All Business Podcast

In this episode of the All Business Podcast, we're joined by Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Al Schmidt. Tune in as we discuss how PA Chamber members and businesses across the Commonwealth can file their 2025 Annual Report, learn what is required and what resources are available. We also talk about the Department of State's work to improve the business registration process in Pennsylvania and other great things happening for the benefit of the PA business community.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast we welcome Jim Kinville, Senior Director, Life Solutions at Workpartners. We delve into the world of mental health and the important role that the employer plays in supporting all different types of recovery and providing a welcoming environment for all employees.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, we're thrilled to talk with Mark Richardson, CEO of U.S. Light Energy. During this great conversation we learn more about U.S. Light Energy and the solar energy industry. Mark provides great insight into the industry while also also talking about the advantages of doing business in Pennsylvania.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, we're thrilled to talk with Harry Lindenmuth, Vice President of Operations and Audubon Site Head for the Almac Group. During this great conversation we learn more about Almac, their footprint in Pennsylvania and around the world.  Additionally, get to learn a little bit more about Harry, his military background and the importance of hiring veterans.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein is joined by Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director of the American Petroleum Institute of Pennsylvania, to discuss how Pennsylvania's robust energy sector and abundant natural resources have contributed to the state's economic growth, and how industry innovation has made environmental progress toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy production.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper sits down with Austin Davis, Lieutenent Governor of Pennsylvania, and Andrea Heberlein, Executive Director of the PA Early Learning Investment Commission, to discuss some of the issues PA employers are facing in relation to the cost and availability of childcare.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein is joined by Justin Ladner of PA American Water and Jeff Plewes of Charles River Associates to discuss the pressing issues surrounding Pennsylvania's water infrastructure. In this episode, we learn about a recent study that sheds new light on how private and consolidated water and wastewater companies are delivering significant economic and environmental benefits to communities throughout the Commonwealth while outperforming other systems in ensuring high water quality standards for their customers. Our guests delve into the findings of this study, outlining the potential for private and consolidated companies to address the challenges facing Pennsylvania's water systems. Through their expertise, Ladner and Plewes provide valuable insights into how these companies can offer innovative solutions to tackle issues such as outdated pipes, lead contamination, and deferred maintenance to deliver clean, reliable water to communities across the state.

On the latest episode of the All Business Podcast we are pleased to welcome Alex Bassett Strange, Executive Vice-President of Basset's Ice Cream. In this episode we learn all about Bassetts Ice Cream, a sixth-generation family business and a Philadelphia tradition since 1861. Specifically we talk all about exporting, something that Basset's has done for the past 15 years. Alex provides great insight into the many benefits of exporting, how they got started, and some of the important resources that they use to be a successful exporter.

On the latest episode of the All Business Podcast we are pleased to welcome Anthony J. Foschi, Chair of Saxton & Stump's Hospitality Group and a member of the Real Estate and Business, Corporate and Tax Law Groups. In this episode we learn more about Saxton & Stump and the many great services they provide. Tony provides a unique insight and some great reccomendations of legal services that all businesses should have. Additionally, he sheds some light on what legal services most businesses are not taking advantage of that they should be.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast we are pleased to welcome Haggai Dror, VP of Business & Strategy and Grant Ervin Director of Innovation for S&B. S&B is a multi-billion dollar global company that specializes in complex infrastructure projects. In 2020, S&B moved their United States Headquarters to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. In this episode we learn more about S&B, the electric vehicle industry, and the infrastructure that surrounds it. We also talk about why they chose Pittsburgh to be their U.S. headquarters over many other prominent locations in the country.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast we welcome former U.S. Congressman and current Senior Government Relations Advisor for ArentFox Schiff, Phil English. Congressman English, who represented his Erie-based district in the U.S. House for 14 years, offered his perspective and valuable insight on the political and legislative landscape in both Harrisburg and Washington D.C.

2022 was an exciting year for Pennsylvania business, with Gov. Wolf signing historic tax reform into law and a number of new projects announced in state. As we look to turn the page into 2023 and build on this momentum with a new Governor and many new faces in the legislature, we had a great conversation with Dennis Davin on how to make Pennsylvania an even better place to live and grow a business. Dennis is senior vice president of JLL, a leading commercial real estate developer and for seven years prior served as secretary for Pennsylvania's economic development agency. We enjoyed this discussion and hope you do as well.

