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BUSINESS VOL. XXX NO. 3 | MARCH 2017
MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT Q&A:
SMARTDOLLAR’S ROADMAP TO FINANCIAL WELLNESS
THE HOMETOWN BANK WHY LOCAL DECISION MAKING BY LOCAL LENDERS MATTERS TO YOUR BUSINESS
2017 CFO RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
FEATURES FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
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FINANCIAL WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE Why it matters to your company’s bottom line.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
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MARQUETTE SAVINGS BANK
Learn how this Erie-based bank is growing — and helping employers prosper — by ensuring that local lending decisions are made by local lenders.
SPOTLIGHT Q&A | MBA SERVICES
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DEPARTMENTS
SPECIAL SECTION
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BUSINESS BUZZ
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PEOPLE BUZZ
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HR CONNECTION
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LEGAL Q&A
WHAT’S NEW
2017 CFO RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
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See this special section showcasing some of our members’ most distinguished chief financial officers.
GET ANSWERS
Executive Editor Karen Torres ktorres@mbausa.org
Feature Photography Marquette Savings Bank Engel O’Neill
Contributing Writers Jenna Bickford Ryan Smith Angela Zaydon
Additional Photography iStock Photo Casey Naylon
EDITORIAL HEALTH MATTERS | SOLUTIONS
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AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
WORKPLACE TRENDS
READ ON THE GO! For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit mbabizmag.com
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Advertising Sales David Thornburg 814/833-3200 dthornburg@mbausa.org
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Design, Production & Printing Printing Concepts Inc. printcon@erie.net
Angela Zaydon, the Association’s state government relations representative in Harrisburg, discusses President Trump’s Cabinet and the top picks who would influence business and manufacturing.
TRAINING CATALOG | INSERT
Manufacturer & Business Association 2171 West 38th Street | Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org
© Copyright 2017 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
How the Pennsylvania Construction Notices Directory affects mechanic’s liens — and, possibly, your business.. Jenna Bickford
ON THE HILL | FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
through its responsiveness, flexibility, speed, availability and commitment to local business. For more information, see page 4.
Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors
Seven reasons why online benefits administration makes a lot of “cents.” Ryan Smith
LEGAL BRIEF | UPDATE
On the Cover: Marquette Savings Bank’s Business Banking team has experienced growth year after year
Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business
Brian Hamilton, Ramsey Solutions’ vice president of Financial Wellness, talks about SmartDollar, a financial wellness tool created by financial expert Dave Ramsey and offered by the Manufacturer & Business Association as a value-added member service.
Register now for the Association’s upcoming professional development and computer training courses.
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Our health coaches are with your employees every step of the way. When your employees are healthier, they’re happier and more productive. That’s why we have health coaches like Stephanie who team up with members like Cortne. Cortne was at risk for diabetes, so Stephanie suggested a plan that helped her lose 50 pounds — so far. And Stephanie even calls her regularly and meets her every month for a walk, to keep her on track and motivated. Members who get help from health coaches are #LivingProof.
Visit discoverhighmark.com/employer to learn how your employees can benefit from health coaches, too.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
FEATURE STORY | WHAT’S INSIDE
Financial Wellness in the Workplace WHY IT MATTERS TO YOUR COMPANY’S BOTTOM LINE Financial stress can have a negative impact on health and productivity, which can have a direct effect on a company’s bottom line. A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) study shows that 52 percent of employees are stressed out about dealing with their financial situation — and many are bringing those challenges to work.
According to the PwC study, nearly half (45 percent) of those who are distracted by their finances at work say they spend at least three work hours each week thinking about or dealing with issues related to their personal finances. The number of employees dealing with these challenges continues to increase each year. So what is an employer to do? Today, two out of five employers realize the importance of educating employees on money matters in addition to stressing the importance of saving for retirement. And a growing number of companies are starting to include money in the budget for financial counseling. Research conducted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that 14 percent of employers surveyed currently have a budget for financial education, and another 25 percent are looking to add budget dollars for these programs — and giving them the tools to improve their financial wellness.
In this edition of the Business Magazine, we’ll explore some of the financial resources that are available in the Association’s membership region, including Marquette Savings Bank’s growing Business Banking team, which prides itself in providing local lending and decision making that can positively impact employers and the community. We’ll also talk to Brian Hamilton of SmartDollar about how this financial wellness tool can benefit Association members and their employees. SmartDollar was created by financial expert Dave Ramsey and is offered by the Manufacturer & Business Association as a value-added member service.
celebrates the outstanding chief financial officers in our membership region. These individuals represent some of the best and brightest in the financial field. As always, the Manufacturer & Business Association is constantly looking for ways to support our members’ financial wellness in their day-to-day operations. Take a look at our new, quarterly Training Catalog to find the latest training programs that can help improve your company’s bottom line. For more information about the MBA’s services, visit www.mbausa.org!
Plus, be sure to check out our 2017 CFO Recognition of Excellence section that
Invest in Your Future!
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COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
Marquette Savings Bank Chief Executive Officer Michael B. Edwards, Senior Vice President of Business Banking David Slomski and Chief Credit Officer Louis J. Natalie are committed to investing in long-term relationships with area employers that will help businesses and the community grow.
THE HOMETOWN BANK Why Local Decision Making by Local Lenders Matters to Your Business
Marquette Savings Bank is the only remaining locally headquartered bank in Erie, Pennsylvania where every loan decision is a local decision made by local lenders. Localized decisions deliver hard-to-find advantages for businesses throughout Erie and Crawford counties such as: responsiveness, flexibility, speed, availability and commitment to local business — factors that can make the difference between achieving business goals and falling short. The business community has responded very well resulting in consistent growth year after year for Marquette’s Business Banking division. RECORD-BREAKING GROWTH In addition to local management, Marquette’s strong capital position also has contributed to the bank’s success in the commercial market. David Slomski, senior vice president of Business Banking, comments about Marquette’s success, “Our business banking portfolio realized its seventh consecutive record year. In 2016, Marquette Business Banking exceeded loan growth expectations by 32 percent
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and achieved a total loan portfolio increase of nearly 20 percent in one year. This increase was due to the variety of loans Marquette closed — ranging from as low as $10,000 up to several million dollars — as well as the sheer volume of loans written.” Business growth has come from all industry sectors from manufacturing to contracting, warehousing to wholesaling, health care, professional services and commercial real estate. Keeping up with growth while maintaining a high level of customer service demands continued investment in people, processes and facilities. “Over the past 12 months, we have established a Business Banking wing at our Main Office in Erie and have converted the South Main Street Office in Meadville to a strictly Business Banking facility to accommodate our growth. Our seasoned business bankers continue to build their respective books of business while we make significant investments in software to further increase efficiency and turnaround time for our customers,” says Michael Edwards, Marquette Savings Bank’s chief executive officer.
