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2. In the business world, artificial intelligence is enabling companies to work smarter and faster, doing more with significantly
less. As technology and society continue to advance, more organizations are looking for powerful, sophisticated solutions
that will improve and streamline operations, and allow them to understand customers in ways never thought possible.
Researchers project the global artificial intelligence market size to reach $733.7 billion by 2027, expanding at a compound
annual growth rate of 42.2 percent.
In this briefing, our speaker will discuss the link between artificial intelligence and data, and the increasing need for
cybersecurity in advancing manufacturing and other industries, including health care, finance, education and more.
Timothy Kurzweg, Ph.D., is the director of the School of Engineering at Penn State Behrend and a professor of
electrical and computer engineering.
Kurzweg holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He
has a bachelor’s degree from Penn State. He has served as principal or co-principal investigator for approximately
$9.5 million in funded research and has published more than 80 journal and conference papers. He also holds
multiple patents.
Before joining Penn State Behrend in July 2018, he previously served as vice provost for undergraduate education
and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
At Penn State Behrend, Kurzweg leads an engineering school with 1,600 students and a top-50 national ranking,
according to U.S. News & World Report.
PRESENTED BY:
REGISTER TODAY AT MBAUSA.ORG

3. BUSINESS
MAGAZINE
SPECIAL SECTION:
MBA CONGRATULATES
TRAINING GRADUATES
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
OF SARAH A. REED
CHILDREN’S CENTER AND SENIOR LIVING
FACILITY CARRY ON LEGACY OF CARING
SPOTLIGHT Q&A:
ONEX PRESIDENT
SHARES INSIGHTS
ON LEADERSHIP
VOL. XXXIV NO. 4 | APRIL 2021
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Adrienne Dixon, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Gale Magyar, NHA, CASP
CEO

4. Ahhhh …
that moment of clarity
when you realize you can take a big bite out of
your company’s health care spend in one year.
Nice job, you.
Introducing Well360 Clarity
from Highmark.
This powerful solution combines real-time data,
predictive analytics, and personalized outreach to
engage your members earlier, when they need health
guidance the most. And that adds up to cost savings
you’ll see within one year.
Guaranteed.
That’s a whole new kind of clarity.
That’s Well360 Clarity.
Got your attention?
Watch the video at
highmarkclarity.com/bcbs
to learn more.

5. READ ON THE GO!
For the most current
Business Magazine
updates, visit
mbabizmag.com
DEPARTMENTS EVENTS
BUSINESS BUZZ
WHAT’S NEW
PEOPLE BUZZ
AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
HR CONNECTION
WORKPLACE TRENDS
HR Q&A
GET ANSWERS
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© Copyright 2021 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements
created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts
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products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association,
2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
On the Cover: One hundred and fifty years since founding the “Home for the Friendless,” the legacy
of Sarah Reed and her 30 co-founders lives on in two separate nonprofit centers — Sarah A. Reed
Children’s Center, the region’s longest-standing behavioral health facility, and the former “Old Ladies
Home” — the multi-faceted, continuing care senior living facility, Sarah Reed Senior Living.
For full story, see page 4.
Mission Statement: The Manufacturer & Business
Association is dedicated to providing information and services
to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their
business and community interests. – Board of Governors
Executive Editor
Karen Torres
ktorres@mbausa.org
Contributing Writers
Lisa Smith Presta
Jamie Schumacher
Senator Kim Ward
Rachel Tserkovniak
Melissa Damico
Feature Photography
MKleck Photography
Addtional Photography
iStockphoto.com
Design, Production & Printing
Printing Concepts Inc.
printcon@erie.net
Advertising Sales
Frank Mehler
814/833-3200
fmehler@mbausa.org
David Thornburg
814/833-3200
dthornburg@mbausa.org
TRAINING GRADUATES
Congratulations to the graduates of
the MBA’s computer and professional
training courses.
Manufacturer & Business Association
Headquarters: 2171 West 38th Street
Erie, PA. 16508
Pittsburgh: 600 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 190
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
814/833-3200 |800/815-2660 | www.mbausa.org
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WHAT’S INSIDE
Editor’s Note: This month, we’re celebrating
women in leadership! Inside, you’ll learn
about some of the area’s most influential
leaders, as well as their insights and impact
on their organizations and the community.
Check it out!
FEATURES
WORTH NOTING | UPDATE
3 Message from the President
Together, we can! MBA President and CEO
John Krahe explains why association health
plans could soon become a reality.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
4 Celebrating 150 Years
of Sarah A. Reed
Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center and
Sarah Reed Senior Living recognize the
contributions of their namesake and
her fellow co-founders, and how both
organizations are carrying on their
legacy of caring today.
SPOTLIGHT Q&A | LEADERSHIP
9 Ashleigh Walters, president of Erie-based
manufacturing firm Onex, talks about
the lessons she has learned during her
leadership journey.
EDITORIAL
LEGAL BRIEF | GOVERNMENT
11 Madam vice president: Why Kamala Harris
could be an unapologetic tie-breaker on
key issues.
Lisa Smith Presta and Jamie Schumacher
ON THE HILL | REGULATIONS
15 Pennsylvania businesses and the
pandemic: Why the General Assembly
must ensure there are coronavirus policies
and procedures in place to protect both
business owners and employees.
PA Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward
PROFILE
19 Erie County Redevelopment Authority:
Rebuilding Erie County’s economic
development system.
1
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021 1
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

6. If providing affordable health insurance to your employees is important and you believe AHPs
may help your organization, we need you! Please visit www.mbausa.org, click on “Join the
MBA’s Coalition for Association Health Plans” banner and sign up.
You will receive timely updates and have an opportunity to share your experiences – which is
crucial to educate lawmakers on this issue. Most importantly…
Bethefirsttoreceivevitalcallstoactiontoadvocateyourlegislatorswithjustaclickofabutton!
Thanks to Senator Michele Brooks and Representative Valerie Gaydos, bills have been introduced
in the PA Senate (SB 235) and House (HB 550), which would allow AHPs in Pennsylvania.
Together, we can do this. Sign up today!
For more information, contact Jezree Friend at jfriend@mbausa.org.
Get Involved!

