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SBA Programs Effective Communication for professional growth
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Inside
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WHAT’S 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 7 Effective communication
Is your communication style hindering your growth?
9 ADA Website Compliance
What is it and how does it affect your website?
11 SBA Programs
Boosting women’s entrepreneurship.
13 Dauphin County Women’s Expo A preview of the event!
15 The ABLE Act
Providing additional tools for special-needs planning.
17 The psoas muscle
What it is and why it’s important.
20 Computer Vision Syndrome
April 8, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lebanon Expo Center • 80 Rocherty Rd., Lebanon Food • Microbrews • Wines • Cigars • Bikes Epic Men’s Beard Contest And so much more!
Can you minimize your risk?
22 No-cook overnight oatmeal A quick and easy recipe!
22 women to watch
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5 cover story
JoAnn Edwards is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Having spent most of her career working in human resources, Edwards received the HR Professional of the Year Award in 2003. She was appointed to her current position in 2011. Her mission is to see everyone treated fairly and equally, and she continually fights against discrimination and racism. Edwards believes everyone deserves a chance.
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Editor’S
March 2017 Vol. 14 - No. 3
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER
Donna K. Anderson
EDITORIAL
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his winter was certainly bearable. My fear what does “being in compliance” mean? is we could get a good dumping of snow in Did you know that individuals with disabilities are March. Or we could cruise into spring with permitted a tax-free savings account through what is known warm weather and sunshine, with a splash of as the Pennsylvania ABLE Act? Learn more about this rain here and there and important benefit. Similar to a 529 the flowers popping up all over. college savings account, the ABLE Do you know what else are savings account can used to pay for popping up all over? Women “qualified disability expenses” for an Reappraise the past, reevaluate entrepreneurs. As an important individual with disabilities. where we’ve been, clarify where economic force in America, women Discover the psoas muscle. It’s we are, and predict or anticipate are succeeding in spite of the obstacles surprising that most people have where we are headed. they face. Discover programs and never heard of this muscle, and yet certifications that can assist the it serves an important function in ~Toni Cade Bambara entrepreneur on her journey, such the body. Pronounced “so-as,” this as the SBA’s Office of Women muscle group connects the lower Business Ownership and the lumbar spine and lower lumbar programs they offer; earned certifications that will vertebrae into the hip. put women in line for procurement opportunities; and If you’re like most, you spend the vast majority of SBA loan programs designed specifically to encourage the day looking at a phone, tablet, computer, or TV entrepreneurship. screen. It’s not surprising that many of us suffer from Every woman should have good communication computer vision syndrome. Find out what it is and what skills. Is your communication style hindering your can be done to relieve the symptoms and then reduce career growth? Take the quiz inside and find out how the risks of reoccurrence. effective you are. Good communication skills can And finally, if it’s spring, that means the women’s expo increase our career advancement opportunities and boost is just around the corner. Please check out the preview our self-esteem. of the event on page 13. How we communicate through our business website is also important. More and more businesses that operate online are becoming aware of the Americans with Christianne Rupp Disabilities Act and wondering how that applies to their Vice President and Managing Editor website. Does your website need to be in compliance? And
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Story
CAREER
COVER
It’s the Right Thing to Do By LYNDA HUDZICK
“F
rom the time I was a kid, being honest and respectful to others was always how I thought,” JoAnn L. Edwards, executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said. Edwards, who grew up in Central Pennsylvania, firmly believes that everyone “deserves dignity and respect.” Because of that passion, she decided to pursue and successfully received her Bachelor of Social Science degree (with honors) and a psychology minor from Penn State University. Upon graduation, she took a management position with a nonprofit agency that gave her the opportunity to assist others in their job roles. The CEO noticed her excellent people skills and, because the agency was growing rapidly, decided it was time to create a human resources director position—and asked Edwards to fill it. “I created the HR department from scratch,” she said. Some of the successful programs she implemented included the creation of an HR database; the development of a safety committee certified by the commonwealth; and the representation of her employer at unemployment and workers’ compensation hearings, resulting in the reduction of unemployment and workers’ compensation costs. She held this position for 10
years, during which she received her master’s degree at St. Francis University in human resources management and earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources Management Certification from the Society of Human Resources Management. “It was during this time that I made my first contact with Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as I responded to complaints of discrimination that the agency received,” Edwards said. Her next step was to serve as the central western regional director of
human resources for Northwestern Human Services. “In 2001, I was promoted … to the corporate vice president of human resources,” Edwards said. “I was the first woman to serve on this VP team.” In 2003, the HR Professionals of Central PA recognized her as its HR Professional of the Year. “I was very humbled by this recognition since it was given to me by my HR peers,” she said. “I have always understood and taught my HR staff that being a fair, decent employer attracts good employees
since the reputation of the employer is positive. This not only helps the employer’s bottom line; it’s the right thing to do.” In July 2011, Edwards was appointed to her current position as executive director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, a role that has given her much satisfaction. One example of that feeling of satisfaction, she said, is the opportunity to “have a direct role in bringing justice to a complainant who has suffered unlawful discrimination, or in the alternative,
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to have a direct role in bringing justice to a respondent who has been unjustly accused of engaging in unlawful discrimination.” On the downside, she has also been frustrated to “witness firsthand the increased incidents of civil tension in schools and between the police and community here in United States as well as around the world,” Edwards said. “While some progress has been made to combat illegal discrimination in Pennsylvania, we remain a state with the highest number of hate groups in the country.” When asked to share a case of particular significance, Edwards was hard pressed to choose just one because “every day the PHRC handles cases of great significance to the individuals involved,” she said. “We are here to investigate and resolve cases that are not just high dollar value, but also cases that are small in dollar value, but are very important to the persons involved and/or with regard to the harms addressed.”
