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JUNE/JULY 2015

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

ERIE’S SPIRITS

BREWING SUCCESS ON THE BAYFRONT

MICROBREWSCraft brewing in Erie County

Beer on the Bay: Tapping Into Erie’s Love for Craft Brew

PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA A Regional Initiative Update

CRAFT BREWING IN ERIE COUNTY

ERCGP STAFFBarbara C. ChaffeePresident/CEO

Jacob A. RouchVice President, Economic Development

August P. SchiavaVice President, Chamber

Linda C. Robbins

Benjamin C. PrattExecutive Director, Growth Partnership Division

Abby SkinnerDirector of Grants and Research

EDITORNadeen M. Steffey

DESIGNPAPA AdvertisingPAPAadvertising.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATIONBrett Wiler(814) 454-7191 x137bwiler@eriepa.com

Nadeen M. SteffeyDirector of Marketing and Communications

Cathy NobleEvent Coordinator

Susan M. RontoMembership Coordinator

Steve WaltersAccount Executive

Brett WilerDirector of Business Action Team

ERCGP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2015 OFFICERSDr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D., CHAIRMarsha Marsh, VICE-CHAIRDavid Tullio, SECRETARYMike Weber, TREASURER

BOARD OF DIRECTORSDr. Keith Taylor, Ph.D.Dr. Jay BadamsJoel BerdineJohn C. BloomstineCarl M. Carlotti, Esq.Terrence W. CavanaughGary L. ClarkMark Denlinger, Esq.Jim FiorenzoDr. Ralph FordCharles ‘Boo’ HagertyTim HunterBruce KernCharles G. KnightJohn Leemhuis, Jr.Candace LittellMarsha Marsh

James E. MartinBob MazzaMarlene D. MoscoJack MunchKen NelsonRick NovotnyNeil ParhamJames Rutkowski, Jr.Nick Scott, Jr.Ron SteeleDavid M. TullioTom Tupitza, Esq.Russell S. Warner, Esq.Michael WeberScott Whalen, Ph.D.Dr. Julie Wollman, Ph.D.Scott Wyman

Fall Member Fest Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015Shades Beach, Northeast, PA

Annual Meeting Thursday, November 5th, 2015Bel-Aire Hotel & Conference CenterErie, PA

Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership 2015 Signature Events

SAVE THE DATE9-23

11-5

PRESENTED BY OUR 2015 SPONSORS

Sponsorships available; call (814) 454-7191 for details!

New Investors 4 FEATURE ARTICLESMicrobrews 8 Craft brewing in Erie Countyby John Chacona

Brewing Success on the Bayfront 18 Beer on the Bay: Tapping Into Erie’s Love for Craft Brewby Lesley Ridge

SPECIAL EDITIONSSpecial Events 2

Erie Ambassador Graduates 6

Personal Income Per Capita 24A Regional Initiative Update

IN EACH ISSUE

Organizational Updates 14 Save the Date 23 Ribbon Cuttings 26

Business After Hours 29

ERIE MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2015

JUNE/JULY 2015

SPECIAL EVENTSCelebration of

EXCELLENCEOver 400 members and special guests attended the ERCGP Celebration of Excellence event on April 16th. The evening celebrated our members, Louis J. Tullio Community Service Award recipient Attorney Bob Dwyer, and the Athena PowerLink Erie panel recipients and awards. Keynote speaker for the evening was Kathleen McGinty, Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf.

Thank you to Bostwick Design Partnership, Mazza Vineyards, our many Table Sponsors, and 2015 Signature Event Sponsors GE Transportation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, National Fuel Gas, OnDemand/ChamberChoice, and National Fuel Resources. Your continued generosity helps in making the ERCGP events so successful!

CEO Round TableGE TRANSPORTATION

The quarterly CEO Round Table event was held on May 6, 2015 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. Members of the Growth Partnership in attendance heard updates and initiatives from Russell Stokes, President and CEO of GE Transportation.

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Annual Golf OutingA terrific time was had by all at the ERCGP Annual Golf Outing at Peek ‘n Peak Resort and Spa on May 21st. A BIG thank you to our sponsors, the players, volunteers, and staff at the Peek for making the Signature Event a huge success again this year! See you next May!

JUNE/JULY 2015

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

New InvestorsNorth East Dental ArtsPrivately owned and operated general dentist providing the

highest quality care to patients of all ages in a comfortable,

caring, gentle environment. Welcoming new patients.

Vicki Melnichak93 West Main Street / North East, PA 16428

PH: (814) 725-4700 / FX: (814) 725-3953

www.northeastdentalarts.com

PathStone CorporationNational Farmworkers job program.

Mellisa Reyes2150 Carlisle Road / Aspers, PA 17304

PH: (717) 677-6150 / FX: (717) 677-9124

www.pathstone.org

Radius CoWorkA modern coworking space providing the facilities and

connections for people to create their life’s work. We

are a community of creative professionals. Freelancers,

teleworkers, and startups inspired to make things happen

and get work done.

Sean Fedorko1001 State Street St. 907 / Erie, PA 16501

PH: (814) 580-9003 / www.radiusco.work

RGS Products, Inc.Manufacturer of architectural railing.

