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Why Being Respectful to Your Coworkers is Good for Business


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Find this TED Talk by visiting http://bit.ly/2YOA0Ki

Our TED Talk recommendation this month is by Christine Porath, who provides insight into the importance of civility in the workplace, and the damaging and costly affects of incivility.

Christine defines incivility as “disrespect or rudeness,” and she emphasizes that “how you show up and treat people means everything.” She goes on to define civility, stating that: “Being truly civil means doing the small things, like smiling and saying hello in the hallway, listening fully when someone’s speaking to you.”

These definitions were followed by several examples of businesses functioning in incivility versus civility. One example told of how the CEO of Cambell’s Soup Company, Doug Conat, was able to turn the company around through encouragement of civility.

“It was all about these touch points, or these daily interactions he had with employees, whether in the hallway, in the cafeteria or in meetings,” said Doug, “and if he handled each touch point well, he’d make employees feel valued.”

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) August 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Mixers, More Than Just Networking


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Business After Hours Mixers have long been a main stay of Chambers of Commerce. These short gatherings, just at the end of the workday, include refreshments, a few door prizes and a mix of other chamber members. While those who attend may vary depending on a mixers host, the location and scheduling, there are members who frequently attend and those who never do. If you are the latter, we’d like to suggest you consider a few of the reasons you might want to give a try.

Relationships – Mixers are hosted by businesses to invite others to visit their location, sometimes to celebrate an accomplishment, or perhaps just to give exposure to products and services. Either way, attendance is a show of support that is always appreciated. When you visit a member’s event, they understand that you are busy but still willing to show them support with your attendance.

Information Gathering – We often think we know our community, but in the busyness of our own lives, we often miss the changes taking place. From new staff members to significant investments in products, services or infrastructure, information can often best be gathered through a visit, and a mixer can be a unique opportunity to get inside a business.

Preparation for Your Mixer – You may not be planning it now but hosting a mixer might be something you want to do in the future. It’s best to attend other mixers to get a sense of what you’d want to do as a host. Just like any social invitation, those who you have supported are most likely to support you.

There are several mixers still planned for 2019, each an opportunity for you to test out these suggestions. One of those mixers is hosted by FLEX and will be held in the courtyard of the Venango Chamber on August 22. FLEX members promise to help you build better relationships with local young professionals, learn about how to better engage them, and will set a great example for your next get together. We hope to see you there!

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s August 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

Clarion University is Headed “True North”


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TNI Task Force developed six priorities, the basis for an action plan the university will follow over the next three years:

• Student success

• Academic programming

• Affordability

• Student engagement/citizenship

• Clarion brand and promise

• Venango campus

The first item with action taken was the relaunch of the School of Education. Pehrsson made the announcement in April, appointing Dr. Gwyneth Price as dean to oversee the school’s budget and curriculum, and make scheduling and personnel decisions.

“I see us broadening our horizons in terms of keeping the kernels of solid, evidence based teacher preparation, then expanding that to embrace innovation,” Price said. “We have confidence that what we’ve been teaching historically has been the right thing, but we also have confidence that our faculty engage in research and continually update what they’re doing. We have been on the forefront of developing programming preparing graduates to be better teachers of all students.”

Clarion University is one of 17 universities in Pennsylvania with national accreditation, with 15 nationally recognized programs, and has one of six special education reading programs in the state with International Dyslexia accreditation.

Venango Campus

Venango is NWPA’s primary location for delivery of career and workforce education in healthcare, education, business, technology, and science. The personalized environment gives it potential to serve as an incubator for new programs, to partner and/or provide a collaborative training location for virtually all sectors of the economy, to provide training and professional development needs, and to facilitate and be part of regional economic growth.

The TNI directive for Venango Campus is to be a bustling academic and economic venture for the region, and Venango will establish a director whose sole purpose is to focus on the success of the campus.

The director will work with university deans to create unique academic opportunities that reflect a new model of two year or less programming: certificates, badging, licensure, and training programs which are stackable and flexible. Programming will be based on regional workforce needs and will continue to serve untapped and non traditional populations.

The School of Education has one of the first early childhood education programs in the state to implement a full year teacher residency, which begins this fall. Student teaching will be done the last year of the program, with coursework integrated into the experience. It is the only university in Pennsylvania authorized to offer Competent Learner Model courses for college credit, and Clarion led the development of and was the first school to offer the Skills for Teacher Leadership endorsement. Additionally, the innovative intervention specialist program boasts a 100% employment rate.

Venango Campus has a strong history of campus-community partnerships, with many focused on workforce development. New programming and partnerships are already underway:

• Individuals who have completed a registered apprenticeship program can receive credit toward Clarion’s Associate of Science in Applied Technology or Bachelor of Science in Technology Leadership.

• Non-credit courses on blueprint reading and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing are in development, part of continuing work with area employers to create needed training programs.

When Dr. Dale Elizabeth Pehrsson began her presidency at Clarion University in July 2018, one of her first actions was to assess the university. She convened the “True North Initiative (TNI) Task Force,” pulling together constituents across various divisions and departments to produce actionable goals.

• An Emergency Medical Technician program is offered in partnership with Venango Technology Center and Clarion Hospital.

• In partnership with Venango County Economic Development Authority and funded through a $300,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant, an entrepreneurship academy for high school seniors will begin this fall.

• The university is administrator of a $1,100,000 grant from Appalachian Regional Commission to support apprenticeship programs with Venango Campus, Venango Technology Center, Community College of Allegheny County and Keystone Community Education Council.

• A partnership with Intermediate Unit V will help individuals prepare for the GED exam, improve basic entry-level skills, soft skills, etc., paving a pathway to education. The curriculum is being driven by business and industry needs.

