Faith-Based Roundtable Discussion at Hosanna House

You’re Cordially Invited to


Faith- Based Roundtable Discussion

Cedric Grant, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Department of Commerce

Willie C. Taylor, Regional Director, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Bishop Loran E. Mann, Prelate, Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction

Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, JR., CEO, Christian Management Enterprises, LLC

at the “Economics of Entrepreneurialism, Wealth and Glabalization”

Presented by:

Christian Evangelistic Economic Development and Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Please join us on

Friday, March 30, 2012, 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM

at the Hosanna House

807 Wallace Avenue

Wilkinsburg, PA 15221

Faith-Based Roundtable Discussion and Guest Speakers

Speakers Include:

Cedric Grant, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, U.S. Department of Commerce

Willie C. Taylor, Regional Director, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Bishop Loran E. Mann, Prelate, Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Dr. Howard B. Slaughter, JR., CEO, Christian Management Enterprises, LLC

This event is free and open to the Public

There will be light refreshments and an International Dance Performance



Please RSVP to CEED by Monday, March 19th

Email: info@usaceed.org

412.450.8070

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Blueprint Communities Projects Awards Mini-Grant to Brownsville

Contact:
Dennis Cremonese
Executive Director
Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation
724-785-9331

Neil Cotiaux
FHLBank Pittsburgh
412-335-9488
Neil.cotiaux@fhlb-pgh.com


Brownsville is Awarded Mini-Grant for Blueprint Communities Projects


Pittsburgh, PA, December 8, 2011 – The Blueprint Communities initiative of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) of Pittsburgh has awarded Brownsville a $10,000 mini-grant. The grant will be used to help fund the Brownsville Project, an initiative of the National Road Heritage Corridor.

The Brownsville Project has three components: a comprehensive study of current physical conditions of the vacant buildings in the Brownsville Commercial Historic District owned by the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County; development of design guidelines for the entire district; and a market analysis of the community to aid in redevelopment efforts within the Historic District.

Earlier this year, FHLBank invited active Blueprint Communities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to submit project applications as part of a competitive mini-grant funding process. Projects were evaluated for their ability to expand the capacity of Blueprint teams, leverage dollars, and positively impact the community. Of 16 applications received, six projects were awarded a total of $63,000.

The Blueprint Communities effort in Brownsville is spearheaded by a committee made up of business and Borough leaders. The group was formed in 2005 as one of 22 original Blueprint Communities across Pennsylvania. The initiative was created to help civic leaders in older, smaller communities develop enhanced leadership skills, create greater capacity to enact positive change, and formulate a fresh vision and strategy to meet pressing community needs.

Blueprint Communities is expected to serve as an ongoing catalyst for projects of local importance. In the past, the Brownsville team has been involved in the Brownsville Annual Community Festival, in a partnershippartnered with the Brownsville Environmental Education Program, and is working towardon publishing a water trail map of the Middle Monongahela River.

FHLBank Pittsburgh is a wholesale bank that serves the housing finance and community and economic development needs of its owner-members. FHLBank Pittsburgh provides reliable access to low-cost funds, competitive pricing in the purchase of mortgage loans, correspondent banking, technical assistance, affordable housing grants and other programs so members can better serve their own communities. FHLBank Pittsburgh is privately capitalized and funded and does not use taxpayer dollars. As of September 30, 2011, the Bank had 300 members in its district of Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia and held approximately $47 billion in assets. FHLBank Pittsburgh is one of twelve Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, established by Congress in 1932 to support the residential mortgage activities of local financial institutions.
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SBA Honors Eileen Melvin, Small Business Exporter of the Year

Release Date: May 12, 2011 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Release Number: PGH11-09 Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

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SBA honors Small Business Exporter of Year

Local woman embraces technology and quality craftsmanship,

wins SBA’s regional and local award

JOHNSTOWN, PA – Not many families would acquire a portion of a struggling manufacturer to ensure economic development near their hometown, but that’s exactly what Eileen Melvin and her immediate family did three years ago when they bought into United Metal Fabricators.

