Erie PA - Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Investor News


February 21, 2012 -

Erie FREE Taxes

Over 17% of Erie County's residents are living below the poverty level, and that percentage increases to more than 30% in the City of Erie. Those numbers are unacceptable and need to change.

As a leader in addressing poverty, United Way of Erie County is concentrating on ways to bring those numbers down. United Way Erie FREE Taxes is one of United Way's key initiatives to reduce poverty in our region.

United Way Erie FREE Taxes, funded by The Erie Community Foundation, was established to help eligible low to moderate income wage earners claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a cash refund, by providing them with free tax preparation and filing services at volunteer tax sites. Created by the federal government in 1975, the EITC is the nation's most effective poverty reduction program.

Visit UnitedWayErie.org today to learn about eligibility requirements and volunteer opportunities.

United Way Erie FREE Taxes returned nearly $6 million through refunds to more than 3,200 eligible workers in Erie County last year.


January 10, 2012 -

Sterling Technologies, Inc. awarded two prestigious McCue awards

Sterling Technologies, Inc. returned from the annual McCue Corporation supplier meeting with the 2011 Quality Commitment Award and the 2011 Vendor of the Year Award

McCue, a designer of safety and protection products to large retailers, has been a supplier partner of Sterling’s since 2001, Sterling has received various awards for supplier excellence from McCue since the relationship started however, this is the first time Sterling has received two awards in a single year.

McCue outsources production to many different suppliers, all of which are thoroughly reviewed and rated on a monthly basis. The areas rated include items such as quality, on-time fulfillment, and customer service. Sterling finished first in 2011 with an average score of 98.7%.

The staff at Sterling Technologies is very proud of these awards and has a strong understanding of what they represent for the company. VP, Cary Quigley, commented, “We’ve managed to maintain a strong relationship with McCue and many of our customers through dedication, a thorough understanding of their needs and attention to detail”. This is the second Vendor of the Year Award and the first Quality Commitment Award Sterling has received from McCue to date.

Sterling Technologies, Inc. is a full service custom rotational molding company specializing in “cradle to grave” developments of rotationally molded components. Service capabilities include concept design, CAD design services, prototype and production rotational molding, product assembly, final packaging, warehousing and distribution.


December 12, 2011 -

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY CURRENTLY TAKING NOMINEES FOR 2012 MAN, WOMAN & TEEN OF THE YEAR

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is currently taking nominees for the 2012 Man, Woman & Teen of the Year. Could it be you or someone you know? Contact Sherry Ziesenheim for more information or to submit a nomination. The campaign kicks off at Alto Cucina Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The Grande Finale will be held at Lake Shore Country Club Friday, June 1, 2012.


December 1, 2011 -

STAIRWAYS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AWARDED ACCREDITATION FROM THE JOINT COMMISSION

Stairways Behavioral Health has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in behavioral health care. The accreditation award recognizes Stairways’ dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Stairways underwent a rigorous on-site survey in July 2011. A Joint Commission expert surveyor evaluated Stairways for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of individuals served and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Stairways Behavioral Health has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for the people they serve," says Mary Cesare-Murphy, Ph.D., executive director, Behavioral Health Care Accreditation, The Joint Commission. “Behavioral Health accreditation is a voluntary process and I commend Stairways for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Stairways attained its first Joint Commission three-year accreditation in 1999, and has maintained this highest level of certification since. The 2011 award represents the organization’s fifth consecutive accreditation.

"With Joint Commission accreditation, we are making a significant investment in quality on a day-to-day basis. Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence,” says Robin Dowling, Stairways’ chief compliance officer. “Achieving and maintaining Joint Commission accreditation, for our organization, demonstrates our commitment to excellence and continually improving the care we provide.”

The Joint Commission’s behavioral health care standards address important functions relating to the care of individuals served and the management of behavioral health care organizations. The standards are developed in consultation with behavioral health care experts, providers, measurement experts, individuals served and their families.


October 18, 2011 -

Isaac Baker Menswear is partnering with the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation and their soon-to-be-launched “Minutes Matter” campaign.

From now until the end of October, a portion of all sales will go to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation. When Isaac Baker’s Facebook Page hits 500 likes, they’re going to double their donation to 10%.

