Winter 2025-26 Newsletter - SMPS Central PA 
Chapter News
A Message from the President
Dear SMPS Central Pennsylvania Members,
As we move further into this program year, I’m really proud of the momentum we’re seeing across our chapter. From strong educational programs and networking events to awards, sponsorships, and regional collaboration, there is a lot happening, and it reflects the commitment of the people behind the scenes.
Most importantly, I want to take a moment to thank our board and volunteers. This chapter runs because of a dedicated group of professionals who give their time and energy outside of demanding full-time jobs. Behind every event, email, sponsorship, and operational detail is someone stepping up to make sure SMPS Central PA continues to deliver value to our members. Their work often isn’t visible, but it is absolutely essential, and I am incredibly grateful for their dedication. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you as well to our members for staying engaged and showing up. Your participation is what makes the effort worthwhile. I encourage you to take advantage of upcoming programs and, if you’re able, consider attending the SMPS Northeast Regional Conference in Washington, D.C. this spring. NERC is a great opportunity to learn, connect with peers across the region, and bring new ideas back to our chapter and your firms.
I’m thankful to serve alongside such a committed board and engaged members. I look forward to what’s ahead and to continuing to build a strong, supportive SMPS Central PA community together.
Warm regards,
Rebekah Hartt, CPSM
President, SMPS Central Pennsylvania Chapter
Announcements
“The Pod” at Olivia's House
It’s official — “The Pod” at Olivia's House: A Grief and Loss Center for Children is complete!
Thanks to the incredible support behind our 2025 annual golf outing, this brand-new recording studio is now up and running. The refreshed space features professional microphones, video equipment, and soundproofing to create a welcoming, high-quality environment for the families Olivia’s House serves.
Members of SMPS Central PA also joined in the Giving Tree ceremony at Olivia’s House, where a new leaf was added to the mural reading, “𝘚𝘔𝘗𝘚 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘥.” It was an amazing experience to see our contribution displayed and celebrated among so many others supporting the center’s mission.
From start to finish, what an incredible transformation and a truly special project to support!
Membership
New Members |
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Jamie Colamarino |
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Anniversaries |
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December |
January |
February |
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Jamie Keener, 9 |
Edward Stetz, 37 |
Ann Leiner, 26 |
Program Recaps
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Navigating Disruption: Leadership Strategies for a Shifting MarketIn November, SMPS Central PA brought together industry leaders for a dynamic panel breakfast focused on how organizations are navigating rapid change in today’s business landscape. Attendees started the morning with networking and a light breakfast before engaging in a thought‑provoking discussion on market shifts, technological disruption, evolving client expectations, and workforce dynamics. Moderator Esther Angell of Insightfully Curious guided an insightful conversation with panelists Clayton Bubeck (RETTEW), Tom Dardick (Mentor Machine Incorporated), Andrew Lawler (Barry Isett & Associates), and James Sponaugle (Utz). Together, they shared practical leadership strategies, communication approaches, and cultural initiatives that foster organizational resilience and agility. Supported by live audience polling and an interactive Q&A, the session provided attendees with actionable perspectives and fresh ideas for leading through change. |
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How to Track the Value of Social Media, hosted by Tower MarketingIn January, SMPS Central PA hosted a virtual session with Tower Marketing titled “How to Track the Value of Social Media and How It Plays into Your Full Marketing Strategy.” Presenter Grace Hurst, Content Marketing Team Lead at Tower Marketing, shared practical ways to measure the impact of social media, especially for service-based businesses. Grace covered how to evaluate performance in GA4 and other analytics tools and explained how to identify what is working so marketers can better understand social media’s role within their overall strategy. With experience in corporate communications, e-commerce, and digital marketing, she offered clear, actionable insights that attendees can put to use right away. |
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Holidaze Party
SMPS Central PA hosted its annual Holiday Party at InJoy Golf in Lancaster. Members and guests enjoyed an evening of food, drinks and interactive entertainment, including golf simulators and other games. Attendees were welcome to bring their own clubs, and plenty of space was available for networking and relaxation. This year’s celebration also supported the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Guests were encouraged to bring in-kind donations, contributing items such as canned goods and household items. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the chapter helped make a meaningful impact in the community. |
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Video Basics for Maximum ImpactIn February SMPS Central PA recently hosted an educational session on the fundamentals of video production, giving attendees practical tools to create polished content using everyday equipment. The workshop covered composition, lighting, sound and simple storytelling, along with helpful phone‑shooting tips, budget gear recommendations and a framework that small marketing teams can apply right away. The session was led by Ken Bray, Visual Content Producer at Benchmark Construction. Ken shared insights from his work in photography, videography and drone operations and highlighted how effective visual storytelling can elevate brand impact. With experience in Adobe Creative tools, Unreal Engine and a range of visual effects, he brought a clear and accessible approach to helping marketers grow their video skills. |
Careers
Focused exclusively on marketing and business development for the A/E/C industry, MARKENDIUM: ONLINE LEARNING CENTER brings you the best of both worlds: e-learning and professional development.
The current catalog features a variety of courses, from content marketing and client-building to return on investment (ROI) and social media. When you participate, you can even earn SMPS CEUs, AIA LUs, and PDHs.
Consider sharing the course catalog with your supervisors and letting them know you have access to this training thanks to their support of your SMPS membership. Another idea: host a brownbag session in your office and lead a follow-up discussion.
If you have other ideas for taking advantage of the ONLINE LEARNING CENTER offering, be sure and share them with the rest of us!
Job Bank
SMPS Central Pennsylvania Chapter advertises positions related to marketing, sales, business development, communications, graphic design, and related career opportunities in the A/E/C marketplace.
Proposal Specialist | Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Marketing Assistant | Wagman Construction, Inc.
Submit your open positions to the Job Bank here!
