NEWSLETTER

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The

Outlook

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NEWSLETTER

WWW.CHAMBERSBURG.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 11 12

Chairman’s message Chamber board and staff Chamber members to be honored Leadercast early bird registration March Lunch & Learn Make Your Own Mask Workshop Business Directory offers advertising LFC Community discusses ethics LFC Youth encourage the heart Early Childhood Expo on Apr. 22 Learn how to develop as a leader Blight and revitalization New downtown guide now available Gift Shop March Madness Sale Chamber releases Public Policies Agenda March Chamber Mixer Keeping your tax dollar impact local Around town with the Chamber Member spotlights PA Chamber update Welcome new members Milestone anniversaries Members in the news Giving back March calendar of events

SAVE THE DATE

JUNE 15

CHAMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT Whitetail Golf Resort If you’re interested in sponsoring contact Doug Harmon at 717-264-7101 ext. 202.

OCTOBER 6-13

TRIP TO IRELAND Depart on October 6, return October 13 Join the Chamber Travel Club for an adventure to southern Ireland! Call 717264-7101 for details. Visit www.chambersburg.org/events for details about these events and more. March events are listed on the back of the newsletter.

MARCH 2017

100 LINCOLN WAY EAST, CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17201

Don’t miss the premier event of the season!

Join us for Chambersburg’s best night out at the Sip & Savor Masquerade Ball on Satuday, April 22 at the Chambersburg Country Club beginning at 5:30 p.m. The signature fundraiser, with Grand Sponsor Corning Credit Union, will feature a delicious four-course dinner created by Chef Fabio Carella paired with local wines from Adams County Winery, Jan Zell Wines & Ciders and Tuscarora Mountain Winery. In addition, attendees will experience a spectacular evening filled with live and silent auctions, entertainment, networking and more. Following the main event, move to the Sip & Savor After Party, sponsored by the 11/30 Network, featuring a live DJ, dancing, photo booth and cash bar. Tickets are $90 per person for the ball and $100 per person for the ball and after party. Deadline to purchase your tickets is April 5. Register for the Masquerade Ball online at www.chambersburg. org/events or call 717-264-7101. To sponsor the event, contact Scott Fish at [email protected] or 717-264-7101 ext. 212. Make your own masquerade mask! View details on page 3.

SIP & SAVOR SPONSORS

Grand Sponsor

After Party Sponsor 11/30 Network Live Auction Sponsor Central PA Wireless Silent Auction Sponsor Penn National Insurance Entertainment Sponsor Patriot Federal Credit Union

Chamber Travel Club sets first trip for Ireland Join the Chamber Travel Club! The Chamber is working with member travel agents to plan unique group travel experiences to exciting destinations, with the intention to plan two to three trips per year. To kick-off the club, the Chamber is working with Dream Vacations to coordinate a seven-day “Best of Ireland South” trip from October 6-13, 2017. The trip to Ireland will include all transportation Image courtesy of tiramisustudio at FreeDigitalPhotos.net (including airfare), a professional tour guide, hotel accommodations, 11 meals, taxes, tours of sightseeing destinations and more. Your adventure will include the perfect mix of guided tours and independent exploration as you visit Dublin, Blarney Castle, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and more. Some sightseeing highlights include tours of the Guinness Storehouse, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Woollen Mills, a Dingle Bay cruise, a Bunratty Castle banquet and much more. For more information about the Chamber Travel Club’s trip to Ireland or sign up for the Chamber Travel Club e-newsletter, contact Lark Plessinger at 717-264-7101 ext. 206 or [email protected]. Stay tuned for details about travel information sessions!

THE OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Troy Garman, RE/MAX Realty Agency Chair Eric Foreman, BB&T - Immediate Past Chair Kim Crider, Take Shape for Life - Chair-elect Noel Purdy - Chamber President Jim Zimmerman, New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. - Treasurer Sherri H. Stahl, Summit Health - Secretary Lance Kegerreis, Dennis E. Black Engineering, Inc. - CADC Vice President Michael Doncheski, Penn State Mont Alto Foundation President Blake Truman, VerStandig Broadcasting Brian Speer, Wilson College Rod Hocker, Johnnie’s Restaurant & Hotel Service Carlos Perez, Chambersburg Wireless Melanie Furlong, SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice Alice Hawbaker, LCSi Lehman Construction Services, Inc. Luke Martin, Smith Elliott Kearns & Co., LLC Mark Story, Franklin County Library System Chris Patterson Jeff Truhan, The Shook Home Mark Durniak, Fuddruckers Brad Evans, Bartlett Tree Expert Company Angela Lynch, Chambersburg Area School District Foundation Michael J. Connor, Walker, Connor & Spang, LLC

CHAMBER STAFF Noel Purdy - President [email protected] David G. Sciamanna - Vice President [email protected] Amy Weibley - Communications Director [email protected] Doug Harmon - Membership Director [email protected] Maryliz Toohig - Financial Director [email protected] Robin Harmon - Executive Director of the Chamber Foundation [email protected] Angie Schaeffer - Exec. Assistant/Office Manager [email protected] Lark Plessinger - Marketing Manager [email protected] Scott Fish - Events Manager [email protected] Stacy Guyer - Accounting Assistant, [email protected] Sue Black - Customer Service Specialist [email protected]

