$
2
FALL 2026
SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN awarded prestigious President’s Award
WASHINGTON COUNTY
prayer gathering brings churches and community together
FOUR HORSEMEN
levels up in Morgantown Mall space
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
PLANNING TODAY
for their tomorrow
{table of contents}
6
10
14
22
26
prayer gathering brings churches and community together
Four Horsemen levels up in new Morgantown Mall Space
awarded prestigious President’s Award
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
for their tomorrow
WASHINGTON COUNTY
AN ANCHOR STORE:
SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS
PLANNING TODAY
{from the editor}
Fall in love, again and again We’re approaching my favorite time of year, fall! As I write this, it’s still mid-August, but I’ve already pulled out the autumnal-scented candles, and I light them as I wind down in the evenings before bed. I don’t let the calendar dictate what scents I can fill my home with. Warmth is welcome 365 days of the year, in my opinion. But it’s not yet sweater weather — a high of 80 degrees is pretty far from an acceptable long-sleeve temperature. Over the years of writing these editors letters, I know from my own recollection that I’ve written extensively about my love for fall. It feels so short-lived, here and gone in a blink. The oppressive heat of summer lingers, and winter sneaks up when I’m not quite ready. I yearn for crisp, cool days where I can leisurely walk my dog among the foliage without breaking a sweat. One reason I love fall so much is my childhood. Fall was filled with some of my favorite memories. School just started, and marching band is in full swing. September means a lot to me: my sister and I were both born mid-month, and our county fair always fell on our birthday week. So each card stuffed with cash funded my adventures there. I was a 4-H kid but never one for livestock. The only time I showed an animal at the county fair was my pet bird, and she never even left the cage for fear she’d fly away. I stopped by the Washington County Agricultural Fair yesterday and was immediately transported back to that time. The sights, sounds, and yes, even scents, reminded me of home. Home is hard for me now. My parents both passed when I was in my 20s, so there’s no childhood abode to return to. My sister lives in Cleveland. I don’t get back that often anymore, even though Southeastern Ohio isn’t that far. But I’ve built a home here. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania for almost a decade now, a third of my life. Familiarity follows me. Home can be anywhere and anything: a feeling, a place, a person, and yes, for me, even a season. So I will luxuriate in whatever form of fall we get this year and carry with me the memories of falls gone by. I hope you, too, can find peace, hope, joy and love amid the magic of autumn. Take care, and see you in the next edition.
2 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
Editor
ON THE COVER Courtesy of South Hills Lincoln
Owners Rick Jacobs Sr. and Rick Jacobs Jr. pose with the Lincoln President’s Award in front of South Hills Lincoln.
An Niche Publication 122 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 724.222.2200
Editor Trista Thurston Advertising Director Carole DeAngelo Graphic Designer Eric Tomlinson Contributors Hannah Heiskell Emily King Trista Thurston
UNCORK SOMETHING LUXURIOUS!
2760 WASHINGTON ROAD ROUTE 19 SOUTH, PITTSBURGH, PA 15241 JUST 3 MILES SOUTH OF SOUTH HILLS VILLAGE
412-563-2200 | 1-888-369-8502
TRI-STATE Neuro ath Centers Bill C.
“I suffered for 8 years with horrible neuropathy pains and struggling with no sleep. After completing the program, I have NO more neuropathy symptoms and I’m sleeping through the night.”
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Are you tired of numbness tingling, burning, balance issues, loss of sleep due to your peripheral neuropathy?
Karen S.
“I suffered for close to 3 years and thought I would end up in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I am 90% better and so happy I have my life back.”
Are you like most people with this disease and have taken GABAPENTIN, LYRICA, NEURONTIN or other medications without results or improvements? Do your symptoms continue to get worse?
• THERE IS A BETTER CHOICE! TSN has helped over 15,000 people with a 90% satisfaction rate. Qualified candidates will be presented with a custom tailored program.
CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Washington
1385 Washington Road, #100 Washington, PA 15301
724-229-5266
Morgantown
504 Ashbrooke Square Morgantown, WV 26508
304-777-2068
www.MaryDancedln.com
Take a qualifying survey to determine if you are a candidate
WASHINGTON • MORGANTOWN, WV • MONROEVILLE • WEXFORD • ALTOONA • WIERTON, WV
Washington County Prayer Gathering brings churches and community together Photos and story courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency On Sept. 13 from 1-6 p.m., thousands of feet will kick up the dust of the Washington County Fairgrounds paths for the Washington County Prayer Gathering, a day set aside to bless the community, unify and revive churches around Washington County and bolster the incredible efforts of the City Mission, an organization that has served the homeless population in Washington County since 1941.
