Business Hall of Fame Dinner Tonight at the Convention Center
Chamber Board Approves Eight New Members
Information Meetings Tomorrow on Chamber’s Low-Cost Healthcare Option
“Business After Hours” is Wednesday at Altoona Beauty School
Safety Program to Address Workers’ Comp Mediation
Chamber Foundation to Approve Budget, Elect Officers
LBC Adult Session Targets History, Culture and Heritage
Next “Issues” Program Will Focus on Business Women
Chamber Holding “Wake-Up With Wellness” Event
“Issues” Program on City of Altoona Continues Tonight
WE-LEaD Assembling List of Participants
Chamber Members Encouraged to Update Business Information
Two “Business Before Hours” Slated for November
Tickets On Sale for Annual Farm-City Dinner
Chamber Planning Trip to Southern Destinations
Blue Card Discounts
Business Hall of Fame Dinner Tonight at the Convention Center
The Blair County Business Hall of Fame Dinner will be held tonight at the Blair County Convention Center. Entering the Hall of Fame will be four outstanding businesses: Holiday Inn Express, Homewood at Martinsburg, J.C. Orr & Son, Inc., and James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center. In the category of Young Emerging Business, the honorees are: Bill Sell’s Bold, Diversity Salon & Spa Learning Center and Fox Trot Runners, Inc. The Arc of Blair County, Bee Line Wholesalers, Inc. and Canary Labs will be honored for Excellence in Small Business. Nason Hospital will receive the Community Service Award, Ward Transport & Logistics the Safety Excellence Award and Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries the Technology Award. The Committee Choice honoree will be “The Door.” Registration for the dinner has been closed. A large crowd is expected.
Chamber Board Approves Eight New Members
At last Thursday’s meeting of the Blair County Chamber Board of Directors, the following new members were approved: Blair County Acupuncture of Duncansville; Briar Valley Vineyard & Winery of Bedford, CNB Bank of Hollidaysburg; Cracker Barrel Old Country Store of Altoona; Ms. Margaret (Ticky) Hendricks of Altoona; Dr. Gary D. Robinson of Hollidaysburg; Sullivan, Forr, Stokan, Huff, Kormanski & Nagle of Altoona; and US Hotel Tavern of Hollidaysburg.
Information Meetings Tomorrow on Chamber’s Low-Cost Healthcare Option
The Blair County Chamber has partnered with Empower3 Center for Health to offer Chamber-Member employers an affordable community-based health plan for their uninsured employees. The plan features level group rates, no deductibles, no pre-existing condition exclusions, substantial prescription drug coverage with co-pays of $10 or less and the opportunity to add dental and vision coverage. Informational meetings on the health plan will be held, tomorrow, October 21st at 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Devorris Center for Business Development. Call the Chamber at 943-8151 to register. There is no cost to attend.
“Business After Hours” is Wednesday at Altoona Beauty School
Join The Chamber at the next Business After Hours to be held this Wednesday, October 22 at Altoona Beauty School from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dress in costume if you like or come as you are! Enjoy an evening a fun, networking, food & beverages. Register online or call The Chamber to sign up. Cost to attend is $6/pre-registered member; $12/pre-registered Non-member.
Safety Program to Address Workers’ Comp Mediation
The mediation process for Workers’ Compensation injuries has traditionally been a source of frustration for employers who have little knowledge of what factors are essential to gain a desired resolution. To help uncomplicate the process, the Safety Committee of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Human Resource Association of Blair County are teaming-up to present a program entitled, “Workers’ Compensation Mediation Process.” The program will be held this Friday, October 24th from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at The Casino at Lakemont Park. A breakfast buffet beginning at 7:30 a.m. precedes the start of the program. The panel of presenters for the event includes: Workers’ Compensation Judge Robert Vonada, Attorney Michael Wagner and Attorney David Consiglio. A role-playing demonstration will be part of the presentation. The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber Members and $30 for non-members. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Chamber Foundation to Approve Budget, Elect Officers
The Blair County Chamber Foundation will meet on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. at the Devorris Center. Among the agenda items for that meeting will be the approval of a budget for 2015 and the election of officers for next year as well. The Foundation will also be acknowledging the receipt of a check from First National Bank to help offset costs associated with the BASICS program. For more information on the Foundation, contact Cindy Cessna at 943-8151 or email her.
