MAY 15, 2017 • Vol. 28 • No. 20 • $2 SERVING BERKS, LEHIGH, NORTHAMPTON & SURROUNDING COUNTIES www.LVB.com Do mergers HOPE BY THE RIVER of hospitals boost costs, inefficiency? By WENDY SOLOMON [email protected] The national and regional trend for hospital mergers continues unabated, but at least one expert who studies health care man- agement says larger hospital systems are inefficient and lead to higher costs and lower quality. Lawton Burns, professor of health ‘In each care management hospital that at the Wharton PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND School, University Developer Jerry McAward broke ground last month on a new outdoor recreation center at 123 Lehigh Drive along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman has joined Boulevard in Lehighton. of Pennsylvania, our network, told a gathering at Commerce could flow when massive outdoor center opens in Lehighton the Lehigh Valley we have Business Coalition been able to By CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND Drive, will replace biking excursions, river rafting, a kayak on Healthcare’s [email protected] the developer’s exist- school and eventually cross country ski recent annual con- significantly A new era in outdoor recreation is ing business in Jim rentals. Plus, for the first time, he will ference there is no reduce the about to begin in Lehighton, an era that Thorpe, at the same add a retail shop. academic evidence some say will draw thousands of people time dramatically “The addition of the outdoor center that hospital con- operating per week, trigger more commerce for expanding opera- will make the town an outdoor activity solidation improves expenses.’ other borough businesses and jump- tions and offerings magnet – in addition to Jim Thorpe and cost, efficiency or — Bob Martin, St. start an underdeveloped part of the and boosting the ‘Visitors to Palmerton – by attracting hundreds of quality. Luke’s University downtown – perhaps with the opening number of employ- people [daily] into the downtown,” said “Large hospi- Health Network of even more businesses. ees by 20 percent. our facility Kathy Henderson, economic develop- tals are no more The 12,000-square-foot center for Developer Jerry need places ment director at Carbon Chamber and efficient than rafting, biking and kayaking being built McAward will offer a to stay and Economic Development in Lehighton. free-standing hospitals,” Burns said. along the Lehigh River is expected to variety of adventure “That in turn will entice more busi- “Hospitals are getting bigger and debut in late summer, remain open activities for adults, eat.’ year-round and employ 120 people, children and families — Jerry McAward, also year-round. The center, on Lehigh of all skills, including developer please see HOPE, page 10 please see MERGERS, page 7

INSIDE TODAY FEATURES INDEX Behind the List ���������������������������15 CELEBRATING OUR Briefs ��������������������������������������������4 Calendar �������������������������������������15 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Classifieds ����������������������������������22 Focus �������������������������������������11-14 Our 20-page supplement honors the For Your Information �������������������15 most influential women in business Legal Listings ������������������������������22 in the Greater Lehigh Valley. For Liens �������������������������������������������18 Newsmakers �������������������������������16 photo galleries of all 28 Women of New Ventures ��������������������������������6 Influence and of last week’s awards Off The Clock ������������������������������23 ceremony, visit www.lvb.com/ Opinion ��������������������������������������8-9 section/photo-galleries. The Lists �������������������������������20, 21 Highmark and Lehigh Valley Health Network BETTER TOGETHER When the region’s leading health insurer and health care provider work together, you win. Our collaborative approach helps make the right care at the right time more accessible and affordable.

Learn how to get more value for you and your employees at bettertogetherlv.com

Highmark Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. LVB.com Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 3 At Bartush: Seven decades and counting of eye-allure By JENNIFER HETRICK Special for Lehigh Valley Business BARTUSH SIGNS INC. Felix Bartush Sr. used money from his GI Bill to put < What: Designs and manufactures signs for businesses and himself through neon school and then started Bartush nonprofits. Signs Inc. in his mother-in-law’s garage in 1944. < Location: North Washington Street, Orwigsburg. He eventually relocated the business to North < No. of employees: 62. Washington Street in Orwigsburg, while at 9 his son < Website: www.bartush.com. Felix Bartush Jr. began helping out and today is CEO. The concepts, design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance work of Bartush Signs can be seen revival occurred in the mid-1970s through the 1980s, throughout a good portion of Pennsylvania as well as thanks in part to channel letters becoming a new norm. other states in the mid-Atlantic region. (Channel letters are internally illuminated with front, “Signs of today communicate valuable and neces- middle and back portions.) sary information through words, images and varied “But exposed neon has its own look,” Frack said. “It’s additional messages like familiarity, curiosity, temp- bright, colorful and it can be used to look both modern tation, security, well-being and excitement,” Felix and retro, as in old theater signs.” Bartush Jr. said. STILL A ROLE FOR NEON He said signs can draw people together in a com- A scarcity of neon benders such as Frack and the fragil- munity sense at churches, municipal centers and ity of the material are two reasons Bartush signs no longer schools. use neon behind plastic in channel letters – yet neon on “Our world is so fast that signs, with their images its own is still used. and concise information, are perfectly suited to Other reasons are that light-emitting diode bulbs use quickly and efficiently deliver pertinent information, far less energy and their installation requires less time either for immediate action or to store for future and skill compared to neon-bending. use,” Bartush said. “Neon is difficult to transport, and repairs are costly PLEXIGLAS and take time,” said Natalie Bartush, a manager and the The Schuylkill County company has seen the evo- daughter of Bartush Jr. lution of sign-making. Frack added there’s no substitute for the “eye-lure” of Most of its signs involved Plexiglas flat faces in neon signs, so it still has demand with interesting projects cabinets, with lamps behind them to illuminate for clients. them, in the 1950s, 1960s and majority of the 1970s. NOSTALGIA An employee, Lenny Frack, a neon tube bender, By the 1980s, electronic message boards with details CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Henry Gerhard’s skill in hand-cutting materials of all types has noted that neon signs had considerable popularity in been honed over the last 37 years at Bartush Signs in Orwigsburg. the 1930s but that this dropped in the 1960s. A neon please see BARTUSH, page 4

Dirty Dozen Brass Band May 26

Gerald Veasley The Royal Scam Cherry Poppin’ June 1 June 9 Daddies May 23

steelstacks.org 610-332-3378 Aaron Neville Robert Glasper June 16 Experiment June 21 4 Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 LVB.com BARTUSH continued from page 3 such as time and temperature were in Volume 28, Number 20 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 400 their infancy, Bartush Jr. said about what is Bethlehem, PA 18018 today’s norm. 610-807-9619 • [email protected]

A niche part of the business is repairing Publisher and restoring nostalgic theater signs but Michael O’Rourke [email protected] • ext. 4112 also creating new ones with an old-time feel, Natalie Bartush said. Office Manager Cheryl Gaydos • [email protected] • ext. 4119 Bank mergers in the past few years also have led to more business, including BB&T NEWS Editor taking over National Penn Bank locations. Bill Kline • [email protected] • ext. 4115 SIGNS FOR RED ROBIN Staff Reporters Restaurants are a big market, too. Brian Pedersen • [email protected] • ext. 4108 “They’ve done signs for all of our 21 Wendy Solomon • [email protected] • ext. 4118 locations,” said Scott Welch of Red Robin- Senior Writer/Online Editor Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group based in CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Stacy Wescoe • [email protected] • ext. 4104 Upper Macungie Township. “They also did Bartush Signs has made many signs for Red Robin restaurants, including this one in Franklin County. Researcher Christopher Holland • [email protected] • ext. 4110 the sign in front of our corporate office.” true business partner, not just a vendor of creativity which is housed inside the build- In addition to main building signs, ours,” he said. ing,” said Tim Fallon, CEO of Lehigh Valley DESIGN/PRODUCTION Bartush Signs makes indoor eclectically ‘PERSONAL PRIDE’ Public Television Corp., also known as Designer John Layton designed “YUMMM” signs for all of the res- Bartush Signs created several signs PBS39. taurants which Welch oversees. for PBS39’s SteelStacks Campus in “They have seen it all, know how to deal AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT VP Audience Development “They’re service oriented, a very easy Bethlehem. with it all and have their personal pride in Zander Gambill group of professionals to work with and a “The signs represent the quality and every single project,” Fallon said. Audience Development Manager Sherry Andersen For subscription information and questions, please call 888-506-5770 These news briefs originally appeared in LVB.com’s Daily News email or as breaking news. Sign up at LVB.com. BRIEFS ADVERTISING Senior Account Executives Avantor to buy VWR for $6.4B at the Hometown campus. It recently increased John C. Coyle III • [email protected] • ext. 4105 Upper Saucon Township-based Avantor has production capacity and rearranged equipment Natalia Stezenko • [email protected] • ext. 4103 an agreement to acquire Radnor-based VWR for for efficiency. Account Executive $6.4 billion, or $33.25 in cash per share of VWR “This investment will facilitate significant Jennifer Rush • [email protected] • ext. 4106 common stock. advancements in the semiconductor industry,” Special Inserts Account Executives Avantor is a global supplier of high-purity said Jim Hart, a senior leader in Versum’s global Jordan McCoonse • [email protected] • ext. 4113 Nancy Signorovitch • [email protected] • ext. 4117 materials for the life sciences and advanced technology team. technology industries. When Versum spun off from Air Products last EVENTS VWR is a global provider of product and year, it moved its headquarters to Tempe, Ariz., Events Director Wendy Berg service solutions to laboratory and production and maintains offices in Breinigsville. [email protected] customers. Events Coordinator “The global customers that we plan to serve CONTRIBUTED Santander to cut jobs Dayna Edelman in a more high-touch manner will immediately Rendering of Birdsboro Power’s plant in downtown Reading [email protected] • ext. 4109 benefit from the combination,” said Michael that is expected to begin commercial Santander Bank will eliminate an unspecified Copyright 2017 by BridgeTower Media. All rights Stubblefield, Avantor CEO. operations in 2019. number of positions in its downtown Reading reserved. Volume 28, Number 20. Lehigh Valley Business is protected under the federal Copyright Act. VWR has more than 10,200 associates and The Birdsboro project’s developer, EmberClear office by the end of the year. Reproductions of any part by any means or facsimiles had sales of more than $4.5 billion in 2016. without the express written permission of the publisher Corp., an energy company based in Houston, All positions are in the home loan mortgage are not permitted. Reprints of LVB articles are avail- Avantor employs about 1,900. also built the gas-fired power plant in Good servicing operations, which will be outsourced to able. For licensing, reprints, e-prints and plaques, email [email protected]. Authorization to pho- While Avantor said in a release that it Spring, Schuylkill County, in 2012, its first in a third-party vendor, Dovenmuehle Mortgage Inc., tocopy articles for internal corporate or instructional use planned to welcome VWR’s employees into the may be obtained from the Copyright Clearance Center North America. according to Ann Davis, a Santander spokes- at 978-750-8400. company and saw the acquisition as a means Ares and EmberClear have been capitalizing woman. Lehigh Valley Business (ISSN 2169-219X) is pub- lished weekly (except for the week of Christmas and one to expand opportunities for employees “as part on the abundance of gas extracted from fracking Santander Bank employs about 750 people extra issue in December) by BridgeTower Media, 1500 of a larger, high-growth enterprise,” an Avantor Paxton St., Harrisburg, PA 17104-2633. Periodicals Marcellus shale in the region. in the Reading area, including 150 at an office postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and at additional mail- spokesman said there are no firm plans yet for The plant, which is scheduled to begin in Wyomissing. ing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Lehigh Valley Business, 1500 Paxton St., Harrisburg integration of the companies. commercial operations in 2019, is expected to “The transition will take several months, PA 17104-2633. New Mountain Capital, the private equity create 300 construction jobs and 25 permanent Lehigh Valley Business services business own- and we do not expect any of the employment ers, managers and professionals in an eight-county firm which owns Avantor, will continue as lead jobs, according to EmberClear’s website. region comprising Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, changes to occur until mid-October of this year,” Schuylkill, Monroe, northern Bucks and northern shareholder of the combined company, and Davis said. Montgomery counties. Stubblefield will maintain leadership. Versum Materials breaks ground Subscriptions are available for $56 per year, two years on multimillion dollar laboratory “The decision may result in the elimination for $89, and three years for $119. of some positions; however we are working to $600M Birdsboro Power plant Versum Materials, the former materials divi- Note to Readers offer comparable positions within the bank to as Opinions expressed in any commentary published in gets two Japanese investors sion of Air Products and Chemicals of Trexlertown this newspaper are not necessarily those of Lehigh Valley Two Japanese companies have invested in the many people as we can. We will provide sever- Business. which was spun off last year, broke ground on Any suggestion written in material published by this $600 million Birdsboro Power plant being built a multimillion dollar, high-tech research and ance and career assistance to those that we newspaper is not to be regarded as advice (legal, tax, cannot reassign.” investment or otherwise), and Lehigh Valley Business on a former steel mill site in the borough. development laboratory in Hometown, Schuylkill assumes no liability for actions taken by any group or Tokyo Gas America Ltd. and Sojitz Corp. each County. Davis said Santander Bank remains commit- individual based upon such material. We welcome your opinion on issues. Write to Lehigh acquired 33.33 percent equity in the natural gas The lab, which will employ about 30, will have ted to Reading. Valley Business at the address listed above, c/o Editor. You and steam-fired plant under construction on the scientists and engineers working with new mate- Santander Bank’s home loan mortgage office also can email your comments to [email protected]. 50-acre brownfield. rials used in the manufacture of semiconductors. is in a large building at Fifth and Penn streets. Published by BridgeTower Media While Sojitz has invested in power plants According to Versum, scientists at the facility Davis said outsourcing mortgage service has around the world, Birdsboro is its first in North expect to synthesize and purify new molecules to become a banking standard. Dovenmuehle is America, according to Sojitz’s website. parts-per-trillion impurity levels using the latest the largest and oldest subservicing firm in the Birdsboro Power is owned by Ares Manage- technology. country. The company manages 1.2 million loans ment LP, a global alternative asset management This expansion is part of a $20 million for commercial and savings banks, credit unions, group based in Los Angeles. investment Versum has made over the past year independent mortgage banks and others. SAVE THE DATE

Presenting Sponsors:

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 7:30am – 10:45am • DeSales University REGISTER TODAY! For agenda updates or to register, please visit: www.lvb.com/healthcaresymposium Industry experts are coming together to speak about current issues, trends and the future of the health care industry.

Questions? Please contact Dayna Edelman at [email protected] or 610-807-9619 ext. 4109. Join the conversation at #LVBHCS

INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR OR EXHIBITOR? Contact Mike O’Rourke at [email protected] or 610-807-9619 ext. 4112.

