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

VOLUME XXVII, NUMBER 6

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Passionate About Customers, Co-Workers and Community / Page 12

JUNE 2014

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June 2014

EDITORIAL >

FEATURES >

7 / Health Matters

3 / Spotlight

How the Affordable Care Act will impact dental and vision benefits too.

Career Street Executive Director Jennifer Nygaard Pontzer discusses this new career exploration initiative, and the necessity for employers, educators and students to work together to develop a well-prepared work force.

RYAN WASILESKI

9 / Legal Brief Why you shouldn’t overlook the retirement planning opportunities that reverse mortgages present. JAMES E. SPODEN

11 / On the Hill Experts explain how one of the most effective steps Congress can take to promote local economic growth is to facilitate international trade through trade deals.

12 / ERIEBANK Bank officials explain how this Eriebased community bank has grown and prospered through a commitment to its customers, co-workers, and community.

4 11

INSERT / Training Catalog Learn about the upcoming computer and professional development training courses in our most current Training Catalog.

2014 Raffle Drawing!

SPECIAL SECTION > 15 / 2014 Patrick R. Locco Awards The Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards were created by the Manufacturer & Business Association to recognize outstanding high school students who distinguish themselves in pursuit of technical and academic excellence. See photo coverage of this year’s award winners and nominees.

DEPARTMENTS > 4 / Business Buzz 16 / HR Connection

18 / HR Q&A 20 / People Buzz

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SPOTLIGHT > Schools and businesses face a shared challenge — preparing students for the work force of the future. Schools are struggling to improve student outcomes, while businesses struggle to find capable and qualified employees. Recently, the Business Magazine sat down with Jennifer Nygaard Pontzer, executive director of Career Street, to learn about the new career exploration initiative, and the necessity for employers, educators and students to work together to develop a well-prepared work force.

What is Career Street and how is it different from other business-education partnerships? Career Street is Erie County’s newest and most promising initiative to bring local employers, educators and nonprofit organizations together around a common goal — exposing youth throughout Erie County to a wide variety of careers that exist in Erie County businesses. Through a variety of programs and services, Career Street will ensure youth and schools see the career opportunities in the local community. CareerStreetErie.org is where it all begins. Career Street also has the ability to promote and fund career experiences. There is a strong focus on promoting interaction amongst the participants that will generate stronger connections between educators, employers and nonprofits. How did the program come about? Over the last few years, Erie Together had community discussions about the growing disconnect between local business and education. The discussions indicated local employers were not finding applicants for the jobs they offered, and local educators were looking for ways to improve their connection with the business community. Through a grant provided by the Erie Community Foundation, a career exploration leadership team was established to research how the problem could be resolved. The team’s recommendation was to establish an entity that would assist businesses, nonprofit organizations and educators to work together to offer career exploration experiences for all youth in the county. What is the goal of Career Street? The ’micro’ goal for Career Street is to provide a variety of quality career exploration opportunities to all youth in Erie County. Ideally, by the time the student has finished eighth grade, they will have experienced three or more career exploration opportunities. The ’macro’ goal for Career Street is to help employers find qualified employees. How will the program be executed? Career Street was launched on February 24 with the rollout of the website and my appointment as executive director. The marketing push continues as we encourage local employers and nonprofit organizations to become involved. All of the public school districts in Erie County, as well as the Catholic Diocese are already financially committed and partnered with Career Street. Besides funding from the school districts, we are grateful to the Erie Community Foundation, the United Way of Erie County, and the Workforce Investment Board for their financial support. How will you measure the success of the program? Erie Together and Career Street sponsor an annual 8th Grade Career Readiness Survey. The survey measures the number and type of career exploration experiences of eighth-graders in Erie County. It also measures other career readiness characteristics of the students. As mentioned earlier, the goal is to have 80 percent of eighth-graders throughout Erie County have three or more career exploration experiences. Career Street also will focus on other measures, including: the number of businesses registering with Career Street, the number of experiences they offer, the number of matches made between schools and businesses on those experiences, the number of students reached, and, of course, the customer’s satisfaction with all of Career Street’s services, for both employers and participants. How can employers get involved? It is very easy to get involved. Merely go to our website, www.CareerStreetErie.org, and register. Registering is quick and simple. Once the employer’s registration is approved by Career Street staff, they can create experiences on the website. They should then be ready to accept matches for their experiences from schools, guidance counselors, and teachers. For Career Street to be successful, everyone, schools and employers alike, must be engaged. What is the best way to learn more about Career Street? You can learn a lot by visiting the website www.CareerStreetErie.org. Anyone is welcome to contact me directly at 814/520-8376, and I’ll gladly explain the program and how they can best be involved.

Contact: Karen Torres

VOL. X X VII, NO. 6 JUNE 2014 Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors

Editor in Chief Executive Editor Managing Editor & Senior Writer Contributing Writers

Joel Berdine John Cline Harry Eighmy Andrew Foyle Mark Hanaway Donald Hester Bill Hilbert Jr. Timothy Hunter Phil Katen Paul Kenny Jeff Plyler Sue Sutto Mike Weber Ralph Pontillo rpontillo@mbausa.org John Krahe jkrahe@mbausa.org Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org James Spoden Ryan Wasileski

Feature Photography

Contributed by ERIEBANK

Additional Photography

Casey Naylon Karen Torres

Advertising Sales

Design, Production & Printing

Patty Welther 814/833-3200 pwelther@mbausa.org Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net

ON THE COVER: ERIEBANK has experienced phenomenal growth through a commitment to its customers, co-workers, and community. Shown here, at the construction site of the new West 12th Street bank location, are: Bill DeLuca, senior vice president, Commercial Banking; Don Damon, senior vice president, Private Banking; Dave Zimmer, president; and Katie Jones, regional retail administrator and community office manager of ERIEBANK’s Harborcreek Office. For full story, see page 12. Mission Statement The Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org © Copyright 2014 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 3

Business Buzz THE WARREN COMPANY FEATURED IN MODERN METALS The Warren Company, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, recently was featured in ModernMetals.com, a magazine for metal service centers, original equipment manufacturers and fabricators.

Loveland, is now owned by the fourth generation of Warrens.

