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» Fete someone who touched your life
» Chamber Launches Blue Ribbon Campaign
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» Administrative Professionals Honored
Chamber News
Endangered Species Event ... A Hoping Success
Posted Jun 05, 2009
MILTON, PA: With over 60 Runners, Walkers and Hoppers the inaugural Eastern Spadefoot Toad 5K Run / Walk and Kids Fun Hop was held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 beginning with registration at the Professional Drivers Academy 2300 Housels Run Road. The 5K Run / Walk began in front of Watsontown Trucking on Housels Run Road and ended on Marsh Road in Milton.
The funds raised from the Run - Walk - Hop are used to support the Business & Education Partnership special initiatives, which include Career Fairs, Career Exploration, Career Speakers, Job Shadowing, Legislative Breakfasts, School Counts!, AP/NOCTI Awards and the Business & Education Partnership Awards.
The event was an attempt to have fun with a situation that's been a bother to the Milton Area Industrial Development Association and the Central PA Chamber of Commerce for several years. More than 100 acres of prime industrial land owned by the Milton Area Industrial Development Association is home to one of only two populations of the eastern spadefoot toad in Pennsylvania, and since the little toad is an endangered species, development of the land has been stymied.
"We have them, they aren't going anywhere, so we decided to do something fun with it," said Bruce Smith, membership and marketing director at the chamber. We've been trying to come up with a solution but have been unable to reach any kind of agreeable arrangement that won't cause harm to the toads.
The event was sponsored by: The Central PA Chamber of Commerce, Evangelical Community Hospital, Larson Design Group, Max Media of Pennsylvania, On Fire Promotions, and the Professional Drivers Academy.
Charles Moscariello (above left) of New Columbia, PA won the 5K in 18:49. Joe Stoltz of Selinsgrove crossed the line second in 18:56, and Brock Waughen of New Columbia was third in 19:21.
On the women's side, Susan Lobos (above right) of Winfield won the 5K in 20.25, followed by Sheila Packer in second with a time of 22.53, and Richelle Fessler of Bloomsburg was third with a time of 24.44.
Charles and Susan both received a first place trophy which was custom designed by On Fire Promotions. Awards were presented by "Spadey" The Toad the official mascot of the event.
Male 15 - 19
1st Brock Waughen 19.21
2nd Sean Yingling 20.37
3rd Andrew Smith 32.35
Female 15 - 19
1st Amanda Kilgus 25.27
2nd Amy Thomas 26.18
Male 25 - 29
1st Joe Stoltz 18.56
2nd Rhyan Kleiner 22.09
3rd Christian Prickett 22.25
Female 25 - 29
1st Tiffany Saxton 27.32
Male 30 - 34
1st Josh Criswell 19.32
2nd Thomas Wengerd 21.19
3rd Brian Brown 27.09
Male 35 - 39
1st Charles Moscariello 18.49
2nd Steven Beattie 20.30
3rd Tom Michaels 20.53
Female 35 - 39
1st Sheila Packer 22.53
2nd Jennifer Gallo 31.43
Male 40 - 44
1st Stephen Wilcox 21.11
2nd Eric Kilpatrick 25.27
3rd Kevin Kilgus 25.27
Female 40 - 44
1st Susan Lobos 20.25
2nd Marianne Krammes 34.40
3rd Jill Conrad 35.55
Male 45 - 49
1st Paul Trutt 23.28
2nd John Yingling 25.29
3rd Dale Chomas 33.58
Female 45 - 49
1st Richelle Fessler 24.44
2nd Elizabeth Cash 35.40
3rd Paige Kerstetter 36.28
Male 50 - 54
1st Rickey Michael 27.19
Male 55 - 59
1st Rick Heuholt 23.59
Male 60 +
1st Terry Larson 22.09
2nd Jim Friery 22.48
"Spadey" Mid Pack Award
Richelle Fessler 25.23
Keep on Hopping Final Finisher Award
Susan Reese 45.07
The Medals (top of story right) were designed by On Fire Promotions.
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Administrative Professionals Honored by the Chamber
Posted May 21, 2009
Since 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by sponsoring Administrative Professionals Week. Today, it is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays.In the year 2000, IAAP announced a name change for Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day. The names were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of today's administrative workforce.
