Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal--11-16

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November 2016 VOL. 31 NO. 11

Scranton poised for future Skilled workers need apply

By Dave Gardner

The City of Scranton’s label as a distressed city is only applicable to its government and the condition of the private sector does not relate, said Robert Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Educational and medical communities are leading the way with new investment and growth, and even though the downtown is not a prime retail hub as during the city’s heyday, varied businesses are emerging, he said Examples include the renovation at Green Ridge Corners, the Scranton Lace Building project, the West Side Medical Corridor and the South Side United Neighborhood Centers renovation project,” Durkin said. “Diversity also now rules within the city, which is a huge change.”

Taxation and parking obstacles still remain as thorns in the sides of developers as demand for downtown residential housing booms. Interest is already being generated by prospective buyers for the county’s soon-to-be-vacated office buildings, and cultural events such as First Friday are bringing dollars into the city.

Durkin urges anyone who analyzes Scranton’s financial future to consider the upcoming role of the millennials.

“The millennials lifestyle is very different from their parents,” said Durkin. “They have a positive view of city life and different appetites that will fuel this growth potential.”

Durkin repudiates the charge that Scranton and NEPA offer no quality jobs. In reality, area

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ALSO INSIDE:

Area employers tell Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce president Robert Durkin that there are many jobs available but not enough trained workers to fill them. The belief that a person can just float through high school and get a manufacturing job afterward, does not hold true today. Job applicants must have a decent base in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. MICHAEL J. MULLEN / Times-Tribune photo file.

employers consistently say they cannot find enough trained talent to fuel their employee needs, such as with tech-based manufacturing and utility companies.

“This mismatch is very real and is being caused by an old belief that a person can just float through high school and then get a great job in the old manufacturing sector,” Durkin said. “Job applicants today must have a decent base in STEM technology to succeed.”

Durkin is optimistic with his 10-year forecast for Scranton. He sees a thriving central business district filled with small business, plus booming eds and meds. This will be enhanced by elected leaders

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Small Business Spotlight HRC manufacturing

Page 22

not following populist demands, but instead making hard decisions that generate long-term gains.

“Real tax incentives for business are one of the only tools we have to create opportunity and offset our kids leaving the area,” said Durkin. “If this occurs, we will see many of them leave for a bit, taste the ‘buffet,’ and then return.”

Expanse of healthcare One of Scranton’s big economic guns, its health care community, continues to expand. The Geisinger Health System is proceeding with plans to invest more than $158 million in the Scranton area, and has opened an $18.1 million, 45,000-squarefoot facility named Geisinger Mount Pleasant for primary care practices and other services.

Delta Medix, a regional independent multispecialty medical practice, is relocating most of its operations to the new Marketplace at Steamtown.

Please see COVER STORY, Page 4

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Business Journal NortHeASt

A nOTE FROM THE EDITOR

On THE COvER

PeNNSYlVANiA

the city of Scranton is poised for the future

Vol. 31, No. 11 • NoVember 2011 149 PeNN AVeNue ScrANtoN, PA 18503 www.biz570.com

Another apprisement from Satyajit Ghosh, economics and finance professor from the University of Scranton: “the public sees retail as a large economic player, but it isn’t.”

EDITOR christine Fanning — ext. 5415 cfanning@timesshamrock.com COnTRIbuTIng REpORTERs Dave Gardner, Kathy ruff, Phil Yacuboski ADvERTIsIng sAlEs ExECuTIvE Judy S. Gregg — ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

the city of Scranton’s label as a distressed city does not apply to the private sector which is seeing advances in renovation and diversity. michael J. mullen / times-tribune staff photographer

Cng MAnAgIng EDITOR tom Graham — ext. 3492 Cng sAlEs MAnAgER Alice manley — ext. 9285

COvER sTORIEs

Celebrating women entrepreneurs. 21 Manufacturing ........................ 22 scranton poised for future ............ 1 Real Estate ............................ 25 Career development.................... 8 FEATuREs The evolution of scranton........... 18

FiND uS oNliNe: www.Biz570.com facebook.com/570 • twitter.com/biz570

ADvERTIsIng/subsCRIpTIOns (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3452

REgIOnAl nEws AnD FEATuREs Holiday gift guide................. 17-20

MAIlIng ADDREss: NPbJ editorial Dept., 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 EDITORIAl E-MAIl ADDREss: biz570@timesshamrock.com NPbJ is protected under the federal copyright act. reproductions of any part by any means or facsimiles without the express written permission of the publisher are not permitted. reprints of NPbJ articles are available. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials — manuscripts or photographs — with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. No information expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal (iSSN 1078-5698) is published monthly except twice in the month of may by The Scranton Times from offices located at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. Periodicals postage paid at Scranton, PA. The Journal serves business owners, managers and professionals in a 10-county region.

Subscriptions are available for $28 per year, $49 two years or $64 for three years. PoStmaSter: Send address changes to Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal, 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, Pa.18503.

