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eriepa.comErie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

OCT/NOV 2014

Celebrating OurEntrEprEnEurs

A Helpful Start

The Rise of the Woman EntrepreneurAnd the Leading Ladies of Our City

Resources for Entrepreneurs in Our Area

Pedal to the MedalAn innovative interdisciplinary program at Gannon University alliterates Erie Startups

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trepreneurship & Innovation Land & Building

Capital & Finance Growth Services

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New Investors 2

FEAturE ArtiClEsThe Rise of the Woman Entrepreneur 13And the Leading Ladies of Our Cityby Lesley Ridge

A Helpful Start 16Resources for Entrepreneurs in Our Areaby Gretchen Gallagher Durney

Pedal to the Medal 20An innovative interdisciplinary program at Gannon University alliterates Erie Startupsby John Chacona

spECiAl EDitiOnsErie Ambassador 4

Erie’s Lead Economic 8Development Team

Summer Events 24

Ribbon Cuttings 26

in EACH issuE

Organizational Updates 6

Regional Initiative Updates 10Manchester Bidwell Feasibility Fund

EriE MAgAzinE OCT/NOV 2014

Oct/NOv 2014

Erie regional Chamber and growth Partnership

New InvestorsFrench Creek Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaFrench Creek Council BSA provides character education, citizenship training, and life skills to boy’s ages 7-20 and girls ages 14-20.

Duane Havard1815 robison road West / Erie, PA 16509 PH: (814) 868-5571 / FX: (814) 866-7514 http://frenchcreek-bsa.org

In Progress, LLCA professional training and development firm. Our experienced, certified Human Behavior Consultants create customized workshops to improve productivity, increase employee retention, enhance leadership skills and maximize team potential. Other services include executive coaching and keynote speaking.

Maryanne ThorntonPO Box 9490 / Erie, PA 16505PH: (814) 580-1544 / www.inprogressonline.com

Maurices #2198Clothing inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size!

Sarah Koziol, Store ManagerMillcreek Mall / 5800 Peach Street / Unit 595 / Erie, PA 16565PH: (716) 531-0017 / www.maurices.com

Mercy Center for WomenMercy Center for Women is a transitional house facility for homeless women with or without children.

Christine Tombaugh1039 East 27th Street / Erie, PA 16504PH: (814) 455-4577 / FX: (814) 459-7012 / www.mcwerie.org

Mission EmpowerMission empower is an Erie County nonprofit that supports families and their children with disabilities so all children may follow their dreams.

Jill Hrinda-Patten1611 Peach Street / Suite 120 / Erie, PA 16501PH: (814) 825-0788 / FX: (814) 459-6003www.missionempower.org

Palmiero ToyotaNew and used automobile sales and service.

Joi Allenbaugh161615 Conneaut Lake road / Meadville, PA 16335PH: (814) 336-1061 / FX: (814) 337-2588 www.palmierotoyota.net

Pulakos ChocolatesManufacturers of fine chocolate. Boxed chocolates, bulk chocolate, retail, wholesale, fundraising, mail order service.

Joseph Hilbert2530 Parade Street / Erie, PA 16503 PH: (814) 452-4026 / FX: (814) 456-4876www.pulakoschocolates.com

BRONzE LEVELKeystone Electric Division zenith SystemsElectrical construction, residential, commercial, industrial, excavating, telecommunications.

Brenda Crolli3125 Brandes Street/ Erie, PA 16504PH: (814) 453-4761 / FX: (814) 455-2715www.zenithsystems.com

KLN Family BrandsManufacturer of snack foods.

Brian Garlick821 route 97 South / Waterford, PA 16441PH: (814) 796-4694 / FX: (814) 796-4101www.klnfamilybrands.com

INVESTOR LEVELAction Shots PhotographyAction Shots Photography offers the following services: event photography; sports photography; corporate, commercial and advertising photography; high school senior portraits; on-site family and pet photography.

Desiree Long4683 Parkwood Drive / Erie, PA 16510PH: (814) 882-9541 / www.actionshotserie.com

Agresti Real EstateFamily owned local real estate company offering services for both commercial and residential customers.

Jake Scheloske2119 West 8th Street / Erie, PA 16505PH: (814) 449-7973 / FX: (866) 703-2091www.erierealestate.com

Chef-n-ThymePrepare and cook healthy well balanced meals and deliver to your door. Just heat and eat!

Demarie Thompson8351 Pondview Drive / McKean, PA 16426PH: (814) 392-0009www.chefnthyme.com

Erie Uniform and ScrubsMedical uniforms, nursing scrubs, sales, medical accessories; also caries chef wear and hospitality uniforms.

Pat Christianson1936 West 8th Street / Erie, PA 16505PH: (814) 874-5047 / www.galaxyscrubs.com

CELEBRATING OUR ENTREPRENEURS

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Rockee’s Auto, Inc.A full service automotive service facility. We offer automotive repairs including inspections, full collision and body work, and used car sales.

