Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

Member SuCCess

NanoHorizons Consolidates Operations in Move to New

Facility

NanoHorizons Inc., global provider of proprietary nanosilver antimicrobial solutions marketed under the Smart-Silver™ brand, has announced that the company has consolidated its corpo-rate offices, manufacturing operations, and laboratories into a new facility lo-cated in Bellefonte. In addition to pro-viding space needed to meet current requirements, the headquarters build-ing is also designed and equipped to enable future production growth and accommodate expanded research, de-velopment, and testing activities.

“This move allows us to take full ad-vantage of the efficiencies of integrat-ing all operations under one roof,” states David Woodle, Chairman and CEO of NanoHorizons. “In addition, it also affords us the opportunity to vali-date how our customers in the textile, health care and industrial markets use SmartSilver antimicrobial protection to enhance their products. We have both a state of the art R&D lab and dedicat-ed Bio-lab to support broad integration testing and new application develop-ment.”

Originally founded by Penn State Uni-versity scientists, NanoHorizons is a successful graduate of the incubator program for start-up companies sup-ported by CBICC (Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County). “We appreciate the on-going assistance given to us by CBICC during our incu-bator stage and with this key growth transition to a new facility,” says Woo-dle. “We look forward to welcoming our customers and shareholders to our new home.”

In This Issue...

2 President’s Letter

3 Membership Services

5 Member Anniversaries

6 Government Update

9 CCIDC

10 Ambassadors

11 New Members

12 Members Seen & Heard

14 CBICC Awards Gala

Available Online

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County

Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

National Business Incubation Association

NewPA

PA Chamber of Business & Industry

PA Dept. of Labor & Industry

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) is the largest organization representing Central Pennsylvania businesses and the Central Pennsylvania business community. Comprised of over 1,000 business members, the CBICC’s role is to “unify the voice of its diverse membership in order to help promote the well-being and growth of commerce, business and industry, while striving to maintain a high quality of life in Centre County.”

The CBICC is here to help businesses succeed – whether you’re an established business or just getting started, CBICC membership gives you the edge you need to compete in today’s challenging economic climate.

Your membership in the CBICC is an investment in your business, and as such, you should see a return on that investment. However, in order to get the most return, you need to be an active member and take advantage of the opportunities and benefits the CBICC offers.

The #1 reason people join the CBICC is for networking, and the CBICC offers an array of programs that offer excellent networking opportunities. Our most popular networking program is Business After Hours, which provides a relaxed, informal environment for you to meet others in the business community and begin developing the personal relationships that are the cornerstone to business growth.

Our Membership Luncheon and Business Before Hours programs also offer networking opportunities;

with a strong slate of speakers for these events, members also have the opportunity to learn more about important issues that can impact the business community.

The CBICC’s Chamber “U”niversity program has been steadily growing in popularity with our members, who have cited this as one of the most valuable programs the CBICC offers. Chamber “U” provides an opportunity for members to attend educational seminars presented by experts in their fields. Each month a different program is offered, with programs featuring such topics as improving sales and customer service, human resource considerations, an introduction to social networking and marketing, to name just a few.

Promoting your business can also be a challenge, particularly when faced with limited marketing budgets. Your membership

CBICC Membership Benefits Offer You the Chance to Succeed

A PUBLICATION OF THE CHAMBER OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY OF CENTRE COUNTY

ChamberNet Jan/Feb/March 2010

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010

Our Mission

The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County is organized to promote the well-being and growth of commerce, business and industry, while striving to maintain a high quality of life in Centre County.

Officers and Executive Committee 2010

Rod Beard – ChairmanDave Capperella - Vice-ChairAl Horvath – Secretary Fred Leoniak – TreasurerJohn Coleman – President/CEO

Board of Directors 2010

Richard Barrickman, Nittany BankRod Beard, Beard Law CompanyDave Capperella, Capperella FurnitureJohn Coleman, CBICCDon Gaetano, The Hartman AgencyAl Horvath, The Pennsylvania State UniversityJack Infield, Graystone BankBill James, Foxdale VillageO.J. Johnston, RaytheonWilliam Joseph, First National BankJeffrey Krauss, The HR Office, Inc.Fred Leoniak, ParenteBeard LLCChris Magent, Alexander Building Construction Co.Leanne Martin, M&T BankDon McCandless, Restek CorporationBob McDaniel, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc.Ted McDowell, AmeriServ BankRichard Mextorf, State College Area School DistrictJohn Moore, Moore Power SalesJohn Rodgers, Fulton BankStephanie Schmidt, Poole Anderson Construction, LLCWalter Schneider, Centre Region COGColleen Small, The UPS Store #5642Rich Wisniewski, Mount Nittany Medical Center

Our Staff

John Coleman President/CEOTrudy Mitchell VP Economic DevelopmentJean Gerber VP Chamber OperationsDan Abruzzo VP Government AffairsDavid Wise VP Finance & AdministrationPhil Park Business Incubation ManagerAngela Lombardo Office ManagerConnie Corl Events & Publications CoordinatorSara Hoy Membership Services & Communications CoordinatorMary Resides Economic Development AssistantKaren Little Administrative AssistantCarol Maddox Administrative AssistantElaine Morgan Receptionist

President’s LetterIn addition to my role as President/CEO, one of my more challenging duties these days is fulfilling the role and responsibilities of the Paid Optimist. Now, I have carefully read over my job description several times but have yet to find it written quite that way. Perhaps it is in the section about “other duties that may be assigned from time to time to assure the success of the Chamber.” Nonetheless, I find myself engaged in more conversations these days with Chamber member-investors, neighbors, friends and family all seeking some inspirational sign that better time are ahead of us – and soon.

Last week I got a call from a business reporter in Detroit, Michigan seek-ing validation of the myth regarding “recession-proof” college communities.

After she carefully framed her hypothesis she asked the greatly anticipated question “Is it so?” she asked, and I predictably responded with great enthusiasm in saying “Of course Happy Valley is recession proof”. Now I know there are some who would argue with me on this point but I tend to be a “glass is half full” kind of guy. So let’s go to the data.

