Peggy Shields Honored As 2007 Volunteer of the Year
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Peggy Shields was tapped as the chamber’s 2007 Volunteer of the Year. At left is Maria Culp of the chamber. (Photo by Jeff Shaffer)
Chamber presents annual awards
By Jeff Shaffer, Standard-Journal
Fri Feb 29, 2008
Reprinted with permission.
WATSONTOWN — Good food, good company and some shiny pieces of recognition made up another year of the Central Pa. Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and awards ceremony.
“It’s the culmination of a year that’s been incredibly productive,” said Maria Culp, president and CEO of the chamber. “We can show the Valley we have incredible community members.”
Some of those people were recognized Thursday at the event, held at Norman’s Watson Inn.
A highlight included the 2007 President’s Award, given to an emotional Jim King (at left with Bruce Smith), the executive director of the Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority who has provided more than 20 years of outstanding leadership, service and mentoring.
“Mr. King puts more mileage on his vehicle within the borders of Northumberland County than any other county resident,” said Culp. “His extensive knowledge of existing buildings and properties that are available within the county borders at any given time makes him the ‘go to’ guy for all things Northumberland County, yet he understands the importance of working in a regional manner with his counterparts (in other area counties).”
A surprised King said it was a great honor.
“You do what you can and when someone recognizes it, it’s special,” he said.
The NCIDA leader said he does what he does because he cares and gets the opportunity to meet the kind of people who attended the awards ceremony.
“It’s an honor to work with these kind of people,” King said.
Also lauded for its efforts as a strong business of 50 or more employees was Kuhns Bros. Enterprise. It received the 2007 Business of the Year Award based on its staying power, innovation of products or service, response to adversity, chamber involvement and involvement in the community.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition,” said Brian Elsasser, CFO (left). “It’s really a reflection of the employees; they are our assets.”
Netting the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award, for firms with fewer than 50 employees, was Lewis Barlett Klees. Notably, the business is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It has offices in Milton, Lewisburg and Bloomsburg.
“I’m very surprised, but pleased,” said Mike Klees (left), who runs the Bloomsburg office. “It’s good to be recognized, especially since we try to help (other businesses) grow.
“If they grow, we can grow. It’s a win-win.”
Jilline Bond was awarded the 2007 Business and Education Award for demonstrating the vision of the chamber’s business and education committee. The unique looking award has a significant meaning. The three points of the triangle represent business, educators and the workforce of the future, supported by the chamber.
“I was in shock, I’m honored,” said Bond (left), who is a senior pastor with her husband, James, of Revival Tabernacle, West Milton. “I believe in the Susquehanna Valley, I enjoy being with its people and putting forth the effort.
“They should know you don’t have to leave the area to find a great place to live and work.”
Last and certainly not least among the major awards was Peggy Shields of Projects by Peggy, who was the recipient of the 2007 Volunteer of the Year Award. The chamber depends a lot of volunteers and Shields has been up to the task, officials said.
“It’s fun to get rewarded for doing what you enjoy,” said Shields, who re-designed the chamber’s Web site and continues to work extensively maintaining it.
As for volunteering, Shields said she just likes to give. “If I could do my job and give it away I would,” she said.
Retiring board members were recognized at the meeting as well. They included Vell Holcombe of Milton Steel, Amy Moyer, publisher of Standard Journal, and Greg Trautman of Trautman Associates/On Fire Promotions. The new members include Steven Beattie of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG), Ann Hilliard, a realtor, and Rich Sands of Weis Markets.
Story and photos by
Jeff Shaffer: 570-742-9671
jeff@standard-journal.com
Website Horror Stories - Part 3 … Selecting a Web Developer or Web Designer
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“A business without a website is like a house without a door. Whether customers, suppliers, or partners, people expect to learn about you through your website.
And if you don’t have a website, then they’ll probably look elsewhere …”
PC Magazine May 23, 2000.
As a web developer working in the area, I am often approached by businesses and individuals who have spent hundreds of dollars for a website and the result has been anything but adequate. This article concludes the three-part series and shares advice for selecting a firm or designer to create your website.
The Common Sense Approach
- Get referrals from trusted business associates and friends.
Everyone knows somebody who has a website. Ask your friends/associates about their experience in the planning and implementation process. Were they happy with the design and designer? Would they use the same person again, if doing it over? What would they do differently and why? - Assess the education, skills and experience of the designer.
There are many faces in the web industry and levels of education vary. Don’t discount someone just because they don’t have a formal education. Self-taught individuals show a level of discipline that is needed to stay current in this business, which changes rapidly. The self-taught individual could also, however, be missing some important training and skills. What experience and skills does this individual or firm possess? Do these skills support the type of website you want for your business? - Review the designer’s website and portfolio.
Do you like it? Does it look professional? Are there broken pages or missing pieces? Is the website easy to use? Can you find the information you are looking for? Does it make sense? Does the designer’s style match what you envision for your website? If you like what you see, you will likely be happy with their work. If not, keep looking. - Contact the designer’s clients.
Would they recommend this designer? Were there any problems? If so, how were they resolved? Would they choose the same designer? Why or Why not? - Assess the Communication
Contact the designer and assess their response. Send a follow up email. Do they reply promptly? Are they helpful and courteous? Do you think you can work with this person? - Listen to your instincts.
If you have doubts, keep looking!
Warnings
- Whose Website Is It Anyway?
Make sure you own the domain name. It should be registered in the company name with the CEO/owner listed as the site owner. - Who Is In Control?
You approve the design style (look and feel of the website) and control the content included on the website. Get a written agreement that includes terms and fees. - Will Your Site Adhere to Web Standards?
Web standards, which are approved by the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3), are important to assure that your website will work in a variety of browsers. Additionally, they help increase web traffic, create a faster website, and improve search engine rankings. It makes good business sense and it’s the right thing to do. - Will It Be “search engine friendly”?
Search engine friendly websites are created with search engine optimization in mind. Good developers are aware of how search engines work and create content and designs that allow the business to be indexed by web crawlers used by Google and other search engines. - Does the Designer Have the Necessary Skills To Do the Job?
Do your homework! Check references. Ask to see website examples. (Even a beginner will have some sample work completed as a volunteer or educational projects.) Were the examples done alone or with the help of others? If others worked on the project, which part of the site did the designer actually do? - What about Backups?
Ask how often backups are done. Request a copy of the completed website after the project is finished. This will ensure you have the original work and content should any problems arise. - What Happens if your Webmaster Goes Missing?
Be prepared! Request access to the website control panel where you can update information. Be sure to get passwords and login information for all web features, including licenses for software purchased on your behalf. Get FTP settings, email information, database setups, etc. - Keep it close to home.
A local designer is accessible when needed. It is easier for someone from another state or region to avoid or ignore your attempts to communicate when problems arise. If you do work with someone outside the region, be sure you do your homework, check credentials and obtain referrals or references. Be diligent.
Conclusion
Getting online may seem like a daunting task to those who have little or no online experience. There are many options and resources available to assist you. The most important resource is your web designer, who should guide you through the process and provide helpful instruction along the way.
For more information about creating a web presence, download my Free Website Planning Guide.
If you are interested in developing a website, contact Peggy by phone 570-966-2470 or email peggy@projectsbypeggy.com.