VOLUME 20, ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2018Unlocking the Future... NEWSWinter has finally released its icy and persistent grip. Spring has come, and as always, it is filled with the promise and excitement of new life, warmth, sunshine, and times to be cherished. At PFEW, this spring is even more special as we prepare to... CELEBRATE OUR AMAZING 40th SUMMER!PFEW is a life-changing journey... ...a chance to discover the magic and wonders of our amazing free enterprise system......an opportunity to explore careers......a time to develop skills that will lead to success...As we prepare to embark on the 40th annual program in our storied history, we thank you and the tens of thousands of people who have made PFEW the largest, most respected high school economics education program in the world. You are shaping the future of Pennsylvania business....but most importantly, a time to form life-long friendships with truly amazing people.Eric believes a big challenge we face today is a practical and technological disconnect between students, the educational system, and the business community. Many schools still use the industrial age model of preparing young people for four-year college degrees. He says that because of the many demands made on teachers today, some may not be as connected to the business community and therefore may be unfamiliar with what careers will be sought by employers in five to ten years. Eric believes a key to our future is to diversify our educational offerings and expand vocational or alternative education to prepare our young people today for the needs of tomorrow. He believes educational programs like PFEW are a critical component of providing students a view of that future. He believes it because he attended PFEW, and he knows the power and value it brings to young people. Eric looks back on his time at PFEW as formative. His most memorable takeaways from his week were the competition, the teamwork, the problem-solving, and the college experience. He credits PFEW with teaching him perseverance, for instilling in him a work ethic that served him well as he pursued his dream. He left PFEW with the belief that if he applied what he learned, worked well with other people, and faced adversity head on, he could achieve anything.Today, Eric is a passionate supporter of PFEW because he believes PFEW provides students a vital opportunity not only to learn about business and free enterprise, but to develop teamwork, problem solving, communication, perseverance, and other skills today’s employers seek, and tomorrow’s workforce will demand.Growing up in Lock Haven, Eric Briggs always knew he wanted to be a teacher. In fact, he was singularly focused on it. In high school, the subject of PFEW came up and at first he hesitated. After all, what did a business camp have to do with becoming a teacher? But he decided to take a risk, and in 1994 he came to Williamsport and became part of the management team of a lawnmower manufacturing company. Little did he know that his week at PFEW would actually help prepare him for his future as an educator.Following high school, Eric graduated from Lock Haven University in 4 ½ years with not one, but two degrees, one each in elementary and special education. No jobs were available in the area, so he accepted a teaching position in southwest Baltimore. He credits that first job with opening his eyes to the problems facing young people today. As hard as that first job was, Eric knew he found the right career. However, home was calling, and when opportunity knocked he took a position with a central Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit, where he spent the next seven years helping drug addicted and other troubled teenagers finish high school. He literally was their last chance. He LOVED that job, and despite a success rate of only 20-30% he knew he was making a profound difference in young lives. Eric steadily progressed in his career, taking some risks, seizing opportunities, and today he is proud to serve as Superintendent of the Canton Area School District in Bradford County. Not one to sit idle, Eric is currently pursuing a doctorate in special education from Slippery Rock University.Alumni Spotlight – Eric Briggs Eric is pictured here with his company from 1994.Eric is in the back row, far left.WON’T YOU JOIN US? WE WANTYOU! There’s no better feeling in the world than to make a real difference, to leave something better than you found it. When you volunteer for PFEW, you become the direct link between the PA business community and our next generation of leaders. You will join over 250 dedicated and talented people that bring more than 1,200 years of service to the young people of Pennsylvania. That is a true testament to the incredible power and joy of the PFEW experience.Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? It’s not too late to be a part of our historic 40th Anniversary Program! As of this writing, we still have a few openings for Company Advisors andWE WANT YOU! If you’ve ever wanted to give back, make a true difference, and form rewarding and lasting friendships, you still have time to volunteer. Just call or email our Program Manager, Paul Vizza, at 814-833-9576 x113, paul@pfew.org, or visit our website, www.pfew.org and click on the Volunteer tab to sign up.Due in large part to the brutal winter weather across the entire state which forced numerous school cancellations and postponed many in-school presentations, our schools team was still making presentations well into April. Despite this temporary setback, we’re happy to report that because of all their hard work, our application numbers are approaching last year’s record, and our student acceptances are actually ahead of last year. We still have openings in some weeks, so if you know a current sophomore or junior who would benefit Student Applications Still Coming In Our Company Advisors will tell you that PFEW has changed their lives, and most will say it’s the best week of their year. So how about it? Join this amazing group of men and women and prepare our next generation of leaders for success.from this opportunity of a lifetime, have them fill out an application online immediately by going to https://pfew.org/student_application.php. These coveted spaces will go fast, so don’t wait!Thanks to our magnificent team of VP of Educational Relations Michelle Warofka, Schools Manager Amber Goss, and their team of amazing recruiters, Kevin Connor, Nate Cooper, Gregory Drupp, Travis Kellar, David Sawtelle, Sid Schechter, Ken Snyder, Sarah Vannatta, and Kyle Wherrity. It’s been a crazy winter, but great job, everyone!RECENT GIFTSErie Insurance is a passionate and dedicated supporter of PFEW, and a perennial Founder’s Club member. Karen had the pleasure of receiving this year’s gift from Ann Scott (r), manager, community outreach. Pictured in the background is Erie Insurance’s multi-million dollar expansion project in downtown Erie. They are on the move!As the program rapidly approaches, we need your help now more than ever. Demand for PFEW continues to grow and we are still in need of scholarships for those eager students who want to be part of our landmark 40th Anniversary Program. For the fourth consecutive year, a scholarship to a local student remains at $575, and each scholarship provides a local student with: A unique, internationally-acclaimed seven-day residential business education experience on a college campus; Insight into what specific issues currently impact Pennsylvania businesses; Understanding of key business principles, financial statements, advertising and marketing, and career opportunities in PA; Week-long opportunities to network with business professionals and world class speakers;Karen had the pleasure to meet with the amazing staff at LeTort Trust, a committed and loyal supporter of PFEW and local students. Pictured here are: (l to r) Janak Amin; Jewel Cooper; FFEE Board Member and President of LeTortTrust, Katie Clarke; Karen; Jennifer Lee; Allen Clarke; and Phyllis Harmon. In the foreground is beautiful pup Kealy. Tools to develop teamwork, communication, critical thinking and other skills vital to future success; Scholarships for higher education at our host campuses ($20,000 for Lycoming College, $8,000 for Pennsylvania College of Technology). scholarships still needed!What’s in it for you? You will be the true voice of business to our next generation. You will give students a deep understanding and appreciation for free enterprise. You will join a very special group of men and women dedicated to improving the PA business climate. You will make a real difference -- leave it better than you found it. You will prepare young people for success, and help them develop skills that will last a lifetime.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.NexTier Bank is incredibly passionate about PFEW, having sent over 400 students to the program over their many long years of support. Here, Karen and Scott receive their 2018 gift from Maria W. Amoruso, Chief Marketing Officer at NexTier in Butler, PA.Here, Scott receives a student scholarship gift from Cecil Dennis, Commander of VFW 5958: Bruce Shorts Post in Titusville, PA. The Post has been a long-time supporter of local students. Thanks also to Beth Miller, who is not pictured here. You will provide students an experience they cannot get without you. You will influence lives and open doors to careers in Pennsylvania. 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. Or, if you prefer, clip the donation coupon below, and mail, fax, or email it to our offices.