Major Sponsor: Supporting Sponsors: 6 Lehigh Valley Business NEW VENTURES May 15, 2017 LVB.com Mountain View Vineyard opens in new, larger location By STACY WESCOE furniture and accessories for babies at Baby [email protected] Depot, home décor and gifts and a large The owners of the Poconos’ Mountain selection of coats. View Vineyard now have the winery of their “We are thrilled to open a new Burlington dreams. in the Easton community,” said Tom After planting their first vines in 2003 Kingsbury, president, CEO and chairman of and opening a small tasting room in their Burlington. house in 2009, Randy and Linda Rice now The 42,000-square-foot store will employ have a winery and bistro open about two 75 people. miles up the road on 100 acres of farmland For more information, visit www.burling- in Hamilton Township that is more than four tonstores.com. times the size of the original location. The Rices held a grand opening May 4 PHOTO/NICOLE TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY Cellphone repair business opens in Lehighton with Eric Noone and Lyman Winer, who Linda and Randy Rice celebrate the opening of the new Mountain View Vineyard in Monroe County. will be operating Frogtown Bistro out of the Jackson Township. highlighting promotional items and educa- The Carbon Chamber and Economic winery. For more information, visit www.mounta- tional materials. Development Corp. scheduled a grand The new building also has a 3,000-square- inviewvineyard.com. The store has a “Made in Pennsylvania” opening and ribbon cutting May 12 at foot tasting room where customers can sam- section to highlight wines and spirits pro- Latsch Cell Phones LLC in Lehighton. ple and buy wine and an area on the wine- Harleysville gets duced in the state. Also, the store sells Latsch Cell Phones is owned and oper- new Wine & Good Spirits making floor that can host events. There’s Pennsylvania Lottery tickets. ated by Frank Latsch and repairs screen also a tent on-site for larger events. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board The new store replaces the former store damage, water damage and cosmetic In addition to private events, the winery held a grand opening May 4 at a new Fine in the Shelly Square Shopping Center in damage and provides battery replacement looks to host public events and community Wine & Good Spirits store at The Court Harleysville. for mobile phone and tablet devices. fundraisers. at Harleysville, 237 Harleysville Pike, For more information, call 215-256-3084. The store also sells mobile phones, The winemaking floor also is larger. At Harleysville. internet devices, prepaid phone cards and 3,500 square feet, it will allow the winery to The 6,800-square-foot store features more Burlington opens cell phone components. discount store on Dryland Way triple production. than 2,800 wines and spirits. The store also Latch Cell Phones is at 8300 “It’s really amazing,” said Laurie carries the popular Chairman’s Selection Burlington Stores, a national off-price Interchange Road Lehighton. Monteforte, marketing director for the and Chairman’s Advantage products, which retailer, is opening a new store May 19 in winery. “And we’re not done. Starting in are hand-selected, highly rated wines avail- Lower Nazareth Commons at 3855 Dryland Editor’s note: We want to hear about September, we’ll be adding a brewery.” able for less than nationally quoted prices. Way, Lower Nazareth Township. your new business or product. Contact It will be known as Mountain View The focal point of the store is the center Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, Stacy Wescoe at 610-807-9619 ext. 4104 or Brewing Co. table, where customers can find staff to sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, send an email to [email protected]. To be The business also has a distillery that is answer questions or provide recommenda- family footwear and children’s clothing. considered, a new venture should be fewer being run out of the original winery space in tions. The center table provides counters for The store also will have an assortment of than 60 days old or starting within 60 days. WWWhheenn bbuusisisinnneeessssss Wgggetshetse n dididi b ucccsiuuullnt...lt...t...ess

How can you connect to your customers and prospects in order to gain trust and close sales? gets di cult... What techniques and tricks work? LLet us briinngg aallll tthhee p piieececess Let usto bgreittnhhgeer ra fofollr rt yhyoeou up..ieces Find out at my nest seminar together for you. "Of Profiles, Roles & Pigeonholes" Let us bring all the pieces together for you.

or SUBSCRIRIBBEE TTOODDAAYY! ! "Is this the party to whom I am speaking?" Call us at 888-506-5770 Call or visitus at ww 888-506-5770w.lvb.com Wednesday, May 17, 8:30 to 10:30 AM SUB orS visitCRI wwBEw.lvb.com TODAY! at The Bridgeworks 905 Harrison Street, Allentown, 18103 Call us at 888-506-5770 still only $35 or visit www.lvb.com SU65B E.S CElizRIabeBth EAv eT., SOuitDe 400A Y! go to www.howtoselltheplague.com to register Beth65leh E.em, Eliz PaAb e18018th Av e| .,610-807-9619 Suite 400 BCallethleh usem, atPA 888-506-577018018 | 610-807-9619 or visit www.lvb.com 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 400 Bethlehem, PA 18018 | 610-807-9619

65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 400 Bethlehem, PA 18018 | 610-807-9619 LVB.com Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 7

after Lehigh Valley Health Network, and those regulations change all the Association of Pennsylvania, based in MERGERS has acquired four hospitals since 1995: time. It takes an incredible amount of Harrisburg, backs consolidation. continued from page 1 Quakertown Hospital in 1995; the for- expertise just to keep up with those “Consolidation can eliminate unnec- mer Allentown Osteopathic Medical changes, to understand them and figure essary duplication of health care services bigger. As they get bigger, they get less Center in 1997; Miners Memorial them out and implement them,” he said. and excess capacity, freeing up resourc- efficient.” Medical Center in 2000; and Warren “If you’re a stand-alone hospital, es to invest where they are needed the Hospitals with less than 300 beds are Hospital in 2012. Also, it has built and there’s no way you can afford people most,” association chief strategy officer more efficient, he said. opened two hospitals since 2011. who are experts in those areas.” Paula A. Bussard said in a statement. Hospital executives often cite that Bob Martin, chief strategy officer, at “Another benefit is that consolidations larger hospital systems are more cost SLUHN, said the network has had a dif- allow hospitals to implement new care effective because of their size. Goods ferent experience than the bleak picture ‘The evidence is models that improve health and health and services cost less, they argue, painted by Burns. incontrovertible that large care, including more outpatient care and because they are cheaper when pur- “In each hospital that has joined our population health initiatives.” chased in volume. network, we have been able to signifi- hospital systems charge She said hospital mergers and “I hear the expression ‘economies of cantly reduce the operating expenses,” insurance companies higher acquisitions undergo a rigorous review scale’ almost daily,” Burns said. “It’s the Martin said. process by the state and federal govern- most often-used rationale for doing a St. Luke’s saved money by consolidat- rates,’ which are passed on ments. merger.” ing a number of departments such as to the consumer. Economies of scale, along with Burns also said consumer costs don’t human resources, finance and informa- reduced need for hospital care, allow — Lawton Burns, Wharton decrease as a result of mergers. tion technology. hospitals to manage Medicare and “The evidence is incontrovertible that “We’ve achieved a much higher Medicaid payment reductions without large hospital systems charge insur- level of financial efficiency than any of WHEN IS TOO BIG? cutting needed services, Bussard said. ance companies higher rates,” which are those hospitals could have achieved on While Burns’ ideas run counter to the “This can help smaller hospitals passed on to the consumer, he said. their own, and the clinical quality was consolidation trend, Martin acknowl- secure access to capital for technology Hospitals have an incentive to merge enhanced dramatically,” he said. edged there may be a point of diminish- and infrastructure,” she said. with smaller, stand-alone hospitals ‘ECONOMY OF INTELLECT’ ing of returns for large hospital systems. GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS because credit rating agencies weigh Burns said administrative and back “I don’t know if there is a magic num- St. Luke’s has been solicited by hospi- larger hospital networks more favorably. office departments, such as human ber,” he said. “I think there is a point where tals in the Philadelphia area that want to The higher ratings enable hospitals to resources and payroll, are typically what you could be conceivably less efficient. join its network, Martin said, but it has get access to cheaper capital, which they gets consolidated – “chump change,” he “Our network is still of a size where been “extremely cautious” about taking in turn invest into their newly acquired said, when compared with clinical costs, we have a team of people that can on new hospitals outside the region. hospitals, he said. which are about 80 percent to 90 per- cover the network and keep track of “What kind of sense does it make to “What gets rewarded gets done,” cent of a hospital’s expenses. what’s going on. I have counterparts in have a member hospital that’s an hour Burns said. But consolidation provides an “econ- $20 billion networks in multiple states and a half away?” he said. FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY omy of intellect,” which is more cost with 50 hospitals. That’s a lot to keep Not only would distance be a chal- St. Luke’s University Health Network effective for smaller hospitals, Martin track of.” lenge – St. Luke’s physicians live and based in Fountain Hill, the region’s said. BETTER FOR SMALLER HOSPITALS work in the area – but the networks use second largest network by employment “Health care is very highly regulated, The Hospital and Healthsystem different insurance companies. Tell your story. We’re ListeningListening I don’t know who you are. “I don’t know your company. I don’t know your company’s product.

I don’t know what your company stands for.

I don’t know your company’s customers. “ I don’t know your company’s record. “ I don’t know your company’s reputation. Now – what is it you wanted to sell me?

Business Pro les is the special advertising supplement of Lehigh Valley Business that will highlight the region’s businesses in magazine format. A full-color pro le will be devoted to featuring the history, accomplishments and growth of your company.

BUSINESS PROFILES CLOSE DATE/MATERIALS DUE: MAY 29TH PUBLICATION DATE: JULY 25TH Contact Mike O’Rourke at [email protected] or 610-807-9619 ext. 112 for more information 8 Lehigh Valley Business OPINION May 15, 2017 LVB.com Check or checkmate when probing applicant background Imagine a company hires a courier. The is it relevant to check credit on a receptionist courier, while driving a company vehicle, UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS applicant?). causes a major accident. To be sure, credit reports, and sometimes As a longtime human resources pro said, “If your competitors are It turns out the courier is drunk and has criminal reports, contain errors. Credit reports doing background checks and you are not, guess what you get?” two prior driving under can be hard to read and interpret. the influence issues. < Consider doing background checks on applicants before Also, criminal reports usually will show finalizing offers. Imagine the potential arrests when federal and state laws require the liability of the company. < Use a reputable vendor who complies with the Fair Credit employer to consider only convictions. Reporting Act. A client, a third-gen- TELL THEM UP FRONT eration family business < Make sure the person(s) using the reports are properly Employers should disclose early in the pro- trained on how to use and interpret the reports. employing some 50 peo- cess that background checks are done before ple, discovers its control- hire. This is a courtesy to candidates and may ler is stealing and nearly and education/license verification. First, traditional background checks are cause some candidates to withdraw, knowing Dick goes out of business. Beyond what the data suggest, there are governed by the federal Fair Credit Reporting what theirs will show. Cipoletti Far-fetched? Sadly, additional reasons for the increase in back- Act. Applicants must sign a release form This also will encourage candidates to no. ground checks. authorizing the check. Equal Employment share information which may help explain Research shows disturbing data. Employee Pennsylvania, like most states, recognizes Opportunity Commission guidelines on dis- their history. Screening Services, a background check ven- the concept of negligent hiring. Employers crimination apply. Conducting background For example, a job loss or divorce could flag dor, reports that 2.9 percent of those investi- must exercise due diligence when hiring checks inconsistently could result in claims of an otherwise good credit history. A youthful gated had driving violations, 8.7 percent had employees and can be held accountable if discrimination. indiscretion will linger a long time on one’s criminal records, 5.8 percent had credit issues they do not. Employers contemplating or using back- record. and 2.8 percent had identity issues. Historically, employers have checked refer- ground checks must recognize that all major It is sometimes helpful to discuss the report Employee theft cost U.S. employers more ences to satisfy due diligence. However, today human resource laws and regulations, includ- with the candidate, as it might help to explain than $50 billion annually and accounts for it is difficult to obtain meaningful references. ing the FCRA and EEOC guidelines, were the concern or correct wrong information. one-third of business bankruptcies, according Employers are afraid of being sued for giving a enacted before the emergence of social media. to Static Brain research. The U.S. Chamber of bad reference. As a result, most large employ- In other words, use of social media, such as Dick Cipoletti is president of RCC Associates Commerce reports similar data. ers will only verify employment and have LinkedIn, in vetting applicants is undefined. of Salisbury Township, a regional human COMPANY ACCOUNTABILITY instructed their managers to refer reference When in dispute, matters are being resolved in resources firm providing HR consulting, staffing Consequently, in recent years, employers requests to the human resource department. court on a case-by-case basis. and training services to clients. A vice president have increasingly turned to pre-employment KNOW THE RULES IS IT FAIR? of human resources in three industries and a background checks. The items most common- An employer who decides to do pre- Background checks are not without con- published author, he teaches in the Master of ly checked are criminal history, driving record, employment background checks needs to be troversy. Critics argue these checks are an Business Administration program at DeSales identity verification (usually Social Security mindful of the legal environment surrounding invasion of privacy, often contain erroneous University. He can be reached at dick@rccas- number, address and phone), credit history them. information and are not used properly (e.g., soc.com.