“For a decade I worked as a consultant to help spur the local economy,” Melvin explained. “We [my family] thought our purchase and involvement in UMF would be true economic development and save jobs.”

Since she joined the board of directors in 2008 and was subsequently named president and CEO the following year, Melvin has worked to preserve the core of UMFs assets – the workforce and quality craftsmanship – while building a team to infuse technological advances into processing and sales procedures.

In May, Melvin will be honored for her economic efforts by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Small Business Exporter of the Year for both SBA’s Region III and the Western Pennsylvania District. Like the 68 other district winners, her nomination was forwarded to the regional SBA competition (Region 3 covers 7 districts: Delaware, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia) where she became regional winner. According to Melvin, UMF, as a staple manufacturer of quality medical supply products, has a rich history. Its humble beginnings clearly depict the work ethic of Johnstown residents.

“UMF was founded by Joe Romano, whose family was en route to New Jersey when the father got hit by a streetcar. Joe had to support the family by working at a medical supply firm, where he swept floors and grinded metal, eventually becoming a vice president,” she explained. “He decided to start his own health products manufacturing firm and with help from his extended family he was able to secure financing. Within years his successful managerial style closed down his competitor.”

Melvin said that about 20 years ago her family became involved with UMF due to her own father’s involvement as legal advisor to the company.

“My family has a health care background. I have siblings who are doctors and my background is in public administration and health care – an ever-changing industry that effects everyone, everyday. I am fascinated by the challenge and opportunity to meet the needs of healthcare providers in service to their patients,” she added.

Melvin explained that while UMF offered a line of quality products consisting of examination tables, stainless steel equipment and a painted line, such as cabinets, the world was changing and UMF did not keep pace with technological and manufacturing advances.

“They didn’t invest in plant equipment and technology, which would track efficiency, expenses, labor and marketing. They didn’t utilize the internet effectively to sell products,” she explained. “But UMF produces excellent products featuring high-grade steel and quality craftsmanship.

To keep pace with purchasing umbrellas that offer exclusive prices to members, Melvin and her team pursued a Group Purchasing Organization contract to sell medical equipment and supplies to members of Novation group. They were awarded a three-year contract that serves hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the U.S. and through partnerships with the Commonwealth and the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission, UMF increased their exporting by 62 percent with a concentration in Saudi Arabia where Melvin recently participated in a Trade Mission.

“They [the people of Saudi Arabia] want to model their health-care system after ours. And our partnerships enabled us to meet our clients and better understand the people and hospitals in the Middle East,” she added. “Now, across our country and the world, newborn babies are checked on UMF pediatric tables. As they grow up, they are examined on UMF exam tables. And any broken arm or minor surgery will be cared for on a UMF power procedure chair.”

Melvin said UMF utilized the SBA for a loan to go green in their painted cabinet line, changing from a wet spraying paint system with emissions to an eco-friendly powder-spray finish. Their approach earned UMF a Green Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said Melvin’s success is linked to her family’s passion for healthcare coupled with her commitment to keep the core principles of UMF intact. “She is perfect at the helm as she is fascinated with health and related issues yet knows that work ethic and quality are as important as sales for continued growth,” he said. Melvin added while she is honored to be the recipient of the Small Business Exporter Award, it is truly a reflection of the employees and board of directors.

“All of us at UMF are excited about this award,” she said. “It is an entire team effort to produce the excellent quality products that have earned UMF the positive reputation we enjoy in international markets – so credit belongs to every member of our team.”

Melvin and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 27th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 48th annual celebration of National Small Business Week. Once the festivities begin, the public can “attend” Small Business Week events virtually, via the SBA’s streaming video on the Web at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/webcast.php.

Note: If you would like to speak with Eileen Melvin or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103

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The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Duquesne University Upcoming Workshops

Duquesne University Small Business Development Center

Upcoming Workshops
Phone: (412) 396-1633 Website: http://www.duq.edu/sbdc

Oct. 7

Doing Business with the Commonwealth

1:30pm-4:30pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 713

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) purchases more than $4.5 billion in goods and services each year and establishes procurement policy/procedures for most Commonwealth agencies. The Department’s Bureau of Procurement acts as the purchasing agency for statewide requirements contracts and for purchase orders for supplies in excess of $20,000 and for services in excess of $250,000.

