The Susquehanna Valley’s Business to Business Publication

December 2015

2 December 7, 2015

Just A Word President’s Message

2859 N. Susquehanna Trail, Shamokin Dam, PA 17876570.743.4100 / 800.410.2880 / Fax: 570.743.1221

Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.www.gsvcc.org

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Abbie SholleyDirector of Finance asholley@gsvcc.org

Jenny WentzDirector of Communications

jwentz@gsvcc.org

Renee GerringerDirector of Programs

& Development rgerringer@gsvcc.org

Just A Word...

Chair’s CircleAg Choice Farm Credit

AsuroIT ServicesBowen Agency Realtors

Capital Blue CrossCentral Pennsylvania Food Bank

Coldwell Banker Penn One Real EstateCONCERN Professionals

Contrast CommunicationsDogtown Contracting, LLC

GeisingerGeisinger Careworks

Home Instead Senior CareKeystone Document Solutions

Keystone Forging CompanyKeystone Mobile Shredding, Inc.

Kreamer FeedMembers Choice Financial

Credit UnionM&T Bank

Mifflinburg Bank & Trust CompanyNorth Shore Railroad Company

Nottingham Village Senior Living Community

Penn State Corporate LearningPPL and its affiliates

Practical Business SolutionsREW Financial

RHP Law Group, LLCStahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC

SUN Area Technical InstituteSUN Home Health and HospiceSunbury Community Hospital

& Outpatient CenterSusquehanna Bank

Susquehanna UniversitySwineford National Bank

The Daily ItemThe Northumberland National Bank

Weis Markets

Bob GarrettPresident & CEO

Interested in Running an ad in The Voice of the Valley?

Contact Your Sales Representative at The Daily Item 570.286.5671 • 1.800.792.2303

PAsT chAirPerson

chAirPerson

Jim Barbarich, Members Choice Financial Credit Union

vice chAirPersonDave herbert, Shamokin Dam Borough

TreAsurerJeff reber, Apex Homes of PA LLC

BoArd of directors

region iregion iiJeremiah runkle, Attorney at Law

region iiiKendra Aucker, Evangelical Comm. Hospital

region ivDave geise, Furmano Foods

region vgreg cole, Cole’s Hardware Inc.

region visue greene, Penn State Corporate Learning

reGion Vice Presidents

region iDan Foss, Foss JewelersKen Potter, RHP Law Group LLC

Michelle Morgan, Shamokin Dam Health Center

region iiJeff reber, Apex Homes of PA LLCJessica Brazier, , M&T Bank

directors

John uehling, Contrast Communications

Jamie Mercaldo, Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc.

Photo provided by Schindlers Studio

region iiiLaney shambach, Playworld Systems Inc.Linda sterling, Lewisburg Downtown Partnership

region ivscott Frost, Weis Markets Inc.Aimee Buehner, Bowen Agency Realtors

Judi Karr, Nottingham Village Senior Living Community

region vDenise Prince, Geisinger Health System

region viron cohen, Susquehanna Universitygeoffrey shaffer, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering LCC

Value Proposition.

This phase, value proposition, is used frequently by business consultants and executive types with the assumption that everyone knows what it means. Its definition is fairly straightforward: “Receiving at least equal, but more likely more than, the investment that an individual or organization makes.” Simple enough, for every dime invested you get back a dollar in return.

As with most things although, simple isn’t so simple. Each and every day your Chamber of Commerce board members and staff search for and identify ways to insure that our supporters are benefitting from their investment. Referrals are the classic example of how this works.

On most days, the Chamber staff will field as few as three and as many as a dozen “referral calls.” These calls come in the form of phone calls or emails or personal visits to our headquarters building in Shamokin Dam. Typically a company or an individual will be looking for some type of professional service. Just today, we got calls related to possible contractors, the best attorney and even a dining recommendation or three.

The staff person that takes the call goes to our membership list and provides the requestor with suggestions from our 800+ members.

But other types of “value proposition” can be a bit trickier. The Penn State World Campus is the latest example of the value that we can provide our members and their 52,000 + employees. Modest as it is (5%), the World Campus tuition reduction that students can receive just by their employers being Chamber members can literally offset their annual membership dues investment in a single semester.

Another value proposition example came up this week while visiting my friend Judi Karr at Nottingham Village when I read a quote that she had posted on her personal bulletin board. This note said it all when it comes to the value proposition of Chamber membership. Judi’s posting read: “75% of opportunities comes through networking.”

Judi is a world class networker and surely Nottinghman Village has benefitted from her skill. Your company or agency can benefit from the networking that the Chamber consistently provides its members. Would a 75% increase in business help your company’s bottom line?

If so, why not join us in 2016? With 800+ members representing 52,000 + employees you might find your best business development investment simply through your Chamber membership.

chamber Membership Pays…

December 7, 2015 3

economic Development | Commercial Real Estate

commercial & industrial real estate for sale/LeaseType of properTy LocaTion acreage Sq. fT. TermS reference conTacT nameOffice Space/Lease 776 Bull Run Crossing, Lewisburg choose sf that meets needs Lease MLS #20-61169 Beverly Attkisson (1) Commercial Land Route 35 & Fox Crossing, Mt. Pleasant Mills 4.3 Sale MLS #20-61649 Beverly Attkisson (1)Commercial Land U.S. Rt. 15 & 44, Allenwood 1.7 Sale MLS #20-61295 Beverly Attkisson (1)Commercial Land Oak Street, Elysburg 19. Sale MLS #20-64093 Ted Yeager (1)Commercial/Land Route 61, Paxinos 7.52 Sale MLS #20-58246 Pam Whitenight (1) Commercial Bldg 310 Arch Street, Sunbury 3,384 Sale MLS #20-65573 Jo Luden/John Powell (1)Commercial Land Route 61, Paxinos 7.52 Sale 20-58246 Bob Bertram (1) Commercial 601/611 Market St, Lewisburg .36 15,305 Sale 20-57708 Bob Bertram (1)Commercial 24 E 4th St, Mount Carmel 2,100 Sale 20-64789 Richard Anderson (1)Commercial 95 Queen St, Northumberland 3,656 Sale 20-64998 Michael Fritz (1)Commercial 2867 West Branch Highway, Lewisburg 5.20 5,670 Sale 20-61916 Scott Mertz (2)Commercial 404 Chestnut Street, Mifflinburg .09 4042 Sale 20-57912 Scott Mertz (2)Commercial 30 Elm Street, Milton .04 1533 Sale/Lease 20-61300 Scott Mertz (2)Commercial 124 N 4th Street, Sunbury .10 1200 Sale 20-65286 Scott Mertz (2)Commercial 4147 Troxelville Road, Middleburg .67 818 Sale 20-64274 Scott Mertz (2)Commercial 1810 Snydertown Road, Sunbury 39.36 50,000 Sale 05-27432 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial Land Lot 1, Rt 522, Selinsgrove 1.5 N/A Sale 05-25700 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial space 2928 N Susquehanna Tr, Sham Dam 2,200 Lease 20-61762 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial space 113 N Market St, 1st Fl, Selinsgrove 3,000 Lease 20-65352 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial 2577 N Susq Trail, Shamokin Dam 1.6 Sale/Lease 20-50669 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial Land E Walnut St, Mifflinburg 1.2 Sale 11-50149 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial space 315 Point Twp Dr, Northumberland 3.04 15,000 Sale 20-63866 Larry Johnson (3)Retail/Office 150 Chestnut St. Mifflinburg .86 11,317 Sale 20-65413 Larry Johnson (3)Commercial 611 Priestley Ave, Northumberland 5760 Sale/Lease Aimee Buehner (3) Commercial 425 Market St, Sunbury 4700 Lease Aimee Buehner (3)Office 2585 Route 522, Selinsgrove 6,000 Lease Tony Phillips (4)Office 585 Route 522, Selinsgrove 800 Lease Tony Phillips (4)Office 2585 Route 522, Selinsgrove 160 Lease Tony Phillips (4)Industrial 2 King St, Northumberland 3,674 Sale 63424 Connie May (5)Commercial 363 Broad St, Montoursville 8,044 Sale 73945 Amie Penfield (5)Restaurant 835 Franklin Street, Williamsport 3076 Sale 74973 Ben Mayer (5)Industrial/Garage 2107 Central Avenue, Williamsport 1500 Sale 73944 Amie Penfield (5)Commercial/Apts 5802 S Route 220 Hwy, Linden 1692 Sale 75499 Gail Bair (5)Restaurant 2864,2872 Reach Road, Williamsport 3082 Sale 75449 Gail Bair (5)Commercial 159 Washington Blvd, Williamsport 1408 Sale 74568 Lori Lepley (5)Industrial 700 Hepburn St., Milton 5.26 184,000 Sale Don Cortese (6)Industrial 155 Bower St., Montgomery 1.47 24,762 Sale Don Cortese (6)Industrial 13 S. Industrial Park Rd., Milton 25.22 61,000 Lease Don Cortese (6)Commercial 507-509 Hepburn St., Williamsport .38 3,000 Sale Don Cortese (6)Office 100 Mercer Dr., Lock Haven 4.89 32,561 Sale Jeff Bower (6)Office 241 Point Township Drive, Northumberland 1.24 3,051 Sale Jeff Bower (6)Office 3 Wesner Lane, Danville 21,000 Lease/Sale Jeff Bower (6)Land-Commercial 6514 N. Route 15, Selinsgrove 3.27 Sale Don Cortese (6)Land-Commercial 1442 S. Main St., Mansfield 1.41 Sale Don Cortese (6)Office/Shop Building 1723 Westbranch Hwy, Winfield 13,245 Lease Ken Hafer (7)Office Space 434 Market Street, Lewisburg 935/1324 Lease Greg Trautman (8)

(1)Villager realty/ 570-850-2963/570-523-3244 (2) century 21 mertz & associates, inc./570-524-2120 (3)Bowen agency realtors/570-847-0552/570-274-7544 (4) Keystone Building products/570-374-6012 (5) Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick realty/570-321-7000 (6) mericle commercial real estate/570-323-1100

(7) opSco properties/570-412-6822 (8) greg Trautman/570-743-0430

Serving the Susquehanna Valley since 1971.

