Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

Member SuCCess

Benchmark Construction Company Honored

Benchmark Construction Company was awarded the 2011 Project of the Year and four Awards of Excellence at the Excellence in Construction Awards Gala hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Keystone Chapter. The 2011 Project of the year is the highest honor awarded and is given to the high-est scoring submission entered into the competition.

Benchmark Construction won Awards of Excellence for the following projects:

• Landis Homes, Hybrid Homes and Cottages• Women and Babies Hospital, Main Entrance Renovation• Private Residence, Addition and Renovations

Benchmark Construction was awarded LEED Green Award for the construction of:

• Landis Homes, Hybrid Homes and Cottages

Since the quality award program’s in-ception in 1990, Benchmark Construc-tion has been honored 100 times with 57 Awards of Excellence and 43 Awards of Merit. Benchmark Construction has been honored eleven times Nationally in that same period of time with eight National Awards of Excellence and three National Awards of Merit.

Alexander Building Construction and Mount Nittany Medical

Center Receive Achievement Award for East Wing

Alexander Building Construction Co. and Mount Nittany Medical Center re-ceived the Construction Management Association of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Project Achievement award

In This Issue...

2 President’s Letter

4 Member Anniversaries

5 Government Update

7 CCIDC

8 Ambassadors

9 New Members

10 Members Seen & Heard

11 CBICC “Open for Business” Golf Tournament presented by West Penn Power

Available Online

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County

Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

National Business Incubation Association

NewPA

PA Chamber of Business & Industry

PA Dept. of Labor & Industry

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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They love its natural (and man-made) beauty. They feel like they live in an open and accepting place with ample opportunities for them to have fun with old friends and make new ones. These positive feelings make them feel more connected to, and invested in, this community.

These are the findings of the Knight Foundation’s 2010 Soul of the Community report, which the Centre County Community Foundation presented a few weeks ago at the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s Business Before Hours event.

The Soul of the Community report is a three-year study of the factors that lead to community attachment – or why people love where they live. It shows that engaged communities are successful communities, and that there is a positive correlation between community attachment and local GDP growth. It also shows that the qualities that create the greatest attachment to a community are social offerings, openness and aesthetics, all three of which are considered strengths of State College and the surrounding area. Our community’s 2010 rankings are higher than they had been in previous years, and high overall compared to those of other similar communities that were surveyed.

The report found that people who are 65 years old or older, people who are better off financially and people who are less educated feel the most connected to our community. But people who are younger, more educated, and less financially stable feel the least attached to our community. The report also shows that there is a perception that young professionals and recent college graduates aren’t particularly welcome here.

The Centre County Community Foundation is publicizing the Knight Foundation’s findings to make people more aware of our area’s strengths, so that we can continue to strengthen them; and to increase awareness of our weaknesses, so that we can change those weaknesses into strengths.

One of the goals of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is to invest in the vitality of communities, such as ours, where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. The organization focuses on projects that promote informed and engaged communities and

People Love Centre County

By: Erin Rowley, Centre County Community Foundation

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A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMBER OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY OF CENTRE COUNTY

ChamberNet July/Aug/Sept 2011

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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July/Aug/Sept 2011

Our Mission

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County is organized to promote the well-being and growth of commerce, business and industry, while striving to maintain a high quality of life in Centre County.

Officers and Executive Committee 2011

Dave Capperella – ChairmanTed McDowell - Vice-ChairAl Horvath – Secretary Fred Leoniak – TreasurerDavid Wise – President/CEO

Board of Directors 2011

Richard Barrickman, Nittany BankRod Beard, Beard Law CompanyDave Capperella, Capperella FurnitureDon Gaetano, The Hartman AgencyAl Horvath, The Pennsylvania State UniversityJack Infield, Graystone BankBill James, Foxdale VillageO.J. Johnston, Urish Popeck & Co., LLCWilliam Joseph, First National BankJeffrey Krauss, The HR Office, Inc.Fred Leoniak, ParenteBeard LLCCristin Long, McQuaide Blasko Attorneys at LawJudy Loy, Nestlerode & Loy, Inc.Chris Magent, Alexander Building Construction Co.Leanne Martin, M&T BankBob McDaniel, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.Ted McDowell, AmeriServ BankJohn Moore, Moore Power SalesStephanie Schmidt, Poole Anderson Construction, LLCJohn Sepp, PennTerraWalter Schneider, Centre Region COGColleen Small, The UPS Store #5642Rich Wisniewski, Mount Nittany Medical Center

