Business Magazine - October 2024 by MBA Business Magazine

What did we learn from 2024, and what’s in store for the economy in 2025?

Join us for our annual Economic Outlook IMPACT Luncheon on December 5 as we welcome two of the region’s top experts for a discussion on leading economic indicators for local, regional, national and global economies — and how your business could be affected in the year ahead.

Ken Louie, Ph.D. is the director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE) and an associate professor of Economics at Penn State Behrend. He is regularly sought out by the news media for his commentary on the regional economy, as well as international trade and finance, labor economics and economic development. He received the Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows Award for Excellence in Teaching and was a Fulbright Lecturer in the People’s Republic of China in 1998.

Brian Pietrangelo, MBA, CIMA®, AIF®, is senior vice president and managing director of Investment Strategy at Key Private Bank. He works to support sound investment strategies for private and institutional clients and is a member of Key Private Bank’s Investment Strategy and Oversight Committee, Asset Allocation Committee and Portfolio Strategy Committee. He has more than 30 years of experience in many areas of the investment business and has been quoted in Barron’s, CBS MarketWatch, cnbc.com and other local publications. He is also the host of the Key Wealth Matters podcast.

Pietrangelo earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami University (Ohio) and his MBA from the University of Dayton. He also attended the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive Education program and holds both Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designations as well as previously holding the FINRA Series 7 license.

PRESENTED BY:

2024 Annual Report

119th Annual Event Keynote Speaker

BILLY BEANE

‘MONEYBALL’ INSPIRATION REFLECTS ON REVOLUTIONIZING BASEBALL AND BUSINESS THROUGH DATA ANALYTICS / PAGE 26 PLUS: A MUSICAL SALUTE: MILITARY VETERAN MAXINE REYES TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM / PAGE 12

2024 MFG DAY INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION / PAGE 44

Students, educators and business and community leaders will join us at the Bayfront Convention Center for an amazing exhibition of innovation, technology and career opportunities available in today’s manufacturing industry at the 11th annual MFG Day. In the evening, we will welcome a sold-out crowd of business leaders to the region’s premier networking occasion of the year, our 119th Annual Event, featuring keynote speaker Billy Beane. Beane is a former Major League Baseball player and executive, who later became the subject of the best-selling book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, which became an Oscar-nominated film starring Brad Pitt.

On behalf of the Manufacturer & Business Association, we want to thank all our sponsors, exhibitors, partners and guests for making these two big events ONE BIG SUCCESS!

– MBA Board of Governors

Maxine Reyes to sing National Anthem at 119th Annual Event in

58 A Winning Playbook

Manufacturer & Business Association Headquarters: 2171 West 38th Street Erie, PA 16508 Pittsburgh: 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 2224 Cranberry Township, PA 16066

814/833-3200 |800/815-2660 mbausa.org

MBA’s new Power BI, Canva and Artificial Intelligence courses are a game-changer for employers.

64 Message from MBA President and CEO

Lori Joint explains how the MBA’s strategic plan will usher in a better member experience.

66 MBA All-Stars Professional staff hits a grand slam in member services.

70 Field of Dreams

Advertising Sales

Shawn Netkowicz snetkowicz@mbausa.org

Frank Mehler fmehler@mbausa.org

Judy Rosatti jrosatti@mbausa.org

Patty Welther pwelther@mbausa.org

Five standouts among this year’s HR Person of the Year nominees.

75 HR Person of the Year Nominees

Learn more about this year’s honorees.

78 In Memoriam

MBA pays tribute to late business leaders.

Read

Dear Members,

As chairman of the Board of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), I am thrilled to be part of a team that is dedicated to seeing employers thrive in the tri-state region. As our members continue to face unprecedented challenges, our commitment to empowering members through cutting-edge training, HR services and business solutions has never been stronger.

As many of you recognize, the ability to harness and interpret data effectively is critical to your operations, which is why we continue to introduce new programs and services to give you a competitive edge. The MBA is a leader in supervisory, leadership, HR and computer training and has continued to respond to our members’ growing needs by expanding our offerings with such classes as Power BI (business intelligence), Canva and Artificial Intelligence, to name a few.

In this age of innovation, the Association is embracing new technologies and platforms to help better serve you, our members. We are currently implementing a strategic plan with an updated mission and vision, along with a complete overhaul of our membership system, website and

2024- 2025

MESSAGE FROM THE Chairman0

other engagement tools to enhance your value-added MBA experience.

We understand that every business is unique, which is why the MBA’s services are built around providing customized solutions that address your specific challenges and goals. From personalized HR consulting services to tailored training, insurance and energy programs, the MBA’s services are designed to meet the needs of our diverse membership.

We believe by expanding our offerings, embracing data and innovation and executing a clear strategic vision, the MBA will not only help your business thrive but also position your organization for long-term growth and success.

In my humble opinion, no one understands the importance of changing the game better than this year’s 119th Annual Event speaker, “Moneyball” inspiration Billy Beane. A celebrated baseball executive, Beane helped shatter traditional beliefs in Major League Baseball that high payrolls equaled wins by implementing a data-driven methodology that led the Oakland A’s to seven American League Western Division titles and 10 playoff appearances. He changed the game for not only baseball, but business as well.

In addition to Mr. Beane’s keynote address, I’m very much looking forward to the performance of the National Anthem by Maxine Reyes. She is a combat veteran who is a very talented singer and inspirational figure, and I’m sure her musical salute will not disappoint.

Believe me when I say that October 9 is going to be exciting as we celebrate the 119th Annual Event and our 11th MFG Day celebration earlier in the day, and I look forward to seeing old and new faces for these unforgettable events.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, members, Board and professional staff who have worked as a team to contribute to the MBA’s ongoing success. Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic business community that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s make it a winner!

Sincerely,

Bob Frost Chairman of the Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association

Bob Frost is the chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors and vice president of Commodity Management for Wabtec Corporation. For more information about Wabtec, visit wabteccorp.com.

More Than 80 Years of Excellence in Serving the Storage Rack Market

History

At the end of WWII, there was a growing need to modernize and expand the nation’s warehousing capabilities. Entrepreneurial business people began to develop innovative storage rack designs to fill those needs. Company after company was springing up, headed by owners who carved out a market share by providing a high level of personal service. In recent decades, however, most of those early family owned companies have been replaced by holding companies, investment bankers or corporate raiders. Virtually no companies like Ridg-U-Rak still exist.

Ridg-U-Rak was a minor player in those early years. Although limited in marketing vision and hampered by a lack of manufacturing automation, Ridg-U-Rak had some survival strengths that helped the company to continue to grow. Today, as the operation celebrates more than 80 years of serving the storage rack market, Ridg-U-Rak is commonly acknowledged as a company built on Integrity and Service, guided by the able leadership of

President and CEO John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., Vice President of Plant Operations John B. Pellegrino Jr. and Vice President of Sales and Engineering Mark E. Pellegrino.

Capabilities

Ridg-U-Rak now has two plants in North East, Pennsylvania, covering 160,000 square feet, with a production capacity of more than 140,000,000 pounds of finished steel products per year. With the addition in 2018 of its five-and-a-half-acre, under roof, warehouse and distribution center, Ridg-U-Rak has greatly increased the efficiency of its shipping department and freed up space for increasing manufacturing capacity at the main plant. These improvements are what contribute to it remaining one of the largest storage rack manufacturers in North America, and it is still a family owned business.

One of the key contributors to the company’s success has been the increased

Ridg-U-Rak

120 South Lake Street

North East, PA 16428

814/725-8751 or Toll-Free 866/479-7225

ridgurak.com

talent base of its staff, with the ability to completely manage large projects from design and code compliance, through manufacturing, to final installation and customer approval.

Major capital investments in its manufacturing plants have been instrumental in improved productivity. Recent investments include the latest rolling mill equipment, a total shop layout re-vamping, an automated beam manufacturing line, and a 600-foot-long state-of-the-art powder coating line, which not only improves product quality, but also the company’s environmental imprint by reducing its liquid paint usage. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy includes doing what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations.

Products

Ridg-U-Rak provides an unlimited array of storage options. Whether heavy industrial storage racks for large warehouses, deep and dense storage systems like Push-Back, Drive-In, and Pick Modules, or Narrow-Aisle and Deep-Reach systems, design engineers can layout storage arrangements to meet a customer’s unique load, throughput and capacity requirements. Ridg-U-Rak also provides small storage systems for pallet loads or hand-stacked cartons, and offers replacement parts that interchange with competitive racks. Many specialty storage options are available, including a racksupported crane system to store large dies and tools.

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. , president and CEO

Plyler Commercial Installation and Service

At Plyler Entry Systems, we are proud to offer the highest quality commercial products and services in the tristate area.

From dock levelers to commercial overhead doors and hollow metal doors, we offer 24/7 emergency service, planned maintenance, and meticulous installation by highly trained technicians.

Commercial

• Overhead Sectional Doors

• Coiling Steel Doors

• Commercial and Gate Operators

• Loading Dock Levelers, Restraints and Equipment

• Speed Doors Hollow Metal

• Division 8 — Doors and Windows

• Division 10 — Specialties

Our experienced service team is here to help keep your business moving. Visit PlylerEntry.com for details.

Doing What’s Best

Betts is a global supplier of critical safety components for the tank truck industry.

Throughout its 100+ year history, the company has been steeped in a family culture and community values and has built a legacy and reputation for fair, honest business practices and genuine customer and employee relationships.

Betts’ mission to strive each day to “Do What’s Best”— to live up to this legacy of unsurpassed customer service, industry leadership and innovative products that stand the test of time.

Family Values

Betts’ success lies in its unique culture. The company is widely known as the employer of choice in the region. “We believe that for the company to succeed, our team of employees must succeed,” says President Chad Betts. “This is demonstrated, annually, through the practice of employee profit sharing. All this is further enhanced by an extensive and diverse benefit package that places our employees and their families’ needs first. We recognize that the success of Betts’ employees bolsters the success of the company.”

Betts subscribes to a philosophy of continuous improvement. “We routinely reinvest in tooling, equipment and employee training in order to maintain state-of-the-art operations, processes and practices,” says Betts. “This ensures our team members have everything they need for career success and growth.”

Commitment to Innovation

Betts’ commitment to always do what’s best has positioned it as an industry leading manufacturer of critical safety components and lighting systems for the tank truck industry, worldwide. Betts’ employees have led the way with innovation and expertise in designing and producing a wide range of valves, manlids, pressure/vacuum relief valves, accessories and lighting systems for multiple liquid tank, dry bulk and industrial applications. Betts’ team is inspired to engineer, design and manufacture components that stand the test of time.

Betts’ Commitment to forward-thinking innovation include:

• GUARDIAN™ 407 Vent

DEFENDER™ 407 Kit

AIR COMMANDER™ air distributor, featuring positive visual confirmation of vent status

• TRU-FIT™ Lighting Kits with EZ-FIT™ Grommet light solution

Corporate Headquarters and Divisions

Betts’ corporate headquarters is in Warren, Pennsylvania. The facility that was established in 1901 has seen seven major expansions, growing to occupy 275,371 square feet on more than 15 acres of land.

This main facility houses Betts’ manufacturing, engineering, purchasing and sales departments, along with other business functions. A separate facility houses its lighting division. Unlike other

companies that may choose to leave their roots and move elsewhere, Betts is proud to play an important role in the community and has chosen to expand in this region, continuing to support the generations of employees who have chosen Betts as their family for over a century.

To learn more about Betts Industries, visit bettsind.com

Running a

Experience the difference that draws local businesses to Marquette. Our expert team will partner with you, invest the time to build a relationship and truly understand your business, guide you through adversity and help your business find success.

As the only remaining locally headquartered bank, all lending decisions are made right here by people who know your business and its value to the communities in Erie and Crawford counties. Whether you’re looking to expand, streamline operations or achieve new goals, be Mpowered™ by Marquette.

Talk with us at 814-455-4481. Or visit MarquetteSavings.bank/business to learn more.

Katrina Vincent Assistant Vice President and Business Banker

Mark Smith Vice President and Business Banker

Matt Zonno Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

Steve Kightlinger Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Crawford County Region

business is a challenge.

Finding a bank that supports you shouldn’t be.

Terry Danko

Chad Ball

Daniel Walsh

Jon Patsy

ECS Now Offers Managed IT Services

Electronic Communication Services (ECS) is one of the few local tech companies that can provide/manage the majority of a business’s technology while offering 100-percent local 24/7/365 support. ECS has been providing business technology to the local area and all of the United States since 1989. The ECS team has expanded from three founders to 16 full-time employees and growing. ECS partners with its customers to provide the latest technology and the best customer service. Originally, ECS only offered phone systems to the business community. Over the past 35-plus years, as business technology needs evolved, ECS expanded its solution

portfolio to meet this demand. Today, ECS offers Voice, Security, Audio/Visual, Low Voltage Cabling and Managed IT Services.

Electronic Communication Services, Inc. 4626 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509

814/455-4181

ecsconnects.com

Two years ago, ECS added Managed IT Services to its portfolio due to local customer demand. Managed IT Services from ECS are designed to support businesses with or without an existing IT staff. Services include technical support, cybersecurity, networking, cloud services, project consulting and more. ECS can customize a solution to meet the needs of any business. With the addition of Managed IT Services, ECS is able to offer a technology package that can combine voice, security and AV, with IT services. This unique solution from ECS allows business owners to focus on their business and not their technology.

