruce Mark T. Pavkov Lori Joint Lenny McAllister

Emily Morris, chief brand officer for Chautauqua Institution, one of the country’s premier, nonprofit education centers and summer destinations, located in Chautauqua, New York, discusses some of the dynamic programs and events happening this year.

READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com

The rise of ADA website accessibility lawsuits: Is your company’s website at risk for a claim? Mark T. Pavkov

ON THE HILL | LEGISLATION

Feature Photography Advertising Sales Paul Gibbens of Gibbens Creative Frank Mehler 814/833-3200 Additional Photography fmehler@mbausa.org iStockPhoto.com Casey Naylon David Thornburg 814/833-3200 Design, Production & Printing dthornburg@mbausa.org Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net

Guest columnist Lenny McAllister of the Commonwealth Foundation explains why work ethic doesn’t ask for permission to thrive.

SPECIAL SECTION | INSERT

See the Association’s latest Training Catalog with classes ranging from supervisory, leadership, computer and HR, as well as classes in marketing and customer service.

On the Cover: Erie Zoo officials recently launched a $10 million Wild Open Spaces capital campaign. Plans call for facility improvements and the creation of new Wild Open Spaces throughout the Zoo’s grounds. For full story, see page 5. Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business

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

Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org

© Copyright 2019 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.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

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Hospitality & Tourism

FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE

CUSTOMER SERVICE IS KEY TO SUCCESS Customer service is one of the most important factors when deciding to do business with a company. In the tourism and hospitality industry, for example, customer service can have a major impact on the industry’s success or failure. As experts suggest, top-notch customer service can truly be a difference maker when choosing one destination over another — and the spending dollars that come with it.

According to VisitPA’s Economic Impact of Travel Report, spending by Pennsylvania travelers and tourists grew to $43.3 billion in 2017 — the eighth consecutive year of growth. Traveler spending accelerated in 2017, growing 4.2 percent from 2016 — a rate of increase that was 2.3 times the 1.8-percent rate of increase in 2016. Additionally, the report shows: • An estimated 204.4 million visitors traveled to and/or within Pennsylvania in 2017, a 2.6-percent increase from the 199.2 million in 2016. • Spending by travelers and travelrelated businesses generated an estimated $74.7 billion in total economic activity (including indirect and induced impacts) throughout all industries in Pennsylvania in 2017. • Travel and tourism-related economic activity supported an estimated 509,100 PA jobs in total (i.e., includes direct, indirect and induced jobs) in 2017 — up 1.2 percent from 2016 and representing 6.6 percent of the state’s total employment.

• The state’s travel and tourism sector was directly responsible for an estimated $17.9 billion of the state’s 2017 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — a 5.3-percent increase from 2016. Including indirect and induced impacts, PA’s travel and tourism industry generated $4.5 billion in state and local taxes and $4.8 billion in federal taxes. And that doesn’t take into consideration the travelers who will also visit neighboring states of New York and Ohio, which are also rich in attractions and travel destinations of their own, with museums, tranquil lakes and bountiful vineyards, as well as the Lake Erie Wine Country Trail and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll showcase some of the exciting places that the tri-state region has to offer, including the Erie Zoo, a 15-acre zoological park in Erie, Pennsylvania that has launched a $10 million capital

campaign to take its Wild Open Spaces to the next level. We’ll also highlight the Chautauqua Institution, one of the country’s premier, nonprofit education centers and summer destinations, located in Chautauqua, New York, and the dynamic programs and events happening there this year. Plus, don’t miss our informative HR article on whether summer interns should be paid or our new Training Catalog, which offers a number of opportunities to enhance your organization’s marketing and communications skills and employee engagement! To learn more on how the MBA can help you excel in customer service and experience, visit www.mbausa.org!

MEET AND EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

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The project will include an indoor concession area offering views into adjacent exhibits in the heart of the Zoo.

COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE

NEW EXHIBITS CENTRAL PLAZA RESTROOMS RESTAURANT PRIMATE EXHIBIT

The Erie Zoo in Erie, Pennsylvania recently embarked on a major capital campaign that will enhance its Wild Open Spaces. The Zoo has been an integral part of the tri-state region since 1924. Shown, at right, are Erie Zoo President and CEO Scott Mitchell, Capital Campaign Chair Jane Earll and Board Chair Tim Sennett.

DAYROOM & HOLDING SHELTERED VIEWING

The architectural rendering shows enhancements to the Zoo’s front entrance, including a state-of-the-art giraffe area and barn, as well as new parking areas, a welcome plaza, expanded gift shop and renovated train station. Photos and illustrations courtesy of Gibbens Creative and WDM Architects.