The issue focuses on how the company’s people-centric approach has helped keep the shop in business for more than a century. The story also highlights the company’s participation in the Y.E.S.™ Certificate program, a community initiative from the Manufacturer & Business Association. Y.E.S.™ is designed to help youth acquire the fundamental skills that employers regard as important to a well-trained work force.

For more information, visit www. modernmetals.com/item/11895-alegacy-of-longevity.html.

The Warren Company has been owned and operated since its establishment in 1913 by family patriarch Samuel Warren on East 10th Street. The Warren Company, presently located at 2201

An ISO certified, full-service steel center and custom fabricator, the company offers custom fabrication and cutting services of stainless and tool steel, aluminum and other ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

VELOCITY NETWORK RANKS AMONG TOP 100 MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDERS Erie-based Velocity Network has been named as a Top 100 MSP on Nine Lives Media’s seventh-annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition, a distinguished list and report identifying the world’s top 501 managed service providers (MSPs). The MSPmentor 501 report is based on data from MSPmentor’s global online survey, conducted October through December 2013. The MSPmentor 501

How can we manufacture a vibrant community?

report recognizes top managed service providers based on a range of metrics, including annual managed services revenue growth, revenue per employee, managed services offered and customer devices managed. Since 1990, Velocity Network has provided enterprise-level IT solutions to organizations throughout northwest Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.VelocityNetwork.net. MICRO MOLD, PLASTIKOS TAKE TOP SPOTS AS ’BEST PLACES TO WORK’ On the heels of earning a runner-up designation for their local Employer of the Year award, Erie-based Plastikos and Micro Mold are being recognized nationally for workplace excellence. Micro Mold Co. earned the No. 1 designation and Plastikos secured the No. 2 spot on PlasticsNews’ inaugural 2014 “Best Places to Work� award.

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DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

The award was designed to identify and honor the U.S. and Canadian plastics industry’s best employers. Best Companies Group of Harrisburg gathered extensive data with input from employee and management surveys to independently determine the winners. “We believe that great employees at every level are fundamental to Micro Mold’s and Plastikos’ ability to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Micro Mold President Ryan Katen. “I am so proud of our entire team and the passion that every member brings to the companies. We are deeply honored by this recognition from PlasticsNews.” Well over 50 percent of Micro Mold’s employees have 20-plus years of service with the company, and both companies have utilized a progressive recruitment and retention strategy that embraces professionalism, diversity, teamwork and excellence. For more information, visit bestplacestoworkplastics.com or www.plastikoserie.com. HIGH PRESSURE EQUIPMENT COMPANY ACQUIRES STAFFORDSHIRE HYDRAULICS High Pressure Equipment Company (HiP), one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty valves for high-pressure applications, has acquired Staffordshire Hydraulic Services Ltd. (SHS), one of the United Kingdom’s leading distributors and designers of high pressure equipment. SHS has been a key distribution partner for HiP for more than 40 years. Additionally, SHS markets its own line of standard and customized high-pressure equipment with application in the oil and gas, power generation and other industrial markets. High Pressure was founded in 1954 in Erie, Pennsylvania, where it remains today. In 2012, Wasserstein Partners III, a private equity fund managed by Wasserstein & Co., acquired a majority equity interest in High Pressure. For more information, visit www.highpressure.com.

PSU ERIE BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CENTER The Penn State Board of Trustees recently approved construction of a $15.6-million Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center in Knowledge Park. Work on the site began in May. The two-story building will add 60,000 square feet of space to Knowledge Park, a partnership of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and the Greater Erie Industrial Development Corp. (GEIDC). Penn State will fund nearly $10.6 million of the construction. GEIDC and DevelopErie will provide the additional funding, which will support industrial tenants. The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center will provide more space for Penn State Behrend’s School of Engineering, which has more than 1,400 students. Eight classrooms and 25 faculty offices will be located in the building, which will be on the south side of Technology Drive, near the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center. Additionally, Penn State Erie is accepting applications for a new master’s degree in manufacturing management. The 32-credit program will provide engineering, business, quality control and communications skills that are essential to management success in an increasingly global marketplace. Classes will begin in July. The program, which previously had been available at Penn State’s University Park campus, will now be offered exclusively at Penn State Behrend. It is being administered by the college’s School of Engineering and the Sam and Irene Black School of Business. For more information, contact the Penn State Behrend School of Engineering at 814/898-6153 or email PSBehrendMMM@psu.edu. CONSTRUCTION UNDER WAY ON LECOM DENTAL OFFICES The former LORD Corporation Technology Center on West Grandview Boulevard in Erie will soon become a 30-chair dental office for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

LECOM’s School of Dental Medicine is based in Florida, so 50 of its dental students will be coming to Erie to provide affordable, oral health care for patients who find it difficult to receive dental treatments elsewhere. School officials expect each student to contribute roughly $28,000 a year to the local economy in the form of housing, transportation, food and other expenses. The dental school will have 31 employees including general and specialty dentists, a hygienist and office staff. The office will also house a primary care physician and at least three support staff members. The clinic is expected to be open by May 2015. For more information, visit www.lecom.edu. INSURANCE MANAGEMENT COMPANY JOINS WORLDWIDE BROKER NETWORK Worldwide Broker Network™, the world’s largest fully integrated network of independent property and casualty and employee benefits brokers, recently added 10 new partners — including Insurance Management Company of Erie, Pennsylvania — which represent four countries in Europe, three in the Middle East, two in Asia and one each in North and South America. Three associate member firms, all headquartered in the United States also joined the network during the year. The additions bring the network, which was founded in Europe in 1989, to nearly 100 members in more than 75 countries and territories on six continents. Founded in Erie, in 1933, IMC serves a wide range of commercial, industrial and institutional clients. In its third generation of family ownership and management, the firm serves 120 commercial, industrial and institutional clients operating in 24 states and 26 countries. For more information, visit www.imcerie.com.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 5

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Health Matters

EDITORIAL > By Ryan Wasileski

Affordable Care Act Impacts Dental, Vision Benefits Too It’s no surprise that the majority of attention generated in health insurance in the past year has been connected to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on health benefits. So it should come as no surprise that many people are unaware of how the law applies to dental and vision benefits. Misconceptions about how the ACA pertains to dental and vision benefits persist, and the result is many people are not aware that the ACA does indeed impact vision and dental coverage. What is Required Under the ACA, children, but not adults, are required to have dental coverage. That is because for an individual or a small group market plan to be certified as a “qualified health plan,” it must provide 10 Essential Health Benefits (EHBs). Pediatric oral health services — but not adult oral health services — are considered EHBs. There is no requirement that health plans provide dental and/or vision coverage to individuals who are age 19 or older. This also means that stand-alone dental plans are not subject to the reforms that impact other coverage. The American Dental Association is predicting that 8.7 million children could gain dental coverage through the ACA by 2018. The number of children without dental benefits could be reduced by approximately 55 percent. It is estimated that the number of adults without

dental benefits will be reduced by approximately 5 percent.

health, and poor oral health can be a sign of other health problems.