In this episode we welcome Brad Rinehart, an HCM Solutions Consultant for isolved. Isolved provides HR solutions to boost performance, increase productivity, and accelerate results while reducing risk. Brad tells us all about the company, their capabilities and reach in PA and across the country. We delve into topics about the many hats an HR professional has to wear, the importance of having a DEI strategy and the future of HR in this pandemic-altered world.

On this episode of the All Business Podcast, we welcome a great panel of guests from Erie, Pennsylvania: •Christina Marsh Chief Diversity and Community Development Officer, Erie Insurance •James Grunke President & CEO, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership •John Persinger CEO, Erie Downtown Development Corporation Located on beautiful Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, Erie County is a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Toronto. The City of Erie is Pennsylvania's only Great Lakes port city. Erie has undergone an impressive transformation over the past several years and serves as a great example of what is possible when businesses, politicians and the community come together to make your area a better place to work, play and live.

In this episode of the All Business Podcast, we welcome Gregg Troian, President of PGT Trucking. Based right here in Pennsylvania, PGT Trucking is a leader in the flatbed trucking industry. In this episode we talk about the history of PGT and their footprint both here and Pennsylvania and across the country. We learn about some of the challenges facing the industry and learn what PGT has been doing to overcome them. We also delve into the future of the industry as Gregg provides some great insight into some of the strategic partnerships and investments PGT has made with an eye toward future.

In this episode of the All Business Podcast, we welcome Shelly Eckenroth, Senior Vice President, Communications, Branding & Experience at Select Medical. Based in Central Pennsylvania, Select Medical boasts a workforce of over 50,000 employees and locations all over the country. In this episode we talk about the team at Select Medical and what it takes to build and maintain a strong company culture. Additionally, we talk about the pandemic, from beginning until now, and how Select Medical was uniquely positioned to help and continues to be a great resource as we continue to adjust to a new normal.

Most people know that Facebook recently rebranded and changed its name to Meta, and have heard the term “metaverse” being tossed around. But what exactly IS the metaverse? Where is it headed? And what should businesses do to prepare for this next major evolution of the Internet? In this episode of the All Business Podcast, we welcome Chuck Hoover, General Manager of Pittsburgh-based Meta Reality Labs. He'll answer these key questions and offer his insights as we discuss the metaverse and its relationship to business, along with all the great things Meta is doing right here in Pennsylvania.

In this episode we welcome Dr. Eric Darr, President of Harrisburg University of Science & Technology. Our conversation with Dr. Darr provides great insight into what it's like to be a relatively new university which is experiencing tremendous growth. Additionally we discuss their highly successful e-sports program, international strategy, workforce development and what lies ahead in the future for this innovative educational institution.

In this episode we welcome Joe Emrich, Market Director for Johnson Controls. In his role as the Market Director for Johnson Controls as well as a certified speaker, trainer and coach for the John Maxwell Team, Joe is able to work and help others expand their influence and effectiveness. At Johnson Controls, Joe's team of over 200 professionals serve their clients with building automation (Metasys), HVAC Equipment (York), Security and Fire, Technology Integration (Tyco, Simplex-Grinnell) and ongoing Services. Joe's primary responsibilities for this market include client satisfaction, market share growth, delivering predictable profits each month, and team talent development. Joe has held positions over his 31 year career in engineering, project management, energy solutions sales, along with branch and regional management. Community volunteer efforts include serving as Chairman of the Penn State Hershey Children's Miracle Network Advisory Board, Vice President of the AABE Harrisburg Chapter, and on additional boards the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) and Penn State Capital Campaign Board. Joe also serves as a mentor with the American Corporate Partners working with veterans transitioning from the military to private sector. Joe is also a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. He along with the other coaches have trained groups in both the USA as well as internationally. As Joe enters the second half of his career, his focus is shifting from success to significance. Success comes from meeting and exceeding personal goals but significance comes from helping others achieve and thrive in their own hopes, goals and dreams. This starts first with family, then to business and finally to the community and world.

