Working to make Mount Joy a great place to do businessChamber News

What’s Inside…Page 2• Events Calendar• Have You Paid Your Dues• Board Members

Page 3• New Member FOCUS: Take Shape for Life• Welcome New Members• Local Website Links

Page 4• New Member FOCUS: Energy Sherlock• COC Networking Opportunities

Page 5• Luke Brubaker Honored• New Member FOCUS: H.B. McClure• Milanof-Schock Library Events Page 6• Today’s Pizza Celebrates 20 Years• COC Offers Two Scholarships

Page 7• New Member FOCUS: Juniper Village Of

Mount Joy• MJHS Schoolhouse Project Update

Page 8• Mixers and Ribbon Cutting Photos

Page 9• New Member Focus: Springleaf Financial• Juniper Village Events• Jim Roberts Raises Money for Breast Cancer

Page 10• Financial Focus

Page 11• A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Page 12• Ads from Chamber Members

The Back Page• Union Community Bank – Sapphire Member

Annual Banquet and Auction a Huge Success!

Mount Joy Pennsylvania

APRIL 2013

2013 Special Level MembersDiamond

Sapphire• As The Crow Flies• Barb O’Neal• Deborah Swanger Photography• Union Community Bank

Platinum Plus• Buch Funeral Home• Eberly Designs• Eden Park Pediatric Associates• The Hetrick Center• J.B. Hostetter & Sons• JMJ IT Solutions LLC• Juniper Village at Mount Joy• Northwest Savings• Susquehanna Bank

Platinum• Hospice for All Seasons• HVAC Distributors Inc.• Jim Roberts West Main Auto• Melhorn Sales, Service &

Trucking Co.• Mount Joy Country Homes• Nolt Electric• PNC Bank• TCW Computer Systems• Walter S. Ebersole American

Legion Post 185

www.mountjoychamber.com

Thanks to all who made this year’s Chamber An-nual Banquet and Auction a success! We had a lot of fun, and hope you did as well! Your generous donations, sponsorships, and bids helped us to exceed last year’s proceeds and once again raise over $10,000 to support our Chamber’s scholarships and programs.

We are already underway with planning next year’s event and would love your help so we can continue to make it bigger and better! Whether you would like to help just a little, or a lot, we’d love to have you! There are opportuni-ties in planning, prep-ping, and even tasks during the event. If you’d like to help please just contact the Chamber.

~ Jodi St. Pierre, Chamber Banquet and Auction Chair

2014 ChamberBanquet & Auction

Friday, April 4What will we unwrap next?

SAVE THE

DATE

Interested in helping?Contact the Chamber office

2013 Board President

George Zook, Ed.DBruner Wealth Management LLC

Vice PresidentDr. Mary Colman • Hetrick Center

TreasurerMissy Hartman Susquehanna Bank

Members at LargeMitch Denlinger JMJ IT Solutions, LLCPaul Gardner Heilig Funeral HomeDr. Donald Henriques Henriques ChiropracticLeslie Houck Union Community BankCarl Shank Cross Roads Brethren in Christ ChurchFerne Silberman Prudential Homesale Services Group

Monthly Meetings

Meetings are held at 11:45 a.m. the Second Wednesday of the MonthMembers: $10 Non-members: $15 Reservations: 653-0773 or email info@mountjoychamber.comUnless stated otherwise

2 Chamber News | April 2013

Events CalendarApril 2013April 4 • 4-6 p.m. – Pulse Direct Power Hour | Hear how Local Marketplace magazine is helping other businesses in the area. They’ll be providing food and beverages along with a short discussion on Local Marketplace magazine. This is a great time to network with Pulse Direct and other local business owners. RSVP to alyssa@pulsedirect.com or 361-7653.

April 10 • 11:45 a.m. – Chamber Luncheon | The Gathering Place with Charee Stevison, Families United Network, Inc. Did you know that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? Please join us as we hear from Chamber member Families United Network, Inc. Please RSVP by April 8 to info@mountjoychamber.com or 653-0773.