Sarah Hayes455 West 2nd Street / Waterford, PA 16441

PH: (814) 796-4515 / FX: (814) 796-4009

www.rgsproductsinc.com

Seaway Manufacturing CorporationSeaway Manufacturing Corporation was founded in 1959

right here in Erie. Seaway’s locally made windows, doors,

craftsmanship.

Lauren Blore2250 East 33rd street / Erie, PA 16507

PH: (814) 898-2255 / FX: (814) 899-5556

www.seawaymfg.com

BRONZE LEVELGrifols BiomatGrifols is a global healthcare company, whose mission is to

improve the health and well being of people around the

world via life-saving protein therapies.

Andre Campbell2717 West 26th Street / Erie, PA 16506

PH: 814-835-6826 / FX: 814-835-7053

www.grifolsplasma.com/en/web/plasma/home

INVESTOR LEVELBelle Valley Fire Department

protection resources and emergency medical service to

citizens of Belle Valley and Eastern Millcreek Township.

John McComas1514 Norcross Road / Erie, PA 16510

PH: (814) 825-4359 / FX: (814) 825-1019

Edward JonesWe serve individual investors and business owners. Our

Stephen Jurrissen7870 West Ridge Road St. 1 / Fairview, PA 16415

PH: (814) 474-9493 / FX: (866) 462-3935

www.edwardjones.com

Fingers Crossed ErieWe are a web application, web design, and electronic health

record company.

Dan Nick3230 Greengarden Blvd. / Erie, PA 16508

Keystone PayrollSince 1998, Keystone Payroll has offered payroll

processing services to save our clients time and money.

We are committed to offering sophisticated payroll

solutions and services.

Karli Lawson61 Lakeview Avenue / Cassadaga, NY 14718

PH: (814) 883-1875 / www.keystonepayroll.com

ERIE’S SPIRITS

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State Farm Insurance, Chris Hobbs Agency

bank products.

Chris Hobbs4546 West Ridge Road / Erie, PA 16506

PH: (814) 836-7717 / FX: (814) 836-7712

www.chrishobbsinsurance.com

Venango Training & Development Center, Inc.

quality vocational, day and workforce investment Title I

programs to disabled and/or disadvantaged individuals in

northwest Pennsylvania.

Colleen Stuart239 Quaker Drive / Seneca, PA 16346

PH: (814) 676-5755 / FX: (814) 676-9563

www.vtdc.org

Walker Filtration

our customer needs while providing an outstanding level of

customer service and support.

PH: (814) 836-2900 / FX: (814) 836-7921

Wilkins Company, Inc.Fire alarm, security, burgler and access.

Tim Wawrzyniak3255 West 38th Street / Erie, PA 16506

PH: (814) 833-6376 / FX: (814) 833-1305

www.wilkins-security.com

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Loans subject to credit approval. Membership eligibility required.

For more details contact Kristi Bailey, Director of Business Development & Services

(814) 825-2436 Ext. 1035 KBailey@eriefcu.org

Erie FCU’s Merchant Lending Program allows you to offer on the spot financing at your business at no cost to you!

www.eriefcu.org

Erie FCU’s Merchant Direct Loan program has been an extremely valuable sales tool for our sales staff.

It enables us to provide customers with affordable monthly payments. The in-store credit application process is easy and convenient.

It is a pleasure to work with a professional local lender.

JUNE/JULY 2015

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

!e Spring session of the ERCGP Erie Ambassador program has o"cially come to a close with graduation held on May 19th. Another group of EA’s, 42 in total, have undergone 9 weeks of training to help spread the word, Erie is a GREAT place to live, work, and play! Here’s what some of them had to say about their learning experience:

!e Erie Ambassador program has helped me gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the breadth of businesses and organizations present in the Erie area. After visiting a wide variety of sites, I can con#dently say that Erie is a better place for having a program like Erie Ambassadors that fosters an inclusive network of professionals and a greater sense of collaboration.

Joe Cuneo, Stairways Behavioral Health

As an Erie Ambassador alumna (I became an ambassador several years ago when the program was still quite new) I recently had the opportunity to join the current class for a tour and information session at Hero BX. Our host, company president Mike Noble, took the time to provide a personal tour and share information about the inner workings of this state-of-the-art biofuel company located minutes from downtown Erie on the lakeshore. What a wonderful and informative experience! Hero BX provides the majority of biodiesel fuel used in the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Noble is a self-made businessman who is committed to hiring local and growing his business in our community. As an Erie Ambassador I’ve learned so much about my hometown community that I never knew even though I was born and raised here. !e program also provides the opportunity to build relationships with people across the community who are committed to seeing Erie grow and prosper. I encourage everyone to become an Erie Ambassador.

Ann K. Scott, SPHR, Erie Insurance

Congratulations Erie Ambassador Graduates!

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!e Erie Ambassador program provides an opportunity for individuals within the Erie community to understand the impact that businesses and organizations have on our region. !roughout the Spring 2015 session, our group was able to visit and immerse ourselves into a number of companies, throughout multiple industries, that are making a di$erence in our community. I was thoroughly impressed with both the employees of these organizations and my fellow Ambassadors that traveled this journey with me. !e opportunity to connect with these individuals has allowed me to share my love for Erie with others who have the same passion to see our region develop and grow. !e individuals that we met through our tours are making Erie a better place to live and I am truly thankful for that. As a resident of Erie for the past four years, I now feel more connected than I ever have before to Erie’s rich history and tradition, along with its thriving tourism and arts scene.