7. Health insurance has remained one of
the highest costs of doing business for
employers. Companies with fewer than
50 employees are finding increases are
becoming unsustainable. Employers
have increased their contributions, and
employees are now sharing a portion of
the cost as ways to cover these increases.
Some employers have already made the
difficult decision to eliminate health insur-
ance as a benefit altogether. Providing
health insurance as an employee benefit
is critical for each employer to reward and
retain their employees and to recruit and
retain top talent.
The MBA is committed to you, your
employees and their families to add
to our current discounted employee
benefits offerings and once again provide
access to quality group health insurance.
Since fall 2018, when we met with
Pennsylvania’s insurance commissioner
and her staff, we have been working to
bring association health plans (AHPs)
back to the Commonwealth. At the
heart of an AHP, we are looking to pull
together employers, their employees
and their families to “right-size” the
health insurance options available to
small employers in a similar way larger
employers are able to do to manage their
employee benefit costs.
Thanks to the efforts of our Government
Affairs team, partner employer groups
across the state, legislators on both sides
of the aisle and, specifically, Senator
Michele Brooks and Representative
Valerie Gaydos, bills have been
introduced in the PA Senate (SB 235) and
House (HB 550), which would allow AHPs
in Pennsylvania.
We are at a point where we need your
involvement to make this happen! We are
not asking for a dime, but strictly your
willingness to stay informed. Please see
TAKE ACTION!
our Join the Coalition ad on the opposite
page or visit www.mbausa.org to learn
how you can help champion our efforts.
Together, we can make AHPs a reality!
WORTH NOTING | UPDATE
MessageFromThePresident
ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS:
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE THEM A REALITY
We’ve experienced it in our
businesses, our families
and every facet of our lives
... We can accomplish more
together than on our own.
It’s been at the heart of so
many of the things you’ve
come to rely on from the
Manufacturer & Business
Association (MBA) for so
many years and rings as true
today as it did more than 100 years ago when the Association was first founded.
JohnKraheisthe
presidentandchief
executiveofficerof
theManufacturer&
BusinessAssociation
(MBA).The
Association,founded
in1905,represents
morethan3,000
membercompanieswithapproximately
120,000employeesin54countiesacrossthe
Commonwealth.TheMBAisdedicatedtohelping
employersfacechallengesbydeliveringservices
thatlowerthecostofdoingbusiness,easethe
burdenofcomplianceandincreaseproductivity
foritsmembers.
3
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

8. Throughout history, there are women who have stepped up to make
a difference in their communities. Many of these women didn’t see
themselves as leaders, but they had a vision and blazed a new path,
leaving a mark that transcends time.
Sarah A. Reed was one such woman. A prominent great-
granddaughter of Erie’s first family, Reed was a true influencer of her
time. She had connections, business savvy — passed down from her
father who was Secretary-Treasurer of the Erie Canal — and made it
her mission to dedicate her life to community service. In 1871, when
she and a group of 30 women joined forces to form “The Association
for Improving the Conditions of the Poor, and A Home for the
Friendless,” it was a decision that would impact thousands of lives for
generations to come.
At first, the “Home for the Friendless” operated out of the family
homestead of Reed’s great-uncle Rufus Reed on Seventh and State
Streets, and eventually moved to the site of the future Soldiers and
Sailors Home. In 1875, the home found a more permanent location
at 22nd and Sassafras Streets — gifted by a Board member and her
husband, the Honorable M.B. Lowry, an Erie native and Pennsylvania
state senator. By 1890, as the needs of the community grew, the home
expanded to separate buildings for children and adults.
Reed devoted her life to what would be known as Erie’s oldest
human services agency, serving as president for 45 years, while also
dedicating her time and service to 25 other organizations and various
charities in the Erie area. In fact, “Erie’s Grand Old Lady” had such a
profound impact on the community, that the mayor of Erie named
March 16, 1927 “Sarah Reed Day” in honor of her 89th birthday.
In 1934, Reed passed away at the age of 96. Two years later, the
organization was renamed in her honor — something the humble
Reed never allowed during her lifetime.
One hundred and fifty years since founding the “Home for the
Friendless,” the legacy of Sarah Reed and her 30 co-founders lives
on in two separate nonprofit centers incorporated in 1986 — Sarah
A. Reed Children’s Center, the region’s longest-standing behavioral
health facility, and the former “Old Ladies Home” — the multi-faceted,
continuing care senior living facility, Sarah Reed Senior Living.
Erie’s Longest-Standing Behavioral Health Facility
Adrienne Dixon, Ph.D., president and CEO of Sarah A. Reed
Children’s Center, is proud to carry on the legacy begun
by Sarah Reed and the Center’s founding group of women
150 years ago. A psychologist, Dixon has dedicated 34
years of her professional career to the Children’s Center,
most recently as associate vice president of residential and
community services. Much like Reed, Dixon has been a
trailblazer as a woman in leadership. In fall 2020, Dixon not
only became the first female president since Reed, she is
also the first person of color to lead the Agency.
“It’s humbling and honestly it means a lot to me, especially
during these times of adversity. I’ve dedicated 34 years of
my career to making a difference at Sarah Reed and in the
community, and as I reflect back on everything that has
occurred over the past year, I’m very honored and excited to be the first woman of
color,” she says.
Dixon says the decision to work with children wasn’t her initial career plan. However,
when she answered an ad for a community-based program moved by the enthusiasm
of colleagues Rick Scantlebury and Dan Alessi about the Center, she knew it was the
right place for her. From there, Dixon, who is fluent in Spanish, became instrumental
in a collaboration with the Migrant Head Start Program. She went on to contribute
her clinical expertise to the Center in developing additional services at Sarah Reed’s
Partial Hospitalization Program, and implementing mental health and drug and
alcohol clinics before becoming more involved in the residential and community
support programs.
During her tenure at the Center, Dixon says she has always felt that she was operating
in a leadership capacity. “I didn’t have to sit at the top to feel like I was contributing
and helping to guide the vision,” she says.
Appointed as the Center’s leader in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dixon has
had a lot to navigate. She has worked with her team to adapt to mitigation efforts and
safety protocols, as well as the shift to remote learning and telehealth. The goal: To
not only be responsive but forward thinking.
Dixon believes Reed took a similar approach as she helped guide the organization
through its early challenges. “In addition to her humbleness, Sarah was shrewd and
very resourceful for a woman of her time. Her intellect and vision allowed her to
foresee a need and be responsive to the community,” Dixon states.
Finding new ways to service the community — specifically children, adults and
families in times of crisis — is an area where the Center truly excels. It has been
Celebrating150Years
ofSarahA.Reed
Adrienne Dixon, Ph.D., is
president and CEO of Sarah
A. Reed Children’s Center.
COVER STORY | LOCAL PROFILE
Children’s Center and Senior Living
Facility Carry On Legacy of Caring
“It is easy to estimate the value of the property and tell of
the thoroughly organized institution that has grown out of a
venture of faith. But who can estimate the good it has done or
follow its far-reaching influence? Volumes would not tell of the
story of the lives it has helped.”
— Sarah A. Reed
In 1871, Sarah A. Reed and a group of 30 women joined together to help orphaned and homeless
children in Erie. They formed “The Association for Improving the Conditions of the Poor, and A
Home for the Friendless.” The Home would eventually become two separate, nonprofit centers –
one to care for children with behavioral needs and the other for seniors in the community.
4 APRIL 2021 • mbabizmag.com

