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Castle Views A New Year – and New Opportunities -By Bill Gour 2006 was a good year for the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce. There was a full calendar of events – with 8 breakfasts and seven mixers, as well as the Civil War Trails Discovery Weekend, the Administrative Professionals Luncheon, High School and Middle School Career Days, Golf Tournament, Sidewalk Days, Annual Banquet, Shoppes of Greencastle Holiday Open House, Heritage Christmas and ribbon cuttings and ground breakings. All of these events were well-attended and well-received. In fact a number of records were set - at the Golf Tournament, Sidewalk Days and Heritage Christmas. Plans are well under way for 2007: breakfast sponsors and speakers are being lined up and mixers are being planned (the first will be at Greencastle Eye Care Center on January 25). If you would like to host a mixer, or sponsor a breakfast, please contact the Chamber . The email address is info@greencastlepachamber.org; the phone number is 717-597-9202. Meanwhile, planning is under way for the Administrative Professionals Luncheon, which will be held on April 25. Summit Health will be sponsoring the event. More information will be available in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors will be holding its annual Retreat on the 9h; the Business Education Partnership will begin planning the High School Career Expo later this month; and soon we will start planning the Golf Tournament and Sidewalk Days. The Membership Committee will be updating the Directory – and eventually will turn its attention to the Annual Banquet. In what will seem like the blink of an eye we will once again be planning Heritage Christmas. There are two new programs for Chamber members: the Embarq Chamber of Commerce Program and Gettin’ Fit: One Step at a Time. Those who attended the December 15 Chamber breakfast got a sneak peek at the Embarq program, which rewards Chamber members for using Embarq DSL. There will be more information in the next newsletter. You can read all about Gettin’ Fit: One Step at a Time in this issue of the newsletter. The Chamber will be putting a team together. I challenge you and your business to do the same.
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS! Greencastle Eye Care Center **Refreshments**Networking ** **Fellowship**Door Prizes ** RSVP by January 23
From the Director’s Desk By Bill Gour “We will open the
book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The
book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Personally, 2006 was an exciting year. Having started this job in August of 2005, last year was my first full calendar year at the Chamber. The enthusiasm I had when I started has only intensified as a result of how well last year went. Of course, nothing would happen at the Chamber without the participation of so many people. Deanna came on board as Administrative Assistant and has proven to be an invaluable asset. The chemistry was evident her first day on the job. Deanna and I rely upon the assistance of an army of volunteers. Chief among these is the Board of Directors. The Chamber Board has changed slightly since last year: we will miss Tracy Burger, whose term expired and we welcome Michael Russo and Pam Ott to the Board. The Executive for 2007 will be Paul Schemel, Chair; Elissa Parsons and David Rajtik, Vice Chairs; Brad Kearns, Treasurer; and Karen Starr, Recording Secretary. Together we look forward to serving the businesses and people of Greencastle and Antrim Township. We approach this year – and the future in general – with an eagerness to see what we can accomplish. We urge you to take advantage of all of the benefits of Chamber membership. Be an active participant. It is good for your business and good for the community. Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber.
Now Leasing Professional Building
Lower Level, Private
Entrance, Off-street parking,
For details call: 717-597-2829 Need a jumpstart to your resolution to live healthier in 2007? Gather your co-workers, friends and family and create an instant support system to take part in Gettin’ Fit: One Step at a Time. The four-month Fitness Campaign begins on February 5, 2007. Worksite teams will be competing with other organizations in our Chamber and the other Chambers in Franklin County. Teams will record steps each day to see which team can get the highest number of steps per team member over two eight week and total 16 week period. (Campaign ends May 28th.) Other activity can be converted to steps so never fear, whatever you do it will count!