$10 Million Capital Campaign to Transform Wild Open Spaces The Erie Zoo is wild about its future in Erie, Pennsylvania. For the first time in 25 years, officials announced that they are embarking on a campaign to take the Zoo’s Wild Open Spaces to the next level. The Zoo’s goal is to raise $10 million through the generosity of individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations and community organizations who want to be part of writing the next chapter of the Zoo’s history. Approximately $7 million has already been secured. “The support from this campaign will help with the transformational project of our city and create more Wild Open Spaces for our Zoo,” explains President and CEO Scott Mitchell. “As technology and other distractions increasingly keep people from experiencing nature, the 15-acre Zoo has become an even more important means to rekindle a love and respect for wildlife and inspire partnership in protecting our natural world.” According to Zoo officials, the campaign will help it better meet the needs of its animals and plants, as well as improve the experience for guests. Of the $10 million planned for the project, $2 million will be used for improvements to the JMC Ice Arena next door. The Master Plan The proposed Master Plan to the park will offer more Wild Open Spaces for animals and help the Zoo better meet the needs of the animals and plants in its care — creating a unique environment that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

• For the first time in 50 years, the footprint of the Zoo will be expanding, making room for a state-of-the-art giraffe building and yard. • A new outdoor classroom will provide an ideal location for programs to be held in the very place participants come to the Zoo to explore — the great outdoors. • A new bear exhibit will house an endangered species of bear, which will allow for the possibility of a pair to breed in the future. • Additional exhibits, including an indoor concession area offering views into adjacent exhibits, will be created in the heart of the Zoo, bringing new life to the oldest and most outdated areas of the park. • New species added to the Erie Zoo family will be selected based on their needs for protection and opportunities for breeding. Each new exhibit also will be constructed to allow for animal training exercises and educational demonstrations. The Erie Zoo has been an integral part of the community since its founding in 1924, becoming one of the region’s most treasured destinations. The Erie Zoo has more than 400 animals, while the botanical gardens and greenhouse have over 600 species of plants from around the world. For more information about the Wild Open Spaces campaign, visit https://www.eriezoo.org/capital-campaign.

Among the Zoo’s enhancements: • The main entrance to the Zoo will be redesigned, complete with new parking areas, a welcome plaza, expanded gift shop and renovated train station.

Mission of the Erie Zoo To nurture an appreciation of the natural world and provide the community with meaningful educational and recreational experiences that foster a greater sense of awareness, stewardship and conservation of animals and plants.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

O N S TA G E 2 0 1 9 Chautauqua Institution • Chautauqua, New York • 2019 Season: June 22 – August 25

C H A U T A U Q U A

T I C K E T S

O N

S A L E

N O W

Chautauqua Institution in folder; please place Saturday, June 22 Judy Collins and Madeleine Peyroux Friday, June 28 Postmodern Jukebox Friday, July 5 SOLD OUT Diana Ross Saturday, July 6 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert

Saturday, July 20 Ira Glass

Friday, Aug. 9 Brian Regan

Thursday, July 25 Our Native Daughters (featuring Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, Leyla McCalla and Amythyst Kiah)

Friday, Aug. 16 An Evening with Dawes Wednesday, Aug. 21 The Beach Boys

Friday, July 26 Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn

Saturday, Aug. 24 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Melissa Etheridge

Friday, July 12 Under The Streetlamp

Wednesday, July 31 The Capitol Steps: “Make America Grin Again”

Friday, July 19 Star Wars: A New Hope — In Concert

Friday, Aug. 2 The Summit: The Manhattan Transfer Meets Take 6

CONCERTS.CHQ.ORG Follow us on Facebook or visit our website for new announcements. Preferred seating available for select concerts.

Order Online at CHQTickets.com Or call our Ticket Office at 716.357.6250 AT H E N A E U M H O T E L

CHQ On Stage Stay for a concert and receive a $25 Chautauqua gift card* $333 per room, all-inclusive athenaeum.chq.org • 800.821.1881 *Select dates available. Subject to availability.

C H AU TAU QUA I N S T I T U T I O N • C H AU TAU QUA , N Y • C H Q .O R G

SPOTLIGHT Q&A| TRAVEL

Chautauqua Institution Shines as a Summer Destination The tourism industry is thriving in the tri-state region, with numerous events and attractions drawing visitors from near and far. Here, Emily Morris, chief brand officer for Chautauqua Institution, one of the country’s premier, nonprofit education centers and summer destinations, located in Chautauqua, New York, discusses some of the dynamic programs and events happening this year. Chautauqua Institution is one of the country’s most fascinating educational destinations. Tell us about its founding and its mission. Chautauqua was founded in 1874 by a Methodist minister, John Heyl Vincent, and an industrialist and inventor, Lewis Miller, as an educational experiment in vacation learning. From its founding, Chautauqua has been a place and a movement dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our time; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. How has Chautauqua evolved over the years in terms of its programming and events? Chautauqua is often thought of as a place where history stands still, but in truth, we are an incredibly modern institution and organization that has always evolved to meet the moment. We wouldn’t still be here, nearly 150 years later, if that wasn’t the case. In some ways, Chautauqua is very much the same as it was in 1874 — we still offer engaging programs in the arts, education, recreation and religion. The content of those programs, and the intergenerational engagement with it, is what has constantly been reimagined and renewed to keep Chautauqua relevant and thriving. A perfect example from last season is the week of programs we staged on “Russia and the West,”