Our Staff

David Wise President/CEOTrudy Mitchell VP Economic DevelopmentJean Gerber VP Chamber OperationsDan Abruzzo VP Government AffairsPhil Park Business Incubation ManagerAngela Lombardo Office ManagerConnie Corl Events & Publications CoordinatorSara Hoy Membership Services & Communications CoordinatorMary Resides Economic Development AssistantTiffany Hornstrom Administrative AssistantCarol Maddox Administrative AssistantElaine Morgan Receptionist

President’s LetterThere is certainly some progress in the national news to talk about in July. By the time you read this, it is possible that we will have a deficit reduction-debt ceiling compromise at the federal level. It is also possible that we will have a 10 year owners-players compromise (and agreement) for the National Football League. I think the key word in both of these is “compromise”. It means give and take, in both cases in means that neither side got exactly what they wanted, it means collaboration.

Likewise, at the State level we now have a budget that was signed late in the evening of June 30 (well, it’s almost July news). While the impact to both the school districts and our institutes of higher education is significant (perhaps even severe), some of the silver lining is in the report that our corporate net income tax is unchanged, our sales and use tax is unchanged, and our personal income tax is unchanged. The Research and Development tax credit has increased from $40 million statewide to $55 million, and the other good news for our business members is that the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax remains on schedule to be reduced from 2.89 mills this year to 1.89 mills in 2012, with a complete phase out and elimination by 2014.

In other news, our partners at SEDA-COG report that SBA business lending within the SEDA-COG eleven county area (including Centre County) ranks number two in the State year-to-date, and in the top 15% nationwide for the same period. We are also able to report that PIDA loan rates have been reduced to a 4.0% fixed interest rate in Centre County.

Finally, the State is reporting (and did not budget for) a surplus of $785 million for the fiscal year that just ended. In addition, it appears that 2011-12 revenues are going to continue to run ahead of projections, suggesting that substantial surpluses may be available when we begin the process anew to deal with the next budget.

In summary, while there are some fiscal problems to be worked through on the local level, from all of the indicators above I think it remains a pretty positive picture. Hopefully, the difficult decisions faced and overcome will allow us all to grow our businesses and continue to prosper as we work through the remainder of an eventful 2011.

In the one word mantra of Howard Schultz, founder and CEO of Starbucks…”Onward”.

Sincerely,

David R. Wise

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org July/Aug/Sept 2011

in the Private Sector Projects over $20 Million category for the overbuild addition to the East Wing. The Mid-Atlantic Chapter of CMAA covers all of Pennsylvania east of Pittsburgh, Delaware, and Central and Southern New Jersey.

The CMAA annual awards program presents awards in eleven categories with one winner chosen from each category. The selection of winners involves an extensive review process which analyzes how successfully a project was managed by the construction manager and the owner. The CMAA judges the specific ways a project is an example of the successful application of construction management principals and standards. It also judges how the specific needs of the project or owner were addressed by using construction management. The Mount Nittany Medical Center East Wing project included a 52,000-square-foot overbuild addition that adds 68 new single patient rooms and increases the number of licensed beds by 25%. Despite challenges – such as a 10 week stop work order in fall 2008 and the need to keep the campus fully operational during construc-tion – the project was completed within 4 weeks of the original schedule, under budget and of the highest quality, while exceeding national safety measurables.

Local Distinguished Leader Receives National RecognitionElizabeth Dupuis, graduate of Leadership Centre County, received the national Distinguished Leader award for her outstanding contributions to our community at the Leadership Centre County Graduation Celebration on June 1, 2011 at the Nittany Lion Inn. The leadership award is designed to recognize exceptional community leadership program graduates. “Recipients are a graduate of a local community leadership program and have made significant and notable contributions for the better of their communities,” said Griff Hall, Chair of the Association of Leadership Professionals (ALP). “Community leaders who exemplify the spirit and goals of civic involvement are recognized by ALP for achieving excellence”, he added. Betsy is a 2001 graduate of Leadership Centre County. Since then she has served as President, as well as the chairperson for several LCC committees. She was active in the development of the LCC Youth Program, she has been a member of the Program Committee, she has assisted with fund raising and development and she currently chairs the LCC Marketing and PR Committee and co-chairs the LCC Government Day committee. In addition, Dupuis has served on the boards of the Centre County Youth Service Bureau, and the Pennsylvania Builders Association. She also provides pro bono legal services to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, the Community Academy of Lifelong Learning, State College AAUW, Doing Our Part, Inc., the Collaboration of Arts, Social Sciences and Education and Harvest Fields, Inc. Ms. Dupuis is also an active volunteer for the Centre County United Way serving as a Loaned Executive for the annual campaign and a funds distribution volunteer.