New Beginnings

The past year saw an exciting change for ECS when it moved from Albion to Erie. ECS is now located at 4626 Peach Street. This new location provides more space for the

growing ECS team and the ability to more easily demonstrate technology to local businesses. To celebrate the move, ECS invited customers and other local businesses to an open house showcasing the new office space.

Community Outreach

ECS has always felt a duty and desire to participate in their local community. Recently ECS employees chose to focus their support on the Second Harvest Food Bank. ECS provides time each month for owners and employees to volunteer here. Outside of work, the ECS team donates their personal time participating in Second Harvest fundraising events. ECS continues to support other local nonprofits, sponsor youth sports teams, participate in events, and more.

What is Next for ECS?

ECS is focused on the road ahead. A new warehouse is being built that will complete ECS’s move and allow it to fully utilize the new office. Employees are being added to the team to stay ahead of evolving technology and customer needs. ECS is optimistic about the future and looks forward to providing the latest technology and excellent customer service for another 35 years.

A Musical Military Veteran Maxine

The tradition of performing “The StarSpangled Banner” at sporting events began during World War I, a time when patriotism was at a peak in the United States. Written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, the song was already a symbol of American resilience and unity.

In 1918, during the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Red Sox, the song was played during the seventh-inning stretch of the first game. The crowd’s enthusiastic response led to the song being played at each subsequent game of the series, establishing a powerful connection between the anthem and sports.

Over the following years, the practice of playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events became more common, especially during times of national crisis, such as World War II. The song’s association with patriotism made it a natural choice for pre-game ceremonies, reinforcing the unity and pride of the American people.

Soon, it had become a standard practice, and in 1931, when “The Star-Spangled Banner” was officially declared the National Anthem of the United States, its role in sports

Maxine Reyes is a talented musician and military veteran who has dedicated her life to serving others. She will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the MBA’s 119th Annual Event on October 9 in Erie.

Musical Salute: Maxine Reyes to Sing National Anthem in Erie

was already well-established. Today, the anthem is an integral part of the American sporting experience, performed before the start of major events as a tribute to the nation and its values.

This year, U.S. Army Retired Combat Veteran and Air Force Veteran Maxine Reyes, a woman who personifies these values, will sing the nation’s most sacred song at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s 119th Annual Event in Erie. Her appearance is sponsored by Bonnell’s Truck and RV Collision, Inc.

“Maxine Reyes is a talented performer and military veteran who has dedicated her life to serving her country and inspiring others,” says MBA President Lori Joint. “We are deeply honored to have her sing the National Anthem for our members and guests.”

Reyes, a Florida resident, has performed the National Anthem many times during her military career. After serving 11 years in the Air Force, she transferred to the Army to become an officer. She served in the combat zone and has had a fulfilling military career in various roles as a commander, instructor, budget and finance officer,

with several additional duties under her belt like casualty officer, investing officer, and more. She obtained several degrees and various selfdevelopment certifications.

Reyes retired from the military with an honorable discharge and is now pursuing a career in the media and entertainment field. Currently, she is the founder and CEO of Courage & Grace Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Girls Confidence and Youth Education programs through scholarships, mentorship, and The Arts, and causes supporting the Military Families Community.

Reyes has inspired and entertained a wide range of audiences by singing and speaking. She has sung the National Anthem for dignitaries at home and abroad to include a U.S. president, entertaining troops in the Middle East and NBA opening ceremonies including for the Orlando Magic, the Citrus Bowl, and the Veterans Day Parade. She also has performed for the MLB and NFL.

As a philanthropic leader, Reyes has mentored hundreds of individuals while gaining notoriety for her exceptional leadership style and her outstanding community

service. She founded the “Doctor Bird Scholarship Award” with her husband to recognize educational excellence at her primary school in her native town of Marlie Hill, Jamaica. Reyes’ philanthropic and leadership excellence also has been recognized by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, where she was honored with their “Military Person of the Year” award.

Reyes’ incredible level of community involvement while serving in Orlando, earned her the proclamation that July 14, 2016, is forever known as “Captain Maxine Reyes Day.” Most recently, she was selected by the Florida Cabinet and the Governor as an inductee into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame for the Class of 2022.

According to her biography, Reyes has paved the way for the women she has influenced and inspired over the years. Her mantra is that “in all things, do so with love, courage, grace and gratitude.”

For more information, visit maxinereyes.com.

Your Life. Your Business. Our

Commercial Insurance

LOESEL-SCHAAF INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Locally owned and operated since 1925

“As we approach the Agency’s 100th anniversary in 2025, we are beginning to reflect on what it means to remain locally owned. Pride certainly comes to mind,” says Eric Consiglio, President. “A lot has changed in our industry since I joined Loesel-Schaaf in 1995, and through all of the change, our dedication to our clients and employees has been unwavering since day one. We remain committed to our mission and diligently maintain our position as a superior agency force, utilizing leading edge strategies and delivering on our promises.”

Doug Loesel, Chairman of the Board, says “Having been a part of Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency for over 45 years, it has been a tremendous honor to continue the legacy of my grandfather, father and uncle. The commitment to this community has always been a primary focus and will continue to be for many years to come. We are proud to be locally grown, locally owned.”

Integrated risk management Coverage that keeps up with your industry.

Employee Benefits

Intelligent advice Programs that support your goals.

Personal Insurance

Custom-designed peace of mind Insurance that works as hard as you do.

Individual Life & More

For your peace of mind Affordable solutions that protect your lifestyle.

Medicare Options

For your lifestyle and needs Help with your Medicare choices.

Because circumstances change, Loesel-Schaaf offers a complimentary review of policies, personal or business, to ensure adequate protection.

Hoffman Industrial Co., Starlite Group Inc. Ready for Your Next Industrial Project

Hoffman Industrial Co. continues to grow and expand its business and services.

Hoffman Industrial Co.

In business since 1846, Hoffman Industrial Co. has the unique distinction of being the oldest rigging and machinery moving company in continuous operation in the United States, as well as the oldest of any company on record in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Whether it is a total disassembly of a machine, a reassembly in another facility or simple machine installation, Hoffman has the experience to provide a safe productive solution to almost any customer need.

Proud of its rich history and tradition, Hoffman has grown to become a premier rigging/ machinery moving company. With modern equipment, industry specific trained workforce and proper insurance credentials for its industry, Hoffman Industrial is ready for your next rigging project.

Starlite Group Inc.

Starlite Group Inc offers machine tool service and rigging service. Starlite’s

machine rebuild and retrofitting services include mills, lathes, grinders, partial and complete overhauls, Bridgeport head rebuilding and emergency services.

Starlite’s state-of-the-art facility and highly trained service technicians are authorized to work on a variety of machine tools and control types. The company’s skilled service technicians will travel to your facility to diagnose and repair your machine tools or can pick up and deliver for in-house service and rebuilds.

Hoffman Industrial Co./Starlite Group Inc.

The combined company plans to expand its customer base and marketing reach offering the following services:

• Rigging/Machinery Moving

• Millwrighting

• Repair, rebuild service of all brands of machine tools

• Project Management

• Warehousing

• U.S. distributor of OX Self Propelled Trolley

• Contract machine maintenance

Hoffman Industrial Company

1510 Irwin Drive Erie, PA 16505

814/452-2698

Starlite Group Inc.

246 Race Street

Meadville, PA 16335

hoffmanindustrial.com

COMPANY PROFILE

“The fit and synergy has been perfect,” says Art Hammond, president of Hoffman Industrial. “Hoffman Industrial now offers machine disassembly and assembly to its rigging service, a true turnkey rigging/machinery operation. In addition, we increased Starlite’s rigging/ machinery moving capacity, establishing Meadville’s first local full-service rigging operation.”

Whether you are a small, medium or large company with single or multiple machines located locally or out of state, Hoffman Industrial Co. /Starlite Group Inc. is ready for your next industrial project.

Visit hoffmanindustrial.com or call 814/452-2698.

Art Hammond is the president and owner of Hoffman Industrial Co./Starlite Group Inc.

Global Logistics Leader Rallies Support in Rebuilding Ukraine

Logistics Plus Blends Business Investment with Humanitarian Support

Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is one of the fastest-growing, privately owned logistics providers in the world. It is also a top 100 3PL company, a top freight brokerage and warehousing firm, a top technology developer, a unique solutions provider for key verticals, such as solar, data centers, and many others, and a certified Great Place to Work® . But what truly distinguishes LP as a company to watch is its innovative solutions and extensive global network that are impacting both business investment and humanitarian support.

Over the past two and half years, LP has provided a critical lifeline to Ukraine in its rebuilding efforts as the war with Russia rages on.

The company has donated and raised more than $1 million worth of relief but also has provided vital transportation and logistics support to assist with Ukraine’s infrastructure and economic stability.

LP’s support for Ukraine is driving meaningful impact on the global stage — a call to action for other businesses to continue to invest in and support the country as more safe zones are created.

“We’re trying to lead by example,” explains LP Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Berlin. “I call it the tip of the shovel. We’re willing to go in before others are willing to go in. If others see, maybe they’ll join in and start digging too.”

At Logistics Plus, doing the right thing goes hand in hand with doing business.

LP was an early responder to 9/11 terrorist attacks, moving 100,000 pounds of cargo from six European countries onto one of the first international charter flights booked into the United States after the attack to keep thenGE’s production lines moving without disruption. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Logistics Plus helped source, warehouse and deliver muchneeded personal protection equipment (PPE) to people and businesses worldwide, leading to the creation of its Logistics Plus Medical Division.

“We’re always the Sherpas,” explains Berlin. “We’re the first ones in, helping people find a way.”

An unorthodox business leader, Berlin knows how to get things done. In 1996, the veteran truck driver founded Logistics Plus in Erie, Pennsylvania, a small port city on the Great Lakes. A then-modest startup, LP mainly provided logistics and supply chain services for GE Transportation Systems. But as Berlin found new opportunities, LP added more services — everything from logistics and transportation to warehousing, fulfillment, global logistics, business intelligence and technology.

Nearly 30 years later, Logistics Plus is still headquartered at the historic Union Station train depot in Erie, with a growing network of resources that includes over 1,000 employees at offices and warehouses in more than 50 countries and annual global sales over half a billion dollars.

“With our trademark Passion for Excellence™,” according to the company, “we put the plus in logistics by doing the big things properly plus the countless little things that ensure complete customer satisfaction and success.”

Logistics Plus Founder and CEO Jim Berlin (left) and Chief Operations Officer Yuriy Ostapyak at the LP headquarters in Erie have championed efforts along with LP team members to support relief and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.

Logistics Plus employees show their support for Ukraine at the company’s corporate headquarters in the historic Union Station in downtown Erie.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

For Logistics Plus, the Russian war in Ukraine is not just business; it’s personal. The company employs 85 people in three offices in Ukraine and approximately 30 Ukranian-born professionals at LP operations in the United States.

LP’s Chief Operations Officer Yuriy Ostapyak is proud of the company’s ongoing response to support Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Ostapyak was born and raised in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine before coming to America nearly 25 years ago as a Rotary exchange student and has worked at Logistics Plus for the past 20 years.

“We have many years of expertise and experience and knowledge of Ukrainian markets, and we started using it basically on Day One,” he says. “We’ve donated a lot of money on our own and made sure that the money that we donated or raised went exactly where it was intended.”

For example, Logistics Plus facilitated more than $1 million in donations and relief in the transportation of medical supplies, food and clothing, as well as power generators to support communities affected by conflict and displacement. LP also purchased and outfitted two custom-equipped vans as mobile trauma units for Ukrainian field medics in Bakmut, a southern border town with Russia.

LP has made significant investments in its Ukranian-based operations as well. In July 2022, LP acquired ConcorTrans, a Ukrainian-based freight forwarding and logistics company in the capital city of Kyiv and second office in Odesa. Before that, Logistics Plus already had a significant presence in Ukraine, with an office of nearly 50 people located in Ivano-Frankivsk, in the western portion of Ukraine.

“In typical LP fashion, we purchased the company basically strictly on a handshake,” explains Ostapyak. “The company didn’t have much business, but what it had was amazing people with great skill sets in terms of customs and in terms of true logistics.”

LP’s services in Ukraine have been particularly crucial in maintaining the flow of essential goods, which are vital for Ukraine’s economy and people.

Emily Grein, LP’s director of Airfreight and Ukraine Development, is intimately involved in the trade lane from the United States to Ukraine and the growth of LP’s operations there. With air space shut down for safety, her airfreight team has been responsible for maneuvering and developing a corridor with Poland and LP’s Warsaw office to expedite goods over to Ukraine. When Polish truckers put strikes on the border, it was LP’s team that navigated other options through Hungary and Romania.

“We know that the Ukrainian economy must keep moving. It can’t stop with this war,” says Grein. “They need money to go in; they need goods to go out. We’ve been helping the agricultural sector, transportation sector, and we’ve been a big advocate for the rebuilding of Ukraine.”

“ ”

Seeing the spirit, diligence and resilience of those men and women representing Logistics Plus out there in these very challenging times is just mind blowing.

Jim and Derek Berlin meet with LP employees at the company’s Kyiv office in Ukraine. The employees have continued to persevere amid power outages, air sirens and the threat of military strikes.

Logistics Plus was instrumental in managing the complex delivery of 22 thousand tons of gas pipes to Ukraine when its Black Sea ports were cut off.

— Derek Berlin

When Ukraine’s Black Sea ports were cut off, Logistics Plus was instrumental in helping get critical infrastructure shipments delivered. The company worked with an American oil and gas supplier Vorex, also in Erie, to manage the complex delivery of 22 thousand tons of gas pipes — the equivalent of 47 million pounds.

