BiosOur community is filled with generous, forward-thinking and impactful individuals andbusinesses. Below is a list of persons/businesses who were nominated in seven categories ofexcellence. All of the nominees are winners in our eyes, but one winner will be selected in eachcategory this evening.

Community Service Champions of CommerceFirst Federal of Bucks County

Helping the community is a priority of First Federal of Bucks County Bank andthe Team who works there. Whether it’s donating a residential property toHabitat for Humanity, spending volunteer hours with hammers, saws, and t-squares to renovate Habitat properties, or pledging up to 5% of its profits backto the Bucks County Community – First Federal is committed to strengtheningthe community. A list of benefiting agencies include: Bensalem TownshipSchool District, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bucks County Housing Group,Child, Home and Community, Family Service Association of Bucks County,

Garden of Reflection, Lower Bucks Family YMCA, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA),and United Way of Bucks County.

Makefield Women’s AssociationFor over 50 years, Makefield Women’s Association has beenraising and distributing funds and providing volunteer servicesfor those in need. Most are aware of their largest fundraiser,attracting almost 17,000 visitors, Autumn Fest at Shady BrookFarm. Organizations benefiting from the tireless work of MWAare: A Women’s Place, Aid for Friends, Bucks County HousingGroup, Penndel Community Food Pantry, AHTN, Family

Service Association of Bucks County, Kisses for Kyle Foundation, Pennsbury Scholarships,Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, Yardley-Makefield Public Library and Wrapping Presence.

Kevin Zlock, President, Zlock & Coverdale, P.C. Philanthropist Kevin Zlock celebrates his personal success by generously butoften quietly, sharing his good fortune with those who need it most. Since 2010Veterans, first responders and police officers have benefitted by theestablishment of the Kevin Zlock Veterans Family Endowment Fund at theBucks County Community College in Newtown. The fund has providedtuition assistance and other benefits to veterans and their families but he alsovolunteers his time to veterans who need legal advice.In addition, Kevin Zlock has been a leader in contributing to school activities,

college expenses and job training for students in the Bucks County Children and Youth SocialServices Agency, Child Crisis Center and supported the Cancer Institute for DoylestownHospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Family Services Association of Bucks County, FraternalOrder of Police, Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, The Travis Manion Foundationand the Newtown theatre. This past spring Princeton Day School benefitted from a major giftthrough The Kevin M. Zlock and Sima Zlock Scholarship Fund and the Zlock Faculty Fund.The most recent indication of community philanthropy is the announcement from BucksCounty Community College to rename their auditorium the Sima and Kevin ZlockAuditorium in honor of their generous contribution.

Emerging Technologies Champions of CommerceMetaphase Technologies Inc./LED Living Technology

LED Living Technology and Metaphase Technologies are sistercompanies located in Bristol, promoting over 4,000 products thatservice the commercial and industrial industries. They are the industryleader in manufacturing cutting-edge LED solutions for the mostdemanding industrial and military applications. Their in—depthknowledge and innovative engineering continues to keep up with therapid advancement of light science. LED Living Technology engineersa focused product portfolio of affordable LED fixtures and retrofit kits,carefully designed and tested with 20 years of LED engineeringexperience. Proud to be a mainstay with the Green environmentalinitiative and a partner of the Spirit Foundation Wounded Warrior Projectfor disabled veterans, they ensure all products are designed and

manufactured in Bucks County, where they employ and train individuals in areas such as:Material Coordinators, Graphic Designer Managers, Business Administration and CustomerService Representatives, Engineering Technicians, and Sales and Marketing Managers.

MooFwd Mobile SolutionsA new local technology provider, MooFwd MobileSolutions, develops apps for educational institutionsand local businesses. The apps they create offerproductivity solutions for a mobile world, usingtechnology to put all businesses data in one place – atthe consumer’s fingertips. The Lower Bucks County

Chamber of Commerce ECONference in May of 2014 featured an event app created byMooFwd and it was well received and very useful for attendees.

Perkasie Historical SocietyFounded in 1954 as a volunteer organization, the PerkasieHistorical Society seems an unlikely nominee foremerging technologies. However, in September of 2014,they launched a Web and phone APP called “Perkistory”by a group of students from Bucks County CommunityCollege. This application is used by old history buffs aswell as young new explorers by increasing interest in theirlandmarks and general tourism. In addition, an increasein sales for local merchants near the sites is expected.Implantation of this new technological tool will allow usall to look into the past while riding the wave of thefuture.