Jonathan Traylor, Christian recording artist
Spearheaded by Men of Honor Ministries’ president, Pat O’Brien, the Washington County Prayer Gathering builds upon the organization’s decadeslong history of prayer, discipleship, community investment and church unification efforts (including the Washington County Prayer Breakfast) established by Men of Honor’s late founder, Paul Powers. The Washington County Prayer Gathering is the next step in continuing that legacy. While the annual Prayer Breakfast brought community and business leaders together around a shared table, organizers envisioned an opportunity to extend that invitation much further. The Washington
6 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
County Prayer Gathering moves the event from a breakfast setting to the Washington County Fairgrounds, opening the doors to families, churches and individuals from throughout the region. The vision is simple but ambitious: bring thousands of people together, across church and denominational lines, for an afternoon centered on fellowship, prayer, worship and a renewed commitment to faith.
Jordan St. Cyr, Christian recording artist
Through the cooperation of Men of Honor Ministries, Neighbor 2 Neighbor, the City Mission, Word FM and the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, the Washington County Prayer Gathering will be an event that sets the table for the community and area churches to gather together for a powerful day of unity. There will be something impactful for every generation that attends. This free event will kick off at 1 p.m. with a complimentary community meal overseen by renowned chef Victor Najor of Fire of Coals Ministries, whose infusion of Mediterranean and BBQ cuisine earns its rave reviews. The gathering will continue with a designated time to honor pastors, words from guest speakers and opportunities to connect with churches and resources in the region. “We want the pastors of our community, of all of our churches, to come out to be recognized, to be honored and to be prayed for that day,” invites Pat O’Brien. Another highlight of this portion of the gathering will be an opportunity to donate to support this year’s September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 7
event and the City Mission, a Christian organization in Washington County that has a track record of service and expansion to help transform the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness. The Prayer Gathering will then transition to the main stage, where attendees will hear a testimony from Rocco Welsh, a two-time All-American wrestler from Penn State University, and worship alongside national recording artists Jonathan Traylor (You Get the Glory) and Jordan St. Cyr (Weary Traveler). Pastor Mike MacIntosh, founder of the United States Prayer Force, will bring the keynote message, and attendees will be presented with a beautiful invitation to receive salvation. In partnership with Eternity Spring, individuals will also have the opportunity to be water baptized as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Organizers hope the September gathering will be more than a one-day event. Their prayer is that relationships formed, churches connected and lives changed that afternoon will have an impact throughout Washington County long after the final song is sung. Whether someone is deeply rooted in a local church, searching for a church home or simply curious about faith, the invitation is the same: come as you are and be part of the day. Pat O’Brien notes, “It will truly be a day for the Lord. It will be a day for revival of faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and it will be a day of awakening for those who don’t know Him yet.” Visit prayergathering.com for more information, to volunteer or to register your church.
8 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
Mike MacIntosh, keynote speaker and founder of the United States Prayer Force
‘We never intended to be an anchor store’:
Four Horsemen levels up with new Morgantown Mall spacE By Hannah Heiskell When Ron Davis first realized the community needed a store like Four Horsemen, he was in West Virginia University’s Mountainlair. Davis watched as security asked a group of people playing a tabletop game to leave. “There’s nowhere else to go. And I was like, ‘That’s really crappy that they’re just kicking these kids out, all they want to do is play a game.’ This town needs something like that,” Davis said. Months later, after filing the idea away, his cousin mentioned opening a comic shop.
