february 2014 business magazine

February 2014

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BUSINESSM A G A Z I N E

VOLUME XXVII, NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 2014Manufacturer & Business Association

Leading the Way to a Healthier Work Force / Page 10

Manufacturer & Business Association

EDITORIAL > 7 / Health Matters How the benefits of electronic health records outweigh resistance.STEPHEN E. PERKINS, M.D.

9 / Legal BriefWhat you should know about wellness programs under the Affordable Care Act.JENNA BICKFORD

15 / Aging & WellnessWhy the fear of frailty is not only a concern for seniors but also their caregivers.DIANNE CUNNINGHAM

DEPARTMENTS > 4 / Business Buzz16 / HR Connection

20 / Legal Q&A24 / People Buzz

EVENTS > 23 / Association EventsSee photos from the Association’s recent events, including the MBA’s annual Economic Forecast, quarterly legislative luncheon and Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefings.

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Read on the Go!For the most current Business Magazine updates, visit our website, www.mbabizmag.com, fan us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

FEATURES >

3 / SpotlightGerry Van DeMerwe, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Erie, talks about the mission of the Y and the benefits of promoting health and wellness initiatives.

10 / UPMC HamotAdministrators and physicians explain how UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pennsylvania has become a vital resource for employers and their employees through its early detec-tion and prevention initiatives and growing list of specialty services in the areas of breast cancer, lung cancer, spine and brain injuries, and weight loss.

19 / On the HillAngela Zaydon, the Association’s state government relations representative in Harrisburg, explains why pension reform must be a priority for the Commonwealth.

SPECIAL REMINDER >February Eggs ‘n’ IssuesJoin us for the Association’s upcoming Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing on February 14 as we hear from representatives from Scott Enterprises on the development plans for Erie’s bayfront. For details, see the Association’s website, www.mbausa.org.

February 2014

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February 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 1

LECOM.edu

Erie’s Academic Health Center

1858 W. Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16509 (814) 866-6641

LECOM Erie

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is the nation’s largest medical school and the only Academic Health Center in Erie. With Millcreek Community Hospital and the Clinical Practices of LECOM, the College is the core of an innovative medical education and health care system.

This partnership strives to add to the quality of life for our neighbors in bringing total health care to the community by:

• Developing a 218-bed teaching hospital training new physicians and pharmacists in 14 residency and fellowship programs in the region’s largest post-graduate medical training institution;

• Building a network of clinical practices in Erie County with more than 40 physicians who not only help to meet the health care needs of our patients, but also serve as clinical instructors for our students;

• Opening one of the premiere medical !tness and wellness centers in the country designed to focus on the total well being of its members;

• And constructing a new 144-bed senior living center to provide skilled nursing care in a homelike environment and providing a new teaching model for geriatric care.

As LECOM continues its growth at our Pennsylvania campuses in Erie and Greensburg, the College will continue its mission of providing a quality medical education at an a"ordable price as we prepare the next generation of osteopathic physicians, pharmacists and dentists.

Erie’s Only Academic Health Center

VOL. XXVII, NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2014

© Copyright 2014 by the Manufacturer & Business Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial, pictorial or advertisements created for use in the Business Magazine, in any manner, without written permission from the publisher, is prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The maga-zine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. The Business Magazine and Manufacturer & Business Association do not specifically endorse any of the products or practices described in the magazine. The Business Magazine is published monthly by the Manufacturer & Business Association, 2171 West 38th Street, Erie, Pa. 16508. Phone: 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

Mission StatementThe Manufacturer & Business Association is dedicated to providing information and services to its members that will assist them in the pursuit of their business and community interests. – Board of Governors

Manufacturer & Business Association2171 West 38th Street Erie, Pa. 16508 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 www.mbausa.org

Manufacturer Joel Berdine& Business John ClineAssociation Board Dale Deistof Governors Bill Hilbert Jr. Mark Hanaway Donald Hester Timothy Hunter Paul Kenny J. Gordon Naughton Dennis Prischak Sue Sutto

Editor in Chief Ralph Pontillo [email protected]

Executive Editor John Krahe [email protected]

Managing Editor & Karen Torres Senior Writer [email protected]

Contributing Jenna Bickford Writers Dianne Cunningham Stephen E. Perkins, M.D.

Photography Rob Frank R. Frank Photography 814/520-3985 www.rfrankphotography.com

Casey Naylon

Advertising Sales Patty Welther 814/833-3200 [email protected]

Design, Production Printing Concepts Inc. & Printing [email protected]

ON THE COVER: Jim Fiorenzo, president of UPMC Hamot, phlebotomist Laurie Zelenak, Michael Balsan, M.D., Rachael Ours, Pharm.D. and Nomathemba Nkomo, RN, represent the 400-member medical staff and 3,100 dedicated employees of UPMC Hamot who are helping area employers lead the way to a healthier work force. For full story, see page 10.

SPOTLIGHT > Contact: Karen Torres

The YMCA of Greater Erie has played an active role in the health and wellness of the community for the past 150 years. How has that role evolved?The Y is a nonprofit like no other. For more than 150 years, we’ve been listening and responding to our community. With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good. While we’ve always been about strengthening the foundations of community through programs that develop our kids, provide the means to a healthy lifestyle, and advocate social responsibility, we’ve dramatically changed the way that our employees, volunteers, members and community view the Y.

We’ve learned along our journey that many recognized the YMCA name. But very few knew what we stood for. And, most wildly underestimated the scope of our impact — an impact that extends well beyond our gyms and pools and into City of Erie parks, public housing neighborhoods, classrooms throughout Erie County and senior centers.

The Y isn’t just the name on our building. We’re a spirit, a movement and a cause. Members join us because they believe in us — and the values we stand for — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community by nurturing the potential of kids and teens, improving our community’s health and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

The YMCA believes that being healthy is more than simply being physically active. It is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. Please explain. The Y is a place where you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new skill or hobby, foster connections with friends through our lifelong learning programs, or bring your loved ones closer together through our many family centered activities. At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside. At the Y, a supportive community is a big part of wellness. At every age and every level of activity, you’ll find people just like you looking to live a little bit healthier.

