For Immediate Release

Contact Information:
Dan Confer, president@smpscentralpa.org

July 28, 2025

SMPS CENTRAL PA DONATED TO OLIVIA’S HOUSE - A GRIEF AND LOSS CENTER FOR CHILDREN

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter presented a check to Olivia’s House in the amount of $10,000 on July 9, 2025. The donation was raised from the chapter’s annual A/E/C Golfing “FORE” Business outing held at Out Door Country Club located in York, PA on June 12, 2025. There were 80 participants. Registration included green fees and carts, lunch, complimentary beverages, as well as networking and an awards reception. Team prizes and skill prizes were also awarded.

Pictured are several members of the SMPS Central PA chapter surrounding (left to right, holding the donation check) Olivia’s House Development Director, Michelle Fox and Clinical Director, Julia Dunn, M.ED., LPC

Olivia’s House is a grief and loss center for children. When a family reaches out to Olivia’s House for support, they often don’t know what exactly they’re asking for – just that they need help. When a parent is terrified to tell their young child about a suicide or substance use disorder death, when a teenager is feeling like none of their peers understands losing a sibling, or when a father is bold enough to ask for support after losing his wife, it is Olivia’s House’s honor to be able to say, “we can help.” A nationally recognized organization service South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, Olivia’s House is a free-standing, independent grief and loss center that provides bereavement support to children and their families at no cost. For decades, the experts at Olivia’s House have been sought after for their expertise in bereavement. Thanks to the funds raised from the SMPS Golf Outing, the team at Olivia’s House can pursue an in-house project to modify their existing studio. Now they can take to the airwaves to give their compassionate wisdom an even further reach through their cutting-edge podcast, Guess Who Died?! Proceeds from this event will help to transform space at the grief center into a brand-new recording studio known as “The Pod.” This custom-designed room will be outfitted with stationary microphones, video equipment, and soundproofing to ensure the highest quality for the grieving families who will be listening. To learn more, visit: oliviashouse.org.

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

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For Immediate Release

Contact Information:
Christina McCullough, president@smpscentralpa.org

August 13, 2024

SMPS CENTRAL PA DONATED TO THE SCHREIBER CENTER FOR PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENT

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter presented a check to the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development in the amount of $10,000 on August 2, 2024. The donation was raised from the chapter’s annual A/E/C Golfing “FORE” Business outing held at Out Door Country Club located in York, PA on June 27, 2024. 100 golfers participated. Registration included green fees and carts, lunch and dinner, complimentary beverages, as well as networking and an awards reception. Team prizes and skill prizes were also awarded.

Pictured (left to right): SMPS CPA Past President and Golf Outing Co-Chair, Brooke Wenger; Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development Director of Fund Development, Danielle Sunday; SMPS President-Elect Dan Confer; and SMPS CPA President Christina McCullough

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development serves more than 4,000 children every year. It provides outpatient and in-home pediatric therapy services, including occupational, physical, speech-language, and behavioral therapy, for children from birth to age 21. Additionally, the center offers high-quality early education preschool and childcare services, recreation programs, and summer camps. At the Schreiber Center, every child’s unique capabilities are recognized and nurtured to help them achieve their fullest potential. To learn more, visit schreiberpediatric.org.

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

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Contact Information:
Christina McCullough president@smpscentralpa.org 

For Immediate Release                                                      

SMPS Central PA Delivers Over 130 Coloring Books to Caitlin’s Smiles

Annual Holiday Party Drives Bags of Smiles for Pediatric Patients

Hershey, PA, January 30, 2024 – The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter supported Caitlin’s Smiles during the chapter’s 2023 holiday party which was held at the Hershey, PA location of Stumpy’s Hatchet House. The chapter participated in their coloring book drive. Guests were encouraged to contribute a minimum of two coloring books. Over 130 coloring books were collected in support of the Caitlin’s Smiles’ mission. Glenn Cermak, one of Caitlin’s Smiles’ Board Members, attended the event, and shared with the chapter the amazing work Caitlin’s Smiles does, including bringing some joy to his son while he was in and out of the hospital. 

