September - Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER CENTRAL
September 2013
Calendar of Events
For additional event information or to register for events,
visit the Westmoreland Chamber’s Website at
www.westmorelandchamber.com
SEPTEMBER
September 2
Labor Day - Chamber Offices closed.
September 5
8:00 AM - MBPA meeting
Dick’s Diner, Murrysville
8:00 AM - Marketing Committee meeting
September 6
8:00 AM - First Friday Small Business Roundtable
September 10
4:00 PM—Ribbon Cutting
Smail Preowned Center II, Greensburg
September 11
8:00 AM - Board of Directors meeting
September 12
11:30 AM - Monthly Luncheon
Rizzo’s Malabar Inn Banquet Facility
September 17
7:30 AM - Networking Breakfast
Courtyard by Marriott, Greensburg
September 18
7:30 AM - State of Natural Gas Industry
SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Latrobe
5:00 PM - Monthly B.A.S.H.:
Aestique Plastic Surgery & Spa, Gbg
September 19
8:00 AM - Government Affairs Committee meeting
September 24
7:45 AM - Coffee & Connections
Harmon House, Mt. Pleasant
September 25
8:00 AM - Pittsburgh Impact Breakfast
Ramada Hotel, Greensburg
4:30 PM - Ribbon Cutting
Murrysville Spa, Skin Care & Laser Center
September 27
8:00 AM - Ambassador Committee meeting
1:00 PM - Member Orientation
Meetings are held at the Chamber Office unless noted.
Chamber, Keystone Energy Forum to present
Commerce Forum on natural gas industry
Forum features discussion
with economists and energy
experts on the future of
natural gas and its impact
on the economy
Whether you are a business owner
with interests in the natural gas industry or just curious about how natural
gas drilling impacts you, there are a
lot of questions surrounding this issue.
On Wednesday, September 18th, the
Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce
and the Keystone Energy Forum will
present a forum locally dedicated to
answering some of the questions you
may have.
The 2013 Commerce Forum: Looking into the Future of Natural Gas
Development will be held from 7:30
to 9:30 a.m. at the SpringHill Suites
by Marriott, located at 115 Arnold
Palmer Drive, near the Arnold Palmer
Regional Airport and Kennametal
Headquarters in Latrobe.
At 7:30 a.m., registration, a breakfast
buffet and networking will begin, followed by the program.
“State of the Natural Gas Industry” is
a look into the future of energy production and how it relates to Pennsylvania commerce and the Westmoreland County economy. It features a
discussion with economists and energy experts including panelists John
Felmy and Stephanie Catarino Wissman of the American Petroleum Insti-
A commerce forum on the State of the
Natural Gas Industry will be held on Sept.
18 at 7:30 a.m. at the SpringHill Suites by
Marriott in Latrobe.
tute, who will present “State of the
Natural Gas Industry & What the Future Holds.”
Chad Amond, President of the Chamber, and Bill Stewart of the Keystone
Energy Forum will offer opening remarks at 8:00 a.m.
There is no cost to attend this forum
and breakfast for Westmoreland
Chamber members, but seating is limited, so pre-registration is required by
September 16th. To register call the
Chamber at 724-834-2900 or online
www.westmorelandchamber.com.
THE WESTMORELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES FOTORECORD PRINT CENTER AS THE
“OFFICIAL PRINTER” OF THE CHAMBER CENTRAL NEWSLETTER. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICES.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
UPCOMING SIGNATURE EVENTS
FIRST FRIDAY Small Business Roundtables - Friday, September 6th & October 4th
“Is Your Business Built to Sell?”
Friday, September 6th
8:00 to 9:30 am Chamber Boardroom
“Making Difficult Changes in Business”
Friday, October 4th
8:00 to 9:30 am Chamber Boardroom
It’s been said that Entrepreneurs start a business for one
of two reasons:
1. Build and pass on to next generation, or
2. Build and sell to non-family members
Are you thinking about selling your business, but you're
not sure where to start? Do you have an exit strategy in
place? You may ask yourself: Is my company valuable?