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

The power of a Chamber referral Consider this situation: A stranger walks up to you and offers you a big, juicy steak with a steaming baked potato and all the fixin’s. You’re going to say no to this person, after all, you don’t know them. Now consider this: The same person walks up to you with the same plate of food, except now he’s with your best friend and your best friend tells you that you need to try this steak! You’re likely going to trust the person your best friend trusts and eat the steak. That’s the power of a referral. So why refer a business to join the Chamber? First of all, you can deepen your relationships with existing customers, vendors and clients. You don’t go around town referring strangers to everyone you meet, because you might make a bad referral and look unreliable. You have to learn about the people and the companies that you refer. It’s the same with the Chamber. You know and trust in the Chamber’s services to members, so you encourage them to join the Chamber and reap the benefits. Connecting people you know to the Chamber will build stronger relationships. Everyone’s heard the saying, “what goes around comes around.” Another reason to refer potential Chamber members is the good karma. When you refer people to valuable resources they need, they appreciate the helpful service you’ve provided. You do a favor for a company by referring them to join the Chamber and help connect them to a whole new network of people, and they’ll return the favor. Nothing can increase your business success more than upping your cred. You don’t want to be a company without any influence. You want to be at the top. Having the Chamber on your side is extremely credible, as proven in a national study by the Shapiro Group which found consumers are 49 percent more likely to think favorably of Chamber member businesses and 80 percent more likely to purchase goods or services from them. By referring people to the Chamber, you’ll start to be viewed as an influencer - a resource to go to. Above all else, when a small business in the community succeeds, we all succeed. The Chamber provides a variety of programs, services and resources to help businesses prosper. When you refer a business to the Chamber, you’re helping them grow, which in turn supports the growth of our local economy. We all win! Troy Garman, Realtor, RE/MAX Realty Agency Board Chair, Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce

2 GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Chamber members to be honored

Make Your Own Mask Workshop

The Chamber will honor several of its members for their accomplishments in 2016 at the Annual Awards Breakfast on Thursday, April 6 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Chambersburg Country Club. The breakfast will feature a presentation of awards including the international ATHENA Leadership Award and others.

Need the perfect masquerade mask for Sip & Savor? Guests are welcome to create their own mask at one of two workshops hosted by J. Bryant Photography & Designs, 76 S. Main Street. Workshops will be Thursday, April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The breakfast will also feature guest speaker Vern McKissick of McKissick Associates. He will detail their plans for Central Center and Rose Rent Lofts, the high-profile redevelopment projects at the old Central Junior High building on the corner of Queen and Third Streets in downtown Chambersburg. BREAKFAST SPONSORS

Sponsorships are available. For details, contact Amy Weibley at 717-264-7101 ext. 204 or [email protected]. Individual tickets may be purchased for $20 for members or $25 for non-members. Visit www.chambersburg.org/events or call 717-264-7101 to register.

Grand Sponsor

Table Sponsors Corning Credit Union F&M Trust

Leadercast early bird registration Leadership Franklin County is excited to be a host site for Leadercast 2017: Powered by Purpose on Friday, May 5. Don’t miss the largest leadership event in the world featuring a variety of speakers including Daniel Pink, Dr. Henry Cloud, Molly Fletcher and more. Early bird price is $99 through April 1 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Visit www.chambersburg.org/events for more information and to register. Continuing Education Credits and sponsorships are also available. Contact Robin Harmon at 717-2647101 ext. 205 or [email protected] for more information.

March Lunch & Learn

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Each ticket includes two masks, supplies for decoration, guided instruction and light refreshments. Access the registration link on the Chamber website at www.chambersburg.org/events.

Popular business directory offers advertising opportunities Representatives from Centre Publications are beginning to meet with members about being a part of the 2017/18 Membership Directory and Community Profile. This popular publication, produced by Centre Publications in coordination with the Chamber, is a vital resource for area residents, tourists and travelers. All members are included in the alphabetical and categorical listings in the directory. The publication is distributed to Chamber members and is available throughout the year at the Chamber office. It is also placed in area hotel rooms and sent in relocation packets to new residents who request them. For details about advertising, contact Centre Publications at 800-2005375. The book will debut in time for Old Market Day on July 15.

Advertise Your Business! Gain exposure for your business at affordable rates through Chamber advertising - exclusive for Chamber members! Learn more today by contacting Amy Weibley: 717-264-7101 ext. 204.

If you have heard all of the excitement about essential oils but aren’t sure how to get started, join Norland Avenue Pharmacy for a free Lunch & Learn seminar on Thursday, March 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chamber office. Speaker Sharon Smith will provide you with an introduction to essential oils and practical guidance on how you can start benefiting from essential oils. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Fuddruckers. Lunch & Learns are free to attend with limited seating available. Be sure to register in advance at www.chambersburg.org/events or by calling 717-264-7101. Any cancellation less than 24 hours prior to the event or no shows will be billed $10.

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3

Please join the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate area businesses at the

Masquerade Masquerade Ball

Saturday, April 22 ● Chambersburg Country Club 5:30 p.m. Reception ● 6:30 p.m. Dinner ● Black Tie

Enjoy a four-course dinner created by Chef Fabio Carella paired with local wines from Adams County Winery, Jan Zell Wines & Ciders and Tuscarora Mt. Winery, along with entertainment, silent and live auctions, raffles and networking throughout the evening.

After Party

9:30 p.m. ● After party optional; Additional fee required.

Featuring live DJ, dancing, photo booth, cash bar and an unforgettable experience.

