Chamber News
June 2023
A message from the Deanna,
It’s Summer in the Laurel Highlands! Officially, the first day of Summer is June 21st and the Laurel Highlands is packed with activities for everyone to fill those long summer days!
Whether you are looking into camping; Donegal Campground, Laurel Highlands Campland, Mountain Pines Campground, golfing; Glengarry Golf Links, Norvelt Golf Club, go-karting; Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center, zoo trips; Living Treasurer’s Animal Park, clay shooting; Buffer Creek Sporting Clays or even water parks; Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park our members have the perfect destination for you! Be sure to check out each of their websites and social media pages for summer activities, events and specials. Visit www.mlchamber.com/business-directory for a full list of all our members and links to their businesses.
In addition to camping, we have more members with lodging options including Log Cabin Lodge & Suites, Days Inn Donegal, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Trenthouse Inn. Each location has great accommodations, friendly staff and is located near many of the attractions listed above.
Several events, fairs and festivals happen throughout the Laurel Highlands region during the summer and information on many of them can be found in MLCC Magazine but also be sure to visit GoLaurelHighlands.com/Events for even more! There is so much to do and explore right in our backyard so be sure to get out and visit our members and share your experiences on our MLCC Facebook page. We love to hear from you and see your photos!
One event you need to put on your calendar now is our MLCC Community Day! It will be held at Mountain Pines Campground on Thursday, June 15th from 9AM-4PM. Look for more information in this magazine and on our Facebook page. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
May 2023
A message from the Deanna,
International Firefighters’ Day is celebrated on May 4th as a way to say thank you to the world’s firefighters for all that they do to keep our communities safe. The Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all the local volunteer firefighters and departments who help protect and serve our communities. Fire is a powerful force and has a reputation for being destructive, but there is more to fire than that. It can be a form of heat and light that is critical for our survival. However, if it gets out of control it can be disastrous. International Firefighters Day raises awareness of the importance and safe use of fire.
We are very fortunate to have many local volunteer fire departments all throughout our community. Bakersville, Bullskin, Chestnut Ridge, Kecksburg, New Centerville, Normalville, Ohiopyle, Saltlick Township, Seven Springs, and Springfield Township Fire Departments continue to not only be there when called in emergency situations but also when are friends and neighbors are in need of a little extra help. They also provide education on the safe use of fire and what do in emergency situations. Please remember to support these local firefighters who help keep our communities safe while volunteering their time.
On International Firefighter’s Day there are a few ways we, as a community, can celebrate these heroes:
* Shine your light for firefighters! Decorate / light up your houses or public buildings with the IFFD colors red and blue (red for fire and blue for water) on the night of May 4.
* Send a card, a letter or a picture and send them to the local fire stations, give them to a firefighter you know or leave a message on their social media pages.
* Spread the word – let people know about IFFD so they can also thank and recognize firefighters across the world.
May 14th is another special day, Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms!! I know I have mentioned it before, but our members offer great products and services that any mom would be sure to love. Here’s a few to check out: I am Beautifully Made Psalms 139:14 for handmade, small batch, polymer clay earrings; Bella Florals for handmade bouquets; Champion Lawn Ornaments & Gifts for home & outdoor décor; or Pletcher’s Farm Market for unique floral gifts. As always visit the MLCC website for a complete list of members.
Finally, May 29th is Memorial Day. As we honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending and protecting our country, we also thank those who continue to fight for our freedoms.
“Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.” Emily Potter
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
April 2023
A message from the Deanna,
Happy Easter to you all! May this joyful season of Easter fill your hearts with renewed hope, love, and peace. For all those Easter Bunny helpers, don’t forget to visit our retail members to find eggs-xtraordinary treats to fill those Easter baskets!
Spring has sprung and I’m sure many of you are planning on tackling your outdoor projects in the coming weeks. If you are looking to spruce up your patio or outdoor area stop by Champion Lawn Ornaments & Gifts, Hemlock Lane Designs, Witt’s Nursery or Pletcher’s Farm Market for furniture, plants and accessories. If you are working on a larger scale project, check with Expert Paving Co. LLC., Champion Lumber Co., Graystone Landscape Supply Company or Ritenour Lumber Company, Inc. for lumber and landscaping materials.
Springtime is also a good time to have your home heating and air conditioning systems checked. Dipaola Quality Climate Control, JM Mountain Top Heating and Ridgline Heating & Cooling’s contact information can all be found on the MLCC website under the Directory tab.