May 2013May 8 • 11:45 a.m. – Chamber Luncheon | The Gathering Place with speaker David Steffie, EnergySherlock on “Fiscally Responsible Energy Strategies”

May 14 • 15-7 p.m. – Chamber Mixer| Longwood Manor RSVP by May 10 to info@mountjoychamber.com or 653-0773.

August 2013August 17 • 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. – Annual Chamber Chicken BBQ| Are you interested in helping with the Annual Chamber Chicken BBQ - please contact the Chamber office to see how you can help!

Schedule for the Monthly Luncheons 11:45 a.m. | Lunch and dessert buffet12:10-12:40 p.m. | Updates from Chamber, Milanof-Schock Library, Donegal School District, Mount Joy Borough and Mount Joy Township12:40-1 p.m. | The Featured Speaker Cost | $10 with receipts available Reserve a Spot | Call the Chamber office at 653-0773

Have You Paid Your 2013 Chamber Dues?What you get from your Chamber of Commerce yearly dues:

• Being listed on the Chamber website wtih the capability to connect to your website• Two listings in the yearly Chamber directory which goes to every home in Mount Joy and is also

distributed in the Chamber Welcome Bags • Discounted advertising in the Chamber directory• Your news or advertisements in the monthly Chamber newsletter at no charge!The first four reasons alone are worth every penny of your yearly dues! Sorry that’s my advertising background coming out!

But there’s more:• Exclusive Chamber member-to-member discounts• Access to the Chamber Membership and Mailing List (Excel spreadsheet)• Use of the Chamber office during 4th Friday or any other events held in town.• Participation in the Chamber Welcome Bags ($50 participation fee; you provide inserts, etc.)• Put your information (brochures, menus, etc.) in the Chamber office. • Participation in the Mount Joy Money Gift Certificate Program - keeping dollars in Mount Joy.Do you take advantage of networking opportunities? Networking your business is a huge part of being a Chamber member. See more on page 4 and page 8.

Contact UsMount Joy Chamber of CommerceKerry Meyers, Chamber Coordinator

62 E. Main Street, Suite 1

Mount Joy, PA 17552

653-0773 or email

info@mountjoychamber.com

www.mountjoychamber.com

3 Chamber News | April 2013

Welcome Our New Chamber Member

Take Shape for Life

Norma Millard, Health CoachMount Joy, PA 17552314-4348www.norma/millard.tsfl.com/explore

Springleaf Financial Services

Chris Chavez, Branch Manager761 E. Main StreetMount Joy, PA 17552653-4056www.springleaffinancial.com

Juniper Village at Mount Joy

Debra K. Miller, executive director607 Hearthstone LaneMount Joy, PA 17552492-9692www.junipercommunities.com

Party Platters Catering

Ally Gerfin & Jennifer Stumph, co-owners408 E. Main StreetMount Joy, PA 17552653-6659www.partyplatterscatering.com

Mount Joy Boroughwww.mountjoypa.org

Mount Joy Townshipwww.mtjoytwp.org

East Donegal Townshipwww.eastdonegaltwp.com

Donegal School Districtwww.donegal.k12.pa.us

Milanof-Schock Library www.mslibrary.org

Mount Joy Rotarywww.mountjoyrotary.org

Mount Joy Lions Clubwww.mountjoylions.net

Norlanco Rheems Kiwaniswww.pakiwanis.org/clubs-and-divisions/club-details/?club_id=118

Main Street Mount Joywww.mainstreetmountjoy.com

Local Gov’t & Service Organization Website Links2013 Newsletter DeadlinesMay April 19June May 22July June 19August July 19September August 21October September 20November October 23December November 15

2014 Newsletter DeadlineJanuary December 13

CONTACT INFORMATIONNorma Millard, Health CoachMount Joy, PA 17552314-4348www.norma/millard.tsfl.com/explore

Tell us a little about Take Shape for Life. Take Shape for Life is a comprehensive program that provides an in-depth approach to cultivating day-to-day habits that help Clients work toward their Optimal Health while providing long-term, healthy solutions. It is medically directed and able to be adapted to individual needs. What exactly does a Health Coach do? A Health Coach provides one-on-one, individualized education, support and encouragement guiding clients through a system which is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Research confirms that having a Health Coach can make all the difference in turning healthy behaviors into habits that last a lifetime. With the support of a Coach, chances for success are vastly improved.