Kevin Wetherall3118 Station road / Erie, PA 16510PH: (814) 897-1199 / FX: (814) 897-1117

Thought Process EnterprisesWe are a digital marketing agency and handle the website advertising program for Erie City Schools.

Eric Venezie536 Lawrence Avenue / Ellwood City, PA 16117PH: (724) 752-5552 / FX: (724) 758-0685www.tpedesign.net

zeolla ConstructionResidential and light commercial/industrial general construction contractor.

Sal zeolla Jr.4569 West 38th Street / Erie, PA 16506PH: (814) 833-4383 / FX: (814) 833-4383

(814) 825-2436 Ext. 1051

[email protected]

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Oct/NOv 2014

Hailing from South Florida, Bryan attended law school in Kansas, and then spent three years in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He moved to Erie almost a year ago upon after accepting a position with MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton. The firm encouraged him to attend the Spring 2014 Erie Ambassador program to better acquaint Bryan with his new home.

Bryan is enjoying living and working in downtown Erie. However not being familiar with the area, he found it difficult finding a place to live.

“Being a young single professional not knowing the area, it was tough. There isn’t much information on apartment housing and the pictures posted of the place I ended up renting did not do it justice,” he remarked.

Bryan’s favorite EA session was Bloom Collaborative where orientation took place. “Just to see that hidden treasure, I was blown away! It was also the evening we met everyone participating in the spring session.” The friendships that formed with his fellow classmates he feels will last a long time, and even though their sessions ended in June, they still make time to get together.

He spent a good deal of free time at Presque Isle this summer and upon hosting friends visiting from New York City, a Segway Tour of Presque Isle State Park was one of the attractions Bryan introduced them to. They told Bryan “You made Erie fun!” We love to hear that.

His suggestion to add to the Erie Ambassador agenda, a vineyard tour which he views as a treasure and wonderful resource. So noted!

EriE AmBAssADOr FEAturE:

As a frequent traveler, Bryan is glad to have the Erie International Airport and believes it an asset to the community. He also believes Erie has plenty of potential. He utilizes websites and phone apps like eriepa.com and VisitErie to keep up with what’s happening in the area.

Bryan explained a bit about his career path to me as a patent attorney. “After public disclosure, a patent is the only way to protect your idea and investment from someone else coming along and using it as their own. We educate people so they know and are aware there is a time ban for public disclosure. A trademark is your brand or identity and needs protection as well. It’s well worth it.”

Even though he’s only been in Erie for a year, he has been dubbed the social calendar organizer for his group of friends who contact him to find out what’s going on, where are we watching the game, and so on. His sessions through the Erie Ambassador program have helped him map out that calendar for himself and his friends!

For information on participating in the Erie Ambassador program, contact event coordinator Cathy Noble at [email protected] or visit www.eriepa.com/chamber/erie-ambassadors.


A M B A S S A D O R S

Bryan WalkerSpring 2014 Alumni

“His sessions through the EA program have helped him map out that calendar for himself and his friends!”


eriepa.com

ERCGP STAFFBarbara C. ChaffeePresident/CEO

Jacob A. RouchVice President, Economic Development

August P. SchiavaVice President, Chamber

Linda C. RobbinsFinancial Officer

Benjamin C. PrattExecutive Director, Growth Partnership Division

Nadeen M. SteffeyDirector of Marketing and Communications

EDITORNadeen M. Steffey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSLesley RidgeGretchen Gallagher DurneyJohn Chacona

DESIGNPAPA AdvertisingPAPAadvertising.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONBrett WilerAccount Executive(814) 454-7191 [email protected]

Sabrina ChircoDirector of Research

Douglas M. MasseyDirector, Business Action Team

Cathy NobleEvent Coordinator

Susan M. RontoMembership Coordinator

Brett WilerAccount Executive

ERCGP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2014 OFFICERSDr. Keith Taylor, CHAIRMarsha Marsh, VICE-CHAIRDavid Tullio, SECRETARYMike Weber, TREASURER

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDr. Jay BadamsJoel BerdineDr. Donald BirxJohn BloomstineCarl CarlottiTerrence CavanaughGary ClarkJohn DillScott EighmyJeffrey EvansJames FiorenzoCharles “Boo” HagertyTimothy HunterChuck KnightJohn Leemhuis, Esq.Jim E. Martin

Ken Nelson Bob MazzaMarlene MoscoJack MunchNeil ParhamJim RileyJim Rutkowski, Jr.Matthew SchultzNick Scott, Jr.Gretchen SethRon SteeleTom Tupitza, Esq.Russell Warner, Esq.Scott WhalenDr. Julie WollmanScott Wyman

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Oct/NOv 2014

Organizational UpdatesCHAmBErby August P. Schiava,Vice President

“In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November” Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden.

Then comes the Polar Vortex poised to slam our region again this winter, so do not procrastinate and let your energy bills skyrocket. OnDemand has shopped and vetted Guttman Energy as the supplier of choice. Guttman Energy is a regionally owned business with over 83 years in the commodities business located in Bridgeville, PA.