If home improvements aren’t on your list for Spring, perhaps, getting out on the golf course is on it! The 24th Annual MLCC Golf Outing is scheduled for Friday, May 19th at King’s Mountain Golf Course. After the tournament begins at 1:00PM and includes lunch, contests, skill prizes, auction, and an awards ceremony. An After Party will be held following the awards ceremony with steak dinner prepared by Juliann Brown of Marinades Grill. Registration and sponsorship information can be found on our website and Facebook page. Spots are limited so be sure to secure your team’s space today!
No matter what’s on your Spring to-do list, be sure to get out and enjoy all that our community and our MLCC members have to offer. A complete list of members, their services, and links to their websites can be found on www.mlchamber.com. Also, check the MLCC Facebook page (@MountainLaurelChamber) for updates on member events, specials and more!
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
March 2023
A message from the Deanna,
Our MLCC members know how to have FUN during the winter in the mountains! Check out the following activities and businesses during the last few weeks of winter, starting with the MLCC Build a Snowman Challenge. Grab your shovel, carrot and top hat and build a snow buddy that’s going to impress our judges! We all know that Seven Springs serves up the winter fun like no other because every day is a snow day on the mountain. After all that fun in the snow, head to Foggy Mountain Lodge & Pub where they are serving up delicious food and specialty drinks at their newly renovated bar. If you are looking for a winter staycation for the family, book a night at Holiday Inn Express and Suites. The kids will love the indoor pool! Perhaps you are looking for a weekend getaway for two, look no further than the Trenthouse Inn! This charming Victorian home serves delicious food, cozy accommodations and is minutes away from a wide variety of winter activities. These are just a few of our amazing members so be sure to check out www.mlchamber.com/business-directory for a full list of all our members and links to their businesses. Also, follow us on Facebook for specials from many of our members!
Speaking of FUN, the MLCC’s bi-annual “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands” Fun Map is set to come out this Spring. Be part of the Fun and reserve your spot on the Map by contacting Stef, [email protected], before March 10th! While we are thinking Spring, the Annual MLCC Golf Outing is being planned right now, so be sure to follow us on Facebook for details and look for updates in the upcoming magazine.
Finally, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you get to indulge in all things green!! Every year my son builds a leprechaun trap to try and lure in the mythical creature from Irish legends. The candy, gold coins and rainbow roads haven’t trapped him yet, but may the luck of the Irish be on his side this year!
May the luck of the Irish be with you
And a blessing of unicorns cross your way.
May you have love, laughter, and friendship true
And may each new dawn be a perfect day.
~Irish Blessing
Sincerely,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
February 2023
A message from the Deanna,
Roses are red, Violets are blue, the MLCC is here to help YOU!
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but there is no need to stress, our members have the perfect gifts that are sure to impress!
Stop by the Country Pie Shoppe, Donegal Dairy Queen, G&D Market, Sarnelli’s Market, Leeper Meats, May’s Country Store, or Mill Run Market to give something sweet, grab a bottle of wine at Sarnelli’s Wine Cellar for a special treat, swing by Champion Lawn Ornaments, Donegal Resale & Flea Market, Gerry’s Western Shop, Hemlock Lane Designs, The Old General Store, The Silver Penny, or Wood’s Jewelers for gifts that are unique, or plan lunch or dinner at Creekside Grill, Foggy Mountain Lodge & Pub, Fox’s Pizza Den – Donegal, Norvelt Golf Club, Out of the Fire Café, Rodney’s Corner Café See- Mor’s All Star Grill, or the Trenthouse Inn if a great meal is what you seek!
Since this is my first letter as President of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), I would like to thank Kris, Stef and the Board of Directors for their support. The next chapter of the organization is sure to BE EXCITING! Our Board is enthusiastic to support our members and develop new and creative ideas to bring more value to our members and the communities we serve.
It’s a special treat for us to welcome our newest member, Lonely Oaks Timber located in Melcroft. We would also like to congratulate the winner of the MLCC Stocking Stuffer Ticket, Arlene Addis. Thank you to all those who purchased a ticket and to all our generous members for their contributions.
Do You Want to Build A Snowman? Then join our Build a Snowman Challenge going on right now through the end of March! Gather your family, friends, or even co-workers and build your best snowman! Take a photo and post it on our Facebook page from March 17th -31st to be entered to win. Channel your inner Olaf and build a snowman worth melting for!
Be sure to continue to follow up on Facebook for all the latest updates, events, new member announcements, contests, and more! Wishing you everything that makes you happiest, today and always.