Is my business sellable? Who are potential buyers? What
types of buyers are there? We’ll explore these questions
and lay the framework for how you can improve your
business and position it for sale at the same time.
The only thing consistent about business is that it will
continually change. Getting your team to make changes
as the business changes can be one of the most frustrating
and time consuming tasks in business.
What holds a business owner back from making the necessary changes to move their business forward? Training
and education help but don't always produce the results
needed.
In this intriguing and enlightening seminar, you'll learn
where the resistance to change may be rooted and how to
address it professionally.
Featured Speaker: Ken Sevick, ActionCOACH
Featured Speaker: Bob Nelson, CPA, xlBusiness Advisors
Free to attend but reservations are required.
Monthly Luncheon - Thursday, September 12th
Featured Speaker:
Pittsburgh Sports Writer
Jim O'Brien
"“A Winning Way"
Jim O'Brien will share
stories about Chuck Noll,
Art Rooney, Troy
Polamalu, Rocky Bleier
and other Steelers to show
what's needed to have a winning way in whatever you're
doing, not just on the football field.
Thursday, September 12th 11:30am - Registration
Space is limited.
Networking Breakfast - Tuesday, September 17th
Meet other members, make new
connections, and strengthen existing relationships at the Networking Breakfast meetings!
They are an ideal opportunity to
introduce yourself, have meaningful conversations, and get to
know fellow members! Enjoy a
breakfast of made-to-order omelets and additional items at the breakfast bar.
Featured Speaker: Judy Pallone, Cedar Ridge Realty Inc.
Tuesday, September 17th, 7:30 to 9:00 am
Noon to 1:15 pm - Lunch & Program
Courtyard by Marriott, Greensburg
Rizzo’s Malabar Inn Reception Hall, Crabtree
$12 Members / $22 Future Members
$20 Members / $30 Future Members
To register for any event, visit www.westmorelandchamber.com or call the office at 724.834.2900.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Tuesday, Sept. 10: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at Smail Preowned Center II by Smail Acura
Wednesday, Sept. 18: BASH at The Spa at Aestique in Greensburg (See insert in newsletter)
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Keystone Energy Forum at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Latrobe (See Page 1)
Tuesday, Sept. 24: COFFEE & CONNECTIONS at Harmon House in Mt. Pleasant (See Page 7)
Wednesday, Sept. 25: Ribbon Cutting at Murrysville Spa, Skin Care & Laser Center
Eastgate Plaza
Official “Meeting Sponsor” of the
Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
Update on Latrobe Chamber Merger Talks
I
n early 2013, the Latrobe Area
Chamber contacted the Westmoreland Chamber asking that
WCC consider merging the
organizations. The invitation to engage in that discussion was initiated
by LACC board leadership and resulted in a series of positive, good faith meetings
between the leadership
groups of both organizations. With nearly a full
third of LACC’s 300
plus members also holding membership in the
Westmoreland Chamber, WCC embraced LACC’s expressed interest in
merging. WCC viewed the opportunity as a way to create efficiencies
and additional value for members of
both organizations. Plus, the prospect of merging falls within the
stated objectives of WCC’s strategic
plan which calls for working more
closely with organizations that share
parallel missions of service to the
business community within Westmoreland County.
between the organizations and will
serve to foster good will for years to
come. The Westmoreland Chamber
wishes LACC the very best of luck
and success as they turn the page on
a new chapter in their organization’s
history. WCC has pledged its support, offered to serve as
a resource, and expressed a willingness to
continue working in
concert to make Westmoreland County a better place to live and do
business for everyone.
