Chamber Office Closed on Columbus Day
Business Hall of Fame Dinner Next Monday
“Issues” Program on Agriculture Debuts Today
Local Attorneys to Speak at Workers Compensation Workshop
Chamber Board Meets Thursday
GRYP Halloween Party Set for Aldo’s Lounge
Small Businesses Invited to Join the State Chamber at No Cost
GRYP to Hold “Next” Conference on Customer Service
Meeting Scheduled to Discuss New Healthcare Insurance Option
Great Sponsorship Opportunities Available for Two “Issues” Shows
Help Pay Tribute to the Bigelow Family
SBP to Hold “Speed Networking” Session
Place the “Buy Here. Live Here.” Logo on Your Ad Copy
Chamber Will Again Support “Operation S.O.S.”
Unsecured Booths Now Available for 2014 Home & Garden Show
Chamber’s China Trip is Opportunity of a Lifetime
“White Cane Day” to Create Awareness of the Blind
Congratulations . . .
Blue Card Discounts
Chamber Office Closed on Columbus Day
The Blair County Chamber Office, located in the Devorris Center for Business Development, will be closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day. The office will re-open on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. For information on The Chamber or to register for programs or events when the office is closed, visit The Chamber website.
Business Hall of Fame Dinner Next Monday
The Chamber’s Annual Business Hall of Fame Dinner will be held next Monday night, October 21st at the Blair County Convention Center. The event begins with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception at 5:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:45. Three businesses will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Those businesses are: Bellwood-Antis School District, Stuckey Ford and Subaru in Hollidaysburg, and Tom and Joe’s Diner in Altoona. Altoona Mattress Company will be inducted in the Heritage category. In the category of Excellence in Small Business, the honorees are: Altoona Lung Specialists, Kooman & Associates and Stoney Point Events. The Altoona Curve is the Community Service honoree. Three businesses will be honored in the category of Sustainability. They are: Hollidaysburg Area High School, Sheetz, Inc., and Word Processing Services, Inc. EcoIslands, LLC and Gwin, Dobson & Foreman, Inc. are the Technology honorees and the Committee Choice Award recipient is The Nehemiah Project. To make reservations, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online. Cost to attend the dinner is $65 a person.
Local Attorneys to Speak at Workers Compensation Workshop
Attorney Michael J. Wagner of Wagner & Finn and Michael P. Routch of McQuaide, Blasko, Inc. will be the featured speakers at the next workshop sponsored by The Chamber’s Safety Committee. Entitled, “Workers Compensation: Recent Updates and Practical Solutions,” the workshop will be held this Wednesday, October 16th from 7:45 to 10:00 a.m. at The Casino at Lakemont Park. Attorneys Wagner and Routch will provide information on recent Workers Compensation legislation and case law and will then generate conversation by providing scenarios based on recent cases. The cost to attend the workshop is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Members with three or more people who attend can do so for $20/person. Breakfast is included in the cost of the workshop. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Chamber Board Meets Thursday
The Blair County Chamber’s Board of Directors will meet on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. Any member wishing to address the Board should contact Joe Hurd by Tuesday at noon at 943-8151.
GRYP Halloween Party Set for Aldo’s Lounge
Aldo’s Lounge in Altoona will be the site of GRYP’s (Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals) Annual Halloween Party. The party will take place on October 17th from, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will include appetizers, a cash bar and prizes for the best costumes. There is no cost to attend for GRYP members; non-members can attend for $5.00. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Small Businesses Invited to Join the State Chamber at No Cost
The Chamber Board of Directors has approved the organization’s participation in a new program being offered by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry. That program would make it possible for any member of the Blair County Chamber with ten employees or fewer to become members of PCBI as no cost. “This program will provide valuable information to our smaller businesses as they deal with issues of great importance,” explained Chamber Board Chair Doug Mingle. “From what we see, there is no ulterior motive by the State Chamber other than being able to reach out to a segment of the business population that has been difficult from them to reach in the past.” The Chamber Board approved a similar program at its August meeting that made it possible for members in certain categories to gain free membership in the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. Any Chamber member-business with ten or fewer employees that would not wish to participate in the PCBI program should contact Joe Hurd at 943-8151.