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Deanna Richter
MLCC President
LHTC Broadband
January 2023
A message from the Kris,
On behalf of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), we would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Reflecting on the past is inevitable when looking to the future and, it is with sincere appreciation that Stef & I wish to thank everyone who supported the efforts of the MLCC over the last year. 2022 was memorable from beginning to end. November and December were celebrated with many events, each of which was unique. Local families, and families from afar, celebrated the Spirit of Christmas by enjoying one or all the following: BHHS The Preferred Realty Donegal Holiday Photo Shoot, Braddock Trail House DAR Mt. Pleasant Annual Festival of Lights, Christmas in the Barn, Christmas in the Mountains, Living Treasures Holiday Light Extravaganza, Melcroft Light-up Night, MLCC Parade of Trees and Springfield Township Light-up Night. Thanks for a great holiday season!
We are proud to announce the 2023 Executive Team and Board of Directors.
Executive Team:
• President: Deanna Richter – LHTC Broadband
• Vice President: Jamie Stilley – Amerikohl Aggregates, Inc.
• Treasurer: Josh Crowe – BHHS The Preferred Realty Donegal
• Secretary: Juliann Brown – Trenthouse Inn
Directors:
• Shari Bukovac Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping
• Tom Guiher Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
• Roxanne Kern See-Mor’s All-Star Grill
• Rob King King Legal Group
• Barb Skinner Christian Family & Children’s Center
• Valeri Stahl Mountain Pines Campground
Happy New Year,
Kris Enberg
MLCC Executive Director
December 2022
A message from the Kris,
Indeed, it is Christmas in the Laurel Highlands, and on behalf of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce we are beyond EXCITED to present the MLCC December Gateway to the Laurel Highlands Christmas Card. Within the pages of this magazine, you will find an array of beautiful wishes and events from many of your local merchants, and if that isn’t exciting enough MLCC President Rob King of King Legal Group is donating $10 to charity for each ad.
We thank Rob for his generosity not only with this Christmas card, but also with the leadership he put forth over the past three years. As 2022 ends so will Rob’s term as President of the Chamber. His term focused on building more relationships in the Normalville and Mill Run areas, he was influential in the startup of the Springfield Township Light-Up and because of these efforts, we recently secured 3 new businesses, Mill Run Market & General Store, Kathy’s Family Hair Salon, and Mays County Store. Rob saw us though the pandemic and housed us RENT FREE for three years. He wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves to do whatever it took with the Ladies Day Bashes including title sponsorships, setting up tables and schmoosing the crowd to buy tickets. Although he doesn’t golf, he made sure we had the resources for successful tournaments, and we could always count on him at events. Although Rob’s term as President is nearing its end, we look forward to working with him in the coming year as a Past President and for many years to come. Again, thank you, Rob, for your devoted time, dedication, resources, and friendship to this organization.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, especially in our communities within the Laurel Highlands Prepare yourself for some wonderful times this holiday season by attending the MLCC Parade of Trees, Braddock Trail Chapter DAR Festival of Lights, Christmas in the Mountains, Melcroft Tree Light-Up, Springfield Township Light-Up, and Christmas in the Barn. Please read on for more information on these events and visit our Facebook page for more.
In closing, we wish to welcome our newest members: Creekside Grill, Denise Kintigh Insurance Services, Donegal Resale & Flea Market, Hemlock Lane Designs LLC, Fox’s Pizza Donegal, Kathy’s Family Beauty Salon, May’s Country Store, Mill Run Market & General Store and thank all the members of the MLCC for supporting our efforts in 2022.
Be Excited as it is truly Christmas in the Laurel Highlands,
Kris Enberg
MLCC Executive Director
November 2022
A message from the Kris,
Welcome Sheetz Store #751 in Donegal to the Route 31 Corridor!
On Friday, September 23rd, 2022, I had the honor together with Donegal Township Supervisor Dan Pribisco, MLCC Vice President Deanna Richter of LHTC Broadband, Matt Dumbauld of Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, and Heather Geary of the Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center to officially welcome Sheetz Store #751 to Donegal, the Gateway to the Laurel Highlands. It was a beautiful fall morning and a wonderful way to kick-off the first full weekend of the fall tourist season.
What a fabulous day! I cannot express the amount of excitement shared by hundreds of community members and business leaders nor the professionalism and generosity from everyone at Sheetz Donegal during their “Celebration Week & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.”
I would like to use this platform to personally thank everyone affiliated with the success of our 9th Annual Ladies Day Bash held at the Donegal Event Center on Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Title Co-Sponsors: King Legal Group, and the Josh Crowe Team BHHS The Preferred Realty
Gold Sponsor: Somerset Trust Company (STC)-Champion Office
Volunteers: Lori Shepler and Lisa Sierra of Light on the Hill Outreach Church, Cheryl Thomas of Love Abounds, Tammy Miner, Amber & Bonnie Gales of STC, Tammy Cramer of Rustic Lodge Furniture, Juliann Brown of the Trenthouse Inn, Josh Crowe and Tonya Dues of BHHS The Preferred Realty, Roxanne Kern of See-Mor’s All-Star Grill, Tim Coffman of Tim Coffman Sealcoating & Line Painting LLC, Ginny Martin, Ed and Jena Bukovac of Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping and Siera Cramer, daughter of MLCC’s Stefanie Cramer.