The Chamber Division is responsible for producing the revenue needed to support all of the divisions of the ERCGP. Being a nonprofit 501c3 organization we need non dues revenue sources to support the programs and initiatives that are planned for 2015. Our team has been working with ChamberChoice to reintroduce the affinity programs with Penn National Insurance and OnDemand Energy Solutions. We have also met with National Fuel Resources to discuss their guaranteed savings program.

Such programs are based on affinity marketing or partnership marketing. Multiple organizations form a partnership to attract customers who may have an interest in what those organizations are selling, thus creating a win win scenario where by all parties benefit in some way. Affinity programs usually have three parts: cross endorsements among the partnering organizations, shared incentives for participation among the organizations and enhancement package of benefits for the customers (our members).

ChamberChoice offers our members property and casualty insurance with Penn National to bring ERCGP members

group buying power, product and pricing incentives, and the possibility to earn a dividend! Another ChamberChoice program, OnDemand Energy Solutions, offers exclusive fixed priced electric rates for our members and their employees.

The ERCGP has established a partnership with National Fuel Resources who can supply you and your organization with natural gas which can ultimately helpyour business control your natural gas costs!

For additional information on our affinity partners, visit eriepa.com or call the ERCGP offices to get connected.

ECOnOmiCDEvElOpmEnt by Jake Rouch,Vice President

There is a commonly used phrase that goes, “Help us, help you.” Project Jobs is perfect example of project where if you help us, we can help you.

Every employer in Erie County faces a workforce challenge. How? Why?

First, the demographics of America are at work. The number of individuals leaving the workforce via retirements is far outpacing the number of new entrants to the workforce (anyone turning 18). This is a trend that started a few years ago and was masked a bit by the Great Recession (since some individuals delayed retirement until so they could work a bit more and wait for the market to turn around. Well, the market has recovered and now those of retirement age are actively entering their “consumption” years. That is great for them, but it causes all of you who employ people with a serious challenge: replacing talented, experienced workers with those whose skills do not match up.

Second, Erie County’s population – and, ergo, its workforce population – has been relatively stagnant for the last 20

C O N T R I B U T E D C O L U M NO R G A N I Z AT I O N A L U PDAT E S

years. Without a growing workforce, all employers are competing for employees from an ever shrinking pool.

Third, drug testing and stiff hiring rules for those with criminal records, have further shrunk the available workforce.

Finally, for those in manufacturing, employee scarcity has been driven by disinvestment in training programs for manufacturing careers due to job forecasts saying that manufacturing was on its way out. Fortunately for our region, manufacturing has been resilient and while net job growth is not in the forecast, job openings are due to retirements. That means there will be opportunity in manufacturing for area residents based on the real need to replace skilled workers who are leaving the workforce to enjoy retirement. While these jobs pay good money, students today are far more swayed by marketing campaigns and statistical promises of great money via a higher education degree or a career in the military.

Now, this is a trend that is not relegated to only Erie County or northwest Pennsylvania. The entire country is facing this crisis. Responses have included increased job training assistance, greater connectivity with kids in schools at younger ages in the hope of developing more defined career paths, new training programs, and more.

You – as an employer – can help us, help you in fighting this challenge by taking a few minutes and completing your Project Jobs survey. This localized census will provide us with specific occupations that you have open presently, plan to create in the next 12 months, or will have to fill due to retirements over the next 3 years. We know that there are literally thousands of jobs in play when employers view their employment needs through these three lenses (immediate, 12 months and three years). When we aggregate up all of the occupations, there will be certain clusters of employment demand. With these clusters in hand,


eriepa.com 7

transformationbusinessI N T E G R AT E D

Gannon University’s College of Engineering and Business, Erie Technology Incubator and Small Business Development Center proudly present:

This program is funded (in part) by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Discovered in PA, Developed in PA program

CALL | 814-459-6110 EMAIL | [email protected] | erietech.org/accelerator

B E C O M E A L E A D E R O F I N N O VAT I O N, A P P LY T O D AY !

College of Engineering and Business

Bringing Erie entrepreneurs the opportunity to excel through a Microloan Program, collaborative projects between Gannon faculty, students and entrepreneurs and the region’s first Technology Business Accelerator.

Ready to Accelerate Your Tech-Related Business Idea?• Apply for acceptance into one of three eight-week accelerator

programs in 2015.• Learn about marketing, sales, raising capital and more.• Receive a customized market analysis for your business idea.• Give a competitive business pitch to a panel of judges for a

chance to receive a $10,000 business grant and six months of ETI occupancy to implement what you’ve learned.

P R O G R A M

W.L. Scheller, II, Dean, College of Engineering and Business, Maggie Horne, Director, Gannon University SBDC and Jeff Parnell, Executive Director, Erie Technology Incubator bring nearly a century of experience to your business.

ERCGP will work with area K-12 systems, training providers, colleges and universities, and are job training agencies to help train and direct individuals to where the demand for workers is and will be.

