ACES 70th Anniversary
A Bit About ACES:
For 70 years, ACES has been committed to inspiring students through real-world business education. Our mission is to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to succeed in a free-enterprise economy. Today, we proudly bring our programs to 11 schools across Erie, Crawford, Mercer, and Lawrence counties—continuing a legacy of education, opportunity, and community impact.
Our Journey:
In 1949, ACES National was formed in Philadelphia, PA by Theodore Roosevelt III
1956
1958
1970
1975
1984
1986
1988
1990
1997
2007
2000
1995
1999
2025
2026
The Erie Chapter of ACES was founded
First Bob & Betty Merwin Outstanding Citizen - Bertram A. Miller
Hosted programs for educators on the free enterprise system
Celebrated 50 Years
Collaborated with Milton Friedman and Robert Chitester to produce the nationally acclaimed "Free to Choose" video series
Cal Neithamer appointed as Executive Director
Valerie Laufenberg hired as Administrative Assistant
Hosted educator courses: "Free Enterprise – How It Works in NW PA," "Institute on the American Economy" (with a Duquesne Univ. professor) and "Clergy/Business Dialogue" Series
Offered materials to educators including Friedman's videos and a printed course series called "Private Enterprise Market Systems"
James B. Ohrn (Current ACES Treasurer) joined Board of Directors
Ralph Pontillo, President of the MBA, began Pennsylvania Business Week (PBW) in conjunction with Ft. LeBoeuf High School
MBA transfers PBW exclusively to ACES
Chuck Jenkins appointed as President
Corry Area, New Castle and Union City High School hosted ACES PBW
Girard High School hosted ACES PBW
Saegertown, Sharpsville and Youngsville High Schools hosted ACES PBW
Emily Grande hired as Programs Manager
Antonella Spinelli hired as Director of Educational Relations
North East High School hosted ACES PBW
2001
First ACES Educator of the Year - Mr. John Wilson, Corry Area High School
John Krahe joined Board of Directors and served for 21 years
2003
2005
2006
Charles "Boo" Hagerty (Current ACES Vice Chairman) joined Board of Directors
Valerie Laufenberg appointed Executive Director
Cambridge Springs and Maplewood High Schools hosted ACES PBW
2008
2009
2011
Jeremy Lincoln (Current Board Member) joined Board of Directors
Carl Wolfrom joined Board of Directors and served for 10 years
Yvonne Best-Proctor (Current Board Member) joined Board of Directors
Benjamin Pratt joined Board of Directors and served for 5 years
2012
100th PBW Program at Fort LeBoeuf High School
Central Tech High School hosted ACES PBW
2013
2014
Greenville and Hickory High School hosted ACES PBW
Stacy Bartholomew (Current Executive Director) hired as Assistant Programs Manager
2017
2018
Gannon University hosted all schools Top Company Competition
Mark Ferrara (Current Board Member), Ryan Katen (Current Board Member) and Nathan Ross (Current Chairman) joined Board of Directors
Sarah Palmer joined Board or Directors and served for 5 years
2019
2020
2022
2023
2024
ACES PBW returned to Girard High School
Stacy Bartholomew promoted to Executive Director
ACES PBW returned to Union City High School
Lori Joint (Current Board Member) joined Board of Directors
First Annual Golf Outing
200th Program at Fort LeBoeuf High School
John Buchna (Current Board Member), Laura Krasinski (Current Board Member) and Antonella Spinelli joined Board of Directors