LOCAL STRENGTH
Marquette’s strong capital position enables the bank to write larger loans normally attributable to corporate banks while having the flexibility and responsiveness local businesses find lacking at those banks. Jim McBrier, chief executive officer of McBrier Properties, remarks on this advantage, “Working Jim McBrier, chief executive officer of McBrier Properties, is proud to work with his hometown bank. only with local people is a plus. Marquette knows our company firsthand, which made it easier to obtain favorable terms. Plus, we were able to keep the money local; we didn’t have to go outside the market to get what we needed.”
FAST DECISIONS
Opportunity waits for no one. Just ask local Tim Hortons Franchisee Brian Schibler. Schibler and his wife, Jennifer, had the opportunity of a lifetime offered to them — to triple the size of their business — but it was quickly slipping away. At the eleventh hour, he found his former bank switching gears on their support. “We were told getting the financing we needed would not be a Brian Schibler, a Tim Hortons franchisee, is living problem. But, when push his dream thanks to the local lending decisions came to shove, we could not made by Marquette. get the decision we needed fast enough from our former bank,” says Schibler. “The people at Marquette were able to respond very quickly. They made it their mission to ensure our opportunity was not missed.”
able to move around fast like us. They empower their staff to make fast decisions and that empowers us to grow,” says Laver. According to Marquette, understanding that fast decisions enable local companies to better compete with companies outside its market helps to differentiate Marquette from other banks while contributing to the success of their customers — success that keeps people employed and companies growing.
TRUST
Lester Bates is the owner of Whitehead Tool & Design and is an entrepreneur in Crawford County. For Lester, having a banker he can trust provides him with the assurance he needs to make decisions that directly impact the success of his endeavors. “I do not make a move without first consulting my business banker at Marquette. I trust them. I absolutely would not be here without them. Trying to do business by phone with people who Lester Bates, owner of Whitehead Tool & Design, Inc., is confident in his relationship with do not know you is very Marquette and the counsel the bank provides. frustrating. I like being face to face with people who are accountable for what they say they will do,” notes Bates.
EASY TO WORK WITH
Joe Ferralli is a local entrepreneur. Ferralli Studios’ reputation for exceptional video production has drawn customers from across the United States and has made his one of the most successful production companies in the northwest Pennsylvania region. His VIVX Display Solutions is the fastestgrowing large format printer in the area. Ferralli Studios Production Manager Dave Peterson, Owner Joe Ferralli and Mark Mieczko, president of VIVX Display Solutions, value Marquette’s client-focused service and support.
John H. Laver IV, vice president of Mayer Brothers Construction Company, was a customer of a larger corporate bank. When loan decisions transferred to an out-of-town centralized office, he experienced costly delays. “Marquette is local like us. They have been here as long as we have and, more important, they are John H. Laver IV, vice president of Mayer Brothers Construction Company, believes Marquette’s timeliness is critical to his business success.
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When it came time to invest in the purchase of a larger building for his growing business, he knew that Marquette would make the process painless. “I cannot afford to play around. In my business, time is literally money. I needed a bank that could work the way I do, be available when I am, and who could see the potential of my business the same way I do,” says Ferralli. “I like the fact that they are also a client of mine. They put their money where their mouth is and support my business.”
“For us, the ultimate goal is to ensure the customer succeeds. Do that and you secure a long-term relationship based on the best reason — trust,” observes Marquette’s Slomski. “Our philosophy is to take the time to more fully understand the customer’s business and to ask the questions that lead to the best option, not just the option the customer may have had in mind. You end up with solutions that make sense for everyone, such as a term loan versus a line of credit or a deposit structure that ensures access to cash with the highest return.”
CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT
“It’s a big picture, long-term commitment approach that has the success of our hometown as its primary motivation — an approach not always taken by other banks,” says Chief Credit Officer Lou Natalie.
Responses from a recent Federal Reserve Small Business Survey, including Manufacturer & Business Association member responses, identified cash flow as one of the top concerns business owners and managers face. This is especially true for manufacturers who need to pay suppliers for raw materials and components for customers that have extended payment terms as a cost of doing business.
Mark Fatica, president of Great Lakes Automation, works with Marquette’s Jon J. Patsy, assistant vice president of Business Banking, to discuss the manufacturer’s cash flow needs.
Like a lot of manufacturers, Mark Fatica from Great Lakes Automation faces that challenge every day. “One of the biggest challenges we have today is managing cash flow. The net 30 payment terms from customers can turn into net 90, so over the life of an order we can find ourselves having to fund a large portion of the project,” says Fatica. “Having a bank that not only understands this dynamic but has the wherewithal to design a line of credit program that meets the unique needs of our business makes all the difference. We simply would not be able to do what we do without Marquette.”
CONSULTATION VERSUS SALES PHILOSOPHY
While streamlining the access to lines of credit and other business loans is an important function of Marquette Business Banking, it is only a part of a much broader relationship with its customer base. Marquette’s Business Bankers have established a reputation for providing a consultative and holistic approach to their relationship with customers. For them, writing a loan is not the primary goal.
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A STAKE IN THE COMMUNITY
Marquette enjoys the longevity that is the envy of any business. For 109 years, Marquette has provided banking services to northwest Pennsylvania. Its stake in its community is deep. And now, as the only remaining locally headquartered bank in the Erie region, the bank’s success has advantages beyond the impact on the business community. According to bank officials, at Marquette, every customer dollar stays in the community to help businesses to succeed, families to prosper and the community to be a better place to live and work. This community commitment was demonstrated earlier this year when Marquette was one of the first private organizations to support one of three priority initiatives identified in the city of Erie’s Master Plan. The $300,000 commitment for the Our West Bayfront plan is just one example of local money staying local to help hometowns across the region improve the quality of life. Each year, Marquette also commits nearly $500,000 to nonprofit causes — poverty, health, children, education and community assets that make a difference and help to make the community a great place to live. Marquette Business Banking services have only been in place for a fraction of the time this cornerstone of banking has been in existence but already represent a significant reason why Marquette Savings Bank is one of the most progressive and vital banking institutions in the region — a trusted resource for businesses throughout Erie and Crawford counties.