Why are wellness programs a “healthy fit” for employers and employees? Research shows that an investment in prevention is the most effective way for employers to reduce the costs associated with poor employee and dependent health. Wellness programs are a long-term investment in a company’s most valued asset — their employees. Incorporating an employer-contributed benefit into an organization’s health-care strategy has the potential to improve workplace efficiencies that can be measured. These include: increased productivity; lower health-care costs linked to lifestyle diseases and inactivity; lower rates of disability; fewer workers’ compensation claims; reduced employee absenteeism; improved employee retention; increased staff morale; and improved talent recruitment based on health benefits.

What programs do you currently offer that would be of benefit to employers looking to improve the health and wellness of their workplaces?Currently, the Y works with employers to support their employees through our Corporate Wellness Program. The Y has developed an Employee Wellness Survey that looks at the employee’s likelihood at participating in programs and activities if they were offered to them. It’s from that survey that the Y then can work with the employer to determine priorities.

For employers that are interested in membership fee reimbursement based on an employee’s utilization of the Y, we are able to provide specific reports to the employer that tracks an employee’s utilization of the Y. And, when an employer becomes involved in the Y, we also expose them to countless volunteer opportunities enabling employees to make a difference in our community.

What is the best way for employers to learn more about the Y’s programs and services? Because our Corporate Wellness Program is varied by employer and customized based on the employer’s needs, the best approach is to contact Tammy Roche at 814/452-1432 Ext. 252.

Employee wellness has become an increasingly important topic in the workplace, as employers find such programs helping to lower overall operating expenses, often in the form of better performing workers, lower absenteeism and decreased health-care costs. Gerry Van DeMerwe, chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Erie, recently spoke to the Business Magazine about the mission of the Y and the benefits of promoting health and wellness initiatives.


PROCHEMTECH INTENATIONAL AWARDED CONTROL DESIGN PATENT ProChemTech International, Inc., headquartered in Brockway, Pennsylvania, recently announced that its chief chemist, Timothy Keister, a certified water technologist and Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists, has been awarded U.S. patent, #8,585,999, “Method of Making Resin Impregnated Monolithic Graphite Electrode.”

This patent discloses the method to make resin impregnated monolithic graphite electrodes as used in the electrolytic bromine generators manufactured by ProChemTech. Electrolytic bromine is used as a biocide to control biological growth in cooling tower and process water applications.

The company provides chemistry, systems design, and engineering solutions for water and wastewater management problems.

For more information, visit prochemtech.com.

LOGISTICS PLUS PURCHASES FORMER SKINNER ENGINE BUILDING Logistics Plus is the proud new owner of a warehouse located in the former Skinner Engine Company building on 12th Street between Chestnut and Myrtle Streets in Erie.

Along with 50,000 square feet of storage space, the secured facility offers spacious offices, bulk storage and racked storage, inventory control management system, overhead cranes, three

ACES RECEIVES MAJOR DONATION

Business Buzz

Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES) recently received a $15,000 donation from Northwest Savings Bank to support Pennsylvania Business Week. Presenting the check to Valerie Laufenberg (center), executive director of ACES, is James Martin (left), regional president, and Carl Wolfrom (right), division vice president.

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recessed loading docks and grade level doors with inside load/unload capabilities.

According to the company, the warehouse is a welcome addition to the transportation and supply chain solutions that Logistics Plus already offers, and also helps to revitalize a portion of 12th Street in Erie.

For more information, visit www.logisticsplus.net.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK RECOG-NIZED AS BEST PLACE TO WORKFirst National Bank of Pennsylvania is “One of the Best Places to Work in Western Pennsylvania 2013” for a third consecutive year according to the Pittsburgh Business Times and WorkplaceDynamics. First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), ranked No. 7 among all large companies — those having 151 or more employees.

Recognition as “One of the Best Places to Work in Western Pennsylvania 2013” is based on employee feedback gathered independently by WorkplaceDynamics, an organization committed to organizational

health that conducts more than 4,000 company surveys each year.

For more information, visit www.fnb.com.

MICRO MOLD CO. ANNOUNCES LIFETIME GUARANTEE Micro Mold, an Erie-based custom mold manufacturer and injection molder, recently announced that it is providing a lifetime (unlimited production) guarantee for all qualifying Micro Mold designed and built SPI 101+ tools for the duration of the project’s production life at sister company Plastikos.

“We know of a number of the tools that Micro Mold’s built in the early-to-mid 1980s are still in production today — approximately 30 years later with hundreds-of-millions of cycles on them, and counting,” notes Philip Katen, president and general manager of Plastikos.

According to Katen, the company has pursued a 100-percent “Made in the USA” strategy from its founding, and knows that strategy is a key component to its ability to afford a lifetime guarantee for its customers’ production needs.

Currently the standard SPI 101 warranty stands at 1 million cycles; the longest publicized warranty — of which the company is aware — that extends above and beyond that standard 1 million cycles is 10 years with unlimited production.

For more information, visit www.plastikoserie.com.

PAPA ADVERTISING PICKED FOR LCBA FLORIDA ROLLOUTPAPA Advertising recently announced that it is helping the Erie-based Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA) introduce its life insurance products and services throughout the state of Florida in 2014.

Initial assignments include a multi-phase direct mail campaign and trade publication advertising.

LCBA was founded in 1890 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to support the widows and families of the men who worked in the oil industry in the region. Today, LCBA corporate offices are located on upper Peach Street in Erie. For more information, visit www.lcbalife.org.

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

Allegheny Health Network

You don’t have to be an all-star to be treated like one.Whether you are an elite athlete, a seasoned competitor or a weekend warrior, the experts at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine are here when you need them the most.

From sports injury prevention and performance enhancement to advanced, minimally invasive treatment options, our board certi!ed specialists o"er an advanced level of care you can only !nd at Saint Vincent.

To schedule an appointment at Saint Vincent Sports Medicine, call 814-835-2035.

Providing Solutions to Stay ActiveAt Saint Vincent Rehab Solutions Physical and Occupational Therapy, services are tailored to meet the needs of each patient. Customized treatment is provided by our expert sta" trained in the latest techniques aimed to restore function, prevent disabilities and reduce pain.

To schedule an appointment at Saint Vincent Rehab Solutions, call 814-833-7249.

To learn more, visit us 24/7 at SaintVincentHealth.com.