LP rerouted the shipment through Romania’s Constanta Port via ship, then onto dozens of barges, and lastly to end destinations across Ukraine utilizing more than 1,000 truck shipments. LP’s teams in China, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey and United States were involved.

In 2024, Logistics Plus delivered the final shipment of these materials directly to Ukraine’s Black Sea Port of Chornomorsk, southwest of Odesa. It marked the first time a non-grain, U.S.-managed ship successfully delivered and unloaded at the port since the onset of the war.

“Shortly before that and during it, Odesa was being bombed and they had bomb alerts and sirens going off, so that to me is really one of the craziest things we’ve been able to pull off there, just knowing the circumstances around it,” says Grein.

REPRESENTING

THE U.S. ON THE WORLD STAGE

The tenets of Logistics Plus are rooted in Berlin’s entrepreneurial spirit and a “do whatever it takes” to make the impossible possible.

This “can do” approach may be one of the many reasons Berlin was appointed to serve alongside two fellow U.S. representatives from Northrop Grumman and McDonald’s to help support Ukraine’s economic stability and pave the way for future reconstruction from the private sector. The Business Advisory Council consists of 18 business leaders across the G-7 nations, Ukraine and key

donor states, and is led by Dr. Christian Bruch, chief executive officer of the multinational energy giant Siemens.

“McDonald’s probably does more business in one day than we do in a year, and Northrop Grumman is a worldclass defense contractor. Logistics Plus almost doesn’t fit in that group, so it was a little bit humbling, but I think we’re there for a reason,” Berlin says. “They wanted some folks who were more willing to kind of push the envelope a little bit, and again, try to lead the way.”

“As my son, Derek, puts it, ‘You get the Special Forces to go in quietly to start, and then the Marines come in and then all the Armed Forces come behind them,’” adds Berlin. “I think we are kind of the ones willing to take a little more risk.”

Derek Berlin, who joined his father at the G-7 meeting in Berlin, Germany, is LP’s senior vice president of Global Government Solutions. He has been active in the LP’s Ukrainian initiative and brings more than 20 years of government relations-related experience to the company. Derek has worked for the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense, followed by a career focused on international policy and finance while working for the Council on Foreign Relations. For nearly a decade, he was with JP Morgan, helping clients understand how to best compete and navigate challenges in foreign markets. Recently, Derek Berlin moderated a panel discussion on Risk Management at the 2024 U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum Discussion. The forum was hosted

by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the U.S. government on activating U.S. private sector support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

The goal is “identifying partners that Logistics Plus can work with primarily from the private sector who are likeminded and trying to operate in these difficult-to-operate environments, such as Ukraine, and figuring out ways that we can work together to achieve business outcomes while taking into account the realities of the policy and security landscape,” he says.

Derek Berlin also recently joined his father on a trip to Ukraine. They were both impressed by the Ukrainian people and their team members who continue to persevere amid air sirens, power outages and devastating attacks, such as the bombing of the Kyiv Children’s Hospital.

“Seeing the spirit, diligence and resilience of those men and women representing Logistics Plus out there in these very challenging times is just mind blowing,” says Derek.

As Jim Berlin sees it, the Ukrainians fight against Russia is a fight for the West and future of democracy. “Ukrainians are fighting and dying and all they’re asking for is support from the rest of the world,” he says. “That’s a hell of a deal for us, I think.”

SUPPORT ON THE HOMEFRONT

Back in the United States, Logistics Plus is also rallying support and investment in Ukrainian rebuilding efforts with local fundraising and donations, and other initiatives. One notable program is the Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange, which aims to provide youth with opportunities to engage in sports, develop teamwork skills and build a sense of community. Started in 2023, the program provides rigorous training aimed at skill enhancement and team camaraderie. In 2024, the camp hosted

Father and son, Jim and Derek Berlin, have represented LP on the world stage in efforts to encourage private sector investment in Ukraine. The Berlins are shown here at the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in June 2024 in Berlin, Germany.

Logistics Plus mobilized to provide medical supplies, food and clothing, as well as mobile trauma vans to assist Ukraine.

20 Ukrainians, five Romanian and 15 local kids from Erie and Buffalo.

LP logistics analyst Pasha Nayda helped with the efforts. Nayda is a former Mercyhurst University hockey player whose father Anatoliy played for the junior All-Soviet Team, senior Ukraine Team and was a Team Lead of the national Ukraine Team for years. “It’s definitely very inspiring to see the kids come here and give them the opportunity to skate because of everything going on,” he says. “They absolutely enjoy being here.”

Also in 2024, Logistics Plus hosted the Whistlestops for Ukraine tour. The tour was organized by the German Marshall Fund and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to drum up support for Ukraine across rural American communities that specialize in agriculture and manufacturing.

Several high-profile CEOs and business leaders from across the country and world attended, including American businessman and philanthropist Howard Buffett.

“I’m trying to help bring those people together if they don’t know one another, and seeing what can come from that,” says Jim Berlin. “But there’s a lot of support out there, and I think we’re kind of pulling it all together and maybe amplifying it a little bit.”

LP is also supporting efforts by Diane Chido of DC Analytics for Erie to become a “Seaster” City with Chornomorsk. Erie was pivotal in the U.S. War of Independence in 1812, and

Chornomorsk is playing a major role in the fight for Ukraine’s independence.

According to Jim Berlin, sister cities are a good way to connect people through schools, universities, businesses, sports teams, different levels of government, the Port of Erie, of course, cultural institutions and others. Chornomorsk cheers for Odesa’s Seasters women’s soccer team, while Erie has the Seawolves baseball team.

“It’s exciting,” he says. “We’ve talked to everyone behind the scenes, and they’re all on board.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As Ukraine continues its journey toward economic stability and growth, the support of partners like Logistics Plus will be instrumental. The company’s commitment serves as a model for how logistics providers can contribute to global development and foster meaningful change.

Founded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1996, Logistics Plus, Inc. (LP) is a 21st century logistics company and a global leader well positioned to assist with rebuilding efforts in Ukraine in the areas of transportation, warehousing, fulfillment, logistics, business intelligence, technology and unique supply chain solutions.

LP opened its first office in Ukraine in 2017. Today, the company has 85 employees across three locations there. According to Logistics Plus, “When others cannot or will not, we are the logistics company that is committed to providing solutions to companies around the world that wish to do business inside Ukraine.”

To learn more, visit lpukrainerelief.com or logisticsplus.com.

Logistics Plus is poised to continue making a positive difference in Ukraine and beyond, embodying the true spirit of a 21st-century solutions provider.

“Our efforts just show that this is the ‘LP way’ and that we are not going to stand by or be the followers,” says Ostapyak. “We always try to be the market leader — jumping in and figuring things out.”

Jim Berlin being appointed to the G-7 Business Advisory Council pictured left of Penny Pritzker, Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference.

Logistics Plus is committed to ongoing efforts to provide support for Ukraine in the United States with its Ukrainian Hockey Camp and Cultural Exchange at the Erie Sports Center in Erie.

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“In my experience, every type of business has its own culture that’s been handed down from generation to generation. The challenge in changing things is that usually the response is, ‘Well, that’s not how we’ve done it here, and that’s never been successful here,’ mainly because it’s never been tried.”

— Billy Beane

B illyBeane�

‘MONEYBALL’ INSPIRATION REFLECTS ON REVOLUTIONIZING BASEBALL AND BUSINESS THROUGH DATA ANALYTICS

Billy Beane’s name resonates not only with baseball enthusiasts but also with business leaders and data analysts. His tenure as general manager of the Oakland Athletics (A’s) marked a seismic shift in how performance and decision-making are approached, not just in sports but across the business world.

His transition from a professional baseball player to the GM of the A’s in 1997 was the start of a groundbreaking journey. At the time, the A’s faced the significant challenge of competing with wealthier teams while operating on a shoestring budget. Beane’s solution was both unconventional and transformative: He turned to data analytics.

Previously, baseball evaluations were heavily reliant on subjective scouting reports and traditional metrics like batting average and home runs. However, Beane, influenced by the work of economist Bill James and his sabermetric analyses, saw the potential in a more objective approach. James’s sabermetrics challenged conventional wisdom by focusing on advanced statistics that better correlated with a player’s actual contribution to winning games.

Beane and his team began identifying undervalued players who had been overlooked by others. This data-driven approach enabled the A’s to build a competitive team despite their financial constraints, setting records for consecutive wins — seven AL Western Division titles and 10 playoff appearances — and proving that data analytics could level the playing field in professional sports.

That strategic methodology has come to be known as the “Moneyball” philosophy, named for the best-selling book and Oscar-nominated film chronicling Beane’s journey from general manager to hero to celebrated management genius. Presently senior adviser to A’s owner John Fisher and a minority owner, Beane is a four-time MLB “Executive of the Year” award winner and was named by Forbes as one of the “100 Greatest Living Business Minds.”

In an exclusive interview with the MBA Business Magazine ahead of his keynote address at the MBA’s 119th Annual Event on October 9, Beane shares his thoughts on changing the game — in sports and business — when it comes to data analytics to gain a competitive edge.

Editor’s note: The following interview has been edited for space purposes.

It’s been 13 years since “Moneyball” was released, starring Brad Pitt playing you. The 2011 film, adapted from the best-selling book, was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Actor and Best Picture. Your “underdog” story resonated so quickly and so passionately with fans. What was your reaction to its reception?

“Any time you get the opportunity to have Brad Pitt play you, you’re starting off on the right foot. He was really instrumental in sort of bringing the story to screen. Michael Lewis also did an amazing job. He’s arguably one of the most influential nonfiction writers in the world today... . When you have both those guys sort of telling your story, one on the pages of a book and the other one in a movie, you’ve got a good chance of success.”

Were you really that surprised by the interest?

“I remember telling Michael Lewis when he said he was going to write a book, which kind of came as a surprise to us, ‘Nobody’s going to read this. Nobody cares about it. Oakland A’s, we’re the smallest business in our space,’ and I said, ‘This is really a waste of your time.’

Let’s face it, data’s not the most exciting subject when you’re talking about bringing it to a book, and then secondly, bringing it to the (big) screen. We said we kind of made data sexy.”

Reflecting on the evolution of your data-driven approach since the early days with the Oakland A’s, how has your perspective on data in decision-making evolved?

“When I posed the question to Michael (Lewis), ‘Why would anyone want to read your book on what we were doing?’ He actually used a term nobody had ever heard of back then. The book came out in 2003, but he said, ‘Oh, well people working with big data this is really going to resonate.’ Me and Paul (DePodesta), my right-hand guy at the time, said, ‘Well, what the heck’s big data?’ Now it’s probably overused in today’s world, but I think in some sense our timing was perfect.”

How would you describe data analytics back then?

“The collection of data was kind of a Wild, Wild West. People didn’t care, so the collection was up to you... .

Now in today’s world, every business has access to data, a flood of data, whether they want it or not. That’s what’s really changed over the last 20 years.”

What new insights or advancements in data analytics have you found most impactful for shaping strategy in recent years?

“I think a lot of other teams actually did this better than we

did as it applies to baseball, the use of data and things like biometrics. When we used data, it was a different way of evaluating performance. Then, ultimately, we wanted to predict future player performance. That’s what we wanted to do. That’s what was important to us.

I think some really smart teams — some funded better than we were at the same level — took this data and were able to use it to actually improve the performance of the players that they have with players they scouted, like with biometrics… .

The evolution in the use of data in baseball has gone beyond what we used it for, which is good, because the great thing that I found is that when you combine a lot of information, i.e. data, with some really, really smart people coming into the business, some great things happen.”

What advice would you give to employers looking to leverage data analytics for strategic advantage in today’s environment?

“When I came into the business, I was 18 years old. I came in as a player in the major leagues. I had a really good resume for my business at the time because baseball was very sort of insulated, insular, I guess in the way it hired. We kind of hired our own. We hired ex-players; we hired people who’ve been in the business.

One of the reasons that we could do that was because baseball teams really never faced the ultimate penalty for bad decision-making, which was bankruptcy. Baseball teams don’t go bankrupt. You lose 100 games, you just hit the reset button, start the next season, so it sort of allowed you to continue to do the same things over and over again.

As an ex-player, I had an advantage because I was an inside guy. But really, the impact of the book, then subsequent movie, was not so much what we did on the field, but who we brought into the business.”

How did “Moneyball” draw interest outside of

sports?

“I remember when the book came out, I received resumes from people whose normal career path would’ve been graduate from Harvard, apply at Goldman Sachs, apply at Facebook, apply to huge health-care companies, but now they have the opportunity to work in sports.

The resumes I need are the resumes that you need as well... . The great thing you have in sports is that I have an advantage in competing against your group because they will come work for their favorite sports team for 25 cents on the dollar because of that passion."

The result?

"There’s a lot of people who assumed if you didn’t play the game, how could you possibly know how to run the business, which they’re really two separate skill sets.

I would say for any business, there’s always a lot of prequalification that goes in. There are assumptions that are made that someone can or cannot do. It really was the baseline for my hiring when I was with the A’s; I just wanted to hire the smartest people I could possibly hire… .

In my experience, every type of business has its own culture that’s been handed down from generation to generation. The challenge in changing things is that usually the response is, ‘Well, that’s not how we’ve done it here, and that’s never been successful here,’ mainly because it’s never been tried.”

You are a former professional baseball player turned executive who has made contributions to the sport and industry both on and off the field. In your opinion, what role does organizational culture play in successfully implementing data-driven decision-making processes?