LBC Adult Session Targets History, Culture and Heritage
The first session of the current Leadership Blair County Adult program directs attention to the history, culture and heritage of the county and invites class members to explore key landmarks that aren’t always understood or appreciated. The session will take place this Friday, October 24th, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Trolley Works. Class members will be divided into four groups and each group will head to a different part of the county. When the class comes back together later in the day, each group will provide a presentation on what they saw and experienced. For more information on Leadership Blair County, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or visit the Chamber Website at www.blairchamber.com.
Next “Issues” Program Will Focus on Business Women
The importance of women as business leaders will be the focal point of discussion as the Blair County Chamber’s next “Issues” program will tape next Tuesday for broadcast on the Altoona Public Access Channel during November. Entitled, “Moving to the Front: The Long-Awaited Surge of Business Women,” the 45-minute program will be moderated by Carolyn Donaldson. Program sponsorships, at just $150 each, can be secured by calling Joe Hurd at 943-8151 or emailing him.
Chamber Holding “Wake-Up With Wellness” Event
The Blair County Chamber’s Workplace Wellness Committee will hold an informational event for Chamber members on Wednesday, October 29th at the Sheetz Shwellness Center in Claysburg. The event, called “Wake-Up With Wellness” will begin with a tour of the facility and a light breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m. At 8:30, a presentation will begin that will include how to develop at Wellness Program at your business or organization and success stories from businesses that have already implemented programs. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Contact The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
“Issues” Program on City of Altoona Continues Tonight
The City of Altoona is experiencing a number of key challenges and opportunities and no one understands the impact of that better than the people who have been in a position to oversee the City’s fortunes. The next Chamber “Issues” program, is being broadcast on the Altoona Public Access Channel (and then placed on You Tube), and is entitled “A City in Transition: Altoona’s Quest to Move Forward.” The panel discussion format includes current Mayor Matt Pacifico and former mayors Bill Schirf, Wayne Hippo, Tom Martin and Allan Hancock. Carolyn Donaldson is the moderator. The 45-minute program will air each Monday at 9:00 p.m. and each Saturday at 9:00 a.m. throughout October. Sponsors for the program are: Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation, Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Imler’s Poultry, and The Columns.
WE-LEaD Assembling List of Participants
If you are an employer seeking more beneficial ways to get your female staff members more involved with business and community programs and events, simply call The Chamber at 943-8151 or email Judy Juda at jjuda@blairchamber.com. The Blair County Chamber’s WE-LEaD (Women Encouraging – Leadership, Education and Development) is expanding its contact list and hoping that more women on the corporate ladder take part. There is no obligation – participants will receive periodic emails and invitations.
Chamber Members Encouraged to Update Business Information
The Blair County Chamber’s Membership Directory and online database are among the county’s most trusted sources of information regarding Chamber members. Unfortunately, some of the information is outdated due to changes in staff people, new contact information, etc. Is your company’s information up to date? Simply visit the member information section of the Chamber website and check it out. If changes need to be made, call Cindy Cessna at 943-8151 or email her at ccessna@blairchamber.com.
Two “Business Before Hours” Slated for November
The Chamber has scheduled two “Business Before Hours” programs during the month of November. The first, on November 5th, will be held at the Altoona Sam’s Club from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Sam’s Club is located at 2500 Plank Road Commons. On November 12th, also from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m., Generations Together will host a Business Before Hours. Generations Together is the intergenerational day program of Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries. It is located at 701 Quail Avenue in Altoona. There is no cost to attend to attend either Business Before Hours event but pre-registration is important to allow for the hosting businesses to prepare enough breakfast items. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151.