“I’m like, sure, I’ve got nothing else to do this weekend,” Davis said. During the formation of the business in Morgantown in 2020, Four Horsemen had four original members. But within six months, Davis was the only one who remained. And just three months after opening the space, COVID-19 hit. Davis said he was ready to “pull the plug.” “A testament to the
Photos by Ron Rittenhouse Potential customers pass a window front at Four Horsemen Morgantown Mall 10 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
The storefront at Four Horsemen Comics and Gaming at the Morgantown Mall
community that has sprung up around this, they were not going to let it go without a fight. They kept supporting the store in any way they could,” Davis said. He went solo until he took on a business partner, Eric Moore, who was initially always looking for places to expand the store. Moore died on December 24, 2023. “It didn’t feel right not to finish the expansion for him,” Davis said. That expansion first happened in the Robinson Town Center, where the second Four Horsemen remains.
olds to adults — play games like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. The larger space accommodates up to five events running simultaneously, including loud competitions like Beyblade. Though Davis said he “never intended to be an anchor store,” Four Horsemen has become a driver of foot traffic for the Morgantown Mall. In an era where traditional retail is struggling, the store brings in customers and players daily. “I think on their opening day, they had like four tournaments going on at one time, which would never happen. It’s unheard of,” Sage Delfino, a regular player and customer at Four Horsemen, said. Davis said regulars like Delfino are common, and over the years, relationships have blossomed. It’s never easy to see anyone go, Davis said.
“We had a couple meet here,” Davis said. With its most recent expansion in the Morgantown “They got married, had a child. We’re indirectly Mall, Four Horsemen has become more of a social hub, responsible for human life. They are on their own path now, and that’s what I think is the best and the where players of all ages — ranging from five-year-
worst part about this.” While playing at Four Horsemen, Morgantown native Adam Messenger has met a handful of people. He said that with more people being able to play at the same time, there’s a greater chance for connection.
Nick Seiler holds up three Pokémon cards: Charizard ex, Mega Greninja ex and Raichu
“I definitely think going to some of the events is a good way to meet new people because you get paired up randomly with them. So then, if you’re playing a game with somebody and you vibe with them, you can sometimes then meet with them again,” Messenger said. With the Morgantown expansion, Davis’s initial idea about having a large community space to play these games came to fruition. “There’s been a big drought in card tournaments for a while, just because people couldn’t find the sheer amount of space, and this expansion helped it out a lot,” Delfino said. Despite the growth, Davis said that the business remains a service to the community first and a retail space second. For him, success does not depend upon the amount of sales, but rather on the atmosphere of the room. “I am never more satisfied with the store when I can walk in that room and hear laughing and people
At a game table are, from left to right, Gabriel Siciliano, Kahlil Moore, Madison Martin and Steven Pumphrey. 12 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
carrying on and having a good time,” Davis said. “That’s my payday: I get to listen to that.” What began as a reaction to seeing students removed for playing games has grown into a massive community hub. For Davis, this is a space for the next generation of gamers. As long as there’s laughter in the rooms, the fluorescent lights will burn on.
Peddler’s Mercantile
Great Selection of Hungarian, Transylvanian & American Dishes Open Wed-Fri 4-9, Sat 4-8:30 Saturday Buffet Night no regular menu available Catering Available Pick Up Only 724-238-7831 • www.darlingtoninn.com
Handmades - Candles - Textiles Primitives - Homemade Baked Goods
Lisa A. Bateman, Proprietor 2310 Moyer Road, Connellsville, Penna 15425 phone 724-603-3150 facebook.com/bizypeddler bizypeddler@hotmail.com
Don’t fumble your dream home this fall
Let the pros at First Federal of Greene County help! Trust the team that knows the game and puts you and your goals first. From a home purchase to a renovation project, we have the playbook. Apply anytime online!
www.ffgc.bank NMLS#458729
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 13
South Hills Lincoln awarded prestigious President’s Award By Emily King A luxury car is about more than engine performance and high-end finishes. It’s about the way customers are treated when they walk in the door of a dealership and how that relationship is maintained long after the keys are exchanged. South Hills Lincoln takes its commitment to attentive, personalized customer service seriously. This dedication to hospitality and service has helped them earn the esteemed Lincoln President’s Award this year for the second time. The Lincoln President’s Award is a prestigious honor presented to a select number of Lincoln dealerships each year. The Lincoln Motor Company/
14 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
Ford Motor Company grants this honor to dealerships that demonstrate excellent customer service and go above and beyond to provide the best experience for customers from the moment they walk in the door. Since 1983, South Hills Lincoln has served the South Hills of Pittsburgh and beyond, offering the iconic American brand’s full lineup of trusted, precision-engineered vehicles. Over its decades in business, the dealership has earned a reputation for prioritizing the customer experience and satisfaction above all else.
