2015
Annual Report
The Statewide Voice Of BusinessTM
2015 Annual Report
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Message from the President and CEO
Board of Directors
Our Mission and Vision
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation with Distinction
Association of State Chamber Professionals President’s Award
Membership
Advocacy Sales Team
Members in Action
Local Chamber Cooperative Program Update
Government Affairs
Victory Report
Chamber PAC
Key External Challenges
PA Chamber Insurance
Introduction of Human Resource Consulting
Workplace and Compliance Solutions
Benefits Consortium
Healthcare Reform Update
- Delay of Cadillac Tax
- Reporting
Communications and Marketing
Visibility in the Media
Social Media
Member Services
Annual Chamber Dinner
Educational Events
Sponsorship
Preparation for the 100th Anniversary
A New Century, A New Look
Centennial Leader’s Circle
PA Chamber Foundation
2015 Foundation Events
2015 Economic Survey
Launch of Workforce Summit in 2016
Social Responsibility
Message from Pennsylvania Chamber
President, Gene Barr
We are pleased to present the Pennsylvania Chamber’s 2015 Annual Report. This report provides an
overview of the PA Chamber’s work and accomplishments over the past year as well as a look ahead to
what we have in planned for 2016 as we celebrate our centennial anniversary.
As the largest broad-based business organization in the Commonwealth, representing businesses of all
sizes crossing all industry sectors, we are committed to fostering pro-job, pro-growth policies that will
help Pennsylvania’s private sector thrive. The partnerships we’ve forged with our diverse membership
have been at the heart of our success. Thanks to their support, we have been able to combat several
measures that would have negatively impacted the state’s business community — including the Wolf
administration’s attempt last year to increase taxes by nearly $5 billion.
As we celebrate our centennial anniversary, we look forward with excitement to the next 100 years as we
work together to move Pennsylvania forward toward a bright and prosperous future.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the Pennsylvania Chamber’s mission.
Sincerely,
Gene Barr, President & CEO
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
About theBoard
Pennsylvania
Chamber
of Directors
Officers:
Chair:
First Vice Chair:
Vice Chair:
President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Assistant Treasurer:
J. Gary Langmuir
Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger
David M. Kleppinger
Gene Barr
Jewell Lester
Cynthia Rosborough
Seth Keiter
2016 Board of Directors:
Gene Barr, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Robert Beard, UGI Utilities, Inc.
Nicholas Bertram, Ahold USA
Barbara Bowker, Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union
David Breidinger, Comcast Corporation
Scott Briggs, Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
James Campolongo, GlaxoSmithKline
Carl Carlotti, National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation
Doris Carson Williams, African American Chamber of Commerce
of Western PA
Robert DeMichiei, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
George “Chip” Dufala, Erie Insurance Group
Michael Dunleavy, Crown Holdings, Inc.
Geoffrey Eddowes, Lancaster General Health
Chloé Eichelberger, Chloé Eichelberger Textiles, Inc.
Jane Gleason, Arthur J. Gallagher
Carlton Godlove, Godlove Golf
David Gray, Pennsylvania State University
Thomas Hagen, Custom Group Industries
Charles “Chuck” Hanna, Constellation New Energy,
an Exelon Company
Janis Herschkowitz, PRL, Inc.
Timothy Hess, Glatfelter
Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger, ASK Foods, Inc.
Steven Hutton, The Conard-Pyle Company
Thomas “Tommy” Johnson, CONSOL Energy, Inc.
Mark Kempic, Columbia Gas of PA, Inc.
David Kleppinger, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC
Kevin Koken, FedEx Ground
J. Gary Langmuir, Wohlsen Construction Company
Honorary Directors:
Andrew Sordoni III, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.
Alan Walker, Bradford Energy Company, Inc.
Donald Liskay, AmeriHealth Casualty
Glenn “Bub” Manning, Quandel Enterprises, Inc.
Christine Martin, PPL Services Corp.
Christopher Masciantonio, United States Steel Corporation
Robert Mazza, Robert Mazza, Inc.
Rich McArdle, UPS
Steve Mongiardo, Merck & Company, Inc.
Linda Moss, FirstEnergy
Daniel Onorato, Highmark Health
Kathy Pape, Pennsylvania American Water
Jeffrey Pasek, Cozen O'Connor
Michael Postupak, Santander Bank
Philip Rinaldi, Philadelphia Energy Solutions LLC
Edward Sheehan, Jr., Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Mike Shirk, High Industries Inc. and High Real Estate Group LLC
David Smeltzer, Aqua America, Inc.
Robert Sodini, Sodini and Company, Inc.
David Spigelmyer, Marcellus Shale Coalition
Christy Spoa, Ellwood City Save-A-Lot
David Surgala, Bucknell University
Christine Jack Toretti, Palladio LLC
Frank Trembulak, Geisinger Health System
David Tullio, Custom Engineering Company
Jeffrey Vrabel, Baker Tilly
Floyd Warner, President Emeritus, Pennsylvania Chamber
of Business and Industry
E. Philip Wenger, Fulton Financial Corporation
R. Timothy Weston, K&L Gates LLP
Daniel Wilson, Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group
Michael Young, PinnacleHealth System
Our Mission:
To act as “The Statewide Voice of BusinessT” and articulate and advocate on those public policy issues that will expand private sector
job creation and lead to a more prosperous Pennsylvania for all its citizens.