• Centre County’s Unemployment Rate of 6.1 % continues to be the lowest unemployment rate of all 67 counties in Pennsylvania and remains well below the state’s unemployment rate of 8.8% and the national unemployment rate of 10.2%. Of course there are still 4,500 Centre Countians unemployed and so that is why our mission of creating and retaining family sustaining jobs is so important to our community’s health and well-being.

• The State College Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes all of Centre County, was recently named the safest of the 334 MSA nationwide. Statistics strongly support that healthy, vi-brant and growing communities are safer communities. Of course there are still crime challenges in our communities and so that is why our law enforcement professionals are so important to our community’s quality of life. • The State College MSA‘s gross domestic product (GDP) grew to $5.5 billion, ranking it 54th among the 334 MSA nationwide. This means that Centre County is producing about 3% more in goods and services than in the previous year. The growth is primarily attributed to financial and educational services. More than two thirds of MSAs nationally are experiencing signs of a slowing economy. The State College MSA continues to be the best performer of all Pennsylvania MSAs. Of course we have lost significant numbers of manufacturing jobs and in many instances have replaced these jobs with lower paying service jobs with limited or no benefits. That is why a community-embraced business recruitment strategy focused on technology is so important for our community’s sustainability.

• Our Centre County United Way (CCUW) is closing in on its goal of $2.15 million, which is at an historic high for the agency; an indication that community philanthropy remains strong even in these challenging economic times. In a quick status check of other United Way campaigns in similar-sized communities, our CCUW campaign is larger and progressing much better than all that I sur-veyed. Of course the demand for social services continues to escalate as individuals and families find themselves in need of support and assistance that is why “investing” in our Centre County United Way and its 37 member agencies are so important to our community fabric.

• The Centre County Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC) has welcomed 30 new companies to Centre County over the past two years, which in itself is remarkable. Twenty-one of these compa-nies were accepted into the CCIDC’s Business Incubator Program, which now houses 26 companies all of whom are classified as technology companies. Collectively these companies are employing more than 143 employees and contributing approximately $9.1 million to the local economy. The CCIDC Business Incubator Program has a rich history of success stories including: The Drucker Company, Restek Corporation, Real Time Devices, HigherEdjobs.com, Videon Central, Sound Tech-nologies, Schoolwires.com, Nanohorizons, QBC Diagnostics, and Softgenetics who collectively ac-count for more than 1,000 family sustaining jobs in our community and contribute more than $46 million to the local economy. Of course not all startup companies are successful; however, national statistics and our local program history clearly demonstrate the odds of success improve dramatical-ly via the CCIDC Business Incubator Program. That is why an incubator program that embraces and supports entrepreneurs with new technologies is so important to our community’s economic future.

I trust that I have offered some data that would support my “recession proof” position, after all what would you expect from a Paid Optimist?

Until next edition, stay tuned.

John F. Coleman Jr.President

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

Membership Services Updateby Jean GerberLast year was a challenging year for everyone, and Chamber Opera-tions was no exception. The CBICC has had an excellent retention rate over the past years, which we have been very proud of. Over the past couple years, we have seen a retention rate of 92%, which exceeds the industry average of 87% for chambers of our size.

The recent recession, which many have called the worst since the Great Depression, made it far more challenging for us to maintain our above-average retention rate and increase our membership numbers at a similar rate to what we have seen in previous years. I have had the opportunity to talk to the staff of other chambers from across the country, and all have said they have been facing challenges in the area of membership retention and recruitment.

Although we did see a slip in our retention this past year (87%), the good news is that our renewals for this year are stronger than last year’s. I fully expect us to get back up to a retention rate of over 90% this year as a result of what we’re seeing to date.

I also expect to see an increase in the number of new members in 2010. In 2009, we welcomed 86 new members – not a bad number at all, but I hope our increased attention to membership development will result in a higher number this year.

We have a very strong calendar of events for 2010. Our first Business After Hours for 2010 was held on January 12 at The Autoport, with over 200 people attending – a great turnout on a cold evening! CLICK HERE for the 2010 Business After Hours Calendar. Our calendar of After Hours for 2011 is already about 50% filled, so if you’re interested in being a host, please contact Connie Corl (ccorl@cbicc.org) to have your name placed on the list.

The first Central PA Regional Business & Industry Expo was held in November, 2009, and far exceeded our expectations. Initially, we had hoped to be able to sell at least 100 exhibitor booths, but the demand was strong and we eventually sold 220 booths! We surveyed all the exhibitors and were very pleased with the results – 83% of the respon-dents stated that they would most likely return in 2010, and only 2% indicated dissatisfaction with their experience.

The Expo was a major undertaking and could not have been accom-plished without the help of numerous volunteers. The response to our request for volunteers was amazing, and we truly appreciate their help.

The CBICC Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, March 4, at The Penn Stater. We received a large number of nominations for the vari-ous awards, and this year, we will be doing the voting electronically. The Awards Gala is always a very enjoyable evening, so we hope to see you there.

The first Chamber “U”niversity program for 2010 was held on January 14. Presented by Arnold Tilden, this program sold out very quickly. We’ll continue to develop a slate of strong programs and would wel-come any suggestions you might have.

Special thanks go to our Chamber “U” Educational Sponsors: Mc-Quaide Blasko Attorneys at Law, Nestlerode & Loy Investment Advisors, Inc., and ParenteBeard LLC. The Chamber “U” program has become a valued program to our membership and would not be possible without the support of these sponsors. Because our Chamber “U” programs tend to sell out each month, I would encourage you to sign up early to reserve your spot.

We want to continue to offer you a strong return on your member-ship investment and would welcome any suggestions or comments you might have.

Thank you for your support of the CBICC, and we’ll look forward to working with you throughout this year!

Save the Date!

