STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 
Please note, interested participants may choose to attend either or both of the first two free sessions presented by Dr. Kent Tonkin, Associate Professor of HR/MIS at Saint Francis University and Owner/Consultant of Tonkin to You, LLC. The sessions are independent and do not build on one another, so participants can choose to attend whichever session(s) best fit their interests.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 
HOSTED BY DR. KENT TONKIN, MHRM

July 14, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

White Township Building
1800 Beaver Valley Road, Fallentimber, PA 16639

All of us have limited time and unlimited responsibilities, making it more crucial than ever to gear your message to its intended audience. It’s not what you say...it’s what THEY hear! This workshop will provide attendees with communications approaches, tips, and methods to help ensure that the message they are sending is what the recipient receives

Dr. Tonkin, a 1991 graduate of Glendale High School, has over 30 years of professional experience as a technology manager, educator, presenter, professional coach, and author. He has provided professional development for industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare on a wide variety of topics. He lives in Altoona with his wife Melissa and their two dogs Wills and Frida.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
HOSTED BY DR. KENT TONKIN, MHRM

July 16, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

White Township Building
1800 Beaver Valley Road, Fallentimber, PA 16639

In our fast-paced and stressful work environments, conflict with others is almost inevitable…but it doesn’t HAVE to be a bad thing! Using examples and “role play” scenarios, attendees will evaluate their own conflict management style and apply resolution techniques to everyday professional situations.

Dr. Tonkin, a 1991 graduate of Glendale High School, has over 30 years of professional experience as a technology manager, educator, presenter, professional coach, and author. He has provided professional development for industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare on a wide variety of topics. He lives in Altoona with his wife Melissa and their two dogs Wills and Frida.

SMALL BUSINESS LOANS / MUNICIPAL LOANS & GRANTS
HOSTED BY ERICA KOPERA AND KATIE WHYSONG

July 28th, 2026
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Reade Township Building
105 Ballfield Road, Glasgow, PA 16644

Join Erica Kopera and Katie Whysong from First Commonwealth Bank for an informative session designed to help small business owners, nonprofits, and municipal representatives better understand today’s funding opportunities. This presentation will explore loan and grant options, application best practices, and strategies to improve approval success. Attendees will learn how to identify the right funding sources, prepare strong applications, understand eligibility requirements, and effectively manage funds after receipt. Drawing from their extensive banking and financing experience, Erica and Katie will share practical guidance and real-world insights to help you confidently pursue and secure funding.

Erica Kopera, Branch Manager/Business Banker, First Commonwealth Bank
Erica is a small business advisor with over 35 years of banking experience. As a business banker at First Commonwealth Bank, Erica routinely assists business owners and local entrepreneurs with accessing the most effective financing and applicable community resources. She specializes in loan packaging, financial readiness, and connecting business with regional grant opportunities. Erica is passionate about supporting small business and helping organizations position themselves for long-term success through strategic financial planning and access to funding resources. Outside of work, Erica is a very creative and talented trombone player - check her out at an Altoona Community Band show! She also loves traveling the country and crafting at home. 

Katie WhySong, VP- Corporate Banking Officer, First Commonwealth Bank
Katie has served as a Corporate Banking Officer at First Commonwealth Bank for 13 years, working with businesses and nonprofits of all sizes across Pennsylvania. She views her role as a financial consultant, helping organizations achieve financial goals while planning and budgeting for major projects and transitions. Katie brings practical experience navigating public funding programs and advising municipalities and nonprofits on successful grant proposals and compliance. Early in her career, Katie participated in a national syndication that provided financing for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Warehouse Project in Pittsburgh, and more recently worked on a large-scale financing transaction for DelGrosso Foods. Katie was also recognized as Pennsylvania Business Central Foremost Under 40. Outside of work, Katie enjoys hiking, fishing, traveling, and cheering on her son at sporting events.

BUSINESS INSURANCE
HOSTED BY KURT SHINGLEDECKER 

August 11th, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Reade Township Building
105 Ballfield Road, Glasgow, PA  16644

Kurt Shingledecker is an Army veteran, husband, father of four, Glendale Valley local, and the owner of Shingledecker Insurance Agency LLC. With decades of diverse professional experience, Kurt brings a unique and practical approach to insurance education and risk management. He served 20 years in the United States Army and spent 10 years in federal employment as a Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Claims Specialist, where he developed extensive expertise in retirement planning, disability claims, and financial preparedness. Kurt’s background in organizing, planning, and leading operations has given him valuable insight into the challenges businesses face when preparing for unexpected events and long-term financial security. 

This informative session focuses on helping business owners and employers better understand insurance protection and risk management strategies. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience identifying and mitigating risk, Kurt will explain essential employer-sponsored benefits, including group voluntary accident, disability, hospitalization, life, and health insurance products. Participants will also gain insight into important business protection options such as commercial auto coverage, workers’ compensation insurance, and business owner policies. 

ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER
PRACTICAL STRATEGIES TO ASSIST WITH MEETING RULES, AGENDAS, AND DECISION MAKING
HOSTED BY HEATHER L. BOZOVICH, ESQUIRE

August 25th, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Reade Township Building
105 Ballfield Road, Glasgow, PA  16644

Heather L. Bozovich, Esquire is a local attorney with extensive experience in municipal law, governance, and organization procedure. In her practice, she routinely advises public bodies and organizations on best practices for conducting meetings, maintaining compliance, and ensuring effective decision-making.