Gift Sponsors: Champion Lawn Ornaments, Donegal Dairy Queen, Donegal McDonald’s, G&D Market, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Out of the Fire Café, Rodney Corner, See-Mor’s All-Star Grill, Sarnelli’s Corner, Gerry’s Western Shop, Pletcher’s Farm Market, Light on the Hill Outreach Church, Love Abounds and Trenthouse Inn.
Committee: Shari Bukovac of Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping and Stefanie Cramer MLCC.
Special thanks: Donegal Event Center, Mountain Top Mobile Concessions LLC, Sarnelli’s Beer Distributor & Wine Cellar, the County Pie Shoppe, Bullseye Security AND everyone in attendance!
I stepped back from the planning portion of this year’s bash, and it was fun to watch Stef move more into a leadership position. Thanks Stef, you did amazing! In fact, I handed the mic over and again stepped back to mingling and cutting the cake. It was heartwarming watching everyone on the floor doing their best to support our efforts.
My takeaway from both events was a sense of rebirth, (*the action of reappearing or starting to flourish or increase), pride, (*a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction) and excitement (*a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness). Combined, all three create the perfect cocktail for success and community and it humbles me to watch us grow.
In closing, I encourage you to continue the excitement of working together and building community.
Talk Soon,
Kris Enberg
MLCC Executive Director
October 2022
A message from the President,
As my term in the office of President at the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) decreases to months numbering in single digits, I remain most impressed and proud of the energy and commitment to the success and expansion of business coordinated through this chamber of commerce from our member businesses in all industries. Those existing businesses serving the community in health maintenance, namely Alora Therapeutics LLC, Bethlen Communities, David Lentz, DMD, Donegal Dental Center, DreamLife Recovery, Estate Assurance, Excela Health, Financial & Group Services Inc., Firestone Insurance Agency LLC, Hughes Physical Therapy Services LLC, Mountain Laurel Yoga LLC, NovaCare Rehabilitation, Sadler-Bruner Insurance Agency, and Wilson Chiropractic Health Center and those members proving business support and resources, namely, AA Septic Tank Service, Appalachian Fluid Power Inc., Bella Florals, Bizup Refuse Company, C&D Firewood & Logging LLC, Cenkner Engineering Inc., Champion Lumber Company, Dipaola Quality Climate Control LLC, Donegal Auto Body, Exelos, Expert Paving Company LLC, Ford Business Machines, Frank Furher Wholesale, Graystone Landscape Supply Company, Hampton Office Products, Hemminger Homes Inc., Intervala LLC, JM Mountain Top Heating, K2 Engineering Inc., King Legal Group LLC, Laurel Mountain Homes, Laurel Valley Graphics, Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home, Milt Neiderhiser & Sons Inc., Moseye Graphics, Open Hands Ministry, Port-a-Storage, Ritenour Lumber Company Inc., Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping, Smail Automotive, Somerset Screen Printing & Embroidery, Sparks Catering, Steele Construction Inc., Surge Water Conditioning, Tannery Run Design-Build, Thrifty Ski Rental, Top Septic Service Inc., Tri County Home Improvement, Witt’s Perennial Nursery, and Wood’s Jewelry, though not mentioned often enough in this space, made and continue to make possible, relevant and important the focus and efforts of the MLCC. Our business members have made timely contributions of participation and guidance of chamber events and sponsored causes, including infrastructure and education expansion critical to supporting continuation of existing businesses and demand for new businesses in the MLCC. As the president of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce these last three years, I am proud to be a champion of all members and their efforts for the MLCC. I thank each member for helping and accepting the help of Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Please remember the available services to enhance your business offered through the staff at the MLCC office on Route 31 in Jones Mills, and particularly the new and enhanced advertising opportunities available with use of the monthly magazine of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
September 2022
A message from the President,
As I have mentioned in this space many members and businesses by name with the overwhelming success of such businesses promoted by efforts of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce over the last two years, I want to take this moment to recognize and express my personal heart felt gratitude for the often single handed and overlooked efforts, commitment, sacrifice of family time and enthusiasm of our Executive Director, Kris Enberg, during these last 23 years. She has enabled more than seven presidents and nearly a hundred board members to guide and meet the demands upon the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce incident major events, particularly, turnpike interchange upgrades, expansion of infrastructure and resolution of controversy involving use and preservation of natural resources by and for our member businesses and the public they serve. As the life of business has evolved through the digital age, pandemic conditions and rapid growth, Kris has been the constant and steady hand on the job day and night learning and producing timely responses necessary for the businesses within the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce to grow and mature. Being sensitive to her wishes, sacrifices, and the rapidly expanding demands of our members upon the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce, the Board, as previously announced, has committed to granting her expressed desire to focus more narrowly her efforts and time to the monthly magazine publication, which during its life and existence she has grown to be a favorite publication of the public of whom almost 8,000 persons make it a monthly read.