Wednesday, February 10 - Information Session

Thursday, March 4 - CBICC Awards Gala

Thursday, April 29 - Member Spotlight

Friday, July 30 - CBICC Golf Tournament

Thursday, November 4 - Central PA Regional Business & Industry Expo

Membership Services Update & Information

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010

in the CBICC provides you with an automatic listing on our website, www.cbicc.org, and in our hardcover membership directory. With its dynamic search engine, the website’s business directory is a great way for you to reach a large audience, both in Centre County and far beyond its boundaries. In addition, the CBICC offers a number of opportunities for you to promote your business on our website and in our electronic publications.

Benefits of membership extend far beyond networking and promotion, however. The CBICC is a valuable resource for its members in keeping up-to-date on issues and topics that are of interest to or could impact the business community.

Chamber members also have the opportunity to realize savings in areas such as health insurance, workers comp, and auto insurance through our ChamberDeal$ program. Through ChamberDeal$, members are provided opportunities that would not be available to non-members. The CBICC is currently reviewing additional savings programs to be added to ChamberDeal$ and will announce those in the near future.

This just touches on some of the many opportunities available to our members. To learn more about these and other benefits, please visit www.cbicc.org.

Your investment in the CBICC is an investment in your success. Make the most out of your investment and find out why we say…….”Success stories start here!”

Membership Services Update & Information

JLS Creative Solutions Win Platinum Ava and Platinum Marcom Awards

JLS Creative Solutions has been recognized for a television commercial pro-duced for the Newport Harbor Inn & Marina that won an Ava award and a curriculum produced for a group of Penn State students that received a Platinum Marcom award. The Ava awards are administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The Marcoms are an international awards competition recognizing creative excellence. Congratulations to JLS Creative Solutions! View them online at www.jlscs.com.

Boyer & Ritter, CPAs Honored as one of the 2009 Best Accounting Firms to Work For

Boyer & Ritter, CPAs was recently named as one of the 2009 Best Ac-counting Firms to Work for. Boyer & Ritter was ranked #11 in the medi-um-sized firm category. The annual list of “Best Accounting Firms” was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in the accounting profession, which are credited with benefiting the nation’s economy, its workforce, and businesses.

The publication’s list is comprised of 100 companies split into three groups: 20 small-sized firms (15-24 employees), 65 medium-sized firms (25-249 employees), and 15 large-sized firms (more than 250 employ-ees). Boyer & Ritter was listed in the medium-sized firm category.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

Member AnniversariesThank you to these members for their support of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County!

25 Years

Bellefonte/State College K.O.A.

Handy Delivery Inc.

Nittany Eye Associates

David Sampsel Construction

YMCA of Centre County

20 Years

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology

Diversified Asset Planners, Inc.

Forever Broadcasting

General Dynamics

Gilmore Construction

Groff Tractor & Equipment Inc.

McQuaide Blasko Attorneys at Law

Pena-Plas Company

Poole Anderson Construction, LLC

Urish Popeck & Co., LLC

Veronesi Building & Remodeling, Inc

15 Years

Animal Medical Hospital

Centre LifeLink Emergency Medical Services, Inc.

HPArchitects

Integrative Health Care Associates

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Avail Technologies, Inc.

Colonial Press LLC

Custom Stuff

eTravCo Inc.

Fit For Play Physical Therapy & Fitness Center

Harrison’s Wine Grill and Catering

Penn State Public Broadcasting

5 Years

76th District State Representative

AAUW - American Association of University Women

Allegheny Power

Automated Records Centre

Bourne Initiatives

Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc.

Center for Alternatives in Community Justice

Centre County Democratic Party

Clean Sweep Professional Cleaning Services

Express Employment Professionals

Goodwill Industries

Hite Company

Indigo Biosciences LLC

S&T Bank

Saylor, Robert G., DDS, PC

Scourtis Properties

Senator Jake Corman

Skelly and Loy, Inc.

Spectacles F.Y. Eye

St. Joseph Institute

T & B Medical, Inc.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County

Weber Murphy Fox

Xsalta

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010

Government Affairs UpdateGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIVISION OPERATIONS

Heritage 1 Committee Building Permit FeesThe Heritage 1 Committee collaborated with the Central PA Chapters of the Builders Association and the Associated Builders and Contrac-tors to oppose a 32% increase in building permit fees. CLICK HERE for letters to the COG General Forum. After hearing further testimony, the COG Finance Committee agreed to reevaluate Code’s fees and budget in June of 2010.

Advisory Board Welcomes New MembersChris Schoonmaker, current Vice president of Sales and past Regional Manager for S&A Homes, will serve on the 2010 Heritage 1 Advi-sory Board. Chris is also the past President of the Central PA Builders Association’s Board of Directors.

Tommy Songer also agreed to serve on the 2010 Advisory Board. Tommy is a partner and licensed REALTOR© with Gambone, Songer & Associates Realty and is the acting 2009 President of the Builders Association of Central PA. Tommy is also a member of the County’s Workforce Housing Committee and its Housing Cabinet.

Streamlining Centre County Permit ProcessAs a result of a September meeting with the County Commissioners and other Chamber representatives, Heritage 1 drafted a letter outlin-ing proposed revisions to the County land development and subdivi-sion ordinances. CLICK HERE for letter. The County Planning Commis-sion reviewed the suggested changes at its December 15th meeting and conveyed their recommendations to the Commissioners.

Government Affairs Committee

2010 Legislative AgendaThe Government Affairs Committee met on December 18th. The Com-mittee recommended retaining 2009 legislative policies with some ad-justment to the order of priorities. Adoption by the CBICC Board of Directors will be considered at the February meeting. The 2009 leg-islative priorities and policies resulted from a survey of the Chamber members. The Committee is also recommending that the 2010 legislative priori-ties include a “watch list” that monitors under-funded municipal and state pensions, and the recurring delays by the state legislature to ap-prove an annual budget.

