Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW!

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 • HOLIDAY ISSUE
Unlocking the Future...
NEWS
Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW!
Happy New Year, dear reader! As you are reading the
first edition of PFEW News for 2015, January heralds a
number of new and exciting things for the coming summer’s
program.
As you know, PFEW expanded to five weeklong sessions
last summer to accommodate the exploding demand from
students hoping to take part in our unique educational
experience into the world of business. By
the time the summer program launched
last July, we had received more than 3,200
applications and while we had only planned
for 2,000 students last year, we managed
to accommodate 2,106 graduates. We are
expecting even more applications for
the 2015 sessions and, as a result, our
Board approved this year’s Budget to
accommodate up to 2,300 students should
that need arise.
This will be our 37th summer of putting together a worldclass journey into the world of private enterprise for rising
high school juniors and seniors from all across Pennsylvania.
If we do reach that 2,300 number of participants, we will
have 120 teams and nearly 300 volunteers onsite as the
excitement unfolds in July and August. Remembering that
we started in 1979 with a single session of less than 90
students, it is encouraging to know that in 2015 so many
young adults will be eager to gain the knowledge about the
business world offered by our one-of-a-kind programming.
What a growth story!
Of course, that growth could never have been possible
without the unflagging support and humbling dedication
of our partnering organizations, donors and the thousands
of volunteers over the years who have worked to make
PFEW a reality for the youth of Pennsylvania. With all the
challenges the nation faces economically, our mission of
teaching young people the inside story of how businesses
operate has never been more vital. Moreover, as part of that
learning experience, our fledgling “entrepreneurs” gain a
much better appreciation for what the free enterprise system
means to each and every American’s quality of life.
If you think about it, for current 16-year olds, much of
their conscious memory of the last five years has to do with
the deep recession we have experienced, along with all of
the other global uncertainties caused by terrorism and civil
unrest around the world. A large part of our mission is to
give each one of our PFEW graduates a sense of optimism
and encouragement that are the hallmarks of American
free enterprise and the indefatigable
entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens.
This first issue of PFEW News for 2015 has
some touching testimonials from some of
last summer’s graduates that reveal just
how deeply impacted they were by their
PFEW “journey” and the time they spent
with our tremendous volunteers and
many of their own peers from across the
state.
As we welcome 2015 and close this
issue, dear reader, our staff and our Board of Directors
extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and
successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment
and dedication to the young people of our state who will
soon be assuming their roles of leadership on Pennsylvania’s
stage and that of the nation. Happy New Year!
Partners and Recent Gifts, Part I
President & CEO of the Bellefonte Intervalley
Area Chamber of Commerce, Gary Hoover,
accepts their 2014 Appreciation Plaque from
John.
During John’s recent travels, he paid
a visit to Michelle Hornick Crowley,
President & CEO for the Greater Carlisle
Area Chamber of Commerce, to thank
them for the Chamber’s longstanding
support and also to present them with
their 2014 Appreciation Plaque.
John and Karen recently attended the annual
Pennsylvania Association of Chamber
Professionals (PACP) conference in Malvern,
PA. PACP’s endorsement of PFEW in 1994
was pivotal in the subsequent growth of the
program to communities across the state.
While in attendance, John and Karen met
with numerous Chamber supporters. Here,
Karen thanks Ron Orris, Executive Director of
the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, for
their annual support.
The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce
has been a longtime booster for area students.
Here, their President, Jamie Barger, receives
their Appreciation Plaque from John.
FFEE President, John Trombetta, was invited to the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre
County to speak with their members at a recent breakfast. While in attendance, John presented
the Chamber with their 2014 Appreciation Plaque. Pictured with John (l-r) are Lesley Kistner,
Chamber Communications Director; Andrew Hoag and Nicholas Carlson, both PFEW 2014
Graduates, and Charles Witmer, who is the Centre County Controller and long-time PFEW
Company Advisor and Speaker. They all joined John at the podium, sharing their experiences at
PFEW.
PFEW is so very grateful for the support we
receive each year from our “home” partner,
the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth
Partnership. Here, their Vice President
Chamber Division, August Schiava, receives
their 2014 Appreciation Plaque. August was
also recently elected to FFEE’s Board of
Directors.