Courtney Steding, Penn State Behrend

At the #rst meeting of the Erie Ambassador program, we were told that whether we grew up in Erie (which I did not) or whether we have been in Erie for many years (which I have) that – guaranteed - we would walk away learning new and interesting things about our community. I did for sure! With each portion of the program, I can easily say that I learned a lot and believe the program was interesting as well as inspiring. I have always looked to the best of Erie and this just con#rmed that there are plenty of opportunities here, there are plenty of positive things going on around us and there are plenty of businesses and people that are moving Erie forward. I am pleased to be an ‘o"cial’ Erie Ambassador!

Cyndy Patton, Saint Vincent Hospital, Allegheny Health Network

I thought I knew a lot about Erie and all that it has to o$er. After all, my husband Tom and I are pretty involved in community service and events. Well, Erie Ambassadors has really opened my eyes!

I was already familiar with many of the arts, recreational, and tourism opportunities available in our area; however, I found several facilities that I would not have otherwise even considered touring to be fascinating: the Coast Guard Station, the Hero BX Plant, and the Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant. If I had to choose a favorite, though, it would be the YMCA tour. I had no idea “!e Y” o$ered so many programs and services at so many locations. It’s not just a place to exercise and swim!

Kudos to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership for an excellent program! I’m proud of Erie and honored to be an Erie Ambassador!

Frances New

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2015 Erie Ambassador Sessions which will begin in September. Fall sessions are held on Tuesday mornings from 10 to noon. Email Cathy Noble, cnoble@eriepa.com, to register. Visit our website at www.eriepa.com/chamber/erie-ambassadors/ for additional information.

JUNE/JULY 2015

microbrews

ERIE’S SPIRITS

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We’ve all heard it a million times: “Erie’s a shot-and-a-beer town.” While that’s still true, these days the beer is likely to be made by one of Erie’s burgeoning community of craft brewers. And the shot? It’s in the arm of the local economy.

Craft brewing has taken off in Erie County, lifting the

the economy of a city with a long brewing history.While records are incomplete, we know the names of nearly 100 Erie County breweries that operated in the 105 years after Maj. David McNair

brewery in 1815.

Before that time, just about every one of those operations would have made what now would be considered “craft beer,” a small-batch,

handmade libation intended mostly for local consumption.

That all ended in January 1920 with Prohibition, the dry spell that lasted for almost 14 years and wiped out not just a thriving local industry, but

also an aesthetic of brewing that would not return to Erie County for 70 years.

That’s when the Erie Brewing Company was licensed to make the

County since its namesake brewery turned off the taps on Kohler Beer in the late 1970s.

The operation that started in Erie’s historic Union Station as a brewpub is now a full production brewery, shipping nearly 6,000 barrels of ten different beers to customers

Craft  Brewing  in  Erie  Countyby John Chacona

       “Craft  brewing  has  

County,  lifting  the  

brewing  history.”

microbrews

JUNE/JULY 2015

concept to a wellknown principle of retailing. “One shoe store in the mall isn’t as big a draw as three is.”

The Ale Trail, as it is currently constructed, is not so much a destination as an adjunct to Erie County’s primary tourist attractions. “For those who are into tasting beer, we’d like to offer this as an additional thing to do when you’re in Erie,” Oliver says, though that may change. Plans are afoot to add breweries in Crawford County, and two breweries to the east.

One of them is Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing,

also associated with a pioneering name in Erie County’s beverage history.

Mario Mazza presides over the unique operation that shares a home with Mazza Chautauqua Cellars on 80 acres of farmland. Five & 20 is one of only six places in America where beer, wine and distilled spirits are made on the same premises.

Despite its novelty, the idea made perfect sense to Mazza, who returned from the wine regions of Australia to pursue—and grow—the family business. It’s one that’s deeply rooted in place.

“For more than four decades, we sourced grapes here,” Mazza said with abundant pride.

breweries, Five & 20 must obtain 75 percent of its agricultural products—grain and hops—from local sources.

corn and rye we use are from our own farms. We’re paying a premium, but we’re supporting local agriculture and are happy to do so. If we have agricultural land turn into housing, we’ll never get that back.”

in 13 states on the eastern seaboard, as far south as Florida.

breweries in Erie County. Still the focus, says Jennifer Hausmann, is on craft.

Hausmann is nominally the director of sales and marketing, but like everyone else on the

Brewing. One of those is to advocate for Erie County’s breweries.

This takes many forms, among them, participation in the Chamber’s annual Beer on the Bay event, and Erie Craft Beer Week. That event, which made its debut in May, brought together eight regional craft brewers to create a collaborative beer, a pear infused India pale ale.

Hausmann, a self-described “Millennial optimist,” is enthusiastic about another marketing effort that can have yearround impact on the breweries and on the region.

It’s the Lake Erie Ale Trail, a joint effort by the four active local breweries, in addition to Erie Brewing, The Brewerie at Union Station, Erie Ale Works and Lavery Brewing Company.

