Utility

April 2018

Spring is in the air! Can you smell the fresh aroma of flowers and feel the refreshing raindrops of April showers? There is something about spring after surviving a cold, snowy winter and not being able to enjoy the sunshine and the great outdoors. With it, spring brings a fresh start and here at the Chamber we are in the spring season. There is a lot of cleaning up as well as creating new events and avenues of promoting the Chamber as well as Shippensburg.

Many of the committees that have been an important part of the Chamber for years are being reinvigorated and Chamber of Commerce reevaluated. What would the Chamber be without all of the amazing volunteers that constantly give of their time and resources to serve on Boards and committees to assure that the Chamber and all of its committees Amanda Ridgway………..…..Ridgway Real Estate Board of Directors and Staff succeed. To them, we say a huge THANK YOU! Mitchell Burrows……………..University Grille Chair: James Zimmerman…………..New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. The Chamber is celebrating its 80�� anniversary this year and looking back through the history of the Dan Baer……………………..….ACNB Bank Anne Detter Schaffner……..S.U. Foundation Vice Chair: Steve Oldt………………………..Shippensburg Township Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce, this Chamber has always been a vital component in the Vicky Simmel…………………..Gannon Associates Insurance Rich Capozzi……………………..StretchPak, Inc. Shippensburg community even in its early days with advocating for business community, connecting with the Treasurer: Scott Eckenrode……………….Aqua Power Pros/Creative Engraving Plus community in a variety of community service projects, and being key in economic and development. Those Chrystal Miracle……………….S.U. Foundation Nina Reese……………………….Orrstown Bank things are only the start of the long list of projects and leadership involvements the Chamber has been a part of Secretary: Dr. Kimberly Garris…………..Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, so it’s exciting for myself as Chamber President and our Chamber Board to align the Chamber Dr. Ronald Taylor……………..Shippensburg University Deborah Luffy………………….Shippensburg Area School District for the future. Our goal is to continue to point the Chamber in the direction of success. Past Chair: Mary Kuna………………..Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. Ginger Everhart………………..Summit Health Melinda Thompson………….Cumberland County As we continue to serve our members and attract new ones, together we are going to continue to build a stronger community. As development continues to take place, please consider getting involved with the Chamber, D.O.I.T. (Downtown Organizations Investing Together) or SADCO (Shippensburg Area Development Corporation) or any of the Chamber’s committees. We have a variety of committees that are very key in the continued development and beatification of the Shippensburg Community. Together we can continue to make Shippensburg a great place to work, play, invest, pray,Sincerely, learn, and live. Scott Brown President, Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce New Members!

April 28 - 5:00pm - 80�� Annual Awards Banquet; Tuscarora May 3 - 4:30pm-6:30pm - 10�� Annual Cinco de Mayo Regional Room; Shippensburg University Fiesta Mixer; Volvo CE Customer Care Center Safe Harbour, Inc. 102 West High Street Carlisle, PA 17013 (717) 249-2200 www.safeharbour.org

April 20 - The First Step: Starting a Small Business; May 3 - Quickbooks Level 1; Shippensburg University, Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce Grove Hall Room 401 Safe Harbour, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides a continuum of housing May 10 - Quickbooks Level 2; Shippensburg University, Grove Hall Room 401 services for the homeless of Cumberland County. Safe Harbour is governed by an independent Board of Directors and derives its financial support from individuals, organizations, churches, fees paid by residents, commercial rents, investments, foundations, federal and state grants, as well as the United Way. Services include operating an emergency shelter for families and single females who are in desperate need April 15 - Blue Heron Events - Greencastle Sports Card & Memorabilia April 10 - Chambersburg Council for the Arts “Focal Point” on of a secure place to live and an environment to begin getting their lives under control. Show; Greencastle View; Chambersburg Single individuals that need additional “life support”, but are ready for independent April 15 - The Capitol Theatre to Host “Paranormal Investigations & April 13 - Trinity Communications Group - Ken Davis Lighten Ghost Classes”; Chambersburg living, may be offered the opportunity to reside in one of their single-room-occupancy Up & Live Fully Alive!; Chambersburg April 16 - Wilson College Fine Arts and Dance - Annual Juried Student (SRO) permanent housing facilities. April 14 - Franklin County Historical Society - Bob O’Connor to Art Exhibition; Chambersburg speak on The Underground Railroad April 19 - Coyle Free Library & Franklin Co. Visitors Bureau Present “History Rocks”; Chambersburg April 20 - The Franklin County Historical Society - Genealogy Workshops; Chambersburg shippensburg.org

