Ziebart store planned in Washington area
An Air Force veteran, Nick Lambie is flying high. The International Franchise Association
recently named him 2023 Franchisee of the Year for his work at the Ziebart store in Morgantown, W.Va., which he and his twin brother, Mark, have owned since 2019.
Nick, a master sergeant, was honored at the IFA’s annual convention in Phoenix.
The twins, who reside in Uniontown, celebrated their 30th birthdays on Wednesday. Although they aren’t there yet, they are eagerly anticipating twin ownership.
Nick said he and his brother are close to making a deal to open a second Ziebart shop, this one in the Washington area. He said they “have found a potential” location, but cannot be more specific because a deal has not been completed.
Ziebart shops nearest to Washington are in Morgantown, McKeesport and Triadelphia, W.Va.
Matthew Haller, president and CEO of the IFA, said in a statement: “We are proud to recognize Nick with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt his work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”
Ziebart International Corp., founded in 1959, provides premium automotive appearance and protection services that extend the life of vehicles. The company operates more than 400 locations, with 1,300 service centers, in 37 countries.
Chamber notary
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has announced it is now offering free notary services to members, by appointment.
Chamber staffer Heidi McIntyre is now a notary public and taking appointments at heidi@washcochamber.com or 724-225-3010.
Notable nugget
Often, while working on other projects, journalists acquire interesting information that doesn’t quite fit into stories they are crafting. Instead of ignoring these tidbits, this author will strive to include some of these nuggets in this and subsequent business notebooks.
Nick Lambie accepts his 2023 Franchisee of the Year award from Ziebart.
Heidi McIntyre is now a notary and taking appointments for notary services for Washington County Chamber of Commerce members.
A few weeks ago, a Donegal Township couple, Bob and Debby Panichi, talked about Rustic Rock Maple Farm and the travails they’ve faced with their maple syrup business over the past year. Bob sustained multiple leg injuries early in the 2023 season while traversing his hilly property, a circumstance that cut into their ability to sell their wares in stores and at regional farmers markets. He is healed and they are back in business full time.
Bob acknowledged that many consumers consider maple syrup to be a sweet treat, but pointed out that it “is almost a super food.”
“People would be surprised at the nutritional advantages maple provides,” he said. “It has 260 nutrients and antioxidants and polyphenols. Syrup has 60 to 70 polyphenols, a staggering amount.”
Polyphenols, by definition, “protect the human body’s tissues against oxidative stress and associated pathologies such as cancers, coronary heart disease and inflammation.”
Manufacturing
Catalyst Connection, which provides consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, has released its annual report for 2023. It is a private, not-for-profit organization based at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh.
The report showcases achievements in revenue growth and productivity for small- and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the region.
The agency last year secured nearly $10 million in revenue, collaborated with 230 companies and facilitated a sales increase of $16.5 million. This led to the creation of 150 new jobs and retention of 500 positions across 20 manufacturing sectors.