NOVEMBER 2012
● 100 LINCOLN WAY EAST, CHAMBERSBURG PA 17201 ● WWW.CHAMBERSBURG.ORG
Membership drive will strengthen Chamber The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce will conduct a three-day membership drive from Nov. 13-15 with the help of more than 40 volunteers and an expert on Chamber membership drives. Increasing the membership will strengthen the organization and the members it serves. Current membership is 870. Joan Testa, president of Chamber Development Services Inc., has worked with more than 700 chambers of commerce to help them increase membership. She met with volunteers to explain their role in the
membership effort. “Is the Chamber good for your business? Is the Chamber good for the community?” she asked them at the kickoff meeting on Oct. 11. Volunteers said yes to both questions. “The stronger the Chamber, the stronger the community -you can make that happen,” Testa said. “Why aren’t businesses a member? (Sometimes) they weren’t asked.” The majority of Chamber members are small businesses, the backbone of any community. The Chamber can help members make
Chamber to unveil Prosperity Report at Chamber breakfast Dr. David T. Polk will speak about the Indicators Project he has been working on with the Chamber, the United Way, FCADC and Franklin County.
The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Breakfast will be held Dec. 6 at Wilson College’s Laird Hall. At the breakfast, the Chamber will name the 2012 Business Person of the Year and highlight Chamber accomplishments of the past year. For information on nominating someone for the award, see Page 13. Dr. David T. Polk, a researcher for the Polk-Lepson Research Group of York, will be the guest speaker. At the breakfast, Polk will reveal some key findings about his research in Franklin County. The Chamber is partnering with the United Way of Franklin County, the Franklin County Area Development Corp. and Franklin County on the Franklin County Prosperity Index Report, also known as the Indicators Project. The purpose of the project is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the community, establish
goals for improvement and then measure progress toward meeting the goals. The research centers on the economy, education, health and safety, and the well-being of people. Dr. Polk’s areas of expertise are research design, research instrument construction, statistical analysis and data analysis. He is a senior professor in Behavorial Sciences at York College of Pennsylvania, where he teaches courses on research methodology, statistics and demographics. He is the founder and director of the Institute of Applied Social Research at the college. Dr. Polk also is on the faculty of the American Bankers Association School of Marketing & Management. Register for breakfast The breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., $20/members, $25/non-members. Register by calling 264-7101 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected]. You also may register online at www.chambersburg.org by clicking on events for Dec. 6. Summit Health is the sponsor of the breakfast, and there are opportunities to be a table sponsor for $300. Call Kathy Leedy at 264-7101, Ext. 204, for details, or e-mail her at
[email protected].
money, save money and to have a voice, Testa said. Johnnie’s Restaurant & Hotel Service Inc., for example, saved $50,000 on its health insurance as a result of the Chamber exclusive ChamberChoice program. The energy program has saved qualifying and participating members a lot of money, too. The Chamber Card is driving business – and new customers -- to participating members. These are just a few of the programs that help members. Other efforts increase awareness of members. The membership directory on the Chamber Web site, for example, gets 5,000 unique visits a month. (Continued on page 5)
Wilson College to host holiday mixer Members of all five Chambers of Commerce in Franklin County are invited to a joint holiday mixer at Wilson College in Chambersburg on Dec. 11. This mixer has been the largest one of the year in recent years, with more than 400 attending in 2011. The mixer will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in Laird Hall at Wilson, 1015 Philadelphia Ave. Wilson College and Menno Haven Retirement Communities are co-sponsoring the event. Any members who would like to donate door prizes for the mixer may contact Doug Harmon, membership director, at 264-7101, Ext. 202. If you’d like to have a display table at the mixer, members may do so for $100. Contact Harmon to make arrangements. The Wilson College joint mixer has been a rousing success since it began five years ago. Members from the Chambersburg, Greencastle, Shippensburg, Tuscarora and Waynesboro chambers will attend. “It’s one of the best networking opportunities of the year,” Harmon said. “Thank you to Wilson College and Menno Haven for this joint (Continued on page 5)
THE GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Outlook
Board of Directors
Suzanne Miller Trinh - Zullinger-Davis Law Firm, chair Steve Caldwell - Orrstown Bank, past chair David Sciamanna - Chamber of Commerce, president Jim Hill - R.A. Hill Inc., CADC president Melanie Furlong - Lutheran Home Care & Hospice Inc. and LIFE Lutheran Services, Foundation president Mike Kugler - Susquehanna Bank, treasurer Sherri H. Stahl - Summit Health, secretary Eric Foreman - Susquehanna Bank Derrick Donnell - PA CareerLink Rod Mason - Menno Haven Inc. Dan May - Chambersburg Mall Blake Truman - Verstandig Broadcasting Jim Zimmerman - Valley Quarries Inc. William Etter - Nationwide Insurance Terry Guberman - Comfort Keepers Andy Grochowski - Lighten Up Chambersburg Rod Hocker - Johnnie’s Restaurant & Hotel Service Inc. Jacqueline Iampietro - Manitowoc Steven D. Lubart - SEK & Co. Kim Smith - Route 5 Troy Garman, RE/MAX Realty Agency
Chamber Staff
David G. Sciamanna - President
[email protected] Noel Purdy - Vice President
[email protected] Kathy Leedy - Communications Director/Coordinator of Special Events
[email protected] Greg Davidyock - Financial Director
[email protected] Maryliz Toohig - Assistant Financial Director
[email protected] Doug Harmon - Membership Director
[email protected] Cindy Baker - Graphic Design Specialist
[email protected] Robin Harmon - Executive Assistant
[email protected] Angie Schaeffer - Executive Assistant
[email protected] Jeanne Newvine - Customer Service Specialist
[email protected] Sue Black - Heritage Center Coordinator/Customer Service Specialist
[email protected]
The Outlook is the monthly publication of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. Submit info for the newsletter by the 10th of every month. Ideas, opinions and statements expressed in articles by contributors are not necessarily those of the Chamber. Neither the publisher nor any individual associated with any branch of production, nor the advertisers will be held liable for typographical misprints contained herein.