Committee Welcomes New MemberThe Government Affairs Committee is pleased to welcome Christopher Lee as a new member of the Committee. Chris is President and CEO of the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum. He has served in Government as Chairman of the Centre Region Council of Govern-ments; the Centre Regional Planning Commission; the Harris Township Board of Supervisors, and the Centre County MPO.

STATE

PA Chamber Communications Now on CBICC WebsiteCBICC members may now access PA Chamber news articles on the CBICC website. Updated communications are displayed as an RSS (“Really Simple Syndication”) Feed on the website. Go to the CBICC website’s home page and CLICK on “Government”. Then select one of more PA Chamber news articles at the bottom of the page.

Alternative EnergyProponents of legislation (HB 80) , that would increase the use of al-ternative energy sources in electric generation failed to get the needed votes in the House to move the bill before the end of 2009. HB 80 remains on second consideration in the House.

Existing law requires that by 2021 Pennsylvania utilities generate 18% of their electricity from alternative sources. HB 80 would substantially increase that goal.

Environmental advocates have scheduled a series of “Clean Energy Breakfasts” around the state to promote passage of HB 80.

Twelve statewide business organizations, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, oppose the legislation for the fol-lowing reasons.

• The original alternative energy mandates enacted in Pennsyl-vania in 2004 have not yet begun to be implemented. It makes sense to wait until the effect of that action is known before further expanding mandates.

• With electricity rate caps being lifted for many consumers and the uncertainties in the market related to that event, now is not the time to increase mandates for more expensive forms of en-ergy. Estimates are that the additional mandates could add as much as $9 billion to $12 billion to the cost of electricity purchases in future years, at a time when job creators and residents can least afford it. This equates to at least a 10 percent to 13 percent increase in electric rates.

• The federal government is poised to pass climate and energy legislation, which is likely to include alternative energy mandates. Pennsylvania should wait until there is some resolution on that front. Going beyond federal requirements would have an adverse impact on Pennsylvania’s competitive standing and would cost the state jobs.

• The increased mandates contained in HB 80 are likely to lead to higher energy costs for both producers and consumers, and could negatively impact the reliability and adequacy of Pennsylvania’s electric generation supply.

The Office of Small Business Advocate has indicated that HB 80 “would increase default service electric rates for small business ratepayers, at least in the near term.”

The Public Utility Commission, in its Annual Report for 2007, recom-mended that, “Because of the extremely short compliance period and the limited number of EDCs [Electric Distribution Companies] and EGSs [Electric Generation Suppliers] having initial compliance obliga-tions, the PUC does not recommend any changes or program improve-ments at this time.”

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

(...continued from pg. 6: Government Affairs Update)

Government Affairs UpdateI-80 Tolling/ Act 44State Senator Joe Scarnati recently sent a letter to Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson urging him to ensure that money meant for roads in Pennsylvania is not diverted to mass transit throughout the state. Scar-nati noted that inaction on the issue would move the state legisla-ture closer to possibly tolling Interstate 80. Reportedly, Congressman Thompson agrees the issue needs to be addressed but he is “con-cerned to put a mandate at the federal level.

Since 2007, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have pushed for the interstate to be converted to a toll road. The PA Legislature helped clear the way by passing Act 44, a move designed to raise desperately-needed transportation funds. The state is expected to be short $1.7 billion a year to maintain its roads and bridges.

On January 19th U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray La Hood planned to meet Rep. Glenn Thompson to discuss the issue. The Congressman’s office believes a decision on the tolling will be announced shortly af-terward.

Update on PA Sales and Use TaxOn December 26, 2009 the Department of Revenue published the list of taxable and exempt property under the sales and use tax. The Penn-sylvania Bulletin listing is required to be published at least once every 3 years. The listing can be viewed online at the Pennsylvania Bulletin website.

Pennsylvania Business Climate WorseningPennsylvania’s business tax climate has long put the Commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage with other states. Now the Commonwealth risks falling further behind in a race that has critical implications for how well the state recovers from the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Three states have recently proposed corporate rate cuts as a way to boost job growth and economic recovery, according to the Council on State Taxation. All three states currently have corporate tax rates that are below Pennsylvania’s 9.99 percent.

A proposal in Arizona would reduce the corporate income tax from 6.97 percent to 4.5 percent over four years, beginning in 2012. In Florida, the governor is crafting a proposal to reduce the state’s 5.5 percent corporate income tax, and in Idaho, House leaders are expected to introduce a plan to lower the 7.6 percent state corporate income tax by one-third over the next 10 years, despite a projected $150 million budget shortfall.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has the 11th highest state and local tax bur-den in the nation, according to a recent Tax Foundation study. . In ad-dition, Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states that also tax business as-sets via a Capital Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT). With the scheduled phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise tax frozen for the third time, the 2.89 mill rate will remain in place until 2011. The CSFT is not expected to be eliminated until 2014.

If Pennsylvania were a nation, it would have the highest overall corpo-rate tax rate in the world at 41.5 percent (federal and state, accounting for the state and local deduction). As the study pointed out, “Taxes can clearly create a hostile environment for business investment and job creation, and Pennsylvania appears to be a prime example of that.”

Pennsylvania is one of 16 states to have decoupled from the phase-out of the federal estate tax, which means it still imposes its own estate tax. It is also one of only four states to have both an estate tax and an inheritance tax.

PA Low Income Housing Tax CreditsThe Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) recently announced the application process for 2010 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LI-HTC) applications.

A dramatic change to the application process for 2010 is the availability of 40 points (out of a total of 170 points) for the “ability to proceed”. Ability to proceed includes appropriate zoning, site plan approval, and site ownership. Points will also be awarded under the ability to precede selection criteria for evidence that satisfies PHFA that an equity inves-tor has been secured.

Another change to the 2010 application is the affordability of units. Developments must provide a financing plan which evidences that at least 10% of the units are affordable to individuals at or below 20% of the area median income, adjusted for family size. At least half of these units must be accessible.

Applications are due to PHFA at 3:00 p.m. on February 26, 2010. For complete instructions please refer to the 2010 Multifamily Housing Program Guidelines, General Requirements, and Application on PHFA’s web-site. PHFA stated that announcements of 2010 LIHTC reservations are expected in July of 2010.