In this episode we welcome Sarah Olexsak, Manager, Transportation Electrification, Duquesne Light Company. Duquesne Light is leading the charge in Western Pennsylvania and across the region when it comes to educating the public about electric vehicles (EV) and building out EV charging infrastructure. They recently launched a website dedicated EV's that is full of great information for consumers, business and the community. For more than 15 years, Sarah has worked to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. At Duquesne Light, she strives to make the benefits of electric mobility accessible to all. Prior to boomeranging to her hometown of Pittsburgh in 2018, she led advanced vehicle and fueling infrastructure efforts at the U.S. Department of Energy and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

In this episode we welcome Dr. Saba Khan, Director of CHOP food Pharmacies and Chris Brand, Director, Communications and Social Impact at The GIANT Company. Recently, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced the expansion of its Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy to a second location in West Philadelphia. The expansion was made possible by a longstanding partners at the GIANT Company. The aim of the new location is to increase food access to more patient families, while also providing ongoing support to identify and address broader social determinants of health. The new Food Pharmacy 2.0 is a part of CHOP’s Healthier Together Initiative. Launched in 2019, Healthier Together focuses on some of the most pressing health and economic needs in neighborhoods surrounding the hospital’s campus.

In this episode we welcome Erin Harrell, Director of Oncology Sales for Kroger Specialty Pharmacy. Kroger Specialty Pharmacy is the nation’s largest independent specialty pharmacy. It services primarily oncology, auto immune, pulmonology physicians and cystic fibrosis centers in all 50 states and PR. KSP has Centers of Excellence for each disease states it services across the 10 stateside locations. KSP is dedicated to serving patients with chronic illnesses requiring complex care. They optimize patient outcomes by blending a high-touch, caring patient experience with specialized clinical knowledge, personalized total life care programs and administrative expertise. Erin has over 18 years of medical sales experience. Of this, 14 years have been in the specialty pharmacy segment. Throughout this time, she has sold in neurology, infectious disease, organ transplant, cardiology, hepatology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, dermatology, and rheumatology but focus primarily on oncology. She's been in sales management for about 8 years where spends the majority of her time (when not in a pandemic) working side by side with her team and loves to be out in the field with them. Recently she has been lending her time to Kroger Health as a part of their Covid test launch team.

We're pleased to welcome Jen Strobel, Vice President of Human Resources for Flagger Force, to the PA Chamber's All Business Podcast. Flagger Force is an industry leader in temporary traffic control and construction work zone safety throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Throughout her career at Flagger Force, she has developed innovative programs to cultivate leaders, foster collaboration and provide opportunities for growth including the creation and co-sponsorship of the Workforce Development Program at Flagger Force. She is an advocate for providing career opportunities to people with diverse backgrounds. Jen has been recognized numerous times throughout her career with several awards including the Athena Award from the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, the 'Woman of the Year' Award from the Association of Builders and Contractors, Central Penn Business Journal 'Forty Under 40' Award and the Millersville University Outstanding Service Award.

We're pleased to welcome Brian Tedeschi, President of Think Communications, Inc. to the re-launch of the PA Chamber's All Business Podcast. Brian is a 30-year public relations, advertising and product launch veteran – bringing strategic communications expertise to bear for leading healthcare, consumer and specialty brands, including Penn State University, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, Philips Respironics, Calgon Carbon, Hyde Marine, Sheetz, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Primanti Bros., Rite Aid Corp., Matthews International, Columbia Gas and Equitable Resources, among others. Prior to launching Think Communications in 1998, he served as national marketing director for the Iron & Steel Institute/Steel Recycling Institute, where he helped lead communication initiatives for the automotive, appliance, steel construction framing and specialty markets. He also previously served at Burson-Marsteller, one of the world’s largest public relations agencies and SBC Advertising in Columbus, Ohio. Brian serves as a board member for the Boy Scouts of America, Western Pennsylvania Chapter; Northeast Region Area 4, Boy Scouts of America; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Rock for the Heart (for pediatric cardiac research). Previously, he served on the board of directors for the Ohio University National Alumni Association, the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and as president of the Public Relations Society of America, Pittsburgh Chapter.

On last month’s All Business podcast, we sat down with Harrisburg University and discussed their work with STEM curriculum in the high school and how HU is bringing that exposure to students through dual enrollment, early college programs and summer exploration camps. This month is PART 2 of our Harrisburg University interview where we take a look at women in STEM. With over 70 percent of jobs today requiring STEM skills, only 24 percent of the STEM workforce is made up of women who comprise about half of the entire workforce. But Harrisburg University is changing that and has created a network specifically devoted to women professionals in STEM and the development of professional women in science and technology— preparing women with real-world strategies and relationships that support development and advancement personally and within their careers. Listen in to Bili Mattes and Rubina Azizden from HU and hear the dynamic impact the university is making!