Erie: 920 Peach Street 814/455-4481 Meadville: 349 North Street 814/724-2969 Website: www.marquettesavings.com
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SPOTLIGHT Q&A | MBA SERVICES
SmartDollar Offers Roadmap to Financial Wellness
Stress induced by financial hardships can negatively impact the workplace in the form of higher absenteeism and lower productivity. Fortunately, employers can ease some of that stress by helping employees manage their personal finances and prepare for retirement. Here, Brian Hamilton, Ramsey Solutions’ vice president of Financial Wellness, talks about SmartDollar, a financial wellness tool created by financial expert Dave Ramsey and offered by the Manufacturer & Business Association as a value-added member service. SmartDollar is touted as “the premier curriculum for teaching financial literacy in a corporate setting.” How would you describe SmartDollar and how does it go beyond the idea of just “getting out of debt?” Personal finance is not about numbers; it’s about behavior. With SmartDollar, people are taking control of their lives and their money in a proactive way. This isn’t another “lunch-and-learn” where a company just checks the box on offering another wellness program. SmartDollar is highly motivating and engaging. It’s mobile and customized to meet people where they are with their money, walks them step-by-step through the process of eliminating debt and empowers them to invest for their retirement. How does the program work? What we realized is that information alone is useless; it’s pie charts and percentages, and people rarely took action. We found that, along with information, there must be inspiration and motivation. SmartDollar is an engaging approach that includes entertaining and inspiring videos paired with personalized tools that are accessible anytime and anywhere. What makes SmartDollar unique compared to other financial wellness programs? SmartDollar doesn’t treat the symptoms of financial problems, but rather the
cause, and the cause is behavior. The program follows the proven, practical steps Dave Ramsey has spent 25 years teaching people. It’s designed for quick wins along the way. Those small victories aren’t so small when they cause unstoppable momentum. SmartDollar helps people believe again.
eliminated per employee is $5,300. This results in better 401(k) participation rates, decreased loans and more productivity. In addition, there’s no mystery to the numbers. Employers receive aggregate reports that show participation rates, progress in the program, and levels of engagement.
Why is SmartDollar a good idea for MBA member companies to consider as part of their employee benefits package? Workers tell us they’re scared, confused and stressed out about their money. Employers tell us they see the negative effects of their employees’ stress in high absenteeism and low productivity. What’s causing all of that stress and fear is that they have no plan, widespread debt, and lack of savings. SmartDollar is a benefit that communicates to employees that you really do care about them and their families. Our studies indicate that workers of all ages are overwhelmingly open to their employers helping them with their money.
How can an MBA member company get started? Visit our website, www.mbausa.org/ smartdollar. There’s information there for both employees and employers. Just click “Get Started,” and you’re on your way! Is there anything you would like to add? I cannot stress enough how much all of this matters. Workers tell us their employers are the main resource they look to for information on retirement. Yet, despite those high expectations, 40 percent of workers say their employers do not provide any type of retirement or financial education. That gap is why so many workers are scared and stressed. We can do better.
What are some key advantages of the program for employees and employers? Please share examples. Much like physical wellness, when people begin to win with money, they become healthier. The average savings per employee in the first six months of the program is $2,700, and the average debt
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The Austin Difference
Contractors & Construction Managers Since 1906 Erie, Pennsylvania • Jamestown, New York www.eeaustin.com
Every day E.E. Austin lays its tradition of construction excellence on the line. Our extensive list of satisfied clients is testimony to Austin keeping its longstanding promise: “Do the right thing... all the time”. It’s a promise we’ve kept with pride for more than a century... and it’s our promise to you. It’s the Austin Difference.
HEALTHCARE • EDUCATION • INSTITUTIONAL • RETAIL & HOSPITALITY • INDUSTRIAL • CONCRETE
Being competitive and growing your business in a dynamic global economy is challenging. You may have great assets of people, equipment, technology, and processes...but, are you maximizing their potential? Join us to learn about world-class best practices from national and regional experts:
May 18, 2017 7:30am-4:00pm Ambassador Conference Center 7792 Peach St, Erie
• breakdown jobs, standardize work, and train effectively; • transfer years of knowledge to less experienced workers; • find, develop, and retain good employees; • identify new markets for diversification; • generate qualified leads and acquire new customers...and much more Plus, keynote addresses by Keith Szewczyk, CEO/Director of Bliley Technologies, Erie and Rob Englert, President of Ram Industrial Design, Syracuse and former Erieite.
$75.00 Networking Breakfast Lunch
More details and registration at www.nwirc.org/events • (814) 898-6888
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HEALTH MATTERS | SOLUTIONS
7 Reasons Why Online Benefits Administration Makes a Lot of ‘Cents’ Reason No. 5: Online benefits administration cuts down on premium payment mistakes. One recent study found that manual benefits administration could significantly increase the likelihood of monthly premium billing errors — leading to higher employer admin costs. Reason No. 6: Online benefits administration can lower the number of ineligible employees who are enrolled in coverage. A recent study, conducted by a large benefits consulting firm, shows that the cost of ineligible employees and dependents (age 26 and older) who receive benefits is between 2 percent to 8 percent of the total medical premium cost. When electronic data feeds and system eligibility rules are used, this unnecessary cost is virtually eliminated.
Ryan Smith is a sales executive at EBenefits Solutions, which is an affiliate company of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. The other integrated partner companies of the Insurance Services Division include: UPMC WorkPartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You Advantage, UPMC for Kids, Community Care Behavioral Health, LifeSolutions, and Askesis Development Group. Not long ago, the main reason employers weren’t converting to online-based benefits enrollment was the cost. Now, because of more competition among vendors and other factors, the opposite is true. Nearly threequarters of U.S. companies have moved their benefits administration online because of the cost savings. To get there, it’s important to look for a vendor with high-touch service to help show you the way. Still not convinced this “high-tech benefits admin approach” is the way to go? Here are seven great reasons to switch over now. Hint: Every single one leads to cost savings. Reason No. 1: Online self-service benefits administration costs less. According to a recent CFO.com survey, the average cost for an HR staff to manually enroll an employee in benefits is around $110. The average cost for an employee to self-enroll online is just under $22.
Reason No. 2: Online self-service takes less time for HR staff. An industry survey found that when employees do their own benefits administration online, this results in a 15-percent time savings by HR staff. Reason No. 3: Online benefits administration can cut in half the time needed for open enrollment. Among other things, a self-service site frees up HR staff to focus on more strategic tasks and initiatives, such as wellness or employee engagement programs. These help to create a healthier workforce and reduce overall health-care costs. Reason No. 4: Online benefits administration saves on paper, printing and postage. Printing and mailing benefits packets can be costly and time consuming. When you convert to online, costs for these “three Ps” can be eliminated altogether.