Must you have special certification to be a health coach? Certification as a Health Coach is preferred and highly recommended. This provides both Coach and Client with a broader, deeper knowledge base.

If someone is looking for a health coach, what are some of the important questions they should be asking? I believe that the relationship between client and coach is based on mutual honesty, respect and trust. The foundation for this is laid at the initial confidential consultation when expectations are made clear on both sides.

As a Registered Nurse, working for 25 years with the very ill populations of our society, I learned what an impact lifestyle has on overall health. Personally, my own health was starting to shows signs of deterioration. I have used the steps outlined in this program to move from impending illness to improving health. It was only natural to want to share this with others. It has now become a rewarding retirement career.

Take Shape for Life

4 Chamber News | April 2013

Take Advantage of COC Networking Opportunities

Networking Opportunities – Monthly luncheons, Chamber mixers (host and attend), ribbon cuttings, annual banquet and auction, legislative breakfast, economic update and annual chicken barbecue ... All of these networking opportunities are fantastic ways to meet other local business owners and thier employees and a fabulous way to promote your business or store AND have a great time in the process! There is a nominal fee (covers the cost of your meal) to attend the luncheons.

Hear what two new members have to say:

“ Only being a member for three months, I am thrilled with the amount of networking I have been able to do in a short amount of time. I have participated in several events and have met some wonderful people. The Chamber has helped me quickly put my business on the map! I have seen a Mount Joy Chamber that has been very active, promotes the members, and brings the community together! I am excited to continue building relationships and becoming more and more active with our Chamber!”

~ Greg Sallade, State Farm Insurance

“ Only being a member for a short period there are two benefits that come to mind. I like the agenda and speakers at the monthly luncheons and I’m impressed with how friendly the members are. I have talked to a number of the members at the luncheons and I’m confident over time we will be doing some business together.”

~ Ken Lundy, H.B. McClure Company

CONTACT INFORMATIONDavid Steffie, Vice President Account Services37 Farmington Lane, Elizabethtown, PA 17022(717) 951-6335 mobiledave.steffie@energysherlock.com

EnergySherlock is a mysterious name, can you tell us a little bit about your company? We are a full service commercial energy management company. Our services include (but are not limited to) lighting retrofits, energy audits, energy management systems, refrig-eration retrofits and energy procurement. We also created our own energy management analysis software (Klarify), which is currently in use with 2 major restaurant chains.

We separate ourselves from our competition by adhering to the thought that energy reduction measures must also make good fiscal sense. We create a plan that is based on fixing problems without breaking budgets. We are able to do this by maximizing rebates and incentives while using products that prove to cut costs and maintain their lifespan.

Must a business be a certain size for you to be able to help them cut their energy costs? We have clients that range from small business to large corporations. All companies pay utility costs so all companies have a potential to save money. The only thing that may change with respect to client size is cost and scope of projects. For example, a large manu-facturer will have multiple kinds of devices that utilize energy, whereas a small antique shop may only have lighting and air conditioning to worry about. If making changes to either clients’ equipment makes sense from a fiscal and energy savings perspective, then it really does not matter. Also, we pride ourselves on treating the small client as well as we treat the multi-site corporate client.

How does a business owner begin the process of reducing energy costs and how do you determine if you can help a business owner? We always begin by getting onsite and physically looking at the client’s facility. A business owner just has to give us a call. We will come out and give a basic assessment of a facility for zero fees. In fact, we only charge consulting fees when that is what the client asks for. We will get “boots on the ground” to determine if there are opportunities to save the client money. We then run a cost v. return analysis to see if these opportunities make sense. If they do, we then lay out a specific plan of action to accomplish these goals while taking advantage of any energy company (PA ACT 129) rebates or government tax incentives.