 Glenn Cermak, Caitlin’s Smiles Board Member speaks to SMPS CPA members at their 2023 Holiday party at Stumpy’s Hatchet House, Hershey, PA

Caitlin’s Smiles provides pediatric patients with arts and crafts activities – Bags of Smiles, individual craft kits, coping kits, toys, and Camp-in-a-Bag. Whatever the gift, the results are the same for all who are touched by these simple gifts: fun, smiles, reduced anxiety, and the realization that others care. The children receiving the gifts, their family, medical staff, and Caitlin’s Smiles’ volunteers and staff all benefit from the joy these simple gifts bring. All the pieces are created by their wonderful volunteers. They are shipped or carried to medical facilities to be distributed by their staff to the children. To learn more, visit: https://caitlins-smiles.org/

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

Contact Information:
Kristen Troxell, president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2023

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter presented a check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the amount of $10,000 on August 3, 2023. The donation was raised from the chapter’s annual A/E/C Golfing “FORE” Business outing held at Regents’ Glen Country Club located in York, PA on June 20, 2023. 96 golfers participated. Registration included green fees and carts, lunch and dinner, complimentary beverages, as well as networking and an awards reception. Team prizes and skill prizes were also awarded.

Pictured (left to right): SMPS CPA President, Kristen Troxell; Ronald McDonald House Executive Director, Karla Mitchell; SMPS CPA Treasurer, Ken Elder; Ronald McDonald; SMPS CPA Past President and Golf Outing Co-chair, Brooke Wenger; and SMPS CPA President-Elect, Christina McCullough

The Ronald McDonald House is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal, or where they will lay their head at night to rest.

Since 1984, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA has been keeping families together and near the care and resources they need as their children receive essential medical care. They do so through their three programs: the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, located across the street from Penn State Children’s Hospital; Ronald McDonald Family Room and Hospitality Cart providing services within the hospital setting at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital; and the Ronald McDonald Kiosk providing services within the hospital setting at Lancaster General Health.

Focusing on basic needs has been their primary goal since we opened their doors in 1984 to their first guests. Nearly 40 years later, families still depend on RMH to provide the basic amenities needed so they can stay by their child’s side as they receive essential medical care. Everything offered through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA is currently being offered at no charge, thanks to generous community support.

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

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Contact Information:
Kristen Troxell, president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2022

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter announces its new Board of Directors for 2022-2023. The Society is a diverse community of marketing and business development professionals working together to move the A/E/C industry forward. The SMPS mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the A/E/C industry.

As professionals in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries, the board members will lead the chapter in providing a variety of benefits, including professional and business development opportunities and educational programs, for members and their companies. These individuals were elected by acclamation to take on the following roles for the growing chapter:

President – Kristen Troxell
Benchmark Construction Company, Inc.

President-Elect – Christina McCullough
EI Associates

Immediate Past President – Todd Stager, PE
Pennoni

Treasurer – Ken Elder
Lobar Associates

Secretary – Susan Shaffer
Day & Zimmermann

Director-at-Large – Dan Confer
Providence Engineering

Director-at-Large – Lindy Hitzel
Campbell Associates

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.
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Contact Information:
Todd Stager, PE president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release                                                      

August 5, 2022

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central PA Chapter presented a check to The Children’s Miracle Network in the amount of $7,000 on July 26, 2022. This money was raised from the chapter’s 2022 Golf Outing at Regents’ Glen Country Club, located in York, PA. This event had the highest number of participants in the history of the event. Participants had the opportunity to hear from Gannon “Bubba”, an eight-year-old boy, who stole the show and hearts, as he shared his personal journey with the group. Gannon was delivered by emergency C-section on December 11, 2013. When Gannon was born, he was 12 weeks premature and weighed only 13 ounces. Gannon was transferred to Penn State Children’s Hospital by pediatric ambulance for a tracheostomy. The doctors did not think he would survive, but he did, earning him the nickname “Warrior Gannon, Jr.”. After spending 225 days in the NICU, he was allowed to go home. Today, “Warrior Gannon, Jr.” continues to defy the odds and is a thriving 8-year-old boy.