Perception of the region does not jive among individuals who do not understand that the economy has changed and that economic development executives are working within business and industry to help the region transition to the greater knowledge economy. many changes are happening in the city, for example, tcmc and Geisinger Health System’s merger and the marketplace at Steamtown’s new healthcare and education tenants. The city is becoming more diverse, and the millennial generation is expected to drive growth in the downtown. i’ve always thought of my city as a combination of industry sorts. we have quite a rich healthcare milieu and we are an education hub.

But with all the colleges in the city and its environs, it would seem that we would be labeled a college town.

How To guide ...................... 26-33 Executive white-collar crime ......... 5 ExECuTIvE suITE The fed and the economy ..........6, 7 Education ................................ 9 Made in nEpA ......................... 11 Management.......................29, 34 Nope. we’re not a college town, Ghosh said. well, from a distance anyway.

Your gateway to growth ............. 12 busInEss bullETIns Here’s what bestcollegereviews.org says Economy................................ 14 Open enrollment choices ............ 16 personnel .......................... 36-38 makes a great college town: liveability; studentFor the Record .................... 39-43 to-resident ratio; cultural offerings; school presence; and large employers.

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s i was reading Dave Gardner’s stories about Scranton, (pages one and four), i started to think about the labels attached to cities.

most people have heard that Scranton is a distressed city, but i wonder if they know, as robert Durkin, president of the Greater Scranton chamber of commerce instructed, that the distressed label applies to government, not private industry.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal is a member of Times-Shamrock Publishing Division

COpYRIgHT

A

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Durkin said, “Scranton is a great city and i/ we are bullish on its future.” “we are a strong and growing eds and meds environment. we have a rich and diverse business mix. we are a vibrant, artistic and culturally engaged community, and we are a community that is seeing and embracing cultural diversity.

And we are beginning to feel a greater sense of pride in who we were (historically), who we are and what we can become.”

— christine

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FEATURE

FROM PAGE 1

Delta will utilize at least 40,000 square feet where as many as 100,000 patient visits per year will be seen in medical specialties such as surgery, urology and pulmonology, breast care and allergy care.

Harrisburg has also awarded $2.5 million from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds for an envisioned “medical corridor” in West Side. This $5.5 million project initially calls for a 15,000-square-foot physical therapy and rehabilitation center, plus space marketed to the bioscience industry.

Education is Scranton’s other big gun, and the system of schools operates with enormous financial stakes. Wendy Hinton, director of external relations with Lackawanna College, said her school generates an estimated statewide economic impact of $36.3 million annually, delivers local and state payroll taxes of $410,000 and creates an annual employee payroll impact of $8.9 million.

Not to be outdone, Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) is now conducting classes within 15,000 square feet of space within the bustling Marketplace at Steamtown. The school is offering a wide variety of degrees at the site, including business, accounting, human services, criminal justice, and electrical construction.

Within 2.5 miles of Lackawanna College is the historic campus of Marywood University. Sherry Frable, public relations coordinator, provided data which indicates the school annually pays state and local government payroll taxes of $1.35 million while generating a student spending impact of $8.8 million, visitor spending impact of $603,000, a total payroll impact of $30.3 million and a total statewide economic impact of $119 million.

More than 50 percent of the quality jobs now being created nationally require a two-year technical degree or technical certification, and tech schools such as Johnson College are cashing in on this reality. Katie Leonard, executive vice president, noted that Johnson now enrolls more than 450 students within a student base that is 26 percent female.

The college, with an annual tuition of less than $17,000 and a $9 million annual budget, enjoys a freshman retention rate averaging 73 percent, a current graduation rate of 76 percent and a student employment rate over the last three years of 90 percent. The school’s total enrollment actually climbed during the Great Recession as students continued to search out education that would generate less debt than a four-year college.

“We market the school as a hands-on place with equipment that has a direct connection to industry, and as a primary commute campus the parents want to see this equipment and not

Leonard

building and activities,” Leonard said. “We also deliver an extensive emphasis on soft employment skills, although the students may not immediately appreciate their return on this.”

Geisinger Health System and The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) have formed the new Geisinger Commonwealth College of Medicine, and according to Ida Castro, vice president of community/government relations and chief diversity officer, the school can expect to further increase the $28.4 million direct impact and $36.9 million indirect impact it is already generating each year, plus a statewide government revenue impact of almost $3.3 million.

The school has a limited student base, thereby creating a modest demand within the Scranton rental market. However, since the medical college’s charter class of 2013, 254 students have received 300 master’s degrees and 254 medical degrees, including 141 from Pennsylvania.

TCMC also has a very high percentage of first-generation college students. It’s also a fertile environment for spin-off businesses, it conducts a wide variety of student volunteer services such as mentoring and promotes a community focus on prevalent diseases and education.

“Our mission will be unchanged with the merger,” said Castro. “We will continue to be a community-based school striving to improve regional health and replenish the physician workforce.

Students later practice medicine where they were raised and do their residency, and Geisinger has hundreds of residencies available.”

University has immense impact The University of Scranton, continues to be an economic powerhouse. According to Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of community and government relations, the school generates a total statewide impact of $310 million annually, which incudes student spending of $14 million, an institutional expenditures impact of $119 million, visitor spending of $2 million and an employee payroll impact of $70 million.