836 Market St., Lewisburg

1372 N. Susquehanna Trail, Ste 110, Selinsgrove

155 S. Second St., Sunbury

www.bowenagency.com

Serving the Susquehanna Valley since 1971.

Check out the latest issue

of thevoice of

the valleyon our website

www.gsvcc.org

4 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | New & Renewing Members

Partner with the chamber and help “Connect Business & Community” Everyday…

Welcome new members•RustyRail Brewing companycontact: Myles Biggs5 n. 8th st., suite 1Mifflinburg, PA 17844570-966-5138

A multi-level brewery, restaurant and event facility featuring craft beer, bold food and live music.

•Susquehanna Life Magazinecontact: erica shames217 Market streetPo Box 421Lewisburg, PA 17837570-522-0149

Susquehanna Life, Central Pennsylvania’s Original Lifestyle Magazine, was founded in 1993 to promote the positive aspects of life in Central PA—all the facets that make life in Central PA so uniquely enjoyable:

outdoor recreation, attractions, communities to explore, history, gardening, dining out, health, lifestyle topics, culture, and more. Comprehensive event listings, award-winning photography, 4-color glossy pages. All the information you need to enjoy your life in—or visit to—Central PA. Published 4 times a year.

•Applebee’s Grill and Barcontact:Jennifer skelly901N.SusquehannaTrailselinsgrove, PA 17870570-374-7339

Casual family dining, serving burgers, steaks, chicken and pastas.

•central PA safe surface technologies, LLc

contact: steve davis266 Gregory driveselinsgrove, PA 17870570-939-1000

With a slip and fall incident occurring approximately every eight seconds in the USA, Safe Surface Tech was created to assist businesses and residences to decrease risk and further prevent slip and fall accidents.

•Timberhaven Log Homescontact: Joe folker434A swartz rd.Lewisburg, PA 17837570-568-9590

We design, manufacture, market, sell and service the highest quality log and timber frame home products to the residential and commercial market, domestically and internationally.

Karina and Yami Melton work together to cut ingredients for their egg and veg-gie toast cups at a recent Kids Can Cook Workshop hosted by the Union County Branch YMCA.

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

Kids can cook WorkshopKids enjoyed cutting and adding ingredients to create Egg and Veg-gie Toast Cups. Encouraged by Weis Markets Dietitian, Erin Long, children tried new ingredients in their recipes. Parents learned nutritional tips. They were able to focus on assisting their children with cutting and combining ingredients, and best of all didn’t have a mess in their own kitchen. Hosted by the Union County Branch YMCA, this workshop was held at the First Lutheran Church in Mif-flinburg. Erin also demonstrated making a healthy smoothie. When the children sampled the cool treat, they tried to guess what the secret ingredient (spinach) was. Another Kids Can Cook workshop will be planned in the coming months. Contact the Union County Branch YMCA at 570-966-4434 for more information.

Becky Guffey shows her daughter, Rylee, how to cut Canadian bacon for their egg and veggie toast cup. The Guffey family enjoyed a hands-on Kids Can Cook Workshop hosted by the Union County Branch YMCA in Mifflinburg recently.

Jeffrey Ivankin was very excited to use a sharp knife with his mother’s permission. His older sister, Melissa, watches on as their sister, Julie, mixes eggs to prepare their egg and veggie toast cups. The children and their mother recently attended the Kids Can Cook Workshop in Mifflinburg.

GreaterSusquehannaValleyYoung Professionals

You’re Invited!Thursday,January14,2016•6:30pm

Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse606 Market Street, Lewisburg

December 7, 2015 5

Partnerships | Leadership Susquehanna Valley

The title of the Leadership Susquehanna Valley’s (LSV) Program Day for November was Public Relations and Communications. The 35 emerging and established leaders who make up the LSV Class of 2016 experienced a day full of useful information that they likely put to use immediately.

Their day started with Mark Lawrence, News Director at Sunbury Broadcasting Radio Stations including WKOK and WQKX. As a community or business leader the day will come soon, if it hasn’t already happened, when a member of the media will be on the other end of the phone, with pen and pad in hand loaded with some type of probing question. Lawrence walked the class members through the news making process. With his unique sense of humor and always “clear speak,” Lawrence left the class participants with some great “Do’s and Don’ts” when it comes to being “on the record.”

Next up was Susan Decker of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries who facilitated a session on transgendered people in the workforce. This can be a thorny issue for businesses and for government when the appropriate arrangements haven’t been made and clear communications about what civil rights laws related to transgendered people in the work force have not been put into place.

Caz Russell and his loyal sidekick Chilli were the next team to work with the class members. Effective communications was the theme of their presentation. Chilli is a phenomenal teacher and she always demonstrates to her audience how miscommunication and grabbled messages can have unintended consequences. On the other hand clear, crisp communication results in the outcomes that the communicator wants. Caz is a John Maxwell certified trainer who has begun to do seminars and workshops for the Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations. His presentations are always well received.

The entire afternoon on this Program Day was dedicated to a “Poverty Simulation.” Most LSV participants have never experienced poverty, first hand. During this three-hour simulation the participants learn what it’s like to experience poverty for an entire month. What they learn during this session is often truly eye-opening and it serves as a good lesson in understanding the challenges that some of our neighbors experience each and every day.

The next LSV Program Day will be held on December 17th and will focus on health and human services. To learn more about Leadership Susquehanna Valley please visit: www.leadershipsv.org or give Bob Garrett a call at: 570-743-4100.

Caz Russell and his loyal sidekick Chilli

(570) 275-7822 IS THIS YOUR SITUATION?

‘I Know What I Want to Say, But I Don’t Know How to Say It’

WE CAN HELP!Our Executive Services Have Been Helping and Satisfying Companies and Their Leaders Nearly 50 Years

Serving Business Executives Since 1967

PROVIDING, AMONG OTHER SERVICES: • New-Business Announcements and Promotions • Brochures• New-Customer Letters of Introduction • Business Résumés • Annual and Quarterly Financial Reports • Leader Profi les• Special Articles in the Voice of the Valley • Retirement Profi les• Effective News Releases / Website Language • Press Conferences• In-Service Business Writing Seminars • Company Talks• Newspaper Articles • Speeches• Professional Articles

Discuss Your Needs with Robert BomboyPublished in More Than 60 National Magazines bob.bomboy@gmail.com • www.bomboybooks.com

SPECIAL PROJECT ASSOCIATESP.O. Box 314, Riverside, PA 17868

THESE CLIENTS WILL TELL YOU THEY ARE MORE THAN SATISFIED:Selmax Corporation, Craig L. Boyer ..................................................... (570) 374-2833AsuroIT Services, Bill Geise Jr. .............................................................. (570) 286-8680Groninger Insurance, Jim Groninger ..................................................... (570) 473-8107The Courtyard Theater, Art Lieberman ................................................... (570) 966-5700The BeeGeeZ USA, Carl Chimi ............................................................. (570) 925-5690Shamrock Insurance, John O’Toole ....................................................... (570) 259-1093MCPS of Central Pennsylvania, Deanne Bower ..................................... (570) 966-5700Crystal Holistic Health Consulting, Christina Major ............................. (570) 975-1615Sweet Granny’s Kettle Corn, Mark Mantz .............................................. (570) 863-2061

Linda Brown serves as the LSV Board President and was fully involved in the Poverty Simulation

Mark Lawrence explains the “Do’s and Don’ts” of news making

LeadershipSusquehannaValley class of 2016 november Program Day

6 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | Member Connections

Ben Reichley, marketing manager of Selinsgrove-based LB Water, has been named 2015 Associate of the Year by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) Pennsylvania.

LB Water is a distributor of waterworks infrastructure products, including hydrants and valves, water specialty products, water metering equipment, sanitary sewer and stormwater products, environmental-erosion stabilization equipment, and other products.

NUCA Pennsylvania gives the annual award to an association member who has made significant contributions to the underground utility contracting business and to the association.

