Coalition on Sustainability Seeking Additional Members
Chamber Looking For Input on Federation Partnership Program
London is Next Chamber Trip Destination
Chamber Members Can Access Lower Residential Electric Rate
WE-LEaD Networking Scheduled for March 11th
China Trip Meeting Set for March 18th
Small Business Partners to Host Online Marketing Program
Chamber Golf Classic Expected to Sell-Out Early
Sign-Ups Continue for “Hiring Our Heroes”
Applications Available for 2014 LBC Youth Class
Congratulations . . .
Blue Card Discounts
Coalition on Sustainability Seeking Additional Members
The Chamber’s Coalition on Sustainability anticipates an aggressive agenda for 2013 and is hoping to attract some additional members who are interested in helping businesses and schools to become more “green.” If you, or someone at your business, has an interest in being part of the Coalition, contact Joe Hurd at 943-8151.
Chamber Seeking Input on Federation Partnership Program
Through its membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Blair County Chamber has been provided the opportunity to offer U.S. Chamber membership, free of charge, to any of its members who fit the criteria of the U.S. Chamber’s Federation Partnership program. The criteria would include: Having a total annual revenue of less than $10 million; not being a current paying U.S. Chamber member; not be a charity, a non-profit organization, government entity or religious/educational institution. “It’s geared to smaller businesses primarily and it offers an incredible number of resources to help those businesses to be successful,” acknowledged Chamber President Joe Hurd. “There’s a considerable upside.” Possibly a downside as well. “There’s also an affinity program in which discounted products and services are marketed to members. There’s no obligation to buy but we are concerned about potentially being in conflict with our Buy Here. Live Here. effort even though our Chamber wouldn’t be offering or endorsing those products and services.” Hurd is asking Chamber Members to email him at jhurd@blairchamber.com by March 8th to let him know their feelings concerning The Chamber’s involvement in the Federation Partnership program.
London is Next Chamber Trip Destination
The Blair County Chamber is headed to London! The Chamber, in cooperation with Heritage Travel of Altoona and Chamber Discoveries, will feature an eight-day trip from October 26th to November 2nd. Trip brochures will be available at the Chamber Office and Heritage Travel on March 4th and an informational meeting will be held on April 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. To register for that meeting, call The Chamber at 943-8151.
Chamber Members Can Access Lower Residential Electric Rate
On the electric front, the good news is that the Penelec “Price-to Compare” rate has dropped once again to 7.05 cents-per-kilowatt hour. The really good news is that The Chamber’s Residential Electric Program through OnDemand Energy has also dropped to 5.64 cents/kh. But the great news is that anyone who had locked-in the 7.25 rate through the ChamberChoice program previously can now switch to the 5.64 rate without a penalty. To make that switch, either call 866-699-9968 or go to www.ondemandenergy.com.
WE-LEaD Networking Scheduled for March 11th
The WE-LEaD Committee will hold a Networking For Business Women on Monday, March 11th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Marzoni’s in Duncansville. Come enjoy jot hors d’oeuvres, cold beverages, interaction and networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Cost is $15.00 for Chamber Members and $30.00 for Non Members. Register online at www.blairchamber.com or by calling 943-8151. You won’t want to miss this fun event!
China Trip Meeting Set for March 18th
A meeting will be held on March 18th beginning at 6:00 p.m. for the 48 people who will be traveling to China with The Chamber next month. The meeting will shore-up all details concerning the trip and will review the itinerary. All those signed-up for the April 12-20 trip should attend the meeting or should send a representative. For further information, contact The Chamber at 943-8151.
Small Business Partners to Host Online Marketing Program
The Blair County Chamber’s Small Business Partners will present a program on “Search Engine Optimization and Online Marketing” on Wednesday, March 20th from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. Topics include website design, social media, local online visibility and much more. The featured speaker is Casey Macioge, independent media consultant for PRC Communications. Cost to attend is only $5 for Chamber Members, $10 for non-members. Space is limited. Call The Chamber today at 943-8151 or register online.
Chamber Golf Classic Expected to Sell-Out Early
Registration is underway for the 2013 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield / Chamber Golf Classic. The popular event is set for Monday, May 13th at Iron Masters Country Club in Ore Hill. The price of participating remains the same -- $150-per-golfer and $600 for a foursome – and that includes golf, a delicious luncheon, a special gift for each golfer, a post-Classic reception and Comfort Carts that keep the golfers hydrated. For the second consecutive year, the event will feature a ball drop, coordinated through Pine Bottom Aviation Services of Martinsburg. To reserve a team or an individual spot in this year’s event, contact The Chamber at 943-8151.