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Because the resolution of a case involving PHRC usually involves training and policy changes, “the case resolutions typically reach beyond the individual aggrieved person to improve the situation for others and prevent discrimination going forward,” Edwards said. One example Edwards did share was a case in which the PHRC, along with the Department of Justice, “investigated race discrimination complaints against [a swim club] in 2009, alleging that the club discriminated against a group of African-American children because of their race,” she said. “A Northeast Philadelphia children’s day camp … had paid the club a fee to allow their campers access to the pool for the summer, but on the first day the children swam there, they reported hearing racial slurs. A few weeks later, the day camp received a membership fee refund for the children, prohibiting them from returning to the pool. “The club settled the discrimination claims in 2012 and
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months later filed for bankruptcy,” Edwards continued. “The property was sold as part of the bankruptcy and, in a positive turn of the events, six Philadelphia-area clubs received money in 2014 from that sale to use for programming that benefitted minority youth and to help combat discrimination.” It is important to Edwards that people understand just how real discrimination is to the people who are experiencing it. “Discrimination makes folks very vulnerable, and in many cases they see the world differently because of the discrimination that they experienced,” she said. “Discrimination can result in the loss of a job or of a house or even retaliation against the individual, which is PHRC’s highest-filed type of complaint.” Giving back to her community is important to her as well. After receiving her HR certifications, Edwards started study groups “so that peer HR professionals would have support and mentoring to
prepare them to pass the certification tests,” she said. “I taught civil rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission classes through the Mount Aloysius College Certification Program for managers at NHS Human Services and taught a human resources graduate class at St. Francis University.” Edwards has also volunteered with the Dress for Success program, donating business clothes and teaching women who are reentering the workforce how to successfully write a resume and prepare for interviews. Her desire to see everyone treated fairly and equally is the guiding force in every aspect of her life. Edwards knows that discrimination is “real and alive, and simply cannot be tolerated. I will continue to fight staunchly against discrimination and the practice of racism,” she said. “Everyone deserves a chance, no matter what their economic status is or what neighborhood they come from.
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CAREER
Is Your Communication Style Hindering Your Growth? By CAROLE KANCHIER, Ph.D.
ffective communication nurtures relationships, increases our careeradvancement opportunities, enhances our self-esteem, and helps us manage stress. When we communicate effectively and feel understood, work—and life—are satisfying. We feel in control, valued, trusted, and respected. When communication breaks down, career advancement halts and employment openings diminish. Are You an Effective Communicator? The Quiz: To find out if you’re an effective communicator, answer true or false to the following: 1. I listen to what colleagues say and value their opinions. True False 2. I find it difficult to refuse requests or give opinions at company meetings. True False
8. I tend to engage in small talk about co-workers and office happenings. True False 9. I usually keep an open mind when dealing with people or ideas. True False 10. It’s difficult for me to let colleagues know that I understand how they’re feeling. True False 11. I ask questions for clarification. True False 12. I don’t always look at others when speaking to them. True False 13. I welcome others’ ideas even though they differ from mine. True False
14. I usually don’t let colleagues know that I appreciate their efforts. True False 15. I summarize what I hear to correct misunderstanding. True False 16. If my department is going to miss a deadline, I’ll let other departments know. True False 17. I know how diversity influences communication. True False Scoring and interpretation: Add one point for each “true” answer to odd-numbered statements; add one point for each “false” answer to evennumbered statements. 12 points or higher: You’re an effective communicator. A good listener, you understand colleagues
and feel they understand you. You may be assertive and have good friends in and out of work. You probably think before speaking and can unravel mixed messages. However, there may still be skills you can improve. Work on skills that need strengthening. 6-11 points: You have some effective communication skills, but you are weak in some areas. Do you ask for clarification? Respect and praise others? Maintain eye contact? Ask for feedback. What skills are most essential for your career advancement? What skills do you want to improve? 5 points or lower: Your communication needs improving. What you say and how you say it may determine career advancement. Value and listen to others. Know when to speak up and when to maintain silence. Review responses to identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving one communication skill each month. Consider a communication course.
3. When I get upset at work, I often take a short break before addressing my concerns to colleagues. True False 4. I can be critical of others’ work when it’s not up to par. True False 5. I let colleagues know when I think their work is first rate. True False 6. I often give my opinion before colleagues are finished stating their views. True False 7. I speak positively, briefly, and clearly. True False BUSINESSWomanPA.com
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Are your communication skills hindering your career? Use these tips to clearly communicate with coworkers and potential bosses. Respect others. Respect requires trust, equality, and empathy. It’s essential for cultivating relationships. Treat others as you wish to be treated, and value their opinions. Listen. Attentive listening requires participation, openness, and receptivity. Practice: • Clarifying. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Instead of saying, “Why do you want to take that course?â€? try, “What do you want me to learn?â€? Make sure your message is understood as well. Try: “I’m not sure I’m being clear. What did you hear?â€? • Repeating. To minimize misunderstanding, summarize what you hear. Then you and your boss will be clear on what’s expected from you. • Reflecting feelings. Let co-workers know that you hear and understand their thoughts. Consider what someone is feeling but not saying.
Try empathy: “If that happened to me, I’d be angry.� Think before responding. Don’t speak when you’re angry or upset. Instead, take time to prepare and rehearse before confronting a potentially difficult conversation. Practice and visualization in advance will help manage your nerves. Avoid malicious gossip. While it’s natural to stand around the water cooler and gossip a little, keep it to a minimum. Don’t engage in idle and nasty chat about co-workers. What you say can come back to haunt you. Develop an appropriate speaking style and body language. How you speak is just as important as what you say. Speak briskly in a level, modulated voice. Pronounce words clearly. Be positive and brief while maintaining eye contact. Radiate energy, enthusiasm, friendliness, competence, and confidence. Avoid grimaces, lip biting, rolling your eyes, and fidgeting. Sit erect. Stand tall, shoulders back.