9. headquartered at 2445 West 34th Street in Millcreek Township since 1961 and has
remained committed to its service mission as the community’s needs have evolved.
Today, the Center employs more than 300 staff members, operates five campuses in Erie
and is recognized as a leader in the successful care and treatment of children with mental
health, behavioral health and severe emotional challenges, many of whom are victims
of trauma and abuse. In fact, the Center serves more than 1,700 children (ages 3 to 18),
adults and their families annually, from Erie and 50 counties throughout Pennsylvania.
Accredited by the Joint Commission for Accreditation on Healthcare Organizations,
the Children’s Center offers a wide variety of outpatient and inpatient behavioral
health services, including 24-hour residential treatment, partial and acute partial
hospitalization, psychiatric medication management, a psychological assessment
clinic, intensive behavioral health services, community and school-based behavioral
health services, and alternative education programs for partnering school districts.
“One of the first things that was impressed upon me at Sarah Reed was the variety
of collaborations across the community,” Dixon adds. “Our partnerships with other
human service organizations, physicians, schools and higher education institutions
reinforces our investment in and our commitment to the community.”
According to Dixon, the Center is a unique resource in its partnerships, but also is the
first Sanctuary®
-certified treatment center in the Erie region. Sanctuary® is a cutting-
edge organizational trauma model developed by Dr. Sandra Bloom and guides an
organization in its culture and treatment environment (focused on the seven pillars
of non-violence, emotional intelligence, social learning, shared governance, open
communication, social responsibility, and growth and change).
“The Sanctuary®
Model allows us to engage in activities and services that reflect best
practices so we can continually improve, enhance and solidify our position as one of
the region’s top behavioral health service providers. We are invested in this evidence-
based Model and want the Erie community to feel confident in our ability to deliver
the highest standard of care,” she says.
In many cases, the Center is not only a source of support, but also hope. It’s not
unusual for Dixon and her team to receive phone calls, letters or even graduation
announcements from individuals and families they’ve helped. “People ask me all the
time, ‘How could you have been there so long? How can you deal with the traumatic
histories of the clients?’ But when you see the transformation and healing that occurs,
how could you not want to be part of that powerful process?”
The Children’s Center’s impact as an employer and training institution is also
considerable. In addition to being one of Erie County’s top 50 employers, the Center
operates an innovative, 2,000-hour doctoral internship program that is accredited by
the American Psychological Association (APA) to train upcoming leaders in the field
of behavioral health services. Since its inception in the early 1980s, the program has
trained students from more than 30 colleges and universities in the United States.
Dixon notes, “We are very proud of our training institute and our APA doctoral
internship program because it expands our access to new cutting-edge research,
which we utilize to further develop our therapies and treatments for the betterment
of the Erie community and beyond.”
In her new role, Dixon plans to build upon this reputation and on the Center’s trauma-
focused, client-centered vision. She anticipates working with community partnerships
that continue to deliver innovative, quality behavioral health care that promotes a
culture of wellness. She also launched the 150th Anniversary Technological Initiative
to raise $300,000 during the pandemic and plans to kick off a capital campaign to
enhance the Center’s facilities.
“Sarah Reed has a rich history of being very innovative,” she says. “We were one of
the first to provide school-based mental health and wraparound services in this
community. We actively engaged in advocacy efforts and participated at the state
level in developing polices for
statewide implementation.”
“We want to be responsive to
the needs of the community and
enhance quality of life experiences,”
Dixon explains. “This pandemic
has taught us to be flexible and
in a position to pivot quickly so
we can responsibly and safely
meet the diverse needs of those
we serve. I believe Sarah herself
would be proud of this perspective,
which uniquely parallels the early
years. The Children’s Center has
been no stranger to challenges.
Our agency’s history is rooted in
resiliency, and we remain steadfast
in our mission of responding with
compassion to our community and
those in need.” >
Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center is Sanctuary®
-certified
in its organizational culture and approach to trauma-
informed care.
Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center
Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center is a leader in care and treatment of children, adults and
families dealing with mental health, behavioral health and severe emotional challenges.
Main Administrative Offices & Residential Treatment Program
2445 West 34th Street, Erie, PA 16506
Main Office Phone: 814/838-1954
Website: www.SarahReed.org
The Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center became a separate
nonprofit entity in 1986.
Sarah A. Reed’s Children’s Center programs
and services help children, adolescents
and adults who are working to overcome
emotional, mental and behavioral health
challenges, many of whom have suffered
varying levels of trauma.
The Honorable M.B. Lowry was instrumental in
donating the property that would become a more
permanent site for the Home for the Friendless.
The property was located at West 22nd and
Sassafras Streets in Erie.
The Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center operates five
community-based centers in the Erie area, including
its residential treatment facility and administrative
offices on West 34th Street in Millcreek Township.
Also shown are staff members at the Hamilton
campus on Harvard Road and West 29th Street,
which provides partial hospitalization and acute
partial hospitalization.
5
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10. 6 APRIL 2021 • mbabizmag.com
A Community Focused on Compassion, Care and Continuity
Gale Magyar, NHA, CASP, has a unique perspective on Sarah
Reed’s lasting impact on the community. As CEO of Sarah
Reed Senior Living, Magyar not only oversees the operations
of the senior care community at West 22nd, Sassafras and
Myrtle Streets, but also carries on the legacy of Sarah Reed
and her fellow founders — providing an unparalleled level of
housing and health-care services for generations of seniors
and their families.
For Sarah Reed Senior Living, marking 150 years of
continuous operation in the face of challenges, such as
COVID-19, is a major accomplishment worth recognizing.
“As an organization with such a longstanding history, we
survived the Depression, wars, recessions and economic
changes in our city, regulatory, government and leadership,” states Magyar. “We have
overcome these challenges and have grown and thrived despite them. COVID continues
to present obstacles to our residents, staff and board, but we have adapted and
continue to do so.”
For Sarah Reed Senior Living, the 150th anniversary is also a reminder of the Center’s
strength and determination, which are highly regarded qualities of its founders. “Our
residents, staff and board members have certainly displayed these same attributes
over time, and especially the past year,” states Magyar. “So I look at this anniversary as
a celebration of the fortitude of everyone involved with our organization and its proud
past, present and promising future.”
Magyar, an Erie native who grew up blocks away, also on 22nd Street, has dedicated 43
years of her professional career to working at Sarah Reed Senior Living. She started as
an intern and was hired as a full-time social worker after earning her degree in social
work from Edinboro University. Additionally, she earned a Certified Aging Service
Professional designation. Over her tenure, she assumed new leadership roles, first as
assistant administrator, administrator and, most recently, her current position as CEO.
“I studied social work knowing that I wanted to help people, so getting my first job at
Sarah Reed and assuming increased leadership roles over the decades to advance the
organization and continue Sarah’s legacy has been quite an honor,” states Magyar.
“The fact that the community continually regards Sarah Reed Senior Living as a trusted
provider of senior housing and health care has driven me to move our organization
forward over the years and continue the legacy of caring.”
Today, Sarah Reed Senior Living is one of the most sought-after and leading providers
of senior care and housing in the region. The centrally located Erie community, which
underwent a major expansion and renovation in 2016, is home to approximately 200
residents in three connected buildings that include an underground parking garage.
Reed Manor and Reed Terrace feature residential apartments in which personal
care services are available. Reed Terrace, also houses the memory support unit
Zurn Pavilion, added in 1990, as well as private rooms, its own lounge, dining area
and outdoor patio. The third building, Reed House, includes the private skilled and
rehabilitation rooms and is staffed with nursing professionals 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.
“We believe a continuum of care is paramount when it comes to senior living,” explains
Magyar. “By offering everything from residential apartment living, add-on personal
care services, memory support units, short-term rehab and nursing home care, we can
respond to residents’ changing needs. This sets us apart from many other facilities.”
In fact, one of the areas in which Sarah Reed excels is its therapy and short-term rehab
services. Individuals discharged from the hospital can be admitted to the nursing
home for these services. “The goal is to help people rehabilitate and restore them to
their highest level of function, and promote their independence to either return home
or back to their apartment at Sarah Reed. Therapy is also available to residential and
personal care residents as needed.”
Sarah Reed Senior Living gives seniors and their families the lifestyle choices they
want and deserve. Residents have a wide array of housing options, including single
bedroom suites, two bedroom suites and studio suites. The retirement center also
offers numerous amenities, such as wireless Internet, special dietary meals, religious
and spiritual activities, daily exercise programs and other social activities that have
transitioned to virtual offerings during the pandemic.
Magyar is proud of the services and support that her staff has been able to provide
throughout the COVID crisis, and many families have recognized this too. It’s not
uncommon for the employees to receive thank-you notes for going above and beyond,
and making a difference in the lives of Sarah Reed residents and their families every
day. The nursing facility receives high ratings from Medicare, as well.
“The consistent feedback I always hear — and feel — is our culture of friendliness and
the compassion of our staff,” Magyar says. “Everyone here is very kind and truly cares
about the residents and their families.”
Sarah Reed Senior Living also continues to invest in renovations and improvements to
deliver the best service possible. “There is no doubt that Sarah Reed will continue to
evolve and position itself for future generations,” she says.
Sarah Reed Senior Living
Sarah Reed Senior Living is a continuing care senior living community, which offers
a wide variety of living options including residential apartments, personal care and
memory care services, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation.
Address: 227 West 22nd Street, Erie, PA 16502
Phone: 814/878-2600
Website: www.sarahareed.org
Gale Magyar, NHA, CASP,
is CEO of Sarah Reed
Senior Living.
Sarah Reed Senior Living offers seniors
a wide array of housing options. The
retirement center is also recognized
for its therapy and short-term
rehabilitation services.
In 2016, Sarah Reed Senior Living underwent an extensive expansion, adding more
than 47,000 square feet. The $18 million project gave residents private rooms along
with new therapy, recreation, dining and outdoor areas.
Sarah Reed “possessed a unique combination of talents: gentle
without weakness; strong and courageous in convictions; serious
in purpose; liberal in gifts; royal in hospitality; regal in leadership
– with a deep, essential spirituality… To be with her was to sit in
the sun. Hers was a type of noblest American womanhood.”
— Etta B. Schutte, fellow Board Member
“Home for the Friendless”
Sarah Reed left a lasting impact on
the community. Here is a bust of the
late founder along with memorabilia
including a photo, gavel, bell and
meeting notes.