Sign-Ups Continue for “Hiring Our Heroes”
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce will partner with the U.S. Chamber on a major event that is expected to have considerable impact on local employers and military job seekers. “Hiring Our Heroes” is a nationwide effort initiated by the U.S. Chamber in March of 2011 to help veterans and military spouses to find meaningful employment. Since that time, 220 hiring fairs have taken place in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia resulting in more than 10,400 hirings. On April 10, 2013, a Hiring Our Heroes fair will be held from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona. The event is free for both employers and job seekers. Job seekers are limited to military veterans and their spouses. Employers will not be required to pay for exhibitor space, they must at least verify that they have legitimate jobs to offer. Any employers interested in reserving exhibitor space should go to HOH.greatjob.net. Job seekers can register on that same site. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications Available for 2014 LBC Youth Class
The application process has begun for the 2014 Class of Leadership Blair County Youth. Current high school freshmen at Blair County schools are eligible to apply for the program. Applications must be accompanied by two referrals from non-family members (teachers, guidance counselors, employers, etc.). Students can obtain an application from the guidance office at their schools, by clicking here or by stopping at the Chamber Office, located in the Devorris Center for Business Development. Deadline to apply is April 22nd.
Congratulations . . .
. . . to Tammy Kehr of State Farm Insurance who received the NAIFA Multi-Line Quality Award from the National Association of Financial Advisors. The award recognizes professionalism through education and earned designations, production and adherence to the NAIFA Code of Ethics and Service.
. . . to Allan Hancock, Craig Kilmer and Robert Beck of The Hancock Group who recently received awards for Million Dollar Round Table status. In addition, the 2012 NAIFA Quality Award was presented to Hancock for 37 years, Kilmer for 13 and Beck for three years.
Blue Card Discounts
Here are a few of the discounts you can receive with your Chamber Blue Card. Click here to see the full list of Blue Card Discounts. To have an offer listed contact Jessica Meck at The Chamber at 943-8151.
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Phoenicia Mediterranean Restaurant
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Present your Blue Card to receive 10% off your bill. Discount excludes alcohol purchases.
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Press Box Printing
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Present your Blue Card to a FREE set of Business Cards wil purchases over $200.00. (Offer is good for one time only.)
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Ramada Altoona Conference Center
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Present your Blue Card to receive 20% off in any of the Ramada's restaurants - The Cosmopolitan, The Renaissance or the Tropical Courtyard OR receive 10% off of sleeping rooms (based on availability) or 10% off on any banquet room or meeting room.
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Raphael's
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive 10% off your bill (except alcohol).
Closed Sundays.
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Sam's Club
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive a $25 gift card when you join or renew as an Advantage Plus or Business Plus Member. Receive a $10 gift card when you join or renew as an Advantage or Busniess Member.
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For more information, visit the website
To subscribe or unsubscribe please email us.
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March 4, 2013
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Upcoming Events
Register online
Breakfast Club
Thursday, March 14, 2013
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
The Casino at Lakemont Park
Register Here
WE-LEaD Netowrking
Monday, March 11, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Marzoni's, Duncansville
Register Here
Online Marketing Program
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Devorris Center for Business Developement
Register Here
Business After Hours
Thursday, March21, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Advanced Chiropractic
Register Here
Upcoming
Committee Meetings
Week of 3/4/2013
Coalition on Sustainability
March 4th, 10:00 a.m.
Devorris Center
Regional BASICS
March 5th, 10:00 a.m.
Devorris Center
Retail Roundtable
March 6th, 8:15 a.m.
Devorris Center
Hall of Fame Committee
March 6th, 8:00 a.m.
The Chamber
Golf Committee
March 6th, 8:30 a.m.
Devorris Center, SUITE 8
Small Business Partners
March 6th, 11:00 a.m.
Devorris Center
Leadership Blair County Adult Committee
March 6th, 3:30 p.m.
Devorris Center
BASICS Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education
March 7th, 9:30 a.m.
Devorris Center
Blair County Business Coalition
March 8th, 9:00 a.m.
Claysburg
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