Saint Vincent Sports Medicine4671 West Lake Road, Erie814-835-2035

Saint Vincent Rehab Solutions Four convenient locations: Millcreek - 3822 Colonial Avenue, 833-7249Erie - 1910 Sassafras Street, 452-5231Edinboro - Edinboro Medical Center, 450 Erie Street, 452-5231Harborcreek - East Harbor Primary Care, 4950 Bu"alo Road, 452-5231


FIRST PRINT 100% PRINT 100% ADDITIONAL PRINTSCOLORS/SWATCHES SAVED TO PRODUCTION

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CLIENT: PNC BANK

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* Cash Flow Insight requires a PNC Business Checking account and enrollment in PNC Online Banking. Free trial offer valid for Cash Flow Insight and for additional tools (Receivables, Payables and Accounting Software Sync) for your current statement cycle period and two additional statement cycles. One free trial period per customer. For information on post-trial fees, how toun-enroll, a list of supported accounting software and other details, visit pnc.com/cashfl owinsight. Monthly charges will apply unless you un-enroll. CFO: Cash Flow Optimized and Cash Flow Insight are service marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ©2014 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

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S:7”

S:10”

T:8”

T:10.5”

B:9”

B:11.5”

The use of electronic health records (EHR) is generally seen by physicians as technology that has led to better care, while much of the public may still view it with some suspicion.Privacy and security concerns are the major reasons cited by the public for the unease and what keeps many from embracing the concept. A lack of understanding of the concept also contributes.EHRs Explained EHRs are an electronic record of information that reflects all of the health care that was delivered to a specific patient in various locales over the years. The information can include patient demographics, progress notes, medications, vital signs, medical history, immunizations and laboratory data, and radiology reports. Ideally, an EHR gives a physician a stream-lined look at a patient’s complete health record and should make the delivery of health care more efficient and effective.Advantages of EHRs

• Reduces medical errors because of improved accuracy and clarity;

• Reduces duplication of tests because all patient information will be available in one place;

• Reduces delays in treatment;• Keeps patients better informed

and better able to make decisions;

• Storage space is conserved;• Patient information is accessible

from remote sites to many people at the same time;

• Improves communication between health-care providers; and

• Reduces likelihood of information being destroyed.

Reasons for Resistance In a Harris Interactive survey taken in 2012, only about one-quarter of the respondents said they wanted their records to be transferred from paper to an electronic version and 85 percent of respondents expressed some kind of concern about EHRs. The survey also revealed that only 40 percent of people think that EHRs would help doctors deliver better, more efficient care, which is actually a slight decrease from previous years. The reasons for the resistance include a fear of records being stolen by computer hackers, the potential for misuse of the personal information stored, and even the fact that physicians might not be able to access a patient’s records during a power or computer outage. Even some physicians see a downside to EHR. In a recent study by the American Medical Association, some physicians complained that EHR increases their data entry responsibilities and requires them to perform time-consuming tasks that they otherwise would not have to handle. Disadvantages of EHRs

• Initial expense• Office staff’s resistance to new

technology• Need for additional maintenance

Saving Money in the Long RunStarting an EHR system can be expensive, especially in an era when health-care organizations are extremely cost-conscious. However, it can be argued that an EHR system will ultimately reduce costs and improve quality by helping providers and patients be better informed and by eliminating costly and unnecessary duplicate tests. EHRs also can do a better job of coordinating care, which will help reduce costs.Regardless of the advantages of EHRs, there will always be patient resistance to the idea, if the patient, in some way, thinks the system will somehow “replace” his or her personal physician. This is not the case. Nothing can replace the critical thinking of a physician. What a well-designed EHR system can do is collect and disseminate information and assist in decision making. For more information about EHRs, visit www.upmhealthplan.com.

Electronic Health Records: Benefits Outweigh Resistance

Health MattersEDITORIAL > By Stephen E. Perkins, M.D.

Stephen E. Perkins, M.D., is vice president of Medical Affairs for UPMC Health Plan, which is part of the integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division. These include UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions, UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), Askesis Development Group, Community Care Behavioral Health and E-Benefits – and which offer a full range of insurance programs and products.


On January 1, 2014, federal regulations pertaining to wellness programs took effect under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act”). The regulations apply to group health insurance plans for policy years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The regulations, issued by the Departments of Treasury, Labor and Health and Human Services, modify the existing anti-discrimination rules pertaining to wellness programs. Under the regulations, group health insurance plans may not discriminate against plan participants or beneficiaries with regard to eligibility, benefits or premiums based upon a “health factor” (that is, health status, medical condition, claims experience, receipt of health care, medical history, genetic information, evidence of insurability, and/or disability). As an exception, wellness programs may offer incentives such as premium, copayment, or deductible discounts or rebates in exchange for compliance with health-enhancing measures.Rules Vary by Program Wellness programs can be either participatory or health-contingent programs. The rules differ based upon the type of program.In participatory wellness programs, the reward is not tied to satisfaction of a health factor related standard. An example is a reward earned by attending a free health seminar. The regulations make clear that a participatory wellness program is not “discriminatory” if the program is available to all similarly situated individuals regardless of health status. The rules for health-contingent wellness programs are more extensive. In health-contingent wellness programs, the reward is contingent on the satisfaction of a health factor related standard. These programs must meet the following requirements:

1. The program must give eligible participants an opportunity to qualify for the reward at least once per year;

2. The reward may not exceed 30 percent of the total cost (including employer and employee contributions) of coverage under the plan, or 50 percent if the program is designed to prevent or reduce tobacco use;

3. The reward must be available to all similarly situated individuals and the plan must provide a possibility of obtaining a waiver (an alternative standard to obtain the reward);

4. The program must be reasonably designed to promote health or prevent disease; and

5. The plan materials must describe the terms of the program, other means for qualifying for the reward, and the possibility of obtaining a waiver.