Entrepreneurial SpiritJames Cain, Vault Brewing Company

James’ entrepreneurial spirit is shown through inspiration, innovation and bytaking risk. He left a good job in the Pharmaceutical industry to turn an oldbank into a successful hybrid brewery pub. He turned a dream into a reality,with a lot of hard work, fine-tuning, and support of his partners and thecommunity. The Vault Brewing Company is a one-of-a-kind experience notonly because of the history and uniqueness of the building, but because all ofthe beer is crafted onsite and changes with the season, and all of the food onthe menu is prepared in the wood stove on the premises. The Vault does not

advertise but uses social media quite effectively, and people flock to the brew pub in Yardleybecause of the unique experience. This is no accident. The Vault was designed to be an“experience,” providing an opportunity to meet friends and co-workers, relax, unwind, listen togreat live music, eat delicious food, and sample some of the best beers around. James listens tohis client base and has made numerous changes since opening in October 2012. In fact, onTuesday’s, you’ll find James behind the bar conducting “Trial and Error” where you can tastenew beer concoctions and provide your feedback. James is in touch with his guests and knowsmost by name. He has strengthened the community by creating a great networking andmeeting place for all of Bucks County.

Joan McCloskey, Movad, LLCIn May of 2012, Joan tragically lost her business partner to ALS – her partnerand President of Movad was her husband. He was the driver of the businessand Joan was “behind the scenes.” Joan had a choice – to quit and close upshop or rise to the occasion. Joan rose to the occasion and met manychallenges, with aplomb. Now as a woman-owned business, she certified herbusiness through WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council)which allowed her to compete on bids from Corporate 500 Companies. Shemade tough management changes, appointing a General Manager to run the

day-to-day operations and purchased state-of-the-art equipment to retain and increase hercustomer base. Joan was recently inducted to the Graphic Artist Association Board ofDirectors, and received a full executive scholarship to the Tuck Executive Education Program atDartmouth, an Executive Program of Building a High Performance Business, sponsored byIBM. Keep it going, Joan!

Start-Up Company Champions of CommerceThe Plant Lady of Bucks County

This past year, Blanche Gotel left the hustle and bustle of a career incorporate communication to start a new business in plant care. Plants areone of Blanche’s passions, and so she “traded her business suit, high heelsand attache case for blue jeans, sneakers and a watering can!” The PlantLady of Bucks County takes care of your house and corporate plantings.Air pollutants can be naturally removed from the air through plants, andBlanche is dedicated to their care. Blanche immediately joined businesssupport organizations to get started (LBCCC and Visit Bucks County) andmakes good connections. She is selling her plant art at VBC and makinggood progress. 2015 is going to be her “growth” year.

RecruitmentQueenRecruitmentQueen.com reaches thousands of active and passive job seekersmonthly across the Internet on local, niche, diversity and vertical job sites, aswell as on leading aggregator sites and social networks. Jobs posted onRecruitmentQueen.com are automatically optimized, distributed andmonitored as part of targeted ad campaigns. This targeted distributionproduces higher rankings in search results on search engines and paid jobsites resulting in an increase in qualified response of 200% on average. Jobseekers can receive postings from desktop or mobile devices such as tabletsand phones postings based on their skill set, experience and preferences -

eliminating the need for tedious keyword searching and browsing through hundreds ofirrelevant job postings. Unlike national job boards, who talk about what is going on from ageneral perspective in relation to job hunting, Bucks County job seekers want to know what isgoing on in their own backyard and Recruitment Queen is a hyper-local digital recruitment jobboard dedicated to employers and job seekers in Bucks County, PA.

BioCare RecoveryIn 2012, Andrew Vitullo left his corporate position to dedicate his time toaddiction based on personal life experiences he encountered with drugaddiction. The most influential experience was when his best friend in highschool was expelled for possession; he is just now just getting back on trackwith his life. This stayed with Andrew and watching others fall into thesame trap led him to develop an alternative to the traditional alcohol anddrug rehabilitation options. On November 22, 2013, BioCare Recoverywas granted a State of Pennsylvania license and within two weeks, their firstfour clients were registered. During the first year, BioCare Recovery hadconsulted with over a hundred addicts/alcoholics, families, significant

others and local health care professionals. Those who choose to participate in the 6-monthoutpatient program have found they are living life – not in a fog of alcohol or drugs, nor thefear of legal concerns, but facing each day with the knowledge that they can identify triggersand have the strength to make positive decisions for themselves. Andrew’s vision, leadershipand compassion for those who live and work in Bucks County makes us a stronger community.