Reason No. 7: Online benefits administration is just plain easier. Online enrollment means employees can sign up 24/7 from home or office, and can check their selections and benefits any time. It’s also much easier for employees to compare plan options and benefit details when everything is online. Clearly employers benefit from this ease of access as well. If an employer does decide to switch, what’s important to look for when picking a vendor? To ensure your online benefits administration runs smoothly, it’s more important than ever to look for a vendor with deep HR experience and a high level of technical expertise. This vendor must be able to offer high-touch customer service to your HR staff, as well as individual employees. And, by the way, those employees will applaud the switch to online the loudest. It turns their benefits selection process into an easy, retail-like experience akin to an Amazon. com visit. Many online benefits admin platforms even include decision-support tools that help employees determine, in real time, which products and services are the best fit. For more information about online benefits administration, contact Ryan Smith at rsmith@ebenefits.com or 412/738-0758.
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Erie FCU provides business banking solutions that are designed for your profit instead of ours. We are owned by our members and operate for our members’ benefit. That means we do banking differently than banks do. Let us help you make every dollar go further keeping you one step ahead with low rates, innovative products and personal attention. Isn’t it time to get your business headed in the right direction? Learn more, contact Kristi Bailey, Director of Business Development (814) 825-2436 • kbailey@eriefcu.org • www.eriefcu.org/business-solutions
Our Mission
MBA Ad (HP0117) .indd 1
Pro-Business
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Pro-Growth
Pro-Opportunity
Visit us at mbausa.org
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As businesses continue to battle rising health-care costs, high energy prices and complex legal compliance issues — the challenge to compete, grow and succeed is greater now than ever before. That’s why our mission is resolute — to deliver services that lower the cost of doing business, ease the burden of compliance and increase productivity for our members.
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2171 West 38th Street • Erie, Pa. 16508 Phone: 814/833-3200 • 800/815-2660 Fax: 814/833-4844
Manufacturer & Business Association
TRAINING SCHEDULE
April May June
GAIN
New Skills!
Learn it today. Apply it tomorrow! As a leader in professional development and computer training programs for more than 25 years — the Manufacturer & Business Association’s expert trainers deliver the knowledge and skills you need to compete in today’s business world.
ENHANCE Your Career!
“The Manufacturer & Business Association’s Supervisory Skills class guided me in my transition to a managerial position. It has allowed me to set a foundation of a positive work environment, effective coaching techniques and strong working relationships. I utilize these skills on a daily basis! The MBA has built a strong team within the Community Blood Bank that is vital to our success.” — Jennifer Stephany, Manager of Donor Collections Community Blood Bank
Certified Supervisory Skills Series - Erie
From left: Jennifer Stephany, Senita Brkic, Deanna Renaud, Tracy Riedel-Dorsch and Frank Balzer, Community Blood Bank.
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Professional Development
Professional Development
Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course I Course I (Corry) Course II (St. Marys) Course III Course IV (Meadville)
4/6 and 4/13 4/18 and 4/19 4/18 and 4/19 4/4 and 4/11 4/13 and 4/20
Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course III
4/25
Food Safety Certification
4/17
Top Essential Skills for Supervisors (Butler)
4/26
NEW! Serving Up Excellence (Half Day, a.m.)
4/3
NEW! Getting Organized and Becoming More Efficient (Half Day, a.m.)
4/5
NEW! New Employee Safety Orientation: Train the Trainer
4/18
Introduction to Social Media (Half Day, a.m.)
4/25
HR Essential Certification Series – Level I Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace (Half Day, a.m.) 4/13
Computer Access Level II (Two Days) QuickBooks Online Excel Level I Excel Level II Word Level II Excel Level III
4/4 and 4/11 4/7 4/12 4/19 4/20 4/26
“The training provided by the Manufacturer & Business Association fills a real need for our organization. Our area is fortunate to have a resource like this providing the knowledge and reference materials for the professional development of both up-and-coming and experienced leaders. The soft skills learned in the Leadership program have and will continue to pay dividends to our organization and, most importantly, to our customers. It’s an excellent resource that businesses in the area should take advantage of.” — Ryan Ray, Plant Manager Power Drives, Inc.
Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course II Course II (Corry) Course III (St. Marys) Course IV Course V (Meadville)
5/4 and 5/11 5/16 and 5/17 5/16 and 5/17 5/2 and 5/9 5/11 and 5/18
Supervisory Safety Series Course I Course II Course III
5/3 5/17 5/31
Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course IV
5/30
Food Safety Certification
5/15
Women in Leadership
5/3
Process Capability
5/4
Must-Haves of Effective Communication
5/9
Lean Operations (Three-Day Workshop) 5/9, 6/13 and 7/11 Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (Three-Day Workshop)
5/10, 6/14 and 7/12
PR Boot Camp (Half Day, a.m.)
5/17
Marketing Planning (Half Day, p.m.)
5/17
HR Essential Certification Series – Level I Terminations – Keeping It Legal (Half Day, a.m.) 5/11
Computer Word: Mail Merge Excel Level I QuickBooks Pro 2015 Excel Level II Access Level I Excel: Data Analysis (Half Day, a.m.) Excel Level I
5/9 5/10 5/12 5/17 5/18 5/23 5/31
“Whether it is computer classes or professional development courses, the training provided by the Manufacturer & Business Association has allowed us to provide a cost-effective solution that is critical to our ability to stay competitive.” — Joy Sherry, Human Resources Director Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
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Training
Professional Development
Regional Locations
Certified Supervisory Skills Series Course III Course III (Corry) Course IV Course IV (St. Marys) Course V (St. Marys) Course V
6/1and 6/8 6/13 and 6/14 6/29 and 7/6 6/6 and 6/7 6/27 and 6/28 6/13 and 6/20
Leadership for Team Leaders Series Course V
6/20
Food Safety Certification
6/19
Forklift Safety: Train the Trainer
6/6
PFMEA
6/8
Writing to Wow! (Half Day, a.m.)
6/6
Presentation Skills (Half Day, a.m.)
6/16 and 6/23
Advanced Social Media (Half Day, a.m.)