Suzanne Miller Trinh
Chamber touches our lives in many ways I’m very excited to announce this month that the Chamber has launched a membership drive. Watch for our special advertising campaign that will begin the first week of November, followed by a phone-a-thon that will begin on Nov. 13. More than 40 volunteers have signed up to make phone calls and support our efforts. In preparation for our phone-a-thon, the consultant hired by the Chamber, Joan Testa, met with volunteers to talk about how to make the membership drive a success. Ms. Testa challenged the volunteers to think about the benefits of Chamber membership and then to articulate those benefits. It is so easy to say that the Chamber helps local businesses or to say that the Chamber helps the community, but it can be a challenge to state exactly how it does so. Perhaps the most effective exercise Ms. Testa asked us to do was to consider what our community would be like if the Chamber did not exist. I stopped and thought about how the Chamber touched my life in just one day out of the last few weeks. In October, I attended a luncheon where the Chamber Foundation awarded more than $17,000 in grants for teachers who want to make innovative use of technology in their classrooms. I also heard from one of last year’s recipients who explained how she used her grant to help elementary school students learn principles of engineering, physics and budgeting. The grants could not be administered in Franklin County without the Foundation. At the Foundation luncheon, I also heard updates on the Leadership Franklin County program, which is now in its 26th year and has more than 400 alumni, including me. I also heard an update on the Youth Leadership program that was launched just a few years ago and teaches leadership skills to a group of 10th-graders in the county. Before and after the program, I had a chance to catch up with some people that I don’t see very often and to meet some new people and learn about their
businesses. There is always a possibility that one of these people will become a client or refer a client to me. While I was out, I drove by the Heritage Center and the Capitol Theater, two downtown landmarks that would not exist without CADC – a Chamber affiliate -- and the Chamber. I also drove by the Chambers-5 Business Park, the CADCO Industrial Park, and then did some banking in the Fifth Avenue Commercial Center. All of these projects were supported by CADC. When I returned to my office, I took some time to notice that there are flowers around the fountain in the square and that the leaves had been cleared from the sidewalks. Downtown Chambersburg Inc., another Chamber affiliate, helps make sure that all of these things happen. Back in my office, I noticed that clients had been looking through the Chamber directory while waiting for an appointment. The Chamber directory gives us all an opportunity to promote ourselves both inside and outside the community. These are a just a few thoughts about how the Chamber impacted a single day in my life. I haven’t even touched on the advertising, business promotion, or other business support services offered by the Chamber. When Ms. Testa told us to imagine a world without the Chamber, I realized that it is nearly impossible for me to do that because the Chamber does so many different things for its members and for our community. Now that our membership drive is under way, I ask all of you to think about how you have been touched by the Chamber on a given day. Then take a minute and share that with someone who is not a Chamber member and ask them to join. Suzanne Miller Trinh is chair of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and an attorney working in the Law Offices of Zullinger-Davis P.C. in Chambersburg. She can be reached at 717-264-6029.
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Recent staff changes at the Chamber
Bonnie Jo Hicks laughs during her farewell luncheon at the Chamber.
Bonnie Jo Hicks recently became a field representative for the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf after resigning her position as executive assistant to President David G. Sciamanna and office manager of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. Hicks joined the Chamber staff in 2006, first as coordinator of the Chambersburg Heritage Center and then her subsequent roles.
New staff member Joining the Chamber staff as executive assistant is Angie Schaeffer, who comes to the Chamber from the Law Offices of Zullinger-Davis, P.C., where she was a paralegal for the past six years. In all, she has been a paralegal for 15 years. Schaeffer said she looks forward to helping the Chamber and the community in any way possible. A Greencastle resident, she and her husband Jason have three children. Angie Schaeffer
Reassignments Jeanne Newvine of Orrstown has been the Chambersburg Heritage Center coordinator and a customer service specialist at the Chamber since 2007. In early October, she semi-retired, but will continue to work for the Chamber one day a week (Mondays). As a result, Sue Black of Chambersburg will assume Newvine’s duties as Heritage Center coordinator and expand her hours as a customer service specialist. Black joined the Chamber in October 2011 and will work Tuesdays through Fridays. Sue Black
How about those Steelers? An ESPN crew interviewed Chamber President David G. Sciamanna (pictured) in early October as part of its preview of the Steelers/ Eagles football game. ESPN came here because Chambersburg is about half way between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. ESPN also interviewed Chambersburg Mayor Pete Lagiovane and fans at area businesses, including Chamber members Webb’s Sports Bar & Grill and Your Barber Shop. Interest in the game was high. A post about the interview on the Chamber Facebook page generated the most views of any Chamber post so far – with more than 420 views.
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Membership Drive
HOLIDAY MIXER (Continued from page 1)
(Continued from page 1)
venture with the other Chambers of Commerce in Franklin County.” To register, call the Chamber at 717-264-7101, send an e-mail to
[email protected] or click on Events for Dec. 11 at www.chambersburg.org. Chambersburg Hospital is hosting a multi-Chamber mixer on Nov. 29, in order to give members a sneak peek at its new King Street addition. See Page 7 for details.
There also are numerous networking opportunities throughout the year, as well as marketing options. About 1,800 people a month receive the Chamber newsletter, and there are 25,000 Chamber Cards in circulation. “Our Chamber is here to help you, to help our community grow. There is no more effective way to market your business than through the Chamber of Commerce,” Testa said. She encouraged volunteers to talk to people they know about something they believe in – the Chamber. “This organization is a good investment for a business person,” Testa said. Like a gym membership, those who use it get more from it, she said. When Chamber members talk about the value of the Chamber, it means more than if it comes from a Chamber staff person, Testa said. Each volunteer was asked to commit 3.5 hours in addition to the training session. Chamber President David G. Sciamanna said the goal is to reach 1,000 members, which the Chamber had before the economic downturn of recent years. Promote the Chamber The Chamber is asking all members to promote the Chamber however they can – in their advertisements, on their Web site home pages, on their highway signs etc. Sign messages could say: “Join the Chamber of Commerce – It’s All About Community” or “Proud to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.” “We’re asking members to include the Chamber on their signs during the membership drive, from Nov. 13-15 in particular, and at other times if they wish,” said Doug Harmon, membership director. “We’re also encouraging you to put the Chamber logo on your home pages.” Members will benefit, too. Studies show that consumers think more highly of businesses that are Chamber members. If you would like to volunteer for the membership drive, or donate a door prize for volunteers, contact Harmon at 264-7101, Ext. 202.
Chamber helps members lower energy costs The ChamberChoice Energy program has grown into the largest energy-buying group in the Eastern United States, providing Chamber members with tremendous leverage when switching to a third-party supplier through the energy program. Energy prices have fallen to 10-year lows with a combination of the past mild winter, continued local production of natural gas due to the Marcellus Shale, a benign hurricane season, and low demand due to a prolonged languishing econ omy. The ChamberChoice Energy program, managed by OnDemand Energy, has sought to educate members in a consultative fashion on deregulation and provide members with recommendations of when to switch. Since the program’s inception in 2009, over 6,000 Chamber businesses have taken advantage of the program and over 14 different third-party suppliers have received contracts through OnDemand Energy, the Chamber program’s energy consulting practice. “Our goal is to help consumers select a third-party supplier in an objective, consultative manner,” said John Bodine, VP of OnDemand Energy. “The Chamber energy program allows businesses to have an objective consultant working with them to understand the myriad of choices facing them for purchasing electricity. With over 4 billion annual kwhs represented in the marketplace by OnDemand Energy, we are able to work with all major suppliers and find the right solution for each Chamber member.” For members already in the program, OnDemand has information about extending during these market lows. For those who are currently on the utility, OnDemand will explain how the program works and answer questions. Energy consultants will be available to educate you and your employees on the residential energy programs available to Chamber
members. OnDemand’s staff is comprised of energy and utility experts in managing the complexities of energy supply, delivery, and consumption which enables our customers to lower their energy costs on both on the supply and demand side of the meter. Call OnDemand Energy at 412-299-8900 to speak to an energy advisor. Or visit www.ondemandenergy.com.
Incentives encourage energy improvements To support capital projects, FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities offer government and non-profit customers -- including municipalities, schools, colleges and hospitals -- financial assistance in the form of cash incentives. These incentives help pay a portion of the capital cost of energyefficient equipment, including high efficiency lighting, HVAC, motors, drives and more. By participating in the incentive programs offered by Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power, customers can complete capital improvement projects and save money on their energy bills every month into the future. Did you already install energy-efficient equipment without applying to the program? It’s not too late to get cash back! Incentive programs are retroactive to Oct. 28, 2009, so you can still submit an application for completed work. See
[email protected], or call 1-866554-3340. For information on programs or to download applications, visit www.energysavePA.com. Incentives are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit your completed applications by Feb. 1, 2013, to assist with approvals by May 31, 2013, when these programs end.