Health-contingent wellness programs can be “activity-only” or “outcome-based.” An activity-only program bases the reward on completion of an activity, such as a walking program. It does not require the participant to obtain a specific health outcome, such as a healthy body mass index. A physician’s statement or other verification may be required to confirm that it would be unreasonably difficult or medically inadvisable for a participant to complete the activity. In such case, a reasonable alternative standard for obtaining the reward must be provided. Verification cannot be required if the reason the individual cannot participate is obvious, such as a broken leg.An outcome-based program bases the reward on achievement of a specific health outcome, such as a healthy cholesterol level or not smoking. If a participant does not meet the initial

standard, the participant must be given the opportunity to take an additional step (a reasonable alternative standard) to obtain the reward. For example, assume a reward is based on a participant not smoking. If a participant is unable to quit smoking, the participant fails to meet the specified outcome. However, the participant may still obtain the reward by completing a smoking cessation course.Additional Consideration A final consideration for employers offering wellness programs is the effect of a program on the affordability and minimum value calculations of an employee group health plan, for purposes of the pay-or-play provision. Proposed regulations issued May 3, 2013 stated that rewards, such as premium reductions, earned as part of a wellness plan are not considered in determining whether the plan is affordable and/or provides minimum value, unless the reward relates to not smoking. Final regulations, however, have not yet been issued. For more information about these programs, contact Jenna Bickford at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP at [email protected] or by calling 814/870-7762.

Jenna Bickford is an associate at MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP. She practices in the areas of Business Transactions, Real Estate, Government Services, and Health Care.

Legal BriefGetting Healthy Pays: Wellness Programs Under the Affordable Care Act

EDITORIAL > By Jenna Bickford


As president of UPMC Hamot, a 412-bed tertiary hospital and Erie County’s third largest employer, Jim Fiorenzo not only understands the importance of providing the best medical care, but also the value of having a healthy work force.“Healthy workers make for a productive environment,” he says, “and, as most employers know, there are financial advantages to creating a healthy work force if you offer health insurance.”As a regional health provider, UPMC Hamot, recognized in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals, and one of Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals for overall performance, is a vital resource for businesses looking to improve productivity and the health and wellness of their work force.Through its Corporate Health program, UPMC Hamot assists employers and their employees with early detection and prevention initiatives along with a growing list of specialty services in the areas of breast cancer, lung cancer, spine and brain injuries, and weight loss.“Why Hamot?” asks Fiorenzo. “Because we have invested in the physician manpower to be able to exercise the positive outcomes that people are looking for.”Enhanced Services, SupportFrom improved medications to changing reimbursements and the Affordable Care Act, Fiorenzo has seen many changes in the health-care industry since he started as hospital pharmacist more than 37 years ago. One of the most strategic moves has been Hamot’s affiliation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in 2011. The union has enhanced the Hamot’s level of services — from its facilities and infrastructure to its medical personnel — by injecting $300 million in funding over a 10-year period.“The bigger piece of this,” says Fiorenzo, “is that it brings expertise and support and the ability to recruit physicians to some of our specialties.”The most recent example of this expertise is the addition of Manisha R. Shende, M.D., Hamot’s new chief of thoracic surgery, who joined the

hospital in August after serving as director of thoracic surgeon at UPMC's Magee Women's Hospital of Pittsburgh and on the staff at UPMC Presbyterian. Dr. Shende specializes in all aspects of thoracic surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery for lung and esophageal cancer and to repair chest wall deformities, such as pectus excavatum, in adults, and her group, through UPMC, is known to be among the most innovative in the country for minimally invasive thoracic techniques.

And, in Erie County, where the smoking rates (23 percent in 2011) are higher than the state (18 percent in 2010) and national average (17 percent in 2010), that demand is critical. According to the Erie County Health Needs Assessment, published by the Erie County Department of Health, bronchus and lung cancer accounted for 27.4 percent of all cancer deaths between 2008 and 2010. “We do know that lung/esophageal cancer is the fastest-growing malignancy today,” says Dr. Shende. “The need was to have a dedicated thoracic surgeon here so patients could have the options they would find in Pittsburgh and Cleveland or other areas, and be able to stay locally so that it is easier on them and their families.”“Now with the affiliation with UPMC,” she continues, “I am able to offer patients access to an array of clinical trials that are run through the Cancer Center, and I am able to enroll patients into trials that might not have been otherwise available in this area.”

Leading the Way to a Healthier Work Force

Manisha R. Shende, M.D. (right), brings a new level of thoracic care to the Erie area, specializing in all aspects of thoracic surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery for chest disorders.

“Why Hamot? Because we have invested in the physician manpower to be able to exercise the positive

outcomes that people are looking for.”— Jim Fiorenzo,

President, UPMC Hamot


Dr. Shende points to the National Cancer Institute’s National Lung Screening Trial, a study with which UPMC was a participant, to stress the importance of early detection. “When cancers are diagnosed at an earlier stage we can make a difference,” she adds. “Seventy-five percent of lung cancer is detected at an advanced stage and that is what we need to change.”The UPMC Hamot Corporate Program also works with employers on smoking cessation programs. “The most important thing that people can do to take control of their health,” stresses Dr. Shende, “is to quit smoking.”NeurosurgeryUPMC’s commitment to bringing more specialists to the Erie area has enhanced its services for brain and spine injuries as well. In 2011, two renowned neurosurgeons, J. Brad Bellotte, M.D. and Raymond F. Sekula Jr., M.D. from West Penn Allegheny Health System, were recruited to join UPMC Hamot’s Neuroscience Institute, which now also includes William P. Diefenbach, M.D., Efkan Colpan, M.D and Isam A Khoja, M.D.Dr. Bellotte, chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Hamot, says the move complemented Hamot’s existing trauma program, which handles emergency surgeries, primarily involving work-related injuries, car accidents and other traumatic events.“In Pittsburgh, I was the director of neurotrauma and complex spine surgery so it was a good fit,” he explains. “In terms of spine surgery, there was a definite need for people to evaluate routine spine problems, back pain, neck pain and try to build a comprehensive program that involved a closer relationship with physical therapy, pain management and other specialties to try to create a multi-disciplinary approach to back pain. “The group now performs approximately 1,200 neurosurgery cases annually — 40 percent for the brain and 60 percent for the spine. Many of those spine surgeries are minimally invasive, involving training, techniques and equipment that allow for the least disruption to normal tissue as possible in order to shorten recovery, reduce infection rates, and get people back to work and their normal activities more quickly. “Back pain is the No. 1 cause of missed work but very rarely is back pain surgical,” reminds Dr. Bellotte. “The vast majority of it gets better with physical therapy and pain management. So early aggressive attempts at that can help decrease the number of people that need to have surgery.”

