Based in Phoenixville, VideoRay produces “swimming underwater cameras” known as MicroROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Bentley founded VideoRay in 1999 to make this valuable technology more affordable and accessible to people who wanted to explore and capture the aquatic world for security, recreation, and educational purposes. MicroROVs have a multitude of applications, including homeland and port security, search and recovery missions for drowning victims and objects, and infrastructure and tank inspections. In many missions, MicroROVs provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative method to diver deployment in dangerous environments. Every day, hundreds of ROVs work underwater to protect and inspect harbors, vessels, infrastructure, and water sources all over the world.

Military diver with a VideoRay Pro 4 – the submersible is used for military applications including searching for Unexploded Ordnance or other dangerous submerged contraband.

Bentley first discovered underwater ROVs while serving as the best man in his friend’s wedding on the North Pole. However, the Arctic venue wasn’t the only unusual aspect of the wedding. “Bob waited until I accepted the job to tell me it involved jumping out of a perfectly good airplane strapped to his chest.”

After the wedding – and a smooth landing for the groomsmen – Bentley visited the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology in 1999. The Moscow research center, famous for their Mir submersible which explored the Titanic, was working on a new ROV small enough to penetrate other areas of shipwrecks inaccessible to larger ROVs.

Fascinated by the idea of the MicroROV – and its potential commercial value – Bentley began investigating the technology. His research led to Inuktun, a Canadian-based company with a design for an 8 pound ROV. Only a few months after his f irst ROV encounter in Russia, Bentley had licensed Inuktun’s technology, and built a makeshift workshop above his garage.

Since the very first system’s debut in 2000, VideoRay has delivered more than 2,500 ROV systems to customers on all seven continents. Bentley originally envisioned a clientele mainly made up of marine biologists, yacht owners, museum curators, and divers. After 9/11, that base spread to law enforcement agencies, militaries, and government agencies, and the original swimming camera now bristles with sonars, positioning systems, and sophisticated sensors. The United States Coast Guard standardized their ROVs to VideoRay systems in 2003 and awarded VideoRay a $2.2 million contract to upgrade their entire fleet in 2011.

Just as its customer base and products have fluctuated over the last twelve years, VideoRay as a company has expanded and shifted to accommodate the implications of being the largest volume seller of MicroROVs and the global leader in MicroROV technology. After the fledgling company outgrew his garage, Bentley moved production to a warehouse at Bentley Systems, the software company he founded in 1986 with his brothers. By 2005, VideoRay was in full swing and Bentley left his position at Bentley Systems to focus on VideoRay full time.

When VideoRay needed yet another place to expand, the up and coming company turned to a barn in Phoenixville, Pa. Built in 1817, the Mennonite barn, owned by Homer Kolb, was most recently used as an aircraft factory. Renovated in 2005, the barn now holds VideoRay’s 35 employees, including research and development, production engineers, technical support, sales and marketing, and administrative departments. Bentley designed the barn to be “reminiscent of the Keebler elves’ treehouse.” There are no cubicles or corner offices; just an open plan that allows constant communication and transparency between departments and employees.

VideoRay Pro 4 launched in Japan to survey tsunami ravaged areas in 2011.

The first floor houses “the warehouse” with production, shipping, and dozens of shelves stocked with ROVs, parts, and accessories, as well as a 3,000 gallon test tank and a workshop for product repairs. Software and electrical engineers sit on the second floor directly across from accounting, human resources, and sales and marketing.

While it may sound like a chaotic setting for a multimillion dollar corporation, VideoRay’s eccentric headquarters offer an easy analogy for the company’s overall unconventional approach. Many employees believe the openness of the company’s office encourages more productivity and employee interaction. Purchasing manager Nancy Steiginga noted that “management puts a great deal of trust in the employees which encourages accountability. When your boss trusts you to get something done right, it inspires you to live up to their expectations. The flexibility and ‘honor code’ at VideoRay has created a much more productive atmosphere than any job where I punched a clock.”

Perhaps the best endorsement for the VideoRay approach is the company’s remarkable success. VideoRay revenues have increased 35 percent on average every year since 2007 despite economic woes from a global recession. Even with this significant business and revenue growth, nearly every aspect of VideoRay still operates out of the barn. Dealers in 33 countries provide a global reach for VideoRay owners across the globe, but every purchase order comes directly to the Phoenixville facility where the ROVs are designed, manufactured, shipped, and repaired.