Reichley, 54, is the grandson of LB Water founder Lehman B. Mengel, who started the company in 1970 with two employees. The company has grown steadily over the years

and now has eight locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia and employs 188 people. The company also serves clients in eastern Ohio, Delaware and northern West Virginia.

Reichley said he is honored by the award but considers it to be far more of a company award than a personal one.

“I proudly accept the

award as a member of LB Water, which has shown its commitment to the utility industry for 45 years and has been a long-time active member of NUCA Pennsylvania and NUCA nationally,” Reichley said.

“In addition to its work with the association, LB Water has a long track record of success, and continues to grow on a solid base of honesty, integrity and pride in the products and services we deliver, as well as enthusiastic customer service. As our motto states, ‘We Make Water Work’.”

LB Water was sold to its employees in 2002 through an employee stock ownership plan. After expanding to five Pennsylvania locations through the early 2000s, LB Water established a location in Frederick, MD in 2007, added a sixth Pennsylvania location in 2012 in Oakdale, and then set up shop in Chester, Virginia in 2013.

LB Water executive named 2015 Associate of the Year by nUcA Pa.

THE PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP

Ben Reichley, L.B. Water

Geisinger President/ceo, dr. david t. feinberg to be featured speaker at Massachusetts Medical society Leadership forum

Geisinger Health System President and CEO David T. Feinberg, M.D., MBA, will share his vision for patient experience at the Massachusetts Medical Society’s (MMS) 16th Annual State of the State’s Health Care Leadership Forum on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Dr. Feinberg will present “Proven Experience: One Patient at a Time” on Thursday morning at the MMS Headquarters in Waltham, Mass.

“Really what people want is care that’s accessible, understandable, dignified and culturally sensitive. To me, patient experience is about the same quality of care I want for my own family,” Dr. Feinberg said. “And from a leadership standpoint, I consider every patient to be one of my patients and I want to provide them that same high quality care.”

Named to the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare as well as the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders by Modern Healthcare, Dr. Feinberg is one of the nation’s leading speakers on the patient experience.

Other presenters at the forum will include Maura Healey, Massachusetts Attorney General; Monica Bharel, M.D., Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health; and Troyen A . Brennan, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer of CVS Health.

The forum is hosted by Dennis M. Dimitri, M.D., president of the Massachusetts Medical Society and moderated by Jim Braude, host of WGBH-TV’s Greater Boston and co-host of WGBH’s Boston Public

Radio, and Margery Egan, co-host of WGBH’s Boston Public Radio and columnist for the Boston Globe.

ABoUt GeisinGerGeisinger Health System is an integrated health

services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record and the development of innovative care delivery models such as ProvenHealth Navigator® and ProvenCare®. As one of the nation’s largest health service organizations, Geisinger serves more than 3 million residents throughout 45 counties in central, south-central and northeast Pennsylvania, and also in southern New Jersey with the addition of AtlantiCare, a National Malcolm Baldridge Award recipient. The physician-led system is comprised of approximately 30,000 employees, including nearly 1,600 employed physicians, 11 hospital campuses, two research centers and a 510,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $8.9 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. Geisinger has repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org, or follow the latest Geisinger news and more on Twitter and Facebook.Dr. Feinberg

ManorCare - Sunbury

570.286.7121

Post-hospital

skilled nursing and

rehabilitation.

Po

December 7, 2015 7

chamber events | Ribbon Cuttings

— Ribbon Cuttings —

RT 11/15 • Shamokin Dam • 570-743-1111

The Best Value The Best Value

on The Strip on The Strip

Featuring Our Recently

Upgraded and Renovated Rooms

and Suites

JSSB employees, Company Directors and local dignitar-ies celebrated the opening of the JSSB Lewisburg office on November 13th for a ribbon cut-ting ceremony. The 9,000 square foot building is the 15th office for JSSB. The Lewisburg Office is the first JSSB office in Union County. Other JSSB offices are located in Lycoming, Clinton, Centre and Montour Counties.

The Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Harrisburg presided over a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of our Science Laboratories Project. The old labs were original to the school, which was built in 1959. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon in our Home Economics room. It was a great day to celebrate together with our staff, donors and alumni who helped make our project a reality. Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School serves over 500 students from a five-county area - Northumberland, Montour, Schuylkill, Snyder, and Columbia. As a faith-centered community, we challenge students to strive for personal excellence and responsible citizenship. Our mis-sion is to empower the mind, body, and spirit of all children from first learners to lifelong learners by providing a broad, balanced education. For further information, or to schedule a tour, please call us at 570.644-0375 x 133.

Pictured from L to R: Michelle Morgan, GSVCC Ambassador; Robert Garrett, GSVCC President/CEO; Rod Stahl, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Ben Showers, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Scott Pick, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Mark Welker, first employee at Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC; Alyssa Packer, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Kyle Hopkins, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Nick Gaugler, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Jeff Sheaffer, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; David Herbert, GSVCC Chairman of the Board; Geoff Shaffer, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering; Robert Slivinski; Chad Shaffer, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering. On September 30, 2015, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC celebrated the opening of their new Selinsgrove loca-tion with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

On November 18th, Fulton Financial Advisors celebrated with a ribbon cutting to open their new office suite at FNB Bank, located at 1255 North Susquehanna Trail in Hummels Wharf, PA. Pictured are Bob Garrett – Chamber President/CEO, Art Bowen – Associate Director Swineford National Bank, Christina Greak – Vice President /Financial Advisor/ Fulton Financial Advisors, Lorna Gessner – Vice President/Financial Advisor/Fulton Financial Advisors, Stacy Troup – Registered Sales Assistant / Fulton Financial Advisors, Leslie Temple – Senior Vice President/ Swineford National Bank and Bryan Holmes – President & COO Swineford National Bank.

8 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | Member Connections

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If you see someone bent over lifting or carrying a heavy load, you may assume their job causes back pain. Yet that’s not necessarily true. You don’t have to do hard manual labor to end up with serious back pain after work, even sitting still can do you in! The jobs with the most back pain include indoor and outdoor work, hard labor and “light” office jobs. You could be working at a job right now that’s going to kill your back … but you may not be aware of what you’re doing to your spine each and every day.

The ToP 5 BAcK PAin JoBs: cAreers PoPuLAr WiTh Men

Back pain is reported more often by male workers than female workers, with nearly one in 10 male workers reporting back pain for at

least a solid week per year. What kind of work is to blame? Heavy manual labor definitely, but also skilled professional jobs and office work. Here are the top 5 jobs with the most back pain in careers that tend to have more male workers…

carpenters: With the most pain and the highest reported incidence in a 2002 study of back pain prevalence, carpenters suffer the most of any male-dominated profession. Their backs are assaulted by repetitive motion, reaching, bending, and twisting throughout the day. This pain is further aggravated with continual heavy lifting at work, leading to a back pain rate of nearly 20% of all workers.

Auto Mechanics: Auto mechanics are an emerging group of back pain sufferers who were previously lumped in with construction workers as a class. However, continuous work while lying on their backs under cars or standing with their arms raised overhead to work on lifted vehicles places a unique strain on the major muscles of their backs. Heavy tools, vibrating tools, and the need to twist, reach, and bend while holding heavy parts also contribute to back pain in this profession.

farmers and farm Workers: Farm machinery may have

helped ease the back-breaking work of traditional farming, but it hasn’t eliminated it. Many farming tasks require heavy lifting, repetitive motion, bending over, and the endurance to stay in one spot working a piece of ground or manipulating irrigation equipment.

Machine operators: Machine operators do a wide variety of tasks, but their primary interactions are with heavy equipment, vibrating equipment, and equipment that requires repetitive motion to produce. Pulling levers endlessly, standing for long hours at a machine, or pushing and pulling machine arms all add up to aches and pains.

desk jockeys: It turns out sitting behind a desk isn’t an easy path out of back pain. Instead, office workers often spend eight hours glued to chairs with no back support while they hunch over a computer at their job. The net result is muscle tightness and pain throughout their backs and hips.Other top jobs for back pain for men include truck driving, professional trades like welding, plumbing, or doing electrical work, and general manual labor work. You are more likely to experience back pain if your job description includes any of these:

Lifting and moving heavy •objectsFull body vibration from •heavy tools or standing on shop floors where heavy manufacturing takes placeRepetitive motion, especially •if it is repetitive reaching, bending, or twistingSitting or standing in one •position for long periods of timeHunching over a •workstation or computer keyboard

Any one of these red flags can be a sign back pain could be in your future. Any combination of these are especially troublesome, leading to chronic aches and pains unless you’re proactive about protecting your body from pain.

stoP WorK-reLAted BAcK PAinNo matter what you do, there’s no reason to tolerate back pain. A tough job shouldn’t force you into a life of painkillers and surgery. Fight back by directly addressing the root causes of your back pain. Remember, it’s not just your hard workday yesterday. Back pain is caused by muscle imbalances that develop over time. While you may feel your back pain came on suddenly, the reality is your work habits and work requirements over the past years have been shaping your body since Day 1. Now, you have to take action to put your body back into a comfortable, pain-free alignment. Whether you have job-related back pain right now, or simply want to prevent future back pain, you will want to identify the muscle imbalances that have formed in your body over time and work on correcting not only your posture, but balancing muscle strength across your body to prevent pain.