With her goal in mind, the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce is hoping to welcome a new Executive Director shortly at the elbow of Kris to assume the day to day administrative, management and membership duties shouldered by Kris these many years but never wishing to lose talent and always in need of her counsel and skills, all can expect to see Kris as always with the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce. Please remember the available services to enhance your business which is offered through Kris Enberg and Stefanie Cramer at the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce office on Route 31 in Jones Mills, and particularly the new and enhanced advertising opportunities available with use of the monthly magazine of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
August 2022
A message from the President,
As the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) begins planning for the 9th Annual Ladies Day Bash on Sunday, September 18th, it is nice to take time to enjoy the summer weather and activities available to all the visitors to the Laurel Highlands, including the semi-resident campers frequenting sites at camps operated by our member businesses, Donegal Campground, Laurel Highlands Campland, Mountain Pines Campground, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. These members are working 24 hours a day and 7 days each week to deliver exceptional experiences for more than 2,000 campers and their guests using more than 400 hundred camp sites during these hot months. Deanna Richter of Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center in Donegal, Shari Bukovac of Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping, in Melcroft, Roxanne Kern of See-Mor’s All-Star Grill in Normalville, report that the members of MLCC supporting the camper needs with services and supplies, namely, Main Street Wine Bar, Foggy Mountain Lodge & Restaurant, Rodney Corner, Leeper Meats LLC, Glengarry Golf Links, Norvelt Golf Club, Tall Cedars Restaurant & Tavern, Donegal McDonald’s, Dairy Queen Donegal, Out of the Fire Café, County Pie Shoppe, Old General Store, Caddie Shak Family Entertainment Center, Sarnelli’s Corner, The Silver Penny, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Pletcher’s Farm Market, Champion Lawn Ornaments & Gifts, Gerry’s Wester Shop, Indian Creek Valley ATV Club, Champion Gas & Food Mart Inc., Hidden Valley Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Buffer Creek Sporting Clays Inc., G&D Market, Trenthouse Inn, See-Mor’s All-Star Grill, and Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Camp-Resort are filled and busy from time of opening to time of closing with high visitor traffic they have observed. I noticed that our lodging members Baneberry Meadows B&B, Day Inn Donegal, Foggy Mountain Lodge & Restaurant, Hidden Valley Resort, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Donegal, Log Cabin Lodge & Suites, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and Trenthouse Inn are also filled with visitors. To all the business members in the MLCC, keep up the good work and enjoy the business rush.
As we enjoy the activity and warm weather, remember the available services to enhance your business which is offered through Kris Enberg and Stef Cramer at the MLCC office on Route 31 in Jones Mills, and particularly the new and enhanced advertising opportunities available with use of the monthly magazine of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
July 2022
A message from the President,
Summer is here and the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) is fully focused on outreach events. Particularly, the MLCC Community Day and Members’ Picnic was held at Mountain Pines Campground and sponsored by LTC Energy LP and Somerset Trust Company, Champion Office. Members in attendance enjoyed a delicious picnic dinner catered by Juliann Brown of the Trenthouse Inn. Juli’s menu included baked mac n’ cheese & grilled watermelon salad with arugula topped with blueberries and fetta and served with grilled chicken & veggie kabobs from G&D Market & beef brisket from Leeper Meats, adult beverages from Sarnelli’s Beer Distributor & Wine Cellar, and dessert from the Country Pie Shoppe. Sincere thanks are extended for the efforts of Mountain Pines Campground in conjunction with their Bicentennial Year Anniversary to support and champion local business and event sponsors coordinated through Executive Director Kris Enberg and Administrative Assistant Stefanie Cramer.
The Annual MLCC Golf Outing was well attended even with some extreme weather events disrupting the game from time to time. The golf outing was sponsored by King Legal Group, LLC, Amerikohl Aggregates, LHTC Broadband, Smail Auto Group, Somerset Trust Company, BHHS The Preferred Realty Josh Crowe, The Country Pie Shoppe, Donegal McDonalds, Foggy Mountain Lodge & Pub, G&D Market, Hanson Aggregates, Hughes Physical Therapy Services LLC, Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home, Ridgeline Heating & Cooling Inc., Sadler-Bruner Insurance Agency, Sarnelli’s Corner, and Trenthouse Inn. This year’s winning foursomes were Smail Auto Group in 1st place and Ritenour Lumber Company in 2nd place. The competition was held at the Highlands Golf Course at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Once again, this event could not have happened without coordination through Kris & Stef.