Modeled on the wine-tasting trails that started in California two decades ago, the Ale Trail aims to introduce consumers to the richness of the Erie craft-brewing scene. “One of the cool things we did was to make a passport, which you can getstamped,” Hausmann said. “When you get all four stamps, you get a commemorative sticker that changes every year. They’re great for beer fridges and bragging rights.”

VisitErie, the county’s tourism promotion agency, was a partner in the creation of the trail. John Oliver, who heads the organization, likened the

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

       tasting  trails  that  

 

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Brewing was a bit of an afterthought at Five & 20, but a logical one. “We progressed from working with fruit and then we made fruit spirits When we started making grain-based spirits we thought, if we’re handling grain, we could also make beer. It’s logical.”

Early in the process of setting up the brewery, Mazza had help from a former head brewer and head of research at Southern Tier Brewing company. While Mazza admires what the esteemed brewery in

his plans for Five & 20 are more modest.

“We’re not looking to compete [with Southern Tier],” he said. “We’ll make our mark on the local level.”

In Erie, at least, the local level was set by The

Located in the historic railroad terminal just yards away from David McNair’s pioneering pub, The

Brewerie succeeded the short-lived Hopper’s brewpub that occupied the same space two decades ago.

It was an idea that was ahead of its time, said Brewerie owner/operator Chris Sirianni, but still a good idea. Though the owners of Porter’s, the restaurant

that succeeded Hopper’s, abandoned brewing on the premises, even selling the tanksand other equipment, Sirianni saw potential.

He bought new brewing equipment and in late 2006, opened The Brewerie, making the youthful Sirianni the godfather of the craft brewing

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setting  up  the  brewery,  

Southern  Tier  Brewing  Co.”

JUNE/JULY 2015

movement in Erie County. With his easygoing good humor, it’s a mantle he wears lightly, though proudly.

takes time for a new concept to be accepted,” Sirianni said. When he started The Brewerie, he had “the only liquor license in town that didn’t serve Budweiser or Australian wines. It was all craftbeers and local wines, and it still is. I love seeing the craft brewing movement grow. I talk to the local brewers all the time, and it’s great to have the support of a group of guys who are willing to work together.”

There is no question that craft beers are gaining ground with drinkers who crave something different, distinctive and handmade. The Brewers Association, a trade group, estimates that craft

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

beers have 13 percent of the American market, a mark that it expects to hit 20 percent by 2020.

Will success spoil craft brewing? Can a niche product retain its charm and appeal when it becomes the dominant style? And will

the cooperative, band-of-brothers ethos that seems to animate the movement eventually fall prey to the kind of brandbuilding and merger mania that led to the homogenization of the American beer industry, the very factors that led to the creation of the movement in

Time will tell, but for the moment, craft brewing is a growth industry in Erie

County. Two new microbreweries have been licensed in Erie County, one in North East and one in Millcreek. In Pennsylvania, the Brewers

 

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Association counts 107 craft breweries. That

other states--California (325), Washington (161), Colorado (154), Oregon (143) and Michigan (122)--have more. None of the remaining 44 states even come close.

Beers produced in Erie County have won national acclaim. At the Great American Beer Festival, Erie Brewing Company’s popular Railbender Ale won a bronze medal in 2008 and a gold medal in 2009 as the best Scottish-style ale in America. The Brewery’s Derailed Black Cherry Ale won a bronze medal in the category of fruit beers in 2011 while Lavery’s Liopard Oir

Farmhouse Saison was named the goldmedal French and Belgian-style saison in 2013.

With national recognition such as this, it’s probably a matter of time before quaffers from all over come to Erie to enjoy some of the best beers in America. And for those of us who live here, this is a promising trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon, especially with a new generation of beer

clear preference for locally produced, handmade brews.

Jennifer Hausmann is one of them. “Award winning beers in your back yard,” she said. “Heck yeah!”

   “With  national  

this,  it’s  probably  a  

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JUNE/JULY 2015

C O N T R I B U T E D C O L U M NO R G A N I Z AT I O N A L U PDAT E S

Organizational Updates

Kaizen, Japanese and Chinese for “Continuous Improvement” When used in a business sense and adopted in the workplace, refers to activities that continually improve all functions and involve all employees in a change for the better. !is is the spirit of process principles that the Chamber Division utilizes to achieve the goals and objectives set forth in our strategic plan.

I commend the team for their hard work in order to accomplish our events, communications and marketing. Nadeen Ste$ey has made positive changes in the direction of the Erie Magazine, Social Media, and continued branding of the ERCGP and its mission! Susan Ronto and Cathy Noble have successfully stepped up to the plate to #ll in as Brett Wiler t ransit ions to the Economic Development Division. !e ERCGP

Annual May Golf Outing was very successful again this year and the July 25th “Beer on the Bay” craft beer festival is well on the way to another success. (“the devil is in the details”)

The division’s next emphasis is increasing the ERCGP membership to aid in continuing as a sustainable nonprof it organ i z at ion and to formalize the division’s efforts in membership retention. Watch for the announcement for our new Account Executive coming soon. !e Chamber Division’s basic principles drives the spirit of Erie business and community in our mission:

!row out all the old #xed ideasTreat others as you want to be treated!ink positiveIncremental changes are acceptableCorrect mistakes as soon as they are found

Creativity before CapitalKeep asking why until you reach the root causeBetter the wisdom of 5 people than the expertise of oneBase decisions on data not opinionsImprovement is not made from a “conference room”

!e Chamber Division is utilizing the Membership Retention Kit developed by the Hight Performance Group as a guide. !e Kit is distributed through the American Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and over 250 Chambers around the country currently use the kit. Our team will apply the data from WebLink to determine our strengths and our weaknesses in order to enhance the plan.