A $900,000 investment in facility improvements, funded through grants and donations, is in progress at Venango Campus, including renovation of the respiratory care lab, Charles L. Suhr Library, and facility and technology upgrades. Venango Campus is focused on defining its own True North and will continue to be a vital part of Clarion University. Its increasingly important role as a community resource is evidenced through high quality programs, strength in serving returning adult and traditional/ non-traditional students, unique programs built on partnerships, and commitment to serving regional needs.

Learn more about Clarion University’s True North Initiative by visiting clarion.edu.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s August 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.

August 2019 Young Professional Profiles: Joseph Aylesworth & Mikayla Markle


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Joseph Aylesworth works at Eckert Chiropractic in Oil City. After getting a double bachelors in science from Clarion University Joseph worked for his doctorate in chiropractics prior to receiving a position at Eckert Chiropractics.

He grew up in Oil City and is happy to be working in the area after graduation. A major goal for his work is to be able to help as many people as possible through chiropractics. Working in Venango County gives him the opportunity to meet many good people and work toward helping them feel their best. Eckert Chiropractic is one way he serves the community and helps others.

When he is not working, Joseph enjoys playing inline and ice hockey. He playing the guitar and records music as well. He also likes trying new foods and exploring the area by hiking the many wooded trails Venango County has to offer.

The beautiful hiking trails are one reason he likes living in the area. The local concerts are yet another reason he likes living in the area. Joseph also frequents unique shops and restaurants, like Taco Shack and Core Goods, which are other aspects of the Venango County life he enjoys. Joseph finds Venango County to be more than just where he lives but also where he works and plays. Join us in welcoming one of our newest FLEX members!

Mikayla Markle is a Chiropractic Assistant and Yoga Instructor at Eckert Chiropractic. She grew up outside of Emlenton on a farm and in 2018 moved to Franklin with her husband. After high school, Mikayla’s goal was to find something she is passionate about and turn it into a career. She began working as a chiropractic assistant and found this to be a career she fits into well. Chiropractics and Yoga have quickly become career she is passionate about. With a background in gymnastics, cheerleading, and pilates, teaching yoga is less work and more enjoyment.

Working with Dr. Kate Eckert enabled Mikayla to work towards a certification to teach yoga, which is one of the next steps in her professional career. She loves working and living in the area because of the proximity to her work, shopping areas, and home.

The forestry and local produce in Venango County are other reason she loves living and working in here. She says, “I also really love how much agriculture is still in the area. Being able to drive home from work and pick up fresh, local produce from a farm stand is really wonderful.”

During her free time Mikayla loves spending time outside. She likes to combine her passion for yoga and pilates with nature by doing them outside. She also frequents the many bike trails in the area and enjoys shopping local and cooking with local products. Mikayla spends time watching concerts in Bandstand Park in Franklin and visiting Whitehall Camp and Conference Center in Emlenton. Thanks for sharing your passion through your work and in our community, Mikayla!

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) August 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.

Summer as an Intern


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Written by Heather Hondel and Jessica Wilson, 2019 Venango Chamber Interns

Spending the summer working at the Venango Chamber has been a wonderful experience for the two 2019 interns. As their summer employment ends, they are reflecting on the lifelong lessons they will take with them.

The Path

Going into this experience there was a clear path of the obligations and goals. The main responsibility would be the Oil Heritage Festival Basket Raffle, partnered with other festival duties such as social media posts and entering information into our database. Having a path laid out for the internship made the experience easier to manage, and knowing the expectations from the beginning enabled the interns to align their vision with the Chamber’s.

The Voice

The Chamber provided a welcoming atmosphere where everyone’s input was encouraged and listened to with care. All were encouraged to share their newfound knowledge from college and apply it to their positions at the Chamber. This allowed them to apply what they have learned and bring new ideas.

Examples to Follow

Since the beginning of this internship, Susan, Tessa, and Ashley have been excellent examples of what it is to be a professional in today’s business world. They have skillfully shown what it means to work in business with tact and grace. Susan illustrated how to lead with intention, while also being understanding and flexible. Tessa showed how to work in a way that supports others through helpful comments, while also working in a way that promotes the greater mission of the Chamber. Ashley exemplified how to make a difference without being overly disruptive or hurting others. These three women have greatly enhanced and influenced the way the interns think about and act in a professional setting. Their ability to lead by example is something that has inspired them as they work toward this type of professionalism.

Value in an Intern

It was clear to the interns from the start of their internships at the Chamber that they are cared for. In the beginning they were asked about tasks they enjoy and ones they wanted to improve on. This enabled them to have a personal experience tailored to helping them have the best learning experience possible. Additionally, those in the office were always quick to ask about each other’s lives and show that they truly care, this enabled all staff and specifically interns to continually feel welcomed and appreciated even though they are only working for part of the year.

Learn, Work, Fun

During the summer, college students have many options for work. Some work as seasonal workers or continue a job they had in high school. Securing an internship is another path many college students take. Internships vary in form, but the typical goal is to work in one’s field to get a general feel for the work they are studying. Working at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce was a wonderful mix of learning, working, and having fun. Interns were given projects and the ability to work in a way that let them learn both from experience and through asking questions as they worked. They also felt value in their work, which made it a fun summer experience. This summer has helped the interns grow a greater appreciation and knowledge of many areas in business.

Meet Other Young Professionals

Meeting other young people from the Venango Area helped further distinguish this summer. Participating in FLEX events helped the interns meet and work with young people from area business. This enabled the interns to talk and compare experiences with young people in the work place. Knowing there are other young professionals in the Venango County area helps students who are home for the summer to see firsthand how working locally in a desirable field is not out of reach. This further encourages students to see the possibilities of returning to Venango County after graduation.

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s August 2019 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.