VideoRay continues to do big things in spite of its small home. Dark Secrets of the Lusitania, a recently aired National Geographic special, features footage from a VideoRay exploration of the RMS Lusitania off the Irish coast. The ROV captured images of interior compartments and recovered artifacts that have not been seen since the ship’s sinking in 1917!

After almost seven years in the barn, VideoRay has again grown too large for its facility. As this article is being written, VideoRay is moving out of the barn and into a newly renovated building in downtown Pottstown.

HMK Insurance and Concannon Miller recently hosted a seminar on the healthcare bill and its implications. All 275 clients and guests requested a video of the seminar.

Below are links to three segments of the presentation, each approximately 40 minutes.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

We are committed to keeping you informed about the law and will schedule a post-election seminar for clients in November. Please contact Maureen O’Meara at HMK at 610-868-8507 ext. 242 for additional information.

The Safety Group is composed of 32 Pennsylvania-based industry leaders serving the wood products manufacturing and the building material marketplace. The group completed the dividend period with a 24.3% loss ratio which entitled plan participants to a 4% dividend payment.

The successful year was attained through the commitment of the plan participants to safety and loss prevention practices. The participation of each participant’s management, employees and the support of the professional loss control representatives from Berkley MidAtlantic resulted in an excellent return for all.

The Alliance of Wood Products & Building Material Dealers is an exclusive program of the Insurance Alliance of Central Pennsylvania. The program is open to Pennsylvania based operations engaged in the manufacture of wood products and the retail sale and wholesale distribution of building materials. All lines of insurance except Umbrella and Boiler & Machinery are eligible for the dividend.

If you are interested in applying for coverage in this unique and exclusive program please contact the Plan Administrators:

John Eltringham
jeltringham@hmk-ins.com
610-868-8507

Mike Capri
mcapri@hmk-ins.com
610-868-8507

Filmtech, an Allentown manufacturer of agricultural film and hygiene products, is part of Sigma’s 36-plant organization of industry- related businesses located throughout North America.

Tractors prepare the beds, lay Filmtech’s mulch film and cover the edges with dirt to keep the film taut over the beds.

Filmtech is garnering attention because it is on the cusp of increasing capacity by 60%.You might be thinking what kind of manufacturer dares to challenge the odds in today’s ailing economy?

The answer has something to do with the uniqueness of a high-demand product for farmers and everything to do with Earl Jaskol, Filmtech’s founder and president, who is aggressively installing multi-million dollar equipment and increasing his workforce.

To understand Jaskol’s ambition and Filmtech’s projected growth spurt amidst a national downturn in manufacturing, all you need to do is take a look at our food chain. There’s a good chance that the tomato on the salad you ate this week was grown by Florida farmers who used Filmtech’s Grozone brand mulch. This sophisticated product is one of the new VIF (virtually impenetrable film) mulch products on the market today which actually enables farmers to use fewer fumigant applications.

And that’s just the beginning of the company’s contribution to a greener and healthier planet. Filmtech’s goal is the reclamation of 100% of its scrap. In addition, Jaskol’s firm is introducing products that are biodegradable which means that farmers don’t have to pick them up at the end of the season.

Filmtech’s founder and president, Earl Jaskol, making a final inspection on the rolls of film prior to shipping from the company’s Allentown location.

Filmtech was originally founded in 1985 in Easton. Jaskol moved the operation to Allentown in 1999 to access rail siding. The last five years have been hectic but the company’s growth has literally exploded since early 2009. Later on this year, when a new line and upgrades to other lines are fully operational, Filmtech’s production capacity is expected to increase 90%.

“We’re overloaded and short-staffed and our current office space is temporary,” cites Earl. “In March, we achieved record-breaking sales and our summer production will most likely eclipse that.”

Parent company Sigma Plastics, financially the soundest of its peers in the flexible film and bag peer group, has made this growth possible. All 36 locations combined used over 1.5 billion pounds of resin in 2009. The company has over 60 million pounds of combined silo storage and its rail sidings hold over 200 rail cars. Today, Sigma Plastics is the number one producer of stretch film in the United States and is a leader in the production of several other types of commodity film and bags. Filmtech’s product line and the company’s affiliation with The Sigma Plastics Group have clearly put this Allentown operation on the map.