CHAMBER by August P. Schiava, Vice President

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O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L U PDAT E S

As the gateway into the larger economic and workforce development system, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s Economic Development division should be your #rst call should you be facing an opportunity or a challenge to #nd out what programs and services might be out there for you to access. As one of your fellow members noted years ago, “We are all too busy to #gure out the economic and workforce development system. Call the ERCGP with your issue and let them go to work identifying potential resources that may be able to help.”

I could not have said it better myself.

Our proactive and reactive (post contact by an employer in need) visits to employers – combined with our daily interaction with employers and our colleagues in the economic and workforce development system, provide us with one of the most unique and comprehensive perspectives on our regional economy. Here is what we are hearing:

Manufacturers continue to do well. While they are not experiencing the widespread success of 2011, 2012 and 2013, business remains strong. We have always noted that you never hear a manufacturer say, “We are killing it right now.” What we hear in good times is, “Business has been pretty good…things look promising for the balance of the year.” !e biggest challenge facing manufacturers is #nding quality hires for new positions and positions

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by Jake Rouch, Vice President

that open up due to an aging and retiring workforce.

!e proposed Shell Cracker plant – and up to #ve related chemical processing plants – planned for Beaver county is looking more and more like it will launch in 2016. !is multi-billion dollar project will provide a wide array of supply-chain opportunities for area manufacturers.

Summertime jobs for college and high school are tight. !e time to lock in this talent pool – and the time for those students to lock in employment – continues to creep back into the #rst quarter of the year. !at said, companies with special projects that need additional assistance might be wise to advertise for those positions – even at this late date – in order to secure some hard-working young people seeking both experience and some income for the summer.

Minimum wage increases and National Health Care are not areas of prime discussion among employers. Attracting and retaining quality employees has been a top priority for employers for the past #ve years or more and they realize a competitive wage and health bene#ts (at some level) are essential to do both.

!ere is unprecedented interest and activity in the region in regard to

fostering new start-up businesses. Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Erie Technology Incubator, Innovation Collaborative, Gannon SBDC, Kris Wheaton at Mercyhurst University, Tom Kennedy, NW PA Technology Council, Carmen Dawson’s Advanze, and others are all active in the entrepreneurial space. More importantly, all of these groups are working collaboratively together with each other and ERCGP to improve the culture and climate for entrepreneurship.

!e new federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), new WIB Executive Director, Janet Anderson, and the re-build of the WIB that is underway all pose great opportunity for our region to creatively and aggressively address our workforce development challenges. Success will truly be a team e$ort involving the WIB, employers, education and training providers, Erie Together, economic development system partners, and political leaders. No issue is more pressing than developing a world-class workforce.

!at is but a glimpse of what we are hearing and seeing. Contact us today to schedule a visit from the Brett Wiler, Director of our Business Action Team, so that he can help you connect to the resources to address your needs. Each of you is essential to our region’s economic success. Help us, help you. Onward.

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JUNE/JULY 2015

The City of Erie is currently undergoing its #rst ever comprehensive plan (comp plan). Allow me to try to answer what tend to be the most common reactions to this news.

Why is the City of Erie doing a comprehensive plan after Destination Erie: A Regional Vision?

Destination Erie is a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development. It was the intent of Destination Erie to provide support information, regional data & statistics and analysis to all of our local municipalities so that they could incorporate the regional goals and objectives into their independent municipal plans. Each municipality has the responsibility to adopt their own plans that dictate their own independent zoning and policy regulations that support their municipal development goals. !e City of Erie had the foresight to complete their comprehensive planning e$ort after the completion of Destination Erie (now Emerge 2040). In an ideal world, there would be signi#cant alignment with the adopted plans of each municipality

and the goals and objective currently being implemented by Emerge2040.

Why does a city need a comprehensive plan? A comprehensive plan is a strategy for catching up to competing cities and keeping up. !ey are used to justify policy decisions, resource allocations, and clearly state the cities priorities through the life of the plan. City comp plans are not easy. When you have a growing population and an increase in tax revenues, deciding where to spend all of the money to support their community growth and prosperity responsibly can be just as di"cult as making those decisions in a City with a shrinking population and tax base. Put simply, developing a City comp plan is like creating an exercise regimen. If you are already #t, working on your diet and determining ways to increase your strength is di$erent than if you are overweight and have not exercised in many years. But both regimens require a signi#cant amount of work and commitment. !e City of Erie, a once designated “Great American

C O N T R I B U T E D C O L U M NO R G A N I Z AT I O N A L U PDAT E S c o n t .