When those measures have been exhausted, Dr. Bellotte and the UPMC Hamot Neuroscience Institute can help. “UPMC Hamot has physicians that are going to listen to the patients, determine what their goals are, and have the expertise to make it happen for the patient,” he says. Women’s HealthOne of the most visible examples of UPMC Hamot’s commitment to specialty services is in the area of women’s health.The UPMC Hamot Women’s Hospital opened in 2011 as a state-of-the-art facility devoted to meeting the health-care needs of women in the community with specialty services from obstetrics, neonatology, and gynecology to urogynecology, gynecologic-oncology, infertility, plastic surgery, and breast health. The Women’s Hospital includes a state-of-the-art simulation lab for training that is used by other health facilities in the region. It is also the home of the UPMC Hamot Health Connection, which provides preventive health services, health screenings, and community education, and its popular Stork program for new parents.“We had more than 6,000 participants last calendar year in the Health Connection,” notes Debbie Burbules, president of the Women’s Hospital. “For the Stork program, we had right around 350 parents, which was slightly up over the year prior.”Among the most innovative programs available in Women’s Care Services has been UPMC Hamot’s Comprehensive Breast Health Program, which provides an entire network of services and resources, from the woman’s imager to the surgeon to the medical and radiation oncologists. The team meets weekly to review cases to come up with the best treatment plan for the patient and her family. Nurse navigators then take that message and continue to work with the patient to make sure that she is given education and support. >

UPMC Hamot Neuroscience InstituteUPMC Hamot offers the region’s most comprehensive diagnostic services and treatments for neurologic conditions and injuries to the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Its team of neurosurgeons includes:

• J. Bradley Bellotte, M.D. — chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Hamot and a leading expert in complex spine surgery, including minimally invasive surgeries.

• Efkan Colpan, M.D. — newest member of the neurosurgery team who joined UPMC Hamot from the University of Minnesota. He is fellowship trained in pain and functional neurosurgery and has a special interest in chronic pain and functional neurosurgery, including movement disorders, and Parkinson’s disease for deep brain stimulation.

• William P. Diefenbach, M.D. — specializes in pain management including spinal cord stimulators for chronic pain. Also provides some specialty services for Parkinson’s disease as well as general neurosurgery.

• Isam A Khoja, M.D. — neurosurgeon who has practiced in Erie for 12 years with a special focus on minimally invasive spine surgery.

• Raymond F. Sekula Jr., M.D. — splits time between Pittsburgh and Hamot and performs complex brain surgeries that are very specialized for types of facial pain.

UPMC Hamot’s Women’s Imaging service is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.


The program also now includes a service dedicated to high-risk patients that provides advanced diagnostic evaluation, personalized preventive strategies, proactive care options, and ongoing support and counseling. ”We promote all women having screening mammograms at a regular age but there also are those women who have family history, that maybe have had some breast changes prior to turning 40, or have a known family history and are just very concerned and at risk,” says Burbules. “That is why we started the high risk program. We wanted to give women an opportunity to have access to the most up-to-date monitoring and surveillance if they so choose.” In addition, UPMC Hamot offers telemedicine genetic counseling with genetic counselors in Pittsburgh as well as second opinion breast surgery consults, thanks to a special grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, with one of the physicians at Magee, Marguerite Bonaventura, M.D. Additional Magee specialty services available at UPMC Hamot include an infertility specialist who regularly travels to Erie from Pittsburgh, as well as specialists in urogynecology, gynecologic oncology, and fetal medicine. Says Burbules, “Hamot has made not only a significant capital investment with a building but with training the staff so that we are up to date, accessing specialty physicians that aren’t in our community on a regular basis and trying to make certain women have availability of all the services they need.”Bariatric SurgeryAt a time when approximately 35 percent of the adults in the United States and about 18 percent of children are obese, UPMC Hamot is also a crucial resource for weight loss. The UPMC Hamot Bariatric Surgery Center is the only center in the region designed as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).“Obesity has doubled in adults in the last 30 years and has tripled in children so it is a true epidemic and really needs all the resources to prevent it from getting worse and treat it,” says bariatric surgeon Amjad Ali, M.D, who has seen direct and indirect costs to the health-care system estimated as a high as $147 billion due to costly medications, missed work and absenteeism.“The good news is that even a small amount of weight loss in the majority of patients contributes to significant improvement in their health,” explains Dr. Ali. “Studies have shown that treating obesity prevents a lot of medical problems, improves the control of a lot of medical problems particularly diabetes and sleep apnea, and overall saves costs to the employers.”According to Dr. Ali, weight loss surgery is recommended for patients who are roughly 80 to 100 pounds above their normal weight, or if

their BMI is 40 and higher. Patients who already have developed weight-related medical problems like diabetes and sleep apnea, however, are candidates for weight loss surgery at a lower BMI of 35 and higher, which is roughly 75 to 80 pounds above normal weight. Today, UPMC Hamot has at least three well-established procedures, from gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND, to the newest procedure sleeve gastrectomy. The attraction with this procedure is it does not involve re-routing of the small intestine so there is no malabsorption and weight loss is closer to gastric bypass, which has made it a more popular option over the last few years. Dr. Ali’s team also uses the da Vinci Surgical System, a high-definition 3-D vision system with robotic arms, which allows surgeons to perform very complex and precise laparoscopic maneuvers. The equipment offers patients the option of less invasiveness and less pain, and faster recovery.“Here, at UPMC Hamot, we have a very comprehensive program that covers all aspects of weight loss and weight loss surgery,” says Dr. Ali. “Our surgeons have performed more than 2,000 weight loss procedures, our staff is very experienced in taking care of these complex and challenging patients, and we take ownership of our patients from the very beginning of the process and continue to follow them up long term.”Making a ConnectionFrom bariatric, thoracic, brain and spinal services, to women’s services, UPMC Hamot continues to lead the way in which health-care services are delivered. The health system now even offers a new online resource, MyUPMC, to help improve that delivery of care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.With a single login, patients now have access to outpatient medical information and doctor communication, for round-the-clock online medical visits, the UPMC Health Plan, and bill paying, for example.Fiorenzo says that connectivity is an important step toward the future, along with UPMC’s investment in its growing specialty areas.“We have invested in what we feel are the best physicians and that is where it all starts,” says Fiorenzo. “You need to pick your providers as if your life depended on it.” For more information about UPMC Hamot, visit www.upmchamot.org.