Quality of Life Champions of CommerceFriends of Washington Crossing

Due to Pennsylvania state budget cuts, Friends of Washington Crossing Parkformed as a Group in 2009 to save the closure of Washington CrossingHistoric Park, including the reenactment of George Washington’s DelawareRiver Crossing. Today, the group has formalized as a non-profit which hasan agreement with the state of Pennsylvania to staff and operate the VisitorsCenter, give tours, rent the facility, program special events, hold fundraisers,and develop educational programming. Friends has also taken over themaintenance costs in the part including paying for a new boat trailer,landscaping, exhibit expenses, and maintaining Bowman’s Hill Tower. Since2009, Friends have raised more than $2M. The goal was to create a “vibrant

public gathering space” for area residents and programs include: weekly farmers’ market,outdoor movies, concert and lecture series, artisan market, and nature camps. Due to theseprograms and a new website, total visitors increased from 49,342 in 2013 to 65,487 in 2014.

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks CountyRecognizing safe, affordable shelter as a fundamental need, HabitatFor Humanity of Bucks County brings individuals, families andcommunities together to build affordable homes with those in need.Based on Christian principals, they welcome all people regardless ofreligious preference or cultural background to make safe, simple,affordable housing a matter of conscience and action in BucksCounty. Their Homeownership Program provides an opportunityfor low-income families to increase their independence andeconomic well-being through home ownership and educationalopportunities. Habitat families work hard for their homes andcontribute an average of 200 hours of sweat equity towards the

construction. Through this unique but proven program, families acquire a sense of ownershipand responsibility, will pay their own mortgage and have a real connection to their community.If you already own your home but need help, their A Brush With Kindness program providesaffordable exterior home repairs for low-income homeowners in Bucks County who are affectedby age, disability or family circumstances, enabling homeowners to reclaim their homes withpride and dignity with affordable repair.

Mary RyanSafety, beauty and community are constant and continuing themes inMary Ryan’s life. Mary has dedicated herself to elevating the quality of lifein Upper Makefield. She is a founding member of the Friends ofWashington Crossing, and was instrumental in saving the Park and theChristmas Crossing. She serves on the Upper Makefield PlanningCommission, and is a Township Supervisor. When Mary is not writinggrants, and organizing the annual gala to benefit the Upper MakefieldVolunteer Fire Company, she can be found painting the school mascot ona gym floor, planting flowers with kids, installing pathways and creatingparks to preserve history and enhance her community’s quality of life.

Workforce Investment Champions of CommerceBucks County Technical High School

Since 1958, BCTHS has been investing in the past, currentand future workforce in Bucks County. It has done sothrough investing and partnering in the local workforcethrough training, education, career development andawareness for elementary students to adult learners, servingboth local employers and employees. Located in the mostdensely populated area of the county, the idea of a TechnicalSchool to serve both secondary and adult students came tofruition to assist with the expanding manufacturingindustry in Fairless Hills and Levittown as well as thesurrounding townships. BCTHS continues to carry on thistradition 50 years later by offering current and relevant,

state of the art training, STEM and manufacturing programs for high school age and adultstudents. BCTHS also provides career and technology and awareness through exploratorysummer programs for elementary and middle school students, attracting over 200 students persummer.

RecruitmentQueenRecruitmentQueen, well-known for innovation and out-of-the box ideas,was launched by Jennifer Shulz, and is a new Bucks County job boardfocused on local employers and job seekers in Bucks County, with cuttingedge job-matching technology and targeted network distribution. Herunique approach is totally hands-on with candidates. With over 15 yearsof experience helping employers find the right match with candidates, shereally understands the job hunting process from both the employer andjob seeker side. Employers who post jobs on their new job board receiveunprecedented reach to local Bucks County job seekers within the RQTalent Network and on the TheJobNetwork™; the largest recruitment adnetwork of job sites in North America resulting in up to four times better

response than leading national job boards. In addition, the new site allows hiring managers tosave valuable time and effort with Real-Time Job Matching™ which automatically screens,grades, and ranks applicants, as well as returns qualified passive job seeker matches in real-timefrom the site’s resume database as well as LinkedIn®. Recruitment Queen has also planned andhosted many job fairs, employer summits and job seeker focus groups, as well as, being veryinvolved with the local business community and initiatives that assist Veterans transitioning tocivilian careers.