“That really all starts with the leadership. Any culture is only as good as the success of that business. Nobody can have a great culture. Nobody can have a great baseball culture in the front office if your team’s losing games at some point — the success.

Our core product was a baseball team… . We focused on sort of winning as many games as we could, and that would set the culture… .

When we brought people in, there were no pre-qualifications. We had incredibly diverse dynamic backgrounds from an educational standpoint, from an interest standpoint. We had young men and young women. We had people from outside the country who were applying for our jobs. It was a small workforce; it was very dynamic.”

How did the data-driven decision-making impact the culture?

“We could always explain why we were doing something because essentially our decisions were a math problem. If we do this and this, this should ultimately be the outcome. No guarantee, but we could at least explain why we were trying to execute on something, which in our mind was huge in terms of people knowing why we were doing things.

Any time I’ve been around any sort of business that doesn’t understand what leadership is doing, it creates a bit of a chaos, and they (people) will fill that up themselves, which can create problems.”

What do you believe is the key to developing a winning culture — whether it is in baseball or in another business?

“Leadership’s the most important thing. In any business without great leadership, any success, I believe, would be temporary.

We can talk about data all we want, but if there’s no one there to execute it, it goes back to my original statement. Everyone’s a data person until it doesn’t back up their opinion, and it’s up to the leadership to execute.

Having great information doesn’t mean anything if you can’t execute on it. The execution ultimately comes at the top. If you’re doing a great job of executing, ultimately, you’re going to be successful. To me, that’s the biggest determining factor in having a good culture."

When you first introduced your data-driven approach, you faced significant resistance and skepticism from traditionalists within the baseball community. However, the success of the Oakland A’s in the early 2000s silenced many of your critics and proved the effectiveness of the “Moneyball” philosophy. What strategies do you recommend our members employ to overcome resistance or skepticism toward new approaches within their organizations or industries?

“I think there’s this belief when you start using data, particularly if you have a culture that’s been very intuitiondriven, there’s this feeling that when you switch to data that you’re automatically going to have a 100-percent hit rate on all your decisions.

I don’t think most of us default to a quantitative way of looking at things. We default emotionally, and this is sort of a general statement, but once someone says, ‘We’re going to make decisions based on data,’ when you’re right, the first three times everybody says, ‘We’re a data-driven group.’ However, when you’re wrong three times, that’s when everyone starts whispering, ‘Hey, I told you this number stuff doesn’t work.’ Numbers don’t tell the whole story. They start becoming excuses. The fact is you aren’t going to be 100-percent correct.

What you’re trying to do is create similar to an algorithm in a decision-making tree where you are. For us, we wanted to leverage our data advantage. We wanted to make a lot of decisions. So, if we made five decisions, just be right three times. Then, if we make 10 decisions, make it six times, then it’s 12 out of 20, then it’s 24 out of 40. Really, we wanted to leverage that data. But I think internally the challenge is that when you’re not right every time, that’s when you have people sort of questioning.”

How important was it to stick with the data?

“We made a number of changes on the team, but they were all peripheral changes that really had no impact on the dayto-day playing. The perception is those changes were what turned the team around. What really happened was the team just normalized because it was playing well. It just wasn’t getting the short-term results. We knew that eventually it was, and to us, that was one of the greatest lessons — really being disciplined and not being emotional on a day-to-day basis.

I always go back to Warren Buffett because he was a hero of ours. I’ve never heard Warren Buffet tell me what’s going to happen in the market that day. He usually tells you, ‘If I invest X now, I have a feeling in seven or 10 years, it’s going to be worth more.’ He’s not going to gyrate with the day-to-day, up and down of what’s going on each day with the market.”

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What is the best advice you can give our members when it comes to adopting new and innovative approaches in their operations?

“Any response, whether it was verbally or internal — talking to ourselves internally — is that once we had the information, which for us was the data, the idea that we would go back to a gut/intuition decision-making process made no sense at all.

Paul DePodesta, my right-hand guy, used to say, ‘We felt like going into a math test.’ We had the answers, we’d be fools not to take them. Once you have the data and the data gives you a chance at a better outcome in your decision-making, the idea that you wouldn’t use it despite never having done it before, just seemed foolish to us... .

The other thing — the biggest fear for us in terms of making decisions the way we did initially — was the pushback that jobs were going to be lost. What ended up happening was scouting staffs actually increased in size... . What we did is we redefined the jobs that they did. We asked scouts to give us information we could not get through data that was ground intelligence.”

Your dedication to building a successful small-market MLB team and commitment to your innovative approach have made you a beloved and respected figure in the world of baseball. But your career has changed and morphed into a passion for soccer (joining the ownership group of the English soccer team, the Barnsley Football Club, for instance). What’s next?

“Soccer (football) in Europe is similar to baseball; it is an emotional sport. There’s a lot of data and information available that wasn’t being utilized to predict player performance. Basically, soccer was the same opportunity we had in baseball 20 years ago.

In baseball, it’s kind of a closed ecosystem in the sense that you have 30 teams and once 30 teams are doing the same thing as every other one, it’s very difficult to transact because we sort of value the players the same way. Soccer’s a little different because there’s far more teams. And theoretically in soccer, they don’t necessarily have trades of players. You bid on players... .

From a business standpoint, you can buy a famous brand that’s been mismanaged and has been relegated, and you buy a brand that’s well known, and you buy it at a good price. If you sort of rehab that brand and get them promoted, it can become a very successful business venture. For instance, the Yankees are certainly a worldwide brand. Manchester United is a worldwide brand, and there was a lot of soccer teams over there that are big brands themselves that haven’t had success in the field. You can buy them at a discounted place, hopefully rehab the business, have success and rebuild that brand.”

By striking parallels between baseball and business, we believe you will inspire our member companies, which represent a myriad of industries. Is there anything else that you would like to share with them ahead of your presentation on October 9 in Erie?

“Listen, if you can do it in sports, which is probably one the most emotional businesses, they can certainly be used in any other business. And, just from a purely survival standpoint, whether you do or don’t adopt this, your competitors are… .

I’ll just speak for my business, the ones that resisted were the ones who took the longest to recover when they finally did, and now at every level, there’s an analytics department in every single baseball team.”

BILLY BEANE

OUTFIELDER

Throws/Bats: R/R

Height: 6'4"

Born: 3-29-1962, Orlando, FL

High School: Mount Carmel High School, San Diego, CA

College: Attended UC San Diego where he studied economics

Drafted: Drafted by the New York Mets in the first round (23rd) of the 1980 June Amateur Draft

Major Leagues: New York Mets (1984–1985); Minnesota Twins (1986–1987); Detroit Tigers (1988); Oakland Athletics (1989).

BASEBALL EXECUTIVE

 Joined the Oakland Athletics’ front office as a scout in 1990, was named general manager after the 1997 season, and was promoted to executive vice president after the 2015 season.

 Shattered traditional MLB beliefs that high payrolls equated wins by implementing a data-driven methodology that led the Oakland A’s, with one of the lowest payrolls, to seven American League Western Division titles and 10 playoff appearances.

 Named The Sporting News ’ Executive of the Year in 1999 and earned Major League Baseball’s Executive of the Year honors by Baseball America magazine following the 2002 season. In November 2001, Beane was named one of Street & Smith’s Sport Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and in 2004, he was rated 16th on their list of Baseball’s Heavy Hitters.

 Four-time MLB “Executive of the Year” award winner and was named by Forbes as one of the “100 Greatest Living Business Minds.”

 Currently senior adviser to owner John Fisher and a minority owner and formerly the executive vice president of baseball operations.

BUILDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

Founded in 1921, Team Hardinger has a rich history rooted in family values and a commitment to excellence. Today, the company has been reimagined to Hardinger Integrated Logistics, with its affiliate companies — Hardinger Trucking, Hardinger Brokerage, Hardinger TMS, Hardinger Warehousing and EQPT Services — and is poised to embark on a new era of growth and innovation.

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Dedicated to becoming a leading provider of transportation solutions in the United States and Canada, we are investing in cutting-edge technology, expanding our service offerings, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

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IT’S HANDLED — Expanding our service portfolio to offer a wider range of transportation solutions.

DRIVEN TO INNOVATE — Embracing advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, visibility, and sustainability in our operations.

WE’RE TEAM POWERED

Hardinger Integrated Logistics and its affiliate companies are powered by talented and innovative teams driven to be your trusted partner in the transportation industry. We deliver peace of mind for our clients so they have the clear advantage.

Hardinger Trucking ensures reliable, on-time deliveries with our asset fleet, reducing your transportation costs and improving customer satisfaction.

Hardinger Brokerage services leverage industry expertise to optimize routes and carriers, saving you time and money while enhancing supply chain efficiency.

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Hardinger Warehousing solutions offer flexibility and cutting-edge technology, enabling inventory optimization.

EQPT Services puts the power of our service center and body shop behind your fleet to deal with maintenance and repairs without supply chain interruption.

Having a financial partner who understands your business is important. Having one who is invested in your success is invaluable. With FNB, you’ll have access to a full range of financing solutions to meet your long and short-term goals, from asset-based loans to flexible equipment leasing options. More importantly, you’ll have the support of a dedicated expert who understands your vision and can offer creative solutions to realize it. Find out how FNB can help your business grow at fnb-online.com/behindyourbusiness

If you are seeking legal services, we should have a conversation about:

• How we strive to achieve each client’s objectives

• How we invest in our people

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Let’s talk. Call us at 814-459-2800. Or visit kmgslaw.com/LetsTalk to learn more.

Helping

Because

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Shown are the KeyBank Relationship Management team supporting businesses in Erie and surrounding communities.

From left: Kirk Reynolds, Greg Hyziewicz, and Kellie Liston.

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Paving the Way for Progress: Certified Sites in Erie, Pa.

The future spot for a 160-acre business park.

An Ideal Location for Growth and Stability

Erie County offers significant benefits for industrial development, including convenient access to rail, water and interstate transportation. In fact, half of North America’s population is within a day’s drive, making it a favorable location for logistics and distribution.

The downtown entertainment district is thriving, the cost of living is low, the green spaces are ample, the draw for tourism is strong and the sense of community is empowering. Combined, these are all the qualities that build a strong community with high quality of life for the workforce.

Improving the Odds With Certified Smart Sites

The Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) has long been a driving force in the economic revitalization of Erie County — striving to provide you with certified smart sites to make your business expansion experience fast, easy and free of hassle.

Smart sites have undergone a rigorous prequalification process to ensure they are shovel-ready or move-in ready. With all the necessary groundwork already completed — from soil testing to entitlements to installation of essential infrastructure elements, including electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber, etc. — businesses can skip the potential roadblocks and get to work.

By prequalifying sites and addressing potential issues upfront, ECRDA removes much of the uncertainty that can plague new construction projects, like soil contamination, inadequate infrastructure or legal issues. For businesses looking to establish or expand operations in the area, this translates to a significant reduction in the time and effort required to start construction or move into a new facility.

ECRDA's Role

ECRDA identifies parcels of land that have the potential to become certified sites, implements environmental testing and assessments, evaluates existing infrastructure, works to secure all necessary entitlements and permits, installs any key infrastructure elements that are missing and mitigates any issues that arise.

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Discover the Perfect Location for Your Next Site — Ironworks Square

Modern and appealing, with amenities galore, Ironworks Square is located in the heart of Erie’s historic industrial corridor. Previously home to the Erie Malleable Iron Co.

Ironworks Square Rendering

manufacturing facility, the site is less than a mile from Interstate 79 and conveniently located proximal to rail lines.

After being left dormant in 2001, ECRDA purchased the property in 2021 and embarked on an ambitious redevelopment project to transform the blighted site into a beautiful space, primed for use as a mini-business park — complete with EV charging stations, a brewery, a state-of-the-art conference and event center, and more.

Phase 1 of the project involved demolition of unsalvageable portions of the site and preparation for construction and renovation in Phase 2. Exemplary of a large-scale recycling project, ECRDA used a green approach to restore this industrial brownfield site. Structural steel and bricks were salvaged and recycled, and clean concrete from the demolition was crushed and used to fill in the foundation. The recycling efforts reduced costs substantially while diverting as much waste as possible from the landfill.

Phase 2 involves build-to-suit renovation of up to 75,000 square feet of the remaining structure. Leasing options are now available, ranging from 2,500 to 35,000 square feet. Phase 3 will offer 80,000 square feet of new build-to-suit space.

The potential for this location cannot be understated, according to Tina Mengine, president and CEO of ECRDA. “We are taking 200,000 square feet of unused space and turning it into more than 150,000 square feet of ready-to-go, high-tech, high-quality leasable space that will help transform Erie’s industrial corridor.”

Erie’s Newest Business Park — Coming Soon

To meet growing demands, a new 160-acre business park is also in development in Erie. Conveniently located within 1,000 feet of Interstate 90 between Fairview and McKean, the park offers lots starting at 20 acres.

This new park is positioned to become the largest business park in Erie County, providing a competitive edge for the region in business expansion and growth. According to Mengine, “This acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to develop priority sites that facilitate job creation and retention while increasing prosperity in the Erie region.”

Beyond Site Development: Financing and Support

The ECRDA goes beyond merely developing certified sites; it also plays a pivotal role in assisting businesses with financing and support services that are crucial for success. By working in close collaboration with local, state, national and private entities, ECRDA helps businesses secure the necessary funding and resources to bring their projects to fruition.

Berry Global’s operations are expanding with construction of a new 90,000-square-foot warehouse at 15th and Myrtle streets.