Through MyUPMC, a new online resource, patients can access outpatient medical information, schedule appointments and communicate with their doctors more easily.

Through the use of the da Vinci Surgical System, UPMC Hamot’s Bariatric Surgery Center offers a minimally invasive option for gastric bypass surgery that offers patients less invasiveness and pain, and faster recovery.


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Fear of frailty is of paramount concern not only for seniors, but also for those adults ages 35 to 62 — many of whom are daughters — worried about the health and safety of their older loved ones. That’s according to results of a recent national survey of seniors and adult children, which is reflected in the lives of local older adults, that reveals staying physically active is a major challenge for seniors.

The survey conducted for the Home Instead Senior Care® network found that 74 percent of seniors 65 and older say that staying physically active is a major challenge. Adult caregivers see the problem as well: 81 percent of adult caregivers listed staying physically active as a top challenge for seniors. That challenge leads to another worry: 90 percent of seniors in the survey say their greatest fear is loss of independence.

Senior care experts say lack of activity can lead to a downward spiral of poor health resulting in frailty, a condition that threatens the mind, body and social life of older adults.

What is Frailty? Frailty can be difficult to define, but most know it when they see it, according to Stephanie Studenski, M.D., M.P.H., one of the nation’s foremost authorities and researchers of mobility, balance disorders and falls in older adults, and director of clinical research for the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging. Medical professionals describe frailty as a syndrome of weakness, fatigue and decline in physical activity that may be triggered by hormonal or inflammatory changes or chronic disease states. For some, frailty results from a heart attack or stroke, while another senior might experience falls and weight loss.

Dr. Studenski and her colleagues conducted a series of focus groups with health-care providers and family caregivers about how they perceive frailty in an effort to better identify the condition.

Dr. Studenski believes that frailty can be both prevented and reversed by activity. So, in a very real way, family caregivers who can encourage and integrate physical, mental and social activities in seniors’ lives are helping them ward off frailty and stay healthy. And that addresses seniors’ biggest fear of losing their independence as well.

Look and See Signs of Frailty In a women’s study released last summer, researchers at Columbia and Johns Hopkins Universities discovered the important role activity plays in the fight against frailty and shed new light on what causes the condition.

Linda P. Fried, M.D., MPH, and scientists found that frailty is the result of a systems failure in older adults, rather than a specific problem, disease or even chronological age. Data from women ages 70 to 79 led researchers to discover that half of those frail had three or more systems at abnormal levels, compared with 25 percent of the pre-frail and 16 percent of the non-frail population. Among the physiological factors that were assessed included anemia, inflammation and fine motor skills.

Solutions to address frailty including medications and hormone replacement are unlikely to prevent frailty unless they are designed to improve multiple systems, Dr. Fried noted.

However, here are some signs of frailty that family members can look for:

• Change. If a senior has always been interested in talking to the neighbors, reading the newspaper

or volunteering and is withdrawing from those interests, suggest your loved one see a doctor.

• Inactivity. If your senior suddenly becomes less active, investigate what could be the cause.

• Slowing down. If grandpa always used to have a bounce in his step and now, suddenly, trudges along, that’s a bad sign.

• Loss of appetite and weight. A senior who always had a healthy appetite and doesn’t any more should be of concern to their loved ones.

• Unsteadiness. Loss of balance comes with aging but an increasing unsteadiness is a sign that something could be wrong.

To find out how you can help keep a senior active, get Home Instead Senior Care’s free Get Mom Moving Activity Cards: “Activities for the Mind Body and Soul” at www.getmommoving.com. For more information about how to help seniors at home, contact your Home Instead Senior Care office at 814/464-9200.

Dianne Cunningham and her husband Bob are owners and operators of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed agency that helps seniors to “age in place” by providing ADL and IADL personal care services throughout Erie County. They are members of the Independent Council on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania Advisory Board, among other organizations.

Fear of Frailty: Lack of Activity Threatens Seniors’ Independence

EDITORIAL > By Dianne Cunningham

Aging & Wellness


HR ConnectionWORKPLACE WELLNESS PROGRAMS EXAMINEDA recent Virgin HealthMiles’ survey of nearly 1,300 businesses has found a crucial connection between the effectiveness of an organization’s cultural wellness and the wellness of its employees. The survey found that while 87 percent of employees think that employer-sponsored health and wellness programs play an important role in choosing an employer, employers continue to struggle when it comes to communicating and measuring the effectiveness of these programs.“Creating a culture-first mentality is a critical step for employers when it comes to building a highly engaged work force,” Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin HealthMiles, said. “The trends

outlined within this survey mirror what we’re seeing in the market: Employees become much more motivated and productive when they know that their employer cares about their total quality of life, which goes beyond traditional wellness.”

REPORT: DEMAND FOR HEALTH-CARE WORKERS STILL RISINGA recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that health care will account for one-third of the 15.6 million new U.S. jobs created in the next decade.According to the report, U.S. employers will add 526,800 new registered nurses to their payrolls from 2012 to 2022, and another 182,900 licensed vocational nurses — both with growth rates that are twice the overall 10.8-percent gain in jobs over that period. Here are 10 of the fastest-

growing jobs, as identified by the BLS, and 10-year growth rate:

• Diagnostic medical sonographer — 46 percent

• Physical therapists — 36 percent• Physician assistants — 38.4

percent• Dental hygenists — 33.3 percent• Nurse practitioners — 33.7

percent• Registered nurses — 19.4 percent• Information security analysts —

36.5 percent• Market research analysts and

marketing specialists — 31.6 percent

• General and operations managers — 12.4 percent

• Interpreters and translators — 46.1 percent

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Dan Monaghan is the director of Training at the Manufacturer & Business Association.