Would you like your Member SuCCess to appear in future editions of ChamberNet? Please submit your information to Sara Hoy at shoy@cbicc.org to have it considered for future publications.

lead to transformational change. The Knight Foundation and the Centre County Community Foundation have joined forces for numerous projects, including a project that will increase high-speed Internet access in Centre County libraries and a project that will create a helpline that will make it easier for people in Central Pennsylvania to find important services.

The Centre County Community Foundation is determined to work with other organizations and community leaders to learn from this report and encourage activities that will continue to improve attachment and increase opportunities for economic development. We’d like to see the Knight Foundation’s 2011 report show that people feel even MORE connected to our community than they did last year.

Copies of the Knight Foundation’s 2010 Soul of the Community report can be picked up at the Centre County Community Foundation’s office, at 2601 Gateway Dr., Suite # 175, in State College, and more information about the report can be found online HERE.

...continued from pg. 1 “People Love Centre County.”

Membership Services Update & InformationMembership Services/Chamber Operations ReportAs we begin the 3rd quarter of 2011, I thought it would be important to update you on what we’ve been doing in Chamber Operations to retain existing members, recruit new members, and provide you with a good return on your membership investment.

Keeping our existing members is a priority for us, and we know that we need to be very proactive in examining our programming and making sure you are receiving the benefits you expect from your membership investment. Our Chamber ”U” programming was enhanced this year by providing two series of programs in supervisory development. We just completed the series and are looking into offering additional programming beginning in the fall.

Last year, we achieved a membership retention rate of 87%, with the national average for chambers of our size being 81%. This year, our retention rate increased to 89% - a good indication that our members are finding value in their membership!

As of this writing, we have welcomed 45 new members to the CBICC. New members attending events can be identified by the bright orange “New Member” sticker on their name tag, so please take a minute to introduce yourself to the new members and help them become engaged in the Chamber.

The Chamber Operations staff is gearing up to begin work on the 2011 Central PA Regional Business & Industry Expo which will be held Thursday, November 3. We will begin sending registration information soon, so please keep a lookout for those e-mails.

The Chamber Operations Division of the CBICC will continue to work to meet your expectations (and hopefully exceed them!), and your input is always valued and welcomed.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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July/Aug/Sept 2011

The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 that was estab-lished in 2004 to support wildlife habi-tat, education, preservation and research in PA. On Wednesday, June 15 they dedicated the Tom Ridge Wetlands Preserve.

Congrats to the following individuals who completed sessions 1 & 2 of the ChamberU Supervisory Series! L-R: Brian Broking - ZedX, Inc., Jessie Reed - Kish Bank, Judy Loy - Nestlerode & Loy, Inc., Ed Krow (presenter/instructor) - Vantagen, A ParenteBeard Company, Mike Kolesar - Reclamere, Inc., and Cheryl Johnson - PICCC

Member AnniversariesThank you to these members for their support of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County!

30 YearsPreferred Staffing Solutions

20 Years

Centre County Solid Waste Authority

Comcast

East Coast Health & Fitness

Manpower

State College Ford-Lincoln-Mercury

15 Years

America’s Carpet Outlet

Mach One Slalom Team

Minitab Inc.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nittany Gymnastics Academy, Inc.

Paul Hazi Photography

Ritchey, Cox, Hollis, Mock & Klein, PC

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10 Years

Jostens

Miller Motor Company / Carquest

PA CareerLink Centre County

Pinehurst Homes, Inc.

Stewart Industrial Park

Svetz Consulting Services LLC

Walk’s Service Center, Inc.

5 Years

Christ Community Church

CMIT Solutions of Central PA

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.

Lia Sophia Jewelry

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Purple Lizard Maps

Reclamere, Inc.

SEDA-COG

State College Family Medicine, LLC

Topp Business Solutions, Inc

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org July/Aug/Sept 2011

Government Affairs UpdateGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIVISION OPERATIONS

Heritage 1 Committee Apartments and Hotels: Bedbug Prevention & EradicationHeritage 1 apartment and hotel owners and managers met with Senator Jake Corman on July 12th to discuss pending Senate Bill 908. The legislation imposes strict monitoring requirements and penalties for bed bug infestation and eradication. Most investment property owners already have extensive “in-house” programs that deal with bedbugs. Apartment owners believe that the proposed legislation is both onerous and impractical. During August leasing, the proposed senate bill would require thousands of inspections and certifications by professional exterminators, to insure that student apartment units are totally bed bug free.

Building Code StatisticsJune year-to-date Centre Region commercial construction values and building permit fees are more than double compared to the prior year. However, housing starts are down. The Heritage 1 Advisory Board will ask to meet with COG officials to discuss a possible reduction in building permit fees.

