Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and...

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VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 • HOLIDAY ISSUE Unlocking the Future... NEWS Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! If you think about it, for current 16-year olds, much of their conscious memory of the last five years has to do with the deep recession we have experienced, along with all of the other global uncertainties caused by terrorism and civil unrest around the world. A large part of our mission is to give each one of our PFEW graduates a sense of optimism and encouragement that are the hallmarks of American free enterprise and the indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. This first issue of PFEW News for 2015 has some touching testimonials from some of last summer’s graduates that reveal just how deeply impacted they were by their PFEW “journey” and the time they spent with our tremendous volunteers and many of their own peers from across the state. As we welcome 2015 and close this issue, dear reader, our staff and our Board of Directors extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people of our state who will soon be assuming their roles of leadership on Pennsylvania’s stage and that of the nation. Happy New Year! Happy New Year, dear reader! As you are reading the first edition of PFEW News for 2015, January heralds a number of new and exciting things for the coming summer’s program. As you know, PFEW expanded to five weeklong sessions last summer to accommodate the exploding demand from students hoping to take part in our unique educational experience into the world of business. By the time the summer program launched last July, we had received more than 3,200 applications and while we had only planned for 2,000 students last year, we managed to accommodate 2,106 graduates. We are expecting even more applications for the 2015 sessions and, as a result, our Board approved this year’s Budget to accommodate up to 2,300 students should that need arise. This will be our 37th summer of putting together a world- class journey into the world of private enterprise for rising high school juniors and seniors from all across Pennsylvania. If we do reach that 2,300 number of participants, we will have 120 teams and nearly 300 volunteers onsite as the excitement unfolds in July and August. Remembering that we started in 1979 with a single session of less than 90 students, it is encouraging to know that in 2015 so many young adults will be eager to gain the knowledge about the business world offered by our one-of-a-kind programming. What a growth story! Of course, that growth could never have been possible without the unflagging support and humbling dedication of our partnering organizations, donors and the thousands of volunteers over the years who have worked to make PFEW a reality for the youth of Pennsylvania. With all the challenges the nation faces economically, our mission of teaching young people the inside story of how businesses operate has never been more vital. Moreover, as part of that learning experience, our fledgling “entrepreneurs” gain a much better appreciation for what the free enterprise system means to each and every American’s quality of life.

Transcript of Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and...

Page 1: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 • HOLIDAY ISSUE

Unlocking the Future...

NEWS

Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! If you think about it, for current 16-year olds, much of their conscious memory of the last five years has to do with the deep recession we have experienced, along with all of the other global uncertainties caused by terrorism and civil unrest around the world. A large part of our mission is to give each one of our PFEW graduates a sense of optimism and encouragement that are the hallmarks of American

free enterprise and the indefatigable entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens. This first issue of PFEW News for 2015 has some touching testimonials from some of last summer’s graduates that reveal just how deeply impacted they were by their PFEW “journey” and the time they spent with our tremendous volunteers and many of their own peers from across the state. As we welcome 2015 and close this

issue, dear reader, our staff and our Board of Directors extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people of our state who will soon be assuming their roles of leadership on Pennsylvania’s stage and that of the nation. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, dear reader! As you are reading the first edition of PFEW News for 2015, January heralds a number of new and exciting things for the coming summer’s program. As you know, PFEW expanded to five weeklong sessions last summer to accommodate the exploding demand from students hoping to take part in our unique educational experience into the world of business. By the time the summer program launched last July, we had received more than 3,200 applications and while we had only planned for 2,000 students last year, we managed to accommodate 2,106 graduates. We are expecting even more applications for the 2015 sessions and, as a result, our Board approved this year’s Budget to accommodate up to 2,300 students should that need arise. This will be our 37th summer of putting together a world-class journey into the world of private enterprise for rising high school juniors and seniors from all across Pennsylvania. If we do reach that 2,300 number of participants, we will have 120 teams and nearly 300 volunteers onsite as the excitement unfolds in July and August. Remembering that we started in 1979 with a single session of less than 90 students, it is encouraging to know that in 2015 so many young adults will be eager to gain the knowledge about the business world offered by our one-of-a-kind programming. What a growth story! Of course, that growth could never have been possible without the unflagging support and humbling dedication of our partnering organizations, donors and the thousands of volunteers over the years who have worked to make PFEW a reality for the youth of Pennsylvania. With all the challenges the nation faces economically, our mission of teaching young people the inside story of how businesses operate has never been more vital. Moreover, as part of that learning experience, our fledgling “entrepreneurs” gain a much better appreciation for what the free enterprise system means to each and every American’s quality of life.