Over the years, Administrative Professionals Week has become one of the largest workplace observances. The event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff.
Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.
The Central PA Chamber of Commerce, Y-106.5 and Big Country Radio once again partnered together to recognize Administrative Professionals during National Administrative Professionals Day on April 22, 2009. This fun-filled celebration was meant to recognize those in the workplace that help 'keep business moving' in the Valley. The recognition included numerous gifts donated by participating businesses.
The following 9 Administrative Professionals were randomly selected from all nominations:
Lorei Comerer, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milton
Elizabeth DeMi, Geisinger Scheduling Services, Danville
Rebecca Edmiston, Snyder County Courthouse, Selinsgrove
Sue Fidler, ConAgra Foods, Milton
Lindsey Furner, Lewis Barlett Klees, PC, Milton
Karen Kruleski, Busy Little Beavers Child Care, Danville
Catherine O'Donnell, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville
Theresa Shuck, CATV Services, Inc., Milton
A Special Thank you to the businesses that supplied gifts.
Andree's Flowers, Balloons & Gifts
Big Country
Central PA Chamber of Commerce
Central Susquehanna Health Care Providers
Enterlines Flowers & Greenhouses
Evangelical Community Hospital
Inside Pennsylvania Magazine
McCann School of Business & Technology
MJ Fantasy Travel
Norman's Watson Inn
Puirseils Irish Pub
Susquehanna Business Life Magazine
Susquehanna Life Magazine
Wynding Brook Golf Course
Y-106.5
Pictured left to right: Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, Lorei Comerer
Pictured : Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, Elizabeth DeMi with some of her co-workers
Pictured left to right: Christina Reider, Sue Fidler, Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce
Pictured left to right: Lindsey Furner, Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce
Pictured: Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce and Catherine O’Donnell with other staff members
Pictured left to right: Maria Culp, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, Theresa Shuck, Lisa McManus
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A cultural exchange
Posted Mar 20, 2009
West Milton woman to travel to Korea with Rotary's GSE TeamBy Jeff Shaffer/Standard-Journal News
Published: Thursday, March 19, 2009
THE LOCAL AMBASSADOR - Tabitha Beaver, communication and education coordinator for the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce, will be leaving for Korea at the end of the month as part of Rotary International's Group Study Exchange program. Part of the visit will include stops at Rotary Clubs in Korea. In a time-honored tradition, Beaver will present them with flags from the Rotary Club she represents, here in Milton. She also plans to give out chamber pins, like the one she is wearing. Photo by Jeff Shaffer/Standard Journal.
MILTON - Tabitha Beaver, of West Milton, has nothing but excitement flowing through her veins as she prepares to spend a month on the other side of the world.
She and three other women from the local District 7370 of Rotary International were selected to participate in the organization's Group Study Exchange (GSE). They leave at the end of the month for Korea. In return, Korea will send some of its own representatives here.
The Rotary Foundation's GSE program is described as a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers.
Beaver fit the bill as the young and exuberant communication and education coordinator of the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce.
She was initially approached by Milton Rotary Club member Maria Culp, who is also president and CEO of the chamber.
"I wished I would have had that opportunity," Culp said of the GSE program, which is open to non-Rotarians. "The more she understands, the more she can pass on in the business and education program.
"There's no other way to get this kind of experience."
Beaver then moved on to the interview process, first by the Milton Rotary and then the district, both held at Norman's Watson Inn, Watsontown.
Having passed her tests, she's down to packing and taking four plane rides to Asia. Beaver is also attempting to learn some basic Korean words, and over the weekend enjoyed some of its cuisine at a restaurant in State College with her travel mates. They are team leader Ramona Broomer of Lock Haven, Trachanda Brown of Lock Haven and Shoba Kumar of Selinsgrove.
Together, in Korea, they will experience the host county's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships and exchange ideas, all while living in the homes of Koreans, further enhancing the cultural experience, according to Rotary.
Beaver said she hasn't yet seen the itinerary, but she knows the visit will include several Rotary Club presentations, where team members will share personal experiences. The trip will also include stops at social events, going to the annual conference, and time for cultural and site tours, as well as free time to spend with host families. She's learned karaoke is also a rather popular pastime there.