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Chamber Card helps businesses attract customers The Chamber Card continues to drive customers to Chamber members who participate in the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Buy Local program. The Chamber encourages participants to promote the card in their businesses, on their Web sites and Facebook posts. The Chamber also promotes the cards and the businesses that participate in the program. Lindsey Henry, a licensed massage therapist and head of the massage therapy department at Chambersburg Massage Therapy Clinic, promoted her Chamber Card discount through her own e-mail blast and saw immediate results. Her e-mail also said she’d give free Chamber cards to her first 20 customers so that they could use it for discounts at other area businesses. Her e-mail also told readers they could view all of the discount offers offered by businesses on the Chamber Web site, www.chambersburg.org. Some customers at her clinic, located at 978 Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg, had not heard about the card previously, so Henry’s efforts helped to spread awareness. “If you don’t promote it, not everyone will know,” she said. Her October offer was $10 off a Signature Package. Chamber members may participate in the Chamber Card program for less than $1 a week. For more information, contact Membership Director Doug Harmon at 264-7101, Ext. 202.
Holiday parade will be Nov. 17 Chambersburg’s most anticipated holiday event, the Holiday Parade, will kick off the 2012 holiday season on Nov. 17. Now in its 43 rd year, the parade is hosted by F&M Trust and is organized by the Downtown Business Council. The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. from King and Main streets and will proceed south on Main Street, east on Washington Street, and north on Second Street, completing the one-mile parade route at Second and Grant streets. The official judging stand will be located in the first block of South Main Street, in front of Olympia Candy Kitchen. Companies and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the parade with floats and marching units decorated in holiday themes. The deadline for entries is Nov. 3. Entry forms are available at www.chambersburg.biz under the Festivals tab or by calling the Downtown Business Council at (717) 261-0072.
Small Business Saturday shopping will be Nov. 24 Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and their communities. By supporting local, independently owned businesses, you're helping to create jobs, boost the economy and help preserve our neighborhoods and community. The Downtown Partnership, a marketing collaborative between Downtown Chambersburg Inc. and the Downtown Business Council, is marketing
Small Business Saturday to encourage residents to Shop Small on Main Street on Nov. 24. “When you shop on Main Street, you’re helping your friends, family and neighbors succeed. The small business owners in downtown Chambersburg offer shoppers something that you can’t get at a box store or chain restaurant -- unique experiences,” said Noel Purdy, president of DCI and the Main Street manager for downtown. Downtown Chambersburg offers shoppers a variety of stores, including boutique gift stores, high-end women’s and men’s clothing stores, jewelry stores, thrift stores, a candy store, coffee shops, book stores, art classes and a variety of restaurants. Plan to Shop Small on Main Street on Nov. 24 and see www.downtownchambersburgpa.com. for the offerings.
Hot deals postings are now free Chamber members now have more opportunities to promote their businesses online through the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.chambersburg.org. Hot Deals and Market Space postings are free to members, as are event listings. Hot Deals are similar to coupons, with specific offers such as $1 off of lunch or dinner. Market Space postings are similar to classified ads, for things like properties for rent etc. These enhancements add value to your Chamber membership, particularly since the Chamber Web site is so popular. The membership directory on the Chamber Web site, for example, gets 5,000 unique visits a month. Members can post their offers and events themselves through their ChamberMaster accounts. Once you approve your posting, the Chamber will post it on the Web site. The Chamber is offering additional online advertising opportunities, too. Advertise on the popular Chamber Web site and increase awareness of your business. Enhanced listings are just $25 per month or $300 a year. You’ll receive priority placement over the free basic listings. You’ll also get 20 keywords, 12 more than the free basic listing. Keywords help customers find you! You’ll also be able to use more words to describe your business, as well as other features. Premium Sponsorships are $49 per month or $588 annually. You’ll get all of the features of the Enhanced Listing, plus banner ads in the general and specific business categories. You’ll have priority placement in your category over the basic and enhanced listings, and your banner ad will be seen in all unsponsored categories. Your business will be featured on nine additional banner pages, including the Events page. The Gold Sponsorship is the most comprehensive online advertising option offered by the Chamber. Gold sponsors get all features of the Premium Sponsorship, priority listings plus a home page banner ad and a tile ad on all other pages of the Chamber Web site, and more. These advertising opportunities are limited, so act now for $99 per month or $1,188 a year. Make your business stand out and contact Membership Director Doug Harmon today at 264-7101, Ext. 202.
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Giving Back focuses on Chamber members who generously contribute time and money to charitable causes. Chambersburg Civil War Seminars and Tours, an initiative of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, donated $6,500 for battlefield preservation, presenting $5,000 to Antietam National Battlefield and $1,500 to the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. The Chamber offers the seminars along with co-founder Ted Alexander. The money was raised through the auction of Civil War books and other memorabilia at a July seminar, as well as other fund -raising efforts. Brian Baracz, park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield, accepted the check on behalf of Susan Trail, superintendent of the park. Baracz said the money will be put to good use – on projects such as the restoration of the Miller House and wood lots in the East Woods, as well as re-establishing historic fence lines. Tom Clemens, co-founder and president of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation, said it is important to preserve “gems of history.” The seminars have raised more than $150,000 for battlefield preservation since their inception in 1989, and attracted thousands of tourists from throughout the United States, Canada and other nations. In 2012 alone, the seminars attracted more than 200 history enthusiasts to the region from more than half of the U.S., from as far away as California and Hawaii. Two scholarships are offered each year in July so that a teacher and student can attend a seminar tuition-free. Exchange Club /Foundation of Chambersburg has given back to the community, awarding $27,000 to four local non-profit youthoriented programs this fall. Applying and receiving grant money under specified criteria were: YMCA $5,000 for SAMS program; $6,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg; $7,600 Frances Leiter Center and $8,400 to NETWork ministries. Club
Learn more about starting a small business Small Business Development Center courses, seminars and conferences provide up-to-date, practical information on a wide variety of business topics. Programs teach basic business skills as well as more advanced and specific business management. These low-cost workshops feature experts and leaders from industry, government, higher education and professional associations. To reserve your seat, contact the Shippensburg University SBDC at (717) 477-1935. Workshops in November include: ●The First Step: Starting a Small Business, 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 27, Cumberland County Economic Development, 53 W. South St., Carlisle, free.
members also took over 40 children from families with 1) single working parent families working at low wages 2) in foster homes for back-to-school shopping in late August. Exchange Service Club meets on at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday 7:30 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant. Guests are welcome. Penn State Mont Alto students, faculty and staff raised nearly $1,000 for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape via a pep rally and purchase of special “Blue Out” T-shirts. The concept of the Blue Out is to show a united front of Penn Staters and friends rallying for the same cause. Penn State Mont Alto’s Student Government Association and its Blue & White Society organized the pep rally to raise awareness of child abuse prevention at the Mont Alto campus. F&M Trust and Franklin Feed & Supply partnered to purchase the Grand Champion at the 77th Annual Franklin County 4-H Junior Beef Club Round-Up on Sept. 22. The Grand Champion was a 1,284-pound Crossbred raised by Samuel Wingert of St. Thomas. The bank has a longstanding tradition of supporting local 4-H projects by purchasing livestock, and also purchased other animals. The Beef Club will honor all buyers and sponsors at their annual awards banquet on Nov. 3. Send your Giving Back news items to
[email protected] by Nov. 10 for publication in the December issue of the Chamber newsletter.