TAKING STOCK: Bad Santa effect breeds even more corruption Dear Mr. Berko: I’m a happily defrocked “All the King’s Men,” gave this line to one of Christmas? resentment and rage. priest, married with children, who has been his characters: “Man is conceived in sin and Remember your dad telling you that Santa BURIED IN THE MIND reading your column for 30 years. We met born in corruption and he passeth from the had a list and that if you were bad, your name The Santa Claus effect was fertile ground twice when you were in Oklahoma City to stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud.” would be on his list and there’d be no pres- for the psychoanalysis of Freud, Jung, Adler speak. My wife and I are active in group But there’s a new theory that seems to ents for you on Christmas Day? and Fromm, who said a person’s develop- counseling, so I’ll come to the point. Why explain the corruption of America, and it’s You believed your mom and dad with ment is determined by often-forgotten events do Wall Street and called the Santa Claus effect. “Santa baby, just all your heart, and you lived every day in a in early childhood. Congress have so many slip a sable under the tree for me.” negative world, thinking, “If I don’t mind my This horrid and searing disappointment is evil people who profit BIG, WONDERFUL LIE parents, if I don’t eat my food, if I don’t buried in a person’s unconscious mind. at the public expense? As a tot, when you began do well in school, if I don’t pick Imagine the mind as an iceberg. The con- How can one taking baby steps, mom up my toys, then Santa won’t scious mind is the tip (about 10 percent above explain the actions and dad began lying bring presents on Christmas water), and the remainder of the iceberg is of Wells Fargo’s John to you about Santa morning.” the unconscious mind (underwater), where Stumpf or Jon Corzine Claus and the won- REGRET, memories are held until they attract the atten- of MF Global, both of derful toys he’d RESENTMENT, RAGE tion of the conscious mind. Malcolm whom had the world bring on Christmas For your first nine TRANSFERENCE Berko by the tail? How do morning – only if or so years, you For some, memories such as finding out we explain Lloyd you were a good boy. imagined Santa as the truth about Santa Claus are too painful Blankfein of Goldman Sachs, Richard Fuld Television, the print a godlike figure who and frightening to consciously acknowledge. of Lehman Brothers, Angelo Mozilo of media and determined So when a Stumpf or a Corzine makes a Countrywide Financial and Charles Prince corporate For your first nine or so years, you imagined whether decision, the pain of being lied to by trusted of Citigroup, whose false representations America (pic- Santa as a godlike figure who determined you were parents is pulled from the unconscious mind and greed helped wreck the global econo- ture Santa whether you were worthy of gifts at Christmas. worthy and influences the conscious mind’s deci- my? drinking Coke) of gifts at sion. How does one explain 1,000 percent perpetu- Then, suddenly, you were told Santa doesn’t exist! Christmas. This process is called transference, and increases in prescription prices by drug ated the big lie All this it mitigates pain of the past by engaging in a companies, the fraud and duplicity of state because it was dandy for business. hoopla was imprinted on your psyche. more corrupt behavior. A greater hurt soothes legislatures, the perversion and lies of so This was a jolly Santa Claus. His warm per- Then, suddenly, you were told Santa a lesser hurt. many members of Congress, the fraud of sona and genial smile highlighted his apple- doesn’t exist! union officials and the corruption of civil red cheeks and chalk-white beard. Imagine the deep hurt and brutal scarring Florida-based Malcolm Berko regularly service employees? I could continue, but I EMPHASIZING THE NEGATIVE to the psyche of a kid who just discovered that dispenses financial advice. You may address think you’ve got my drift. – DA, Oklahoma Do you remember waiting in line at the his parents have been lying to him all his life. questions to him at P.O. Box 8303, Largo, FL City mall with your mom so you could sit on For the first time in his life, he experi- 33775 or by email at [email protected]. Dear DA: Robert Penn Warren, who wrote Santa’s lap and tell him what you wanted for ences profound incredulity – and then regret, Creators Syndicate Inc. LVB.com May 15, 2017 OPINION Lehigh Valley Business 9 A coach and a plan: The best way to develop an executive Every organization – large corporation calls, depending on the leader’s schedule or startup – wants the best, most efficient Coaching isn’t just for or preference. means for helping executives acquire the executives. It’s for business The time commitment can involve three, skills to be effective leaders. six or 12 months depending on the needs. What are the best methods: Leadership owners and aspiring leaders (It usually takes at least 90 days to master a development seminars? Mentoring pro- at all levels determined to new skill.) grams? Leadership Some people continue a coaching rela- coaching? extend the upward trajectory tionship indefinitely because they like hav- All of these solu- of their careers. ing a trusted adviser outside the company tions have their place, to serve as a sounding board for complex but hands down the issues or because they’re lifelong learners best way to develop who continually seek new challenges. an executive is to pro- They might have technical expertise 360-degree feedback from everyone to FOR LEADERS OF ALL LEVELS vide him or her with a in product development, but less skill in whom the leader is accountable – board Star athletes and business leaders take coach. people development, and so are unsure members, bosses, peers, direct reports, every opportunity to learn how to improve. Shawn Kent When Tiger Woods where to focus. Leaders in this situation even customers. Yes, they may participate in seminars Hayashi wanted to improve his can engage with a coach in self-discovery This creates a detailed portrait of how and seek mentorship, but they also know swing, he didn’t attend to gain clarity about what would be most others perceive his or her leadership and the best way to up their game is to get one- a group seminar or ask another golfer to impactful to improve. expands awareness of deficiencies that on-one coaching from a trusted expert off meet occasionally to offer advice. He found LEARNING ABOUT YOURSELF need to be addressed. the playing field. a coach to help him break down what he Ideally, this process starts with an With the data generated by both of these And those who want to stand out seek was doing wrong and then work with him opportunity for leaders to learn about diagnostic tools, the coach and leader cre- help sooner rather than later. to change his bad habits and rebuild his themselves. ate a professional development plan. A That’s why, in business, coaching isn’t swing for peak performance. What are their leadership and communi- coach will work with the client to answer just for executives any longer. It’s for busi- A leadership coach provides the same cation styles? What are their motivators or these key questions: ness owners and aspiring leaders at all kind of individual focus and support for values? What are they naturally good at and < What are your short-term goals? levels determined to extend the upward skill building. What, exactly, does this where are the skill gaps? < What are your long-term goals? trajectory of their careers. involve? Is their emotional intelligence well devel- < What new behaviors or habits do you SOME ARE AWARE, SOME ARE NOT oped? What about their ability to make good want to create? Shawn Kent Hayashi of Center Valley Some people come on board fully aware judgments and quick decisions? < How will you know when you’re shares her expertise in developing top of what skills they need to develop. Through online assessments, leaders making progress? What will be evident? performers and high-performing teams For example, they might hire a coach gain insight into who they are and how they < What is your top priority? as an international executive coach to work on presenting, decision making, prefer to operate in the workplace. This THREE MONTHS OR LONGER and consultant. She is the author of the media relations or better time management. awareness is an important starting point Priorities can include things such as trilogy: “Conversations for Change,” Or they may want to work long-term with in leadership coaching for one simple rea- mastering conflict resolution skills, holding “Conversations for Creating Star someone to help implement a better hiring son: How can you lead others if you don’t people accountable or improving decision- Performers” and “Conversations That Get and performance management process. understand yourself? making or strategic-thinking skills. Results and Inspire Collaboration.” She can Others are less clear about what they DEVELOPMENT PLAN Once these are identified, skill develop- be reached at shawn@theprofessionalde- need to improve. The next step involves gathering ment begins through weekly meetings or velopmentgroup.com.

BUSINESS BOOK REVIEW To reach financial freedom, this book is on the money

You are so busted. it, knowing the myths about finances and such as asking for a raise, hiring a finan- ADVICE And that’s never a good thing in relation- erasing them from your mind. cial planner, getting a mortgage and FOR ALL AGES ships, recreation or finances, especially in FISCAL FORMULAS “getting financially naked” with your Lowry says finances. When your wallet is empty, so are If numbers make you numb, you’re in beloved significant other. she’s “on a mis- both calendar and stomach, but what can luck: there are only a few formulas you need And what if you’re seriously in debt? sion to stamp out you do when even the to stay on top of your finances, Lowry says. Get out with one of three methods that financial illiteracy word “money” scares Those formulas will help you see your really work but be in our generation,” you? debt, as a whole, which will help you know careful: scammers and and her book With the new book the pitfalls of credit, the difference between spammers aren’t just would do it, sin- “Broke Millennial” by waived and deferred interest, why you online. glehandedly. Erin Lowry, you can be should have a credit card and why there’s NO NONSENSE Best of all, Published by Tarcher a dinero hero. only one way to use it. Fifteen bucks isn’t though it’s meant Perigee, ‘Broke When she was a And yes, there’s an app for that. a lot of money. Then for 20-somethings, Millennial’ by Erin child, Lowry’s parents SHOP AROUND again, it might be if this book isn’t spe- Lowry is 276 pages and Terri practiced a sort of Put yourself on a budget (a “zero-sum PHOTO/DAVID RODGERS you’ve got an empty cific to them. You sells for $15. Schlichenmeyer financial tough love on budget” is excellent) so you can pay down Lowry wallet and a full pile of really can give it to their daughter, and it debt and grow your savings. Know that “pay debt. Still, it’s a price worth paying to own a wise middle-schooler or a grown-up in paid off. For Lowry, money has never been yourself first” is not just a cliché. a helpful book such as “Broke Millennial.” need. a taboo subject. It isn’t stressful, confusing, Shop around for banks and credit cards In methods that are easy enough for For anyone old enough to read this scary, like it is for many of her peers. because they’re not all alike. Think of your a middle-schooler to try, Lowry explains book, “Broke Millennial” won’t be a bust. Money is just a thing, and it’s entirely pos- credit score and credit report as your BFFs. nearly everything consumers need to sible, she says, to “set yourself up for the life Know how to invest and how to create know about finances, in layman’s terms Terri Schlichenmeyer of Wisconsin you daydream about” by taking control of it. a retirement account, even if retirement and simple steps. writes reviews of business books. Reading Start by understanding your attitudes seems eons away. The tone is no nonsense and leaves since she was 3, she owns 13,000 books toward money, acknowledging that your GET OUT OF DEBT hand-holding in the dust; indeed, readers and can be reached at bookwormsez@ family plays a large part in how you use And know how to do the tough things, aren’t coddled at all. yahoo.com. 10 Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 LVB.com

tor, and Dirt Work Solutions LLC HOPE of Slatington is excavating the site. NEW OUTDOOR CENTER IN LEHIGHTON continued from page 1 Officials declined to disclose the cost of the project. < Name: To be determined, although it is licensed as Lehigh Outdoor Center. nesses to locate here to not only ben- “He [McAward] is a forward thinker < What: New outdoor recreation center featuring rafting, biking, kayaking, kayak school, retail efit the local residents, but other exist- and an incredible community partner,” developed by Jerry McAward. ing businesses, as well.” said Marlyn Kissner, executive vice < When: Scheduled to open in late summer. Licensed as the Lehighton Outdoor president of the Greater Lehigh Valley < Where: 123 Lehigh Drive, Lehighton. Center, it also could Chamber of Commerce and executive < No. of employees: 120. be of particular director of the Carbon Chamber and benefit to the First Economic Development Corp. “…. We Street merchant cor- are also happy to see all of the play- “Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard downtown. ridor that is a couple ers come together to make this project and Lehigh Drive are one of the “We won’t be serving food or offer- of blocks away – an happen.” greatest underdeveloped assets ing lodging, so the local businesses area that is just MORE PARKING in downtown Lehighton,” Beckett around us can and will benefit from beginning its own With the continued growth in tour- said. “With the construction of the our business,” he said. renaissance with the ism in Carbon County over the years, Lehighton Outdoor Center, the goal ROAD BLOCKS ‘He is a opening of a gaming McAward has had to turn away a lot of of riverfront development is being McAward, who has been working store/lounge and a customers because of lack of parking met.” with Lehighton for several months, forward restaurant/bar. at the Jim Thorpe facility, he said. Beckett said that together with ran into road blocks leading up to last “Visitors to our “The new center will have about 270 McAward, they share a vision and see month’s groundbreaking. thinker facility need places parking spaces,” McAward said. his business as an essential part of the “Through inspections, we found and an to stay and eat, and He said that he first looked into the puzzle in the redevelopment of the that the soil 6 feet deep was a little I hope that we are new site about seven years ago and business district. bit softer than required, so we had to incredible successful enough put a deposit on the lot in 2013. “Jerry and I have discussed the push back construction a little bit until to show these busi- “There’s no drive-by appeal at our involvement of the Lehighton Outdoor that was resolved,” he said. community ness owners and current location, but this [new space] Center in recreation, community He brought in an engineer and a soil interested entrepre- will change the shape of the busi- events and downtown improve- geologist to devise a solution. partner.’ neurs that are think- ness,” he said. “Having the center right ments,” Beckett said. “Throughout “We had to do several environmen- — Marlyn Kissner, ing about opening alongside the highway will change that the development process, it became tal studies because the site was previ- Carbon Chamber shop in downtown and attract more people.” very evident that [he] was interested ously used as a ‘fill site,’ and there was and Economic Lehighton that we RETAIL SHOP in partnering with the borough and its pollution under the soil,” he said. “But Development Corp., have a viable prod- The new site will sit on nearly eight organizations.” we were able to resolve the issue.” on Jerry McAward uct and will encour- acres. ON THE MAP PRESERVING THE BRAND age them to open “We’re going to add a small pad- Beckett said that McAward’s busi- McAward said the facility will be their business here,” McAward said. dling store for canoers and kayakers, ness will not only bring visitors to the licensed as Lehigh Outdoor Center ‘COMMUNITY PARTNER’ selling equipment and gear to suit borough, provide jobs and beautify the LLC, although he hasn’t settled on its McAward owns Jim Thorpe River their needs,” McAward said. “… The area, but that he is placing Lehighton public name. Sports Inc., doing business as Jim closest paddling store to here is in on the map in the world of whitewater “We’re working hard to take the Thorpe River Adventures, as well as Harrisburg.” rafting, kayaking and other outdoor trusted brand and change the [exist- Northeast PA Kayak School Inc. He said that the store will have “all activities. ing] name without damage,” he said. McAward said the kayak school the stuff,” but that he won’t have to “Carbon County is a gem,” Kissner He said the signage will either opened in 1999, while the rafting com- rely on those sales to stay afloat. said. “In addition to attracting a num- read Jim Thorpe River Adventures pany is entering its 10th season – both He also said that it will be one of the ber of visitors to the area each year, at Lehighton Outdoor Center, or based in an old, small building he few river towns in the country that will business owners are looking to set up Lehighton Outdoor Center, home of leases in Jim Thorpe near the entrance have a paddling store. shop and take advantage of the year- Jim Thorpe River Adventures and to Glen Onoko State Park. He said ECONOMIC IMPACT round outdoor activities and quality of Northeast PA Kayak School. operations will continue in Jim Thorpe Nicole Beckett, Lehighton borough life.” “I haven’t fully decided yet, but until construction at the new center is manager, said all of the many studies McAward said he’s been approached we certainly want to keep our brand complete. on revitalizing downtown Lehighton by several business owners and poten- intact and remain the business Zawada Enterprise LLC of call the Lehigh River the town’s pri- tial business owners to talk about that people have grown to know,” Tamaqua is the general contrac- mary natural asset. the project and what it means for the McAward said.