During the last fiscal year, wage tax payments for employees living in Scranton totaled $615,000, with local services taxes on university employees of $212,000. Construction spend-

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Cross

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NOVEMBER 2016

Estler

Castro

ing for the new Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall produced an estimated economic activity of $87 million, according to a study prepared by the NEPA Alliance, with building permit fees and taxes of $900,000.

“Our students often walk to the downtown and patronize the businesses there — they cannot have a car on campus during their first two years” Cohen said. “Many of these businesses work with us to offer the students a 10 percent discount on purchases.”

Cohen’s wish list for enhanced growth at her school, as well as for Scranton, centers on one big development.

“Institution of a passenger train to New York City would greatly bolster all of the city,” Cohen said.

John Basalyga, owner of the Marketplace at Steamtown, has taken the facility from near-death to ongoing site use by a wide variety of tenants, such as the familiar Boscov’s, Delta Medix and Phoenix Theatres Entertainment which will offer first run movies, luxury seating, small-plate food items and alcoholic beverages.

Other Steamtown tenants include Crunch Fitness, Bee’s Backyard indoor playground, Revello’s Pizza, the Scranton Public Market and LCCC. Joe Gibbons, owner of the Gibbons Co.m which manages Basalyga communications, explained that the facility is fulfilling the mission of creating a diverse neighborhood for commercial and community life that is a genuine destination for people.

“We have never approached this project as a series of obstacles to be overcome,” said Gibbons.

“It is an opportunity with challenges to create open growth using proprietary techniques.”

Gerald Cross, executive director with Pennsylvania Economy League’s central division office, indicated that Scranton’s City Hall now has its head above water, can meet its current obligations and is stable. This all is possible because Harrisburg’s PUC has approved the sale of the Scranton Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water, even though legal challenges may still arise.

“This deal will stabilize Scranton’s financial situation and reduce long-term budget pressure,” said Cross. “The pensions, debt service, and capital improvements with infrastructure will all benefit from this. If we dwell on just the pension bailout it overshadows the city’s investment problems.”

The evolution of Scranton: what are we missing?

By Dave Gardner

The City of Scranton and its regional business community now seem to be following the prime directive of nature that commands “adapt or perish” — but only after an extended flirtation with hibernation.

Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics and finance at the University of Scranton, said select economic sectors must be considered when discussing the state of commerce within the Scranton region. Topping the observation list is the geographically expansive retail sector, which is now receiving badly-needed investment and adaptation at locations such as the Viewmont Mall.

“When discussing the local economy the public sees retail as a big player, but we really can’t expect much more from this sector than we already have,” Ghosh said. “There is a lot of normal evolution going on, with stores coming and going, but overall the base won’t grow much.”

The financial sector is experiencing quiet consistency and low-level successes. This contrasts with higher education’s expansion both physically and curricularly.

“But, Scranton is not seen as a college town from a distance,” Ghosh said. “This is not our most important sector, which is needed for the college town label to be attached.”

Health care investment in NEPA is booming, and Dr. Ghosh believes that bold adaptation in this sector could eventually usher in Geisinger and Lehigh Valley systems as the region’s only two players. When the dust settles from buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, ongoing investment will be the norm with the only real question involving how much of it continues.

“There is no reason to believe this health care train of change will stop,” said Dr. Ghosh.

Early-stage capital Ken Okrepkie, regional manager with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, looked at the Scranton region’s manufacturing and tech-end sector and then issued recommendations for adaptation and growth. He tops the list with more Please see MISSING, Page 14

MANAGEMENT

Executive white-collar crime often scapegoats the little guy

By Dave Gardner

While violent crime usually commands the news headlines, its darkness casts a quiet shadow within the business community.

One of the nation’s latest scandals involves Wells Fargo’s financial services company. According to Bloomberg View, more than 5,300 employees have been fired for illegally signing up customers for fake accounts since 2011.

The organization was fined $185 million by various regulators for opening these accounts without customers’ permission. Meanwhile, others in banking had been hoping that federal regulations, instituted since the 2008 bank crash, would finally be relaxed.

Duncan Campbell, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, said his organization has not had any direct conversation with regulators about the implications from the Wells Fargo episode. He believes it is premature to news networks choose to cover urban violence, speculate on any further regulatory ramifications that may be ahead, but press reports indicate that homicide, the national heroin crisis, occasional terWashington’s Office of the Comptroller of Curren- roristic acts and police deadly force, while giving cy plans to institute a horizontal review of the sales white collar crime much less depth in air time.

“Part of the problem with white collar crime practices of large and mid-size banks it supervises. is that the villain in the other news stories is “Banks serve a critical role in their local comeasily identified,” munities and are the Friedrichs said. “This backbone of the state’s is not so with white economy, employing collar crime, even more than 50,000 though Wells Fargo Pennsylvanians,” said has financial losses, Campbell. “It’s our stock drops, multiple hope that broad-based victims and 5,000 lost regulatory discussions jobs. The consein Washington continue, quences will be felt for as many agree that a years.” one-size-fits-all apHe pointed out proach to regulation — David Friedrichs, professor that one of the biggest is not in anyone’s best of sociology/criminal justice at the “losses” in the scandal interest.”