ECRDA facilitates the often complex process of obtaining state and local permits, ensuring that businesses can navigate regulatory requirements with ease. The authority also offers guidance on leveraging various incentives designed to spur economic growth and development. This comprehensive support system makes ECRDA a one-stopshop for businesses — streamlining the process to deliver projects on time, on budget and with minimal hassle.

Through this multifaceted approach, ECRDA not only fosters an environment conducive to industrial and commercial development, but also ensures that businesses have the financial backing and regulatory support needed to thrive in Erie County.

A Solid Foundation for Economic Growth

The authority’s certified-sites initiative exemplifies a proactive and strategic approach to economic development. By offering prequalified, shovel-ready locations, ECRDA eliminates many of the uncertainties and delays that typically accompany new construction and expansion projects.

Its logistical location, the economic vitality and quality of life in the region — and the support provided by ECRDA — all combine to make Erie County an ideal hub for industrial and commercial growth.

Choosing Erie to expand your operations is just good for business.

THE NEXT STEP TO SUCCESS

3230 West Lake Road Erie, PA 16505

Additional Locations: State College, PA Cleveland, OH San Antonio, TX

Phone: 814/836-1515 wmf-inc.com

Weber Murphy Fox Builds Upon More Than Five Decades of Success

Weber Murphy Fox (WMF) was founded in 1967 with a home office in Erie, Pennsylvania. The architecture, interior design, land planning and development, and construction management firm is independently owned by its principals and shareholders, with additional offices in State College, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas. The foundation of its more than five decades of success is a multi-discipline process that combines the knowledge and expertise from its wide range of in-house professionals to create efficient, effective and comprehensive solutions for its clients. From planning to design to construction, WMF executes every project with a client-first vision. Building relationships with clients based on trust, WMF engages every client’s specific needs to fully explore the parameters and potential for each project.

FIRST DECADE

• 1967 Herm Weber joins Ed Kern to launch the firm Kern & Weber

• 1967 First project is a private residence

• 1970 Doug Murphy Joins the Firm

• 1972 firm becomes Kern-WeberMurphy, AIA

• 1975 Dick Fox joins the firm

• 1975 firm becomes Weber Murphy Architects

SECOND DECADE

• 1978 Rich Speicher joins the firm

• 1982 Dennis Wilkins joins the firm

• 1983 firm establishes a Construction Management Practice to deliver integrated project delivery

• Mid- 1980’s firm kick starts the development of the Erie Bayfront

THIRD DECADE

1988 firm becomes Weber Murphy Fox, Inc.

• 1995 WMF designs Erie’s iconic Bicentennial Tower

• 1995 WMF design Jerry Uht Park

• 1997 Adds Interior Design

FOURTH DECADE

• 1999 Clete Miller Joins the firm

• 2001 Firm moves to present location on West Lake Road

• 2001 Anna Childe and Charlie Yazembiak join the firm

• 2000 WMF buys the Arris Group, an Interior Design firm, in Cleveland, OH to establish office in downtown Cleveland

• 2001 WMF opens up office in State College, PA to service Penn State University and Central PA

• 2001 WMF designs the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center on the Penn State Behrend Campus

• 2006: Added Landscape Architecture and Land Planning

FIFTH DECADE

• 2007 WMF designs new High School for Bethel Park School District

• 2008 WMF endows the WMF Collegiate Scholarship Fund through the Erie Community Foundation to support Higher Education in our region

• 2012 WMF designs and builds LORD Robison Road Manufacturing Facility

• 2013 WMF begins master planning of Harbor Place in partnership with Scott Enterprises

• 2014 WMF designs major renovation to Progressive Field

Industrial and Manufacturing

WMF’s integrated project delivery approach can significantly impact continuity of a business while improving the quality of its physical assets (manufacturing, warehousing, office space, etc.). The firm can do this by leveraging its working knowledge of manufacturing environments, discussing a client’s specific growth strategy and company needs, and applying the resources of its design and construction management team members. The resources a client needs can all be provided in-house to identify and

WMF Principals and Board

• Charlie Yazembiak, AIA, NCARB: Chairman of

Board

Genna Druzak, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP: President

• Brian Weber, AIA, RLA, LEED AP: Executive Vice President

Dennis Wilkins, AIA, LEED AP: Treasurer

• Clete Miller, Associate AIA: Secretary

Anna Childe, RA, LEED AP

Dick Fox, AIA

Jeff Lander, AIA, LEED AP

Rich Speicher, AIA

implement meaningful solutions for growth strategy. Implementation of an integrated delivery strategy has aided many of WMF’s clients. The firm’s approach realizes savings in design fees, shortens delivery schedules, and produces early and accurate costing information. By involving both design and construction professionals from the very beginning, WMF applies critical knowledge continuity from client’s user groups during construction.

Industrial & Manufacturing

Project Types

• Warehouse/Distribution Buildings

• Manufacturing Buildings (heavy industrial)

• Refrigeration/Cold Storage Buildings

• Flex Buildings

• Light Manufacturing Buildings

• R&D Buildings

Client Testimonials:

“WMF guided us through the complexities of the market, funding, as well as political and social considerations. We found the process to be creative, engaging and truly enjoyable.”

“WMF’s ability to listen to the goals of our organization, the aspirations of the community and the expectations of the city led to a comprehensive vision that meets the immediate needs and budget constraints while also providing a strategy for our communities' future growth.”

Shown here is the groundbreaking ceremony of KYOCERA AVX’s 49,000-square-foot manufacturing and design center being built at Penn State Behrend's Knowledge Park. The facility, which is expected to open in April 2025. The project is being led by Weber Murphy Fox.

The new Kyocera AVX building is being built at Penn State Behrend.

the

As president and chief executive officer of the Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA), a fraternal life insurance society in Erie, Brian Young appreciates the impact that opportunity and encouragement can have on the next generation.

Back in 1999, Young attended the Erie County Technical School and was named a winner of the Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) prestigious Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Award for his technical and vocational excellence.

“Receiving that honor began a 25year path of progression with positive influences from local businesses and amazing opportunities to grow and succeed,” Young explains. “The role of president and CEO at LCBA is a culmination of the experience and acumen gained along that path — set in motion in 1999 at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s annual meeting. I am truly blessed to come into a team of people with similar stories of progression, all working for the health and resiliency of our organization, centered around caring for our members and community.”

MFG DAY INSPIRES

NEXT GENERATION

LOCCO AWARDS ENCOURAGE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS BY RECOGNIZING TECHNICAL, VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

This year, the MBA will announce the winners of the 2024 Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards during the 11th annual Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) celebration on Wednesday, October 9, at the Bayfront Convention Center. The Locco Awards have become a staple of the premier event, recognizing the best and brightest students from four area vocational / technical schools, including Corry Area Career & Technical Center, the Crawford County Career & Technical Center, Erie High School and the Erie County Technical School.

“We are extremely proud to recognize the phenomenal achievements of these students,” says Lori Joint, president and chief executive officer of the MBA. “This recognition celebrates their accomplishments and encourages a pathway to success in the future.”

Among this year’s nominees are Jordon Britton, Nolan Carey, Tyler Parker, Mason Savitz and Nolan White, Corry Area Career & Technical Center; Jacob Costello, Casey Fuller and Josiah Kauffman, Crawford County Career & Technical Center; David Muweza, Roget Pickens and Zaburoni Twahirwa, Erie High School; and, Max McClintock, Austen Curtze, Joshua Hirtzel, Austin Mello and Holden

Siegler, Erie County Technical School.

The Locco Awards, which are named in honor of the late Association Vice President Patrick R. Locco, a strong advocate of vocational education, were created in 1972 (then known as the Golden Watch Awards) with the sole purpose to recognize outstanding high school students who distinguish themselves in the pursuit of technical and academic excellence. To be considered for this prestigious honor, students must apply and be nominated by a teacher. Each school then narrows the nominees to their top candidates. Students are then interviewed by local businesspeople who ultimately choose the winners. Student winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Jim Ohrn, a longtime Locco Award judge and retired chief financial officer and vice president for Custom Engineering in Erie, says the Locco Award process is very fulfilling. The detailed review of past student accomplishments as well as planned future endeavors provides them with a further sense of purpose and resolve to make their aspirations a reality for themselves, their teachers and their families.

“I’m absolutely convinced that the

Locco Award winners were honored before fellow students, parents, educators, judges and business leaders during MFG Day at the Bayfront Convention Center in 2023. This year’s honorees will be announced at the 2024 MFG Day celebration on October 9.

recognition as a Locco Award nominee empowers and encourages the students to continue to achieve and to continue to excel in their chosen fields,” Ohrn says. “It is an important process that confirms to them and the educators that the business community highly values the important technical education skills in which they have excelled.”

Over the years, MFG Day has become the ideal stage to recognize the Locco Award honorees. The event is presented by the MBA, along with partners — the Northwest Pennsylvania National Tooling and Machining Association, Career Street, Harbor Creek School District, and Crawford County K–12 Career Education Alliance — and major sponsor AirBorn, along with dozens of other sponsor companies. The program draws more than 2,000 students, educators and business leaders to the Bayfront Convention Center each year to see exhibits, take part in educational sessions and attend the annual Locco Awards presentation.

Ohrn is thrilled to see the Locco honorees recognized on stage. “It is such a profound pleasure to see the winners beaming on Manufacturing Day in front of their proud parents and teachers,” he says.

For over 50 years, the MBA has provided hundreds of students with Locco scholarships to assist them on their pathway to success. The recognition, however, is just as valuable.

Young, for one, has some sage advice to give this year’s honorees. “Pause, look around the room and take in the fact that you have achieved a great honor, and in doing so will have the blessing of continuing a positive impact in the Erie manufacturing and business community,” he says. “Shake hands, build relationships, and engage our business leaders who support you. Our MBA community will continue to be your greatest supporters and cheerleaders as you develop your career, and your opportunities will grow as a result.”

For

information about MFG Day 2024, visit mbausa.org.

Electronics

Founded in 1958, AirBorn began manufacturing electronic connectors for the military and aerospace industries. Since then, AirBorn parts were designed into the Voyager I and II probes, lunar modules, space shuttles, and Mars rovers just to name a few famous programs. Today, AirBorn’s core business is engineering, manufacturing, and testing interconnects and electronic components for customers across industries including aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, and space exploration.

As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, AirBorn’s employees express a distinct “pride-of-ownership”. Our teams enjoy the direct stake in making AirBorn a best-in-class operation from initial consultations to product shipment.

We’re always interested in growing our Lake City team — apply today for day and night shifts at www.airborn.com/careers.

“We know molds.”™

Address: 8251 Hamot Road, Erie, PA 16509

Phone: 814/833-2721

Website: adlertooling.com

Adler is a global network of tool and die companies capable of meeting both the immediate and deeper needs of manufacturers of all sizes and sophistication. Adler is committed to providing customers a quicker return on their investment while offering the best landed costs with ongoing reliability and service.

Address: 2700 Mechanic Street, Lake City, PA 16423

Phone: 814/774-5658

Website: airborn.com

AirBorn is an employee-owned company whose core business is engineering and manufacturing specialized connectors and electronic components for OEMs in the mil-aero, commercial air, space, medical and industrial markets.

Address: 316 West 16th Street, Erie, PA 16502

Phone: 814/461-5100

Website: berryglobal.com

Harnessing the strength in diversity and industry-leading talent of 40,000+ employees across more than 250 global locations, including its Erie, PA facility, Berry Global develops, designs and manufactures innovative products with an eye toward the circular economy. Berry Global believes in the extraordinary power of people and their unique talents, experiences and perspectives that help shape a shared future of innovation, inspiration and influence. At Berry Global, every employee has the opportunity to make their mark on the company and the world.

Address: 1800 Pennsylvania Avenue W, Warren, PA 16365

Phone: 814/723-1250

Website: bettsind.com

Industry-leading manufacturer of critical components and lighting systems for the tank truck industry, worldwide.

Address: 1105 Thompson Avenue, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Phone: 412/331-3353

Website: acewirespring.com

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. Inc. is a family owned leader in custom precision springs and wire forms, serving diverse industries since 1939. With cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team, Ace delivers highquality, tailored solutions with exceptional craftsmanship and customer service, ensuring optimal performance and reliability

MANUFACTURING DAY SUPPORTERS

The Manufacturer & Business Association is proud to recognize the supporters of MFG Day 2024 on October 9 at the Bayfront Convention Center of Erie! More than 2,000 students, educators and business community leaders will be on hand to experience the best of modern manufacturing and manufacturing careers in northwest Pennsylvania. Learn more at mbausa.org

Address: 22 Ore Dock Road, Erie, PA 16507

Phone: 814/480-8553

Website: carmeuse.com

Carmeuse Americas is the area’s leading supplier of crushed limestone and natural sands utilized in industrial, construction and soil improvement applications. Operating the Port of Erie’s Shipping Terminal, the company imports and exports all manner of aggregates and project/break bulk cargo. Committed to Safety, the environment and people, Carmeuse and its subsidiaries employ 2,500 families in 23 countries across four continents.

Address: 1306 S. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335

Phone: 814/337-9200

Website: channellock.com

Founded in 1886, Channellock, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers and assorted hand tools. Family owned and operated, Channellock, Inc. has more than 4,000 U.S. wholesale and retail customers and ships to customers in 45 countries.

Address: 1717 East 12th Street, Erie, PA 16511

Phone: 814/452-2281

Website: curtze.com

Curtze is a broadline food service distributor offering all categories of food and supplies to restaurants, hotels, clubs and health-care facilities in nine states. Specialties include fresh cut portion control meats and seafood and a complete fresh produce program.