No Need to Switch Employers who have 50 or fewer employees must offer Minimum Essential Coverage under the ACA. Because employers are not required to purchase dental and vision benefits for their employees via the federal health insurance exchange, employees can keep their current insurers for those benefits. The mandate that employers with fewer than 50 employees must offer affordable Minimum Essential Coverage or face a fine does not apply to dental or vision coverage.

Vision and eye problems rarely have symptoms or outward signs, so they can easily go undetected. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss and help to maintain good vision. Regular eye exams can determine if you need eyeglasses or need a new prescription for your eyeglasses. Adults should have regular eye exams for early signs of eye disease. Eye exams for children are important in maintaining normal vision development.

An estimated 99 percent of all dental benefits are sold under a separate policy from medical coverage. Only about 1 percent of consumers have dental benefits as part of their medical policies. That situation is not likely to change, but insurers will continue to offer stand-alone dental plans for adults and families. The Value of Dental and Vision Coverage Studies have shown that good dental hygiene promotes general health. Regular visits to the dentist can tell a practitioner more about your overall health, including whether you may be developing other diseases such as diabetes. It is widely believed that the health of your mouth reflects the condition of your body. A healthy mouth suggests a person with good overall

For information about UPMC Health Plan’s dental and vision products, visit www.upmchealthplan.com.

Ryan Wasileski is the director of Ancillary Products Operations for UPMC Health Plan, which is part of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. The UPMC Insurance Services also includes UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions (EAP), UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for You Advantage, UPMC for Kids, Community Care Behavioral Health, EBenefit Solutions, LifeSolutions, and Askesis Development Group.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 7

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EDITORIAL > By James E. Spoden

Legal Brief Reverse Mortgage Presents Retirement Planning Opportunities A reverse mortgage is becoming an increasingly popular way to supplement retirement cash flow. However, like most investment products, there are risks that must be considered. A reverse mortgage can provide an eligible homeowner a guaranteed payment each month, or provide access to the equity in one’s home, generally taxfree. While there are different types of reverse mortgages available in the marketplace, this article focuses on the most popular form — a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Who is Eligible? Federal law provides that only certain individuals are eligible for a reverse mortgage. Generally speaking, in order to be eligible, the individual must: 1) be 62 years of age or older; 2) continue to occupy the home as his or her principal residence; and 3) meet with a counselor prior to taking out the reverse mortgage. The amount the individual is eligible to borrow is based on his or her age and the equity value of the home. Homes Eligible for Reverse Mortgages Reverse mortgages are governed by the same Federal Housing Administration (FHA) regulations that apply to traditional mortgages; therefore, a reverse mortgage can be obtained on most single-family homes, condominiums, planned unit developments and some types of manufactured housing. Most reverse mortgages are made on a non-recourse basis, meaning your estate may not have to pay more on the reverse mortgage than the value of the home. Types of HECMs HECMs are offered in four variations: 1) A “Term” that provides the individual with a guaranteed

stream of payments over a fixed period of time. 2) A “Tenure” that provides the individual with a guaranteed stream of payments over his or her life expectancy or until he or she no longer occupies the home as the primary residence. 3) A “Line of Credit” that allows the individual to draw against the line up to a set dollar amount. 4) A combination of a stream of payments and line of credit. Costs Associated with a Reverse Mortgage The initial closing costs associated with a reverse mortgage are similar to those of obtaining a traditional mortgage. After the loan closing, a reverse mortgage is drastically different from a traditional loan. While a reverse mortgage can accrue interest at either a fixed or variable interest rate, no payments are due to the lender until the homeowner dies, or the homeowner no longer uses the mortgaged property as his or her primary residence. Upon the occurrence of one of the foregoing events, the entire outstanding balance on the loan becomes due. Because the reverse mortgage encumbers the property, it likely will result in little to no equity to pass on to heirs. Other Conditions A reverse mortgage does not cause a transfer of title to the home. Therefore, the individual is still responsible for maintaining the home, providing insurance on the property, and paying property taxes. Like all mortgages, if the homeowner fails to pay the property taxes or maintain property insurance, then the lender can foreclose on the reverse mortgage. The interest accrued on a reverse mortgage is not deductible on the individual’s tax return.

Governmental Benefits Planning If structured properly, the proceeds from a reverse mortgage will not affect any governmental benefits the homeowner is receiving. Pennsylvania does not treat reverse annuity mortgages as income for Medicaid and SSI eligibility purposes (unlike some other states). However, any portion of monthly payments not spent as received, may be considered an available resource for these purposes. Thus, proper planning must be done to ensure that the homeowner’s governmental benefits will not be reduced. Conclusion A reverse mortgage can be a great retirement planning tool, but they are not without several potential pitfalls. While a reverse mortgage can provide the extra cash flow needed in retirement, they may not be right for everyone. Careful consideration should be given to the income and estate planning consequences before entering into such an arrangement. For more information on reverse mortgages, contact Jim Spoden at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP at 814/870-7710 or jspoden@mijb.com. Jim Spoden is a senior partner at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP. He concentrates his practice in the area of corporate, commercial and business law, with a special emphasis on taxation and estate planning for small business owners. He is also active in the area of business formation, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 9

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Professional Development

Professional Development

Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course II Course III (Corry) Course IV Course IV (St. Marys) Course V (St. Marys) 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

7/24 and 7/31 7/29 and 8/5 7/1 and 7/8 7/8 and 7/9 7/29 and 7/30

Leadership for Team Leaders Course IV Course V 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

7/9 7/30

HR Essential Certification Series: Effective Interviewing & Hiring Techniques 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

