Fall 2025 Newsletter - SMPS Central PA 
Chapter News
A Message from the President
As we embark on a new chapter together, I’m excited to share our theme for the year: Better Together. In a rapidly changing industry, our strength lies in our ability to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Whether you’re a long-time member or just joining us, your involvement makes our chapter—and our industry—stronger.
We kicked off this new year with a brainstorming session to develop our new three-year strategic plan, which will focus on programming, membership and volunteer engagement, and industry and community outreach. We will focus on delivering relevant programming, informed by your feedback. Expect innovative educational topics, networking opportunities, and annual member surveys to keep our offerings aligned with your needs. Our amazing programs committee has already hit the ground running with an incredible and successful panel this month focused on leadership and change management.
Membership engagement and retention are at the heart of our mission. We’re focusing on early engagement initiatives and building a larger, dedicated membership committee. These efforts are designed to help every member feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow.
Volunteers are the backbone of SMPS Central PA. Our succession planning focuses on building a sustainable pipeline of leaders. We’re revisiting our board composition to bring fresh perspectives and new energy to our leadership team.
Finally, our commitment to industry and community outreach continues to expand. By partnering with other SMPS chapters, local associations, and educational institutions, we’re elevating our impact and fostering connections that benefit both our members and the broader AEC community.
Together, we are more resilient, innovative, and successful. Thank you for being part of SMPS Central PA. Let’s make this year one of growth, connection, and achievement—because we truly are Better Together.
Warm regards,
Rebekah Hartt, CPSM
President, SMPS Central Pennsylvania Chapter
Announcements
Win a Free Registration to NERC 2025!
SMPS Central PA is giving away one complimentary registration to the 2026 Northeast Regional Conference, happening March 30–April 1. It’s a great opportunity to grow your skills, connect with A/E/C professionals, and bring fresh ideas back to your team. You can nominate yourself or someone else—but don’t wait! Nominations are due December 12.
To submit a nomination, click here.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Become an SMPS Central PA Sponsor
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 SMPS Central PA program year are now open! Support our chapter, elevate your firm’s visibility, and connect with AEC professionals across the region. Early-bird pricing is available for 2025 sponsors through December 19.
To learn more, click here.
Membership
New Members |
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Carlynn Adams |
Amy Balestier |
Meg Curry |
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Danielle Krebs |
Dale Rothenberger |
Ulices Samaniego |
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Katie Staudle |
Cristina Wagner |
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Anniversaries |
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September |
October |
November |
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Denise Beissel, 15 |
Taylor Conroy, 2 |
Matt Custer, 2 |
Program Recaps
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Cheers to Our Success! 2024/2025 End of Year Celebration
SMPS Central PA hosted its End of Year Celebration in August at Rubber Soul Taproom. We enjoyed an evening of food, laughter, and reflection as the chapter reviewed highlights from the past year, shared progress toward strategic goals, and previewed plans for the year ahead. The event also featured the presentation of Chapter Awards, honoring Ken Elder with the President’s Award, Samantha Melhorn with the Rising Star Award, Dan Confer with the Shining Star Award, and Kristen Troxell as the Jen Smyers Member of the Year. The new Board of Directors and Committee Chairs were introduced, setting the stage for another successful year. |
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Workshop & Networking Lunch: Making the Ask – A/E/C Outreach That Builds Community ImpactSeptember 24, attendees gathered at Stewart & Tate Construction in York, PA for an insightful session with Jeff Lavery, Founder of Pedigree Public Relations. Jeff shared practical strategies for communicating the community value of A/E/C projects, engaging public officials, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and improving media outreach. Participants left with clear tactics to elevate their project stories and enhance community impact. |
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Spooky Season Mixer
SMPS Central PA hosted its Spooky Season Mixer in October, as part of the chapter’s fall Membership Drive. Attendees gathered to celebrate the season while connecting with fellow A/E/C marketers and learning about opportunities to get involved. The evening featured a game of networking bingo, plenty of laughs, and a raffle. Members who brought guests had the chance to earn bonus membership time through the Share SMPS: Refer a Friend program, adding to the fun and community spirit of the event. |
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.
Graphic Designer | MAROTTA/MAIN Architects
Submit your open positions to the Job Bank here!