Address: 1901 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15209

Phone: 412/821-2703

Website: diamondwire.com

A proud Pennsylvania manufacturer of precision springs since 1939, Diamond continues to hold fast to its founding principles of providing quality custom and stock springs with a strong emphasis on personalized customer service.

Address: 1 Front Street, Irvine, PA 16329

Phone: 866/523-6743

Email: enfsales@elwd.com

Website: ellwoodnationalforge.com

ELLWOOD National Forge is a leader in forging, heavy machining and project management of products for defense, oil & gas, power generation, and heavy industrial markets. With in-house estimating, engineering, metallurgy and project management, ELLWOOD National Forge has a unique ability to manage complex projects throughout the entire melting, forging, and finish machining processes.

Phone: 814/835-6000

Website: eriez.com

Eriez manufactures separation technologies and markets its products through 12 facilities on six continents. From the food industry to coal mining, Eriez solves complex problems through uniquely engineered solutions.

Address: 1851 Rudolph Avenue, Erie, PA 16502

Phone: 814/456-7001

Website: eriestrayer.com

Erie Strayer Company, family owned since 1912, is a fourth generation industry leader in the designing, engineering and manufacturing of concrete batch plants. From custom ready-mix plants to highly mobile paving plants, ERIE’s rugged quality and timely after-sale support remain key to its success. ERIE also manufactures its own heavy-duty Tilt Drum Mixer, Liberty Computer Control Batching System and state of the art PLC-Based Automatic Material Handling Controls. The company remains under the direction of the Strayer family as it has for the last century. Kyle F. Strayer, great-grandson of the founder, is the president/CEO.

Address: 109 University Sq., Erie, PA 16541

Phone: 814/871-7407

Website: gannon.edu

Gannon University is a Catholic, Diocesan University dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, the University offers a comprehensive learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.

Address: 5599 New Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509

Phone: 814/868-3691

Website: haysite.com

Haysite Reinforced Plastics is a world leader in the electrical insulation, chemical, and corrosion resistant market. Haysite has been pioneering advancements in formulated and processed composite materials for over 70 years and excels at the cutting edge of the FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastics) industry. As a member of Isovolta Group companies, Haysite’s technical resources allow it to manufacture the industry’s broadest product line of laminated sheets, pultruded shapes, custom molded parts, and molding compounds. Beyond its deep standard lines, Haysite continues to build its custom molding reputation by evaluating new markets and develop new material systems to better serve its customers.

Address: 2909 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505

Phone: 814/833-9876

Website: ismerie.com

Industrial Sales & Mfg. (ISM), a family owned business since 1967, stands as a premier contract manufacturer and trusted supplier of high-quality machined, fabricated and assembled components for OEMs. ISM’s half-century of expertise spans a wide range of materials and processes, delivering precision-machined parts, custom fabrications and complex assemblies. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a team of highly skilled professionals, ISM excels in producing diverse components, from single prototypes to high-volume production runs of millions. With a commitment to precision and reliability rooted in its family values, ISM ensures each order is manufactured to exact specifications, delivered on time, every time. ISM’s local roots, combined with advanced manufacturing solutions, make ISM the ideal partner for manufacturers seeking top-tier, dependable production services.

Address: 2099 Hill City Road, Seneca, PA 16346

Phone: 814/677-0716

Website: matric.com

Founded in 1971, Matric has provided world-class Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) for 50 years. The company specializes in high mix/low to high volume contract assembly. Services include Surface Mount & Through-Hole Technology Assembly, Cable & Harness Assembly, Electromechanical Assembly, Aftermarket Services, and Obsolescence Management. Certifications include AS 9100, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, NADCAP Accredited in Electronics, ITAR, RoHS, and ATEX/Ex Qan compliant, and a HUBZone business. From design to production, throughout a product’s lifecycle, Matric partners with customers to achieve their products’ highest potential.

Address: 3340 Pearl Avenue, Erie, PA 16510

Phone: 814/899-3111

Website: jmccormickconstruction.com

Family owned heavy highway construction company specializing in asphalt paving, excavation, site development, demolition and sanitary/ storm sewer installation work for various state, county, city municipalities, commercial developments and local companies throughout Erie County.

Address: 100 State Street, Suite 700, Erie, PA 16507

Phone: 814/870-7600

Website: MacDonaldIllig.com

MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP provides sophisticated legal counsel to clients that range from business owners in Erie to major corporations abroad.

Address: One Crawford Street, Saegertown, PA 16433

Phone: 814/763-2655

Website: macleanfoggcs.com

MacLean-Fogg Saegertown’s location was founded in 1965 and has been a leading supplier of formed products ever since. It joined the MacLeanFogg family in 2008 and is one of North America’s leading cold forging operations, serving a diverse range of industries with high quality net shape and near net shape parts.

Address: 1533 East 12th Street, Erie, PA 16511

Phone: 814/459-4495

Website: mcinnesrolledrings.com

Manufactures seamless rolled ring forgings in carbon, alloy and stainless steel.

Address: 15309 Baldwin St. Ext., Meadville, PA 16335, additional locations in Cambridge Springs and Saegertown, PA

Phone: 814/332-8200

Website: meadforge.com

Meadville Forging Company is a supplier of parts to the automotive industry. MFC's capabilities include engineering and design, die-making, forging, heat treating and machining.

Address: 1100 State Street, Erie, PA 16501

Phone: 814/871-8200

Website: nationalfuel.com

National Fuel is a diversified energy company that operates an integrated collection of natural gas assets across four business segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility.

Address: (Local) 7200 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509

Phone: (Local) 814/866-9661 (Regional) 412/679-6343

Website: navy.com

Working with the most advanced tech around the world, Sailors in science and military engineering jobs ensure the fleet has the most up-to-date information. These Sailors are at the forefront of technology and are always pushing the limit of what’s possible.

Address: P.O. Box 203, Meadville, PA 16335

Phone: 814/720-0094

Website: nwpa-ntma.com

NWPA NTMA is a trade association focused on promoting the advancement of excellence in precision custom manufacturing through cooperation between members, educators, associated organizations, and government in the regions served.

Address: 300 2nd Avenue, Suite 500, Warren, PA 16365

Phone: 814/230-9010 or 844/350-7729

Website: regionalcollegepa.org

NPRC is an affordable Pennsylvania college offering associate degrees and workforce training for students, adult learners and more.

Address: 2455 Robison Road West, Erie, PA 16509

Phone: 814/868-3180

Website: parker.com

Parker Lord leverages 100 years of experience in manufacturing and developing adhesives, coatings, thermal management materials and motion management devices that significantly reduce risk and improve performance. In collaboration with its customers, Parker Lord provides innovative solutions globally to the automotive, aerospace, industrial and oil and gas markets. Parker Lord continues to invest in new solutions that will help move every person in the world.

Address: 5404 Evans Road, Erie, PA 16509

Phone: 800-545-7741

Website: firstenergycorp.com

Penelec is an electric company serving approximately 597,000 customers within 17,600 square miles of northern and central Pennsylvania and western New York. The company is part of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems that provides safe, reliable and responsive service to 6 million customers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Address: 4701 College Drive, Erie, PA 16563

Phone: 814/898-6000

Website: behrend.psu.edu

Penn State Behrend offers more than 40 degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s and associate degree levels; a range of minors and certificates; education and training programs for business, industry and community organizations; and numerous outreach programs for area youth and adults. A world-class injection molding, rigid plastics processor.

Address: 2425 West 23rd Street, Erie, PA 16506

Phone: 814/878-4400

Website: plastekgroup.com

Specializing in consumer packaging, Plastek is a global supplier for all customers’ plastic needs. Family owned and operated since 1956, and multiple industry award winner, Plastek is an integrated company with capabilities producing high quality custom & stock designs, tool & mold build manufacturing, molding & assembly, and added value services.

Address: 120 South Lake Street, North East, PA 16428

Phone: 866/479-7225

Website: ridgurak.com

One of North America’s largest pallet rack and storage rack manufacturers, Ridg-U-Rak designs and manufactures a full array of storage rack solutions.

Address: 1300 Cranberry Street, Erie, PA 16501

Phone: 814/459-4974

Website: smithhotdogs.com

Manufacturer of premium quality wieners, sausages, deli meats, bacon and award-winning hams.

Address: 2901 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16531

Website: wabteccorp.com

Wabtec is a leading supplier of critical components, locomotives, services, signaling and logistics systems and services to the global rail industry. It is focused on driving ongoing safety, innovation, efficiency, reliability and productivity. With best-in-class manufacturing facilities, unmatched digital expertise, always-on global services delivery, and unrivaled product breadth and performance, Wabtec is the rail industry’s one-stop shop.

Address: 219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444

Phone: 814/732-2761

Website: pennwest.edu

PennWest University has its roots in three sister institutions — California, Clarion and Edinboro. Steeped in a tradition of academic excellence, PennWest offers a rich past and a promising future.

Address: 1628 Cascade Street, Erie, PA 16502

Do not print black outline

Phone: 814/454-1563

Website: wscrc.com

Northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York’s leader in the supply of medical, industrial gasses and welding supplies to the manufacturing, construction, health-care and laboratory industries.

Address: 2154 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511

Phone: 814/456-6231

Website: widgetfinancial.com

Widget Financial is a mutually owned credit union, which specializes in a variety of loans and deposit accounts for consumers and businesses that are geared toward enriching lives in the Erie region.

Global Logistics: Tailored For You

Barnhart Inc. offers a full range of logistics services, including transportation, warehousing, and international operations that span the globe. We are committed to delivering exceptional service, focusing on innovative and customized solutions to meet our customers' needs. Whether it’s navigating complex global supply chains or providing efficient storage and transportation, we bring out-of-the-box thinking and creative approaches to every project. With a global reach and a dedication to delivering tailored logistics solutions, Barnhart Inc. ensures our customers receive the highest level of support and service.

Manufacturer & Business Association

2024–2025 Board of Governors

Executive Committee

Board Members

Chad Betts

Jana Goodrich

Kyle Blakeslee

Jeff Plyler

Jon DeArment President and Chief Operating Officer, Channellock, Inc.

Tom Tredway President, Erie Molded Packaging

Message from the Immediate Past Chairman

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2023-2024 chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) Board Governors. It has been very special for me to be a part of what I consider a truly all-star team.

To my fellow Board members and President and CEO Lori Joint, you’ve been the MVPs of our organization. Your leadership, strategic thinking and passion have been the driving force behind our success. We’ve tackled challenges, seized opportunities and consistently played at the top of our game, making decisions that will leave a lasting impact on our members and the MBA for years to come.

To our members, you are the heartbeat of this team. Your dedication, innovation and pursuit of excellence keep us motivated to deliver our best, day in and day out. We play to win because of you.

Lastly, to our professional staff, you are the support crew that keeps this team running smoothly. Your expertise, hard work and commitment have been the backbone of our victories, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the needs of our members. Thank you all for making this journey one for the record books. I look forward to contributing to continued success of the MBA.

Sincerely,

Kyle Blakeslee,

Immediate Past Chairman of the MBA Board of Governors and General Manager of Grede Meadville

New Board Members

Chuck Jenkins is president of E.E. Austin & Son, Inc., Contractors and Construction Managers located in Erie. E.E. Austin performs commercial, institutional and industrial building construction in northwestern PA and western New York. Jenkins joined Austin in 1981 after college graduation, became a stockholder and named vice president in 1991 and became president in 2022. He is responsible for the construction operations with a focus on estimating and project management. He also manages the construction sales and marketing efforts and focuses on the company’s financial success.

An Erie native, Jenkins is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in structural design and construction engineering and is a registered professional engineer. He is active in the community and has served on various facility committees at Erie Arts Museum and Saint Luke Church.

Tricia Staible is president and general counsel of Robinson Fans Holdings, Inc. in Zelienople, Pennsylvania. Staible initially joined Robinson Fans as Risk and Marketing manager, and has held several roles, including as vice president of Sales & Marketing and executive vice president. She’s held her current role since 2016. Staible previously worked for the firm Dorsey & Whitney, LLP in Salt Lake City and has always been interested in serving the community both locally and globally.

Staible also is a member of several professional organizations and serves on the boards of the American Boiler Manufacturer’s Association, the Young President’s Organization –Pittsburgh Chapter, where she recently completed her year as chapter’s chair, the Passavant Development Corporation (associated with the Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services) and the Veterans Breakfast Club.

Staible earned dual degrees from Calvin University in 2002 in political science (international relations) and business & sociology. She earned her Juris Doctorate with honors from American University, Washington College of Law in 2005.

Immediate Past Chairman Kyle Blakeslee General Manager, Grede Meadville

Chuck Jenkins President, E.E. Austin & Son, Inc., Contractors and Construction Managers

Tricia Staible President and General Counsel, Robinson Fans Holdings, Inc.

Growth for your business means having a financial partner you can rely on.

Katie Jones Regional President

Your business deserves the highest level of personalized service and ERIEBANK takes great pride in the relationships we establish with our clients.

Under Katie’s leadership, you will continue to have accessible and responsive partners who listen, understand, and act fast to provide solid advice and custom solutions to help your business succeed.

A personal approach to banking isn’t just knowing your name, it’s knowing your industry and helping you make the best financial decisions.

Imagine a business bank...