University of Scranton lies at the core of David Friedrichs, the nation’s financial professor of sociology/ criminal justice at the University of Scranton, said system. Incidents such as this create a loss of faith in the fundamental integrity of capitalism, thereby the Wells Fargo incident is an ongoing saga that, contributing to a lack of financial confidence that despite its magnitude, illustrates the questioncan help the economy grow. able reporting focus of the national media. The

“(Wells Fargo) was a smart fraud. The top people instructed lower levels to commit the fraud, with the intent to walk away and leave the blame with the little guys.”

Employees at Wells Fargo were under immense pressure from top managers to generate huge sales numbers and now these employees have become the scapegoats for the crimes committed. Yet, parachute packages for executives behind these types of crimes often is the norm.

“This was a smart fraud,” said Friedrich. “The top people instructed lower levels to commit the fraud, with the intent to walk away and leave the blame with the little guys.”

Friedrich also is concerned by the instant replay aspect of the Wells Fargo mess. The story broke just eight years after the 2008 financial bank crash brought the national economy to the edge of the cliff, apparently demonstrating that some of the country’s top money executives possess no sense of remorse.

According to Friedrich, this scenario can be traced back to the fact that none of Wall Street’s decision makers in 2008 were criminally prosecuted, and no call-backs occurred with the accumulated wealth they grabbed with shady investments.

Golden parachutes for these individuals often were the norm.

“At the end of day, for many white-collar executives, making the numbers trumps all else,”

said Friedrich. “This indicates a striking absence of a moral compass. The immorality is stunning.”

Fraud such as that committed by Wells Fargo is a crime committed to obtain value by means of deception, often over many years, explained Marie Gray, Ph.D., CEO of Cornerstone Counseling & Consulting Specialists, Dallas, Luzerne County. In many cases, society may actually condone the activity and claim the perpetrators are not criminals.

“The higher up a perpetrator is in society, the easier they can influence the perception of their fraudulent behavior,” Gray said. “Most people will manipulate a system for gain, but their motivation is often the key to labeling it as fraud.”

Within her counseling practice, Gray has noticed the perpetrators of fraud often are experiencing financial strain, accompanied by a desire to keep up with the “neighbors.” There is generally an entitlement attitude along with unrealistic wants, a swollen ego, obsession with comfort, fear of losing achievements and lust for power and status.

“The person may also rationalize that they having been doing this activity for years, and because they were not caught they are somehow insulated from punishment,” Gray said.

In other situations, such as the pre-2008 peddling of bad mortgages to gullible buyers, the fraud may be rationalized because the victim is unknown personally. The perpetrator may actually believe the “weaker” victims deserve their loss.

White-collar fraud may also include a sense of superiority by the perpetrator as they set unrealistic quotas, surround themselves with yes men and allow no one to speak up about the crimes. They then rationalize that no crime is being committed.

“This all is the product of an impaired moral compass by top management,” Gray said. “Our American narcissistic culture also contributes.”

America’s fascination with drugs, gambling and alcohol can also become the fuel for fraud. Each of these behaviors, when taken to an extreme, create a need for quick cash that changes behavioral limits and transport a person to crime, explained Gray.

“A behavioral justification to stay safe and high occurs as the person commits formerly unacceptable acts to obtain the money they need for their addiction,” she said.

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NOVEMBER 2016

Fed comments on economic conditions Reports from the twelve Federal Reserve Districts suggest national economic activity continued to expand during the reporting period from late August to early October. Most districts indicated a modest or moderate pace of expansion; however, the New York district reported no change in overall activity. Outlooks were mostly positive, with growth expected to continue at a slight to moderate pace in several districts.

The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, a compendium of notes about the economy gathered before the central bank makes interest-rate decisions, said the U.S. economy in most of the country grew at a modest to moderate rate. The area covered by the New York Fed saw no growth, the report said.

Elsewhere, the outlooks were mostly positive.

The districts are Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas and San Francisco.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is responsible for the Third District, which covers eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.

Third District contacts reported moderate growth for lending volumes; modest growth for general services, staffing services and tourism; and slight growth for manufacturers and commercial leasing agents. Little or no change in activity was noted by auto dealers, nonauto retailers, residential homebuilders and brokers and commercial contractors. Since the prior period, two sectors improved a bit, while growth in two sectors slowed.

Manufacturing On balance, contacts reported that overall activity grew slightly — following little growth during the prior Beige Book period. Reports indicated that general activity and new orders increased, while shipments fell. The makers of paper products, fabricated metal products and industrial machinery and equipment noted overall gains in activity from the prior period, while the makers of lumber, chemicals, primary metals and electronic equipment noted weaker activity. Firms continued to report overall decreases in the number of employees and average employee work hours. Contacts remained optimistic about growth over the next six months but expressed somewhat lower expectations for general activity and future capital expenditures.

Expectations for future employment improved.

