2 in manufacturing visit capital
Two regional manufacturing leaders - Shane Weyant, president and CEO of Creative Pultrusions, Inc. and Marcus Annicelli, vice president of SelecTrim Corp. - traveled with IMC, Inc. to Washington, D.C., March 6 and 7 to advocate in support of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program during the annual Hill Day Initiative. Alan Gehringer, executive director and Russ Lawrence, senior business adviser, represented IMC, Inc.
According to a news release from IMC, the partnership is a catalyst for strengthening American manufacturing accelerating its ongoing transformation into a more efficient and powerful engine of innovation driving economic growth and job creation. IMC is one of more than 60 partnership centers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Hill Day consisted of meetings with each region's congressional delegates in the House and Senate office buildings to discuss manufacturing and the important role that IMC and the partnership network play in assisting small to mid-sized U.S. manufacturers.
IMC's Hill Day Team met with U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-Cogan Station, and his aide, aides from the offices of U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Howard; U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg; U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Zionsville, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton. Weyant and Annicelli shared their experiences and benefits received by working with IMC.
Annicelli said, "Having the opportunity to meet personally with the Senators and Staffers on Capitol Hill with the IMC folks, along with other business leaders, was an educational event and investment surely that will pay off for both business and government leaders."
The MEP program is a powerful economic driver in the support of U.S. manufacturing. In 2010 alone the partnership was the catalyst of: The creation and retention of 60,497 jobs, a boost of $32 to the American economy for every dollar invested into the partnership program, $3.6 billion in new sales for U.S. manufacturers, and $1.9 billion in new investments for U.S. manufacturers.
Since 1988, IMC has been delivering key business strategies and solutions to progressive manufacturers located in a 12-county region of Central Pennsylvania. IMC strives to enhance manufacturers' competitive performance by assisting them with regional, state and national resources. IMC is also an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership and supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development through the Industrial Resource Center program.
20-year member
saluted for ethics
"Outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism," according to a news release, have enabled Donald E. Houser of Lock Haven to achieve and retain membership in the Million Dollar Round Table - the premier association of financial professionals. Houser is a 20-year member of the group.
Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Round Table, The Premiere Association of Financial Professionals, is an international, independent association of nearly 36,000 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 430 companies in 78 countries. Members, a news release said, demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of sales excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.
Retaining membership requires Houser to adhere to a strict code of ethics, focus on providing top-notch client service and continue to grow professionally through involvement in at least one other industry association, the news release said.
"Members like Donald are united in their commitment to help individuals, families and business owners gain financial peace of mind," says MDRT President Jennifer A. Borislow, CLU. "In addition, MDRT members have access to the best minds in the business since they can share ideas and best practices with their fellow members from around the world."
Local grad named partner at law firm
C.J. Engel, a native of South Will-iamsport, a 1994 graduate of South Will-iamsport High School and a 1998 graduate of Penn State University, earned his juris doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh.
He was named a partner at Swensen, Perer and Kontos law firm, in Pittsburgh. He will concentrate on cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death.
CJ is the son of Wanda Engel and the late James Engel. He is married to the former Amy Robbins, of West Virginia. They have four children and live in Pittsburgh.
Organization
adds staff member
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania welcomes Glenn T. Smith II as the director of development. Smith comes to the Community Foundation from the Office of College Advancement at Lycoming College. In his new role with the Community Foundation, he will be responsible for expanding and managing the relationships with professional advisors, community leaders and nonprofit agencies. His focus will be on cultivating new donors and overseeing relationships with current donors.
"Glenn's proven fundraising success coupled with his sincere appreciation and affection for the communities in our region makes him an great addition to our team as the Community Foundation strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving," said Jennifer Wilson, president & CEO.
Born and raised in the Susquehanna Valley, Smith is a graduate of Warrior Run High School and Lycoming College. While an undergraduate, Smith was a two-year starter for Lycoming's football team and was a member of the a cappella group, Black Tie Affair. After earning his bachelor's degree in business administration, He worked for Lycoming College as an admissions counselor and for the past three years as a major gift officer. He is presently working on a master's of business administration degree from Liberty University and was elected into Sigma Beta Delta, honoring business students with superior academic performance. He lives in Montoursville with his wife and son.
"I am thrilled to be working in this capacity for the FCFP," Smith said, according to a news release. " In its 95 years of existence, the Community Foundation has connected strategic and diverse philanthropic interests with the vision of impacting people, places, and organizations throughout the Northcentral Pennsylvania region. Our communities have been enriched through the generosity of individuals fostered by the Community Foundation and I am excited to be a part of this organization that is shaping the future of our area."
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania works regionally and locally to bring together people, partners and places to grow local giving and investment, strengthen area organizations and results, and take on the critical issues and efforts needed to build vibrant communities and a thriving north central Pennsylvania region. FCFP serves the Danville Area, Union County, and Williamsport and Lycoming County.
State YWCA honors Salladasburg native
YWCA Delaware honored Cynthia Cohick Dwyer, a native of Salladasburg, with its Trailblazer Award. This award celebrates women in Delaware who exemplify power, style and brilliance and inspire other women to embrace their own potential. Cynthia Cohick Dwyer graduated from Jersey Shore Area High School and Penn State University.
