Press Releases - 07-2022 Archive

ERIE – The Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, Senator Doug Mastriano, will be the featured speaker at the Manufacturer & Business Association’s (MBA) legislative luncheon starting at noon Wednesday, August 3, at the MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. All media are invited to attend.

 “The MBA is excited to create another opportunity for our members to meet with candidates at the top of the ticket in this important election and share their concerns,” said MBA Assistant Vice President of External Relations Jezree Friend “The MBA has become a respected statewide business, trade and advocacy association by ensuring our members have a seat at the table to shape the discussion on issues impacting business.”

 Mastriano won the primary election on May 17 to become the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor. He is serving his first term in Pennsylvania General Assembly, representing the 33rd Senatorial District in South Central Pennsylvania. He is a retired U.S. Army colonel, former director of NATO’s Joint Intelligence Center in Afghanistan and professor at the U.S. Army War College. He earned a Ph.D. and four master’s degrees and has published several books. Mastriano faces Democratic nominee Attorney General Josh Shapiro in the general election on November 8.

 To register, visit mbausa.org or contact Melissa Lesniewski at 814/833-3200, 800/815-2660 or mlesniewski@mbausa.org.

 Cost is $35 for Members, $50 for Nonmembers and includes lunch.

 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations reflect the views and opinions of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Manufacturer & Business Association or any of its officers and directors.

Lori Joint Named Interim President and CEO; Krahe to Aid in Transition Efforts

ERIE – After many discussions about where it has been, where it is now, and where it needs to be in the next five years, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) today announced a leadership change. 

The MBA’s focus is to continue to enhance and expand on its programs and services, and reinforce its recognition as a respected business advocacy group and one of the largest employers’ associations of its kind in the United States. 

“This is an exciting time for our organization as we enter a post-COVID work world,” Association President and CEO John Krahe said. “The MBA is well positioned to continue to provide the value-added programs and services our members have come to expect, to meet any challenges it may face in the coming year and to make the most of every opportunity.” 

As part of a mutual agreement approved by the MBA Board of Governors on June 21, Krahe will continue to serve as Association president and CEO until August 1 and has agreed to remain “lead oversight” of this year’s Manufacturing Day and the Annual Event to continue the momentum and success of those critical MBA events. He also will provide a consulting/support role to the MBA and interim president and CEO Lori Joint until the end of the calendar year and beyond, if necessary, while he pursues new career opportunities. 

“This has been a difficult decision to make,” said Krahe, “but one that I am committed to supporting wholeheartedly. I recognize it is in the best interest of the organization, which has and always will be the case.” 

MBA Board of Governors Chairman Jana Goodrich expressed thanks on behalf of the Board for Krahe’s service and support in making this a seamless transition. “The Board of Governors wishes to recognize and extend our gratitude for the dedication you have shown to the Manufacturer & Business Association throughout your tenure,” she said. “Your commendable work ethic, professionalism and accomplishments over the years have helped to sustain and enhance our many members throughout Pennsylvania. We wish you all the best as you choose your next professional endeavor.” 

Goodrich also noted, “The MBA Board also thanks Lori Joint, vice president, a long-tenured and well-respected senior leader at the Manufacturer & Business Association for her willingness to accept the position of interim president and CEO while an executive search is conducted. Under her leadership, the MBA will continue to aggressively pursue and to expand the opportunities and resources provided to our member companies, and to continue the growth of our influence on public policy and government in support of our region’s manufacturers and businesses.” 

Krahe has dedicated 30 years of his professional career to the MBA. During his tenure as president and CEO, Krahe helped expand the geographic reach of the Association’s keystone certification programs, including its nationally recognized Supervisory Skills and Leadership for Team Leaders Series, and enhanced the organization’s HR Support Team and delivery system that supports the MBA membership on a daily basis. He also led efforts to grow the MBA’s MFG Day program to be one of the largest educational celebrations of manufacturing of its kind in the country. Krahe also was instrumental in leading the MBA’s merger with SMC Business Councils to expand the MBA’s membership footprint in the Greater Pittsburgh region throughout Southwestern and South Central Pennsylvania. Most recently, he helped navigate the MBA team through the COVID pandemic to be able to serve and assist its members to do the same.

  “I am fortunate to be part of and lead such an exceptional group of individuals and team and to have worked with so many great and dedicated members of the Board of Governors over our many years together,” said Krahe. “Along with those who have come before us, we have built a reputation statewide that is second to none for representing our members’ business interests and assisting their organizations to succeed. I have the utmost confidence that the best is yet to come.”

ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA), in conjunction with the MBA Business Magazine, will host the 2022 IMPACT Luncheon & Volunteer Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the MBA Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. All media are invited to attend.

The event, which is geared toward employers, will showcase the many volunteer opportunities available in the region. More than a dozen area nonprofits will be on hand as fair exhibitors. 

In addition to the volunteer fair, Heather May Caspar, executive director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN), will deliver the keynote address about her nonprofit experience and the business benefits of volunteering and giving back. The SSJNN is a nonprofit agency providing social services, neighborhood revitalization and community development within some of the City of Erie’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. 

“This is a win-win for our area businesses to engage their teams and learn about new opportunities to get involved in the community,” said Association President and CEO John Krahe. “We are excited to host this inaugural event.” 

Cost for the event is $35 for members and nonmembers and includes lunch. 

To register, visit mbausa.org or contact Melissa Lesniewski at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660.