On May 2, 2014, more than 300 students, grades 4-8, gathered at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to compete in the statewide finals of the 2014 Pennsylvania STEM Design Challenge, a competition that encourages students to apply skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Upon arrival, the students were treated to opening remarks from Governor Tom Corbett. After welcoming the students, Gov. Corbett toured the competition floor to get a closer look at some of the projects.
For the challenge, students had two hours to build a vehicle using K’NEX rods, connectors and motors that must be able to travel at least four feet across a table and overcome at least one obstacle. Each team also needed to create a blueprint of their design and prepare a two-minute presentation on how their model answered the challenge. AquaPhoenix participated in judging the teams on key 21st-century learning skills including creativity, teamwork, challenge success, design and presentation.
Grades 4-5
1st – Northwestern Elementary – IU5 Northwest Tri-County
2nd – East Vincent – IU24 Chester County
3rd – Fox Township Elementary – IU9 Seneca Highlands
Honorable Mentions
Hamilton Heights Elementary – IU12 Lincoln
Lackawanna Trail Elementary – IU19 Northeastern
Tinicum School – IU22 Bucks County
Ben Franklin Elementary – IU28 ARIN
Grades 6-8
1st – Southern Columbia Area Middle School – IU16 Central Susquehanna
2nd – Hampton Middle School – IU3 Allegheny
3rd – East Vincent – IU24 Chester County
Honorable Mentions
William Penn Middle School – IU22 Bucks County
Beaver Area Middle – IU27 Beaver Valley
David E. Williams MS – IU3 Allegheny
Austin Area – IU9 Seneca Highlands
The event was sponsored by K’NEX, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Allegheny Intermediate Unit (IU3).
Sixth graders at Annunciation B.V.M. School used engineering kits donated by AquaPhoenix as part of their curriculum. The students built bridges and then tested their weight by placing objects on top until they collapsed. Students collaborated in small groups to complete this project during science class.
At their 2014 annual Sales Meeting, Fisher Science Education recently recognized AquaPhoenix Scientific as Supplier of the Year for 2013. AquaPhoenix also received this award in 2011. To be considered for this accolade, the supplier must provide exceptional quality products, excellent service, superior sales support and be an innovative marketing partner.
In addition, AquaPhoenix was also awarded the Best Supply Chain Management for excelling in providing outstanding service, quality products and on-time delivery.
It was great to visit with all of our customers and friends at the AWT Convention in Uncasville, CT on October 30th – November 2nd! Similar to previous years, the exhibition had more attendees than expected and provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with new faces as well as enjoy time with so many of our long-standing business partners. Since the show was scheduled over Halloween, the exhibitors were encouraged to have fun in their booth by dressing in costume and handing out candy. Our team was happy to participate!
L to R: Harry Potter, Robin Hood, Carrot, Mona Lisa, Captain Jack Sparrow, Popeye and Olive Oyl.
Friends of AquaPhoenix
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is a mandatory set of guidelines set forth by the United Nations, standardizing communication and classification of hazardous materials on an international scale. OSHA has modified the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to adopt GHS and has established phase-in dates for compliance.
To meet the first deadline and train employees on the new label and SDS format, our Production Manager devised a fun and creative way to get everyone involved in the process. The team spent time reviewing the new information and then played a few games to reinforce what they learned.
We will continue to work on label and SDS updates in order to meet the June 1, 2015 deadline. By December 1, 2015, all of the product from our facility will be shipped in compliance with the GHS format.
|
Effective Completion Date |
Requirement(s) |
Who |
|
December 1, 2013 |
Train employees on the new label elements and safety data sheet (SDS) format. |
Employers |
|
June 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 |
Compliance with all modified provisions of this final rule, except: The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label |
Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers |
|
June 1, 2016 |
Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified physical or health hazards. |
Employers |
Our new line of Kemetc AP® Chemistry kits were recently featured during mini-workshops in the Texas Instruments booth at the CAST show in Houston, TX. We have partnered with Texas Instruments and incorporated their TI-Nspire™ CX Handheld into our AP® Chemistry curriculum. The Kemtec AP® Chemistry series includes 16 labs designed to meet the essential laboratory requirements of any AP® Chemistry course and exceed the new 2013 Next Generation Science Standards.
We are proud to be awarded the 14th position in the Top 50 Fastest Growing companies by the Central Penn Business Journal. This is the 3rd year that AquaPhoenix has been acknowledged in this annual recognition of area businesses. Thank you for your support and for choosing to work with us! We promise to keep “raising the bar” while continuing to offer the best products and services available.
In order to be eligible for consideration, companies were required to show revenue of at least $500,000 in each of the fiscal years ending 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well as revenue growth in 2012, as compared to 2010. For-profit entities that are headquartered in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York county were eligible for nomination.
The presenting sponsor of the program, SF&Company, calculated the nominations and then ranked the companies according to revenue growth over the three-year period. Both dollar and percentage increases were taken into consideration. This ranking formula led to the list of winners.
AquaPhoenix, and the other 49 winners, will be honored at an awards breakfast on Monday, September 30, 2013, when their ranks will be revealed. A complete, ranked list of honorees and profiles of each company and their financial growth will be published in a special supplement of the October 4 issue of the Central Penn Business Journal.
On Thursday, June 13, 2013, employees at AquaPhoenix celebrated the company’s 10th Anniversary. Prior to a company wide lunch party, President, Frank Lecrone, III addressed the team, thanking them for their dedication and commitment. He encouraged everyone to look for ways in which the company can continue to improve, to learn from failures and to always strive to be better. Frank was also presented with a gift showcasing catalog covers from the last 10 years.
We appreciate all of our customers and thank you for business during the last 10 years. We look forward to many more years of working and growing with you!
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Team Pennsylvania Foundation have selected AquaPhoenix Scientific as a finalist for the 2013 Governor’s Impact Awards in the “Small Business Impact Award” category. AquaPhoenix was nominated in recognition of the substantial impact on the Keystone State by growing the economy and contributing to job growth and retention. 
Governor Tom Corbett will announce the award winner during a ceremony to be held on May 23, 2013.