Our Vision:
To enhance our leadership position as the most effective business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth whereby:
We operate at all times in a highly ethical manner with a team of professionals that are valued as crucial members of our
operation.
Our activities seek to create a Pennsylvania where its citizens are afforded meaningful, responsible employment that allows them
to support themselves and their families.
We are responsive to our members and they recognize the value we bring to their enterprise and the people of the
Commonwealth; therefore, they are engaged in our activities to promote sound public policy and elect and retain elected officials
who support an agenda of economic growth.
The Pennsylvania Chamber is Awarded Accreditation
with Distinction
In 2015, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry was awarded Accredited with Distinction
status from the United States Chamber of Commerce as a result of its strong government relations
advocacy; dynamic membership relations, education and compliance programs; and commitment to social
responsibility.
Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures, sound policies,
community involvement and ability to advance their member businesses’ legislative goals.
In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet a number of standards in their operations and programs — including areas of
governance, government affairs and member programs and services — and submit a lengthy application to the U.S. Chamber for
approval. This extensive self-review takes six to nine months to complete. Currently, only seven state chambers have been awarded
accreditation; of those, only five — including the PA Chamber — are accredited with distinction.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, upon its review of the PA Chamber’s application, provided the following feedback regarding the
program of work the PA Chamber provides to the business community in the Commonwealth:
The Chamber acts as an advocate for public policy issues that will expand private sector job creation and lead to a more
prosperous region through its leadership role in several coalitions and committees, the activities of its PA Chamber of Business
and Industry PAC, regular appearances before legislative committees to testify on a wide range of policy issues and an excellent
legislative agenda that touches every area of public policy that affects the broad based business community.
The Chamber’s commitment to helping its members understand and follow the complexities of state and federal workplace
regulations is evident though its various training opportunities and valuable reference materials including its Educational
Foundation Leadership Series and Compliance and Reference Guidebooks.
It is also recognized for its Pennsylvania Chamber Insurance program.
The Chamber has implemented an excellent new employee orientation program, including a new hire orientation checklist and
training schedule to ensure consistency in on-boarding new employees. It is also recognized for its practice of recognizing
employee contributions and service to the organization as well as for encouraging staff to be socially responsible corporate
citizens through volunteerism.
The Chamber has demonstrated success in
meeting its short-term and long-term strategic
goals.
The Chamber has demonstrated a good track
record of operating a successful chamber and
achieving desirable results for its members.
The Pennsylvania Chamber thanks its members
— the thousands of businesses throughout the
Commonwealth who provide direction on
legislative priorities and the valuable support
that enables us to achieve our mission to act as
The Statewide Voice of Business™.
The Pennsylvania Chamber Receives the ASCP 2015
President’s Award
Each year, the president of the Association of State Chamber Professionals honors a state chamber of commerce that has set itself
apart as a performance role model. In 2015, the ASCP President’s Award was given to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and
Industry.
The award recognizes the PA Chamber’s outstanding results in its membership and retention goals, and excellence achieved across a
number of other aspects of overall operations:
The PA Chamber is highly influential in the halls of the state Capitol for its business advocacy efforts. The organization
consistently takes the lead on major pro-growth issues and collaborates with its membership and local chamber partners to
work for enactment of laws that will boost the economy and improve Pennsylvania’s competitive advantage.
A monthly “PA Chamber Minute” video update by PA Chamber President & CEO, Gene Barr, informs members of the PA
Chamber’s stance on an array of business issues.
Regular communications with local chambers’ small business members through a monthly “Small Business Big VOICE”
newsletter.
Engagement of Investor-level members at exclusive events that include top policymakers and PA Chamber staff; Investor
member companies featured in Catalyst, the PA Chamber’s quarterly business-to-business magazine
Regional offices opened in major communities the PA Chamber represents.
Hosts more than 30 annual conferences per year that offer continuing education credits.
Showcases high profile speakers (including George W. Bush and Kevin Spacey) at the Annual Chamber Dinner, which is widely
recognized as the premier yearly event for the state’s business community.
Achieved Accreditation with Distinction from the U.S. Chamber, a recognition held by only five chambers of commerce
throughout the United States.
The Association of State Chamber Professionals is the professional society of the top membership, marketing, and communications
professionals from state chambers of commerce from across the country.
Membership
Our Members in Action
PA Chamber Investors are a committed group of companies dedicated to investing in the future of their own business, as well as the
economic future of the Commonwealth. The Investor Program, the highest level of membership, was created in 2003 for companies
that are uniquely dedicated to shaping public policy that helps to grow jobs and attract future investment in Pennsylvania. The PA
Chamber Investor Members totaled 232 companies across Pennsylvania in 2015.