The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
has long promoted PFEW to its members and
schools. Here, President and Chief Executive
Officer Mary Malone receives their 2014
Commendation Plaque.
For years, DVL Group, Inc., located in Bucks County, has been
a member of the “Keystone Club”, for annual gifts in excess of
$5,000. Here, John presents Michael Murphy (l), Chairman and
former PFEW Keynote Speaker, with their 2014 Keystone Club
plaque. Joining them is Todd Goodstein (c), President, Energy
Transfer Solutions, Inc., a DVL Group Company.
This fall, John had the privilege of participating in the Lower Bucks County Chamber of
Commerce’s Annual Roundtable, where local students, parents, teachers and Company
Advisors gathered to reflect on PFEW 2014. The Chamber launched this annual
gathering nearly twenty years ago. After the get-together, John was able to present
the 2014 Keystone Club plaque to the Chamber. Pictured with John are (l-r) Donna
Scalzo, Bucks County Bank; Denise Bowman, LBCCC Board Chair, and Dan Bates,
LBCCC President.
Yvonne Martin, Executive Director of the
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce,
also a longtime PFEW booster, receives this
year’s Foundation Appreciation Plaque from
John during a recent visit.
PFEW is so grateful to have such loyal
supporters like Luanne Stauffer, president
of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of
Commerce, also a longtime PFEW Speaker
and mother of three graduates! Luanne is
seen here receiving her Appreciation Plaque
from FFEE Vice President Karen Musante, on
behalf of our Board of Directors and staff.
The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers &
Employers Association, located in Pottsville,
PA, has been a longtime steadfast booster of
PFEW. John was pleased to take part in the
Association’s 2014 Gala, celebrating 50 years
of service to the manufacturing and business
community of northeast PA. Here, Association
President Darlene Robbins, longtime PFEW
Board member, proudly accepts their 2014
Appreciation Plaque.
Foundation for Free Enterprise Education 2014 Annual Meeting
2014-2015 FFEE Officers (l-r):
James Golding – Secretary; Russell Brooks – Treasurer; Vincent Matteo – Vice Chairman; Patricia Baun – Immediate Past Chairman;
David Campbell – Chairman; Jon Whiteman – Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer; John Trombetta – President/CEO
On November 21st,
After all, they are the
PFEW’s parent
ones who are most
organization, the
familiar with the
Foundation for
incredible benefits
Free Enterprise
that are garnered
Education, held
from the PFEW
its Annual Meeting
experience.
in Williamsport,
One of the most
the yearly site for
important agenda
the program’s
items for any Annual
five sessions.
Meeting of our
In addition to
Foundation is the
reviewing the
election of Officers
very successful
and Directors. This
Following three distinguished terms, Pat Baun received a much
2014 program,
deserved “Chairman’s Gavel” from the Board. Also pictured are
year, we are very
incoming Chairman Dave Campbell and President John Trombetta.
our Directors
excited to announce
approved the 2015
the unanimous
Budget and also ratified the next five-year
election of four new Directors of the
Strategic Plan, covering years 2015-2019,
Foundation: Mr. Dennis E. Doll, President
that has been in development for more than
& COO of Reliance Bank in Altoona, PA; Mr.
a year. In addition to exploring options for
Mark A. Karenchak, Controller of Snyder
additional growth, the Plan will also focus on
Associated Companies, Inc. in Kittanning, PA;
expanding new sources of volunteer support,
Mr. Thomas Palisin, Executive Director of the
the linchpin of PFEW’s success. With now
Manufacturers’ Association of South Central
nearly 36,000 graduates, the Plan will also
Pennsylvania in York, PA; and Mr. August P.
seek to develop ways in which to engage our
Schiava, Vice President Chamber Division
alumni base as Company Advisors, Speakers,
of the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth
and generally as supporters of the program.
Partnership in Erie, PA. Congratulations all!
Dennis Doll
Mark Karenchak
Thomas Palisin
August Schiava
Alumni Spotlight –
“Thanks to PFEW, I NOW Want to Major in Business!”