Fire Sprinklers in New HomesThe Heritage 1 Advisory Board sent a letter to Centre Region COG and municipal managers opposing a local code amendment to reinstate the sprinkler requirement in new single family homes. The local municipalities ultimately decided to not seek readopting the sprinkler requirement via local ordinances. The first bill signed by Governor Corbett was to repeal the requirement for sprinklers in new homes. Under the new law, home builders must provide information and costs for sprinkler installations and allow the home buyer to decide whether sprinklers are desired. Corbett’s repeal was supported in both the PA House and Senate by more than a 2 to 1 vote.

New PA Secretary of TransportationHeritage 1 suggested co-hosting a CBICC membership luncheon with the new PA Secretary of Transportation as the guest speaker. Secretary Barry Schoch will speak at the September 22nd Chamber membership luncheon.

Governor’s Transportation Funding CommissionThe Heritage 1 Committee and the Infrastructure Taskforce have been asked to provide input to Governor Corbett’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. Comments will be given to CATA’s Hugh Mose, the only Centre County representative on the Commission.

The governor’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission met on June 27 in Harrisburg to continue its overview of the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and how best to meet funding needs. Presentations from the state Budget Office and the state’s port authorities were followed by an overview of funding recommendations developed collectively by PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission.

New Storm Water RegulationsHeritage 1 Committee members were invited to participate in a series of 3 webinars sponsored by the PA Chamber and DEP on Chapter 102 of the Pennsylvania Code (new rules for erosion and sediment control, and storm water management). The final rules for Chapter 102 regulations were published in the fall of 2010.

Riparian Buffer OrdinanceFerguson Township recently amended its 2009 Riparian Buffer Ordinance. The Heritage advisory board will review the June, 2011 amendment to learn how it compares to language previous suggested by Heritage1 Advisory Board.

Hotel/Motel Occupancy SurveysOne of the services provided to Heritage 1 Committee is data for monthly surveys conducted with local hotel and motels on occupancy levels and room rates. CLICK HERE for the results of a recent survey. CBICC members who are not enrolled as Heritage 1 Committee members may now receive these survey results for a nominal annual fee. To subscribe to this service, contact Tiffany at thornstrom@cbicc.org.

Government Affairs Committee

Seeking Additional Flights at University Park AirportThe University Park Airport (UPA) steering committee received the final air service enhancement survey results and report from its consultant. UPA representatives will meet with various airlines to convey the research study results. The committee continues to seek ways to extrapolate the study findings so airlines could better quantify potential new air service travelers and help to improve air transportation needs in the Central PA area.

The information collected in the research study came from a survey conducted with 14 other local chambers of commerce in central PA and with Penn State University. To review the consultant’s presentation to the steering committee CLICK HERE. For the complete final report CLICK HERE.

Nittany Entrepreneurs (NE) UpdateNittany Entrepreneurs (NE) has been granted official charter club status at the University. In order to maintain the status, the organization will need to complete an officer report at the start of fall classes every year and also whenever there are changes to officers and/or the advisor. NE may now apply for use of University facilities, use of the University name and logo, and request funding through the University Park Allocation Committee (UPAC). CLICK HERE for more information on NE.

CEO Group ActivitiesThe Government Affairs Division continues to assist with promoting 2011 CEO Group membership and programs. Approximately 20 CEO Group members and guests attended the July 12th CEO luncheon where Senator Jake Corman gave the group an update on the final PA budget. Scheduled CEO Group guest speakers prior to the year’s end include CATA’s Hugh Mose, Dr. Glenn Steele with Geisinger Medical Group and PSU’s Dr. Graham Spanier.

To learn more about CEO Group membership, CLICK HERE.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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July/Aug/Sept 2011

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Government Affairs UpdateSTATE

Fair Share Act Signed into LawGov. Tom Corbett recently signed into law the Fair Share Act (Act 17 of 2011). The act, which repeals the doctrine of joint and several liability has remained a top legislative reform priority for the CBICC over the last 8 years. The measure was authored by Senator Jake Corman.

The Governor remarked that in addition to bringing equality to Pennsylvania’s legal system, the Fair Share Act will also positively “affect the costs of goods and services and encourage businesses to grow here and stay here.” To read a CDT opinion editorial written by CBICC’s Vice President of Government Affairs, CLICK HERE.

Gov. Corbett Signs State Budget Pennsylvania has its first on-time budget in eight years. Gov. Corbett signed the $27.149 billion 2011-12 General Fund budget, just prior to the constitutionally required deadline of June 30th.