Tickets

Sponsor

$80 Early Bird ● $90 Early Bird w/After Party Exclusive sponsors still available listed at bottom Please register by February 28 for Early Bird $775 Premier Sponsor includes seating for six $90 Regular ● $100 Regular w/After Party $550 Benefactor Sponsor includes seating for four Please register by April 7 $225 Patron Sponsor includes seating for two

To purchase tickets, visit www.Chambersburg.org/Events or call 717-264-7101. Thanks to Our Sponsors

MAKE YOUR OWN MASK

Two sessions: Thursday, April 6 or Sunday, April 9 $15 in advance ● $20 at the door Create masks for Sip & Savor with artist Jamie Bryant. All supplies for two masks included per registration. Details & registration through Chamber, contact info above.

Grand Sponsor

After Party Sponsor

Silent Auction Sponsor: Penn National Insurance Live Auction Sponsor: Central PA Wireless-Boost Mobile Entertainment Sponsor: Patriot Federal Credit Union

ANNUAL

Awards

Thursday, April 6 7 to 9 a.m. Chambersburg Country Club 3646 Scotland Road

B R E A K FA S T

Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce

Program highlights of the breakfast include the honoring of award recipients for their leadership, innovation, volunteerism and more. Featured speaker for the breakfast will be

Vern McKissick of McKissick Associates, who will detail plans for Central Center and Rose Rent Lofts, the high-profile redevelopment projects at the old Central Junior High building on the corner of Queen and Third Streets in downtown Chambersburg. $20 for members; $25 for non-members. Register online at

www.chambersburg.org/events

Table Sponsorships ($300) and Patron Sponsorships ($75) are available.

Contact Amy Weibley to become a sponsor: [email protected], 717-264-7101 ext. 204.

Grand Sponsor:

ATHENA Award Sponsors:

THE OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER FOUNDATION

LFC Community students discuss ethics, diversity Ethics and power were the topic of the morning session for Leadership Franklin County (LFC) Community in February. Judge Shawn Meyers of the 39th Judicial District and Patrick O’Donnell of Summit Health led a discussion with the class. The ethical requirements of each of the presenters’ positions were discussed as well as how this can relate to that of those in the class. The group studied examples of power and ethics gone wrong including the Tyco scandal of 2002. After a lunch from Fuddruckers, the group discussed diversity and inclusion with Marvin Worthy of Worthy Consulting and Training. Maria Banks of the Chambersburg Area School District ended the day leading exercises to help the group learn more about themselves. LFC Community is sponsored by CenturyLink Business.

LFC Youth encourage the heart Leadership Franklin County (LFC) Youth encouraged the heart at their February session led by Duane Bock of First Community Bank of Mercersburg. Bock began by asking the students to name the richest people in the country: sports MVP’s, American Idol winners and others. The class named those who have most encouraged them during their lives as well as those who have discouraged them. They discussed how once harmful words are said, they cannot be taken back. The class then practiced ways to encourage each other.

Early Childhood Expo on Apr. 22 The United Way of Franklin County, in partnership with the Community Education Coalition, is hosting an Early Childhood Expo on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chambersburg Recreation Center, 235 S. Third Street. The free expo will provide information for families about early childhood development, educational providers, community services and resources as well as fun and educational activities for children. Volvo Construction Equipment is the presenting sponsor. Early child care and preschool providers are invited to reserve exhibit space at the expo. There will also be free provider training and introductory sessions from Southwest Regional Key - Keystone STARS throughout the day. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s program to improve the quality of child care. To secure exhibit space, contact Vanessa Bigler at [email protected] or 717-262-0015. Sponsorships are available! To support the Early Childhood Expo, contact United Way for sponsorship details at 717-262-0015.

Learn how to develop as a leader at informational mixer Interested in building your leadership skills while learning more about the community? Join current students and alumni for an information mixer to discover how the Leadership Franklin County (LFC) Community program can help you achieve these goals. The mixer will be held Wednesday, April 12 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop, 100 Lincoln Way E. The mixer is free and includes refreshments and light appetizers. Register at www.chambersburg.org/events or call 717-264-7101. Since 1986, LFC has graduated more than 600 area residents from its Community program, developed to produce well-informed, motivated leaders who are willing and capable of working together for the betterment of Franklin County. The program is a tuition-based nine-month program. The class make-up is a mix of emerging and seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds. Recruitment begins in the spring. A limited number of scholarships are available.

After lunch, students were treated to a discussion with President Judge Carol Van Horn of the 39th Judicial District Court. President Judge Van Horn spoke about the ethical requirements of being a judge. The students were encouraged to think about how ethics influence their lives and future careers. LFC Youth students are able to participate in the program for free thanks to progam sponsor, Wilson College.

4 GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Other communities have land banks; ours does not. Land banks are quasi-governmental entities created to return blighted properties into tax-producing properties. Land banks can receive real property directly from a taxing authority, thereby passing public sales and mitigating risk of another poor investor from acquiring it.

DOWNTOWN HAPPENINGS

Blight and revitalization Did you have a chance at IceFest in January to share what you’d like to see happen to this building on S. Main Street between Molly’s Restaurant and Ludwigs Jewelers? Have you often wondered why someone doesn’t do anything about this particular building?

The Future of this Blighted Property...

The biggest consideration is what to do with the property once an investor or intermediary has control of it. This particular property needs significant rehabilitation. Many potential investors have looked at this property but, for many of the aforementioned constraints, have hit a wall with it.