April 12 - Beatles vs. Stones; A Musical Showdown ; The H. Ric April 19 - STOMP; The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center; Luhrs Performing Arts Center, Shippensburg Shippensburg Ac April 14 - Dill’s Celtic Festival @ Dill’s Tavern; Dillsburg April 20-29 - 2018 Harrisburg Beer Week; Harrisburg cepting April 14 - Beer Garden Party: Pints & Plants @ Market Cross April 21 - Mechanicsburg’s 10�� Annual Earth Day Festival; vendors! Pub; Carlisle Mechanicsburg cepting April 18-22 - Spring Carlisle; Carlisle Fairgrounds April 21 - 11�� Annual Art, Music & Wine Walk; Downtown Carlisle Ac April 22 and 29 - Goat Yoga; Healing Acres Farm; Carlisle vendors! April 27 - Brian Regan; The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center; Shippensburg

April 14 - Shippensburg Little League Opening Day; Doc April 21 - 4 Seasons @ Dykeman Springs Park; Dykeman Spring Norcross Stadium; 295 South Fayette Street Wetland Park April 14 - The Fashions of Fiction from Pamela to Gatsby; April 21 - Trail Fest 2018; Corner of E. Fort St. & N. Earl St. Fashion Archives & Museum of Shippensburg University April 22 - Greyhound Football Booster Club BBQ/Car Wash/Bake Sale; April 15 - Shippensburg Band Concert; Shippensburg Area H&H Chevrolet, Cadillac; 730 East King Street Senior High April 28 - Animals/Dark Side of the Moon; The Thought Lot; 37 East Garfield Street April 28 - Ship Shape Day; Areas within Shippensburg shippensburgbloomfestival.com April 29 - Jon Foreman; Shippensburg University Source: Rick Yohe, Co-Owner RA Yohe Restoration & Construction, LLC

MARCH TV vs. Reality EVENT RECAP

We have all watched the remodeling shows on TV. These days the shows are everywhere. The shows make quick work on all of the projects they do. Well…This is not how the real world works. I get questions all the time about how long a project will take. Or a customer will want a fixture that they see on TV and when I give them a price on it they flip out.