The budget contains no new taxes on job creators and brings spending back to pre-recession levels. The budget also reflects the largest spending reduction in several decades and allows the much-delayed phase out of the Capital Stock and Franchise tax to continue.

The budget raises spending for basic K-12 education subsidies, while reducing overall state education spending by $300 million. Some consider the cut to be $900 million if federal stimulus dollars or taken into account. However, states were warned that stimulus money was one-time funding and should not be relied on to support new initiatives or to be considered a permanent funding source.

A 2011-12 budget spreadsheet is available here.

Information on education funding by school district is available here.

In a related matter, discussions about a Marcellus Shale impact fee have been put on hold until at least the fall.

Is there a Need for a PA Constitutional Convention?The Chamber’s July 26th Business Before Hours will be an information forum on the pros and cons of convening PA Constitutional Convention. Guest panelists will include Representatives Benninghoff, Conklin, and Metcalfe and also Tim Potts, Executive Director of Democracy Rising PA. PCN TV has agreed to moderate the program.

CLICK HERE for more information.

FEDERAL

China/US RelationsAs recommended by the Brookings Institute, Dr. Terry Cooke was the guest speaker at the July 16th membership luncheon. Dr. Cooke addressed the economic impacts of US/China relations and the prospects for cooperation and competition with China. Dr. Cooke also provided his perspective of China’s pertinent historical and cultural aspects.

Recovery and Renewal for States in the 21st centuryA 2011 Enterprising States Study highlights state-driven initiatives to 1) redesign government, including measures to deal with excessive debt levels that inhibit economic growth and job creation and 2) implement forward-looking, enterprise-friendly initiatives with a primary goal of creating the conditions for job creation and future prosperity.

The recovery, the condition of the American economy remains far from satisfactory. Unemployment remains high, job creation meager, and American workforce participation has dropped to near record depths — the lowest rate in a quarter of a century. According to the study, the U.S. will need to create 20 million jobs in this decade to recover from the 7 million lost in the Great Recession and 13 million needed for the country’s growing population.

Governors of every state, along with their legislative counterparts, are taking steps to grow their states’ economies, create jobs and compete globally. They want to help businesses prosper, to produce an educated and skilled workforce, and to provide other essential services and infrastructure that foster the entrepreneurship and innovation that will lead to greater productivity and competitiveness.

In the past, states could look to Washington for assistance. Now, whatever the intentions or real achievements of the stimulus package, future increases in federal spending seems likely to be meager at best. States will now have to address fundamental economic issues relating to growth and employment on their own. Most will have to do so without significantly increasing their own spending.

The study suggests that for many states the short-term prognosis is dire. Altogether, 44 states and the District of Columbia are projecting budget shortfalls for 2012 amounting to $112 billion. The upcoming fiscal year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, will be “one of the states’ most difficult budget years on record. Retiree benefits for state employees add yet another strain, with the states facing a $1.26 trillion shortfall.”

Most states have already taken actions to streamline and downsize government to meet the new economic realities and this has proven to be challenging given the increased demand for state services during the national recession. To recoup lost revenue, states have taken such actions as eliminating tax exemptions, broadening the tax base, and in some cases increasing rates as well as raising fees. Any state with a budget tilting towards insolvency is in a weak position to make and maintain investments in its workforce and economic infrastructure.

CLICK HERE for the complete study report.

Assurance Services

Tax Strategies & Compliance

Business Succession Planning

Business Valuations

Mergers & Acquisitions

HR Benefits Administration & Consulting Services

Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services

Fred Leoniak, PartnerRick Bair, Partner

www.ParenteBeard.com220 Regent Court

State College, PA 16801Phone: 814.237.6586

800-267-9405Pennsylvania neW yORK neW JeRsey

DelaWaRe MaRylanD texasAn Independent Member of Baker Tilly InternationalParenteBeard LLC Accountants & Business Consultants

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org July/Aug/Sept 2011

Ph: 814.235.1666 * F: 814.234.5869 * Web site: www.CentreCountyIDC.org

Economic Development Update

Business Incubation at the CCIDCThe CCIDC manages two business incubators in State College and provides an Affiliate program. Below are current member companies:

Located in the Technology Center at 200 Innovation Boulevard:

American-Diamond Industrial Corporation – development and distribution of abrasive components

Bridge SemiConductor – manufactures electronic hardware for thermal imaging camera sensors

EC Power LLC – developing battery and fuel cell technologies

ET Technology/InnoGreen USA – a research and development company concentrating on basic and applied research of bio and fossil fuels, biomass and alternative fuel and energy.

