VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 • SprIng 2017Unlocking the Future... NEWSThe PFEW staff has been working feverishly to prepare for what looks to be yet another record-setting year in Williamsport. In this issue, we’ll give you the latest updates on fundraising, student recruiting, volunteer signups, and as always, we’ll highlight our recent travels and give you a glimpse of the exciting things to come for our five sessions of what promises to be an exciting and successful 2017 PFEW journey!Daffodils and crocuses push through the softened ground, life-giving rain renews the fields, warm breezes and sunshine flood our senses, temperatures rise, people are smiling again, and the air is electric with new life. Yes, Spring has sprung, and that means... PFEW 2017 is right around the corner!As of this publication, we’ve received over 3,300 applications for this year’s program, an incredible increase over last year’s record setting pace. Michelle Warofka, our VP of Educational Relations, Schools Assistant Amber Goss, and their team of dedicated student recruiters have made 234 school visits across the state, with over 873 in-class presentations, exciting everyone about the program. We now expect that as many as 2,200 students may take the PFEW journey this summer. Thanks to our outstanding outside recruiters Nate Cooper, Ken Snyder, Travis Keller, Dave Sawtelle, Kevin Connor, Sid Schechter, Gregory Drupp, Jamie Sheets, and Jim Golding we are way ahead of last year. Their motto, you ask? “We hook ‘em, you book ‘em!” Great job, everyone!Student Recruitment Soaring! When we hit the campuses of Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology this summer, our nearly 250 volunteer Company Advisors, Speakers, Competition Judges, Interns, and Resident Hall Advisors will be bringing with them over 1,150 years of service to PFEW! We couldn’t believe it ourselves. That number is simply staggering, and it is a true testament to the lasting power and enduring value of PFEW. This program would not be what it is without our loyal volunteers. Their dedication, commitment, and devotion to our mission is without question why this program is world renowned.As of this writing, all of our coveted Speaker slots are filled, but we still have a few openings for Company Advisors and Competition Judges. If you want to be a part of this exciting and rewarding program, you still have time to volunteer! Just call or email Karen Musante, CEO Designee, at 814-833-9576 x104, Karen@pfew.org, or visit our website, www.pfew.org and click on the Volunteer tab to sign up. We promise, you won’t regret it.Praise for Our Volunteers!Recent Travels and GiftsScott spoke at the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Education Luncheon in February. Pictured l to r are: Debbie Dowling, Executive Assistant, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce; Alexis Mock, senior at Tunkhannock HS and guest speaker; and Gina Suydam, President of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.Karen presents the 2016 Keystone Club plaque to FFEE Board member and Chairman of the Board of NexTier Bank and Controller for Snyder Associated Companies, Inc., Mark A. Karenchak.Receiving her 2016 Appreciation plaque from Karen is Sherris Moreira, Executive Director of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce.Presenting John with their 2017 gift is Emily Vommaro from Scott Enterprises in Erie. Nick Scott, Jr. is a member of the FFEE Board and a former Keynote Speaker.The Newtown Business Association recently held a breakfast featuring speakers from PFEW, and presented a check for a 2017 scholarship. Pictured here from l to r are: Ken Ogborn (Action Karate, NBA Breakfast Co-chair), Chris Dimedio (PFEW Graduate, Council Rock High School North), Clark Shuster (FFEE Board member) and Bill Sheffer (First National Bank of Newtown, NBA Breakfast Co-chair). 73%completedIn the cover article, you read about the explosive growth in applications this year, which is truly an indication of the great value of PFEW. However, as you know, none of our students get to Williamsport without that precious $575 scholarship generously donated by a company, civic organization, foundation, or individual. Record numbers of applications means that we need to get a record number of scholarships. So far, we’re only at 73% of the total scholarships needed to meet this exploding student demand.If you haven’t made your pledge for student sponsorship this summer, please consider doing so now. It is very easy. To donate online, simply visit www.pfew.org, click on the “Donors” tab in the top center of the homepage, then