Change – In case you haven’t heard, after twenty-eight years of dedicated and loyal service, FFEE President & CEO John Trombetta announced his retirement effective the end of 2017. The Board has initiated its Succession Plan with the intent of having John’s replacement named in plenty of time for an orderly transition. While he may be stepping down as CEO, John isn’t planning on going anywhere. He hopes to be involved for many years to come in a volunteer capacity! Excitement – This past November, our Board of Directors approved a Budget that will enable us to accommodate up to 2,200 students in 2017, which will be an all-time record! We will again be running five sessions at our two wonderful host campuses in Williamsport this summer, Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology, with 120 student companies participating. The staff has been busily preparing for our “full court press” on fundraising, in-school presentations and volunteer recruitment which will begin in earnest this month. With about a dozen outside contractors made up of volunteers and graduates, we will now begin visiting schools and doing in-class presentations to prospective students, telling them PFEW’s story and exciting them about taking the journey this summer. We will visit more than 800 classrooms this recruiting season.Opportunity – Our first appeal for scholarships was sent out to our loyal donor base in October, and letters will soon be going out from our 128 partnering organizations to their business members across the state to help us secure the scholarships and volunteers necessary to present PFEW 2017. In the following pages, we are pleased to showcase some of those partners visited during some of our staff’s recent travels. We are already assembling the more than 250 volunteer men and women it will take to once again present our world-class educational experience this coming summer. Now is your opportunity to join us in making 2017 the best year in PFEW history! You can help by: - Donating scholarships so students can attend - Signing up to be a Company Advisor - Telling your friends, family, and coworkers about the life-changing PFEW journeySo, dear reader, as we welcome the New Year, our entire staff and Board would like to thank you so much for your support of PFEW’s vital mission of preparing young people to assume leadership roles for Pennsylvania and the nation. To all of our volunteers, donors, partnering organizations, alumni and other supporters, we wish you a very happy New Year and a successful and prosperous 2017. We hope to see you soon!VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1 • HOLIDAY ISSUEUnlocking the Future... NEWS2017 is Here! Change! Excitement! Opportunity!! Recent Travels, Part IPam Henshall, President of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, accepts her 2016 appreciation plaque from John Trombetta.John presents the 2016 appreciation award to longtime supporter and FFEE Board member Darlene J. Robbins, President of Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Association.Members of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce receiving our 2016 Commendation. Back row (l to r) James Podziomek, Springhouse Education and Consulting Services; Joe Mendez, Radley Run Country Club; Sandra Faust-Mesropian, Dragonfly Décor and Shoppes of Pickering Mills; Mark Reale, NextHome Signature; and John Trombetta, FFEE President and CEO. Pictured front row (l to r) Michelle Burkholder, The Burkholder Team Financial Advisors; Kianna Ly, Downingtown Area HS student and speaker; Sravya Basvapatri, West Chester Area HS student and speaker; Fran Shaw, Miller’s Insurance; and Laurie Kerkering, President, Exton Region Chamber of Commerce.John presents PFEW’s 2016 appreciation plaque to Wendy Klinghoffer, Executive Director, Eastern Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.John presents the 2016 Keystone Club award to perennial supporters Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured (l to r) are Amy M.B. McKenna, President, LBCCC, and Board members Donna Mancuso Scalzo, Bucks County Bank; Tyler Yankey, Washington Crossing Council, BSA; Rick Battaglia, Bucks County Bank; and Kathy Zelenka, LBCCC Board Chair.Scott Lee, VP of Marketing and Development, FFEE, presents the 2016 Appreciation plaque to Carrie Stuart, President of the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce.John presents long-time supporter Katie Clarke, President of LeTort Trust with her 2016 Founder’s Club Plaque.John and Scott present Amanda Soler, Deputy Executive Director, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, with her 2016 appreciation plaque.Scott with Jamie Barger, Executive Director of the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce.Becky Kephart, Director of the Perry County Chamber, receives her 2016 Appreciation award from John.Karen Marsdale, President & CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, and Bob Firely, CPA, CGMA, GRCC Board Chair, accept their 2016 appreciation award from John.Pictured here with Scott is longtime supporter Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, who accepted PFEW’s 2016 certificate of appreciation.Here, John and Scott present Betty Graver, Executive Director, Pennridge Chamber of Commerce, with her 2016 appreciation certificate.Scott was privileged to attend and briefly address the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce annual scholarship dinner. Pictured here (l to r) are Tim McShane, Board Chair, Lebanon Valley Chamber Foundation; Zach Kirkessner, 2016 PFEW graduate and guest speaker; Ed Coyle, Board