Fewer than 8% of Lincoln dealerships are awarded this distinction each year, and it is often considered one of the highest dealership honors. South Hills Lincoln particularly values this award because it isn’t based on sales numbers, but on feedback from actual Lincoln customers. Lincoln surveys customers after sales and service transactions, asking them to rank different aspects of their dealership experience. The award also reflects customer experience in sales, service, finance and parts. South Hills Lincoln general sales manager Jeff Innes cites the dealership’s practice of prioritizing customer satisfaction as the main driver behind earning the President’s Award. “It means we are clicking on all cylinders in regard to customer
satisfaction, both in sales and after the sale in service,” he says. “It’s how we treat customers after the sale that affects their likelihood to return for their next vehicle purchase.” According to Innes, the team at South Hills Lincoln is its greatest asset. Innes has been with the company for almost 30 years, and some of the other team members have decades of experience with the dealership. Collectively, the team has a wealth of product knowledge and genuine connection with customers. “Our people set us apart,” says Innes. “We hire people based on personalities and not just on skills. Our ownership and management lead by example, and employees witness that.”
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 15
Employees undergo quarterly Lincoln Way Hospitality Training to ensure their customer service skills remain sharp. Lincoln has borrowed training practices from luxury hospitality and high-end retail brands to set a high bar and make the carbuying experience different from other car brands. These principles are integrated into all aspects of the dealership experience, from how customers are greeted at the door to employee communication. The team prioritizes a first-class experience, whether the customer is buying a car or returning for service. There have been tremendous changes to the carbuying experience in the past decade. Today, the process starts online for most people. When customers walk into the dealership, they have usually called ahead to check on vehicles and have probably checked inventory and options at other dealerships as well. When the customer finally steps into the dealership, the team at South Hills Lincoln strives to make the visit as comfortable and pleasant as
16 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
possible. Walking into the showroom feels more like entering a luxury hotel, and guests are greeted with complimentary refreshments. If the customer has already expressed interest in a specific vehicle, it will be pulled up in front of the showroom ahead of the visit. The attention to detail is what sets South Hills Lincoln apart from other dealerships in the area. “We are always looking for ways to surprise and delight our clients,” says Innes. “To make them feel valued as not only a customer but also a friend.” Beyond serving their customers, South Hills Lincoln demonstrates a commitment to the local community. Their priority in building relationships with customers extends to local organizations, such as nonprofits, youth sports organizations and other charitable causes. Their dedication to serving the community reflects their devotion to serving their customers.
Continuing the Family Tradition For 106 Years!
Assorted • Hand Dipped
CHOCOLATES Mix or Match • 1/4 to 5 lb. Boxes Frozen Worlds Frozen Bananas Party Trays and Favors
1295 Donnan Avenue, Washington, PA 724-228-7749
Helping our Neighbors hear their best is our passion and privilege. Since 1987 thousands have trusted us - and we’d love to welcome you too. Debra Swift - Founder of Swift Audiology
Following a comprehensive hearing evaluation, we invite you to take our Hearing Aid Test Drive — No Commitment or Deposit Required.
BBB Rating: A+ Care Credit accepted, and financing options are available.
3 Locations Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area Washington • South Hills • North Hills swiftaudiology.com
TriState9/26
Call 724-222-9010 to schedule your appointment.
FISH FRY FRIDAY MUSE ITALIAN CLUB
FISH FRY
Enjoy life in your new custom designed home
Every Friday 11 am - 7 pm
Spaghetti and/or Tripe dinners also available the third Sunday of every month, September through May. Take out is .50¢ extra
724-745-7280 or 724-745-9878 283 Muse Bishop Road, Muse, PA 15350
• Custom Modulars • Sectionals Singlewides • Complete Construction • Financing Assistance Parts & Supply Store Family owned and operated since 1972
Walk through our model homes on display 800-634-4687 or 814-443-4855 1023 Baer Lane, Somerset, PA www.hemmingerhomes.com MHBR NO. 2043 • NMLS #101157
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 19
Giving back through Driven by Hope By Trista Thurston The Washington Auto Mall is dedicated to corporate social responsibility and demonstrates that commitment through a program called Driven by Hope. This initiative combines philanthropy with employee involvement. A committee composed of employees meets to select a nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 donation from Washington Auto Mall each month. The chosen nonprofit is also featured in the Observer-Reporter, with an article highlighting its work. The committee aims to select lesser-known nonprofits to raise their visibility in the community and support their fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts.
fully staged junior musical. MVPAA also offers a one-week program for children ages 5 to 7.