Tickets On Sale for Annual Farm-City Dinner
The Blair County Chamber’s Farm-City Dinner will be held at The Park at Morrisons Cove on November 6th beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a Milk/Punch Reception followed at 7:00 by a family-style turkey dinner with all the fixings. The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) Award to State Representative Jerry Stern. Guest speaker will be former Secretary of Agriculture Sam Hayes, Jr. The cost to attend is $20/person. Make your reservations by calling The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.
Chamber Planning Trip to Southern Destinations
After a number of successful trips outside the United States, the Blair County Chamber has decided to offer a Spring 2015 trip closer to home. The Chamber will travel by motor coach to Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia and to Monticello from April 20-26. The cost of the trip, which includes six nights lodging and a number of outstanding guided tours, is just $995-per-person. Epic Journeys, a member of The Chamber, is coordinating the trip. For more information or to secure a spot on the trip, contact Epic Journeys at (814) 266-5070 or 877-705-7030. Brochures and itineraries are available at the Chamber Office, located in the Devorris Center for Business Development. The trip is open to Chamber members and non-members.
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 The Chamber at 943-8151.
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Blair County Chamber of Commerce
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Insert your company or organization's flyer into the mailing of the Blair Business Mirror for only $125. Simply drop off 1,100 copies of your flyer to the Chamber office and the Chamber staff will take care of the rest. Call today to take advantage of this offer
AND/OR
receive $1 off walkin admission to a Business After Hours event. (Not for pre registered attendees, normal walkin cost is $7.)
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Culligan Water Conditioning Sales & Service
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive free installation on any Culligan Rental Equipment or $200 off any Culligan Equipment purchase.
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Dr.'s Centar & Imler
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Present your Blue Card to receive 20% off of spectacle lenses and frames
AND/OR
receive 20% off of an exam and contact lens fitting. (Discounts cannot be combined with any other insurance programs, coupons or courtesies.)
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Drill Baby Drill Staffing
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Present your Chamber Blue Card to receive a 15% Discount off of motor vehicle record search - US and Canada *Note: This discount does not include the individual court fees which vary by state
AND/OR
receive a 25% discount off of Criminal Background Checks - The Background Screening Packages listed below include" *Social Security Number Verification/Track *Felony and Misdemeanor Record Court Search (Seven year residence history based on given adress(es) and those developed from Social Security Number Verification, Primary name only is verified, more than one name is additional cost. * National Criminal Database Search (includes criminal records in 46 states, national sex offender registry, and multiple government sanction lists) *Federal District Court Search (Federal crimes are not included in the National Criminal Database Search)
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For more information, visit the website
To subscribe or unsubscribe please email us.
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October 20, 2014
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Upcoming Events
Register online
Hall of Fame & General Business Awards
Monday, October 20, 2014
5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Blair County Convention Center
Business After Hours
WEDNESDAY, October 22, 2014
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Altoona Beauty School
Register Here
Safety Program
Friday, October 24, 2014
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
The Casino at Lakemont Park
Register Here
Wake Up With Wellness
Wednesday, October 29
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Sheetz Shwellness Center
Register Here
Farm-City Dinner
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Social: 6:30 p.m.
Dinner/Program: 7:00 p.m.
The Park at Morrisons Cove
Register Here
Business BEFORE Hours
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Sam's Club
Register Here
Business BEFORE Hours
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Generations Together
Register Here
Breakfast Club
Thursday, November 13, 2014
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
The Casino at Lakemont Park
Register Here
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Week of 10/20/2014
Attractions/Hotel Roundtable
Wednesday, October 22, 8:15 a.m.
Holiday Inn Express
Legislative Action Subcommittee
Thursday, October 23, 8:15 a.m.
The Chamber
Follow The Chamber
on Facebook
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