which coincided exactly with the Trump-Putin Helsinki summit. If you wanted to immerse yourself in the issue dominating the news that week, Chautauqua was the place to do it.. We’re also evolving and experimenting with programming outside our traditional summer assembly season and our physical lakeside grounds, including opening a satellite office in Washington, D.C. With that foothold in our nation’s capital, we hope to increase our national leadership role in shaping the issues and conversations of the day, to increase our exposure to potential Chautauqua lecturers and program partners, and to gain access to outside funding sources, in particular national foundations. Since its founding, the Institution has been visited by four sitting U.S. presidents and countless political figures, celebrities, artists, musicians and scientists. What special appearances can we expect in 2019? There are so many! Every day there are opportunities to see and hear from the people who shape our world — many will be household names, others, we expect, may soon be. We’re pleased to present concerts by such celebrated musicians as Judy Collins on June 22, Diana Ross on July 5, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn on July 26, Wynton Marsalis on multiple occasions from Aug. 19 to 23, and Pat Benatar with Neil Giraldo and Melissa Etheridge on Aug. 24. On our lecture platforms, our audiences will hear from political commentator Hugh Hewitt on June 27, former Ohio governor John Kasich on July 1, former astronaut Scott Kelly on July 19, film director, actor and Muppet performer (not to mention the man behind Yoda in “Star Wars”)

Frank Oz on July 30, and world affairs expert Robin Wright on Aug. 12; plus, we’ll be joined for extended stays by The Atlantic correspondent James Fallows from July 1 to 4, NPR host Krista Tippett from Aug. 5 to 9, and legendary journalist Bill Moyers from Aug. 12 to 15. What are some other exciting events, lectures and/or programs planned for this year? Special for 2019 are our partnerships on entire weeks of lectures and programs with other renowned cultural institutions such as the National Geographic Society from July 6 to 12, the National Comedy Center from July 27 to Aug. 2, and Jazz at Lincoln Center from Aug. 17 to 25. We’re also thrilled to be a stop on New York’s statewide celebration of WorldPride 2019, marking the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, with special programs on July 2. Our resident Chautauqua Opera Company and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra are each celebrating their 90th anniversary seasons — in fact, we will present the three Figaro operas (“the Beaumarchais Trilogy”) on consecutive days on July 25, 26 and 27. What is the best way to truly experience Chautauqua and all it has to offer? Spend a few days or a week with us during our summer assembly season, so you can really settle in and learn the rhythm of this place. The best place to start would be to call 716/357-6250 or to visit https://chq.org/plan-your-visit.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

TRAINING @ THE MBA LEARN IT TODAY . . . APPLY IT TOMORROW!

Harness the true potential of your workforce with professional training @ the mba!

JULY



AUGUST



SEPTEMBER 2019

MANUFAC

CLASS LOCATIONS All courses are held at the MBA Conference Center in Erie, unless otherwise noted. Greensburg:

Courtyard by Marriott 700 Power Line Drive

Greentree:

Hamption Inn 555 Trumbull Drive

Meadville:

Holiday Inn Express 18240 Conneaut Lake Road

Mechanicsburg: SMC Business Councils 5000 Ritter Road, Suide 202 Monroeville:

Residence Inn 3455 William Penn Highway

Pittsburgh:

SMC Business Councils 600 Cranberry Woods Drive Suite 190

* Handicap access and parking available at all sites.

LEADERSHIP

JULY

2019

CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY SKILLS SERIES Course II 7/2 and 7/9 Course II (Meadville) 7/23 and 7/30 Course III 7/30 and 8/6 Course V 7/25 and 8/1 LEADERSHIP FOR TEAM LEADERS SERIES Course V ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR SUPERVISORS (Mechanicsburg)

7/9 7/12

MOTIVATING YOUR EMPLOYEES (Greentree, a.m. only) 7/25

WORKPLACE CIVILITY (Greentree, p.m. only) 7/25 (Greensburg, p.m. only) 7/26

MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS PR BOOT CAMP (a.m. only) 7/11

ONSITE TRAINING CONVENIENCE: Let our expert instructors bring the training you need, when you need it, where you need it. CUSTOMIZED PROGRAMS: From full-day to halfday programs, we will tailor any program to fit your specific needs. FOCUSED INTERACTION: Group training discussions focus on the key topic areas specific to your company’s environment.

MARKETING PLANNING (p.m. only) 7/11 WRITING TO WOW! (p.m. only)

7/15

WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION SKILLS

7/29

SAFETY ONE-DAY FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION

FORKLIFT: TRAIN THE TRAINER (a.m. only) 7/16

HUMAN RESOURCES

LEVEL I - HR ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATION SERIES Discrimination & Harassment (Pittsburgh, a.m. only) 7/9 Employment Law (Pittsburgh, 1 to 5 p.m.) 7/9

COMPUTER TRAINING

VISIT: MBAUSA.ORG CALL: 814/833-3200  800/815-2660 EMAIL: MLESNIEWSKI@MBAUSA.ORG * A.M. classes run 8 a.m. to noon, and P.M. classes run 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Cancellation/No-Show Policy: If notice is four business days or more, a full refund will be made. If notice is less than four business days, or if you do not show up for the class, no refund will be made. NOTE: You may substitute another individual from your organization at any time and at no cost.

