June 2012 Annual Report by MBA Business Magazine

Thank You! Major Sponsors:

Sponsors:

We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to our 107th Annual Event sponsors, whose continued generosity and support helps make this event one of the most anticipated of the year! â€” The Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors and staff

BUSINESS M A G A Z I N E Manufacturer & Business Association

VOLUME XXV, NUMBER 6 JUNE

2012

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Annual Report

Election 2012: America at the Crossroads

PLUS: America’s Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan Page 22

Page 34

June 2012

Table of Contents 3 / Message from the Chairman Dale W. Deist, founder of Deist Industries

12 / A Celebration of Technical Education Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell John Cline Dale Deist Bill Hilbert Jr. Donald Hester Timothy Hunter J. Gordon Naughton John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. Dennis Prischak Lorenzo Simonelli Sue Sutto Jerry Wertz

Mission Statement

The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org

Editor in Chief

Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org

Executive Editor John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org

Managing Editor & Senior Writer Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org

Communications Specialist Jessica Crocker jcrocker@mbausa.org

Advertising Sales

Patty Welther 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 pwelther@mbausa.org

Photography Getty Images

iStockphoto.com Rob Frank R.Frank Photography 4320 Miller Avenue Erie, PA 16509 814/520-3985 www.rfrankphotography.com Karen Torres

Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net

© Copyright 2012 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in The Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

Locco Awards Marks 40th Anniversary

22 / Election 2012: America at the Crossroads 107th Annual Event Speakers Chris Wallace, Laura Ingraham, Dr. Charles Krauthammer and Dick Morris

34 / Annual Event Entertainment America’s Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan

Featured Companies 16 / Erie Federal Credit Union 62 / FASTSIGNS 50 / FNB Corporation 42 / Hansen’s Errand Service

46 / 2012-2013 Board of Governors

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., immediate past chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors and president and CEO of Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.

52 / The Power of Choice The Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc.

66 / Association Services & Staff

Company Profiles 39 / Career Concepts 19 / Gannon University 59 / Hoffman Industrial Company 15 / J.H. Bennett Companies 57 / Logistics Plus 21 / Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services 61 / Newell Welding 11 / PNC Financial Services 5 / Ridg-U-Rak, Inc. 7 / UPMC Health Plan 41 / Zippo Manufacturing 71 / In Memoriam: Raymond G. Weber 73 / Professional Listings

Read on the Go! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit our new website, www.mbabizmag.com, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 1

Among the highest rated health plans in the nation.

Again. Quality matters.

For seven consecutive years, HealthAmerica has ranked among the nation’s top health plans according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).† We are in the top 10 percent of all nationally ranked plans.* Our Medicare plan ranks 24 out of 341 Medicare plans evaluated nationwide, ranking second in the state.

HealthAmerica has been providing health benefits to Pennsylvanians for more than 37 years and offers coverage for businesses, Medicare Advantage and Medical Assistance beneficiaries, and individuals without group plans. Visit healthamerica.cvty.com or call 1-866-522-3886.

Employers - click on “Get a Quote for Your Business” to find out more about our health benefit solutions.

HMO and POS Medicare HMO *Current commercial health plan ranking is 30 (NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-12 – Private). (NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-12 – Medicare).

Message

from the Chairman intervention threatens our business operations, our health care and our country’s future economic health. Equally challenging, a growing number of our employees lack the skills and training needed to meet the high-tech, fast-paced demands of the modern arenas in which we operate. In light of these challenges, the Association continues to be a strong and vocal advocate of the freeenterprise system and technical training education. We know that it is not a “jobs program” that will get our country back on the track to prosperity, but rather by enabling our entrepreneurs, inventors and job creators to create true wealth that we can get the economy running on all cylinders again. Dale W. Deist is chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Board of Governors and founder of Hadley, Pennsylvaniabased Deist Industries, a leader in the truck body manufacturing business since 1993.

Dear Members: With great optimism and appreciation, I extend my thanks for being able to serve as chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) in this, the Association’s 107th year. As a longtime member and now chairman, I can tell you that this is a tremendously exciting time to be an MBA member. With many years of experience and expertise, we have made great strides to enhance our delivery of programs and services to provide added value to your membership dollars. From insurance and employee benefits offerings, computer and professional development training, HR and legal support, to our low-cost energy program, legislative lobbying and more, the Association is committed to providing you the best services at the best value. Please join me in congratulating President Ralph Pontillo and his staff for their excellence in this delivery of services. We believe we have built a great organization. But we know that we can only continue to be great if we are able to respond to the needs of you, our members. Today, in the midst of a pivotal election year, the stakes are even higher. Overreaching government

In the words of American economist Milton Friedman, “The great achievements of civilization have not come from government bureaus. Einstein didn’t construct his theory under order from a bureaucrat. Henry Ford didn’t revolutionize the automobile industry that way….” But, “There is no alternative … that can hold a candle to the productive activities that are unleashed by the American free-enterprise system.” As a longtime businessman and free-enterprise advocate, I can’t agree more. Your businesses, the true job creators, are the only way to drive down unemployment, increase wages and prosperity, and expand our national wealth. But in order to do this, we must stop expanding government — and its excessive taxation and regulations. You are successful, influential business leaders. I encourage you to freely make your feelings known about politics and government to family, friends and employees. In the same respect, we, as American business leaders, must encourage students to pursue the path to technical education through increased student engagement. Consider small things you can do that mean a lot, like plant tours, high school student internships, and volunteering technical speakers for classroom presentations. Our kids don’t know what we do in our modern facilities. Our future depends on business involvement, and our investment in this effort will pay off in the economic health of our region and your company’s recruitment of careerseeking employees.

Which brings me to this year’s Annual Report. This highly anticipated edition of the Business Magazine features a special section on our Annual Event guest speakers — Chris Wallace, Laura Ingraham, Dr. Charles Krauthammer and Dick Morris — in conjunction with their appearance at our premier networking reception on June 27 in Erie, as well as a timely report on the Locco Awards, a scholarship program that has been supporting students in the technical trades for the past 40 years. And, for those of you interested in learning more about the benefits of MBA membership, this issue also includes an update on the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc., to explain the cost-savings benefits of this growing low-cost energy program, and an overview of the many Association services available to meet today’s increasing business demands. At the Manufacturer & Business Association, we know that anticipating, embracing, and managing change is vital, which is why we continue to look forward with high hopes for the future. Because, during these uncertain times, one thing is certain, and that is our commitment to continue working tirelessly on your behalf. Our goal is and always will be to put our more than 4,500 members in a position to succeed. In dedication and service,

Dale W. Deist

Blue Ocean Strategy Center

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 3

CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E 70 Years of Excellence in Serving the Storage Rack Market

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

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E.

President and CEO Ridg-U-Rak was a minor player in those early years. Although limited in marketing vision and hampered by a lack of manufacturing automation, Ridg-U-Rak had some survival strengths that helped the company to continue to grow. Today, as the operation celebrates its 70th year of serving the storage rack market, Ridg-U-Rak is commonly acknowledged as a company built on Integrity and Service, guided by the able leadership of its president and CEO, John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E.

Capabilities Ridg-U-Rak now has two plants in North East, Pennsylvania, covering 160,000 square feet, with a production capacity of more than 100,000,000 pounds of finished steel products per year. It remains one of the largest storage rack manufacturers in North America and is still a family owned business. One of the key contributors to the company’s success has been the increased talent base of its staff, with the ability to completely manage large projects from design and code compliance, through manufacturing, to final installation and customer approval. Major capital investments in its manufacturing plants have been instrumental in improved productivity. Recent investments include the latest rolling mill equipment, a total shop layout revamping, an automated beam manufacturing line, and a 600-foot-long state-of-the-art powder coating line, which not only improves product quality, but also the company’s environmental imprint by reducing its liquid paint usage. From recycling programs to major transformations in manufacturing processes, the corporate philosophy includes doing what is necessary to meet 21st century sustainability expectations. Products Ridg-U-Rak provides an unlimited array of storage options. Whether deep and dense storage systems like Push-Back, Drive-In, and Pick Modules, or Narrow-Aisle and Deep-Reach systems, design engineers can lay out storage arrangements to meet a customer’s unique load, throughput and capacity requirements. Ridg-U-Rak also provides small storage systems for pallet loads or hand-stacked cartons, and offers replacement parts that interchange with competitive racks. Many specialty storage options are available, including a rack-supported crane system to store large dies and tools.

Ridg-U-Rak 120 South Lake Street North East, PA 16428 814/725-8751 or Toll-Free 866/479-7225 www.ridgurak.com

Seismic Base Isolation System Warehouse storage racks have proven to be particularly vulnerable to earthquake damage, and new FEMA guidelines mandate rack structure integrity during a moderate to severe earthquake. Ridg-U-Rak took a quantum leap in the design of storage racks for earthquake-prone areas when it developed and patented the Seismic Base Isolation System, a design that will resist rack damage and product spillage through the most powerful anticipated earthquake that the country will ever experience. Because of this innovated work, Ridg-U-Rak received the Excellence for Innovation award by the National Earthquake Conference. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 5

First. At MacDonald Illig, our relationship with our clients is paramount. And thanks to our clients, weâ€™ve received six metropolitan First-Tier practice group rankings in U.S. Newsâ€™ Best Law Firms 2011-2012. s Environmental Law s Health Care Law s Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants s Project Finance Law s Public Finance Law s Trusts & Estates Law

MacDonald Illig. Clients First.

100 State Street s Suite 700 s Erie, PA 16507 s MacDonaldIllig.com s 814-870-7600

CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E New Office, New Offerings and New Success

UPMC Health Plan Erie office 109 Boston Store Place 814/833-6633 www.UPMCHealthPlan.com

UPMC Health Plan’s new Erie location is less than one year old now, but already it is starting to feel a lot like home. UPMC Health Plan — a Pittsburgh-based health insurer which has maintained an office in Erie since 2000 — moved to its new location at the Boston Store in downtown Erie, from Millcreek, in the summer of 2011. Since then, the 12-person office staff has been busy performing the main function of this new space: Serving as the regional retail sales office for UPMC for Life, (UPMC Ki Kim - Office Manager Health Plan’s Medicare product), UPMC for Kids UPMC Health Plan in Erie (UPMC Health Plan’s Children’s Health Insurance Plan product), UPMC Small Business Advantage, and UPMC Individual Advantage, its individual plan. Beginning in September, UPMC for You will be offering HealthChoices to Medicaid recipients in northwest Pennsylvania. Then, earlier this year, UPMC Health Plan introduced a new product that fit perfectly in its new surroundings. Introducing UPMC Inside Advantage — the first plan designed to meet the specific needs of Erie area employers. With UPMC Inside Advantage, employers in northwestern Pennsylvania counties can offer their employees the highest level of benefits at the lowest premium costs. UPMC Inside Advantage is a three-tiered network that enables members to get the highest benefits and the lowest out-of-pocket costs when they utilize top-tier quality hospitals in northwest Pennsylvania including UPMC Hamot, Warren General Hospital, Kane Community Hospital, as well as all other UPMC-owned facilities and all UPMC-contracted physicians. UPMC Inside Advantage lowers premium costs by 22 percent over other comparable plans available to businesses in northwest Pennsylvania. The members’ advantage includes being able to choose their network based on what they want to pay, while still maintaining the highest quality of care. It is no surprise, therefore, that UPMC Inside Advantage has become instantly popular with employers in northwest Pennsylvania, most especially smaller employers who have often struggled to find affordable health insurance for their employees. “The Inside Advantage plans provide great quality and, just as importantly, great value to employers,” says Ki Kim, office manager for UPMC Health Plan in Erie. “We have seen a lot of interest in the plans and I believe it will really take off in this market.” “When we looked at UPMC Inside Advantage and compared it to everything else on the market, the plan just made so much sense,” notes J. Gordon Naughton, president of J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage of Erie. “It saved our company money, it saved our employees money. It was a no-brainer.” Erie area employers are also finding that it makes sense to look to UPMC WorkPartners for a number of specialized needs. UPMC WorkPartners provides health and productivity solutions to high-performing companies throughout the United States. “Our products and services are designed to identify an organization’s health and productivity needs, build better strategies, effectively manage programs, and continually monitor and measure to drive the outcomes you need to control costs and improve employee productivity,” explains David White, senior sales executive for UPMC WorkPartners, who specializes in northwest Pennsylvania. Services and expertise that UPMC WorkPartners can provide employers in the Erie region include: workers’ compensation, leave management, employee assistance programs, health manageDavid White ment, on-site health clinics, as well as consulting Senior Sales Executive and analytics. UPMC WorkPartners

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 7

For maximum quality and convenience, at a cost lower than standard plans…

Come on In!

UPMC Inside Advantage™ is a tiered network plan that provides the same types of coverage as other UPMC Health Plan offerings — but at a lower premium and lower out-of-pocket costs whenever employees choose to use quality hospitals right in their community. It’s about savings. It’s about quality. It’s about convenience. It’s about time. What are you waiting for?

…the smart new solution for small and mid-sized businesses in Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties — from UPMC Health Plan.

Come on In!

For information, call: UPMC Health Plan – Erie Office 109 Boston Store Place Erie, PA 16501 814-833-6633

For a healthy smile, choose the dental plan with unparalleled service.

Brilliant! UPMC Dental Advantage offers you and your employees an opportunity to save time and money while getting outstanding customer service. When you offer UPMC Dental Advantage to your employees, youâ€™re offering an outstanding network of dentists, the most acclaimed customer service in the region, and affordable rates. At UPMC Health Plan, we have a long history of providing the highest quality products and unparalleled customer service. That tradition continues with the introduction of UPMC Dental Advantage. To learn more about UPMC Dental Advantage, call 1-888-383-UPMC (8762), visit www.upmchealthplan.com/dental, or call your broker.

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CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E

Helping to Build Strong Communities and Create Opportunities for Individuals, Families and Businesses The PNC Financial Services Groups, Inc. (NYSE:PNC) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations with assets of $296 billion. PNC, operating primarily in 19 states and the District of Columbia, provides retail and business banking, residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PNC has approximately 57,000 employees in the United Marlene Mosco Regional President States and abroad serving around 5.8 million Northwestern Pennsylvania checking account customers. The Northwest Pennsylvania market of PNC includes 50 branch locations in 11 counties. PNC’s franchise is one of the most attractive in the industry and is comprised of the following groups: Retail Banking, Asset Management Group, Corporate & Institutional Banking and Residential Mortgage Banking. Through executive leadership, strategic investments and employee volunteerism, PNC is helping to build strong communities and create opportunities for individuals, families and businesses. According to Marlene Mosco, regional president of PNC, “Our model of delivery for PNC products and community support is unique in that we are one of the country’s largest banking institutions, yet remain focused on the needs of our customers and our communities.” The community impact of PNC includes the following components: • Community Development: PNC boosts the quality of life in neighborhoods through affordable housing, economic revitalization and customized financial solutions. PNC earned an “outstanding” rating in 2009 for exceeding Community Reinvestment Act Standards. • Charitable Giving: More than $68.9 million was invested in communities in 2011. The PNC Foundation forms partnerships with nonprofit organizations to advance mutual objectives driven by two priorities: early childhood education and community and economic development. • PNC Grow Up Great: A school readiness initiative that has benefitted more than 1 million at-risk children from birth to age five through grants, advocacy, volunteerism and awareness. In October 2011, PNC extended the initiative by $250 million over the next 10 years. As part of this program, PNC partnered with local organizations to plant a beautiful garden in Perry Square in June of 2011. The projects for 2012 include the “save, spend and share” activity that will promote financial literacy and a mobile planetarium tour that introduces children to the night sky while forging crosscultural connections.