This session provides a road map for compliance and tips for cultivating a culture of compliance and strong stewardship by exploring the purpose and central principles in Robert’s Rules of Order. Discussions will include the responsibilities of the Board Chair when it comes to meeting rules, proper formation of agendas, motions, and why having meeting rules is essential for boards to aid decision-marking on important matters impacting an organization.

Class members will receive a free Robert's Rules of order book.

MARKETING AND VOLUNTEERISM
HOSTED BY LARISSA MURPHY AND MEGAN DETWILER

September 1st, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Reade Township Building
105 Ballfield Road, Glasgow, PA  16644

Join Larissa Murphy and Megan Detwiler from First Commonwealth Bank for an engaging session focused on helping nonprofits and small businesses maximize their marketing and community engagement efforts. Drawing from nearly three decades of combined experience in banking, marketing, social media strategy, and community reinvestment, Larissa and Megan will share practical insights on balancing creativity with limited budgets, demonstrating return on investment, building meaningful community connections, and strengthening volunteer recruitment efforts. 

Larrissa Murphy, Marketing and Brand Manager, First Commonwealth Bank 
Larissa has been a marketing professional for more than 18 years. She began her career at a nonprofit organization, where working within strict budget constraints sharpened her ability to balance creativity with financial responsibility. In her current role as Marketing and Brand Manager at First Commonwealth Bank, Larissa is continually challenged to demonstrate the return on investment of marketing spend — a skill especially valuable to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Larissa is an accomplished business professional who has presented at the American Banker Small Biz Conference, received the PA Bankers Under 40 Award, and was an ATHENA Indiana County Nominee. Outside of work, Larissa enjoys camping and gardening with her young children or relaxing with a good book.

Megan Detwiler, Sr. Community Engagement Manager, First Commonwealth Bank 
Megan is a banking professional with more than 11 years of experience at First Commonwealth Bank. A 2011 graduate of Saint Francis University, she has served in roles including Branch Manager, Business Banker, Product Development Specialist, and Project Manager, giving her extensive experience working with customers, nonprofits, and small businesses. Currently, Megan leads efforts within the bank’s Marketing department, where she coordinates volunteer initiatives and community engagement opportunities across the bank’s footprint. Her experience recruiting and mobilizing volunteers equips her to help organizations strengthen their own volunteer recruitment and engagement efforts. She also brings more than 14 years of social media marketing experience and currently manages the bank’s social media platforms. Megan serves on the United Way of Southern Alleghenies Marketing Committee and the Center for Community Action Board, and is a recipient of the PA Bankers Under 40 Award. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Dan, their two daughters, and their two dogs.

BUSINESS TAXES
HOSTED BY CHRIS DEANTONIO AND ERIKA WAUGH

September 22nd, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00pm

Reade Township Building
105 Ballfield Road, Glasgow, PA 16644

Starting a small business can be exciting, but understanding the financial, legal, and administrative responsibilities is essential for long-term success. This workshop is designed to help new and prospective business owners navigate the foundational steps of setting up and managing a business properly. Participants will gain practical knowledge about choosing the right business structure, maintaining accurate financial records, understanding payroll and sales tax responsibilities, and implementing effective bookkeeping practices. Through real-world guidance and discussion, attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of how to build an organized, compliant, and financially sound business foundation.

Chris Deantonio, EA, Partner, Sickler Tarpey & Associates 
Chris has more than a decade of experience with Sickler, Tarpey & Associates where he helps individuals, small businesses, and organizations navigate tax preparation, compliance, financial reporting, and accounting needs. Based in Central Pennsylvania, Chris works with clients to provide practical guidance, clear communication, and reliable support throughout the year—not just at tax time. Chris  brings a strong tax-focused background to his work with clients, including individual and business tax preparation, payroll and filing compliance, financial statements, and small business accounting support. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Mount Aloysius College, and as an Enrolled Agent, he is federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS. He is part of a firm with deep roots in Tyrone and Altoona and a long-standing commitment to serving local businesses, families, and community organizations throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Erika Waugh, Staff Accountant, Sickler Tarpey & Associates
With nearly two decades of experience in accounting and financial services support, Erika currently serves as a Staff Accountant at Sickler, Tarpey & Associates. Her background includes extensive experience in payroll processing, bookkeeping, accounts receivable management, tax preparation, and client support within the financial services industry. Prior to joining Sickler, Tarpey & Associates, Erika worked with Marci Nebgen Integrity Services from 2007 through 2024 as an Administrative Assistant and Investment Advisor Assistant. In that role, she managed payroll services, bookkeeping functions, tax preparation, and administrative operations while providing direct support to clients and advisors. Following the integration of the firm into Sickler, Tarpey & Associates, she expanded her responsibilities to include greater involvement in tax preparation and office management. Dedicated to continuing professional growth, Erika has completed the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program along with numerous additional accounting, compliance, and financial training courses throughout her career. She is currently enrolled in a comprehensive individual tax course to further strengthen her expertise in tax preparation and client services.