Let’s talk about the reality of the time and cost of your projects. The rule of thumb is the bigger The Episcopal Home the project the longer it will take to get the prints drawn, the estimates completed and the required 206 East Burd Street permits that are needed. If you are building an addition or a home, then this could take months for Shippensburg, PA 17257 Our Lunch and Learn was held on March 14th at the project to start. This is the part that you do not see on TV. They come to the person’s house one (717) 532-4612 Courtyard Marriott in Shippensburg. Guest speaker time and then the next time they are there working. This process is never shown on TV, but it is the was Randy Wilson of REEL PD. Randy spoke on www.episcopalhome.com “Influence” and how we can discover ways to most important part of any project. The Episcopal Home is a non-profit care facility that positively increase our influencing skills whether has the ability to offer benevolent care through its Home we are leading at home, work, in a volunteer Budget. Yes, I know you want it done for the cheapest price possible but want to use only high- Heroes Fund to its residents in need. This continued organization or any other location. He talked about end products you saw on TV or the Internet. I would love to ask each homeowner that I work with care means that a resident who has outlived their 6 steps to have faith in people, the benefits of financial resources, through no fault of their own, is still listening, nurturing others, and how to measure what their budget is, but I learned years ago that no one really thinks about a budget. They just able to have access to the care they need to survive. your integrity. Thanks to Courtyard Marriott for want the cheapest price. Many homeowners on the TV shows are picked to be on the show because being our host venue. For more information on they have been screened and they have a good budget number to put the more high-end products They offer many complimentary services so your loved REEL PD, visit facebook.com/REELPD or email one will feel welcomed and appreciated. They believe [email protected] in. If the shows did not put the latest products in, nobody would watch. Be realistic with yourself that being comfortable is the best way for their residents and your contractor. This will save on major headaches down the road. We provide an allowance to thrive. Services provided include: sheet for each product and a price that goes with each project. The homeowner can then shop and ● Family style meals from an experienced kitchen find what they like and if they go over the allowance price, they pay the extra amount or if they go staff under the price they would get the difference back to them. Know your budget! ● Daily fun activities and frequent special events Time Frame. The next time you watch a show on TV take notice to what the weather is like when ● Caring and helpful staff 24 hours a day they start and when they stop. Projects of any size take time. Even doing a kitchen or bathroom ● Regular clean laundry and bed linens remodel is not a 2 or 3-day project. Realize that your home is going to be disrupted for a while. ● Affordable month-to-month payment with no length Our company will install a dust barrier in a customer’s home to contain as much dust as possible. The Drew Michael Taylor Foundation Center for of contract requirements That said, there is always dust that will sneak into places in your home. Most of the time on TV the Grieving Families was our host for our March 22nd customer is not living in the house. This again is part of the screening process. TV shows do not ● On campus podiatrist, lab service and beautician mixer. Attendees were able to tour the center, speak want them there. This is not reality for the normal person. You will get to know your contractor and to staff and learn more about the resources provided ● Respite care options including educational and support programs for the subs really, really well before the job is finished. children, teens, and adults who are grieving the death ● Comfortable transportation with a direct care of a loved one. Delicious refreshments were The magic of TV can make things look like an easy, clean, and normal everyday process. This is professional provided by the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation and University Grille. For more info on DMTF, visit not how the real world works. We try our hardest to make this happen but there is no such thing as ● Personalized care from a compassionate team. www.drewmichaeltaylor.org or email a perfect job. There will be a bump in the road but if you have a good contractor and good They also offer different types of rooms to suit specific [email protected] communications with them than anything can be accomplished. Remember, Budget, Time and needs and budgets. Patience!! Randy Wilson, Owner REEL PD Getting Past Our Current Comfort Zone

The last article I wrote was based on the quote, “You Earl Nightingale said, “Most people tiptoe through can’t go uphill with downhill habits”, by John C. life hoping to make it safely to death.” John F. Maxwell. To continue with that general thought, Kennedy said, “There are risks and costs to a plan of let’s talk about something called the comfort zone. action. But, they are far less than the long-range Or as I refer to it where I am from, “The old comfort risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” The truth is zone.” Most everything where I grew up is preceded that if we want to grow and we want things to be by the two words, “The old”. The old river road, the better, we can’t tiptoe through life, and we have to old place, the old limekiln, the old falls, the old “you take risks to get out of our comfort zone. How do we fill in the blank”. You get the idea. gain forward momentum toward where we, or our team, want to be? Leverage the following suggested The comfort zone is the place where our actions: subconscious mind likes to keep us even when our logical mind knows that change is good. Imagine for  Be aware of the power that the subconscious mind instance, we say we are going to lose 20 pounds in has on daily decision-making. Awareness allows the next four months. We know it is a GREAT idea intentional change to occur. because it will make us healthier, increase self- esteem, aid in stress management and help us in so  Get an accountability partner or coach who will not many other ways. But the next thing we know, our let us talk ourselves out of decisions that we know are subconscious is telling us, “That’s gonna hurt!”, positive. “People are going to look at us at the gym.”, “We won’t be able to stick with it, so why even start?.”,  Check our inner circle(s) and surround ourselves “Let’s start tomorrow instead of today because what with like-minded and supporting people. is one day going to matter?”, or “It is too cold or wet to get in the car and go to the gym.” Even though we  Place notes like, “I fought the subconscious and I know exercising is better, our mind keeps us in the won!” in conspicuous places such as the bathroom comfort zone. It keeps us in the same exact place that mirror or phone home-screen to serve as daily mental we have been for the past several unhealthy years. reminders.

