Youngwood, PA:  Are you a graduate of Westmoreland County Community College?  Join the Alumni Association! 

The Westmoreland County Community College Alumni Association is calling recent and past WCCC graduates to join the ever-going Alumni Association.  The Association supports and promotes opportunities to serve former students and promotes an ongoing relationship with current students, faculty and staff, and the community.  The purpose of the Association is to promote and maintain alumni interests in the WCCC by sponsoring programs and services that foster and promote allegiance to WCCC, provide support for special projects of WCCC, and encourage leadership in the community by recognizing alumni contributions to WCCC and the community. 

WCCC Alumni Association membership benefits include an opportunity to join WESTCO Federal Credit Union; Alumni Association Special Events; continued use of WCCC library, computer lab, fitness center and gym; Alumni Association web page; career services; and more. 

Membership Criteria:  the individual must be a graduate of a WCCC degree, diploma, or certificate program; a former WCCC student who has not yet graduated but earned 24 or more credits; and/or full-time WCCC faculty and staff members, current or retired. 

Membership fees range from $10-$110. 

Call the WCCC Alumni Association for additional information or to obtain an application.  724-925-4040.   www.wccc.edu

8/25

Youngwood, PA:  Westmoreland County Community College is among seven institutions in the nation recently selected to receive a $50,000 grant that will financially help WCCC students in emergency situations so that they can stay in school.

WCCC received the grant from Scholarship America with the funding provided by the Wal Mart Foundation to implement the Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance Program.           

The program aims to help community colleges provide assistance to their students who are at risk of dropping out of school due to unexpected crisis such as job loss, medical expenses or other emergencies.

“We are very fortunate and grateful to be chosen for this award,” said WCCC President Steven C. Ender.               

WCCC competed with other colleges in southwestern Pennsylvania for the Dreamkeepers grant which was also awarded to schools in Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.               

“We’re hoping to establish an endowment from the gift so we can assist students who have a particular type of emergency from this point on and forever,” said Ender.

Prior to receiving the Dreamkeepers grant, the WCCC Education Foundation had established a $2,500 annual fund to help WCCC students in similar emergency situation.          

The funds, which were allocated to students in grants up to $250, often ran out before the end of the school year.                

Emergency funds helped a WCCC student replace his textbooks after losing them in a house fire.  Another student received a grant to pay for child care after her parents, who cared for her children, became ill.  The fund also paid for food and gas for a student who lost her home and was living out of her car.

“In each case, the emergency funds helped the students to stay in school and they successfully completed their courses,” said Cheri Kramer, WCCC scholarship/financial aid coordinator.               

The Dreamkeepers funds will allow the college to help more students and increase the amount of the awards.            

The Dreamkeepers program was started in 2005 with a $1 million grant by Lumina Foundation for Education, an Indianapolis-based private, independent foundation, that benefited 11 community colleges. 

“The program has enabled 2,300 students to stay in school to date,” said Barb Weber, assistant vice president of Scholarship Management Services for Scholarship America.

The WCCC faculty will be informed about the program since they are usually the first ones to hear about a student’s emergency situation, said Ender.

WCCC students may apply for emergency grant funds by contacting the college’s financial aid office and visiting the college website, www.wccc.edu.

To sustain the emergency fund, the WCCC Education Foundation will accept donations which can be made by calling the foundation office at 724-925-4083 or online at www.wccc.edu.

8/25

Murrysville, PA:  Barbara VanKirk, President and Owner of IQ, Inc. was recently named to the Forbes Health Foundation Board of Directors, the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Forbes Regional Campus, which is part of The West Penn Allegheny Health System.  The mission of the Foundation is to raise advocacy funds to advance quality health care at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital - Forbes Regional Campus and Forbes Hospice.

IQ, Inc. provides expert consulting, staffing, project management and software development services to companies with Information Technology and software needs.  IQ, Inc. is a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) through the Port Authority of Allegheny County and a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC) through the Women's Enterprise National Council.  IQ, Inc. will be celebrating its 15th year in business starting in 2009 and continues to benefit from steady growth and success under Barbara's leadership.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Barbara VanKirk, please contact Jaclyn Livengood at 724-327-3441 or email Jackie@IQ-INC.com

8/18

Delmont, PA:  You flip open your phone and you see it..that sad, tiny sliver of battery life left on your cell phone, just when you really need it.  You kick yourself a few times for not charging it before you left the house, or for losing your car charger, or never buying one in the first place.  Once you read this list you'll probably kick yourself again.