Do you provide any guarantee to your clients that you will be able to save them mon-ey? We provide estimates based on know metrics like the Pennsylvania ACT 129 Lighting Calculator. We use the client’s business hours and energy costs to estimate savings. We do guarantee energy rebates from PPL by taking rebate as payment. This is accomplished directly from PPL to us. If the rebate money runs out, we lose the money...not the client.

Lastly, we are conservative when it comes to expectations. My goal is always to under promise and over deliver.

EnergySherlock

David Steffie of EnergySherlock was the winner of $40 in Mount Joy Money for bringing a guest to this years Annual Chamber Banquet and Auction. Congratulations!

5 Chamber News | April 2013

Milanof-Schock Library Events

The Milanof-Schock Library will be holding their annual Book Sale at the Community Bible Church on Anderson Ferry Road in Marietta – April 25 through 27. See the Library’s web site for more information www.mslibrary.org

“What’s Your Health IQ?” Find out all you need to know about the importance of breakfast, smaller meals and hydration in this first of three sessions in our spring health series on Wednesday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. It’s time to focus on your health because you’re worth it!

Clifford’s 50th Birthday Celebration will be held Thursday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m. Miss Jan will read Clifford stories, offer a fun craft and will share a yummy birthday treat! Please register for this event by calling the library at 653-1510.

The library’s Summer Reading Program kick-off will be held Saturday, June 1 at 10 a.m. Save the date!

CONTACT INFORMATIONKen Lundy, Sales600 S. 17th StreetHarrisburg, PA 17104232-4328www.hbmcclure.com

You bought out Shelly Oil Company in 2012. Can you tell us how that affected your business and also a little bit about H.B. McClure Company? Over the past few years we have looked for opportunities to expand our residential ser-vice and fuels business and have purchased several firms in south-central Pa. The acqui-sition of Shelly Oil has increased our market presence in western Lancaster County. Our ‘home base ‘ is in Harrisburg, but we really see ourselves as a regional provider-serving all of Dauphin, Cumberland, & Perry counties and portions of York, Adams, & Franklin coun-ties as well.

We are staffed with over 200 of the most experienced and friendly employees around, and have a fleet of over 100 trucks. We have the resources to address most any need.

What types of services do you offer at H.B. McClure Company? We serve residential and commercial clients needs for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. This includes system service, installation and preventive maintenance agreements. In addition we offer fuel oil and propane delivery. We are trusted advisors in Energy Management Systems, Geothermal Systems, and Solar Energy Systems.

H.B. McClure has chosen to take part in the Chamber’s member-to-member dis-counts. Would you like to share with the membership what that discount is?We are offering a “Business/Organizational Discount Program” to all of the Chamber members and their employees. A member can take advantage of our discounts on most all of our products and services and also offer those same discounts to their employees. The member simply lets our customer service rep know they are a member or an employee of a member to take advantage of our program. *There is no financial obligation to the busi-ness or parent company.

In addition we are offering a ‘2013 Spring Special Savings’ program: 1) Free 10-yr parts and labor factory warranty on selected Amana gas furnaces, heat pumps and air condi-tioning systems ($550 value). 2) Rebates up to $ 1,200 on selected Lennox gas furnaces, heat pumps and air conditionings. 3) 6-months no interest financing for qualified clients purchasing new systems. 4) A coupon for a free tank set for new propane gas delivery cus-tomer, ($79 value), plus a 1st delivery discount. 5) A coupon for a free TankSure* inspec-tion for new automatic fuel oil delivery customers. This free first year coverage to qualify-ing tanks, ($ 50 value). 6) New service customers receive a 10% discount off task rate for their 1st service call. The’ Spring Special Savings’ program expires 5/31/2013.

H.B. McClure

Congratulations to Chamber member Luke Brubaker of Brubaker Farms. He was named 2013 Top Producer of the Year recently at Top Producer Seminar’s annual award banquet in Chicago. Luke is chairman of the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board.