“To me, PFEW has meant being afraid of going to a camp
where I wouldn’t know anyone, expecting one thing and
experiencing something completely different. The first
day of PFEW, I kept having thoughts of not making any
friends and having to spend my free time and lunch
alone. I expected to confirm that I disliked business
and that I would go home on Saturday sad and feeling
down. Except none of this happened! From the minute
I walked into the auditorium on the first day to sit with
my ‘company,’ I made a friend. It began with small talk, as
these things always do, and I didn’t think I would become
close with this person or anyone at all, considering this
was only a week-long camp. At the first company meeting,
we played an ice-breaker game and I realized that this
whole camp thing wasn’t so bad. I asked the same
person with whom I had spoken with earlier if I could eat
dinner with her, and she told me, ‘of course I could!’ ‘Junk
Night’ is when I realized that I really liked the people in
my company. Before the competition began, we all just
stood around talking as a whole. During the competition,
we laughed while trying to come up with good ideas for
our product which brought our team closer. The next
day, I was already comfortable with the people at camp.
By Tuesday, I had a group of friends who I would hang
out with and eat with, and by the next day, the whole
company had bonded. Spending so much time together
forced us to become comfortable with each other very
My Year 2015
Commitment
You can play an important role in a young
person’s successful future by enclosing your
501(c)(3) tax deductible contribution today.
Please make your check payable to the
Foundation for Free Enterprise Education.
Your investment will help our young
people learn just how important our private
enterprise system is to the freedoms that
all Americans enjoy and sometimes take
for granted.

I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT BECOMING A COMPANY ADVISOR.

I AM INTERESTED IN BEING A BUSINESS
SPEAKER FOR PFEW.
quickly, which turned out to be
a good thing. On Friday, after
our presentations, most of us
just hung out. At the dance
on Friday night, I realized
how much I was going to
miss everyone, including my
roommates who were also
very fun to talk to. Saturday
morning felt bittersweet, as I
was going home to see my
family and leaving the people
I had spent so much time
with in the past few days.
Cecilia Mabilais
Conestoga HS
Chester County
The program itself was incredible! As opposed to before,
I now want to major in business and it’s all thanks to
PFEW. I learned that working with a company is fun and
that business is not only one-dimensional. I found my niche
that week, and I’m so happy I did, because now I have a
clearer idea of what I want to do as an adult (although it’s
still a long way off). I met amazing, hard-working people
who are going to do great things, and I got to experience a
business simulation which helped to flip my idea of ‘I don’t
like business’ to ‘I really want to major in business.’ Thank
you for everything!”
A donation of $575 will help provide a scholarship for a student to attend PFEW.
I would like to make a gift of $_____________________________ to the PFEW Scholarship Fund.



Check Enclosed
Founder’s Club --- $15,000+ President’s Club --- $10,000 - $14,999

Name
Invoice me on ________________________ (date)
Keystone Club --- $5,000 - $9,999
Student Champion --- $2,000 - $4,999
Patron Fund (Program Materials) --- $1,000 or more
_________________________________________________________________
Company Name
Address
City



Title
__________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Telephone No.
County
_______________________
__________________________________________
I would like to sponsor students from
e-mail
State
____________
Zip
____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_______________
High School, if possible.
County, and
Thank you!
The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education is an educational not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting awareness about free
market economics and private enterprise to the general public. All gifts are tax deductible. A copy of the Foundation’s official registration and
financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State. Call 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
LeTort Luncheon
Some years ago, PFEW was “discovered” by LeTort Trust, an
independent investment management company located in
Camp Hill, PA. Led by its energetic President, Katie Clarke,
and deeply committed to “giving back” to the community,
the company became an immediate fan and booster of PFEW.
Katie herself served as one of our 2014 Keynote Speakers
during Week I and the company has been donating at the
“Founder’s Club” level for the past several years, the highest
recognition annually given any of our donors for gifts in
excess of $15,000. So passionate are they about PFEW
and its mission that Katie and brother Dan Eichelberger,
Chief Investment Officer at LeTort, and their father Marty
Eichelberger, LeTort’s Founder, recently hosted a luncheon
for business leaders from the Greater Harrisburg area to
learn about PFEW and its mission. That luncheon has
already resulted in a number of new “boosters” of the
program with more likely to follow. After the luncheon,
John had the privilege of presenting Katie with LeTort’s 2014
Founder’s Club plaque. Also pictured are (l-r) Kennedy
Eyer and Bennett Massie, each of whom shared their 2014
PFEW experience, and Dan Eichelberger with Dad Marty
Eichelberger. It was a great event!