GROWTH PARTNERSHIPCITY OF ERIE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BIG CHANGE

City”, and top of its weight class, wants a comp plan that gets it back into the competition. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffa lo, Detroit, all went through their own respective declines, however in the last 20 years they “started working out again” through the development of controversial, innovative, and state of the art comprehensive plans. It is time to dust o$ those running shoes, and start making the tough decisions that get us back into the game. !is comp plan is the medium to do just that. It won’t be easy, but big change never is.

Keep up to date with all of

our organizational happenings

at eriepa.com

By Ben Pratt, Executive Director, Growth Partnership Division

ERIE’S SPIRITS

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Northwest  Advisors,  Inc.  and  Northwest  Savings  Bank.  Fixed  annuities,  life  insurance  and  long  term  care  products  and  advice  may  be  

provided  by  Northwest  Savings  Bank,  a  licensed  insurance  provider.  Insurance  products  are  obligations  of  the  insurers  who  issue  the  

policies.  A  decision  to  purchase  insurance  will  not  affect  the  cost  or  availability  of  other  products  or  services  from  Northwest  Savings  Bank  

20 of!ces to serve you in Erie County

You Business Checking

Retirement Plans**

Merchant Services

Commercial Lending*

Employee Bene!ts**

Express Deposit*

Online Banking & Bill Pay

June 18ERIE Bank2302  West  12th  Street

Erie,  PA

July 16 The Hammocks at Millcreek4500  Hammocks  Drive

Erie,  PA

August 20 Panache Salon & Spa2501  West  12th  Street

Erie,  PA

September 10 BLOOM Collaborative138  East  26th  Street

Erie,  PA

October 22  

Grapevine Laundry and Linens2345  Warfel  Avenue

Erie,  PA

November 19 Millcreek Coffee1222  Linden  Avenue

Erie,  PA

December 10 Ambassador Banquet & Conf. Center7794  Peach  Street

Erie,  PA

Follow, Fan, Tag, Connect…

JUNE/JULY 2015

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com 19

There is nothing quite like the summer in Erie. It is a time when our city and our region come alive through festivals, fairs, concerts, and community events. One signature summer event has garnered attention from locals and tourists alike. “Beer on the Bay has become one of our favorite summertime events in Erie,” said Alexandra Vivas, a young professional from Washington, D.C. who has family in Erie. “We often plan our trip to Erie around it.” The event is one that has helped solidify and expand the craft brew industry here in Erie. Beer on the Bay began with Erie Brewing Company and its owner, Rob Lowther,

as a way to celebrate craft brewing and enjoy the comradery among the breweries and brewmasters. “Erie Brewing Company feels so fortunate to put on such a wonderful event that has grown into

something we couldn’t have even imagined,” said Jennifer Hausmann, director of sales and marketing. “The craft beer industry is amazing because you become a part of a community — whether it’s with locals or with return visitors from out of town. We always enjoy connecting with our customers year after year at Beer on the Bay.”

The success of the event is on par with the national trend and growth of craft brewing throughout

Beer on the Bay: Tapping Into Erie’s Love for Craft BrewPresented by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership and Erie Brewing Company

by Lesley Ridge

“According to the Brewers Association, the craft brew industry contributed over $33.9 billion to the U.S. economy, and over 360,000 jobs in 2012.”

JUNE/JULY 2015

The industry has grown so quickly, local beer companies are creating teams based on the craft brew craze. Josh Solt began his career with Erie Beer 14 years ago. While he started working with import beer, Erie Beer quickly saw the potential for craft beer to take off.

“The rate at which the craft market was growing meant we needed someone to focus entirely on craft,” said Solt. “After working on the import side, I became craft brand manager to provide our customers with high quality craft brews.” Solt said the key to bringing any new product into Erie Beer

comes down to the liquid — how good your product tastes, especially to craft fanatics that are incredibly knowledgeable about the industry. “There are over 3,000 breweries in the U.S., so we need to make educated decisions,” said Solt. “No

the United States. According to the Brewers Association, the craft brew industry contributed over $33.9 billion to the U.S. economy, and over 360,000 jobs in 20121. Pennsylvania has emerged as a top contributor to the industry’s success as well. According to the most recent Brewers Association study, Pennsylvania ranked fourth highest for economic output for craft brewing, generating almost two billion dollars. The commonwealth holds the top spot in production,

barrels each year. The high rankings and success are attributed to over 136 brew locations throughout the state, including extension businesses — the restaurants and pubs that pop up next to the breweries. Quite an impact for an industry that — in comparison to others in the region — is still in its infancy.

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

“Pennsylvania ranked fourth highest for economic output for craft brewing, generating almost two billion dollars.”

