Phoenicia Restaurant to Host Thursday's "Business After Hours"
The next Chamber “Business After Hours” will be held this Thursday, January 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Phoenicia Mediterranean Restaurant, located at 1302 Logan Boulevard in Altoona. The cost to attend is just $6.00 for Chamber Members in advance and $7.00 at the door. Non-members may attend for $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. To register, contact The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.

Organizational Chart, Committee Chairs Approved by Chamber Board
At The Chamber’s January 19th Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved a revised Organizational Chart that includes the addition of two new programs – “Buy Here.Live Here.” and “Role Models.”  The chart also recognizes the committee name change of the Non-Profit Roundtable to the Community Benefit Coalition of Non-Profits and eliminates Holiday Lights on the Lake from the listing of Chamber events.  Among the new Committee Chairs for 2012 that the Board approved last Thursday are:  Janet Helsel of the EADS Group (Ambassadors), Scott Schraff of Oak Spring Winery (Attractions Roundtable), Carl Macharola of Folcarelli Supply Company (Business Opportunities), Tom Hite of Concurrent Technologies Corporation (Golf), Mandy Baker of  Preferred Healthcare System and Anne Stoltz of Altoona Regional Health System (GRYP), Kurt Stull of Comfort Suites (Hotel Roundtable), Matt Stuckey (Legislative Action), JoAnn Nardelli (Retail Roundtable), Chrissey Wagner of the Altoona Symphony (Community Benefit Coalition of Non-Profits), Bob Kunselman of the EADS Group (Transportation) and Dawn McClellan of Evolution Physical Therapy & Wellness (WE-LEaD).

Chamber Welcomes Nine New Members
Nine new members were welcomed to The Chamber family as the result of being approved by the Board of Directors last Thursday.  The new members are: 10 Seven Marketing of Duncansville, Fat Daddy’s BBQ Shak & Six Pak of Altoona, Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. of Altoona, Panera Bread of Altoona, Pine Bottom Aviation Services of Martinsburg, Reel Video Productions of Hollidaysburg, Roberts Oxygen Company of Johnstown, Smith Masonry, Inc. of Hollidaysburg and Saint Patrick School of Newry.

Sustainability Coalition To Feature Tour of Tyrone Paper Mill
The American Eagle Paper Mill in Tyrone is one of the region’s best examples of a business focused on the highest standards of sustainability.  To showcase that effort, The Chamber’s Coalition on Sustainability has arranged for any Chamber Member to take a guided tour of the plant on Tuesday, January 31st beginning at 11:00 a.m.  There is no cost to take the tour.  For more information or to register, call The Chamber at 943-8151.

Sponsorships Available for Chamber "Breakfast Club"
One of The Chamber’s most well-attended networking opportunities is the monthly Breakfast Club. Each Breakfast Club brings with it the opportunity for a Chamber-member business to be the sponsor/host. That opportunity provides a few minutes of podium time, recognition in all promotional publications as well as the right to place materials at each place setting and on a separate display table. And all for just $300. A few months are still available during 2012 but they won’t last long. If your business or organization would like to be a Breakfast Club sponsor, contact Jessica Meck at 943-8151.

Wessel Offering Free Tax Preparation for Active Military Personnel
To show appreciation for military personnel, Wessel & Company of Johnstown is offering free 2011 Tax return Preparation to all armed forces members from this area who served in a designated combat zone in 2011 and have not yet filled a 2011 return as well as to reserve military personnel called to active duty due to conflicts overseas.  If you qualify, call (814) 536-7864 to make the necessary arrangements.

"Role Models" Program to Debut This Spring
The Chamber is initiating a new program sometime this Spring that will promote the aspect of having seasoned business leaders share their experiences and philosophies with anyone interested in gaining from that knowledge.  Called “Role Models,” each 75-minute session will have two presenters who will each speak for 15 minutes and will then answer questions from attendees.  The program, which will begin at noon, will also include lunch.  “We’re anxious to have the opportunity to create a venue for business leaders who have a wealth of information to share,” admitted Chamber President Joe Hurd.  “So much is to be gained by interacting with these people and we certainly have no shortage of people who fit the profile.”  For further information, contact Hurd.

Dale Carnegie Training Moves Starting Date
The Dale Carnegie “Skills for Success” training has been moved back one week to a new starting date of February 2nd. The eight-week program is being done in partnership with the Blair County Chamber. “Skills for Success” will provide attendees an extensive background on things like effective networking, relationship building, stress management and leadership development – just to name a few. Sessions will be held at the Comfort Inn Hotel in Duncansville. For more information or to register, contact
Jeff Davis at (814) 931-1963.