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• Excel Level I

CERTIFIED SUPERVISORY SKILLS TRAINING 25 YEARS 10,000 GRADUATES THROUGH THE MBA Thank You... for selecting the Manufacturer & Business Association as your preferred training provider! Our Certified Supervisory Skills series is considered one of the premier employee leadership programs in the region for businesses of every size and type. COMING SOON TO A TRAINING FACILITY NEAR YOU!

To request this program in your area or to schedule a class onsite at your facility, please contact Patty Welther at 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or Pwelther@mbausa.org. Visit mbausa.org to view upcoming public offerings.

The Rise of ADA Website Accessibility Lawsuits:

LEGAL BRIEF | UPDATE

Is Your Company’s Website At Risk for a Claim?

To comply with the ADA, businesses that are “public accommodations” must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to their goods and services. A public accommodation must also ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities, including providing auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively. Under these more generally applicable ADA standards, both the DOJ and federal courts have found that websites for businesses that are “public accommodations” must be “accessible” under the ADA. Website Accessibility Requirements A website is “accessible” under the ADA if it can be accessed and used by individuals with disabilities. For example, an accessible website would include features to allow an individual with a vision impairment to use a screen reader. Accessible website features also include captions for audio or video content and the ability to navigate and function on a website using a keyboard only.

Mark T. Pavkov is a trial attorney and partner at MacDonald Illig. He concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, employment litigation, and dispute resolution. His experience includes handling complex litigation involving commercial disputes, contract claims, business torts, fiduciary obligation and ADA accessibility claims. The number of lawsuits filed against businesses for accessibility violations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) increased by more than 378 percent between 2008 and 2017. Most of those cases involve “traditional” ADA claims regarding accessibility of a site with regard to physical barriers. In the past few years, however, the number of ADA lawsuits challenging the accessibility of business websites has increased dramatically. More than 2,200 ADA website accessibility lawsuits were filed in 2018, a 181-percent increase over the number of

suits filed in 2017, and the number of cases is expected to continue to rise. Over the span of a few days in March of 2019 alone, in the federal trial court for Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania, a single plaintiff’s firm filed 20 lawsuits claiming various business websites were not ADA compliant. Other plaintiff’s firms, often from out of state, have sent demand letters to businesses threatening an ADA website lawsuit. So what businesses are at risk for an ADA website accessibility lawsuit, and what is required for a website to be “accessible?” The ADA’s Application To Websites Technically, the ADA and its regulations do not expressly address “website accessibility” or provide specific standards for websites. In 2010, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a notice indicating it was considering adopting specific ADA standards for websites, but no further regulatory action has occurred, and a final regulation was not adopted. However, under the ADA, places of “public accommodation,” including hotels, restaurants, retail stores and service establishments, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of a disability.

While there are no legal standards for website accessibility that have been formally adopted by law or regulation, both the DOJ and federal courts have taken the position that to be “accessible” websites for businesses subject to the ADA must comply with a set of privately developed standards known as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1 AA. These standards and the ADA’s accessibility requirements also apply to a businesses’ mobile apps. Aim for Compliance Although there are some legal defenses that may apply in certain situations, often businesses that are facing an ADA website accessibility lawsuit have little defense if their websites are not “accessible.” If hit with litigation, those businesses face liability for plaintiff’s attorneys’ fees, in addition to their own legal defense costs, and the prospect of an injunctive order requiring that their website be made accessible. To minimize the risk of litigation, businesses that are subject to the ADA should take steps to make their websites and mobile apps accessible and compliant with the ADA and the WCAG 2.1 AA standards. For more information, contact MacDonald Illig Attorneys at 814/870-7600. mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

“DISCOVER NEW MARKETS”

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visit fnb-online.com or call 1-800-555-5455.

ON THE HILL | LEGISLATION

Work Ethic Doesn’t Ask for Permission to Thrive Lenny McAllister is the director of Western Pennsylvania for the Commonwealth Foundation. For more information, visit www.commonwealthfoundation.org. Rewarding hard work with access to opportunities is a noble goal. Removing red tape that blocks those chances helps achieve that goal. When people tell me about the hopelessness found in pockets of impoverished America, I often respond with a saying: “There are no socialists hustling on street corners in the dead of winter or the heat of summer. They’re capitalists that are just focused in the wrong ways. ” I’ve seen it a lot over the years. The work ethic is already there. The ingenuity is already there. Have you ever seen a desperate father sell socks to pedestrians and motorists, standing on the off-ramp of a major freeway during rush-hour traffic in the dead of winter? Have you seen unemployed youth selling bottles of water at an urban traffic light during the “dog days of summer,” using what resources they had to make a profit through the narrowest of margins? Work ethic? Determination? Check and check. Can you just imagine what would happen with just a little more guidance and a fewer impediments blocking “the right ways”? I can.