Learn how your small business can pursue contract opportunities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

· Discover whether the state buys what you sell

· Learn how state government purchases goods and services

· Know where to find state business opportunities

· Explore government programs to help small businesses

· Find out about certifications for minority and woman-owned businesses

Oct. 12

Doing Business with Mexico

9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $15

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

What will be covered?

· The NAFTA Advantage

· Industry analysis for your company

· How to find Manufacturing Reps

· Trade Mission to Mexico

Oct. 21

Export Documentation: Avoid Compliance Mistakes

8:00am – 4:30pm

Cost: $ 395

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

Course Topics:

Every topic in the course is presented in terms of actual transactions and the paperwork associated with each stage of the export process. Each chapter in the textbook contains forms, flow charts, and other valuable reference materials. Subjects covered include:

· Managing the Export Transaction

· Quoting Export Orders

· Implementing Incoterms

· Working with the EXIM Bank

· Implementing NAFTA Requirements

· Export Insurance

· Shipping and Packaging Issues

· Using Letters of Credit and Sight Drafts

· Complying with U.S. Government Export Regulations

Oct. 26

QuickBooks: Advanced

9:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $45

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 108

Topics include:
Inventory, sales tax, payroll, business credit cards, job costing and time tracking. For windows users only.


Oct. 29

Abre Tu Negocio en Pittsburgh - First Step (Duquesne University)

6:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: FREE

Location: Duquesne University, Rockwell Hall Room 713

Learn the nuts and bolts of starting a business. The entire class will be presented in Spanish.

The presenters will cover issues such as how to get a Tax ID Number, fictitious name for the business, trademark the name, insurance, taxes, legal structures, business licenses, business permits, certifications, obtaining a website, bookkeeping, loan programs, real case scenarios, and business plan development. Workshop Partner: PNC Bank

Save The Date!

Nov. 18

Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference

8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Cost: $119 Early Bird; after October 29th, $139

The Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference (PBTC) is designed to equip companies with the information they need to make smart technology decisions that will enhance their profitability, productivity and market adaptability. This full-day conference includes a panel discussion at breakfast, over 10 workshops and a technology showcase.

Morning Workshops:

The Biggest Website Mistakes That May Be Undermining Your Brand, Your Customer Service & Your Sales

An A-Z Guide To Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Free Tech Tools Exposed (If You Want To Save Money & Work Smarter)

7 Secrets to Power Marketing Videos That Will Explode Your Sales

Mid-Morning Workshops:

Moving Targets: Mobile Marketing For Better Outreach, Advertising & Impact

Why Rank Matters: Securing Top Positions On Google & An Unfair Competitive Advantage

Open Sesame: eMail Marketing Strategies That Work (And Those That Don't)

Planning, Promoting & Marketing Your Own Sales-Driving Webinar 

Afternoon Workshops:

Lost & Found: Free & Low Cost eMarketing Tools To Get Your Start-Up Noticed 

Confessions of a Blogger: What It Takes To Build Readership & Make Money

Sales Tools for Small Business: How to Attract, Manage & Retain Your Customers 

Follow Me: How To Use Social Networks to Build Visibility & Drive Sales 

To Register, Call (412)396-1633

Take advantage of the SBDC's upcoming workshops!

Brownsville Celebrates Opening of Historic Thompson House Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Jeffrey Wilhelm
Robert Kovach

724-785-4744

Historic Thompson House Restaurant, Shops Set Stage for October Openings

BROWNSVILLE, Pa. (Sept. 29) – Marking another milestone for an award-winning restoration project, entrepreneurs Jeffrey Wilhelm and Robert Kovach this weekend will reopen the Thompson House Restaurant and Tavern along with three retail shops in the historic 7,600-square-foot mansion in Brownsville Borough.