Filmtech is upgrading its plant to a state-of-the-art facility and is putting in place a dynamic staff to be a quality producer in the 21st Century. Sixty percent growth is just the beginning.

Rod’s wife, Dyanne, enthusiastically endorsed the moniker and immediately envisioned a celestial logo with a partial moon surrounded by stars. Business partners Pat and Tucker Lyons agreed and in February of 1999 the Apollo Grill launched at 85 West Broad Street in downtown Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Apollo Grill co-owners (L to R) Tucker Lyons, Dyanne Holt, Pat Lyons,and Rod Holt enjoy themselves during an Anniversary Celebration at the restaurant.

The location was a bit of a risk at that time because the only other eating establishment nearby that looked like it would sustain itself was the Brew Works. The four Apollo Grill owners thought their menu would be unique enough to not compete with the successful microbrewery but would rather be a complement to the popular eatery. Their assessment turned out to be 100% accurate as is evidenced by the proliferation of dining establishments which have joined the original two on what is now commonly referred to by locals as “Restaurant Row.” The Broad Street corridor is now home to several full-service dining establishments and several specialty food shops.

Visitors to the Lehigh Valley are often referred to the Apollo Grill by locals who rank the restaurant as one of their favorites. Patrons who enjoy “sampling” a variety of foods are always impressed with the extensive appetizer selections and half-portion meal options. The atmosphere in the 100-seat café is relaxed and comfortable and most customers return because the service is superior. David Hausman and Connie Postupack are co-owners of Brownstone Design Group, Inc. on Broad Street and are regular patrons of the Apollo Grill. David enjoys the warm welcome he and Connie receive and they both rave about the food and service.

“You can always expect courteous, professional service and the food is extraordinary,” according to David.

When asked to what she attributes their phenomenal success, Dyanne admits that there are no secrets at the Apollo Grill. No secret recipes and no secret formula for success. “It hasn’t been easy and we’ve certainly had our challenges over the years but basically it boils down to one simple principle: We always try to do the right thing.” When pressed further to define “the right thing,” Dyanne explains that their top priorities are to consistently serve good, fresh food at reasonable prices in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Sound simple? Not so, according to the owner, who should know because she wears many operational hats including that of Host.

To accomplish their goal of consistent good, fresh food, seafood must be delivered five times-a-week. When gas prices soared this past spring and summer, vendors were quick to pass the increase on to restaurants yet the Apollo owners resisted passing along price increases to customers because it just wasn’t the right thing to do, according to Dyanne.

Maintaining a warm, friendly atmosphere can have its challenges at times, too. Owners and managers invest inordinate amounts of time and resources in training service personnel. Finding the right personality to fit in at the Grill is of utmost importance from servers and bartenders to bussers. “We actually have a ‘try-out’ as you would for a performance,” explains Holt. “Employees literally work with us for a few hours before we make them a final offer.”

The most rewarding aspect of the restaurant business boils down to relationships for Dyanne, Rod, Pat and Tucker. Meeting good people who develop into wonderful friends brings balance to the sometimes hectic pace and demanding hours. Dyanne especially enjoys the benefits of developing a loyal customer base. Almost always at the front of the house to welcome guests, Dyanne considers it a privilege when grandparents take their grandchildren to what the kids call their “favorite place for a special birthday celebration.”

Rod Holt, who spends most of his time supervising the kitchen activities, is particularly proud of the work ethic among the Apollo’s 50 employees. Nowhere else is this more evident than the last Sunday of every February which has been designated as the restaurant’s Anniversary Celebration. Apollo Grill employees and owners, who otherwise would be enjoying a day off, prepare the restaurant for a three-hour food and beverage extravaganza that is considered by many patrons to be the single best fund raising event of the year.

Guests enjoy a plethora of Apollo appetizers passed dutifully by staff despite the crowded quarters. Bartenders work diligently preparing specialty drinks as requested by guests. This past February, servers went above and beyond the call of duty and solicited donations from area businesses to create gift baskets which were raffled off in between sets of the popular band On Fire. More than $24,000 was raised this year and every penny was donated to former Apollo server, Stephanie Mo Davis, who is in need of a kidney transplant. Just another good example of the Grill’s commitment to “do the right thing.”

The Holt’s and the Lyons agree to donate all of the revenue generated from the Anniversary Celebrations to a different communitybased non profit or an individual in need each year. To date, the six bashes have generated in excess of $100,000!

