Legislative Committee to meet today with school directors

How can Blair County’s public school districts meet the growing economic challenges facing them in the future and what impact can the business community have in helping find workable solutions? Those will be the hot-button questions that members of The Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee and representatives from local school boards will discuss this morning at 8 a.m. at the Devorris Center. “Our previous meeting with the school directors was extremely informative and we’re looking forward to continuing to help them search for reasonable solutions,” acknowledged Matt Stuckey, Vice-Chair of the Legislative Action Committee. “The business community has a vested interest in the educational process and also is defining ways to be more cost effective.” For more information on the Legislative Action Committee, contact Joe Hurd at 943-8151.   

Winners announced for Highmark/Chamber Golf Classic

The rain stayed away for all but 20 minutes and the 2011 Highmark/Chamber Golf Classic was an unquestioned success, thanks to great playing conditions, plenty of food and beverages and a high spirit of competition. "I’ve heard nothing but good things from those who participated,” reported Golf Committee Chair Barry D’Andrea. “The weather held-up and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. It’s a great networking event.” The competitive part of the event resulted in the following award winners: A-Flight -  1st Place – Jeff Adams, Jeff Eisaman, Al Weyant and Ryan Strickler; 2nd Place – Bob Bilger, Thad Will, Brenda Clapper and Dave Worthing; 3rd Place – John Bodine, Ed Bodine, George Goss and Damon Skiles.  In the B-Flight: 1st Place – Tim Nagle, Paul Leitz, Nick Gates and Rich Lasek; 2nd Place – Jerry Corle, Bob Steinbugl, Scott Weaver, Scott Schraff and Tim Parnell; 3rd Place – Jason Sipes, Neil Rudel, Ray Eckenrode and Dan Slep. In the Skill Prize category, Bob Bilger won the longest drive (male) and the closest to the pin on #16; Jackie Rummel won the longest drive (female); Jason Sipes had the straightest drive; Dave Cowger won closest to the pin on #3, Gary Zuckerman won closest to the pin on #9; and Jason Horomanski won closest to the pin on #13.

Chamber Board approves 2011 Strategic Business Plan

The Blair County Chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a Strategic Business Plan last Thursday that will guide the organization’s efforts for the next 12 months. Among the newer initiatives included in the plan is a recommendation that The Chamber begin implementation of a webinar feature for its education program. That recommendation came from a focus group meeting held in January in which several members indicated a need to gain greater access to educational offerings without having to leave their offices. A more thorough discussion of the Strategic Business Plan will be available in the June 14 issue of the Blair Business Mirror. The Plan also will be on The Chamber’s website.    

Dalecki approved as Marketing Vice-Chair

Steve Dalecki of ARC Federal Credit Union was approved last Thursday by The Chamber Board of Directors as Vice-Chairperson of The Chamber’s Marketing Committee.  

Members encouraged to testify on 814 area code issue

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold hearings to determine whether the region that includes Blair County will be issued a new area code or whether the Erie region will get that new designation. Blair County businesses are invited to testify at those hearings. “This is an opportunity for our businesses to protect their interests,” admitted Chamber President Joe Hurd. “The change to a new area code will carry considerable expense in terms of changing signage, letterheads – anything that contained the 814 designation.” Testimony should include significant reasons why a change in area code will have an impact on the business. The first public input hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 24 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. The second hearing will be on May 26 at the Ambassadors Center in Erie. To submit a request to testify, call the Scheduling Office at (717) 787-1399.

May safety presentation will provide OSHA update 
The Chamber's Safety Committee has arranged for Bob Carroll, Compliance Assistance Specialist from OSHA's Pittsburgh Office, to give a presentation at its next program. The OSHA update will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 26 at the Hampton Inn. A light continental breakfast will be served at the presentation. The cost is $15 for Chamber Members and $25 for non-members. Register by calling The Chamber at 943-8151 or online.   

GRYP Night at the Ballpark is tonight
GRYP will take you out to the ball game at Blair County Ballpark tonight to watch the Curve take on the Bowie Baysox. Tickets have been set aside for GRYP Members at $5 each. Everyone will be on their own for food and drinks. The event is aimed to be a fun night of watching the game and hanging out. Bring your family members out the ball game. Please reserve your tickets ahead of time by contacting Mike McMullen or registering online.