The region’s educators and workforce training leaders are not omniscient. They need to be told clearly by businesses what they need. That process starts with Project Jobs. Once the surveys are complete, we can begin to meet with school district leaders to show them the job demand in their geographic region, as well as throughout Erie County. This is but one example of how we can begin to redesign training and education system to be more employer-oriented…and help you get the employees you need to grow your business.

You can access the survey by going to our website www.eriepa.com and clicking on the Project Jobs logo/invite in the center of the page. Should you have any questions or concerns while filling it out, please contact Doug Massey ([email protected]; (814) 454-7191, ext. 142).

So help us, help you by completing your Project Jobs survey today. Your business, our regional economy, and our citizens are counting on it.

Oct/NOv 2014

Erie’s Lead Economic Development Team provides a customer-centered approach to investment. As the entry point into Erie’s economic development system, the team provides potential and current investors with a coordinated connection to an exclusive source of counsel, advice and direction regarding available programs to address their specific business needs.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners5340 Fryling Rd. Suite 202, Erie, PA 16510(814) 898-6650 • www.cnp.benfranklin.org

City of Erie626 State St., Erie, PA 16501(814) 870-1270 • www.erie.pa.us

County of Erie140 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16501(814) 451-6337 • www.eriecountygov.org

DevelopErie5420 Knowledge Parkway, Erie, PA 16510(814) 899-6022 • www.developerie.com

Erie County Redevelopment Authority1524 Enterprise Rd., Corry, PA 16407(814) 664-3884 • www.corryidc.org

Erie Redevelopment Authority626 State St., Room 107, Erie, PA 16501(814) 870-1540 • www.redeveloperie.org

Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership208 East Bayfront Parkway, Erie, PA 16507(814) 454-7191 • www.eriepa.com

Erie Technology Incubator130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501(814) 871-6037 • www.erietech.org

Gannon Small Business Development Center120 West 9th St., Erie, PA 16501(814) 871-7713 • www.sbdcgannon.org

Governor’s Action Team100 State St. Suite 205, Erie, PA 16507(814) 871-4770 • www.newpa.com

Northwest Commission395 Seneca St., Oil City , PA 16301(814) 677-4800 • www.nwcommission.org

Northwest Industrial Resource Center5340 Fryling Rd. Suite 202, Erie, PA 16510(814) 898-6887 • www.nwirc.org

NW PA Technology Council130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501(814) 490-5295 • www.technwpa.org

PA CareerLink® 155 West 8th St. , Erie PA 16501(814) 455-9966 • www.nwpacareerlink.org/erie

Partners for Performance210 Chestnut St., 2 Flr., Meadville, PA 16335(814) 333-1286, ext. 105 • www.nwpawib.org

Senator Sean Wiley49th District Office1314 Griswold Plaza, Erie, PA 16501(814) 453-2515 • www.senatorwiley.com

Erie’s Lead Economic Development Team



eriepa.com 9

Oct/NOv 2014

R E G I O N A L I N I T I AT I V E U PDAT E

Manchester Bidwell Feasibility Fund

National Centers for Arts & Technology create empowering educational environments across the U.S. and the world based on the Manchester Bidwell educational model. There are two main components of a National Center for Arts & Technology:

1. Bidwell Training Center (BTC): Which provides literacy and remedial education by partnering with leading corporations to design high-caliber and market-relevant career training programs that lead to entry-level employment.

2. Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) Youth & Arts Programs: Which combines an environment for education, exhibitions, performances, and social and professional gatherings with a staff dedicated to mentorship to create an alchemy of empowerment, revealing the beauty of life and education to the communities underserved youth population.

Replicated Affiliated Centers•CATC — Cincinnati, OH,

cincinnatiartsandtechnologycenter.org•BAYCAT — San Francisco, CA

baycat.org•NewBridge — Cleveland, OH

newbridgeclevland.org•WMCAT — Grand Rapids, MI

wmcat.org•CONNCAT — New Haven, CT

conncat.org•BCAT— Brockway, PA brockwaycat.org•BATC — Buffalo, NY

buffaloartstechnologycenter.org•NECAT — Boston, MA ne-cat.org

september 2014Erie Vital Signs Key Indicators the MBC Strategy Hopes to Impact:

• Education o Attainment o Graduation Rates

• Economy o Poverty o Per Capita Income o Self Sufficiency o Employment

• Arts & Culture

Bidwell Training Center 2013 Stats:

• The graduation rate for all combined majors was 76%.

• The job placement rate for all combined majors is 75%.

Key Facts

Prison Costs• The Pennsylvania Department of

Corrections budget grew to $1.93 billion, up $60.6 million, or 3.2% in 2010-2011

• Prison funding has increased by a total of $91.6 million, or 9%

Welfare Costs• For every 1.65 employed persons in the

private sector in Pennsylvania, 1 person receives welfare assistance

What is a Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s National Center for Arts & Technology?

What is a Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s National Center for Arts & Technology?Goal: $150,000 To ensure that a Center for Arts

& Technology is successful and sustainable in a community, the NCAT replication team designed a thorough and systematic protocol that follows the mission of ‘Developing Communities through Hope, Inspiration, and Innovation.’