GRYP to Hold “Next” Conference on Customer Service
The Chamber’s Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals (GRYP) is holding a “Next” Conference on October 23rd from 8:00 until noon at The Casino at Lakemont Park. The conference will focus on the importance of customer service to the success of a business. Speakers will share their philosophies on how to create customer satisfaction in a variety of ways and will engage attendees on current methods of customer retention. The cost to attend the conference is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Members with three or more people who attend can do so for $20/person. Breakfast is included in the cost of the conference. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Meeting Scheduled to Discuss New Healthcare Insurance Option
If you are a small business that has never been able to offer affordable healthcare insurance to your employees, your ship may have come in. The Blair County Chamber is partnering with Empower3 Center for Health on a program designed solely for the uninsured. If you’d like to learn more, an informational session will be held on Tuesday, October 22nd from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. There is no cost or obligation to attend but pre-registration is encouraged. Call The Chamber at 943-8151 to register.
Great Sponsorship Opportunities Available for Two “Issues” Shows
The Chamber’s “Issues” programs have been featured on the Altoona Public Access Channel for many years. The programs look at those aspects of the business community and the Blair County community in general that impact how we live and work. The Chamber will be doing two more programs this Fall. The first highlights Leadership Blair County; and the second, young professionals in our county. Not only will these one hour programs, moderated by Carolyn Donaldson, be interesting to watch, they also provide great sponsorship opportunities for businesses that are looking for ways to get their names out while also supporting The Chamber’s effort to better educate and inform the public on key topics. The cost to sponsor an “Issues” program is just $100 a show. It’s an inexpensive way to get a whole lot of exposure. Interested? Call Joe Hurd at 943-8151 or email him.
Tickets On-Sale for Farm-City Dinner
The Blair County Chamber’s Farm-City Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 29th beginning with a Milk-Punch Reception at 6:30 p.m. and a family-style turkey dinner at 7:00. Highlighting the evening will be a keynote by Hannah Smith-Brubaker of Pennsylvania Farmers Union, followed by the presentation of the 2013 Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award to Randy & Twila Bigelow and Family. Tickets to the dinner are available at $20 each. To secure tickets, contact The Chamber at 814-943-8151 or register online.
SBP to Hold “Speed Networking” Session
More businesses join The Chamber each year for the opportunity to network with others in the business community. To help accelerate that opportunity, the Small Business Partners committee has planned a “Speed Networking” event for October 29th from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. Limited to the first 40 attendees, the format will allow you to get your message (done in about 30 seconds) to a variety of potential clients/customers. So prepare your message and call The Chamber (943-8151) or register online today so that you don’t miss-out. The cost to participate is just $10 for Members and $15 for non-members. A continental breakfast is included.
Place the “Buy Here. Live Here.” Logo on Your Ad Copy
If your business or organization runs advertising in either the Altoona Mirror or the Morrisons Cove Herald, would you consider including the “Buy Here. Live Here.” logo on your ad copy? It reminds people about the importance of supporting local businesses when they purchase products or services. Simply mention to your advertising rep that you’d like the logo on your ad and they’ll be happy to accommodate your request. Remember, the logo is also available for you to use on your letterhead. Contact Linda Stotler at The Chamber (943-8151) to secure an official copy.
Chamber Will Again Support “Operation S.O.S.”
Operation S.O.S. (Support Our Soldiers) will kick off its 10th annual campaign and the Blair County Chamber will once again help to promote the program whose purpose is to make the holidays a little brighter for American troops stationed overseas. Once again, the packages that will be sent to soldiers should contain specific items of food and drinks, toiletry items and miscellaneous items such as ornaments, games and recently published magazines. Items may be dropped-off between October 28th and November 22nd at Smith Furniture in Duncansville. To access a list of needed items, go to www.smithfurniturehof.com.
