RCA forges bonds with Steel Valley chamber, UPMC

Regional Chamber Alliance has taken steps to solidify new ties with Steel Valley area businesses while forming a new bond with McKeesport's largest employer.

RCA's CEO Maury Burgwin announced Wednesday three members of the former Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors have joined the RCA board.

"It is beneficial for the members of the Steel Valley Chamber to be part of a larger organization that has more clout now in the business community, and in the political community," said Ray Schon, a Munhall State Farm insurance agent who had been treasurer of the Steel Valley board.

Schon was added to the RCA board Tuesday along with SV president John Karafa Jr. of George Irvin Green Funeral Home Inc. in Munhall and attorney Phil Scolieri, who has offices in Pittsburgh and the Waterfront.

"They're very enthusiastic and they really want to roll their sleeves up," Burgwin said.

Burgwin also announced a board seat is being filled by former state Sen. Sean Logan, D-Plum, now vice president for community relations at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

"I look forward to serving in a role that will help identify and leverage opportunities for UPMC McKeesport, in particular, to work together with other local businesses and organizations to benefit the people who live and work here," Logan said in a release issued by RCA.

UPMC McKeesport has some 1,000 employees. Its role recently was expanded by the Pittsburgh-based hospital network to include areas formerly covered by UPMC Braddock.

UPMC also agreed to be the first RCA member to purchase a "president's circle" sponsorship.

"Within our corporate sponsorships it is the highest level that we have," Burgwin said. "UPMC will take a prominent place on the webpage as one of our sponsors."

"The RCA is under new direction with Maury," Schon said. "There are plans to do a regular schedule of networking events, breakfast, lunch and dinner networking."

Schon volunteered to be part of a networking/programming committee, citing his past work with the Outback restaurant chain.

That in turn put him on chambers of commerce in St. Clairsville, Ohio; Charlotte, N.C.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Parkersburg, W.Va.

"They are going to meet to roll out an events schedule for 2011," Schon said of RCA.

"We're really shooting for a full slate of events in January."

Burgwin said another new RCA committee will work on building membership in an organization that reached 350 members with the merger with Steel Valley.

"We are moving forward in exciting ways and we want to invite you to contribute to our renewed vitality," Burgwin said in an e-mail to members and potential members Wednesday.

Also serving on the RCA board are Scott Biddle of Northwest Savings Bank, who chairs RCA's executive committee; Prudential Realtor Lori Maffeo, who is the vice chair; and Mark Urbassik of KU Resources Inc. in Duquesne, who is committee secretary.

Also on the board are Linda Curinga of Penn State Greater Allegheny; Certified Public Accountant Edward C. Datemasch; Bobby Fiori of Apter Industries Inc.; Dorothy's Candies proprietor Marti Gastel; Robin Khorey of Global Tax Network of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth Township business coach Donald Lodge.

Also on the board are White Oak kitchen and bath design studio owner Ronald Massung; South Hills attorney Howard Murphy; Joseph Segina of U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works; Clairton auto body shop owner Kathy Tachoir; Hatti Topolnak of Bechtel Bettis Inc.; and Dolores Weinstein of H. Wayne Weinstein Inc. in McKeesport.

By Patrick Cloonan, MCKEESPORT DAILY NEWS
Thursday, September 23, 2010