Both ‘Route 30’ movies are available at gift shop “ROUTE 30” and “ROUTE 30, TOO!” DVDs are available at the Chambersburg Heritage Center gift shop. Both movies were filmed in the Chambersburg area and directed by Chambersburg native John Putch. They sell for $19.99 each plus tax. The comedies are the first two of a trilogy of films that use the famous highway in Franklin County in its story. “ROUTE 30” tells three interconnecting stories, including the frustrations of deer
hunters’ wives, the search for Big Foot in the mountains and an Amish woman’s quest for entertainment. Special DVD features include an excellent documentary about Totem Pole Playhouse and the late Bill Putch, Putch’s father. “ROUTE 3O, TOO” – new to DVD -tells the story of the White Woman ghost in South Mountain. It was filmed in Chambersburg, Fayetteville, Orrtannza, Biglerville and Cashtown. You’ll see local residents and actors in both films. The gift shop also includes Chambersburg T-shirts, caps, postcards, books about local history and much more. Be sure to stop by when you are Christmas shopping. The Heritage Center, an initiative of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
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Nov. 1 – Rise ‘N Shine Networking and debut of art exhibit, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Council for the Arts, 159 S. Main St. Nov. 2 – Open house, 5 to 7 p.m. with ribbon-cutting at 5:30, Richards’ Orthopaedic Center & Sports Medicine LLC, 144 Eighth St. Nov. 8 – Dale Carnegie seminar, 8:30 a.m. registration, with seminar from 9 a.m. to noon, Quality Inn, 1095 Wayne Ave., $49 per person. See story at right for more details. Nov. 13-15 – Chamber membership drive, with volunteers calling prospective new members. Nov. 15 – Chamber mixer, hosted by Windy Knoll Farm Market, 5 to 7 p.m., 2685 Spring Road; co-sponsored by The Franklin Shopper and Wagner’s Supply Depot. Nov. 17 – Holiday parade, 6:30 p.m., downtown Chambersburg. Nov. 22-23 – Chamber offices closed for Thanksgiving holiday. Nov. 24 — Small Business Saturday, shop in downtown Chambersburg Nov. 29 – Multi-Chamber mixer at Chambersburg Hospital, 5 to 7 p.m., tour new addition Nov. 30 — Event to be announced connected with 11/30.
Mixer at Windy Knoll on Nov. 15 Windy Knoll Farm Market & Creamery will once again host the November Chamber of Commerce mixer at 2685 Spring Road, and The Franklin Shopper and Wagner’s Supply Depot will be co-sponsors. The mixer will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 15. Please note that the mixer is on a Thursday, not the usual third Tuesday. Windy Knoll Farm Market features its own brand of delicious, batch-churned ice cream. Its more than 30 flavors include peanut butter overload, which was chosen as the favorite ice cream at this year’s Scoop-a-Palooza, Ice Cream for Education. In addition to its homemade ice cream, Windy Knoll sells fresh produce, deli meats and cheeses, delicious hoagies, baked goods, homemade soups and bulk foods. The Franklin Shopper, located at 25 Penncraft Ave., Professional Arts Building in Chambersburg, is a great way to shop and advertise your business in Franklin County, PA and Washington County, MD. It is distributed to more than 55,000 households and businesses weekly. In addition to its printed publication, browse www.franklinshopper.com for classifieds online and online coupons for huge deals and local savings. The Franklin Shopper also includes a number of special sections throughout the year, including ChambersFest, Spring and Fall Home Improvement, The Golden Years Gazette, Franklin County Fair, Shippensburg Fair and much more. For additional information, call 717-263-0359, Ext 129. Wagner’s Supply Depot, 366 Wayne Ave., is a cleaning supply superstore that serves homeowners and businesses, with daily deliveries and expert training to help customers make the most of time and materials. Visit its 5,000-square-foot showroom and training center. Wagner’s is also the sponsor of the printing of the Chamber Card, a Buy Local program of the Chamber.
Dale Carnegie training will help you improve customer service The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the expert presenters at Dale Carnegie on a seminar on customer service. The seminar, preceded by a continental breakfast, will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at Quality Inn of Chambersburg, 1095 Wayne Ave. Cost is $49 per person or buy four, get one free. Register by calling 264-7101, e-mailing
[email protected] or registering online at www.chambersburg.org and clicking on the event on Nov. 8 and following the instructions. The Dale Carnegie training will help participants understand customer expectations, go the extra mile and be a customer advocate. Being helpful, showing genuine interest and respect can turn hostile or ambivalent customers into supportive and enthusiastic ones. The training is suitable for employees at all levels of an organization.
Tour new addition of hospital at Nov. 29 mixer
Chamber members will get the first look at Chambersburg Hospital’s new King Street addition on Nov. 29 when the hospital hosts a multi-Chamber mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Refreshments and beverages will be provided. All participants will receive gifts from Summit Health. The 180,000-square-foot addition to Chambersburg Hospital provides a comfortable and soothing atmosphere to help patients rest easier and heal faster. The addition features 171 spacious, private rooms with bathrooms, flat screen TVs, comfortable guest furniture, temperature controls and Internet access (Wi-Fi). The addition also includes three heart catheterization labs, more privacy for patients and a larger waiting room for visitors. Public tours will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 1.
Like the Chamber Crab Feast Civil War re-enactment The Franklin County Visitors Bureau promoted the region’s rich Civil War history with a re-enactment in late September of J.E.B. Stuart’s raid in the county.
Crab Feast attendees on Sept. 22 receive a refill of crabs from volunteer Tina Flohr at this year’s Crab Feast. The annual event raises funds for the downtown revitalization efforts of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., a Chamber of Commerce affiliate. More than 300 attended the event at the AMVETS picnic pavilion.
The Chamber shares news about members and its programs and events through Facebook. “Like” the Chamber on Facebook to make sure you are getting the latest news!
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NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Big Oak Cafe Adam Keath 410 Stouffer Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 262-2446
[email protected] http://bigoakcafe.com Restaurants/Coffee Shops C.H. Newman Beer Distributor Inc. Teresa and John DeShong 5455 Lincoln Way East Fayetteville, PA 17222 (717) 352-2809
[email protected] Beverages Chambersburg Area Civitan Club Timothy Johnston 801 Norland Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 261-2882
[email protected] Non-Profit Organizations & Associations David M. Green Bookkeeping and Tax Service David Green 357 W. High St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 398-8672 dmgbookkeepingand
[email protected] http:// www.dmgbookkeepingandtaxservice.com Tax Service Exchange Club of Chambersburg Cindy Adams P.O. Box 863 Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 729-9231 Non-Profit Organizations & Associations Green Steam Detailing Gary Carll 454 S. Third St. Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 360-8446
[email protected] http://greensteamdetailing.com Automotive Services The H Group LLC Patrick Matthews 308 Lincoln Way East, #372 Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 261-5589
[email protected] http://www.thehgroup.us Human Services Non-Profit Organizations & Associations
Kirbtech LLC Nolan Snyder 56 Montsera Road Carlisle, PA 17015 (717) 422-6365
[email protected] http://kirbtech.com Computer Services IT Management & Data Recovery
1 YEAR WJAL – TV Paul D. Orange, MD Enterprise Rent-a-Car Steely Meats Inc. Super 8 Candlewood Suites Cape Air PA Forest Fire Museum Association
PDES of Franklin County, PA John Englehart 452 Franklin Square Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 709-7285
[email protected] http://pdes-franklincounty-pa.com Fire & Water Damage Restoration
5 YEARS Results Therapy and Fitness Snap Fitness Sollenberger Silos, LLC Synergy Ag Service Prettyman Broadcasting Company Inc. Southgate Shopping Center Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Chambersburg Affordable Auto Sales Quincy Village/Presbyterian Senior Living Ganoe Paving Inc.