The Campaign theme is “Move more and eat less to create a balanced, healthy lifestyle.” As a Chamber we also will send you tips on decreasing your calorie intake by 100 calories a day…a little bit that can make a difference. Research notes that employers who support increased activity and wellness concerns for their employees will see, over time, increase productivity and reductions in healthcare claims. Teamwork and increase in morale also are seen as positive side effects. For more information and/or to sign up your team contact the Healthy Communities Partnership of Greater Franklin County at 727-264-1470 or info@hcpfranklinpa.org. The first 50 Chamber members to sign up a team receive 5 free Accusplit pedometers (a $100 value!) courtesy of Chamber Choice. Additional pedometers will be available at a reduced rate of $10 while supply lasts. ALL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IN
FRANKLIN COUNTY are competing!. Sign up now and help us be the Chamber to have
the highest percent of our members involved! A Team of 3 to 10 people is all you
need and we’re on our way…one step at a time. Meet the New Administrative Assistant My name is Deanna Hughes. I was born and raised in Frostburg, MD, and my husband Jim is from Altoona, PA.. We have been married for 27 years. I graduated from Beall High School, and Cathermans Business School. Jim works as a respiratory therapist in Hagerstown, MD for Apria Healthcare, and also served as a medic in the Vietnam War. Our daughter, JoAnna, graduated from Penn State and lives in Camp Hill, PA where she teaches eighth grade science and is now working on her masters in biology. My main goal for a long time was to get JoAnna through college - sometimes working two jobs in the process. Now my goal is to learn my job at the Chamber as best as I can. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work for the Chamber, and would like to retire from here. My family keeps me busy most of the time. In my spare time I like to work outside in the yard, and do things around the house. I am the oldest of three children: my brother Lynn is an engineer and lives in Texas with his wife Cindy; my sister Sharon is a pharmacist and lives in Potomac, MD with her two little girls and her husband Chris. My father, who is 82 years old, is a retired mailman and lives in Frostburg, MD; my mother, a retired school teacher, lives in Cumberland, MD. I do spend some of my time on weekends making sure my parents are doing alright. We moved here to Greencastle almost two years ago from York, PA where we lived for 18 years. Since living in Greencastle, I worked in Emittsburg, MD at the National Fire Academy and then worked for a short time at the borough office in Greencastle before working for the Chamber of Commerce. I have twenty years experience working in federal, local and county governments. In York, PA I worked for Springettsbury Township for 9 years as a secretary for the Director and 5 superintendents, and then I went to work for the York County Planning Commission for another 9 years. With the Planning Commission I have experience working in the Community Development Block Grant Department, County Long Range Planning Department, and was the back-up person for the Fiscal Officer. Before coming to York, PA I worked with the F.B.I. in Washington, DC. I know my first year here will be a learning experience; Bill is a great teacher and a pleasure to work with. So hopefully my first year will go smoothly. I hope to be an asset to Bill so that we will be able to accomplish a lot of great things for Greencastle.
Members in the news! Paul Schemel Honored by
Rotary Congratulations to Tracey’s Orchard, recipients of the 2006 Franklin County Council of Chambers of Commerce Farm-City Award.
Morningstar: a Perfect
Gift Reopens A November 30 ribbon cutting marked a new beginning for Morningstar: a Perfect Gift. The store was originally located in the Old Town Hall, which was destroyed by a fire last January. YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNIZED Fourteen employees of The First National Bank of Greencastle and the First National Bank of McConnellsburg were recently recognized for service at the annual bank Christmas party held at the Orchards Restaurant, Chambersburg: Tom DeShong – 35 years; Carol Smetzer and Jeff Shank – 30 years; April Snyder – 25 years; Margaret Moore – 20 years; Denise Garnes, Pam Johns and Lisa Daniels – 15 years; and Charlene Briggs, Angie Hager, Connie Burgan, Pauline Yohn, Mike Russo and Bonnie Fields – 10 years. Both banks are subsidiaries of Tower Bancorp, Inc. The First National Bank of Greencastle recently held its annual Quincy Village Retirement Community Christmas Mixer in the Village’s Hess Room. Village residents and staff decorated with a variety of fresh fruit, flowers and a hand-made wooden Nativity scene. The Quincy Dietary staff created an offering of appetizers and holiday treats. More than 175 residents attended the mixer. All guests received poinsettias from the bank. The Phillips Group has made the Sharp Document Solutions Company of America’s 2006 Hyakuman Kai Elite Dealer list, placing #1 in the North East. The Phillips Group has been named to the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania, Large Companies 2006. This is the 5th year The Phillips Group has made the list.
Franklin County Area
Development Corp.