MBA Online / On Campus ACCESS Master’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Program

Center Valley • Bethlehem Area • Lansdale Area • Visit DeSales.edu

Follow us online for the latest business news: Like Lehigh Valley Business on Facebook at facebook.com/ Read and comment on our blogs, LehighValleyBusiness, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/lvb_com and join us on LinkedIn. and add them to your RSS reader. I N S I D E A THREAT TO YOUR BUSINESS Protect your business from rogue social media accounts. Page 12 BusinessFOCUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA May 15, 2017 • www.LVB.com Next week: Employee Benefits & Insurance Vigilance, reaction are keys to staying ahead of fake news By JENNIFER TROXELL WOODWARD Special for Lehigh Valley Business Businesses and brands need to be on high alert for fictitious news stories or FAKE NEWS IN THE DIGITAL AGE content with their name on it. Based on a survey of 266 adult U.S. residents Thanks to social media and online sources, fake news can be spread around ‘I will click on a ‘questionable’ headline ... the world in the blink of an eye. Consequently, companies targeted by Strongly Strongly makers of fake news are hiring profession- agree disagree als to do damage control. Marketing and If it’s from a news 1 2 3 4 5 If one of my friends posted ad firms can provide clients with ways to set up online monitoring systems to source I trust: it on social media: flag websites and content that mention a company’s name in a work of fiction – and then pumping out positive content to 10.9% 12.4% 11.3% counter the negative news. 23.3% “Social media has made [fake news] a heck of a lot worse,” said Todd Heft, owner 18% of Heft Media in Bethlehem. “Companies 19.5% need to monitor their online reputations 25.9% and be aware of any incorrect, misleading or outright fake information published 20.3% about them, because the damage in some 32.7% 25.6% cases can be wide and deep.” Heft said one way for businesses to stay informed about fake news stories carry- ing their name or brand information is through Google’s search engine. Google Source: “Faux News in the Digital Age,” Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri Alerts can notify businesses anytime their business is mentioned online, especially through news articles. must be willing to establish loyalty by long, it makes it hard to challenge what is He said he tells clients to research a Heft’s firm and other advertising and being truthful and open with their cus- out there. story before believing it, and to get a third- marketing agencies said they can pro- tomers. He suggested companies buy ad space party involved to determine how the pub- vide key strategies to boost a company’s “You can request reviews online. If a or targeted ads on the same website lic will perceive the false information. reputation before fake news is leaked, company has 5,000 perfect reviews and where the negative news is being distrib- “It cannot be overstated that social as well as techniques to assist busi- one bad one, then that one negative uted and to use the media as resources media is the culprit,” Mrochko said. nesses or brands that are victims of fake review is less believable,” Youssef said. “So to inform the public of a bogus news “Companies have to do some legwork to news. you have to build your reputation up front, story. debunk false stories.” REACT QUICKLY ahead of the fake news.” RESEARCH FIRST CHECK THE WEBSITE ADDRESS At Day Vision Marketing Inc. in Youssef said that, since fake news is cir- Joe Mrochko, vice president of account Jason Pijut, creative principal of Killer Allentown, owner Danny Youssef culated most often through social media, services at Strunk Media Group in Interactive in Orefield, said he knows how said he tells companies to maintain a companies only have a short window of Kutztown, said fake articles online or consistent reputation online and else- time to respond to fictitious content. If elsewhere can very quickly destroy a com- where. He advises businesses that they a company sits on a fake news story too pany’s reputation. please see FAKE NEWS, page 12

COMMUNICATE BETTER 877-RCN-7000 RCN FOR BUSINESS rcn.com/business/LVconsult IMAGINE BETTER

All sales subject to equipment charges, installation fees, applicable surcharges, franchise fees and taxes, equipment compatibility, and service availability and are not included in offer. One-time charges, including installation fees, are not included. No substitutions. Other restrictions may apply. Not all services available in all areas. ©2017 RCN Telecom Services (Lehigh), LLC. All rights reserved. 12 Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 LVB.com FOCUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA Rogue social media accounts a real threat to businesses

By DAWN WIVELL ability to respond quickly and efficiently, fol- Special for Lehigh Valley Business HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS lowing a preordained plan and not clouded Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about Since rogue social media accounts can be difficult and by emotion,” he said. rogue Twitter accounts popping up for gov- time-consuming to remove, prevention is your first step. According to Kasey Gray, office man- ernment agencies such as the Environmental Jessica Prutzman, president of JPrutzman Enterprises LLC, ager at Interlace Shillington, notes several steps a business can take to Protection Agency, National Park Service and avoid and prevent rogue behavior: Communications, if you NASA. < Create a clear online marketing policy and have password informa- Government agencies may have brought guidelines signed by all employees. tion, it’s relatively simple the existence of these rogue social media < Develop a log of all existing online profiles, to claim the rogue page including access credentials. It’s important to keep accounts to the fore- this information updated regularly. or simply merge it with front, but businesses are < Stay informed and monitor not only your com- your official page, so you equally vulnerable to pany’s social media accounts but the company’s don’t lose followers. competitors, as well. the threat they pose. < Frequently, search for your company on social If you don’t have the Gray Rogue social media media platforms to ensure that your account, and only your password information, accounts are accounts account, shows up. and you want the page shut down, you can < that are created with- If you encounter a problem with a rogue account, catching report the page, but it’s up to the social media the problem early is key. out the knowledge platform to decide whether or not it wants to Brannon of management or shut down the page, and it could take several proper protocol. These Other rogue accounts are created benignly. “Tarnishing an orga- attempts from you before it does. accounts can be created with or without mali- “Often, it’s someone in-house that meant nization’s image can TELL YOUR AUDIENCE cious intent, but either way, they can quickly well or a contractor, but the info was lost, or have far-reaching conse- Brannon said there is potential to pursue damage a business’ reputation, which is why the staffer moved on,” Bradford said. quences, including cus- legal action against rogue account owners, smart business-owners and managers are SOMETIMES CREATED BY FACEBOOK tomer relations, sales, especially if they have used copyrighted imag- creating a clear online policy for employees Alyse Mitten, owner of Interlace recruitment and internal ery or messaging. and carefully monitoring their social media Communications in Shoemakersville, has morale,” he said. “This can be difficult to pursue, though, accounts. seen business owners create accounts but Even pages that are particularly if the offender has covered their Regardless, rogue accounts inevitably lose interest and misplace their password created by well-meaning tracks and maintained anonymity,” he said. occur. And if they do, it’s important for a busi- information. employees may not be ‘Facebook, Depending on the situation, your only ness to react quickly by already having a crisis Then, they’ll decide to become active on in line with the message Twitter, course of action may be to communicate policy in place, by telling your audience what that platform again. Without password infor- – or image – your orga- Google and with your audience and help it differentiate happened and by asking the social media mation, it can be difficult or impossible to nization wants to send. between your official page and the rogue platform to shut down the rogue account. access those accounts. Plus, Bradford said, Instagram all page. Public relations professional Tina Cantelmi It’s even possible “Sometimes, count- have reporting “This decision should be strategically con- Bradford defines a rogue social media that Facebook may have less hours can be spent methods sidered, as doing so may provide more expo- account as one created without the knowl- created a page for your backtracking who, why sure for the rogue account,” Brannon said. edge (or sans any social media protocol) of business. Mitten said and when an account [for rogue “Messaging must also be chosen carefully.” a company, person, brand or government. that when Facebook was created. Facebook, accounts]. THREAT COULD GROW Bradford is social media manager at GGA started, it created pages Twitter, Google and Results may Any company is susceptible to a rogue Global, Allentown, and principal at Tina based on information Instagram all have be immediate account. Bradford Public Relations, Bethlehem. Mitten from online directory reporting methods. “But odds for being targeted rise expo- Often, social media users – customers and resources because it Results may be immedi- or may take nentially in correlation with size, visibility potential customers – don’t even realize that wanted to create a more positive experience ate or may take hours, hours, weeks, and notoriety, meaning that organizations what they’re reading is not coming from the for people searching for businesses on its weeks, even longer.” even longer.’ embroiled in controversy run a higher risk,” business itself, and they may “follow,” “like” network. HAVE CRISIS Brannon said. — Tina Cantelmi or comment on the rogue page. Mitten said these rogue accounts are easy PLAN IN PLACE “Frankly, I’m surprised that we haven’t Bradford, public Rogue accounts can be created with mali- to spot because they don’t look like a real If you discover a relations seen more of these attacks, and I anticipate cious intent by disgruntled employees, whistle- page and usually have no profile image. rogue account, Brannon professional that these rogue accounts will continue to blowers, people trying to damage an organiza- REPUTATION AT RISK said, it’s crucial to have grow more common.” tion’s reputation or someone committing fraud Because a brand takes considerable a crisis communications He said that in response, there will be through phishing or other social engineering time and effort to grow, and rogue social plan that dictates clearly how situations are clearer legislation defining penalties for such efforts, according to Matthew Brannon, senior media accounts can damage that reputa- handled. actions, although time will tell if they are manager, public relations, SWBR in Hanover tion extremely quickly, rogue accounts are a “Determining how you will handle an enforceable, partly because of the ease of Township, Northampton County. potential major threat, Brannon said. event before it occurs allows a business the online identity-masking tactics.

“People fall for it, and it also depends Youssef and Pijut also suggest setting RESPONSE BY SOCIAL MEDIA FAKE NEWS on who is reporting it. Some reporters are up GoogleAlerts so companies can stay Heft said that, while there is no denying continued from page 11 tasked with finding faking stories,” Pijut informed every time their name is thrown the part that social media have played in said. “They will tell you some things but into cyberspace. generating fake news, sites such as Facebook fast inaccurate stories go viral. He said leave out other details to put a negative Ad agency officials all seem to agree and Google are starting to fight back with people need to be able to spot fake news, spin on it.” that Facebook can be a fantastic market- tactics to curb the garbage on their sites. and one way is by paying attention to the NOT RELIABLE SITES FOR NEWS ing tool but is designed to give people a Heft said Facebook announced it was URL or web address that posted the sto- At Day Vision, Youssef said a reader biased viewpoint. hiring human fact-checkers, and Google ries. should always check the date of publica- Joellen Reichenbach, president of Select recently launched a new campaign to get Websites posting trash are frequently tion. If a story is released with an old date, Sales, Creative Marketing Solutions in its audience to help detect malicious con- created to mirror websites of well-known, sometimes that is a red flag. South Whitehall Township, said Facebook tent and report it. reliable news sources. When reading a story, people should should not be viewed as a source for “Anyone, literally anyone, can set up CNN, for example, posts news at www. also note if it appears to have a lack of dependable news. She advises clients to a web page in one day and start creating cnn.com and not www.cnnnews.com. But sources cited or if it mentions a company check their facts before they believe a fake and misleading news campaigns,” people see cnnnews.com and think it is a but does not seem to give many facts story, do their homework and do not just Heft said. “… It’s all about drawing a lot of trustworthy source for accurate stories. about that company. react right away. eyeballs.” CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

The Lehigh Valley Business CFO of the Year awards program celebrates the Greater Lehigh Valley’s financial executives at all levels who contribute to the success of the region’s economic growth and stability. Award categories: CFO of the Year: Public Company Private Company: revenues over $25MM {} revenues up to $25MM Nonprofit CFO: Small (74 or fewer employees) {} Large (75 or more employees) Best Turnaround Specialist Best Growth Manager Community Service Award Rising Star Award

Submitting a nomination is easier than ever! Submit a nomination online at: www.lvb.com/CFO NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, June 2 For questions, please contact Dayna Edelman at 610-807-9619 ext. 4109 or [email protected]

Major Sponsors: Supporting Sponsor: Follow us on Twitter @lvb_events CORPORATEBS BENEFITSI Join the Conversation #LVBCFO Meeting all your employee benefit needs

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Contact Mike O’Rourke for details at 610-807-9619 ext. 4112 or [email protected] 14 Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 LVB.com FOCUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA A guide to Snapchat and how to use it for your brand