12. “My advice for women in
business today would be
to define success on your
own terms, achieve it by your
own rules and build a life
you’re proud to live. If there is
something you really want
to do, believe in yourself and
keep moving forward because
success will come. And lastly,
pay it forward and help
others to achieve success.”
“Banking is an industry that
has traditionally recognized
women. I feel extremely
fortunate to have built a
career at Marquette, where
my contributions are both
recognized and valued.
The fact that my career has
provided an opportunity
to help make our community
a better place has been
very rewarding.”
“It never occurred to me that
I had what it takes to have
such an exciting and successful
career in banking. I have
always felt like I have a voice
here. Hard work pays off.
Management recognized
my potential and believed
in me. And, throughout the
years I have had a steady
upward career path.”
“Marquette has given me
the opportunity to not only
reach my own potential as a
leader, but more important,
an opportunity to help others
reach their full potential.
It’s important to me that
Marquette recognizes the
contributions women make
and values employees as
their greatest asset.”
Julie Wilson
Chief Financial Officer
Kelly Montefiori
Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Lopez
Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations
Stella LaPaglia
Senior Vice President of Human Resources
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
WOMEN IN BUSINESS

13. OnexPresidentShares
InsightsonLeadership
the pandemic, these conversations are not
occurring as frequently if at all. Therefore, I
decided to write a playbook for how I turned
Onex around in hopes that others would be
inspired to make the necessary changes
as well.
What are some highlights of Leading
with Grit and Grace that can apply to all
business leaders?
When we truly want our people to be
engaged, we the leaders must take
deliberate steps to remove the negatives
that cause them to disengage, and instead
find ways to empower them. So, the
highlight that all leaders can learn from
is giving their people the freedom to fail.
Create a learning organization because you
truly do learn more from your failures than
your successes.
Based on what you’ve learned, what is
the best advice you can give to women
in business today?
When I began my career, my father was
quick to tell me that just because I had a
degree in engineering that did not mean
that I knew more than the personnel on the
plant floor. He stressed that in order to put
my degree to work and make the textbook
learning practical, I had to ask the people
on the frontlines doing the actual work their
perspectives. These individuals very likely
knew the solution to the problem I was
working on but had never before been asked
by management for their input.
Please tell us about your career journey
and your leadership role at Onex.
In 2013, my father-in-law called to let me
know the CFO of his company had left. He
asked me to lead Onex. The company was
in a disarray with employees not working
as a team and actually pitted against one
another, while others had a “not my job”
attitude. We were no longer the friendly
“family” company we once were where
people loved to come to work.
My road to business success was truly the
road less traveled. You see, my education
was in engineering, not in business
management. Even though I had no idea
what strategies the business books would
have suggested for solving my dilemma of
trying to turn around a distressed business,
my background came through in spades,
because engineering taught me to solve a
problem by knowing how to find a solution.
The first thing I did was to shift the
leadership style from command and control
to a more democratic approach where
everyone’s ideas were requested and heard.
This changed the organization culture and
made all the difference in the world.
Onex has a long history in Erie
manufacturing. Tell us about the
products/services you provide today.
Onex was established as an Erie business
in 1966. In the beginning, Onex distributed
J.H. France’s refractory materials to the local
foundries such as Erie Malleable Iron and
General Electric. Today, Onex services and
builds industrial furnaces. Foundries are
no longer our main market. The forge and
heat treat industry serving defense and
aerospace end users are our primary clients.
Onex has been a 100-percent employee-
owned company since July 2020. Tell us
what this dynamic means for you and
your team when it comes to leadership
and buy in.
Andrew, my husband, and I purchased
Onex from his father in 2018 making us
second generation owners. Statistically, third
generation owned family businesses only
have a 13-percent success rate. Therefore,
Andrew and I knew we needed to consider
our own succession planning. Turning
Onex into a 100-percent employee-owned
company means that we maintain the same
leadership roles while ensuring that Onex
remains an Erie company for generations
to come.
Onex’s Senior Designer James Betza stated
employee buy in the best when he said,
“I am excited to be a part of the ESOP. My
goal is to proactively assist the company’s
growth. Knowing that every positive action
I make can provide great rewards in the
future will help me sharpen my skills
and maintain focus on the long-term
goals ahead!”
The pandemic has created challenges
for nearly every company, but you’ve
created a playbook of what you’ve
learned in your new book. Tell us why
you decided to write it.
Prior to the pandemic, I was able to network
with other business leaders in the local area.
We would discuss what was going well or
ask if anyone had faced a similar issue. Since
In 2019, the proportion of women in senior management roles globally grew to 29 percent,
the highest number ever recorded. In 2020, 87 percent of global mid-market companies
had at least one woman in a senior management role. Here, AshleighWalters, president
of Erie-based manufacturing firm Onex, talks about the lessons she has learned during her
leadership journey and her book, Leading With Grit and Grace: A Journey of Organizational
Culture Change, which was published during the pandemic in December 2020.
SPOTLIGHT Q&A| LEADERSHIP
9
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