Expansyn Technologies – developing technology to improve conversion of biomass into fuel ethanol

Flashpoint Informatics – an information technology consulting and custom design firm

heatfusion – innovative design and engineering firm specializing in research, conceptual design, value-added engineering, rapid prototyping, and design for manufacture and OEM production

M-Mech Defense, Inc. – development and commercialization of piezoelectric actuators and transducers

Mission Critical Partners – software for first responders

PDL Services LLC – customer software development, design, and Internet technology services

Prescient Weather Ltd – providing information and forecast services that mitigate weather and climate risk in business and other activities enhancing both success and profit

Project PREPARE – developing innovative ways to improve emergency preparedness and response to hazardous events affecting dependent care facilities

Solarity – developer of revised solar cell configurations to increase the amount of energy collected

Strategic Polymer Science – developer of new materials and device technologies for energy storage, energy generation and medical therapeutics

Venti Risk LLC – provides organizations with tools, software and strategies that empower them to respond rapidly and intelligently to changing weather conditions.

Four Million Small Businesses Could Qualify for a New Tax Credit

Is your business one of them? The Affordable CareAct’s, a recent federal health care reform law, provides tax credits to help cover the cost of health care insurance. Small businesses will be one of the first groups to benefit. This year, the law’s new small business tax break will offer small employers who pay at least half of the health insurance premiums for employees a tax credit equal to up to 35% of the costs of coverage. Non-profits are eligible for a 25% tax credit in 2010 and in 2011 through 2013. In 2014, this rate increases to 35%. The tax credit is generally for small businesses with less than 25 full-time equivalent employees who earn up to an average of $50,000 per year.

To find out more, please visit www.IRS.gov or consult your business accountant or tax advisor.

Located in the Zetachron Building at 1981 Pine Hall Road:

AGS&M – service provider for marketing, management consulting and business development services

Indigo Biosciences LLC – a contract research organization specializing in pharmaceutical, nutriceutical and toxicology screening services, custom assay development, and the creation of innovative products for high-throughput screening applications

Keystone Nano – produces nanojacket technology to industry and life/bio sciences including nano delivery of cancer therapeutics

Nanomedsci – development of commercial business opportunities focused on nanotechnology

RWH Products – provides a complete line of branded multi-media furniture with flexible design options

Sage Life Technologies – tele-health technology company

Members of the Incubator Affiliate Program:Centrestar, Inc. – provides continuing education for Professional Engineers

Integral Business Mediation, LLC – provides litigation services

Maximus V LLC – a product development and marketing company researching, developing, distributing and acquiring creative products and technologies with strength, conditioning, sport and fitness applications.

For information about the Business Incubator Program, contact Phil Park at 235-1666 or ppark@cbicc.org

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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July/Aug/Sept 2011

Ambassador of the Month: April

Andrea Boyles, Youth Service BureauPosition: CEO

Years as an Ambassador: 1 year

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I enjoy getting to know new people and getting to know area busi-nesses.

Hobbies/Interests: I work alot! I love to travel to new places.

2011 Ambassador Club MembersThe Ambassador Club of the CBICC is the “Goodwill Arm” of the Chamber, and its mission is to welcome and mentor new Chamber members, help in the retention of current members, and provide exceptional service for our members.

The CBICC Ambassador Club is comprised of volunteers com-mitted to strengthening relationships between the CBICC and its members. Founded in 2001, the Ambassador Club is an ex-tremely important committee of the Chamber and plays a vital role in helping the CBICC reach out to its members.

• Mike Allen, Kish Bank• Edith Binkley, Lia Sophia Jewelry & Clothes Mentor• Diana Blazina, Jersey Shore State Bank• Andrea Boyles, Centre County Youth Service Bureau• Rod Burnham, Comcast Spotlight• B.J. Clitherow, Energy Stewards • Mary Ann Curren, Foxdale Village• Mindy Dillon, Fulton Bank• Chad Feather, PNC Bank• Christine Hart, Events by Hart• Bennett Hoffman, TeamWorks, Inc.• Denise Immel, Citizens Bank• Mark Johnson, The Hartman Group• Tom Katancik, Toftrees Resort & Four Star Golf Club• Tom Kearney, West PennPower• Laurene Keck, Sweetland Engineering• Crystal Little-Henry, Home Instead Senior Care• Marcia Martsolf-Miller, Gambone, Songer & Assoc. Realty• Jeff Matter, Comcast Spotlight• Dianna Meckley, SPE Federal Credit Union• Ken McGarvey, Pro-Care• Dave Shaffer, Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State• Danan Sharer, Nestlerode & Loy, Inc.• Colleen Small, The UPS Store across from Wegmans• Fran Stevenson, Kish Bank• Paul Tobin, Doty & Hench• Keith Walker, AgChoice Farm Credit, ACA• Colleen Williams, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.• Jon Yarger, Northwest Savings Bank• Steve Yetsko, WJAC-TV

Our Ambassadors are easily identified by their red “Ambassa-dor” nametag that they wear at CBICC events, so when you see one of our Ambassadors, thank them for the great work they do. To help you get to know them better, we will be featuring pro-files of our Ambassadors in upcoming editions of ChamberNet.

