Happy New Year, everyone! All of us at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week hope you had a wonderful, restful, and rejuvenating holiday season. We begin our 40th Anniversary by saying Thank You. We’re simply overwhelmed by the thousands of supporters, contributors, volunteers, champions, speakers, students, and staff who have made PFEW the largest, most respected summer economics education program in the world. This incredible legacy of PFEW would not be possible without you. But why PFEW? Why do we do this? While tax and regulatory reforms are beginning to boost the national economy, the news in PA certainly could be better. All you have to do is look at the state budget process the last two years and see the decline in manufacturing jobs coupled with the most burdensome business tax structure in the nation to realize that we still have a long way to go. The absolute best weapon we have to combat this is to educate our young people about what your world is like. Young people must understand the challenges facing business today, and what will be required of them to improve PA’s business climate. PFEW teaches young people to understand and appreciate our free enterprise system, and it gives them tools necessary to assume their roles as tomorrow’s leaders. We provide a direct link between students and the PA business community, and we are the “voice of business” for thousands of young people each summer. For forty years PFEW has provided this unique, powerful learning experience because it is absolutely critical to our future success.It’s hard to believe, but the five summer sessions of PFEW 2018 are just over six months away! Our Board of Directors has set an ambitious and exciting agenda as we prepare to welcome another record-breaking class of PFEW students to our wonderful host campuses of Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology this summer. Our students will listen to another fantastic array of dynamic speakers who will excite them about their futures, and our wonderful Company Advisors will mentor them through the week and help them develop new skills that they cannot get anywhere else.Student recruiting is already ahead of last year’s record-breaking pace, and our schools team is furiously scheduling visits to hundreds of schools across the state to excite sophomores and juniors about PFEW. Fundraising is also in full swing, and our first appeal for scholarships went to our loyal donor base in October. Soon, letters will be mailed from our more than 120 partnering organizations to their members to secure the scholarships and volunteers we need this summer.All this means one thing – We Need YOU to make it happen. How can you get involved?Donate – For the fourth consecutive year, a PFEW scholarship remains at $575. Your completely tax-deductible gift will provide an unparalleled educational experience not found anywhere else in the world. That’s simply an incredible return on investment and the greatest gift you can give a young person – a window into your world that will better equip them as future voters and members of our workforce.Volunteer – Each year, we need 120 men and women to serve as Company Advisors. Our returning CAs say that PFEW is the best week of their year, and they’ll also tell you they receive so much more than they give. Come join us this year. It’s the greatest gift you can give yourself, a gift that will reenergize your career and possibly change your life forever!Share – Spread the word about PFEW to your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and employers, and tell them about the invaluable PFEW experience. Your support and endorsement truly opens doors to more scholarships, volunteers, and student participants.On behalf of our entire board of directors and staff, thank you for supporting PFEW’s mission. Together we are changing the face of Pennsylvania business by preparing our young people for their roles as the leaders of our state and nation. We wish you all a happy, healthy, prosperous 2018!VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1 • HOLIDAY ISSUEUnlocking the Future... NEWSPFEW TURNS 40! Recent Travels, Part IMichael Porter, education director of the Central PA Chamber of Commerce, accepts the 2017 Appreciation Award from Scott last October.Each year the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce hosts a celebratory roundtable breakfast for PFEW graduates, chamber members, board, and invited guests. Here, Amy M.B. McKenna, president of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce, accepts