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Develop a powerful handshake. Be assertive. Make your needs and requests clear in a friendly way. Stick to the facts and set boundaries. Separate people from tasks. You can refuse requests without rejecting requesters. Ask, rather than complain. Recognize and respect differences. Gender, cultural background, birthplace, occupation, and personality all influence communication. Recognizing and respecting differences can help reduce misunderstandings. For instance, extroverts often monopolize conversations. Introverts may find this rude and annoying, while extroverts may perceive introverts aloof and detached. Mutual understanding could benefit both. Give praise. Support and advice at the office are essential for good relations. Show your appreciation for a job well done or a co-worker’s help. Praise often and publicly. Link praise to a specific activity, quality, or attribute. Offer constructive feedback. Separate the person from the product
or task. Instead of criticizing, begin with a compliment. Make suggestions for ways to improve. Keep information flowing. Advise others of important news and stay informed about company and industry developments. No department can work in isolation. If customer service is inundated with complaints, everyone in the company should know about it. Bad news is worsened when kept from employees. Most professionals benefit from enhancing their communication skills. With a little work, you can get your point across clearly and concisely. Try working on one communication tip a week. You’ll note positive changes in your relationships and career development. • Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist, educator, and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Your Life (ISBN 9871936672714), helps individuals and organizations manage. Email: carole@ questersdaretochange.com.
CAREER
What is ADA Website Compliance?
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By EMILY WINSAUER
’ll tell you what, if there’s one word that everyone loves, it’s “compliance.” More and more businesses that operate online are becoming aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to their Webbased activities and wondering what ADA website compliance involves. In short, ADA website compliance means that a website makes the information it holds as accessible as possible to Americans with a range of disabilities. It’s a noble cause, right? Accessibility becomes more and more important as essential parts of our lives, from banking to medical care, involve the Web. In addition to taking care of those important matters, persons with disabilities should get to read Game of Thrones fan fiction and buy Notorious RBG t-shirts just like I can! The good news: You can begin making your website more
accessible pretty easily. The challenge: From a legal perspective, things are a little bit murky. There are a lot of different considerations and levels of compliance, but I’ll explain more about that. Website Accessibility and the ADA The Americans with Disabilities Act was first passed in 1990. Twenty years later, the U.S. Department of Justice released an update called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These standards cover the design of physical spaces and have been interpreted to include Web locations as well, so it can be difficult for the would-be accessiblewebsite designer to use them. While the ADA itself may not be very specific about Web compliance, the goal is clear: that we reach the same level of accessibility online that disabled people are guaranteed by law offline.
Since 2010, the DOJ has been promising to release additional regulations outlining what is and isn’t ADA compliant in website design and development. They’re currently projecting regulations in 2018, and they are enforcing the website ADA compliance on a caseby-case basis. Case law has been the most helpful in illuminating the implications of the ADA for websites. There have been lawsuits involving companies like Expedia, Hotels.com, Southwest Airlines, and Target as defendants and primarily featuring accessibility organizations as plaintiffs. These cases had mixed results, but each helped clarify the ADA’s jurisdiction on the Web. To Whom Does it Apply? In short, businesses covered by the ADA are: • Private employers with 15 or more employees
• Public entities at state and local levels (covered under Title II, which includes both physical and programmatic access to all programs and services offered) • Businesses operating for the benefit of the public and nonprofits (more specifically, “public accommodations and commercial facilities” are covered under Title III) Most businesses are covered under Title III, which guarantees: “ ... the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of ‘public accommodation’ by any person who owns, leases, or operates a place of public accommodation. Public accommodations include most places of lodging (such as inns and hotels), recreation, transportation, education, and dining, along with stores, care providers, and places of
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public displays.” While this was obviously written for physical products and locations, case law seems pretty clear that it extends to online business and information as well. Many private clubs and religious organizations may be exempted, however, because they are neither public accommodations nor commercial facilities. If you work with the federal government … you’re actually covered under an entirely different piece of legislation. Companies that work directly with or take money from the federal government are covered under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which includes significant constraints that may impact website style and design. Most businesses don’t need to worry about 508 compliance, but those who do can use the same tools to bring your website “up to code” that you can use for ADA compliance (e.g., WCAG 2.0 guidelines—more on that in a little bit). How to Comply with ADA Standards If the ADA is so vague about what’s required of websites, how can any business hope to meet accessibility standards? In a surprise twist, the godfathers of the internet were on it long before the government wised up to the problem. Leading Web developers have been pioneering accessibility and publishing standards since 1994. In 1999, the Web Accessibility Initiative and the World Wide Web Consortium created the Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines. In essence, the people who determine how the internet is written came together to advise Web developers on how to make websites accessible not only to people with disabilities, but to all web users, including those with highly limited devices. In 2008, these standards were updated in WCAG 2.0, which has become an ISO International Standard for the Web. A number of governments require that public websites meet these standards, including the EU and Australia. Today, WCAG 2.0 is also the industry standard for nongovernmental organizations. The DOJ has used WCAG 2.0 to judge accessibility and ADA compliance in court cases, such as the case against Peapod in November 2014. The WCAG 2.0 Standards The principles, guidelines, and success criteria in WCAG stay fixed, but techniques are periodically updated, so it’s a good idea to check in with the updated guidelines when you’re working on a website. The four principles involved are that websites must be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, or POUR. Within each principle are guidelines, and within each guideline are techniques and failure examples. Here’s a list directly from W3C and WAI: Perceivable •P rovide text alternatives for nontext content. •P rovide
captions
and
other
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alternatives for multimedia. •C reate content that can be presented in different ways, including by assistive technologies, without losing meaning. •M ake it easier for users to see and hear content. Operable •M ake all functionality available from a keyboard. •G ive users enough time to read and use content. •D o not use content that causes seizures. •H elp users navigate and find content. Understandable •M ake text readable understandable.