6/20
Effective Workplace Communication Skills
6/27
Computer Access Level II (Two Days) Access Level III Excel Level II Excel Level III Excel Level I QuickBooks Online
6/15 and 6/22 6/1 6/7 6/14 6/21 6/23
NOTE: A.M. classes run 8 a.m. to noon; P.M. classes run 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
“AccuSpec Electronics uses the Manufacturer & Business Association to certify our supervisors because it is a nationally recognized certification program that helps them grow into better leaders.” — Patty Schender, PHR HR Manager AccuSpec Electronics
All courses are held at the MBA Conference Center in Erie, unless otherwise noted. Bradford: Holiday Inn Express 30 Tarport Drive Extension Butler: Fairfield Inn & Suites 200 Fairfield Lane Clarion: Park Inn by Radisson, Clarion 45 Holiday Inn Road Corry: Higher Education Council 221 North Center Street DuBois: Best Western 82 North Park Place Erie: Manufacturer & Business Association Conference Center 2171 West 38th Street Grove City: Hampton Inn & Suites Holiday Boulevard Hermitage: LindenPointe, Training & Workforce Development Center 3050 Prosperity Place Kittanning: Armstrong Educational Trust 81 Glade Drive Meadville: Holiday Inn Express 18240 Conneaut Lake Road Mercer/Grove City: Hampton Inn, Grove City 4 Holiday Boulevard Oil City: Keystone Community Education Council 206 Seneca Street St. Marys: Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties 4 Erie Avenue, Suite 200 Titusville: Towne Square Conference Center 110 West Spring Street Warren: Warren/Forest Higher Ed Council 589 Hospital Drive, Suite F Williamsport: Genetti Hotel 200 W. Fourth Street * Handicap access and parking available at all sites.
Onsite Training Get more flexibility and convenience with our onsite training options — one of the most cost-effective choices for group instruction. • Flexible and convenient scheduling • Customized instruction • Eliminate travel expenses
Course Registration Contact Terry Nunez at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or tnunez@mbausa.org to register or for more information on upcoming courses. Online registration also is available at www.mbausa.org.
LEAN OPERATIONS Champion Training SIX SIGMA-GREEN BELT
&
Certification & Implementation
LEAN OPERATIONS CHAMPION TRAINING (Three-Day Workshop) Lean is a powerful instrument for improving operations. It enables organizations to service customers in the fastest, most productive manner possible by eliminating non-value added activities. These non-value added activities are known as the Seven Wastes: extra motion, overproduction, unnecessary movement, waiting, inventory, rework and transport. Lean utilizes a methodical set of tools — visual management techniques, pull systems, balanced work, cellular production, work teams and standardization — in order to fight them. From insurance and health care to production and distribution, a diverse group of industries have benefited from these processes, and the results are proven.
DATES: TUESDAYS, MAY 9, JUNE 13 AND JULY 11 TIME: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ERIE: MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue PRICE: $950 Members • $1,200 Nonmembers (lunch is provided)
SIX SIGMA - GREEN BELT CERTIFICATION & IMPLEMENTATION (Three-Day Workshop) If you want your employees to use Six Sigma – Green Belt tools and techniques to solve problems, our Six Sigma – Green Belt Certification and Implementation workshop is the answer! It makes Six Sigma easy to learn and implement for managers, executives, front-line and technical employees alike.
DATES: WEDNESDAYS, MAY 10, JUNE 14 AND JULY 12 TIME: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ERIE: MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street at Pittsburgh Avenue PRICE: $950 Members • $1,200 Nonmembers (lunch is provided)
PUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BACK INTO YOUR BUSINESS!
Cancellation/No-Show Policy: If notice is 2 weeks or more, a full refund will be made. If notice is less than 2 weeks, or if you do not show up for the scheduled class, no refund will be made. NOTE: You may substitute another individual from your organization at any time and at no cost.
To register, call Terry Nunez at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 or visit www.mbausa.org.
LEGAL BRIEF | UPDATE
How the Pennsylvania Construction Notices Directory Affects Mechanic’s Liens
and address of the person supplying the labor or materials, the name and address of the person contracted for the items or services, and a description of the project. 3) Notice of Completion: Within 45 days of completion of the work, the project owner may, but is not required to, file a Notice of Completion. This notice is for informational purposes only but, as a practical matter, can document the start of the six-month period for recording liens. 4) Notice of Nonpayment: Subcontractors who have not been fully paid may, but are not required to, file a Notice of Nonpayment. The filing is for informational purposes only and the failure to file does not affect the subcontractor’s rights, or obligations, under the Lien Law.
Jenna Bickford is an associate attorney in the Business Transactions Group of MacDonald Illig Attorneys. She represents clients across a number of practice areas including Business Transactions, Real Estate, Government Services and Public Finance, and Health Care. The Pennsylvania State Construction Notices Directory (“Directory”) is now operating, pursuant to Act 142 of 2014, which amends the Pennsylvania Mechanic’s Lien Law of 1963 (“Lien Law”). The online Directory, available at https://apps.pa.gov/scnd since it went live on December 31, 2016, allows for the filing of four new types of lien notices. Project owners, contractors and subcontractors should all be aware of these notices, as they will affect the ability for subcontractors to file liens. The Lien Law The Lien Law provides for the filing of real estate liens by claimants who have provided labor or supplies to improve the real estate. Generally, mechanic’s liens can be filed by contractors, subcontractors, sub-subcontractors and suppliers. A claimant must file a lien within six months of last supplying work or materials to the property.
For residential projects, a contractor may sign a mechanic’s lien waiver, which waives the right of the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to file a lien, if filed before work begins. In commercial projects, mechanic’s lien waivers may be filed only if the contractor posts a bond in an amount sufficient to cover the value of the labor and materials involved in the project. Act 142 Amendments The Directory accepts filings with respect to private residential or commercial projects in Pennsylvania that cost at least $1.5 million. The following four types of notices may be filed:
What This Means to You Project Owners: • Project owners should file a Notice of Commencement as a strategy to reduce the possibility of a lien being filed, by eliminating the ability of subcontractors to file liens unless they timely file a Notice of Furnishing. Note that Act 142 makes it illegal to request or encourage a subcontractor not to file a Notice of Furnishing. • Project owners should revise their contracts to incorporate the Notice of Commencement and be sure to post it at the project site.
1) Notice of Commencement: This notice may be filed by the project owner prior to the commencement of work or furnishing of materials. If filed, the project owner is required to conspicuously post a copy of the notice at the project site before work commences and take reasonable measures to ensure the notice remains posted. The project owner and contractor also are required to take reasonable efforts to ensure the Notice of Commencement is made part of the contract provided to subcontractors working on the project.
• If a Notice of Furnishing is filed, it at least provides advance notice of the identity of a subcontractor who may, if unpaid, file a lien.