Ambassdors of the CBICC

Ambassador of the Month: May, JuneAmbassador of the Second Quarter 2011

Crystal Henry, Home Instead Senior CarePosition: Community Outreach Coordinator

Years as an Ambassador: 1 year

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I love meeting new people and always learn something new from the people I meet.

Hobbies/Interests: I love trail riding with my husband, spending time with my dogs, and volunteering at community events.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org July/Aug/Sept 2011

*ndulge cupcake boutiqueDonn Selkowitz206 W. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-861-1414ndulgecupcakes@verizon.netwww.ndulgecupcakes.comBakery

3twenty9Troy WestonP.O. Box 309Bellefonte, PA 16823814-355-1109sales@3twenty9.comwww.3twenty9.comGraphic Design

Accurate AccountsChristine Nebroski1637B N. Atherton St. #203State College, PA 16803814-357-9020FAX: 814-353-0709cnebroski@gmail.comwww.accurateaccountspa.comAccounting Services

AgIntegrated Inc.Cheryl Reese1350 E. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-237-5617FAX: 814-237-5612creese@agintegrated.comwww.agintegrated.comSoftware Development

Berks HomesSharon Allison3335 Morgantown Rd.Mohnton, PA 19540814-353-8089sallison@berkshomes.comwww.berkshomes.comReal Estate/Development

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSPlease join us in welcoming the following new members to the CBICC from the 2011 second quarter. The next time you are looking for a product or service, please consider supporting a CBICC member.

Blaise Alexander Hyundai MazdaJohn Broome1703 W. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-234-2886FAX: 814-238-8277tdry@blaisealexander.comwww.blaisealexander.comAuto Dealer

Comfort SuitesMarilyn Daub132 Village Dr.State College, PA 16803814-235-1900FAX: 814-234-5530gm.pa276@choicehotels.comwww.comfortsuites.com/hotel/pa276Hotel

Events 2 RememberMimi Driscoll54 Houtz LanePort Matilda, PA 16870814-441-5801mimidriscoll5@gmail.comEvent Planning

Hoffman ArchitectureRobert Hoffman110 West Main StreetBoalsburg, PA 16827814-466-7811FAX: 814-466-6340ahoffman@hoffmanarchitect.comwww.hoffmanarchitect.comArchitects

Industrial Piping SystemsJames Mummert2553 Carolean Industrial Dr.State College, PA 16801814-231-5215FAX: 814-231-1534james.mummert@ipspipe.comwww.ipspipe.comDistributor

InnoGreen USA, LLCOmer Gul200 Innovation Blvd., Ste. 257State College, PA 16803(814) 272-0087FAX: (814) 272-0376info@innogreen-usa.comwww.innogreen-usa.comIndustrial/Manufacturing

Kildare’s Irish PubDan LoCasale538 E. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-272-0038FAX: 814-272-3263statecollege@kildarespub.comwww.kildaresirishpub.comRestaurant Kyosay GlobalSherry Sullivan240 McCormick AvenueState College, PA 16801814-777-3340ssullivan@kyosayglobal.comwww.kyosayglobal.comConsulting (Business & Management)

Lion & Cub ClothingNoah Lichtig226 E. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-272-1400sales@nittanyoutlet.comwww.nittanyoutlet.comShopping (Clothing/Apparel)

Parks-Centre Carriers, Inc.Rick LytlePO Box 18State College, PA 16804814-359-3406FAX: 724-553-3975800-359-3406rick_lytle@parksmoving.comwww.parksmoving.comTransportation

Sleep InnKrista Olson111 Village Dr.State College, PA 16803814-235-1020FAX: 814-235-1388gm.pa421@choicehotels.comwww.choicehotels.com/hotel/pa421Hotel

The No Limits WorkplaceRuss Lawrence685 Stoneledge Rd.State College, PA 16803814-574-2271russnlw@gmail.comwww.NoLimitsWorkplace.comConsulting (Human Resources)

Williams Moving & StorageRick LytlePO Box 18State College, PA 16804814-359-4427FAX: 724-553-3979rick_lytle@parksmoving.comwww.williamsmoving.bizMoving & Storage