PNC Financial Services Group 901 State Street Erie, PA 16501 1-888-PNC-BANK www.pnc.com

• Environmental Responsibility: PNC’s commitment to innovation and environmentally friendly business practices during the past decade has enabled it to lower costs, increase efficiency and improve communities. PNC has more newly constructed, LEED-certified green buildings than any other company on earth. To learn more about PNC Bank, please visit the PNC website at www.pnc.com. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 11

Association Programs >

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2012 Locco Award Winners and Nominees Front row, from left: Jessie Barnes and Erik Johnson (winner), Mercer County Career and Technical Center; Brent Kaufman (winner), Corry Area Career and Technical Center; Zachary Klan (winner), Central Career and Technical Center; and Amy DeWoody (winner), Angela Zorn and Jaceil Pangborn, Crawford County Career and Technical Center. Second row, from left: Liz Allen, Erie-Times News; Noberto Lopez, Central Career and Technical Center: Dominic Gardunio, Erie County Technical School; Camryn Migliaccio, Corry Area Career and Technical Center; Daniel Fascetti, Mercer County Career and Technical Center; Emmett Rennie (winner), Erie County Technical School; Joshua Horstman and Jostin Cruz, Central Career and Technical Center; and Dale Deist, chairman of the Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors. Third row, from left: Jesse Hays, Crawford County Career and Technical Center; Aeryk Ulmer, Central Career and Technical Center; Adam Korrell, Crawford County Career and Technical Center; Tyler Tarr, Mercer County Career and Technical Center; and Nicholas Otteni and Ryan Long, Corry Area Career and Technical Center. Not pictured: David Shaw, Erie County Technical School.

When Brian Young, then a senior at the Erie County Technical School and apprentice at Alliance Plastics, won the Locco Award in 1999, he had aspirations of a technical career. At that time, the tri-state area was a capital of injection mold tooling and a job in the industry was viewed as a “good career” for those who were trained and qualified. “It was something that offered many different avenues for different types of machining,” Young explains. “Basically, the overlay of the industry seemed to present enough challenges that I would remain interested in.” Like many technically minded students in the area, participation in the Locco Awards presented Young with an opportunity to see his career goals realized. The scholarship program, originally known as the Golden Watch Awards, was developed by the Manufacturer & Business

12 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Association in 1972 to recognize the value and gains that could be derived from a vocational career. Later named after the late Patrick R. Locco, who served as Association vice president and led the industrial relations department from 1985 to 1994, the program was and continues to be considered one of the business community’s most prestigious recognitions, annually honoring outstanding students from each of the region’s technical schools. In order to qualify, students must apply and be nominated by a teacher to be considered for the award. Each school narrows the nominees to their top five candidates who are interviewed by local businesspeople who choose the winners from each school. As a winner, these individuals receive a $1,000 scholarship to apply toward their advanced education. “I still remember the day that I walked into the Association for my interview,” Young recalls. “I saw that as a very pivotal and very important interview for me because that is where you get a chance to shine and show people that not only can you posses a technical skill, but you can be a marketable individual as well.”

The Locco Awards, formerly the Golden Watch Awards, are named after the former Association Vice President Patrick R. Locco who passed away in 1994. Below is a list of winners from 1995 through 2012. Recent Award Winners

“Going through the process,” he continues, “was probably the biggest personal benefit for me… You get to sit down with business owners and leaders who were probably in your position at some point and have either managed other companies or their own and that gives you an opportunity to hear where they are at and if that is the route you want to go.” “Obviously, at that moment,” Young adds, “is when I realized that I wanted to continue forward and here we sit today.” Following his Locco experience, Young competed with the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America for a state and national title. He received his state apprenticeship card and became a Class A tool maker for Alliance. Since that time, he has been promoted to several managerial positions and now is the manufacture product supply and technical sales manager. The current position combines his tooling experience and allows him to work as a liaison between the company’s manufacturing and engineering departments as well as sales staff. “When you start working in the ’bottom end’ of the business and learn the operations, that is probably the most marketable benefit internally, because you understand what the business needs to operate…,” Young explains. “You can constantly use that knowledge to make decisions for the betterment of the workers in the plant, the profitability of the company, and, like myself, you can have the opportunity to take many positions within an organization. That’s what a technical education did for me and it got me to a level out of high school where I could walk in and be a value-added addition to the business from day one.”

Pathway to the Future

Kathleen (Scarpino) Applebee, an alumna of Central High School and 2000 winner of the Locco Award, also sees the benefits that a technical education offers. In high school, she excelled in mathematics and science courses and looked forward to furthering her technical education at the college level. “I planned to attend Penn State Erie for mechanical engineering technology because I enjoyed the hands-on atmosphere that the degree offered,” she notes. “I also enjoyed the mechanical drafting and design vocation lab and was excited to continue my learning.” Much like Young, the Locco Award process encouraged Applebee to continue her pursuits. “It was exciting,” she says, “to be able to talk with leaders in the industry when I was just starting out and deciding on a career path.” Applebee achieved these goals and more. She graduated from Penn State Erie in 2004 with a degree in mechanical engineering technology and then earned a master of science degree in engineering management from Gannon University in 2008. Professionally, she has worked for General Electric — both in its Transportation and Aviation divisions — for a total of nine years, including two years as co-op. “I believe that technical education provides you with a well-rounded education for the career world,” she says of her experience. “I believe technical careers offer you the most flexibility when deciding on a career path.” It’s one of the many reasons that for the past 40 years the Association — through the Locco Awards — has helped support students, like Applebee and Young, with their education and training. “Technical education is critical to our economic future,” adds Dale Deist, chairman of the Association’s Board of Governors and founder of Deist Industries. “These students are the epitome of excellence in scholastic and practical technical skills training and we are honored to recognize them for their achievements and assist them in their future academic endeavors.” To learn more about the Locco Awards, visit www.mbausa.org.

1995 Michael Bogdanski – Central High School Steven Elliot – Erie County Technical School 1996 Suzanne M. Scarpino – Central High School Anthony Pecorella – Erie County Technical School 1997 Eric S. Przybylski – Central High School Scott J. Ballus – Erie County Technical School 1998 Matthew Field – Central High School Patrick R. Locco Scott D. Eagley – Erie County Technical School 1999 Jeremy Shatto – Central High School Brian Young – Erie County Technical School 2000 Kathleen Scarpino – Central High School Abigail Long – Erie County Technical School 2001 Christopher Burkhart – Central High School Clayton Brocious – Erie County Technical School Brody Sill – Corry Area High School 2002 Hoang Tang – Central High School Tim Scouten – Corry Area High School Melissa Dale – Crawford County Technical School Sean Clover – Erie County Technical School 2003 Donald Aiken – Central High School John Hallberg – Corry Area High School Daniel Craven – Crawford County Technical School Craig Davis – Erie County Technical School 2004 Jakub Morawski – Central High School Brian Woodworth – Corry Area High School Justin Beck – Crawford County Technical School David Meade – Erie County Technical School 2005 Thomas Ziegler – Central High School Nathan Beckerink – Corry Area High School Matthew Kemerer – Crawford County Technical School Brad Mendes – Erie County Technical School 2006 Alex Tillman – Central High School Justin Miscik – Corry Area High School Matthew Livermore – Crawford County Technical School Jason Lindy – Erie County Technical School 2007 Graham Vickery – Central High School Jacob King – Corry Area High School Michael Brace – Crawford County Technical School David Corsi – Erie County Technical School 2008 Aleksey Balabanov – City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School Joel Grace – Corry Area Career and Technical Center Phoebe Sturey – Crawford County Area Vocational-Technical School Tina Raeke – Erie County Technical School 2009 Eric Velazquez – City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School Ryan Moyer – Corry Area Career and Technical Center Nicolaus Mulidoro – Crawford County Area Vocational-Technical School David Rhodes – Erie County Technical School 2010 Scott Campbell – City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School Ben Gluth – Corry Area Career and Technical Center Matt Latta – Crawford County Career and Technical Center Christopher Harned – Erie County Technical School 2011 Joshua Velez – City of Erie Regional Career and Technical School Tyler Akam – Corry Area Career and Technical Center Jordan Severo – Crawford County Career and Technical Center Edwin Miller – Erie County Technical School Danetta Harrold – Mercer County Career Center 2012 Zachary Klan – Central Career and Technical Center Brent Kaufman – Corry Area Career and Technical Center Amy DeWoody – Crawford County Career and Technical Center Emmett Rennie – Erie County Technical School Erik Johnson – Mercer County Career Center June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 13

From left to right: Scott Gezymalla, Andrew Lincoln and Jeremy Lincoln

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CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E J.H. Bennett Companies

Moving and Growing with Customers for 98 Years and Counting Experience and willingness to evolve makes companies grow stronger. That adage waters the roots of the company that J.H. Bennett has been building since 1914. Spanning three generations, J.H. Bennett is one of the oldest family owned moving and storage companies in the United States. Having survived many challenging times, the company has become the region’s largest provider of moving and specialized transportation services. As part of United Van Lines, America’s No. 1 mover, J.H. Bennett has the ability to assist clients with relocation needs from anywhere to anywhere.

J. Gordon Naughton President

“Our success is based on a rather simple team formula: total communication and integration of our Moving Consultants, Move Coordinators and Van Operators,” explains President J. Gordon Naughton. “Our Moving Consultants, the most experienced in the region, are committed to accuracy, detail and a thorough explanation of the entire process.” “Once the move is scheduled, our Move Coordinators are in constant communications with all parties before, during and after the move,” he continues. “They specialize in anticipating customer needs, responding to requests and applying problem-solving skills. This information is then shared with our Van Operators, who are trained in all aspects of the packing, loading and delivery process. Every move is orchestrated by simultaneously managing and organizing an efficient and safe delivery, while treating every residence and all belongings with respect. “ The J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage team was most recently recognized by United Van Lines as a Customer Choice Award winner. This coveted award is based totally on survey results from the company’s most demanding critics, its customers. “New strategies set us apart from the competition,” says Naughton. “In order to serve a broader range of consumers, Go Mini’s became part of our service line in 2005. Designed for the ’do it yourself’ market, the need for Go Mini’s portable moving and storage units continues to grow. We deliver a 12-foot, 16-foot or 20-foot container. You load it at your leisure, then call us for container transportation to our secure facility or your new destination. Go Mini’s are great for moving, storage, staging or home restoration.”

J.H. Bennett Companies 1705 Raspberry Street Erie, PA 16502 814/456-5377 or 800/542-8668 www.jhbennett-moving.com or www.gominiserie.com

At J.H. Bennett Moving and Storage, the company transports across thousands of miles, yet the roots of the business remain right here in Erie, Pennsylvania. “The Erie region has a special feel to it,” says Naughton. “We are not trying to keep pace with Chicago or Los Angeles, but provide a unique, personalized service that our corporate and individual clients can expect. Nationally recognized and locally known, our blend of professionalism and dedication is second to none. It is our mission to achieve the highest possible service for every single customer.” As J.H. Bennett moves forward, there is only success on the horizon. Every challenge is a new opportunity to stretch beyond the company’s comfort zone and grow with our customers — 98 years and counting. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 15

Financial Solutions from Local People You Trust According to the National Credit Union Administration, credit unions hit a record number of members last year, adding 1.3 million new customers in 2011. By the end of the year, total membership was expected to climb to 91.8 million. Erie FCU has been growing right along. Since earning its community charter in 2003, the credit union has been able to extend membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within the two counties. “We’ve been able to expand who we can serve,” says Tadda, “which has allowed us to expand what we can do for the member.”

Service with a Personal Touch

Erie Federal Credit Union (Erie FCU) was founded in 1936 on the philosophy of “people helping people.” Some 76 years later, that philosophy still holds true. “We’ve maintained a focus on our members,” says Erie FCU Financial Marketing Manager Garret Tadda. “The principles that were here from the beginning remain.” With assets of more than $360 million, Erie FCU is northwest Pennsylvania’s largest full-service federal credit union, serving more than 42,000 members in Erie and Crawford counties. Unlike a traditional bank, savings and loan, or brokerage house, the credit union is a notfor-profit organization, comprised of a volunteer board of directors, that is specifically structured to serve its members and thus able to maintain the flexibility to be competitive with its products and services. “We don’t have shareholders,” says Tadda, “so we answer to our members, which gives us the opportunity to focus on the member.” It’s a focus that is attracting new credit union members not just in northwest Pennsylvania, but nationwide.

16 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Erie FCU offers a full range of services — from checking, savings and individual retirement accounts, to online and mobile banking access, loan and credit card options, and a host of business banking products. But what sets the credit union apart is the delivery of these services — or what administrators describe as Erie FCU’s “personal touch.” “We really do try to treat our members like family,” says Erie FCU’s Chief Marketing Officer Steve Rosen. “If you frequent our branch locations, chances are good that most of the staff there know your name and background as soon as you walk through the door.” That personal touch is especially important to the business banking services Erie FCU offers. “We really look into the nuts and bolts of the person running the business — what they do and what it is they With assets of more than $360 million, Erie FCU is northwest Pennsylvania’s largest full-service federal credit union, serving more than 42,000 members in Erie and Crawford counties.

Erie FCU reaches more than 2,000 area schoolchildren and adults each year through its financial literacy and empowerment programs. Betty Reynolds, Commercial Lender, and Kristi Bailey, Director of Business Development & Services.

are doing in the community,” says Erie FCU Commercial Lender Betty Reynolds. From business checking and savings accounts, to their Merchant Direct loan program, business credit cards, Small Business Administration loans and commercial lending, Erie FCU can provide similar business banking offerings as larger financial institutions, with the added bonus of local decision processing. With the headquarters in Erie and decisions made here, returns and profits aren’t going to different areas of the country. “There’s a certain level of comfort and confidence, a certain relationship that local business people have with this credit union,” says Rosen. “They can rely on conversations face to face instead of by long-distance phone calls and email.”

According to Rosen, Erie FCU has been fortunate to attract the right personnel to assist its growing membership. “They have the right attitude and genuinely care about people.” With a work force dedicated to serving its members, and a focus on managed growth, the outlook for this full-service credit union is bright. “We’re going to help the community grow; we’re going to help the business sector grow,” says Rosen. “We really feel like this is a true partnership with Erie and Crawford counties.” People helping people — for Erie FCU, it’s always been, and always will be, priority No. 1.

“There are a lot of struggling industries out there,” adds Reynolds. “For someone in the local community to be able to talk to someone who understands the community, that’s huge.”

Building Community, One Partnership at a Time

Erie FCU not only understands the community in which it operates — it also seeks to help build and empower that community, extending its philosophy of “people helping people” far beyond the walls of its seven area locations. From corporate sponsorships of area athletic teams and charitable organizations and participation in local charity events, to its wide array of financial literacy and empowerment programs that reach more than 2,000 area schoolchildren and adults each year, Erie FCU remains committed to putting much of its resources back in to the community in which its members live and work. The credit union also remains committed to empowering its 109 employees throughout Erie and Crawford County, working to improve their skill sets and training.

