We are fortunate to have some remarkable organizations in the Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York areas that support entrepreneurs and business leaders. Presently, I’m involved in eight of them and can bear witness to the value they provide to companies at all stages of their existence — from startup and beyond. I’m passionate about their missions and programs and would feel remiss if I didn’t share how they can help you and your organization.
I profoundly respect each of the following organizations (listed in alphabetical order below). My personal involvement with these organizations has given me a deep understanding of their value. Of course, there are also many other stellar resources available within South Central PA.
ABC is a national organization with local chapters throughout the United States. ABC Keystone supports the commercial construction industry in Central Pennsylvania, offering networking events, education, career development and safety training, and advocacy. With its headquarters in Manheim, the organization also has offices in Howard and Harrisburg. Since its start in 1959, the Keystone Chapter has grown to cover 33 counties, representing contractors, suppliers, and associate firms within its footprint.
ABC Keystone’s Summer Outdoor Mixer is one of my favorite annual events. At this year’s mixer on August 6, I had a table-top display and enjoyed meeting new professionals in the construction field and reconnecting with many familiar faces.
Under President & CEO Heather Valudes, the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce is exceptionally well-run, with exemplary networking, professional development, and educational events. The organization’s Annual Dinner is impressive, drawing over 2,000 attendees; it’s one of my favorite business events every year.
I serve on the Chamber’s Excellence Exchange Advisory Group, helping to plan its Excellence Exchange program bi-monthly sessions, which feature local business leaders sharing best business practices.
In addition to many small businesses, many large organizations are also members of the Lancaster Chamber, supporting its cause and sponsoring many of its events and programs.
The Lancaster Chamber is one of the best chambers of commerce in the nation. In addition to winning the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year award twice (in 2003 and 2013), the Lancaster Chamber was awarded a 4-star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2023 for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.
I love that the Chamber strives to elevate entrepreneurship for all—including women and minority communities.
MANTEC is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network™. Its mission is to help manufacturers thrive through education, leadership development, and networking opportunities. MANTEC and the Manufacturers Association (which I discuss below) often work together and support each other’s efforts to advance manufacturing in South Central Pennsylvania. When I was in manufacturing, I used both resources. They helped me implement Lean principles at two of the companies I worked for.
MANTEC is an exceptional asset to local manufacturing entrepreneurs. If your company is in the industry, I encourage you to check out the organization’s SMART Manufacturing Conference on October 3, 2024—I’m one of the event sponsors and would love to see you there.
With my professional background in manufacturing and about one-third of my clients in the industry, I really enjoy the Manufacturers’ Association. Serving manufacturers and companies that support manufacturers in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, the non-profit offers various training opportunities (including apprenticeship courses) and networking events. The Association has grown a lot in the last three years under the leadership of Executive Director Tom Palasin.
I’ve sponsored several networking events, including their annual golf outing, and occasionally lead and facilitate Wake-up to Manufacturing discussions. In fact, I’m sponsoring and speaking at a session on August 20, 2024, about the People Component® of the EOS Model®.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Liz Ackerman, the Northern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce has become one of the leading chambers in the region. The Chamber offers many types of networking and professional development activities, including events addressing opportunities and issues affecting women in business.
The organization also created a unique networking program for men. Brewing Success – A Targeted Networking Event for Guys is held at local breweries in northern Lancaster County. It’s a neat opportunity for male professionals of all ages and experience levels to learn from each other in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
The Northern Lancaster County Chamber membership consists of primarily small businesses, but companies of all sizes actively participate. I’ve enjoyed seeing the Chamber grow and evolve to meet the needs of its members and the business community, including forming collaborations with smaller chambers and the Manufacturers’ Association.
Currently led by Stonebridge Financial Group, SCAEC is a networking community of professionals in South Central Pennsylvania's architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) services sector. The group holds quarterly networking events (I sponsored one last year) that draw upwards of 200 people from the AEC industry. I enjoy the opportunities SCAEC provides for making new connections, strengthening existing relationships, and staying on top of industry developments.
When I was President and CEO at Inclinator Company of America, we joined the High Center. It is a wonderful resource for business owners and their leadership teams. With regular leadership presentations, facilitated peer groups, and annual Business Forums that bring in the best leaders in the country, the High Center has taught me a lot and I’ve developed long-standing connections through the organization. To this day, I still attend their annual Business Forum—FYI, our 43rd POTUS, George W. Bush, will speak at the event in 2025!
Vistage®, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for Ieaders of small and mid-sized businesses, has programs for chief executives, small business owners, and professional service providers. Many Vistage peer advisory groups exist throughout our region. I’ve been a Vistage member since 2005, first as a member of a Key Executive group when I was on the Adhesives Research Leadership Team and then as part of a Chief Executive group when I was President & CEO of Inclinator Company of America. Now, as a Certified EOS Implementer®, I am a member of a Vistage Trusted Advisor group.
Vistage group chairs Rick Oppenheimer and Chad Harvey have been amazing coaches and mentors to me over the past 20 years. I would not have learned about EOS® were it not for Vistage.
I encourage you and your leadership team members to learn more about the organizations I’ve mentioned above and explore other entrepreneurial-focused resources in our region. We become stronger leaders when we connect with other leaders to exchange ideas, share setbacks and successes, and support each other and our communities.