2) Notice of Furnishing: If a Notice of Commencement is filed, a subcontractor must file a Notice of Furnishing in order to preserve its right to file a lien. The notice must be filed within 45 days of first performing work or providing materials at the project site. The notice must describe the labor or materials provided, the name
• The Notice of Furnishing is an additional requirement — subcontractors are still required to comply with the other notice provisions set forth in the Lien Law.
Subcontractors: • Subcontractors should get in the habit of searching the Directory at the start of any new project of $1.5 million or more. • For any project with a filed Notice of Commencement, subcontractors must file a Notice of Furnishing in order to protect the right to file a lien.
For more information, contact Jenna Bickford at MacDonald Illig Attorneys at 814/870-7762 or jbickford@mjib.com. mbabizmag.com • MARCH 2017
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BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW ROAR ON THE SHORE® WINS NATIONAL AWARD
The Roar on the Shore® charitable motorcycle rally has won the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year award. The national award was presented to Roar® officials on Saturday, January 21, at the AMA Championship Banquet in Columbus, Ohio. The AMA recognized AMA-chartered clubs and promoters that raised the bar for AMA-sanctioned activity in 2016. AMA members help select the winners of the competition categories with their votes. Roar®, which is an AMA-sanctioned event, was nominated for the AMA’s 2016 Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year award, along with the Schuylkill County Motorcycle Club in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania and the Midwest Motorcycle Club in Indianapolis, Indiana. Proceeds of the 2017 rally — Erie’s Official Bike Week set for July 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 — benefit the Mercy Center for Women. For more information about the AMA awards, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. For more information about Roar on the Shore®, visit www.roarontheshore.com.
BY THE numbers 1 30 participating businesses
16,342 student experiences
Roar on the Shore® was recently honored as the AMA’s Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year. CRACKER PLANT INFORMATION SET FOR MARCH 8 IN TITUSVILLE The NWPA Oil and Gas Hub Taskforce is hosting a presentation, “Regional Impact of the Petrochemical/Cracker Plant on Western PA: Opportunities for Manufacturing, Entrepreneurs and Education” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at Cross Creek Resort in Titusville, Pennsylvania. All interested employers are invited to attend. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost is $60 per person, and $50 per person if two are from the same company. To register, visit https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/ eventid=1231510.
ERIEBANK EXPANDS PRESENCE IN NORTHEAST OHIO ERIEBANK has expanded its presence in Northeast Ohio with the opening of a new, fullservice branch office in Ashtabula. The new branch, located at 3606 State Road, offers commercial and retail banking services for businesses and individuals. This new 4,200-square-foot facility represents a significant expansion of the commercial banking services ERIEBANK first began offering to Ashtabula businesses in 2014. For more information, visit eriebank.net.
Are you one of them? Join local employers, educators and non-profits as they work in partnership to provide career exploration opportunities to Erie County youth. • Workplace tours • Career fairs • Internships • Career day speakers • Job shadowing • Mentoring
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Help us pave the way for a skilled and engaged workforce.
partners
1 68 available experiences
AND GROWING! 14
MARCH 2017 • mbabizmag.com
www.CareerStreetErie.org 814.464.8614 jpontzer@CareerStreetErie.org
STERLING NAMES VP OF OPERATIONS
Dave Wessing has been named vice president of operations for Sterling Technologies Inc., a Lake City-based custom rotational molding manufacturer.
Wessing previously served as vice president and general manager of L-3 Communications Brashear, a provider of optical systems, including large telescopes and defense firecontrol and laser weapons systems. He also has served in senior management positions at General Dynamics Information Systems, both as director of advanced programs and business development. He also held management roles with McDonnell Douglas Aerospace. Wessing earned an MBA from Maryville University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy.
QUINN LAW FIRM WELCOMES NEW ATTORNEY, ANNOUNCES SHAREHOLDER APPOINTMENT
The Quinn Law Firm recently announced that John Gugliotta has joined the firm and will lead its Intellectual Property department, and Andrew M. Schmidt has become a shareholder of the firm. Gugliotta specializes in intellectual property application and prosecution, with experience in patent, copyright, and trademark protection services and IP counseling including monitoring and guiding of research at the idea stage to determine avenues of patentability, marketability, licensability and enforceability; referral of inventions to joint venturers, OEM production facilities and independent contractors for production and sale. He is also a professional engineer, which allows him to better assist clients in the overall protection of technology based Intellectual Property. He received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1985. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1993. He is licensed to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Northern District of Ohio, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Supreme Court, and the State of Ohio.
Additionally, Schmidt is a member of the Quinn Law Firm’s litigation practice group and his practice primarily involves insurance defense, commercial litigation and real-estate related litigation. He practices in several counties in northwestern and southwestern Pennsylvania and has practiced in front of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, as well as the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Schmidt is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, as well as the Third Circuit. He is an active member of the Erie County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS KNOX LAW ANNOUNCES NEW SHAREHOLDERS
Julia M. Herzing and Michael J. Musone have been elected shareholders of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Herzing’s practice focuses on a variety of labor and employment matters, including litigation, for both private and public employers. She joined Knox Law in 2006 as a summer associate and as a full-time associate in 2008. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University with High Distinction, Herzing earned her law degree from Duquesne University School of Law. While there, she served as Student Bar Association treasurer and as executive comment editor for the Law Review. She graduated cum laude and received a CALI Certificate in Conflict of Laws.
For more than 80 years, the Quinn Law Firm has offered legal services in a wide range of practice areas, including civil and criminal litigation, bankruptcy, real estate, family law, estate planning and administration, intellectual property, business law, personal injury, tax law, school and municipal law, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, environment law and insurance defense.
TRI-STATE PAIN INSTITUTE WELCOMES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Tri-State Pain Institute, the region’s leading pain management center, recently welcomed physician assistant Heather Adams Szymczak to its staff. Licensed in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, Szymczak has significant experience in pain management, spine care, occupational medicine, orthopaedics and neurosurgery. Szymczak’s background includes work for UPMC Hamot, The Regional Cancer Center and Erie Spine & Pain Management, as well as Ashtabula County Medical Center and Saint Vincent Health System. She earned her physician assistant degree at Gannon University. With offices in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Jamestown, New York, the Tri-State Pain Institute offers advanced treatment for the long-term relief of acute and chronic pain, including back, neck, leg, joint and shoulder pain, as well as pain from arthritis, headaches, fibromyalgia, post surgery and cancer complications.