By JOHN MULDER to persuade. One study by Millward Brown up to engage with a longer format video or Special for Lehigh Valley Business Digital found that 60 percent of survey lead them to an article or your brand’s site. When launched in 2011, Snapchat was respondents liked the ads that run in There is also the opportunity for brands limited to person-to-person photo shar- Snapchat’s Our Story feature. to buy GeoFilters, graphic overlays for ing. It appears that using Snapchat as a users to customize their snaps, or spon- Now, six years later, Snapchat is a brand is to your advantage. However, sored lenses. GeoFilters are the more booming marketing there are a few things to understand about affordable option, which is based on loca- platform for brands Snapchat as a platform and its users. tion and can be bought for as little as $5. looking to use short THE PLATFORM’S AUDIENCE Sponsored lenses can cost upward of video as a marketing It’s important to understand the tens of thousands of dollars, but have tool. Snapchat audience and how to communi- national reach. And what’s differ- cate with it on this platform. Unlike other, Snapchat has found that nationally ent about Snapchat is more professional social platforms such sponsored lenses typically reach 40 per- that it touches an oth- as LinkedIn or even Facebook, Snapchat cent to 60 percent of daily Snapchat users. Mulder erwise hard-to-reach is not a professional platform, and you Users want communication to be kept casual. Our Story is an additional, lower cost demographic – con- should treat it as such. Keep it light, keep it fun and keep it engaging. option. Users are able to upload videos sumers ages 18 to 34. Users want communication to be kept and pictures to this Snapchat feature, Snapchat recently produced a video casual. This is less of an opportunity to sell social media and brand strategy. However, which acts similarly to a hashtag, integrat- which provides all sorts of valuable demo- your product or service and more of an video can be scary. ing all videos and images into one unified graphic information. On any given day, opportunity to show off your culture. Snapchat provides an easy way to add story. Snapchat reaches 41 percent of 18-to- Keep it light, keep it fun and keep it video that does not require a large com- This is perfect for universities, local or 34-year-olds in the United States. engaging. mitment or any production time and only professional sports teams and event cen- To put that into perspective, the aver- THE PLATFORM’S TIME LIMIT requires your phone. ters. age U.S. television network only reaches A video on Snapchat can be 10 seconds It also humanizes your brand and gives No matter what level of engagement 6 percent of the same demographic. In long and can only be viewed for 24 hours you an opportunity to show off a side of and regardless of budget, Snapchat can fact, two times as many 18-to-24-year-olds after it’s shared. your brand that many consumers may not be a creative way to captivate a promising watched coverage of the first GOP presi- Keeping that in mind, Snapchat pro- otherwise see. generation of loyal consumers, if you can dential debate last year on Snapchat than vides an ideal opportunity to offer teasers, HOW BRANDS CAN DO IT DIFFERENTLY interest them. watched the actual debate. share timely content and increase brand Brands have the opportunity to use Snapchat’s success in combining cre- engagement. Snapchat to engage consumers in a way John Mulder is managing partner at ativity with communication and storytell- And engagement is there. Snapchat’s that is different for the average user, 3Seed Marketing, Design & Interactive in ing has resulted in an incredible 350 per- SnapAds have a click-through rate five through its many advertising opportuni- Schnecksville. He focuses on developing cent growth in video views on its platform times higher than other social platforms. ties. marketing strategies and creative cam- in the last year. That means if using the platform correctly, There are SnapAds, which are 10-sec- paigns while keeping an eye on emerging Brands need to understand that it really works for you. ond videos that appear between Snapchat marketing trends. He can be reached at Snapchat can be a powerful way to target ADDING VIDEO TO YOUR BRAND stories. Drawing in viewers with the short [email protected] or 484-646- consumers who are skeptical and difficult Video should be a key part of your video gives them the opportunity to swipe 9300. Social media marketing drives recognition, loyalty, sales By GLENN EBERSOLE recognition: Your business becomes more Special for Lehigh Valley Business accessible for new customers and more famil- “These days, social media waits for no iar and recognizable by existing customers. one. If you’re late for the party, you’ll proba- Customers and prospects will become bly be covered by all the better acquainted with your brand after see- noise and you might not ing your presence on multiple social media be able to get your voice networks. across. It could only < Improved brand loyalty: Texas Tech mean that if you want to studied brand loyalty and found that brands be heard by the crowd, that engage on social media channels enjoy you have to be fast; and Social media are an opportunity to interact with major influencers on social networks and higher loyalty from customers. The report to increase visibility in the market. on social media, that concludes, “Companies should take advan- means you have to be tage of the tools social media gives them Ebersole really fast.” – Aaron Lee, Hubspot indicates that 92 percent of published long-form content, with 160,000 when it comes to connecting with their American actor and producer marketers said social media marketing was long-form posts being published weekly. audience.” Social media marketing, one of the most important for their business, with 80 percent More than 19.7 million SlideShare presenta- Another study by Convince & Convert powerful tools in business today, is here to indicating their efforts increased traffic to tions have been uploaded to the platform. found that 53 percent of Americans who fol- say. The question is how much more power- their websites. And 88 percent of businesses with more low brands in social media are more loyal to ful it will become. Social Media Examiner reports that 97 than 100 employees use Twitter for market- those brands. It continues to evolve and become more percent of marketers are participating in ing purposes. < Increased customer interaction: responsive to new technologies, especially social media – but 85 percent of participants Blogging continues to grow, with more Regular interaction with customers is related to mobile devices. It also seems aren’t sure what social media tools are best than 409 million people viewing more than important. to regularly exceed the expectations of to use. 23.6 billion pages each month on WordPress People go to social media networks to users with the development of more and LinkedIn says 98 percent of posts with alone. compliment or brag about a product or improved features and apps. images receive more comments, and posts While these statistics show a huge poten- service. They post your brand name, which However, some still believe social media with links have a 200 percent higher engage- tial for social media marketing to increase provides additional exposure to existing and marketing is a fad, has no real business ment rate. sales, it also is very important to know the potential new customers who may be inter- advantages and is complex and difficult to 100 million hours of video content are social media marketing benefits that help learn to use. The following statistics demon- watched on Facebook daily. achieve increased sales. strate a different perspective. More than 1 million LinkedIn users have < Increased and enhanced brand please see RECOGNITION, page 22 THE LIST Website Design Companies: Page 20 Social Media Consultants: Page 21 LMay 15, ists2017 • www.LVB.com & leads Next week’s list: Benefits Consulting Firms CALENDAR BEHIND THE LIST WITH MARK SCHMUKLER OF SAGEFROG MARKETING GROUP Monday, May 15 Held by: Center for Business & Industry at Northampton Community College Planning an expansion into the Lehigh Valley Summary: Achieving personal effective- ness Social media play a vital role Where: Northampton Community in how consumers interact with College, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem your organization. Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: $259 From Facebook to Instagram Contact: www.northampton.edu/non- to Twitter and beyond, there credit are social media outlets that provide endless opportunities to Monday, May 15 connect with and build relation- Held by: Lehigh University Corporate ships with clients and consum- and Executive Education ers. Summary: Executive project manage- ment certificate program Throughout the Greater Where: Ben Franklin TechVentures, 116 Lehigh Valley, there are market- Research Drive, Bethlehem ing and advertising agencies Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. that can help your business Cost: $2,569 grow through the use of social Contact: [email protected] or 610- media. 758-3590 One company that has a Tuesday, May 16 strong presence in the region Held by: Center for Business & Industry and beyond is Sagefrog at Northampton Community College Marketing Group in Doylestown, Summary: Engagement as a leadership which plans to open an office in strategy the Lehigh Valley. Where: Northampton Community Here to answer this week’s College, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem “Behind the List” questions and Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: $450 talk about the services provided Contact: www.northampton.edu/non- by the business-to-business firm credit is Mark Schmukler, owner of Sagefrog. PHOTO/CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND Tuesday, May 16 Mark Schmukler, owner of Sagefrog Marketing Group, says the firm collaborates with clients from the beginning to Held by: Bonnie L. Thompson, Edward LVB: How long has Sagefrog set goals and agree on key performance indicators. Jones Marketing Group been operating We provide executives business? capitalized on the growth by Summary: Perspective seminar Where: Sanatoga Ridge Community, in the region and what are its pri- responsible for marketing with Schmukler: One of the biggest implementing a proven operat- 2461 E. High St., Pottstown mary services? integrated services including challenges Sagefrog faced dur- ing system to help us create a Time: 1 p.m. Mark Schmukler: Sagefrog branding, digital and content, ing our 15 years in business was healthier business. Cost: Free was founded in 2002 and is public relations, social media managing our rapid growth over Another challenge we faced Contact: Rachel Kunicki or Bonnie L. celebrating its 15th business and traditional marketing, sup- the past five years – striving to in recent years was demon- Thompson at 610-326-1035 anniversary this year. Based in ported by highly responsive and scale our in-house resources, strating quantitative return on Doylestown and Philadelphia, strategic account management. maintain our reputation of effi- marketing investment metrics Tuesday, May 16 Held by: Lehigh University’s Healthcare and Princeton, N.J., Sagefrog ciently producing quality work to our clients. True to Sagefrog Systems Engineering Department is a top-ranked B2B marketing LVB: What have been some of the and streamline operations. form, we turned this challenge Summary: 2017 Healthcare Systems agency with specialties in health biggest challenges and opportuni- The strength and resilience Engineering Symposium care, technology and business ties that Sagefrog has encoun- of our team shined during this Where: Lehigh University Mountaintop services. tered throughout its years in time period and we ultimately please see SCHMUKLER, page 16 Campus, Wood Dining Room, Iacocca Hall Time: 2-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free FOR YOUR INFORMATION Contact: Linda Wismer at liws511@ BUSINESS NOTES The United Way distributes the John F. “Jack” Gross, a part- for the award by Pennsylvania lehigh.edu or 610-758-5867 Susan Maslow of Antheil money to approved early learning ner with Gross McGinley LLP CareerLink Lehigh Valley. Maslow & MacMinn LLP of centers that meet quality program of Allentown, was awarded the Wednesday, May 17 Doylestown was named vice chair standards, including meeting state inaugural Milliken Service Award REAL ESTATE Held by: How to Sell the Plague and national criteria that ensure Colliers International’s Upper Summary: Connecting customers and of the American Bar Association by Communities in Schools of the Macungie Township office repre- prospects to gain trust and close sales subcommittee of the Business Law children are ready for school. Lehigh Valley Inc. The Milliken Where: Bridgeworks, 905 Harrison St., Section Drafting Human Rights Service Award is presented to a sented Community Options in the HONORS Allentown Protections in Supply Contracts. community leader who has been a purchase of a 7,154-square-foot Livengood Excavators Inc. of Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Maslow is an experienced busi- strong advocate and supporter of office building at 3710 Broadway Cost: $35 Walnutport is one of 12 finalists ness and transactional attorney the mission of CIS. in Allentown for $745,000. This Contact: www.howtoselltheplague.com and founding partner of the firm. in the national Contractor of the will be the site for its Lehigh of Year by Equipment World. The Ideal Concepts Inc. Valley office headquarters with an Allentown received the Governor’s please see CALENDAR, page 22 GOOD DEEDS business has been run by Leo expected occupancy date in late Achievement Award. It was recog- PPL Corp. of Allentown award- Livengood and his family for 47 summer. It is relocating from 2015 nized for outstanding hiring and SUBMITTING ITEMS ed $24,500 to United Way of the years. Livengood was nominated Hamilton Blvd. in Allentown. Email calendar items two weeks in Greater Lehigh Valley in support by its local Giles and Ransome – workforce development success. advance to [email protected] of its early education scholarships. CAT dealership. The company was nominated — STACY WESCOE 16 Lehigh Valley Business NEWSMAKERS May 15, 2017 LVB.com

Penn State Health St. Joseph based in cal engineering, at Lehigh University. MTS Ventures in Allentown hired two since 2015 and previ- Bern Township hired Aesculap Inc., a B. Braun company people. Brendan ously worked at the Courtney E. Coffman based in Upper Saucon Township, hired Haentjens was hired New York League of as chief financial offi- two people. Kevin Neuhs was hired as a mechanical engi- Conservation Voters. cer. Coffman, a as director, spine marketing, where he neer and executes Jim Donovan joined Certified Public provides strategic direction and over- much of the firm’s YourVelocity.com in Accountant, recently sight to the spine division. He previously computer modeling, Hatfield as vice presi- worked at Prime worked at Zimmer Biomet Spine. David prototype assembly dent, business devel- Healthcare Services Livingston was hired as director, corpo- and technical docu- opment. Donovan, McAtee and previously worked rate quality. Livingston has more than 20 mentation. Konstantin Haentjens a marketing and business development Coffman at Ernst & Young LLP. years of experience in the medical device Avdashchenko was consultant for more than 20 years, is the Boyle Construction in South Whitehall industry and has held various positions. hired as a hardware author of several self-help books and the Township hired Dave He recently worked at Medtronic Inc. engineer with a spe- former editor and publisher of the Bucks Kepler as vice presi- UGI Utilities Inc., headquartered in cialty in electronic County Business Journal. dent of new business Muhlenberg Township, promoted four design and firmware DesignPoint in Hanover Township, development. Kepler employees. Hans G. Bell was promoted development for cus- Northampton County, has 45 years of experi- to the newly established position of chief tom electronic sub- hired Beth Hlavac as ence in commercial operating officer where he will oversee the assemblies. Avdashchenko an interior designer. banking, including day-to-day operations of the natural gas Penn Community Hlavac has more than commercial and real and electric divisions. Bell previously was Bank headquartered 25 years of experience estate portfolio man- Kepler vice president-engineering and operations in Buckingham made in interior design with agement and wealth management. support. Kelly A. Beaver was promoted to two hires. Nara Burke expertise in hospitality Coordinated Health based in South vice president-engineering and operations was hired as marketing projects, including Whitehall Township support. She is responsible for the compa- manager in the Perkasie hotels and senior living Hlavac hired Ron Ticho as ny’s engineering functions, which include branch. She previ- projects. Hlavac previously worked at vice president, corpo- design, capital planning, major project ously worked at Secant DesignPoint in 1997. rate strategy and exter- management, gas control and safety and Medical Inc. Casey Burke Jill Smith was pro- nal affairs. Ticho has training. Beaver, who began her career “Oche” Bridgeford was moted to assembly more than 25 years of at UGI in 2002, had been vice president- hired as a mortgage manager at Team strategic marketing supply since 2014. Paul J. Szykman was loan originator on its Imaging Inc. in and communications promoted to the newly established role of residential lending Bethlehem. Smith, who experience in health Ticho chief regulatory officer where he is respon- team. Bridgeford, who has worked for the care, life sciences, technology and higher sible for all UGI Utilities regulatory and has more than 15 years company for 18 years, education. He has held positions at Lehigh government affairs activities, including of experience, will work will supervise a staff of University and most recently at Orasure rates. Szykman, who joined UGI in 1986, out of the Perkasie 20. Smith Bridgeford Technologies, where he led corporate has served since 2005 as vice president- office. Altitude communications and strategic marketing rates and government relations and vice United Way of the Greater Lehigh Marketing based in for 11 years. president and general manager of UGI- Valley promoted Rebecca “Becca” Emmaus promoted Matthew Barrett joined Mezzimatic electric division. Keith G. Dorman was McAtee to director, leadership giving, in Ailsa Reichard to LLC in Bethlehem as partner and chief promoted to the newly established posi- the resource development group. McAtee client engagement operating officer. Barrett previously tion of vice president-communications is responsible for managing major gifts, manager. Reichard worked at Custom Processing Services. He and community relations. Dorman joined with focus on events and affinity groups, had been an assistant earned a bachelor’s degree in 2014 and a UGI in 2012 as director-communications donor stewardship and Tocqueville account executive master’s degree in 2016, both in mechani- and community relations. Society. She has worked at the United Way since 2016. Reichard

traditional, outbound approaches to one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s MORE AT LVB.COM SCHMUKLER increase the touchpoints and ultimately “50 on Fire in Philly” and was named continued from page 15 Video: Mark Schmukler talks about the services accelerate client success and return to the 2016 Philadelphia 100 list by the provided at Sagefrog Marketing Group. on investment. Platforms like HubSpot Wharton Small Business Development into an opportunity by partnering with enable us to centralize our inbound and Center at the University of Pennsylvania leading platforms like HubSpot to deliv- technology has been the founda- outbound marketing programs, monitor and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of er on this need. tion and driver for Sagefrog’s success, and measure the results and optimize Greater Philadelphia. Now, we firmly collaborate with our including our rapid growth over the on the strategy’s strengths for the next We’re very proud of these accolades, clients from the beginning to set goals past five years. Not only do we cater campaign. not just for their demonstration of our and agree on key performance indica- specifically to the prevalent and grow- growth, but for their depiction of the tors. We combine the transparency of ing market of B2B technology compa- LVB: How does Sagefrog directly stimulate ways our business has helped stimulate the marketing platforms with our high- nies, but we leverage the innovative the local economy? Who are some of its and contribute to the vitality of our touch approach to deliver and demon- intelligence of leading marketing plat- most notable clients in the region, and local economies. strate return on investment, always ana- forms, as both a Google Partner and how does it get directly involved with the lyzing where the best results are coming HubSpot Gold Partner. local community? LVB: What does the future look like for from and optimizing on those areas to Not surprisingly, among the most Schmukler: Proud to be headquar- Sagefrog? Does it have plans for growth? accelerate success. popular marketing trends today is the tered in the borough of Doylestown, Schmukler: The future is very bright concept of inbound marketing, which Sagefrog has always tapped into local for Sagefrog, with plans to expand our LVB: Technology has had a significant has been most recently popularized talent and vendors for its business offices from Doylestown, Philadelphia impact on the way business is conducted by HubSpot. Inbound marketing is needs. Currently, we employ 17 full- and Princeton into the Lehigh Valley. in today’s world. What are some popu- designed to attract leads through con- time professionals, partner with local For years, we’ve recognized Lehigh lar trends or tactics in regard to social tent and interactions that are relevant vendors and utilize local venues and Valley as an underserved region and media and other technological platforms and helpful, not interruptive. restaurants to host team-building look forward to bringing our top-ranked that help companies generate business? As an integrated marketing agency, events. integrated marketing services to the Schmukler: In more ways than one, Sagefrog combines this concept with Sagefrog was recently recognized as area.

Follow us online for the latest business news: Like Lehigh Valley Business on Facebook at facebook.com/ Read and comment on our blogs, LehighValleyBusiness, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/lvb_com and join us on LinkedIn. and add them to your RSS reader. Start your networking engine!

With more than 10 events scheduled for 2017, Lehigh Valley Business is the resource that connects you to the local business scene. Join the thousands of business executives who are part of LVB events.