Or, imagine this example. We are leading an  State to others what we are going to do while organization and there is a personnel change that we considering and ensuring confidentiality as know is needed. In fact, it has been needed for a applicable. There is great strength in verbally LONG time. We know that making the change to the declaring what we are going to do. team will facilitate more productivity, improve the overall culture, decrease the amount of interpersonal  When a voice of doubt starts talking us out of our stressors, and so on. But, our subconscious mind plans, question the voice’s validity. talks us out of it by telling us, “There is still a chance that person could change”, or “The team will fail  If something doesn’t go as planned, figure out why without them”, or “They will be mad at us and won’t it didn’t go as planned, learn from the experience, like us anymore”, or “Their friends will also leave the make changes and don’t give up!!! team and where will that leave us?”, or many other possibilities. Our subconscious again rules the day Randy Wilson is the Owner of REEL PD and is an and keeps us in the uncomfortable and stressful independent certified Coach and Teacher with the John Maxwell Team. He can be reached at comfort zone, regardless of the fact that we know the [email protected] or 717-414-6064 change is necessary and positive. Utility

Source: Emmaline Johnson, License Realtor Source: Duane Kanagy, Manager of Communications/Community Services Ridgway Real Estate Adams Electric Energy Efficiency for the Modern Top 5 Best Ways to Sell Your House Faster 3. Up Your Curb Appeal Family and Its Many Devices Everyone loves to see a beautiful home so be sure your house looks its best from the curb. Be sure all If you are struck by the amount of screens, remotes, gaming controls, charging So, you’ve decided you want to put you house on the cars are out of the driveway, shrubbery is clean and stations and cords that have become fixtures in your home, you are not alone. The typical American family is market. Congrats! Here are the Top 5 Best Ways to neat, and the grass is cut. well connected and owns a variety of electronic devices. According to the PEW Research Institute, 95 percent Sell Your House Faster. of U.S. families have a cell phone and 77 percent of Americans own a smart phone. Nearly 80 percent of 2. Paint adults own a laptop or desktop computer, while approximately half own tablets. 5. De-Clutter I know you love your accent wall or your wallpaper, I know it’s super convenient to leave your toaster or but buyers don’t. The good news is paint is cheap so Consumer electronics coupled with the growing array of smart home appliances and technology have slowly spices on the countertop but anything that is not choose a nice neutral color like gray or white to help but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles. The increased reliance on our many devices has new permanently fixed, needs to be put away. So, buyers see how beautiful your home is. implications for home energy use and efficiency. everything off the countertops in the kitchen and the bathrooms. When buyers see your home, it should 1. Clean Using smart technology to manage energy savings look like a blank canvas free of clutter. I know it sounds so simple but you’d be surprised! So how can we save energy when we are using more electronic devices than ever before? The answer may lie Make sure you vacuum carpet and sweep wood or with some of those same electronic devices that have become indispensable to modern living. In many cases, 4. De-personalize tile floors. Put away all pet products and be sure the energy savings is a touchscreen away as more apps enable you to monitor energy use. Family photos and vacation souvenirs are what make windows are clear. A little dusting can go a long way a house a home. However, buyers want to envision with buyers! From the convenience of your mobile device, smart technologies can maximize your ability to manage themselves in your home, not you. So, take down all electricity use across several platforms––controlling your thermostat, appliances, water heater, home your family photos and any personal belongs like If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call at electronics and other devices. One of the easiest ways to make an impact on energy efficiency is with a smart (717) 372-0487. shoes and coats should be put away. thermostat, like Nest models. Using your mobile device, you can view and edit your thermostat schedule and Source: Staci Wickard, Office Assistant monitor how much energy is used and make adjustments accordingly. For example, program your thermostat Shippensburg Community Parks & Recreation Authority for weekday and weekend schedules so you are not wasting energy when no one is home. Check and adjust SCPRA - Spring Clean-up Time! the program periodically to keep pace with changes in household routines

