U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick put audience participation first at the recent Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce hosted “State of the Nation” the third in its annual legislative breakfast series.
From capping congressional term limits and bi-partisan cooperation to solutions for transportation, infrastructure, opioid addiction and career pathways for young people, Fitzpatrick yielded the floor to give those attending a chance to ask questions about Washington policies, politics and the impact decisions make on the grassroots level. After a brief issues recap, audience members had a Q&A format to put their thoughts, questions and concerns directly to Fitzpatrick. David W. Freeman, QNB president and CEO, said the “shorter presentation with a longer Q&A session was in keeping with the audience’s interests.” The switch allowed not only for questions but discoveries, too. John Olson, vice president for wealth management at Janney Montgomery Scott in Allentown said he learned the opioid crisis was more layered and complex than it might seem on the surface. Fitzpatrick said today’s crisis had long roots - going back decades to the 1970s, in which patient satisfaction surveys were tied to pain management standards in the pharmaceutical industry. “Brian Fitzpatrick argued the root cause of the issue was a change in [those] reimbursement rates due to patient satisfaction surveys [from] decades ago,” Olson said. Fitzpatrick said a change in perception was needed to help get those who need it most find and receive treatment. “This is a colossal problem we’re dealing with. It’s a medical condition, not a moral failing,” Fitzpatrick said of opioid use disorder. According to a recent report released by the American Medical Association, doctors are writing fewer opioid prescriptions to patients, a trend downward, which has continued over the past five years. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/opioids/doctors-make-progress-opioids-call-policymakers-do-more The report said one of the tools doctors are increasingly using is the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) database. According to the report, between 2017 and 2018, roughly 20 million fewer prescriptions were written - a reduction of about 12.4 percent, the report said. Fitzpatrick said synthetic illegal drugs such as Fentanyl and Carfentanil are infiltrating street drugs and pose a dire threat to emergency medical, first responders and law enforcement through accidental exposure when treating overdose victims. Most commonly used as an elephant tranquilizer, Carfentanil is roughly 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than Fentanyl, and it’s escalating at an alarming rate. Extremely small amounts of it – even through skin contact – can be lethal, Fitzpatrick said. He noted opioid addition is now “…the leading cause of accidental death.” Fitzpatrick has made working across party lines a signature of his time in Washington D.C. where he serves District 1 including all of Bucks County, a small portion of Philadelphia and a slice of Montgomery County. "He's working on legislation without focusing on partisan politics but rather sound solutions for our communities," said Danielle Bodnar, executive director of Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Fitzpatrick is leading a bi-partisan committee whose primary goal is to adopt congressional term limits. “If it’s the only bill I get passed,” Fitzpatrick said. "Brian Fitzpatrick isn't afraid to reach across the aisle to encourage bi-partisan legislation and roll up his sleeves to accomplish committee work to benefit everyone," Bodnar said. About 50 area business and community members attended the event Friday, May 31 held at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place in Quakertown. “State of the Nation” is the third in a three-part series hosted by UBCC at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place in Quakertown. The series brings in local state and federal lawmakers to give the Upper Bucks Community an opportunity to listen and question elected officials regarding issues and policies. Will you be there Wednesday, June 5??