Save A Lot 1025 Wayne Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201 717-414-7674 Grocers
10 YEARS Horn and Company Appraisals Inc. Target Distribution Center BNI NJ/PA
Texas Roadhouse Mark Spencer 255 Walker Road Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 263-5003
[email protected] http://texasroadhouse.com Restaurants
15 YEARS Chambersburg Waste Paper Company Letterkenny Industrial Development Authority The Phillips Group 20 YEARS Suburban Propane 25 YEARS Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising LLC 80 YEARS Lyons and Company
Schedule announced for Chamber’s Civil War seminars in 2013 Chambersburg Civil War Seminars and Tours, an initiative of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, has announced its schedule for 2013. Seminar topics are corresponding with war events of 150 years ago: ●“Chancellorsville,” May 17-19, with tours led by historian Ed Bearss and others. ●“Gettysburg and Beyond,” July 23-28, with tours related to Pickett’s Charge, the Iron Brigade at Gettysburg, the Texas Brigade, Civilian Gettysburg, Off-the-Beaten-Path sites, Early’s Advance to the Susquehanna, the Retreat and the Battle of Monterey Pass. ●“The Cavalry at Gettysburg,” Oct. 4-6, with tours related to the East Cavalry Field, Farnsworth’s Attack and Buford’s Cavalry. The Chamber offers the seminars in partnership with historian Ted Alexander. For more information on the Civil War seminars, call Cindy Baker at 717-264-7101 or view the Web site, http://chambersburgcivilwarseminars Co-sponsoring the tours are the Franklin County Visitors Bureau and the Hagerstown and Washington County (Md.) Convention and Visitors Bureau. THE GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Outlook
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Corning Credit Union (CCU) Caleb Bruner 405 Wayne Ave., Chambersburg, PA 17201 677 S. Antrim Way, Greencastle, PA 17225 1-800-677-8506, Ext. 555
[email protected] www.corningcu.org. Corning Credit Union is proud to be a member of, and trusted financial advisor to, the business Chambersburg community. We’re also proud to have consistently supported small business owners with loans to help keep businesses running smoothly throughout the fluctuations in our nation’s economy. We continued providing support services that help simplify daily operations, including: merchant services and other convenience services.
Founded in 1936, CCU has experienced strong, safe, and continued growth through a total commitment to serving members. With more than 83,000 members across the United States and abroad, we are dedicated to providing quality, convenient and knowledgeable service. Members enjoy personalized, world-class service. We provide access to products that meet members’ financial needs, including: Windfall Checking®, savings accounts, IRAs
Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising, LLC Eric Murr 1310 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17202 717-263-6700
[email protected] www.kegerreis.com Operating in Chambersburg for over 30 years, Kegerreis Outdoor Advertising, LLC has grown from 300 panels just 10 years ago, to now 1,300 displays in 19 counties and four states (PA, MD, WV, NC). Kegerreis offers local and national advertisers several products including, traditional posters, interstate bulletins, digital panels, and school bus shelters ads.
Richards Orthopaedic Center and Sports Medicine Bobbi DeMaster, office manager 144 S. Eighth St., Suite 107 Chambersburg, PA 17201 414-7798
[email protected] www.richardsortho.com After practicing orthopedic surgery in Chambersburg for 29 years, Dr. Robert N. Richards Jr., started a new orthopedic, podiatry and physical therapy group on Sept. 4. The practice is named after and dedicated to his retired father, Dr. Robert N. Richards Sr., the first orthopedic surgeon in the tristate area in 1953. Surgical podiatrists Dr. Karli Richards, Dr. Katie Cashdollar, and Physical Therapist Jack Ellertson, all
This year, Kegerreis expanded its presence in PA by adding two digital displays along Harrisburg’s premier artery, I -83. It also entered the Altoona, PA, market with two digital displays and eight traditional posters. The company continues to increase its presence in the top 23 media market, Charlotte, North Carolina, and added its 5th LED digital panel this fall. transitioned with Dr. Richards Jr. to ROC, from their former practice, Orthopaedic Associates. They are the team doctors for Shippensburg University, Penn State Mont Alto and Chambersburg Area Senior High School athletes. This month, the group welcomes new associate, Dr. Robert P. Lyons. He spent six years as Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Penn State/Hershey Medical Center. During that time he was team doctor for the Harrisburg Senators. Dr.
and share certificates; personal, auto, mortgage and home equity loan products. Free automated services, like online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, and more, help members stay connected to their finances anywhere, anytime. The integrity of CCU’s time-tested, conservative business practices has created our position of strength and will continue to provide a foundation for future growth. Recognized as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country, CCU receives top ratings for financial strength, safety, soundness, liquidity, and overall management. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Franklin County may become a member. Please contact us for more information.
Kegerreis will continue to look for progressive opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic area throughout 2013. Employing nearly 30 people in positions of operations, sales, administrative, creative, and marketing, Kegerreis offers a positive culture to its team of professionals. The company believes in strong partnerships -- offering intelligent, creative, and successful campaigns to its customers. To see how billboards can work for your business, check out www.kegerreis.com and subscribe to their blog, “The Big Picture”--where you’ll find marketing insights and creative strategies. Lyons has extensive training and experience in shoulder/elbow/forearm/wrist and hand surgery. Dr. Lyons has a special interest and focus on complex arthroscopic procedures, minimally invasive fracture care, and total joint replacements of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. He is board-certified in both orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. His goal is to restore patients to their highest level of functional activity. A Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at the new location, with the ribbon-cutting at 5:30 p.m. New patients are being accepted.
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Mooney & Associates began serving the Franklin County area about four years ago with offices in Chambersburg and Mercersburg. Attorney John Mooney began the firm in 1997 with several experienced attorneys. As the practice grew, additional attorneys joined the firm and the attorneys began to serve clients thoughout
MOONEY & ASSOCIATES 67 N. Main St.,Chambersburg, PA 17201 717-263-9215 or 717-877-632-4656 (toll free) 24/7
[email protected] www.Mooney4Law.com or www.Mooney4Injured.com southcentral PA and MD, with offices in Franklin, Cumberland, Adams, Dauphin and York counties. Mooney & Associates wants to serve your legal needs throughout your life. Our attorneys will assist you in buying or selling your home, adopting a child, making an estate plan such as preparing a will, administering your loved ones’ estate, handling a divorce or custody matter, forming a business entity,
preparing and reviewing contracts, litigating unemployment appeals and other civil matters, aggressively defending against criminal charges, and negotiating fair compensation for a personal injury from auto accidents, a workplace injury and/or a denial of Social Security benefits. Attorney Rachel Schreck, primarily located in our Franklin County offices, offers appointments at the Chambersburg office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and on weekends. Also, on Monday evenings in the Chambersburg office from 5 to 7 p.m., you can meet with an attorney without an appointment for only $45 to discuss any legal concern. We also offer home and hospital visits by our personal injury attorneys. All of our attorneys promise to be diligent, dependable, compassionate, effective and efficient, providing legal services for a reasonable fee.