If you are interested in further information on the occupational health and wellness services available for your company at Shamokin Dam Health Center, please contact; Michelle Morgan at 570-743-1590 or mmorgan@shamokindamhealthcenter.com.

BackBreakingLaborDoesn’tAlwaysLookLikeHardWork

riverWoods celebrating the fall season with scarecrowsResidents and staff at RiverWoods Senior Living Community’s Nursing Care Center worked together to create scarecrows in celebration of the fall season. More than 50 residents representing all wings of the center collaborated with staff from dietary, therapy, nursing and housekeeping to cre-ate themed scarecrows including Pocahontas, two Pennsylvania State University football fans, a country singer and aware-ness of breast cancer.

Standing from left are: Kolby Straub, Ravi Evans, Lillian Quay, Sophie Aderhold and Sue Vance; Seated from left: Belva Steese, Lee Trott, Donna Wetzel and Mary Sampsell.

December 7, 2015 9

HrG relocates to new offices on Bull run crossing

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has moved into new office space at the recently built Bull Run Professional Office Building.

The new location will provide a more comfortable and func-tional workspace for employees, according to Office Manager Erin Threet: “We’re excited about this move as the new space and layout will boost our ability to serve our clients efficiently.”

In addition, the new location will be easier for clients to access with more ample parking.

HRG provided site design and permitting services for the con-struction of this building on behalf of OIP Partnership.

Phone and fax numbers will remain the same:herbert, rowland & grubic, inc.776 Bull run crossing, suite 200Lewisburg, PA 17837570.524.6744 [phone]570.524.6779 [fax]

ABouT hrg Originally founded in 1962, HRG has grown to be a nation-

ally ranked Top 500 Design Firm, providing civil engineering, surveying and environmental services to public and private sector clients. The 200-person employee-owned firm currently has office locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

Partnerships | Member Connections

Bowen Agency REALTORS® is pleased to announce the Top Producers during the month of September for each of its three Central Susquehanna Valley offices. Top Producer in the Selinsgrove office was Associate Broker Art Bowen while Associate Broker Aimee Buehner and Sales Associate Cory Iannello-Neff joined him as the Top Producers in the Sunbury and Lewisburg offices respectively.

Broker/ owner Matt Hoffman commented, “This was possibly the best October we have had for sales as a company to date. I say it every month but I couldn’t be more proud and honored to work alongside our agents and staff as they work together to meet our client’s housing needs.” Bowen Agency Realtors, a 45 year old Realtor firm with offices in Selinsgrove, Lewisburg and Sunbury, has 24 full-time agents

in residential sales, a full-time Commercial/Industrial/Investment/Business Brokerage

Division, a full service apartment/house property management department and a full-service Certified

General Appraiser serving all Snyder, Union, Northumberland and Montour Counties.

cory innello-neffaimee Buehner

Bowen Agency realtors Announces september top Producers

art Bowen

Brett Barrick, a licensed real estate agent was named Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate’s Sales Agent of the month for the month of October. Brett had the most properties sold in the month of October.

Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate is located at 331 Market St., Lewisburg, PA and can be reached at 570-524-7500 or coldwellbankerpennone.com. Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate has been serving the area for 29 years.

Brett Barrick

A Christmas CarolIt is with great pride that the Sunbury AMPES Theatre

Group will be presenting their play The Christmas Carol. This play is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous A Christmas Carol and will be held on December 8, 2015, at 6:30 pm in the social hall of Zion Lutheran Church.

The theatre group is part of the Sunbury AMPES Program which meets every Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm in Zion Lutheran Church. This group is fortunate enough to have three Susquehanna University students helping with the production. AMPES is a social, recreational, and educational program for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and is offered through The ARC, Susquehanna Valley. AMPES stands for the ARC Meeting Place for Expanding and Sharing. The ARC, Susquehanna Valley (The ARC), is a membership organization made up of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens, and professionals in the disability field. The ARC is committed to promoting awareness, opportunities, quality programs, and advocacy for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

There is no charge for this event, and it is open to the general public. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by calling The ARC office at (570) 286-1008.

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10 December 7, 2015

chamber spotlight | Chamber Cuba Trip

A local group embarking April 20-27, 2016 on a Business People-to-Business People trip to Cuba will have a deeper understanding of Cuba and a better feeling of the Cuban people because of knowledge of a local resident. Mr. Pedro Valdes, a local resident and Chamber member is an American citizen and a Cuban national. He is also the inspiration for this trip.

This Cuban national came to the U.S. 54 years ago as a bewildered, confused 16-year-old Cuban refugee. He was part of the great migration of Cuban citizens to the United States. Pedro left Cuba as a “Peter Pan” who were persons destined for an American orphanage.

However, his father had arranged for a family friend to meet him and give him a ticket on a National Airline plane which took him to New York City where his father lived. This boy could not speak English and was totally mystified by the entire adventure.

When he arrived in New York City he was greeted by his loving and strict father, whose name was also Pedro Valdes. It was the beginning of a sojourn that launched this young Cuban boy into a successful professional life and the rearing of a family of three

children. Pedro Valdes lives presently near Winfield. He and his wife Marie own Pedro’s Wine Collection wine import business, importing wines from four different countries.

Pedro and his family have sincere, deep religious beliefs, which is the one of the reasons he was chosen to be a part of Pope John Paul’s pilgrimage to Cuba. John Paul II died April, 2005. Pedro one part of the more than 3 million people in line to say goodbye to the beloved leader at St. Peter’s Basilica.

His father reared Pedro to love God, love his neighbor and trust himself. He taught him and held him fast to the rule that only the best was acceptable. The son remembers bringing home a geometry examination with a score of 87. He expected praise, but instead his father pointed out that somebody had received a grade of 91 and he could have done better.

Another hard rule was no cursing. His father told him to be more creative so that he would not have need for curse words. Five years after Pedro’s arrival in the U.S. his mother, grandmother and his older brother came to the United States five years after them. His brother, Jorge, is an artist in California.

Fortunately for Pedro, he is

a very smart man and excelled in the classroom. He studied at several universities and has earned several degrees. He is fluent in English, Spanish and spoken Portuguese. In all of his university studies he was awarded scholarships, never costing him a cent for his education. He laughingly points out that he did pay for his three children to attend college.

Could he have been successful in Cuba? “No, we didn’t have an equal opportunity to succeed,” he responds. “Opportunities were offered to certain people but not to us. We have the freedom in this country to do what we wish.”

He still returns to Cuba, his childhood home for his first 16 years. He’s misses Cuba because nostalgia is a strong pull for Pedro to visit his native country. He’s visited Cuba more than six times, both for business and pleasure. He is very knowledgeable about his native Cuba.

Pedro taught high school Spanish and was a teaching assistant at State University of New York and Stoney Brook College. He also developed Spanish curriculum to foster learning and retention.

He founded Protecom Incorporated, which distributes a wide range of

pharmaceutical products in the U.S., Venezuela, Chile, Peru, Canada and Western Europe. It continues to expand worldwide. Pedro held positions as international sales manager for a pharmaceutical manufacturer, and executive vice president of New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He has held numerous positions in the academic world.

In his current résumé he states that he is “highly motivated and assertive professional with strong knowledge, excellent communication skills and a winning philosophy.” He goes on the say that he has “a successful track record with over 25 years (actually many more now) diversified experience in business, management, administration, education, pharmaceutical

sales, language and international relations.” When you sit down and discuss his life, most people agree that he has grossly understate his accomplishments.

He said the only aspect of his life that he regrets is the fact that he never finished any of his doctorate degrees. He started three doctorate degrees but did not write the dissertations.

Pedro is quick to list the names of his three children, Hesma, Pedro III and Xiomara followed quickly by his five grandchildren, autumn, Glen Ray, Logan, Pedro IV and Celicia. He and his wife Maria love their family.

Pedro is truly a unique individual.

Check out the chamber Cuban People to People Trip at http://www.holidaytour-travel.com.

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December 7, 2015 11

State Rep. VisitsHow many of us take our right to vote for granted? When

Representative Lynda Schlegel-Culver visited the DREAM group, part of The ARC, Susquehanna Valley, she got to see firsthand just how important that right is to our self-advocates. It was standing room only when Schlegel-Culver and her assistant, Jeff, visited the DREAM group coordinated by Brian Habermehl, ARC employee, on November 2. Self-advocates were excited to have an opportunity to meet Representative Schlegel-Culver and ask questions about government. Schlegel-Culver was genuinely interested in what each self-advocates had to say and answered all of their questions. Self-advocates also had the opportunity to talk about what is really important to them: having a voice, being able to vote, achieving your dreams, and holding down a job. Schlegel-Culver and Jeff also took the time to meet briefly with Ed Coup, Executive Director, and Lynn Libby, president of the board of directors.