her plaque from Karen and John, along with, l to r, PFEW Company Advisors Roy Knauth, Naiya Patel, Ryan Oudenne, Mike Gecht, and Ed Oudenne, breakfast sponsor Randall Beaman of Univest Bank & Trust Co., Sid Schechter of Silverwood Consulting, and PFEW Company Advisor Nate Cooper.Pictured here receiving his 2017 Appreciation Plaque from Karen is long-time supporter Jack Manning, president & executive director of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce.Range Resources is an avid booster of PFEW each year, providing invaluable scholarships and even volunteers! Pictured here presenting a check to John and Karen are, l to r: Kylie Sanders, public relations clerk, Range Resources; Karen Musante, CEO designee, FFEE; Christina Kramer, corporate communications coordinator, Range Resources, and a perennial PFEW Advertising and Marketing judge; and John Trombetta, president & CEO, FFEE.Scott visited with Wendy Klinghoffer, executive director of the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce last October. She’s pictured here with her 2017 Appreciation Certificate.Here with his 2017 Appreciation Certificate is Steve Plaugher, executive director of the Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce.During her recent swing through the northern counties of Pennsylvania, Karen had the pleasure of presenting Patricia Metzgar, Interim CEO of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, with her 2017 Appreciation Plaque.Each May, the Physical Therapy and Wellness Institute (PTW) in Lansdale, PA organizes the Broad Street ReRun, a 5-mile wellness run in the streets of Lansdale. Proceeds from this year’s run were given to the Community Health & Youth Foundation of the PennSuburban Chamber of Greater Montgomery County to be used for student scholarships to PFEW. Pictured here with their 2017 Student Champion plaque are, l to r: Paul Nye, board chair of the Foundation, Scott, Bob Babb, PT, MBA, owner of PTW, and Lindsey Ernest, PTW.Scott visited the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce in October. Pictured here with her 2017 Appreciation Certificate is Executive Director Sue Cauffman.The Greater Reading Chamber and Economic Development Corporation are staunch supporters of PFEW. Pictured here with their 2017 Appreciation Award are, l to r: Randy Peers, president & CEO, Greater Reading Economic Development Corporation, and Karen Marsdale, president & CEO, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce.The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has always been passionate about PFEW. Pictured here with their Appreciation Award is President Mark Yoder.The Community Health & Youth Foundation of the PennSuburban Chamber of Greater Montgomery County hosted a breakfast roundtable last October at the Chamber’s offices for local PFEW graduates. It was moderated by Foundation board chair Paul Nye, and attendees heard first-hand from the students about the power of their PFEW experience. Pictured here are, front row, l to r: Pam Kelly, president & CEO of the Chamber, and Foundation board members Kathryn McCarter, Alexa Sullivan, Paul Nye, Mark Himsworth, Lon Seitz, Rob Morrin, and Jayne Blackledge. Back row, l to r, are 2017 PFEW graduates Logan Dubil, Parth Arora, Siddharth Bellum, Maggie Wilson, Sydney Breslin, Christian Tarlo, Anthony Blessing, Kaishon Gordon, and Scott Lee, PFEW.John and Karen had the pleasure to meet recently with Ken Baker (r), CEO/owner of NewAge Industries in Montgomery County. Ken is an enthusiastic supporter of PFEW, and he is currently exploring developing a new ethics case study for use at the summer program. Thanks for all you do for PFEW, Ken!Foundation for Free Enterprise Education’s 2017 Annual MeetingOn November 16, 2017, PFEW’s parent organization, the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, held its Annual Meeting at the beautiful offices of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association in Harrisburg. The board reviewed the 2017 summer program, met with auditors and financial advisors, and approved a 2018 PFEW budget which allows us to accommodate a record 2,200 students this coming summer! Also on the agenda was the election of officers and welcoming two new board members to FFEE. Our 2018-2019 Officers are: Chair – Russell Brooks; Immediate Past Chair –David Campbell; Secretary – Chad Amond; Treasurer – Vincent Matteo; Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer – Jon Whiteman; Vice Chairman – Kevin Shivers. Thank you, gentlemen, for