A new business resource networking group has been established in Lancaster County.
Lancaster Senior Resource Group is composed of a group of 16 local businesses that deal specifically with seniors.
Jessica Pavelko of Pavelko Senior Consulting Services and Dan Mitchell of Independent Home Solutions began discussing the idea in December.
"Dan and I started our businesses at about the same time, and we were constantly bombarded with people telling us we needed to join this or that group," Pavelko said.
But to join these networking groups, you had to pay a "hefty" fee, which, as new businesses, they didn't have, she said.
"As start-up businesses, we can't afford $1,000 to pay into networks," she said.
These networking groups also were for all types of businesses instead of primarily those dealing with seniors.
Because Pavelko's and Mitchell's businesses dealt with senior citizens, they thought it would be great to network with other individuals working with this sector, who they could rely on from week to week.
As a result, a core group of eight to 10 businesses have been meeting regularly at Charles Snyder Funeral Home every other week since December, she said.
Jacqueline Adamson of Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Chapel said all of the businesses in the network are trusted.
"They all have the mindset of quality services that I'm confident I can refer (clients) out to," Pavelko said.
Adamson said her clients are thankful to have the information about the services.
"As I listen to their stories during preplanning (of funerals), they let me into their lives (and their needs). I immediately think of all the services that can meet their needs, above and beyond the preplanning," Adamson said.
Pavelko said they are there not only to provide their own service, but to look out for the well-being of the seniors and tell them, "Here's someone else who will look out for your well-being."
Mitchell, who was elected president of Lancaster Senior Resource Group, noted that only one of each type of business will be accepted as a member in the network.
Currently, participating network members are: Advanced Tech Hearing Aid Centers; AseraCare Hospice; AXA Advisors LLC; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Chapel Inc.; Derr Medical Equipment Inc.; Fulton Mortgage Co.; Gabriel Healing Arts Inc.; Handyman Matters of Lancaster/York; Independent Home Solutions; Kauffman-Gamber Physical Therapy; Live In Care of PA; Organizability Enterprises LLC; Pavelko Senior Consulting Services LLC, Transition Solutions for Seniors LLC; Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services; and Wiley's Pharmacy.
Mitchell said they will pull members from the network to give presentations to seniors and their caregivers.
"We're willing to do a presentation for churches, senior centers and other organizations," Mitchell said.
Last Saturday, the networking group held a mini-expo at Kauffman-Gamber Physical Therapy. Another mini-expo is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. June 19 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike.
Anyone wishing to schedule an event should contact Mitchell at 626-4401 or Dan@yourIHS.com. For more information, check out the group's Web page at www.LSRG.org.
E-mail: lvaningen@lnpnews.com