Marasco to Receive Business Excellence Award
Chamber Board Approves Promotion of ReadyNation
Board of Directors Approves Seven New Members
Learn More About The Chamber: Sign-up for “Chamber Check-Up”
Safety Program to Focus on Workplace Violence, Active Shooter
“Business After Hours” is Thursday at Altoona Beauty School
Informational Meeting on Costa Rica Trip is Also Thursday
Non-Profit Legislative Breakfast is Friday at The Arc of Blair County
Attention Retailers: It’s Time to Network!
“Refresh Leadership” to Be Held on April 13th
Pirates President to Speak at April “Breakfast Club”
Young Professionals to Help With River Clean-Up
Chamber Golf Classic Registrations Being Accepted
Have You Picked-Up Your “Power Cards” Yet?
Applications Available for the Next Leadership Blair County Youth Class
Congratulations . . .
Marasco to Receive Business Excellence Award
Marty Marasco, the President/CEO of Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, will be the 15th recipient of the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Excellence. The award will be presented at the Annual Business Excellence Dinner on June 13th at The Casino at Lakemont Park. The award recognizes a Blair County businessperson who enjoyed an outstanding business career and who made a positive impact on the community. Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award are: Ernie Wissinger (2002), G. William Ward (2003), Stephen Sheetz (2004), Donald Devorris (2005), Willard Campbell (2006), John Wolf (2007), Lee Hite (2008), Donald Detwiler (2009), Michael McLanahan (2010), Barry Smith (2011), Fred Imler (2012), Ben Stapelfeld (2013), William Thompson, Jr. (2014) and Timothy Sissler (2015). Reservations are being accepted for the Business Excellence Dinner. Call the Chamber at 943-8151 to make those reservations or register online. Dinner sponsorships can also be secured by calling Jessie Covert at the Chamber Office or by emailing her at jcovert@blairchamber.com.
Chamber Board Approves Promotion of ReadyNation
At the recommendation of its BASICS Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education, the Chamber’s Board of Directors has approved ReadyNation as an organization that the Chamber will actively promote during 2016. ReadyNation is a business leader organization working to strengthen business through better policies for children and youth. ReadyNation members educate policymakers and the public about effective investments that will help business compete in today’s global marketplace, build a foundation for lasting economic security and help children get on the right track to succeed in school and in life. Business people can join at www.readynation.org/join-us. There is no cost to join.
Board of Directors Approves Seven New Members
At its March meeting, the Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the following new members: Allegheny Highland Association of Realtors (Altoona), Human Resources Management Association of Blair County (Altoona), PrimeLending (Johnstown), The Reschini Group (Indiana), Resk/Punxsy Medical Supply (Carrolltown), Rotary Club of Altoona (Altoona), and Tri Star Ford of Tyrone (Tyrone).
Learn More About The Chamber: Sign-up for “Chamber Check-Up”
Back by popular demand is “Chamber Check-Up,” an opportunity for current Chamber members to go through an orientation to what The Chamber does and how members can maximize the value of their membership. The Chamber has scheduled two sessions this Tuesday, March 29th; one at 8:00 a.m. and the other at 3:00 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. The sessions will last no longer than an hour. So if you just want to brush-up on your knowledge of The Chamber or you have new employees who you’d like to get involved in the organization, call The Chamber at 943-8151 and register to attend. It’s absolutely Free!
Safety Program to Focus on Workplace Violence, Active Shooter
The Blair County Chamber’s Safety Committee will present a program on “Active Shooter, Workplace Violence and Personal Safety this Wednesday, March 30th from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Hoss’s Steak & Sea House in Duncansville. Jeff Petucci, Community Services Officer for the Pennsylvania State Police will be the keynote speaker. The presentation will focus on the causes and classifications of active shooter incidents, how to protect yourself and keep others safe, workplace warning signs, best practices when confronted with a weapon and personal safety and situational awareness tips for everyday life. The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Buffet breakfast is included. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
“Business After Hours” is Thursday at Altoona Beauty School
The next Blair County Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” will be held this Thursday, March 31st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Altoona Beauty School, located at 1554 Valley View Blvd., Altoona. Altoona Beauty School is celebrating 60 years in business! Come join the fun themed party at ABS for this Business After Hours. You are encouraged to dress in a 60’s themed mod style; don't forget to bring your groove! Cost to attend the After Hours is $6 per Chamber Member and $12 per Non-Member pre-registered. Register online or call the Chamber at 943-8151.
Informational Meeting on Costa Rica Trip is Also Thursday
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce is heading to Costa Rica from October 17-25. The cost is just $2,899 (double) and that decreases by $100 for anyone who books before April 18th. That cost includes ground transportation to and from the Pittsburgh Airport, round-trip air, air taxes and fees/surcharges, hotel transfers, 13 meals and a variety of tours. There is also an array of optional tours and a 4-day, 3-night Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension. The Chamber is partnering with Classic Travel and Collette on this trip. An informational presentation will be held this Thursday, March 31st beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. There is no charge to attend but pre-registration is encouraged. Call the Chamber at 943-8151 to register. To book the Costa Rica trip, call Classic Travel at (814) 696-3558.