It’s easier said than done. First of all, you can’t do anything with a property that you don’t own or are not in control of. It helps to have a property owner who is willing to sell, but in many cases of blight, the property owner is often absent and has no interest in improving the building. In other cases, the property owner is asking for a price that is far above market value. Other constraints and minutia that can prevent a sale or site control are title issues, economies of scale and resources. This particular property has had a string of outside investors since 2009 who have done nothing with the building. They don’t pay the taxes or utilities. The local municipality has to file claims/liens with the courts in order to collect on delinquent payments. These types of properties are often on a track for some kind of public sale facilitated by the taxing authority. According to public records, this particular property was most recently purchased at a tax sale in 2013 for $36,000 by Matthew Dunleavy from Philadelphia, who then sold it to the Tafari Property Trust which is located in Philadelphia for $90,000, which was financed by The Entourage Group, LLC - also located in Philadelphia (and all of these parties are affiliated). This property is on track for judicial sale later in 2017, which would allow an investor to purchase it free and clear of all liens.

What Can Be Done with Blighted Properties?

Municipalities and redevelopment authorities have certain tools they can use to help remediate blight. One tool is called eminent domain. In order for eminent domain to be used, a property has to meet the definition of “blighted” and/or be “condemned” by the local municipality. In this case, 115-117 S. Main Street has been condemned. Most municipal entities and redevelopment authorities do not want to use eminent domain because it can be an expensive and long legal process that is politically distressing. Any citizen can ask the local municipality to consider eminent domain. Another tool that can be used is conservatorship, a relatively new tool in Pennsylvania, where a nonprofit or redevelopment authority can petition the courts to gain control of a blighted property. The nonprofit must come up with a plan to remediate blight if it should be granted the authority to be a conservator. Utilizing this tool can also be time consuming and expensive; an attorney must be hired.

During IceFest, a grassroots campaign sought feedback from the community on what they would like to see in the space. More than 400 people gave their input by writing on a sticky note and taping it to one of the front windows. Bakery, pet store, bookstore, vegan/vegetarian restaurant, arcade/game store and ice cream shop are just a few of the businesses people would like to see there. Cat café was one of the most popular responses, which is a new trend in cafés where patrons can watch and play with kittens and cats while enjoying their coffee, sandwiches and salads. For more information about downtown revitalization efforts, contact Noel Purdy, president of Downtown Chambersburg Inc., at 717-2647101 ext. 207 or [email protected].

New downtown guide now available Downtown Chambersburg Inc. (DCI) released a new Downtown Chambersburg Guide just in time for IceFest as part of ongoing efforts to promote downtown attractions, merchants and amenities. The guide is a brochure-sized pamphlet offering an overview of downtown in a user-friendly format. DCI worked with Centre Publications to produce the guide, which visitors can pick up to reference lists of shops and restaurants, annual events, a map and more. Guides are available at downtown businesses, local hotels, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau and the Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop, as well as on the Downtown Chambersburg website at www.DowntownCburg.com. To request guides for distribution at your office and to your clients/customers, please contact Amy Weibley at 717-264-7101 ext. 204 or aweibley@ chambersburg.org.

Gift Shop March Madness Sale The Chambersburg Heritage Center & Gift Shop will once again host its popular March Madness Sale throughout the entire month of March. Stop in to enjoy savings up to 90 percent off sale items in the store. Items will move quickly, so drop by early! While you’re here, you can also explore the area’s history in the self-guided history exhibits. The gift shop, located at 100 Lincoln Way East, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 5

THE OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER

Chamber releases 2017 Public Policies Agenda The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce accepts the responsibility to represent its members as the voice of business. Our goal is to ensure that the business community’s best interests are always represented in the region’s governments. For this reason, the Chamber’s board of directors approved its 2017 Public Policies Agenda in February. The agenda was adopted after hearing a presentation from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry about their 2017 Legislative Agenda. These include affordable and accessible health care, improve the business tax structure and responsible state spending and smart government, among others. The Chambersburg Chamber adopts the positions of the PA Chamber in addition to identifying key issues directly facing our local community. Local policies in the agenda include the widening of Interstate 81 and addressing local education and workforce development needs. View the 2017 Public Policies Agenda at www.chambersburg.org under “Public Policy Positions” in the “About Us” tab. The agenda is updated annually to reflect the issues currently facing our community. In addition to specific priorities outlined, the board of directors may identify key issues throughout the year that the Chamber will advocate for on behalf of the business community.

March Chamber Mixer Join the Chamber at a St. Patty’s Day Mixer hosted by ACNB Bank, 850 Norland Avenue, on Tuesday, March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. The mixer will provide valuable networking opportunities with fellow Chamber members in a festive atmosphere with live music, St. Patty’s Day themed beverages, tasty nibbles, fun raffle prizes, and more.