Currently Erie, Pa is in the Cultivation stage of the process.

Cultivation NCAT exchanges information with

representatives of the interested community to determine if implementing the model will benefit their area. A working group has been established. The Strategy fund was established to pay for the first phase of the replication process, referred to as the “Feasibility Phase”.

Phase 1: Feasibility NCAT’s team determines whether the

interested community has the essential attributes for a successful, sustainable Center for Arts & Technology.


eriepa.com 11

R E G I O N A L I N I T I AT I V E U PDAT E

During feasibility NCAT will collaborate with Erie to gather information from and establish relationships with schools, arts and community organizations, philanthropy, industry and government. NCAT will also work to identify a community champion. During the process, the NCAT team will provide Erie with periodic updates on important meetings, the progress made and action items yet to be performed.

A community’s leadership formally enters the feasibility phase of replication by signing a contract with NCAT and making its first payment. Feasibility is a due diligence study that determines whether a city, town or community possesses the characteristics necessary to develop and open a Center for Arts and Technology based on the Manchester Bidwell Model.

NCAT’s Feasibility phase consists of a two part (interim and final) due diligence study to determine whether community possesses the characteristics necessary to develop and open a Center for Arts and Technology.

Interim Report• Assessmentofacommunity’s

organizational landscape

• Recommendationsforyouthandadultprogramming

Final Report• Identificationandcultivationof

leadership

• Identificationandevaluationofpotential locations for the center

• Identificationofpotentialfunders

Feasibility Phase Broken Down

For many, the American Dream of prosperity through education and hard work seems unattainable. Support has withered as problems have blossomed. The future seems bleak. Through the this feasibility process the Erie Community will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and services and determine where that gaps exist, and in turn determine whether the Manchester Bidwell National Center for Arts & Technology model could build a bridge to the attainment of the American Dreams for members of our community who don’t have access to the support they need.

Erie’s urban communities are struggling with the nation’s most pressing problems. Manchester Bidwell has demonstrated in Pittsburgh and their replicated communities that their innovative approach is effective and has yields results.

•Thenationalhighschoolgraduationandcollegeentranceratesare substandard, especially for low-income minorities.

•Unemploymentrateshavenotchangedinmanyareas,particularly for minorities.

•Feworganizationsareabletoaffectthepressingneedsoftheseurban areas in a meaningful way.

Why are community partners are exploring the Manchester Bidwell Model?

• UPMC Health Plan• Victory Christian Center• CA Curtze Co.• Bayfront Maritime Center

• NW Savings Bank• County of Erie• Mercyhurst University• UPMC Health Plan• Erie Public Schools• Director• Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett• GECAC• Erie Community Foundation• Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership

• City of Erie• MLK Center• Booker T. Washington Center• JFK Center• Erie Co. Gaming Revenue Authority• Erie Arts & Culture• Housing Authority - City of Erie• Destination Erie• Office of Senator Sean D. Wiley• Stone Bank Group• UPMC Hamot

Project Steering Committee Members:

To contribute to the Manchester Bidwell Feasibility Fund, please contact Ben Pratt at [email protected] or (814) 454-7191 x131.

Donate today!Total support received to date: $32,750

Oct/NOv 2014

The Rise of

EntrEprEnEur

“Over 400 million people in 54 countries have begun businesses over the last three to five years, 42% of which happen to be women-led ventures.”

“Crowdfunding is estimated to generate $65 billion by the end of 2014.”


eriepa.com

Have you ever contemplated starting a business? Does the idea of being your own boss sound appealing? Consider yourself in good company. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, despite the sluggish economy over the years. Ask any new business owner why they took the risk and you may hear their desire for more independence and flexibility financially and in greater work-life balance. Some may argue being an entrepreneur is trendy, while others view it as a sincere stamp of ingenuity. Either way, entrepreneurship is changing the business landscape worldwide.

According to the 2013 global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, over 400 million people in 54 countries began businesses over the last three to five years, 42% of which are women-led ventures.1 in America, women-owned businesses valued at $10 million or more grew 57% within the last year. Additionally, our country holds the number one spot for the best place with potential for women entrepreneurs to flourish.2 And while many may assume entrepreneurship is closely tied with larger metropolitan

areas, it is a trend that is thriving with business-minded women in Erie.

“Erie can be a hard market to crack,” said Brenda Bennett, owner of Transportation Solutions. “We tend to take change slowly, so opening new businesses can be challenging. it is hard to get people to spend money on things they do not think they need.”

Transportation Solutions is a comprehensive driving school that has received recognition as one of the highest ranking programs in Pennsylvania. But it had humble beginnings. Transportation Solutions began in Bennett’s basement. After giving birth to her second daughter, Bennett made the decision to leave the LiFT program and shifted into a home-based business, consulting with local organizations needing her expertise.