serving in these all-important roles.We are also pleased to announce the unanimous election of two new directors, Ms. Katie E. Clarke, president of LeTort Trust in Cumberland County, and Mr. Lowman S. Henry, chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research, Inc. in Dauphin County. Katie and Lowman are both passionate and long-time supporters of PFEW. We welcome you and look forward to working with you for many years to come.In attendance and pictured above are, l to r: front row, John Trombetta, Vincent Matteo; 2nd row, Robert Durkin, David Campbell, Kevin Davis; 3rd row, Chad Amond, Wico van Genderen; 4th row, Ryan Newman, Patricia Baun, Clark Shuster; 5th row, Kevin Shivers, Gary Goss; 6th row (far left), Mark Karenchak; 7th row, Russell Brooks, Thomas Palisin; top row, David Taylor, Dennis Doll.The meeting was capped off with a wonderful dinner celebration honoring the long career of retiring PFEW President & CEO John Trombetta, and welcoming incoming President & CEO Karen Musante.This past October, Karen had the pleasure of addressing the Entrepreneurial Women’s Expo held in State College. Partial proceeds of the expo funded two scholarships for local State College students to attend PFEW 2018. Pictured here are, l to r: Karen Musante, CEO designee, FFEE; PFEW 2017 graduate Caycee Ohl, State College Area High School student; and Elizabeth Stephenson of Custom Stuff. Elizabeth organized the Expo, is a regular contributor to PFEW, and designated proceeds of this year’s event for PFEW scholarships. Thanks for your amazing support, Elizabeth!Recent Travels, Part IIMs. Katie E. ClarkeMr. Lowman S. Henryrun out of people to talk to about business.” Jim is a firm believer that if you build relationships, success will come.For Jim, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) played a profound role in his trajectory as an entrepreneur. From the moment he set foot on Lycoming’s campus in the summer of 1995, he connected with others his age who also gravitated toward the creative side of business. Beyond developing organizational skills and learning structured pathways to entrepreneurial success, Jim experienced “social proof” for the first time—that crazy, heady tide of certainty that gave him confidence that he was precisely where he needed to be, claiming his dreams. “When like-minded people get together, amazing things happen,” says Jim. He recalls a week of extreme positivity, high-fives, bonding over mutual aspirations, and “an unprecedented energy that made everyone strive to do their best and lift others in support of their best.” Galvanized by his participation in PFEW, Jim went on to attend Johnson & Wales College in Rhode Island where he majored in Entrepreneurship and Finance.This past November, Jim launched Six Sigma Social, a movement that takes entrepreneurship beyond the traditional structure of business to the frontiers of personal and social advocacy. Jim plans to elevate the world, one positive social media connection at a time. Jim’s advice for future PFEW students: “Master social media. Never in history has there been a better time to use it. Social media knocks down every barrier to business and success. Find a mentor or coach, give up control, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nurturing connections into meaningful relationships means you’ll never run out of people to talk to about business.”Thank you for sharing your story, Jim! We’re happy for your success and wish you many more years of helping people achieve their dreams.Jim Lupkin was a seemingly ordinary kid growing up in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, but he’ll admit he was more than a little different. In grade school, he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and realized he had a passion for connecting with others. While his friends muddied their knees playing football at recess, Jim started a business selling lollipops to his classmates: four flavors so he turned inventory quickly, one quarter per sucker (the candy, not the buyers), and a doubled profit margin—all before he could calculate the interest rate associated with his best friends borrowing quarters. Jim soon developed a loyal network of customers, suppliers, and—most importantly—connections. As Jim’s hard candy business expanded and he matured beyond the sugar-peddling industry, his passion for business and social outreach grew exponentially. Once he discovered the perfect union of business and computers, he excelled far beyond the ability to calculate customers’ compound