Page 2: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

John and Karen recently attended the annual Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) conference in Malvern, PA. PACP’s endorsement of PFEW in 1994 was pivotal in the subsequent growth of the program to communities across the state. While in attendance, John and Karen met with numerous Chamber supporters. Here, Karen thanks Ron Orris, Executive Director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, for their annual support.

Partners and Recent Gifts, Part I

The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce has been a longtime booster for area students. Here, their President, Jamie Barger, receives their Appreciation Plaque from John.

President & CEO of the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, Gary Hoover, accepts their 2014 Appreciation Plaque from John.

During John’s recent travels, he paid a visit to Michelle Hornick Crowley, President & CEO for the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, to thank them for the Chamber’s longstanding support and also to present them with their 2014 Appreciation Plaque. FFEE President, John Trombetta, was invited to the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre

County to speak with their members at a recent breakfast. While in attendance, John presented the Chamber with their 2014 Appreciation Plaque. Pictured with John (l-r) are Lesley Kistner, Chamber Communications Director; Andrew Hoag and Nicholas Carlson, both PFEW 2014 Graduates, and Charles Witmer, who is the Centre County Controller and long-time PFEW Company Advisor and Speaker. They all joined John at the podium, sharing their experiences at PFEW.

Page 3: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

For years, DVL Group, Inc., located in Bucks County, has been a member of the “Keystone Club”, for annual gifts in excess of $5,000. Here, John presents Michael Murphy (l), Chairman and former PFEW Keynote Speaker, with their 2014 Keystone Club plaque. Joining them is Todd Goodstein (c), President, Energy Transfer Solutions, Inc., a DVL Group Company.

PFEW is so very grateful for the support we receive each year from our “home” partner, the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership. Here, their Vice President Chamber Division, August Schiava, receives their 2014 Appreciation Plaque. August was also recently elected to FFEE’s Board of Directors.

Yvonne Martin, Executive Director of the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, also a longtime PFEW booster, receives this year’s Foundation Appreciation Plaque from John during a recent visit.

This fall, John had the privilege of participating in the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Roundtable, where local students, parents, teachers and Company Advisors gathered to reflect on PFEW 2014. The Chamber launched this annual gathering nearly twenty years ago. After the get-together, John was able to present the 2014 Keystone Club plaque to the Chamber. Pictured with John are (l-r) Donna Scalzo, Bucks County Bank; Denise Bowman, LBCCC Board Chair, and Dan Bates, LBCCC President.

PFEW is so grateful to have such loyal supporters like Luanne Stauffer, president of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, also a longtime PFEW Speaker and mother of three graduates! Luanne is seen here receiving her Appreciation Plaque from FFEE Vice President Karen Musante, on behalf of our Board of Directors and staff.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers & Employers Association, located in Pottsville, PA, has been a longtime steadfast booster of PFEW. John was pleased to take part in the Association’s 2014 Gala, celebrating 50 years of service to the manufacturing and business community of northeast PA. Here, Association President Darlene Robbins, longtime PFEW Board member, proudly accepts their 2014 Appreciation Plaque.

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce has long promoted PFEW to its members and schools. Here, President and Chief Executive Officer Mary Malone receives their 2014 Commendation Plaque.