The DREAM group is coordinated by Brian Habermehl. DREAM is an acronym for Discovering Resources to Expand and Achieve Our Mission. This group meets on Monday morn-ings at 10:00 a.m. in The ARC’s offices in, Zion Lutheran Church. DREAM is always well attended. The group decides what topics will be explored and discussed at weekly meetings. The group has been discussing government, voting, and national symbols such as the bald eagle and Statue of Liberty. Schlegel-Culver’s visit tied in perfectly with recent discussions. A trip to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty is in the works to conclude these discussions.

Time to consider solar?The United States Department of Agriculture along with

Lenape Solar is promoting a new program that should be of interest to all Greater Susquehanna Valley businesses and residents. This program can offset the cost of certain energy improvements by 50% – up to $9,500. A nice incentive, to say the least.

This Grant is for Commercial, For-Profit consumers only. And there are a few additional guidelines of which you should take note. This does include HVAC units and Energy Efficient Lighting, along with several other upgrades, that businesses might be interested in and/or qualify for simply by applying.

Lenape Solar has already begun submitting the paperwork for several area businesses. Lenape does LED retrofits for light-ing and the Ductless Heating and Cooling Mitsubishi systems. Both, fall into the grant specifications.

The Grant pool of funds is a first come until it is depleted. However, it’s early in the grant cycle. For anyone that may be interested – Lenape Solar will perform a free estimate for either product lines mentioned above, and will guide businesses through the process.

LED Lighting Opportunity - We have noticed that many businesses still have very inefficient parking and Dusk-to-Dawn lights which if changed to LED is a significant savings on the monthly cost of operation.

Mitsubishi Ductless Heating and Cooling - With Mitsubishi’s new Hyper Heat series we have been able to remove the use of oil, gas and heat pump units because of the minus 13 degree capability. Some businesses have areas that have hot and cold areas that we have installed units in to overcome those chal-lenging areas.

For more information, please contact Tony Engelke, Sales Manager/Sr. Sales Consultant at Lenape Solar, LLC. Lenape is located at 140 South Second Street, Suite 1, Sunbury, PA 17801. Please call (570) 286-1496 for more details.

Partnerships| Status of Broadband

status of Broadband

For decades, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce has worked in concert with local governments who have indicated that they wanted to grow and recruit commercial development. Typi-cally, this cooperation comes in the form of technical assistance in drafting and adopting Com-prehensive Plans and Zoning Ordinances that are pro-growth. Next comes the all-important utilities. Good roadways, ample water and sewer capacity as well as plentiful energy from natural gas and electricity create the “location, location and location” when it comes to economic development. After that, the marketing begins and if all goes well, new and retained jobs will follow.But recently, your Chamber leaders and staff have learned of yet another, and equally important, utility when it comes to the economic prosperity of commerce, culture and citizens here in our valley. According to research conducted by the National Association of Rural Development Programs, “60% of rural households adopting broadband experienced higher incomes and less unemploy-ment than in rural counties that did not.” This research was conducted between 2001 and 2010. With a whopping conclu-sion of nearly two-thirds of the people being impacted simply by having access to high-speed internet services makes you “sit-up and take notice.” Clearly, broadband access is important if we want our valley to maintain its status as a great place to live, work and play.When tackling a big issue such as broadband your Chamber of Commerce absolutely needs to

build robust partnerships. One such partnership is with Service Electric or SECV. Dwight Walter and his entire SECV team have been a gem for the Chamber staff to work alongside of in getting high-speed internet throughout our valley. Another partner is PenTeleData and their continuing investments in high speed internet services. Bill Geise of AsuroIT and John Ue-hling of Contrast Communica-tions are serving as our trusted advisors and partners.Our latest partner is SEDA-COG. SEDA-COG is our region’s coordinator for Appala-chain Regional Commission and other public funded programs. A few months ago Jim Baker of SEDA-COG requested that the Chamber submit a letter of support for a broadband-focused data collection effort that he and his staff were initiating. Baker and his group were successful in being awarded their proposed effort which is being funded by the telecommunications industry and isn’t actually dependent on public funds. At the Chamber’s November meeting, Mr. Baker explained

that the SEDA-COG project is focused in four areas. These areas are:1. Unique ways that the internet is being used in your business.2. Benefits of the internet to your business.3. Problems that your business is having with the internet, particularly the lack of internet access.4. Issues with obtaining broadband, which is defined as a minimum of 1.5mb for both uploads and downloads or in getting ample broadband for your business needs. The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Com-merce is excited to be working closely with SEDA-COG on this project. Please keep an eye out for upcoming surveys and workshops related to getting you the high-speed internet that your business or agency needs to be relavant and competitive in today’s world.In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Baker at SEDA-COG by calling 570-524-4491 or by dropping him an email at jbaker@seda-cog.org.

12 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | Chamber Eevnts and December Monthly Meeting

Ask your physician for a referral or call 570-524-2600

physical therapy services in 10 convenient locations thoughout 4 counties.

december Monthly MeetingJoin us for our last Monthly Meeting of 2015. Our Made in the Valley Moment will be given by Graeme Woods with Mutual of Omaha. Graeme will be presenting more information on

his new and exciting partnership with the Chamber to provide services for all the members.We will also be hearing updates from our Programs & Development Committee.

thursday, december 10, 2015 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pmShamokinDamFireCompany(basementbanquethall)

3343 north old trail, shamokin damMembers $17.50 per person future Members $20 per person

RESERVATIONS REQUESTED by Monday, December 4, 2015 Visit www.gsvcc.org to registerQuestions? Contact Renee Gerringer, Director of Programs and Development

December 7, 2015 13

chamber Members | Welcome to the Valley

Merit Dental, a general dentistry practice in Shamokin Dam, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. David Nicholas Hartranft to the staff. Dr. Nick, who joins the practice with Dr. John Lazur, earned his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and his DMD from Temple University School of Dentistry. Dr. Nick also has advanced training in Invisalign. He most recently practiced in the Wellsboro area.

Dr. Nick is a member of the American Dental Association. He is married to Dr. Rebecca Hartranft and they reside in New Columbia. Besides dentistry, his other interests include healthcare, fitness and nutrition, education, philanthropy, hiking, bicycling, fishing and kayaking.

Dr. Nick is excited to be a part of Merit Dental and states, “I believe in providing my patients high quality dental care in a warm and comforting environment. I welcome patients’ dental questions and concerns, and I will always treat you with my most caring touch.

My main focus is to achieve genuine patient satisfaction. Together, we can provide you a dentition that will function, improve your appearance, and last a lifetime.”

Merit Dental is now accepting new patients. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 570-743-3300. The office is located at 21 Baldwin Blvd, Shamokin Dam and the office hours are Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 9 a,m. to 5 p.m.

Merit Dental is a team of hometown dentists committed to the health and well-being of families and communities. Learn more at www.mymeritdental.com/shamokindam.

david nicholas Hartranft, dMd Joins the staff at Merit dental

Dr. Hartranft

A new Beginner Hip Hop class for ages 8-12 starts January 18th and you’ll want to be part of the fun.

The class will be held Mondays 4:45-5:30pm with Miss Stacey in Studio B with a Short Session running January 18-April 11, 2016 with no class

on March 14th. No out-of-studio recital so there’s no registration fee, and session fees only, and that’s it.

However, space is limited. Please sign up on our website at https://downtowndancepa.wordpress.com/. Make sure to wear Activewear to class. Please

bring dance sneakers or clean sneakers in a dance bag to change into. If you’ve always wanted to try hip hop, here’s your chance. Open to boys and girls. Let’s have fun & dance!

*Be sure to like our Facebook Page for all of our updates*

downtown dance

We all like to give our beloved pets treats and gifts for the holidays. What fun it is to watch your cat batting his new catnip mouse toy around the room or your dog enjoying his new chew bone. Make sure though that you are giving appropriate toys.

If your dog is an aggressive chewer many toys are not good for him. Rawhides that he can tear large pieces from can be dangerous. Antler chews to gnaw on would be a good alternative. Make sure you get the appropriate size. Nylabones are also good tough chews. Hint-buy a size larger than suggested for your hard chewer. It will last longer and be safer for him.

If your dog likes squeak toys but rips up the plush ones try Cuz rubber squeak toys or Kong brand toys. They are more durable than plush with the same exciting noise. Always watch your dog with a new toy to make sure he will not rip it up and ingest pieces.

Other good durable choices are West Paw’s Hurley, Tizzi, or Wigzi toys. Company will replace them if destroyed and are fun, bouncy, floatable toys. Kongs are good durable rubber toys that can be filled with treats for more appeal. (The black ones are the most durable).

Interactive toys are good choices to stimulate your pet’s mind as they work out how to open or wiggle the treats out of the toy. Keeps them occupied and thinking as well as making them work for their food.

Plush toys are enjoyed by many dogs and cats. Dog’s usually contain a squeaker or noise maker of some kind and cat’s may have catnip as well as a crinkle or rattle noise. Watch your pet to make sure they are not going to rip them up. Some dog toys now come without stuffing or squeaker to be safer if they are torn open.

Popular cat toys include catnip filled toys, balls to chase, and feathers on wands to dangle in front of them for interactive play.