During the conversations with
LACC, the Westmoreland Chamber
board emphasized that identifying
opportunities to work collaboratively
with community and business leaders
across all of Westmoreland County
and throughout SWPA is at the foundation of the Westmoreland Chamber
of Commerce’s mission of – Building Business, Connecting Communities, and Empowering People –and
WCC remains committed to doing
just that in whatever form it ocIn late August, members of the
curs. The Westmoreland Chamber
LACC Board voted to postpone
remains resolute in its belief that our
merger talks and focus on identifying county and our region are best served
new funding streams for the organi- by working in concert to move our
zation with the hope of remaining
communities forward. As the reindependent for now. At the same
gion’s largest, most active, and influtime, LACC board members exential association of business and
pressed their thanks to WCC for en- community leaders, the Westmoregaging in the discussion and a deep
land Chamber embraces the role of
desire to continue to collaborate with identifying new ways and new partthe Westmoreland Chamber just as
nerships to attack the issues that afthe two organizations have done for fect every community in Westmoreland County regardless of the zip
decades.
The Westmoreland Chamber Board code or town in which we live or
locate our business.
and staff in return extend their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the memOne of America’s most celebrated
bers of the LACC Board for their
entrepreneurs and admired businessinvitation to join them in thoughtful man, Henry Ford, said, “Coming
consideration during the recent
together is a beginning; keeping tomerger discussions. We trust their
gether is progress; working together
decision to remain independent will is success.” The Westmoreland
prove to be what’s best for the City
Chamber takes inspiration from Mr.
of Latrobe, which is ultimately at the Ford’s sentiment knowing that WCC
core of WCC’s decision to engage in and LACC leaders recently took a
the discussion from the onset. West- significant step forward in bringing
moreland Chamber leadership is con- people together, with the promise
fident that the merger talks estabthat progress and success are just
lished an even closer relationship
around the corner.
Advertise
in the 2014
Membership
Directory
How would
you like to
have an
advertisement
that is seen all
year long?
Advertise in the Westmoreland
Chamber of Commerce Membership
Directory to increase your
company’s visibility, gain customers
and grow your business.
Ads available in color and black
and white. Ad sizes include:
Full Page
Half Page
1/4 Page
1/8 Page
1/16 Page
Look for the Directory Advertising
insert in this month’s newsletter.
Ad deadline is November 1, 2013
2014 Membership Directory will be
distributed in January 2014.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday,
October 10th
for the
2013 Annual Business
Meeting & Chamber
Awards Luncheon
at
Fred Rogers Center
Saint Vincent College
$35 per person/
$280 for a table of 8
$45 for guests
Pre-registration is required.
Register online at
www.westmorelandchamber.com
CHAMBER CENTRAL
CHAMBER EVENTS
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
Monthly Chamber Luncheon
at DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse
It’s Back To
School Time…
…and that goes
for everyone!
The night air is turning crisp. High school
stadiums across Westmoreland County are
aglow each Friday night lighting the way for
touchdowns and marching bands. Plus, the
morning commute is a few minutes longer
while we wait for the kids to board the
buses. That can mean only one thing. It’s
back- to-school time.
Every September it’s the same routine. Kids
fill the office supply store stocking up on
notebooks, pens and the other necessary
tools for learning. Then it’s off to shop for
the latest sneakers and hottest fashions. But
school isn’t just for the kids – at least it
shouldn’t be.
LUNCHTIME: (top) Chamber Vice Chair Rich Rosky of First National Bank; President
Chad Amond; featured speaker Congressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12), and Chairman
Commissioner R. Tyler Courtney of RTC Financial Services take a moment after the
Chamber Luncheon to pose for a picture. Rothfus spoke at the luncheon and fielded
questions from the audience on an array of issues facing consumers and business owners. The luncheon was held on Aug. 8th at DeNunzio’s Italian Chophouse, located at
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.
Today’s business environment presents its
share of challenges. The dynamic nature of
today’s economy depends on a more nimble
workforce that understands technology and
its role in growing a business. Business
practices are being refined and sharpened
quarter by quarter and day by day. For
some, it can be very difficult to keep
pace. The skills that once made you cutting
edge may now have you feeling like a dinosaur.