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Foundation for Free Enterprise Education 2014 Annual Meeting

On November 21st, PFEW’s parent organization, the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, held its Annual Meeting in Williamsport, the yearly site for the program’s five sessions. In addition to reviewing the very successful 2014 program, our Directors approved the 2015 Budget and also ratified the next five-year Strategic Plan, covering years 2015-2019, that has been in development for more than a year. In addition to exploring options for additional growth, the Plan will also focus on expanding new sources of volunteer support, the linchpin of PFEW’s success. With now nearly 36,000 graduates, the Plan will also seek to develop ways in which to engage our alumni base as Company Advisors, Speakers, and generally as supporters of the program.

2014-2015 FFEE Officers (l-r):James Golding – Secretary; Russell Brooks – Treasurer; Vincent Matteo – Vice Chairman; Patricia Baun – Immediate Past Chairman;

David Campbell – Chairman; Jon Whiteman – Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer; John Trombetta – President/CEO

Following three distinguished terms, Pat Baun received a much deserved “Chairman’s Gavel” from the Board. Also pictured are incoming Chairman Dave Campbell and President John Trombetta.

Dennis Doll

Mark Karenchak

Thomas Palisin

August Schiava

After all, they are the ones who are most familiar with the incredible benefits that are garnered from the PFEW experience.

One of the most important agenda items for any Annual Meeting of our Foundation is the election of Officers and Directors. This year, we are very excited to announce the unanimous

election of four new Directors of the Foundation: Mr. Dennis E. Doll, President & COO of Reliance Bank in Altoona, PA; Mr. Mark A. Karenchak, Controller of Snyder Associated Companies, Inc. in Kittanning, PA; Mr. Thomas Palisin, Executive Director of the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania in York, PA; and Mr. August P. Schiava, Vice President Chamber Division of the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership in Erie, PA. Congratulations all!

Page 5: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

My Year 2015 Commitment

You 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 Foundation for Free Enterprise Education.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 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

Patron Fund (Program Materials) --- $1,000 or more

Name _________________________________________________________________ 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.

Alumni Spotlight – “Thanks to PFEW, I NOW Want to Major in Business!”

Cecilia MabilaisConestoga HS

Chester County

“To me, PFEW has meant being afraid of going to a camp where I wouldn’t know anyone, expecting one thing and experiencing something completely different. The first day of PFEW, I kept having thoughts of not making any friends and having to spend my free time and lunch alone. I expected to confirm that I disliked business and that I would go home on Saturday sad and feeling down. Except none of this happened! From the minute I walked into the auditorium on the first day to sit with my ‘company,’ I made a friend. It began with small talk, as these things always do, and I didn’t think I would become close with this person or anyone at all, considering this was only a week-long camp. At the first company meeting, we played an ice-breaker game and I realized that this whole camp thing wasn’t so bad. I asked the same person with whom I had spoken with earlier if I could eat dinner with her, and she told me, ‘of course I could!’ ‘Junk Night’ is when I realized that I really liked the people in my company. Before the competition began, we all just stood around talking as a whole. During the competition, we laughed while trying to come up with good ideas for our product which brought our team closer. The next day, I was already comfortable with the people at camp. By Tuesday, I had a group of friends who I would hang out with and eat with, and by the next day, the whole company had bonded. Spending so much time together forced us to become comfortable with each other very

quickly, which turned out to be a good thing. On Friday, after our presentations, most of us just hung out. At the dance on Friday night, I realized how much I was going to miss everyone, including my roommates who were also very fun to talk to. Saturday morning felt bittersweet, as I was going home to see my family and leaving the people I had spent so much time with in the past few days.

The program itself was incredible! As opposed to before, I now want to major in business and it’s all thanks to PFEW. I learned that working with a company is fun and that business is not only one-dimensional. I found my niche that week, and I’m so happy I did, because now I have a clearer idea of what I want to do as an adult (although it’s still a long way off). I met amazing, hard-working people who are going to do great things, and I got to experience a business simulation which helped to flip my idea of ‘I don’t like business’ to ‘I really want to major in business.’ Thank you for everything!”

