Blair Business Mirror hits the streets Tuesday
Backbone Bash returns to help small businesses network
Williamson approved as vice-chair of Non-Profit Roundtable
LBC session to feature debates on key issues
Green Drinks set for tomorrow at Altoona Hotel
Membership Directory ads now on sale
Call for entries taking place for Canstruction®
Seminar to focus on responsiblities of 401-K providers
GRYP Paintball event is this Wednesday
Reserved your Home & Garden Show booth yet?
Congratulations . . .

Blair Business Mirror hits the streets Tuesday 

The Blair Business Mirror, containing news about The Chamber and published by the Altoona Mirror, will be a supplement to the Mirror’s normal newspaper tomorrow. The main feature of this month’s issue focuses on Penelec - A FirstEnergy Company and how the electricity supplier is taking steps to help local businesses adjust to the upcoming removal of the rate caps on electricity in our region. The Business Mirror also contains a recap on Farm-City Month as well as several other stories on business issues. If you don’t receive the Altoona Mirror and don’t get a chance to purchase one on Tuesday, a copy will be mailed to each Chamber-Member business by the end of this week.  

Backbone Bash returns to help small businesses network  
Small businesses will get a much-needed “night out” this Friday, Nov. 12 as The Chamber holds its next Backbone Bash. The event, named because small business is the backbone of the business community, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Buccinese Club in Altoona . It is for owners and employees of small businesses who want the opportunity to network in a laid-back environment while enjoying great Italian food, cold adult beverages, door prizes, karaoke, bocce, shuffle board and more. Sponsorships are available by calling The Chamber at 943-8151. Register for the Backbone Bash online.

Williamson approved as Vice-Chair of Non-Profit Roundtable

Advertising sales are under way for the 2011 Blair County Chamber Membership Directory, County Profile & Buyers Guide, to be published early next year. The book has been a popular way for businesses to market themselves through a publication that reaches not only The Chamber Membership but the Blair County community as well. If you are interested in discussing or purchasing an ad, contact Frank Carney at 943-8151. 

Call for entries taking place for Canstruction®

Back by popular demand at the 2011 Blair County Home & Garden Show will be Canstruction®, an opportunity for local businesses to build structures and displays made entirely of canned goods that will then be donated to local food banks.  The Canstruction® displays will be featured at the March 4-6 show presented for the 41st year by The Chamber and the Blair/Bedford Builders Association. The call for entries is now taking place and businesses and organizations interested in taking part in Canstruction® should attend an informational meeting to be held on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Devorris Center. There is no cost or obligation to attend the meeting. For further information or to register for the meeting, contact Stacy Hoover at 943-8151.

Seminar to focus on responsiblities of 401-K providers
Many employers wrongly assume that their 401-K provider is performing all the tasks expected by the Department of Labor. Last year, the DOL collected fines and penalties totaling $2.3 billion.  Several businesses in Blair County have been among those fined. To help businesses better understand their 401-K responsibilities, the Blair County Chamber, Penn State Altoona and Forney Financial Solutions are co-sponsoring a Department of Labor seminar on Nov. 10 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Devorris Downtown Center in Altoona . Among the speakers are Christina O’Brien, Investigative Supervisor for DOL; Blain Aikin, CEO of FI 360; and Rocco DiBruno, Managing Director for Thornburg Retirement. There is no cost to attend but space is limited. To register, call 944-8474 or register online.  

GRYP Paintball event is this Wednesday

For the first time, The Chamber's Growth and Relationships of Young Professionals group is looking to offer activities for its members and the community. A newly formed Sports and Recreation subcommittee will begin to plan activities for GRYP members. The first event will be held at 6 p.m. this Wednesday at Urban Warzone in Duncansville. GRYP Members and friends will meet to play a few hours of paintball at the facility. The cost to participate is $25, which includes the equipment and 200 rounds of paintballs. Those who participate should wear clothes that can be ruined and layering your clothing is recommended. A count must be given, so please pre-register online. 

Reserved your Home & Garden Show booth yet?

If you plan to display your business in the 2011 Blair County Home & Garden Show, it’s not too early to get a prime booth location before all spots are taken. The show isn’t until March but reservations are well ahead of last year. Don’t miss out! Contact Stacy Hoover at 943-8151 or go to the home show website to download an application.     

Injury prevention topic of next safety presentation

The Chamber Safety Committee’s next monthly program will focus on ways that businesses of all sizes can prevent workplace injuries.  “Injury Prevention: What You Need to Know” will be presented on Nov. 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Marzoni’s in Duncansville. Presenters will be Dr. Eddie Luke of HealthFirst and Alisha Jones of Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, Inc. Cost to attend is $22 for Chamber Members, $30 for non-members and $17 each for Member businesses with three or more attendees. Lunch is included. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.

Chamber, PEL to examine impact of midterm elections
The Chamber and the Pennsylvania Economy League’s Central Penn Committee will present an Issues Forum Friday, Nov. 19 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona . James Lee, President of Susquehanna Polling and Research, will present, “The Election of 2010: What Changes Can We Expect?” Susquehanna Polling and Research has been quoted in numerous publications and media programs including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the New York Times. The cost to attend is $22 per person and includes a buffet lunch. To register, call The Chamber at 943-8151 or register online.   

Congratulations . . .
. . . to Galliker’s Dairy which recently received the 2010 “Dairy of the Year Award” from United Supply Chain, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Dairy Queen Corporation. The award is presented in recognition of the dairy that receives the highest scores on product quality, service and system support. 

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