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 14th called Erie Gives. Any pledge fulfilled or gift made that day receives a percentage match from the Erie Community Foundation donated by Erie-area businesses, which is absolutely invaluable for us. For more information on Erie Gives, please turn to Page 7 of this newsletter.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. You will proudly teach 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!RECENT GIFTSMEET SOME OF OUR PARTNERSPictured here receiving her Appreciation Plaque from Karen is long-time supporter Muriel Nuttall, executive director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.The Pittsburgh Airport Chamber of Commerce has faithfully supported PFEW for many years. Pictured here with Karen are Christopher Heck, president & CEO, and Michelle Kreutzer, executive director.Pictured here with their Appreciation Plaque are enthusiastic PFEW supporters Jim Boltz, president, and Kristina Hall, program director, of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, Inc.Pictured here with Scott is the president & CEO of the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Crowley. Michelle is an avid PFEW supporter and also has served as a Judge at the program.PFEW was invited to address the Feb.5th meeting of the Slippery Rock Rotary Club. Pictured here are Brad Killmeyer, PFEW speaker and Rotary Club member, Victoria Beck, guest speaker and 2017 PFEW graduate from Seneca Valley High School, and Victoria’s mom Sharon Beck of Autumn View Investments. Sharon is a loyal PFEW supporter and a PFEW graduate herself!Scott had the pleasure to address the Greene County Chamber at their recent networking luncheon. Pictured here with him is Chloe Payton, 2017 PFEW graduate and student at Waynesburg Central HS, who regaled the crowd with her amazing PFEW story.Pictured here with her Appreciation Plaque is Debbie Keefer, retiring executive director of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. Debbie, thanks for your amazing support over the years, and enjoy your retirement!Pictured here are Dean McKnight, long-time beloved PFEW speaker, and Megan McConnell, Altoona Area High School student and 2017 PFEW graduate. Megan had the pleasure of sharing her PFEW experience with Blair County Chamber members at their breakfast held last December 14th. Thanks to Joe Hurd, president & CEO of the Chamber, for your support and for inviting us to this wonderful event.The Scottdale Bank and Trust Company is a perennial supporter of PFEW, and has sent hundreds of students to the program over the years. Pictured here with Karen are, (l to r): Don Kiefer, who recently retired from the bank to take a seat on their Board of Directors, and his brother Larry Kiefer, treasurer of Scottdale Bank and Trust Company.Pictured here with Karen, receiving her 2017 Appreciation Plaque, is Kara Kennedy, executive director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, a long-time and staunch supporter of PFEW.Here, receiving her 2017 Appreciation Plaque from Scott, is an avid and enthusiastic supporter of PFEW, Emily Altomare, executive director of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured here with Scott are Miranda Burk, 2017 PFEW graduate and senior at Waynesburg Central HS, and Melody Longstreth, treasurer of the Waynesburg Rotary Club and executive director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. Miranda spoke to the Club at their March 26th meeting about her PFEW experience. Thanks to Melody for the invite, and a great event!Erie Gives 2018 Set for August 14thThe 8th annual Erie Gives event will be held on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018 from 8am to 8pm. It is a one-day philanthropic giving event hosted by the Erie Community Foundation (ECF) and sponsored by numerous Erie area businesses that benefits Erie County non-profit organizations. All gifts received that day will receive a percentage match from a pool of funds provided by the ECF and area companies, and these matching funds will go directly toward student scholarships for the 2019 program. Because of last year’s matching funds, a staggering 34 students will be attending PFEW this summer who otherwise would not have been able to go. It is very easy to participate. Donors may visit www.eriegives.org and make a gift to Foundation for Free Enterprise Education/Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, or we are permitted to use our credit card for donors who cannot directly visit the Erie Gives site that day. If you wish to participate in Erie Gives, simply email our Finance Manager, Leslie Williams, at leslie@pfew.org, and she will take care of all the details. Erie Gives is a great way to make your gift impact even more young people, and we hope you will consider participating this year. Thank you!1979 — 20183076 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 June 30 - July 7MR. JOHN B. BACHMANJB AssociatesMR. CHUCK BAKER CSCP, CLTDMichelin North AmericaMS. CHRISTIE L. BARFORDRichmond Public SchoolsDR. J. RODY BORGDavis College of Business, Jacksonville UniversityMS. VALERIE BRIZUELAMarket AmericaDR. HERNAN R. BRIZUELA, M.D.Dr. Hernan Brizuela, Family MedicineMR. 