14. Women Making A Difference
100 State Street, Suite 700
Erie, PA 16507
(814) 870-7600
www.MacDonaldIllig.com
MacDonald Illig is proud to be one of the largest
law firm employers of women attorneys in
Northwest Pennsylvania. As active members of
the Erie community, our women partners and
associates serve on and lead the Boards of
numerous non-profit and civic organizations.
MacDonald Illig values commitment to our
community and joins the Manufacturer &
Business Association in commending the
women leaders throughout our region who
make a difference.
MacDonald Illig's women
attorneys practice in 17
different areas of law:
Business Transactions
Banking & Finance
Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights
Cannabis
Charitable & Nonprofit Organizations
Construction
Family Law
Government Services
Education
Health Care
Intellectual Property & Technology
Labor & Employment
Litigation
Real Estate
Tax Planning & Representation
Trusts & Estates
Workers' Compensation

15. LEGAL BRIEF | GOVERNMENT
LisaSmithPresta is
a senior partner and
chair of the Litigation
Department at MacDonald
Illig. Her experience
includes the handling
of complex, multiparty
litigation involving
commercial disputes, breach of contract claims,
employment matters, and professional services.
JamieSchumacher is
an associate at
MacDonald Illig. She
concentrates her
practice in the areas of
commercial litigation,
employment litigation,
insurance defense, and
municipal/ordinance enforcement.
rape kit backlog. Also on her agenda is an
“Equal Pay Certified” designation for large
companies to address the gender pay gap.
Harris has proposed expanding paid family
leave and has detailed a plan for legislation
under which families earning under 150
percent of a state’s median income would
not spend more than 7 percent of their
income on child care.
Criminal Justice Reform and Gun
Policy. Harris is largely aligned with her
party regarding law enforcement reform
but has stopped short of advocating police
defunding. She supports the national
legalization of marijuana, increased
regulation of gun manufacturers, and
mandatory background checks. Harris
favors a ban on assault weapons and high-
capacity magazines.
Income and Wealth Distribution. Harris
supports a $15 per hour minimum wage,
investment in STEM education, particularly
for minorities, and tax credits for the
middle-class.
Climate Change. This is a key concern
for the Biden administration. Harris was a
co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, a policy
paper aimed at tackling climate change,
and she introduced a climate equity bill
seeking to address how environmental
laws affect lower-income economies. Harris
opposes fracking and has outlined a plan to
achieve net-zero emissions. She supported
rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement.
Immigration. Harris, a child of immigrants,
has pledged to offer a path to citizenship to
millions of undocumented immigrants. In
the past, she has supported decriminalizing
border crossing and providing taxpayer-
funded health care. In addition, the Biden
administration has signed an Executive
Order to once again count non-citizens in
the U.S. census.
Foreign Affairs. Harris has spoken
extensively about U.S. relations with China,
Iran, Syria and North Korea, criticizing the
prior administration for its relationship with
North Korea and the withdrawal of troops
from Syria. Her first weeks as vice president
included numerous conversations with the
prime minister of Canada.
Putting party politics aside, just as Kamala
Harris has acknowledged the women who
came before her, she paves the way for
the victories of strong women to come.
As Madam Vice President Harris herself
said, “while I may be the first woman in this
office, I won’t be the last.”
For information about MacDonald Illig, call
814/870-7600 or visit www.macdonaldillig.com.
checks, a one-year ban on evictions
and foreclosures, and a prohibition on
raising rents. Top concerns now include
small business relief and restructuring
the federal government’s handling of
personal protection equipment (PPE) and
vaccination, including vaccine skepticism.
Health Care. Harris’ support of the
Affordable Care Act and universal
coverage is well known. She also advocates
for expanded mental health care. As
California’s attorney general, Harris was
extensively involved in antitrust matters
and scrutinizing pay-for-delay practices
in which companies allegedly paid
competitors to delay the introduction of
generic pharmaceuticals.
Women and Family. Harris is pro-
choice, has supported taxpayer-funded
reproductive health care, and has
announced a plan to close the nationwide
Fan or foe, this is undebatable: Kamala
Harris is breaking new ground.
On January 20, 2021, Harris became the
46th vice president of the United States, the
first woman to ever hold the title. She is also
the first Black vice president, the first South
Asian descent vice president, and the first
vice president-elect to do a victory lap to
“Work That” by Mary J. Blige. What else can
we expect over the next four years?
During her short tenure, Vice President
Harris has attended nearly all key
administration meetings to-date and has
been identified as the “final voice” on a
multitude of matters. Given the prediction
that her tie-breaker vote in the Senate
will define her vice presidency, here is an
overview of Harris’ anticipated position on
various issues.
Pandemic Relief. As a senator, Harris
supported $2,000 monthly stimulus
MadamVicePresident:
Harris Could Be Unapologetic Tie-Breaker on Key Issues
11
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

16. Matric Group recently earned its Nadcap accreditation. Shown here is a file photo of its Seneca,
Pennsylvania headquarters.
BUSINESS BUZZ | WHAT’S NEW
MATRIC LIMITED RECEIVES NADCAP
ACCREDITATION FOR ELECTRONICS
Matric Limited recently announced it has received
Nadcap accreditation for Electronics after
successfully passing a Nadcap audit for Printed
Circuit Board Assembly (PBA). This accreditation
was awarded for demonstrating Matric’s ongoing
commitment to quality by satisfying customer
requirements and industry specifications.
According to Matric Group CEO Rick Turner, “It
was imperative we receive this accreditation to
accommodate the everchanging needs of our
current and future customers. I congratulate Liisa
Maenpaa, our director of Quality, and the entire
Matric team for their relentless efforts in making
this happen.”
Created in 1990 by SAE International, Nadcap is
administered by the not-for-profit Performance.
Review Institute (PRI). PRI is a global provider of
customer-focused solutions designed to improve
process and product quality by adding value,
reducing total cost and promoting collaboration
among stakeholders in industries where safety
and quality are shared goals. PRI works closely with
industry to understand their emerging needs and
offers customized solutions in response.
Matric offers both turnkey and board-level
assembly, specializing in high mix/low to mid-
volume contract assembly with its ISO 9001,
ISO 13485 and AS 9100 certified quality
management system.
For more information, visit www.matric.com.
Matric Group, headquartered in Seneca,
Pennsylvania, is a contract manufacturer of
electronic assemblies, offering world-class
Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) with
personalized customer support, working closely
with customers to meet unique assembly and
testing requirements.
A successful retirement in the future can often depend
on having a solid plan now. If your money isn’t working
as hard as you are, it may be time to act—there are no
do-overs in retirement planning. We specialize in providing
comprehensive, objective financial guidance with the goal
of maximizing every remaining moment of the retirement
countdown. Schedule a free consultation with us today!
Kristy Snippert, CRC®, RICP®
LPL Financial Advisor
850 Pittsburgh Avenue, Erie
(814) 920-1036
kristy.snippert@northwest.com
Toni Paup, CFP®, CDFA™, ChFC®
SVP, Regional Manager
950 E Main Street, Bradford
(814) 362-4000 ext 24911
toni.paup@northwest.com
Celebrating Women in Business!
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/
SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Northwest Bank and Northwest Investment Services are not registered as a
broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Northwest Investment Services, and may also be
employees of Northwest Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates
of, Northwest Bank and Northwest Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency Not Bank Guaranteed Not Bank Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value
northwest.bank/personal/invest/investment-services
WHERE DOES RETIREMENT
PLANNING START? WITH A
SIMPLE CONVERSATION.
12 APRIL 2021 • mbabizmag.com