Chamber Dollars make a great gift If you are stumped for a gift idea, consider giving Chamber Dollars. These gift certificates, available at the Chamber of Commerce at 100 Lincoln Way East in denominations of $10 and $25, can be used at more than 85 participating chamber members. Your gift recipient will receive a list of where the Dollars can be redeemed. Buy smart, buy local! It really does make a difference.
History tours Heritage Center volunteer Joe Hunt led walking tours of historic sites in downtown Chambersburg on four consecutive Saturdays beginning on Sept. 22. Dozens of people participated and learned a lot more about Chambersburg’s rich heritage.
Janitorial and Maintenance Supply Specialists We can help you clean the Spots off almost anything!
PHONE: 717-709-9534 FAX: 717-709-9538 E-Mail:
[email protected]
366 WAYNE AVENUE CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17201 www.wagnerssupplydepot.com
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Olympic Steel Inc. will expand its steel processing facility in Chambersburg, creating at least 90 new manufacturing jobs. The company will create the positions within three years and invest $11 million to purchase new equipment and provide training to its new employees. The company received a $400,500 funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including an $180,000 PA First grant, $40,500 in job training assistance and $180,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits. The Governor’s Action Team worked with Franklin County Area Development Corp. to support the expansion. In 1994 volunteers constructed the first Habitat for Humanity house in Franklin County -the home of Keith and Michelle Bowers. Now, 18 years later, the Bowers family has made their final mortgage payment. On Oct 7, the Bowers and well-wishers celebrated the event. Mark D. Story, Habitat’s executive director, said: “This mortgage-burning ceremony is proof that what we do works, and that here in Franklin County neighbors serve neighbors.” Habitat volunteers have constructed 30 homes that have housed 115 people in Franklin County since 1994. Pictured: The Bowers family Totem Pole Playhouse reached its fundraising goal and ensured its operations into the 2013 season and beyond. Hoping to raise $250,000, the theater raised $334,000. The Franklin County Area Development Corp. recently won the Northeastern Economic Developers Association’s President’s Award for overall quality and commitment to improvement in the Literature and Promotions Competition. Just one entry wins each year. The award was presented in Hartford, CT on Oct. 29. After a distinguished and long career in higher education, Penn State Mont Alto Chancellor David C. Gnage announced he will retire at the end of this academic year. Gnage was
appointed chancellor in 2002. Under his leadership, Penn State Mont Alto has increased degree options and doubled the size of the nursing program. The endowment for scholarships more than doubled, and sports programs were enhanced. Gnage serves on the boards of several community groups, including United Way, Leadership Franklin County, Totem Pole Playhouse, and the South Central Workforce Investment Board. Gnage looks forward to spending more time with his family, and returning to the classroom. Joanne Cochran, president and CEO of Keystone Health, is the recipient of the Louis S. Garcia Community Migrant Health Award. Presented by the National Association of Community Health Centers, the award recognizes longstanding excellence and leadership in migrant health care. Cochran co-founded Keystone Health in 1986 to provide health care to migrant farm workers in Franklin County. At that time there were three volunteers struggling to provide care to 500 patients. Keystone has grown to employ more than 325 people and provides medical, dental and behavioral health care to more than 47,000 patients. Keystone was one of the first Federally Qualified Health Centers in the country to develop urgent care, crisis intervention and cardiology centers. Letterkenny Army Depot Commander, Col. Victor S. Hagan, dedicated the new route clearance vehicle positioner in honor of a fallen soldier, Master Sgt. Benjamin F. Bitner. son of Roger and Beverly Bitner, He was a 1991 graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School. Bitner was killed in April 2011in Afghanistan while serving with the Third Special Forces Group (Airborne). It was his 10th operational deployment. Menno Haven Retirement Communities has been certified by GreenNonprofits.org, the new gold standard for nonprofits seeking to “go green.” The Menno Haven Green Team consists of residents and employees led by resident John Luetzelschwab. Goals included reducing duplicate mail, using paper products with a minimum of 30% recycled content, monitoring water usage, using eco-friendly cleaning materials and chemical pesticides, regularly discussing environmental efforts at staff meetings, and recycling. During the first year the Green
Team collected about 25 tons of paper for recycling. Menno Haven donates nonfunctional appliances, used furniture and scrap metals to Occupational Services Inc., whose employees break down these items to recycle the material. Chambersburg Hospital is one of only 164 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry ACTION Registry® - Get with the Guidelines Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2012. The award recognizes the Hospital’s success in developing a cardiology program that offers exceptional care for heart attack patients. Summit Pain Medicine, an affiliate of Summit Health, began seeing patients at its new office at Summit Health Center Building 1, 755 Norland Ave., Suite 207 in late September. The practice moved from Building 2. Stephanie Baer, nurse manager at Summit Surgical Group – Chambersburg received certification as a Bariatric Nurse by The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Bariatric nursing is a specialized field that involves all aspects of obesity, including causes and treatment. For information, visit SummitHealth.org/ bariatric. Orrstown Bank promoted Wendy Valentine to VP Mortgage Operations. She is responsible for the Bank’s underwriting, processing, closing, post-closing and secondary market loan sales teams for the Mortgage Department. Valentine has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage business. Orrstown Financial Advisors announced that Howard A. Pulker, CFA, has joined the team as VP/ senior portfolio manager. He has over 20 years of industry and portfolio management experience. Orrstown Financial Advisors’ clients include individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities. Its subsidiary is Orrstown Bank. A new income management account is designed to help investors simplify, track and access income from multiple sources, according to John Reinert and Cindy Wolf, financial advisors with Edward Jones in
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Members in the News continued
Chambersburg. The Edward Jones Income Manager account allows investors to collect income generated from multiple sources, such as stocks, bonds, Individual Retirement Accounts, paychecks, annuities and Social Security. Balances are FDIC-insured and can be accessed through checks, debit cards, electronic transfers and online bill pay. Reed VanDerlyke has joined Orrstown Bank as Business Banking Officer. He will join the Bank’s Carlisle and West Shore business banking teams and will be responsible for assisting business clients with their deposit and cash management needs. Reed will be based out of the Bank’s Carlisle branch. Wilson College will host an information session about a new master’s degree program in the humanities from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13, in Norland Hall. For information or to register, go to www.wilson.edu/MAHum or contact
[email protected]. Chambersburg Community Theatre will present “Bad Seed” at Capitol Theatre on Nov. 9-10 and Nov. 16 at 8 p.m, Nov. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 8:30 p.m. (after the parade). Reservations can be made at www.cctonline.org, or the Capitol Theatre Box Office at 159 S Main St. Preorder Thanksgiving pies by Nov. 12 now that Shalom Christian Academy’s Annual Pie Sale is under way! Delicious pies of many varieties will be baked in time for your holiday meal. Employers: this would be a nice Thanksgiving gift for your employees! For information, contact 717375-2223 or e-mail
[email protected]. Join Wilson College as it hosts the battle for the best pizza in Franklin County on Nov. 3. You get to be the judge. Pizza Wars will be from 3 to 8 p.m., To purchase tickets, call 717262-2003. They are $10 in advance for adults and $12 at the event, for 10 pizza samples. Tickets for kids 12 and younger are $5 in advance and $6 at the event, for five pizza samples. Lutheran Home Care & Hospice will give a health and wellness talk at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at The Fleck Center at Luther Ridge Retirement Community, 2998 Luther Drive, Chambersburg. The program is free and