Edible chews such as rawhides, antlers, bones, etc are enjoyed by most dogs and help to clean teeth and keep them occupied. Make sure rawhides aren’t being swallowed in large pieces and that they come from USA so are not chemically treated as ones from China and South America commonly are. Bones should not splinter or break off pieces and should be thrown away when they get small enough that they could be swallowed. Deer, elk, or moose antlers are more durable then bones and safer.

Treats should be healthy and given in moderation. Don’t buy treats that are sugary such as ones with propylene glycol, corn syrup, or other sweeteners. Avoid artificial colors-dogs and cats don’t care what color or cute shape their treats are. Look for treats from quality companies with meat and good ingredients. Zuke’s brand is a good choice as are Greenies treats that also clean teeth. Vital Essentials has some tremendous treats that are grain free and all or mostly meat.

Enjoy your Holidays with your furry friends as they enjoy your love – the best gift of all.

Pet Gifts

“The Law of Pain” Many years ago I had a chainsaw accident. While removing

small trees on my property, I accidentally touched the spinning chain severely slicing two of my fingers. While it was really pain-ful...it was also another learning experience. The Law of Pain tells us that “Good management of bad experiences leads to great growth”.

When it comes to bad experiences there are three common factors – everyone has them, nobody likes them, and few of us turn them into positive experiences. Reality is – life is filled with good and bad experiences.

Make failure become your “Best Friend”! Failure is always an inside job. Don’t let the failures on the outside of you get on the inside of you. Failing doesn’t make you a failure. Say goodbye to negative experiences by turning them into positive experiences. Having a “positive life stance” will help those experiences go from bad to good and good to great. Change yourself and your world changes.

A Mastermind group is a group of 5 to 10 like minded individu-als who are dedicated and motivated to making effective and lasting changes to their lives in a collective group. Contact Caz Russell, a Certified John Maxwell Teacher, Trainer, Speaker and Coach at www.CazRussell.com for more information on the next Mastermind group beginning in your area.

14 December 7, 2015

education in our valley | Student Essay Winner

As part of National Education week, the Business and Education Committee, of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, held a voluntary essay contest for students in 11th and 12th grade. All local High Schools in our four-county footprint were able to participate. High school juniors and seniors had the option to write an essay on the topic, “Great Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility”.

The students were judged based on their spelling and grammar, creativity and originality, how they incorporated the theme throughout the essay and

whether or not they met the initial instructions given. The winner of this year’s essay contest is Erin Beaver of SUN Area Technical Institute.

On November 13, we held an honorary breakfast reception for Erin and her family and teachers, where we presented her with a monetary award provided by the great support of local member businesses.

I would like to thank Kreamer Feed, Inc., Keystone Building Products, Keystone Forging Company and Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit for their generosity to the essay contest.

national educational Week

From L to R: Jenny Wentz, GSVCC Director of Membership and Communications; Jamie Mercaldo, Business and Education Committee Co-chair; Erin Beaver, student at SUN Area Technical Institute; Dr. Mark DiRocco, Business and Education Committee Co-chair; Jamie Kotarski, Welding Instructor at SUN Area Technical Institute (Erin Beaver’s teacher).

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December 7, 2015 15

Partnerships | Member Connections

It’s December. There was a time when that meant children waiting anxiously for the Sears Wish Book to appear in the mail box. Do children today wait for anything to appear in the mail box? And when was the last time—if ever—you filled in a paper order form, wrote a check for the total, folded it, put it in an envelope, sealed and stamped it, and dropped it in a mail slot? What was once the standard for showcasing merchandise is no longer a sustainable business model? You might—on occasion--pick up a phone to place an order; but most likely, if you order anything you do it online. Practice has shifted from mail order to phone order to ecommerce. Furthermore, there is a marked shift from desktop to mobile as the preferred device.

This effects not only direct purchase, but other electronic interface with current or prospective customers. Any email, newsletter, website, promotion which is not mobile optimized stands a good chance of being disregarded by viewers. Mobile devices are the first, and increasingly the only, device used for searching, accessing email, and making purchases. It is becoming less common for users to open something on their mobile device and save it for later reference on a desktop.

oPPortUnitY KnocKs • When people search, open, and respond using a mobile device you have an opportunity for them to act in that instant. And many users do. Mobile optimized access encourages impulsive actions. When a communication is not optimized for mobile use it is like turning away the customer knocking on the door of your business.

no AdJUstMents necessArY • Pinching, zooming, and squinting leads to a higher abandon rate. Calls to action (CTAs) are easily lost when viewed as desktop on a mobile device. If users have to shift to a desktop to read the full page, place an order, or open a link easily, they are more likely to abandon altogether.

driVe to tHe HeAd of tHe trAffic fLoW• Algorithms for search engines are constructed to favor mobile optimized sites. Not optimizing could mean users will not see your listing at the top of a search. Optimization positions your site at the front of the pack, with the potential to pull ahead of the competition more readily.

MoBiLe first Mindset • More users begin their use on--and often contain it to--a mobile device. Optimize your communications and websites and you can have users eating out of the palm of their own hand….to your benefit.

Sue Ellen Spotts writes about current business communications issues from her desk at Contrast Communications. She can be contacted at sue_ellen_spotts@contrastcommunciations.com or 570-966-1515.

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is Your Business Alzheimer’s Friendly?The Home Instead Senior Care® network is

sponsoring a public education program called Alzheimer’s Friendly Business℠. This program is designed to provide businesses within our community training to become a more welcoming environment for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. We would like your business to join us in this effort. Since statistically so many seniors could develop this disease, Home Instead Senior Care is offering this Alzheimer’s Friendly Business training for FREE. This 30-minute training addresses the following:

What Alzheimer’s disease •generally is and isn’t

Potential signs of the disease •

Potential triggers to common behavioral •issues that may arise from the disease

Suggestions for handling such situations •

Suggestions for interacting with •someone who may have the disease

The purpose of this training is to help customers with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones who care for them feel more comfortable because your trained employees treat them with an increased sensitivity and understanding. Let us help educate your employees about Alzheimer’s disease and, in turn, certify your business as an Alzheimer’s Friendly Business! Businesses such as banks, grocery stores, restaurants and medical offices can particularly benefit from the training, but it is open and encouraged to everyone. Learn more about Alzheimer’s Friendly Business training opportunities by contacting Home Instead Senior Care at 570-522-6533.

Larson Design group exceeds united Way Fundraising

Following a month-long fundraising campaign, Larson Design Group employees exceeded their goal of raising $42,500 for the United Way. The contributions were made through payroll deduc-tions, various fundraisers, and direct donations, with the company making a separate $10,500 corporate contribution.

Speaking of the contribution, Keith Kuzio, President and CEO of Larson Design Group, said, “Community stewardship is one of Larson Design Group’s published and practiced core values, and the firm practices this in every community in which we do business.”

Alyssa Rogers, Recruiting Coordinator and chair of the fundrais-ing campaign, said, “Since 2003, LDG employees have raised over $337,000 for the United Way. This year, our employees once again demonstrated their commitment to community improvement by surpassing our fundraising goal.”

In all, donations totaling $43,729 were made by employees at all 12 of LDG’s offices, spanning five states.

about Larson Design group: Larson Design Group (LDG) is an engi-neering, architecture and survey firm, headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. LDG is a growing, employee-owned company teaming with clients to provide responsive, innovative solutions to facility, transportation, land development, and environmental needs.

16 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | Member News

Construction progresses as the first walls were set last month for a Center for Rehabilitation and Transitional Care at RiverWoods Senior Living Community, 3201 River Road, Lewisburg.

The building will resemble a small home and will be connected to the nursing care center near the location of the former main

entrance. Resident rooms will be situated around the perimeter of the home, providing common space in the center. The facility will provide rehabilitation and transitional care services aimed to help both short- and long-term residents recuperate safely and efficiently under the care of a knowledgeable and responsive staff.

Hepco Construction Inc., of Selinsgrove, began construction of the new center after a groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, May 7. Construction is on schedule, with walls beginning to be set last month, and the building is expected to be under roof.

The project is slated for completion in May. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony will take place when the center opens.

All residents and guests are asked to continue using the temporary main entrance accessed from RidgeCrest Circle, marked by signs.

RiverWoods offers a full continuum of care, including residential and personal care, skilled rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. The facility is owned and operated by Albright Care Services, a faith-based non-profit organization. For more info visit www.riverwoods.org.

constrUction ProGresses on center for trAnsitionAL cAre

Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes, LLC, a nationally-recognized log home manufacturer, announced that it is relocating its manufacturing facilities and corporate headquarters from Lewisburg to Middleburg, PA. The company plans to establish its new home in the pre-existing Penn Truss Systems building (originally Glencoe, Inc.) at 1081 Salem Church Road in Snyder County. The 27,000 sq. ft. building on 22 acres of commercial property will encompass the company’s extensive manufacturing equipment and office space for its 16 employees.

Utilizing T-Ross Brothers’ services, Timberhaven’s current manufacturing equipment will be relocated to the new building. This equipment includes:

A massive planer, weighing between 6-8 tons, includes 200 ft. of dust collection pipes, a 30 ft. cyclone, and a 10x20 bag house. The power of 2 large loaders will be needed to lift the planer. Lumber lines and unstacker equipment will also be

disassembled and relocated. The planer and related equipment will fill 4 -6 tractor trailer trucks and will take 2 weeks to disassemble, relocate and reassemble.