“i would craft one-off programs to help solve different transportation issues, pulling from my time with LiFT,”

by Lesley Ridge

And Leading Ladies of Our City

13

The Rise of

EntrEprEnEur

Oct/NOv 2014

“i wore my SleepPhones outside shoveling in the snow and a few customers commented it was great for winter, but they would like something lighter for running in warmer weather,” said Lai. “We researched, found a more lightweight material that was moisture-wicking, and started producing runPhones.”

Demand begets growth, and in less than a year after the initial concept, the company launched its second product. Lai and her husband (and now business partner), acknowledged the need to expand into a warehouse that could process orders for SleepPhones and runPhones. They found space within EBCO Park to accommodate production and in May of 2014 moved the entire business from State College to Erie. Since moving to Erie, AcousticSheep hired marketing and warehouse teams – a needed, but calculated move for the business.

“i think one piece of advice i would give entrepreneurs is to start small and invest not just financially, but invest in doing the research necessary to determine if a market exists,” advised Lai. “We would not call ourselves risk takers by nature and ran what we could out of our home for as long as possible. i think seeking honest feedback and really listening to what our customers wanted served us well.”

Another local entrepreneur, Karen rzepecki, agrees with the idea of starting small and testing the market before making significant financial investments. In 2011, Rzepecki found herself online searching for reusable cap with a pour spout for her mason jar, a favorite go-to container for homemade salad dressing. To her dismay, no such cap could be found.

“i was sick of making an oily mess with the mason jar lid and ring,” said rzepecki. “i wanted something i could place on the mason jar, shake, pour, and store it in the fridge. At first i thought maybe i wasn’t searching for it correctly. i wanted it so bad for myself and thought others had to be looking for something similar.”

To test her theory, rzepecki put her project concept on Kickstarter, an online crowdfunding platform, to see if there was interest in a pour cap. She connected with a product designer to create a prototype and continued to promote the campaign online.

it is estimated that crowdfunding (programs like Kickstarter, indiegogo, Fundable, etc.) will generate $65 billion into the global economy by the end of 2014 as well as help entrepreneurs create over 270,000 jobs.4 its impact can be felt down to the dollar. According to a recent study, for every dollar invested through crowdfunding, six dollars are estimated in generated revenue.5


said Bennett. “it wasn’t until i was approached by a local high school needing a more robust driving program that i thought about taking the next step. We agreed to a ten-year contract, and Transportation Solutions became a reality.”

Scaling from a home-based business to a brick-and-mortar location is common among business owners. Sixty-nine percent of new ventures begin at home – a trend to which Dr. Lai can attest.3

“Owning a business wasn’t on my radar,” said Dr. Wei-Shin Lai. “i loved medicine and helping people. no one goes to medical school with the intent of leaving to start a business.”

But that is exactly what happened. Lai and her husband, Jason Wolfe, founded AcousticSheep LLC out of their home in State College.

“At the time, i was on call and would often receive patient calls late at night,” said Lai. “One night, I had difficulty falling back to sleep, so my husband suggested listening to something. not wanting to disturb him, i tried using headphones, but was disappointed by how uncomfortable they were.”

After a few nights around the kitchen table, Lai and her husband had a prototype for what would become AcousticSheep’s first product – SleepPhones. “Think pajamas for your ears,” said Lai.

SleepPhones are thin speakers wrapped in soft fleece material, worn around one’s head much like a sweatband. The product is designed to deliver sound without the disruption and discomfort of an object directly in the ear.

“The whole community needs to take a chance on entrepreneurs.”


eriepa.com 15

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“i think platforms like Kickstarter are great for entrepreneurs,” said Rzepecki. “They level the playing field so that even the smallest inventions have a chance. it removes the need for substantial backing from angel investors. instead, it allows everyday people to support creative projects.”

With support from Kickstarter and the innovationErie Award (which reCap Mason Jars received) rzepecki saw the prototype become a product within a year and is already into a second Kickstarter campaign for the next two products: a flip cap and explorer kit for kids. The caps are BPA-free, made in America, and are multi-purposed – a goal of rzepecki’s from inception.

“One of my big objectives was to create something that never existed, and was aligned with my values,” said rzepecki. “i love that the reCap tops are solutions to others who were having similar experiences and are eco-friendly.”

As for what makes a successful entrepreneur? All three women had similar advice: reach out, be a good listener, and utilize community resources.

“You might not want to hear the feedback from customers, but if you’re a good listener your business will benefit exponentially,” said Bennett.

“To have a thriving community of entrepreneurs, Erie should continue growing the resources and ongoing education opportunities for businesses,” said Lai. “Organizations like the SBDC and Chamber have helped us significantly, especially since we are new to the area.”

“The whole community needs to take a chance on entrepreneurs,” said rzepecki. “People who create ideas can be successful, and communities can benefit from that success.”