17. PEOPLE BUZZ | AWARDS AND PROMOTIONS
MOORE RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL
NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF
INSIGHTS ASSOCIATION GREAT
LAKES CHAPTER BOARD
Lindsay Bach-Moore,
director of Research &
Insights at Moore Research
Services, Inc., has been
elected as president-elect to
the Insights Association (IA)
Great Lakes Chapter (GLC)
Board of Directors for the
2021 term. She previously served as the director
of Programming and has been a member of the
GLC’s Diversity and Education committee
since 2019.
The Insights Association strives to effectively
represent, advance, and grow the research
profession and industry. Specifically, the
organization provides government advocacy,
cares for and improves the industry’s image,
markets the business case for industry products
and services to buyers and users, and sets
and enforces professional standards and best
practices. The Great Lakes Chapter is one of the
largest and most active chapters in the Insights
Association. The GLC has more than 1,000
members covering 11 states.
When asked about her preparedness and
ambitions for this role, Bach-Moore said, “I
believe my 12 years of experience in the research
industry coupled with my active involvement as
a GLC board and committee member will lend
greatly to my role as president-elect. I hope to
collaborate with other industry-professionals
and IA chapters across the country to elevate
the voice of the Insights community, promote
innovative ways of conducting research, and
continue to educate GLC members in effective,
adaptable ways so they can grow themselves and
their business.”
Moore Research Services, Inc. is an award-
winning market and opinion research company
founded in 1969.
CARSON WILLIAMS NAMED DEPUTY
CHAIR OF CLEVELAND FEDERAL
RESERVE BANK BOARD
Doris Carson Williams,
founder and chief executive
officer of the African
American Chamber of
Commerce of Western
Pennsylvania and past
president judge of the
Court of Judicial Discipline,
has been named deputy chair of the Cleveland
Federal Reserve Bank Board and was
reappointed a director.
Williams served as the chair of the board
of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of
Cleveland, Pittsburgh Branch, in 2016 and 2017.
Williams also served as a director of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Pittsburgh Branch,
from 2014 to 2017.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is one
of 12 regional Reserve Banks that along with
the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.,
comprise the Federal Reserve System. Part of the
U.S. central bank, the Cleveland Fed participates
in the formulation of our nation’s monetary
policy, supervises banking organizations,
provides payment and other services to financial
institutions and to the U.S. Treasury, and
performs many activities that support Federal
Reserve operations systemwide. In addition, the
Bank supports the well-being of communities
across the Fourth Federal Reserve District
through a wide array of research, outreach and
educational activities.
Williams is also a member of the Allegheny Health
Network (AHN) board of directors. She is also the
vice-chair of the Highmark Foundation board of
directors, and sits on the Highmark Inc. board.
Highmark Health is AHN’s parent company.
Additionally, Williams is a certified member of the
National Association of Chamber of Commerce
Executives. She also was one of the co-chairs of
the Pittsburgh G-20 Partnership, which planned
for the 2009 G-20 summit.
Edinboro.edu
For those who
break ceilings.
Edinboro University was built for students who strive
for more. Those who look at things and see a brighter
tomorrow—for us all. It’s why we are so proud our
community educates, inspires and empowers the women
who will change the world.
While we celebrate the women who are essential to the spirit
of Edinboro during Women’s History Month, we commit to
their ideals and benefit from their vision every day.
13
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

18. McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP
Certified Public Accountants • Business & Financial Advisors
ERIE
814-453-6594
MEADVILLE
814-724-5890
FRANKLIN
814-437-9568
GROVE CITY
724-458-7490
TITUSVILLE
814-827-3657
navigating the role of women in business and industry
The female leadership of McGill, Power, Bell and Associates, LLP provides an unparalleled role for the firm and
community.Their perspective, contributions and personal investment of time and attention deliver immediate and
long-term results for the firm and our clients.
Under their guidance, MPB continues to deliver quality, timely and technical accounting and tax support to
individuals and businesses. We will be your partner who understands the challenges and pressures you face on a
daily basis and you can count on us for the most up-to-date, forward thinking financial guidance and direction.
Client service is one of our guiding pillars, the relationships we build and the solutions we can provide give us the
competitive advantage in Northwest Pennsylvania. Our approach delivers the quality that is vital to your
continued growth. McGill, Power, Bell and Associates, LLP provides exceptional tax, accounting, assurance, and
consulting services across an expansive list of industries. Let us work hard for you and your business!
WOMEN WORKPLACE
in the
McGill, Power, Bell & Associates, LLP Sets The Standard
www.mpbcpa.com

19. detrimental to their finances. These
businesses are already struggling
under prolonged shutdowns and
limitations; the fear of lawsuits once
they do open under good faith is yet
another major stressor.
In November, Governor Tom Wolf
vetoed House Bill 1737, a proposed
civil liability immunity for businesses
during the pandemic. In his veto,
Governor Wolf said, “Shielding
entities from liability in such a broad
fashion as provided under this bill
invites the potential for carelessness
and a disregard for public safety.”
Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
Utah and Wyoming have already
passed laws for business immunity
for the coronavirus. It is vital that
Pennsylvania is added to this list.
Pennsylvanians have been facing
their biggest challenges during this
past year. Business owners have
been told when and how to reopen
and operate with rules changing
daily. Employers want to get back
to operating without the threat of
legal battles. It’s incumbent upon
the General Assembly to ensure
there are coronavirus policies and
procedures in place to protect both
business owners and employees.
to be able to represent Pennsylvania
citizens by having real input during
extended state of emergencies.
The citizens of Pennsylvania also
should have a say in reining in
this extended, unilateral power
on display during this emergency.
Businesses and employers suffer
the consequences when checks and
balances don’t exist, and especially
the countless unemployed workers
who continue to struggle to obtain
unemployment benefits. Thus,
I presented Senate Bill 2 to limit
the length of future emergency
disaster declarations unless an
extension is approved by the General
Assembly. Senate Bill 2 also provides
for a constitutional amendment
prohibiting the denial of equal rights
based on race or ethnicity, bringing
the Pennsylvania Constitution in
line with the U.S. Constitution. This
constitutional amendment will be on
the May 18 ballot.
Now that Pennsylvania businesses
can begin to reopen with limitations,
they are encountering coronavirus-
related liability exposure from
employees and customers. The
economic burden to an employer
to defend or settle claims involving
coronavirus-related cases can be
PennsylvaniaBusinesses
andthePandemic
ON THE HILL | REGULATIONS
This past year, the coronavirus
pandemic has been devastating
businesses of all sizes and industries
throughout the Commonwealth.
Most have been forced to close
their doors for months against their
will, and many closed their doors
permanently. They continue to
struggle to keep their workers paid,
resulting in applying for loans or
executing layoffs.
The ongoing emergency disaster
declaration has severely weakened
Pennsylvania’s economy. Currently,
a governor can call a state of
emergency where s/he has the
unilateral power to override
regulations, spend money and put
mandates in place without any
legislative approval. Legislators need
Senator Kim Ward,
R-39th District,
currently serves as the
Senate majority leader
in Pennsylvania. She
is the first woman
in the history of
the Pennsylvania
Legislature to serve as majority leader in
either the Pennsylvania House or Senate.
For more information or to contact her
office, visit www.senatorward.com.
15
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