At the Chamber office we hear time and
again that even with a surplus of candidates
in this economy’s well documented high
unemployment, member businesses struggle
to find workers with the skills necessary to
meet current business demands. Let’s face
it, a four-year degree in art history doesn’t
do you much good if all of the job openings
are for welders. At a time when the economy is already stressed, we must do a better
job of matching the skills of our workers to
the jobs that exist. If not, our people and our
region is at risk of being left behind.
AT THE MIC: Congressman Keith Rothfus
(PA-12) speaks to chamber members at the
monthly luncheon in August.
HIGHER EDUCATION: Alice Price of Geneva
College, one of the event sponsors, poses for
a photo at a table offering information on
several Geneva programs that can benefit
members.
Westmoreland County is fortunate to have a
number of adult education centers geared
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
CHAMBER CENTRAL
Dan Galbraith, Solutionist
Dan joined the chamber some
Dan Galbraith is the Solutionist. As owner of Solutionist, a busitime ago, but said approxiness that was actually named by one of Dan’s customers, he promately a year and a half ago
vides marketing solutions to marketing professionals through
he made a conscious decision
SWAG (Soltuionist Wearables And Giveaways)!
to become a more active
Dan dabbled in print communications while still in college at chamber member.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then went on to work at
“It’s the best decision I ever
several printing companies, a large format company and digital
made,” said Dan.
advertising company before stepping into his alter ego as “The
Solutionist” in 2004.
He joined primarily for business development reasons—to meet new people, new business
According to his website, “A Solutionist is 25 years of visual
owners.
communication, sales, and marketing experience. We partner
with multiple suppliers to create sourcing redundancy. The result He advises anyone — whether a new member or a member for
is QUALITY PRODUCTS, ON TIME, EVERY TIME. That is years — to do the same.
our promise.”
“You get out of it what you put into it. If you join the chamber
He doesn’t just sell “trinkets.” Dan says he helps businesses gain and are expecting the phone to just start ringing, it won’t hapand maintain the lion’s share of business by branding themselves pen.”
using SWAG!
To learn more about SWAG and what it and Dan can do for your
“How can you get them to remember you? The answer is business, check out his website at www.solutionist.biz.
SWAG.”
business environment. It also depends
on affording those who possess an
toward helping you keep up with the
entrepreneurial spirit with the technichanging business environcal know how to put their ideas into
ment. From the outstanding programs action.
at Westmoreland County Community So whether you go back to school to
College and numerous four-year
learn a trade, finish a degree, pursue a
schools to trade and technical schools, graduate degree, or simply commit to
Westmoreland County is well posiattending a few professional developtioned to meet the challenge of work- ment seminars, remember that educaforce development head on. But like tion is the key to our collective sucany journey it begins with taking the
cess. To learn more about schools in
first step. And that step begins with
our area offering adult education proyou. It also requires that we guide our grams, visit the Chamber’s website or
kids into realistic career paths. And
talk with one of our many members
that path may look very different for
who make education their business.
different people.
Happy learning!
To compete with other parts of Southwestern Pennsylvania – the rest of our
nation and the rest of the world for
that matter – business owners and
their employees must be dedicated to
lifelong learning. The continued success of our business community deChad Amond
pends upon being able to employ
President
workers with the skills necessary to
drive today’s increasingly complex
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Westmoreland
County….Get
Your Pink On!
Please join the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce as we “Get Our Pink On” for Westmoreland
Walks, Inc.—Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer!
Who: Any Westmoreland County business
When: October 1-31, 2013
Why: To support Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
How: Decorate your business with
anything PINK
Westmoreland Walks, Inc. is having its 12th annual walk at Twin Lakes Park on October 5th at
11 AM. For more information, visit their website
at www.westmorelandwalks.org.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
The Following Members are
Celebrating Their Membership
Anniversary with Us!