Luke Brubaker is Top Producer of the Year

6 Chamber News | April 2013

In 1993 Tony Amato and his family opened Today’s Pizza and Italian Res-taurant in the Mount Joy Shopping Square. At the time Tony had 9 years experi-ence in the restaurant business, but it was time for him to make his mark in the Mount Joy community with a new restaurant. Through the tireless efforts of Tony and his family, Today’s Pizza has become a popular choice for dining in the Mount Joy area.

What is Today’s Pizza formula for success? It’s pretty simple, use the best ingredients in authentic Italian recipes, prepare the meals fresh as they are or-dered and provide a clean and comfortable dining room for the patrons. Today’s Pizza offers a full Italian menu in addition to Pizza.

Does your company want to treat your employees to an Italian meal, or are you planning a party? Today’s Pizza can accommodate you! Let them know what you have in mind and they can do the rest.

Today’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant has succeeded in this area of large chain stores and restaurants by providing a higher quality of great tasting food, family atmosphere, and by having an owner who is involved in every aspect of the business. Many of Today’s Pizza customers are “regulars” who have come to know Tony and his family and appreciate their hard work that ensures a level of consistency that is not often found in the restaurant business.

Tony and his family would like to say “Thank You for a Great 20 Years!” Stop in and visit us during our 20th Anniversary and check out all the specials April 9, 10 and 11!!

Today’s Pizza Celebrates 20 Year in BusinessChamber Offers Two Scholarships

The Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce is offering two $1,000 scholarships to family members of current Chamber members or any Mount Joy area residents.

Applicants must meet the following requirements.College/Post Secondary Students:• Must be enrolled in an

accredited college or accredited post secondary school

• Must have completed one semester with a GPA of 2.5 or high on a 4.0 scale

• Must submit college transcriptHigh School Students:• Must be a senior who is

entering an accredited college or post secondary school

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

• Must submit a high school transcript

• Must submit copy of SAT/ACT scores

Applications are available to pick up at the Mount Joy Chamber office, 62 E. Main Street, Suite 1 from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday and must be returned no later than Friday, May 31. You can call the Chamber office at 653-0773 or email info@mountjoychamber.com.

The purpose of the Mount Joy Chamber Scholarship is to encourage and assist promising future workforce leaders for our community.

7 Chamber News | April 2013

Mount Joy Area Historical Society

The Mount Joy Area Historical Society is renovating the 1840 Cemetery Road

Schoolhouse adjacent to their museum to provide a meeting space for members and community groups. Lancaster County Career and Technology students, under the supervision of Tom Snyder, have removed the chimney, the staircase to the attic, and floorboards. The roof has been patched until a bell tower can be constructed to house a bell already owned by the Society. Salvaged floorboards will be refinished and reinstalled after the basement has been leveled and cemented.

Funds are needed to continue the renovation effort. Contributions can be mailed to the Mount Joy Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 152, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Any questions about the project should be directed to Jay Greider, Schoolhouse Renovation Project Chairman, at 653-5879 or at JCGx450@aol.com.

CONTACT INFORMATIONDebra Miller, Executive Director607 Hearthstone LaneMount Joy, PA 17552492-9692www.junipercommunities.com

The Juniper Village name is new to this area. Can you tell us about the transaction and what brought Juniper Village to Mount Joy. Juniper Communities is a privately held New Jersey based company that owns and operates assisted liv-ing, memory care and skilled nursing homes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and Colorado. In late December 2012 Juniper Communities purchased two senior living campuses formerly known as Hearthstone Manor, one located in Lebanon and one of which is Juniper Village at Mount Joy. These communities add substantial unit growth to the company in one of their four existing operational regions.

Tell us about Juniper Village at Mount Joy and the services/care that you offer. Juniper Village at Mount Joy offers beautiful and spacious surroundings including a large gathering room with stone fireplace, open dining room with a view of our lovely green space, diverse activities and a variety of private and semi-private suites.