Kids who like to fix things, make things, or understand how things work by taking them apart are getting the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild while earning college credits through Harrisburg University’s innovative programs. Harrisburg University is opening the doors to middle school and high school students to unleash their passion for science and technology and channel their drive for knowledge and a career that will have an impact in a constantly changing world. The All Business podcast welcomes Ryan Korn, Director of Secondary Services, Programs and Partnerships with the University to talk about how they are helping early learners unleash their STEM talents.

Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast to meet Myra Brown, CEO and Owner of NWON – National Workforce Opportunity Network. You’ll hear how they are providing not only job readiness skills but career preparedness to help businesses get the right candidates to meet the staffing needs and build a skilled workforce.

With the increased need for employees for open positions at companies across the Commonwealth, learn how one Pennsylvania staffing company is connecting outstanding employees with the best companies in the area! Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast to hear from Jim Carchidi, Chief Executive Officer of JFC Staffing Companies who is not only building a great workforce for companies here in Central PA, but is a leader at building his own employee fan-club through innovative ways to motivate and encourage employees at JFC!

What started as a DJ business in high school and has grown into a full-service entertainment service company, Klock Entertainment is a true entrepreneurial success story. Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast and meet Jason Klock, founder and President of Klock Entertainment, as he takes us on his journey of success, shares his vision, and explains how he grew his business into this award winning, fast-growing company today!

As the health insurance renewal time is upon us, we invite you to meet PA Chamber Insurance’s new Chief Operating Officer, Brian Orsinger. Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast to get his insights on where health insurance for businesses is going and his vision for PA Chamber Insurance’s continued and growing success.

As employers are looking to fill in-demand positions for their organizations, one pool of potential employees that have skills and are looking for opportunity are re-entry candidates. Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast and learn how the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is working to build sustainable, employer-driven career pathways that prepare inmates with in-demand skills while incarcerated, and that connect those individuals to jobs, support services, and ongoing education upon release.

Highmark Inc. is universally recognized as one of the leaders in healthcare. But their contributions go well beyond providing healthcare benefits – listen in to this month’s All Business podcast and learn how they make a significant financial, community and sustainability footprint here in the Commonwealth, and the partnership approach they take to address the varied needs of our communities!

This month’s All Business podcast takes us to Happy Valley, State College, PA where we discuss the business of hospitality with Hospitality Asset Management Company – known as HAMCO for short. Listen and learn how HAMCO has built and continues to expand its property base and how their commitment to quality, their employees and decades of experience awarded them the Choice Hotels prestigious Premier Hotelier Award!

This month’s All Business podcast takes us back to school where we are talking to Dr. Ruth Patterson at Olney Charter High School in Philadelphia about their JAG program—Job’s for America’s Graduates. Listen in and learn how this program is teaching students employability skills and increases their workforce opportunities, all while reducing poverty and unemployment.

This month’s All Business podcast welcomes Stacy Kyle, Director of Business Development and Partnerships from member organization AHEDD. With so many jobs available across the state, one company is making a difference in filling those employment opportunities and helping Pennsylvanian’s with disabilities. Listen in to hear how AHEDD is serving youth in transition from school-to-work, and adults who are looking for employment in the community.

The first All Business podcast of the year features Jim Rodgers, Chief Strategic Officer from member company Dawood Engineering. Listen and learn how Dawood has grown over the past twenty years and their important contributions to Pennsylvania’s economic landscape! From designing, overseeing and coordinating projects varying in size such as single well-pad sites, to major highway reconstruction projects, to community wide land use planning and design—learn about their exciting new ventures and how they continue to grow not only here, but across the country.

This edition of the All Business podcast features Allison Davenport, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Listen in to learn how UnitedHealthcare is creating a future health workforce that meets a community’s diverse and distinct health care needs and grooming the next generation of health care talent in Pennsylvania through their Diverse Scholars Initiative.

Keystone Canna Remedies is the first medical marijuana facility to open in Pennsylvania, establishing its residency in Bethlehem, PA. The All Business podcast welcomes Victor Guadagnino Jr., Chief Business Development Officer for Keystone Canna Remedies to explain how this family-owned facility has become one of Pennsylvania’s premier medicinal marijuana dispensaries, the myths and facts surrounding medicinal marijuana, and how it is changing the landscape of traditional patient care and improving quality of life for their patients.