FEDERAL

TARP ExtensionTreasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner recently announced the exten-sion of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which would otherwise have expired on December 31. The extension gives the Obama Administration the ability to spend the TARP funds until October 3, 2010, and the expenditures may include measures to im-prove the unemployment rate.

New Stormwater Management Rules Being ConsideredThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for input on proposed rules to strengthen national stormwater regulations and to establish a program to reduce stormwater discharges from new devel-opment and redevelopment.

According to the EPA, developed sites, such as subdivisions and com-mercial shopping centers, can significantly alter the hydrology of a site and can have a negative impact on receiving bodies of water. Gener-ally, as sites are developed, there is an increase in impervious areas where water cannot infiltrate into the ground, leading to increases in stormwater runoff volume. This additional stormwater volume, as well as the introduction of pollutants such as fertilizers, sediments and de-position of vehicle emissions contributes to increased stormwater im-pacts. EPA has requested input on ways to strengthen the stormwater program, including the promotion of practices that retain stormwater on-site through infiltration, evapotranspiration, or stormwater reuse to reduce these impacts nationwide.

View or download the complete text of the Federal Register notice on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010 Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Government Affairs Update

Human resources professionals at firms with greater than twenty employees are very familiar with COBRA; this law requires employ-ers to make health and welfare benefits available to terminated employees/dependents, at the individual’s expense, for eighteen to thirty-six months.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009 (ARRA), a.k.a. the stimulus bill, various changes were temporarily enacted over COBRA; two important changes included a subsidy by the federal government of 65% of health/welfare insurance costs dur-ing up to a nine-month period for Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEI), as well as new notice requirements. As originally enacted, these changes were to expire and revert to pre-stimulus status effective January 1, 2010.

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (DDAA), as enacted on December 19, 2009, expands the original ARRA pro-visions and extends the eligibility window through February 28, 2010.

What has and has not changed?A number of areas have not changed. The subsidy amount is still 65%. Eligibility continues to be based on involuntary termina-tion of employment; people who quit their jobs, though eligible for COBRA, continue to not be eligible for treatment under ARRA as an AEI. And reimbursement to employers continues as a credit against payroll tax taken on Form 941.

A number of areas have changed, as well. The eligibility window has been extended from December 31, 2009 through February 28, 2010. The critical event looked at under ARRA was timing for COBRA eligibility (when COBRA begins); under DDAA, the critical event is timing of the qualifying event. Additionally, the DDAA extends the period of the subsidy to fifteen months (including for AEI that experienced qualifying events in 2009!)

Steps for employers to takeA recent webinar hosted by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans recommended the following steps:

• HR/Benefits should review protocol for determining who is an AEI

• Payroll/Tax should recognize that the COBRA subsidy will likely continue through 2010 and 2011

• COBRA administrators will need to reinstate COBRA subsidy practices and coordinate new notices; COBRA administrators will need data from employers for involuntary terminations of employment occurring from December 2009 through February 2010. Note that there is a new notice requirement with a deadline of February 17, 2010.

• Multiemployer plans will need to reinstate COBRA subsidy practices, including receipt of data from employers regarding involuntary terminations of employment

• And everyone should stay tuned

Some resources available to employers:• Department of Labor: www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html

• IRS: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204505,00.html

• CMS: www.cms.hhs.gov/cobracontinuationofcov/

Regarding the recommendation to “stay tuned”: The Jobs for Main Street Act (HR 2847) is working through the legislative process and would create further changes, including extended eligibility through June 30, 2010 and additional penalties ($110 per day) for failure to provide the subsidy. HR 2847 was approved by the House on De-cember 16, 2009.

COBRA Subsidy Extension/Changes: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

Contact the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation

200 Innovation Blvd. Suite 156 State College, PA 16803

Ph: 814.235.1666 * F: 814.234.5869

New Web site: www.CentreCountyIDC.org

Economic Development Update

CCIDC’s Revolving Loan Fund Program

The Centre County Industrial Loan Fund Program was very active dur-ing 2009. Nine companies were provided over a total of $1 million in fi-nancing assistance during the year which will assist in the creation/re-tention of more than 152 jobs in Centre County. Currently the CCIDC’s loan portfolio has 18 outstanding loans to 16 different companies with a balance of over $1.180 million dollars.

As a result of the success of the Revolving Loan Fund Program, the IDC has been invited to submit a second application to the USDA Rural De-velopment Intermediary Lending Program in the amount of $500,000 to recapitalize the fund. Since receiving an initial recapitalization in 2007, a total of 12 loans for $1,125,000 have been funded, which created/re-tained more than 200 jobs and $5,932,000 in additional public/private sector funds was leveraged for businesses within the county.

Since the fund’s inception approximately five years ago, 23 loans have been funded. Six of those loans were granted to companies that are or were in the CCIDC Incubator Program. These companies are/were start-ups in the bio/life sciences and information technology genre. The CCIDC Revolving Loan Fund has financed working capital, soft-ware, inventory, equipment as well building expansions and leasehold improvements.

During 2009 the Revolving Loan Fund provided financial assistance to several expanding companies in the county including:

WavesInSolids, founded in 2003 by Dr. Robert Hay and his sons, Thomas and Joel Hay, acquired mobile pipeline inspection equipment also used to inspect wire ropes on suspension bridges which will fill a demand for the technology from local companies such as United Re-finery in Warren, PA to international clients as remote as oil refineries in India. WavesInSolids provide inspection services and products to the transportation, petrochemical, oil, natural gas, defense, aerospace, power generation and marine industries.

ZedX, Inc., founded in 1987, is a leader in the development of informa-tion technology products and services for the agricultural and environ-mental industries. A few of their key services and products include: high resolution databases, site-specific weather forecast service, com-mercial interactive web-based services, government interactive web-based services and R&D. ZedX acquired additional equipment to sup-port the expansion of their services.