Investor members joined the Pennsylvania Chamber and legislative leaders at several events including:
Government Affairs Roundtables
Investor reception at the Governor’s Residence
Investor events in the Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh
Chairman’s reception at the 2015 Annual Chamber Dinner
As of year’s end, 2015, PA Chamber membership totaled 8,760 business members.
Pennsylvania Chamber Advocacy members shared their voice and direction through a successful campaign on this key issue facing
the business community in the Commonwealth; including fighting higher business taxes as proposed by the Wolf administration in the
2015-16 state budget.
And the PA Chamber energized individuals engaged in the grassroots network “Citizens to Protect PA Jobs” to answer the call to
action on these important reforms, helping us leverage the pro-business position with lawmakers in Harrisburg:
Pension reform — reversing the growing and unsustainable unfunded liability of $53 billion that has led to state credit
downgrades and threatens every state taxpayer with higher costs.
Liquor privatization — with the goal of bringing choice and convenience to PA consumers.
Natural gas severance tax — stopping the Wolf administration from implementing an additional tax that is unproductive given
current economic conditions, and counterproductive to an industry that is revitalizing the Commonwealth, creating jobs and
reducing energy costs.
Member Satisfaction Survey
In March 2015, the PA Chamber conducted a Membership Satisfaction Survey. The survey, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and
Research, measured key areas of member-outreach and engagement to ensure the Chamber was meeting member needs.
Highlights of the results included:
Main reason for joining the Chamber (top three reasons):
Advocacy/lobbying
Compliance help/education
Business development
78%
45%
38%
The Chamber received high ratings in the following categories, with scores ranging from “Satisfied” to “Very Satisfied”:
Lobby and advocacy efforts
Member communication materials
Conferences
Overall value of membership
The PA Chamber continues to strive for excellence in meeting the needs of its members and values the feedback we received so we
can provide support, programs and information for the business community across Pennsylvania.
The Local Chamber Cooperative Program
PIntroduced in 2013, the Local Chamber Cooperative Program gives our local chamber partners the ability to offer their member
companies with 10 and fewer employees a FREE membership with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
This program not only enhances membership benefits for the local chamber partners, it enables the PA Chamber to build even
stronger grassroots advocacy efforts with active smaller businesses. These members, as part of the Statewide Voice of Business™,
receive:
Information on legislation and advocacy efforts that affect their business
Action alerts on pressing, key issues
Grassroots involvement with the PA Chamber’s Government Affairs lobbying team
Discounted, members-only pricing on the PA Chamber’s renowned educational and compliance programs and publications
Monthly newsletter, Small Business — Big Voice, featuring articles and information on advocacy issues and efforts affecting their
business
Increased visibility in the marketplace and in the state legislature
As of 2015, this highly successful program had added over 5,551 members to the PA Chamber and included 19 local chambers as
partners in the program:
African American Chamber of Commerce
Alle Kiski Strong Chamber
Blair County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County
Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce
Harrisburg Regional Chamber
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce
Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber
Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
Shippensburg Area Chamber of Commerce
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce
Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber
Government Affairs
Launch of Issue Advocacy Campaigns
In addition to traditional government affairs advocacy, in 2015 the PA Chamber utilized its 501(c)4 – Citizens to Protect PA Jobs to
launch several grassroots issue advocacy campaigns. Using targeted social media strategies, individuals were directed to issuespecific grassroots websites. These websites offered detailed information on the specific policy and included a “take action” page
where users could send a letter to the governor and members of the General Assembly urging their support of our position.
Additional resources were allocated on direct mail pieces and television advertising. Throughout the year, the PA Chamber
strategically developed campaigns that ensured the business community’s voice was heard in the halls of state government on the
following issues:
Pension Reform – The growing unfunded pension liability, which is expected to grow to more than $58 billion over the coming
year, represents the greatest threat to the Commonwealth’s long-term financial stability. Over a six week period, the PA
Chamber’s grassroots campaign resulted in more than 150 letters sent to the governor and legislators in support of
comprehensive pension reform. The campaign also included targeted mailers that directed voters to call the governor and
elected officials to voice their support for pension reform. While the House and Senate passed a pension reform bill that would
have significantly changed the structure of the pension systems going forward, the governor vetoed the legislation. Subsequent
attempts to enact additional reforms have thus far been unsuccessful.
Liquor Privatization – Pennsylvanians have long called for an end to the state’s archaic liquor monopoly. Moving to a private
system will give consumers the choice and convenience they want, while at the same time generating significant upfront revenue
for the state. Through targeted social media outreach, the PA Chamber’s grassroots “Convenience and Choice” campaign
resulted in more than 350 letters sent to the governor in support of liquor privatization. The General Assembly passed a historic
liquor privatization bill in June, which the governor vetoed.