Retail Overall, nonauto retail contacts reported little change in sales during the current Beige Book period, similar to the prior period. Outlets reported that sales were flat to up slightly and noted deeper discounting and promotional spending by retailers, while a mall operator reported a pickup in traffic and apparel sales following a disappointing backto-school season. Convenience store operators have reported steady growth since the last Beige Book period but a slowdown in growth compared with last year, which they attributed in part to record-high sales and traffic this time last year.

Contacts remain cautious but still expect modest growth for overall retail sales through 2016.

Light vehicle sales in the Third District remained at high levels and held mostly steady this period.

While sales were flat to slightly down over the year, dealers continued to expect total 2016 sales to be at or above the 2015 level. Contacts in New Jersey also noted high inventories, which could spur sales through model year sell-offs.

Finance Third District financial firms continued to report moderate growth of total loan volumes over the Beige Book period. Volumes within all major lending categories have grown since the prior period.

Commercial and industrial (C&I), credit card, and

other consumer loans grew at a faster pace than during the same period one year ago. The strongest growth during the current Beige Book period was for credit card debt, C&I loans, automobile loans, and other consumer lending. Mortgage lending and home equity loans were up slightly during the period but have declined since last year.

On balance, banking contacts continued to report healthy loan portfolios and improving customer credit quality. As before, most contacts indicated that their loan standards were unchanged for most loan categories. A few contacts continued to express concerns about riskier loans by their competitors, particularly for multifamily projects.

Many continued to characterize the lending environment as competitive. Contacts noted that while some businesses are making investments, others are choosing to defer capital investments for the time being. Banking contacts remained cautiously optimistic that slow, steady growth would continue.

Real Estate and Construction Homebuilders reported little change in activity during the current Beige Book period, down from the slight rise reported in the last period. Builders attributed some of the slowdown to a seasonal lull similar to what they experienced last year. Contacts indicated they began to see improvement toward the end of the period and expect activity to pick up

in 2017. One banker noted concern over whether multifamily activity in the Philadelphia market is overheating, and one major developer recently backed out of a large Center City project, citing rising construction costs and slowing rent growth.

Brokers in most major Third District housing markets noted that existing home sales activity have improved slightly since the prior period. However, a major Philadelphia-area broker continued to report that a low inventory of homes was constraining sales, particularly homes in the mid-price range. Home prices continued to rise slightly, although this varies across markets and price categories.

Nonresidential real estate contacts, predominately in the Greater Philadelphia area, reported that construction activity remained steady at healthy levels. Leasing activity improved for industrial space, particularly warehouses, but slowed somewhat for suburban office space. Contacts expect continued growth and demand for industrial growth remains very strong.

Services Third District service-sector firms reported overall modest activity this period--a slight slowdown from the moderate pace reported in the previous Beige Book. Contacts also noted slower growth in the pace of sales and new orders. Since

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MLS# 16-2192 JUDY 714-9230 OR DEANNA 696-0894

MLS# 15-1791 PEG 498-4551

REDUCED

HANOVER TOWNSHIP

Warehouse, storage, 2 drive-in doors, offices and ample parking at this 10,500SF location.

Immediate occupancy! Available for lease $2,500/M or purchase. Bargain price for great space!

MLS# 16-4885 JUDY 714-9230 OR JULIO 239-6408

$165,000

NANTICOKE

Former Church & Rectory. Church approx.

5,300SF w/gas heat & C/A. Rectory has 10 rooms. Must be sold together.

MLS# 13-3998 MATT 714-9229

Kingston: 570.288.9371 Shavertown: 570.696.3801

$109,000

WILKES-BARRE

$389,000

DUPONT-3500SF

modern & clean office space. Rent includes electric, water, heat, sewage & snow removal. Parking lot for 30 cars. Rent includes electric, water, heat, sewage, snow removal.

MLS# 15-6142 JUDY 714-9230 OR ALEXE 714-9266

MLS# 16-704 MATT 714-9229

Mountain Top: 570.474.9801 Wilkes-Barre: 570.822.1160

WILKES-BARRE

Long time automotive business location! 4 bay garage, office and off street parking.

Good location.

MLS# 16-5093 MATT 714-9229

FOR LEASE

Move your business right in to this 1100sf building! Can be used for neighborhood business such as a salon, smoke shop or deli.

Perfect office space for a small business.

$36,000

the prior period, employment indicators have shown improvement, as contacts noted increases in full-time workers, decreases in part-time hires, and no change in workweek hours.

See more at federalreserve.gov/monetary policy/beigebook.

NEW

Single story brick building approx. 4200SF in excellent condition. Offices, conference room, break room, rest rooms, and open area.

Plenty of parking and 2 car garage.

$445,000

Federal Reserve Board Chair Janet Yellen speaks during a news conference on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Alex Brandon)

$3000/M

$260,000

WILKES-BARRE

This 3800 sf 2-Story former Rectory is ideal for daycare, professional offices or residence. LR w/hardwood, DR, eat-in KIT w/breakfast bar, laundry room and segregated office area, entry and elevator. There are 3BR suites, finished lower level with meeting or classrooms. Additional 120 x 240’ lot will accommodate parking.