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. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MS. LINDA T. NGUYENUnileverMR. BRIAN PAGANIEFirstEnergyMR. LAWRENCE G. PETROCollege Planning CenterMR. ROBERT A. PUCCIMain Line Chamber of Commerce (ret.)MR. JOSEPH S. ROGERSAramarkMRS. DIANNE I. SENSENIGUtilities Employees Credit UnionMR. JOHN P. SENSENIGConsultantMS. MCKENNA D. SHIREYErnst & YoungMR. STEVEN B. SHIVAKJDRF Western PA ChapterMR. MARK E. SKORICJoshua Consulting, LLCMR. DAVID J. STERRETT, P.E., P.L.S.ConsultantDR. HELEN WHITEJAWCo Fire, Inc.Week IILycoming CollegeJuly 7 - 14MR. STANLEY ANTONAweykin ConsultingMS. JODI L. BRANDONJodi Brandon EditorialMR. JEREMY CHOBOTUniversal Display CorporationMR. 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. MICHAEL HINMANThe Riverdale PressMR. CHRISTOPHER HOFFMANBrown’s Super Stores, Inc.MS. BRANDI L. KINSEYAction Title ResearchMR. CARL A. MARRARAPennsylvania Manufacturers’ AssociationMR. MICHAEL R. MCELHANEYWarren County School DistrictMR. HENRY G. MICHELHenry G. Michel & Associates (ret.)MR. MYLES MILLERLeadUPMR. WILLIAM N. MORRISJeld-Wen, Inc. (ret.)MS. KAREN M. PAGEWestern Connecticut Health NetworkMR. FERLIN E. PATRICKGrowth Resources of WellsboroMR. ROBERT STEISKALLowe’s of Madison, MSMS. TANYA STEISKALKalalou, Inc.MR. DWAYNE W. WAITE, JR.Schell GamesDR. CHARLENE M. WRIGHTButler County Community College (ret.)Week IVLycoming College and Penn College of Technology July 28 - August 42018 COMPANY ADVISOR LISTWeek IIILycoming CollegeJuly 21 - 28MS. RAYLENE BOOTSDinosaur StudiosMR. THOMAS S. BORNHuntington National BankMR. RUSSELL P. BROOKSR. P. Brooks & Associates, LLCMR. MARK BURKETHINK’ID8MR. DAVID A. CARLLMarquette Savings BankMS. JOANN CORTESE, CHMMGE AviationMR. THOMAS GILROYDallas School DistrictMS. MARTA J. GRIFFITHOn Track Resources, LLCMR. JOHN P. LAFFERTYCellMyLight, Inc.MS. SHEILA LOPOLITOHead To Toe UniformsMS. ELENA L. MACKWest Pharmaceutical ServicesMR. RICHARD S. MUSANTEParkson Corp.MS. DEBRA NOYESShaner Hotel Group (ret.)MR. EDWARD OUDENNEComprehensive Wealth ManagementMR. RYAN OUDENNEComprehensive Wealth ManagementMR. DAN PIETRUSINSKIThe Advisory Board CompanyMR. MARK J. PIETRUSINSKILORD CorporationMR. MARK PROUDFOOTRenkert OilMR. JEREMY A. RAICHLE, CFAWells FargoMR. TODD R. SCHORLETS TECH Enterprises, Inc.MR. KENNETH W. SNYDER, JR.Advisor to USOC Coaching Ed. Dept. (ret.)MR. LARRY TURNBULLCash Management SystemsMR. CHARLES L. WITMERCounty of CentreMS. ABIGAIL ZLOCKIEPennsylvania State UniversityMR. E. SCOTT ARONOWE. Scott Aronow Coaching and ConsultingMR. MATTHEW J. BAMBERSKIThe Reynolds and Reynolds CompanyMR. CHRISTOPHER J. BETZThe Free Press LLCMS. KATERYNA BREZITSKAMIAX Options ExchangeMR. NICHOLAS J. CARTER, CBSEPro Quality CleaningMR. WILLIAM G. CAUGHERTYMillcreek Township School DistrictMR. KEVIN R. CONNORModern Strategic Branding +CommunicationsMR. NATE COOPERKomfort HeatMR. VINCENT DAILYDun & BradstreetMR. LEONARD A. DEANE, JR.L. A. Deane & AssociatesMR. TOAN MINH DOBlue Cross Blue Shield AssociationMS. JUDITH A. ESCHBERGER, ESQ.JAE Government RelationsMR. MICHAEL GECHTTravel Ease, Ltd. (ret.)MR. GARY GOLDSTEINProject Management Institute (ret.)MRS. JULIA M. HAIGHFranklin and Marshall College - Center for Opinion ResearchMR. KEVIN M. HAIGH, CFA, CFPVanguardMR. THOMAS C. HERMANOWSKIFirst National BankMR. 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.LT. COL. WILLIAM J. KOEHLEUnited States Marine Corps (ret.)MR. ALFRED E. KRAFTOperations Management ConsultantMR. NICHOLAS C. LAWDeSales University Career Development CenterMS. ADELAINE LAZZELLBlack Sheep Inc.MR. JOHN LUGGLugg & Lugg Law OfficesMS. MARIANNE MARTELLIChester County Chamber of Business and IndustryMS. JAMIE LEE MENCHYKHudson Business Service, LLCMS. PAMELA A. MEYERS, M.A., NCC, LPCCatapult Learning/Conwell-Eagan Catholic High SchoolMR. J. DAVID MURPHYFirstEnergy (ret.)MS. JOANIE NORELLIPepsiCoMS. NAIYA PATELSodaStream USAMR. DAVID R. SAWTELLEConsultantMR. STEVE SCHIFFMANSteveSciffman.Com, Inc.MR. G. BRAD SCRIBNERThomas Hardware (ret.)MR. LARRY A. SEIBERTFarm CreditMS. ROXANNA S. SEILHAMERStrickler Agency, Inc.MR. ERIC SHANNONBig BarkerMR. KEVIN SHIVERSNational Federation of IndependentBusinessMR. DAVID P. THIEMANNPenelec, A FirstEnergy Company (ret.)MS. ALEXIS TSHUDYOthot, LLCMS. SARAH E. VANNATTA, CM.S.ED.Funding the FutureMR. PAUL VIZZA (SR.)City of PhiladelphiaMR. KYLE P. WHERRITYUnited States House of RepresentativesMS. MEG WHERRITYFox School of Business (Temple University)MS. 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