Severance Tax – The development of the Marcellus Shale has helped to revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy; creating jobs and
reducing energy costs. However, current market conditions have led to a decline in investment. Additional punitive tax burdens
jeopardize the industry’s future in the Commonwealth. That’s why the PA Chamber has been leading a diverse coalition in
fighting attempts to enact a severance tax. This campaign included targeted television and radio ads, as well as paid
advertisements on social media and a detailed website – www.stopnewenergytaxes.com resulting in more than 1,100 letters sent
to the governor and legislators. The PA Chamber-led coalition was successful in defeating this tax in 2015.
The PA Chamber also developed a robust membership campaign to garner input on the Wolf administration’s proposed increase to
the Personal Income Tax and plan to raise and expand the sales tax. This campaign resulted in valuable feedback that bolstered the
PA Chamber’s message that additional tax increases would negatively impact the state’s business community and would lead to slow
economic growth.
2015 Legislative Victories
Advocating on behalf of the Commonwealth’s business community, the PA Chamber has a dual focus of promoting pro-jobs, progrowth legislation; while at the same time combating policies that would negatively impact Pennsylvania employers – stifling
economic growth and hurting the state’s competitive edge. Over the past year, thanks to the support of our thousands of members,
the PA Chamber secured successes on both fronts. Here is what we recently accomplished on behalf of Pennsylvania’s broad-based
business community:
Defeated the Wolf administration’s aggressive attempt to implement $5 billion in new tax increases on business and working
families. This included a proposed 20 percent increase to the Personal Income Tax, a plan to raise the sales tax by 10 percent
and expand it to cover many more items, a proposal to roll back the Net Operating Loss rate and an attempt to institute
mandatory unitary combined reporting.
Eliminated the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. The phase-out of this burdensome tax had been extended several times in the
past to help cover budgetary shortfalls in the state’s General Fund.
Removed a loophole in the Crimes Code that prevented law enforcement from intervening in situations involving stalking and
harassment as part of a labor dispute. Gov. Tom Wolf signed H.B. 874 into law as Act 59 of 2015.
Fought off a punitive additional tax on the natural gas industry.
Combated attempts to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, which would have especially hurt small businesses.
Enactment of a long-term federal highway funding bill. With Pennsylvania receiving about 40 percent of its total highway
funding from the federal government, the federal transportation bill will enable continued investments in the state’s
infrastructure.
Reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank. As the official export credit agency of the United States, the Ex-Im Bank provides financing
options for American companies seeking to export their goods to other countries. Pennsylvania is among the states whose
employers have benefited the most from Ex-Im Bank.
ChamberPAC, the political arm of the PA Chamber, supports and endorses pro-job, pro-growth candidates for state office. Solely
supported by contributions from individuals in the business community, PA Chamber employees and other political action committees,
ChamberPAC plays a major role in shaping the political landscape of Pennsylvania state government to one that is focused on job
creation and economic growth.
Through its political action committees, the PA Chamber raised more than $200,000 in 2015 to go towards candidates who either
pledge or have a proven record of supporting policies that make Pennsylvania a better place in which to do business.
ChamberPAC 2015 Election Results
In last year’s General Election, there were three open Supreme Court seats on the ballot. ChamberPAC endorsed three Republican
judges for the state’s highest court: Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey; Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael George and
Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Judy Olson. They lost to Democratic challengers, giving the court a 5-2 majority.
ChamberPAC also endorsed candidates in two legislative special elections:
ChamberPAC endorsed candidate Greg Rothman won the special election for the 87th House District. Republicans currently
have a 118 – 82 majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
ChamberPAC endorsed candidate Guy Reschenthaler won the special election for the 37th Senatorial District. Republicans
currently have a 30 – 19 majority in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Key External Challenges
The threat of increased taxes in the protracted 2015-16 state budget battle did not go unnoticed by Pennsylvania’s business
community. The PA Chamber’s 2015 Annual Economic Survey showed a decrease in employer optimism regarding the state of
Pennsylvania’s economy. Additionally, the results found that employers were less likely to invest in their companies and also less
likely to hire new workers over the next 12 months.
The Commonwealth is currently on the verge of an economic renaissance, with the chance to transform the state into the energy and
manufacturing hub it once was. But Pennsylvania is at a crossroads. The policy decisions made over the next few years will either set
the Commonwealth on a path to prosperity or shackle its potential growth. As budgetary issues continue to dominate the state
legislative agenda, we are urging lawmakers to address the following key external challenges to increasing Pennsylvania’s business
climate and competitive edge in 2016:
Pensions — With an unfunded liability expected to grow to more than $58 billion this year, Pennsylvania’s pension crisis is the
greatest threat to the Commonwealth’s long-term financial health. As pension obligations continue to escalate and divert funding
away from important state programs, the threat of tax increases grows. Comprehensive pension reforms are needed to put the
public pension systems on a sustainable path.
Tax Structure — Pennsylvania’s corporate tax structure, including the Corporate Net Income tax – which at 9.99 percent is the
highest effective rate in the country – continues to put the Commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage. Pro-growth tax policies
such as eliminating the cap on the use of Net Operating Losses and reducing the Corporate Net Income tax rate will help
improve Pennsylvania’s business climate.