Visit lvb.com/events to take off.

Real estate & Development symposium • Women of influence aWaRDs • foRty unDeR 40 aWaRDs • HealtHc aRe symposium • cfo of tHe yeaR aWaRDs • Business expo • manufactuRing symposium • 90 iDeas in 90 minutes • fastest gRoWing companies aWaRDs • BeRks county Real estate symposium • Business of tHe yeaR aWaRDs

48 book of lists 2017 lehigh Valley business 18 Lehigh Valley Business TRANSACTIONS May 15, 2017 LVB.com

Documents on file in Berks County Products Corp. for $315,000. Parcels 66-5318-13- government offices listed these recent real 03-5915 and 66-5318-17-02-8281. estate transactions. Information listed for each transaction lists the municipality, seller, buyer, address, parcel, date of sale and sale MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP price. Unless otherwise noted, the property Bret Habecker bought 80 Water St. from Paul and has a commercial use. Bernadette Kutch and Elmer and Beryl Schrack for $132,000. Parcel 66-5309-15-54-7322. ALBANY TOWNSHIP Kempton New Church Home Inc. bought 3556 ONTELAUNEE TOWNSHIP Route 737 from Kutztown School Development LP Quinta Las Cabanas Grove LLC bought 91 A for $449,000. Parcel 21-5427-11-55-0436. Bowers Road from ETANN Inc. for $375,000. Parcel 68-5400-08-79-6022. Parcel 68-5400-08-79- 6022. BETHEL TOWNSHIP Duke Realty Limited Partnership bought 2221 HTW Real Estate bought 85 Ashley Way from Camp Swatara Road from Vesper at Berks LLC for PHOTO/TERRY SCOTT REED McCarron Real Estate LLC for $2,900,000. Parcel 68-5401-00-00-1573. $11,856. Parcel 30-3491-00-25-6491. 600 Penn LLC paid $1.165 million for this property at 600 W. Penn Ave., West Reading. The seller was Olleroif LLC. READING BOYERTOWN 5320-09-25-3459. HEREFORD TOWNSHIP Three B Properties bought 40 E. Philadelphia Ave. Harvest Estates LLC bought 2935 Seisholtzville Bryan R. Lopez Tejada bought 202 S. Fourth St. from The Victory Bank for $210,000. Parcel 33- from Angel Abreu for $75,000. Parcel 05-5306-26- COLEBROOKDALE TOWNSHIP Road from Donald C. Thomas for $215,000. Parcel 5387-20-91-0036. 52-5492-04-61-7185. 79-2010. Kris D. Royer bought 635 N. Reading Ave. from Auto Partz Realty Group LLC for $315,000. Parcel 38- Elizardo Santiago-Pena bought 612 Willow St. from CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP 5397-13-04-9671. KUTZTOWN Virgen Alicea for $1,000. Parcel 02-5306-43-86- 5766. JAAMR Holdings LLC bought 3740 Main St. from Cotteta Property Management LLC bought 560 Antonio and Kimberly Fiorello for $650,000. Parcel EXETER TOWNSHIP E. Main St. from 560 E. Main St. Partners LLC for Property Repo LLC bought 13 S. Third St. from 35-5320-01-35-3117. $420,000. Parcel 55-5454-17-00-9901. Humberto Castaneda-Diaz for $3,000. Parcel 05- Vist Bank bought 811 Shelbourne Road from Vet O&P LLC bought 3508 Main St. from Louis Guiseppi Filippini Inc. for $930,246. Parcel 43- Lapex Berks LLC bought property at N. 11th St. and A. Jr. and Mary J. Visco for $520,000. Parcel 35- 5336-13-13-7819. another property at 2300 N. 11th St. from Berks please see TRANSACTIONS, page 22 LIENS The Internal Revenue Service filed the Drive, West Lawn; 17-04380; $642. Other Farm Brewing Co., 128 E. Philadelphia Ave., Away We Go Learning Center, 1431 S. Fourth St., following liens in Berks County Courthouse: Boyertown; 17-04808; $3,308. Allentown 18103, 2017 – 42; $28,796. Hook and Lift Inc., 102 Freemansville Road, Shil- Reel Time Automotive LLC, 4497 Penn Ave., Sinking lington; 17-04381; $676. QDF Inc., 2530 Penn Ave., West Lawn; 17-04809; S&E Contracting Inc., 921 W. Washington St., Al- Spring; 17-00062; $754,217. $5,239. lentown 18102, 2017 – 47; $18,446. Kasprowicz Music Inc., 3421 Arlington St., Laurel- Rod-Col Auto & Truck Repair, 2420 Perkiomen dale; 17-04439; $1,822. Jaydee Tobacco Corp., 2673 Shillington Road, Sink- Mrs. Manny Paul’s Pet Sitting Services, 5748 Vera Ave., Reading; 17-00065; $22,488. ing Spring; 17-04810; $1,295. Cruz Road, Emmaus 18049, 2017 – 49; $4,663. W.E. Yoder Inc., 41 S. Maple St., Kutztown; 17- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor 04440; $11,727. Wahoud Motors Inc., 8025A Chestnut St., Hereford; The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue 17-04830; $873. & Industry filed the following liens in A.W. Golden Pontiac Inc., 2566 Centre Ave., Read- filed the following liens in Northampton Berks County Courthouse to the use of ing; 17-04441; $31,102. Vali Tech Services Inc., 140 Wisser Road, Lenharts- County Courthouse: the Unemployment Compensation Fund ville; 17-04831; $1,999. for unpaid unemployment compensation Linderman’s Restaurant LLC, 51 Sycamore Drive, Accelerated Automotive LLC, 139B N. Railroad St., contribution, interest and penalties: Reading; 17-04461; $7,670. Reading Bucket Service LLC, 2002 Trooper Road, Walnutport 18088, 2017-2160, $800. th Reading; 17-04832; $3,102. Media Fusion Technologies Inc., 151 S. Reading Dinosaur Demolition LLC, 1805 N. 10 St., Read- HAR Metal Woks LLC 2726 Cherryville Road, Ave., Boyertown; 17-05109; $1,714. ing; 17-04470; $7,066. — TERRY SCOTT REED Northampton 18067, 2017-1854, $745. Carl R. Bieber Inc., 320 Fair St., Kutztown; 17- Reynolds H20 Plus Inc., 119 Franklin St., West Hank’s Auto Service & Sons Inc., 226 Mechanic 05242; $3,586. Reading; 17-04471; $1,624. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue St., Bethlehem 18015, 2017-1898, $768. filed the following liens in Lehigh County Meckes Tire Inc., 435 S. Main St., Nazareth 18064, East End Athletic Club, 200 S. 19th St., Reading; Bilco Safety Products Co. Inc., 825 Mountain Courthouse: Home Road, Sinking Spring; 17-04472; $1,431. 2017-1839, $983. 17-05243; $3,749. th Gutter Magician Inc., 980 N. 38 St., Allentown Mory Jocobi LLC, 15 S. Fairview St., Nazareth Kutztown Publishing Co. Inc., 15076 Kutztown IJ Enterprises LLC, 2015 Meadow Glen, Wyomiss- 18104, 2017 – 468; $29,985. Road, Kutztown; 17-05244; $3,523. ing; 17-04477; $625. 18064, 2017-1856, $1,604. Kheir & Kellar Investment Partners, 645 Hamilton MV Mechanical LLC, 1970 Morgan Hill Road, Touch Of Green Landscaping Inc., 149 Limekiln Delaware Valley Utility Contractors, 1420 Clarion St., Allentown 18101, 2017 – 469; $2,266. Road, Bechtelsville; 17-05245; $1,260. St., Reading; 17-04482; $172,674. Easton 18042, 2017-1874, $1,241. Advanced Valve Design Inc., 480 Mickley Road, Upstream Farms Corp., 539 Werkheiser Ave., Naza- L&J Transportation Companies Inc., 190 Yarnell Chariot Trucking LLC, 558 Erich St., Wernersville; Whitehall 18052, 2017 – 474; $656. Road, Pottstown; 17-05246; $37,764. 17-04497; $549. reth 18064, 2017-1901, $4,952. Lopiccolo Inc., 1400 Broadway, Fountain Hill Greshville Inn Inc., 1013 Reading Ave., Boyertown; Gourmand LLC, 706 Brownsville Road, Reading; 18015, 2017 – 475; $2,528. The Internal Revenue Service filed the 17-05247; $1,322. 17-04764; $1,902. following liens in Northampton County Conrad Burton’s Inc., 5718 Sabrina Circle, Allen- Courthouse: Reppert’s Candy Inc., 2708 W. Philadelphia Ave., 1UP Collectibles LLC, 516 Penn Ave., West Read- town 18104, 2017 – 0476; $3,482. Oley; 17-05248; $4,916. ing; 17-04768; $244. America’s Staffing Partners Inc., 167 N. Com- Document Systems LTD, 5930 Hamilton Blvd., Key Printing Inc., 1505 Elizabeth Ave., Reading; Meet Petroleum LLC, 1200 Columbia Ave., Read- merce Way, Suite 110, Bethlehem 18017, 2017- Suite 105, Allentown 18106, 2017 – 0477; $1,035. 1703, $135,899. 17-05249; $4,365. ing; 17-04769; $97,306. J.P. Krivenko Inc., 6512 Germans Corner Road, Suburban Cleaning Service Inc., 315 Rosecliff Seibert Plumbing and Heating, 272 W. St. Joseph BWS Industrial Services Inc., 268 Longview Road, Germansville 18053, 2017 – 0478; $930. St., Easton 18042, 2017-2170, $6,827. Drive, Douglassville; 17-05250; $1,081. Boyertown; 17-04782; $3,012. U.S. ROF III Legal Title Trust 2015 1, 939 W. North Colebrook Enterprises Ltd., 2204 Farmington Ave., Krass & Co., 1832 Mansfield St., Hellertown Hearing Aid Associates, 6 Hearthstone Court, Ave., Suite 680, Chicago, IL 60642, 2017 – 0481; 18055, 2017-2171, $7,573. Boyertown; 17-05251; $11,152. Reading; 17-04783; $2,754. $6,163. C G Siding Inc., 37 Kutz Road, Fleetwood; 17- Original Kunsman Roofing Inc., 250 E. Broad St., Eaton Farms Production LLC, 455 White Oak Lane, Route 313 & 113 Dublin LLC, 515 Hamilton St., Bethlehem 18018, 2017-2172, $15,923. 05252; $7,103. Leesport; 17-04794; $6,653. Suite 200, Allentown 18101, 2017 – 0483; $780. E.H. Construction & Property, P.O. Box 4087, Off The Avenue Café LLC, 2333 Penn Ave., West th A. Giandomenico Inc., 316 E. Broad St., Shilling- Harry W. Buchanan IV M.D. PC, 400 N. 17 St., Easton 18043, 2017-2474, $25,670. Lawn; 17-05253; $1,373. ton; 17-04795; $1,268. Allentown 18104, 2017 – 0484; $1,579. Reel Time Automotive LLC, 4497 Penn Ave., Sink- Lehigh Valley Transmissions Inc., 5220 N. Main St., Tougher Sheet & Steel Inc., 701 E. Washington St., ing Spring; 17-05254; $5,889. Topton; 17-04796; $3,171. Allentown 18109, 2017 – 0485; $1,287. (Abbreviations: dba – doing business as fdba – formerly doing Bally Diner Inc. t/a New Pied Piper Diner Restau- Jeff Phillips Lawn Care & Landscaping, 206 Mon- Bachis Inc., 5600 Greens Drive, Allentown 18106, business as; ta – trading as; iata – individually and trading as.) rant, 1605 Route 100, Bally; 17-05255; $2,829. trose Blvd., Reading; 17-04797; $2,392. 2017 – 0486; $5,207. Note: Because of delays in reporting of liens by federal and state governments and the courts, the information above may J & C Security Inc., t/a Infinity Security Co., 325 No. 1 Happy Family Restaurant Inc., 632 Green- Magna Cleaners Inc., 361 W. Gordon St., Allentown be dated. Lehigh Valley Business is not responsible for these N. Cedar St., Kutztown; 17-05256; $4,095. wich St., Reading; 17-04798; $2,628. 18102, 2017 – 0493; $8,195. information-reporting delays. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue A.W. Golden Pontiac Inc., 2526 Centre Ave., Read- The Internal Revenue Service filed the fol- If your business has satisfied a lien that has appeared in this filed the following liens in Berks County ing; 17-04799; $1,199. lowing liens in Lehigh County Courthouse: column, please contact us. We will publish any lien satisfaction Courthouse: upon receiving a copy of the satisfaction notice (on letterhead King of Tires LLC, 2145 Howard Blvd., Reading; Oil Man Inc., 518 Main St., 1727 Mauch Chunk of the government agency involved), which can be sent to: 65 E. Craig A. Becker Plumbing & Heating, 2253 Cleve- 17-04800; $44,543. Road, Allentown 18104, 2017-39; $27,385. Elizabeth Ave, Suite 400, Bethlehem, PA 18018, Attn: FYI. Please land Ave., West Lawn; 17-04371; $4,089. A2A Services, P.O. Box 768, Morgantown; 17- Jeffrey Rosen PC, 3131 College Heights Blvd., Al- make sure your business’ name and county of filing are clearly RGA Belcastro LLC, 2449 Jefferson Ave., West 04805; $3,275. lentown 18104, 2017 – 40; $1,012. identified in your correspondence, and identify the issue in which the notice appeared. Lawn; 17-04379; $4,018. SNT Corp., 413 Dogwood St., Bally; 17-04807; Dirt Work Solutions LLC, 3755 Main St., Slatington Marie Shaw School of Dance Inc., 2405 LaSalle $12,985. 18080, 2017 – 41; $3,368. — THOMAS RANCE Congratulations to the 2017 class of the Forty Under 40! The award winners, chosen by an independent panel of judges, are recognized for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the community. Lehigh Valley Business Forty Under 40 2017 Robert Balch Kathryn M. Nickischer Post & Schell, P.C. Colin Keefe Kathryn M. Nickischer, LLC Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. Alexis Berg-Townsend, Esq. Steve Ott Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo Zachary Keenan ArtsQuest Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Dr. Natalie M. Bieber Peter P. Polt Lehigh Valley Health Network Damon Kimble J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc. Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group DBA Red Matthew Bremner Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews Kristin Schaeffer Duke Realty Corporation Nicholas Kociolek Klunk & Millan Advertising Matt Bubbenmoyer The Kiffle Kitchen, LLC Abby M. Silfies Monterre Vineyards American Cancer Society Gregory J. Kuhn Robert K. Cawley Omega Protective Services, LLC Matthew Sommerfield Peerless Business Advisors MTS Design & Manufacture Raymond G. Lahoud Kristofer M. DePaolo Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. Matthew Strunk Werner & Company CPAs. PC Strunk Media Group Levi Landis Andrew R. Gildner GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Kelly-Anne Suarez Keystone Technology, LLC Crayola Experience Jarrett Laubach Max Harris City Center Investment Corp. Morris Taylor Bayou Boys Hospitality Group Netizen Corporation Sarah J. Luber Judianne Harris Reading Hospital and Medical Center Dorrit L. Trate St. Luke’s University Health Network Valley National Financial Advisors Jared Mast Jennifer L. Hartman Greater Easton Development Partnership Christopher M. Turtell Herbein + Company, Inc. Spark Orthodontics, P.C. Judson S. Meinhart Greg Heller-LaBelle RKL Wealth Management LLC Don Wenner Dream Live Prosper (DLP) Companies Colony Meadery Justin R. Miller Jenique R. Jones Milestone Financial Associates, LLC David M. Wieller Borton-Lawson Engineering Lehigh Valley Credit Restoration Courtnie E. Nein Pete Kareha The Good Life Companies BB&T Insurance Services Join us for an awards reception and ceremony on Thurs., June 15 from 6pm – 8:30pm at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie. To reserve your seats or for more information, please visit www.lvb.com/events or contact Dayna Edelman at [email protected] or 610-807-9619 ext. 4109.