Founded: 1936 Locations: Seven branches, as well as 23 ATMs, throughout the region, including: 1109 East 38th Street, 1005 Greengarden Road, 5500 Zuck Road, 2436 Buffalo Road, 518 State Street, 1220 West 32nd Street, and 1825 Downs Drive in Erie. Number of Employees: 109 employees throughout Erie and Crawford counties Phone: 814/825-2436 or 800/480-0494 Website: www.eriefcu.org

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 17

DRIVEN BY RESULTS

Attorneys at Knox McLaughlin Gornall and Sennett, P.C. are driven to achieve positive results for our clients. We believe that is one reason for our recognition by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” as a Pittsburgh Tier 1 firm in five practice areas for 2011-2012, including Commercial Litigation, Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants, Public Finance Law, and Workers’ Compensation Law - Employers. We are the only firm ranked in any Pennsylvania or New York metropolitan area as Tier 1 for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. We have been providing responsive, innovative legal services to a wide array of businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, insurance companies and financial institutions, as well as individual and families, since 1958. Whatever your legal needs, you can count on our team to provide sound legal advice and deliver results.

Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Business & Tax Elder Law Environmental Law Estate Planning & Administration Family Law Governmental Practice Health Law Intellectual Property & Technology Labor & Employment Litigation Public Finance & Bonds Real Estate Workers’ Compensation

Erie, PA Jamestown, NY North East, PA 814-459-2800 www.kmgslaw.com

E D U C AT I O N P R O F I L E Believe in the Possibilities

Gannon University in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania, is a caring community of dynamic faculty and staff who educate motivated students in an environment inspired by Catholic values.

Enrollment at Gannon exceeds 4,000 students, and personal attention for each student is provided with a student-tofaculty ratio of 14:1. Gannon offers nearly 100 academic programs in the University’s three Colleges: Engineering and Business, Health Professions and Sciences and Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.

Keith Taylor President

The emphasis in the College of Engineering and Business is on solving problems, making decisions and putting theory into practice in a technological and economic marketplace that is changing at lightning speed. The College of Engineering and Business also plays a pivotal role in the economic health of our region. Gannon’s faculty members innovate in partnership with the Gannon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Erie Technology Incubator (ETI) to develop research and consulting opportunities that benefit students and the community alike. The signature health professions of The Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences include physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing, radiologic sciences, respiratory care, and sport and exercise science. Students enrolled in the College receive hands-on learning experience in a new, state-of-the-art Patient Simulation Center. They practice real-world scenarios on high fidelity “manikins” that react to treatments like human patients, which allows students studying different disciplines to work collaboratively in a hospital-like setting. The College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences advances the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. The skills of writing and speaking effectively, and critical thinking prepare students for a complex and rapidly changing world and for a lifetime of career opportunities.

Gannon University 109 University Square Erie, PA 16541 814/871-7000 or 1-800-GANNON-U (1-800-426-6668) www.gannon.edu

Almost a third of Gannon students are enrolled in one of the University’s 20 graduate programs, which include a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership, the first and only program of its kind in the region. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult looking to further your education, Gannon offers degrees that will advance your career and help you become a leader in your profession, church and community. U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” continues to cite Gannon as a top-tier university in the northern region of the United States. Additionally, Gannon has been ranked in the annual guide’s Great Schools, Great Prices category, which affirms Gannon’s mission of providing a quality education at an affordable price. Believe in the possibilities … at Gannon. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 19

Print sDirect Mail s Short Run s Design s Green s Die Cut sTo name a few... Trust us to be your complete source for print and direct mail communications. Printing Concepts, Inc. 4982 Pacific Avenue Erie, PA 16506 800-540-7805 / 814-833-8080 fax 814-833-4208 printcon@erie.net www.printingconceptsonline.com

CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E Your Trusted Adviser for Buying and Selling Real Estate What brand is well recognized by its dark blue and white logo with a bright nautical star in the middle? This familiar logo is popping up in yards and on businesses all over Erie County. Thanks to hard work, dedication and significant branding efforts, Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services has become one of the most respected and fastest-growing real estate companies in the area.

Marsha Marsh

Owner and REALTOR®, ABR®, CDPE® Marsha Marsh, the visionary for Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services, truly lives and breathes real estate. One only needs to spend a few minutes with Marsha to feel her enthusiasm and the exuberant passion she has for the profession.

As a female entrepreneur, Marsha attributes her success to honesty, enthusiasm, good character, a positive attitude and good listening skills. She is not only a successful real estate agent but she is also a successful businesswoman who is full of boundless energy. Marsha firmly believes that customer referrals have played a major role in the rapid success of Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services. “What better way to gain new business and positive advertising than by a referral from a happy and satisfied customer,” adds Marsh. “In fact, we attribute over 88 percent of our business comes from referrals of past clients.” With their Peach Street office at capacity, Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services recently opened two new offices: 4202 West Ridge Road in Millcreek (814/833-8840) and 38 East Columbus Avenue in Corry (814/664-8840). Laban Marsh, agent, broker and owner explains that, “After three and a half years of unprecedented growth, the brokerage ran out of adequate space to support our growing roster of agents and the increasing volume of clients. Our new convenient locations will provide more than double the professional office space and will enable the entire Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services organization to better serve our valued clients through increased resources, greater technology, additional conference/ meeting space and easy access.”

Offices located in: Summit, Millcreek, Corry 814/866-8840 www.MarshaMarsh.com

Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services is proud to be recognized as a trusted adviser when it comes to buying or selling real estate in Erie, Warren, Venango and Crawford counties. When it’s time to buy or sell your next property, call Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services at a convenient location near you. A professional REALTOR® will be ready to help guide you along the real estate journey or visit www.marshamarsh.com where you will find friendly home search tools, helpful buyer and seller resources and community information. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 21

2012 Annual Event >

Election As the days leading up to the 2012 presidential election begin to heat up and the respective campaigns begin to focus on what they believe are the issues most important to the American people, there will be much discussion on the strategies — money and messages — that will decide the next Commander in Chief. The 2012 presidential election is beginning to take shape by the contrasting views of presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama’s vision for America’s future. Are we truly at the crossroads between bigger government and limited government? Both campaigns articulate a diametrically opposing view of every single issue confronting America — from health-reform, regulatory reform, tax reform, education reform, foreign policy, to immigration and energy. At this year’s Manufacturer & Business Association 107th Annual Event on June 27 22 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

in Erie, these questions — and more — will take center stage, as the four major voices in American politics — journalist Chris Wallace, talk radio host Laura Ingraham and political commentators Dr. Charles Krauthammer and Dick Morris — join the Association for a electrifying evening of discussion focused solely on Election 2012. A Who’s Who of political analysts, this high-profile panel is expected to dissect the issues for American voters, as well as what they mean for the country’s political and economic future. Wallace, who will moderate the event, is currently the host of “FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace,” FOX Broadcasting Company’s Sunday morning public affairs program, and a frequent contributor to the network’s political and election news coverage. Before joining FOX, Wallace worked at ABC News for 15 years, where he served as the chief correspondent for “Primetime Thursday” and as a substitute host for “Nightline.” He

2012:

America at the Crossroads has won every major award for broadcast journalism, including the National Press Foundation’s 2012 Sol Taishoff Award for broadcast excellence. Panelist Laura Ingraham is one of America’s best-known radio hosts and authors. Her nationally syndicated talk show, “The Laura Ingraham Show,” airs throughout the United States on Talk Radio Network and is ranked eighth among most-listened-to talk radio programs, with an average 5.5 million weekly listeners.

The last member of the group is renowned political consultant Dick Morris, who first came to national attention when he provided the strategy that engineered Bill Clinton’s stunning comeback re-election victory in 1996. Domestically, Morris has handled the winning campaigns of more than 30 senators and governors. His hard-hitting commentary can be found in major publications such as the New York Post, the Hill Magazine and the National Post, as well as a long list of New York Times bestsellers.

Joining the panel is Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Dr. Charles Krauthammer. His syndicated column for the Washington Post appears in more than 275 newspapers worldwide. Krauthammer also writes a monthly essay for Time magazine, is a contributing editor to The Weekly Standard and The New Republic, and is a weekly panelist on “Inside Washington.”

On the following pages, the Business Magazine takes a look at the biographies of these highprofile personalities — Chris Wallace: The Moderator; Laura Ingraham: The Talk Radio Host; Dr. Charles Krauthammer: The Syndicated Columnist; and, Dick Morris: The Political Consultant — ahead of their highly anticipated discussion on the people, politics and policies heading into Election 2012. > June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 23

Tired of getting the runaround when it comes to business loans?

At Marquette, we take the call. We make the call. If automated answering, credit decisions from people who donâ€™t even know you, and out-of-town delays have you down, pick up a phone and call Marquette. At Marquette, decisions are made quickly because true hometown business banking means all lending decisions are made locally.

Dave Slomski Vice President of Business Banking (814) 455-4481

James Jackson Business Banker (814) 455-4481

Louis Natalie Chief Credit Officer (814) 455-4481

Eugene Cirka Business Banker/ Crawford County (814) 337-7929

The Hometown Bank with the Hometown Touch

< 2012 Annual Event

Chris Wallace: The Moderator

“Let’s really get serious. It is ridiculous how many debates there have been… It’s like you’re tuning in to a car race, you really want to see if there’s a wreck." — Chris Wallace Described as an “equal opportunity inquisitor” by The Boston Globe, “an aggressive journalist,” “sharp edged” and “solid” by The Washington Post and “an equal-opportunity ravager” by The Miami Herald, veteran newsman Chris Wallace is used to putting politicians in the hot seat. The host of “FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace,” FOX Broadcasting Company’s Sunday morning public affairs program, Wallace is a frequent contributor to FOX’s political and election news coverage since joining the network in 2003. Over the course of his career, Wallace has served as moderator for several of the 2012 GOP presidential primary debates and secured interviews with many leading newsmakers, including all the leading contenders for the 2008 presidential campaign. Additionally, Wallace has interviewed what could best be described as the most sought-after figures in national and international politics, from U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton and Colin Powell, to Minority Leader of the House Nancy Pelosi, Mexican President Vicente Fox, Senators Bill Frist and John McCain, Vice President Joe Biden, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as former Spain Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. Before joining FOX News, Wallace spent 15 years at ABC News, where he served as the chief correspondent for “Primetime Thursday” and as a substitute host for “Nightline.” In 2004, Wallace wrote Character: Profiles in Presidential Courage, a book widely touted as an informative study of American presidential leadership.

Through his fairness, accuracy and quality reporting, Wallace has garnered accolades and respect from his journalistic peers. He has won every major award for broadcast journalism, including a Dupont-Columbia Award, three Emmy Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, and the George Polk Award. Most recently, the National Press Foundation honored him with the 2012 Sol Taishoff Award for broadcast excellence, a recognition, according to Wallace’s biography, that is “given to an active broadcaster for a body of quality work in video or audio journalism.” Prior to joining ABC News, Wallace was with NBC News, where he served as the chief White House correspondent from 1982 through 1989. While at the network, Wallace covered the 1980, 1984, and 1988 presidential campaigns, as well as the Democratic and Republican conventions. Wallace also anchored “Meet the Press” from 1987 to 1988, and anchored the Sunday edition of “NBC Nightly News” from 1982 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1987. He joined NBC as a reporter with WNBC-TV in New York City in 1975. Wallace was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 12, 1947. He is the son of Norma Kaphan and the late Mike Wallace, the legendary CBS “60 Minutes” reporter who passed away in early April. Wallace is also a 1969 graduate of Harvard University and has been married to Lorraine Smothers since 1997. > For more information about Wallace or his show, “FOX News Sunday With Chris Wallace,” visit www.foxnews.com.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 25

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If you are doing everything yourself, maybe something is off key. At Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh If you are doing everything yourself, maybe something is off key. At Schaffner, Knight, Minnaugh & Company, P.C., we can help you organize your accounting needs to improve your business. & Company, P.C., we can help you organize your accounting needs to improve your business. Let us be your out-of-house team. We don’t multitask, we specialize. We learn your business inside Let us be your out-of-house team. We don’t multitask, we specialize. We learn your business inside and out to provide you with elite superior service every time. When you want personal attention to and out to provide you with elite superior service every time. When you want personal attention to your personal matters, we are large enough to specialize, and small enough to personalize. your personal matters, we are large enough to specialize, and small enough to personalize. When you are ready to conduct an orchestra of many, give us a call. When you are ready to conduct an orchestra of many, give us a call. Schaffner, Knight, Schaffner, Knight,Minnaugh Minnaugh&&Company, Company,P.C. P.C. ... ... World Class Service for World Class Clients. World Class Service for World Class Clients.

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Offices: Offices: Erie, PA

1001 PA State Street, Suite 1300 Erie,

Jamestown, NY 500 Pine Street,NY Suite 14 Jamestown,

DuBois, PA 351 Aviation Way DuBois, PA

Erie, Pennsylvania 165011300 Jamestown, NY 14701 15851 1001 State Street, Suite 500 Pine Street, Suite 14 Reynoldsville, 351 AviationPA Way 814-454-1997 716-483-0071 814-375-2700 Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 Jamestown, NY 14701 Reynoldsville, PA 15851 Certified Public 814-454-1997 814-375-2700 The McGladrey Alliance is a premier affiAccountants liation of independent accounting and consulting firms. The McGladrey Alliance member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence716-483-0071 and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client

relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clients’ business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey logo and the McGladrey Allianceaffi signatures used under accounting license by RSM andThe McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.member firms maintain their name, autonomy and independence and are responsible for their own client fee arrangements, delivery of services and maintenance of client The McGladrey Alliance is a premier liation ofare independent andMcGladrey, consultingInc. firms. McGladrey Alliance relationships. The McGladrey Alliance is a business of RSM McGladrey, Inc., a leading professional services firm providing tax and consulting services. McGladrey is the brand under which RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP serve clients’ business needs. McGladrey, the McGladrey logo and the McGladrey Alliance signatures are used under license by RSM McGladrey, Inc. and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP.