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Stacey Bruce

The third annual Work Stress survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, shows that work stress is swiftly on the rise for American workers. The results showed a marked increase from last year’s survey, which found that 73 percent of respondents were stressed at work. This year, that number jumped to 83 percent.Too many of us accept stress as “the nature of the beast” and make little effort to neutralize it. However, rising levels of job-related stress can take a toll on one’s health, increasing the risk of heart attack, accelerating the aging process and even raising the risk of diabetes. To help reduce such problems, it is important to understand new and better ways of coping with the pressure, so here are a few tips to help reduce your stress to more manageable levels:

1. Identify the root cause. It is common for us to vent our stress “safely” rather than have the

difficult conversations that would address the real issue. We scream at traffic when we are really angry at our boss or we become overly critical of our loved ones when we are just frustrated with our own inability to manage our finances. Analyze where the stress is coming from and confront it — or them — head on.

2. Manage it. It is a fact that things bother us a lot less when we are rested and healthy. Get enough sleep, make an effort to eat more sensibly and exercise and life becomes much more manageable.

3. Let go. Much of our stress comes from expending energy on things we can’t control. No amount of agonizing over the weather, for example, is going to make any difference as to what will eventually occur. If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

And finally…4. Take a breath. As Ferris Bueller

once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Take the stress out of your work-force training. For information about the Association’s regionally recognized professional development courses, please contact me at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or [email protected].

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OntheHill DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Lori Joint

Pennsylvania law might guarantee retired state employees a set pension when they retire, but mathematics has its own laws.

All the legal protections in the world mean nothing if a pension plan is insolvent. Retirees in Detroit just found this out. If our commonwealth is to avoid this hard lesson, the legislature must act with a political resolve that has been lacking too long.

The facts are simple. For more than a decade, the state has paid less than needed into its two major pension funds — the State Employee Retirement System and the Pennsylvania School Employee Retirement System (PSERS).

In a system that funds its pensions out of the general budget, it was easier to paper over that debt than to reduce spending on politically popular programs. It is hard to tell someone their welfare check is being reduced or that their community center won’t be funded so we can pay off a debt they can’t see — a payment that basically preserves the status quo.

Instead, political leaders, abetted by state employee unions, made the astonishing decision to simply assume that the $50 billion in assets sitting in the pension system would earn 8.5 percent in investment income. The real number proved to be less than half that.

In fact, the system currently pays out $3 billion more than it takes in every year. As things now stand, the system is $47 billion short of what it will need in order to cover current and future retirees — and that figure is growing.

It is not just the citizens of Pennsylvania that have noticed this problem. The financial world has noticed too. Last year, both Moody’s and Fitch, two of the major investment

ratings firms, lowered the state’s rating. The lower the credit rating, the higher the interest the state will pay on what they borrow.

So What Happens Next? If we do nothing the short answer is, “pay more, get less.”

In the case of PSERS, half the pension cost is born by school districts, meaning skyrocketing property taxes to property owners and businesses. As more of the state budget goes to covering pension debt, money is crowded out for everything from classrooms to public safety. Potential employers will take one look and turn away. In addition, pension debt could drag Pennsylvania into an economic death spiral.

The Commonwealth needs to do two things. First, it needs to bring the growing pension deficit under control. This will mean hard choices, including another $600 million in state funding to begin work on paying down that deficit.

Second, it needs to face economic reality. The traditional, guaranteed benefit pension must be replaced with 401(k)-style defined contribution plans — allowing new employees to pay as they go.

It is a myth, by the way, that switching new employees to this system will rob money from current retirees. The state system has never worked that way. It relies on investment income — and taxpayer contributions — to meet obligations.

Much of this problem would not have happened if, more than a decade ago, lawmakers and teachers unions hadn’t helped themselves to whopping pension increases. We can’t undo the past. But if we don’t reform this system, the past will undo us.

Angela Zaydon is the state government relations representa-tive for the Manufacturer & Business Association in Harrisburg. Contact her at 717/525-7213 or [email protected].

Pension Reform Must be a Top Priority for Pennsylvania Lawmakers


WE HAVE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE DATING. SHOULD WE HAVE THEM FILL OUT A ‘LOVE CONTRACT’?Some employers use “love contracts” to help minimize their liability that office romances may pose. These documents usually outline expected behavior, specify that the relationship is consensual and reiterates and acknowledges the company’s anti-harassment and retaliation policies.

While these documents may not be enforceable agreements, they may assist the company in defending a later claim by showing the consensual nature of the relationship.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR AN EMPLOY-EE TO BE UNLAWFULLY HARASSED AT WORK BY A NON-EMPLOYEE?Yes. Employers can be responsible for the sexual harassment caused by a non-employee if the employer or supervisor knew or should have known of the harassment, failed to take immediate and appropriate action, and had some degree of control over the non-employee.

IS IT CONSIDERED SEXUAL HA-RASSMENT TO BRING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL INTO THE WORKPLACE? WHAT ABOUT ON THE INTERNET OR IN JOKES SENT THROUGH EMAIL? Maybe. Distributing sexually explicit material in the workplace, including material on the Internet or jokes sent via email, may constitute sexual harassment.

Moreover, even if it does not constitute sexual harassment, sexually explicit material in the workplace may be unprofessional and/or disruptive and may warrant discipline.

HAVE A LEGAL QUESTION? GET ANSWERS!At the Manufacturer & Business Association, we know that legal and HR issues can arise at a moment’s notice. Call our free HR & Legal Hotline at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 and stay informed with access to our HR-certified specialists and labor and employment law attorneys who will provide expert support and guidance on numerous personnel and compliance issues.

Legal Q&A

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Tammy Lamary-Toman is Labor & Employ-ment Counsel for the Manufacturer & Business Association’s Legal Ser-vices Division.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I thought we would discuss the topic of office romances. It is probably not surprising that romances often occur at the office as it is where we spend nearly a third of our adult lives. Even though employers may not be aware that romance is in the air, or that it is occurring, one thing is for certain: office romances can be a headache for employers.

State and federal anti-harassment laws require employers to take all reasonable actions to prevent unlawful harassment in the workplace. The possible claims that can arise from an office romance are nearly endless. An employer could face claims of sexual harassment and retaliation from an involved employee after a relationship ends. Other workers who perceive favoritism at play might bring hostile work environment claims.

So how can you protect yourself as an employer? Focus on conduct (and misconduct) instead of the relationship. Doing so can help an organization avoid the litigation expenses soured office romances can cause. Companies may want to steer away from addressing office romance in their employee policies (except in the case of a supervisor and a direct report).