Major Sponsor:

Sponsorship Opportunities Available! For information contact Mike O’Rourke at 610-807-9619 ext. 4112 or [email protected] 20 Lehigh Valley Business THE LIST May 15, 2017 LVB.com Website Design Companies Ranked by local employees

Rank Company Local employees Top local executive(s) Website Local/total Services provided Address F-T/P-T employees Title(s) Phone locations Headquarters Year established locally WEIDENHAMMER 112 John P. Weidenhammer www.hammer.net 2/7 Information technology consulting, cloud, infrastructure, application development, e-commerce 935 Berkshire Blvd. 112/0 President 610-378-8600 Wyomissing solutions, creative services, data center, online strategy, user experience conceptualization, 1 Wyomissing, PA 19610 866-497-2227 1978 information architecture, wire framing, web design and development, mobile responsive/ adaptive web and application design and development TRIFECTA TECHNOLOGIES INC. 71 Douglas W. Pelletier www.trifecta.com 1/3 Web-based technology services, including e-commerce, sales-force platform, custom web and 612 Hamilton St. 65/6 Owner & CEO 610-530-7200 Allentown mobile technologies 2 Allentown, PA 18101 1991 LIQUID INTERACTIVE 45 Jim Ludlow www.liquidint.com 1/2 Search and social advertising, native/content advertising, display and programmatic 7540 Windsor Drive, Suite 100 43/2 President & CEO 484-891-5150 Allentown advertising, mobile marketing, video advertising, print, public relations, content, email and 3 Allentown, PA 18195 2006 video marketing, social media marketing and intelligence, marketing automation and campaign/lead management, search engine optimization, websites and mobile apps, audience/ market data, marketing analytics performance and attribution, mobile and web analytics, dashboards and data visualization, business intelligence FIRST GENERATION 32 William E. Carmody www.firstgencom.com 1/3 Strategic integrated marketing and branding, print development and design, video production 410 Allentown Drive 32/0 CEO 610-437-4300 Allentown and editing, media (print, digital and social) planning, management and placement, web and 4 Allentown, PA 18109 1987 interactive design and development, learning solutions (e-learning and classroom), mobile apps, search engine optimization, motion and 3-D animation, event planning and production KLUNK & MILLAN ADVERTISING INC. 24 James S. Klunk www.klunkmillan.com 1/1 Integrated business-to-business and business-to-consumer advertising, marketing, public 9999 Hamilton Blvd. 22/2 President & CEO 610-973-2400 Breinigsville relations and digital media, branding, data management, media strategy, planning and buying, 5 Breinigsville, PA 18031 1989 creative services, website and mobile app development, search marketing, social media, video and trade show support SWBR 22 Ernie Stiegler www.swbrinc.com 1/1 Creative, campaign strategy and execution, digital, public relations, media buying and planning 3865 Adler Place 18/4 CEO 610-866-0611 Bethlehem 6 Bethlehem, PA 18017 1969 SAGEFROG MARKETING GROUP 20 Mark Schmukler www.sagefrog.com 1/3 Integrated business-to-business marketing services specializing in health care and life 62 E. Oakland Ave. 20/0 CEO & Co-founder 215-230-9024 Doylestown sciences, software and technology and manufacturing and business services, including 7 Doylestown, PA 18901 2002 marketing strategy and planning, branding, website development and optimization, digital marketing, social media, content marketing, public relations, advertising, trade show and event marketing, direct and email marketing BUSINESSCREATOR INC. 20 Edward Kundahl www.businesscreatorplus.com 1/1 Live call video lead generation, live call lead generation, local search marketing, pay-per-click, 47 N. Jefferson St. 15/5 President 610-437-8822 Allentown ad targeting and retargeting, web design, web development, video production, video 8 Allentown, PA 18102 855-943-8736 1994 marketing, social marketing, mobile apps, mobile websites, mobile marketing THE ANDERSON GROUP (TAG) 20 Missy Orlando www.theandersongrp.com 1/1 Strategic, integrated marketing and communications services company specializing in creative, 879 Fritztown Road 20/0 President & Chief 610-678-1506 Sinking Spring interactive, video, mobile design and development, focus on brand identity and positioning, 9 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Operating Officer 1987 market research, public relations and social media, DataIQ proprietary data analytics providing companies with metrics and analytics of core business data 3SEED MARKETING / DESIGN / 19 John Mulder www.3seedmarketing.com 1/1 Marketing, advertising, design, websites, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, INTERACTIVE 18/1 Managing Partner 484-646-9300 Schnecksville social media management and other interactive services 10 4315 Independence Drive 4846469300 2009 Schnecksville, PA 18078 LEHIGH MINING & NAVIGATION 18 Denis Aumiller www.lehighminingandnavigation.com 1/1 Strategic planning, advertising, web design, identity, public relations, digital and mobile 1 W. Broad St., Suite 1000 14/4 Managing Partner, 484-821-0920 Bethlehem marketing, social media, media planning and buying 11 Bethlehem, PA 18018 Creative 2004 ENTER.NET INC. 18 Margo Corsa www.enter.net 1/1 Website design, search engine optimization, social media, mobile-friendly sites, online 1633 N. 26th St. 14/4 President 610-437-2221 Allentown marketing, video production 12 Allentown, PA 18104 877-368-3711 1995 COMPUTER MANAGEMENT & 17 Colburn Q. Kent www.cmma.com 1/1 Application development, consulting, programming, managed services, backup and disaster MARKETING ASSOCIATES INC. 16/1 President 610-837-8262 Bath recovery solutions, virtualization, on-site and remote information technology support, hardware 13 107 N. Commerce Way, Suite 100A 1984 sales of IBM, Lenovo, Dell and Cisco Bethlehem, PA 18017 STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS 17 Rick Cipoletti www.strategic-solutions.com 1/2 Web design, application development, mobile, search engine optimization, hosting P.O. Box 90188 13/4 President 888-335-4775 Allentown 14 Allentown, PA 18109 DNR ADCOMM INC. 16 Richard D. Mikitz www.adcomm.tv 1/1 Creative services, brand development, print and digital advertising, website development, 131 W. Hamilton St. 15/1 President 610-820-8565 Allentown direct mail and account management 15 Allentown, PA 18101 1971 SMARTACRE INC. 16 Michael Carroll Jr. www.getsmartacre.com 1/3 Lead and demand generation, inbound marketing, digital advertising, pay-per-click advertising, 559 Main St., Suite 150 16/0 President 610-419-4510 Bethlehem social media advertising, marketing automation, sales technology, web design and 16 Bethlehem, PA 18018 2008 development TIMMONS & CO. 16 Bob Kent www.timmonsandcompany.com 1/1 Marketing and advertising, web design 1753 Kendarbren Drive, Suite 622 12/4 President 2672184341 Jamison 17 Jamsion, PA 18929 1974 AMSKAPE INC. 15 Regy Varghese www.amskape.com 1/2 Software development, web development, internet marketing 4272 Morgantown Road 15/0 CEO 610-856-0011 Mohnton 18 Mohnton, PA 19540 2002 KSA&D INC. 15 Bob Kraemer and Peter www.ksand.com 1/1 Creative print and website design, development and marketing, digital marketing, search 3102 Berger St. 12/3 Schurman 610-797-7909 Allentown engine optimization and marketing, social media and email marketing, analytics, research and 19 Allentown, PA 18103 Partners 2000 trend analysis, brand development, graphic design, language translation and media planning KEENAN-NAGLE ADVERTISING INC. 14 Michael C. Keenan www.keenannagle.com 1/1 Marketing strategy plan design and execution, graphic design, web design, copywriting, email 1301 S. 12th St. 12/2 President & CEO 610-797-7100 Allentown marketing, digital/interactive marketing, social media marketing, digital analytics, cross-media 20 Allentown, PA 18103 1954 planning and placement, search engine optimization, video shooting and production with PremierPro editing, photography, print collateral/print production, direct mail and direct response, event planning and coordination, specialized expertise in health care, financial and business-to-business markets STRUNK MEDIA GROUP LLC 14 Matthew Strunk www.strunkmedia.com 1/1 Digital and traditional marketing services including search engine marketing, search engine 14953 Kutztown Road, Suite 106 10/4 CEO 610-814-7773 Kutztown optimization, social media management and advertising, reputation management, email 21 Kutztown, PA 19530 2015 marketing, blogging, website design/redesign, responsiveness, interactive, animations, 3-D, custom development, web apps, logos and branding, graphic design, video/audio production, media planning, media buying and strategic consultation, brand development, public relations, press releases, marketing modeling, creative problem solving MARKETING PARTNERS INC. 11 Tina Green www.marketingpartners.com 1/1 Business development, direct mail programs, website development, graphic design, online 6583 Ruch Road 11/0 President 610-443-2220 Bethlehem marketing solutions, branding, merchandising, social media, in-house printing 22 Bethlehem, PA 18017 888-641-1215 1997 DABRIAN MARKETING GROUP LLC 10 Daniel Laws Jr. www.dabrianmarketing.com 1/1 Digital marketing, web design, email marketing, branding and strategy, paid search, search 500 Penn St., Suite 201 9/1 President & CEO 610-743-5602 Reading engine optimization, web analytics, social media marketing 23 Reading, PA 19602 844-564-4825 2008 FORGE3 LTD. 8 Jeff Teschke www.forge3.com 1/1 Website development, digital marketing, app onboarding, training programs 116 Research Drive 5/3 Founder & CEO 484-734-0005 Bethlehem 24 Bethlehem, PA 18015 2004

DBA-doing business as DNR-did not respond NA-not applicable Researched by Christopher Holland The Lehigh Valley Business list of Website Design Companies is limited to those in or near Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Schuylkill, Warren and Upper Bucks and Montgomery counties. Information came from the individual companies and other LVB research. In some cases, the executive who heads the local office may not be locally based. To access the Lehigh Valley Business online database, visit www.LVB.com/lists. Surveys available at www.LVBlists.com. Published May 15, 2017. LVB.com May 15, 2017 THE LIST Lehigh Valley Business 21 Social Media Consultants Ranked by local employees

Rank Company Local employees Top local executive(s) Website Local/total locations Social media specialties Address F-T/P-T Title(s) Phone Headquarters Year established locally

LIQUID INTERACTIVE 45 Jim Ludlow www.liquidint.com 1/2 Integrated social media campaigns, fan growth and engagement strategies, content 7540 Windsor Drive, Suite 100 43/2 President & CEO 484-891-5150 Allentown strategy, social strategy and management across all channels, social media 1 Allentown, PA 18195 2006 intelligence, influencer marketing

FIRST GENERATION 32 William E. Carmody www.firstgencom.com 1/3 Strategic consultation to develop online media campaigns through the use of posts, 410 Allentown Drive 32/0 CEO 610-437-4300 Allentown video, blogs and forums on social networking sites 2 Allentown, PA 18109 1987

KLUNK & MILLAN ADVERTISING 24 James S. Klunk www.klunkmillan.com 1/1 All facets of social media INC. 22/2 President & CEO 610-973-2400 Breinigsville 3 9999 Hamilton Blvd. 1989 Breinigsville, PA 18031 MINT ADVERTISING 22 Eric Schoenfeld; Al Navarro and www.mintadvertising.com 2/2 Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn advertising campaigns 532 Hamilton St. 22/0 Billy Joe Pyle III 908-238-1500 Clinton, N.J. 4 Allentown, PA 18101 CEO & Co-Founder; Chief 2002 Creative Officer & Co-Founder and Creative Director & Co-Founder SWBR 22 Ernie Stiegler www.swbrinc.com 1/1 Organic social content, targeted paid social, branding campaigns, channel 3865 Adler Place 18/4 CEO 610-866-0611 Bethlehem management, reputation management 5 Bethlehem, PA 18017 1969

THE ANDERSON GROUP (TAG) 20 Missy Orlando www.theandersongrp.com 1/1 Social media marketing 879 Fritztown Road 20/0 President & Chief Operating 610-678-1506 Sinking Spring 6 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 Officer 1987

SAGEFROG MARKETING GROUP 20 Mark Schmukler www.sagefrog.com 1/3 LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google 62 E. Oakland Ave. 20/0 CEO & Co-Founder 215-230-9024 Doylestown 7 Doylestown, PA 18901 2002

BUSINESSCREATOR INC. 20 Edward Kundahl www.businesscreatorplus.com 1/1 Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, Blogger, Picasa, 47 N. Jefferson St. 15/5 President 610-437-8822 Allentown blogging, content marketing, video marketing and syndication and reputation 8 Allentown, PA 18102 855-943-8736 1994 marketing for social media content

3SEED MARKETING / DESIGN / 19 John Mulder www.3seedmarketing.com 1/1 Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, including content management and INTERACTIVE 18/1 Managing Partner 484-646-9300 Schnecksville strategies, video blogging, advertising, contests, etc. 9 4315 Independence Drive 4846469300 2009 Schnecksville, PA 18078 KSA&D INC. 15 Bob Kraemer and Peter Schurman www.ksand.com 1/1 Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Google Business, Pinterest, Yelp 3102 Berger St. 12/3 Partners 610-797-7909 Allentown 10 Allentown, PA 18103 2000

KEENAN-NAGLE ADVERTISING 14 Michael C. Keenan www.keenannagle.com 1/1 Strategic planning/messaging/deployment to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, INC. 12/2 President & CEO 610-797-7100 Allentown LinkedIn and emerging social channels 11 1301 S. 12th St. 1954 Allentown, PA 18103 WEIDENHAMMER CREATIVEB 13 Curtis Johnson www.weidenhammercreative.com 2/7 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram 951 Marcon Blvd., Suite 5 11/2 Vice President of Creative 610-317-4010 Wyomissing 12 Allentown, PA 18109 Services 1978