Where you work directly with bank decision makers

That cuts the red tape and gets you decisions fast

Where your personal lender works with you from start to finish

Where everyone, even the bank president, is accessible to all clients

A Winning Playbook7

MBA’s New Power BI, Canva & Artificial Intelligence

With an emphasis on keeping member companies at the top of their game, the MBA’s newest training programs have become game-changers for employers and their workforce.

One of the most data-driven courses offered today is the MBA’s Intro to Power BI (business intelligence) computer training program, which turns data into opportunity with data visualization tools. The one-day course shows participants how to link and model data in Power BI and create visual reports that reveal data insights.

“Power BI makes connections,” explains Casey Naylon, the MBA’s computer training instructor and database administrator. “Not only can you ask the question like ‘What was our top selling item,’ or ‘What is the biggest warehouse locations,’ but it uses natural language processing to populate a chart for you.”

Another benefit: Power BI uses automatic machine learning models to understand, so as users are looking for data, their connections will only get better. Power BI also has sharing capabilities. Once you make a dashboard, it can then be shared with anyone in the organization.

Naylon, a certified Microsoft Office specialist, recommends having some sort of Excel, Access or even PowerPoint knowledge — all courses offered by the Association — before taking Power BI. In her expert opinion, Excel can be particularly helpful in working with Power BI, and one of the many reasons that an Advanced Excel Series with the latest tools and insights is in the works.

“The Golden Rule in Power BI is having clean sanitized data to start, which is why they work so well hand in hand,” says Naylon.

According to Drew Canella of Erie Insurance Group, who recently took the MBA’s Power BI class, “If you’re not familiar with it but you like to dabble in Excel from time to time, give it a shot — it might be just the tool you’re looking for to complement your data with easy to build visualizations. And for those who have tried it but weren’t impressed, Power BI has come a long way in recent years, so it might be worth a second look. Either way, check out the MBA — a great educational institution in our own backyard of Erie, PA!”

CANVA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Another area where the MBA has enhanced its offerings is in the area of Marketing & Communications courses. New half-day additions include Canva Craftmanship for Marketing & Communications and Artificial Intelligence: Workplace Essentials.

“Today, there are so many resources and everything’s moving so fast and adapting so quickly,” explains Tracy Daggett, PHR, director of Training and Development. “We wanted to have

some intro courses in place so people have a pretty good understanding, regardless of what platform they’re using, of how to incorporate these tools into their businesses.”

The MBA’s Canva course is designed to unlock the full potential of the program for business communications, including easy graphic design, social media images and video. The course also focuses on the fundamentals of Canva’s user-friendly interface, allowing users to master design basics and craft visually stunning graphics for various marketing channels, including social media and print.

“Mastering Canva offers significant advantages, much like having a topnotch training regimen,” notes Daggett. “Employees who can create polished visual content in-house contribute to more effective marketing efforts and faster responses to emerging trends.”

The MBA’s AI course is also ideal for beginners, covering essential concepts, real-world applications and hands-on experiences with cutting-edge tools. The course delves into the strategies for

Tracy Daggett, PHR, director of Training and Development

Casey Naylon, MBA’s computer training instructor and database administrator

Intelligence Courses Are a Game-Changer for Employers

enhancing productivity and gives valuable insights into ethical considerations.

“As AI continues to transform industries by automating processes and providing data-driven insights, understanding and leveraging this technology has become essential,” notes Daggett. “The MBA’s AI course offers a closer look at the availability of AI tools to give them a competitive edge.”

EXPERT TRAINING TEAM

The MBA’s Training team has the expert knowledge to help employers navigate the opportunities that come with new innovative business tools and resources.

“Whether it’s your computer instructor who has Microsoft certification or other areas of expertise such as communications and marketing, food safety, supervisory skills or HR training, our members can trust that they’re getting material presented by very capable and experienced and knowledgeable instructors,” says Daggett.

As a matter of fact, MBA members have looked to the MBA’s trainers for not only regional training but nationwide instruction as well — both in person and virtually.

The MBA training team has traveled as far away as Florida and Utah to assist members with their training needs.

“Even though you may have other branches that are located in other states, your training resource here at the MBA has the ability to reach those other locations, which can be a huge benefit in the consistency of the training delivered,” says Daggett.

STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS

Above all, the MBA’s training programs extend beyond individual skill development, akin to how a solid team strategy leads to overall success. These courses are focused on enhancing efficiency of their teams. As a result, businesses are better positioned to adapt to market changes and pursue growth opportunities, much like a team that adjusts its strategy based on game conditions.

By integrating tools like Power BI, Canva and artificial intelligence

One of the great advantages of training your employees through the MBA is the ability to come to you. The MBA's Tracy Daggett had the opportunity to travel to Lakeland, Florida to train a group of employees from Robinson Fans.

into its training offerings, the MBA is not only equipping employees with essential skills but also helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape.

“As companies continue to face the challenges of a rapidly changing market, investing in such comprehensive training programs will be critical for sustaining growth and achieving longterm success,” says Daggett. “The MBA’s initiatives are paving the way for a more skilled and adaptable workforce, positioning both employees and businesses to thrive, much like a wellcoached team that is poised to win.”

For more information on the MBA’s training programs, visit mbausa.org.

Lisa DeFilippo, senior professional development trainer

Doug Kramer, SPHR, HR consultant and trainer

• Breathtaking views and amazing sunsets

• Award-winning hotels and first-class modern convention center

• 392 sleeping rooms connected to 128,000 square feet of combined meeting space

Bayfront Convention Center • (814) 455-1260

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel • (814) 454-2005

Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel • (814) 636-1005

Swinging for the Fences: MBA Strategic Plan to Usher In Better Member Experience

As we get ready to enter our 120th year in 2025, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) is stepping up to the plate with some major upgrades aimed at making the membership experience better than ever.

To keep you updated on what’s been happening behind the scenes, I wanted to share some exciting changes under way to our marketing, database management system, website, training and networking groups that will better support you, our members.

TAILORED MARKETING FOR YOU

The MBA is currently upgrading its marketing efforts to reach members more effectively. The more targeted marketing campaigns are intended to provide more personalized content — tailored to your unique businesses — and easier navigation of our website. This means, by the start of 2025, you will soon be able to find information more quickly that’s relevant to your business and industry.

EASIER REGISTRATION PROCESS

Signing up for MBA events and programs will soon be even more streamlined. The new, online platform will be easy to use, making it quicker and more convenient to enroll in events, access Members Only content and manage your membership.

SMARTER DATABASE MANAGEMENT

To improve how we manage member information, the MBA has invested in a new database system. This upgrade — which will be complete by January 2025 in conjunction with the new website — will help the MBA keep track of your preferences and interactions more accurately, allowing us to provide more efficient and customized service and support.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

We recognize that employee dynamics in the workplace are continually changing and evolving. Many of our members have expressed the need for more Emotional Intelligence training to address and improve company culture and better handle shifting employee expectations. We are providing many solutions all over western PA by training on these and many other current topics onsite for our members.

In addition to upgrading materials for today’s challenges we are also restarting Training Consortiums in Erie, Meadville and Cranberry Township. Also be on the lookout for our new Leadership Masters Series.

NETWORKING PEER GROUPS, FORUMS AND ROUNDTABLES

More information to come, but we will be adding new groups by region to let you connect with others in your industry, share ideas and tackle common challenges together. Some examples of these are Women in Leadership and Manufacturing CEO Roundtables. But there also will be groups by topic or current workforce challenges such as “flexible scheduling best practices in manufacturing” or “compliance issues for nonprofits.”

There are more chances to meet with industry experts and other members through new networking events and mentorship programs. Look for new opportunities in Erie, Pittsburgh and across our membership region!

LISTENING TO YOUR FEEDBACK

The MBA values your opinions and regularly seeks feedback to improve its services. By asking for your input through surveys and discussions, the MBA is taking your responses seriously to ensure that our initiatives are in line with what you need and want.

Running a business is hard. Know that the MBA is here to help, by providing training, resources and networking opportunities specifically designed to help businesses just like yours succeed.

With these upcoming changes, the MBA’s team is prepared to hit it out of the park!

MBAAll-Stars7

Lori Joint President and Chief Executive Officer

Sarah Vincent Conference Center Coordinator

Tammy Toman, JD, PHR, SHRM-CP Vice President and Employment Counsel

Pam Durst Receptionist

Laurie Mattis Director of Administration

Ann Miaczynski Administrative Support Specialist

Brad Phillips Retiring Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Robin Waldinger Chief Financial Officer

Karen Torres Executive Editor and Senior Writer

Frank Mehler Account Executive

Shawn Netkowicz Business Development Manager

Christine DeSantis Graphic Designer

Hitting a Grand Slam In Member Services

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) is in a league of its own — a powerhouse of professionals consistently delivering grand slams in services for its members.

In the realm of Communications and Networking, the MBA is the star outfielder, covering the field and ensuring every opportunity is caught. Through the MBA Business Magazine — print and digital editions, e-newsletters and many signature networking events, the MBA keeps its members connected and informed, fostering a strong network that’s essential for business growth. Like a great outfielder who knows exactly where to be, the MBA helps members make the crucial connections that drive success.

In Professional Development Training, the MBA is the clutch hitter you can count on to deliver when it matters most. Whether it’s leadership development, supervisory skills, HR or computer courses, the MBA’s training programs are like perfect pitches that employees can knock out of the park. With the MBA coaching them, businesses don’t just stay in the game — they dominate it, with a team that’s constantly improving and adapting to the fast-paced changes of the business world.

On the Human Resources (HR) front, the MBA is the seasoned catcher who is there for support. HR can be a tricky game, with complex rules and the need for precision in execution. But with the MBA’s expert guidance, businesses have a reliable teammate who ensures they navigate the HR landscape, avoiding costly errors and keeping their operations running smoothly. When it comes to Insurance, the MBA is the savvy manager who knows the best choices. The MBA steps up to the plate, leveraging its knowledge and expertise to secure competitive rates and tailormade coverage options. This ensures that businesses — and their employees — are protected from the curveballs life can throw, without sacrificing their budget.

In the Energy arena, the MBA is a veteran pitcher, delivering strike after strike in the form of energy solutions that help businesses reduce costs.

In the world of Government Affairs, the MBA is the trusted third baseman, always ready to make the play. With an eye on legislative developments, the MBA lobbies for its members, ensuring their voices are heard at the local, state and federal level. The MBA advocates for its members’ interests, keeping them informed and involved in the regulatory game.

Finally, the MBA’s Conference Center services are like the stadium itself — a place where the big plays happen. With state-of-theart facilities, the Conference Center in Erie and Regional Learning Alliance in Greater Pittsburgh offer members a home-field advantage, providing the perfect venue for meetings, training sessions and events. It’s where ideas are pitched, strategies are formed and milestones are celebrated.

In every inning, the MBA and its team of professionals step up, delivering the plays — value-added programs and services — that help its members not just stay in the game, but come out on top.

Sharon Ventrice Director of Finance

Bea Blenner Assistant Controller

Jezree Friend Vice President

Matt Zimmerman Digital Media Specialist

Ashley Angerer Marketing Manager

Judy Rosatti Energy Advisor

Eileen Anderson Director of Government Relations

Patty Welther Manager of Member Engagement

Lisa McKinney MBA Insurance Agency

Amy Breitfelder Events Coordinator

Melissa Lesniewski Member Benefits Coordinator

Rose Bruno, PHR, SHRM-CP HR Consultant

Kim Figurski HR Consultant and Trainer

Alyssa Finegan HR Business Partner

Doug Kramer, SPHR HR Consultant and Trainer

Tracy Daggett, PHR Director of Training and Development

Casey Naylon Computer Trainer and Database Administrator

Lisa DeFilippo Senior Professional Development Trainer

At the heart of every thriving organization lies its people, and behind the scenes, HR professionals work tirelessly to ensure that the workforce is not only managed effectively but also motivated to excel.

The Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) 2024 HR Person of the Year Award, which will be presented at the MBA’s HR Conference on November 6 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, was created to honor those MBA member HR professionals who distinguish themselves as leaders in this vital field, shaping their organizations through strategic vision, innovative solutions and a commitment to building a positive and productive workplace.

“By cultivating an environment where talent can flourish and aligning their efforts with the company’s broader objectives, HR professionals can help build a ‘Field of Dreams’ for a company’s long-term success,” explains MBA Vice President and Employment Counsel Tammy Toman. “Through their dedication and vision, they help transform workplaces into dynamic environments where both employees and organizations thrive.”

The MBA’s second annual HR Person of the Year Award nominations shine a light on a few of these exceptional individuals who demonstrate how critical HR is to a company’s success. Among the five nominees — Chris Monaghan of Widget Financial, Scott Nick of J.L. Nick & Associates, Kristina Poole of JV Manufacturing, Steve Seymour of Country Fair, Inc. and Christy Sink of the Commonwealth Charter Academy — are HR professionals who recognize the value of talent management, culture building and employee engagement.

Field of Dreams�

“If

Five Standouts Among 2024 HR Person of the Year Nominees

They are instrumental in aligning their company’s workforces and goals and ensuring that the human capital within an organization is not only sustained but grows in value over time.

You Build It…”

The analogy of the “Field of Dreams” is particularly fitting when thinking about HR professionals. In the 1989 film, the central message is that if you create the right conditions, success will follow. HR professionals embrace this philosophy by cultivating environments where employees can thrive, making their organizations destinations for talent and growth.

According to experts, one way HR leaders create this field of dreams is through talent acquisition and development. It is not enough to simply fill positions; the right HR professional focuses on finding the best talent that aligns with the company’s values and objectives. They understand that success hinges on hiring individuals who bring not only skills but also diverse perspectives and a passion for the organization’s mission.