It’s that time of year when there is much to be done. We are always You can also ensure efficiency by purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. Many new appliances happy to have volunteers! If you or your business would like to help include smart-technology features such as refrigerators that can tell you when maintenance is required or get our parks ready for spring and summer, we have plenty of things when a door has been left open. New washers, dryers and dishwashers allow you to program when you want you could help with! It is a great team-building opportunity too as well as offering benefits to individual participants. Choose your park, the load to start. This means you can program your task for off-peak energy hours––a smart choice if your 4. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life – choose your day - we’ll feature you on Facebook and our website! electric rate is based on time of use. consider your goals and interests. Volunteer?.. Why? Benefits of volunteering: 4 Ways to Feel Healthier “Old school” energy savings for new devices Getting the most out of volunteering Of course there are the time-tested “old school” methods of energy efficiency that can be applied to the and Happier 1. Ask questions. 1. Volunteering connects you to others; myriad of household electronic devices and screens. Computers, printers, phones and gaming consoles are 2. Make sure you know what’s expected. notorious “vampire power” users, meaning they drain energy (and money) when not in use. If items can be  make new friends and contacts 3. Don’t be afraid to change.  increase your social and relationship skills 4. Enjoy yourself!! turned off without disrupting your lifestyle, consider plugging them into a power strip that can be turned on 2. Volunteering is good for your mind and body and off or placed on a timer.  Helps counteract the effects of stress, anger and Would you like to volunteer?! While modern life involves greater dependence on technology, your best resource for saving energy and anxiety Contact us: Shippensburg Community Parks and Recreation Authority (SCPRA)  And can combat depression, make you happy, 677 Orrstown Road, Shippensburg, PA 17257 money remains your local electric co-op. Office: 717-530-0261 increase self-confidence, provide a sense of Email: [email protected] purpose, stay physically healthy SCPRA is supported by Shippensburg Borough and Southampton/Franklin Co. Regardless of your level of technical expertise with electronic devices, Adams Electric Cooperative can 3. Volunteering can advance your career provide guidance on energy savings based on your account information, energy use, local weather patterns  Learn valuable job skills and additional factors unique to your community.  Gain career experience --Information courtesy of Adams Electric Cooperative and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Utility

Source: Pastor Jim Rogers Source: Kaylee Beattie Shippensburg First Church of God Volvo CE