What does Juniper Village offer that other communities may not offer? Juniper Village at Mount Joy has a number of signature programs that include Connections—activities designed to promote healthy aging; Partners in Caring—to offer additional health services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy; H’art and Soul of Dining—designed to share the joy of good food and spirited services. These are just three of the many quality programs offered at Juniper Village.

There have been articles in recent local newspapers regarding elder care costs, etc. What does Juniper Village do to help families through this process? Juniper Village offers an all rental model for senior living in a market which is currently dominated by

strong entry fee model communities. We also offer as part of our Signature Program New Beginnings a Financial Solutions educational program designed to assist families to understand the financial options available to them. Some available Financial Solutions include companion living, VA Aid and Attendance benefits, and Elder Life Financial Services.

Juniper Village at Mount Joy (formerly Hearthstone Manor)

Debra Miller (left), Executive Director and Cindy Longefellow, National Director of Sales and Marketing for Juniper Communities

The Mount Joy Chamber participated in the Main Street Mount Joy Fire and Ice event. The Chamber and As the Crow Flies together sponsored an ice sculpture of an eagle on the Liberty Bell.

Main Street Mount Joy Fire and Ice

8 Chamber News | April 2013

On January 16 PNC Bank held their first Chamber Mixer. Everyone had a fabulous time socializing and the food from area restaurants was fabulous too! Here’s to hoping this is an annual event! Great Job PNC Bank!

Juniper Village at Mount Joy joined the Chamber of Commerce and also held a ribbon cutting in February. We would like to welcome Juniper Village to the Chamber and congratulate them on their new ownership. Pictured from left to right are: Dr. John Ginder, Juniper Village Medical Director; Mayor Mary Ginder; Carl Shank Mount Joy Chamber board member; Debra Miller, Juniper Village; Cindy Longfellow, National Director of Sales and Marketing for Juniper Communities; Liz Markey, Director of Community Relations and Tia Stokes, Senior Resident Associate Juniper Village at Mount Joy.

At least 50 people showed up to awaken Mount Joy Minnie on Groundhog Day. Minnie predicted at least 6 more weeks of winter and boy was she correct! Hot chocolate and cookies was provided by the Walter S. Ebersole American Legion Post 185.

A new business to Mount Joy and a new Chamber member, Greg Sallade State Farm Insurance held an Open House and Chamber Ribbon Cutting on January 24th. Greg had lots of door prizes to give away and it was also a fantastic way to meet Greg, his staff and his family! Welcome to the Chamber Greg!!

Great food and networking was enjoyed at the Annual Northwest Savings Bank Cham-ber mixer on March 19th. If you haven’t been to a mixer yet, you may want to attend!!

PNCBank

Northwest Savings Bank

RIBBON CUTTINGS

CHAMBER MIXERS

Mount JoyMinnie

9 Chamber News | April 2013

Juniper Village at Mount Joy

On April 15 at 5 p.m. we will be having a Happy Hour and Open House. Join us for an hour of happiness with an array of brain healthy appetizers & wine. While we visit, allow us to take you on a tour of the community to see our newly added life stations. RSVP by 04/08/13 – 492-9692.

Join us for “Your Brain and Music” on April 24 at 6:30 p.m. for an educational session on music as a therapy, presented by Cass Jendzurski; Certified Music Practitioner. Cass is currently contracted to provide healing music by a number of local hospices and retirement communities. Cass is a solo vocalist, harpist, recording artist, composer and author. Delicious healthy refreshments will follow. RSVP by 04/17/13.

CONTACT INFORMATIONChris Chavez, Branch Manager761 E. Main StreetMount Joy, PA 17552653-4056www.springleaffinancial.com

What types of services does Springleaf Financial offer? Personal loans, consolidation loans, auto loans.

How easy is it to apply for a loan with Springleaf Financial Services? You can apply in person, over the phone, on our website or even using your smart phone.