However, hiring is just the beginning. HR professionals are dedicated to nurturing and retaining top talent. “Through continuous learning opportunities, leadership training, mentorship programs and career development initiatives, such as those available through the MBA, they empower employees to reach their full potential,” explains Toman. “This investment in people fuels innovation, drives performance, and builds a loyal and engaged workforce that is eager to contribute to the company’s success.”

Shaping Culture, Driving Success

One of the most important contributions HR makes to an organization is the creation and maintenance of a healthy

workplace culture. A positive culture is the bedrock of any successful company. It fosters collaboration, innovation and productivity, while also ensuring that employees feel valued and respected. According to experts, HR professionals are the coaches of this culture. They are the ones who set the tone, shape policies and lead initiatives that reflect the company’s values. Whether it’s promoting diversity and inclusion, encouraging work-life balance or developing employee wellness programs, HR plays a central role in building a culture where people feel they belong.

“For the nominees of the MBA’s 2024 HR Person of the Year Award, fostering a strong culture is more than just a job requirement — it’s a passion,” explains Toman. “These individuals understand that a thriving workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires deliberate effort, continuous nurturing and a deep understanding of the people who make up the organization. They are always looking for ways to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and overall well-being because they know that a positive culture translates directly into business success.”

Colleagues of this year’s nominees recognize this as well. Of Chris Monaghan of Widget Financial, one nominator Julie Kean, PHR, states “Chris’ dedication has not only shaped HR policies and practices but has also fostered a culture of inclusivity, respect, and continuous improvement. Her forward-thinking mindset has ensured that we remain competitive and adaptive in an ever-evolving world.”

Of Scott Nick of J.L. Nick & Associates, nominator Joanna R. Cherpak cited his ability to drive positive change

and results, adding, his “greatest strength is ability to investigate and adjudicate employee problems.”

Christy Sink’s nominator Erin Sekerak of the Commonwealth Community Academy says, “She (Christy) has also grown CCA by 200 percent over the course of four years, recruiting professionals throughout the Commonwealth. While most industries, especially K–12 schools, are seeing a decline in employment, CCA continues to attract and retain professionals under Christy’s leadership.”

At JV Manufacturing, HR’s impact has been immediate. According to Kristina Poole’s nominator Melissa Vecchi, “Within Kristina’s first year here at JVM, she managed learning a new industry, mitigating COVID requirements, brought out positive engagement and morale during ownership changeover, restructured HR practices, developed a new compensation plan, implemented a 401(k) match program, and built relationships with all 100-plus employees.”

Steve Seymour of Country Fair also has earned accolades for his influence over the last 27 years. “Not many of us can boast that we have impacted and influenced HR on the level that Steve has,” states one nominator Renee Kern of Finish Thompson. “He has touched many lives through his daily interactions with employees, customers, students and peers. Steve’s dedication and passion in our field is unsurpassed; and his positivity is unparalleled. He is one of the GOATs (Greatest of All Time)!"

Indeed, while other departments often get the spotlight for their contributions to the bottom line, HR professionals remain some of the most influential figures in an organization’s success. They are the ones

ensuring that teams are functioning at their best, that employees feel motivated and supported, and that the organization is resilient in the face of challenges.

“The HR Person of the Year Award nominees serve as a reminder of the immense value these professionals bring to their organizations,” adds Toman. “They are the unseen forces that create the conditions for success, much like the builders of a field where dreams become reality. By recognizing these outstanding HR professionals, we not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlight the critical role that HR plays in creating sustainable, successful companies.”

To learn more about the HR Person of the Year nominees, visit mbabizmag. com. To register for the MBA’s 2024 HR Conference, visit mbausa.org.

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) is excited to celebrate our member Human Resource professionals and recognize those in the HR profession who exemplify outstanding achievement within our local business community.

Note: Nomination information was submitted to the MBA on or before August 9.

Voting is open from September 30 through October 11, 2024. One vote per MBA member (only emails using member domains will be counted; no personal emails); MBA professional staff members are excluded from voting. Winner to be announced at the MBA HR Conference on November 6.

Visit mbabizmag.com to cast your vote!

Steve Seymour of Country Fair

Kristina Poole of JV Manufacturing

Chris Monaghan of Widget Financial

Christy Sink of Commonwealth Charter Academy

Scott Nick of J.L. Nick & Associates

NOMINEES

Contact Information: Email: cmonaghan@ widgetfinancial.com

Phone: 814/456-6231 Ext. 369

Years with Company: 17

Why we are so proud of this nominee:

“We are incredibly proud of Chris, whose dedication to our employees extends beyond the workplace. As the driving force behind our fitness committee, Chris is committed to enhancing the well-being and lives of our team. Additionally, Chris’s advocacy for heart health through the American Heart and Stroke Association exemplifies her passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.” widgetfinancial.com

*Nominees continued on Page 77.

Why we are so proud of this nominee:

Contact Information:

Email: snick@jlnick.com

Phone:

814/449-8445

Years with Company: 27

“We are proud of Scott for his profound dedication and commitment to character, community and the achievement of excellence for our clients. His advocacy for Flagship Niagara, experience Children’s Museum and Penn State Behrend exemplifies his community involvement.

“JVM is proud of Kristina’s recognition through this nomination because she consistently exhibits a dedication and commitment to the organization through people, compliance and positivity. Her influence has inspired and taught employees to strive for excellence in their roles, knowing that their efforts are valued and can lead to significant accolades.” jlnick.com

Additionally, Scott is providing a leadership role as a senior partner in J.L. Nick. Scott is intimately involved in growing and managing our company."

Contact Information:

Email: Pool.kristina@jvmfg.com

Phone:

724/393-3456

Years with Company: 4

jvmfgco.com

KRISTINA

SCOTT

Greenleaf Corporation is a leading supplier of industrial cutting tools, specializing in the manufacturing of high-performance tungsten carbide and ceramic grade inserts and innovative toolholding systems. We strive to be problem solvers for the difficult projects that our customers bring to us and that we see in the manufacturing industry as a whole. That has been our guiding principle since our founding in 1945. Greenleaf thrives to this day because we’ve never lost focus of our role as a partner in our customers’ success.

PRECISION MACHINING SINCE 1994

CORE CAPABILITIES

❯ Turbine Component Manufacturing

❯ Precision grinding (up to 136” in length)

❯ Mul�-Axis Milling, Machining, & Turning

❯ Saw Cu�ng (straight, angle, radius, angle + radius)

❯ Wire EDM

❯ Trepanning, Boring & Honing

*EFFICIENT RESPONSE TIMES

WE REGULARLY STOCK STAINLESS STEEL ALLOYS SUCH AS: 403, 405, 410, 415, & 422

ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED

ITAR REGISTERED

US/CA JCP CERTIFIED

(CAGE CODE Available Upon Request)

DFARS COMPLIANT

NDAA 2019 SECTION 889 COMPLIANT

NIST 800�171 COMPLIANT

CMMC READY

SAM REGISTERED

SIX SIGMA EXPERTISE

SMALL BUSINESS (<25 Employees)

CONGRATULATIONS!

STEPHEN SEYMOUR, SHRM-SCP

Director of Personnel, Training & Development Country Fair, Inc.

Contact Information:

Email: sseymour@country-fair.com

Phone:

814/898-1111 Ext. 287

Years with Company: 27

Why we are so proud of this nominee:

“Steve Seymour’s exceptional leadership, innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to employee development have transformed Country Fair’s workplace culture. Steve fosters inclusivity and engagement, driving remarkable results while prioritizing the well-being of every team member. Steve truly exemplifies excellence in Human Resources, and we are proud of him for this nomination.” countryfairstores.com

CHRISTY SINK

Chief Human Resources Officer

Commonwealth Charter Academy

Contact Information:

Email: csink@ccaeducate.me

Phone:

717/710-3300, Ext. 11188

Years with Company: 5

ccaeducate.me

Why we are so proud of this nominee:

“Christy Sink is a talented, experienced human resources expert who goes above and beyond to serve all CCA staff. She is laserfocused on assembling a team of highly skilled professionals who put students and families first by delivering them a highquality, personalized, flexible online education. Team CCA is proud of Christy’s nomination and we wish her all the best!”

MBA Pays Tribute to Late Business Leaders

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recognizes the remarkable legacy of two esteemed business leaders and MBA members — Timothy ("Tim") L. Katen and Charles ("Charlie") F. Burnside — who passed away over the past year. Both have had a lasting impact on their organizations, industries and the regional business community.

“Tim and Charlie were both entrepreneurs — risk takers who are the driving force behind our economy — and should be celebrated for their countless contributions,” said Association President and CEO Lori Joint. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with their families and their many friends and colleagues.”

Timothy (“Tim”) L. Katen was born in Erie, on December 27, 1947 and passed away on January 29, 2024. He was 76.

Upon graduation from McDowell High School in 1965, Katen enlisted in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the USS Northampton and USS Leary on which he served in active duty during the Vietnam War. After military service, Katen enrolled in trade school where he earned his apprenticeship certificate in Tool & Die from the Commonwealth of PA. He started his moldmaking career at Seaway Tool & Die, but quickly set his sights on something bigger.

On November 1, 1978, Katen and business partner David Mead opened Micro Mold Co., Inc. in Erie and then Plastikos, Inc., in 1989. The companies are now operated by Katen’s two sons, Philip and Ryan, who added a third company Plastikos Medical in 2019.

According to General Manager and President Philip Katen, the early days for Micro Mold were very challenging and demanding with the likelihood of survival, let alone success, being very low especially

during the darkest days of the 1980s recession. But his father’s “entrepreneurial spirit coupled with his God-given talents, and his willingness to work 24-hour days — if that was what it took — all translated into an uncommon resiliency and perseverance that ultimately led to his business success.”

According to Philip Katen, what started out with two young men working part-time in a small, rented garage on Filmore Avenue in the evenings, after working full-time during the day, has now grown to employ well over 200 full-time members across Micro Mold, Plastikos, and Plastikos Medical. And the companies are still growing.

“I think my Dad’s passion for excellence and pursuit of perfection were key driving factors in his personal, professional and business success,” says Philip Katen. “ ‘Together We Make the Impossible… to Make Life Better!’ is the guiding vision for our companies today. My Dad sought to ‘make life better’ both in the workplace as well as in his personal life.”

Philip adds, “My Dad helped to make a direct, positive impact in hundreds of people’s professional careers here in our region. Those careers helped to support and improve the livelihoods of hundreds of families, whose children (and grandchildren) have gone on to succeed in their own respective careers and lives. And the molds that Micro Mold designed and built throughout the past 45-plus years, which then subsequently ran production at either Plastikos or Plastikos Medical have directly improved the quality of life for hundreds-of-millions, if not well over a billion, people around the world.”

Charles (“Charlie”) F. Burnside, the owner and founder of Maple Donuts, Inc., of York, Pennsylvania passed away on April 4, 2024. He was 78 years old.

Burnside was born in Oakland, California on July 11, 1945. He attended York Catholic High School and York High School and served the York County community as a successful and dedicated entrepreneur, business owner and philanthropist.

One of Burnside’s most distinguished roles was owning and operating Maple Donuts, Inc., a national wholesale baking company that employs more than 400 employees across two plants in Pennsylvania. His success with Maple Donuts, Inc. made him legendary in the bakery business.

Shown here is the late Tim Katen, who, along with his business partner David Mead, founded Micro Mold in 1978 in a small, rented garage on Filmore Avenue in Erie. Also shown are the Topping Off Ceremonies for Plastikos Medical – Phase I and Plastikos Medical – Phase II.

Shown here is Charlie Burnside, the owner and founder of Maple Donuts, Inc., a national wholesale baking company with facilities in York and Lake City, Pennsylvania.

Burnside started in the doughnut business when he was a child, buying bags of doughnuts from his father's bakery for 20 cents a bag and selling them for 30 cents a bag from the basket on his bicycle. Over time, Burnside assumed ownership of Maple Donuts, which initially started on Maple Street as The Maple Donut Shop in York. As the company grew, the name Maple Donuts evolved — along with packaging doughnuts for sales through vending companies.

On January 1, 1969, Burnside purchased Maple Donuts from his father and became incorporated. Strong sales growth and expansion into new products as well as new markets has been the trend ever since. Sales through different distribution channels took Maple Donuts Inc. nationwide as well as the international market, making the company one of the largest independent producers of doughnuts in the country.

In September 2002, Maple Donuts Inc. acquired the assets of a competitor in Lake City, Pennsylvania. This acquisition more than doubled the capacity of the company as well as added the immediate potential to sell new products such as frozen pie shells.

Today, Charlie’s son, Nathaniel Burnside, is president of both the York and Erie, Pennsylvania operations while his

other son, Damian Burnside, serves as vice president.

According to the company, “both the York and Lake City plants continue to experience growth and attribute that success to maintaining high standards or product quality, excellent customer relationships, superior job performance and the unwillingness to compromise these standards.”

People. Activated.

According to the CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we at Workpartners® are committed to the idea that everyone has the right to feel safe. We call our unique approach to human capital management People Activation. We believe it’s the key to ensuring that your company and employees flourish.

If an employee is facing mental, emotional, or physical abuse, our LifeSolutions® employee assistance program is here to offer support. We can help employees take steps to protect themselves and their dependents or create a safety plan to leave an abusive situation. Members of MBA save 10 percent when working with our counselors. To learn more, visit work.partners/mba.

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