The Driven By Hope committee consists of employees from each Washington Auto Mall dealership. This structure allows members to network with peers during quarterly selection meetings and connect with community members doing vital work. The award recipients are accredited 501(c)(3) organizations based in Washington County, ensuring that the funds awarded stay within the community.
Courtesy of John Peel Several Adaptive Sports members participated in ASI’s “Movin’ To The Music” exercise session at The Alpine
How are recipients selected? The committee considers several factors, including upcoming awareness months, community impact and the needs of the area. The program aims not only to make a positive difference but also to inspire others to support charitable organizations in their communities.
Adaptive Sports is a league designed for children and adults with disabilities, offering activities such as baseball, soccer, football, miniature golf, dance and exercise classes. Initially, most of the athletes were school-aged, but now many from that original group are in their 30s, and participants range in age from as young as 5 to as old as their late 60s.
The impact of Driven by Hope can be seen in the work of its recent recipients. Recent recipients
June: Adaptive Sports
“For the first few years, when we fielded up to five baseball teams, the teams were determined by age group,” said Terry Hazlett, who formed the group with Rob Simonin after Washington County’s Challengers Baseball folded in 2001. “But we eventually realized that age had little to do with ability, so age isn’t even a consideration now. And the older athletes are surprisingly patient and engaging with the younger ones.” The goal has always been for the athletes to get out, have fun and create a network of support for families. May: Healing Bridges
Courtesy of Kelley Tunney Pictured in the production of Seussical Jr. are, from left, Audrey Selva, Ryan Neil, Ian Grodz, and Sam Ruschak July: Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy Some form of the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy has existed since 1997. “While we do want to keep our numbers low in order to better serve each student, we would love to expand our offerings in order to serve more students,” said Artistic Director Michele Pagen. “Our hindrance there is a lack of our own facility.” MVPAA has its eyes on a building for expansion into its own space and is currently raising funds to purchase it. The academy’s most popular program is the Summer Experience, a two-week musical and technical theater boot camp for youth ages 8 to 17. The culmination of all that work is the end-of-summer production, a
Courtesy of Healing Bridges Healing Bridges staff members, from left, therapists Shanya Tinsley and Josey Abraham and Kristina Schuerle, outpatient supervisor
Healing Bridges has been supporting individuals throughout Washington County and its neighboring communities since 1968. Previously known as Washington Communities Human Services, the organization is dedicated to helping residents address behavioral health needs. The compassionate staff provides responsive and accessible services for children, teens and adults, including counseling, medication management and telehealth services for those unable to visit the West Chestnut Street location.
Over the decades, the organization has adapted while maintaining its central focus on offering mental health services and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Healing Bridges serves more than 450 people with intellectual disabilities and autism, promoting community integration rather than reliance on institutional care.
In Medicine
We Prevent to Protect Primary Care WVU Medicine Waynesburg Outpatient Clinic cares for people of all ages with access to a range of medical specialists and the most advanced medical technology. Schedule an appointment online today. WVUMedicine.org/Waynesburg Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm 451 Murtha Drive / Waynesburg, PA 15370
CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT:
FAYETTE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The voice of business By Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Muriel Nuttall There is a side of chamber work that is easy to see. It is the ribbon-cutting with the giant scissors. The networking breakfast. The crowded room at the Business Summit. The e-blitz in your inbox. The social media post celebrating a new opening, an expansion or a milestone. But some of the most important work a chamber of commerce does is the work you may never see at all. It is the phone call from a business owner who is not sure where to turn. The introduction of two people who need to know one another. The meeting where a new policy, development project or community issue is being discussed, and someone needs to make sure the business perspective is part of the conversation. It is keeping tabs on business legislation, sitting through the meetings and briefings, asking the questions, making the calls, connecting the resources and following up again when the first answer is not enough. None of that makes for a particularly exciting photograph, but it sure matters! It especially matters in uncertain economic times, when
business owners are already juggling rising costs, workforce challenges, changing markets and the everyday realities of keeping a business moving forward. A strong chamber gives those businesses something that is difficult to create individually: a collective voice, a broad network and an organization paying attention to what is happening beyond their own front door. Sometimes the chamber leads. Sometimes we advocate. Sometimes we simply bring the right people together. And sometimes our most valuable role is simply being in the room to represent our membership and make sure their voice is heard. So far this year, 39 businesses and organizations have joined the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for every one of them and also for the 600+ members whose continued investment makes both the visible and invisible work possible. Chamber partnership supports much more than events. It helps make sure someone is connecting the dots, opening the doors and watching the road ahead for Fayette County’s business community. Partnership is easy and affordable — reach out to set up a meeting with Ashley and find out about the great ways that your business can benefit from the Fayette Chamber — info@fayettechamber.com.