Dear Fellow Chamber Member,
Schools are back in session and that means that summer
vacations are over. For those of us that don’t get a break
during the summer (which is most of us) it allows us to
get everyone around us back on a schedule that is more
reflective to the obligations we have every day.
▪ 20+ Years of Membership ▪
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region
Greensburg Hempfield Area Library
Redstone Highlands
DeBernardo, Antoniono, McCabe,
and Davis, P.C.
Seton Hill Child Services, Inc.
▪ 10+ Years of Membership ▪
Robbins Electrical, Inc.
Amerisafe Consulting & Safety Services
Murrysville Christian Concern, Inc.
DeNunzio’s
BAS Engineering
Cabin Hill Place Townhomes & Apartments
KLA Construction, Inc.
Laurel Village Apartments
WRHN Industries
Valley School of Ligonier
Energy Swing Windows, Inc.
Doug Gross Landscape Design and Tree Care
I believe routines are very important and can be used to
capitalize on the potential of each day. I get up every
morning at 5am, leave for the gym at 5:30 and get to the
office at 7:30. This allows me the time to prepare for my
day before the chaos of life steps in. It allows me to do
my home work for upcoming meetings and take a moment to anticipate the conversation before facing the real thing. My routine continues through the day and
into the evening where after everything is done, I reflect on the day’s events and
start preparing for the next day.
Although, we may not be able to enjoy life in a structured class room, setting a
daily routine can create an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, our families, our businesses and our communities. We have been blessed with the ability
to make the most out of each day and I hope that we can all take advantage of it.
Like the educational system we have in this country that enables everyone to be
educated, we have a great society that enables us to grow and develop personally
each day.
What will you learn today?
In your service,
▪ 5+ Years of Membership ▪
Classic Hits 107.1 WHJB
(Renda Broadcasting)
Junior Achievement of Western PA
Mental Health America of Westmoreland
County
S&T Bank Irwin Office #201
Tractor Supply Co.
Wayne Homes
▪ Thank You for Your Continued Support ▪
Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
Firestone Building Products, LLC
Angela's Angels, Inc.
County Hauling
Fifth Third Bank
Sheriff Jonathan Held
Chick fil A Greengate Centre
Maurices #2061
Panera Bread Westmoreland Mall
Waddell & Reed
CFO Factor, The
Faith Burns Attorney at Law
Sonic Drive In of Greensburg
Sorrento Styling Salon, The
Trimbur Insurance Agency
R. Tyler Courtney
WCC Board Chairman
Westmoreland County Commissioner
Member News
UPG Hosting 10th Graduate & research and planning. For more information and a list of participating
Professional School Fair
Thinking about graduate school? Start
planning today at Pitt-Greensburg’s
Graduate & Professional School Fair.
The fair is free and open to the public. Over 35 schools and programs are
expected. A wide variety of fields of
study will be represented, including law,
business, information science, healthrelated programs (such as PT, OT, and
PA), teacher certification, and various
areas in the liberal arts. Whether you
are interested in a particular program or
just want to check out the options, this is
a great chance to do some preliminary
schools, please visit
www.greensburg.pitt.edu/gradfair.
Airport Opens Concierge Desk
Gabe Monzo, Executive Director of the
Westmoreland Airport Authority has
announced that there is now a fully operational concierge desk at Arnold
Palmer Regional Airport. A representative is there Monday-Friday, 8 am-4
pm. Any company that wants to have
their information available at this desk
should contact Gabe at the airport at
724-539-8100.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and Excela Health are pleased
to announce the following businesses as new members of our organization!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
AH!!!! Transit Advertising
Anthony Hickton
6180 Dalmation Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102
412-596-3978
EMail: [email protected]
Advertising, Marketing, PR,
Graphic Design, Radio, TV, Multimedia
Outlets & Outdoor Advertising
Burnett Family Chiropractic and
Sports Performance
Michael Simon DC
10689 Route 30
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
724-382-5626
EMail: [email protected]