< 2012 Annual Event

Laura Ingraham:

The Talk Radio Host

“According to the Federal Reserve, the share of what we owe nationally now tops $690,000 per family. And yet, no matter how loudly we protest the policies fueling the debt, we are still forced to sacrifice our personal prosperity to help shoulder the government’s bills. There used to be a popular term for that: indentured servitude.” — Laura Ingraham Always articulate and entertaining, the nationally acclaimed political and cultural commentator Laura Ingraham has been addicting legions of listeners since her launch into national syndication in 2001. Her program, the self-titled “The Laura Ingraham Show,” takes fans on a wild ride through the colliding worlds of politics, the news media, and Hollywood, with her signature wit and pithy analysis. “Whether she’s on the watch for evidence of media bias, political hypocrisy or Hollywood inanity,” according to her biography, “Ingraham infuses her program with a level of energy and commitment to conservative principles that grabs hold and won’t let go.” In 2008, Ingraham was rated as the sixth most popular radio show host by Talkers Magazine. Today, her program — which has included guests from politicans Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney to Nobel Peace Prize winner Henry Kissinger and “Saturday Night Live’s” Darrell Hammond — is broadcast on 350 stations nationwide and is the No. 1 mid-morning syndicated radio show in the United States. Also a popular author, Ingraham’s most recent books — The Obama Diaries, which discusses President Obama’s first year in office, and Shut Up & Sing: How the Elites in Politics, Hollywood and the U.N. are Subverting America — are New York Times bestsellers. Her previous book, The Hillary Trap, examined the political ambition and beliefs of Hillary Clinton. Ingraham has written op-eds for The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times and regularly appears on

politically focused TV programs. She has appeared on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” FOX’s “Hannity,” and ABC’s “Politically Incorrect.” Previously Ingraham hosted her own daily MSNBC program, “Watch It! with Laura Ingraham,” and served as a political commentator for CBS News. She is also the official guest host of “The O’Reilly Factor” on Fox News Channel and a weekly contributor with her segment, “The Ingraham Angle.” Born on June 19, 1964, Ingraham grew up in a middle class family in Glastonbury and graduated from the Glastonbury High School in 1981. In 1985, Ingraham earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College where she was a staff member of an independent conservative newspaper, The Dartmouth Review. From 1986 to 1988, she worked as a young staffer in the Reagan administration, in the White House, and at the Education and Transportation Departments. She then earned her law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1991. Formerly a white collar criminal defense attorney, Ingraham practiced law at the Washington office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. She also served as a law clerk for Judge Ralph K. Winter, Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court of Appeals and Clarence Thomas, the U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Ingraham is also an avid supporter of U.S. troops and a variety of military organizations. She currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her three children. > For more information about Laura Ingraham and “The Laura Ingraham Show,” visit www.lauraingraham.com. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 27

Betsy Bort, Vice President, Commercial Lending

Bill DeLuca, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Division

Main/Interchange Office 2035 Edinboro Road • Erie, PA 16509 • Phone (814) 868-7523

Asbury Road Office 2615 Asbury Road • Erie, PA 16506 • Phone (814) 835-1116

Downtown Office & Private Banking 101 West 10th Street • Erie, PA 16501 Phone (814) 454-3477 • Private Banking (814) 454-3444

Harborcreek Office 5723 Buffalo Road • Harborcreek, PA 16421 • Phone (814) 899-5101

Meadville Office 885 Park Avenue • Meadville, PA 16335 • Phone (814) 336-1223

Warren Office 301 Pennsylvania Avenue West • Warren, PA 16365 • Phone (814) 726-9000

At ERIEBANK, we build exceptional business banking relationships with our customers. We take the time to listen to your unique, situational needs and offer the most appropriate financial solutions. Our empowerment to make local-level decisions, results in faster turnaround times to keep your business on the track to success. Together, we’re building stronger businesses.

www.eriebank.net

< 2012 Annual Event

Dr. Charles Krauthammer: The Syndicated Columnist

“Every two years the American politics industry fills the airwaves with the most virulent, scurrilous, wall-to-wall character assassination of nearly every political practitioner in the country — and then declares itself puzzled that America has lost trust in its politicians.” — Dr. Charles Krauthammer MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough has called him “without a doubt, the most powerful force in American conservatism.” National Review featured him on its cover as “Obama’s critic-in-chief.” Der Spiegel calls him “the leading voice of America’s conservative intellectuals.” New York Times columnist David Brooks says that today “he’s the most important conservative columnist.” Politico calls him “leader of the opposition ... a coherent, sophisticated and implacable critic of the new president.” A voice of reason on matters of domestic and international policy, Dr. Charles Krauthammer is undeniably a defender of conservative common sense. When he’s not making daily appearances on the all-star panel on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” the 1987 Pulitzer Prizewinning writer for distinguished commentary writes a syndicated column for the Washington Post that appears in more than 275 newspapers worldwide. The Harvard-trained psychiatrist also writes a monthly essay for Time magazine, is a contributing editor to The Weekly Standard and The New Republic, and is a weekly panelist on “Inside Washington.” For three decades, notes his biography, Dr. Krauthammer’s influential writings have helped frame the shape of American foreign policy. He coined and developed The Reagan Doctrine (Time, April 1985), defined the structure of the post-Cold War world in The Unipolar Moment (Foreign Affairs, Winter 1990/1991) and outlined the principles of post-9/11 American foreign policy in his Irving Kristol Lecture, Democratic Realism (AEI Press, March 2004). Born in March 13, 1950 in New York City and raised in Montreal, Dr. Krauthammer was educated at McGill University where he obtained an honors degree in political science and economics in 1970. He was

a Commonwealth Scholar in Politics at Oxford University and later moved back to the United States, where he attended Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1975. While a resident and then chief resident in psychiatry at Mass General Hospital, he published scientific papers, including his co-discovery of a form of bipolar disease, that continue to be cited in psychiatric literature. In 1978, Dr. Krauthammer quit medicine, came to Washington to direct planning in psychiatric research in the Carter administration, and began contributing articles to The New Republic. During the presidential campaign of 1980, he served as a speechwriter to Vice President Walter Mondale. But impressed with Ronald Reagan’s Cold War policies, he soon became one of the key voices of what would become thought of as neoconservative foreign policy. He joined The New Republic as a writer and editor in 1981, and his writings won the 1984 National Magazine Award for Essays and Criticism, the highest award in magazine journalism. Since that time, he has been honored by many organizations, including the Center for Security Policy (Mighty Pen Award) and People for the American Way (First Amendment Award). In 2001, Dr. Krauthammer was appointed to the President’s Council on Bioethics; in 2003, he was a recipient of the first annual Bradley Prize. Dr. Krauthammer is a founding board member of Washington’s Shoresh Hebrew High School and president of The Krauthammer Foundation. He also serves as chairman of Pro Musica Hebraica, a society founded by his wife, Robyn, dedicated to the rediscovery of classical Jewish music. He currently resides in suburban Washington with his wife and son. > For Dr. Krauthammer’s most recent columns, visit the website www.washingtonpost.com. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 29

Experienced physicians with great expertise.

hat’s how Bishop Donald Trautman describes the primary care physicians of the Saint Vincent Medical Group. Christopher Clark, DO, has been Bishop Trautman’s primary care physician for more than a decade.

The Bishop has entrusted his care to Saint Vincent since he moved to Erie nearly a quarter of a century ago. When it comes to staying healthy, Bishop Trautman stresses the importance of building a solid, long-lasting relationship with your doctor—which includes scheduling regular visits and undergoing preventive health screenings.

If you’re currently seeking a primary care physician, simply call 814-452-5500 or visit SaintVincentHealth.com.

< 2012 Annual Event

Dick Morris:

The Political Consultant “Now a great debate has been born. The thesis is Democratic Socialism. The antithesis is free-market capitalism. The Obama Democrats have posed the challenge. It is now up to the Republicans to pick it up and fight along these lines.” — Dick Morris Called “the most influential private citizen in America” by Time magazine, Dick Morris is among the most prominent consultants on the U.S. political scene. He first came to national attention when he engineered President Bill Clinton’s stunning comeback re-election victory in 1996, by proposing the strategy referred to as “triangulation” in which Clinton appealed to a diverse group of voters by distancing himself from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Many present-day campaigns use the strategy to avoid the pitfalls of placing themselves on either end of the traditional left-right political system. “ ’Yes’ is a far more potent word than ’no’ in American politics,” Morris has said. “By adopting the positions which animate the political agenda for the other side, one can disarm them and leave them sputtering with nothing to say.” Today, Morris — a major Clinton detractor — has become a familiar figure as a commentator for the FOX News Channel. He makes more than 400 appearances each year and is well known for his in your face, nonpartisan political analysis. His columns appear in the New York Post and the Hill Magazine. He also has a widely read blog on his website, DickMorris.com, and is a New York Times bestselling author. Born on November 28, 1948 in New York City, Morris attended Stuyvesant High School, where he was active on the debate team and managed classmate Jerrold Nadler’s campaign for class president (Nadler since went on to serve as U.S. representative for New York’s 8th congressional district). He graduated from Stuyvesant in 1964, and then attended Columbia University where he earned a bachelor of arts degree, graduating a year

early in 1967. Morris also was involved in the first campaign of Richard Gottfried for New York State Assembly in 1970. According to his biography, Morris began his relationship with Clinton in 1977 when he handled the Arkansas attorney general’s successful campaign to become the youngest governor in the nation. Morris did not work on Clinton’s defeat for re-election in 1980 but did oversee his comeback victory in 1982 as well as his Arkansas re-election victories in 1984, 1986 and 1990. As part of his presidential campaign strategy, Morris helped steer Clinton to the center and away from the liberal policies he had pursued in his first two years in office. Morris also is credited with advising Clinton to sign the welfare reform bill of 1996 and getting him to back a balanced budget, both key centrist positions. Since that time, Morris is credited with spearheading the winning campaigns for dozens of senators and governors including Republican Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and former Governors Bill Weld of Massachusetts and Pete Wilson of California. In recent years, Morris has turned to foreign elections and served as chief strategist for Mexico’s reformer Vicente Fox in his upset victory in July 2000 over the PRI, after the party had ruled the nation for 71 years. He was the chief strategist for the winning campaign of Argentina’s new president Fernando de la Rua in November 1999; Morris also worked for Jorge Battle in his victory for president of Uruguay that same year. Today, Morris resides in Florida with his wife and co-author, Eileen McGann. For more information about Dick Morris, visit www.DickMorris.com. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 31

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Annual Event Entertainment >

America’s Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan From his rousing renditions of Irish favorites “Oh, Danny Boy” and “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” to popular favorites such as “The Impossible Dream” and “Into the Fire,” Ronan Tynan has a unique voice and irresistible appeal.

Today, the former member of the Irish Tenors is widely recognized as “America’s Irish Tenor” for his moving vocal performance during the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and special tribute during President Ronald Reagan’s state funeral, where he sang “Amazing Grace” and Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” For many years, Tynan was a crowd favorite in the Big Apple, singing “God Bless America” during important New York Yankees games, as well as the city’s unofficial anthem “New York, New York” at the Belmont Stakes. Tynan, who will make a special appearance at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s 107th Annual Event in Erie on June 27, is truly a modern day “Renaissance Man” who has persevered with enormous passion and determination despite numerous challenges throughout his life. Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1960 with a limb disability that threatened to sideline him throughout his childhood, Tynan has overcome unthinkable odds. By the age of 20, his legs had to be amputated below the knee after an auto accident caused serious complications. But, just weeks after the operation, according to his biography, he was climbing up the steps of his college dorm, and within a year, was winning gold medals in the Paralympics. Between 1981 and 1984, Tynan had earned 18 gold medals and 14 world records, of which he still holds nine. Encouraged by his parents, Tynan also was determined to pursue his interest in medicine. He became the first disabled person ever admitted to the National College of Physical Education and later became a full-fledged medical doctor, specializing in orthopedic sports injuries, with a degree from Ireland’s prestigious Trinity College.

It wasn’t until Tynan participated in several singing competitions and seriously studied to improve his voice that he launched his singing career. In 1994, he was accepted into England’s Royal Opera School. He then made a name for himself on the festival circuit, and performed oratorio with numerous orchestras, making his operatic debut in “Madame Butterfly” in Dublin. Tynan issued his first solo album, My Life Belongs to You, in Ireland in 1998. Soon he was invited to join a new singing group being organized in Ireland called the “Irish Tenors.” In the spring of 2005, Tynan released his self-titled debut album, ushering in a new era in his career. The work moved Tynan away from the classic “Irish tenor” tunes to a more personal style that showcased his range and versatility as a performer. According to Tynan’s official biography, the album contains the heartfelt “Passing Through,” which honors his mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Tynan debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Classical Crossover Chart, just behind Josh Groban, and was the eighth bestselling classical crossover album of 2005. In 2007, due to popular demand, he released a DVD of his motivational speech, “Hitting the High Notes, Living Life to the Fullest.” He is currently in the recording stages of two upcoming CD releases, one an all-Irish CD, and a second collection of songs performed at his concerts and requested by fans throughout the world — including his adopted home, America. “America is powerful and intense, and it begs you to take it on,” Tynan has said. “If you do that and do it right, it will give you absolutely everything you want. The thing I love about America is that there are so many people who want you to do well. They will you to do well. They encourage you, and they rejoice in your success. That’s a great virtue. I think Americans are fantastic people, amazing.” For more information about Ronan Tynan, visit www.ronantynan.net.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 35

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CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E Recognized as the Region’s Largest Locally Owned Full-Service Staffing Firm Recognized as the region’s largest locally owned full-service staffing firm, Career Concepts was initially founded in 1967, and since then has become northwest Pennsylvania’s leading and largest locally owned full-service staffing organization. Under the new ownership of President Marc Turner since 2010, the company has set upon a plan of growth while concentrating on exceptional customer service. Year after year, Career Concepts has been voted the area’s No. 1 employment agency in the Erie Times-News’ Erie’s Choice poll.

Marc Turner President and Owner

“While we are proud of our record, each day is a new day, and we know we have to work continually to give our clients the best possible service,” remarks Turner.

To aid in customer service, the company strives to maintain the largest possible pool of candidates and job openings in the region. With a large pool of qualified candidates, Career Concepts has the resources to match job openings with the best possible people. The company also works to achieve the highest possible placement success rate, using it as a measure of how well its screening and placement process is working. Career Concepts brings in as many applicants as possible by using several approaches including growth. Last year, the company opened two new branches — Franklin/Oil City and Wesleyville. In the Erie area, applicants now have three convenient locations: one in center city, one on the west side in Girard, and one on the east side in Wesleyville. The Franklin/Oil City office has extended the reach of the company south and east beyond its other office in Meadville, allowing it to serve areas as far south as Grove City and as far east as Clarion. Career Concepts puts a great emphasis on marketing for clients and candidates alike. “We advertise all the time and in many ways,” says Turner. “This is done through newspaper advertising, posts on local job boards, posts on our website, Twitter posts, and updates to our Facebook page. We have redesigned our website which now accepts applications and resume’s online. We’ve also invested in a new message center sign outside our corporate office on Peach Street which allows us to advertise all job openings on a rotating basis.” With all its branches and extensive team of professional staff, Career Concepts is able to maintain what it believes is the largest list of job openings and the most diversified career opportunities in the market. “The better job we do for our clients, the easier it will be for us to maintain our extensive list of job openings,” says Turner.

Career Concepts 4504 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 814/868-2333 www.gocareernow.com

Career Concepts’ placements include senior management; plant managers; IT professionals; engineers; project managers; and quality control, accounting, marketing, purchasing, materials management, administrative and clerical personnel; as well as general labor. In addition, the company offers a full complement of staffing solutions including Executive Search, Direct Hire and Temporary assignments, Temporary to Hire, Pay-rolling and Onsite Staffing. Career Concepts has a great tradition in the region, but Turner is mindful of the challenges for the company moving ahead. “Only by providing our client companies the best service in the industry will we be able to survive and grow in our marketplace,” he adds. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 39

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500 Million Lighters Let the Sparks Fly! What a milestone year for the maker of the world’s most renowned windproof lighter. Zippo just produced its 500 millionth lighter, the significant manufacturing landmark occurred on June 5 at the company’s manufacturing plant in Bradford.

When Zippo founder George G. Blaisdell set out to create an attractive lighter that would work always and be easy to use, he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Eighty years later, not only are the basic design and concept of the lighter unchanged, it is known throughout the world and sold in some 160 countries. Strong sales in both the domestic market and emerging markets overseas, particularly China and India, contributed to record sales increases this year. Customize It! Introduction of a new Zippo website late last year brought Zippo fans the longawaited opportunity to go online and create a personally designed, custom Zippo lighter. Customize It! on Zippo.com guides consumers on a step-by-step process from selecting a lighter finish to uploading a photo or artwork to adding a personal inscription to creating a one-of-a-kind Zippo lighter. Consumers use this unique opportunity to recognize a loyal retiree, immortalize a favorite pet, announce a new baby, celebrate an anniversary, brag on that big fish that didn’t get away … the

Outdoor Line The Zippo windproof lighter has been a staple necessity for outdoor adventures since ... well, for 80 years. Stories of how the light, heat, or case of a Zippo lighter saved the day or saved a life fill the company archives. Two years ago, the company introduced an all-metal Hand Warmer that operates on Zippo premium lighter fluid and keeps hands warm longer than any other product on the market. Last year an Emergency Fire Starter kit and flex neck utility lighter were added to the roster of Zippo Outdoor products. As the Outdoor products continue to show very strong sales worldwide, Zippo is developing a Zippo-branded line of robust camping gear and fire accessories scheduled to be introduced at trade shows in late summer. 80th Anniversary If the first half is any indication, Zippo’s 80th anniversary year is looking to be filled with record-breaking sales, innovative new products, exciting online activity, and milestone celebrations. Let the sparks fly!