DABRIAN MARKETING GROUP LLC 10 Daniel Laws Jr. www.dabrianmarketing.com 1/1 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+, YouTube 500 Penn St., Suite 201 9/1 President & CEO 610-743-5602 Reading 13 Reading, PA 19602 844-564-4825 2008

FORGE3 LTD. 8 Jeff Teschke www.forge3.com 1/1 Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter 116 Research Drive 5/3 Founder & CEO 484-734-0005 Bethlehem 14 Bethlehem, PA 18015 2004

DAY VISION MARKETING INC. 7 Danny A. Youssef www.dayvision.com 1/1 Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Pinterest 2222 S. 12th St. 5/2 President 610-403-3999 Allentown 15 Allentown, PA 18103 866-578-2030 2003

KILLER INTERACTIVE LLC 7 Jason Pijut www.wearekiller.com 1/1 Facebook, crowdfunding (Kickstarter, IndieGoGo, etc.), Twitter, Instagram, Google P.O. Box 634 3/4 Creative Principal 484-619-3323 Orefield 16 Orefield, PA 18069 1999

MILLENNIA MEDIA LLC 6 Loren Robinson www.mille-mediallc.com 1/1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn 600 Stocker St. 6/0 Founder & CEO 908-200-2313 Stewartsville, N.J. 17 Stewartsville, NJ 08886 908-200-2313 2014

SYLVIA MARKETING & PUBLIC 5 Ken Kilpatrick www.sylviamarketing.com 1/2 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, strategic RELATIONS 4/1 CEO 610-323-3500 Pottstown blogging, SlideShare 18 1200 E. High St., Suite 201 2004 Pottstown, PA 19464 ELEVEN. ELEVEN. SOCIAL. 3 Lauren E. Smith www.elevenelevensocial.com 1/1 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. 532 Hamilton St. 3/0 Founder & Co-Owner 484-553-1751 Allentown 19 Allentown, PA 18101 DNR

LM GROUP LLC 2 Jennifer Mizak www.lmwrite.com 1/1 Business-to-business social media planning and management services, content 3440 Lehigh St., Suite 321 1/1 President 610-504-0008 Allentown creation for blogs and social media posts 20 Allentown, PA 18103 2007

THREE FIFTEEN WEB 2 Aaron Jo Schimpf www.threefifteenweb.com 1/1 Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, etc. 315 E. Liberty St. 2/0 Owner 570-573-7182 Schuylkill Haven 21 Schuylkill Haven, PA 19607 2008

MOJO ACTIVE 2 Jared Frank www.mojoactive.com 1/2 Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn 5301 Mulberry Drive 1/1 Director of Operations 570-538-1550 Watsontown 22 Bethlehem, PA 18017 2001

HEFT MEDIA 2 Todd Heft www.heftmedia.com 1/1 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 1647 Major St. 1/1 Owner 484 886 4338 Bethlehem 23 Bethlehem, PA 18017 2012

DBA-doing business as DNR-did not respond NA-not applicable Researched by Christopher Holland The Lehigh Valley Business list of Social Media Consultants is limited to those in Berks, Carbon. Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Schuylkill, Upper Bucks, Upper Montgomery, and Warren, N.J. counties. Information came from the individual companies and other LVB research. In some cases, the executive who heads the local office may not be locally based. To access the Lehigh Valley Business online database, visit www.LVB.com/lists. Surveys available at www.LVBlists.com. Published May 15, 2017. B Division of Weidenhammer, which is based in Wyomissing. 22 Lehigh Valley Business • May 15, 2017 LVB.com

are ranked on search engine optimization. < Higher customer conversion rates: You can gain strategic information and RECOGNITION The more quality content you provide on Social media marketing facilitates higher insights directly from your customers by continued from page 14 social media, the more inbound traffic will customer conversion rates. One of the most “listening” to what they say on social media. be generated. This means more leads and significant reasons for this is that brands You have the ability to monitor what is ested in following you for updates. more business. become more “personalized” through inter- being said about you, your company, prod- It also provides an opportunity for you to < Higher search engine rankings: SEO action in social media networks. ucts, services and their experiences and use interact with major influencers on social net- rankings will be higher when you are active Additionally, studies have shown that that information to improve your business. works and to increase visibility in the market. on social media because it increases the social media have a 100 percent higher lead- < Increased inbound marketing: probability your brand appears to be cred- to-close rate than outbound marketing, and Glenn Ebersole, Professional Engineer, Without social media, inbound traffic to ible and trustworthy. a higher number of social media followers is market development manager at High your business is limited to people who A strong social media presence is a crtical tends to improve trust and credibility in Concrete Group LLC (www.highconcrete. already know your brand and people success factor in achieving strong, effective your brand. com) in Denver, Pa. He can be reached at searching for keywords related to how you SEO. < Gaining strategic customer insight: [email protected] or 717-336-9413.

Contact: www.northampton.edu/non- Contact: Dan Loikits at danl@loikits. Thursday, May 18 Thursday, May 18 CALENDAR credit com or 610-428-1579 Held by: Bonnie L. Thompson, Edward Held by: Lehigh University Corporate Jones and Executive Education continued from page 15 Thursdays, May 18, June 1, June 15, Thursday, May 18 Summary: “Disciplined Investing in a Summary: Business decisions and July 6 and July 20 Held by: Center for Business & Industry investments – risk and financial analysis Wednesdays, May 17 and June 14 Held by: Concretely Speaking at Northampton Community College Changing World” seminar and dinner Where: Ben Franklin TechVentures, 116 Held by: Center for Business & Industry Toastmasters Club Summary: Understanding the basics of with Mark Threlfall from American Funds Research Drive, Bethlehem at Northampton Community College Summary: Practice public speaking and quality management systems Where: The Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 N. Summary: The practical challenges of Time: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. leadership skills Where: Northampton Community Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown leadership Where: Greenawalds Fire Co., 2500 College, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem Cost: $965 Time: 5:30 p.m. Where: Northampton Community Focht Ave., Allentown Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Contact: [email protected] or 610- College, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem Time: Noon-1 p.m. Cost: $189 Cost: Free 758-3590 Time: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: Free for guests (membership dues Contact: www.northampton.edu/non- Contact: Rachel Kunicki or Bonnie L. Cost: $450 apply when joining club) credit Thompson at 610-326-1035 — CHRISTOPHER HOLLAND

KTD Holdings LLC bought 1306 Butler St. from Andres N. Sileo for SHOEMAKERSVILLE $19,000. Parcel 19-5307-38-16-5799. K&S Land Holdings LLC bought 240 Franklin St. from Joseph Trios for TRANSACTIONS $100,000. Parcel 78-4492-07-58-3983. continued from page 18 KAB Loan Services LLC bought 914 Franklin St. from UR Properties for $2,000. Parcel 03-5316-21-09-1572. 5307-82-60-8021. SPRING TOWNSHIP Bruce Shubert bought 914 Franklin St. from KAB Loan Services for Silva & Diamond Investment Properties 2 LLC bought property on Jeremy P. and Dulcinea Frymoyer bought 343 N. Eighth St. from $60,000. Parcel 03-5316-21-09-1572. Paper Mill Road from Alberto Azcona for $8,000. Parcel 80-4398-03- Despina Frangakis for $25,000. Parcel 09-5307-76-92-5370. 10-2232. Reading Leadership LLC bought 410 S. Fifth St. from Luis Vera for Alan Sokol bought 1838 N. Fifth St. from Martin R. Kapell for $19,900. Parcel 01-5306-35-77-7845. UNION TOWNSHIP $405,000. Parcel 14-5308-20-70-5480. Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust bought 5 Shed Road from Lemuel Jennifer Truman bought 245 N. Fifth St. from 245 N. Fifth LLC for L. Jr. and Joann M. Moore for $365,000. Parcel 88-5354-18-32- Joseph R. Sr. and Bonita Wade bought 1734 Cotton St. form $90,000. Parcel 07-5307-75-71-9748. 1034. Lawrence F. and Kathleen F. Lubas for $49,900. Parcel 16-5356-32- 47-7624. WEST READING PERRY TOWNSHIP 310 Penn St. LLC bought 309 Cherry St. and 310 Penn St. from 600 Penn LLC bought 600 Penn Ave. from Olleroif LLC for $1.165 million. Parcel 93-5307-17-10-7124. Carol Ann, Owen, Jessica, Ashley, Natale and Victoria Nichols for Perry Holdings LLC bought 1500 Main St. from Randall C. Boltz for $175,000. Parcels 05-5306-26-69-8983 and 05-5307-82-60-8086. $134,000. Parcel 70-4493-01-47-6237. Chesen Partners LLC bought 301 Penn Ave. from Second PA Corp. for $1,100,000. Parcel 93-5307-18-30-3149. Maribel Castillo bought 301 N. 10th St. from Antolin Rodriguez for $2,000. Parcel 09-5317-69-01-6943. SHILLINGTON Quoc Hung Pham bought 449 Penn Ave. from Margaret Thomas for $200,000. Parcel 93-5307-17-20-3374. Arlin J. and Carissa J. King bought 1154 Chestnut St. from Daniel D. Deana, Todd and Sophia Reedy bought 120 W. Lancaster Ave. from and Donna M. Ruggles for $60,000. Parcel 10-5316-22-18-6907. Michael J. Rocco for $281,000. Parcel 77-4395-07-68-0497. — TERRY SCOTT REED

CLASSIFIED MARKET LEGAL LISTINGS

FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE FOR LE Lehigh Valley Business is now accepting ASE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the provisions of Act 295 of 1982, as ENTERTAINMENT amended, of intention to file, or the filing of, in the Office of the Secretary of Legal Notices. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a certificate for the conduct of a business in Pennsylvania, under the assumed or fictitious We are a newspaper of Roger Latzgo 610-767-7120 name, style or designation of: General Circulation. Piano, Guitar, Vocals www.rogerlatzgo.com Contact Cheryl Gaydos at Nova Restaurant and Lounge 610-807-9619 or cherylg@ lvb.com to place your notice. with its principal place of business at: 1869 S. 4th Street, Allentown, PA BBranrNanewddNeNe BuwwsiBuBunesssines CssamCaCapummpuspuss 18103 SmallOOffff iOcicefefi wcewiitt hhwiWWtha rWehouarehousseeSSsepapa Spcceeace Our Gift to You 11,,000000 -- 2,000 Sqq..FFt.t. The name and address of the entity owning or interested in said business is: 1,200-2,000 Sq.Ft. DND Grill, LLC, 1869 S. 4th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 • Office27- O ffwithice wWarehouseith Warehou Unitsse Units P• rPivraivteatEenEtrnatnrcaensces $10 Gift Certificate • DDeessigignneerr Office Suuiitteess F• uFlluyllFyinFisinhiesdheIndteInriotersriors with minimum purchase of $40.00 • 1414''HHiigghh WarehoouusseeCCeeiliilinnggss E• aEsaysAycAcecscsestosMtoaMjoraHjoirghHwigahyws ays NORRIS, McLAUGHLIN & MARCUS, P.A. oommppasasss 515 W. Hamilton Street Suite 502 BBuussiinneessss CCenteerr BBHHHS SFoFxo&xR&oaRcohach C 6801 W. Tilghman Street 610-865-0033 610-8650-033 C 6801 W. Tilghman Street Allentown, PA 18106 Call Susan Post Allentown, PA 18101 Allentown, PA 18106 6C10a-l5l0S4u-1s45an2 Post Target store Shopping Center, 1526 Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown compassbusinesscenter.com compassbusinesscenter.com 610-504-1452 Telephone: (610) 391-1800 LVB.com May 15, 2017 OFF THE CLOCK Lehigh Valley Business 23 PEOPLE: out and about, in the community and other noteworthy sightings

Bank and nonprofit partner for ribbon cutting Lafayette Ambassador Bank employees partnered with Bright Hope of Allentown to open a baby boutique to provide food, clothing and supplies for infants and toddlers and care packages for new mothers in the Allentown area. Over five weeks, bank employees painted, built shelves and storage displays and held a bank-wide collection drive to fill the shelves. The team also built a work room for Bright Hope volunteers. Mauch Chunk Trust donates to heritage corridor Pictured from left: Ed Pawlowski, Allentown mayor; Sharon Grant, executive director, Bright Hope; Beverly Mauch Chunk Trust Co. wealth management division manager Lee Zink presented a $1,000 check to Elissa Pesaresi, senior vice president, consumer sales manager, Lafayette Ambassador Bank; and Gerry Nau, Garofalo, executive director of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. The funds will be used chairman and CEO, Lafayette Ambassador Bank. to help with the organization’s initiatives.

Frailey Insurance and Financial Services volunteers at auction Employees of Frailey Insurance and Financial Services of Stroud Township volunteered during Auction Gross McGinley raises money for March of Dimes 2017, hosted by the Auxiliary of Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono. Answering phones, announcing auc- Gross McGinley LPP, an Allentown law firm, raised more than $3,000 for March of Dimes at the Lehigh tion items and logging bids were just some of the duties of the Frailey team. The event netted $20,000, Valley March for Babies event at Dorney Park. Attorney Sarah Hart (holding sign) led the firm’s team as which will benefit the Women and Children Empowerment, Pocono Health Foundation. Pictured are team a member of the March for Babies Committee. Pictured are other Gross McGinley employees with their members of Frailey. families and pets.

Wells Fargo, PNC donate to LV Children’s Centers The Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers received a $5,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to support swimming lessons for more than 80 Allentown school-age children attending LVCCC this summer. Pictured in the Wells Fargo photo from left: Mike Pany, Wells Fargo vice president; Susan Williams, LVCC president and CEO; Debra Lamb, LVCC vice president of development; and Kristi Minier, Wells Fargo district manager. The LVCC at Spring Garden Early Learning Center received a $3,000 donation through PNC’s ‘Grow Up Great Grants for Great Hours’ program. PNC employees from the Easton and Palmer branches earned this grant by volunteering at the center for 100 hours. Pictured from left: Denise Cardinali, branch service and sales associate, Easton; Elizabeth Albertson, vice president and branch manager, Palmer; Pat Crowley, LVCC center director; and Andreia Soares, branch service and sales associate, Palmer. Business as UnUsual.

Value-Based Business Banking

LOWER Costs. FASTER Service. BETTER Value.

Can a different bank make a difference in the future of your business?

See for yourself. Call our business banking team today.

Exclusively from

Call Us Today: (610) 882-8800 Contact Us Online: www.embassybank.com/Business Or Visit Any of Embassy’s Eight Convenient Offices Valleywide