Right coverage. Right price. Right here in town. Here’s the deal. The right insurance should help you feel confident and comfortable. I’m the right good neighbor for that. Call me today. ®
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Charlene Bozovich, Agent 107 McClelland Road Canonsburg, PA 15317 Bus: 724-746-2222 www.charbozovich.net
State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001292
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 23
Veteran Owned & Operated
RETRACTABLE AWNINGS • ALUMINUM AWNINGS EPS ROOF SYSTEMS • SCREEN & SHADE SYSTEMS 724-554-6067 • www.lifetimeawnings.com
PROJECT MANAGEMENT • SURVEYING • SITE CIVIL • GEOTECHNICAL • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE • MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENTAL • TRANSPORTATION • STRUCTURAL • ASSET MANAGEMENT/GIS • CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION • INSPECTION/TESTING
(412) 921-4030 | PITTSBURGH, PA | WWW.GATEWAYENGINEERS.COM
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 25
Planning today for their tomorrow By Emily King For parents of young children, college may seem impossibly far away. When you’re watching them climb aboard a yellow school bus for the first time, it’s hard to believe that someday you may be helping them set up a dorm room. But if you ask any parent of a high school senior, the time between those milestones will go faster than you could imagine. Those early years offer some of the most valuable opportunities for saving money for your child’s future. “Our belief is that parents should start saving for their children not long after the child is born,” says Jeff Nedley, senior vice president and financial advisor at Baird Private Wealth Management. Nedley and his colleagues at the Richards, Wingett, Nedley Group at Baird in Canonsburg and Steubenville help their clients achieve their dreams and goals by planning for the future. For many clients, saving for their kids’ postsecondary education is a priority and often a source of financial stress. For the 2025-26 school year, the average tuition and fees were $11,950 at an in-state four-year college and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college. Those costs don’t include housing, food, books and other expenses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college tuition and fees have risen about 63% since January 2006. Over the past several decades, college tuition has risen sharply, and today’s parents face a substantially greater financial burden for college than previous generations. When it comes to preparing for these costs, one of the most valuable assets parents have is time. “Even though you have no way of knowing if that child will go to college or a trade school, starting even with a small amount early gives that money time to grow over at least an 18-year period before it may be needed,” says Nedley. One of the most common ways to save for college is by opening a 529 plan, a tax-advantaged savings account designed specifically for education expenses. “Its core benefits include tax-free earnings growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses like college tuition, room and board, K-12 tuition (up to $20,000 annually) and up to $10,000 in student loan repayments,” says Nedley. The reality is that most families won’t be able to save the full 26 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
amount required to fund an undergraduate degree. Fortunately, financial aid options can help bridge this gap. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, federal student loans, work-study, state and institutional aid and private aid. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 85% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students received some type of financial aid during the 2022-23 school year. Nedley recommends that families start exploring financial aid options during the child’s eighth grade or freshman year of high school to allow plenty of time to explore the options, including potential scholarships. For most families, the process for seeking financial aid starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA. FAFSA collects information about the student’s finances and helps determine eligibility for different types of financial assistance. Colleges use this information when determining how much need-based aid a student might qualify for. Completing this form can give students access to work-study programs, federal student loans, and federal grants. FAFSA is completely free to complete and isn’t just for low-income students — the information can also be used for other types of aid. The form should be completed for each year that the student wishes to receive financial aid. Savings can affect financial aid eligibility, so many parents wonder if starting a 529 for their child could hurt their chances of receiving aid. However, a parent-owned 529 plan is considered a parental asset on the FAFSA. Parental assets are assessed at a maximum rate of 5.64%, which is lower than the rate applied to most student-owned assets. So even though these savings may be factored into the amount of aid the student qualifies for, only a portion of the parents’ assets is factored into the formula. If you’re overwhelmed with the thought of planning for your child’s future education, you’re not alone. Nedley says that if he could give parents one piece of financial advice to help make college more affordable, it would be this: “Meet with a financial advisor and learn and discover your financial goals and begin to set realistic expectations for those goals. Only after that is figured out can you then begin to save and invest properly for those goals. Planning is the key.” While no parent knows what their kindergartner’s future will look like, it’s smart to prepare for what it might look like. You don’t have to have all the solutions today, but starting to save early, even with a modest amount, can help ease the burden of such a large future expense. To learn more about saving for your family’s future, visit therwngroup. bairdwealth.com
Discover the Difference Teamwork Makes When talented individuals work together as a team, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish. Let the Richards Wingett Nedley Group of Baird help you and your family accomplish your goals.