7/31

Computer Access 2007/2010/2013 Level II (Two Days) 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV Excel 2007/2010/2013 Level II 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

7/31 and 8/7 7/8

Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course II (Meadville) Course III (Meadville) Course III Course IV (Corry) Course V 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

8/6 and 8/13 8/27 and 9/3 8/14 and 8/21 8/19 and 8/26 8/5 and 8/12

Food Safety Certification 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV HR Essential Certification Series: Compensation & Benefits (8 – 11 a.m.) Effective Interviewing & Hiring Techniques (8 – 10 a.m., Butler) Terminations – Keeping It Legal (10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Butler) Employment Law – What HR Should Know (1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Butler) Discrimination & Harassment In The Workplace (9 -11 a.m., Butler) Compensation & Benefits (12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Butler) 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

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Computer “After taking the HR Essential Certification Series at the MBA, I have found that all the information has become very useful in my everyday work environment. Our instructor did an excellent job presenting the information in a way that kept your attention and also taught you what you needed to know.� — Dina Heile, Administrative Assistant Intellectual Property Services

“Whether it is computer classes or professional development courses, the training provided by the Manufacturer & Business Association has allowed us to provide a cost-effective solution that is critical to our ability to stay competitive.� — Joy Sherry, Human Resources Director Ainsworth Pet Nutrition

Access 2007/2010/2013 Level III Excel 2007/2010/2013 Level I Excel 2007/2010/2013 Level II 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

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“Environmental Reclamation Services takes pride in the continued education of our employees. In seeking out a program that clearly defines the expectations we have for our supervisors, we looked no further than the Manufacturer & Business Association in Erie, Pa. Their leadership seminars identify and sharpen the skills necessary to produce qualified supervisors while fine-tuning the natural abilities our employees bring to the table.� — Bridget Trojanowski, Human Resource Manager Environmental Reclamation Services

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9/15

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9/11 9/4 9/18 9/25

“Shorty after joining the Manufacturer & Business Association, I learned of the HR Essential Certification Series. Knowing that our company was growing and there were aspects of Human Resources with which I needed guidance, I signed up for the series. Our instructor was very familiar with both PA and federal laws. I enjoyed the fastpaced classes, which were packed with pertinent, up-to-date information and real-life scenarios from other local businesses. No matter what level of HR experience you have, you will find these classes very educational.� — Tammy Ricci, Office Manager Moody and Associates, Inc.

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Training

Professional Development Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course IV Course IV (Meadville) Course V (Corry) 3ULFH 0HPEHUV 1RQPHPEHUV

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Regional Locations All courses are held at the MBA Conference Center in Erie, unless otherwise noted. Bradford:

Holiday Inn Express 30 Tarport Drive Extension Butler: Fairfield Inn & Suites 200 Fairfield Lane Corry: Higher Education Council 221 North Center Street DuBois: Best Western 82 North Park Place Erie: Manufacturer & Business Association Conference Center 2171 West 38th Street Franklin: Franklin Industrial & Commercial Development Authority 191 Howard Sreet Grove City: Hampton Inn & Suites Holiday Boulevard Hermitage: LindenPointe 3182 Innovation Way Kittanning: Armstrong Educational Trust 81 Glade Drive Meadville: Holiday Inn Express 18240 Conneaut Lake Road Mercer/Grove City: Hampton Inn, Grove City 4 Holiday Boulevard St. Marys: Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties 4 Erie Avenue, Suite 200 Titusville: Towne Square Conference Center 110 West Spring Street Warren: Warren/Forest Higher Ed Council 589 Hospital Drive, Suite F Williamsport: Genetti Hotel 200 W. Fourth Street * Handicap access and parking available at all sites.

Onsite Training Get more flexibility and convenience with our onsite training options — one of the most cost-effective choices for group instruction. • • •

Flexible and convenient scheduling Customized instruction Eliminate travel expenses

Course Registration Contact Terry Nunez at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or tnunez@mbausa.org to register or for more information on upcoming courses. Online registration also is available at www.mbausa.org.

OntheHill

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Lori Joint

Pennsylvania: Expanding Exports, Supporting Jobs Through Trade Agreements For almost 40 years, Congress has enacted Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) type laws to help guide presidents in pursuing trade agreements that support U.S. jobs, eliminate barriers to U.S. exports, and set rules to level the playing field for U.S. companies, farmers, and workers. In these laws, Congress has set high-standard objectives and priorities for U.S. trade negotiators and established a process for consulting with Congress and the public. Here, we examine the importance of trade agreements to the economy, specifically in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania economy today is more dependent on global commerce than it has ever been. Total exports from Pennsylvania helped contribute to the record-setting value of U.S. goods and services exports in 2013, which reached $2.3 trillion. In 2011, nearly one-fifth (19.0 percent) of all manufacturing workers in Pennsylvania depended on exports for their jobs. Of the companies that exported from Pennsylvania locations in 2011, 89.3 percent were small and mediumsized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. These firms generated over one-third (36.0 percent) of Pennsylvania’s total exports of merchandise in 2011. In fact, one of the most effective steps Congress can take to promote this local economic growth is to facilitate international trade through the following trade deals: Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) TPP negotiations with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam center on creating a high-standard, regional agreement that opens new markets and knits together existing U.S. trade agreements in the Asia-Pacific region by addressing new and emerging issues. The United States exported $697.8 billion in goods to all TPP markets in 2013 (44 percent of total U.S. exports). Pennsylvania’s exports could benefit from new market access as a result of Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Vietnam eliminating their tariffs as part of TPP. Efforts under TPP — to address unnecessary barriers to trade, increase transparency and certainty for businesses, and promote the rule of law throughout the region — could also benefit Pennsylvania’s exporters. TPP could further promote regional integration by providing companies the ability to access supply chains that span four continents and a dozen countries.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) TTIP will be an ambitious, comprehensive, and highstandard trade and investment agreement that offers significant benefits for U.S. companies and workers through eliminating existing trade barriers and better enabling U.S. companies and workers to compete. TTIP will provide significant new opportunities for U.S. industry, as approximately one-fifth of all U.S. goods and services exports go to the European Union (EU). Pennsylvania exported $9 billion annually in goods to the EU (2011-2013 average). The EU was Pennsylvania’s second largest export market. EU tariff elimination as part of TTIP would provide new market access that could benefit Pennsylvania’s exports. Exports from Pennsylvania could also benefit from efforts in TTIP to achieve new market access commitments in services and investment, improve the regulatory environment, and establish global best practices. Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) A trade agreement focused exclusively on services, TiSA will encompass state-of-the-art trade rules aimed at promoting fair and open competition across a broad spectrum of service sectors. Presently, there are 50 participants in the TiSA negotiations, representing almost two-thirds of world trade in services and a combined services market exceeding $30 trillion, which is approximately half of the global economy. Promoting the expansion of services that trade globally will pay dividends for the United States, with every $1 billion in services exports supporting an estimated 5,900 U.S. jobs. Service industries employ workers throughout the country and approximately three out of every four American workers nationwide. An ambitious, high-standard international services agreement presents a tremendous opportunity to remove a range of barriers that face U.S. service exports, and thus boost U.S. economic growth and support additional jobs, including those in Pennsylvania. Prepared by Trade Policy and Analysis, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, please see www.trade.gov/fta.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 11