and
• Make content appear and operate in predictable ways. • Help users avoid and correct mistakes. Robust • Maximize compatibility with current and future user tools. There are three levels of conformance with WCAG 2.0: A, AA, and AAA. Level A conformity isn’t difficult, but it also provides the least benefit to impaired users. The focus of this level is making it easier for browser readers to navigate and translate the site. While this is an improvement for many websites, it doesn’t make a site as accessible as the DOJ would like it to be. Level AA is a little more significant and makes sites accessible to persons with a wider range of disabilities, including the most common barriers to use. It won’t impact the look and feel of the site as much as Level AAA compliance, though it does include guidance on color contrast and error identification. Most businesses should be aiming for Level AA conformity, and it appears to reflect the level of accessibility the DOJ expects. WCAG 2.0 Level AA also appears to be roughly equivalent to the standards in Section 508,
thought WCAG documentation is more specific and more clearly defined than what’s included in Section 508. Level AAA is the most demanding level of accessibility compliance, and it will significantly affect the design of the site. However, it also makes a website accessible to the widest range of people with disabilities. As I mentioned above, under each WCAG 2.0 principle is a list of guidelines, and under each guideline are compliance standards, with techniques and failure examples at each level. Some guidelines include only Level A items; others include items for multiple levels of conformance, building from A to AAA. At each stage, you can easily see what more you would need to do to reach Level AA or AAA. In this way, many websites include elements at multiple levels of accessibility. I should mention one caveat to all of this. Businesses that are required to comply but don’t have the ability to bring their websites into compliance can provide an accessible alternative to provide the same information, goods, and services that they provide online, like a staffed phone line. The trick, however, is that this option has to provide at least equal access, including hours of operation. And, as we know, the internet is around 24/7, so good luck with that. Thanks for sticking with me through this; I know it involves a lot. But the cause is just and your heart is pure, so go forth and triumph! Your customers with disabilities will be grateful. If you’re redesigning your website for ADA compliance, organization becomes even more important. If you could use a little help on that front, check out our detailed redesign checklist. • Emily Winsauer is the content director at VIEO Design, an award-winning Web design and inbound marketing firm that specializes in using an innovative range of digital tools to drive client ROI. www. vieodesign.com
CAREER
SBA Programs Boost Women’s Entrepreneurship By MEGAN JOYCE
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ccording to the National Association of Women Business Owners, women own more than 9.4 million businesses in the U.S. In 2015, this translated to a total of $1.5 trillion in sales and the employment of almost 7.9 million American workers. Women-owned small businesses are an important cog in the American economic machine, and the U.S. Small Business Administration has several initiatives in place, both to get those businesses off the ground and to keep them running. Office of Women’s Business Ownership The SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership was established in response to an executive order in 1979 to foster the participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy, especially those who have been historically under-served or excluded, said Solomon Wheeler, Harrisburg branch manager for the SBA. SBA district offices coordinate several programs for women entrepreneurs. These programs focus on business training and counseling, access to credit and capital, and marketing opportunities, including federal contracts. The Office of Women’s Business Ownership oversees Women’s Business Centers, a national network of almost 100 educational centers established in every state to help women start and grow successful businesses. Each Women’s Business Center tailors its services to the needs of its individual community, Wheeler said, and WBCs serve diverse geographic areas, demographics, and economic
receive similar support, according to OBWO’s website. To locate a WBC near you and to find out more about its numerous programs, visit OBWO’s website (www.sba.gov/offices/headquarters/ wbo/about-us).
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Women-owned small businesses are an important cog in the American economic machine.
environments. Many WBCs even offer training and counseling in a range of languages and dialects—all aimed at reaching underserved markets and tackling the unique obstacles women face in the business world. Each WBC provides training in
finance, management, marketing, and the internet and offers access to all of the SBA’s financial and procurement assistance programs. Businesses that receive assistance from WBCs have significantly better survival rates than those that don’t
WOSB Certification and Its Benefits To become a Women-Owned Small Business, a business must be certified by an SBA-approved thirdparty certifier, such as the National Women Business Owners Corporation or the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Self-certification is also an option but is in the process of being discontinued as of fiscal year 2016, although the change has not yet been implemented. Check the SBA’s website (www.sba.gov) for current self-certification information. Implemented in 2011, the WomenOwned Small Business Federal Contract Program is one of the SBA’s initiatives to help women secure better access to procurement opportunities, Wheeler said. The federal government has a 5 percent contracting goal for women-owned businesses, and the SBA works with federal agencies to achieve that target. According to Wheeler, the WOSB Federal Contract Program enables economically disadvantaged WOSBs to compete for federal contracts that are set aside in industries where WOSBs are underrepresented. In September 2015, the SBA issued a rule authorizing federal agencies to award sole-source contracts to womenowned small businesses eligible for the WOSB Federal Contract Program. In these cases, the federal agency in need of a service or purchase initiates a non-competitive bidding process,
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soliciting (and accepting) a contract proposal from one single business—a “sole source.” To be eligible for the WOSB Contract Program, a small business must meet all the requirements for a WOSB and also demonstrate economic disadvantage, including (but not limited to) a personal net worth less than $750,000; adjusted gross income average over three years at $350,000 or less; and a fair market value of all assets at $6 million or less. Other available benefits of the WOSB initiative include online procurement training and matchmaking events, which pair businesses with both federal and private contract opportunities. Additionally, the 8(a) Business Development Program offers a broad scope of assistance to firms that are owned and controlled at least 51 percent by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. ChallengeHER and InnovateHER To connect more women-owned businesses with federal government
contracts, ChallengeHER campaign events are held each year in several major cities across the United States through a partnership of the SBA, American Express OPEN, and Women Impacting Public Policy. These events help women business owners better understand the procurement opportunities available through the federal government, Wheeler said. ChallengeHER events include educational breakout sessions as well as “matchmaking” conducted by the SBA, which connects women-owned small businesses with the decision makers and contract opportunities housed by its federal partners, both nationally and locally. Business owners new to federal contracting will learn about needed preparations before approaching a federal buyer; owners ready to meet with buyers can be assigned to one-on-one meetings. Started in 2015, the InnovateHER Challenge has been an opportunity for entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. to showcase products and services that have an impact on the
lives of women and families, have the potential for commercialization, and fill a need in the marketplace, according to OBWO’s website. After succeeding at InnovateHER competitions held locally, the SBA chooses 10 finalists to compete at the live pitch competition in Washington, DC, for substantial prize money and venture capital. Last year’s firstplace winner, Elizabeth Caven of Des Moines, Iowa, earned $40,000 for UpCraft Club, her website for digital sewing patterns. SBA’s Loan Options For women seeking the more traditional methods of obtaining capital, the SBA has several lending programs designed specifically to encourage entrepreneurship, with its most common being the 7(a) Loan Program. To be eligible for a 7(a) loan, a business must: operate for a profit and in the United States; have reasonable invested equity; use alternative financial resources (including personal assets) before seeking
financial assistance; demonstrate a need for the loan proceeds; use the funds for a sound business purpose; be free of existing debt to the U.S. government; and, of course, be “small” as defined by the SBA. This is a partial list of requirements. Another loan program helpful for small-business owners is the SBA’s Microloan Program, which provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000, according to the SBA, and can be used for working capital, inventory or supplies, furniture or fixtures, machinery, or equipment. Microloan proceeds cannot be used to pay existing debts or to purchase real estate. • For more information on loan options or any of the SBA’s programs geared toward giving women-owned businesses a lift, visit the SBA online (www.sba.gov) or call the Harrisburg branch of the SBA at (717) 782-3840.