Hires
David Mackley
The Bells Ring
Again! Menno Haven Dedicates Carillons at Menno Village On November 3, after almost one year, the bells have rang again at Menno Haven Menno Village. First rung eighteen years ago, the Menno Village Carillons were a staple on Scotland Avenue. Over the years, the wear and tear came to a point where the system was beyond repair. The Carillons first came to the Menno Village campus out of a generous gift from Rev. J. Mark and Eva Stauffer, who were residents of Menno Village. Rev. Stauffer had served as chaplain at Menno Village Nursing Center. He and his wife felt that the carillon bells and hymns would expand the ministry at the village. In early July 2006 Karen Metzfield, a resident of Northfield, indicated that she would like to make a gift to bring the bells back to the campus. Karen and a number of the Menno Village staff met with the Verdin Company, which made the original carillons. They are the premier maker of bell towers, clocks and carillons in the world. Some installations include the Smithsonian Institute, Walt Disney World and the University of Notre Dame. The Menno Village Carillons are the most advanced “Singing Tower Carillon” and can be programmed to play over 300 different bell tolls and hymns. The First National
Bank of Greencastle, Rouzerville, PA The 16th branch of The First National Bank of Greencastle recently opened in Rouzerville, east of Waynesboro, at 11050 Buchanan Trail East. “Over the past few years, we’ve been very pleased to see Rouzerville come into its own as a wonderful place to do business and to raise families,” said Jeff Shank, bank CEO and President. “We’re excited to be able to extend our services to our customers here and to reach out to new families moving into the area.” Kim Shockey, the bank’s regional manager for the Waynesboro area, presented bank donations to three Rouzerville organizations. On hand to receive the checks were Bob Backer, secretary of the Rouzerville Business Association, Ron Face Jr. of Blue Ridge Summit Fire and Rescue and Barry Keller, chief of the Washington Township Police. After the presentation, Shockey and her Rouzerville staff of five welcomed guests to the branch. Also attending the event were The First National Bank of Greencastle’s board members Kermit Hicks, Jim Craig, Mark Gayman, Red Pensinger, Fred Frederick and Lois Easton.
Todd Streett of Edward Jones Receives Accredited
Asset Management Specialist Designation Streett successfully completed the Accredited Asset Management Specialist, or AAMS, Professional Education Program from the Denver-bases College for Financial Planning. Those who complete the program, pass a final exam and sign a code of ethics and disclosure form earn the AAMS designation. This advanced training offers investment professionals the hands-on information needed to provide comprehensive financial services. Study topics include understanding the asset management process to understanding asset allocation and strategies.
Edward Jones Ranks No. 1 in National Survey of
Brokers Edward Jones investment representatives gave the firm its highest scores in all but two of the 23 categories in which it was rated. Some of those categories include: hiring and recruiting practices, ongoing training, client account statements, quality of the products offered, and the firm’s strategic focus. Edward Jones investment representatives cited the firm’s training and customer service among its greatest assets. One anonymous IR is quoted in the survey as saying that Edward Jones’ “total and complete focus on putting the client first is why I always see myself working for them.” Edward Jones’ overall score was 9.4 out of 10 possible points. The overall average for all firms was 8.0. “This particular ranking is especially gratifying because it is based upon feedback from our own investment representatives,” said James D. Weddle, Edward Jones’ managing partner. “We are honored and humbled by this 14th consecutive No. 1 ranking.” Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones interactive Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.edwrdjonesopportunity,com Dice Imaging
Relocates
Full-Time Associate Joins Greencastle Eye Care
Center Dr. Sandra L. Fink-Freeman began seeing patients at Greencastle Eye Care Center on Monday, December 4, 2006. After earning her undergraduate degree at Penn State University, Sandra graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1993. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor Fraternity and is a member of the American Optometric Association, PA Optometric Association and the Central PA Optometric Association. She has been practicing in the local area since 1994. Dr. Sandra L. Fink-Freeman lives in Greencastle with her husband, John, and their two sons, Benjamin and Jason. When she isn’t seeing patients Dr. Fink-Freeman can be found attending her sons’ sporting events, Hagerstown Suns games, reading or tending to her garden.
Photo Gem, owner Melissa
Varner The Second Place Winner was Don Miller who received a Digital Media Card. Third place winner was Martha Buchanan who received a camera bag. Because of the overwhelming response and the various types of photography shots, the following were honorable mention winners in the categories of people, pets, nature and creativity respectively -- Sam Hepner, Dan Timmons, Zack Keckler and Megan Grove. Congratulations to all!