This writer and Lin Podolinsky from the Indian Creek Valley Christian Family and Children’s Center/Champion Christian School were happy to speak in support of the Rustic Ridge Mine expansion application of LCT Energy LP submitted to and the subject of an informal public conference hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on May 25, 2022. This writer having directly observed the performance of LCT Energy LP and the operations of other mining companies operating over the last four decades in Donegal and Springfield Townships, was pleased to acknowledge the excellent record of its operations since opening. Since the beginning of mining operations, the number of local jobs has increased, demand for services of existing and new businesses has been created, new families have moved into the area supporting the continued need for locally offered education at the Donegal Elementary School, Springfield CNP Elementary School and Champion Christian School.
Remember to seek and use the services available to enhance your business with a call or email to Kris and Stef at the MLCC office on Route 31 in Jones Mills.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
June 2022
A message from the President,
Since the holidays, the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) has experienced and I have reported the exciting increase in the number of new members, successful retention of the Donegal Elementary School, new infrastructure improvement coming with public sewage, new and expanded private sewage treatment facilities at Mountain Pines Campground and completion of transportation system upgrades in Donegal and Ohio Pyle all benefiting the members of the MLCC. To timely enhance, market, enable our members to experience business gains and capitalize on these improvements, the MLCC is investing in an increase staff to serve and provide for the needs of our members. The position of Executive Director is being expanded to include a new hire in such role, serving with Kris Enberg, the Executive Director of the MLCC, to enable Kris to focus on new targeted projects
Kris has been asked to take on, with her existing responsibilities, the additional tasks of training of new personnel and planning future needs as assigned by the Board of the MLCC, which is thankful to Kris for her willingness to take on these needed additional responsibilities, while shouldering fully her existing duties, with the promise of the Board to find relief for her shortly. I am asking for each reader of this space to assist the Board of the MLCC with identification of potential candidates, hopefully local and with a heart for the success of the member businesses of the MLCC, and suggest to interested persons possessing the following attributes that submission of their application would be welcome.
Job Summary:
Responsible for assisting in the development of policy, implementing policy, and recommending action to the Board of Directors. Responsible for overseeing and the coordination of the existing operations of the Chamber, together with development, promoting, and planning of events and functions. Communicating effectively with the membership on needs, ideas, and opportunities, and development and implementation of the annual budget and organizational plan that advances the general welfare and prosperity of the Laurel Highlands and the Chamber membership are also required. The applicant must be enthusiastic, creative, well organized, an excellent communicator and capable of functioning well in an independent environment to provide executive leadership to the MLCC in the fulfillment of its mission and develop strategies toward a successful and financially stable future.
A full list of qualifications, skills and additional duties and responsibilities are available on the job websites Indeed and LinkedIn, which can be opened for access to an application and answers to questions and concerns of applicants.
Thank you for helping with this enormous task as we are EXCITED TO BE WORKING BETTER TOGETHER for the future of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
May 2022
A message from the President,
As member businesses in the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), we welcome Dr. Hank Croft and his staff at Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic in Stahlstown, the congregation of the Valley Brethren Church with Pastor Bill Howe, Dr. Chelsee Beal and her staff at Valley View Vet in Jones Mills and William Marra, and all those at Tanney Run Design-Build of Champion. We are excited to have the new energy and enthusiasm each of them will bring to us at the MLCC while doing our part to meet the needs and enhance the outreach and exposure of their respective missions and business goals through the specialized marketing, graphic and digital products arriving shortly at the MLCC. I look forward to the participation of each of these new members at our coming events.
Speaking of events at the MLCC, the annual golf outing is again counted as a success with the participation and sponsorship of the afternoon by our gracious event sponsors, namely, Smail Auto Group of Greensburg and Hempfield Township, Amerikohl Aggregates with offices in Stahlstown and participating on our Board of Director through Jamie Stilley, LHTC Broadband of Donegal which has graciously allowed the hours of service of Deanna Richter she has contributed as Vice President and a member of our Board of Directors, over the last five years, Somerset Trust Company with an office locally in Champion, Hanson Aggregates of Connellsville, See Mor’s All-Star Grill of Normalville, and LCT Energy LP of Johnstown have again been significant contributors to the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce with repeated sponsorship of this event.