Partners and Recent Gifts, Part II
On October 1st, the Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation hosted its Annual
2014 Scholarship Dinner. Proceeds of that dinner go to sponsoring local
students to PFEW. Pictured are: (l-r) Karen Musante, Vice President of
FFEE; Naomi Pena and Tiffany Seibert, both PFEW 2014 Graduates and
recipients of Chamber Foundation scholarships; and Chamber President
Gregory Buckler.
The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Wayne,
PA, has been an incredibly enthusiastic booster of PFEW’s
mission for decades, currently led by President & CEO Bernie
Dagenais (r). John is pictured presenting Chamber member
and passionate PFEW supporter Robert Lamb (c) with his 2014
President’s Club plaque for a gift of $10,000 to local students.
A booster for many years, the Manufacturers’
Association of South Central Pennsylvania
promotes PFEW in their community. Here,
John visited Thomas Palisin, Executive
Director, to present him with this year’s
Appreciation Plaque. Tom has also recently
been elected to FFEE’s Board of Directors.
John recently visited the MidAtlantic Employers’
Association, one of PFEW’s original boosters, and
is seen here presenting Clara Console, Managing
Director, Training & Strategic Programs, and
Kevin Robins, President & CEO, with their
Keystone Club plaque for 2014. Clara also serves
as an FFEE Board member.
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia
Chamber of Commerce has been
a loyal booster of PFEW for many
years. Here, Chamber President Al
Taubenberger receives their 2014 Board
Commendation plaque from John during
his recent travels.
Alumni Spotlight –
“I Was ‘STOKED’ to Win
Top Company and So Much More!”
In his recent travels, John had a chance
to visit the PennSuburban Chamber of
Commerce. Here, John had the pleasure of
presenting their 2014 plaque to Pamela Kelly,
President & CEO. Pam’s son Ryan is also a
PFEW alumnus!
A perennial supporter of PFEW, Rick Weaver
Buick GMC in Erie has been sponsoring
local students for many years. Here, Vice
President Karen Musante receives the
dealership’s 2014 scholarship contribution
from Controller Lynn Swain.
“Finding words to describe my experience at
PFEW is nearly impossible. Sure, PFEW was
based around a business-oriented atmosphere,
however, what you receive from PFEW is far
greater than the knowledge of what stock is. My
company, Stoked - H1, was honored enough to
receive Top Company, amongst other awards.
Of course our company had its problems, as I’m
sure every company did, yet we were able to look
beyond our differences and work as one. It taught
us to trust in our fellow teammates. It showed us
Deidra Hubay
that diversity is the greatest gift you could ask for,
Neshaminy HS
as everyone had something amazing and different
Bucks County
to bring to the table. At PFEW, I made friends I’ll
never forget. I’m so proud to be a part of STOKED, Company H1. I couldn’t
have asked for a better company to share my experiences with at PFEW.
We became family in barely a week.
PFEW is what you make of it. Whether you win Top Company or no awards
at all, so many important things can be taken away from the week spent
there. I’ll never forget the feeling of winning Top Company. Long before the
winner was announced, I was already happy and I already felt as if I had
won. PFEW helped grow not only my knowledge, but my character. I hope
everyone gets the chance to be a part of something this extraordinary.”
proud presenter of
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
ERIE PA
PERMIT NO. 646
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week
3076 West 12th Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505-3857
phone:
e-mail:
(814) 833-9576 • fax: (814) 833-9850
[email protected] • web site: www.pfew.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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Here we go! It is already time to start signing up for one of our FIVE weeks of PFEW. It will take up to 120 dedicated men and women
to fully staff PFEW 2015 with mentors who will each guide a team during their “PFEW journey”. No particular background in business
is required as you will receive extensive training prior to your session. For additional information, please contact Vice President Karen
Musante at [email protected] or visit our website at www.pfew.org.