Ribbon Cut at Decals & More on Dec. 14
Non-credit Classes Offered at Wilson College Basic Spanish I; Basic Spanish II ; Boost Your Computer Skills Class ; Ballroom Dancing. For more information and/or to register for any of the above classes, contact the College of Continuing Education at (800) 421-4796 or (717) 262-2025 or mfoltz@wilson.edu. A perfect fit: PCI Insurance provides custom employee benefit solutions for business owners The size of a business shouldn’t dictate the number of options available in the search for the best benefit program. The mission of PCI Insurance has always been geared toward offering small business owners coverage options equal to those offered to large businesses, and we’re one of the very few organizations to remain committed to that mission. As the industry’s small business employee benefit solution, the PCI Insurance programs offer the greatest flexibility of choice instead of compromise. The PCI portfolio includes more than 100 medical plan options and a host of specialty coverage options, including dental, vision, life, disability, EAP services and Section 125 administration. As a benefit of local chamber membership in the G-A Chamber, PCI Insurance offers chamber members big company benefits and treats all participants as one group. When searching for a program that combines flexibility, simplified administration and the greatest number of coverage options, contact PCI Insurance first. For more information about the PCI Insurance, visit us on the web at www.pciinsurance.com or call 800.755.3021. Total Employee Benefit Solutions from PCI Insurance, Inc. No two businesses are the same. Regardless of product, service, location or size, each business is unique, in nearly every aspect, except one -- people. Without qualified employees, businesses cannot thrive. With that in mind, PCI Insurance provides total benefit solution packages, giving employers the necessary tools to attract and retain quality employees. As Highmark Blue Shield’s Small Business Employee Benefit Solution, the PCI Insurance benefit solutions include multiple PPO medical plans, a selection of Health Reimbursement programs to help lower healthcare costs and a complete menu of optional coverage’s that includes dental, vision, life, disability, EAP services and COBRA administration. PCI Insurance couples the flexibility of choice with simplified administration. Numerous medical programs for groups of any size, ancillary coverage’s, one invoice for all selected lines, 24/7 online account access, an electronic payment program, a dedicated service and account executive and no minimum participation requirements for optional coverage’s make the PCI benefit solutions an unmatched value. The Greencastle-Antrim Chamber and PCI Insurance have created this unique partnership as a service to benefit chamber members. To find out more about the PCI Insurance employee benefit programs, please call 800.755.3021 to speak with a regional account executive or visit www.pciinsurance.com.
Manager's Corner –
A client recently told me she
believes one of her key employees may be looking for a different job. My client
was nervous and a bit "defeated." Her employee is smart, efficient, organized,
and articulate. She gets along with everyone, works on any project you ask her
to, and is willing to try new things. However, she's apparently not happy. When
my client and I talked a bit more, I discovered, Sarah (not her real name), was
the only full-time employee left in her department besides the department
manager. All other staff had resigned over the previous year and their positions
had not yet been filled. After a bit more probing, I learned that the department
manager is very nice, but disorganized, not able to think strategically, and not
a strong manager. why Sarah wasn't happy. She was carrying the workload for an entire department and was being "managed" by a weak manager. Would you be happy if you were Sarah? When you have unhappy employees, it may be an indication there are other problems facing your organization. When
your
"key" employees are unhappy, there are usually some serious issues facing the
company that have been around for some time. Often their unhappiness is a result
of your failure to address "known" issues. Your job is to determine what's
causing your employees' unhappiness, so they don't leave and leave you unhappy.
Sometimes the cause of their unhappiness is rather obvious; sometimes not.
After some strategy and reorganization meetings, my client restructured Sarah's
department to ensure "busy" work was eliminated and only mission-critical tasks
were still on the departmental To Do list. Sarah's manager is receiving coaching
to help her become more organized and a stronger manager. Sarah has also been
asked to become a key player on an company-wide project. She'll be operating
within an aggressive team structure with specific project deliverables and
deadlines. Sarah's excited, energized, and looking forward to the challenge. It
sounds crazy
In
reviewing the situation and talking with Sarah, we quickly learned she was
frustrated with her manager and her current "mind-numbing" work. Sarah likes to
challenge herself mentally Copyright 2006 - Liz Weber, CMC - Weber liz@wbsllc.com or (717)597-8890. www.WBSLLC.com WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Business Network
International meets at the Antrim House every Thursday morning from 7:00-8:30.
Another Advantage of Chamber Membership Members of the Greencastle-Antrim Chamber of Commerce can save money with large group buying power through the business insurance program. Only Chamber members are eligible. Program eligibility based on individual risk characteristics, loss experience and company underwriting guidelines. Eligible Business Insurance Lines through Penn National Insurance: General Liability, Business Owners, Commercial Auto, Commercial Fire, Inland Marine, Workers’ Compensation, and Crime Insurance. As a member of the group, you could EARN A DIVIDEND based on your premium size plus the group premium volume and claims experience!
Want to know more?
Craig, Friedly, Potter & Moore Insurance,
717-762-3147) Please note: Due to the large number of people and businesses who have generously given of their time and resources over the last two months the Gratitude Corner is a full-page insert.
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