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1?QQGML?RC "@MSR $SQRMKCPQ $M 8MPICPQ ?LB $MKKSLGRW ERIEBANK was developed locally by the people and business leaders of Erie, Pennsylvania. The decision to establish ERIEBANK was motivated by the drive to serve small- to medium-size businesses, their owners, and employees — by providing the personalized customer service of a community bank, while offering access to the high-tech products and services of a larger financial institution.

A Community Bank is Born

Fueled by the desire to return to the personalized banking of old, ERIEBANK opened its doors in August 2005 with a sole employee, David Zimmer, an Erie native with then more than 20 years of banking experience. “We had a small, leased space and were really a loan production office,� Zimmer explains. “We grew quickly, however, and within a few months expanded to a three-person office. In August 2006, we leased a larger space and opened the first community bank office.� ERIEBANK was off and running. By September 2007, the bank had grown out of the leased space and built its first freestanding building on Asbury Road, which was designed to feature the community of Erie through the new-concept banking-center style that is now found in all ERIEBANK locations. The bank’s focus then, as it is now, was on serving locally owned small- to mid-sized businesses, and it continues to enjoy a stellar reputation as a specialist in commercial lending. In addition, ERIEBANK has expanded to include personal banking, private banking, and investment services. Currently, assets are in excess of $600 million. Today, the bank has branches in seven locations in three counties: four in Erie, two in Crawford and one in Warren. And, by fourth quarter 2014, ERIEBANK will open its eighth location on West 12th Street, a heavily traveled east-west thoroughfare in Erie County. “This new location will fill a service gap for ERIEBANK’s commercial and residential clients located in the northwest Erie area,� Zimmer says. “It also gives us the opportunity to add new commercial and personal clients in that part of the county.� What prompted this phenomenal growth? “ERIEBANK has stayed true to its roots, building on the vision of its founding members,� says Zimmer, the bank’s current president. “Every year we’ve experienced more and more growth. With our 12 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2014

As an ERIEBANK customer, Pasco Tool and Plastics, Inc. in Meadville has experienced the high quality customer service that bank officials talk about. From left, are: Jeffrey Pasilla and Tony Passilla Jr. of Pasco Tool and Plastics, Inc. with ERIEBANK’s Steve Cappellino, senior vice president in Meadville, and Commercial Lending Officer Jim Miale.

commercial banking services, we’ve been busy since day one, but it took some time for retail banking consumers to trust that we were going to be here for the long haul. Once they realized that we could offer a full complement of banking services, but still function as a friendly community bank, they were sold. We’ve continued to earn the respect of both business and individual customers by putting their needs first and attending to each one on a personal level.� While ERIEBANK provides the personalized customer service of a community bank, customers also have access to all the new technological advances typical of a larger bank — mobile banking, online bill pay from their smart phones or tablets, direct and remote deposit, and more.

Financial Support, Employee Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction

To nurture its development, ERIEBANK has had the support of Clearfield-based CNB Financial Corporation. Its strength allowed ERIEBANK to expedite its building process, hire additional staff, and invest in the communities it serves. “Having a partner like CNB has been invaluable to our development,� Zimmer notes. “We are autonomous, flexible in our operations, and make quick, local decisions. That spirit of trust and unity extends to our Board of Advisors, which is made up

“ERIEBANK has stayed true to its roots, building on the vision of its founding members. Every year since we opened in 2005, we’ve experienced more and more growth.” — David Zimmer, ERIEBANK President entirely of local business and community leaders from a broad array of industries in northwest Pennsylvania.” Perhaps the real success of ERIEBANK lies with its employees; they are, for the most part, home-grown, longtime or returning residents. “Our employee turnover rate is extremely low, so when customers walk into their local bank, they see the same smiling faces every time,” says Katie Jones, regional retail administrator and community office manager at the Harborcreek location. “They can chat with an associate they know and trust, take care of business, and even have a complimentary cup of coffee. We know our customers, and our customers know us.” The bank’s leadership is from the local area as well. Some left for a time, gained experience in larger banking and financial institutions, then returned home and now use that knowledge and expertise to better serve the banking needs of the community. “Our entire management team works where we live, taking part in community activities and volunteering for worthy causes,” Zimmer notes. Every bank employee has one thing in common: dedication to providing the highest quality customer service to each customer and making sure that every banking experience is a positive one. “We are proud to be a part of Erie and its surrounding communities, and honored to serve area people and businesses,” states Don Damon, banking veteran of more than 30 years and

ERIEBANK’s Private Banking team — Kelly Buck, private banking officer; Don Damon, senior vice president, Private Banking; and Paul Sallie, assistant vice president, Private Banking — provide first class service and unwavering attention to customers’ personal banking needs.

manager of the Private Banking division. “We make a promise to each and every customer that we will strive to provide the highest standards of service.” Tony Passilla, Jr., vice president of Pasco Tool and Plastics Inc. in Meadville, has experienced that dedication first hand. “The people at ERIEBANK are very professional,” he adds, “yet they treat each customer as a personal friend. The quality of the customer service is second to none, and the quick response to client requests is exceptional.”