Pictured (left to right) SMPS CPA members Carl Rinkevich and Amber Knauss; Katie Anderson with The Children’s Miracle Network; SMPS CPA Director-at-Large + Programs Chair, Christina McCullough; and SMPS CPA Membership Chair Brooke Wenger

Children’s Miracle Network is an international non-profit organization that has affiliations with 170 children’s hospitals. Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raises funds in 10 counties: Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Adams, Franklin, Cumberland, Perry, Juniata, and Mifflin. Since 1984, Children’s Miracle Network has raised more than $87 million for Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. #GiftofGrowingUp

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

For Immediate Release                                                      

January 18, 2022

Contact Information: Todd Stager, PE president@smpscentralpa.org

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central Pennsylvania Chapter collected in-kind donations for the Water Street Mission as part of their annual charity collection at their holiday party on December 14, 2021 at Decades in Lancaster, PA. In addition to donating food items, SMPS Central PA members and guests celebrated the previous year's accomplishments and enjoyed merriment over bowling and arcade games.

    
The Water Street Mission provides marginalized members of our community, those experiencing homelessness or poverty, with tools to build a hope-filled future. To learn more about volunteering or donating visit www.wsm.org/donate

SMPS Central PA also announced Leah Aung as the winner of the Jen Smyers Scholarship, which awards $2,000 to an individual committed to ongoing professional development. Leah is a volunteer on the Chapter’s Communications Committee and employed as Senior Marketing Coordinator with Stahl Sheaffer Engineering. This scholarship was established in recognition of the enthusiasm and commitment that Jen Smyers brought to the Chapter, before she passed away in 2018.

Pictured (left to right SMPS Members): President-Elect, Kristen Troxell; Scholarship Recipient, Leah Aung; and Director-at-Large, Christina McCullough

SMPS represents a dynamic network of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information about SMPS Central PA, please visit www.smpscentralpa.org.

Contact Information: Sara Crimmel Miller, president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release 
September 24, 2020

SMPS CENTRAL PA DONATES $7,000.00 TO BELL SOCIALIZATION SERVICES

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central Pennsylvania Chapter donated a check in the amount of $7,000.00 to Bell Socialization Services, Inc. (Bell), which will be designated toward their Adopt-a-Days fundraising campaign. An Adopt-a-Day donation covers operating costs at Bell’s Family Shelter, assuring a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals, and compassionate staff to help York County families experiencing homelessness. The funds came from a portion of the Chapter’s proceeds from their A/E/C Golfing “Fore” Business outing, which took place at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York, PA on September 1, 2020.

Pictured top from left to right: Josh Forsythe, Tim Klimchock (Bell President of the Board), Brooke Wenger, Susan Shaffer, Christina McCullough, and Zak Wolpert (Bell Board Member)
Pictured bottom from left to right: Sara Crimmel Miller (SMPS President) and Tony Schweitzer (Bell Executive Director)

Bell began in 1966 as “The Bell Club,” a social gathering for people being discharged from local psychiatric hospitals into the greater York, PA community. As Bell began to enrich mental health services, programs were also added to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities, and in 1986, the agency added shelter services to meet the needs of York County’s homeless families. Today, about 2,500 people are served each year through dozens of programs offering housing and basic living supports.
SMPS represents a dynamic network of more than 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information, please visit http://www.smpscentralpa.org.

Contact Information:
Cristina Barnes, CPSM
president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release

November 2, 2018

SMPS CENTRAL PA PRESENTS CHILDREN’S HOME OF YORK WITH $1,000.00 DONATION

On November 1, 2018, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Central Pennsylvania Chapter presented a $1,000.00 check from proceeds raised from the chapter’s annual A/E/C golf outing to the Children’s Home of York (CHoY), a non-profit organization meeting the needs of children and families and enriching the local community.