The Richards, Wingett, Nedley Group therwngroup@rwbaird.com 724-705-8690 therwngroup.bairdwealth.com
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 27
A KIND OF The Lynch Law Group is a FULL-SERVICE law firm serving businesses, individuals, and public entities in PA and beyond. Corporate Law
Labor & Employment
Litigation
Business Succession
Estate Planning
Transportation
Intellectual Property
Arbitration
Real Estate
Mediation
Alternative Dispute
Elder Law
Equine Law
Bankrupcy
Contact Us
Cranberry Twp, PA
lynchlaw-group.com
Southpointe, PA
724-776-8000 info@lynchlaw-group.com 28 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
Naples, FL
Forged in Steel, Driven by Trust - 51 Years of Service
What Makes This South Hills Jeep Dealer Different? • Factory-trained and certified sales associates and technicians • A reputation and track record of excellent customer care • Over 50 years of service to our community • At South Hills Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram all vehicles include Nitrofill Nitrogen Filled Tires to improve performance and increase tire lifespan and the South Hills Advantage.
Why Choose Us as Your Kia Dealer in McMurray? Featuring new Kia models and a variety of pre-owned vehicles, we stand out as a premier Kia dealer in McMurray for all your automotive needs. And at our Kia dealer near Bethel Park, we prioritize your satisfaction, offering personalized services to meet every unique requirement. Being a local Kia dealer near Upper St. Clair, we’re also deeply rooted in the community, striving to make a positive impact.
3344 Washington Road, McMurray, PA | 724-941-4300 | southhillsauto.com 3644 Washington Road, McMurray, PA | 724-942-3000 | southhillskia.net
AMVETS POST #103 HOPWOOD, PA • 724-439-6151
DAILY SPECIALS
TUESDAY: MEATLOAF OR PORK CHOP DINNER WEDNESDAY: CHICKEN AND BISCUITS, SPAGHETTI WITH MEAT BALLS, MEATBALL HOAGIE, & CHICKEN PARMESAN THURSDAY: TACOS OR WINGS FRIDAY: NEW YORK STRIP, CRAB CAKE DINNER, SHRIMP DINNER, FISH DINNER, SEAFOOD DINNER
REGIONAL TRUCKING
ALL DINNERS COME WITH SALAD, ROLLS AND 2 SIDES. OTHER SIDES AVAILABLE TO EAT IN OR TO GO SENIOR AGER DANCE EVERY THURSDAY 1PM TO 3 PM WITH DJ ARNIE AMBER KITCHEN OPEN TUESDAY THRU FRIDAY 4:30 PM TO 8:00 PM
REGIONAL TRUCKING
(800)TRUCKING 837-0085 REGIONAL TRUCKING
TRUCKING
TRUCKING
www.eaborntrucking.com
www.eaborntrucking.com (800) 837-0085 TRUCKING
Trucking Since 1942! TRUCKING TRUCKING
www.eaborntrucking.com
SERVICE AREA • Flatbed Trailers 150 mile radius • Dry Van Trailers (800) 837-0085 of Pittsburgh • Conestoga Trailers • Drop Deck Trailers
30 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026
September 10, 2026 • Tri-State Business Journal • 31
Does your office think phishing is a weekend pastime? You can’t afford to find out. Call us today for a free consultation.
fordtech.com | 800.633.3673 32 • Tri-State Business Journal • September 10, 2026