Keeping your tax dollar impact local Ever wonder how to contribute to local educational dollars at little to no cost to your business? The Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is a program available to Pennsylvania businesses that allows direct contributions to local approved organizations in exchange for a state tax credit of 75–100 percent of the contribution. This is a tax credit, not a deduction, so for every $1 contributed through this process, a business reduces its state tax liability by 75–100 percent. Federal Tax benefits may also be available. These contributions are used by local organizations for scholarships and educational improvement programs. Entities eligible to apply for EITC are operating business firms authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are subject to the following taxes: Personal Income Tax, Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax, Corporate Net Income Tax, Bank Shares Tax, Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax (excluding surplus lines, unauthorized, domestic/ foreign marine), Mutual Thrift Tax, Malt Beverage Tax or Retaliatory Fees under Section 212 of the Insurance Company Law of 1912 To apply a business must complete an online application located at www.newPA.com or www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. A business firm may submit multiple applications, per the type of organization to which the business firm would like to make its contribution. The combined total may not exceed $750,000 in tax credits. The EITC program runs on the state fiscal calendar: July 1 through June 30. New applications for the program for the 2017-2018 fiscal year began to be accepted beginning July 1, 2017. Renewal applications will open on May 16. Some of the programs these funds are used for include: quality early childhood education for low income children in (Montessori Academy and United Way of Franklin County), tuition scholarships (Mercersburg Academy, Montessori, Cumberland Valley School of Music), development and support of innovative programming (Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation, WABEC Foundation, FannettMetal Education Foundation).

For 160 years, ACNB Bank has proudly served south central Pennsylvania and remains one of Franklin County’s best local sources for banking expertise, products, services and technology. Important banking and loan decisions are made right here, by local people with a shared, local economy in mind. Learn more by visiting ACNB Bank’s full service office at 850 Norland Avenue, drive-up at 915 Wayne Avenue or at www.acnb.com.

Organizations in Franklin County that receive EITC funds include: Scholarship Organizations • Mercersburg Academy • Montessori Academy of Chambersburg Educational Improvement Organizations • Chambersburg Memorial YMCA • Cumberland Valley School of Music • Fannett-Metal Educational Foundation • Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation • WABEC Foundation Pre-k Scholarship Organizations • Montessori Academy of Chambersburg • United Way of Franklin County

Chamber mixers are free to attend, but registration is requested. Register at www.chambersburg.org/events or call 717-264-7101.

Find more information at dced.pa.gov/programs/educationalimprovement-tax-credit-program-eitc/ or contact your accountant.

Register today at www.chambersburg.org

6 GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AROUND TOWN WITH THE CHAMBER

Montessori hosts January mixer Montessori Academy of Chambersburg held the January Chamber Mixer with delicious Italian food catered by mixer co-host Fabio’s Events Catering. Guests enjoyed the first networking opportunity of the new year with entertainment provided by students of Montessori. There are definitely a lot of talented kids in our community!

The ribbon is cut at Frankie Results’ grand opening

Frankie Results grand opening

Attendees network at the mixer hosted by Motessori Academy

GearHouse Brewing Co. opens

A ribbon cutting helped welcome Frankie Results to the Chambersburg community in January. The fitness center is located just off of Wayne Avenue at 1331 S. 7th Street. Frankie Results offers real results with personalized meal plans, workshops, wedding diet service, diet challenges and “PURSUIT: The Fitness Revolution.” Stop in and see what it’s all about or visit their website at www.frankieresults.com.

Congratulations to GearHouse Brewing Co. at 253 Grant Street in Chambersburg! They are the newest brewery and brewpub located in downtown Chambersburg. GearHouse Brewing Co. is dedicated to providing quality craft beer and food to local neighbors and friends. Learn more about them at www.gearhousebrewingco.com, or stop in for a beverage and delicious food!

11/30 Network volunteers push kids down the Ice Slide during IceFest

11/30 Network volunteers at IceFest

Owners of GearHouse Brewing cut the ribbon at their grand opening

The 11/30 Network young professionals group had a lot of fun volunteering to help send excited kids down the Double-wide Ice Slide during IceFest in January. About 15 volunteers helped at the Ice Slide and enjoyed warming up with hot food and drinks at J. Bryant Photography & Designs just down the street.

Modern Home Furniture & More Modern Home Furniture & More celebrated their grand re-opening and new name in downtown Chambersburg in February. They are a local business serving the public’s needs when it comes to furniture, appliances, carpeting, bedding and various accessories. They also provide free delivery to customers within seventy miles and also haul away any unwanted furniture or appliances. Located at 301 S. Main Street, drop by to say hello or visit their website at www. yourmodernhome.com. Moving to or opening a new location? Renovating your store/office? Let the Chamber help plan and promote a ribbon cutting to celebrate your grand opening or re-opening! Contact Doug Harmon for details at 717-2647101 ext. 202 or [email protected].

Modern Home Furniture & More celebrates their grand re-opening

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 7

THE OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Axiom Staffing Group 528 N. Antrim Way, Greencastle, PA, 17225 717-643-1086 │ [email protected]

Axiom Staffing Group was founded in 1999 and specializes in all aspects of staffing services to include temporary, contract-to-hire and direct hire placements, payrolling and vendoron-premise management. Axiom provides solutions to our client’s workforce challenges by recruiting, deploying and managing our employees. By acting as a partner, we ensure that every candidate or employee will have the qualifications and skill set that our clients expect. We place a strong emphasis on teamwork and the belief that people truly make a difference. It’s our commitment to people, partnerships and services that sets us apart. Axiom Staffing Group is your partner in success!