I envision more employment, more employers, more opportunities and more self-sufficiency for everyone — including the formerly incarcerated, who are often stuck on the outside of society looking in. The Fighting Chance Act, recently introduced in Harrisburg by Reps. Andrew Lewis (R-105th) and Malcom Kenyatta (D-181st), would help others secure those “right ways.” Simply put, this bill will reduce much of the bureaucracy preventing those on the fringes of society from becoming productive leaders in our communities. Those who have tried turning a dream into a viable business understand what’s wrong with excessive regulations and outdated requirements. Pennsylvania’s backward policies suppress the enthusiasm, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit we need to succeed. For example, Pennsylvania requires hair braiders and nail technicians to get licensed by the State Board of Cosmetology, complete with hundreds of hours of training — with some licensing requirements involving upwards of eight times the amount of training it takes to become an EMT. We’re needlessly blocking people from jobs — a necessary first step toward self-sufficiency and well-being . Sometimes, occupations such as hairstylist or nail technician serve as steps toward a larger goal. Just ask Karen Morris-Priester, a Pennsylvania native who went from braiding hair to support her children as a single mother, to becoming an Ivy League-educated doctor. Or Katty Daniels, the cosmetologist who started her own hair salon on her way to becoming a naturalized citizen. Other times, these occupations involve learned skills that former offenders honed

during their time away. Their hope for rehabilitation was based on a belief that developing skills was a ticket to opportunity and a life after incarceration. Obtaining consistent, skilled and valued employment allows the formerly incarcerated to become providers and leaders within their families and communities. Just ask barber-turned-business owner Corry Sanders, elected by his peers to citywide office in 2015. It’s clear: Jobs provide income and working fosters dreams. No outdated regulation, arbitrary provision or bloated bureaucracy should be allowed to stop the next success story from flourishing — especially when it can happen in our backyard. Today, Americans from varying walks of life count on the ability to access opportunity for advancement. The potential loss of 90,000 Pennsylvania jobs annually due to outdated occupational licensing can be reversed through the passage of the Fighting Chance Act, a bill that will eliminate roughly 25 percent of the bureaucracy that impedes dreams. For the working poor, the Fighting Chance Act is a bridge from poverty to prosperity that provides an economic level playing field by removing unnecessary barriers. A recent study by a MIT economist noted that, as it stands, it will take many Americans roughly two decades to eradicate poverty from their families, even if they are finding “the right ways” to procure success. Steady work has always been the path to prosperity, which is why the push for everything from regulatory reform to work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients is crucial. The last thing we should do is keep the inspired from plying their trades due to archaic barriers. All they really need is a fighting chance. mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW CHANNELLOCK® LAUNCHES ‘IT’S PERSONAL’ CAMPAIGN

Channellock, Inc., has released a new video campaign, “It’s Personal,” featuring four American tradesmen. The series tells each man’s story as a skilled technician in plumbing, HVAC, automotive and electrical trades and explores their relationship with the CHANNELLOCK® brand. The CHANNELLOCK® 2018 video series, “The Place, The Plant, The People,” features the town of Meadville, Pennsylvania, home of the iconic CHANNELLOCK® brand. The series also highlights the Channellock, Inc., plant where CHANNELLOCK® tools are made, and four associates who spoke about their deep pride for their trades. “After focusing on our company and associates in the first series, we wanted to spotlight the hardworking men and women who rely on our tools every day on the job,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc. “That sparked the idea to travel the United States, meeting a variety of tradesmen to hear their stories and celebrate the work they’re doing with their favorite CHANNELLOCK® tools.”

Channellock, headquartered in Meadville, Pennsylvania, recently launched a new video campaign featuring American tradesmen.

excellence the company has consistently demonstrated over the last 35 years.” “We are looking forward to our continued success and growth as a regional manufacturer,” he continued. “The next 35 years are sure to be just as exciting — if not more so — than the first.”

In “It’s Personal,” each tradesman is celebrated in a chapter of the four-part series:

For more information, visit www.walkerfilitration.co.uk.

• Episode One: Ryan Gomiela, owner and master plumber, GPS Plumbing in Melbourne, Florida • Episode Two: Rocky Hyatt, owner and HVAC specialist, Delta HVAC Controls LLC in Little Rock, Arkansas • Episode Three: Ben Vaneperen, owner, Fabricator and Painter, No Coast Custom and Rod Shop Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska • Episode Four: Colten Parks, electrical apprentice in Wichita Falls, Texas “It’s important to me that younger generations know that working as a tradesperson has value. It makes you feel good about what you’re doing,” said Gomiela, featured in Episode One. “You don’t have to be a doctor or lawyer or engineer to make a good living or be a valuable member of society. Physically building something and getting dirty has pride attached to it.” Watch each episode on www.facebook.com/ channellock/ and the CHANNELLOCK® website at www.channellock.com.

ASBURY WOODS TO HOST WINE AND DINE IN THE WOODS Patty Welther, MBA manager of Member Engagement, and Richard Taylor, president of Walker Filtration Inc.