interest. Through social media platforms, then in their infancy, computers encouraged unprecedented and electrifying social connections with individuals all over the world. Jim’s love of outreach became a critical component to his future success.Today, Jim is an international speaker and bestselling author of Network Marketing for Facebook, which reached #1 on Amazon. He is the co-founder of Social Point of View, a company with a revolutionary learning platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and businesses beyond social media to social networking. Jim has helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs achieve over $350 million in sales as a direct result of his training. His passion in life is to help people succeed in business through social media marketing. His catchphrase? “Never Alumni Spotlight – a seemingly ordinary kid ...Jim LupkinCan you believe that the first graduating class of PFEW in 1979 would be around 55 years old, some would have started businesses because of PFEW, many would be grandparents, some would be retired, and all would qualify for AARP?FUN FACTS: Recent Travels, Part IIIPictured here receiving her 2017 Appreciation Plaque from John and Karen is Betty Graver, executive director of the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce, a perennial supporter of PFEW.Here, FFEE Board Member and Controller of Snyder Associated Companies Mark Karenchak receives his 2017 Keystone Club plaque from Karen. Allegheny Mineral Corporation, a subsidiary of Snyder Associated Companies, is a perennial Keystone Club member and avid supporter of PFEW.Karen and John were pleased to present Renee Blomstrom, executive director of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, with her 2017 Appreciation Award. The Perkiomen Valley Chamber has been a long-time and loyal supporter of PFEW.Here, Scott presents Mary Malone, president & CEO of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, her 2017 Certificate of Appreciation.Pictured here with Karen receiving his 2017 Founder’s Club plaque is Barata Bey, community development manager, Huntington National Bank. Huntington is a perennial Founder’s Club member, our highest recognition level, and over the years has generously sponsored hundreds of students to attend PFEW.Here, Scott presents Bob Garrett, P.E., president & CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, his Certificate of Appreciation.Scott presents the 2017 Appreciation Award to Eileen Dautrich, IOM, PaCCE, president of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce.Pictured here with Scott and her Appreciation Certificate is Tina Smith, president of the Nazareth-Bath Regional Chamber of Commerce.Scott had the pleasure to visit the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce and present them with their 2017 Appreciation Certificate. Pictured here are, l to r: Amber Carney, executive assistant, and Executive Director Susan Gunstra. Amber is also a 2010 PFEW graduate!Two New Scholarship Funds EstablishedEach year the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce hosts their wildly popular “Foodie” event, proceeds of which go toward PFEW scholarships for local students. Pictured here with John and Karen at the wrapup breakfast are 2017 PFEW students, members of the Foodie Committee, and Ms. Tara King (3rd from right), Executive Director of the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce.The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education would like to announce the establishment of two new scholarship funds as part of PFEW’s permanent endowment. The Frederick W. Anton III Scholarship Fund is established in the name of the former chairman of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association and the only remaining founder of our Foundation and of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, Frederick W. Anton. Sadly, Fred passed away last November at the age of 83. In our early years, it was largely the funding and unwavering commitment that he provided from PMA that sustained the program in its infancy, and prevented efforts to discontinue the program in the mid-90’s. Fred continued to be our primary sponsor over the decades and has personally been responsible for the donation of millions of dollars to PFEW, allowing thousands of young people across the state to take the PFEW journey.The John J. Trombetta Endowment Fund was established in the name of our retiring president and CEO, whose tireless passion and dedication to the young people of Pennsylvania