2015 Company Advisor List
Week I
Week II
Week III
July 5 - July 11
July 12 - July 18
July 26 - August 1
Lycoming College
MR. CHUCK BAKER, CSCP
Michelin North America
MR. LARRY BULL
Project Management Institute, Inc. (ret.)
MR. NICHOLAS J. CARTER
Pro Quality Cleaning
MR. L. W. BRYAN CHARNOCK
SAP America, Inc.
MS. PATRICIA A. MARTIN, PHR
DVL Incorporated (ret.)
MR. J. DAVID MURPHY
FirstEnergy (ret.)
MRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIG
Utilities Employees Credit Union
MR. JOHN P. SENSENIG
Consultant
MR. MARK E. SKORIC
Upper Room Inc.
MR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.
Millcreek Township Water & Sewer
Authorities
Lycoming College
MS. JODI L. BRANDON
Brandon Editorial
MR. JOHN M. DEMASI, CHFC
Financial Consultant
MR. JOSEPH A. GIEDGOWD
Byers’ Choice, Ltd.
MR. GARY M. GOSS
Verizon (ret.)
MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEK
LISA’S NATURAL PATH, Herb Shop &
Wellness Center
COLONEL DAVID R. HALL
Energy Aviation at Williamsport
Regional Airport
MR. JOSEPH P. HARFORD
Reclamere, Inc.
MR. douglas m. harris
Croda, Inc. (ret.)
MR. THOMAS H. JACKSON
Northwest Savings Bank (ret.)
MS. DONNA M. KOZIK
Write a Book in a Weekend
MR. HENRY G. MICHEL
Henry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)
MR. MYLES MILLER
LeadUP
Ms. candy tompkins
Thomas Lee Printing & Mailing, Inc.
MS. MARIANNE J. WIMER
Williamsport Area High School
Lycoming College
MS. ROSALIE A. ADAMS
Pennsylvania Business Council
DR. HERNAN R. BRIZUELA, M.D
ATP
MS. VALERIE BRIZUELA
Market America
MR. ROBERT H. DIEFENBACHER
Denbrook Strategic Advisors
MR. TOAN MINH DO
Capital BlueCross
MS. MARTA J. GRIFFITH
On Track Resources, LLC
MR. THOMAS V. HOLLERAN
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.
MR. FRANK R. KENNEDY, III
MagicBiz, Inc.
MR. SCOTT T. LEE
Thomas Lee Printing & Mailing, Inc.
mr. richard musante
Parkson Corp.
MR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFA
M&T Bank
MR. TODD R. SCHORLE
TS TECH Enterprises, Inc.
MR. G. BRAD SCRIBNER
Thomas Hardware (ret.)
MR. CHARLES L. WITMER
Centre County Controller
Week IV
Lycoming College and
PA College of Technology
August 2 - August 8
MS. SARA ARIZZI
PhytogenX
MR. CHRISTOPHER BETZ
The Free Press LLC
MR. KEVIN R. CONNOR
Modern Strategic Branding +
Communications
MR. MICHAEL GECHT
Travel Ease, Ltd.
MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEK
LISA’S NATURAL PATH, Herb Shop &
Wellness Center
MS. SALLY HARDS
Webco Industries, Inc.
MS. MELODY F. HUDSON KAMERER
Hudson Business Service LLC
MR. JOHN M. JENSEN
Hamot Medical Center (ret.)
MR. MICHAEL G. KARCHNER
Karchner Marketing Research, LLC
MS. CYNTHIA KESELYAK
Penelec, A FirstEnergy Company
MS. LESLEY J. KISTNER
Chamber of Business & Industry of
Centre County
MR. WILLIAM J. KOEHLE
United States Marine Corps (ret.)
MR. J. DAVID MURPHY
FirstEnergy (ret.)
mr. david r. sawtelle
Opportunities Unlimited of Erie
MR. G. BRAD SCRIBNER
Thomas Hardware (ret.)
MS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMER
Strickler Agency, Inc.
MR. KYLE P. WHERRITY
United States House of Representatives