Workforce — Pennsylvania has an aging workforce and one that often does not offer a labor pool with the requisite skills and
expertise to fulfill the demands of Pennsylvania’s employers. This results in a lack of qualified candidates for many available job
opportunities. A greater focus on effective job training and workforce development programs, as well as encouraging youth
employment, will help to prepare students and current employees with career readiness skills needed for Pennsylvania’s
changing jobs market.
Labor climate — Several policy initiatives that are currently being discussed in state government, such as mandatory paid leave
polices and other legislative proposals that regulate human resource and employment decisions, could have a profound impact
on Pennsylvania’s employers. Additionally, costs associated with the state’s unemployment compensation system and workers
compensation insurance continue to weigh heavily on employers and hinder investment in the Commonwealth.
Education reform — Pennsylvania’s failure to enact reforms in the areas of merit pay, tenure, workforce direction, etc. have
lessened the effective utilization of taxpayer resources in the K-12 public school system and are among the major reasons why
the state continues to receive, from major studies, unacceptable grades on its “return on investment.”
Lawsuit Abuse reform — Despite passage of joint and several liability reform and ‘benevolent gesture’ legislation in recent years,
Pennsylvania still is viewed as a state with a legal system often unfriendly to business. Issues such as venue, asbestos litigation
and other items need to be addressed.
The issues of concern listed above, along with others, form the PA Chamber’s 2016 Legislative Agenda.
Introduction of Human Resource Consulting Services
Recognizing the increasing need from customers for assistance with compliance, healthcare reform, benefit changes and mandates,
in 2015, PA Chamber Insurance added Human Resource Consulting Services to their robust menu of services. The addition of a
professional Human Resource Consultant met the need for support in these key areas:
Model notices, as required by law
Compliance review to ensure companies are meeting required EEOC, IRS and DOL regulations
Onsite training for both supervisors and employees
Employee handbook review, creation and revisions
HR policy creation, assistance and implementation
Job descriptions, review, creation, and revisions
Employee benefits communication materials
Access to compliance services for employee benefits plans
In September 2015, PCI hired Dee Yingst to fill the Human Resources Consultant role, providing
advice and assistance to clients with HR and policy issues. In addition to an active Pennsylvania
Accident & Health, Life and Fixed Annuities license, Dee holds a Master's Degree in Human
Resources, a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Behavior, and several professional designations in
human resources and employee benefits including SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CMS, GBA.
Coupled with the PA Chamber’s top-rated educational programs and
publications, PA Chamber Insurance Human Resource Consulting Services
rounds out a complete menu of HR services for businesses in
Pennsylvania.
Workplace and Compliance Solutions
PA Chamber Insurance also introduced a portfolio of workplace and
compliance programs and products designed to make administering our
customers’ plans easier and offer even more to meet their employees and their famillies’ needs.
Our work-place programs include:
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Programs
These programs are offered in conjunction with expert partners including:
Benecon
Lifetime Benefit Solutions
PrimePay/PrimeFlex
ThinkHR
Quest
PA Chamber Insurance also began offering compliance and actuarial services including:
Premium Only Plan (“POP”) document preparation
Non-Discrimination Review — preliminary review of a plan in light of nondiscrimination rules and a final report highlighting the
potential discrimination problems and potential solutions
Plan Document customization
WRAP SPD
Required Notices Binder preparation with templates for required benefit notices.
ERISA Compliance Audit/Review
5500 Preparation—including preparation of Summary Annual Report (“SAR”) and Delinquent
Filer Work, if required
Flexible Spending Account (“FSA”)—including creation of FSA Plan Document
HRA Package—HRA plan document and SPD, and HIPAA privacy and limited security documents
The PA Chamber Insurance Benefits Consortium continued to gain popularity with companies that have 26+ employees. Self-funding
is an increasingly attractive alternative for companies to manage their growing healthcare costs. Companies benefit from the PCI
Benefits Consortium self-funded healthcare plan in three key areas: lowers costs, cash flow advantages and risk management.
Additionally, companies benefit from year-to-year price stability.
What makes PA Chamber Insurance Benefits Consortium unique is our group purchasing power – giving businesses access to
wholesale prices and volume discounts.
In 2015, PCI offered four webinars, explaining the elements and benefits of self-funding as an alternative to traditional healthcare.
Over 110 companies were in attendance to learn how self-insurance is managed and the numerous advantages it poses to control
increasing healthcare costs.
Healthcare Reform
Delay of the Cadillac Tax:
President Barack Obama signed a $1.1 trillion funding bill into law in December 2015, which will keep the government running through
Sept. 30, 2016. Among other provisions, this bill delayed the Affordable Care Act's controversial “Cadillac Tax” by two years to 2020.
The future of the Cadillac Tax remains unclear.