Web: www.burnettfamilychiropractic.com
Chiropractic
L. Weiland, Inc.
John Weiland
PO Box 1506
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-493-9061
EMail: [email protected]
Web: www.lweiland.com
Restoration & Waterproofing Services
Mark Your Calendar
Wednesday, September 25th
8:00—10:00 AM
at the
Ramada Hotel, Greensburg
for the Pittsburgh Impact
Breakfast - “Business Owner
Exit Planning”
Register for the breakfast at
www.westmorelandchamber.com
Sponsored by the Pittsburgh
Business Times in partnership
with the Chamber
NETWORKING  BREAKFAST SPEAKERS
Rock Your Sales and More LLC
Vernco Industries, L.L.C.
Mj Rulnick Callaway
PO Box 14282
Pittsburgh, PA 15239
724-396-4162
EMail: [email protected]
Web: www.rockmoresales.com
Business Coaches, Consultants, Speakers,
Authors
Shelly Baker
159 Fiedors Grove Road
Mount Pleasant, PA 15666
724-547-3885
EMail: [email protected]
Web: www.verncoindustries.com
Building Contractors, Site Development
Welcome Wagon
Shop Demo Depot
Rene Mulroy
23 West Main Street
One Cooks Way
Mount Pleasant, PA 15666
724-552-0491
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.shopdemodepot.com
Recycled Building Materials
Barbara Sheffield
Level Green, PA 15085
412-951-0902
EMail: [email protected]
Web: www.welcomewagon.com
Advertising, Marketing, PR, Graphic
Design
Zdobinski Allstate
Ed Zdobinski
12 A East Otterman Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-836-8600
EMail: [email protected]
Agents & Offices (Finance &
Insurance)
Chamber to Start Holding Free
Networking Events in Mount Pleasant
Starting in September, the Westmoreland
Chamber of Commerce-Laurel Highlands
Chapter will
begin holding
monthly networking breakfasts in the
Mount Pleasant
area to help local business
owners grow
their businesses.
It is free to chamber members, but preregistration is required. It will cost $10
for future members or guests. You can
register by calling the Chamber at 724834-2900 or register online at
www.westmorelandchamber.com.
Registration starts at 7:45 a.m., followed
by networking and the featured speaker.
This month’s featured speaker is Patty
Karbowsky, Director of Sales & Marketing at Harmon House Care Center and
Amber House.
Coffee & Connections will debut at 7:45 Each attendee will also have an opportua.m. on Tuesday, September 24th at Am- nity to give a 30-second commercial
ber House at Harmon House on the 5th
about their business.
floor, 601 Church St. in Mount Pleasant.
CHAMBER CENTRAL
Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce
2013 Board of Directors
Cathy Baumann - Dollar Bank
Alan Berk - Berk, Whitehead, Kerr & Turin, PC
Kevin Bock - Integrity Estate Advisors
Michele Bononi - Westmoreland County Judge
Tyler Courtney - West’d County Commissioner
James Creenan - Creenan & Baczkowski, PC
Michael Egan - CBL Associates
Lauren Farrell - West’d County Community College
Bill Ferri - Ferri Pharmacy
Dr. Jan Frederickson - Family Eye Care West
Terri Knupp - West Penn Power/First Energy
Ann Nemanic - Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau
Angela O’Brien - Chick-fil-A at Eastgate Plaza
Ron Ott - Excela Health
Tom Planinsek - Dollar Bank
China Pulido - Standard Bank
Steve Rennekamp - Energy Swing Windows
Jason Rigone - Westmoreland County IDC
Rich Rosky - First National Bank of PA
Michael Storms -Elliott Group
Tony Vecchio - A2Z Enterprises
Tay Waltenbaugh - Westmoreland Community Action
241 Tollgate Hill Road ♦ Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-834-2900 / Fax: 724-837-7635
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
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GREENSBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 123
Building Business. Empowering People. Connecting Communities.