Watch the video


October 18, 2011 -

Grown-Ups Just Wanna Have Fun

An expERIEnce Children’s Museum 80’s Style of Party

80’s fun continues after the concert at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, 420 French Street, ‘til 1 AM. Enjoy beer, wine and refreshments, plus 80’s-themed games for just $15/person with your Erie Phil concert ticket. Call 455-1375 for information and tickets. Learn More >>


September 6, 2011 -

WMF designed Recreation & Wellness Center Enhances Versatility and Community Outreach

Weber Murphy Fox continues to affirm its commitment to the wellbeing of students, staff and community through renovation of Cuyahoga Community College’s Metro Campus Recreation and Wellness facility. The $5.1million project gives the building a more inviting presence and upgrades amenities for recreation, wellness and health education. The ‘Rec Wellness’ facility’s versatility provides a 4,200 square foot cardiovascular and free-weight training suite, multi-purpose aerobics and dance studio, health and wellness education classrooms, demonstration kitchen and resource library, hydro-therapy area, secure locker rooms and offices for recreation and wellness staff. The exterior transformation reduced the stark brick exterior by strategically opening the façade with expanses of full-height glazing. And to compliment Campus President Dr. Michael Schoop’s vision for community outreach, a new glazed vestibule the will serve as Campus’ front-door until future campus development occurs.

September 1, 2011 -

Erie BayHawks 2011-2012 Schedule Released

The Erie BayHawks, the NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knicks, begin their fourth season on November 25 as they travel to face the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for a two game set before returning to Erie to face the Maine Red Claws for the home opener on December 1 at 7 pm.

“After last year’s record-breaking year we can’t wait to get another season started,” said BayHawks president Matt Bresee. “We have more Friday and Saturday home games than ever before, eleven different opponents coming to Erie and we’ll be adding a full slate of promotions in the coming weeks. Fans have a lot to look forward to this season.”

Highlights of Erie’s home schedule include:

-Sixteen of the team’s twenty-four home games are weekend dates (eight Fridays, seven Saturdays and one Sunday).

-The BayHawks welcome to town eleven different opponents including the Texas Legends who will be making their first trip to Erie in their two year history.

-The Cleveland Cavaliers new affiliate in Canton, Ohio (yet to be named) visits Erie for the first time on Friday, December 9. The teams face off a total of six times this season with each team hosting three games.

-The annual “School Kids Jam” is set for Tuesday, March 6 with a special 11 a.m. tipoff.

Forty-eight of the teams’ fifty games are set with the annual NBA Development League Showcase schedule to be announced soon. The Showcase is a four-day event, scheduled to run in mid-January where all sixteen teams play two games apiece.

BayHawks season tickets and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 814-790-5600. Print Schedule >>


August 8, 2011 -

Beth Burnside of CMIT Solutions of Erie Names Top 100 Most Powerful Women of the Channel

As part of CRN's annual Women Of The Channel report, they have selected the female channel executives from solution providers and vendors that carry the most clout. Whether they come from tier one vendors, VAR500 solution providers or just bring a bevy of channel experience that cannot be ignored. Ms. Beth Burnside was among the selected females.


August 3, 2011 -

Edinboro University expands Homecoming Parade Route

EDINB ORO, Pa. – Edinboro University Interim President Jim Moran and the University’s 2011 Homecoming Committee announced this week that the annual Homecoming Parade route has been expanded to include more than a mile through Edinboro borough streets.

“We’re pleased to be able to come together with the entire Edinboro Borough community in this extension of an event that should be one of the highlights of Homecoming Weekend,” Dr. Moran said. “The Homecoming Committee and borough officials have developed a parade route that expands this event for the enjoyment of all.”

For the past three years, the Homecoming Parade route wended its way through the 1.2 mile inner-campus loop. The Homecoming Committee considered various ways to extend this year’s Saturday, October 8, parade into the community, while at the same time complying with applicable borough and Commonwealth permitting requirements for Pennsylvania and U.S. highways and borough street closures during the event.
With the expansion of the Homecoming parade route, the Borough of Edinboro has joined with the University as a co-sponsor of the popular annual event.

The new agreed upon route – contingent upon the University obtaining the required permits – will begin and end on Edinboro’s campus with parade participants traveling 1.7 miles along a path that includes campus roads and borough streets.

The 11 a.m. parade on October 8 is but one component of a multi-event Homecoming Weekend for students, returning alumni, university faculty and staff, and the broader community beyond.
Plans are underway for a pre-parade community brunch on the Doucette Hall lawns, a football game with the Fighting Scots taking on their PSAC-West rivals, Slippery Rock University, and numerous other Homecoming activities. New this year, for example, will be a post-game “Fifth Quarter Celebration” in downtown Edinboro featuring live music and local food and beverage vendors.