Reporting Due Dates Extended
Additionally, the IRS released Notice 2016-4; “Extension of the Due Dates for 2015 Information
Reporting under I.R.C. §§ 6055 and 6056”.1. The notice extended the due dates for the 2015 information reporting requirements (both
furnishing to individuals and filing with the Internal Revenue Service) for insurers, self-insuring employers, and certain other providers
of minimum essential coverage under section 6055 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the information reporting requirements for
applicable large employers
Visibility in the Media
The PA Chamber is committed to being recognized by the media and the public as the de facto expert on business related policy in
Pennsylvania. In order to promote the PA Chamber’s pro-business message, we implemented a strategic communications plan to
increase the PA Chamber’s media presence in print, television and radio outlets in each of the state’s media markets. This effort also
included a strong focus on social media outreach.
Print:
Members of the PA Chamber’s Government Affairs team are regularly interviewed by print news outlets throughout the state.
Over the past year, the PA Chamber was either mentioned or quoted or authored opinion pieces in 301 different articles in
various print publications.
In 2015, PA Chamber-authored opinion columns were published in 27 newspaper outlets. Opinion pieces were regularly
published in each of the Commonwealth’s media markets. The topics of these pieces included the state budget; education
funding and the need for pension reform; and the negative economic impact of a proposed severance tax.
Throughout the year, dozens of letters to the editor authored by the PA Chamber were published in various newspaper outlets
throughout the state. These letters covered a wide range of topics from minimum wage to environmental policy and regulations
to education funding.
Through the PA Chamber’s tax advocacy campaign webpage, member companies were able to submit valuable input regarding
the potential economic impact of the governor’s proposed increase to the Personal Income Tax and plan to raise and expand the
sales tax. Through the feedback we received, business owners were asked to submit letters to the editor to their local
newspapers sharing their concerns about the proposed tax increases and how it would impact their business. Several of these
letters were published.
Television and Radio:
PA Chamber Government Affairs staff makes regular appearances on television and radio broadcasts to highlight key advocacy
goals. This includes monthly segments on Comcast Newsmakers, a public and community affairs focused interview program;
and on Pennsylvania Newsmakers, a statewide public affairs TV program that is underwritten in part by the PA Chamber.
The PA Chamber Government Affairs staff are often interviewed for television and radio news programs on a variety of topics.
These interviews air throughout the state.
Media outlets are occasionally invited to attend educational and special events hosted by the PA Chamber and the PA Chamber
Educational Foundation. In 2015, several news articles resulted from the 3rd Annual Economic Forecast Summit and the 31st
Annual Chamber Dinner.
Social Media:
The PA Chamber’s social media presence grew significantly in 2015 across all platforms.
o The PA Chamber’s Facebook account saw a 100 percent increase in the number of “likes,” growing to 600 by the end of
the year. Facebook “reach” saw a 133 percent increase, growing to 33,215 impressions.
o Through the use of “tagging” and “hashtagging” the PA Chamber’s Twitter followers grew by 20 percent with 5,952
followers at the end of 2015. Twitter “reach” saw a 53 percent increase, growing to 636,000 impressions.
o The PA Chamber’s LinkedIn profile saw a 70 percent increase in followers, growing to 732.
Paid social media ads were utilized to promote issue campaigns that were run through the PA Chamber’s 501(c)4, Citizens to
Protect PA Jobs. These ads were very successful in drawing the general public to the various campaign pages and getting them
to “take action” by sending electronic letters to the governor and General Assembly. Here is an overview of the three
campaigns’ social media activity:
Liquor Privatization:
•
•
Facebook
➢
➢
➢
Twitter
➢
➢
1,095,779 Impressions
3,776 Likes
2,311 Comments
91,700 Impressions
2,320 Clicks
Pension Reform:
•
Facebook
➢ 314,791 Impressions
➢ 5,133 Likes
➢ 1,225 Comments
Severance Tax:
•
•
Facebook
➢
➢
➢
Twitter
➢
➢
69,898 Impressions
2,068 Likes
872 Comments
72,800 Impressions
1,240 Clicks
Member Services
Annual Chamber Dinner
The 31st Annual Chamber Dinner, held on September 21, 2015 at the
Hershey Lodge, attracted a sold-out crowd of more than 1,800
business leaders and lawmakers to hear actor Kevin Spacey, who stars
as Frank Underwood in the acclaimed Netflix series "House of Cards.”
Mr. Spacey entertained the packed ballroom with a keynote speech
that touched on hot-button political issues in the state, playing a U.S.
President in House of Cards, and embracing change — especially in
technology, and gave the audience permission to “binge away, man, binge away, “
referring to the ability to watch television shows on demand.
The dinner also featured student performers from Capital Area School for the Arts, an
innovative provider of multi-disciplinary arts and academic programs in Harrisburg, PA.