Zippo/Case Museum 1932 Zippo Drive Bradford PA 16701 814/368-1932 Zippo.com

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 41

People, Packages and Professionalism are Their Business by appointment, leisure transportation, package transportation and airport transfers. “We transport people to medical appointments, the hairdresser, out to dinner, to the airport, basically anywhere you want to go,” Peggy explains. “When we take people to medical appointments, it is not just here in Erie, but Pittsburgh, the Cleveland Clinic and Seven Fields, and we do a lot of work for insurance companies and attorneys on workers’ compensation claims.”

Peggy Allin is the president of Hansen’s Errand Service, Flagship Trolley and Hansen’s Storage Service in Erie, Pennsylvania.

In December 2007, Peggy Allin became self-employed after spending 20 years working alongside her husband at Allin Companies-Snow Management Group. As that entity grew to a nationally known snow contracting firm, Peggy learned about business first hand. Hard work, dedication, good staff and outstanding customer service were paramount in her business education. Once the company was sold and Peggy was on her own, the entrepreneurial nature of her instincts said, “become your own boss.” “I opened the newspaper one day and under ’businesses for sale’ was Hansen’s Errand Service,” she says. “It was right up my alley because we were in the service business for so many years.” That December, Peggy purchased Hansen’s, including the company name, records and one vehicle. Continuing her own philosophy of exceeding customers’ expectations and the good reputation Hansen’s already had in place, Peggy went about setting her own course in providing northwest Pennsylvania with first-in-class service for those needing transportation by appointment, package delivery, and even doing grocery shopping for those who could not “get there” on their own. The business is regulated by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, and its licenses cover transportation

42 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Hansen’s is not a taxicab or handicapped-accessible lift service, but a reliable alternative transportation service by appointment only. The company is an ideal choice for group travel, with the capability to transport individuals and business groups — such as Howard Hanna Realtors and the Erie Bayhawks — to larger airports and other destinations in the tri-state region. Its service area covers western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and western New York, but has made trips as far as New York City. For longdistance travel (within a 300-mile radius), the company requires at least two hours’ advance notice. Hansen’s fleet of 11 vehicles, which consists of passenger vans, cargo vans, box trucks and a fuel-efficient Prius, are recognized as a dependable resource for urgent pickups and deliveries. “Say you have a machine that has broken down and you need that part. If it is shutting down production, you can’t wait for UPS,” Peggy explains. “I’ll get a call at 5 or 6 at night, and we’ll get it to them by 2 a.m. the next day.” The company’s courteous and professional staff, Tammy Johnson and Chrystal Cellon, work with clients by phone and in person at the new corporate office on Pittsburgh Avenue in Erie.

Hansen’s Errand Service is a professional errand, messenger and courier service that can accommodate business needs as well as provide group and individual transportation by appointment only.

The company also is often called upon when there is a flight cancellation or travel delay due to inclement weather. At Hansen’s, says Peggy, “we can get you where you need to go.”

Flagship Trolley

2009 brought the addition of Flagship Trolley to transport groups for business meetings, weddings, sightseeing, and area tours. A second trolley was added in 2010. “We are the only private trolley service in Erie,” says Peggy, whose operation runs on a seasonal basis — April through November. Flagship Trolley offers monthly wine tours to the public. The company also works with many corporate clients — such as Erie Insurance Group, Eriez Magnetics and Greenleaf Corporation — for special events and meetings, providing sightseeing trips and shuttle service for visitors and their guests. “When conventions come into town and they want to take a wine tour, or they have spousal groups, I take people to the casino or take them shopping,” she says. “We also have a lot of companies who do training sessions in town, and we provide the shuttle service from the hotel to their place of business and back.”

Hansen’s Storage Service

Hansen’s Storage Service features 20,000 square feet of dedicated warehouse space for storage and shipping services.

Avenue headquarters. With this new building and the capacity afforded by its size, Hansen’s Storage Service was born. The 30,000-square-foot facility includes a 20,000-squarefeet warehouse dedicated to storage. The space is heated, secure, and fire protected by sprinklers; it also has fork truck capability and loading docks for shipping. Hansen’s Storage Service can store boats, automobiles, raw materials, and has 30-foot high ceilings for large equipment and machinery. Hansen’s also has the ability to palletize any materials that a company needs to store for long periods. The facility can be accessed as customers demand. “We can accommodate people who need to get in here at 3 a.m. or have a delivery made after hours,” adds Peggy. At Hansen’s Errand Service, Flagship Trolley and Hansen’s Storage Service, people, packages and professionalism are their business.

January 2012 saw the business consolidate these various widespread locations into one large warehouse and office space at its Pittsburgh

Headquarters: 1805A Pittsburgh Avenue Erie, PA 16502 Contact: Peggy Allin Phone: Hansen’s Errand Service at 814/455-1960 Flagship Trolley at 814/453-4666 Hansen’s Storage Service at 814/455-1922 Websites: www.hansenserrandservice.com www.flagshiptrolley.com www.hansensstorage-erie.com Flagship Trolley is a popular transportation option for weddings, receptions, birthdays, conventions, corporate events, graduations, family reunions, wine tours and more.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 43

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2012-2013 Board of Governors

Front row, from left: Timothy Hunter, president, McInnes Rolled Rings; J. Gordon Naughton, president, J.H. Bennett Moving & Storage, Inc.; Dale W. Deist, founder, Deist Industries, Inc.; Jerry Wertz, president and CEO, Data Papers, Inc.; and John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E., president and CEO, Ridg-U-Rak, Inc. Back row, from left: Dennis Prischak, president and CEO, The Plastek Group, Yvonne Atkinson-Mishrell, past president, Presbyterian Homes; Donald Hester, president and CEO, MAJR Products; Lorenzo Simonelli, president and CEO, GE Transportation; John Cline, president, Sunburst Electronics, Inc.; William M. Hilbert Jr., president, Reddog Industries, Inc.; and Sue Sutto, president, Sue Sutto Realtors, Inc.

46 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Executive Committee

Chairman Dale W. Deist founder of Deist Industries, Inc.

Vice Chairman John Cline president Sunburst Electronics, Inc.

Treasurer William M. Hilbert Jr. president Reddog Industries, Inc.

Immediate Past Chairman John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. president and CEO Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.

New Board Members

Donald Hester president and CEO MAJR Products

Sue Sutto president Sue Sutto Realtors

Message from the Immediate Past Chairman On behalf of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) Board of Governors, I’d like to say thank you. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have led this extraordinary organization over the past year. Despite the growing economic and legislative challenges we face each day, the resolve shown by our more than 4,500 member companies throughout northwest and central Pennsylvania isn’t just inspiring — it’s downright American. You, the job creators, are the foundation of our country’s free-enterprise system, which is the envy of all the world. You are what makes these United States — and this Association — tick. It’s why, as I hand over the gavel to 2012-2013 Board of Governors Chairman Dale W. Deist, founder of Deist Industries, Inc., I do so knowing the Association is in good hands. Dale, along with fellow executive committee members Bill Hilbert Jr. and John Cline; new Board members Donald Hester, president and CEO of MAJR Products, and Sue Sutto, president of Sue Sutto Realtors; and the balance of the MBA Board of Governors, will no doubt lead by example, defending not only the American free-enterprise system, but the interests of you, our members. As immediate past chairman, I look forward to working alongside them, as well as the Association’s professional staff, to continually uncover new value-added services that not only enhance your MBA membership, but further your own pursuit of the American dream. Once again, thank you for the honor of serving as your chairman for 2011-2012, and as immediate past chairman for 2012-2013. Sincerely,

John B. Pellegrino Sr., P.E. President and CEO Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 47

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Pirrello Enterprises Pirrello Enter In Enterprises Inc. Erie, P Phone: 814/454-798 Phone: Erie, PA81 Fax: 814/454-798 Fax: :LWK WKH FRPELQHG FRVW RI ODERU UHDO HVWDWH DQG WHFKQRORJ\ PDQDJLQJ DOO RI \RXU YLWDO GRFX Phone: 814/454-798481 PHQWV RQ VLWH FDQ EH DQ H[SHQVLYH DQG WLPH FRQVXPLQJ SURFHVV D SURFHVV WKDW LV OLNHO\ DI www.pirrelloenterprises.co Fax: www.pirrelloente 814/454-7986 IHFWLQJ \RXU ERWWRP OLQH $UFKLYDO 6ROXWLRQV ,QF SURYLGHV RII VLWH UHFRUG VWRUDJH WR EXVLQHVVHV www.pirrelloenterprises.com Pirrello 7KH $UHDÂ¶V 2QO\ &RPSOHWH 'RFXPHQW DQG 'DWD 0DQDJHPHQW &HQWHU 2II 6LWH 6WRUDJH

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Backing Local Businesses

Seasoned First National Bank Team Provides Effective Financial Solutions “Local businesses drive the local economy,” notes Vincent J. Delie, Jr., CEO of First National Bank of Pennsylvania and President and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation, “and we are committed to supporting these businesses during each stage of their growth and development.” Not an empty claim, according to loan volume statistics. First National Bank has been able to grow commercial loans for ten consecutive quarters. According to John Williams, President of First National Bank, this growth reflects the Bank’s commitment to provide much needed capital that helped companies survive, hire and expand operations during a period of economic downturn. As the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation, First National Bank is one of the region’s leading full-service commercial banking institutions. In addition to a full array of traditional and innovative commercial banking products and services, First National Bank offers asset management, brokerage and trust services, insurance, treasury management services, asset based lending, leasing and private banking.

FNB FAST FACTS • F.N.B. Corporation has diversified lines of business to meet all consumer and business financial needs including banking, wealth management, consumer finance, insurance, merchant banking and commercial leasing. • With more than 260 community bank offices located thorughout 45 counties in Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia, First National Bank provides sophisticated financial products with a community banking touch. • First National Bank has been identified as wellpositioned to serve the needs associated with Marcellus Shale based on loan portfolio concentration and alignment of branches with rigs and permitted wells.

Clients can access these product and service experts all under one roof – an approach known as Total Money Management. “We take a very holistic view of each company’s financial situation, so we can provide strategic solutions to meet their long-term challenges,” comments Williams. First National Bank can also engage the resources of its merchant banking partner, F.N.B. Capital Corporation, another subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation. This partnership benefits companies that require more flexible financing to accomplish strategic acquisitions, management and partnership buyouts, growth, ownership transitions and more. Delie explains, “Small and mid-sized businesses can turn to us for access to capital they are unable to acquire through many traditional banks.”

www.fnb-online.com 866-362-4605 50 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Seasoned First National Bank Team Provides Effective Financial Solutions While the economy shows signs of recovery, First National Bank has not slowed its efforts to meet the needs of growing businesses. They have continued to bolster an already strong commercial banking team with experienced leaders. “We have had tremendous success in the commercial banking realm,” notes Delie, “and our success continues to attract corporate bankers who have extensive experience in structuring complex financing transactions.” While the Bank continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering a unique style of community banking to its growing client base. “Personal service and local decisionmaking still appeal to local businesses,” comments Williams, “and we deliver sophisticated financial solutions without sacrificing that personal service.” Founded in Western Pennsylvania more than 145 years ago, First National Bank has contributed to the region’s growth and vitality. As a supporter of local philanthropic organizations, it has helped to improve the quality of life for residents and the communities at large. First National Bank has also been a primary provider of capital to the region, investing in the business success that is so vital to the region. “We are proud of our Western Pennsylvania heritage and the success we have created,” Williams says. “We understand that communities succeed when local businesses succeed, and this has been a key focus for us since our earliest days.”

SMALL BUSINESS BANKING NATIONAL WINNER Overall Satisfaction First National Bank Branch

Relationship Manager Performance Branch Satisfaction

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 51

Association Services >

On top of a challenging economy, businesses have seen a substantial increase in energy costs as electric caps came off across Pennsylvania. That’s why, as a trusted business resource for 107 years, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) established the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (EEA-PA) to act as an energy supplier for its members. Here is a progress report on this competitive program and how it has generated nearly $8 million in savings while introducing value-added benefits to area employers. When the Employers’ Energy of Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. was first introduced to MBA members in 2009, the idea was to provide electricity at the lowest cost possible. The territory would encompass a significant portion of the state — stretching from Erie to Pittsburgh, and Williamsport to Greater Philadelphia — in the Penelec, PPL, PECO and Metropolitan Edison areas. Participating members also would be able to access all of the Association’s value-added services, including insurance, HR and legal support, training and more. Today, administrators say the EEA-PA has not only achieved but exceeded these goals. The EEA-PA has established an energy program that has quickly resulted in significant energy savings and benefits for employers, large and small. “I think the major accomplishment, other than getting the company up and running and getting approved by the PUC and all the regulatory agencies, has been the money that has been returned to the members,” explains President J. David Bell. “Right now, that savings stands somewhere north of $8 million.” 52 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Structured Savings At a time when there are so many energy providers in the marketplace, the EEA-PA has set itself apart with a savings structure that is truly unique. The EEA-PA is currently the only program owned by a nonprofit organization that is buying directly from the electrical grid. This “pass through” model eliminates costly broker fees and passes significant savings to the customers’ bottom line — without the need for a long-term contract. “The least expensive way to purchase electricity is the variable cost model,” says Bell. “That is how we really reap the savings for our members.” As a result, the average EEA-PA members can typically expect to save 25 percent under the utility’s “price to compare.” It is an amount that can easily add up to thousands of dollars over the course of a few months. For example, Bell explains, when the EEA-PA purchases electricity through the grid, there is no volume discount. The cost is the same whether they purchase one kilowatt hour or 1 million kilowatt hours. So that means

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The Power of Choice

Employersâ€™ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. Offers More Savings, More Benefits for Members

whether you are a major industrial facility or a small restaurant, the EEA-PA program can help you reduce your energy costs.

they can budget X amount of dollars every month,â€? says Bell. â€œThese program additions will allow us to meet the customersâ€™ needs, whatever they are.â€?

â€œOne of the things that many other programs donâ€™t do a good job of is working with a smaller or medium-sized company, because they are looking for volume,â€? he says. â€œThat is not the case with the EEA-PA. Even though it says â€™manufacturerâ€™ in our name, the MBA has a wide range of members, from nonprofits, churches, doctorsâ€™ and dentistsâ€™ offices, to major manufacturing interests. All can save with our program.â€?

In addition, in the next year, the EEA-PA is planning to start offering energy profiles for member companies that are interested in examining their energy efficiency. This summary report would compare an operation to those with similar footprints in terms of square footage and electricity use.

The best way to find out if the EEA-PA is right for an organization is to request a savings analysis. The analysis requires only the company name, address, phone number, meter number and signature, along with a copy of a recent bill, to compare the EEA-PA price to the utility price and project the estimated savings. â€œIt is a simple and easy process,â€? says Bell, â€œand one that Iâ€™d recommend to any employer who is interested in reducing their energy costs.â€?

