Gary Seibert, CEO of the Small Business Resource Association (SBRA), has announced the expansion of the SBRA into southcentral Pennsylvania (SCP). The SBRA, based in Berks County, is a membership organization that provides resources and services to owners of small and mid-sized businesses to help them gain a competitive advantage in today's business world. SBRA member benefits include networking, advertising, educational, and promotional opportunities. In order to maximize the positive effects the SBRA provides to its community of members, the SBRA localizes chapters to certain geographical areas.

Stacey Derck has been named as the SBRA's executive director of the SCP Chapter. The Affiliate Chapter's office will be located at 206 S. Market St., Elizabethtown. Derck is co-owner and operator of The Hub on Market, the Hive Etown, EVO 206 Coffee Company, and WhirliGig Unique Boutiques. The SCP Chapter will be open to people from Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Huntington, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, and York counties.

A grand opening event, including a ribbon cutting, took place on Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. and was followed by an SBRA networking event at 206 S. Market St.

The SBRA originated when Gary Seibert, a business consultant, realized a common need among many of his clients. These small business owners lacked the time and resources to help themselves navigate day-to-day challenges that were threatening their business success.

Seibert noted that the SBRA focuses on business improvement, employee development and family enrichment. The organization's mission is "empowering businesses with the resources necessary to be successful and profitable through loyal, engaged employees with happy, united families." SBRA member benefits are not only provided to the business/owner, but are extended to the employees of the business as well as the employees' family members. These resources include favorable pricing on all insurances, including health insurance; HR services; marketing, accounting, and legal services; educational content through workshops, seminars, and podcasts; and discounts from members in a variety of industries. Additional information may be found at http://www.sbrassociation.com.