The Apollo Grill’s generosity and high standards for performance do not go unnoticed. In addition to attracting the cream of the crop among the work force (the Apollo is one of the largest downtown employers), the restaurant serves anywhere between 300-600 people daily during the week. If you want a weekend reservation, be advised to call well in advance. Local artists are also drawn to the restaurant which has adopted a policy of showcasing various works of art throughout the year.

The accolades continue…Best Lehigh Valley and Best Bethlehem Restaurant awards have been showered upon the Apollo Grill from The Morning Call (Reader’s Choice Award), Lehigh Valley Magazine and Lehigh Valley Style. And the Chamber selected the Apollo Grill in 2003 as the Outstanding Small Business of the Year.

Although Apollo Grill owners insist there are no real secrets to their success, one can’t help but wonder if there may someday be an Apollo Grill II. Dyanne politely smiles when asked about a second venture and demurely responds, “We are always looking for good opportunities.” Stay tuned. After all, Apollo 13 beat the odds.

This mantra is frequently used but rarely applied in medicine as consistently as it is at OAA Orthopaedic Specialists on Cetronia Road in Allentown.

OAA Orthopaedic Specialists has an impressive and accessible entrance to OAA building on Cetronia Road.

According to Nadine Bullock, Director of Administrative Services and a 20-year-veteran with the practice, “Before we broke ground we listened to patients for decades.” The result is this spectacular facility that promotes healing and wellness the moment you step inside.

Since different orthopaedic problems require different treatment modalities, the main concept behind the design and layout of the practice was to put “everything under one roof.”

“We are trying to satisfy the specific needs of the diverse patient populations we serve, from the mother of a 13 year-old soccer player to the 77 yearold hip replacement patient. All of their orthopaedic medical needs are located under one roof,” says OAA’s Chief Operating Officer, Vincent Hudson.

The Diagnostic Imaging Center at OAA features the most advanced, state-of-the-art imaging technology available ~ GE Healthcare’s "LightSpeed."

Therefore, in addition to offering nine musculoskeletal specialties provided by 25 physicians and surgeons, OAA’s spacious facility offers a state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging Center on the first floor, a nationally acclaimed, comprehensive physical therapy center, a 4,600 sq-foot Hand Therapy Center, and a 50,000 sq-foot fitness facility that promotes lifelong health, wellness, and activity.

Diagnostic imaging offers X-rays, MRIs, and cuttingedge CT-Scan technology. Physical therapy modalities include traditional therapy, aqua therapy, work-specific exercise plans, and personalized rehab programs. OAA even offers a full line of services to help companies deal with Workers’ Compensation issues—services such as a dedicated phone line, comprehensive treatment of injured workers, and case management.

The second and equally important concept incorporated into the new construction was the focus on world-class patient care and comfort, and on making things as easy as possible for anyone entering the building.

“The patients who come to see us are usually in some degree of pain” says Hudson, “so the last thing they need is a physically challenging facility when seeking medical care.”

Dr. Jay Talsania, OAA hand surgeon, selflessly donates his time and his skills to the Healing Hands Foundation in Guatemala.

To that end, OAA’s amenities are offered from beginning to end—complimentary valet service offered at the front entrance, concierge services offered in the lobby, building-wide wi-fi, high-definition flat-screen televisions, and dedicated computers providing Internet access in every waiting room. Even the carpets are color-coded according to specialty so that patients can easily find their way without getting lost. Friendly staff are everywhere with watchful eyes trained to offer any newcomer guidance and reassurance.

Clearly, the thorough advanceplanning and listening to patients has paid off, because now an average of 7,000 people each week cross the threshold to visit OAA’s physicians, surgeons, and therapists, and to take advantage of the Human Performance indicate that planners have achieved their goal of providing world-class patient care.

The “All under one roof ” philosophy extends to and is exemplified by totally comprehensive patient care: Surgeons, physiatrists, physician’s assistants, physical and occupational therapists, schedulers and nurses are all integrated partners who work in teams with the patient in the center of it all.

Best of all, patients save valuable time because they don’t have to leave the building in order to take the steps necessary to diagnose and treat an injury or chronic condition. For instance, if a doctor orders an X-Ray, CTScan, or MRI, the patient needs only to proceed to OAA’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.