Boswell’s Pipe & Tobacco 586 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg PA 17201 │ 717-264-1711 www.boswellpipes.com │ [email protected]

J.M. Boswell opened his first store on Main Street in 1980, with the dream of making high quality tobacco pipes at an accessible price. Today, he is known world-wide for his pipes and hand-blended tobacco. A familyrun business, Boswell’s now has two retail stores, one on Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg and the other on Route 22 in Alexandria, Pa. (near Raystown Lake), and mail order customers across the globe. Pipe smokers come from all over to visit J.M. and his son Dan, and on any given day, there are usually customers that have driven hundreds of miles to visit, relax in the smoking parlor, and find that special Boswell pipe to take home. Boswell’s also offers a walk-in humidor and one of the area’s largest selections of premium cigars. J.M. and Dan take great pride in making high quality, handcrafted smoking pipes right here in Pennsylvania.

CORE Design Group 141 Broadway, Suite 220, Hanover, PA 17331 │ 717-637-6720 www.core-designgroup.com │ [email protected]

CORE Design Group is a firm founded on the fundamental principle that the greatest contribution of architecture is to strengthen and vitalize our communities. We believe that architecture, the natural landscape and a building’s context, both in environment and history, are seamlessly connected. Each project begins with a collaborative approach, which engages the

client in an integrated design process from the initial concept through the project’s completion. Our goal is to create projects with truly inspired designs. We strive to create a balance between a cost-effective design while maintaining a practical and functional design for ease of construction. At CORE, we take into account the clients current needs while looking at possible future needs to ensure the best framing solution is developed. CORE Design Group is an architectural and structural design consulting firm, specializing in commercial, corporate, manufacturing and institutional projects. Our firm was founded in 2005 and has offices in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

GearHouse Brewing Co. 253 Grant Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 │ 717-552-2427 www.gearhousebrewingco.com │ [email protected]

Planning for our brewery and brewpub began well over a year ago, when our six-person team started talking about what it would take to turn our dream into a reality. Once we started to believe we could make it happen, we set about to find a location, and in short order, settled on our 1880s railroad warehouse. A year of intensive renovations, cleaning and build out passed at light speed, and we opened our doors to the public on December 23, 2016. We offer a rotating tap list of our own beers, Pennsylvania made wine, cider and spirits, as well as a food menu with a number of shareable items. The brewpub boasts a warm and welcoming environment, with comfortable seating options and several distinct spaces. The owner-team and staff of GearHouse Brewing Co. are proud and happy to serve new customers and those who are fast becoming our regulars. Come check us out! Hours are Thursday 4 to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday 12 to 10 p.m.

W.B. Mason 436 West Loudon Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 │ 717-816-0811 www.wbmason.com │ [email protected]

W.B. Mason is the third largest office products dealer in the country. It was founded in 1898 and has a long history of great customer service. The local office products sales representative, Dan Chamberlin, has served the area for the last 33 years. W.B. Mason has a king size selection of products, world class website, amazingly low prices, local drivers, next day delivery and no delivery charges. If you feel you are spending too much for your office products, give Dan a call at 717-816-0811.

8 GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PA CHAMBER UPDATE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Tax-related bills to benefit small business

2nd Hand Sally’s Couture Consignment Boutique

In early February, the Senate Finance Committee voted in favor of three PA Chamber-backed bills that would amend the Tax Code to help small businesses improve their bottom line.

Clothing Consignment

Josh Cordero 1098 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 496-8755 www.cricketwireless.com [email protected]

Fuel Services

Financial Services

Mike Vandevander 4480 Molly Pitcher Highway Chambersburg, PA 17202 (717) 375-2216 www.amerigas.com [email protected]

Christopher Jackson 425 Phoenix Drive Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 267-1426 www.tuckerfinancialservices.com [email protected]

Coffee Shops Joan Smith 1055 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 264-7272 www.hotjavaonline.com [email protected] Beauty Services

S.B. 203 would increase the deductible amount of a small business’ qualifying equipment purchases. Current state law limits the amount that may be deducted under Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code for personal income tax purposes to $25,000. The bill would raise that amount to match the federal limit of $500,000 a year – the same amount that is offered in 33 other states. The deduction will be phased out if the amount of equipment purchased exceeds $2 million.

Inside Out

Joan Smith 1055 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 264-7272 [email protected] Legal

PA Bail Bonds

Jason Bittner 162 Lincoln Highway East Chambersburg. PA 17201 (717) 460-2245 www.pa-bail.com [email protected]

All three bills will face further consideration in the Senate. This article was written by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. For more information, visit www.pachamber.org.

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GIFT SHOP

Tucker Financial Services, Inc.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

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Senate Bill 202 aims to allow small businesses to deduct net losses from a subsequent tax year’s total state tax liability, giving the employer more control over their finances, helping them compete and offering them more access to capital (a benefit that is currently only available to larger companies).

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Joan Smith & Becky Ernst 1055 Lincoln Way East Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717) 264-7272 www.2ndhandsallys.com

Amerigas Propane

Senate Bill 201 would provide for “like-kind” exchanges, which would allow a property seller to defer payments on the sale of a property if the proceeds were being used to purchase another property. This would remove a disadvantage for small businesses that is unique to Pennsylvania, as every other state offers “like-kind” exchanges, and would help them to compete.