The First DD110C Hit the Road in February

They went from being a bunch of scared, doubting, Easter fell on an unusual day this year -April Fools’ Day. hopeless men hiding out in fear after the crucifixion, to It’s a day when people try to trick others into believing courageous, bold witnesses, proclaiming before thousands something that is not true. I don’t normally participate of people, that Jesus was the Messiah and rose from the much because I am afraid someone will try to get me back. dead! Who would do that for something that seemed so However, it is also the day that millions of Christians foolish? Men who had seen and talked to the risen Lord celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. But these two days Himself, that’s who. Peter, a disciple that denied Jesus couldn’t be more diametrically opposed because the reality three times on the night Jesus was arrested said in Acts of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is overwhelmingly 2:32, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all backed up by hard evidence. Consider just a few of the eyewitnesses of the fact.” Simon Greenleaf, a facts. The body of Jesus could not have been stolen distinguished professor of law at Harvard University said, because a Roman guard was posted at the tomb to prevent “…the resurrection of Christ is one of the best supported just such a thing. And if the soldiers had fallen asleep on events in history according to the laws of legal evidence the job they would have been executed. If the tomb was administered in courts of justice.” not empty then Christianity would have died before it ever got started. The Romans or the religious leaders that I don’t know about you but I have been fooled on April opposed Jesus would have produced His body and paraded Fools’ Day in the past. But I can assure you that I and it down the streets of Jerusalem to prove anyone who millions of others around the globe have not been fooled believed in Him was a fool. There were also countless by the resurrection. Jesus is alive. He conquered death, eyewitnesses of Jesus being alive after the crucifixion. As proving He was who He said He was-the Savior of the A strong team effort and cross functional approach helped the DD110C leave the many as five hundred at one time! You can fool one or two world. And anyone who puts their faith in Him will live site in record time. people, but five hundred at once? And something had to forever. No foolin’. explain the sudden change in Jesus’ disciples. During the first week of February 2017, the Large Asphalt Compaction team in Shippensburg was given the first notice that they were to develop the DD110C. Source: Deborah Luffy, Principal Approximately 53 weeks later, that product was out the door. This exciting and Shippensburg Area Senior High School on behalf of Robert Maag, SASHS Band Director tremendous accomplishment was a cross-functional effort, with a lot of teamwork and coordination. Band Trip On Thursday, April 26th, the Shippensburg High School Marching & Concert Bands will depart on a 3 day trip “The project was executed in an extremely short amount of time. It required to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and return home on Monday, April 30��. A total of 122 students, significant effort from people across various parts of the organization, including our accompanied by 21 adults, will be participating on this trip. On Saturday, April 28th, the Marching Band will supply base, to step outside of their comfort zone and become fully engaged with parade around the grounds of Universal Studios and later in the day the Concert Band will participate in the supporting the business need of delivering a 10 ton compactor to the North “STARS” program and have the opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of park guests! Besides Universal Studios, the Band will also enjoy an evening at Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theater. American market for the 2018 paving season. Due to the challenging timeline on this project, our typical project processes were open for review and reimagining.” For the past two years, Band students and the Shippensburg Band Boosters have been raising funds for this said Justin Zupanc, chief project manager and scrum leader for the Large Asphalt trip. Final plans for the trip were put into place in August of 2017 through “Notable Student Tours,” a travel Compaction team. agency formed by retired band directors and dedicated to arranging trips for school music ensembles. During the course of the school year, both the Marching Band and Concert Band have been preparing for this exciting journey. Rehearsals for both ensembles are taking place during the school day for the Concert The efforts by everyone involved that went in to delivering the DD110C project on- Band and Marching Band and will be practicing after school for a few weeks prior to departure. time can serve as an example to future projects. By thinking “outside the box”, the team has been able to create a product that meets the customer’s expectation both GO GREYHOUNDS! in features, quality and availability for the season. Utility

Source: Barbara Richardson, MBA, EA H&R Block Source: Karen Dagenhart, MBA, RPA; Vice President and Employee Benefits Officer; F&M Trust