MLS# 16-4320 JUDY 714-9230

FOR LEASE

WILKES-BARRE

Newly painted and ready to occupy! Two units 800 & 1000SF. Ideal for retail, office or showroom w/display window. Parking and good exposure!

MLS# 16-1671 JUDY 714-9230

Clarks Summit: 570.585.0600 Scranton: 570.207.6262

$800/M

$225,000

FOR LEASE

FORTY FORT

Great location! Currently set up for tanning/ beauty salon or make it your own! Very affordable rent in high traffic area.

MLS# 16-3703 ALEXE 714-9266

Drums: Hazle Twp:

$595/M

570.788.1999 570.501.7575

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT

CEO: The trades are booming

Many great family-supportive careers do not involve four-year colleges soft skills such as communication and workplace behavior, as well as the technical know-how needed for most modern professions.

Maurice “Reese” Flurie, Ed.D., is CEO of Commonwealth Charter Academy, a state-wide cyberschool with nine physical locations. Flurie, who accrued 25 years experience in public education, said that part of employer skill shortages can be traced to a public education system with student guidance processes that are far too narrow.

According to Flurie, public school guidance counselors who should be guiding students to successful career choices, are often burdened with societal problems. This inhibits their ability to perform career counseling, particularly at the critical

By Dave Gardner middle-school level.

Add in the process limitations of a typical public Efforts are underway to close the frustrating gap school environment and the stage is set for workthat exists between job applicant skills and employer force deficiencies and a lack of skilled workers. This skill demands. is particularly true in soft skills.

This chasm, which is producing a shortage of “Look at the situation with a typical public trained workers to fill many open jobs, includes school sixth-grade classroom,” Flurie said. “Each In August, the Business Journal’s focus on employee training featured a look at community colleges as “career factories.” Community colleges are designing curriculum for skilled craft workers but companies are complaining that the course work is too general to meet employment needs. One manufacturing executive said the problem lies in the lack of early career-awareness in students. The CEO of Commonwealth Charter Academy said his cyber school is attempting to tie up the disconnect with a workforce development strategy that mimics real-life work models and career counseling that identifies student interest and aptitude and guides them on their path in that field.

9 to 10 a.m. Complimentary Breakfast 10 to 11 a.m. General Information/ Financial Aid Session 11 a.m. to Noon Campus Tours

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X Over 100 academic and technical programs X Quality education at an affordable price X Small classes X Transfer degree to 4-year colleges X Find out why over 16,000 students attend LCCC every year!

1-800-377-5222 www.luzerne.edu 8 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B08] | 10/26/16

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NOVEMBER 2016

site during the day. student is with the same 30-plus kids all day, and “For kids who can’t visit a business or factory, this is not how the adult real world of employment works. The kids also are not exposed to diversity or virtual reality tours are possible with our cyber approach,” Flurie said. “With this technique, a student workplace demands, or the need for soft skills.” can walk through an employer’s door and see firstFlurie’s school, which opened in 2003 with 380 hand what goes on in that workplace.” students in kindergarten through eighth grade and Public education is not blind to the expanduses school tax revenues, is working to close the work-skills gap. The school has grown to an enroll- ing needs of employers and is making strides in ment of almost 10,000 kids in kindergarten through this area with both mindset and physical changes, according to Lucyann Vierling, executive director of grade 12, and aggressively follows a vision that public schools are missing the mark with workforce the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance. She said Harpreparation and active career guidance. risburg now requires all school districts to operate a Commonwealth Charter Academy’s cyber anK-12 school counseling plan as part of the Chapter swer to workforce development is comprehensive, 339 Initiative, which must include a comprehensive Flurie said. The school’s students attend on-line guidance program with career-related instruction classes with varying people that possess diversity in and assistance with social behavior. economic status, race, and life situations.

“School performance profiles will probably Career counseling also discloses employer include evaluation of each district’s career counselworkplace needs, addresses ing by 2018,” said Vierling. the need for soft skills and ‘I have seen a welder earn “But, this effort cannot be attempts to provide prepaequal to a neurologist. Em- the sole responsibility of ration for a wide variety the district. The truth is that ployers are just crying for of different careers. This business and community kids to enter the trades and must be involved.” includes self-employment. earn certifications. The an“We expose the According to Vierling, students to many different swer is to find out what turns the key ingredient of paths,” Flurie said. “For kids on and then move them career preparation is for example, the students learn the business community in that direction.’ that if they want to own to open its door and bring — Maurice “Reese” Flurie, Ed.D. their own business, they will students into the workplace.

CEO, Commonwealth Charter Economy have to learn about IT and Simple techniques such as accounting and perhaps job shadowing can greatly function in an urban environment.” enhance student awareness about work, making it a The school also conducts career inventory great enhancement to a school’s curriculum exercises that evaluate student interests versus “How we can get more businesses to cooperate, aptitudes. Honest discussions take place with coun- especially with big districts that would have huge selors about work habits, ethics, skill development numbers of kids to place,” Vierling said. “There’s and the reality that many great family-supportive nothing like first-hand participation to enhance opcareers do not involve four-year colleges because portunity versus interest.” the trades are booming.