The MLCC has also been blessed with the members businesses contributing to the event as golf hole/tee sponsors, particularly, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ther Preferred Realty, Josh Crowe, Country Pie Shoppe in Donegal , Hanson Aggregates, Foggy Mountain Lodge and Restaurant, Mark C. Brooks Funeral Home, McDonalds in Donegal, Ridgeline Heating and Cooling and Sadler-Bruner Insurance Agency, without which the golf outing would only be something less. All in attendance and the MLCC are EXICITED TO BE TOGETHER again and grateful to each of our sponsors for making the afternoon memorable.
I encourage continued participation of our existing as well as new member businesses in the upcoming community day held in partnership between the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce and Mountain Pines Campground presenting the MLCC Community Day from 9am to 5pm and MLCC Membership Picnic to follow from 5pm to 7pm on June 2, 2022 at Mountain Pines Campground celebrating 100 years of business at the campground on Route 711 between Champion and Melcroft. With food being free after 5pm to MLCC members and their guests, the MLCC is expecting community participation and attendance, and projects the event as a good opportunity for our business members to reach the community not attending the golf outing.
We also welcome our current board member, Juliann Brown of the Trenthouse Inn, as the new secretary of the MLCC. Juliann is replacing Tammy Shawley who has guided the Board of Directors with the other officers serving the MLCC during the majority of the last two decades while working at Seven Spring Mountain Resorts. We all extend our sincere thanks to Tammy and ask that you do the same if you see her.
It is a true pleasure to see the new businesses and new members join with the current members of the MLCC. I look forward to seeing the advertisements of our new members in the new and improved flyer. Knowing that we are BETTER TOGETHER, I am excited to see the growth that has been expected in the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
April 2022
A message from the President,
For member businesses in the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), I wrote in this space last month of anticipated accelerated business growth from the chamber members being BETTER TOGETHER and noted as support for the prediction the recent arrival of a national company focused on the ski operations of Seven Springs Mountain Resorts. Now there is commencement of construction on State Route 31 in Donegal at the new traffic light across from PNC Bank next to the Christian Family & Children’s Center/Champion Christian School, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and the Days Inn of a new Donegal store of SHEETZ, Inc. This new Sheetz store expands the Sheetz footprint into the area served by the business members in the MLCC as an Altoona based company operating 600 convenience stores, with 21,000 employees and a leading finalist in the current USA TODAY National Competition for 10 Best Regional Fast-Food venues voted upon in the Readers’ Choice Competition. This new business was attracted in great part by the adoption of a resolution by the Donegal Township Supervisors updating the community plan for sewage treatment in the township as required by statute of all municipalities in Pennsylvania.
The action of the supervisors, required by law assigned for enforcement by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Protection, allows businesses the opportunity to employ holding tanks to address sewage needs until the creation and building of a public community sewage treatment plant. A public sewage treatment plant is projected for construction in the foreseeable future with the initial purpose to address sewage needs for businesses around the turnpike interchange. The MLCC actively backs such development as part of its purpose of encouraging, supporting, and seeking means to advance development of business.
Such business development of new and the existing member businesses within the MLCC is in significant part made possible though this coming utility infrastructure expansion demanded by the Department of Environmental Protection, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, of the Donegal Township Supervisors. This action will provide the largest impetus to business acceleration for existing and potential members businesses of the MLCC in more than four decades.
With a complete utility infrastructure, including reliable public water supply, commercial sewage treatment, high speed digital services through LHTC Broadband and electric service, around the new and improved road system now available to the businesses served by and comprising membership of the MLCC, we are BETTER TOGETHER and look forward to expansion, use and enhanced marketing of our member businesses. Make use of the specialized marketing, graphic and digital products arriving shortly to assist member business presentation in various outreach mediums. The staff of MLCC is only a call or email away so please reach out to the office on State Route 31 in Jones Mills, Pennsylvania, with questions and marketing needs.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
March 2022
A message from the President,
For member businesses in the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), I wrote in this space last month of my anticipation of accelerated business growth from the chamber members being BETTER TOGETHER. Evidence in support of that prediction is reported, particularly with the recent announcement of investment by a national company focused on the ski operations now within Seven Springs Mountain Resorts. Also seen is maintenance of local population delivering and needed to deliver services of our business members and preservation of local delivery of education resulted from efforts this past fall to retain local school infrastructure needed to maintain population and enhance business prosperity.
To promote and give visibility to goals, products and services of our member businesses competing with outside companies in the digital or remote marketplace, the MLCC has embarked upon an effort offering to members broader outreach through state-of-the-art graphic advertising. The monthly flyer will be expanded in number of pages, content and in glossy format anticipated by end of April this year. The MLCC will continue support for expansion of local educational opportunity at the elementary school level with others in Donegal and Springfield Townships started last year.