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~ March 2017 | BUSINESSWoman
York
April 20, 2017 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. York Expo Center • Memorial Hall East 334 Carlisle Ave., York Jumpstart your career! Skip the line – register to attend online!
www.VeteransExpo.com • 717.285.8136
What Will You Be Doing on April Fools’ Day? By CHRISTIANNE RUPP I hope you’ll be gathering your friends and family and heading over to the fourth annual Dauphin County women’s expo on Saturday, April 1—April Fools’ Day! It’s always an exciting day, with vendors offering information on just about anything imaginable—pets, purses, healthcare, entertainment, leisure, finances, automobiles, jewelry, foods, home improvements, skin care, home décor, and more. And the best part is you can make purchases along the way! While traveling around the show floor, stop and enjoy a free mini massage, sample some wine, and check out the activities happening on stage. You can’t go wrong with fashions from Creative Elegance Boutique. Kathy Cadieux and her gals will take center stage for a fashion extravaganza. She’ll be featuring clothing and accessories by Brighton, Eliza J, Nic + Zoe, Alberto Mikali, Joseph Ribkoff, and more! Power Train Gym instructors will hold a cardio jam session inspired by the infectious, energizing, and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums—POUND®. Maybe this fitness class will become your new favorite exercise program! Darmayne Robertson, Food Network competitor and owner and head cake artist at Sweet Confections Cakes, will create an edible designer purse and shoes out of cake using butter cream and rolled fondant icing. Darmayne has been creating edible art for more than 20 years. Sweet! Candice Luciani will take the stage to demonstrate the fundamentals of creating an effective resistance-training workout. She will also discuss the essentials to being strong and fit and what women can do to battle common misconceptions about diet and exercise. Pat Stefan from Stauffers of Kissel Hill believes that gardening should be fun, not work. Hear from the expert how
to prepare the soil; how to grow vegetables in containers; and proper planting, plant care, and nutrition. The Hottest and Bravest Firefighter Contest is a great way to show support for local fire companies who can certainly use the community’s encouragement. Each $1 vote for the male or female firefighter of your choice benefits their respective fire station. We have the firefighter strut on stage and announce the winner. No bare chests, but lots of fun. Look for the LuLaRoe Pop-Up Shop where you can shop, try on, and purchase some of your favorite comfort wear. Of course, there is lots more on tap and in the works because our aim is to give you a day that will have you saying, “Gee, that was a great way to spend my day.” Log on at www.aGreatWayToSpendMyDay.com for free advance guest registration ($5 at the door) or for more information about participating as a sponsor or exhibitor.
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April 1, 2017 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey
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April 1, 2017 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey
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April 8, 2017 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lebanon Expo Center 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon
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Every Hero Has a Name. Is your military hero also your spouse, child, grandchild, friend, or neighbor? Help us put a face and a name to the courageous men and women who are currently serving or who have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Marketing and Your Business You need to get your product or service in the hands of potential consumers. Marketing does that, and it includes sales, public relations, pricing, packaging, and distribution. We’ll gather fresh information on marketing strategies, and bring them to you once a month in an easy-to-read e-newsletter called The Fresh Press. We won’t spam you with offers. That’s not what this newsletter is. Look for an email from The Fresh Press in your inbox or go to www.BusinessWomanPA.com and sign up to receive this FREE newsletter.
The ABLE Act – NewPennsylvania Law Provides Additional Tool for Special-Needs Planning
Lifestyle
By LISA GODDY
T
he federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was enacted in December 2014. The federal law authorizes each state to develop their own ABLE programs, and many states have moved quickly to implement ABLE, including Pennsylvania, where on April 16, 2016, Gov. Wolf signed into law Pennsylvania’s ABLE Act.
But What is It? The ABLE Act allows for the creation of a tax-free savings account for an individual with disabilities under the Internal Revenue Code Section 529A. Similar to a 529 college savings account that is used to pay for “qualified education expenses,” the ABLE savings account has a defined purpose: to pay for “qualified disability expenses” for an individual with disabilities. ABLE accounts are designed to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities and their families to save for the future expenses that will be necessary to support the disabled person and further enhance the quality of their life.