In addition, she'll need to stay flexible, and have both her dress shoes and sneakers close by, she said.
"I'm thrilled," Beaver said, in anticipation of the month-long adventure. "I love to travel, and if I can go somewhere new and learn I know it will help me professionally."
The chamber communication and education coordinator recently returned home from Jamaica, on a mission trip with students and adults from Watsontown Christian Academy. She noted any chance she gets to help or share with others is important. "We all share the same planet."
Stay tuned to Standard Journal in April as Beaver will write back on her experiences overseas.
Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com
Source: Standard-Journal
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Celebrating Our 2008 Accomplishments
Posted Mar 03, 2009
The Central PA Chamber of Commerce, held its Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on February 28, 2008 at Norman's Watson Inn, bringing together award winners, honored guests, and Chamber members.Premier Sponsor for the Annual Meeting was PPL Corporation. Teri MacBride, Regional Community Relations Director talked to the attendees on energy efficiency and how PPL is helping customers save money.
The featured guest speaker was Lewisburg resident Curtis White (pictured on the right in the photo at left with President Todd Ross and the Penn State Panther), head coach of Penn State University's cheerleaders and Nittany Lion mascot program. White didn't talk about sports. Instead, he focused on the values he tries to instill in his cheerleaders, including giving back to the community. White described the enjoyment evident when his cheerleaders visit hospitals and nursing homes all over the region, how doing a few cheers brightens the day of everyone with whom they come in contact. Of course, during his remarks, he had to try Penn State's trademark "We are..." to which the audience in the Watson Inn's banquet room bellowed back, "Penn State." He described the individual community volunteers on his squad, noting that such activities help keep up the morale and the spirits of the entire team. "We're always working to make things better," he said. "We want our actions to make a difference." At the conclusion of his remarks, he encouraged the audience to chant "We want the lion, we want the lion." Sure enough, the Penn State Nittany Lion bounded into the room to thunderous applause, leaping up and down and hugging anyone in his path. After the ceremonies concluded, the lion posed for photos with his many fans.
Maria Culp, President & CEO recognized several extraordinary people retiring from the Board of Directors. Each of whom is known for their tireless work on behalf of the Chamber and many other community organizations. Milton attorney P. Lin Davis was recognized as retiring chairman of the chamber board, along with retiring board members Dale Chomas from Dr. Dale Chomas Dentistry, Pam Lenig from Norman's Watson Inn and Paula Snyder from West Milton State Bank.
Chairman of the Board, Todd Ross from T-Ross Brothers Construction introduced the newly elected 2009 Board of Directors. Gary Grossman, The Daily Item, Lisa McManus, CATV Service, Inc. / CCN and Cheryl Rheppard, West Milton State Bank.
BUSINESS AND EDUCATION AWARD: Introduced by Tabitha Beaver, communication and education coordinator, via a recorded video as she's attending a missions trip in Jamaica, named Shane Shreck (at right), the vocational coordinator at Milton Area High School, as the recipient of the Business and Education Award. The award goes to a business or individual that has demonstrated the vision of the "B&E" committee. The vision is to provide interactive opportunities for business and educators to create a partnership which guarantees development and opportunities for the workforce of the future. Shane has worked closely with all of the Career Development Programs that the Chamber offers which include: Annual Career Fair, Business and Education Partnership Awards, Career Exploration, Career Speakers, Job Shadowing, Legislative Breakfasts, School Counts!, AP/NOCTI Awards program. Shane has dedicated himself to the well being of every student that he works with and continues to connect with employers throughout Pennsylvania. He has dedicated much of his time and efforts to ensure that all students have the tools to succeed
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Announced by Bruce Smith, membership and marketing director, Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, Watsontown, was named recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award. The award is given to a business or professional firm with fewer than 50 employees. Criteria includes staying power, innovation of product or service, response to adversity, chamber involvement and involvement in the community.