Joseph DeSimone, owner of Wireless Zone of Delmont, shares some wireless wisdom that can save your battery.  "Battery life isn't just about charging your phone every chance you get," said DeSimone.  "Today's cell phones have a ton of great features and applications, but used incorrectly, they can really drain your battery."

1.  Bluetooth:  turn it off when you're not using it.  It's the most power-hungry application
2.  Games:  limit game time, and make sure you close out of it when you’re done playing
3.  Backlight:  lower the brightness of your screen, turn off the backlight during the day, and set the power saver so the light goes off after five to ten seconds of inactivity at night
4.  Roaming:  turn your phone off if you’re in an area with no coverage or with only roaming coverage, since trying to find a suitable network can use up a lot of power
5.  Taking Pictures:  turn off the flash, and save being a shutterbug for a time when you’ll be close to a power source
6.  Keypad Tones:  turn them off
7.  Vibrating Alert:  disable or at least limit use
8.  Web Browsing:  make sure you close the Web Browser when you’re done
9.  Talking:  Yes, it’s the primary reason you have a phone, but when your battery is in dire straits, cut back on the long chats
10.  Power:  turn off your phone completely when you are not using it

“The main things to remember are:  if you are not using an application, turn it off, and when you can’t get to a power source, keep usage of any feature to a bare minimum,” said DeSimone. 

Can’t fathom roughing it?  Want to know more about extending battery life or get more wireless tips?  “We want you to get the most out of your cell phone, and we know how confusing it can be,” said DeSimone.  “So, whether you bought your phone here or somewhere else, our Wireless Experts will be happy to answer any of your questions.  Just call or stop by the store.”

For more information on Wireless Zone located at 6750 Hollywood Boulevard, please contact Joseph DeSimone at 724-468-5240. 

8/14

Greensburg, PA  – Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify women’s business center announces the launch of WriteIdea, Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Regional Business Plan Competition. The $25,000 contest is sponsored by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Companies and the Keystone Innovation Zones of Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.   E-Magnify, State Farm and KIZ have partnered in an effort to help grow entrepreneurs in the area of Fayette, Greene, Washington & Westmoreland Counties. Prize winners will be awarded five equal cash prizes of $5,000. 

WriteIdea is a business competition targeted to entrepreneurs to provide cash prizes for the best business plan to start-up businesses in Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. 

“We are pleased to join forces with our partners State Farm and the Keystone Innovation Zones to renew the tradition of WriteIdea to further grow the number of women entrepreneurs in our market area.  This initiative will certainly contribute to the stimulating southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Jayne H. Huston, Director, Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify.

Start-up enterprises (businesses have been in business for two years or less as of Jan. 30, 2009) that have sales of less than $100,000 are encouraged to enter WriteIdea for a chance to win. The competition will be judged by a panel of representatives from Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland Counties that will review each entry for innovation, employment capability, a management plan, high growth potential and overall viability. The deadline to submit executive summary is Oct. 31, 2008 while final plans must be postmarked by Jan. 30, 2009.   

Once initial scoring is complete, the finalists will be invited to Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify in Greensburg, PA to make a formal presentation in support of their plan and interview with the judges.  The competition winners will receive business start-up cash prizes.  For complete entry information, categories and instructions, log on to www.e-magnify.com/writeidea.

“The Business Plan Competition is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas,” stated Donna Bates, Westmoreland Keystone Innovation Zone Coordinator.   “Our partnership with E-Magnify, the Greene KIZ and the Fayette / Washington KIZ has brought together a number of resources for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses to access.  I look forward to receiving plans for our target industries of advanced materials and diversified manufacturing, bio-medical and life sciences, and information technology, said Bates.”     

Applicants in need of assistance to prepare their business plans are encouraged to contact Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify at 724-830-4625 or email at info@e-magnify.com.

For more information about the Westmoreland County KIZ, contact Donna Bates at dbates@egcw.org.