Excitement and expectations are high for the region’s first ever joint chambers of commerce Young Professionals Networking mixer hosted at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie. They’ll meet, greet, mix and mingle, make new connections and learn something new. Look for ongoing fresh YP Networking events at different chamber locations about four times throughout the year. “As a high school or college grad entering the workforce for the first time, it is sometimes difficult or intimidating to get out and meet new people,” said Tyler Stalletti, a credit analyst at QNB in Quakertown. Joining forces and resources for the YP Networking mixer are: Indian Valley, Pennridge, Upper Bucks and Upper Perkiomen Valley Chambers of Commerce. They’re taking the guesswork out of connecting while providing young pros a gathering place along with an easy opportunity for purpose driven service. As the next generation of private and public sector leaders – in business, politics, education, government and in non-profit agencies, young professionals are faced with different challenges than those who’ve gone before them. Their needs are different, too. “[Our] Rolodexes and experiences are not as developed as seasonal professionals, so we need opportunities to develop those skill sets,” said Michael T. McGuire, account executive for Johnson, Kendall & Johnson based in Newtown. McGuire represents Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce in Souderton. While joining a chamber of commerce might seem “old-school” to some, it makes sense for young professionals to innovate using well respected and long established organizations. Chambers of Commerce have longstanding histories – along with abundant professional resources geared toward helping serve their local communities. “Chambers are great at many things but most specifically they are good at getting businesses known in the local area,” Stalletti said. He noted training and education “you might not find somewhere else” along with social mixers and opportunities to make new contacts are reasons to join and become active in a local chamber of commerce. Creating a young professional’s group, which draws from across four chambers offers a unique opportunity to get to know others in similar or complimentary businesses while exploring areas outside a business home base. “We put a committee together which includes two members from each chamber (a total of eight members)…. Our goal is to host quarterly events in each of the four chambers’ areas,” said Alex Lipyanik, vice president commercial lending at QNB in Quakertown. “The YP Networking [group] hopes to establish a way to take the fear out of getting out and talking to new people, as we are all in the same boat,” Lipyanik said. What’s more, it aims to “create an atmosphere where you can actually get to know each other and build real relationships,” said Corey Armideo, chief operating officer of PBR Productions in Perkasie. Armideo said those under 40 keenly understand job security is no longer a given, nor is the idea of working for and retiring from a single firm for an entire working career. Among the keys to enjoying a successful business – either as an employee or a small business owner, are growth and strong professional relationships. Morgan Sweeney of Lechner & Stauffer Inc., in Pennsburg said she’s looking forward to making new connections with other local businesses. “I work in a traditionally ‘older’ industry and most of the people I meet at networking events are more seasoned in their jobs,” Sweeney said. She noted meeting “more people that are at similar stages in their careers” would give her and others a cohort with which to grow in their careers together. Armideo said the idea for a young professionals networking group had been “brewing for some time” and coming together for a mission-driven purpose was among the joint chambers’ signature efforts, too. “We are branding this as networking with a cause, [and] all unused proceeds go to a charity of the hosting chamber’s choice. Of course by being a joint chamber venture we all want to be able to collectively grow and expand the ability to let people know who we are,” Armideo said. Housing, commercial, and industrial growth in Milford and Richland townships has ramped up over the past decade and brought with it more cars, more trucks and overall, more traffic.
From road widening to roundabouts, turning lanes, more travel lanes and synchronized traffic signals, travel was the hot topic at a recent Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce transportation forum. The event was held at The Proper Brewing Company in Quakertown. Several new developments underway will need road improvements and traffic signals that work in tandem to manage travel peaks and keep traffic moving safely. “With new construction we keep it simple,” said Jeff Vey, Milford Township manager. The St. Luke’s University Health Network’s new Quakertown Hospital construction project brings road improvements and turning lanes to Route 663 and Portzer Road. Dennis Pfleiger, St. Luke’s Quakertown Campus president, said the new hospital reflected St. Luke’s continuing commitment to the community. Private rooms and comfortable accommodations for families, including with sleeper sofas in patient rooms, are part of its patient first approach. “An integrated lobby so people don’t get lost” aims to soften the entrance transition experience. Fireplaces and comfortable surroundings create a more relaxed environment to help visitors and patients feel more at ease, he explained. “We’re excited about this new building,” Pfleiger said. Future phases of Milford Village, a massive mixed-use residential/retail/and assisted living development will trigger more road improvements, and the construction of a new Mill Hill Road is currently underway. Milford Village is fronted along Route 663. “Over the last 18 years, we have been putting together a [master] plan,” said Del Markward, co- developer of Milford Village. On the books for decades, the Route 663 road widening project began in earnest as these projects driving new turning lanes and synchronized traffic signals. “You’ll see Route 663 fully improved,” once the roughly 261-acre Milford Village project is completed, Markward said. Vey said completing Route 663 “in small digestible bites” was the best way to ensure the heavily traveled east/west artery would receive the improvements it needed. Efforts to preserve earlier road improvement investments to Route 663, as well as the long-awaited relocation of Mill Hill Road were priorities. And improvements to the Quakertown Interchange of Route 476 – the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension are also in development. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation traffic engineers and township officials are looking at how to improve snarls at New Road, and at traffic lights on Route 663 toward Wawa are also being explored with. “The idea is to get [the trucks] off the arterial highway,” Vey said. In Richland Township a second roundabout at Old Bethlehem Pike and Tollgate Road is under construction about a half mile from the existing one at Station Avenue and Old Bethlehem Pike – again with the intention to keep traffic moving. Currently in development a third roundabout is proposed for the intersection of Portzer Road and Old Bethlehem Pike. It is a joint project with Milford Township. Amy Kaminski, transportation engineering department manager at Gilmore & Associates in Doylestown said 11 traffic signals on Route 309 would have fiber optic upgrades for smoother operations. They’d also be able to report data back to the Region 6 office hub. Six other area traffic signals, including a new signal at East Pumping Station and California Road, would be on a “closed loop system” to better respond to traffic flows. Fiber optic signals will be able to synchronize traffic stops and starts during peak travel times. Signals in Quakertown, Milford and Richland will be able to report problems electronically to the PennDOT Region 6 offices in King of Prussia. Once logged in Region 6 adjustments to signals would be made electronically, eliminating the need for delays to send staff to the site to correct the problem, PennDOT officials said. Empowering youngsters is the juice PPL Foundation generates to help build thriving communities. The community and philanthropic arm of PPL Corporation in Allentown provides grant money to schools and non-profit organizations across Bucks County and beyond to support 21st century science, engineering, technology and math programs (STEM). “They [PPL] are engaged and understand the need to [support] young people,” said Marissa Christie, president and CEO of United Way of Bucks County. The programs and funding are aimed at providing the tools to meet challenges and kindle interest in current and emerging careers among the youngest learners. “We support education as a way of building a strong foundation for the success of today’s students,” said PPL Electric Utilities Regional Affairs Director for the Southeastern Region Carol Obando-Derstine. Obando-Derstine said PPL Foundation provides grants to various community programs with a particular emphasis on STEM learning and innovation. From summer literacy programs to the unveiling of Deibler Elementary School’s “Fab Lab Incubator” classroom in Pennridge School District. A $1,000 PPL Foundation Empowering Educators Grant contributed to the Fab Lab Incubator funding. During the year, PPL Foundation gave $25,000 in $1,000 grants across several programs to help support STEM classroom learning. And while STEM programs are familiar to most the next generation of STEM - called iSTEAMM, is trailblazing those core subjects while adding arts and manufacturing to the mix. “The iSTEAMM [program] is the next level of STEM, by incorporating these elements, the arts and manufacturing, we see them as economic drivers,” Christie said. Through partnerships with non-profit organizations like United Way of Bucks County in Fairless Hills, preschool aged children through primary and secondary grades benefit from PPL’s commitment to the communities it serves. Christie said adding art elements including design and creative thinking, as well as high tech manufacturing to core STEM curricula, even broader educational innovation is available to young learners. “Applying creativity and design thinking with high tech manufacturing…is good for the entire community,” she said. PPL Electric Utilities also helps fund local nonprofits through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) program. By contributing to educational improvement organizations and Pre-K organizations, PPL continues to help children succeed. EITC donations are open to any business with more than $10,000 in state income tax liability, Christie said. Administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, EITC offers business tax credits that may be applied against the tax liability for the year in which the contribution was made. PPL Electric Utilities EITC contributions directly support youngsters in Upper Bucks, according to Christie. “Research shows about 90 percent of the [human] brain is developed by the age of five. Partial scholarships help parents afford high quality programs and benefit children,” Christie explained. EITC Tax Credits help offset preschool programs, which Christie said can cost up to $12,000 per year. Learn something new at the UBCC. In September PPL will host a “Partnering with Energy Efficiency Program” Lunch and Learn program at UBCC’s offices located at 21 N. Main Street in Quakertown. Free admission to Lunch and Learn programs for members is one of the many benefits of being a valued UBCC member. The informational “Partnering with Energy Efficiency Program” will offer no cost tips businesses can use to be more aware of energy consumption patterns, as well as the process to access available energy rebates. It’s budget time in Harrisburg.