More Cost Savings, Benefits Ahead The intent of the EEA-PA program has always been to generate the greatest energy savings for members and, in 2013, the program plans to expand its product line to assist more companies with achieving that goal. Companies that want to maximize their savings with the variable cost model will still be encouraged to do so, but the EEA-PA also plans to introduce a fixed rate option and combination of the two â€” a blended rate option. â€œThere are some companies that from a cash flow standpoint are more interested in a fixed rate model so that

For those interested in a more detailed analysis, the EEAPA also plans to offer energy audit services to participating members. These audits will be critical to businesses interested in taking advantage of Act 129 monies. Act 129 provides rebate plans for energy customers who upgrade their existing equipment to high efficient equipment in order reduce Pennsylvaniaâ€™s energy consumption. Typical return on investment is five years or less. â€œSo if it costs you $1,000 to change all the lights in your building, you would turn your application in to your energy supplier, in this case, the EEA-PA, in order to get money back,â€? says Bell. â€œThe whole idea is that it is money to stimulate efficiency in the electrical system.â€? Bell says the new offerings will help to play a critical role in the MBAâ€™s strategic plan to maximize membersâ€™ energy savings and for the EEA-PA to become a full-service energy provider. â€œWe are positioning ourselves for expansion and growth in 2013,â€? says Bell, â€œand we think we have the right products to accomplish these goals.â€? To learn more about the EEA-PA, visit www.eeapa.com or call 800/815-2660 or 814/833-3200. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 53

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June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 55

?M PI^M Q\ ITT Convenient location. World-class service and amenities. Amazing views. Bayfront Convention Center 1 Sassafras Pier Erie, PA 16507 (814) 455-1260 (814) 879-0910 fax BayfrontConventionCenter.com

The Bayfront Convention Center has become a priority destination for groups of all sizes. • Connected via SkyBridge to the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel • Easy highway access via interstates 79 and 90, or airline service through Erie International Airport (ERI), located just 10 minutes away • Versatile meeting space to accommodate any needs: - 28,800 square-foot Great Hall - 13,500 square-foot Grand Ballroom - 14,000 square feet of breakout meeting space • State-of-the-art facility with data connection throughout • Uniquely located between seven miles of beaches and the heart of downtown Erie, overlooking scenic Presque Isle Bay • International cuisine prepared by our own executive chef • Free on-site paved parking for approximately 500 cars

CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E

We Make Exporting Easy According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States. It is a strategic mission of Logistics Plus to provide its customers and business partners with convenient and effortless access to the world’s consumers through exportation. Whether their products are traveling via ocean, air, truck, or rail, Logistics Plus ensures smooth customs clearance and local delivery to businesses’ doors anywhere in the world. Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, Logistics Plus is a transportation management solutions company offering businesses the best domestic and global shipping alternatives. “With 16 years of experience, offices in 20 countries, and a reliable partner network, we handle your shipments from door to door as if they were our own,” explains Gretchen Seth, senior vice president of the International Division at Logistics Plus. ”We take great pride in our ability to also ensure on-time and affordable delivery. Logistics is our business. The ’Plus’ is helping you grow yours.” As a Pennsylvania Governor’s Export Excellence Award winner, Logistics Plus makes exporting easy for Pennsylvania manufacturers by offering the following services: • Courier Services • Full Container Load (FCL) • LCL Consolidation Services • Direct and Consolidated Airfreight • Air and Ocean Charter • Project Cargo • Intermodal Shipping • Bonded Warehousing • Export and Import Compliance Educational Training and Consulting • Export Management and Compliance Program Development

Logistics Plus Union Station 1406 Peach Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone 814/461-7601 Fax 814/461-7635 Gretchen.Seth@logisticsplus.net www.logisticsplus.net

Let Logistics Plus handle your global shipping needs while you focus on what you do best: producing quality products! Contact them today and partner with the organization that will make exporting easy. Logistics Plus Bringing the world to your door!

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 57

Why does Frank Ferraro choose ECCA? “More time to run my restaurant... taxes paid on time... no hidden costs... outstanding service and support. That’s why I go ECCA.” ECCA Payroll + Business Solutions offers customerfocused, comprehensive payroll, tax, timekeeping and HR services to businesses ranging from one to one thousand or more employees. Web-based discounted programs are available to all MBA members.

Frank Ferraro, owner

Moe’s Southwest Grill, Erie

CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E Leading the Way in Machine & Equipment Moving, Hauling and Warehouse Storage Hoffman Industrial Company, formerly Hoffman Riggers, was established in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1846. Since its earliest projects moving homes and barns, Hoffman has been helping people with daunting moving and industrial projects. Although the company no longer moves houses, Hoffman Industrial’s longevity in the heavy rigging industry has been earned the old-fashioned way — by doing the hard work.

Dennis Apple General Manager/Project Manager

Hoffman has expanded its work into many other areas beyond moving residential structures. As the turn of the century brought new challenges, and the Industrial Revolution and the World Wars led to a major increase in manufacturing plants in the Erie area, Hoffman responded with its industrial services. Today, Hoffman serves the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, offering additional services such as hauling, plant maintenance, warehouse storage, steel fabrication, transportation services and project management. Industry specialists round out the Hoffman Team Hoffman’s General Manager/Project Manager Dennis Apple has worked in a variety of industries on hundreds of projects. From start to finish, he oversees every project that comes to Hoffman, which includes cost estimation, scheduling labor, material and equipment needs. “At Hoffman,” says Apple, “we believe the success of our business is not only based on the excellent work of our skilled employees, but also on the strength of our relationships with our customers.” Industrial Moving, Hauling, Storage and Project Engineering Hoffman’s work includes moving anything from large industrial machinery headed to the scrap yard to sensitive equipment going into a medical facility. “We are able to transport any machine from the factory through installation, and to assist with disposal of the old through storage or scrapping,” says Apple. “We accommodate all sizes of equipment for short-term or long-term storage and offer competitive pricing.”

Hoffman Industrial Company 1221 Walnut Street Erie, PA 16501 814/452-2698 www.hoffmanindustrial.com

Hoffman Industrial also provides transportation for heavy equipment and machinery for local and foreign delivery. Hoffman can accommodate customers who require custom steel fabrication in conjunction with a rigging job. When customers require a contractor to manage work crews or subcontractors on a site, Hoffman has the right team for the job.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 59

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CO M PA N Y P R O F I L E A Full-Service Custom Fabrication Business for More Than 30 Years CRAIG NEWELL WELDING INC.

Craig Newell Welding Inc. has been in the custom fabrication business for more than 30 years. With its 20,000-square-foot Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania facility, the company is a full-service custom fabrication operation, specializing in CAD drafting, waterjet cutting and high definition CNC plasma cutting. Craig Newell Welding’s waterjet can cut many types of material, from metals to Craig Newell President and Owner granite, wood, rubber gaskets and even some types of glass. It has a 5-foot-by-10foot cutting surface and is capable of cutting up to 6-inch thick material. The company’s CNC plasma has a maximum plate size of 72 inches by 120 inches and is capable of cutting material up to 1 ½ inches thick. Craig Newell Welding also has full sheet metal capabilities, including shearing, NC punching, programmable press brake forming, rolling and sawing. The company’s press brake has a 175-ton-by-12-foot capacity. Its CNC punch is 50 tons with +/- .005 gauging, a 24-inch throat and maximum hole diameter of 5 inches. Rolls have a capacity of 8 feet by 11-gauge mild steel. In addition, Craig Newell Welding has a full complement of welding for a wide variety of base metals, including carbon steel, alloy steels, aluminum, copper, titanium and other materials. Welding is done in conjunction with the American Welding Society Standards, and the company has a 220-foot Weld Bay with two 5-ton overhead cranes. Craig Newell Welding also operates a fully integrated robotic welding cell for long and short run projects that require robotic weld quality and consistency. The company’s robot has dual head and tail stock positioning, with motion control sensing and a part size envelope of 108 inches long by 48 inches wide, with a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 pounds per positioner. The robot also has touch-sensing capability and through the arc seam tracking capabilities. The facility also has a full complement of in-house machining, including turning, grinding, drilling and CNC milling.

CRAIG NEWELL WELDING INC.

Craig Newell Welding Inc. 400 Bolard Avenue P.O. Box 202 Cambridge Springs, Pa. 16403 814/398-4206 or 814/734-5435 Toll Free: 888/734-5435 cnewell1@verizon.net www.newweld.com

The newest addition to Craig Newell Welding’s facility includes a 15-foot-by-30-foot steel grit blasting booth and a 15-foot-by-30-foot glass beading booth. These processes will go hand in hand with its new full powder coating facility and have been added to control both quality and deliveries. All of Craig Newell Welding’s deliveries in the tri-state area are transported by the company’s own trucks.

June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 61

The Metamorphosis of a Historical Sign Business

FASTSIGNS Team has more ways to bring your communications to life. Front row, from left are: Sales Consultants Jeff Schwindt and Jacob Ritenour; and Graphic Artists Justin Beck and Paul Shallenberger. Back row, from left: Sales Consultant Levi Stutzman; CEO Naomi Stutzman; Large Project Coordinator Dan Stutzman; Sales Consultant Shannon Mulligan; and Production Manager Paul Izbinski.

In the 1930s, Al Schligler, an artistically talented young man, learned the sign trade and by 1942 decided to start a sign business on Holland Street in downtown Erie. He spent the next four decades as an active local businessman, devoting much volunteer time to many civic organizations. In addition to running a successful sign and billboard business, Al taught sign classes of design, layout and product knowledge. Some of Al’s students became successful sign business owners themselves. In 1977, Al’s Sign Service was transferred from Al Schligler to Tom and Bunny Trombetta who continued to service the sign needs of the Erie area until 1992 when the sign company was purchased by the late Steve McGarvey and moved to McGarvey’s business complex in Lovell Place. McGarvey, a consummate entrepreneur, used the company to fulfill the sign needs of his many development projects as well as the family owned Country Fair convenience store chain. In 1994, McGarvey took Naomi Stutzman, a newcomer to the Erie sign business, under his tutorship, and Al’s Sign Service moved to upper Peach Street. The business grew and within two years Naomi’s husband, Dan, brought his 12 years of experience in mobile vehicle graphics installation to Al’s Sign Service as large project coordinator.

62 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

In 1997, Cheryl Mitchell, then with Baldwin Brothers Real Estate, coordinated the purchase of the Old Central Fire Station from the City. With this purchase, Al’s Sign Service found its way back to downtown Erie and its current home at 144 West 12th Street. Thanks to the help of many local business owners and customers such as Dean Swanson, Northwest Savings Bank, Larry Solinger, Babcock Lumber Co., and Jim Kupniewski and Gary Dougan, Country Fair, Al’s Sign Service grew and embraced much of the new technology that was transforming the sign industry. After running Al’s Sign Service for 14 years, the Stutzmans were approached by FRANCHISE Magazine’s No. 1 awardwinning sign franchise, FASTSIGNS INTERNATIONAL, INC. with the prospect of converting the landmark Al’s Sign Service to a FASTSIGNS franchise. After much consideration and due diligence, the Stutzmans decided it would be in the best interest of future growth to finally let “Al” retire, so they joined the team of 530 franchise partners in eight countries — and more than 100 franchisor support personnel — and worked diligently to bring the best the sign industry has to offer to the tri-state area.

Give FASTSIGNS a communications challenge, and they’ll come up with a plan.

The Stutzmans’ team also found business support partners in Scott Calhoun and Dave Zimmer with Erie Bank who have mentored as well as funded the Stutzmans FASTSIGNS vision.

FASTSIGNS has the tools you need to tell your story.

In 2010, Naomi Stutzman was awarded a year’s mentorship with the Athena PowerLINK program. The support and tutorship of the Athena PowerLINK panel catapulted FASTSIGNS to reach milestones that were aspired to but never conquered by the Stutzmans’ team before. The FASTSIGNS facility at 144 West 12th Street hosts the latest in cutting-edge equipment available in the sign industry. The FASTSIGNS team members are capable of fulfilling a wide variety of large and small communication challenges with solvent and eco-solvent UV, roll-to-roll and flatbed printers, large format digital cutters, CNC routers, plotters and dyesublimation heat set equipment. “Being part of such a supportive local business environment coupled with an industry leading franchise network enables our local FASTSIGNS team to become more than just a ’sign shop.’ We are more than fast, and more than signs. We’re a visual ideas company. Our marketing-savvy consultants create solutions for a wide array of communications challenges,” says Naomi Stutzman, CEO. “We help businesses increase their visibility, reach more customers and accomplish more than they ever thought possible. If you have a tough visual communications challenge, FASTSIGNS has the tools you need to solve your problems, tell your story and increase your visibility. Best of all, it’s designed, delivered and managed start to finish by an experienced FASTSIGNS team that can help you move your business forward.” “It’s hard to believe we have just celebrated five years as a FASTSIGNS franchise and will celebrate 20 years in the sign business in 2013,” says Dan Stutzman. “All four of our children are involved in the FASTSIGNS organization in three locations throughout the country, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be involved in this industry for many more years. I count each day a pleasure to be part of the creative, exciting and challenging visual communications business in our tri-state area.”

Photography by Paul Lorei

144 West 12th Street Erie, PA 16501 Phone: 814/453-6711 Website: www.fastsigns.com/514

June June 20122011 > www.mbabizmag.com > www.mbausa.org > 63

Avg. Claim Cost* Avg. Claim Cost* Avg. Time Off Work* Avg. Time Off Work* Avg. Compromise & Avg. Compromise**& Release Payment Release Payment**

Eastern Alliance Eastern Alliance Insurance Group Insurance Group $4,417 $4,417 18.4 Weeks 18.4 Weeks $39,774 $39,774

Other PA Workersâ€™ Other PA Workersâ€™ Comp. Carriers Comp. Carriers $8,354 $8,354 27.6 Weeks 27.6 Weeks $58,102 $58,102

Savings Savings 47.1% Less 47.1% Less 33.3% Less 33.3% Less 31.5% Less 31.5% Less

*Results represent all paid PA claims occurring between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 and valued as of March 31, 2010. **Results represent claims from 2009.

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You can benefit from the resources that provide . . .

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Association Services & Staff >

Exclusive Discounts. Competitive Services. Expertise. As the largest association of its kind in the United States, the Manufacturer & Business Association applies its talent, tools, training and services to help its more than 4,500 member companies achieve a higher level of success in their business operations. “The value of the Association to its members could never surpass the value of the members to the Association.” At the Manufacturer & Business Association, it’s not just a mantra — it’s what drives our day-to-day activities. And providing you — our member — with the services, training and support that furthers your business and community interests is priority No. 1. Whether it’s advocacy or affirmative action plans you need, the Association’s professional staff stands ready — helping to ease the burden of doing business in today’s challenging global marketplace.

Executive Office From left: Dan McMahon, Ralph Pontillo, John Krahe and Bea Blenner

Your Voice on Local, State and Federal Issues… From taxes to workers’ compensation and product liability reform, our Government Affairs Department monitors what’s happening in our national and state Capitols, alerting you to pending legislation and providing a powerful, unified voice for business. With offices in Erie and Harrisburg, you can rely on us to inform you of critical business issues, maintain constant contact with legislators and continuously lobby on your behalf. Government Affairs From left: Anna McCauslin and Lori Joint

Your Low-Cost Energy Supplier… Since January 2010, our low-cost energy program, the Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, has provided saved our members nearly $8 million in energy costs. We purchase directly from the electrical grid, eliminating broker fees and passing a significant savings directly to your bottom line. Best of all, our knowledgeable representatives are available to answer your energy questions or provide a free and easy savings analysis. Employers’ Energy Alliance of Pennsylvania, Inc. 66 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

From left: Dave Bell, Chuck Jenkins and Dianne Wodarski

Your Trusted Employment Advisers… We know that urgent employment issues can arise at a moment’s notice. From our part-time human resource support and surveys, to employment forms, briefings and more, our attorney supported HR and Legal Division continues to provide our members with unparalleled legal and HR services. In fact, over the past year, our free HR/Legal Hotline has received more than 100 calls per month, the value of which is an estimated $110,000 in professional HR and legal advice.