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com

matter how great your story, if the beer isn’t good then it’s not going to sell. The craft consumer is so educated, they see through gimmicks and instead look for quality.” The economic success extends beyond the beer industry and into travel and tourism. According to the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth

countries are typically represented by event attendees each year. Many out of town attendees make a long weekend out of the event, making it good for business. “Beer on the Bay adds a great signature event to the community’s summer calendar,” said Jake Rouch, vice president of economic development for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. “It brings in people for overnight stays, which leads to spending at local restaurants.” Rouch also sees the annual event as a great way to promote our regional craft brewing brands, many of whom are a part of the newly-minted Lake Erie Ale Trail, a downtown tour and tasting adventure featuring the four local breweries — Erie Brewing Company, The Brewerie at Union Station, Lavery Brewing and Erie Ale Works. It has become a driving force in the local craft beer movement. “Craft brewers are a model of collaboration and mutual support,” said Rouch. “Beer on the Bay is consistently supported by almost all of the local craft brewers because they see it as a way to grow support for craft beer. It really celebrates the industry.” Josh Solt, the craft brew manager at Erie Beer, agrees. “Erie has had an excellent reaction to the event —

craft beer and the brewing community,” said Solt. “It has given brewers an opportunity to share their art, and I think it has helped grow the craft segment in our city.” And the location? Spot on. Since its inception, Beer on the Bay has offered beer fanatics a picture-perfect backdrop to kick back and sample new brews — the Erie bayfront and Presque Isle State Park. “Beer on the Bay is very beautiful and scenic, always at Liberty Park,” said Hausmann. “Erie Brewing is very proud of Presque Isle and believe the waterfront is the perfect environment — very soothing and relaxing — for people to enjoy the

craft and their friends and fellow attendees.” This year, 40 brewers will be on tap with favorites as well as new brews yet to go to market — a big draw for some brewers making the treck to Erie each year. “Beer on the Bay is really fantastic if you have a new product to showcase, making it a great test marketing,” said Hausmann. “People come to try new things that are different and outside their

comfort zone, something we’re pride ourselves on offering our customers.” It showcases the best of Erie — from our stunning views to the hardworking people who welcome this day as a way to share their passion for craft brewing. As for the best way to take it all in that day? Solt says timing is the key.

yourself throughout the session,” said Solt. “Hydrating with water in between samples and moving on to a different beer if you do not care for the one you are sampling helps as well.” Hausmann also recommends keeping an open mind.

21

“Craft brewers are a model of collaboration and mutual support. Beer on the Bay is consistently supported by almost all of the local craft brewers because they see it as a way to grow support for craft beer.”

JUNE/JULY 2015

“I prefer to move from malty to hoppy,” said Hausmann. “But ultimately, I think going in with an open mind and being excited to try

walk out with a new favorite brew you would have never tried otherwise.”

Beer on the Bay is happening Saturday, July 25th, rain or shine. There are two sessions; the session is 12 p.m.–3 p.m. followed by 4 p.m.–7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Erie’s own The

the A.N.N.A. Shelter. This year, Beer on the Bay

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

is also offering an exclusive beer school with the brewers on the Lake Erie Ale Trail. VIP, General Admission, and Designated Driver tickets are available online or by calling (814) 454-7191 x123.Attendees must be 21 years of age. Brewers should contact Erie Brewing or the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership to get involved. Opportunities for sponsorship, vendors, and volunteers are available. For a full listing of brewers or more information on the event itself, visit www.eriepa.com/beer-on-the-bay. 1 www.brewersassociation.org/statistics/by-state/?state=PA

ERCGP BEER ON THE BAY LOGO EVOLUTION

2011 2012 2013–PRESENT

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com

SAVETHE

DATES!

Signature Events

Fall Member Fest Wed., September 23rd

Shades Beach

Northeast, PA

Annual Meeting Thurs., November 5th

Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel

& Conference Center

Erie, PA

Mark your calendar for the remaining ERCGP Signature Events of 2015!

Go to eriepa.com/events to register.

23

JUNE/JULY 2015

by Dr. James Kurre, Director Emeritus, Economic Research Institute of Erie, in the Black School of Business, Penn State Behrend

THE TOP LINE:Erie’s income per capita grew by about

1% from 2012 to 2013, to $37,729 for every Erie resident.

Erie’s income per capita is about 15.7% below the nation’s, and below the average of Erie’s 13 peers.

Total income earned by Erie County residents was over $10.5 billion in 2013.

Erie’s income per capita is up 13.6% from its recession low point in 2009.

The long run trend of Erie’s income is up, but not as much as for the nation and most of our peers.

Income is one of the most crucial, if not THE most crucial, indicator for any economy. As the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) says: “Per capita personal income is often used as an indicator of consumers’ purchasing power and of the economic well-being of the residents of an area.” !e BEA released new income data for metro areas last November, and as with so many economic variables, there is good news and bad news for the Erie Metro Area (i.e., Erie County).

!e good news is that personal income per capita rose again in Erie in 2013, for the fourth year in a row, to $37,729 for every man, woman, and child in Erie County. !at’s a total of over $10.5 billion of income for Erie County residents. Income per capita rose slightly less than 1.0% from 2012 to 2013, and it has grown 13.6% since its recession low point of $33,225 in 2009. !e #rst graph below shows the pattern since 2000, with a clear upward trend.

But how does Erie’s income behavior compare to that of the nation and Erie’s peers? !at’s the bad news. !e Erie Vital Signs system has chosen 13 peer areas around the country against which we benchmark Erie’s performance. Graph 2 shows that Erie’s income continues to be lower than that of the nation and Erie’s 13 peer areas. While we gained a bit on the U.S. during the recession—notice that Erie’s income line didn’t fall as much as the nation’s during the recent recession—Erie’s income was still 15.7% below the nation’s in 2013.