20. Anita Kuchcinski
Vice President
Commercial Lender
anita.kuchcinski@northwest.com
Katie Ruffa
Vice President
Commercial Lender
kathryn.ruffa@northwest.com
Nancy Gardner
Regional Vice President
Portfolio Management Team Leader
nancy.gardner@northwest.com
Brandy Brine
Portfolio Manager
brandy.brine@northwest.com
Amanda Schodt
Portfolio Management Specialist
amanda.schodt@northwest.com
Jen Stewart
Assistant Vice President
Treasury Management Advisor
jennifer.stewart@northwest.com
Caren Totleben
Administrative Support
caren.totleben@northwest.com
Michele Cavalier, SVP
Corporate Senior Vice President
Senior Trust Executive
michele.cavalier@northwest.com
Deborah Hayes
Vice President
Trust Officer
debra.hayes@northwest.com
Leah Manino
Vice President
Business Banker
leah.manino@northwest.com
Jackie Ksenich
Business Banker
jacqueline.ksenich@northwest.com
Jennifer Rodenbaugh
Office Manager
Small Business Lender
jennifer.rodenbaugh@northwest.com
Samantha Kennedy
Office Manager
Small Business Lender
samantha.kennedy@northwest.com
Jessica Garrity
Erie Region Vice President
Office Manager/Small Business Lender
jessica.garrity@northwest.com
CELEBRATING WOMEN
IN BUSINESS!
Recognizing Northwest women making a difference in the greater
Erie area and the accomplishments of women everywhere.
Only deposit products offered by Northwest Bank are Member FDIC.
www.northwest.com
Bank | Borrow | Invest | Insure | Plan

21. HR CONNECTION | WORKPLACE TRENDS
RESEARCHERS: ASSERTIVE LANGUAGE MAY
HELP REDUCE WORKPLACE GENDER GAP
What underpins the workplace gender gap? It
may be just words. This is the finding of a new
study in Management Science out of Washington
State University, in which researchers successfully
made a workplace gender gap disappear via
language choices.
The statements and advice of women are
commonly less believed than those of men.
Researchers aimed to pinpoint why in a study
that asked 1,000 people to play a challenging
online game while listening to the game advice of
men and women — some of whom used more
assertive language and some of whom used less
assertive language.
The study found that when women employed
assertive language, their advice was just as likely
to be followed as the men’s advice, and the gender
gap disappeared.
STUDY: ONE IN FOUR WOMEN
CONSIDERED LEAVING WORKFORCE
OR DOWNSHIFTING DUE TO PANDEMIC
McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org recently
released the annual Women in the Workplace
report, the largest study of its kind. After six
years of slow but measurable progress in the
representation of women in corporate America,
one in four women have reported considering
leaving the workforce or downshifting their
careers due to COVID-19.
The report is based on data and insights from
317 companies employing more than 12 million
people, along with survey responses from more
than 40,000 individual employees.
COVID-19 has been hugely disruptive for all
employees. The new report also highlights the
effects of the pandemic on women, including the
distinct challenges for mothers, women in senior
leadership and Black women.
Working mothers are deeply concerned about
how COVID-19 will impact their careers. They
are more than three times as likely as fathers to
be managing most of their family’s housework
and caregiving during the pandemic — and
twice as likely to worry that their performance
will be judged negatively due to their caregiving
responsibilities. They are also far more likely to
feel uncomfortable sharing work-life challenges
with colleagues — or that they’ve got children
at home.
Melissa Damico
is the manager of Client Services at the Manufacturer & Business
Association. Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or
mdamico@mbausa.org.
MBACanAssistEmployersFacingNew
ChallengesWithMedicare-EligibleEmployees
Businesses with less than 20 employees who have employees that are 65 or older
(Medicare eligible) and who offer a group health plan will be facing new challenges in
our region. The Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) rules state that an employee who is
Medicare eligible and works for a company with less than 20 employees must enroll
in Medicare because Medicare is the primary payer of medical claims and the group
health plan (GHP) is secondary.
Up until now, the major payers, Highmark and UPMC, have paid as primary for
Medicare-eligible individuals in small groups, negating the need for the Medicare
eligibles to enroll in Medicare. Recently, UPMC announced that it was going to follow the
MSP rules and begin paying as secondary for any employee who is Medicare eligible.
With this change, small businesses will need to have their Medicare-eligible employees
enroll in Medicare and then evaluate if it makes sense to enroll in a Medicare plan and
leave the GHP.
There is good news, however. Through the Manufacturer & Business Association’s
partnership with MediPlanConnect, our expert professionals can help you and your
Medicare eligible employees through the process. The MBA’s program is turn-key and
will assist your Medicare eligible employee in enrolling in Medicare, evaluating their
personal health insurance needs and, if appropriate, enrolling them in a Medicare plan.
It’s worth noting that these services are no cost to you or your employees as members
of the MBA. We will remove the burden from you and your team!
If you would like me to put you in touch with our MediPlanConnect experts, please contact
me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mdamico@mbausa.org.
17
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

22. Workplace discrimination and harassment has become a vital topic for small and large
employers to avoid violation of federal laws. An employer’s role in harassment prevention
is important not only financially, but also has the ability to foster a positive business culture
and increase employee engagement and workplace reputation. The U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has provided employers with five core principles for
preventing harassment:
• Committed and engaged leadership
• Consistent and demonstrated accountability
• Strong and comprehensive harassment policies
• Trusted and accessible complaint procedures
• Regular, interactive training tailored to the audience and the workplace
Following best practices and EEOC guidelines employers should create harassment policies
should contain the following items:
• Make clear what behaviors, both verbal and physical, constitute sexual harassment, and
stress that the company has a strict no-tolerance policy.
• Encourage employees to bring forth claims of harassment so that the company
can investigate, take appropriate action and take necessary steps to prevent future
harassment.
• Clear guidelines for how to report sexual harassment
• A complaint procedure and a response to the complaints procedure for management
personnel
• Incorporate a no relation policy and outline the investigation process.
Employers interested in setting up harassment training or for more information on harassment
prevention for their organization are encouraged to reach out to the MBA’s HR/Legal team by
emailing hr@mbausa.org or calling 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.
HR Q&A | GET ANSWERS
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER TIPS
ON PREVENTING HARASSMENT
IN THE WORKPLACE?
• Provide employees with at least two
separate resources for reporting sexual
harassment complaints. This protects the
employer in case the alleged harasser is the
employee’s direct supervisor.
• Designate a female and male staff member
from HR to receive sexual harassment
claims, preferably individuals with
experience in dealing with discrimination
and harassment.
WHAT IF WE FIND NO SEXUAL
HARASSMENT HAS TAKEN PLACE
DURING AN INVESTIGATION?
Emphasize that victims will receive no backlash or
repercussions if they report sexual harassment.
Do not punish the victim for the harassment
by removing him or her from their job,
department or role within the company. Even if
the investigation has concluded no harassment
has been found, any adverse action could be
deemed retaliation.
ARE WE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE
HARASSMENT TRAINING?
Employers will need to verify with their specific
county and state laws; however, employers are
encouraged to hold annual harassment training
and incorporate harassment training during
onboarding to ensure the employer is following
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) guidelines on preventing harassment in
the workplace.
TheImportanceofPreventing
SexualHarassmentintheWorkplace
Rachel Tserkovniak, SPHR,
is an HR consultant and trainer at the
Manufacturer & Business Association.
Contact her at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660
or rtserkovniak@mbausa.org.
CONTACT US
Visit our website to learn more.
We are your local Pennsylvania-based water treatment experts.
P: 814-265-0959 | E: Prochem@Prochemtech.com | W: prochemtech.com
Offering a full range of innovative water management
treatments, ProChemTech can create the perfect water
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INNOVATION IN WATER MANAGEMENT
18 APRIL 2021 • mbabizmag.com