The Radio-Frequency Machine (laminator) will require specialty technicians to unhook hundreds of sensor wires (the “brains” of the machine). This machine will fill 2-3 tractor trailer trucks and will take approximately 2 weeks to move.

The house cutline includes 10 pieces of equipment and is 175 ft. long. It has a 200 ft. dust collection system and a 20 ft. tall cyclone. It is expected this cutline will fill 2 tractor trailer trucks and take 2 weeks to move.

The roof cutline includes 3 saws and is 30 ft. long. It is expected the roof cutline will fill 1 tractor trailer truck and will take 1 week to move.

The bridge cutline includes 6 pieces of equipment, an air compressor, and another 250 ft. of dust collection pipe. It totals 200 ft. in length. It is expected that the bridge cutline will fill 1-2

tractor trailer trucks and take 1 week to relocate.

Your Dream … Our Passion In addition to the 10-13

truckloads of manufacturing equipment, the company will relocate approximately 45 truckloads of inventory consisting of logs, timbers and other related building materials. The process of relocating equipment and inventory of such magnitude will be coordinated in 4 different phases and is expected to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. The move is tentatively scheduled to be executed before the year’s end.

In addition to the relocation itself, renovations are being implemented to prepare the Middleburg building for Timberhaven’s everyday business requirements. Walls and doors have been relocated and enlarged, a new wood boiler is being installed, a special boiler room constructed, a sawdust and wood shaving blower system established, a blueprint plotter room is being built, and existing office space has been updated

to accommodate advanced technologies.

The most significant enhancement is the 16,800 sq. ft. steel addition that will be constructed to the east side of the existing structure. The external space will serve as storage for the company’s specialty logs and timbers and as a staging area as log home package components are organized prior to delivery.

ABoUt tiMBerHAVen: Timberhaven Log & Homes, LLC provides quality, affordable kiln-

dried log homes and log cabins. The company is known for taking great time and energy to make sure that every attention to detail has been met to provide the best value there is in log home living. Timberhaven’s highly trained and skilled professionals, log home manufacturing process and kiln-dried engineered and solid logs are second to none in the log home industry. To learn more about Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes, call 855-306-5678.

P.O. Box 144 Hummels Wharf, PA 17831Business Office: (570) 743-1714 Pro Shop: (570) 743-7052

www.svccgolf.com

Make your reservations today!Company Outings Corporate Meetings Weddings

Susquehanna ValleyC O U N T R Y C L U B

www.golfsvcc.com

Low-income home energy Assistance Program

(LiheAP) is open nowAs winter approaches, PPL Electric Utilities is promoting a pro-

gram that can help folks in our region with their heating bills.Last winter, more than 33,000 PPL Electric Utilities customers

got heating bill help worth more than $8.5 million through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Income guide-lines apply and are listed at the end of this article.

The good news is that 33,000-plus people got assistance. The bad news is that PPL estimates there are perhaps tens of thou-sands more who might qualify, but don’t apply.

The application period for LIHEAP opened Nov. 2. The pro-gram closes April 1, 2016, but funds are not unlimited. LIHEAP information and awareness is crucial to even more people get-ting help – and peace of mind – this winter.

Potential LIHEAP recipients don’t have to have an unpaid heating bill and they can either own or rent their home. And though the federal program is run through county assistance offices, those who get grants don’t need to be a public assis-tance recipient.

LIHEAP cash grants help families pay their heating bills. The grant is sent to the customer’s utility company or fuel provider and is shown as a credit on their bill. In some cases, the grant goes directly to the customer. Grants also are available for heat-ing emergencies such as an equipment breakdown.

For more information about LIHEAP, including income guide-line, visit www.pplelectric.com/heatinghelp.

Income guidelines examples for 2015-16 are $17,655 for one person and increase $6,240 for each additional person in the household.

Timberhaven Log and Timber homes relocates

December 7, 2015 17

Partnerships | Ribbon Cuttings and More

By Kara Malitsky

Prescription drugs have helped many people combat disease and live longer, healthier lives. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of all Americans have taken at least one prescription drug in the last 30 days. What’s more, the CDC reports that 75 percent of physician visits in the U.S. involve drug therapy, and that 2.6 billion drugs are prescribed by physicians annually. And while there are certainly many benefits to prescription drugs, it’s important to understand that the cost of many of these drugs — particularly specialty drugs — remains a key factor in rising health care costs for individuals and employers.

December is recognized as Let’s Talk About Prescriptions Month, so let’s discuss some of the facts about prescription and specialty drug costs. Recent data compiled by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP),

a national trade association representing the health insurance industry, and Express Scripts, a national pharmacy benefits manager, shines some light on how much prescription and specialty drugs costs are rising:

U.S. prescription drug •spending increased by 13 percent in 2014, driven largely by a 31 percent increase in spending on specialty drugs.

Twenty five percent of U.S. •prescription drug spending was for specialty drugs in 2012, though they accounted for just 1 percent of prescriptions written.

In 2014, more than 500,000 •Americans had medication costs higher than $50,000, with the most expensive specialty drugs costing up to $750,000 per year. The AHIP and Express Scripts data further shows that U.S. prescription drug spending reached more than $263

billion — or approximately 9.4 percent of the total expenditure on health care in 2012 alone.

What are specialty drugs, and why are they so expensive? Understanding how prescription and specialty drugs work, and how much they cost, can be difficult for consumers. Specialty drugs are used to treat complex conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis or psoriasis. For example, you may have seen advertisements or news reports about the drugs Humira for treating inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, and Harvoni for treating hepatitis C. Many of these drugs are showing great results in treating complex, chronic conditions and allowing patients to live fuller, longer lives. But what can be done about the cost? Recognizing that the high cost of some prescription and specialty drugs can limit treatment options for patients

and increase overall health care costs, health insurers across the country have developed innovative programs to help improve accessibility and better manage costs. For example, many insurers have implemented utilization management procedures to help ensure that members are receiving coverage for the right medications to treat the right conditions. Many insurers also work with employers to offer workers access to lower cost generic drugs when appropriate, and most also offer case and disease management programs to help chronically ill workers stay on track with self-management. At Highmark Blue Shield, we utilize a team of clinical professionals — including pharmacists, doctors and nurses — to conduct on-going reviews of specialty drug use to ensure that our members have coverage for appropriate medications to treat their complex conditions. This review also helps ensure

that specialty drug treatment is working effectively and is helping the member get better. These prescription drug management programs are also designed to help ensure the safety of members. By ensuring that each member is getting the right medication, in the right amount, at the right time, and in the right place, we can help reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse and abuse. With all of the news reports and television ads, understanding how prescription and specialty drugs work, and how much they cost, can be difficult for consumers. That’s why it’s important this December to “Talk About Prescription Drugs” with your doctor and your health insurer to make sure you’re getting most out of your prescription drug benefits — and your health.

Kara Malitsky is the Director of Pharmacy at Highmark Blue Shield in East Pennsboro.

Let’s talk about the real costs and benefits of prescription medication

On Tuesday, November 17, the West Milton State Bank celebrated the open-ing of their new office in Northumberland with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Pictured from L to R: Front row - Bill Weber, Vice President of West Milton State Bank; Kathrine Troxell, Northumberland Community Banking Officer of West Milton State Bank; Sara Cooper, Personal Banker of West Milton State Bank; Phyllis Salcedo, Northumberland Office Head Teller of West Milton State Bank; Dave Runk, President & CEO of West Milton State Bank; Joseph Kantz, Snyder County Commissioner; No Ringer, Vice President of West Milton State Bank; Dr. Ralph and Kelly Cianflone; Rick Bowersox, Bank Director; Steve Young, Vice President of West Milton State Bank.

2nd row - Pete Matson, Bank Director; Lawrence Huber, Architect for Larson Design Group; Carl Pardoe, Bank Director; Chris Trate, Chairman of the Board for West Milton State; Kerry Potter, DxDempsey; Lisa Pfleegor Kipple, Office Manager for State Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver; Jill Shambach, Vice President of West Milton State Bank; and Dennis Keefer, Vice President of West Milton State Bank.

3rd row - Bob Garrett, President & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce; David Herbert, Chairman of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce; Bill Kear, Bank Director; Frank Schmidt, T. Ross Brothers; Todd Ross, T. Ross Brothers; Michelle Dempsey, DxDempsey; Matt Williamson, LDG; and Rex Hilton, Commercial Relationship Manager

— Ribbon Cutting—

18 December 7, 2015

Partnerships | Young Professionals

Young ProfessionalsHow can eliminating Paper Benefit Your Business?

Paper, copiers, printers, and filing cabinets are standard ingredients of a typical office. Employees expect staples, paper cuts, and searching through folders of documents to be part of their job. On a daily basis, 2.7 billion new sheets of paper are created in offices in the United States, revealing that we are far from using our paper resources in a “green,” sustainable way. Many office managers speak dreamily of “going paperless”, but is that a realistic goal? Can the benefits of becoming a digital office outweigh the seemingly high costs of altering business processes, re-training employees, and adjusting to new technology?