C O N T R I B U T E D C O L U M NR E G I O N A L I N I T I AT I V E U PDAT E

PERSONAL INCOME PER CAPITA

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com

by Dr. James Kurre, Director Emeritus, Economic Research Institute of Erie, in the Black School of Business, Penn State Behrend

Graph 3 shows how Erie compared to each of its 13 EVS peers, the U.S., and the state of Pennsylvania. In 2013, Erie had a higher income per capita than four of its peers, but lagged nine others and was 6.3% less than the average for the 13 peer areas. Moreover, Erie was 18.3% lower than the average income in the state of Pennsylvania. Not good news.

For more information on this EVS indicator, such as time-series data for Erie and its peers back to 2001, go to the EVS website Per Capita Income page directly. To answer the broader question “How is Erie doing?” go to the Erie Vital Signs website for data on the most important measures in seven key #elds.

This Indicator Update was written by Dr. James Kurre, Director Emeritus, Economic Research Institute of Erie, in the Black School of Business, Penn State Behrend.

April 2015 Report.

25

Exceeding your expectations and providing care of the

highest standard since 1980

We are committed to the Erie community with local decision

makers.

All of our funding remains right here in the Erie community.

Call us and see how we can help

you or your neighbour

202 East 10th Street

Erie, PA 16503

Phone (814) 456-6689

www.hospiceerie.org

Follow us on social media!

JUNE/JULY 2015

March 21st

Fitness U2321 West 15th Street

A ribbon cutting ceremony held on March 21st marked the grand opening of Fitness Ulocated in the former Nautilus Fitness Center on West 15th St.Owners Matt and Anthony Pribonic have begun renovations to several areas in the building which will house iRock Fitness as well. Congratulations and much success!

March 23rd

Dunkin Donuts2545 West 12th Street

The newest location of Dunkin’ Donuts on West 12th Street opened to the public on March 24th. This is the 3rd Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant to open under Scott Enterprises. Way to grow!

Recent Ribbon Cuttings

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com 27

April 21st

Batteries Plus Bulbs4225 Peach Street

Batteries Plus Bulbs is a National Franchise with approximately 650 stores throughout the US. The Erie Store is locally owned and operated by Emmett Verdecchia and his son William Verdecchia, the Store Manager. The store is open 7 days a week and specializes in all types of batteries, light bulbs and related accessories including chargers

a battery or light bulb, they probably have it in stock or can get it quickly. They also service Commercial Accounts and National Accounts. In addition to the wide selection of high quality name brand batteries and bulbs, the store also offers device repair on the most common smart phones and tablets. Automotive batteries come with free installation and analysis of the vehicle’s charging system. Free installation is also offered on headlights and tail lights for most vehicles. Welcome to the business community!!

To schedule your ribbon cutting, call Cathy Noble at (814) 454-7191 x146.

Join us in Downtown Erie this summer

Downtown

Block Parties

Thursdays  6  -­10:30  PM

Pick 6 Tap House

June 18

&

Fridays  6-­10  PM

June 5

August 21

Liberty  Park  6:30  PM

August 4

August 11

August 18

August 25

Mondays  7  PM

June  8Ostrow  Apartments

4220  Davison  Avenue“LAKE  ERIE  BANJO  JAMMERS”

June  15St.  Mary’s  Home  –  East

607  East  26th  Street  “JIM  MOORE:Elvis  Appreciator”

June  22Villa  Maria  Apartments

819  West  8th  Street“DIXIE  DOODLERS”

June  29Mercy  Terrace  Apartments

430  East  Grandview“JIM  MOORE:Elvis  Appreciator”

July  6Soldiers’  &  Sailors’  Home

560  East  3rd  Street“GEM  CITY  CONCERT  BAND”

July  20Saint  James  Manor

2611  Pearl  Avenue“GEM  CITY  JAZZ  ENSEMBLE”

July  27  Curry/Schell  Apartments

3909  Schaper  Avenue“LAKE  ERIE  BANJO  JAMMERS”

August  3St.  Joseph’s  Apartments

517  Maryland  Avenue“BUGLE  BOY  SWING  BAND”

PM

PM

ERIE’S SPIRITS

eriepa.com

Business After Hours is a monthly members only networking event of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. On average 250-300 business professionals are in attendance.

Considering being a host location?

Contact event coordinator Cathy Noble at (814) 454-7191 x146or cnoble@eriepa.com for more info.

October 22 Grapevine Laundry and Linens2345 Warfel AvenueErie, PA

November 19 Millcreek Coffee1222 Linden AvenueErie, PA

December 10 Ambassador Banquet & Conf. Center7794 Peach StreetErie, PA

More 2015 Business After Hours

July 16 5:00–7:00 p.m.The Hammocks at Millcreek4500 Hammocks DriveErie, PA

September 10 5:00–7:00 p.m.BLOOM Collaborative138 East 26th StreetErie, PA

August 20 5:00–7:00 p.m.Panache Salon & Spa2501 West 12th StreetErie, PA

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June 185:00–7:00 p.m.ERIE Bank2302 West 12th StreetErie, PA

208 East Bayfront Parkway

Suite 100

Erie, PA 16507

PRSRT  STD

US  POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT  #  298

Erie  PA