23. A strong economic development agency can
make all the difference when an economy is
evolving — and the evolution of Erie County
is underway.
Economic development is the intentional
practice of improving a community’s economic
well-being and quality of life. It includes a broad
range of strategies to attract, create, and retain
jobs, and to foster a resilient, and an inclusive
economy. For an economic development agency
to be successful it must include a collaborative
effort involving industry, government and
community stakeholders.
The Erie County Redevelopment Authority
(ECRDA) was reorganized to do just that. And,
after an extensive search in 2019, the ECRDA
Board of Directors tapped the leadership of a
proven Erie executive, CEO Tina Mengine, to lead
the way to a new, results-driven agency designed
to retain, grow and attract business to Erie.
Even as COVID-19 blanketed the globe, Mengine
organized a fresh leadership team at the
ECRDA to tackle the monumental challenge
of assisting hundreds of businesses through
the pandemic. In 2020, the ECRDA seamlessly
administered $9 million in small business grants
and zero interest loans for Erie businesses. To
achieve this, Mengine created new consumer-
friendly systems, recruited talented economic
development professional, Vice President of
Project Development
Sherri Geary, and drew one
of Erie’s well-known bank
executives, Betsy Bort,
out of retirement to help take on the challenge.
She also built a new partnership with the City
of Erie, which teamed ECRDA with seasoned
finance executive Chris Groner. These talented
individuals added to an already experienced
team of economic development professionals to
help move Erie forward.
Under the restructured team, ECRDA enhanced
existing and created new programs to assist
businesses:
• Site selection services for new and existing
businesses
• Site investment including remediation and
infrastructure improvements
• Low-interest gap and long-term financing
• Financing and technical support for
entrepreneurs
• Grant opportunities to assist
entrepreneurs and businesses
• Develop business parks and prep sites for
future development
• Market businesses locally, regionally,
nationally and internationally
Armed with an enhanced menu of services,
the Authority unleashed its capital lending and
real estate development expertise to support
growth of existing businesses and attract new
companies to the region. Boundless optimism
and deep expertise is quickly moving the needle
toward a modern economic development
agency with the tools to support economic
growth in the region.
The vision for the next generation of Erie’s
economy is coming into focus and it requires
support of Erie’s manufacturing base, while
expanded lending to small businesses. A
$32 million loan fund managed under the Office
of Capital Finance & Lending is working hand-in-
hand with businesses small and large to ensure
access to capital isn’t an impediment to growth.
COVID-19 has exposed the gross disparity in
access to capital for women and minorities. To
address this hole in our business ecosystem,
ECRDA established the Diversity Fund, which
will provide access to capital to women- and
minority-owned businesses to assist these
valuable business leaders achieve their dreams,
while growing the regional economy.
While tackling the challenges of capital and
growth for new and existing companies,
ECRDA also is beginning to reimagine Erie’s
infrastructure and landscape. The recent
purchase of two brownfield sites, the former
Quin-T at 12th and French Streets and former
Erie Malleable Iron at 12th and Greengarden, is
part of a long-imagined 12th Street renaissance
— one of Erie County’s most valuable
economic corridors. Tackling these blighted
properties is core to our mission: transform old
manufacturing sites into new opportunities
for growth.
A strong economic development agency can
lead the way in transforming a region, and real
progress happens when we all move forward
in tandem. Erie’s renaissance is underway, and
there are tools for businesses that can help us
grow. “ECRDA’s job is to create and sustain jobs
through investments that require patience and a
focus on the entire County economy, not just the
bottom line,” says Mengine. “We are proud to do
this work with respect for our roots, and an eye
on the horizon.”
C O M P A N Y P R O F I L E
Rebuilding Erie County’s Economic
Development Ecosystem
Tina Mengine is the chief
executive officer of the Erie
County Redevelopment Authority.
Erie County
Redevelopment Authority
1314 Griswold Plaza
Suite 100
Erie, PA 16501
814/480-0337
www.ecrda.net
19
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

24. WORKING TOGETHER
FOR A WORLD WHERE
ALL BELONG
Celebrating those who
continue to lift up
others and inspire a
better world.
1039 East 27th Street
Erie, PA 16504
(814) 455-4577
mcwerie.org
For Making Women Making History 2021
the best yet!
Thank you Erie

25. 2021 Training Graduates
The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) recently
presented plaques to its 2021 professional development and
computer training graduates. For a complete list of upcoming
in-person and LIVEOnline courses, visit www.mbausa.org.
SPECIAL SECTION | RECOGNITION
Excel Application Specialist - Erie
From left: Marcus Bishop and Sabrina Seeley,
C&J Industries .
Excel Application
Specialist - Erie
Joseph Burt, Erie Veterans Affairs
Medical Center
Certified Supervisory Skills Series - Erie
Front row, from left: Kenneth Richardson, GeorgeKo Industries; Kathleen
Robbinson, Catholic Diocese of Erie; and, Lindsey Kegley, C&J Industries.
Second row, from left: William Wanner, Berman Bedding; Scott
Broussard, GeorgeKo Industries; and, Keith Milton, Machining Concepts.
Back row, from left: Doug Hopson, Parker Hannifin Corp.; Timothy Young,
Machining Concepts; and, Iaroslav Sus, Berman Bedding.
Excel Application Specialist
- Erie
From left: George Hopkins and Amy
Linhart, Erie Insurance Group.
At Workpartners, we call our unique approach to human capital
management People Activation, and we believe it’s the key
to ensuring that your company and your employees flourish.
Including LifeSolutions EAP, a confidential employee assistance
program essential for employees and members of their household.
It’s also why LifeSolutions EAP is endorsed by the Manufacturer &
Business Association. And why members of MBA receive a 10% savings
for working with our EAP services. For more than 20 years, Workpartners
has helped employers of all sizes make the most of their workforce,
including with integration of population analytics, advocacy programs,
and HR technology.
To find out more about our EAP services or any of our services
visit work.partners/mba
analytics | advocacy | absence | technology
People.
Activated.
Excel Application
Specialist - Erie
Brenda Bisbee, Erie Veterans
Affairs Medical Center.
21
mbabizmag.com • APRIL 2021

26. PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
ERIE, PA
PERMIT #199
You’ve given a lot of thought to your employees’ health coverage. And you’ve come to a familiar
conclusion — nothing’s better than UPMC Health Plan. Choose us for affordable plan options.
Full in-network access to UPMC along with other doctors and hospitals in the community.
Urgent care when you travel. Service from a designated Health Care Concierge. And health tools
that keep up with busy lives and schedules. All this is worth sticking with, don’t you agree?
To learn more, visit UPMCHealthPlan.com/employers.
#stickwiththeplan
Stick with what works.
96% of businesses that choose UPMC Health Plan stay with UPMC Health Plan.