Member Exclusive Events

The Power of Intergenerational Leadership and Communication

June 12, 2025
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

142 West 12th St.
Erie, PA 16501

Casie Lucas-Szumigala puts the spotlight on the importance of emotional awareness, empathy, interpersonal effectiveness, coaching, and mentoring to bridge generational gaps.

The event will emphasize the impact of social and emotional intelligence in fostering understanding, improving collaboration, and enhancing productivity among team members of varying age groups. In an era where Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z often work side by side, the ability to connect meaningfully and communicate effectively has become a critical skill.

This seminar will delve into practical strategies to bridge communication styles, manage generational expectations, and build an emotionally intelligent culture that appreciates and leverages each generation’s strengths.

To register for this event, contact the Center Director, Jacob Jones, at jmj5991@psu.edu.

Building and Leveraging a Family Business Brand

August 5, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE)
5343 Station Road, Erie, PA 16510

Presented by: Chris Schroeder of Gem City Creative, LLC

Unlock the potential of your family business with insights from branding expert Chris Schroeder of Gem City Creative, LLC. In this engaging event, discover how strategic branding can set your business apart in a competitive market.

What you’ll learn:

• Showcase Multi-Generational Expertise: Learn to leverage the unique perspectives of different generations within your family business to connect with a broader customer base.
• Add Professional Credibility: Ensure customers recognize the expertise and skill within your family business through professional branding strategies.
• Maximize Brand Exposure: Strategically use physical and digital assets to expand your businesses’ reach.

Whether you’re a long-standing family business or just starting out, this event provides actionable strategies to build a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with your target audience.

To register for this event, contact the Center Director, Jacob Jones, at jmj5991@psu.edu.

Bringing the World to PA

International Trade and Marketing: The Building Blocks

September 8, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Community Outreach, Research, and Evaluation (CORE)
5343 Station Road, Erie, PA 16510

Join us for an enlightening session on international trade and marketing led by Dorte Heffernan, an international trade specialist with the Northwest Commission. This event is perfect for businesses looking to expand their horizons into import and export markets.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fundamentals of international trade and marketingStrategies for entering import and export markets
• Key resources available to Pennsylvania businesses for global expansion
• Learn about the comprehensive support offered by Pennsylvania’s export assistance programs, including: Pennsylvania’s Export Assistance Program, Market research and entry strategy development
• Access to Pennsylvania’s global network of Authorized Trade Representatives in over 70 countries
• Potential grants for participating in overseas trade missions and shows
• Export financing options and insurance program

Special Invitation

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend “Bringing the World to PA” on September 15th, 2025. This event promises to be an excellent platform for networking and gaining further insights into international trade opportunities with Trade office and Investment Representatives from over 15 countries will be on hand to talk with your business.

Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to expand your current international operations, this session will equip you with the knowledge and resources to take your business global. Join Dorte Heffernan to unlock the potential of international markets and learn how Pennsylvania’s robust support system can help your business thrive on the global stage.

To register for this event, contact the Center Director, Jacob Jones, at jmj5991@psu.edu.