Why the Need for ABLE Accounts? Individuals with disabilities can have only $2,000 in assets in order to remain eligible for certain federal and state meanstested governmental benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. ABLE allows eligible individuals to save up to $100,000 and still be eligible for SSI, Medicaid, Medical Assistance, and other governmental benefits. What are the Tax Benefits? An ABLE account is a taxadvantaged savings account for qualified individuals with disabilities. The disabled individual is the owner and beneficiary of the
account. Such individuals can only have one ABLE account; however, contributions to the account may be made by any number of people (the account beneficiary, family, and friends). Earnings from ABLE funds grow tax free, and withdrawals will be exempt from federal and state income tax when used for qualified disability expenses. Contributions may or may not be tax deductible depending on the specifics of the state ABLE law. In Pennsylvania, a second bill that would allow ABLE contributions (up to $14,000 annually) to be deducted from Pennsylvania state income tax is working its way through the legislative process. ABLE accounts
are also exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Who is Eligible? An individual must meet two requirements to be eligible to open an ABLE account: an age requirement (e.g., age 26) and a disability requirement (i.e., the Social Security definition of disability). For instance, an individual whose disability occurred prior to age 26 and is already receiving SSI is automatically eligible to open an ABLE account (only one account per eligible individual). What are the Limitations? 1. Annual contribution maximum – There are limits as to how much
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money can be deposited into an ABLE account. The total annual contribution allowed is $14,000.
Lifestyle
2. $100,000 cap – The total amount of funds an ABLE account may hold is capped at $100,000. If the ABLE account exceeds the cap of $100,000, SSI benefits will be suspended and the beneficiary will lose his or her monthly benefits. This suspension will remain in place until the beneficiary properly spends down the account to reactivate the SSI benefits. 3. Medicaid payback – Upon the death of the beneficiary, federal law authorizes the states to file claims for Medicaid reimbursement. However, Pennsylvania opted to not subject the ABLE account to Medical Assistance reimbursement (this may not be the case in other states). What Type of Expenses are Allowed? The funds in the ABLE account may be used to pay for a variety of
ABLE accounts are designed to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities and their families to save for the future expenses that will be necessary to support the disabled person and further enhance the quality of their life.
“qualified disability expenses� for the individual with disabilities. Examples of such qualified disability expenses may include medical/dental care, education, community-based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, transportation, and financial
Should an ABLE Account Replace a Special-Needs Trust? A special-needs trust is designed to manage assets for an individual with special needs while not jeopardizing any governmental benefits he or
• Lisa Goddy is a lawyer with The Lynch Law Group. Her practice is focused in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, special-needs trusts, and wealth transfer planning. Please visit www.lynchlaw-group.com for Goddy’s full bio and contact information.
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management/ administrative services.
she may be receiving. An ABLE account is merely another tool available to individuals with disabilities and their families. For many families, the ABLE account will be an important option in addition to, rather than instead of, establishing a specialneeds trust. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department estimates that it will take approximately six months to make Pennsylvania ABLE accounts available. Because every individual’s circumstances are unique, it is important to consult with your estate planning attorney to determine the options that are most appropriate when planning for an individual with special needs.
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~ March 2017 | BUSINESSWoman
The Psoas Muscle: What It Is and Why It’s Important
U
By ROCHELLE A. SHENK
nlike the quads, triceps, or glutes, the psoas (pronounced “so-as”) muscle isn’t commonly known, but it does serve an important function. Alicia Bettis, PT, DPT, MSATC,
OCS, Cert.MDT, and center manager at Drayer Physical Therapy’s Linglestown office, says that most of the general public isn’t aware of this muscle group, which connects the lower lumbar spine and lower lumbar vertebrae into the hip.
Bettis holds a Master of Science degree in athletic training and a doctorate in physical therapy from Shenandoah University. She has also completed an orthopedic residency spine movement fellowship, so Bettis is very much aware of the psoas
muscle and its functions. “This muscle is important to everyone, no matter what their age. You need to have the right amount of strength, tone, and balance in this muscle,” she says. The word psoas is Greek and
Wellness
Alicia Bettis demonstrates a releasing technique to the psoas major muscle to decrease tone to improve function.
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~ March 2017 | BUSINESSWoman
means “loin region.” The psoas muscle group makes an upsidedown V; it connects to the spine starting at about the bottom point of the ribcage and works its way down to the top of the femur. As such, Bettis explains, it’s the primary connector between the torso and legs. The psoas helps with core and trunk stability, plays an important role in posture, and acts as a hip flexor (a group of muscles that help you move, or flex, your leg and knee up toward your body). It helps support the internal organs and pelvic floor. Bettis points out that in conjunction with supporting the pelvic floor, the psoas muscle also plays a role in incontinence and can be strengthened to help with incontinence issues by balancing out overuse and underuse throughout the pelvic girdle. It also plays a role in pelvic pain during intimacy. Bettis notes that the psoas is also a critical muscle when doing breathing exercises—tendons of the diaphragm connect to the lumbar area near the psoas, and some of the ligaments intertwine. Additionally, certified yoga instructor and filmmaker Danielle Prohom Olson (www. bodydivineyoga.wordpress.com) calls the psoas muscle “the muscle of the soul.” “The psoas is connected to the diaphragm through connective tissue or fascia, which affect both our breath and fear reflex. This is because the psoas is directly linked to the reptilian brain, the most ancient, interior part of the brain stem and spinal cord,” Olson says. So whether you’re a singer doing vocal exercises to warm up before a performance or you’re practicing yoga, Pilates, or other exercises, the psoas matters. According to Drs. Josh and Chelsea Axe (www.draxe.com), a strong psoas is not only important for good posture and a healthy lower back, but it can also aid in a pain-free pregnancy. Bettis says the psoas should be well toned but not too toned—if the
muscle is not strong enough or is overworked, it can cause pain, particularly in the lower back and pelvic region. The Axes assert that a weak psoas can also cause sway back, hamstring strain, knee pain, and pelvic tilt. Causes of a tight psoas can include weak abdominal, gluteal, or pelvic muscles; chronic sitting (yet another reason to periodically stretch or walk around when working at the computer for lengthy periods); and prolonged cycling. The Axes report that symptoms of a weak psoas include: discomfort, pain, and aches in the front hip socket; restriction in the hip socket; restriction moving the thigh backward; deep pelvic pain on the side that feels tight; deep “bellyache”; and chronic constipation. Bettis cautions that the psoas can be overworked without realizing it. To help stabilize the psoas if it’s too tight, she recommends working other core muscles, such as the glutes, levator ani group, and transverse abdominal muscle. Olson opens and closes her yoga practice with hip-opening poses with the specific intention of releasing tension in her psoas and hip flexors. “I’d breathe and imagine tension flowing out of constricted muscles to be released as energy into the torso. It worked—I’d feel my body soften, yet somehow grow stronger,” she says. A physical therapist can manually and safely release the tension, Bettis says. “Once we release the tension, we teach clients what to work to decrease the over-toned muscle. Once the muscle is stabilized and they’re released from therapy, they have the tools to ensure that it doesn’t go back to that point,” she says. Be mindful of posture and taking breaks when working at a computer, and be aware of the role that the psoas plays in everyday activities, such as lifting a bag of groceries.