WALKER FILTRATION CELEBRATES 35TH YEAR

Walker Filtration is celebrating its 35-year anniversary as a pioneer in the development of compressed air and gas filtration and drying equipment. Since being established in 1983, the company has seen significant change, growing from a small family business to a world leading manufacturer of high-quality compressed air filtration and drying solutions for industrial and medical applications worldwide. Headquartered in Europe with subsidiaries in Australia, Japan and the United States, including its Erie, Pennsylvania location, Walker Filtration successfully exports to over 100 countries worldwide, accounting for 89 percent of sales. The five-time winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise manufactures approximately 2.2 million parts annually across more than 10,000 unique products and has introduced numerous additions to its product range in the last two years. In a press release, Walker Filtration’s Group General Manager Sean Fairest said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the commitment to manufacturing and engineering

JUNE 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Asbury Woods will host its seventh annual Wine and Dine in the Woods on Friday, July 19, at the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods in Millcreek Township. The fundraising event is billed as an “elegantly casual outdoor evening of unique food pairings, delightful wines, craft beers and live music.” The evening also will be infused with elements of the organization’s mission that reflects environmental education and stewardship. All proceeds help Asbury Woods continue to provide free access to trails, free access to the Nature Center and low cost programming to ensure all members of the community can benefit from its programming. For more information, visit www.asburywoods.org.

TALL SHIPS® ERIE 2019 PLANED FOR AUGUST 22-25

Tall Ships® Erie 2019, presented by Highmark, will take place August 22-25, 2019. The festival will showcase approximately 10-plus tall ships, deck tours, day sails, live music and entertainment, children activities, a festival marketplace, food vendors, a beer garden and much more. In the summer of 2019, Tall Ships America will once again bring a fleet of tall ships to the Great Lakes, the world’s largest body of fresh surface water, as part of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 series. For more information, visit www.tallshipserie.org.

PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS MANUFACTURER & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently announced its 2019-2020 Board of Governors, including members of its Executive Committee. Chairman Mike Mankosa, is executive vice president of Global Technology, Eriez Magnetics, a world authority in separation technologies, headquartered in Erie. Mankosa is responsible for guiding Eriez’ product technology focus, leading the collaboration of Eriez’ technical expertise across global enterprises and directing the development of technology solutions to enhance Eriez’ strategic goals worldwide. Mankosa joined Eriez in 1997, beginning his career as the company’s technical director in the Erie-Division Research and Development Lab. He earned his doctorate in mining and minerals engineering from Virginia Tech. Mankosa is joined on the MBA’s Executive Committee by Vice Chairman Mark Raimy, chief executive officer of Welder’s Supply Company; Treasurer Steve Jones, president, Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc.; Immediate Past Chairman Mark Rose, director of Erie Operations at LORD Corporation; and, Ex-Officio Colleen Moore-Mezler, president and chief executive officer of Moore Research Services. New MBA Board members include: For a one-year term, Dave Carlson, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Creekside Springs, LLC, a water bottling business headquartered in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. Beginning in 2008, he was an investor in the company and assumed an active day-to-day role in operations in November 2010. Focused on producing contract package and private label water products for brand owners, grocery retailers, convenience stores and home office delivery companies, Creekside Springs has been in operation since 2003 and operates three production facilities in Pennsylvania

and Ohio employing more than 70 people. Carlson’s responsibilities include sales, marketing and human resources, as well as evaluation of new business opportunities and strategic partnerships. Prior to business ownership, Carlson was employed for 30 years primarily in brand management and marketing roles for Clorox and PPG Industries and held senior management positions in two Pittsburgh-based advertising and marketing communications firms, Mullen and Dymun and Company. He also served as chairman of SMC Business Councils (SMC), which recently merged with the Manufacturer & Business Association. A native of Rochester, New York, Carlson earned his undergraduate degree from UCLA (Economics and Political Science) and Master of Public Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University. For a three-year term, Debbie Uht, president of Professional Communications Messaging Service, Inc. (PCMSI), a family owned answering service with a nationwide customer base and nearly 90 associates headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. Uht attended Gannon University and graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing. As a registered nurse, she practiced in the area of Critical Care before leading PCMSI.

EMTA NAMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (ETMA) Board of Directors recently named Jeremy Peterson as the transit authority’s new chief executive officer.

Peterson previously served as acting executive director in which he redefined the organization with future goals in mind. He oversaw the completion of Phase II of the capital project of the current administrative building that was completed March 2019. He will continue to oversee the transit-oriented development space and parking garage that is expected to be completed in early 2020. He has secured funds for new fare boxes and radios in all buses, as well as obtained three new CNG buses. Lastly, he is integrating a customer response center to ease the use of services for the Erie community. Peterson began his career at EMTA in 2011 as the director of Fixed-Route Operations. He was named acting executive director in August 2018, then permanent chief executive officer in April 2019. Peterson is a lifelong Erie resident. He attended McDowell Senior High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from Mercyhurst University. Before his career in public transportation, he worked for the County of Erie for 10 years.

FORMER FBI AGENT BUYS FISHER SECURITY

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Jerry Clark has purchased Erie security firm Fisher Security.

She is a former board member for the Telescan Users Network (TUNe), an organization of business owners involved in the telecommunications industry. She is also a proud member of the board of directors for Erie Dawn, a local nonprofit that advocates for women in need. Uht was inducted into the Villa Maria Presidents Hall of Fame in 2015.

Fisher Security, which is located on West 24th Street, has been around since 1973. It provides unarmed guard and patrol services to businesses.

Other members of the MBA Board of Governors include: Harry Eighmy, chief operating officer, American Turned Products; Andrew Foyle, president of H&H Machined Products Co.; Jim Greenleaf, chief executive officer of Greenleaf Corporation; Kathy Jones, executive and business planning manager, GE Transportation; Phil Katen, president and general manager of Plastikos Inc.; and Mike Weber, chairman of Smith Provision Company, Inc.