Page 6: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

LeTort Luncheon

Some years ago, PFEW was “discovered” by LeTort Trust, an independent investment management company located in Camp Hill, PA. Led by its energetic President, Katie Clarke, and deeply committed to “giving back” to the community, the company became an immediate fan and booster of PFEW. Katie herself served as one of our 2014 Keynote Speakers during Week I and the company has been donating at the “Founder’s Club” level for the past several years, the highest recognition annually given any of our donors for gifts in excess of $15,000. So passionate are they about PFEW and its mission that Katie and brother Dan Eichelberger,

Chief Investment Officer at LeTort, and their father Marty Eichelberger, LeTort’s Founder, recently hosted a luncheon for business leaders from the Greater Harrisburg area to learn about PFEW and its mission. That luncheon has already resulted in a number of new “boosters” of the program with more likely to follow. After the luncheon, John had the privilege of presenting Katie with LeTort’s 2014 Founder’s Club plaque. Also pictured are (l-r) Kennedy Eyer and Bennett Massie, each of whom shared their 2014 PFEW experience, and Dan Eichelberger with Dad Marty Eichelberger. It was a great event!

Partners and Recent Gifts, Part II

On October 1st, the Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation hosted its Annual 2014 Scholarship Dinner. Proceeds of that dinner go to sponsoring local students to PFEW. Pictured are: (l-r) Karen Musante, Vice President of FFEE; Naomi Pena and Tiffany Seibert, both PFEW 2014 Graduates and recipients of Chamber Foundation scholarships; and Chamber President Gregory Buckler.

The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, headquartered in Wayne, PA, has been an incredibly enthusiastic booster of PFEW’s mission for decades, currently led by President & CEO Bernie Dagenais (r). John is pictured presenting Chamber member and passionate PFEW supporter Robert Lamb (c) with his 2014 President’s Club plaque for a gift of $10,000 to local students.

Page 7: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

Alumni Spotlight – “I Was ‘STOKED’ to Win

Top Company and So Much More!”

“Finding words to describe my experience at PFEW is nearly impossible. Sure, PFEW was based around a business-oriented atmosphere, however, what you receive from PFEW is far greater than the knowledge of what stock is. My company, Stoked - H1, was honored enough to receive Top Company, amongst other awards. Of course our company had its problems, as I’m sure every company did, yet we were able to look beyond our differences and work as one. It taught us to trust in our fellow teammates. It showed us that diversity is the greatest gift you could ask for, as everyone had something amazing and different to bring to the table. At PFEW, I made friends I’ll never forget. I’m so proud to be a part of STOKED, Company H1. I couldn’t have asked for a better company to share my experiences with at PFEW. We became family in barely a week.

PFEW is what you make of it. Whether you win Top Company or no awards at all, so many important things can be taken away from the week spent there. I’ll never forget the feeling of winning Top Company. Long before the winner was announced, I was already happy and I already felt as if I had won. PFEW helped grow not only my knowledge, but my character. I hope everyone gets the chance to be a part of something this extraordinary.”

Deidra HubayNeshaminy HSBucks County

The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has been a loyal booster of PFEW for many years. Here, Chamber President Al Taubenberger receives their 2014 Board Commendation plaque from John during his recent travels.

In his recent travels, John had a chance to visit the PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce. Here, John had the pleasure of presenting their 2014 plaque to Pamela Kelly, President & CEO. Pam’s son Ryan is also a PFEW alumnus!

A perennial supporter of PFEW, Rick Weaver Buick GMC in Erie has been sponsoring local students for many years. Here, Vice President Karen Musante receives the dealership’s 2014 scholarship contribution from Controller Lynn Swain.

A booster for many years, the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central Pennsylvania promotes PFEW in their community. Here, John visited Thomas Palisin, Executive Director, to present him with this year’s Appreciation Plaque. Tom has also recently been elected to FFEE’s Board of Directors.

John recently visited the MidAtlantic Employers’ Association, one of PFEW’s original boosters, and is seen here presenting Clara Console, Managing Director, Training & Strategic Programs, and Kevin Robins, President & CEO, with their Keystone Club plaque for 2014. Clara also serves as an FFEE Board member.