The Board of Director, along with Executive Director, Kris Enberg and Administrative Assistant, Stefanie Cramer will be seeking for consideration and retention within the MLCC new staff with specialized marketing, graphic and digital training to assist with member business presentation in various outreach mediums. Being BETTER TOGETHER at the MLCC requires that all support expected growth in the businesses of the members of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce quickly and effectively to preserve this period of opportunity.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
February 2022
A message from the President,
As we enter this new year with the opportunity to build upon the successes reported in the businesses of the members at the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), I am extremely optimistic for accelerated growth in the businesses of our members enhanced by planned infrastructure improvements in roads and utilities for which government funding is becoming available and more comfort of everyone with viruses and other illnesses around us all each day. Demand for products and employment is at the highest levels in years creating the best environment for both existing and new businesses members.
This month we welcome, as new members, Baneberry Meadows Bed & Breakfast/Event in Donegal, Ford Office Technologies in Connellville, and Exelos in Greensburg. We have received very positive feedback from a significant number of the new members about the quality enhancements announced last month in this space for the flyer published monthly at the MLCC. The flyer was reported to be the single product most enticing to new members joining the MLCC. Our research has shown the flyer to be the most economical, widely read and geographically focused advertising product for the member businesses in the MLCC when paired with the digital products available to our member businesses. These reports merit the additional expense of the enhanced graphics and photo quality to premier in the flyer by end of April this year.
With expanding membership and demand for services from staff at the chamber by our members, the MLCC will be expanding staff and services in coming months for which an outreach is currently being structured to locate, secure, and integrate new people with specialized skill in marketing and assisting member businesses of the MLCC. Be on the lookout for future announcements concerning this outreach from our CEO, Kris Enberg, and Stefanie Cramer, here in the office at the MLCC. They will be seeking involvement from all members of the Chamber, working BETTER TOGETHER, in all programs to make use of the improved and new products and services available upon request at the office of the MLCC in the Sadler-Bruner Erie Insurance Exchange Building located at 4111 State Route 31, Jones Mills, Pennsylvania. Join us here at the MLCC in enthusiastically welcoming this new year.
Sincerely,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
January 2022
A Message from Rob & Kris,
On behalf of the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce (MLCC), we would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Reflecting on the past is inevitable when looking to the future and, it is with sincere appreciation that we wish to thank everyone who supported the efforts of the MLCC over the last year. 2021 was memorable from beginning to end. November and December were celebrated with many events, each of which unique. Local families, and families from afar celebrated the Spirit of Christmas by enjoying one or all the following: BHHS The Preferred Realty Donegal Free Holiday Photo Shoot, Braddock Trail House DAR Mt. Pleasant Annual Festival of Lights, Christmas in the Barn, Christmas in the Mountains, Living Treasures Holiday Light Extravaganza, Melcroft Light-up Night, and Springfield Township Light-up Night. Thanks for a great holiday season!
New Year, New Flyer! We are EXCITED to announce the upcoming makeover to the monthly MLCC “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands” Flyer from NEWSPRINT to FULL COLOR GLOSSY! The impressive new piece is scheduled to begin with the March 2022 edition. The flyer is a signature piece for our organization. It continues to tie local communities from our large rural areas together. The following is a listing of a few things the flyer has accomplished in building awareness within our communities: announce new business, promote MLCC and community events, promote business by providing a resource to advertise locally, announce community meetings, and serve as the liaison for highway infrastructure and natural resources. In a nutshell, “it simply ties us together” 😉
The MLCC Stocking Stuffer Winning Ticket Drawing is getting close! The number will be taken from the PA daily 3-digit lottery number drawn at 7 pm on Friday, January 14, 2022. Don’t have one? Contact Stef through email at [email protected] or in the office at (724) 593-8900 to see if there are any left.
Finally, we are proud to announce the 2022 MLCC Board of Directors and Executive Team
Directors:
- Juliann Brown Trenthouse Inn
- Shari Bukovac Shari Bukovac Bookkeeping
- Tom Guiher Living Treasures Wild Animal Park
- Mark Hughes Hughes Physical Therapy, LLC
- Roxanne Kern See-Mor’s All-Star Grill
- Barb Skinner Christian Family & Children’s Center
- Jamie Stilley Amerikohl Aggregates
Executive Team:
- President: Rob King – King Legal Group, LLC
- Vice President: Deanna Richter – LHTC Broadband
- Treasurer: Josh Crowe – BHHS The Preferred Realty Donegal
- Secretary: Tammy Shawley – Seven Springs Mountain Resort
- Executive Director: Kris Enberg
- Administrative Assistant: Stefanie Cramer
MLCC Better Together,
Robert W. King
MLCC President
King Legal Group, LLC
Kris Enberg
MLCC Executive Director