Educational Events
In 2015, the Pennsylvania Chamber held over 34 educational
events throughout the state including webinars, half-day
roundtables, conferences and summits. These educational
events covered critical compliance information on topics
including:
Personnel and Medical File Management
Global HazComm Mandatory Training
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Data Security Strategies: Investigations and Intrusion
Detection
Avoiding Common Wage and Hour Mistakes
Cyber Crime in the Workplace
Workplace Bullying
Additionally, the PA Chamber launched a “HR for the Non-HR
Manager Webinar Series” — a 4-part webinar training program
that covered essential topics that HR Managers — and other
managers — tend to struggle with:
Finding, Hiring and Keeping Great People
Human Resources Law Made Easy
Employee Discipline and Discharge
Employee Reward and Recognition
Sponsorships
More than 187 companies sponsored and exhibited at PA Chamber events including
the Annual Chamber Dinner, Annual Golf Outing and numerous educational events.
The Chamber greatly appreciates the support of these companies in helping us to
bring quality programs and events to the Pennsylvania business community.
100th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania Chamber
December 16, 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and 2015 was a year of
planning for our centennial celebration. An internal committee was formed to research important milestones in our rich advocacy
history and also to plan signature events for 2016 that include:
Pennsylvania Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Gettysburg Foundation: In the Footsteps of Leaders, a leadership
training program on the battlefields of historic Gettysburg.
Workforce Summit featuring Mike Rowe, who will share his insight on the nation’s widening skills gap, the importance of
bolstering technical education and how Pennsylvania’s business community can help redefine the perception of the skilled
trades.
The Annual Chamber Dinner, Pennsylvania’s premier gathering of business leaders and lawmakers, will be a highlight of the yearlong celebration.
A New Century. A New Look.
The Pennsylvania Chamber was ready for a new look. And with the 100th anniversary of our organization upon us, we knew it was the
perfect time to present a new logo and branding identity that captures who we are to the business community and our members.
We worked with member company Wall-to-Wall Studios, Pittsburgh, PA, to design visual branding components that will position the
organization as the top-of-mind voice of business in the Commonwealth. The goal was to design and develop a formative identity that
best reflects the PA Chamber’s brand promise, values and personality. Part of the new identity’s purpose is to connect the
organization with the many businesses in Pennsylvania that are not familiar with the benefits and value the PA Chamber provides.
The new logo has a sleek, more contemporary look and uses a bold underscore encompassing the entire state of Pennsylvania:
As part of the Pennsylvania Chamber’s recognition and appreciation of our members’ valuable support of the work that our
organization is doing to improve the competitive advantage for businesses of all sizes statewide, and as part of celebrating our
centennial milestone, the PA Chamber recognizes and thanks member companies for their support, and is proud to unveil our new
logo and branding identity.
The Formation of the Centennial Leaders Circle
In the Fall of 2015, the PA Chamber reached out to a select group of members in
appreciation of their continued support, engagement and leadership, and invited them to be
part of the Centennial Leaders Circle — an exclusive sponsorship program commemorating
the Chamber’s 100th anniversary.
This distinguished group of member companies recognizes the vital work the Chamber is
engaged in to improve the competitive advantage for businesses of all sizes statewide, and
offered extraordinary support and leadership in helping celebrate the Chamber’s milestone
year.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry recognizes and thanks these dedicated organizations for their financial support
in helping us to bring the 2016 Signature Events to the business community:
PA Chamber Foundation
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Educational Foundation, dba PA
Chamber Foundation, is a registered 501(c)(3) organization created to fund timely and
insightful research and educational programs that will positively impact Pennsylvania’s
economic future and enhance the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania
Chamber Foundation seeks to enrich discussions among policymakers, business leaders and the public concerning ways to improve
Pennsylvania’s economy and business climate, and lead to a more prosperous Pennsylvania for all its citizens.
In 2015, the Educational Foundation produced these exceptional events, attracting nearly 400 business executives from across
Pennsylvania:
The Third Annual Economic Forecast Summit
To help companies have some type of barometer with which
to forecast what may happen on both the national and
international economic fronts, as well as know the trends
and probable outcomes that will help them plan for hiring,
save for reserves, anticipate new products and services,
develop marketing strategies and communicate with
customers, the Pennsylvania Chamber Educational
Foundation and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association
presented the third annual Economic Forecast Summit in
February at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, Harrisburg, PA.
Dr. Martin Regalia
Sam Richter
William Taylor
Gov. Tom Wolf
Designed for company presidents, executive officers, business owners, financial officers, treasurers, board members and investors,
this event presented some of the nation’s most respected economic forecasters, analysts and innovation futurists who provided
insights to help business leaders understand the details of the current economy and prepare for what is expected in the future:
Top national economist Dr. Martin Regalia from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented the national economic perspective
and its impact on business.
Gov. Tom Wolf discussed the economic challenges facing Pennsylvania businesses following his proposed state budget.
Sam Richter, one of the foremost sales intelligence thought leaders, who is considered the “modern day Dale Carnegie,” taught
how to build valuable business relationships based on something that everyone intuitively knows — knowledge is power. He
showed how to garner search engine information in ways many never thought possible, and how to utilize the “Invisible Web” for
finding inside information.