Chair, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce; and Greg Buckler, President & CEO, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce.2016 Annual Meeting - Foundation for Free Enterprise EducationPFEW’s parent organization, the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, held its Annual Meeting on Friday, November 18th in Williamsport. Our thirty sitting Directors reviewed the recently completed summer program, met with our auditors and financial advisors, and approved plans for 2017. As indicated in our cover article, the Board also adopted a budget that will allow us to accommodate up to 2,200 students over our five sessions in July and August which would set a new record for attendance in a single summer. One of the most important agenda items annually is the election of Officers (pictured above) and the filling of any 2016-2017 FFEE Officers (l-r): James Golding – Secretary; Patricia Baun – Immediate Past Chairman; David Campbell – Chairman; Vincent Matteo – Vice Chairman; Russell Brooks – Treasurer; John Trombetta – President & CEO (Not pictured, Jon Whiteman - Vice Chairman and Assistant Treasurer)open Director seats. We are very pleased to announce the unanimous election of Mr. Robert F. Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, to FFEE’s board. A 1981 graduate of Penn State University, Bob has a distinguished career in a variety of private/public roles. He began his career working for the City of Scranton as a grants coordinator and later as director of Lackawanna County’s Coordinated Transportation System. He followed that with a five-year stint as vice president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, leaving to become executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. He returned to the Chamber and assumed the presidency in 2014. We are delighted to have Bob as our first ever sitting Director from Lackawanna County. He has already thrown the full weight of the Chamber behind our recruiting and fundraising efforts. In just two years’ time, dozens of young people from Lackawanna County have had the opportunity to attend PFEW as a direct result of his efforts. Thank you, and welcome, Bob! John and Scott present longtime PFEW supporter and speaker Luanne Stauffer, President of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce with her 2016 certificate of appreciation.Scott and John present Pam Kelly, President & CEO, PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce, with her 2016 appreciation plaque.Recent Travels, Part IIBob DurkinLaundry Services in Destin, FL, a business he started in 2006 with one employee. Today, with 45 employees and a rapidly growing clientele, he is proud to say PFEW planted the entrepreneurial seed. Twenty years later, he laughs because he can still remember his company, D-2, but the things he remembers most from his week at PFEW are the confidence he gained in himself and the knowledge that if he worked hard, he could run his own company and be successful. Steve offered to share his story of motivation, struggles, tenacity, successes and failures to future PFEW students so that our next leaders of America could benefit from his journey. Thanks, Steve. You are living proof that the PFEW experience lasts a lifetime! Check Steve out at www.destinlaundry.com.Steve Harley was doing great. He went to the perfect college, got a dream job in banking and finance, traveled the world with his buddies, had evenings and weekends off, not a bad gig all things considered. But he gave it all up. Now, he’s working 96 hours a week including nights and weekends, doesn’t travel, sleeps when he can, but he’s happier than he’s ever been. It might seem crazy to the average person, but Steve wouldn’t have it any other way. Today he is the President/Owner/CEO of Total 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.Alumni Spotlight – Confidence and Knowledge1996 PFEW Graduate Steve Harley Pictured here is Steve at a recent trade show with his popular bubble machine!Recent Travels, Part IIIPictured here with her 2016 appreciation award is Colleen Felentzer, Executive Director of the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce.Pictured here with John are perennial supporters from the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Foodie Committee, including Tara King, Upper Bucks Chamber Executive Director (front row, third from right), accepting the 2016 appreciation certificate, and Foodie Gathering chair and breakfast host Susan Dale (front row, third from left), accepting PFEW’s 2016 Student Champion plaque.John presents President & CEO Michelle Crowley and her staff from the Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce with their 2016 Appreciation Award.Pictured here with Scott is Robin Harmon, Executive Director of the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation with her 2016 Board Appreciation Award.Ron Aldom, Executive Director of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, accepts the chamber’s 2016 Appreciation plaque from Scott.Dotty Pintar, Executive Director of the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce, receives her 2016 appreciation plaque.Greater Dubois Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Executive Director Jodi August with her 2016 Appreciation award.Pictured here with her 2016 Board Appreciation award is Rhonda Moore, Acting Director, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.Alumni Spotlight – “... changed me for the good.”