led to the unprecedented growth of the PFEW program. During his tenure John has seen over 38,000 students take the PFEW journey. His unwavering commitment to quality and excellence has left an indelible mark on PFEW.At FFEE’s Annual Board Meeting held November 16, 2017, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to establish and provide initial gifts to these funds. Proceeds will be used to provide annual scholarships for students to attend PFEW in Fred and John’s names. If you want to contribute to either fund, simply note the name of the fund on your check or pledge form. It is a great way to carry on the legacy of these wonderful men for years to come.My Year 2018 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 --- $10,000 or more Student Patron (NEW!) --- $1,000 - $1,999Name _________________________________________________________________ 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.Week ILycoming College MR. CHUCK BAKER CSCP, CLTDMichelin North AmericaDR. J. RODY BORGDavis College of Business, Jacksonville UniversityMR. L. W. BRYAN CHARNOCKSAP America, Inc.MR. KEVIN W. DAVISThe Davis Group (ret.)COLONEL DAVID R. HALLEnergy AviationMS. PATRICIA A. MARTIN, PHRDVL Incorporated (ret.)MR. JOHN P. SENSENIGConsultantMRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIGUtilities Employees Credit UnionMR. STEVEN B. SHIVAKJDRF Western PA ChapterMR. MARK E. SKORICJoshua Consulting, LLCMR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.CT ConsultantsWeek IILycoming CollegeMS. JODI L. BRANDONJodi Brandon EditorialMR. JOHN M. DEMASI, CHFCFinancial ConsultantMR. GARY M. GOSSVerizon (ret.)MR. HENRY G. MICHELHenry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)MR. WILLIAM N. MORRISJeld-Wen, Inc. (ret.)MS. KAREN PAGEWestern Connecticut Health NetworkMR. ROBERT STEISKALLowe’s of Madison, MSMS. TANYA STEISKALKalalou, Inc.MS. SARAH E. VANNATTA, CM.S.ED.Funding the FutureWeek IVLycoming College and PA College of TechnologyMR. CHRISTOPHER J. BETZThe Free Press LLCMR. NICHOLAS J. CARTER, CBSEPro Quality CleaningMR. KEVIN R. CONNORModern Strategic Branding + CommunicationsMRS. JULIA M. HAIGHFranklin and Marshall College - Center for Opinion ResearchMR. KEVIN M. HAIGH, CFA, CFPVanguardMR. JOHN M. JENSENHamot Medical Center (ret.)MS. MELODY F. KAMERERHudson Business Service, LLCMR. JOSHUA E. KAMERERHudson Business Service, LLCLT. COL. WILLIAM J. KOEHLEUnited States Marine Corps (ret.)Week IIILycoming CollegeMR. MARK BURKETHINK’ID8MR. DAVID A. CARLLMarquette Savings BankMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMS. MARTA J. GRIFFITHOn Track Resources, LLCMS. ALICIA D. HILLDMI Companies, Inc.MR. MICHAEL HINMANThe Riverdale PressMR. JOHN P. LAFFERTYCellMyLight, Inc.MS. ELENA L. MACKWest Pharmaceutical ServicesMR. RICHARD S. MUSANTEParkson Corp.MR. MARK PROUDFOOTRenkert OilMR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFAWells FargoMR. KENNETH W. SNYDER, JR.Advisor to USOC Coaching Ed. Dept. (ret.)LARRY TURNBULLCash Management Systems Best wishes for a wonderful New Year3076 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 WeekMS. ADELAINE LAZZELLBlack Sheep Inc.MR. JOHN LUGGLugg & Lugg Law OfficesMS. JAMIE LEE MENCHYKHudson Business Service, LLCMR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MR. DAVID R. SAWTELLEConsultantMS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMERStrickler Agency, Inc.MR. ERIC SHANNONBig BarkerMR. DAVID P. THIEMANNPenelec, A FirstEnergy Company (ret.)MS. ALEXIS TSHUDYOthot, LLCMR. PAUL VIZZA (SR.)City of PhiladelphiaMR. KYLE P. WHERRITYUnited States House of RepresentativesMS. SARA WHERRITYPhytogenX2018 Company Advisor ListA Very Fond Farewell“The New Year has arrived and, with it, changes for PFEW and for me personally. I retire on January 31st and Karen Musante, our VP & COO for the past eighteen years, will assume the reins as president and CEO of our Foundation and PFEW. She is an incredibly talented and inspirational leader who will take our entire organization to only new heights.“The privilege of leading this wonderful ‘thing that we do’ for the past twenty-eight years has truly been the joy and pinnacle of my professional life. As I reflect on the extraordinary commitment and devotion of all of you reading this, our donors, volunteers, and colleagues, I am truly humbled. Thank you for your generosity, your support, and for all the wonderful memories. I will treasure them for the rest of my life.” Retiring CEO John Trombetta(After January 31st, John can still be contacted at john@pfew.org.)Next >