How do companies recruit the future workforce they need that have the skills they want? It’s a critical area for businesses across the Commonwealth. The Challenge Program, Inc., based in Johnstown, PA plays a crucial role in developing Business/Education partnerships while introducing students to careers in their communities and building the necessary employability skills. The All Business podcast welcomes Barbara Grandinetti, President of The Challenge Program, Inc., and Myra Bernhart, Workforce Development Manager of The Challenge Program, Inc., to tell their story, how they are changing the face of workforce and introducing students to jobs that exist in their communities – and introducing businesses to their future employees!

The All Business podcast welcomes Dr. Maurice Flurie, CEO of Commonwealth Charter Academy. Tune in to hear how this unique educational institution is changing the landscape of traditional learning. You’ll hear about their focus on filling workforce needs and their students’ future success. Commonwealth Charter Academy not only concentrates on fostering each students’ achievement, but also on the family – offering support and services so the family is integral to the learning environment!

Pennsylvania businesses continue to tell us their struggles with recruiting a qualified and ready-to-work workforce. The Harrisburg US ARMY Recruiting Battalion is here to help! Listen in to this month’s All Business podcast and learn how they are filling critical employment needs in almost every employment field found in the private sector.

This month’s All Business podcast welcomes Wilfred Muskins, President and CEO of Stevens & Lee/Griffin International. Listen and learn how Pennsylvania businesses can capitalize on the wide range of opportunities available to expand into global markets, some of the common misconceptions about going global and how opportunity for international trade is growing.

This month’s All Business podcast welcomes Robert and Devin Langan of Legacy Business Advisors. Specializing in personalized financial service and business succession planning, Legacy Business Advisors has a proven process and is recognized as best in class in delivering a customized plan that will position you to exit your business in a manner that preserves your legacy and on financial terms that allow you to meet your retirement goals. Listen and learn when you should start business success planning and the important steps every business owner should consider whether you plan to sell to a third party or transfer your business to insiders — including employees or family members.

This month’s All Business podcast features Cara Young, Business Development Manager for the ALMAC GROUP. The ALMAC GROUP is an established contract development and manufacturing organization that provides an extensive range of integrated services to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors globally. Listen in and learn how the ALMAC GROUP is growing here in Pennsylvania and beyond and why they are a “partner to advance human health.”

This month’s All Business podcast is talking workforce and the needs of Pennsylvania businesses. But—we are changing it up a bit and hearing from some of those who are becoming the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce: four students from Hanover Senior High School. Listen in to learn about the unique opportunity Hanover High has given them to get real-world experience that has allowed them to explore in-demand jobs that local employers are looking to fill even before these students enter their post-secondary education!

This month’s All Business podcast features Steven Sabold, Director of Marketing and IT with the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Ranked by Forbes as a Top Two-Year Trade School in 2017, PIA has produced top notch aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians to enter the workforce in aviation maintenance, electronics, and other related fields since 1929. Graduates are in demand throughout the US, and PIA offers employment assistance to help both students and alumni in their pursuit of employment in the field of aviation and related industries. Since its doors were first opened nearly 90 years ago, PIA has taken pride in the quality of its education programs and the success of its graduates. Listen in and learn what makes this school unique and why they are ranked as one of Forbes best of the best!

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The July All Business podcast features Gordon Laabs and Jay Roth from Elsner Engineering based in Hanover, PA. Founded in 1934, Elsner Engineering Works, Inc., has earned a worldwide reputation for leadership in the design and manufacture of a wide range of converting equipment for the paper, film, foil, and nonwovens industries. Virtually every type of consumer roll product can be wound, rewound, packaged, or folded on an Elsner-built machine. Learn more about not only their innovation in manufacturing but also with what they are doing with workforce!

The June All Business podcast welcomes Michael White, Director of Sales with Brookville Equipment. Brookville Equipment, located in Brookville, PA, is a world class American manufacturer of powered transportation solutions specializing in mining, tunneling, locomotives and streetcars. Listen in to learn how this innovative company has made an impact in transportation across the country and the globe, and how their local engagement has made a positive impact on their workforce.

The May All Business podcast welcomes Jennifer Smith, Web Marketing Specialist for Trident Enterprises. Trident Enterprises, located in Waynesboro, PA, is the U.S. leading supplier of deer fence garden solutions since 1984. Listen in to learn how they are a major player in protecting consumers from Lyme disease and how their business has achieved double-digit growth!

The April All Business Podcast is abuzz with one our most unique up-close member profiles as we welcome Chad Finkenbinder, Lab Director for Benzon Insect Production and Research located in Carlisle PA–– as he tells us how and why they produce laboratory colonies of many insect species and the types of industries they serve!