Westmoreland County categories:  Information Technology, Bio-Medical and Life Sciences, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing.

8/12

Greensburg, PA:  Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify women’s business center and eBizITPA (The Center for eBusiness and Advanced Information Technology), based in Erie, Pennsylvania, have partnered to offer a webinar, ‘Essential Marketing Strategies for Generating Online Leads.’

The ‘Essential Marketing Strategies for Generating Online Leads’ webinar is for Internet users of all levels and focuses on the basics of marketing strategies from a company-wide online perspective.  This webinar will explore web site design strategies that address usability and customer experience.  Participants will gain an understanding of these elements as well as how to create landing pages that are engaging and will capture visitor’s attention and tactics for creating forms that qualify and nurture potential leads.

The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2008 from 10:30am – noon at a cost of $49. Participants should register online by August 26 at 12 noon, by visiting: www.ebizitpa.org
or www.ebizitpa.org/education/registration/index.asp.  For questions or assistance with the online registration process, registrants should call 724-830-4605.

“Entrepreneurs are moving more toward starting and growing their businesses on the Internet. As a means to grow their business, developing an understanding of marketing strategies and their measurements is essential in effective e-commerce endeavors,“ said Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify Director, Jayne H. Huston. “We are pleased to partner with eBizITPA, a recognized leader in online education and training, to offer this webinar to meet the needs of small businesses in our online community.”

"No matter what type of business you have, employing effective Web site design and marketing strategies is essential, said Carrie Teetzel, Director of Education Programs, eBizITPA."
For more information about educational and training opportunities available through Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify or to register for an upcoming training event, please contact Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify at 724.830.4605 or send an e-mail to info@e-magnify.com.

8/11

Greensburg, PA:  Sam’s Club is offering a new Partnership Member Program to businesses and groups that do not qualify for the Group Membership Program, which requires a minimum of 50 employees.  The Partnership Program is available to larger business members such as credit unions, associations, large corporations, chambers of commerce, and non-profit organizations.  Associations or corporations must meet the following criteria to qualify for participation in the Partnership Member Program:  500 or more employees/members, and an application submitted and approved by Sam’s club support. 

The organization would have a 45 day window to offer their affiliates the opportunity to sign up for Sam's Club Membership and receive a value ended incentive ($10 gift card), which can be used toward their first purchase.  

Businesses should not be currently participating in the Group Membership Program.  The Partnership Member Program is only offered as a new sign-up incentive.  If the organization has employees who are currently members and are due to renew, they may take advantage of this offer at the time of their renewal as long as their renewal date falls within the specified time frames. 
 
The employee/association member must present the printed offer from their e-mail or website along with employer identification or association membership card at our membership desk in the club only.  Each participating employee/association member will receive a $10 shopping card at the Member Service Desk. 
 
Please contact the Greensburg Sam's club for additional information.  724/850-7490.  www.samsclub.com 

8/7 

Greensburg, PA – Westmoreland Walks is gearing up for its 7th annual Westmoreland Walks:  Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer Walk.  The walk will be held at Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, PA on October 4th at 10am. 

“It was astounding to me that Pennsylvania has the fourth highest breast cancer rate in the nation,” said Cheryl McMullen, President, Westmoreland Walks. “Join us in the fight to help bring Westmoreland County’s numbers lower and to celebrate the survivors and friends we know who have breast cancer in their lives.” said McMullen, Westmoreland Walks.

Deadline to register on-line is September 27.  Westmoreland Walks will be on site at JCPenney in Westmoreland Mall both September 26 & 27.  Visit our website at www.westmorelandwalks.org to register online.

Westmoreland Walks is a unique breast cancer walk focusing on Westmoreland County in Pennsylvania in that while its proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and it also provides an opportunity for Westmoreland County women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer to enjoy a full day of spa services, educational lectures and spiritual motivation toward hope!

To date, Westmoreland Walks has raised nearly $175,000.00.  Please consider sponsorship of this worthwhile cause, where your donation is 100% tax-deductible.  Each of us knows someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Together, we can work towards eradicating this deadly disease.