According to Plan Advisor, nearly 40 percent of small business employees say they would leave their What Adjustments to Income are Impacted by the Tax Cuts current employer for another that offers a better 3 Questions To Ask Yourself 401(k) plan. and Jobs Act? When Considering an When employees leave a company, they take with In 2018, many adjustments commonly called Unchanged Employer-Sponsored them the training, knowledge, and skills they have “above-the-line deductions” have either been amassed over the years. You then spend modified or eliminated. Listed below are the  Educator expense deduction up to $250 Retirement Plan considerable time and money recruiting and training adjustments that are changing:  Student loan interest of up to $2,500 Competing in today's business environment requires someone new. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Health savings account (HSA) deduction Eliminated the ability to attract and retain great talent, as well as  IRA deduction the understanding that many of today's workers are How can you tell if your company’s retirement plan (or lack thereof) is contributing to the long term  Alimony (Income or credit unless  Deductions for self-employed looking for more than just a paycheck. success of your business? Just ask yourself these established before the TCJA) three questions:  Domestic Production Activities Credit For the next edition, we will continue with “above- An effective employer-sponsored retirement savings the-line deductions” and how Educational plan, like a 401(k), is one tool that can be used to  Moving Expenses (military relocation still ● Does the presence of your company’s retirement allowed) Provisions have been changed in the New TCJA. give a company a competitive advantage while providing your employees with a long term benefit. plan help recruit and retain valuable workers? Contact Us: (717) 532-7744 103 South Conestoga Drive, Shippensburg You may think that offering health and life ● Do your current employees understand and www.hrblock.com insurances will attract and retain prospective appreciate the value of your company’s employees, and they will. However, these finite retirement plan? benefits typically end upon termination of employment or retirement. ● Is your company’s retirement plan participation as high as it could be? An employer-sponsored retirement plan, given properly educated and guided employees, can be a lifetime benefit spanning well past a worker’s employment years. And it is one that will provide If you answered “no,” or “I don’t know,” to any or all your business with a competitive edge when it these questions, it may be time to make an comes to finding and retaining top talent. employer-sponsored retirement plan part of your company’s long term business strategy. For instance, a survey with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) showed that an employer’s retirement plan offering is one of the If that is the case, reach out to me at 717-262-7577 top ten reasons employees choose to work and stay or [email protected] or visit with an employer. www.fmtrustonline.com.

Designing a well thought-out employer-sponsored retirement plan is, therefore, a sound investment in the future of your business. Karen Degenhart, MBA, RPA, is vice president and Think of it this way, if a great potential employee has employee benefits officer for F&M Trust, located in Camp Hill. She helps business owners design, implement, and the choice between working for your company or for manage their personal and company retirement plans, your competitor, there is a high likelihood that his or including investment management, fiduciary oversight her decision will come down to the added value of and employee education. your employee benefits. Utility

Source: Ellen J.W. Gigliotti, LMFT Source: Vicky Simmel, Regional Director of Sales Sanctuary Christian Counseling Gannon Associates Insurance on behalf of Travelers Indemnity Company