The grand opening of the Thompson House, located at 815 Water St., will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring live music and complimentary dessert bar with coffee and tea. The Thompson House's re-launch is the first of three business openings planned in October for Brownsville Borough's re-emerging business district.

The four-story landmark, originally named Wayside Manor, was built in 1906 by Thomas H. Thompson as a single-family residence. In the early 1990s, Mary Jean Cicconi, a retired professor from California University of Pennsylvania, undertook the building's restoration and conversion into a restaurant and shop space. The project was accorded the 1994 Outstanding Achievement Award for historical preservation by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Wilhelm and Kovach, Brownsville residents for 13 years, acquired the mansion in January to become part of the borough's business revitalization and fulfill their longtime dreams to own a dining establishment. The former owner – a Brownsville native – closed the commercial property two years ago due to her health.

The Thompson House reopening will create an immediate 16 part-time jobs in the borough and more in the future as the business grows. The co-owners have hired an architect to transition two second-floor bedrooms into overnight suites for a boutique bed and breakfast. Future plans include a Civil War Ball to be held in conjunction with National Pike Days, dinner-theater weekends, live music and ongoing partnerships with local events.

The Thompson House's 54-seat restaurant was introduced with a soft opening two weeks ago. Saturday's grand opening debuts the Thompson Tavern, a lower-level casual-dining venue with seating for 30, and a banquet room for up to 35 guests. Also opening is River Bend, a fine collectibles and antique shop; Ye Ole Shoppe, a country store with general merchandise, including specialty candies; and a folk art shop. Two more shops will soon light the balance of the 2,400 square feet of retail space.

Wilhelm manages the kitchen and Kovach, the Tavern. The cuisine features recipes from Wilhelm's family and chefs he's assisted. Dining options include appetizers, salads, specialty sandwiches, desserts and full-course selections. Thompson House Restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thompson Tavern, daily from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and the retail shops, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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EDITOR'S NOTE:

Saturday's grand opening will include a complimentary dessert bar with coffee and tea for media and customers.

Jeffrey Wilhelm and Robert Kovach are available for interviews before and during the grand opening of the landmark property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additional feature: The co-owners' home has historic ties to the Thompson House, a fact they discovered after the 104-year-old mansion was bought.

Become Computer-Savvy: BARC Offers 5-week Class!

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2010

Contact: Colleen Schmidt Phone: 724.785.9331


ACCWT Watershed Summer Associate Fax: 724.785.8626

E-mail: barcinfo@barcpa.org

Become computer-savvy: BARC offers 5-week class!

In today’s world, it is hard to get by without understanding the fundamentals of computer technology. In an effort to help more beginners get their jump-start, the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is offering an introductory-level computer class for individuals who have not quite conquered a thorough understanding of basic computer skills. Classes are open to all ages, but seating is very limited, eight spots total. The course will meet every Wednesday night from 7-8PM for a period of five weeks at the Gazalie Building in Brownsville (161 Market Street, Brownsville, PA 15417). Classes are only $25 for the entire series, starting August 25th through September 29th.

Although it may seem like everyone who is anyone is technologically savvy by nature, there are still many of us who haven’t had the window of opportunity to acquire these essential skills. Jeremy Beeler will serve as the instructor and facilitator for this preparatory course. By utilizing a basic nuts-and-bolts approach, Mr. Beeler will be able to share his professional knowledge and expertise with individuals who are interested in building the foundation for their computer skill capabilities.

Currently the senior software engineer for the health care information technology provider McKesson, Mr. Beeler has nearly ten years’ experience working with object-oriented languages, configuration management systems, relational database management systems, and more. Beeler has served as a software engineer and computer operations coordinator for companies including ServiceLink, Union Switch & Signal, Co., and the University of Pittsburgh.

This computer class series is made possible by Mr. Jeremy Beeler and the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC). BARC is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to achieve economic development through historic preservation, heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, community stewardship, education, youth advancement and the arts.

To register for this course series and for more information, please contact the BARC office at 724-785-9331.

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