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100 Lincoln Way E., Chambersburg, PA │ Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm www.Chambersburg.org/HeritageCenter │ 717-264-7101

70 Years Tulpehocken Spring Water & Mountainside Coffee 65 Years eLynxx Solutions 35 Years Bartlett Tree Expert Company The Gift Enclosure 30 Years SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Luther Ridge 25 Years Interstate Garage Doors, Inc. 15 Years Grace Baptist Church (Reformed Baptist) Ingram Book Group, Inc. 10 Years Allstate Insurance Co/Don Moats Agency WHAG-TV 5 Years John H. Myers & Son, Inc. Southern Installations Inc. Y.B. Welding Inc. 1 Year Antietam Realty Cavalry Firearms, LLC CJ’s BBQ Smokehouse Guernsey, Inc. Menno Haven Auxiliary Nano Cleaning Solutions Shepherd University Martinsburg Center St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church Strouse Entertainment LLC Vintage Hounds Grooming Salon LLC Your Barber Shop

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 9

THE OUTLOOK NEWSLETTER

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Join Shalom Christian Academy for Torn Curtain’s spring musical, “Esther, a Shining Star,” to be held Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. This is the story of a young Jewish girl who becomes a queen. Regular admission at the door is $6. Dessert theater tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance by calling Shalom Christian Academy at 717-375-2223. Totem Pole Playhouse, Pennsylvania’s premiere summer theatre located in Caledonia State Park between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, is pleased to announce tickets are now on sale for a special performance by comedian Lewis Black to benefit the playhouse. Lewis Black is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. The performance will be Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Those interested in purchasing tickets may call the box office at 717-337-8200. Baxter Group, Inc. has been re-certified as a woman-owned business by the National Women Business Owners Corporation, the first national certifier of Women Business Enterprises. The goal of the certification program is to streamline the certification process and increase the ability of women business owners to compete for contracts at a national level. Baxter Group, Inc., headquartered in Chambersburg, is a leader in environmental contaminant detection and removal, including asbestos testing and removal, radon testing, lead testing, paint removal, mold testing and removal and other related services. Visit www.baxtergroupinc.com for more information. The Capitol Theatre Center Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the hiring of Jon Meyer as the manager of the Capitol Theatre at 159 S. Main St. in Chambersburg. Jon was born and raised on Long Island, N.Y. He earned his B.F.A. in theatre arts at Ohio University and several years later earned an M.F.A. in acting from the University of Nebraska. Jon started working life as an actor, moved into directing and has performed virtually every position in theatre over the course of over 35 years. Throughout that time, he’s been involved in over 250 productions. He has also taught theatre on the college, high school, middle school and elementary levels, for professional and community theatres, as well as privately. Learn more at www.thecapitoltheatre.org. Richards Orthopaedic Center, Sports Medicine and Podiatry, proudly congratulates its front desk, patient service representative, Barbara Rodgers, for her 20 years of service. She has welcomed patients and worked for the Richards Orthopaedic family with dedication and compassion for two decades. Dr. Bob Richards, Jr. and the entire staff surprised her in January with a special gift and acknowledgement for her many years of loyal service. Enjoy The Young Irelanders on Sunday, March 5 at 3 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are $30/adult and $28 for seniors over 60 years old. Tickets can be purchased by calling 717-263-0202 or online at www.thecapitoltheatre.org.

Rotz & Stonesifer, P.C. is pleased to announce the hiring of Hannah Hammond, a recent graduate of Shippensburg University with a B.S. in business administration degree in accounting, and Danielle Hartz, a recent graduate of Strayer University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Hammond joined the firm as an associate following her internship during 2016. Her responsibilities include the areas of accounting, financial statement preparation and personal and business income tax preparation. Hartz joined the firm’s auditing group as an associate. Her responsibilities include the areas of nonprofit auditing, governmental auditing, financial statement preparation and non-profit tax preparation. For more information, visit at www. rotzandstonesifer.com. ACNB Corporation has announced that Thomas A. Ritter intends to retire from the current positions of president and CEO of ACNB Corporation and CEO of ACNB Bank effective May 5, 2017. Following retirement as an executive officer of the Corporation and Bank, he will continue to serve as a director of both ACNB Corporation and ACNB Bank. Concurrent with Ritter’s announcement, the Board of Directors has named James P. Helt, ACNB Bank president, to be his successor as president and CEO of ACNB Corporation and CEO of ACNB Bank effective May 5, 2017. Summit Health will host a roundtable discussion focused on helping local employers understand how to track and utilize health insurance claims data to build targeted and affordable employee wellness programs. The free event will be held Wednesday, March 1, at the Chambersburg Hospital Lecture Center at 112 North 7th St. Networking and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with presentations and panel discussion to follow at 8 a.m. This roundtable is the latest in an ongoing series hosted by Summit Health’s Wellness at Work program. Learn more at www.summithealth.org/wellnessatwork. Totem Pole Playhouse season tickets are now on sale for the theatre’s 67th summer season, sponsored by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. Shows will include “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “I Love a Piano” and “Million Dollar Quartet.” Subscription prices for all four shows are $133 for junior subscriptions, ages 5 to 15, and $171 for adult subscriptions. In addition, a FLEX subscription plan is available. To subscribe, call the box office at 717-352-2164 or visit www.totempoleplayhouse.org. The Capitol Theatre will host the 30th Anniversary Comedy & Magic Spectacular on March 11 and the Irish Happy Hour on March 16. Reserve your tickets by calling 717-263-0202 or online at www. thecapitoltheatre.org. Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc. (SYD) has placed tenth on the list of Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania in the large-sized companies category. This is the sixth year in a row and the tenth time overall that SYD has been named one of the Best Places to Work in the commonwealth. The annual award program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Pennsylvania, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses. To learn more about SYD visit www.sydist.com.