open to anyone in the community. No registration is required. The topic is “Keeping You at Home-About Home Care & Hospice.” Pat Colyott, LPN, hospice visiting nurse for Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, received the Hospice and Palliative Care certification from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This certification recognizes her expertise in the field of pain relief and symptom control, a main focus and goal of hospice care. In addition to Colyott, the agency’s Hospice medical director, nurse supervisors and three additional visiting nurses are certified in this specialty. F&M Trust was named as one of the 100 Best Places to Work in PA for 2012. This is the ninth time in the past 10 years the local bank was named to the list. The program is a public/private partnership of Team Pennsylvania Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Central Penn Business Journal. F&M Trust will be recognized at a ceremony Nov. 29 in Lancaster, when rankings are revealed. Cydnie Kelly has been hired as community office manager and financial services officer for F&M Trust’s new Mechanicsburg Office, located in the Silver Creek Plaza at 6375 Carlisle Pike. The office is slated to open in mid-November, and will be the bank’s 26th community office. Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC was named as a national leader in INSIDE Public Accounting’s third annual ranking of the nation’s largest accounting firms, the IPA 200. SEK&Co moved up in the rankings from 165 in 2011 to 163 in 2012. It is a full-service certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Hanover, Carlisle, Chambersburg and Hagerstown. Ludwick Eye Center welcomed Dr. Shawn M. Weigel to its practice. Dr. Weigel has over 10 years’ experience performing cataract surgeries. He is board certified by the
American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology. tapestry technologies’ Patricia McDonald, director of training, gave a presentation on Sept. 27 to the information technology students at York Technical Institute at their Mechanicsburg campus. The tapestry internship program began in January of 2011 and it continues to grow. The Red Knights Motorcycle Club Intl., PA 4 recently sponsored its annual Ride for Hospice that benefits the hospice program of Lutheran Home Care & Hospice. This year over 30 motorcycles, cars and trucks participated in the ride. The Cumberland Valley School of Music Annual Gala Showcase Concert will honor Andrew Sussman, who served as the school’s executive director for more than 18 years. CVSM alumni, faculty members and current students will come together to perform some of Sussman’s compositions on Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in the Alumnae Chapel, Thomson Hall, Wilson College. A complete program is available online at www.cvsmusic.org. Call (717) 261-1220 for tickets and information. The Board of Directors of Occupational Services Inc. recognized Linda Golden for her years of service on the board from 19932012, including her service as president of the board. OSI is a vocational facility serving Franklin and Fulton counties, providing programs and employment services to individuals with disabilities. Pictured from left: Dr. Stephen Overcash, president; Linda Golden, and Linda Mayo, executive director. (Continued on page 21)
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Kevin Haag and Dan Brown, pictured, won the 2012 Chambersburg Country Club Fall Classic with a three-round total of 203 for the 54-hole event. Please submit Members in the News items by the 10th of the month preceding publication. For example, send news for the December issue by Nov. 10.
Nominations sought for Business Person of the Year The 2012 Business Person of the Year will be announced at the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Breakfast on Dec. 6. The breakfast, sponsored by Summit Health, will be in Laird Hall of Wilson College. There are just a few days remaining to nominate the Business Person of the Year Award. The criteria are: ● The individual selected shall be someone who has started, developed, expanded or effectively managed a business in the Chambersburg area for a minimum of five years. Evaluation for the award will cover the most recent 10-year-period. ● The business must have been a member of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce for one calendar year. ● The individual will be evaluated for business, civic, and/or volunteer work and accomplishments. ● The individual selected shall be someone who has contributed to the economic growth and development of the Chambersburg area. Contribution and involvement in the growth and development of human, natural or financial resources of the community should be considered. ● The individual should be a recognized leader in the community. To nominate someone by Nov. 5, call Kathy Leedy at the Chamber of Commerce at 264-7101, Ext. 204, to receive a nomination form or send an e-mail to
[email protected]. See the story on Page 1 for more information about the breakfast.
Five community members who have served on various Boards of Directors throughout the Summit Health organization were honored on Sept. 27 for their years of service. Recognized were J. Edward Beck Jr., 28 years of service; John S. Boozer, nine years; Rebecca S. Dempsey, 15 years; Frank S. Elliott, 32 years; and Joel Zullinger, 26 years. The Board of Directors recognition event closed with Board members taking a tour through the King Street addition of Chambersburg Hospital. The 180,000square-foot addition is set to open in December. Pictured, from left: Beck, Boozer, Dempsey, Elliott and Zullinger.
PA businesses not yet ready to hire The PA Chamber’s annual Pennsylvania Economic Survey measures trends and perspectives about the state’s business climate, employer concerns and legislative policy. This year’s survey shows that a greater number of business leaders (44% in 2012 versus 33% in 2011) rate Pennsylvania’s business climate as excellent/good; however, most stop short of saying they are ready to make bold predictions about hiring new staff, or making substantial investments. Other survey findings: ●Higher numbers of employers reporting sales increases over the last year; although only 17 percent predict they will hire within the next 12 months. ●Increasing health-care costs is still a major concern; with 78% of those surveyed reporting higher health insurance premiums over the past year. ●The majority of employers (52%) reported higher workers’ compensation insurance premiums in recent years, and largely support changes to the state’s current workers compensation system.
New Patriot branch Peggy Bosma LaMascus, president and CEO of Patriot Federal Credit Union, cuts the ribbon Oct. 16 at Patriot’s new branch at 488 Gateway Ave. in Chambersburg. Patriot serves nearly 45,000 members and this is its seventh branch. It is easily accessible off Interstate 81’s Walker Road exit. The new branch offers members convenient credit union hours six days a week.
Sports theme mixer Chamber guests enjoyed a fun mixer at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1097 Wayne Ave. in Chambersburg on Oct. 16. Guests were invited to wear their favorite sports jerseys -- spotted in the crowd were Cowboys, Redskins, Yankees, Penguins and Vikings fans, among others. Guests were treated to food like that found at ballparks and stadiums around the nation. Guests also toured a few of the hotel rooms and received goody bags. THE GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Outlook
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Chamber Foundation honors volunteer, reports on progress The Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation honored volunteer Brenda Hefner on Oct. 11 for her contributions to the nonprofit organization. She was recognized during the Foundation’s Volunteer Brenda Annual Education Hefner with Luncheon at The Foundation award Orchards restaurant. Hefner, an employee of Menno Haven Retirement Communities, has served on the Steering Committee of the Foundation’s Leadership Franklin County Youth program and the Leadership Franklin County Community program. She has chaired both committees as well. Hefner assembled a curriculum subcommittee that met regularly to plan a year’s program for youth leadership, and to assign and mentor facilitators. Hefner facilitated several of the sessions and presented programs in the schools to increase awareness of the program.
Leadership students visit soup kitchen Leadership Franklin County Youth met on Oct. 2 at the Lunch Place in Waynesboro. Karen Johnston from Healthy Communities Partnership discussed values with the nearly two dozen 10th-grade students. They talked about what values are, where values come from, and their own personal values. Students reviewed their school mission statements and how their school was following those values and ways they could improve. They also reviewed a list of values and ranked which values were most important to them. Dick Shook, board member of the Lunch Place, spoke to the class about the service provided by the soup kitchen.