More detailed information – including announcement of the Homecoming Parade’s Grand Marshal – will be released in the weeks and days leading up to the fall weekend’s festivities. For now, tentative scheduling and Homecoming information is available online at www.edinboro.edu.


August 1, 2011 -

AG Aegis Company, Inc. Welcomes Loren Chase as Regional Manager

Corry, PA - AG Aegis Company, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in Environmental and Safety Management Services, announced today it has hired Loren Chase for the position of Regional Manager. Mr. Chase has been added to the sales team to play a vital role in the development and growth of the business.

Before joining AG Aegis Company, Inc., Mr. Chase worked for E.E. Austin & Son, Inc., where he gained extensive experience and comprehensive understanding of highway, bridge and building construction.

Mr. Chase is a Certified Asbestos Building Inspector. He majored in Geography and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

AG Aegis Company, Inc. has built its excellent reputation by helping clients manage environmental and safety compliance projects for over 20 years. “The expansion of our sales team further strengthens our ability to meet the needs of our clients,” said David Alexander, President of AG Aegis Company, Inc. “We are pleased and proud to welcome Loren to our organization.” For more information, please visit the firm’s web site at www.aegis-usa.com.


August 1, 2011 -

Take the Next Step with Executive Leadership Academy

Take the next step while taking care of today’s needs. Grow your company, create effective competitive strategies and gain management skills with the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

The ELA is an eight-month course that offers a practical, executive-level business education in leadership, finance, law and human resources in easy-to-digest half-day sessions.

The final ELA information session will be held on Wednesday, August 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Jack Burke Research and Economic Center at Penn State Behrend.

The program content, time commitment and facilities will be reviewed and faculty members will be on hand to meet prospective participants.

Classes begin Monday, Sept. 7 and continue through April 2012. The course consists of 11 primary topics, each taught by faculty members in the college’s Sam and Irene Black School of Business which is accredited by AACSB International and is the global standard for business schools. Course descriptions and instructor information can be found at behrend.psu.edu/ela.

To register for the information session or for more information on the Executive Leadership Academy, contact Continuing Education at 814-898-6103 or Behrend-CE@psu.edu. Reservations are encouraged.

June 21, 2011 -

Turning the Page at Millcreek Mall: Books-A-Million to Replace Borders Express

It’s no secret that the book publishing and sales industry has been experiencing great turmoil nationwide. The recent bankruptcy of Borders Group, Inc. has resulted in the closure of more than 200 stores. Currently, Borders Express is conducting a liquidation sale at Millcreek Mall, in Erie, PA. Fortunately, book lovers in the area will soon have a new source of great reading. By August 1, 2011, Books-A-Million will open a brand new store in a 5,300 square foot space currently occupied by Borders Express. The new Books-A-Million promises to offer even greater selection and service to customers in Northwest Pennsylvania.

Books-A-Million is America’s third-largest book retailer, with over 200 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. It offers an expansive collection of books, magazines, bargain books, collectible supplies, cards and gifts. Special category shops also operate within each store. For example, the Testaments Shoppe features the best references and writing for the Christian market. In many of its stores, Books-A-Million customers also enjoy the offerings of Joe Muggs Café, with its full line of coffee, espresso, gourmet tea, desserts and brewing supplies.


June 15, 2011 -

Saint Vincent Offers Alternative Class for Busy Expectant Parents

Saint Vincent Health Center introduces the region’s first online childbirth class, a convenient alternative for expectant parents who cannot attend conventional classes due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints.

The Gift of Motherhood eLearning Childbirth Education Program is an interactive, online program that will guide expectant parents through all aspects of pregnancy. This 6-week program includes access to childbirth education materials (beginning from the date of initial use), a Gift of Motherhood handbook and access to a Saint Vincent nurse educator via e-mail, who will be able to answer any questions. The Gift of Motherhood eLearning Program is also useful as a refresher course for repeat parents.
Class topics include childbirth education and labor support, dealing with the discomforts of pregnancy, understanding labor and birth, a labor guide, caring for both mom and baby postpartum, and feeding your newborn.

Learn More >>


June 3, 2011 -

Erie Gives

In celebration of The Erie Community Foundation's 75th Anniversary, the Foundation will host an exciting, community-wide day of giving called: Erie Gives on Tuesday, August 2 from 8am - 8pm.