Instead, employers can look at workplace romances as an opportunity to educate employees about the organization’s anti-harassment policy. Train employees about what is and is not suitable workplace conduct between employees. Remind employees that even though office romances are not forbidden, the company expects professional behavior regardless of the relationship

between employees. Inform employees that unprofessional behavior following an office relationship is not acceptable, and will lead to discipline, up to and including termination.

For information on “love contracts” for your workplace, contact the Association’s Legal Services Division at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.

Love Don't Cost a Thing — Except Maybe a Lawsuit

DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Tammy Lamary-Toman

UpperExtremity

Care


EventsThe Manufacturer & Business Association strives to keep its members informed on the most current business and legislative issues affecting employers in the region. For more information about upcoming events, see the Association’s website, www.mbausa.org. For exclusive photos, see www.mbabizmag.com.

James Kurre, Ph.D., director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie, presents his annual Economic Forecast.

Katrina Smith of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County shares how an open laboratory strategy at Knowledge Park and a collaboration between Penn State Erie and the Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation is providing a unique academic-industry partnership in Erie County, during a recent Eggs ‘n’ Issues briefing.

An expert panel from the Department of Labor and Industry addresses area employers during a recent legislative luncheon at the Association. The panel included Julia Hearthway, secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry; Gene Connell, deputy secretary, Compensation and Insurance; Greg Shore, deputy secretary, Unemployment Compensation Programs; and Scott Robinette, deputy secretary, Safety & Labor-Management Relations.

Lorin Lacy of global HR consulting firm Buck Consultants tackles the growing questions and uncertainty surrounding ObamaCare, during a special Association briefing.

February 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 23February 2014 > www.mbabizmag.com > 23

People BuzzASSOCIATION’S GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR APPOINTED AS DISTRICT EXPORT COUNCIL MEMBER The Western PA District Export Council recently appointed Lori Joint, the Manufacturer & Business Association’s director of Government Affairs, to a four-year term as a DEC member approved by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.

DECs are organizations of leaders from the local business community, ap-pointed by successive U.S. Secretaries of Commerce whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice for local firms.

Closely affiliated with the Commerce Department's U.S. Export Assistance

Centers, the 58 DECs combine the energies of nearly 1,500 exporters and export service providers who support the U.S. government's export promotion efforts throughout the country.

At the Association, Joint is responsible for developing the Association’s legisla-tive priorities and strategies; working with area legislators; planning political debates and forums; facilitating com-munications and outreach; encouraging membership grassroots activities; and promoting a pro-growth, pro-business agenda at the local, state and federal levels for the Association’s more than 4,500 member companies.

HBK DIRECTOR HONORED AS WHO’S WHO IN ENERGY Hill, Barth & King Energy LLC (HBKE) Director Steven Franckhauser, JD, and Esq. has been named among the Pittsburgh Business Times’ recipients of

the “2013 Who’s Who in Energy” award.

Franckhauser has served as the director of HBKE since its inception in 2011. He earned his bachelor of arts degree from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from the Duquesne University School of Law.

He is a frequent lecturer and speaker on the economic development and oppor-tunities provided by shale energy and acts as a liaison between those inside the industry and those seeking entry.

HBKE is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hill, Barth & King LLC (HbK LLC), and a Top 100 Accounting firm with offices in four states, including a location in Pitts-burgh out of which HBKE is based.

A comprehensive physical tailored to your health. AND YOUR SCHEDULE.

The UPMC Hamot Executive Physical Program provides the convenience of a full list of health screening services in just a few hours — and all in one place. After a range of specialists perform individual evaluations, our doctor will provide your personalized health report on areas including:

• Laboratory results• Lipid evaluation• Chest x-ray

• Pulmonary function• General fitness• Cardiac stress test (patients over 50)

Executive physicals are conducted at UPMC Hamot. Patients receive valet parking and follow-up consultations with a registered nurse.

To make an appointment, call 814-877-5481, or visit UPMCHamot.org for more information.

A!liated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.


DEPARTMENTS > Contact: Karen Torres

NORTHWEST SAVINGS HONORS EMPLOYEES FOR ILEAD COMPLETION Northwest Savings Bank recently honored employees who completed the bank’s iLead leadership program with graduation ceremonies held in November at the Conewango Club in Warren.The program, designed through col-

laboration between Northwest Savings Bank and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, helps bank managers in all departments develop proficiency in communication, emotional intel-ligence, coaching, motivation, delega-tion, time management, strategic thinking and leadership.

Participants met in Warren throughout the past 12 months.

Guest speakers presented on a variety of topics related to leadership development to give participants the chance to sharpen their skills and work together to meet challenges found in today’s workplace.

iLead is part of a four-tiered employee development program called uSuc-ceed, which provides enrichment op-portunities for Northwest employees.

Front row, from left: Kim Shoup, Krista Jamerson, Julie McTavish, executive VP-Human Resources, and Michelle Walter. Back row, from left: Steve Frank, Tina Peters, Kara Kubisiak, Sherry Brown, Kathy Oudinot, Tricia Moore, Kathy Kulbitsky, Erin Maze, Dawn Luke, Doug Kappler and Chris Claspy.

Front row, from left: CEO Bill Wagner, Mark McCullough, Veronica Cook, Michael Montecalvo, Laura Ahl, Dave Petras, Blake Maxson, Michael Boyd and Krista Jamerson. Back row, from left: Julie McTavish, Rhonda Stanton, Rita Camardo, Kristy Berg and Ashley Swanson.

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PAID ERIE, PA

PERMIT #199

There’s value to o!ering your employees top-notch health coverage. When you choose UPMC Health Plan, you o!er them value and quality plus a lot more. That’s because all of our plans come with in-network access to UPMC Hamot as well as to a broad network of doctors and hospitals in your community. Your employees also get award-winning customer service from our Health Care Concierge team, and the chance to live the healthiest life they can when they take advantage of our proven health and wellness program, UPMC MyHealth. Better health. Local doctors and hospitals. Award-winning service. Those are things both you and your employees can value.

For information, call:UPMC Health Plan – Erie Office109 Boston Store PlaceErie, PA 16501814-833-6633

HERE’S THE PLAN FOR OFFERING YOUR EMPLOYEES MORE.

814-833-6633




814-833-6633




814-833-6633

february 2014 business magazine

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