OAA's Human Performance Center has a four-lane indoor lap pool, heated activity pool and warm-water therapy pools.

If a doctor needs to coordinate a treatment plan with a physical therapist, the therapist isn’t a phone call away, but a 100-foot walk down the hall. If surgery is needed, consultation and scheduling is hosted the same day in a comfortable, private area merely steps away from the doctor or clinical coordinator, so in the event that any questions should arise, they can be answered immediately.

OAA’s team of orthopaedic specialists pride themselves on offering some of the most advanced treatments available not only in the region, but in the country. Many of OAA’s surgeons actively lecture to physicians across the country about how to provide the best orthopaedic care to their patients. Several other doctors and clinical staff also volunteer their time internationally to provide professional services to people in underserved countries.

Says Bullock, who herself had a double- knee replacement by OAA surgeons in November 2008, “I know firsthand the skill, thoughtfulness, and compassion of our doctors and clinical staff.When you’re weak and in pain, or in the initial stages of recovery, you not only need expert care, but encouragement and constant contact throughout the entire patient experience.”

“Since my first days at OAA, I’ve always been proud of the commitment and respect we show to each one of our patients. However, being an OAA patient myself reinforces that pride in the physicians and staff of OAA, and that confidence in the care provided by this practice.”

OAA also has offices in Lehighton and Hazleton.

The answer may surprise you. Perched on the hillside, overlooking the eastern part of the Lehigh Valley in Williams Township is a new community of adults who are enjoying a relaxed, stress-free lifestyle without the mortgage!

The beautiful Abington Manor offers spectacular views from its location atop the hills in Williams Township.

Finding an affordable, easily accessible, home-like facility with a compassionate and caring staff including a strong medical component is no easy task. The owners of Abington Manor have pulled it all together and answered the prayers of many families when they built and staffed this beautiful campus in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Susan Sartoretto had two decades of experience in the health care field when she cut the ribbon at the grand opening and assumed the role as CEO. She is joined by her indispensible business partner, Dr. Kundu, Medical Director; Connie Bills, Executive Director; and David Seng, Marketing Director. Forty full-time and part-time employees join these four key administrators and consider themselves part of the Abington family.

According to Susan, most first-time visitors are quick to tell her that “This is not at all what I expected.” At the conclusion of the tour, visitors can feel a real sense of community because “Everyone seems to genuinely care for one another.” Mr. Seng refers to Abington as the new generation of personal care facilities. “New generation facilities are family focused, logistically condensed with no long hallways, and they generate a strong sense of neighborhood and community.”

Susan Sartoretto, CEO of Abington Manor, enjoys daily visits with residents who have become fondly known as “The Lobby Ladies.”

The medical component is an important one, but it “remains behind the curtain,” Seng explains. On-site therapies and nurturing care from a welltrained staff help to expedite a resident’s recovery when surgery is necessary.

John Mehler, Administrator, Northampton County Area Agency on Aging was quick to recognize the valuable services available at Abington Manor and initiated a PEER Group pilot program in 2009. Monthly meetings are hosted to monitor a mentoring program where new residents are matched with established residents so that they can look out for one another.

“The greatest benefit of the PEER Program is the increased involvement in the community life for residents,” according to Mehler. While the program promotes self advocacy and advocacy for others, it’s also a vehicle for residents to effectively address areas of discontent. Second only to the state of Florida with the highest population of aging adults, Pennsylvania has hundreds of private and state-funded skilled nursing, assisted living and 55 and older communities throughout the Commonwealth.

The Lehigh Valley’s need for quality health care is evidenced by HMK’s growing Medical Services Division which includes Orthopedic Associates of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Around the Clock Nursing, OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, Devonhouse Management, Spring Meadow Assisted Living, Smith Health Care, Whitehall Manor, and Saucon Valley Manor. The two latter facilities are actually dual licensed as personal care and assisted living facilities. Each of these entities is locally owned and operated and each grew out of an unmet need for health-care related services for area residents.

The health-care landscape in the Allentown-Bethlehem- Easton area has changed dramatically in the last 25 years, driven in large part by our demographics. The good news for residents is that we have choices. And thanks to business owners like Susan Sartoretto and Dr. Kundu of Abington Manor, many of the options available to us are like a home away from home. For more information on life at Abington Manor go to www.theabingtonmanor.com.