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce set the table for a state budget and services update to area business and community members in its second of three legislative breakfasts held April 12 at McCoole’s Arts & Events Place in Quakertown. Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed $34.2 billion spending plan does not increase the Personal Income Tax (PIT) or state sales tax. The budget is about 2.8 percent, or roughly $927 million over last year’s, said state Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks). Staats was joined by State Senators Bob Mensch (R-24th district) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10th district). Spurring economic growth is a “hot topic” not just in local gathering spots, business meetings or around dinner tables, but in the Harrisburg Rotunda, too. Staats said reducing Pennsylvania’s corporate income tax was a top priority “if we want to be competitive,” Staats said. Pennsylvania’s 9.99 percent tax levy is among the highest state corporate income tax rates in the nation, Staats said. The proposed reduction to 8.99 percent, with incremental decreases to the tax in future budgets, is a start. Staats believes reducing the corporate income tax is a key to attracting new and retaining existing businesses and investment. Another impact to the commonwealth’s growth is a proposal to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 per hour, with incremental increases to $15 per hour over time. So far the hourly increase doesn’t seem popular with tip workers, who currently earn about $2.83 per hour and make up the difference in tips, earned either table-side or from bartending, he said. Santarsiero said he supported increasing the minimum wage, but it shouldn’t be seen as a policy to spur economic growth. “From the state level there needs to be investment” in public education and greater tuition relief to attend college along with a fresh approach to funding it. Funding schools with property taxes is a burden on property owners… [and it] hurts economic growth,” Santarsiero said. He said the state could take an active role in supporting career paths other than four-year college educations, which often leave students saddled with heavy debt. “We have to get past this idea that every kid has to go to college,” Santarsiero said. Pennsylvania spends about 80 percent of its budget on education and human services, Staats said. Legislators are also considering a proposal for a sliding fee scale to help fund municipal state police coverage to those without local police departments. A drop off of emergency medical services or EMS volunteers, which include ambulance and fire departments, are a state-wide concern amid a declining trend of fewer recruits. Mensch said state and local government as well as the business community needed to explore ways to make volunteering with EMS and fire departments attractive once more. “In 1970 there were 300,000 firefighters, and today there are [about] 38,000,” Mensch said. The third and final legislative breakfast series concludes May 31 with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick offering the “State of the Nation”. Fitzpatrick is a Republican Congressman serving Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district. For information visit www.ubcc.org/events. Did you know Bucks County will spend about $432.64 million this year to run the county and provide services to residents and businesses?
In the first of three annual legislative breakfast meetings held at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place in Quakertown business, municipal and non-profit leaders gathered for the annual Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce series kick-off. Reducing budget deficits while maximizing resources and providing public health and welfare resources to those in the greatest need praising volunteerism were among the topics at the “State of the County” address lead by Bucks County Commissioners March 29. Commissioner Rob Loughery provided the budget big picture and said no county tax increase would be levied to make up a $1.23 million shortfall. Money from the fund balance would offset the revenue difference, Loughery said. “People don’t realize how big it is - it’s a big budget, nearly half a billion dollars,” he said. Volunteerism is alive and well across Bucks County, with county employees offering their off time hours to help others. “Government employees often get a bad rap, but our employees do extra things,” Ellis Marseglia said. She said Bucks County Deputy Sheriff Gary Bruno started a small Uber revolution during winter storms, by offering free rides to AA and other substance use disorder support groups. Bruno is a part-time Uber driver. A single free ride – offered by Bruno to a man struggling to get to a support meeting because of the weather – spread like wildfire when Bruno encourage other Uber drivers to do the same. A network of community drivers stepped up to help. Ellis Marseglia noted the efforts or another employee who makes sure those with special needs have display space for their art as well as one who offers kindly residents at Neshaminy Manor in Warrington. And a drug and alcohol treatment program at Bucks County Prison has become a model for other facilities helping substance use disorder inmates receive recovery treatment. “I get letters from people who have said they got better treatment here [in prison] than they did in rehab,” Ellis Marseglia said. The program offers an intense recovery environment for about 52 men and 25 women at a time. Commissioner Charles H. “Charley” Martin reflected at the county’s change during his past 24 years of service. Martin will not seek re election. A few notable milestones:
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce appreciates our Bucks County Commissioners taking time to address our members and spending quality time in Upper Bucks with us! The next legislative event in the series, “State of the State,” will be held April 12th at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place in Quakertown. UBCC will be hosting Senator Bob Mensch (R-24), Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Craig Staats (R-145). Please visit www.ubcc.org/events to register. Second generation family owned business tackles disasters with compassion Fire, water, smoke, or mold?