Learn More >>


May 31, 2011 -

Two Open Houses are set for the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging’s new Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Millcreek Community Hospital

Health care and community leaders are invited Thursday, June 2, 3-6 p.m. ; the general public on Friday, June 3, 3-6 p.m. Guests can tour the TCU, the region’s only hospital-based, sub-acute rehab unit, meet geriatricians James Y. Lin, D.O., and Danielle M. Hansen, D.O. and learn about other senior health services such as the region’s only Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit.

Learn More


- May 31, 2011 -

DR. KEITH TAYLOR NAMED SEVENTH PRESIDENT OF GANNON UNIVERSITY

Keith Taylor, Ph.D., has been named the seventh president of Gannon University, the University announced today. The University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Taylor to succeed Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D., as president of Gannon. Taylor was chosen from a pool of more than 40 candidates after a national search to fill the position. Taylor, currently Gannon’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will begin serving as president on July 1. Phil Kelly, D.A., has been serving as the University’s interim president since Garibaldi went on sabbatical Dec. 31, 2010.

“Gannon University is a special place with exceptional and dynamic students, faculty and staff,” Taylor said. “I am extremely grateful for the support of the Board of Trustees and I’m excited about leading this great University into the future.”

“In addition, I am privileged to have the opportunity to help distinguish the University as a leader in comprehensive Catholic higher education,” Taylor added. “Higher education has been my vocation and passion for decades, and my heart is firmly committed to Gannon.”

Said Erie Bishop Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, chairperson of the Gannon University Board of Trustees, “Change is inevitable, but we are confident that Dr. Taylor will navigate a smooth course to Gannon’s future. Dr. Taylor will be the one who cuts the ribbon to the new residence hall this summer, who works to improve Gannon’s already outstanding academic programs and reputation, maintains Gannon’s strong commitment to its Catholic identity and encourages us all to continue to Believe in the possibilities.”

Taylor since 2005 has served as Gannon University’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. In that capacity, his responsibilities include oversight of the curriculum, enrollment, academic grants and contracts, intercollegiate athletics, community development, institutional research and assessment, library services, student development, student retention, tutoring, mentoring and academic and career advising.


- May 28, 2011 -

Local Couple Provides $2 Million to Create Two New Scholarships

Known for their commitment to the community and their employees, Joseph and Isabel Prischak have pledged $2 million to create two new scholarships at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Joseph Prischak announced the gift tonight (May 28) at a Conneaut Valley High School alumni reunion.

With the addition of the Prischak Family Trustee Scholarship and the Joseph and Isabel Prischak Trustee Scholarship, Penn State Behrend has a total of 35 trustee scholarships.

The Prischak Family Trustee Scholarship, funded with a $1 million gift, is a need-based scholarship designated for Plastek Group employees and their children and grandchildren.

“I have been blessed throughout my life and plastics career, and I want to help create opportunities for fellow Plastek employees and their families. These are the men and women who have helped to make Plastek the world-class manufacturer that it is today,” said Prischak, chairman of the board of the Plastek Group. Plastek has manufacturing plants in the United States, Europe and South America and employs more than 2,000 people worldwide.

The Joseph and Isabel Prischak Trustee Scholarship, also funded at $1 million, will give preference to students from Conneaut Valley High School, Joseph Prischak’s alma mater, or to students who reside in Crawford County. This is the college’s first such scholarship for this specific demographic and will support academically talented Penn State Behrend students with a demonstrated financial need.


- May 3, 2011 -

Erie Community Foundation Welcomes Sekula & O’Brien

The Erie Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Blose Sekula to the position of Vice President of Programs. She is responsible for managing the Programs department and overseeing the Foundation’s collaborative grant making.

Sekula joined the Foundation with over 15 years of hands-on leadership in philanthropy and nonprofit management. She was a senior manager with Dewey and Kaye in Pittsburgh where she provided a wide range of management guidance to nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations including strategic planning, organizational assessment, research, and collaborations. She was responsible for managing a $2 million foundation and nonprofit initiative—The Community Quality Institute. In addition, she was very engaged in her community by serving on the board of the Fred Rogers Center and the Sprout Fund, and working solutions for healthier school lunches and improving a Pittsburgh public art program.

Meghan O’Brien also recently joined the Foundation as the Grants Accounting Assistant. She is responsible for all aspects of donor directed grants processing and for assisting the Finance Department with endowment fund accounting work.


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