click the link “Make a Pledge” in the dropdown menu and follow the easy instructions. It takes just minutes. Scholarships Still Needed!Or, if you prefer, clip the donation coupon below, and mail or fax it to our offices at (814) 833-9850. Remember, we don’t need the funds until late summer. If you want to increase the value of your donation, pFEW participates in a matching gift program on August 8th called “Erie gives”. Any pledge fulfilled or gift made that day receives a percentage match, which is absolutely invaluable for us. As always, all gifts are fully tax-deductible, and PFEW participates in the EITC program should you or your company participate, qualifying you for additional tax savings.PFEW proudly teaches students to understand and celebrate our private enterprise system, and that message has never been more important. Thank you for joining us in our mission to improve the business climate in Pennsylvania and our nation. Because of you, we deliver results!My Year 2017 CommitmentYou can play an important role in a young person’s successful future by enclosing your 501(c)(3) tax deductible contribution today. please make your check payable to the Foun-dation for Free Enterprise Education or pFEW.Your investment will help our young people learn just how important our private enterprise system is to the freedoms that all Americans enjoy and sometimes take for granted. I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A COMPANY ADVISOR. I AM INTERESTED IN BEING A BUSINESS SPEAKER FOR PFEW.A donation of $575 will help provide a scholarship for a student to attend PFEW.I would like to make a gift of $_____________________________ to the PFEW Scholarship Fund. Check Enclosed (payable to PFEW) Invoice me on _________________(date) Founder’s Club --- $15,000+ Keystone Club --- $5,000 - $9,999 President’s Club --- $10,000 - $14,999 Student Champion --- $2,000 - $4,999 Team Sponsor (NEW!) --- $10,000 or moreName _________________________________________________________________ Title __________________________________________Company Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________ County _______________________ State ____________ Zip _______________Telephone No. __________________________________________ e-mail ____________________________________________________I would like to sponsor students from _________________________________________________________ County, and _____________________________________________________________ High School, if possible. Thank you!The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education is an educational not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting awareness about free market economics and private enterprise to the general public. All gifts are tax deductible. A copy of the Foundation’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State. Call 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.Thank you for being a part of PFEW 2017!Recent Travels and GiftsJohn with Christina Clancy, Administrative Assistant of the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber of Commerce.Here with Karen is Jim Boltz, President of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, Inc.John had the pleasure to meet with John Tippins, Trustee of the Tippins Foundation, enthusiastic PFEW supporters for students from Allegheny County.Here with Karen are perennial supporters Christina Colalillo (l), Corporate Communications Coordinator, and Laural Ziemba (r), Director of Public Affairs for Range Resources in Washington County. Range has sponsored hundreds of students to PFEW from their service footprint.Karen had the pleasure to meet with Laurie Serwinski, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Appalachia, LLC, a strong supporter of students from their extensive service area.John presents the 2016 Appreciation plaque to Mike Flanagan, President & CEO of the Clinton County Economic Development Partnership.Pictured here with John is Jim Decker, President & CEO of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, a perennial supporter of Warren County students.Karen presents the 2016 Appreciation plaque to perennial supporter Gene Barr, FFEE Board member and President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.Here with John is Bruce Smith, Jr., President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, a long time booster of PFEW’s mission.Receiving her 2016 Award from Karen is Eileen Dautrich, President of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce.Here with John is Lee Ann Camarero, Administrative Coordinator, Pike County Chamber of Commerce.Here, John presents