Clark holds a B.A. in psychology, a M.A. in forensic psychology, and a Ph.D. in public safety with a specialization in criminal Justice. He has extensive experience in local and federal law enforcement, including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). He also has experience in public-safety leadership, complex investigations, special weapons and tactics, threat and risk evaluation, law enforcement intelligence and interviewing techniques Prior to his retirement from the FBI in June 2011, Clark was the senior investigator on major crimes for the FBI’s Erie Resident Agency, part of the Bureau’s Pittsburgh Division.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

True Performers know prevention is the best medicine. Highmark’s True Performance program is helping Dr. Sarah Ramirez keep patients healthy. Her personal approach to care combined with Highmark’s in-depth patient data means she’s on top of her patients’ needs. Like when Highmark alerts her to missing screenings before emergencies arise. Thanks to doctors like Sarah, this program has helped avoid significant hospital costs by reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays.

There’s value in that. See how True Performance is helping providers improve care through data and incentives. Download the ebook at HighmarkTruePerformers.com.

Sarah Ramirez, MD Penn State Health Medical Group True Performer

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*Based on hospital data for patients with True Performance doctors compared to those without from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2018. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

JUNE 2019 • mbabizmag.com

mbabizmag.com â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 2019

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HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS TSA LAUNCHES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR NEW ID REQUIREMENT All U.S. airport checkpoints will soon require every traveler to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers of the new requirement, beginning October 1, 2020, through a recently launched public awareness campaign. Anyone who cannot verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.

How Well Do Business Owners Understand HSAs?

REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star on the top of the card. Other acceptable forms of ID include U.S. military ID, a federal government PIV card, or a valid passport. Travelers will begin seeing new signs at airports nationwide in the coming weeks to remind them that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a valid passport, federal government PIV card, or U.S. military ID, will be mandatory for air travel on Oct. 1, 2020.

Only one in five business owners fully understand important elements of health savings accounts (HSAs), according to a new survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. According to a recent article in Benefits Pro, Nationwide surveyed 406 business owners with 11 to 500 employees in February 2019 and found that 41 percent offer their employees an HSA. Another 21 percent are considering an HSA, while 38 percent state they are not considering an HSA.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards; and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as at airport security checkpoints.

Millennial business owners are leading the way with HSA adoption. According to the survey, 81 percent of Millennial business owners offer an HSA option, compared to 44 percent of Gen X and 25 percent of Baby Boomer-owned businesses. The larger the business, the more likely it is to offer an HSA.

‘BLEISURE’ TRAVEL IS ON THE RISE, REPORT FINDS A recent article on Hospitality.net notes that “bleisure” travel — the trend of blending business with leisure activities on business trips — is on the rise, providing a greater quality of life and work/life balance to those who take advantage of it.

The survey also found that many of the business owners had misconceptions about the benefits of an HSA and misunderstandings on how they operate. Among those surveyed, many didn’t understand that it’s necessary to provide a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) when offering an HSA, that employers can contribute to employee plans, and HSA balances carry over year-to-year. Nationwide asked survey respondents about the benefits of an HSA. Business owners who already offer an HSA reported that the main benefits are providing tax advantages (56 percent) and the ability to cover health-care deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses (58 percent). Less than half said saving for retirement is an advantage associated with HSAs.

The article cites the second annual State of Business Travel Survey, which notes that 90 percent of Millennials have engaged in bleisure travel in the past year compared with 81 percent of Generation Xers and 80 percent of Baby Boomers. Although all three generations benefit from bleisure travel, recent industry reports say Millennials have led the way in normalizing the trend.

In addition to misconceptions about the benefits, a gap exists in understanding that you must provide an HDHP to offer an HSA. According to the survey, 6 percent of business owners with 101 to 500 employees answered that they offered an HSA despite indicating they did not offer an HDHP option, which would not be possible. The survey finds that Millennial business owners possess the most solid knowledge about the important elements of HSAs, in addition to how HSAs can be advantageous for them and their businesses. However, only 31 percent of Millennial business owners knew that HSA balances carry over year-to-year.

A major reason may be that they’ve identified a budget friendly opportunity: Nearly half (49 percent) of Millennials say they’ve extended business travel into a leisure trip or scheduled a vacation around business travel to save on vacation costs. The survey found those who engage in bleisure travel are significantly more likely to be satisfied with their quality of life (93 percent vs. 75 percent), as well as their work/life balance (87 percent vs. 64 percent) while on the road than non-bleisure travelers. In addition, the survey shows that bleisure travelers are more likely to prioritize self-care on the road than non-bleisure travelers, which includes following a healthy diet (42 percent vs. 29 percent) and exercising (57 percent vs. 31 percent).