What makes you different from a banking institution? Our decision isn’t based on a credit score. Every application is reviewed one at a time and we look at the whole picture, not just a number. There is no minimum loan amount.

What would you like to share with us about Springleaf Financial Services? The company has 90+ years of experience in consumer lending. Local businesses are invited to enroll in our Referral Program where we are able to pay the business for referring a customer ($50 - $200 depending on the size of the loan.) There is no cost/commitment to enroll. Anyone at the branch can help the business enroll, no matter how small or large the business is.

Springleaf Financial

Jim Roberts of Jim Roberts’ West Main Auto, along with Rick Stauffer from Ephrata, will compete in the 2013 One Lap of America. A major part in this effort will be raising money for the Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition. Stickers with the Pink Breast Cancer ribbon will be placed on the car for each donation of $10 or more, and can be “In Honor of”, “In Memory of”, or you can put your own name, or business name on the car to show your support of the Breast Cancer Coalition. This will be Jim’s 5th One Lap of America and he has raised several thousand dollars for charity as part of the effort.

Members of the Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce have been very generous in the past in donating to this cause. To make a donation and get a sticker on the car, stop in at the store or send to Jim Roberts, c/o West Main Auto, 14 W. Main St., Mount Joy, Pa. 17552 along with who to name on the sticker. Please make all checks

payable to Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition or PABCC. This year Jim will travel nearly 5,000 miles in a

little over a week covering the Eastern United States from South Bend, Indiana to Talledega, Alabama to New Orleans, Daytona Beach, and the Carolinas, then north to Virginia, Pittsburgh International Raceway and back to South Bend. They will compete in about 20 events including skip pad competitions, a large autocross on the runways at Grissom Air Force Base, two drag strip events and the rest will be road course time trials. At each track Jim will do Time Trial events and accumulate points against competing cars in both class and overall standings.

Anyone who is sympathetic to the Pa Breast Cancer Coalition cause and would like to help solicit donations among friends, family or business associates, can contact Jim for sign up sheets for collecting, just give him a call.

Jim Roberts’ Corvette Team Raising Funds for Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition

Branch Manager Chris Chavez (left) , Gloriana Fetterolf and Andrew Dochterman.

This information was provided for Chamber News byNathaniel MillerEdward Jones410 B West Main Street Mount Joy, PA 17552 (717) 653-1874 www.edwardjones.com

$In Europe, the financial crisis drags on. China’s

economic growth has slowed from “wow” to “ho-hum.” Here at home, we’ve seen heated political debates over taxes, spending and deficit reduction. Taken together, these factors have created a “fog of uncertainty” that has left many investors in the dark about their next moves. But is this “fog” really impenetrable — or can you, as an individual investor, see through it to a place of clarity?

To do so, you first need to realize that while the events mentioned above are certainly not insignificant, they also aren’t the key determinants of investors’ success. While these types of stories dominate the headlines, they also tend to obscure some of the factors that frequently do play a bigger role in the investment world. And right now, these factors are actually somewhat encouraging.

Consider the following:• The economy continues to grow. The economy isn’t

going “gangbusters,” but it is growing. And thanks to historically low interest rates, consumer debt payments have dropped significantly, leaving people with more money to spend elsewhere. Typically, this higher spending tends to contribute to future economic growth.

• Corporate earnings remain solid. Many companies have shown strong earnings over the past couple of years — and earnings tend to be a key driver of stock prices. When their earnings are strong, companies may use some of the profits to repurchase shares of their own stock, thereby reducing the number of shares held by the public — which means that even if profits remain the same, the earnings per share should increase.

• Stocks are still attractively priced. As measured by the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), stocks are still priced relatively well. While no one can predict stock market performance, this may be a good buying opportunity. Of course, all these indicators of today’s investment environment can change over time; at some point, they may well be not so positive. But if you truly want to see through the fog of uncertainty

that always develops with unsettling political or economic news, you’ll want to follow these basic, “all-weather” guidelines:

• Stay diversified. A diversified portfolio can help protect you from the harshest effects of market volatility. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss.)