“My name is Colin Davis, CEO of “Diamond Dental” from August of 2015. I was privileged to be under the supervision of Company Advisor Mr. Russell Brooks. I am currently a freshman at West Chester University where I am studying Business Management with plans to get my MBA and possibly double major in finance or minor in a few areas. “In August of 2014 I invented “The Power Rope”, the phone charger lanyard. After I came up with the idea, the fun began. Every logistic and possible route hit me at once. There were so many pathways I could choose and at the age of 16, I had no idea which would be the best. So shortly after the invention of my product, as a sophomore in high school, my business teacher brought PFEW to my attention, telling me I should try out for this “business camp” called Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. I thought to myself, “who wants to sacrifice an entire week of their summer to go to a Business Camp?” No one from our school had ever been to the program. I thought fine, maybe attending PFEW would help give me some direction for where I could take my product next, so I went through with it. I was in for quite the surprise. Upon arrival and meeting our company, no one had any idea what was coming next. We were introduced and had the privilege to meet some of the most inspirational and intelligent people. You get to hear the coolest stories, meet the most paramount people, and best of all get to do something that very few people have done before. There is a certain chemistry when you are at PFEW. You are surrounded by individuals in your age group from all over the state, and what makes it brilliant is that everyone there wants to be there. When you hear people say PFEW will be the best week of your life, it is no joke, you will leave the PFEW program with an entire new mindset about your future and the importance of putting yourself out there. PFEW opened my eyes and helped me realize how much opportunity is in the world and it even helped me start my business. Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week has changed me for the good; I am eternally grateful for this program and all the hard work put into the craftsmanship of it.” See Colin’s Website: www.powerropeusa.com Recent GiftsScott accepts Huntington Bank’s 2017 Founder’s Club check from Kyle Reynolds, Senior Private Banker, Huntington National Bank.Rick Weaver Buick GMC have been staunch boosters of Erie area students for more than twenty years. Pictured with Karen Musante, Vice President & COO, FFEE, is Company Controller Lynn Swain presenting their 2017 gift.Waste Management is a perennial booster of PFEW. Presenting Scott their 2017 Founder’s Club gift is Rich Carniewski (r), Senior District Manager.2015 PFEW Graduate Colin DavisWeek ILycoming College DR. J. RODY BORGDavis College of Business, Jacksonville UniversityMR. LARRY BULLProject Management Institute, Inc. (ret.)COLONEL DAVID R. HALLEnergy AviationMS. PATRICIA A. MARTIN, PHRDVL Incorporated (ret.)MRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIGUtilities Employees Credit UnionMR. JOHN P. SENSENIGConsultantMR. STEVEN B. SHIVAKHospice & Palliative Nurses FoundationMR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.ConsultantWeek IILycoming CollegeMRS. PATRICIA A. BAUNCentral Property Search, Inc.MS. JODI L. BRANDONJodi Brandon EditorialMR. JOHN M. DEMASI, CHFCFinancial ConsultantMS. LINDA GRAHAM-GREEKButler County Community CollegeMR. JOSEPH P. HARFORDReclamere, Inc.MR. THOMAS H. JACKSONNorthwest Savings Bank (ret.)MS. BRANDI L. KINSEYCentral Property Search, Inc.MR. MICHAEL R. McELHANEYWarren County School DistrictMR. HENRY G. MICHELHenry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)MR. wILLIAM N. MORRISJeld-Wen, Inc. (ret.)MR. ROBERT STEISKALLowe’sMS. TANYA STEISKALHinds County School DistrictMR. DwAYNE w. wAITE, JR.Schell GamesWeek IVLycoming College and PA College of TechnologyMS. SARA ARIZZIPhytogenXMR. CHRISTOPHER J. BETZThe Free Press LLCMS. KATERYNA BREZITSKAMIAX Options ExchangeMR. KEVIN R. CONNORModern Strategic Branding + CommunicationsMR. NATE COOPERKomfort HeatMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMS. LINDA GRAHAM-GREEKButler County Community CollegeMR. MICHAEL GECHTTravel Ease, Ltd. (ret.)MRS. JULIA M. HAIGHFranklin and Marshall College - Center for Opinion ResearchMR. KEVIN M. HAIGH, CFA, CFPVanguardMS. SALLY HARDSMatric LimitedMR. THOMAS C. HERMANOwSKIFirst National BankWeek IIILycoming CollegeMR. MARK BURKEThinkID8MR. ROBERT H. DIEFENBACHERDenbrook Strategic AdvisorsMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMS. MARTA J. GRIFFITHOn Track Resources, LLCMR. THOMAS V. HOLLERANHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.MR. JOHN P. LAFFERTYCellMyLight, Inc.MS. DEBRA NOYESShaner Hotel Group (ret.)MR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFAM&T BankMR. 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 University 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 WeekMR. 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.)MS. ADELAINE LAZZELLBlack Sheep Inc.MR. JOHN LUGGLugg & Lugg Law OfficesMS. MARIANNE MARTELLIChester County Chamber of Business and IndustryMS. JAMIE LEE MENCHYKHudson Business Service, LLCMR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MS. NAIYA PATELSodaStream USAMR. DAVID R. SAwTELLEConsultantMS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMERStrickler Agency, Inc.MR. ERIC SHANNONBig BarkerMR. KYLE P. wHERRITYUnited States House of Representatives2017 Company Advisor ListHere 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 2017 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 & COO Karen Musante at karen@pfew.org or visit our website at www.pfew.orgNext >