Commercial Lending

The relationship between a business and its bank is critical. There has to be equal trust in order for both sides to prosper. Business owners have numerous responsibilities. They have to continue to grow the business, making sure that it’s run efficiently and effectively, while at the same time maintain financial oversight, manage human resources, perform administrative duties, and more.

ERIEBANK has worked closely with Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center on its renovation and improvement projects in Erie. From left are: Shaun B. Adrian, chairman of the Board at the Center; with Bill Deluca, senior vice president, Commercial Banking, ERIEBANK; James D. Mando, president and chief executive officer at the Center; and Betsy Bort, vice president, Commercial Banking, ERIEBANK.

According to Bill DeLuca, senior vice president of commercial lending at ERIEBANK, “The ease of doing business with ERIEBANK is what attracts business customers. Loan requests are handled inhouse. We learn all we can about a business and consider ourselves a financial partner, with a stake in the business’s success. If there is a down year, we work to understand the circumstances. We all work together to find a solution for any banking needs, from financing to cash management and online services.” >

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 13

Erie-based A. Anthony & Sons, Inc. has been a customer of ERIEBANK’s since the beginning. From left, are: ERIEBANK President Dave Zimmer and Commercial Lending Officer Tim Roberts with A. Anthony & Sons, Inc. Chief Financial Officer John Rahner and President Peggy Rahner.

“We have had a deposit relationship with ERIEBANK for several years, and when we began planning our renovation and improvement projects, we discussed our borrowing needs with them,” says James Mando, chief executive officer of Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center in Erie. “We were impressed with the interest they took in learning our business, our projects, and the initiatives we were pursuing. The team from ERIEBANK was tremendously accommodating and shepherded our loan requests through the approval process in record time, enabling us to keep our construction projects on schedule.” A. Anthony & Sons, Inc. was one of ERIEBANK’s first customers. “We had done business with David Zimmer for years and always had a great level of trust in him,” says John Rahner, chief financial officer of the Erie-based concrete contracting firm. “We made the decision to switch banking relationships and have never regretted it. Local decision-making speeds up the process when we want to buy equipment. A phone call is generally all we need to close a deal. We are old-school where handshakes should mean something; with ERIEBANK, they still do.”

Personal Banking, Private Banking, Wealth Management and Investment Services

Part of the community presence includes having a mortgage expert in all seven branches of ERIEBANK. This local decisionmaking capability increases the level of service provided to the communities in and around Erie.

“Our goal is to make the customer comfortable,” explains Scott Bailey, senior vice president of ERIEBANK’s investment division. “We believe that successful investing is a lot less complicated than it appears. It comes down to setting goals, sticking to a plan, and picking the right partner. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to guide our customers every step of the way.”

The Way Banking Should Be

From its modest beginnings in 2005 to its present level of success, ERIEBANK has always lived up to its original mission. It is a true community bank that understands its customers, cares about them, and is an integral part of their daily lives. “As a local community bank with a local community advisory board, we can be flexible when we need to be and offer a quick turnaround on loan and other banking decisions,” says Zimmer. “But what makes us so successful is our commitment to the continued growth of the communities in which we live and serve. Community involvement for us goes well beyond our mission to offer high-quality banking products and services. Dedication to our customers, co-workers, and community lies at the very heart of ERIEBANK.” For more information, visit www.ERIEBANK.net.

ERIEBANK’s private banking services are designed to provide firstclass service and unwavering attention to their personal banking needs. “We understand that the more successful people are, the more complex and hectic their lifestyles become,” notes Paul Sallie, assistant vice president of the private banking division. “We offer a unique blend of specialized products and customized services tailored to meet individual financial goals and circumstances.” ERIEBANK also provides investment services. Most investors, both new and experienced, find that investing can be daunting and downright confusing. With so many choices between financial consultants and investment products, it’s no surprise that the task of investing can be unnerving. ERIEBANK Investment Advisors have forged strategic partnerships to give customers access to a network of resources and expertise, all focused on achieving success. 14 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2014

ERIEBANK Investment Advisors (EBIA) team — Vice President Bill Vitron Jr., Senior Vice President Scott Bailey and Vice President Larry Morton — have forged strategic partnerships to give customers access to a network of resources.

Events

2014 Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards

The Manufacturer & Business Association announced the winners of the Patrick R. Locco Scholarship Awards during a recognition ceremony held April 29 at the Association’s Conference Center in Erie. The Locco Awards were created by the Association to recognize outstanding high school students who distinguish themselves in pursuit of technical and academic excellence. Students must apply and be nominated by a teacher to be considered. Each school narrows the nominees to their top five candidates. These students are interviewed by local businesspeople who choose the winners. Winners are: Amelia Cipalla, Erie County Technical School; Joseph Monico, Crawford County Career and Technical Center; Mallory Hvostal, Mercer County Career Center; Zachary Shopene, Corry Area Career and Technical Center; and Ana Reyes Valdez, Central Career and Technical School. Nominees included: Nick Thornton, Vitaliy Kleshchevnikov, Corey Bailey and Peter Bohrer, Erie County Technical School; Dane Cessna, Timothy Galford, Luke LeSuer and Emily Roberts, Crawford County Career and Technical Center; David Nation, Brandon Zimmerman, Jessica Welton and Hensley Peterson Banks, Mercer County Career Center; Bret Marrs, Emily Bogert and Roger Kostreba, Corry Area Career and Technical Center; and Daniel Nunez, Jason Dilimone and Seth Brown, Central Career and Technical School. For exclusive photo coverage, visit www.mbabizag.com.

Association Board of Governors Chairman Tim Hunter, president and CEO of McInnes Rolled Rings, welcomes the student honorees and their guests.

Judges for this year’s awards included, from left: Liz Allen, Erie Times-News; Tom Barron, G.W. Becker; Carol Donahey, Tech Molded Plastics; Andrew Foyle, H&H Machined Products; Chuck Hickernell, Northwestern REC; Barb Kimmy, Corry Contract; Jim Ohrn, Custom Engineering Company; and Patty Smith, Manufacturer & Business Association. Not pictured: Tami Case, Entech Plastics; Don Hester, MAJR Products; Debbie Iavarone, LORD Corporation; Dan Pertl, FMC Technologies; and Rick Winschel, Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.