Pictured left to right: Brooke Wenger, Triad Engineering, Inc.; Dr. Joseph Birli, CHoY; Colleen Murphy, CHoY; Cristina Barnes, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC; Ann Mark, McMahon Associates, Inc.

The SMPS Central PA Chamber completed its fifth annual A/E/C Industry Golfing "Fore" Business Four-Person Scramble on September 18, 2018 at the Regents’ Glen Country Club in York. Over 80 golfers participated. Registration included green fees and carts, lunch and dinner, complimentary beverages, as well as networking and the awards reception. Team prizes and skill prizes were awarded.

SMPS is a diverse community of marketing and business development professionals working together to move the A/E/C industry forward. The SMPS mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry. SMPS represents a dynamic network of more than 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. SMPS chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors. For more information, please visit http://www.smpscentralpa.org.

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Contact Information:
Cristina Barnes, CPSM
president@smpscentralpa.org

For Immediate Release

September 4, 2018

SMPS CENTRAL PA ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Central Pennsylvania Chapter, announced its new Board of Directors for 2018-2019 during the chapter’s annual meeting on August 23, 2018. The Society is a diverse community of marketing and business development professionals working together to move the A/E/C industry forward. The SMPS mission is to advocate for, educate, and connect leaders in the building industry.

As professionals in the architectural, engineering and construction industries, the Board members will lead the chapter in providing a variety of benefits, including professional and business development opportunities and educational programs, for members and their companies. These individuals were nominated and elected to take on the following roles for the growing chapter:

President – Cristina Barnes, CPSM
Marketing Manager, Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC

President-Elect – Ann Mark
Business Development Coordinator, McMahon Associates, Inc.

Immediate Past President – Shawn Barron, CPSM
Director of Marketing & Communication, RETTEW Associates Inc.

Secretary – Melissa Yost
Marketing Coordinator, NTM Engineering, Inc.

Treasurer – Todd Stager
Associate Vice President, Pennoni Associates, Inc.

Director-at-Large – Sara Crimmel Miller
Marketing Communications Manager, Warfel Construction

Director-at-Large – Kristen Troxell
Marketing Coordinator, Benchmark Construction

SMPS represents a dynamic network of more than 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information, please visit http://www.smpscentralpa.org.

Upcoming Events:

September 20: Annual SMPS Central PA Golf Outing

For Immediate Release

Contact Information:
Shawn Barron
president@smpscentralpa.org

September 5, 2017

On September 1, 2017, the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), Central Pennsylvania Chapter, announced their new board of directors for the 2017-2018 program year. These individuals were nominated and elected to take on new roles for the growing chapter.  As professionals in the architectural, engineering and construction industries, the Board will provide a variety of benefits and educational programs to other members and their companies within the Central PA Chapter.

Board of Directors include:

President
Shawn Barron, CPSM, Director of Marketing & Communication
RETTEW Associates Inc.

President-Elect
Cristina Barnes, Marketing Manager 
Stahl Sheaffer Engineering

Immediate Past President
Julie Hungarter, Vice President of Operations
Providence Engineering Group

Secretary
Kristi Fahnestock, Marketing Communications Coordinator
Brechbill & Helman Construction Company Inc.

Treasurer
Jennifer Smyers, CPSM, Marketing Manager
Boyle Construction Inc.

Director At Large
Loren McClosky, Proposal Coordinator 
Buchart Horn Inc.

Director At Large
Melissa Yost, Marketing Coordinator
NTM Engineering Inc.

SMPS represents a dynamic network of close to 7,000 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and specialty consulting firms located throughout the United States and Canada. The Society and its chapters benefit from the support of 3,700+ design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News–Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

For more information, please visit http://www.smpscentralpa.org.

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