“I love working with the kids,” Hefner said. “It is startling to be recognized for something you love.” At the luncheon, the Foundation also provided updates on its progress: ● Its endowment has grown from $0 to $225,000 in three years, enhanced by a fund-raising effort during the Chamber’s 100th anniversary in 2011. ● Its primary fund-raising event, Scoop -a-Palooza, Ice Cream for Education, has raised $12,000 with attendance increasing from 200 to more than 800 in just three years. ● Its Leadership Franklin County Youth program is providing leadership training to high school sophomores at no cost to them, thanks to contributions from businesses and fund-raising events. Twenty -three students from throughout Franklin County are enrolled in the nine-month
program that ends in May. All of them are working on community service projects which give them an opportunity to apply what they are learning. ● Its Leadership Franklin County Community program has become a countywide program. Alumni from the past 27 years are involved in the program, which has a current enrollment of 12. They also work on community service projects. ●Its mini-golf tournament, a new event in 2012, raised $1,300 – to be used for scholarships for the leadership programs. ● Its Franklin County Works Web site has more than 500 registered job seekers in its database, job postings from area employers and 13,100 unique visitors a month. The Web site is making young people aware that there are good jobs available in this area, in a wide variety of fields. ● Its reach into area schools – both public and private – is expanding. Programs include the Franklin County Student Career Expo, Educator in the Workplace and the awarding of technology grants to teachers each year. ● Its Leadership Franklin County Advanced program brings a top leadership speaker to the county each year. The program in spring 2013 will center on resiliency – including how business leaders can do more with less.
A new event, a mini-golf tournament, raised money for scholarships.
Since February 1990 it has served nearly a quarter of a million free lunches to the community. Students ate lunch with community members at the kitchen. They were surprised at the variety of people and reasons that people were eating there.
Save the date!
Dick Shook speaks with students about the soup kitchen.
The Chamber’s Annual Dinner/Dance will be March 16, 2013.
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Chamber Foundation awards grants to teachers The Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation on Oct. 11 awarded grants totaling nearly $18,000 to four teachers who use technology in innovative ways in their classrooms. Teachers received the grants at the Foundation’s annual luncheon at The Orchards restaurant. Recipients are Linda Singley, Greencastle -Antrim High School, $4,832; Laura Oslik, Greencastle-Antrim High School, $4,715; Mathren Mellott, Fannett-Metal High School, $4,889; and James Olson, Franklin County Career and Technology Center, $3,390. Singley’s chemistry and physics students will design a robotic device which they will use for problem solving and product engineering. They will experience all phases of product development, from concept to design to analysis and process improvement. Oslik’s biology students will produce a video that will study and analyze an animal of their choice. Video content will include the animals’ internal anatomy, habitat, interactions with other organisms, eating habits etc. Mellott’s students will work in groups to design, build and program robots, providing an opportunity that integrates science,
technology, engineering and math curriculum. Olson’s students will receive advanced precision machining training. They will use the most up-to-date technology in the industry. A grant recipient last year, Lura Hanks provided an update on a project at Mercersburg Teachers Linda Singley, Laura Oslik, Mathren Mellott and James Olson with checks for their classroom technology projects. Elementary School. The grant gave students an “incredible year will fund next year’s program. (See opportunity” to study what was happening story on contributions below.) during a major construction project at the “We would not be able to provide these school, she said. Students learned about grants if it weren’t for our generous business building design, examining blueprints and partners and the Educational Improvement seeing firsthand how math and science are Tax Credit program,” said Noel Purdy, used in architectural design and engineering. executive director of the Chamber The grant and the educational opportunities it Foundation. “As an Educational provided increased interest in the math Improvement Organization, the Chamber program substantially, Hanks said. Foundation can accept contributions from The Foundation, an affiliate of the Greater businesses and in return those businesses Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, can receive significant tax credits,” she said. received more than $50,000 in grant requests To find out how your business can help from throughout Franklin County. Contributions by M&T Bank ($2,500), support the work of the Foundation, contact Purdy at 717-264-7101, Ext. 207. Orrstown Bank ($20,000) and Waste Management ($5,000) provided funds for the current grant cycle. Contributions made this
Businesses fund grants for teachers Contributions by Orrstown Bank ($15,000) and Waste Management ($7,500), M&T Bank ($4,500) and Susquehanna Bank ($1,000) will fund grants to area teachers next year. The donations to the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation, a Chamber of Commerce affiliate, will be given to teachers who use technology in innovative ways in their classrooms. The donations are eligible for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. “Since the EITC program was launched, Waste Management has continuously made grants that have improved the educational opportunities of thousands of public school students,” said Cheryl Shields, former community relations manager. See related story on this page about this year’s recipients of grants.
Kim Shockey and Joseph Zmitrovich of Susquehanna Bank present a check to Noel Purdy, center.
New T-shirts promote Chambersburg, 11/30
Noel Purdy, executive director of the Chamber Foundation at left, accepts a check from Cheryl Shields.
Check out the new T-shirts available at the Heritage Center and several downtown Chambersburg businesses. These T-shirts are inspired by the fact that Chambersburg is at the crossroads of U.S. 11 and U.S. 30. Both routes run border-to-border, making Chambersburg truly the “Crossroads of the Country.” T-Shirts sell for $15 and bumper stickers and magnets based on the black and white European country stickers are for sale for $1 and $5 respectively. Watch for an event on Nov. 30 in conjunction with the 11/30 theme.
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Greater Chambersburg
PRSRTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #7 Chambersburg, PA
CHAMBER of Commerce
100 Lincoln Way East Suite A Chambersburg, PA 17201
Consultant: Thriving downtowns have variety
A consultant on downtown revitalization told a group of community leaders that the key to thriving downtowns is having a mix of uses – commercial, residential, civic, educational, recreational and health care. “A mix of uses has worked for hundreds of years around the globe,” said Max Reim, co-managing partner and founding principal of LiveWorkLearnPlay, who toured Chambersburg in early October at the invitation of its mayor, Pete Lagiovane. Reim’s firm is an international real estate and development advisory firm from Quebec (www.lwlp.com). “Create the opportunity to connect – to other people, to jobs, to health care, to recreation, to much, much more,” Reim said. “(Having a) mixed use will make any town, city or hamlet great.” According to the consultant, office and retail space become more valuable when there is a mixed use of real estate and an efficient use of land. Mixed use cores also generate more tax revenues for municipalities, he said. The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, and its affiliate Downtown Chambersburg Inc., hosted a lunch with downtown stakeholders a day after Reim toured the region with Lagiovane and the borough’s Economic Development Specialist Paul Cullinane. In addition to downtown Chambersburg, Reim saw Chambersburg Mall, Shippensburg University, Letterkenny
Army Depot, and Chambers-5 Business Park. Reim praised Chambersburg’s downtown events and its history, and said there are opportunities to improve. For example, 26,000 vehicles a day pass through Chambersburg’s Memorial Square. Most pass through downtown and never stop, he said. In addition to giving motorists reasons to stop, Reim recommends involving Wilson College more in the downtown community. Reim also shared some trends related to communities: ●A majority of college-educated 25to 34-year-olds said they looked for a job after they chose the city or town where they wanted to live. “They want great downtowns and a vibrant heart of
the community,” Reim said. “Young people want diversity.” ●People want “one-stop living,” one of the reasons why 70% of the population is expected to be living in urban centers by 2050. They also want things to do. Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Burlington, Vt., and Ann Arbor, Mich., are examples of communities that have changed for the better in recent decades. “If they can do it, so can you,” Reim said. He cautioned that changes take time, and said they won’t happen unless there is leadership. Downtown leaders should recruit businesses and institutions that will benefit downtown. “Be proactive about who (you) really want,” he said.
THE GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Outlook
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