The robust activity of the CCIDC’s Revolving Loan Fund continues into 2010 with the approval and pending distribution of funds for 4 loans totaling $362,500 which will retain or create 166 jobs over the next three years in the county.

Thompson Announces $2.1 million in funding for Defense Projects in Centre County

U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, recently an-nounced two projects in Centre County he requested in the Depart-ment of Defense appropriations measure for fiscal year 2010. Thomp-son, the father of an injured veteran, said, “Both projects center around assisting wounded service men and women and advancing medical technologies that will someday greatly benefit the civilian population.”

Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc., 310 Rolling Ridge Drive, Bellefonte - $500,000 for Piezo’s lightweight, battery driven and battlefield deploy-ment ready, nasogastric feeding tube cleaner.

“In the current Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, critically injured soldiers are put on feeding tubes to assist in removing liquids and gases from the stomach, then the tubes are used to dispense liquid formula as a nutritional supplement,” said Thompson. “However, clogging of these tubes is a significant concern.”

“The tubes are about one millimeter in diameter and are one meter long and bend several times as they enter the stomach. It is also a significant risk to the patient to have to change the tube. Developing the technology to effectively clear clogs, without the need of additional equipment, will be a great advance to medical personnel in the field, and will help our wounded soldiers” said Thompson.

“Replacing a feeding tube can often be difficult, dangerous, or impos-sible depending on the location and tactical situation of the injured soldier. The project will be a simple and fast-acting solution in clearing clogged tubes. We are honored to solve an unmet critical care need of our wounded soldiers,” said Maureen Mulvihill, Ph.D., President and CEO of Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc. Piezo Resonance Innova-tions’ website is www.piezo-res.com

Representative Thompson also requested $1.6 million for research, de-velopment and delivery of self-powered prosthetic limb technology by KCF Technologies located at 112 W. Foster Avenue, State College, PA.

The House of Representatives passed the final version of the Depart-ment of Defense on Dec. 16th and the Senate passed it on Dec. 19th. It now goes to the President for signature.

Business Resource Directory for Incubator Tenants

The IDC business incubator program is seeking volunteers to assist our tenant companies with legal and accounting issues.

All the tenants were selected because there appeared to be a good possibility of success. However, many still have products or services in the development stage and are pre-revenue. We would like to provide our tenants a directory of firms who are willing to offer limited consul-tations and project work at a rate that takes into account their limited resources. Your help with a fledgling business now could lead to profit-able business with a much larger account in the years ahead.

If you are interested in being part of this resource directory, please re-spond to Phil Park, Business Incubation Manager (ppark@cbicc.org).

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010

Ambassdors of the CBICC

Ambassador of the Month: November

Christine Hart, Events by HartPosition: Owner

Years as an Ambassador: 3 years

What do you enjoy most about being an Ambassador? I love being able to as-sist with new members & making them feel comfortable at the after hours.

October, December & 4th Quarter 2009

Colleen Williams, Valpak of Lion CountryPosition: Co-Owner

Years as an Ambassador: 3 years

What do you enjoy most about be-ing an Ambassador? We live in such a dynamic community and the Chamber’s Ambassador Club is one of the best ways to learn about so many of the unique busi-nesses in Centre County.

CBICC Announces 2010 Ambassador Club MembersThe Ambassador Club of the CBICC is the “Goodwill Arm” of the Chamber, and its mission is to welcome and mentor new Chamber members, help in the retention of current members, and provide exceptional service for our members.

The CBICC Ambassador Club is comprised of volunteers com-mitted to strengthening relationships between the CBICC and its members. Founded in 2001, the Ambassador Club is an extremely important committee of the Chamber and plays a vital role in help-ing the CBICC reach out to its members.

We are pleased to announce the members of the 2010 Ambassador Club:

• Mike Allen Kish Bank• Gary Bamat GB Accounting Services• Edith Binkley Lia Sophia Jewelry• Diana Blazina Jersey Shore State Bank• Rod Burnham Comcast Spotlight• B.J. Clitherow Forever Broadcasting• Mary Ann Curren Foxdale Village • Anthony DiNallo The Hartman Agency• Chad Feather PNC Bank• Desiree Fralick Mazza Law Group, P.C.• Christine Hart Events by Hart• Bennett Hoffman TeamWorks, Inc.• Denise Immel Citizens Bank• Mark Johnson The Hartman Agency• Tom Kearney Allegheny Power• Laurene Keck Sweetland Engineering• Cheryl Krentzman McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC• Ronald Leynes Primerica Financial Services• Crystal Little Home Instead Senior Care• Jeff Matter Comcast Spotlight• Dianna Meckley SPE Federal Credit Union• Laura Mulligan Northwest Savings Bank • Natalie Proch Mt. Nittany Vineyard & Winery• Jeremy Raichle M&T Bank• Danan Sharer Nestlerode & Loy• Colleen Small The UPS Store #5642• Frances Stevenson Kish Bank• Paul Tobin Doty & Hench• Keith Walker AgChoice Farm Credit Country Mortgages• Colleen Williams Valpak of Lion Country• Steve Yetsko WTAJ Your News Leader

Our Ambassadors are easily identified by their red “Ambassador” nametag that they wear at CBICC events, so when you see one of our Ambassadors, thank them for the great work they do.

To help you get to know them better, we will be featuring profiles of our Ambassadors in upcoming editions of ChamberNet.