Musone is a full-time litigator who focuses his practice on the legal defense of commercial enterprises and insurance companies, as well as estates and trust litigation. He joined Knox Law in 2007 as a summer associate and as a full-time associate in 2009. Musone is a cum laude graduate of ClevelandMarshall College of Law, from which he earned his law degree and was a member of the Employment Law Clinic. He is also a graduate of Colgate University, for which he remains involved in the Maroon Mentors and Alumni Admission Programs. In addition, Dara M. Bucholtz is now Counsel at Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. Bucholtz will focus her practice on estate planning, business succession planning and guardianship matters. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Bucholtz graduated summa cum laude from Gannon University and earned her law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Prior to joining Knox Law, Bucholtz practiced in Illinois. She also spent three summers as an intern for a U.S. trade office in Taiwan. At Knox Law, she is part of a team of 40 attorneys who have been providing legal services to businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, insurance companies, financial institutions, individuals and families for more than 55 years.
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MBA SAFETY SUPPORT SERVICES OUR PASSION is to help you reach new heights in safety results and culture improvements. OUR APPROACH of working with your supervisors leads to effective safety communication, participation, awareness, teamwork and knowledge at all levels of your organization. WE WILL SUPPORT your safety team to assure that communication and accountability are delivered consistently to help improve, adjust or completely change the safety culture within your organization. We are confident you will quickly see the value we bring to the table in meeting your needs. To learn more, please contact Patty Welther at the Manufacturer & Business Association at 814/833-3200.
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HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS STUDY: CFOS’ SKILLS MUST EVOLVE TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS Finance chiefs of the future will need a revised set of skills as companies face a more connected, globalized and regulated world, EY research suggests. The role of the CFO is at a “turning point” and over the next five years aspiring CFOs should look to adapt their communication and performance measurement skills to meet the needs of the changing organization, EY’s The DNA of the CFO revealed. According to an EY global survey of 769 finance leaders, more than half said that if aspiring CFOs are to become the future finance chiefs in the next five years, they need respond to a full range of pressures, including digital, data, heightened scrutiny and ongoing uncertainty and volatility.
Employee Training Adds to Financial Success Staff training is often essential for specific purposes related to your business. For instance, your job requirements may require new workers to undertake instruction in food handling or blueprint reading. But what about the “soft skills” training? It’s hard to judge which is most important, but skills such as decision making, time management, team building and leadership can help build constructive working relationships. While many companies are reluctant to spend money on training programs, the dividends are typically far greater than the cost. Also, training that develops employees toward longterm career goals promotes greater job satisfaction and, ultimately, retention of motivated employees. Without employee retention, turnover becomes a financial burden. A recent survey indicated that 40 percent of employees who receive poor job training leave their positions within the first year. They cite the lack of skills training and development as the principal reason for moving on. Let’s translate that into dollar amounts. The amount varies with this “cost,” but consider loss of productivity, decline in
CFOs will need to develop skills outside the traditional skillset of the finance chief, according to the study. CFOs interviewed said that mentoring, coaching and talent spotting would be critical to the role in the future.
sales, overworked remaining staff, dwindling morale and the time to find, rehire and retrain.
In addition, more than half of female respondents (57 percent) and almost half of male respondents (49 percent) said not enough female future finance leaders were coming up through the ranks. According to 62 percent of the respondents, “visibility for women leaders who can act as role models for more junior employees” was the top strategy to increase appointments of female finance executives to the CFO position.
Now, instead, let’s consider aspects of training leading to financial success. Train and cross-train for flexibility and efficiency. Employees learning other aspects of your business will stay engaged and will be ready to help fill in for absences and unexpected scheduling. Cross-training also fosters teamwork as employees appreciate the challenges faced by co-workers.
SURVEY: CULTURE OF LATE PAYMENTS A GROWING CONCERN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The fact is: Well-trained employees are more motivated and efficient. Such confidence and knowledge translate to better experiences for your external and internal customers, and your employees are well-equipped to handle their workload and problem solve any snags along the way.
Sixty-one percent of small business invoices remain unpaid within the debtor day period, according to new research by Amicus Commercial Finance. The survey of 504 small firm decision makers revealed that 70 percent rely on getting what their owed during this period to ensure they don’t face a shortage of working capital.
Plus, such training also helps attract new highly talented employees to add to your business success. Candidates are looking for a work environment where they can succeed and grow. Offering the opportunity for new and established employees to receive worldclass training will attract the best and the brightest to your team. And that’s a sure-fire return on investment.
Research shows that 16 percent of all invoices remain unpaid after 90 days, with 7 percent yet to be settled after six months. Respondents’ top three customers account for 49 percent of all their trade — signifying how problematic this situation can be. The culture of late payments also appears to be affecting business owners’ mental health, 28 percent said the ordeal of chasing payments leaves them suffering from stress and anxiety, while 19 percent of those surveyed admitted their frustration turned into anger. Ten percent of respondents are worried their company will “go under” as a result of clients not settling their bill and paying them on time.
Lisa DeFilippo is a training specialist at the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or ldefilippo@mbausa.org.
John Wilde, managing director of Amicus Commercial Finance, said: “Given this, it’s understandable that small firms are increasingly turning to invoice finance as a way of converting unpaid debts into instant working capital.”
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2017 CFO Recognition of Excellence
DAVID BERTGES
JOE FARLEY
Chief Financial Officer, American Tinning & Galvanizing Co.
Current Responsibilities: Finance, accounting, HR, benefits administration, IT and DEP, OSHA and safety oversight Education: Degree from Penn State – Behrend Associated Duties: United Way Campaign manager and Assistant Director of Fun Contact: Phone: 814/456-7053 Email: dbertges@galvanizeit.com
David Bertges began his career at American Tinning & Galvanizing Co. (ATG) over three decades ago as an office assistant and has risen to become the chief financial officer of Erie-based ATG. During his tenure at ATG, Bertges helped develop a proprietary software to facilitate processing work orders and invoices for production. Additionally, he gradually took over all financial/ administrative responsibilities of the company. According to the company, Bertges “is especially valued for his creative business ideas and his good humor.”
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Woodlands Bank
Current Responsibilities: Finance, accounting, risk management, internal audit Education: Bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University Prior Experience: Audit manager, Fulton Financial Corporation; accountant, Arthur Andersen
Website: www.woodlandsbank.com
BRAD PHILLIPS
MARY KAY REBER
Brad Phillips is the chief financial officer and vice president at the Manufacturer & Business Association, a professional employers’ organization that represents more than 3,000 member companies in the tri-state region.