the 2016 Commendation to Wico van Genderen, FFEE Board member and President & CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.Pictured here are Michelle Mikitish (l), Executive Vice President, and Brandi Bartush (r), Office Manager/Events Coordinator, Greater Pittston Area Chamber of Commerce.John presents the 2016 Appreciation certificate to Florence Suarez, Administrative Coordinator of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.Here with her 2016 Commendation is Eleanor Hill, Executive Director, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, a long time supporter of students from the Athens/Sayre area.John presents the 2016 Founder’s Club plaque to Eric Potter, Community Liaison Officer, Shell Appalachia, a perennial Founder’s Club member, PFEW’s highest donor designation.Pictured here with their 2016 Keystone Club plaque are (l) Ferlin Patrick, perennial Company Advisor and Executive Director of the Growth Resources Of Wellsboro (GROW), and GROW Board Chair Chris Morral.Recent Travels and GiftsRecent Travels and GiftsHere with her 2016 Appreciation certificate is Kara Kennedy, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.Ann Scott (c), Manager – Community Outreach, Erie Insurance Group, presents John and Karen with their 2017 EITC Founder’s Club gift, the highest PFEW donor recognition level.Here with John is Christie Blackwell, VP of Development for the Tioga County Development Corporation.Here with John is Julie VanNess, Executive Director of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce.(l to r) Karen with Wendy Forrester, Office Manager, and Scott Brown, Executive Director, Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce as they receive their 2016 Appreciation award.Megan Simms, President of the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce, accepts her 2016 Appreciation award from John.Here with their 2016 Appreciation certificate is Zachary Williams, Office Manager, Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce.John presents Ashley O’Dell, Community Outreach Coordinator, St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce, with her 2016 Appreciation award.Karen presents the 2016 Appreciation plaque to Tom Palisin, PFEW Board member and Executive Director of The Manufacturers’ Association.Scott accepts the FirstEnergy Foundation’s 2017 Keystone Club gift from Dan Heher, Director, External Affairs, Penelec, a FirstEnergy Company.Karen presents the 2016 Appreciation plaque to David Black, President & CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC.John and Karen accept NexTier Bank’s 2017 EITC Founder’s Club gift from Clem Rosenberger (r), President & CEO, and Maria Smathers, Senior Vice President Marketing & Retail Delivery. A long time member of the Founder’s Club, NexTier has sponsored hundreds of students to the program.Karen presents PFEW’s 2016 Appreciation plaque to Mike Artim, President & CEO of the Greater Johnstown-Cambria County Chamber of Commerce.Receiving their plaque from Karen is Jim Struzzi, II, President of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce.Pictured here with Karen is Ron Davis, President of the Washington County Manufacturers Association.Recent Travels and GiftsPFEW popped into his head. He says, “PFEW meant a lot to me back in 1993. Not just because of the business exposure, but it was a wonderful social experience also... being on my own for the week, meeting new peers, getting an opportunity to be a respected voice... it was a good confidence builder. So I thought, ‘I wonder if they’re still around?’ I did a quick Google search, saw that PFEW was still going strong, sent an email, and got a reply from Karen (Musante) shortly thereafter. Next thing you know, I was in King of Prussia for the (Company Advisor Volunteer) Training Session.”His first year as a Company Advisor was an eye-opening experience. He loved his team. In fact, he was so impressed by them that he actually hired three of his students after the program as social media interns! Says Eric, “They’ve been great. We meet once per week via webcam meetings and they work independently for five to ten hours per week. They do most of the work on our Twitter and Instagram accounts, and they’re adding more responsibilities every week. When we have in-person donation events, they sometimes come out to those and take pictures/video & publish to social media. I also put them through different professional training programs and certifications in marketing and social media. My whole team really enjoys working with them, and they’re getting some great hands-on experience.” What Eric doesn’t say is that