What You Sow… For some reason, I’ve been thinking about gardening this week. Pioneered in the workplaces of Silicon Valley, employee benefits, such as climbing walls, fooseball tables, video games and That makes no sense at all. Although you are reading this in impatience and give people space, it can be a lovely thing, a the ability to bring pets into the office, are all emerging trends that emphasize collaboration and creativity. Risks that business April, the week in which it was written has been a snowy week: blessed pause in everyone’s life. owners might not have considered when implementing such programs include, but are not limited to, falls, strains and sprains, A week in which the First Day of Spring came in like the ● Faith. It’s important to me to be known as a woman of faith, a allergic reactions and bites. What started out as a way to promote productivity could lead to unexpected workplace injuries. proverbial lion, with over a foot of snow in our backyard. woman “after God’s own heart.” I’ve found that sowing this Workplace Hazards Not only that, but I actually don’t like gardening all that much. reaps more faith, not only for me, but for those around me as Having a conference bike or a treadmill desk might create an innovative atmosphere, but an injured employee or client could well. bring an end to the fun quickly, with lost work days and legal liability. These types of alternative workstations could pose a risk I know that’s almost heresy to those of you with green thumbs. Perhaps if I had the emerald touch, too, I’d feel differently. But I ● Presence. I’ve written on this before, but what a gift it is to for employees or clients. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) requires employers to provide a workplace that is free don’t, more’s the pity. actually be present with others – to sit with them in their of known health and safety hazards. Employers should consider the safe design of new types of furniture, including conference distress, to rejoice with them when the situation is wonderful, and bikes and treadmill desks, and assess and control any potential risks. We do have a 4x4 raised bed garden in which we raise weeds to weep with them when it is not. surrounded by pesky tomato, pepper and cucumber plants. The Use of Mobile Devices ● Love. It’s hard to love those who are unlovely, who have hurt Are your employees working on the go or multitasking on their devices while they are in the office? Hours spent looking down at But it wasn’t actually that garden I’ve been thinking of. us or our loved ones, who don’t sow good things in their own a smartphone or tablet puts a heavy burden on the neck and spine, and repetitive texting could injure thumbs. A formal policy on It’s more like the garden of my life. What have I sowed there? lives. Yet these are the people who most need to feel love from the appropriate use of mobile devices in the office can help protect employees from injury. Learn more about ergonomics at And what, eventually, will I reap? us, and, when we can give it, they are often the ones who are work. most When we sow discord, often we reap dislike and conflict. When Virtual Office grateful. we sow peace we reap the reverse – love and patience. When we In today’s office, many employees work from home at least once a week, but employers may not be aware of the many risks this sow confusion, we reap more of the same. When we can sow I would like to be the kind of person who sows these things -- love, we reap great joy. may pose, including the risk of a data breach. Employees may be using their own devices without appropriate virus detection and not negative things -- in my life and in the lives of others. It’s and security measures in place, leading to lost data or a cyber hack. Whether they are remote or in the office, talk with your my goal to be kind, patient, peaceful, present, loving and always Sometimes it’s hard to know just what we’re sowing. This had taking the high road. Do I achieve that? Absolutely not. But it’s employees about information security. me thinking – what are some of the things I could be doing that not a bad thing to aim for. would bring back a harvest of good things to me and to others? Animal-Friendly Policies I came up with a few: I would like my “garden” to always include things that others can Pets in the office present new liability concerns for your business, from injured workers to potential lawsuits over allergies, find lovely, things sown there that grow good plants that will ● Kindness. I know that seems almost trite, but when you sow injuries or emotional distress. When considering potential risks, think about your employees, as well as customers and other provide a harvest for myself, my family and others. I think it’s a kindness, you really do reap good feelings, acceptance and lots of worthy goal, don’t you? occasional visitors who might have fears or allergies. Of course, make sure that your animal-friendly policies and office rules good vibes. Being kind can sometimes be challenging, but is allow for, and do not interfere with, service animals in the workplace. As with any policy that may involve legal questions, such nearly always worth the effort. If you would like help figuring out how to sow good things in as compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), etc., it is best to consult with an attorney. ● Taking the high road. This is something I say all the time. It is your life, or you are affected by negativity sown by yourself or 24/7 Work Culture never wrong to take the high road, and most often that is where others, I urge you to imagine being your best self. We at the biggest blessing lies. I will never be sorry that I am not reap- Sanctuary Christian Counseling can help you get there. Technology can be liberating, freeing us from waiting by our desks for a phone call or email. But it can also blur the lines ing gossip, vengeance and retribution, even if it is sometimes the between when the workday begins and ends. “Always on” demands can create physical and emotional health risks when most difficult thing in the world to stay on that high and lonely Sanctuary Christian Counseling LLC employees have trouble shutting down. If you have a 24/7 work culture, your employees might not be getting the sleep they path. 9974 Molly Pitcher Highway, Suite 4 Shippensburg, PA 17257 need so they can drive safely, stay healthy and be productive. Consider setting expectations about when employees should ● Peace. Everyone loves to be around those who are peaceful, 717-200-3058 respond to emails. those the everyday annoyances of life don’t seem to rattle, who www.sanctuarychristiancounseling.com Work + Play manage to project calm in trying situations. When we can be peaceful, others are drawn to us and we have a chance to directly [email protected] Companies are coming up with new ways to engage employees, from climbing walls to scooters. But these new amenities can affect their lives in positive ways. [email protected] also present new risks if employees are injured. Companies need to weigh the potential risks that these activities pose and [email protected] ● Patience. Nothing is more stressed in our busy everyday lives determine whether there are ways to make them safer for employees. Does your Business have Risks that aren’t covered? than our patience. When we can manage to corral our If you would like help figuring out exactly what you need, call Gannon Associates Insurance at 717-532-4181 and discuss your options!