Since 1965 Voce Cleaning, LLC in Milford Township and founded by Frank Voce continues to help the region’s home and business owners after disaster strikes. From catastrophic clean ups to helping ready a home for sale, new construction move-in cleaning and routine carpet, upholstery, tile and grout maintenance, Voce Cleaning gets the job done. Now in its second generation of ownership, Ed Voce continues the family’s compassionate, customer-first philosophy, often in the face of tragic and overwhelming circumstances. “There’s a very human element to these kinds of disasters, and we do what we can to make our customers comfortable. We walk them through every step of the way,” said Sonja Walker, Voce office manager. Voce was on the job after the initial clean up at the Richland Township property last year, after the killing of a teen-aged girl. The brutal case horrified the mostly rural Upper Bucks County municipality, and continues to grip the nation with media coverage as her killers are tried and sentenced for first-degree murder in her death. Walker said the work in Richland Township was among the most challenging her team has ever faced. “It was very unsettling and very sad,” Walker said. Voce was on the job during the aftermath in 2016 of a Palisades High School teacher in Williams Township, Northampton County, who was electrocuted by a downed live utility wire in his backyard. “There a very human element to these kinds of disasters, we do what we can to make the family comfortable,” Walker said. She added survivors are also in shock, trying to cope with property damage while dealing with intense emotional distress. “We’ll be on the phone with them as many times as they need,” she said. Known for quick response and great working relationships with insurance carriers, Voce Cleaning is the “go-to” firm used by Warren Weiss Insurance Agency in Milford Township, according to Leanna Knight, Warren Weiss vice president. “They have great relationships with insurance carriers, and they’re really good at taking care of things and keeping things under control,” Knight said. “When Ed is out with a client, I have nothing to worry about,” Knight said. Honesty, great customer service and getting the job done correctly, on time and efficiently are hallmarks of Voce Cleaning’s work ethic, Walker said. When Scott Wasser had water damage in his home in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, he called in Voce Cleaning. A silent roof leak went undetected until the damage – and associated mold problems – became obvious in the Wasser’s infant’s room. “Our daughter was six months old, and we discovered we had a roof leak that caused water and mold damage,” Wasser said. From regularly monitoring the situation to working with the insurance carrier, the Wasser’s home is now healthy and safe to enjoy for family and friends. “We’re young homeowners and Ed made the whole situation easier. He stopped in regularly and was available by phone or text any time,” Wasser said. Walker said “mold is huge right now” and she noted last year’s heavy rains could cause problems homeowners may have missed until now. Voce uses third-party mold testing firms, to keep the evaluation process neutral. Different types of mold can cause sickness or allergic reactions in some people, while others may be immune to them. Proper ventilation, dehumidifiers in basements to promptly dry up moisture as well as checking air quality can keep home and business property owners ahead of problems before they get worse. “We do removal, antimicrobial treatments, sealing and putting the area back together,” Walker said. Voce works with area Realtors, too, to remediate mold when a home is made ready for sale, but can’t be put on the market because of mold. “We all realize things happen. To help the customer get through it, that is the greatest thing,” Walker said. Voce Cleaning, LLC is located at 2535 Eberhardt Road in Milford Township. For information call 800.794.4070 or visit www.vocecleaning.com. Do you lend a helping hand?