Mary Kay Reber has been a principal and the chief financial officer of The Wm. T. Spaeder Company since 1991. The Wm. T. Spaeder Company, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a full suite of plumbing, heating, and piping services in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Manufacturer & Business Association
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and master of business administration from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College Prior experience: CFO at Great Lakes Home Healthcare; positions administering retirement plans for Northwest Savings Bank (formerly Boetger & Associates); CFO for Northwest Physicians in Meadville and Uniflow in Erie; senior audit manager for Ernst & Young Contact: Phone: 814/833-3200 Email: bphillips@mbausa.org Website: www.mbausa.org
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Farley plays an integral part in risk management, risk-based pricing and strategic planning. He is a key contributor in the community, serving as a Board Member for Lycoming County Veterans Transition Center and as president and board member for Montoursville Kiwanis.
Contact: Phone: 570/320-2473 Email: jfarley@woodlandsbank.com
Website: galvanizeit.com
Current Responsibilities: Accounting, financial management, strategic planning
As the vice president, chief financial officer of Woodlands Bank, Farley manages the financial strategy and operations of the $390 million asset community bank, headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Phillips joined the Association in 2013 with more than 30 years of accounting experience in a wide range of industries, from public accounting and manufacturing to banking and health care. In his role as CFO, Phillips is responsible for the MBA’s accounting, financial management and strategic planning. According to Phillips, “the hallmark of a good CFO is the ability to effectively distill and succinctly communicate the impact of various activities, decisions and environmental factors on the overall financial performance of an organization.” Phillips is the immediate past president of the Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He also served on the statewide Task Force for CPAs in Private Industry. He is a former adjunct accounting instructor at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College and past president of the Erie Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants.
MARCH 2017 • mbabizmag.com
Principal and Chief Financial Officer, The Wm. T. Spaeder Co., Inc.
Current Responsibilities: Accounting, financial analytics, budget and cash flow management, strategic planning and forecasting, and financial record management Education: Dickinson College — B.A. in economics and Latin; Bowling Green State UniversityM.A. in College Student Personnel Administration; Penn State Erie, The Behrend College — MBA Prior experience: Career Services counselor at Case Western Reserve University, Campaign Division fund raiser at United Way of Erie County, and Sales Office manager at Reed Manufacturing Company Contact: Phone: 814/456-7014 Ext. 319 Email: marykayreber@wmtspaeder.com Website: www.wmtspaeder.com
Reber’s experience in her career path and her education have made her very successful. Through her guidance and skill, the company has transitioned from outdated methods to modern accounting technology. Her unique blend of knowledge and compassion has led to a meaningful, fiscally responsible organization. She holds the values of the company close and holds everyone at the company to a high standard. Her skills and expertise have helped the third generation of Spaeder leadership grow the company from 50 to 200 employees.
LEGAL Q&A | GET ANSWERS AT TIMES I HAVE MY EMPLOYEES WORK SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AS PART OF THEIR REGULAR SCHEDULE. AM I REQUIRED TO PAY THEM EXTRA FOR WORKING THE WEEKEND? No. Extra pay for working weekends (or nights) is a matter of agreement between the employer and the employee. Neither federal nor state law requires extra pay for weekend or night work. However, remember that non-exempt employees must be paid not less than time and one-half the employee’s regular rate for time worked over 40 hours in a workweek.
I HAVE AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS PAID TWO DIFFERENT RATES WITHIN ANY GIVEN WORK WEEK DUE TO THEIR JOBS WITHIN THE COMPANY. HOW DO I DETERMINE THEIR REGULAR RATE OF PAY FOR OVERTIME PURPOSES? For employees working at two or more rates during a single workweek for two or more different types of work, the regular rate of pay for that workweek is computed by taking the weighted average of such rates. The earnings for all rates for the week are added together, and this total is then divided by the total number of hours worked for the week at all jobs.
SEVERAL OF MY EMPLOYEES HAVE ASKED IF THEY CAN WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO OVERTIME AND RECEIVE COMPENSATORY TIME INSTEAD. Can I allow this? No. It is illegal for private employers to use compensatory time, but some managers have an informal practice of allowing it anyways. Even if your employees would rather take compensatory time rather than be paid overtime, it is illegal.
Philadelphia Will Soon Ban Salary History Inquiries On January 23, 2017, Philadelphia became the first major city in the United States to ban employers from asking job applicants about their salary history. Philadelphia Bill No. 160840, the “wage equity ordinance,” which was unanimously passed by the Philadelphia City Council 16-0 and later signed by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, makes it illegal for employers to ask about a job applicant’s wage history at any stage of the hiring process, as well as unlawful for employers to retaliate against applicants who decline to provide wage history information. Job applicants remain free to voluntarily disclose this information. If, however, the employer came upon the wage history information by other means, it cannot be considered. Employers have 120 days to comply, as the bill takes effect May 23, 2017. The Philadelphia Human Relations Commission will oversee violations of the law. The Commission may issue injunctions and require employers to pay damages for violations, including compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, and punitive damages in the amount of up to $2,000 per violation. Complainants also will have the right to file a private action in court. Notably, Mayor Kenney’s signing of the bill came amid companies claiming that they would challenge the bill if the mayor signed it. Opponents claimed the new law would violate employers’ First Amendment rights to ask about wage history. Bans on salary history inquiries are a growing trend and employers should take note. This past summer, Massachusetts became the first state to pass such a ban, with the Massachusetts Pay Equity Act scheduled to take effect in 2018. Therefore, employers outside of Philadelphia should keep a close watch on how this new ordinance is received in Philadelphia because similar laws could be suggested in other parts of the state or country.
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Erie • Quality, faith-filled education • Pre-school through 12th grade Help us continue the mission! Support scholarships through EITC and OSTC tax credit programs.
814/824 -1188 • www.ErieRCD.org/tuition.asp
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Tammy Lamary-Toman, JD, PHR is vice president and employment counsel for the Manufacturer & Business Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or tlamary@mbausa.org.
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ERIE, PA PERMIT #199
Full in-network access to UPMC. Another reason we’re the fastest growing health plan in the region. You and your family deserve only the best care. So when your employer gives you a choice of health plans, choose the one that includes full, affordable access to the top-ranked care of UPMC doctors and hospitals, plus other exceptional doctors and hospitals in your community.
To learn why more and more people are choosing UPMC Health Plan, visit UPMCHealthPlan.com/choose.
UPMCHealthPlan.com/choose
Chadwick Martin Bailey, January 2016 Nondiscrimination Statement UPMC Health Plan1 complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. 1 UPMC Health Plan is the marketing name used to refer to the following companies, which are licensed to issue individual and group health insurance products or which provide third party administration services for group health plans: UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Options Inc., UPMC Health Coverage Inc., UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and/or UPMC Benefit Management Services Inc.
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