October Meeting Update

The meeting was held on Thursday, October 2nd at the office of Dr. Carla Capozzi. We enjoyed some great treats from Grandma's Country Oven Bake Shoppe and Sturm Plumbing. Thank you for those goodies! We expressed our best wishes for Bev Hahn, Treasurer, for a speedy recovery. She was having surgery in West Penn Hospital but we got great news that she is now home & recuperating. We also expressed our sincere sympathy to the Nicassio family at the loss of their dear sister, Mary.

We made plans for the scholarship program for the 2009 graduating class. It was decided that we would continue the scholarships: two $500 awards. These are awarded to two graduating seniors actively involved our community with an interest focused on community service. The high school guidance office accepts the applications and the officers narrow the choices down to two deserving seniors. If there is ever a conflict of interest among the officers, with knowing the students personally, that officer opts out of the selection process.

We were asking if anyone wanted to head up a new program on getting discounts for our members? Things like insurance, garbage, credit card machines, etc. may be things we can negotiate better pricing on if we try to group together? It was something that needs discussed further but there might be great possibilities in that area.

Marketing 101 information. Infinity Concepts had given us a glimpse of what they will be offering our membership in the way of marketing help. At the last meeting, Michael told the members how Infinity will sit down with them & look over their advertising campaigns to see what is working & what needs improved along with suggestions. Infinity is an internationally known corporation that has clients such as the State of Israel Dept of Tourism. We do not have a definite date for this marketing course, but Infinity was already contacted, after this meeting, to set up a date for possibly January or February. So watch for that to be announced & take advantage of this amazing offer!

The digital frames were updated with a 'header' that includes our new PTBA logo created by Infinity Concepts. The header attaches to the top of the frame to let residents know who is sponsoring those frame ads & also to make the frames look more professional. Infinity also said they will be starting our website makeover soon. Chris is the new person in charge of our account there & she said she will get that ball rolling to give us a new look.

The next edition of the newsletter was printed and is being distributed now. You can download a copy online at: www.PennTownship.biz/newsletter.htm
This one was in full color. Advertising spaces were sold to cover the cost of printing. Only a few members took advantage of this offer. These newsletters stay out for quite a while. Keep it in mind for the next edition if you would like to submit an ad, pricing was $25, $50 & $100. Copies were also laminated to place in doctor offices & waiting rooms.

Elections are a priority. Someone is needed to step up & handle that work. 2008 had many changes that were necessary & those changes are now in place. This year the Association needed time to reorganize and get on the right track before it was able to turn the helm over to any new officers. Anyone interested in holding a position on the board is encouraged to submit their name via email. We have had several great business persons already let us know they want to be involved more. We look forward to having elections the first of the year. If you can organize this task, please contact us.

Mary and Dr. Carla Capozzi talked of the progress on the Costume Parade & what was needed yet. We invite all members of the Penn Township business community to attend the parade & pass out candy. They do not have to be a member to participate. We only ask they contact Mary or Carla at 724-744-4074 asap to reserve a table (you can also reply to this email). They will also need to bring their own signage. For all new members, we ask that you contact Mary to make sure a sign will be ready for your business (if you have never attended before). The date is October 25th & registration starts at 1:00. We will need workers there by noon to help. Reminders were to drop off treats or monetary donations at the S&T Rt 130 office the week of October 20th for those that cannot attend but want to be represented. Let LouAnn or Debbie at the bank know if you need someone to pass out your treats for your business. We expect 400 participants to attend (weather is always a factor). You are reminded to place any advertising media of your choice in the bags, along with candy, to market your business to the many families in attendance. Gordon Slagle, DJ, will not be able to attend this years event. He always does a fantastic job on advertising all our membership on the PA system. Dave Ernette will be taking over the duties as MC this year. It is suggested you bring an index card with what you want him to advertise for you throughout the afternoon. Since he is not as familiar with all our member businesses as Gordon was, this will help him out greatly.

We will be offering just a few advertising spots on the program flyers for the Costume Parade. Business card size is $50. Infinity Concepts will be printing the flyers and the programs for us. Reply to this email if you are interested immediately. Space is limited and on a first-come basis. The PTBA will be looking into purchasing white plastic bags to be distributed for candy at the parade with the Association's logo. If you would like to advertise & sponsor that purchase, please contact us immediately. Needle Dezigns will be working with them to find better pricing or to see options available. Westmoreland Credit Union will be checking with their office to see if they can help with any purchasing costs (even though their office is still breaking ground, they want to be very involved in our community).

Light up night is scheduled for Friday, December 5th.