• Rebalance your portfolio. Over time, your investment mix can shift, even without your intent. For example, some of your holdings can appreciate so much in value that they take on a greater percentage of your portfolio than you had intended. That’s why it’s important to periodically rebalance your portfolio so that it fits your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

• Stay focused on the long term. When confronted with short-term market fluctuations or scary headlines, many people overreact and make ill-advised investment decisions. You can avoid these behaviors by staying focused on the long term.

• Invest in companies that are charting their own course. When investing for the equity portion of your portfolio, look for companies with the ability to prosper in all economic environments.

With patience and perseverance, and by focusing on the key factors outlined above, you can navigate the fog of uncertainty and concentrate on your long-term investment goals. So don’t be afraid to “set sail.”

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not tax advisors and cannot give tax advice. Please consult your qualified tax professional regarding your situation.

Financial FOCUS

Look Past “Fog of Uncertainty” When Investing

10 Chamber News | April 2013

When the U.S. Supreme Court voted to uphold the Affordable Care Act last year, the ruling offered each state the option to expand their Medicaid program to cover more uninsured citizens. The potential for expanding this program in Pennsylvania has been a

major topic of debate in recent weeks. Because this complex issue could have a significant impact on the state for decades to come, it is important for lawmakers to carefully consider all aspects of this plan before reaching a final decision.

Medicaid currently covers more than 2.2 million low-income state residents. The Department of Public Welfare estimates that the expansion would add more than 800,000 additional state residents to the program. In addition to offering coverage to more working Pennsylvanians, the expansion could also benefit many hospitals that serve low-income areas since a significant portion of their services are uncompensated.

One of my biggest concerns regarding the expansion is the long-term cost to state taxpayers. If Pennsylvania agrees to extend Medicaid coverage, the federal government has pledged to pay 100 percent of the additional costs for the program for the first several years. However, the share paid by the federal government would gradually decline to 90 percent by 2020, leaving state taxpayers to pay the difference. This additional financial burden could place severe constraints on future state budgets.

The long-term affordability and sustainability of the Medicaid program is also an area of concern. With or without the Medicaid expansion, reforms are necessary at the federal level to improve the program. States must be given the flexibility to manage the program more efficiently in order to reduce costs. As we continue to discuss the possible expansion of the program, it is important to make sure the federal government is willing to do its part to improve the program and provide the promised level of long-term funding.

While I still have several concerns regarding the Medicaid expansion, I believe it is important for Pennsylvania lawmakers and the governor to continue to have a dialogue with federal officials regarding this issue. Several of our neighboring states have taken a similar stance -- carefully examining the potential Medicaid expansion while continuing to negotiate with the federal government. Pennsylvania can opt-in to the expansion at any time, so we have the option of waiting to see how the expansion plays out in other states.

For more information on issues of importance to Lancaster and Chester County resi-dents, please visit my website at www.senatorbrubaker.com.

A Conversation with Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36)

Potential Medicaid Expansion Warrants Further Study

11 Chamber News | April 2013

A local conservation project was recently recognized as a winner of the Keystone 20th An-niversary Award for an exemplary Parks and Recreation project funded through the Keystone Rec-reation, Park and Conservation Fund. Columbia River Park was one of just six projects recognized with this award across the state and the only award recipient in our area.

Columbia River Park’s $1.03 million conservation project in-cluded improvements and expan-sions of the boating facilities, pedestrian walkways, the canoe and kayak launching area, picnic areas and benches, pedestrian access to the Susquehanna River, rain gardens, stormwater qual-ity control and restoration of the riverbank. An additional phase of improvements is currently under-way.

The award was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Growing Green-er Coalition, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Society, Pennsylvania Library Association and Preservation Pennsylvania.

Columbia River Park Recognized with Keystone 20th Anniversary Award

is proud to reveal the

2013 Earth Day reusable bag!

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SAVE THE DATEMAY 14 • 5-7 p.m.

Chamber Mixer at Longwood Manor2760 Maytown Road • Maytown