From clay shoot to Foodie, golf outing to mixers, the UBCC Board of Directors to committees and events, volunteers are there. It might surprise you that across Pennsylvania 28 percent of us volunteer, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry website. That translates to a staggering 338 million – that’s millions of hours of donated time, with an estimated value of $7.7 billion in services donated throughout Pennsylvania. “Volunteering with UBCC not only helps our chamber grow, but also gives you valuable access to the business community around you,” said Corey Armideo, a partner at PBR Productions in Perkasie. Armideo volunteers on UBCC’s membership committee, which meets monthly to discuss member outreach and engagement, new member initiatives and recruiting. Volunteers meet to discuss how local governance – from borough councils and township supervisors to county commissions and state representatives, help or bootstrap the business community – and what can be done to grow our economy. Our members know about roads and infrastructure, because they use them to deliver goods and services – so who’s better suited to provide transportation insight? When members volunteer their time, thoughts and concerns about transportation and logistics throughout the region, it can only make distribution better. When they speak up about talent shortages and how to guide young people into good paying jobs, workforce development becomes significantly more meaningful – and making the connection to schools, college and universities creates opens easy communication channels. Our business members provide opportunities to meet and network, through regular chamber mixers. They open their business homes and offer refreshment – and yes, that’s a form of volunteering, too. “Volunteering with the UBCC is an important part of Comcast Spotlight’s membership because it allows me to meet and introduce myself to local businesses…,” said Pam Sawyer. She’s senior account executive for Comcast Spotlight, and a membership committee member. Sawyer said she’s able to meet new people easier, because of Chamber mixers her committee work and the opportunities volunteering provide. “It is also very satisfying, personally, to know that the time spent volunteering has helped with the goals and the growth of the UBCC,” Sawyer said. When members head to central Pennsylvania to volunteer as mentors during Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week summer camps, they’re volunteering their time, their talent and something they treasure most: sharing their professional experiences to help the next crop of business leaders. Volunteer hours are the mainstay of our organization and any amount of time, talent or treasure truly makes a difference. Armideo said volunteering with the chamber tells other members you care about helping your community. Bruce Kinsey, of Bruce P. Kinsey Photography in Telford volunteers both time and talent: he’s a membership committee member, and he takes photos of events, ribbon cuttings and mixers for UBCC. “It [volunteering] gives you the opportunity to be engaged, be informed, and be the difference,” Kinsey said. For more information about how you can help and make a difference in Upper Bucks, call the UBCC at 215.536.3211. An ounce of prevention is worth its weight in cure
BY Melinda Rizzo Bats in the attic rafters? No problem. Mosquitoes making your yard a tropical nightmare instead of an easy, breezy summer paradise? No sweat. Mice running the gauntlet across the kitchen floors? Piece of cake. Over two decades of experience as a pest control expert and exterminator, Shane Peev, owner of Sunset Pest Solutions, Inc., in East Greenville has seen just about everything. He knows how to handle pest infestations – from bats (remember, they’re protected) to bees, groundhogs to termites, rats and mice, those pesky mosquitoes – the whole kit and caboodle. Peev handles residential and business concerns with equal parts passion and concern for his customers and their needs, and to make the world a more pleasant place. One of the most intriguing jobs he’s done involved a home property in Dublin, some years ago. “In fact, it was a neighbor of the property owner who called me out,” Peev said. It went like this: Thousands upon thousands of rats had infested the property in a chilling story more commonly associated with 1970s horror movies, than rural or small town Upper Bucks County private properties. “The woods were moving,” Peev said, of the number of rats about the place. Rats breed quickly and often. Left unchecked a single mating pair can become a huge problem in short order. Peev’s structural approach to pest control, his curiosity about tough cases and a realistic, calm point of view Peev said the rats took about three weeks to “get things under control.” His advice to dealing with these “mischief” makers – mischief is the word for a group of rats - is to pay attention as soon as you see a single rat. “I’d rather prevent the problem than control it,” Peev said. Besides wiping out a third of Europe during the Middle Ages in Europe (rats carry Bubonic Plaque), they are also a carrier of more common