10 GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC is pleased to announce the following promotions. Ryan D. Leppo promoted to senior associate: Leppo works in tax compliance and planning for individual and closely-held business clients. Robert K. Greening, II promoted to senior associate: Greening focuses on tax compliance and planning for businesses and individuals. Mandy L. Walls promoted to senior associate: Walls specializes in small business and individual accounting, tax, SALT and QuickBooks services. The following staff members were promoted recently to a manager position. Margaret E. Eldridge, CPA, MBA, CSEP co-manages the Individual Tax Advisory Services group with an emphasis on retirement issues for individuals. Laura L. Stover, SHRM-SCP, SPHR manages the firm’s Human Resources Department and consults externally on HR-related issues. Nicole E. Wilson, CPA specializes in providing services to financial institutions to include audits of financial statements, BSA and ACH compliance, services to HUD lending, mergers and acquisitions and tax compliance. For more information, visit www.sek.com. The Wilson College 2016-17 Performing Arts Series will continue Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11, with a production of a Broadway classic with a twist, “Guys and Dolls Jr.” performed by students ages eight to 18 from the Cumberland Valley School of Music. The show is directed by Laura J. Martin, with musical direction by Lindsay Owen. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for children six to 16; and free for kids under six or Wilson College students and employees. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wilson.edu/events or by calling 717-2622003. Tiffany Weathersby, Baxter Group, Inc.’s safety director, was presented with the Safety Professional of the Year Award for 2016 by the Cumberland Valley Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national trade association for the construction industry. The award recognizes an individual for accomplishments in the safety and health field within their company, professional contributions within the industry, and for participation in ABC’s Safety and Health Activities and Programs. Weathersby has been with Baxter Group for three years and is acknowledged with redesigning and establishing their world-class safety program.

The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University has several shows coming up in March. They include The Zombies “Odessey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Tour” on March 24 at 8 p.m., Luhrs Circle of Friends Gala on March 31 at 6 p.m. and Kool & The Gang on March 31 at 8 p.m. Ballroom Dance lessons will also be offered for beginners on March 20 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting or calling the Luhrs Center box office at 717-477-7469 or online at www.luhrscenter.com. Chambersburg Hospital has received Healthgrades 2017 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™. The distinction recognizes Chambersburg Hospital as ranking in the top five percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for its clinical performance as measured by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Chambersburg Hospital is the only hospital in Pennsylvania to receive both the 2017 Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and the 2016 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award. To learn more about how Healthgrades determines recipients, visit www.healthgrades.com/quality. The Chambersburg Community Theatre will perform “Don’t Drink the Water” by Woody Allen at The Capitol Theatre. The performance will be held March 17-19 and 24-26. Tickets are available by calling 717-263-0202 or visiting www.cctonline.org.

GIVING BACK Weis Markets recently gave a $1,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to Cumberland Valley School of Music to support their Educational Improvement Programs benefitting Chambersburg Area School District students.

ACNB Bank has introduced CardValet, a new mobile card management application that helps reduce account fraud by allowing cardholders to monitor accounts with their smartphone and control how, when and where their debit card is used. CardValet is offered in conjunction with Fiserv, ACNB Bank’s key technology partner, and is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play. CardValet can also be used for small businesses. For details, visit www.acnb.com. The Franklin County Historical Society will host its monthly meeting at Grove Family Library, 101 Ragged Edge Road, on March 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. Sue Burkey will speak about Franklin County nurses in World War 1. The event is free and open to the public. For details, visit franklinhistorical.org or call 717-264-1667.

Do something good? Have news to share? Submit your press release or a one paragraph write-up by emailing Lark Plessinger at lplessinger@ chambersburg.org.

GREATER CHAMBERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 11

Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce 100 Lincoln Way East, Suite A Chambersburg, PA 17201 717-264-7101

PRSRTD STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #7 Chambersburg, PA

Our Service Vision Statement We promise to be your champion in the community, serving your needs to always be part of the solution. MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NETWORKING REFERRAL GROUP

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The Chamber Connections Referral Group is an excellent way to build member-tomember connections by focusing on building relationships, developing leads and serving as a professional resource. This networking circle will help increase direct client referrals and leads while you make meaningful connections with professionals from other industries.

Ribbon Cutting: Quick Lane 9 a.m., 301 Walker Rd. next to Keystone Ford

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Ribbon Cutting: 1st Ed Credit Union Student Store 9:30 a.m., Franklin County Career & Technology Center, 2463 Loop Rd.

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Lunch & Learn: Essential Oils, presented by Norland Avenue Pharmacy 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 100 Lincoln Way East, lunch by Fuddruckers

14 March Chamber Mixer

5-7 p.m., ACNB Bank, 850 Norland Ave.

16 11/30 Network 3rd Thursday Happy Hour 5-7 p.m., location TBA

30 Ribbon Cutting: Superior Floor Coverings & Kitchens 5:30 p.m., 254 E. King St.

For information about joining a Chamber Connections Referral Group, contact Doug Harmon at 717-264-7101 ext. 202 or [email protected].

Don’t miss out on the premier event of the season coming up in April!

22 Sip & Savor Masquerade Ball, $90/person, $100/person with After Party 5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner, Chambersburg Country Club, 3646 Scotland Rd. To register for these events and more, visit www.chambersburg.org/events.

The Outlook is the monthly publication of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce. 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. The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce is a 5-star accredited chamber, rated among the top chambers in the U.S., and is a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the PA Chamber Business & Industry.