Non-Profit Legislative Breakfast is Friday at The Arc of Blair County
For the fifth consecutive year, the Committee of Non-Profit Businesses of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce will hold a breakfast meeting to look at legislative issues that either impact or are likely to impact how non-profits will operate in the future. And for the fifth year, members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly will be in attendance. State Senator John Eichelberger and State Representatives John McGinnis and Judy Ward will attend the breakfast and answer questions submitted by local non-profit organizations. The event will take place this Friday, April 1st from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at The Arc of Blair County, located at 431 Jackson Avenue in Altoona. The cost to attend the Legislative Breakfast is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. A buffet breakfast is included in the cost, beginning at 8:00 a.m. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Attention Retailers: It’s Time to Network!
The Chamber’s newest re-branded initiative – Blair County Retail – will officially launch its first event to bring together local retailers interested in making the county a greater shopping destination for people inside and outside the region. Blair County Retail has planned to alternate between an informational meeting and a networking event every-other-month. A networking event will begin that schedule. The event will be held on April 13th at U.S. Hotel in Hollidaysburg from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. It will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The cost is $10/person for Chamber members and $12 for non-members. Anyone in retail is encouraged to attend. To register, contact The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
“Refresh Leadership” to Be Held on April 13th
The Blair County Chamber’s Small Business Partners will partner with Express Employment Professionals on the “Refresh Leadership” program. The simulcast event will be shown at The Arc of Blair County on April 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Among the speakers will be Marshall Goldsmith, Shaquille O’Neal and Kaplan Mobray. The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Continental breakfast is included. To register, call the Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Pirates President to Speak at April “Breakfast Club”
Frank Coonelly, President of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2007, will be the featured speaker at the next Blair County Chamber “Breakfast Club,” set for April 21st beginning at 7:45 a.m. at The Casino at Lakemont Park. Prior to coming to the Pirates, Coonelly had served as a Senior Vice-President in the Commissioner’s Office where he was in charge of various matters including arbitration hearings and draft bonuses. He was born and raised in Philadelphia, earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a law degree from Catholic University. The cost to attend Breakfast Club is $18 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. To register, contact The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online. Corporate sponsor of the April Breakfast Club is SCORE! Sports Consignment.
Young Professionals to Help With River Clean-Up
The Young Professionals of Blair County will be participating in a community service event on April 9th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Anyone interested in helping with the Little Juniata River Clean-Up should call the Chamber, 943-8151, no later than April 1st.
Chamber Golf Classic Registrations Being Accepted
Registration is now open for the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Chamber Golf Classic. The Classic will be held on Monday, May 9 at Iron Masters Country Club with a lunch/registration at 11:00 and tee off at Noon. If you are interested, simply complete the registration form and return to the Chamber! Any questions, please contact Stacy Hoover at the Chamber, 943-8151.
Have You Picked-Up Your “Power Cards” Yet?
The Blair County Chamber’s new “Power Card” is generating an incredible amount of enthusiasm within the Chamber Membership and outside it as well. The biggest challenge: Getting the Power Cards to Chamber members. “We’re trying to avoid the cost of mailing them,” acknowledged Jessie Covert, the Chamber’s Vice-President of Sales & Membership Development. “So we’re hoping that our members are willing to stop-in to the office to pick them up. Otherwise, we’ll hope to get some of our committee volunteers to deliver them. Mailing is our last option.” Any Chamber-Member business willing to pick up their Power Cards can do so on Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Applications Available for the Next Leadership Blair County Youth Class
Applications are now available for the 2016-17 Leadership Blair County Youth Class. Those applications can be secured at the guidance office of area schools or by clicking here. If you know a high school freshman who shows leadership potential, encourage them to apply. For more information, contact Judy Juda at 943-8151 or email her at jjuda@blairchamber.com.
Congratulations . . .
. . . to Nason Hospital in Roaring Spring which recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
. . . to New Pig Corporation which was recently honored by Caterpillar with their highest award for best suppliers for 2015.
For more information, visit the website
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March 28, 2016
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Upcoming Events
Register online
Chamber Check-Up
Tuesday,March 29
Devorris Center
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Register Here
Chamber Check-Up
Tuesday,March 29
Devorris Center
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Here
Safety Program
Wednesday, March 30
Hoss's Steak & Sea House-Duncansville
7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Register Here
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 31
Altoona Beauty School
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Register Here
Non-Profit Legislative Breakfast
Friday, April 1
The Arc of Blair County
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Register Here
Blair County Retail Networking
Wednesday, April 13
U.S. Hotel
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Register Here
Refresh Leadership
Wednesday, April 13
The Arc of Blair County
8:30 a.m. - Registration
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Program
Register Here
Breakfast Club
Thursday, April 21
The Casino at Lakemont Park
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Register Here
Business After Hours
Thursday, April 28
Amber Terrace at Altoona Center for Nursing Care
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Register Here
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Week of 3/28/2016
Transportation Committee
Thursday, March 31, 8:15 a.m.
Devorris Center
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