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Can You Minimize Your Risk for Computer Vision Syndrome?
By KIM KLUGH
Wellness
I
f you work at a computer and you’re noticing headaches; eye strain; neck, shoulder, and back pain; sensitivity to light; blurred or double vision; and dry or irritated eyes during or after work hours, you may be experiencing the most common symptoms of computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain by the American Optometric Association. Computer vision syndrome affects three out of four computer users, so if your job requires six to eight hours of concentration at a computer display, you are at risk. Your eyesight, your computer, and your work environment are all possible contributors to a CVS diagnosis. The good news is the symptoms are often temporary and will diminish when the contributing factors are identified and preventative measures are taken to guard against them. In the last 10 years, Dr. Katherine White Kirn of Kirn Family Eye Care in Harrisburg began noticing the aforementioned symptoms associated with CVS among her patients. That’s not too surprising, given that she says the Occupational Safety and
20
Health Administration reports CVS as the current No. 1 work-related complaint. “In the last few years it has broadened to include young children and seniors as well, due to their increased screen time on a variety of digital devices, including e-readers,” Kirn says. Prolonged use of any digital device—the computer, cellphone, tablet or e-reader—can contribute to a variety of CVS symptoms that cause varying degrees of discomfort and may affect work performance. “People predisposed to be more at risk for the CVS symptoms,” according to Kirn, “are those with uncorrected vision, contact lens wearers (who are more likely to have drier eyes), and those who spend large amounts of uninterrupted time on the computer.” Uncorrected vision problems such as farsightedness, astigmatism, and eye focusing or coordination abilities, as well as changes in the eye due to aging, can all contribute to the development of symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome and may also increase their intensity.
~ March 2017 | BUSINESSWoman
What can you do to avoid the risk of this contemporary malady if your job requires hours at a computer screen? The question of computer screen time is warranted when any of Kirn’s patients complain of eye fatigue, a focus that comes and goes, red or watery eyes, neck and shoulder pain, or eyes that “hurt.” She says that spending more than two continuous hours on the computer with your eyes focused on the screen can result in any one or a combination of these warning signs. So the first step in the diagnosis and prevention of CVS is an annual eye exam that can determine how well your eyes focus, move, and work together. “Eye muscles can be tested against what’s normal and then we make comparisons,” says Kirn. In addition to annual vision assessments, Kirn also suggests preventative steps to guard against the syndrome’s symptoms. Factors such as uncontrolled screen glare and reflections, poor lighting, and dry eyes can increase the risk of CVS, as can incorrect sitting positions or postures while at the computer and poor workstation setups
involving the screen, desk, and chair. Whether you work at home or in an office at a computer, an assessment of these factors is essential so that proper corrections, which may eliminate the symptoms, can be made. Kirn suggests testing for glare by taking the visor test. Cup your hand over your eyes to shield them from any light in the work area. If the act of shielding the light helps alleviate the glare, then you “should block the light by changing the angle of the screen,” she says. For optimal conditions, there should be no bright light coming from behind you or in front of you, and if necessary, she recommends that you remove some light bulbs or change them out for lower wattage or add blinds to the windows. As for the most advantageous screen positioning, Kirn says, “[The screen] should be about 5 inches below eye level and your chin should not be cocked upward; rather, it should be at a slight downward angle.” The screen should also be 2028 inches or an arm’s length away from your eyes. When you need to
view materials from which to read or type, the American Optometric Association suggests using a document holder beside the monitor so you can minimize your head movement from the document to the screen. In order to keep your eyes from drying out, Kirn says to “tell yourself to blink more.” You can add a sticky note with that message to your monitor or to your immediate workspace as a reminder throughout the day. She also recommends taking short breaks three times an hour and practicing the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look 20 feet away from you. By taking this break in concentration, you give your eyes a chance to rest and blink, which, in the end, can also improve your work performance. Until you’re able to correct or improve your computer workstation and the possible glare conditions, Kirn says your eyes can be treated for dryness with artificial tears. Her recommendation while using
Dr. Katherine White Kirn. To her left is a digital phoropter, which examines the eyes. the computer is to lubricate your eyes every two hours. For those who already wear glasses, non-glare filters and lenses are available. For those who do not require glasses to correct their vision, Kirn says there are glasses that can be prescribed expressly to
meet computer-viewing demands and are specific to each person, made with special tints or non-glare lenses. Blue light is a normal part of sunlight and helps us establish our circadian rhythm. However, Kirn says that recent research regarding the blue light emitted from computer screens
and other digital devices suggests it’s harmful to the eyes at close proximities and can cause eye problems over the long term, including an increase in the risk of macular degeneration. Kirn says that lenses have been designed to offer protection from the blue light that can be injurious to the eyes; Crizal® Prevencia® NoGlare lenses is the name-branded glasses developed to reduce your exposure to blue light emitted from a variety of devices while allowing the beneficial light to pass through. Although cost may limit the number of employees who could benefit from such technological advances, “some vision insurances are beginning to cover treatment costs for symptoms related to computer vision syndrome,” Kirn says. That trend may eventually enable new technology, such as specific glasses like the above, to become a more realistic alternative for employees who require occupationally related eye-care services.