HR & Legal Services Division From left: Rose Bruno, Stacey Bruce, Robyn Hopper, Courtney Hordusky and Tammy Lamary

Your Discounted Insurance Provider… The Association’s Insurance Division provides discounted insurance plans for members only — giving you access to the lowest rates available on health-care, dental, workers’ compensation, disability and life insurance. With customized options and personal attention from our dedicated staff, we’ll help you handle your benefit, billing and claim questions from the start of the policy to the end.

Insurance & Employee Benefits From left: Tom Wolf and Patty Smith

Your Training Experts… A leader in training programs for more than 20 years, our professional development and computer training staff offer innovative, expert learning opportunities for the real world, helping your employees better lead, manage and navigate the changing business landscape. Onsite and regional offerings, as well as personal, customized training with ongoing support, deliver the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to improve your organization’s performance and efficiency — allowing you to get back to the business at hand. Plus, the MBA’s prestigious Blue Ocean Strategy Center is the only one of its kind in the United States.

Training Department From left: Angie Angus, Amy Pontillo, Dan Monaghan, Lisa DeFilippo and Rory O’Donnell June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 67

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Your Event-Planning Specialists… Whether you’re planning a meeting for two or an event for 250, we know you’ll find the Association’s Conference Center to be the perfect choice — and a wise investment. Our business-focused amenities offer a level of comfort, convenience and service unlike any other facility in the area. Simply put, we’re at your service, ready to ensure your next event is a complete success and exceeds your expectations.

Conference Center From left: Norm Zymm, Dean Falletta, Karen Learn and Krista Dennington

Your Communications Professionals… Information is power — but sorting it all out can be a challenge. Keeping you up-to-date on those critical business issues and the latest in industry news, our Communications and Marketing staff sort through publications, periodicals and posts, separating fact from fiction and keeping you informed of the issues that contribute to your business interests — online and in print, including our premier monthly member publication, the Business Magazine.

Marketing & Communications From left: Victoria Killoran, Patty Welther, Casey Naylon, Jessica Crocker, Tammy Polanski and Karen Torres

Your Administrative Team… Like every other department at the Association, the Administrative Support Services Department exists to serve you, our members. From registration to faxes, they often serve as your first point of contact, ensuring a satisfied experience each and every time.

Administrative Office From left: Melissa Damico, Pam Durst, Melissa Lesniewski, Ann Miaczynski, Laurie Mattis, Christine DeSantis and Terry Nunez

At the MBA, we don’t just introduce programs and services for the sake of offering them. We offer them to see results, and have dedicated ourselves to finding new and improved services that will assist you, as employers, in your operations and allow you to move your organizations to new heights. To learn more, visit www.mbausa.org. June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 69

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< In Memoriam

Association Remembers Visionary Leader Ray Weber — 1922-2012 The Manufacturer & Business Association recently lost one of its longtime leaders, Raymond G. Weber, who served as executive director and secretary from 1971 through 1987. Weber, who passed away on May 6, was 89. “I knew Ray for over 30 years and it was an honor to know him as a friend,” noted former Association Board member Frank Gerlach. “He was the father of the Manufacturers’ Association. Nobody had done more to start up the Association than Ray Weber. He put it all together; he made it happen, just his personality and friendliness, and understanding of the business world.” During his tenure, Weber helped the Association develop the Regional Occupational Skills Center at the Erie County Technical School and was instrumental in the founding of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week and its administrative organization, the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, for which he served as a board member and past president. He also played a critical role in developing the Golden Watch Awards, later named the Patrick R. Locco Awards, which today provides scholarships for outstanding students from each of the regional technical schools. Through his leadership, Weber enabled the Association to expand its insurance offerings and become more active in legislative lobbying. One of his most important contributions was helping to guide the name change from the Manufacturers’ Association of Erie to the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania to expand the organization’s membership base. “My introduction to the then-Manufacturers’ Association of Erie (MAE) in the early ’60s was through Executive Director Ray Weber,” stated former Board member Chet Giermak. “I served with him on the Board for years and learned to appreciate his leadership and commitment to the Association and the business community. Ray was an ardent proponent and transparent defender of the free-enterprise system. His legacy and the major role he played in support of manufacturing and business became the pathway to today’s growing Manufacturer & Business Association. Ray will be remembered as very much the professional and gentleman.” “Ray followed in the path of the visionary leaders before him and left the Association stronger and more vibrant than he found it,” added Association President Ralph Pontillo. “He helped lay the groundwork for future services and that tradition carries on today. The business community has lost a staunch supporter and good friend.” Weber was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elma Oesterlin Weber in 2004, and son David R. Weber in 2011. He is survived by his son, Douglas R. Weber, and numerous family and friends.

BEST OF THE BEST. AGAIN.

For the sixth time, UPMC Hamot has been named a Top 100 Hospital by Thomson Reuters, a recognition that has not been earned — even once — by any other hospital in northwestern Pennsylvania. Thomson Reuters once again ranked UPMC Hamot among the nation’s 100 best. Using 10 categories to rate overall organizational performance — each crucial to positive patient outcomes and the organization’s long-term viability in its community — Thomson Reuters evaluated nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country to come up with its 100 Top Hospitals for 2012. That’s 100 Top Hospitals from coast to coast, and one of them is right here. UPMC Hamot. To learn more, visit UPMCHamot.org.

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Automotive â€“ Karen Barton

Credit Union - Bradley Schwab

Karen Barton is co-owner of Premier Auto Service located at 410 West 12th Street near downtown Erie. â€œWe took over the business in 1997 and were previously known as Midas,â€? says Barton. â€œWe decided to drop the franchise name and go independent as locally owned and operated.â€? According to Barton, it is unusual for a woman as co-owner to be knowledgeable and involved in the day-to-day operations of an automotive business. â€œI hope to make more women comfortable taking their car in for service and have taken a great deal of pride in operating the business,â€? she adds. Premier Auto Service offers complete automotive care ranging from brakes, mufflers, suspension, alignments, oil change, state inspection, emissions, scheduled maintenance and more.

The General Electric Federal Credit Union welcomed Bradley Schwab, CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS)* as the senior financial adviser from PNC in 2011. Schwabâ€™s responsibilities involve investment and planning services for members including 401(k) rollovers, retirement and income strategies, and education planning. He has been in the investment industry for more than five years and is very excited to offer his knowledge as a CFS* financial adviser to the members at the General Electric Credit Union. Schwab currently holds his Series 7 & 66 licenses and is a Pennsylvania insurance producer/agent. Schwab provides his clients with up-to-date information he obtains by his attentive concentration on market conditions. He enjoys overall personal research of the market in conjunction with the quarterly updates provided by CFS.*

Premier Auto Service 410 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501 814/453-CARS or 814/453-2277 www.premierautoerie.com

Erie General Electric FCU 2154 East Lake Road Erie, PA 16511 www.egefcu.org

*Investment products and services offered by CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (Member FINRA/SIPC)

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Education â€“ Anthony J. Pirrello

Finance - John F. Evans

Montessori Regional Charter School (MRCS) is proud to provide a Montessori education to families in northwestern Pennsylvania. MRCS is rooted in a rich tradition of Montessori education and is now in its eighth year as a public charter school. The schoolâ€™s mission is to provide a superior Montessori program of study that will develop lifelong learners. Children are prepared academically, emotionally, and socially by creating a love of learning through meaningful and fulfilling educational experiences. Anthony J. Pirrello came to MRCS in August 2006. With more than 15 years of experience in public education, he has a proven record of innovation and organizational management. Pirrello holds advanced degrees, including the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority.

John Evans, MBA, CPA, CFPÂŽ, CRPCÂŽ began his financial and strategic planning work more than 30 years ago, working first with institutions and organizations and, since 1993, with individuals and small-business owners. Incorporated in 2004, Evans Advisory Servicesâ€™ motto is â€œHelping you Preserve the Future.â€? Because the second half of life brings many new challenges and opportunities â€“ the firm specializes in helping those planning for or living in this exciting time. â€œWe provide comprehensive financial, retirement and estate planning services tailored to each personâ€™s circumstances, goals, objectives and dreams,â€? says Evans. As an independent financial planner and investment advisor, Evans has no conflicts of interest, promotes no proprietary products and has access to the full universe of financial solutions to meet his clientsâ€™ needs. Please call 814/464-0224 today to schedule a complimentary consultation on your personal situation.

Montessori Regional Charter School 2910 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA 16506 814/833-7771 www.mrcserie.org

Evans Advisory Services, Inc.

Funeral Services â€” Jack Martin

Legal â€” Jeff A. Connelly

The philosophy of Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. stems back to 1946 when Uncle Gus Dusckas opened up the Dusckas Funeral Home on Buffalo Road in Erie. â€œWe are still family oriented; more of a ministry than a business; cater to anyone regardless of faith, economic position or location,â€? explains John E. (Jack) Martin, FD, supervisor. â€œOur funeral home is nestled among woods and expansive lawns directly across the street from beautiful Laurel Hill Cemetery. We have three spacious parlors, a room just for KIDS and a crematory so your loved one doesnâ€™t need to leave the facility.â€? Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. will match your funeral choice to fit your budget. Call for an at-need or a pre-arranged funeral or visit their new cremation room for the latest urns, etc.

Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie, PA 16506 814/838-7656 www.dusckasmartinfuneralhome.com

Evans Advisory Services, Inc. 1137 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508 and 375 Chestnut Street Meadville, PA 16335 814/464-0224 or 814/806-1688 www.evansadvisoryservices.net

An appointment with an attorney can be intimidating. Attorney Connelly and his staff work hard to get to know you, as a person, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. â€œWe pride ourselves on being a full-service law office, assisting you with matters in the areas of personal injury, criminal, employment law, civil, and wills/estates,â€? states Connelly. Results are important and Connelly received the highest Erie County jury verdicts in 2005 and 2008 ($2.5 million). He graduated, with Honors, from Nova Southeastern University School of Law and did Graduate Studies, in law, at The University of Miami. Attorney Connelly has helped hundreds of clients achieve resolution from small to large legal issues, and stands ready to personally resolve your legal matters.

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Jeff A. Connelly, Esquire, LLC 2913 Pittsburgh Avenue, Suite B Erie, PA 16508 Phone: 814/464-9500 Fax: 814/464-9502 June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 73

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Manufacturing Resources — Robert Bengel

Nonprofit – Val Laufenberg

Working collaboratively, company by company, the Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center’s (NWIRC) mission is to help the region’s manufacturers envision where they want to be and assist them in achieving their goals. NWIRC strives to keep the manufacturing sector strong, and help it grow by assisting with improved productivity, as well as with new and improved products, market differentiation, and work-force development strategies. Bob Bengel joined the NWIRC in October 2011 following a successful 25-year career with Ford Motor Company and Deloitte & Touche in Detroit. Named president/ CEO in April 2012, Bengel brings significant expertise in competitive strategy, business development, emerging markets, and risk management to the organization. His educational background includes a B.A. from Harvard University and a MBA from Penn State.

“Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES) is committed to free-enterprise education because we believe that economic education produces long-term economic strength and resilience,” says Executive Director Val Laufenberg. “As young people enter the competitive work force, it is vitally important to provide them with the tools they need to be successful.” ACES provides a unique, hands-on educational experience that gives students those necessary tools. The Pennsylvania Business Week program, a weeklong, in school, business management simulation offers practical business application skills and also connects the business and education communities that we serve by asking community business members to volunteer as advisors. Adds Laufenberg, “We believe our program strengthens communities and provides a brighter economic outlook.”

Northwest Industrial Resource Center, Inc. 5340 Fryling Road, Suite 202 Erie, PA 16510 814/898-6893 www.nwirc.org

Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System 1001 State Street, Suite 310 Erie, PA 16501 814/456-7007 www.aceserie.org

Nonprofit - Rebecca N. Brumagin Devoted to children and their families in Erie and the surrounding communities, the Achievement Center serves more than 4,300 families annually. The agency offers services in early childhood, physical rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and comprehensive behavioral health services in a five-county region. “Our belief in the profound importance of the childhood experience as a foundation for the well-being of our society guides our talented and experienced professionals,” states Executive Director Rebecca N. Brumagin. “We passionately provide infants, young children, adolescents, and young adults with individualized therapeutic services; therapeutic services that ensure your child will have a bright future.” “We cherish our role in the communities we serve and the difference we make in the lives of children and their families,” she adds.

Achievement Center, Inc. 101 East Sixth Street, Erie, PA 16512 814/459-2755 www.achievementctr.org

Nonprofit – Al Messina

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Nonprofit - Amy Helmer Amy Helmer, M.S., is the director of Erie Community Programs for Bethesda Children’s Home. Helmer began her career with Bethesda in 2005 as the supervisor for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services and was promoted to her current position in October 2010. She is a certified trainer for the Adolescent Health Rhythms protocol and the Child Adolescent Functional Assessment. She is also a certified Behavioral Health Consultant. Helmer received her master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University, with a concentration in counseling education. As the director of Erie Community Programs, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Bethesda’s Trinity Center at 462 West 18th Street in Erie and the supervision of Bethesda’s Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services in Erie County. Bethesda Trinity Center is a division of Bethesda Children’s Home of Meadville and is Erie’s oldest community center.

Bethesda Children’s Home 15667 State Highway 86 Meadville, PA 16335 814/724-7510 www.bethesda-home.org

Nonprofit –- Al Pastor Messina Rick Crocker

Al Messina, an alumnus of the Erie Boys Club, is the seventh executive director in the 117-year history of the Boys & Girls Club of Erie. He is the former assistant national director of program services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is the author of The Nonprofit Leader as Liberal Thinker. His new book, The Decline & Fall of Charity in America, will be published in September. Messina has keynoted regional and national conferences. He has addressed the White House Fellows, the Attorney General of the United States and senior Justice Department staff, and was a founding member of a national youth space sciences program at Stanford University. He is the current chairman of the national executive leadership organization, The Princeton Group.

Thanks to many private, church and corporate partners, the Erie City Mission provides emergency shelter for homeless men. The New Life Program provides long-term transitional housing plus spiritual and physical rehabilitation for men, most of whom suffer from the disease of addiction. ECM also provides between 200 and 300 free meals a day to any man, woman and child in need. Pastor Rick Crocker joined the Erie City Mission team in late 2009 after a very successful 20 years as pastor and religious leader at First Alliance Church in Millcreek Township. He has a Master of Divinity degree (with honors) from Asbury Theological Seminary. He also enjoys travel, reading, music and gardening. He and his wife Kathy have three adult children and reside in Edinboro.

Boys & Girls Club of Erie 1515 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511 www.bgce.net

Erie City Mission (ECM) 1017 French Street, Erie, PA 814/452-4421 www.eriecitymission.org June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 75

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Nonprofit - Michael L. Batchelor

Nonprofit – Kevin E. Moore

Michael L. Batchelor has been at the helm of The Erie Community Foundation since 1990 when he was selected as the first executive director. He was named president in 1995. Under his management, assets have increased from $20 million to more than $171 million today. The Foundation’s market value ranks well within the top 10 percent of the nation’s community foundations. Under Batchelor’s leadership, named endowment funds have grown from 53 to nearly 700. Batchelor helped The Foundation conceive and launch The Nonprofit Partnership, Erie Gives, Erie Vital Signs, Erie Free Taxes, Regional Affiliate Foundations and School Based Health Centers. The Erie Community Foundation has received national awards for grantmaking that increase access to health care, quality early childhood and post-secondary education and training services.