Consider the present situation of most offices: important information is often printed or copied, and then stored in a filing cabinet for later access, or at least until the business is legally permitted to destroy the record. It is estimated that 1 out of every 3 printed documents are not actually needed. In addition to being an unnecessary expense to create, these copies are then stored in a filing cabinet, which can cost approximately $2,160 a year just to maintain while also requiring valuable storage space. When records need to be accessed, office employees may spend up to 20% of their time searching for or filing paper documents. According to one study, 1 out of every 20 documents gets lost in the shuffle of paperwork, and remaking a document can require up to 25 hours and $300. Difficulties associated with finding, sharing, storing, and retrieving documents waste hours of employee time in which they could have been focused on more productive tasks. These losses in efficiency have high costs year after year, but even those pale in comparison to the risks of losing important paper records in a security breach or a natural disaster.

Converting to digital

record storage may sound intimidating, but it can eliminate many office headaches and save costs in the long run. Partnering with a document management business that specializes in security and customer service can be a great solution. High-resolution scanners can create clear images of paper documents, and indexing systems can allow documents to be quickly, accurately, easily searched and shared on a computer. The cost and space required to store documents can be regained, and office procedures can become more efficient and productive. Employees will enjoy fewer frustrations from dealing with paper records, and businesses will find it easier to comply with industry regulations regarding record storage. Digital storage options protect paper documents from theft and natural disasters, and they provide increased security and control of employee access

to sensitive information than traditional cabinet or box storage. It may not be realistic to completely eliminate paper from the office yet, but digitizing record storage is a worthwhile investment for business efficiency, employee welfare, information security, and a business owner’s peace of mind.

For information on how your business can turn document liabilities into digital assets, contact Brenda Gair at Keystone Document Solutions 570-567-7193, bgair@keystonedocumentsolution.com or visit their website at keystonedocumentsolutions.com Our Customers Always Come First

MEMBER

Sunbury Office & Drive-In 403 N. 4th St.Sunbury, PA286-8856

Front StreetDrive In on Queen St.Northumberland, PA 17857473-3531

Hummels Wharf87 Lori LaneSelinsgrove, PA884-1050

Weis MarketsSusquehanna Valley MallSelinsgrove, PA 17870374-5533

Since 1903

The Northumberland National Bank

WE’RE STILL

Hilsher’s General Store5244 S. Susquehanna TrailPort Trevorton, PA 17864884-1052

Our Customers Always Come FirstMEMBER

Sunbury Office & Drive-In 403 N. 4th St.Sunbury, PA286-8856

Front StreetDrive In on Queen St.Northumberland, PA 17857473-3531

Hummels Wharf87 Lori LaneSelinsgrove, PA884-1050

Weis MarketsSusquehanna Valley MallSelinsgrove, PA 17870374-5533

Since 1903

The Northumberland National Bank

WE’RE STILL

Hilsher’s General Store5244 S. Susquehanna TrailPort Trevorton, PA 17864884-1052

Helping Businesses Grow Since 1903

Front StreetDrive In on Queen St.Northumbeland570-473-3531

Weis MarketsSusquehanna Valley MallSelinsgrove570-374-5533

Hilsher’s General Store5244 S . Susquehanna TrailPort Trevorton570-884-1052

Selinsgrove411 N. Market St570-374-5533

Sunbury Office403 N. Fourth St,570-286-8856

Hummels Wharf87 Lori LaneSelinsgrove570-884-1050

Middleburg8250 Rt. 522570-765-7158

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals is back in business. This photo taken last month is the leadership core of the newly-formed Young Professionals organization.

After a short hiatus the Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals are back. This hard-charging group of younger professionals will operate as a standing committee of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce. However, rather than sometimes boring committee meetings as some Chamber com-mittees can be from time-to-time, the Young Professionals have adopted a much-more-fun format.

For example, their first event in 2016 will be held on Thursday, January 14th, at 6:30 PM. This will be a Happy Hour at Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse located at 606 Market Street in Lewisburg. There will be food, drinks, and weather permitting a big bonfire. A mod-est cover charge of $5 will be collected. However, Rob Antanitis owner of the Ciderhouse always does a fabulous job with hospital-ity and you’ll get your five dollars’ worth back within a few minutes of arriving.

The Young Professionals have also launched a public Facebook page at: “Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professionals.” Additional events are in the planning stages for February, March, and April of next year.

December 7, 2015 19

chamber events | 2015 and 2016

A people to people trip to Cuba Wednesday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 27, 2016 was approved by the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC), according to an announcement by Robert A. Garrett, GSVCC President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are sponsoring this trip for economic development of our business community here in the Greater Susquehanna Valley area.”

He continued his statement by saying, “The chamber makes every effort to advance the prosperity of commerce, culture and citizens in our region. Membership in the chamber is not required to come along, because we want a cross section of our community to participate in the experience.”

The chamber executive explained that the company it is using has a 16-year history of conducting people to people

tours to Cuba, and it is being coordinated by a GSVCC member Holiday Tour & Travel, Lemoyne, PA.

“The company that we are using has a beautiful Cuban experience in the seven-day trip, touring Old Havana to visiting a cigar farm and cigar factory,” he said. “We are extremely pleased with the interwoven cultural experiences.

“We have an experienced guide going with us in Pedro Valdes, a Cuban national, who came to the U.S. 51 years ago. Valdes owns Buena Vista Farm wine importing business. We also have some other prominent businessmen going to Cuba, seeking ways to increase trade and other business in the newly U.S. recognized country,” commented Garrett.

Some of the highlights include Melia Varadero All-Inclusive Resort, Vardero and Matansas, Matansas Art

and Music School, Havana and Revolution Museum, Old Havana walking tour, Hemingway’s Farm, Tobacco Farm and Farmhouse visit and many more stops for education and fun and sun.

If participants register and pay before Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 they receive $100 discount per person.

The fare per person includes round trip airfare from Baltimore, Miami and Havana, Air departure taxes, one bag per customer, all hotel and transfers, first class hotel accommodations, a bilingual Cuban Guide, Cuban visa and Cuban health insurance, 16 meals, deluxe air conditioned motor coach and gratuities for hotel porters and waiting staff at included meals.

If you want additional information contact Holiday Tour & Travel at 800-221-6763 or 717-763-7878 and ask for Cindy. You can also email her at Cindy@holidaytour-travel.

Don Remmey, Art Bowen, Mariam Cash and Elizabeth Cash enjoy the Farm-to-Fork/Farm-to-Glass Dinner of 2016. Beaujolais Nouveau Night was celebrated by the Chamber to celebrate the first of the 2015 harvest of grapes. This second annual event marks the start of the series of dinners that the Chamber will host along with local agriculture producers, both farmers and ag product firms, that bring attention to the bountiful harvest and goodly heritage of the Greater Susquehanna Valley.

2016 Events - Annual Meeting

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting, featuring the valley’s Business of the Year, will be held on March 10th in the Degenstein Center, Susquehanna University

come to cuba chamber Delegation

2016 Events - Joint Legislative Breakfasts

The Central PA Chamber along with the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber will host Joint Legislative Breakfasts at the Country Cupboard Restaurant February 19th, April 15th, June 24th, September 16th, November 18th.

2016 Events - Winter Wine Fest

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber will host its 3rd Annual Wine Fest on February 27th from 1-5 PM at the Silver Moon Banquet Center.

20 December 7, 2015

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CUBAN TRIP Great Opportunities For Business-To-Business Contacts

Wednesday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 27, 2016Wednesday, April 20: Arrive MiamI

The evening is at leisure. Overnight: Marriott Miami Airport

Thursday, April 21: Miami - Bienvenidos La Havana Cuba - Varadero

Dinner is included this evening. Overnight: Melia Varadero Resort (L,D)

Friday, April 22: Varadero - Matanzas - Varadero

Dinner is included this evening at the resort. Overnight: Melia Varadero Resort (B,L,D)

Saturday, April 23: Varadero - Havana

Dinner is included this evening at a local Paladar. Overnight: Melia Havana (B,L,D)

Sunday, April 24: Old Havana (UNESCO)- Museum of the Revolution - Casa Fuster

Overnight: Melia Havana (B,L)

Monday, April 25: Havana - Vinales Valley (UNESCO) - Pinar Del Rio - Havana

Return to Havana and the evening is free to explore on your own. Over-night: Melia Havana (B, L)

Tuesday, April 26: Havana - Hemingway Farm - Old U.S. Classic Car Club - Farewell Dinner

Overnight: Melia Havana (B,L,D)

Wednesday, April 27: Depart Havana - USA

Highlights & Experiences

Inclusions

Accommodations *

$600 single supplement

if deposit and �nal payment is made

nvites all interested persons to join the Chamber For the People to People Trip to Cuba.

�e People to People tour to Cuba is another e�ort to ful�ll our mission

Mission Statement: “A member-driven leader in community and economic development, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce ad-vances the prosperity of commerce, culture and citizens in its region.