Vierling calls for employers who complain that “I have seen a welder earn equal to a neurolothey can’t find workers to jump in and help. This gist,” Flurie said. “Employers are just crying for includes going into seventh-grade classrooms and kids to enter the trades and earn certifications. The speaking about opportunity, the realities of work, answer is to find out what turns kids on and then and the need for specific skills. move them in that direction.”

“Tight school budgets are a reality. This is why Internships are another part of the Comwe need the business community as a partner, even monwealth formula. The school’s students may though business workforce development budgets participate in workplace internships in, for example, have been limited. These are not just school and manufacturing, diesel mechanics and the culinary government issues. They involve the entire commuarts, made possible because the cyber-approach al- nity and a recognition that workforce development lows students to attend school after being at a work is a powerful economic driver,” she explained.

EDUCATION

Keystone College launches loan repayment assistance program Keystone College has announced a new program that will enable students to pursue the careers of their choice without the constant worry of long-term debt.

The Keystone Commitment Loan Repayment Assistance Program is a pledge to all first-time, full-time freshmen students pursuing baccalaureate degrees beginning in the fall of 2017. The program will be provided free of charge to all incoming students and include all majors.

Under the program, Keystone graduates working at least 30 hours per week and earning less than $40,000 per year will receive loan repayment assistance based on their annual income. The loan assistance will be determined proportionately by the income of the individual graduate up to a maximum threshold of $40,000.

For example, students with an annual income of $20,000 or less will receive 100 percent reimbursement on their quarterly loan payments. Students earning $30,000, which is halfway between the $20,000 and $40,000 thresholds, will receive 50 percent reimbursement on their quarterly loan payments.

The program covers federal, private, and Parent Plus loans. Repayment assistance continues until the graduate’s income rises above the $40,000 threshold or until the loans are completely paid off.

The goal of the Keystone Commitment is to relieve the pressure of potential loan debt students often feel when selecting a college and a major.

The Keystone Commitment helps ease that burden so students can choose the career which is best for them. The Keystone program is offered in conjunction with the Loan Repayment Assistance Program Association, based in Bloomington, Indiana (lrap.org).

“We are absolutely delighted to begin our new Keystone Commitment Loan Repayment Assistance Program,” said Keystone Vice President for enrollment and marketing Janine Becker, Ph.D.

“This innovative approach will alleviate much of the stress students often face when selecting potential careers or making the decision to attend college. Students will now have more incentive to pursue the career they love without having to worry about paying the full amount of their loans within months of graduation.”

While the concept of a guaranteed loan repayment program is innovative and the only one of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it has been proven successful in the past. In fact, the concept began more than 25 years ago at Ivy League law schools.

The Keystone Commitment Loan Repayment Assistance Program complements the college’s well-known Keystone Promise, which pledges that graduates will be accepted into a graduate program or receive at least one job offer within six months of graduation or have the option of returning to Keystone for additional coursework or career guidance.

“The Keystone Commitment and the Keystone Promise represent our belief in the skills, talent, and dedication of our students and the expertise of our faculty,” Becker said. “When students choose Keystone they know we will provide the best education possible and then stand behind them in the years following graduation.”

For more information on the Keystone Commitment and the Keystone Promise visitkeystone. edu/admissions.

Keystone offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, fine arts, natural science, environmental resource management, geology and social sciences. Located 15 minutes from Scranton and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention through internships, research and community involvement.

REGIONAL

U of S awards president’s medals, raises funds for scholarships

The University of Scranton’s President’s Business Council (PBC) honored Jessup native Francis J. Dubas Jr. ’75, former global managing partner for Sovereign Financial Institutions (SFIs) at Deloitte and Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J., ’98, dean of admissions emeritus at Scranton, with president’s medals at its 15th annual award dinner. Proceeds from the black-tie gala, which raised more than $1.1 million, support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. More than 530 guests attended the dinner at The Pierre Hotel in New York City on Oct. 6.

Presidential Scholars at the PBC’s 15th Annual Award Dinner at The Pierre in New York City. Front row, from left, are Christa Howarth, Somerset, New Jersey; Juliana Vossenberg of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Kathryn Hoffman of Jamison; and Sarah Payonk of Schwenksville.

Standing are Ryan Burdick of Taylor; Michael Gilbride of Scranton, a finance major and member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Victoria Malstrom of Phoenix, Maryland; David Yatsonsky II of Jefferson Township, who spoke at the dinner on behalf of the Class of 2017 Presidential Scholars; Sean Bassler of Horseheads, New York; and Matthew Owens of King of Prussia.

Upcoming Special Editions!

• Top 20 Under 40

Publishing: December • Ad Deadline: November 15

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Publishing: April • Ad Deadline: March 15 Contact Judy Gregg today for advertising information!

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Portrait by renowned illustrator Joseph Adolphe.

WILMINGTON TRUST RENOWNED INSIGHT

“You’ve led your family business to success.

How are you working together to share that success?”

Carol G. Kroch Managing Director, Wealth and Philanthropic Planning Carol is responsible for charitable planning for Wilmington Trust’s Wealth Advisory Services. She has extensive experience working with individuals and nonprofit organizations in estate, trust, and charitable gift planning. Carol is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and was named one of the 50 most influential women in private wealth by Private Asset Management magazine in 2015 and 2016.