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No-Cook Overnight Oatmeal Recipe by Sonja Groset Ingredients:
chia seeds, honey, and cinnamon in a 1/2-pint jar with a lid; cover and shake until combined. Remove lid and fold in blueberries. Cover jar with lid. Refrigerate oatmeal, 8 hours to overnight.
• 1/3 cup milk • 1/4 cup rolled oats • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt • 2 teaspoons chia seeds • 2 teaspoons honey
1 serving: 279 calories
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
Recipe provided by www.Allrecipes.com, the world’s most visited recipe web site.
Directions: Combine milk, oats, Greek yogurt,
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Women to
Natalia Neagu has joined Urology
Brandy Shope has been hired as corporate
of Central PA as a certified registered nurse practitioner. Neagu is a graduate of Widener University with a Master of Science degree in nursing and has several years of critical-care nursing experience at local health systems.
director of human resources for HB McClure Company. Shope has a wealth of experience in the leadership, public relations, and corporate communications fields. She will develop the company’s leadership and enhance internal communications and employee empowerment.
Amanda Weidman joins Caskey Group, a York-based commercial printing and marketing company, as a graphic designer. Prior to this position, Weidman was employed as a graphic designer/ social media coordinator for the Hershey Creamery Company.
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Meet and
Greet
American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Camelot Chapter 6 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month Radisson Hotel Harrisburg, Camp Hill Marianne Troy, President 717.761.9013 mariannetroy@gmail.com www.abwacamelot.com Lancaster Area Express Network 7:15 – 9 a.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month Lancaster Country Club 1466 New Holland Pike, Lancaster Gail Tomlinson 717.715.2595 tomlinson.gail@comcast.net www.LAEN-ABWA.org Lebanon Valley Chapter 6 p.m. 4th Wednesday of the month Hebron Fire Hall 701 E. Walnut St., Lebanon Penny Donmoyer 717.383.6969 www.abwalebanonpa.com Penn Square Chapter 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. 1st Thursday of the month Hamilton Club 106 E. Orange St., Lancaster Laurie Bodisch, president 717.571.8567 lbodisch@fult.com www.abwapennsquare.org Wheatland – Conestoga Chapter 6 p.m. 1st Tuesday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Kimberly Warner, President kwarner@murrayins.com www.abwa-wc.org Women @ Work Express Network 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. 2nd Thursday of the month Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Diane Brooks diane@virtualbizzassistant.com www.abwalancaster.com
Executive Women International Harrisburg Chapter 5:30 p.m. 3rd Thursday of the month Rotating location Deb Pierson dpierson@piersoncci.com www.ewiharrisburg.org Faith & Business Women Networking 8:15 a.m. 1st Friday of the month York Springs Foursquare Church 400 Main Street York Springs, PA 17372 FABWomen1@gmail.com 717.659.9488 or 717.752.6104 Insurance Professionals of Lancaster County (IPLC) 5:45 p.m. 3rd Tuesday of the month, Sept. – May Heritage Hotel 500 Centerville Road, Lancaster Krista Reed, Treasurer kreed@gunnmowery.com www.internationalinsuranceprofessionals.org/ group/117 International Association of Administrative Professionals Capital Region LAN 5:30 p.m. 3rd Monday of the month Holiday Inn Harrisburg East 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg Pam Newbaum pneubaum@pinnaclehealth.org 717.782.5787 www.iaap-harrisburg-pa.org
Pennsylvania Public Relations Society 5:30 p.m. Last Thursday of the month Erin Kanter, President pprshbg@gmail.com www.pprs-hbg.org Shippensburg Women’s Area Networking (SWAN) Noon 1st Wednesday of the month Rotating location Amanda Ridgway, President shipswan@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/shipswan Women Inspiring Success Express Network 7 – 9 a.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Various locations Wanda Stiffler 717.891.7808 wls1211@hotmail.com Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the month Sept. through April Alumni Hall – West Campus York College of PA 441 Country Club Road, York Lynne Breil, Executive Director lynne@theprofessionaledgeinc.com Julie Sterner, Administrator jsterner@ycp.edu www.wbcoyork.org
Women’s Capital Area Networking (WeCAN) 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 3rd Wednesday of the month West Shore Country Club 100 Brentwater Road, Camp Hill Abeer Allen, President 717.514.4449 info@wecanconnect.org www.wecanconnect.org Women’s Independent Networking Group (WING) Noon 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month Wyndam Garden 200 Louck Road, York Lisa Barshinger 717.747.6393 info@wingofyork.com www.wingofyork.com Women’s Network of York 11:30 a.m. 3rd Tuesday of the month Out Door Country Club 1157 Detwiler Drive, York Lori Detter, President president@wnyork.com www.wnyork.com
Hershey LAN 5:30 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of the Month Hershey Lodge 325 University Drive, Hershey 717.508.1710 Sherry Hoover shoover@hersheys.com www.hershey-iaap.org
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Connections
Yellow Breeches Chapter 6 p.m. 4th Wednesday of the month Comfort Suites 10 S. Hanover St., Carlisle Kerina DeMeester kerina1011@gmail.com
Central PA Association for Female Executives (CPAFE) 1st Wednesday of each month Refer to the website for the meeting location Adrienne Toman, President 717.713.7255 info@cpafe.org www.cpafe.org
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