Kevin E. Moore joined The Erie Community Foundation (ECF) as vice president of Stewardship and Regional Affiliates in 2008. If you are interested in creating an endowment or establishing a scholarship fund to support the community or to celebrate the memory of a loved one, call him at 814/454-0843, or email kmoore@eriecommunityfoundation.org. He helps donors give to their favorite causes while addressing wealth preservation. Moore also explains the benefits of charitable gift annuities and how to include your favorite nonprofits in your estate plans. Moore assists donors throughout Erie County and serves as a consultant for ECF’s regional affiliate community foundations in Corry, Union City, North East, and Findley Lake, New York.

The Erie Community Foundation 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507 814/454-0843 www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Nonprofit — Anne Blose Sekula

Nonprofit/Health Care - William F. McCarthy

Anne B. Sekula joined The Erie Community Foundation in April 2011, bringing more than 15 years of hands-on leadership in philanthropy and nonprofit management. As vice president of Programs, Sekula manages the Foundation’s Programs Team, oversees collaborative grantmaking and develops policies and programs to effectively evaluate and address community needs and change. Sekula is also responsible for coordinating externally funded projects, partnerships and collaborations. Much of her work focuses on the collaborative indicator project, Erie Vital Signs, which measures and tracks the well-being of our community in eight topic areas: brain gain, community and civic engagement, cultural vitality, environment, health, economy, education and regionalism.

William F. McCarthy is the president and chief executive officer of Stairways Behavioral Health, a leader in mental health treatment and rehabilitation in northwestern Pennsylvania since 1961. During McCarthy’s tenure as CEO, Stairways has more than tripled in capacity, serving more than 10,000 clients annually and employing more than 400 staff. Under his guidance, Stairways has established outpatient services in Erie and Crawford counties, expanded services for many specialized populations, originated an employee assistance program for the business community, instituted a counseling center for the uninsured, and created two progeny organizations – Opportunities Unlimited of Erie, an employment provider and placement service for people with disabilities, and Center City Arts, a community center for arts and wellness. In 2011, Community Health Net awarded McCarthy its annual Community Health Service Award for his tremendous impact within the community.

The Erie Community Foundation 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507 814/454-0843 www.eriecommunityfoundation.org

Stairways Behavioral Health 2185 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 814/453-5806 www.stairwaysbh.org

Nonprofit - Pastor Fred Ayers Pastor Fred Ayers has been the pastor of Walnut Creek Baptist Church since 1999. Under his leadership, the church has constructed more than $1.2 million of improvements and has implemented many ministries to impact both the church body and the community. Prior to coming to Erie, Ayers worked for Urban Engineers in Philadelphia as the department head for the Environmental Services division. He has his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in civil/environmental engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in five states. Ayers was called into the ministry in 1996 and has his Master of Ministry degree from Crown College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He and his wife Ann reside in Fairview and have been married almost 30 years. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Walnut Creek Baptist Church 6015 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506 814/838-7515 www.wcbaptist.com

Office Solutions – Jay M. Verno Hagan Business Machines of Meadville, Inc. specializes in helping businesses optimize office productivity and efficiency through improved workflow and technology. Solutions include managed print services, office equipment for printing, copying, scanning, faxing and IT solutions. Hagan was recently selected by PROs Elite Group as one of the top 100 office product dealers in the United States based on customer service procedures and overall customer satisfaction. PROs Elite Group is the top industry benchmarking organization for office products and solutions. Jay Verno, co-owner, president and sales manager, began at Hagan Business Machines 26 years ago as a copier sales consultant. Verno has a BA degree from Penn State in speech communication with a business option. He is on the Board of Directors of Meadville Recreation Authority, International Referral Network, Meadville Chamber of Commerce and Crawford County Tourism.

Hagan Business Machines of Meadville, Inc. 77 Mead Avenue Meadville, PA 16335 814/724-4611 www.HAGAN1.com June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 77

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For over 25 years, Lillis, McKibben, Bongiovanni & Co. has been specializing in group employee benefit plans for employers big and small in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Western New York, and Northeastern Ohio. As one of the largest providers in the area, our experienced Plan Managers will partner with you to create a benefit plan strategically with yourBongiovanni companyâ€™s goals For over 25 years, aligned Lillis, McKibben, & Co. has Please contact us today to see why Lillis, McKibben, Bongiovanni & Co. should be a part of your Group Benefits team.

78 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2012

Real Estate â€“ Sue Sutto

Records Management - Joseph G. Gross

Sue Sutto, president and owner of Sue Sutto REALJoe Gross joined Business Records Management Â—Â•Â‹Â?Â‡Â•Â• ÂƒÂ‰ÂƒÂœÂ‹Â?Â‡ TORS, Inc., has been active in local Real Estate service in 1994 as a project manager and, in 1995, proÍ´Í˛ÍłÍ´ ÂŠÂ‘ÇŻÂ• ÂŠÂ‘ for 40 years. She has served as both president of the gressed into a sales role within the organization. Greater Erie Board of Realtors and MLS chairperson, Today, Gross has grown into a leadership role with and she was the recipient of "The REALTOR of the Year" BRM and is now the director of Sales and Account Â‘Â•Â‡Â’ÂŠ Ç¤ Â”Â‘Â•Â• award in 1990. She is a former faculty member of Villa Management. His 23 years of expertise has led to Maria Academy and was an adjunct faculty member the positive growth of BRM, expanding the comof Gannon University. Â‘Â‡ ÂŒÂ‘Â‹Â?Â‡Â† Â—Â•Â‹Â?Â‡Â•Â• Â‡Â…Â‘Â”Â†Â• ÂƒÂ?ÂƒÂ‰Â‡Â?Â‡Â?Â– Â‹Â? ÍłÍťÍťÍś ÂƒÂ• Âƒ Â”Â‘ÂŒÂ‡Â…Â– ÂƒÂ?ÂƒÂ‰Â‡Â” ÂƒÂ?Â† Â‹Â? ÍłÍťÍťÍˇ pany growth in Northwestern, Greater Western Â’Â”Â‘Â‰Â”Â‡Â•Â•Â‡Â† Â‹Â?Â–Â‘ Âƒ Â•ÂƒÂŽÂ‡Â• Â”Â‘ÂŽÂ‡ Â™Â‹Â–ÂŠÂ‹Â? Â–ÂŠÂ‡ Â‘Â”Â‰ÂƒÂ?Â‹ÂœÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â?Ç¤ Â‘Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ Â‘Â‡ ÂŠÂƒÂ• Â‰Â”Â‘Â™Â? Â‹Â?Â–Â‘ Âƒ ÂŽÂ‡ÂƒÂ†Â‡Â”Â•ÂŠÂ‹Â’ Sutto believes in community involvement and has and Central Pennsylvania and surrounding areas Â™Â‹Â–ÂŠ She ÂƒÂ?Â† has Â‹Â• Â?Â‘Â™ Â–ÂŠÂ‡ Â‹Â”Â‡Â…Â–Â‘Â” Â‘Âˆ ÂƒÂŽÂ‡Â• ÂƒÂ?Â† Â…Â…Â‘Â—Â?Â– ÂƒÂ?ÂƒÂ‰Â‡Â?Â‡Â?Â–Ç¤ Â‹Â• Í´Íľ Â›Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â• Â‘Âˆ been active in many areas ofÂ”Â‘ÂŽÂ‡ organizations. with plans to expand its footprint. ÂŽÂ‡Â† and Â–Â‘ Â–ÂŠÂ‡ Â’Â‘Â•Â‹Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ Â‰Â”Â‘Â™Â–ÂŠ Â‘Âˆ ÇĄ Â‡ÂšÂ’ÂƒÂ?Â†Â‹Â?Â‰ Â–ÂŠÂ‡ Â…Â‘Â?Â’ÂƒÂ?Â› Â‰Â”Â‘Â™Â–ÂŠ Â‹Â? been chairperson of United Â‡ÂšÂ’Â‡Â”Â–Â‹Â•Â‡ Way of ErieÂŠÂƒÂ• County Through BRM and Â‘Â”Â–ÂŠÂ™Â‡Â•Â–Â‡Â”Â? ÇĄ Â”Â‡ÂƒÂ–Â‡Â” Â‡Â•Â–Â‡Â”Â? ÇĄ Â‡Â?Â–Â”ÂƒÂŽ ÂƒÂ?Â† Â•Â—Â”Â”Â‘Â—Â?Â†Â‹Â?Â‰ ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÂƒÂ• Â™Â‹Â–ÂŠ Â’ÂŽÂƒÂ?Â• Â–Â‘ personal interests, Gross supwas the chair of the 2006 United Way Fundraising Â‡ÂšÂ’ÂƒÂ?Â† Â‹Â–Â• ÂˆÂ‘Â‘Â–Â’Â”Â‹Â?Â–Ç¤ ports numerous charitable and community relatCampaign. Sutto is also a member of the boards of St. ed events and is an active member in many orgaMaryâ€™s Home, the Erie County ÂŠÂ”Â‘Â—Â‰ÂŠ Convention Center Au ÂƒÂ?Â† Â’Â‡Â”Â•Â‘Â?ÂƒÂŽ Â‹Â?Â–Â‡Â”Â‡Â•Â–Â•ÇĄ Â‘Â‡ Â•Â—Â’Â’Â‘Â”Â–Â• Â?Â—Â?Â‡Â”Â‘Â—Â• Â…ÂŠÂƒÂ”Â‹Â–ÂƒÂ„ÂŽÂ‡ ÂƒÂ?Â† Â…Â‘Â?Â?Â—Â?Â‹Â–Â› nizations. He is also the Chief of Seville Volunteer thority, NW Region PNC BankÂ”Â‡ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‡Â† Â‡Â˜Â‡Â?Â–Â• ÂƒÂ?Â† Â‹Â• ÂƒÂ? ÂƒÂ…Â–Â‹Â˜Â‡ Â?Â‡Â?Â„Â‡Â” Â‹Â? Â?ÂƒÂ?Â› Â‘Â”Â‰ÂƒÂ?Â‹ÂœÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â?Â•Ç¤ Â‡ Â‹Â• ÂƒÂŽÂ•Â‘ Â–ÂŠÂ‡ ÂŠÂ‹Â‡Âˆ Â‘Âˆ Â‡Â˜Â‹ÂŽÂŽÂ‡ Advisory, EMERGYCARE, Fire Company in Ross Township. In his personal the Manufacturer & Business Â‘ÂŽÂ—Â?Â–Â‡Â‡Â” Â‹Â”Â‡ Â‘Â?Â’ÂƒÂ?Â› Â‹Â? Â‘Â•Â• Â‘Â™Â?Â•ÂŠÂ‹Â’Ç¤ Association and the Kahtime, Gross enjoys spending time with his wife kwa Club. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University

Â? ÂŠÂ‹Â• Â’Â‡Â”Â•Â‘Â?ÂƒÂŽ Â–Â‹Â?Â‡ÇĄ Â‘Â‡ Â‡Â?ÂŒÂ‘Â›Â• Â•Â’Â‡Â?Â†Â‹Â?Â‰ Â–Â‹Â?Â‡ Â™Â‹Â–ÂŠ ÂŠÂ‹Â• Â™Â‹ÂˆÂ‡ Â‘Â”Â‹ ÂƒÂ?Â† Â†ÂƒÂ—Â‰ÂŠÂ–Â‡Â” Â‘Â‡Ç¤ Lori and daughter Zoe. and received her M.A. from Gannon University.

Sue Sutto REALTORS, Inc. 3838 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505 814/838-8000 www.suesutto.com

Restoration â€“ Ben Sutton

Security â€“ R.A. Nelson

Ben Sutton is the owner of Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning franchise in Erie County. Rainbow International has more than 352 locations around the world and is the third largest restoration company in the United States. Rainbow International of Erie is ranked at 65 out of the 352 locations. Rainbow International strives to exceed all of their customerâ€™s expectations. â€œThe foundation of who we are as a company is by our â€™Code of Values,â€™ â€? says Sutton. â€œWe live and do business by its standards emphasizing respect, integrity and customer focus.â€? Sutton also drives his company by their tagline â€œWe Restore. You Recover,â€? and every part of the company is built around that pledge. Sutton is certified by the IICRC in the following areas: Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician. His company is also a certified IICRC firm.

Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning 1608 Harper Drive, Erie, PA 16505 814/453-4930 www.rainbowintl.com/nwpa

Staffing â€“ Marc Turner

Business Records Management 1705 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502 877/DIAL-BRM www.businessrecords.com

FISHER SECURITY, a Division of R A Nelson & Associates, Inc., is the only locally owned industrial security services firm serving the Erie area. FISHER SECURITY has been in business since 1973. â€œWe specialize in providing local industrial facilities, businesses, and institutions with onsite uniformed, unarmed security personnel,â€? states President and Owner R. A. Nelson, â€œand we have a nightly security patrol service that covers Erie.â€? The companyâ€™s security patrol service is available during the night-time hours to check local industrial complexes and business facilities to make sure the properties are secure. The patrol service is a cost-effective alternative to onsite security guard coverage. Please call FISHER SECURITY at 814/452-3475 to discuss your specific security requirements.

FISHER SECURITY

FISHER SECURITY, R A NELSON & ASSOCIATES, Inc. 20 West 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502 814/452-3475

Venture Capital â€“ Peter G. Levinson

Marc Turner is the new owner of Career Concepts, northwest Pennsylvaniaâ€™s largest locally owned staffing agency. Taking control in 2010, Turner has opened two additional branches and now has offices in Erie, Girard, Wesleyville, Meadville, and Franklin/Oil City. He is intimately familiar with industry and industrial needs, holding a masterâ€™s degree in Operations Research from Cornell University. In addition, he owned and operated the plastic injection molding company CP Plastics Group for 13 years prior to purchasing Career Concepts. â€œI had a good deal of first hand customer experience using staffing agencies,â€? Turner states. â€œWe used them as the primary means to bring new employees into the company. It was a great way to get to know our future employees before we made the commitment to hire and provide benefits to them.â€? Turner is looking to grow the company while maintaining its commitment to excellent customer service.

Peter G. Levinson is the chairman and executive director for BlueTree Allied Angels, a network of private equity investors that have been working in Erie for the past year. Levinson, a medical doctor, spent 20 years in an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Erie before returning to school to earn his MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Levinson will be responsible for managing membership and facilitating the investment process of the Erie-based investment group. Levinson, who started working April 2, has been speaking with local entrepreneurs and making plans for a seminar for investors to be held this fall.

Career Concepts 4504 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509 814/868-2333 www.gocareernow.com

BlueTree Allied Angels P.O. Box 1323, Wexford, PA 15090 814/490-7154 www.bluetreealliedangels.com June 2012 > www.mbabizmag.com > 79

THE EXPERTISE TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS PROSPER. RBS Citizens is one of the world’s leading commercial banking institutions. Our afﬁliation with the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) allows us to extend our reach to more than 38 countries, where we serve as a source of local expertise, have in-market operations and provide dedicated client service wherever you do business. Whether you require solutions for optimizing cash management, maintaining liquidity or managing risk, we have the depth of resources to help. We understand and address your unique needs while providing premier commercial banking services and products plus the high degree of personalized attention you deserve. For more information on how we can help your business call: John Dill, Senior Vice President (814) 453-7265 Ed Kloecker, Senior Vice President (814) 453-7233 Doug Patton, Senior Vice President (814) 453-7212

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Fewer sick days. Whatâ€™s it worth to U?

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