Front row, from left: Emily Roberts, Zachary Shopene, Mallory Hvostal, Ana Reyes Valdez, Amelia Cipalla, Joseph Monico, Emily Bogert and Jessica Welton. Second row, from left: Liz Allen, Luke LeSuer, Dane Cessna, Corey Bailey, Nick Thornton, Vitaliy Kleshchevnikov, Daniel Nunez, Jason Dilimone, and Manufacturer & Business Association Board of Governors Chairman Tim Hunter, president and chief executive officer of McInnes Rolled Rings. Back row, from left: Timothy Galford, Hensley Peterson-Banks, Brandon Zimmerman, David Nation, Roger Kostreba and Seth Brown.

Students, parents and educators attended the ceremony held in the Association’s Founders Room. June May 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 15

HR Connection SURVEY: ’HYPER GROWTH’ BUSINESSES SPEND MORE ON SOCIAL MEDIA A recent survey from LinkedIn finds 80 percent of small business owners are turning to social media platforms to generate revenue and find new customers — and the time and money spent on social media marketing may be paying off. The survey, conducted by LinkedIn and research firm TNS, finds that “hyper growth� businesses — those experiencing significant revenue growth over the last year — are spending more than their slower-growing peers on social media. Seventy-three percent of high-performing small businesses say they increased spending on social media and social ads in the last year. In comparison, only 42 percent of small businesses experiencing no growth did the same.

The fast-growing small businesses report social media to be an effective marketing tool. Nine out of 10 say their social media efforts help maintain a company presence and identity, while 82 percent say the platforms help generate new leads. According to the survey, nearly two in three small businesses say finding new customers is their No. 1 challenge. SURVEY: MORE EMPLOYERS USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A RECRUITING TOOL According to a survey by recruiting firm Jobvite, social media has quickly become a dominant force for companies to find and hire quality talent, allowing employers to tap extended networks for candidates that would not be found otherwise and offering tremendous value to companies of all sizes. It also has become an essential avenue for

recruiters to successfully compete in the war for talent. According to Jobvite’s recent survey: • 92 percent of respondents use or plan to use social media for recruiting, an increase of almost 10 percent from the 83 percent using social recruiting in 2010. • 73 percent have successfully hired a candidate through social networks, making social recruiting a highly effective source of quality new hires. • A large majority of recruiters (71 percent) consider themselves savvy in social recruiting, having a sizeable understanding of what to look for in social profiles. • 49 percent of recruiters who implemented social recruiting saw an increase in the quantity of candidates, and 43 percent noted a surge in the quality of candidates.

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DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce

Worth Noting: 2014 Plan Amendments That May Impact You, Your Employees There will be many changes required to health or cafeteria plan documents in 2014 as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and few, if any of these changes, have been inserted in these documents. Listed below are these changes: • New Adult Dependent definition extending coverage to age 26 • Coverage of preventive services • No lifetime or annual limits • Expanded ERISA claims and appeals procedures • $2,500 cap on employee contributions to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) • Expanded change of status rules

• Possible health FSA $500 carryover provisions • Ending pre-existing condition exclusions • 90-day maximum waiting periods for health benefits Regulators provided generous transition and documentation rules — which run out at the end of 2014. Plans also should be reviewed (and likely changed) to address last year’s Supreme Court decision regarding the Defense of Marriage Act. Final Shared Responsibility regulations also will require that critical “Pay or Playâ€? decisions be addressed and documented. As a result of all of the above, plan documentation tasks for 2014 should

be under way. In most cases, the health insurance carrier will address this but, if necessary, the Manufacturer & Business Association will be in a position to help you to be compliant. To learn more about these amendments, please contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or psmith@mbausa.org. You can also visit the Association’s website at www.mbausa.org.

Patty Smith is the director of Employee Benefit Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

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HR Q&A WHEN CAN WE MAKE WAGE DEDUCTIONS FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE, UNIFORMS, MEDICAL EXAMS OR SIMILAR REASONS? Federal law allows nearly any deduction from the wages of a non-exempt employee, as long as the employee still receives the minimum wage for all hours worked. However, most states impose further restrictions on the permissible deductions. Almost all states, including Pennsylvania, require signed authorization for a deduction from wages. In some states, authorization can be given at the time of hire. In other states, it must be given during the pay period in which the deduction will be made. A few states outright prohibit any deductions unless they are for the benefit of the employee (such as health insurance premiums) or are required by law (such as taxes and garnishments). In most cases, authorization must be

18 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2014

voluntary, so employers cannot demand authorization under threat of discharge. Deductions for things like property damage, uniforms, and medical exams (other than exams required to obtain health insurance) are considered to be for the employer’s benefit, rather than for the employee’s benefit. Even in states where these deductions are allowed, the employee must still receive the minimum wage for all hours worked on the paycheck from which the deduction was made. WHEN CAN I MAKE A DEDUCTION FROM THE SALARY OF AN EXEMPT EMPLOYEE (FOR DISCIPLINE, ABSENCES, AND SO ON)? Exempt employees must be paid on a salary basis, which means the weekly salary cannot be subject to deductions based on the quantity or quality of work performed. Certain deductions are allowed for absences, which are initi-

ated by the employee (such as personal/ vacation days and sick days, with some restrictions). However, salary deductions are rarely allowed for absences initiated by the employer (such as company closings, including holidays). The salary basis rule (§541.602) literally says: “An employee is not paid on a salary basis if deductions from the employee’s predetermined compensation are made for absences occasioned by the employer or by the operating requirements of the business. If the employee is ready, willing and able to work, deductions may not be made for time when work is not available.” Federal law does allow for unpaid disciplinary suspensions of one or more days, but only under a written policy, which applies to all employees, and only for serious misconduct violations (such as sexual harassment, workplace violence, drug and alcohol violations, and violations of state or federal laws).

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce

10 Tips to Creating a Positive Work Culture In a recently released whitepaper, Les Kertay, Ph.D., chief medical officer in the Group Protection area of Lincoln Financial Group, discusses components of happiness and the links between employee happiness, productivity, and employee success. Happiness and the Bottom Line: The Happy Worker Prescription draws from research, demonstrating a direct connection between employees’ wellbeing and their performance at work. Well-being — or happiness — is more than just feeling good. It includes engagement, a sense of meaning, and positive relationships, according to the whitepaper. Kertay offers his “Happy Worker Prescription” — 10 tips to help employers create a positive workplace culture, including: 1. Make sure managers understand that employee happiness impacts productivity.