he pays them significantly more than minimum wage because he says, “They’re worth it.” Eric has definitely come full circle, from PFEW student, to entrepreneur, to PFEW volunteer, to now PFEW donor. This year, he and Big Barker are providing three scholarships for young people to attend PFEW 2017, one in the name of each intern. Now, that’s commitment. The seed planted those many years ago at PFEW has grown into a beautiful tree, deeply rooted in hard work, abundant in entrepreneurial spirit, and bearing the fruit of giving back. Thank you, Eric!!Just in case you aren’t yet convinced of PFEW’s long-term impact – Eric’s Company Advisor from 1993 was Jim Campolongo, now an Area Vice President with GSK in King of Prussia, PA. Jim is making a return trip this year to Williamsport to judge the students’ Stockholders Competition in Week II, the very week he served in over twenty-five years ago! That’s impact.Eric Shannon wasn’t sure what to expect in his first year as a Company Advisor. After all, it had been twenty-four years since he set foot on Lycoming College in Williamsport. Certainly things had changed, and yet, they looked eerily familiar. You see, Eric was a PFEW student at Lycoming in 1993, and unbeknownst to him that week, a seed was planted, a seed that would bear great fruit.Admittedly a poor student (but a good test taker), Eric graduated college and began his career in banking. He hated it. He said in 2004 he “stumbled upon” search engine marketing (S.E.M.), and abruptly left his job in banking, taking a 50% pay cut to work with a local catalog retailer. He embraced S.E.M., and quickly was named Director of E-Commerce. Shortly thereafter the entrepreneurial seed sprouted, and he started an online retail pet supply company from his home called, “Oh My Dog.” Using his talents for S.E.M., he quickly took Oh My Dog to the top of the Google search engines. The very next year he quit the catalog company, and for the next five years successfully ran Oh My Dog. But something was missing. Eric still wasn’t fulfilled. That missing piece was volunteering, giving back. So seeking opportunities that fueled his passions, he volunteered at numerous animal and educational non-profits. In 2012 the sprout bloomed, and Eric sold his half of Oh My Dog to his former business partner, and founded Big Barker, a Philadelphia-based manufacturer of therapeutic dog bedding whose 2016 sales topped $5 million. He’d say the roots of that sprout were growing deeper.Never one to let grass grow under his feet, last year he began looking for his next volunteer opportunity, and Alumni Spotlight – Long-Term ImpactEric with his company from 1993Pictured here are Tina Johns Solak, Executive Director, and Mike Singer, President of the Board of Directors, Cameron County Chamber of Commerce.Pictured here are members of the Columbia Montour Chamber Foundation board with their 2016 Appreciation plaque. From l to r, Tom Kapelewski, Brenda Cromley, Dean Girton, Foundation Director Donna Eyerly, Chamber President Fred Gaffney, Adrienne Mael, Natalie McIntyre, and Dave Bacher.Recent Travels and GiftsPictured here with Scott is Bob Garrett, President & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, receiving his 2016 Appreciation plaque.Pictured here with Karen is Stan Kosciuszko, President of the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, long time PFEW “booster”.Gary Laird, President of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, accepts his 2016 Commendation from Karen.3076 West 12th StreetErie, Pennsylvania 16505-3857phone: (814) 833-9576 • fax: (814) 833-9850e-mail: info@pfew.org • web site: www.pfew.orgNON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGEPAIDERIE PAPERMIT NO. 646proud presenter ofPennsylvania Free Enterprise WeekWeek ILycoming College July 2 - 8MR. JOHN B. BACHMANJB AssociatesMR. CHUCK BAKER CSCP, CLTDMichelin North AmericaDR. J. RODY BORGDavis College of Business, Jacksonville UniversityMR. LARRY BULLProject Management Institute, Inc. (ret.)MR. GARY A. CALDWELL, ESQ.Attorney at LawMR. DAVID A. CAMPBELLBenjamin Obdyke IncorporatedMR. NICHOLAS J. CARTERPro Quality CleaningMR. JEREMY CHOBOTUniversal Display CorporationMR. KEVIN W. DAVISThe Davis Group (ret.)COLONEL DAVID R. HALLEnergy AviationMR. ASIM JONESNaeem & Co. LLCMS. PATRICIA A. MARTIN, PHRDVL Incorporated (ret.)MS. TARA MURRAYBenjamin Obdyke Inc.MR. LAWRENCE G. PETROCollege Planning CenterMR. ROBERT A. PUCCIMain Line Chamber of Commerce (ret.)MR. AUGUST P. SCHIAVAErie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership (ret.)MR. G. BRAD SCRIBNERThomas Hardware (ret.)MRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIGUtilities Employees Credit UnionMR. JOHN P. SENSENIGConsultantMS. MCKENNA D. SHIREYErnst & YoungMR. STEVEN B. SHIVAKAutism SpeaksMR. MARK E. SKORICJoshua Consulting, LLCMR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.CT ConsultantsMR. PAUL VIZZALA FitnessWeek IILycoming CollegeJuly 9 - 15MRS. PATRICIA A. BAUNCentral Property Search, Inc.MS. JODI L. BRANDONJodi Brandon EditorialMS. BROOKE CLIPPINGEROpen MindsMR. JOHN M. DEMASI, CHFCFinancial ConsultantMS. MACKENZIE L. FARONE-WAITEGreiner Bio-OneMR. JOSEPH A. GIEDGOWDByers’ Choice, Ltd.MR. GARY M. GOSSVerizon (ret.)MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEKButler County Community CollegeMR. JOSEPH P. HARFORDReclamere, Inc.MR. THOMAS H. JACKSONNorthwest Savings Bank (ret.)MS. BRANDI L. KINSEYCentral Property Search, Inc.MR. CARL A. MARRARAPennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association MR. MICHAEL R. McELHANEYWarren County School DistrictMR. HENRY G. MICHELHenry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)MR. WILLIAM N. MORRISJeld-Wen, Inc. (ret.)MR. FERLIN E. PATRICKGrowth Resources of WellsboroMR. CLARK L. SHUSTERGraceful Senior SolutionsMR. ROBERT STEISKALLowe’sMS. TANYA STEISKALHinds County School DistrictMR. DWAYNE W. WAITE, JR.Schell GamesDR. CHARLENE M. WRIGHTButler County Community CollegeWeek IVLycoming CollegeJuly 30 - August 5MR. E. SCOTT ARONOWE. Scott Aronow Coaching and ConsultingMR. CHRISTOPHER J. BETZThe Free Press LLCMR. KEVIN R. CONNORModern Strategic Branding + CommunicationsMR. KEVIN W. DAVISThe Davis Group (ret.)MR. LEONARD A. DEANE, JR.L. A. Deane & AssociatesDR. AL DOS SANTOSCaldwell CountyMS. JUDITH A. ESCHBERGER, ESQ.JAE Government RelationsMR. GARY GOLDSTEINProject Management Institute (ret.)MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEKButler County Community CollegeMS. SALLY HARDSEssentraMR. THOMAS C. HERMANOWSKIFirst National BankMR. MICHAEL G. KARCHNERKarchner Marketing Research, LLCMS. ADELAINE LAZZELLBlack Sheep Inc.MR. JOHN LUGGLugg & Lugg Law OfficesMS. PAMELA A. MEYERS, M.A., NCC, LPCCatapult Learning/Conwell-Eagan Catholic High SchoolMR. MYLES MILLERLeadUPMR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MS. NAIYA PATELSodaStream USAMR. MARK PROUDFOOTRenkert OilMR. ERIC SHANNONBig BarkerMS. SARAH E. VANNATTA, M.S.ED.EconomicsPennsylvaniaMS. MARIANNE J. WIMERWilliamsport Area High SchoolWeek IVPA College of Technology July 30 - August 5MS. SARA ARIZZIPhytogenXMS. KATERYNA BREZITSKAMIAX Options ExchangeMR. NICHOLAS J. CARTERPro Quality CleaningMR. NATE COOPERKomfort HeatMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMR. MICHAEL GECHTTravel Ease, Ltd. (ret.)MRS. JULIA M. HAIGHFranklin and Marshall College - Center for Opinion ResearchMR. KEVIN M. HAIGH, CFA, CFPVanguardMR. JOHN M. JENSENHamot Medical Center (ret.)MR. JOSHUA E. KAMERERHudson Business Service, LLCMS. MELODY F. KAMERERHudson Business Service, LLCMS. LESLEY J. KISTNERChamber of Business & Industry of Centre CountyMR. ROY L. KNAUTHThe Reinard Insurance Agency, Inc.MR. WILLIAM J. KOEHLEUnited States Marine Corps (ret.)MR. ALFRED E. KRAFTOperations Management ConsultantMS. MARIANNE MARTELLIChester County Chamber of Business and IndustryMS. JAMIE LEE MENCHYKHudson Business Service, LLCMR. DAVID R. SAWTELLEConsultantMS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMERStrickler Agency, Inc.MR. KEVIN SHIVERSNational Federation of Independent BusinessMR. DAVID P. THIEMANNPenelec, A FirstEnergy Company (ret.)MR. KYLE P. WHERRITYUnited States House of Representatives2017 Company Advisor ListWeek IIILycoming CollegeJuly 23 - 29MS. RAYLENE BOOTSDinosaur StudiosMR. THOMAS S. BORNHuntington National BankMR. RUSSELL P. BROOKSR. P. Brooks & Associates, LLCMR. MARK BURKEThinkID8MR. WILLIAM G. CAUGHERTYMillcreek Township School DistrictMS. JOANN CORTESE, CHMMPurolite CorporationMR. ROBERT H. DIEFENBACHERDenbrook Strategic AdvisorsMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMR. JAMES M. GOLDING, P.E.FedEx Ground (ret.)MS. MARTA J. GRIFFITHOn Track Resources, LLCMR. THOMAS V. HOLLERANHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.MR. JOHN P. LAFFERTYCellMyLight, Inc.MR. RICHARD S. MUSANTEParkson Corp.MS. DEBRA NOYESShaner Hotel Group (ret.)MR. EDWARD OUDENNEComprehensive Wealth ManagementMR. RYAN OUDENNEComprehensive Wealth ManagementMR. MARK J. PIETRUSINSKILORD CorporationMR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFAWells FargoMR. TODD R. SCHORLETS TECH Enterprises, Inc.MR. KENNETH W. SNYDER, JR.Advisor to USOC Coaching Ed. Dept. (ret.)MR. CHARLES L. WITMERCounty of CentreMS. ABIGAIL ZLOCKIEPennsylvania State UniversityNext >