The Winery at WilcoxJenn HerrinNittany Mall2901 E. College Ave. Ste. 984State College, PA 16801814-237-8500FAX: 814-237-8500stcollege@wineryatwilcox.netwww.wineryatwilcox.netWinery

Yummy CafeAndy Jiang320 E. Calder WayState College, PA 16801814-308-9826FAX: 888-857-8893dianminjiang@gmail.comwww.yummycafepsu.comRestaurant

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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July/Aug/Sept 2011

The CBICC held their annual Member Spotlight presented by PA Chamber Insurance and Proforma LLH Promos on Thursday, April 28 from 5:00-7:30 located in the Technology Center Building in Innovation Park. Over 90 exhibitors were setup throughout the building with six featured caterers and two local wineries. Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers and all who attended this fun event! Photos by: Eric Smith

CBICC Members Seen & Heard

Many people took advantage of the networking opportunities at the Annual Member Spotlight on Thursday, April 28.

Jill Lillie from The Village at Penn State Life Care Retirement Community talks with an attendee about their vision and connection with PSU.

Keira Feagley from Cisney & O’Donnell, Inc. is ready to explain to at-tendees why they say “Yeah, we do that!”

The wonderful ladies at Bliss - A Full Service Salon LLC were excited to share all the Aveda products and services they have to offer.

The Carnegie Inn & Spa had quite an assortment of fantastic foods available for attendees to try!

Seven Mountains Wine Cellars serving some of their wines during the Member Spotlight event.

Rotelli had serveral different kinds of their pastas and items on their menu for attenees to taste.

Harrison’s Wine Grill and Catering’s served some tasty treats for all who attended.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org July/Aug/Sept 2011

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Open for Business Golf Tournament

Friday, July 29, 2011

Get Ready for the CBICC’s “Open For Business Golf Tournament” presented by:

Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference CenterTee Times 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

200 Innovation Blvd, Suite 150 • State College PA 16803 • P (814) 234-1829 • F (814) 234-5869 • W www.cbicc.org

Thank you to the following Sponsors:West Penn PowerForever BroadcastingCentral PA Newspaper NetworkAmeriServ BankBenchmark Construction Company, Inc.Comcast SpotlightCapital Blue CrossThe Hartman GroupMercedes-Benz Nissan Audi Volkswagen Volvo Sprinter of State CollegeAlexander Building Construction Co.RestekRex EnergyMcQuaide Blasko Attorneys at Law

Balfurd CleanersBarash MediaBest Western PLUS University Park Inn & SuitesBuchart-Horn Inc./BASCO AssociatesEmpire Communication Systems, Inc.First National BankGeisinger Medical GroupHaas Building SolutionsGlenn O. Hawbaker Inc.Graystone BankHighmark Blue ShieldNorthwest Savings BankPNC BankUniversity Park AirportVantage Investment Advisors, LLC

2Viki Assistant ServicesAlexander Building Construction Co. Aurum Jewelers Best Western PLUS University Inn & Suites Black Walnut Body Works, Ltd Capital Blue Cross Central Pennsylvania Newspapers Citizens Bank Comcast Spotlight - Post Putt Party prize

East Coast Health & Fitness Fit for Play Physical Therapy & Fitness Center Geisinger Health Plan Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. Highmark Blue Shield Hospitality Asset Management Company Jos.A. Bank Clothier Lia Sophia JewelryMike’s Video TV & AppliancePenn State Golf CoursesPizza Hut

Thank you to the following Prize Sponsors:

Spend a day on the greens with CBICC members and guests while supporting the Workforce Development Scholarships for the five Centre County school districts. These $1,250 scholarships are given to one high school student at each school district who is currently receiving technical education or training and plans to seek employment in a technical position in Centre County.

The five Centre County schools include: Bald Eagle Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, Penns Valley Area School District, Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District, and State College Area School District.

The Centre County Workforce Development Scholarships

Bonfatto’sCulliganDuffy’s TavernElmcroft Assisted LivingGiant Food Store #72Hoag’s Catering Celebration HallPhilly Pretzel FactoryRoaring Spring WaterSodexo@Foxdale VillageSutliff Buick-GMC-CadillacThe Honeybaked Ham Co. & CafePure Urban SpaWegmans

PNC Bank Proforma LLH Promotions SPE Federal Credit Union TeamWorks, Inc.The UPS Store across from Wegmans Toftrees Golf Resort & Conference CenterUniversity Area Joint Authority West Penn Power - Post Putt Party prizeWiscoy Pet Food Co., Inc.