Page 8: Welcome 2015 – Big Doings for PFEW! · extend you all best wishes for a truly prosperous and successful 2015. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to the young people

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Week ILycoming College July 5 - July 11MR. CHUCK BAKER, CSCPMichelin North AmericaMR. LARRY BULLProject Management Institute, Inc. (ret.)MR. NICHOLAS J. CARTERPro Quality CleaningMR. L. W. BRYAN CHARNOCKSAP America, Inc.MS. PATRICIA A. MARTIN, PHRDVL Incorporated (ret.)MR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIGUtilities Employees Credit UnionMR. JOHN P. SENSENIGConsultantMR. MARK E. SKORICUpper Room Inc.MR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.Millcreek Township Water & Sewer Authorities

Week IILycoming CollegeJuly 12 - July 18MS. JODI L. BRANDONBrandon EditorialMR. JOHN M. DEMASI, CHFCFinancial ConsultantMR. JOSEPH A. GIEDGOWDByers’ Choice, Ltd.MR. GARY M. GOSSVerizon (ret.)MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEKLISA’S NATURAL PATH, Herb Shop & Wellness CenterCOLONEL DAVID R. HALLEnergy Aviation at Williamsport Regional AirportMR. JOSEPH P. HARFORDReclamere, Inc.MR. DOUGLAS M. HARRISCroda, Inc. (ret.)MR. THOMAS H. JACKSONNorthwest Savings Bank (ret.)MS. DONNA M. KOZIKWrite a Book in a WeekendMR. HENRY G. MICHELHenry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)MR. MYLES MILLERLeadUPMS. CANDY TOMPKINSThomas Lee Printing & Mailing, Inc.MS. MARIANNE J. WIMERWilliamsport Area High School

Week IVLycoming College and PA College of TechnologyAugust 2 - August 8MS. SARA ARIZZIPhytogenXMR. CHRISTOPHER BETZThe Free Press LLCMR. KEVIN R. CONNORModern Strategic Branding + CommunicationsMR. MICHAEL GECHTTravel Ease, Ltd.MS. LINDA L. GRAHAM-GREEKLISA’S NATURAL PATH, Herb Shop & Wellness CenterMS. SALLY HARDSWebco Industries, Inc.MS. MELODY F. HUDSON KAMERERHudson Business Service LLCMR. JOHN M. JENSENHamot Medical Center (ret.)MR. MICHAEL G. KARCHNERKarchner Marketing Research, LLCMS. CYNTHIA KESELYAKPenelec, A FirstEnergy CompanyMS. LESLEY J. KISTNERChamber of Business & Industry of Centre CountyMR. WILLIAM J. KOEHLEUnited States Marine Corps (ret.)MR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MR. DAVID R. SAWTELLEOpportunities Unlimited of ErieMR. G. BRAD SCRIBNERThomas Hardware (ret.)MS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMERStrickler Agency, Inc.MR. KYLE P. WHERRITYUnited States House of Representatives

2015 Company Advisor List

Week IIILycoming CollegeJuly 26 - August 1MS. ROSALIE A. ADAMSPennsylvania Business CouncilDR. HERNAN R. BRIZUELA, M.DATPMS. VALERIE BRIZUELAMarket AmericaMR. ROBERT H. DIEFENBACHERDenbrook Strategic AdvisorsMR. TOAN MINH DOCapital BlueCrossMS. MARTA J. GRIFFITHOn Track Resources, LLCMR. THOMAS V. HOLLERANHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.MR. FRANK R. KENNEDY, IIIMagicBiz, Inc.MR. SCOTT T. LEEThomas Lee Printing & Mailing, Inc.MR. RICHARD MUSANTEParkson Corp.MR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFAM&T BankMR. TODD R. SCHORLETS TECH Enterprises, Inc.MR. G. BRAD SCRIBNERThomas Hardware (ret.)MR. CHARLES L. WITMERCentre County Controller

Best wishes for

a wonderful New Year

Here we go! It is already time to start signing up for one of our FIVE weeks of PFEW. It will take up to 120 dedicated men and women to fully staff PFEW 2015 with mentors who will each guide a team during their “PFEW journey”. No particular background in business is required as you will receive extensive training prior to your session. For additional information, please contact Vice President Karen Musante at [email protected] or visit our website at www.pfew.org.