----------------------------------------------1 The 2013 GEM Report (Sept. 1, 2014)

http://bit.ly/1fykJQ0

2 11 Reasons 2014 Will Be Breakout Year for Women Entrepreneurs (Jan. 8, 2014) http://onforb.es/1cPa41t

3 U.S. Entrepreneurship Hits Record High (May 27, 2013) http://onforb.es/1cMr1JM

4 Crowdfunding Seen Providing $65 Billion to Global Economy in 2014 (Jan. 16, 2014) http://bit.ly/1aSuavL

5 2013 Crowdfunding Report (2013) crowdsourcing.org

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eriepa.com 17

They’ve mulled it over. They’ve slept on it.They know it’s a grand idea.now who can local entrepreneurs turn to next?

The details can be daunting and the atmosphere competitive for innovators, but many groups in the area are ready to lend a hand for a helpful start.

IN THEIR OWN LEAGUE

if the business idea is about making a new mold rather than fitting into one, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is ready to “get the ball rolling”.

Affiliated with Penn State University, they’re nestled in Knowledge Park of Penn State Behrend. Diving into entrepreneurship can be risky business but Ben Franklin’s investments are sharing that risk and

putting product development plans in the fast lane.There are those willing to chat with budding restaurateurs and retailers, “but we have a very specific niche,” said Liz Wilson, Director of Marketing. That niche is not just technology such as computers or software, but rather groundbreaking and not easily duplicated ideas. “it does not have to be patented, but innovative,” she added about ideas they’re behind. “Something that if we fund it, 26 other businesses of the same caliber won’t pop up the very next week.”

Their primary role is to act as seed investors, although staff also works one on one to provide assistance and answers – “from QuickBooks to whatever else they need help with.” Wilson said they often receive referrals of startups from banks or other economic development agencies, but they also acquire many prospects from contests. Some of these include the Big iDEA Business Plan Competitions or the Erie innovation Fund – a partnership with the Erie County gaming revenue

by Gretchen Gallagher Durney

resources for entrepreneursin our area

Oct/NOv 2014


Authority. “Entering a contest is a lot less stressful than hanging out a shingle and saying you’re ready to go now,” said Wilson.

If the business idea is about making a new mold rather than fitting into one, Ben Franklin Technology Partners is ready to “get the ball rolling”.

Know of an entrepreneur who would be a perfect fit? Erie innovators can apply beginning October 24 for their Big iDEA contest at bigidea.benfranklin.org. Don’t hesitate – it may be a big pool of great ideas but the winner will receive a prize package worth more than $200,000. That includes $50,000 in cash, priority access to a low interest $100,000 loan from Ben Franklin, a one-year pass to seminars, and much more.

FOR THE BUDDING CREATIVITy-ORIENTED

Meeting the “creative class” of local entrepreneurs is the stArTup incubator in Edinboro, PA. The 501c3 is not part of Edinboro University, but is “serendipitously located right across the street,” said Donna Douglass, a business mentor with the incubator and retiree from the Erie Community Foundation.

Their board holds talents of a patent attorney, gallery owner, and graphic designer who owns an advertising company. So while there is a membership fee of $300 a month, the perks are many. The fee also includes many other tools, including workshops, use of their computer lab, photography and videography expertise and equipment, and help with kickstarter campaigns, accessing capital, and networking opportunities.

One such workshop will be held October 10 – 11. Entitled “no More Starving Artists”, Douglass deemed it a “business 101 in two days”. The program will be geared toward fine artists, although the incubator’s focus on the arts is a broad spectrum including book publishers, graphic designers, dance and music production companies, and even an organic soap maker in the past that used only solar power for production.

Douglass noted many successes of the facility, including recent “grad” Basement Transmissions who bought the former roadhouse Theatre in Erie, and mural artist Todd Scalise.

Douglass noted many successes of the facility, including recent “grad” Basement Transmissions who bought the former Roadhouse Theatre in Erie, and mural artist Todd Scalise.


eriepa.com 19

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TAPPING INTO LOCAL MENTORS

Last but certainly not least in meeting those with a spark at the starting gates is Chapter 193 of SCOrE(Service Corps of retired Executives) that has been planted in Erie for 47 years. The national headquarters for this mentoring program are in Washington, D.C., but the northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter 193 includes branches in Erie as well as Meadville and Oil City. Made up of 25 active members, they are ready to provide consultation to small businesses or individuals.

Prospective clients can begin by filling out a request for mentoring on SCOrE’s website. From there a consultation is designed specific to needs and with a counselor who has that type of expertise and help. Administrator for the Chapter, Jim Quinn, said

they have also provided some consultation advice to the occupants of Erie’s Small Business Development Center. Afterall, the chapter is headquartered a short walk away in the basement of gannon University’s Palumbo Center.

All of SCOrE’s members are volunteers, who with their valuable and varied experience at the likes of gE, Lord Corporation and BASF global, are a wealth of knowledge. Why this over the golf course or other opportunities for “the golden years”? “We’ve all been in business and we think we have some things to share that certainly can help,” said Quinn.

And help they certainly do. Entrepreneurs can be happy to mix with SCOrE’s expanse of time and talent now, and the Erie community can thank them later on down the road.