WIB – Bucks County Workforce Investment BoardThe WIB Board (BC-WIB) works to ensurethat the Bucks County workforce system,covering numerous agencies and multipledisciplines, meets both employer’ needs forskilled workers and workers’ needs for careerand economic advancement. The BC-WIBoversees the development of partnerships withemployers, economic development andeducational agencies and other programs toleverage all local resources available to thebenefit of our local workforce.Planning for the workforce incorporates fourdynamic factors: Economic Indicators include

reviewing the current unemployment rate compared to relative time frames and areas andanalyzing the established companies/industries in the local area and the projected job growthopportunities.Using workforce indicators and current statistics, the PA CareerLink® Bucks County(governed by the WIB) is the one stop center where employers and job seekers access freeservices to be effectively and mutually matched according to skills and job opportunities.Demographic and Education Indicators provide contextual information about the BucksCounty workforce, those who are already actively engaged in it, those who are seekingreengagement, and our pipeline of potential workers. By analyzing Demographic andEducation Indicators, the BC-WIB is able to advance their “Human Capital Investment” workand ensure effective stewardship and investments of workforce dollars into long-term economicvitality for the County.

Economic Impact Champions of Commerce225 Lincoln Properties LP

When 225 Lincoln Properties became vacant, Bill Koelewyn was inventive bydesigning the large office and warehouse space into individual areas forcompanies to have their office space, mailbox, and storage location for theirbusinesses. Bill’s forward thinking and talent with design created an incubatoroffice area, where new businesses could get their start while being around othernew businesses. They all share a copier, fax, kitchen and conference room. Thecamaraderie that is established creates great working relationships and clients;no one feels alone and they share ideas. Bill provides security on the grounds

and organized a networking group for businesses to grow; some expanded so much, they left225 to occupy an even larger space. Bill and 225 are committed to economic development andhave provided a place for new business owners in Bucks County to gather and grow.

PARX CasinoGreenwood Gaming came to Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania promisingto create a destination point that would bring jobs, drive economicdevelopment and be a community partner. The vision was hard to imagineon the tired and worn site they purchased and many of the locals doubtedthis would ever come to pass. Luckily, local visionaries from Bucks Countyproceeded with Greenwood in planning and negotiation and the projectmoved forward. Parx, as it later became known, has become a jewel in Lower

Bucks County. Parx is not only a community partner but an economic engine for the entireregion. As the facility continues to grow so do jobs with sustainable, competitive wages. Localmunicipalities enjoy funding and support that enhances services and infrastructure and driveseconomic development. The projects that have come to fruition because of Parx are toonumerous to mention. They are not just community partners, but have set a new standard ofhow a successful business gives back to its community. From the beginning their desire tosupport the local business community has been made known. They promote doing businesswith the local businesses and continually educate local businesses not only on what productsand services they need, but how to go about applying for those contracts and purchase orders.In addition to the obvious economic impact, Parx also supports important ideals thatstrengthen the quality of life in our community such as minority owned businesses, embracingdiversity, supporting Veteran’s programs and many others. They are a true asset to the Countyand the region.

Sesame PlaceEach year, more than 1 million people experience Elmo and allof his friends close up at Sesame Place. From whirling dry ridesto water slides, Sesame Place offers a unique visitor experienceunmatched in the region. Sesame plays a critical role insupporting the more than 11,000 visitor-related jobs in BucksCounty, offering 1,600 seasonal jobs and driving surroundingbusinesses to increase their labor force as well. Total economicimpact generated from visitor spending is nearly 900 million,with Sesame Place being a large portion of that impressivenumber. Since 1991, Bob Caruso has been Park President andunder his leadership, the Park has expanded its product and

remains an anchor attraction. Bob and his staff are very active in the Bucks Countycommunity and serve on many non-profit boards, as they understand the important role theyplay in the local economy and embrace the role as a community partner.