For additional information about Westmoreland Walks and our various events please visit our website at www.westmorelandwalks.org or call us at 724.382.4148

8/4

Greensburg, PA:  There's more to having a vintage vehicle or classic car than sitting in a big box parking lot.  Take it out on the road where it was meant to be driven.  The 12th Annual Lincoln Highway Road Rally, which explores a different section each year of the historic route and its attractions, will focus on Westmoreland County this year.  All vehicles (and their drivers) are welcome to attend this fun weekend jaunt that will begin on Friday evening, September 19 and continue through September 21, 2008.
 
Sponsored by the nonprofit Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, this event promises to introduce participants to some new attractions they may not be familiar with, and to revisit some popular stand-bys such as the Saint Vincent Historic Gristmill, Delallo's Italian Marketplace, and Joe's Bar.  Among the newer sites are:  the Big Mac Museum, and an awesome antique auto restoration shop (not normally open to the public), both in Irwin; the newly opened Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe, and the Darlington Train Station in Ligonier.
 
Dr. Kevin Patrick, Indiana University of Pennsylvania professor, author, and Lincoln Highway expert, will lead a lively presentation on diners of Pennsylvania.  After breakfast at Mountain View Inn, all participants are invited to visit the 1938 O'Mahony diner that the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor will be restoring.  There are only four others like it.
 
Included in the $60 per person registration fee is:  admission to all sites, breakfast at Mountain View Inn hotel, lunch at A Summer Place, and dinner (chicken kiev or stuffed pork tenderloin) at The Road Toad in Ligonier, a Rally tee-shirt, a Rally Guide, a goodie bag, and an opportunity to win door prizes.  Registration deadline is August 29, 2008.  To register, visit www.LHHC.org or call the office at 724-238-9030.  Start your engines . . .

8/1

Greensburg, PA:  Applications are now being accepted for the 2008-09 Leadership Westmoreland Class beginning in September.  Leadership Westmoreland is a formal ten-session leadership development program designed to expand the pool of community leaders and enhance creative leadership skills.  The program focuses on self-awareness, skills development and community understanding. 

Leadership Westmoreland is custom designed by local Chambers of Commerce and today’s community leaders.  Participants are presented with the opportunity to learn about various aspects of our community through workshops, tours, projects, discussions, community visits and more. 

The class meets once a month, from September to June, at a different location in Westmoreland County.  A new topic is covered in each session and various community leaders are welcomed as guest speakers.  Program topics include Local & County Government, Community & Economic Development, Education, Healthcare & Human Services, the Justice System, Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Our Heritage & Quality of Life, the Media and Understanding Diversity. 

Leadership Westmoreland is open to any adult (over 21) who lives and/or works in Westmoreland County and has demonstrated a willingness to become active and involved in Westmoreland County.  Individuals of all ages and from all sectors are encouraged to participate. 

The tuition is $895; it covers all materials and supplies, food and refreshments, admission charges, and other program and conference fees.  A limited number of scholarships are available for eligible participants.  Additional information and program applications are available online at www.leadershipwestmoreland.com or by contacting any of the following Chambers of Commerce:

Latrobe Area Chamber of Commerce:  724-537-2671, Laurel Highlands Chamber of Commerce:  724-547-7521, Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce:  724-238-4200, Norwin Chamber of Commerce:  724-863-0888, Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce:  724-834-2900. 

7/18

Greensburg, PA:  The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our partnership with Fotorecord Print Center, the “Official Printer” of the Chamber Central Newsletter, will continue through 2008.  The WCC newsletter was re-vamped in 2007 for the purpose of better serving our membership.  The newsletter is a valuable marketing piece used to provide informative and helpful information about the Chamber, our members and the community.  The newsletter includes information about upcoming events, reviews of activities, photographs, a section dedicated to member news, a helpful hints section with articles submitted by members, a calendar of events, a collection of member inserts and more. 

Fotorecord Owner, Paul Nickoloff began the partnership because he thought it was a win-win situation.  The Chamber is able to produce a high quality newsletter for members and he is able to showcase his work to all 1500 members who receive the newsletter each month. 

Fotorecord Print Center is a full scale print, copy, mail and design center with two sites located in Greensburg; one at 45 East Pittsburgh Street and the other location at 130 North Maple Avenue.  Paul can be reached by phone at 724-837-0530 or by email at info@fotorecord.com