Phoenix Facility Director Chris Herbster (at left) and the staff, is an active and supporting member of the Business & Education Committee, golf tournament, Job Shadowing, the Career Fair and Career Speaking. Their commitment to their community does not stop there, they are involved with the Watsontown Area Business Association, Can food drive, Fourth of July committee, have donated to the Warrior Run Trails Association as well as local school yearbooks and sports teams. They are also a main sponsor of the Jes-Vic 5K run and the Milton Harvest Festival Bike Race.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Milton Logistics, in the Milton Industrial Park, was named the recipient of the Business of the Year Award by Maria Culp, president and CEO of the chamber. This award is given to a business or professional firm with 50 or more employees and follows the same criteria as the aforementioned award. Accepting the award was Facility Manager Gerry Runyan (at right).
Milton Logistics is a rather young company, only 6 years old, but is made up of former ConAgra employees that transferred to the new company and took over operations at the ConAgra Distribution Center. The workforce has consistently grown by 10 percent every year. It, too, is active and stays involved with chamber-related matter.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to F.R. "Bucky" Allis (left), of Watsontown, who was honored as someone who has graciously and freely given of his time to support the chamber. The chamber notes it is highly successful because of the countless hours contributed by volunteers.
Allis went as far as to inspire a new award for the volunteer, a ball that contains a drop and a ripple and reminds everyone of the difference one person can make in the community.
The Watsontown man retired at the end of 2007 and expressed his desire to strengthen his relationship with the chamber. Formally in the banking business, he helped revamp the chamber's loan programs and brought on board new energy. Notably he assists with the Special Olympics, has volunteered for the last six months driving a local cancer patient for regular treatments and even once assisted the Watsontown police with apprehending a suspect while out riding his bike.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Michael Adams (at right with President/CEO Maria Culp) is the recipient of the 2008 President's Award. The President's Award is intended to recognize and publicly celebrate an individual's service, accomplishments and status as an informal leader among the members of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, but especially as someone who has provided invaluable assistance to the President & CEO.
Maria Culp, President & CEO has spent much time with Mike working though the challenges of rural economic development, it sometimes feels like they have known each other for more than 20 years.
Michael Adams is currently the President of the Union County Industrial Development Corporation. Though new to the local economic development community, Mike is a native of Northumberland County, with a degree in finance, and has an extensive background in the commercial real estate, construction and development industries. He worked for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce before spending 8 years working in state government. He gave it all up however in 2007, so that he could work close to his home in Snyder County, which would allow him to coach his son's football and basketball teams.
THANKS AND APPRECIATION:
A special "Thank you" to the following sponsors:
Premier Sponsor PPL Services Corporation;
Partnering Sponsors Community Services Group, McCann School of Business & Technology, Norman's Watson Inn, Standard Journal Newspaper;
Contributing Sponsors, Kuhns Bros. Enterprise, PCI Insurance, Inc., PHOENIX Rehabilitation & Health Services,
Annual Report Sponsor, The Coup Agency
Also a special "Thank you" to the Events & Membership Committee:
Sheri Hoffman - Chair, Herbert Rowland & Grubic
Christine Foust, Susquehanna Fire Equipment Company
Nichole Hockenbrock, Evangelical Community Hospital
Pam Lenig, Norman's Watson Inn
Tere Rill, Central Susquehanna Valley Women's Journal
Paula Snyder, West Milton State Bank
And the 2009 Board of Directors who sponsored the centerpiece arrangements.
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Fete someone who touched your life
Posted Oct 10, 2008
MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE: Tabitha Beaver, the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce's communication and education coordinator, presents Bill Wilhelm, Watsontown Christian Academy administrator and business and education committee member, with a 'Who I Am Makes A Difference' ribbon from the Blue Ribbon Campaign. Area residents are being encouraged to share a ribbon with someone who personally and professionally impacted their lives.
MILTON - Acknowledging a job well done or offering thanks for positively influencing someone's life can, at times, be a tall order.
"People can be too bashful to give praise," said Maria Culp, president and CEO of the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce.
She and the rest of the chamber staff have been warming up to the idea of honoring people who have meant something to them. And that sentiment is beginning to grow around them.
The chamber recently joined the "Who I Am Makes a Difference" Blue Ribbon Campaign, and are hoping others will do the same.
Read More...
Source: Standard Journal News
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