The story of eQuip Bookstore began in the fall of 2008 when Daniel Rossi-Keen posted a handful of books for sale form his personal library. Much to his surprise, the items sold quickly and for a very nice profit. Although a full-time university professor at the time, Daniel devoted himself to learning the basics of online commerce and the various technologies used by this growing industry.
Working out of his home, during the second year of operations, inventory had grown too large and operations were moved to dedicated commercial space. In 2011, Daniel resigned his post at the university and moved to Aliquippa that would provide meaningful work for a modest number of local residents.
Looking forward to the possibility of establishing a business with a conscience, Daniel hired John Jordan, a resident of Aliquippa who had worked with youth and their families for a number of years. Beginning in the fall of 2011, John and Daniel started working to refine and implement a vision for a business in Aliquippa that would provide meaningful work for a modest number of local residents.
Youth from the summer program at Job Training for Beaver County helped with renovations at the new facility located on Franklin Avenue in Aliquippa. In the summer of 2013, after a year of building renovations, eQuip Bookstore began operating its online division. In the spring of 2014, the retail store was first opened to the public with limited hours. Since the fall of 2014, eQuip Bookstore has been open 6 days a week with evening and weekend hours.
eQuip Bookstore is committed to allowing the daily operations to provide opportunities for job training that extend beyond the immediate task at hand. Both In-School and Out-of-School youth from Job training for Beaver County have participated in paid work experiences at eQuip Bookstore. Their management provides a mentor program for the youth in which they implemented a “Workplace Points System” for the youth employed there. This system encourages the youth to take their work experiences seriously and fulfill the worksite expectations.
In keeping with the implementation of WIOA, effective education and workforce development opportunities are critical to a stronger middle class. We need a system that prepares workers for the 21st century workforce, while helping businesses find the skilled employees they need to compete and create jobs in America. The owner and his associate have offered to partner with JTBC to setup a mentoring program for our youth participants that would offer more extensive training. This program would have the youth for an extended period beyond the traditional paid work experience to learn more specific skills about customer service operation and maintain a business. This program would target participants ages 18-24 as set forth in the WIOA legislation.
Relationships Move Loads. Beemac Trucking’s outstanding commitment to advancing Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, achievements in the transportation and logistics sectors, and exemplary support of their community, the workforce, and economic development, began in 1984 with two trucks and a belief in these three words. This premier trucking and logistics company based in Ambridge, Beaver County currently employs a staff of 300 including commercial truck drivers, mechanics, barge and warehouse workers, and administrative professionals, all working together to provide trucking, logistics, intermodal river port, warehousing, and specialized services to customers throughout North America.
One way Beemac Trucking supports Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry, the local community, and economic development is through its commitment to “Go Green.” In 2013 Beemac became the first flatbed trucking company in the nation to Go Green with the purchase of twenty new compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks. In 2014, it opened the BeeGreen CNG refueling station, the first in Beaver County, and sixth in Southwestern, PA. This station serves Beemac’s fleet and is open 24/7 to the public. The Pittsburgh Business Times named both David Dudo, Senior Vice President of Operations and Ron Phelps, Director of Operation, among Who’s Who in Energy 2015-2016, and granted Director of Corporate Development Sherri Wilson their 2015 Women in Energy Leadership Award. Beemac Trucking was also named the 2015 Northeast Oil and Gas Award’s Trucking Company of the year. “…We are proud of our employees, our commitment to the community, and especially our efforts at promoting foreign oil independency. By replacing diesel burning engines with cleaner burning CNG… we are reducing pollutants and providing cleaner air for the community,” expressed David Dudo. The company’s community support does not end there. President Loren Dworakowski is a member of both the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce and the Community College of Beaver County’s (CCBC) Board of Directions. Director of Corporate Development Sherri Wilson is an active member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and the Women’s Energy Network. Community support is also not limited to the executive team.. This past November, a group of executives and staff volunteered to serve breakfast to veterans at the Annual Veterans Day Salute held CCBC.
Beemac Trucking continued to be a strong supporter of workforce development in 2015 as well, becoming a member of both the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board and PA CareerLink Beaver County’s Employer Advisory Committee. In addition, the company participated in PA CareerLink Beaver County’s Job and Career Fair and employer workshops, as well as the Butler County Career Fair.
The value Beemac Trucking places on its workforce is defined in its mission statement …We will strive to achieve extraordinary levels of client satisfaction by employing highly qualified individuals, providing them with a challenging and rewarding work environment responsive to their needs for balance between their professional and personal lives. The company offers a competitive compensation package for drivers with pay increases each year, safety performance bonuses, and a competitive health insurance benefit package and 401k program.