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

ACNDan Fravel452 Two Mile RoadHoward, PA 16841570-295-9127dfravel@acnrep.comwww.dfravel.acnrep.comMarketing/Marketing Research

Adam Cole Salon and SpaShannon Focht129 Moses-Thompson Ln.State College, PA 16801814-237-1237Fax: 814-237-1238adamcolesalon@verizon.netShopping (Beauty/Hair)

Bath FitterJared Robinson542 Industrial Dr.Lewisberry, PA 17739717-932-2500Fax: 717-932-4448jrobinson@bathsaver.comwww.bathfitter.comContractors (Other)

Blue Banana DesignsMark OlsonP.O. Box 711Lemont, PA 16851814-237-2258mark@bluebanana.netwww.BlueBanana.netInternet Services and/or Website Development

Classic Cruise and VacationsPaul Podwika1313 N. Atherton St.State College, PA 16803814-237-7245Fax: 814-231-8083info@ccvacations.comwww.ccvacations.comTravel Agency

CMIT Solutions of Central PATravis Cramer105 Mount Vernon Ave.Huntingdon, PA 16652866-513-2610Fax: 814-690-1771info@cmitsolutions.uswww.cmitsolutions.com/centralpaComputer Dealer/Services

Crawford DraftingChip CrawfordPO Box 104Lemont, PA 16851814-237-2105Fax: 814-237-2105crawforddrafting@verizon.netwww.crawforddrafting.comDrafting Services

Dayze Gone Bye Carriage RidesNicholas Richtscheit41 Water StreetAllensville, PA 17002717-483-0099Fax: 717-483-0099tara@dayzegonebye.comwww.dayzegonebye.comEntertainment

Edward Jones InvestmentsKeith Halsnik2110 N. Atherton St.State College, PA 16803814-237-0512Fax: 888-395-1050keith.halsnik@edwardjones.comwww.edwardjones.comInvestments

Eric Ryan CorporationPaul FavatellaP.O. Box 4731 Early Str., Ste. AEllwood City, PA 16117724-758-2906Fax: 724-752-8999pfavatella@ericryan.comwww.ericryan.comConsulting

FaithCentre, Inc.Nicole Summers110 W. High St.Bellefonte, PA 16823814-355-0880Fax: 814-355-0842nsummers@faithcentre.netwww.faithcentre.netNon-profit

Five Star SuzukiStephen Goldstein1400 W. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-867-8141Fax: 814-867-8164xl7dealer@aol.comwww.fivestarsuzuki.comAuto Dealer

Footprint Creative SolutionsEric SmithPO Box 457Lemont, PA 16851814-380-0840esmith@footprintcreativesolutions.comwww.footprintcreativesolutions.comInternet Services and/or Website Development

Granicrete of Pa.Joe Andres50 Mahoning St., Ste. 1Dubois, PA 15801814-371-0124Fax: 814-371-0134joe@granicreteofpa.comwww.granicreteofpa.comBuilding Materials

Graymont (PA) Inc.Marc Messenger965 E. College Ave.Pleasant Gap, PA 16823814-357-4500Fax: 814-359-2175mmessenger@graymont.comwww.graymont.comIndustrial/Manufacturing

Hoff Chiropractic Clinic, P.C.Gregory Edwards2766 W. College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-308-9397Fax: 814-308-9405hoffchiro@comcast.netwww.hoffchiropractic.comChiropractic

Homestead Graphics and DesignTheresa Heiser125 N. Hoffer Ave.Centre Hall, PA 16828(814) 883-9510Fax: (814) 364-9318theresa@homesteadgraphics.comwww.homesteadgraphics.comInternet Services and/or Website Development

Janney Montgomery Scott, LLCCarmine Scutti181 James Hill Rd.Port Matilda, PA 16870814-639-0060Fax: 215-564-4837cscutti@jmsonline.comwww.jmsonline.comFinancial Services

Ledgers By LiisaLiisa Bartges2746 West College Ave.State College, PA 16801814-409-7315Fax: 814-409-7427Liisa@LedgersByLiisa.comwww.LedgersByLiisa.comAccounting Services

Lion Country KIATom Mertz1334 Dreibelbis St.State College, PA 16801814-308-9041Fax: 814-308-9055tommertz@sunburymotors.comwww.lioncountrykia.comAuto Dealer

Martin & Suhey OrthopedicsTara Claghorn911 Univeristy Dr.State College, PA 16801814-237-4321Fax: 814-235-0484www.martinsuhey.comHealth Care

MC Quality ConstructionChris Maron11 1/2 Presqueisle St.Philipsburg, PA 16866814-441-0869cmreborn73@hotmail.comContractors (General)

McCloskeys Landscaping Inc.Russell McCloskey924 North 5th StBellwood, PA 16617814-327-8468Fax: 814-822-2117Russellm835@yahoo.comLandscaping/Nurseries/Lawn Care

Mike’s Video, TV & AppliancePete Popovitch1515 N. Atherton St.State College, PA 16803814-237-1515sales@mikesvideo.comhttp://mikesvideo.comAudio Visual

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSPlease join us in welcoming the following new members to the CBICC from the 2009 fourth quarter. The next time you are looking for a product or service, please consider supporting a CBICC member.

(continued on pg. 12...)

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org

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Jan/Feb/March 2010

Patricia Best2565 Sleepy HollowState College, PA 16803814-234-0916patricia.l.best@gmail.comIndividual

Prescient Weather LtdJohn Dutton240 Mount Pleasant Dr.Boalsburg, PA 16827814 466 2231john.dutton@prescientweather.comWeather Service

Redline Speed Shine of State College, LLCTom Gravine2108 N. Atherton St.State College, PA 16803814-238-4622Fax: 814-238-3182tom@redlinespeedshine.comwww.redlinespeedshine.comAutomotive Service

RotelliDavid Krauth250 E. Calder WayState College, PA 16801814-238-8463Fax: 814-238-8465pennstaterotelli@yahoo.comwww.rotellistatecollege.comRestaurant

Royal Pet ResortBecky Koleno500 Maurer LaneJulian, PA 16844814-692-8279royalpetresort@aol.comwww.royalpetresort.comPet Care & Supplies/Veterinary Service

Servpro of State College/ BellefonteRyan MartinP.O. Box 123State College, PA 16803814-308-8268Fax: 814-308-8273Servpro9666@comcast.netwww.Servpro.comCleaning/Restoration Services

TNT Cleaning & Carpet Services, LLCTony Capaccio2547 Carnegie Dr.State College, PA 16803(814) 404-7847tonycap@roadrunner.comwww.tntcleaningservices.netCarpet/Upholstery Cleaning

During the 2009 Annual Meeting the CBICC recognized member anniveraries. L-R: Hugh Mose, CATA; Patti Har-tranft, The Collegian; Norb Baier, Lezzer Lumber; John Sepp, PennTerra Engineering; Rob Schmidt, Barash Media; Ron Rupert, Chemcut Corp.; and Tom Harris, PNC Bank.