pathogens, including those causing dermatitis in people. Because they’re omnivores – which mean they eat anything and everything, they can cause damage and contamination to plants, animal feed and human food and its sources. While you’re more likely to find rats in outbuildings, under structures like decks or sheds or in basements, Peev said bats hanging out in attics should be treated with care. Bats breed and have their young or “pups” in June, which means August is the time to consider evicting them. “You have to wait until the pups are big enough to fly. Then it’s about getting them out of the building and sealing where they come in,” Peev said. Bats are not only beneficial – they control insect populations, especially mosquitoes, they’re also a protected species. According to the Penn State Extension Service, bats are protected under Pennsylvania law and should not be needlessly destroyed. For more information about bats visit https://extension.psu.edu/bats. “I’d say the top three pests are mosquitoes, mice – which we have problems with year round and Carpenter ants,” Peev said. Peev said ants present a unique problem because there are so many different types and a once-size-fits-all approach to bidding them good riddance, isn’t the best way to handle them. “You have to know the type of ants you’re dealing with. For some bait works best, for others you need a different approach. The wrong approach to getting rid of them can, in fact, make things much worse,” Peev said. “As technology gets better and improves all industries, so [methods] get better for us, too,” Peev said. For more information about Sunset Pest Solutions Inc., or to schedule an appointment visit sunsetpestsolutions.com, email info@sunsetpestsolutions.com, or call 610.428.1081. Is hiring and employee retention an issue for your business? How about logistics and transportation? Would you like to hear more from business leaders in the area over breakfast, lunch, or an after work session? Maybe online training is the way you roll.
“We need your help to help you,” said Vickie McClatchy, a mortgage lender with Supreme Lending and UBCC member. We’re canvassing the membership (did you take the survey yet??) to gather relevant information to bring in experts able to share what they know to move your business forward and meet your goals and needs. The survey is open now and posted on the UBCC website. If you haven’t taken it yet, visit the link www.ubcc.org and take it today! McClatchy is part of the Membership Committee. She said the surveys are an important resource tool for 2019 and beyond. “We’re taking the survey very seriously, and we want to make it a big part of our program planning,” she said. What challenges does your business face and do you know where to find the tools to overcome them? Would others have the same questions you have? “This is a valuable tool and a way to have your voice be heard,” said Corey Armideo, a partner of PBR Productions in Perkasie. Armideo is also a Membership Committee member. Bob Podraza of Edward Jones Quakertown is the chairman of the Membership Committee. He believes the New Year is a great time to look forward and consider change, and a fresh approach. “I think the survey reflects a renewed commitment to understand what members want and to further introduce our new leadership,” Podraza said. UBCC Executive Director Danielle Bodnar took the reins from long-time Executive Director Tara King, who retired in October 2018. Bodnar’s experience and perspective will influence the Chamber’s direction. At the top of her “to-do” list is increasing membership engagement. She credits the Membership Committee with discussing and drafting topics they believe would appeal to most members for the survey. McClatchy said UBCC had all the ingredients to become the go-to professional resource for Upper Bucks County and beyond. “We want members to come out to mixers and events because they’re afraid they’ll miss something if they don’t,” McClatchy said. She believes creating that kind of urgency to make UBCC “the most important event at the top of the business social calendar” will attract new members and give existing members a vigorous reason to participate. Made up of local business owners and leaders, UBCC’s Membership Committee meets monthly to support the UBCC staff and facilitate the Board of Directors goals to further the Chamber’s growth and sustainability. What came out of the committee’s early morning meetings last year was the need to go directly to YOU, our membership, to see what topics you have the most interest in learning more about, as well as when those programs best meet your needs. “Business is done differently now and businesses need to learn and grow. They want to stay relevant,” Podraza said. Sales and marketing? Social media? Leadership? Webinars or simulcasts of national talent brought directly to your desktop? If you don’t see a topic that fits your needs, write it in the Other space provided. You decide. Find and take the survey on our homepage at www.ubcc.org. For more information on the Membership committee visit www.ubcc.org/committees. |
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