2. Hire happy people. 3. Invest in managers’ emotional intelligence. 4. Provide recognition in the way the employee values most. 5. Provide opportunities to socialize, and encourage it. 6. Provide benefits that are important to your employees and enhance their financial security. 7. If there are issues with performance, address them directly, starting with the positive. 8. If an individual or the team is showing signs of stress, listen without judgment. 9. If you have done something wrong, apologize. 10. Express interest in staff wellbeing, including when an employee is out of work.

“Only one in five Americans say they feel happy at work,” says Eric Reisenwitz, senior vice president of Group Protection Market Solutions at Lincoln Financial. “Many people don’t realize that dissatisfaction is so widespread, or that it’s a detriment to business. When employees are happy at work, they work smarter and harder. Companies that put employee happiness first see increased engagement, improved productivity, higher profits, and an enhanced competitive advantage.” For more information, contact the Association at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660. Stacey Bruce is the director of HR Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

June 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 19

People Buzz HARTMAN GROUP ADDS THREE PROFESSIONALS The Hartman Group recently welcomed Lori Shaw, Cynthia Sullivan and Nate Saltzer to its professional team. Shaw is joining The Hartman Agency in Williamsport as a commercial line client service representative. She will be working with the commercial lines team to provide service to commercial property and casualty clients. She holds Pennsylvania insurance licenses in Accident and Health, Casualty and Allied Lines, Life and Fixed Annuities, and Property and Allied Lines. In addition, Sullivan is joining Hartman Employee Benefits wholesale team in Williamsport. She will be working as a customer service representative for downstream brokers, assisting with enrollments, claims resolution and quotations. Saltzer joins Hartman Employee Benefits as a client services representative. He will be working in the State College office with the employee benefits team to provide quotes, plan analysis and service for clients. He holds Pennsylvania insurance licenses in Life, Accident and Health. The Hartman Group consists of The Hartman Agency, Inc., Hartman Employee Benefits, Inc., and Hartman Financial Services with offices in Williamsport, State College and Duncannon. Hartman operates commercial employee benefit, commercial property and casualty, financial services, and personal lines divisions. LORD QUALITY ENGINEER EARNS LEADERSHIP AWARD LORD Corporation announced Hannah Kirby, senior quality engineer in aerospace production, was presented the Rising Star Award from the Pennsylvania Commission for Women at the inaugural Hannah Penn Leadership Awards program. This award recognizes an 20 < www.mbabizmag.com < June 2014

emerging female leader who embodies the spirit of the Hannah Penn Leadership Awards. Kirby joined LORD in 2010 and is responsible for providing technical expertise in the area of manufacturing and production processes. She develops, implements and maintains prevention-oriented quality and inspection systems for aerospace products. She also identifies and leads ongoing improvement efforts through team-based activities, individual improvement initiatives and application of current and emerging quality principles and tools. ERIE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION NAMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Erie Federal Credit Union recently announced the promotion of Brian J. Waugaman to the role of chief executive officer. Waugaman is an experienced credit union executive with more than 16 years of industry experience. Serving most recently as the organization’s chief operations officer, Waugaman has played an important leadership role in providing strategic direction and vision for the organization. He is a graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania and earned the designation of certified chief executive from the Credit Union Executive Society. WILD LEGACY AWARD GOES TO ERIEBANK VICE PRESIDENT The Gannon University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), founder of the annual Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Conference, honored Betsy Bort as its 2014 WILD Legacy Award recipient. Bort, who is a vice president and commercial banking officer at ERIEBANK, has more than 30 years of banking experience. She has been in her current role as a commercial lender since 2000 and is responsible for developing, man-

aging and enhancing business relationships in the community. Bort specializes in business start-up and acquisition lending guaranteed by the Small Business Administration and also acting as a Women’s Business Advocate. The Legacy Award winner is an experienced professional woman leader who mentors other women, supports her community and excels in her career. MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER APPOINTS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joanna Robson Cherpak has been named the executive director of the Multicultural Community Resource Center (MCRC), an Erie-based agency that serves the region’s immigrant and refugee community. Cherpak previously held the positions of associate director – Operations, director of Human Resources & Fund Development, and director of Finance at MCRC. MCRC offers interpretation/translation, daycare, diversity training and consulting, in addition to operating staffing firm Mosaico Employment Services. ACHIEVEMENT CENTER PROFESSIONAL EARNS NATIONAL AWARD James Baldwin, a family based mental health professional at the Achievement Center, was recently selected as the Master of Social Workers recipient for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) student award 2014. Baldwin recently graduated with his master’s in social work and was completing his social work internship at the Achievement Center. The Achievement Center provides childcentered and family focused therapeutic services each year to more than 3,400 children with physical disabilities, developmental delays, emotional and behavioral problems, and autism spectrum disorders, in a service area that spans five counties including Erie, Crawford, Forest, and Warren, Pennsylvania, and Chautauqua, New York.

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

FMC TECHNOLOGIES NAMES EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FMC Technologies recently announced that Maryann T. Seaman has been appointed executive vice president. Seaman, who is the company’s chief financial officer, has been with FMC Technologies for 28 years and has held a variety of financial, administrative and operational positions. FMC Technologies is a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry. Named by Forbes magazine as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2013, FMC has approximately 19,300 employees and operates 30 production facilities in 17 countries. FMC Technologies designs, manufactures and services technologically sophisticated systems and products such as subsea production and processing systems, surface wellhead systems, high-pressure fluid control equipment, measurement solutions, and marine loading systems for the oil and gas industry. ERIE TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR BOARD CHAIRMAN ELECTED Gannon University’s College of Engineering and Business Dean William L. Scheller, Ph.D. was elected chairman of the Erie

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Technology Incubator’s (ETI) Executive Board of Directors. He started the position in January. "Being chairman allows us to draw Gannon’s College of Engineering and Business closer to ETI and fosters cooperation between the two," said Dr. Scheller. The Erie Technology Incubator at Gannon University provides the resources, expertise and mentoring to support, nurture and transform early-stage companies in the scientific, engineering and information technologies sectors.

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