Oct/NOv 2014

An innovative interdisciplinary program at Gannon University alliterates Erie Startups.


eriepa.com

pEDAl to the

mEDAl

21

A roomful of entrepreneurs with world-beating products and ideas. Only one of them will win the prize that may lift a company from start-up to star.

if it sounds like a pitch-meeting speech for a reality television program, it was, for ABC’s “Shark Tank.” But in a case of life imitating art, this concept also explains an innovative new program for 15 northwest Pennsylvania entrepreneurs that’s more cooperative than competitive, even though one entrepreneur will walk away from the program with a $10,000 business grant and more.

it’s called the integrated Business Transformation (iBT) Technology Business Accelerator, a series of eight-week programs designed to offer the entrepreneurs an opportunity to “stress test” their concept, idea, or business while learning skills that will boost their enterprises’ chances for success in the marketplace.

The “integrated” potion of that name refers to the three entities at gannon University that provide the support and facilities for the program: the Dahlkemper School of Business, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Erie Technology incubator (ETi), where the weekly sessions are held.

it’s a logical site for the Accelerator program. ETi provides resources and support for start-up and early stage technology-enabled companies, including guidance, dedicated mentor teams, one-to-one coaching and networking opportunities.

By John Chacona

“I think the region is full of untapped potential. The key is giving them the opportunity to learn, and they can be mentored and successful.”

Oct/NOv 2014

At the Accelerator classes, another critical element will be emphasized. “While these entrepreneurs have a very good grasp of their products and the technology, developing a marketing plan, prospecting for customers and closing sales is the number one weakness among start-ups,” said ETi Executive Director Jeff Parnell. “We felt that an Accelerator program could help with those issues.”

Helping entrepreneurs to more fully understand the customers who will potentially purchase their products or services, while also analyzing significant competitors and other potential barriers to success is a point of emphasis. To this end, each participating entrepreneur will receive a detailed, customized market analysis at the end of the program.

Central to the production of those analyses, and to instruction in other areas, are the faculty and students from gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business, who provide a ready pool of experts from an array of business disciplines.

W.L. Scheller, Ph.D., dean of gannon’s College of Engineering and Business, will be one of the experts teaching in the program. An industrial engineer by training, Scheller can appreciate the challenges of bringing a product to market better than most.

“Most of these businesses [in the Accelerator program] have some level of sales, but they need assistance in ramping them up,” he said. Still, Scheller has seen a great deal of promise in the Accelerator’s inaugural class.

“We’re seeing some frankly exciting entrepreneurial businesses here, but the key for a city such as Erie is to grow businesses organically. it’s healthier for the local economy to have 50 companies with ten employees than one with 500 employees.”

The program was put into motion when gannon University received a $520,878 Discovered in PA - Developed in PA (D2PA) grant by the Department of Community and Economic Development to implement the creation of the iBT program.

Of course, financing is key to the success of start-up businesses, and the iBT provides assistance to the

entrepreneurs through a microloan program of pre-seed and early stage loans for competitive analysis, preparation of financial pro-formas, regulatory compliance, prototype development, market studies and working capital. Bridgeway Capital and ErieBank are participants in the microloan program.

Discussion of funding is one of the first orders of Accelerator program business, said Maggie Horne, who heads gannon’s SBDC.

“On the first night of the program we discuss finding the resources for entrepreneur to launch successfully and we discuss, one-on-one for each of the participants, an action plan. They work with us on each of the elements, develop their plan, and identify the timing of when they launch,” she said

That timing certainly varies for each of the participants, but one date consumes them all. it’s Oct. 29 when participants will present a short “pitch” that will communicate their business’ key selling points.

A panel of business judges will evaluate the presentations with one entrepreneur receiving a $10,000 grant and six months of residence and mentoring at ETi.

That’s cool, but not the coolest part of the program in Jeff Parnell’s estimation.

“The coolest part is having an opportunity to get closer to this class of entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs and seeing the passion they have for getting better,” he said. “To see the high energy and engagement of these entrepreneurs interacting with the presenters and with each other was invigorating.

“i think the region is full of untapped potential. The key is giving them the opportunity to learn, and they can be mentored and successful. it’s why we get up in the morning and do what we do.”


“The key for a city such as Erie is to grow businesses organically.”


eriepa.comeriepa.com 23

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Summer EventsThe ERCGP Annual Golf Outing was held in August after heavy rains postponed play from the spring date. Grey skies did not hamper the enthusiasm of the players who enjoyed their day at Peek n’ Peak Resort!

Beer on the Bay, our July event, has been deemed another success! It was a beautiful day on the bay and the craft beer tastings offered our guests some new brews to try as well as some familiar favorites. Save the date – Beer on the Bay 2015 – July 25th!

Beer on the Bay photo credit: John Baker

ERCGP Annual Golf OutingAUGUST 2014


eriepa.com 25

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erie magazine oct/nov

Documents

erie county nonprofit

peach street unit

growth partnershipoctnov

gannon university

comerie regional chamber

regional initiative

leading ladies

citizenship training