During the 2009 Annual Meeting the CBICC recognized outgoing board members. Photo above: John Coleman & Patricia Best.

Lion Country KIA held a ribbon cutting on Oct. 30. L-R: Carol Maddox, John Coleman, Laurene Keck, Edie Binkley, Cory Fasold, Dianna Meckley, Tom Mertz, Steve Yetsko, Jean Gerber, Ron Leynes, & Connie Corl.

CBICC Members Seen & Heard

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (Continued...)Please join us in welcoming the following new members to the CBICC from the 2009 fourth quarter. The next time you are looking for a product or service, please consider supporting a CBICC member.

Opening a new business, expanding at your current location, or moving to a new location?

Let the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County help you celebrate with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is an important part of your overall marketing and advertising plan and is a great way to kick off a grand opening or relocation of a business.

For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony, contact Connie Corl at ccorl@cbicc.org.

(...continued from pg. 11: New Members...)

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Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County | 814-234-1829 | Fax 814-234-5869 | cbicc@cbicc.org | www.cbicc.org Jan/Feb/March 2010

On Tuesday, November 17, 2009 the CBICC along with 11 other Chambers of Commerce hosted the first ever Central PA Regional Business & Industry Expo at the Bryce Jordan Center. The event was a success with 220 exhibitor booths, 9 workshops, over 1,750 in attendence, 300+ attendees at the kick-off lucheon, 90 pre-registered for the AfterHours Tweetup and over 80 volunteers. Thank you for making this a successful event!

CBICC Members 2009 Regional Expo

During the kick-off luncheon for the Regional Expo, the Regional Expo was opened with a ribbon cutting. L-R: Jean Gerber, Joe Hurd, Carol Snyder, Yvonne Martin, Gary Hoover, Nancy Micks, Char-lie Ross, John Coleman, Angela Lombardo & Rod Beard cutting the ribbon to open the event.

Mark Messenger from Five Star Suzuki stands next to the SX4 SportBack they had on display dur-ing the Regional Expo.

The “UPS Bubble Wrap Girl” & Colleen Small display part of The UPS Store’s booth during the Regional Expo.

Deborah Mohr & Dave Boone discuss some of HealthSouth’s services with an attendee at the Regional Expo.

The Nittany Lion visited Karen Finlan & Steve Greer at Blazosky Associates and WHM Group’s booth during the Regional Expo.

Ike the Spike had some fun at Robert M. Sides’ booth playing one of their pianos they featured during the Regional Expo.

Morefield Communications’ booth was busy as employees discussed their many services with at-tendees that visited their exhibit during the Regional Expo.

The CBICC Awards Gala presented by SPE Federal Credit Union will be held on Thursday, March 4 from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. at The Penn Stater Conference Center.

Join us in recognizing the outstanding contributions of area businesses & individuals within our community. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour sponsored by The Shaner Group followed by dinner and the award presentations. PennTerra Engineering is the award finalist’s sponsor. David Price will be this year’s emcee and music will be provided by Rick Hirsch Quintessence Band.

Reservations are required by February 19. Cost is $70.00 per person or organizations can purchase a table of 10 sponsorship for $900.00.

Contact the CBICC at (814) 234-1829 or go to www.cbicc.org for more details.

Thursday, March 4CBICC Awards Gala

Presented by

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDSponsored by Centre County Community Foundation, Inc.

• Tara Baney, Mount Nittany Medical Center• Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA)• Doris Connor, Centre County United Way• Giant Food Store # 72• Steve Greer, The WHM Group• Keller Williams Advantage Realty

CORPORATE PHILANTHROPY AWARDSponsored by Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.

• Giant Food Store #72• Gilbane Construction• Lowe’s Home Improvement• One on One, Fitness Consultants Inc.• West Arete Computing

EXCELLENCE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDSponsored by Minitab Inc.

• Blue Heron Research Partners• Otto’s Pub & Brewery• Paul &Tony’s Stereo, Inc.• Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc.• West Arete Computing

OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by Sound Technology, Inc.

• Indigo Biosciences, Inc.• NanoHorizons, Inc.• Optical Image Technology, Inc.• Reclamere, Inc.• Salimetrics• ZedX, Inc.

QUALITY OF LIFE AWARDSponsored by Mount Nittany Medical Center

• Elizabeth Allen, Schlow Centre Region Library• Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA)• Centre County Affordable Housing Coalition• Centre County United Way• Steve Greer, The WHM Group• Christopher Lee, Columbus Chapel & Boal

Mansion• Fran Osseo-Asare, Betumi: The African

Culinary Network

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by First National Bank

• Keller Williams Advantage Realty• Keystone Business Support, Inc.• Nestlerode & Loy, Inc.• Nittany Gymnastics Academy, Inc.• Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc.• Proforma LLH Promos• South Hills School of Business & Technology

CBICC SPIRIT AWARDSponsored by Northwest Savings Bank

• Steve Greer, The WHM Group• Laurene Keck, Sweetland Engineering• Ron Leynes, Primerica Financial Services• Bob McDaniel, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.• Paul Tobin, Doty & Hench• Keith Walker, AgChoice Farm Country

Mortgages• Colleen Williams, Valpak of Lion Country

OUTSTANDING CBICC VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County

• Susan Abruzzo, eTravCo Inc.• Mary Ann Curren, Foxdale Village• Christine Hart, Events by Hart• Tom Kearney, Allegheny Power Co.• Colleen Williams, Valpak of Lion Country

Sponsored By:

2009 AWARD NOMINEES