Blair Business Mirror Hits the Newsstands Tomorrow
“Role Models” Program Featuring Detwiler, Sheetz is Thursday
GRYP “Summer Bash” a Great Networking Event for Young Professionals
Chamber Board of Directors to Consider Healthcare Initiative
LBC Alumni Undertaking “Basket of Hope” Project
Nominations Being Accepted for “ACE Award”
China Trip Informational Meeting is August 26th
Chamber Seeking Fall Intern
Would You Like to Be a U.S. Chamber Member – Free?
Southern Alleghenies to Hold Business Resource Expo
Congratulations . . .
Blue Card Discounts
Blair Business Mirror Hits the Newsstands Tomorrow
The Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation is the cover feature story in the August issue of the Blair Business Mirror which is being published tomorrow as a supplement to the Altoona Mirror. The publication will also feature a close-up on The Chamber’s new Leadership Blair County Youth class as well as a retrospective look at the impact of the LBC adult class with graduate Jeff Sefchok of JJAN Financial. So be sure to pick up a copy of tomorrow’s Altoona Mirror so that you won’t have to wait to read the copy that we mail to you at the end of the week!
“Role Models” Program Featuring Detwiler, Sheetz is Thursday
The Blair County Chamber’s “Role Models” program has successfully featured a half-dozen business leaders since it debuted last November. There’s little indication that the momentum that these programs has built will recede anytime soon. “We’ve hit a homerun with Role Models,” admitted Chamber President Joe Hurd. “People enjoy the format and appreciate the opportunity to ask questions of business leaders who have experienced incredible challenges and opportunities. We’re excited about what we’ve heard and about what we’ve yet to hear.” That next chapter will take place this Thursday, August 15th at the Blair County Convention Center as Role Models welcomes Don Detwiler and Stan Sheetz to the podium. Detwiler is Vice-Chairman and former CEO at New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company; Sheetz, the president of Sheetz, Inc. The cost to attend Role Models is $25 for Chamber Members and $40 for non- members. The program begins at noon and ends promptly at 1:30 p.m. Lunch is included. To register for Role Models, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
GRYP “Summer Bash” a Great Networking Event for Young Professionals
The Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals (GRYP) will hold its annual Summer Bash networking event once again at Barneywood, a stunning facility owned and operated by NPC, Inc. The 400 acre farm is located at 327 Tee Box Road in Duncansville. The farm features a variety of activities, including a 9-hole golf course, a horseshoe pit and a volleyball area, which makes it an ideal setting for young professionals to get together to enjoy the close of summer. The Summer Bash will take place this Friday, August 16, and begins with a 9-hole pre-bash golf tournament starting at 3 p.m. There is no cost for anyone wishing to golf, but individuals must pre-register at The Chamber no later than August 12. No walk-ins will be accepted for the tournament. The Summer Bash event will start at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Pre-registration for the event is suggested, but not required. With the help of Chamber member businesses who sponsor and provide generous donations, GRYP is able to offer attendees some fabulous food items as well as beverages and the chance to win some amazing door prizes. The Summer Bash will also feature yard games, live entertainment by local musician Conner Gilbert and endless opportunities to network. The cost to attend the Summer Bash is only $10 for GRYP members and $15 for not-yet GRYP members. For more information on GRYP or to register for the Summer Bash,call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Chamber Board of Directors to Consider Healthcare Initiative
Among the agenda items at Thursday’s meeting of the Chamber Board of Directors will be a request from the Small Business Partners to consider having the organization serve as a pilot program for a healthcare initiative directed at businesses who don’t currently offer health insurance to employees. The Board will also discuss a possible affiliation with an organization that advocates on behalf of non-profits. The Board meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. To address the Board, please contact Joe Hurd by Tuesday at noon at 943-8151.
LBC Alumni Undertaking “Basket of Hope” Project
For the third consecutive year, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Blair County Alumni will be accepting donations of common household goods to be given to women and families through Family Services’ Emergency Shelter and Domestic Abuse Project. Items can be donated as an individual or an office, with a group of neighbors or with a faith group. Donate just one item or fill an entire laundry basket. Items can be new or gently used. Donations can be dropped-off at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, located at 3900 Industrial Park Drive in Altoona. Donations will be accepted August 27-30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For a list of suggested items to fill a laundry basket, click here.