Our keynote speaker, William Taylor, co-founder and founding editor of Fast Company magazine, has won countless awards,
earned a passionate following by executives and entrepreneurs, and in six years grew sales to $340 million. William Taylor,
world-renowned author and speaker on leadership, spoke on strategies to transform businesses, shake up industries and how to
use a new mind set to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.
The Pennsylvania Chamber’s Educational Foundation Event
Flawless Execution℠: A Fighter Pilot’s Secret to Business Success
As part of our Leadership Series, the Pennsylvania Chamber’s Educational Foundation presented the edge-of-your-seat business
team and leadership performance program Flawless Execution℠: A Fighter Pilot’s Secret to Business Success in July at Hershey
Lodge, Hershey, PA.
This high-energy, multimedia team-building program led by current and former U.S.
fighter pilots helps entire teams unleash the power of Flawless Execution℠ in
organizations. Flawless Execution℠ is the simple, scalable continuous improvement
process of plan, brief, execute and debrief. By changing the way participants and
their teams execute strategies and meet goals teams can improve execution, stay
one step ahead of the competitive rate of change in their industry, and succeed in
today’s business environment.
The Afterburner team of actual fighter pilots understands how critical it is to know
how to handle a team in hostile, fast-changing environments every single day. They
help get people all in one place — thinking and moving in the same direction. Team
building and team alignment are at the heart of Afterburner’s motivational programs.
Keeping jets in the air takes a staff of hundreds — coordinating, communicating and
executing flawlessly. It takes a mindset that many business people want but don’t have. Afterburner’s skilled fighter pilots give teams
the tools necessary for long-term business success. Their rare cockpit footage and state-of-the-art graphics make for a presentation
participants will not forget.
The 25th Annual Pennsylvania Economic Survey
The Pennsylvania Chamber Educational Foundation and the High Center at Elizabethtown College
conducted the 25th Annual Pennsylvania Economic Survey in August and September, 2015. More than
650 Pennsylvania employers participated (351 PA Chamber members and 300 non-members).
Overall optimism was down in 2015 with most employers reporting lower sales and hiring figures, and
responses reflecting higher levels of concern and pessimism with the current economic climate. Less
than half of respondents rated the overall business climate as “excellent” or “good,” down from 57
percent in 2014. Only 16 percent thought the business climate has gotten better in the last 12 months, a
new five year low not seen since the peak of the recession in 2009.
Twenty three percent said they would consider leaving Pennsylvania if they could, the highest in four
years — nonetheless, this represented a leveling off from past years when economic conditions were much worse. Only eighteen
percent rated Pennsylvania as a “very” friendly place to do business, virtually unchanged from the last eight years. Only one in three
reported increases in sales during the last twelve months, matching a four year low — although sales figures were still up when
compared to years during the recent recession.
Thirty nine percent expect sales to increase in the next 12 months, on par with a five year average. Hiring slowed significantly within
PA Chamber member companies, at 18 percent, a drop from 30 percent last year. Moreover, 19 percent expect to hire more in coming
months, showing little change from past five year average.
Social Responsibility
Our staff more than understands the role that businesses play in improving not only the economy, but local communities. The PA
Chamber staff is committed to building a stronger Pennsylvania and stepping up to help our neighbors in the community. As part of
this commitment, our staff generously donates their time and resources throughout the year to help make Pennsylvania an even
better place to live, work and raise a family.
We LIVE UNITED
For more than 15 years, the PA Chamber has been proud to “Live United” — participating in the United Way of the Capital Region’s
annual campaign, raising money for a multitude of programs and services in our area. In 2015, 100% of our 57 staff members
participated in and raised more than $30,000 for the United Way.
Coupled with our UWCR campaign, is our participation in the United Way Day of Caring. At this annual event, volunteers from area
businesses come together to help finish projects at local charitable organizations. This past year, 15 PA Chamber volunteers spent the
day completing projects at the Friendship Community Center in Lower Paxton Township.
Eleven female PA Chamber employees are members of the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Network (WLN). The WLN provides
community leadership, volunteering and giving throughout the Capital Region. WLN members must contribute a minimum of $500 to
the UWCR to participate.
In 2015, the WLN made fleece blankets for the United Way and organized a staff “Giving Tree” for the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg
this past winter. The blankets were donated to the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg — which serves as Dauphin County’s domestic
violence shelter. The “Giving Tree” project helped collect a myriad of supplies — including toys, art supplies, and hats and gloves —
for the children the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg serves.
Additionally, fifteen employees are members of the United Way’s Bridges Society. The Bridges Society connects the next generation
of diverse leaders through giving and volunteering. Members of the Bridge’s Society must also contribute a minimum of $500 to
participate.
In additional to our United Way efforts, PA Chamber and PA Chamber Insurance employees engaged in many other philanthropic
activities. Over the course of 2015, the staff donated pet supplies and funds to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area to help
save animals from the harsh winter weather, distributed Thanksgiving meals to needy families and collected items for the Salvation
Army’s “Kids in the Kitchen” program.
We know that strong communities are a core building block in helping the next generation to succeed. And that’s just one of the
many reasons why the PA Chamber cares.