Lori Joint is vice president at the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) and oversees Insurance Services for MBA member companies. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or ljoint@mbausa.org.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN E-VERIFY AND FORM I-9? Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is the core of E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from Form I-9 to government records to confirm that an employee is authorized to work in the United States. Although E-Verify uses information from Form I-9, there are some important differences between Form I-9 and E-Verify requirements. Form I-9 • Is mandatory; • Does not require employee’s Social Security number; • Does not require a photo on identity documents (List B); and, • Must be used to reverify expired employment authorization. E-Verify • Is voluntary for most employers; required for employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that contain the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); • Requires employee’s Social Security number; • Requires a photo on identity documents (List B); and, • May not be used to reverify expired employment authorization. HOW CAN EMPLOYERS AVOID SALARY COMPRESSION WHEN RAISING THE MINIMUM SALARY FOR EXEMPT EMPLOYEES UNDER THE REVISED OVERTIME REGULATIONS? A 2019 proposed rule to raise the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempt salary basis threshold will require employers to pay exempt executive, administrative and some professional employees no less than $679 per week or $35,308 on an annual basis. Once this proposed rule becomes final, some employers may be forced to choose between reclassifying an employee as nonexempt (overtime-eligible) or increasing the employee’s salary to meet the new minimum salary requirements. For those employers that will increase salaries in order to keep employees classified as exempt from overtime, there may be ancillary consequences such as salary compression. Salary compression occurs when the pay of one or more employees is very close to the pay of more experienced employees in the same job or when employees in lower-level jobs are paid almost as much as their colleagues in higher-level jobs, including managerial positions. An employer that increases the salaries of employees to retain exempt status may need to look at increasing internal salary ranges as a whole, not just salaries of individuals who fall below the new threshold, to ensure continued equity.

JUNE 2019 • mbabizmag.com

Should Your Summer Interns Be Paid? Sponsoring unpaid internships can allow your company to help students hoping to someday enter your field of work. Mentoring and training students through hands-on experience can help them gain the skills necessary to achieve success in their future career endeavors. But do you have to pay an intern? The fact that a student is classified as an intern doesn’t automatically mean that your company gets free labor. The decision on whether an intern may be unpaid essentially comes down to whether the person is considered an “employee” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Based on case law, the Department of Labor (DOL) uses the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether an intern should be considered an employee under the FLSA. The test includes the following seven factors: 1. The extent to which the intern and the employer clearly understand that there is no expectation of compensation. Any promise of compensation, express or implied, suggests that the intern is an employee — and vice versa. 2. The extent to which the internship provides training that would be similar to that which would be given in an educational environment, including the clinical and other hands-on training provided by educational institutions. 3. The extent to which the internship is tied to the intern’s formal education program by integrated coursework or the receipt of academic credit. 4. The extent to which the internship accommodates the intern’s academic commitments by corresponding to the academic calendar. 5. The extent to which the internship’s duration is limited to the period in which the internship provides the intern with beneficial learning. 6. The extent to which the intern’s work complements, rather than displaces, the work of paid employees while providing significant educational benefits to the intern. 7. The extent to which the intern and the employer understand that the internship is conducted without entitlement to a paid job at the conclusion of the internship. For more information, contact the MBA’s HR/Legal Hotline at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or hrservices@mbausa.org.

Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the director of HR Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 800/815-2660, 814/833-3200 or sbruce@mbausa.org.

Marsh Schaaf congratulates Charles “Chuck” Agresti on receiving the Chancellor of the Bar Award at the Erie County Bar Association’s 2019 Law Day celebration. The award recognizes those attorneys who have shown the highest standards of ethics and integrity, and honors their long-standing commitment and contributions to the practice of law.

Charles D. Agresti

The firm also welcomes Gary V. Skiba, Esq. as its newest partner. Attorney Skiba has more than 45 years of practice experience in northwest Pennsylvania, concentrating in the areas of bankruptcy and commercial law and his general practice. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Gary V. Skiba

Through its dedicated attorneys and legal professionals, the Marsh Schaaf law firm is proud to mark its 122nd year in providing excellence in legal services to the Greater Erie community. William J. Schaaf James E. Marsh, Jr. Gary V. Skiba Michael G. Nelson Thomas V. Myers

Kevin M. Monahan Eugene C. Sundberg, Jr. Kurt L. Sundberg Norman “Bud” Stark Michael A. Agresti

W. Atchley Holmes Ritchie T. Marsh (Of Counsel) Charles D. Agresti (Of Counsel)

300 State Street, Suite 300 • Erie, PA 16507 (814) 456-5301 www.marshlaw.com

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JUNE 2019 • mbabizmag.com

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 or to view the MBA’s photo gallery, visit www.mbausa.org.

EVENTS

training Association (MBA) honored 56 The Manufacturer & Business March 20 during an awards luncheon on anies comp 38 from ates gradu Center in Erie. at the Association’s Conference

Employers were recognized for their commitment to employee development programs during the recent traini ng luncheon in the Founders Room .

Karl Sanchack, chief executive officer of the Erie Innovation District (EID), was the guest speaker at the MBA’s March Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing,

ger Phil Katen (left) Plastikos’ President/General Mana Cooney (third from left) and Manufacturing Manager Rob at r Arrington and Victoria Rowan congratulate employees Jama the MBA training ceremony.

During his presentation, Sanch ack shared exciting updates on the Erie Innovation District’s plan to make Erie an innovation hub for data science, safet y and cybersecurity.

mbabizmag.com • JUNE 2019

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