Nominations Being Accepted for “ACE Award”
The Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award will be presented at The Chamber’s Farm-City Dinner on October 29th. Nominations for that annual award are being accepted until August 23rd. To access a nomination form, click here.
China Trip Informational Meeting is August 26th
The Blair County Chamber will continue its successful run of trips during 2014 with the announcement of two exciting destinations. Back by popular demand will be a trip to China from April 12-20. This will be the third trip to China in the past four years and the cost is still a ridiculously low $2,399 pp/dou.occ., which includes all flights, meals and 5-star hotels. An information meeting for the China Trip will be held on August 26th at 6:00 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. In the fall, The Chamber’s focus will be on a nine-day trip to Tuscany (October 20-28). This trip, which includes Florence, Pisa and Montecatini, is also priced at an incredible $2,699 pp/dou.occ. For further information, contact The Chamber at 943-8151.
Chamber Seeking Fall Intern
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce is seeking an intern for the Fall Semester. The intern should be majoring in Business Management, Marketing or Communications. The internship can be either for credit or personal enrichment. Interested students should contact Linda Stotler at 943-8151.
Would You Like to Be a U.S. Chamber Member – Free?
The Blair County Chamber has accepted an invitation to be part of the United States Chamber of Commerce Federation Program which would provide a free membership to any of our members that fit the program criteria. That criteria is that businesses must have total annual revenue of less than $10 million, cannot be a charity, non-profit organization, government entity or religious/educational institution or be a current, paying U.S. Chamber member. The Chamber will register all members that meet those guidelines unless the member indicates that they do not wish to participate in the Federation Program. To opt-out, contact Joe Hurd at 943-8151 or email him at jhurd@blairchamber.com.
Southern Alleghenies to Hold Business Resource Expo
On September 5th, the Southern Alleghenies Business Resource Network, in cooperation with The Chamber, will hold “The Alleghenies Business Resource Expo” from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Blair County Convention Center. This event provides ample opportunity for businesses of all sizes to meet one-on-one with a network of non-profit organizations that can assist in growing or maintaining a business. There is no cost to attend. To register, call (855) 661-0094 or email saprep@sapdc.org.
Congratulations . . .
. . . to Bella Lucia of Altoona and Shirley’s Cookie Company in Claysburg which were recently recognized by the Appalachian Regional Commission for their energy and creativity as entrepreneurial businesses.
. . . to Sheetz, Inc., which received an Energy Efficiency Leader Award from Thermo King North America in recognition of their efforts to increase the company’s Environmentally sound practices.
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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Reiki Center for Body and Mind
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive 20% off your first Reiki Session or Massage Therapy Session.
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Snap Fitness
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive 10% off monthly dues. Also, when you present your Chamber Blue Card, you will receive a 7 day free trial.
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Steve Seltzer Powersports
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Present your Blue Card to receive half off of your Pennsylvania State Inpection for your motorcycle or motor scooter. (Not off the sticker but the labor portion of your inspection.)
and or
receive 15% off regularly-priced parts and accessory items.
and or
receive a FREE gas can with your purchase of a Honda lawn mower, snow blower, tiller, generator or trimmer. (A $25 to $40 value)
and or
receive an extra year of extended warranty with your purchase of a Honda motorcycle, Scooters or ATV. (Value of more than $200)
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Teeter Group
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Present your Blue Card on your purchase of your business insurance through Penn National Insurance and (depending on total group premium and claims experience) you could earn an annual dividend.
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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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For more information, visit the website
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August 12, 2013
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Upcoming Events
Register online
Role Models
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Blair County Convention Center
Register Here
GRYP Summer Bash
Friday, August 16, 2013
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Barneywood
Register Here
Business After Hours
Thursday, August 29, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tyrone Colonial Courtyard
Register Here
Upcoming
Committee Meetings
Week of 8/12/2013
BASICS Steering Committee
Monday, August 12, 8:00 a.m.
Greater Altoona Career & Tech Center
President's Forum Steering Committee
Monday, August 12, 1:30 p.m.
The Chamber
Chamber Ambassadors
Tuesday, August 13, 8:00 a.m.
ABCD Conference Room
Buy Here. Live Here. Committee
Tuesday, August 13, 2:00 p.m.
Devorris Center
BASICS Career Fair Task Force
Friday, August 16, 8:00 a.m.
Devorris Center
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