Unsecured Booths Now Available for 2014 Home & Garden Show
Although the Blair County Home & Garden Show will not take place until February 28, March 1 and 2 of next year, the committee overseeing that event has already started the booth selection process. Beginning October 7th, unsecured booths were made available to new exhibitors. To renew a booth or be put on the list to receive information, contact Stacy Hoover at 943-8151. Payments can be made with cash, check, Discover Card, Master Card or VISA. The Blair County Home & Garden Show is a partnership of the Blair County Chamber and the Blair-Bedford Builders Association.
Chamber’s China Trip is Opportunity of a Lifetime
The Chamber’s next China Trip (April 4-12, 2014) is an opportunity for people to broaden their perspectives on what is happening in the world. It is also a whole lot of fun. If you haven’t secured information on what the trip entails and haven’t marveled at its ridiculously low price, simply stop-by the Chamber Office, located in the Devorris Center for Business Development. This will be the third trip to China in the past four years and the cost is just $2,399 pp/dou.occ., which includes all flights, meals and 5-star hotels. It’s the trip of a lifetime!
“White Cane Day” to Create Awareness of the Blind
The Blair/Clearfield Association for the Blind will celebrate “White Cane Day” with fall fun activities on October 15th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Legion Park in Hollidaysburg. The white cane is a symbol of a blind or visually impaired person’s ability to achieve an independent life. The event will include games, a bake sale, a bounce house, raffles, crafts, face painting, plenty of great food and much, much more. Chamber Members of all ages and interests are encouraged to support this important effort. This is not a fundraiser but an opportunity to learn about a segment of the community that is often overlooked and underappreciated. For more information, contact Gloria Pattie at 944-2021.
Congratulations . . .
. . . to Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, which was recently awarded a five-year term of accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities-Continuing Care Accreditation Commission.
. . . to S&T Bank, which has been named to the Sandler O’Neill Sm-All Stars Class of 2013. The annual list recognizes the top performing small-cap banks and thrifts across the nation.
. . . to Blair Roofing of Hollidaysburg, which was presented a 2013 Partner in Quality Award for roofing excellence by Firestone Building Products Company.
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 Christine Perkins at The Chamber at 943-8151.
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The New Specialty Lift Truck, Inc.
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Present your Blue card to receive 35% off a Forklift Rental.
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The Village at Morrisons Cove
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Receive 15% off Dinner Purchase when you present your Blue Card at The Bistro at the Village Green (The Village at Morrisons Cove). Limit one coupon per customer per visit. *Only good with purchase of an entree.
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10 Seven Marketing
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive $300 off of your business website design or redesign when you enroll inn our 6 month growth strategy. See website for details.
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Aldo's Restaurant & Lounge
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive 10% off any dinner check.
*Does not include alcohol.
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Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries
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Present your Chamber Blue card to receive 10% off rate for first month of services from ALSM at Home for new program participants AND OR
receive 10% off rate for first month of services at the Senior Daily Living Center for new program participants.
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For more information, visit the website
To subscribe or unsubscribe please email us.
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October 14, 2013
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Upcoming Events
Register online
Safety Workshop
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
7:45 - 10:00 a.m.
The Casino at Lakemont Park
Register Here
Lunch 'n' Learn
Thursday, October 17, 2013
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
The Blairmont
Register Here
GRYP Halloween Party
Thursday, October 17, 2013
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Aldo's Lounge
Register Here
Business Hall of Fame Dinner
Monday, October 21, 2013
5:30 - Reception
6:45 - Dinner & Progam
Blair County Convention Center
Register Here
GRYP next Conference
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
8:00 - Noon
The Casino at Lakemont Park
Register Here
Busines After Hours
Thursday, October 24, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Michanowicz Endodontics
Register Here
Speed Networking Blair County
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Devorris Center for Business Development
Register Here
Farm-City Dinner
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
6:30 p.m.- Reception
7:00 p.m. - Dinner/Program
The Park at Morrisons Cove
Register Here
Upcoming
Committee Meetings
Week of 10/14/2013
Chamber Finance Committee
Tuesday, October 15, 3:00 p.m.
The Chamber
LBCY Committee
Wednesday, October 16, 3:30 p.m.
Devorris Center
Chamber Board of Directors
Thursday, October 17, 7:30 a.m.
Devorris Center
Follow The Chamber
on Facebook
Click here
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