For access to knowledgeable professionals like Carol and the rest of our team, contact Ed Barone at 570-327-2155.

As a business owner, seeing your enterprise thrive is the ultimate reward for years of hard work. What can be equally fulfilling is using your success to give back to the causes that are most important to you. And involving your family in your philanthropic vision can make it all the more meaningful.

Just like the family business, family philanthropy can be hard work, yet immensely rewarding. When a family takes the time to identify goals and where and how to give, it can create a family legacy for generations to come.

Communication is key. It’s important to remember that multigenerational philanthropy should not be the senior generation showing younger generations how to engage in philanthropy, or even giving by example. Rather, it’s about the family collaborating. Together, you need to determine the approach to giving that is right for your family now, and how that might evolve down the road.

Where to begin. As philanthropist John D. Rockefeller advised, charitable giving should be treated like investing. A family needs to think about its portfolio of assets and its

portfolio of interests. Some assets may work best for family philanthropy, while others may be best for personal giving or better suited for family investment. But even as you consider assets to give, you need to decide collectively on your philanthropic interests. The savviest business owners also take advantage of estate planning and income tax minimization benefits while they fulfill philanthropic goals.

81%

O F T H E W O R L D ’ S L A R G E S T FA M I LY B U S I N E SS E S P R AC T I C E P H I L A N T H R O PY Source: EY & Kennesaw State University Survey

Wilmington Trust has been working with successful business owners and their families for 113 years. We’ve not only helped their enterprises grow, but also helped their families thrive by aligning their visions with the right charitable giving strategies.

For more insight on how we can guide you through family philanthropy, visit us at wilmingtontrust.com/philanthropy.

F I D U C I A R Y S E R V I C E S | W E A LT H P L A N N I N G | I N V E S T M E N T M A N A G E M E N T | P R I VAT E B A N K I N G

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial product or service. This article is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. If professional advice is needed, the services of your professional advisor should be sought.

Private Banking is the marketing name for an offering of M&T Bank deposit and loan products and services.

Investments: • Are NOT FDIC-Insured • Have NO Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation (M&T). Investment management and fiduciary services are provided by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. Loans, retail and business deposits, and other personal and business banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank, member FDIC. ©2016 Wilmington Trust Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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YOUR GATEWAY TO GROWTH!

Relationship

POWER!

familiar and often repeated phrase.

Patty’s ongoing changes and suggestions When I speak to a group, I’ll often pose three simple included; a turnpike, highways, side roads, twisty yet powerful questions. I call it the world’s fastestpaths and blind curves. All navigated in a left-to-right strategic plan: downpour.

1. Where are you?

Also, her directions didn’t always feature street 2. Where would you like to be? names or highway numbers. Instead, they began 3. How would you like to get there? with, “Look for the sign that says Shanksville and The reality of these questions was driven home on hang a left,” or, “after you pass that funny-looking Sept.18, 2003. house on the right, get ready for a series of big My flight landed in Pittsburgh at 4:30 p.m. By 5:15 bends.”

I was behind the wheel of my rental car. Before departFinally, after three hours, I arrived. ing, I glanced at directions that would take me to Lessons: Indian Lake, Pennsylvania. An anticipated 90-minute • If you think you always know the best way to trip. reach your destination, you might be wrong. Consider Confident and prepared, I pulled out from the alternatives. parking garage’s protective cover. Immediately, I • There’s likely to be more than one way to get was greeted by the fury and aftermath of Hurricane there. Explore possibilities.

Isabel. A torrential rainstorm pounded the windshield.

• Seek the advice of those who truly know the 50-mile-per-hour winds shook the car. strange twists and turns of the experience you’re I thought it was time to pull over for a break. about to embark on. Use their knowledge to your Before I headed for the turnpike, I called the resort advantage. Let them prepare you for the unexpected to request they tell my client I was on my way and to and potentially dangerous pitfalls. And how to safely confirm directions a hotel employee gave me earlier avoid them. in the week.

• Know that requesting assistance is a sign of Patty, who answered the phone this time, said, strength, not weakness.

“Those directions are wrong. Here’s what you oughta • Pay close attention to the signs. They alert you to do.” She suggested a new game plan. what’s ahead.

With Patty’s guidance, I attempted to reach the • Focus on what’s in front of you. turnpike. But traffic was at a standstill. I called Patty • Appreciate that speed is important. Yet it can be again. She said, “Change of plans.” That became a dangerous. On occasion, slow and deliberate isn’t bad.

By JEFF BLACKMAN, J.D.

• If you’re headed for trouble, take corrective action. Fast!

Since reaching your destination, on the road or in business, is about challenges and choices, I thought it would be valuable to get the perspective of a local business owner. Below, are edited excerpts from my conversation with Jim Alperin, CEO and owner of Astro Apparel in Scranton.

Jeff Blackman: What’s Astro Apparel?

Jim Alperin: We’re a third generation family business. My grandfather, Louis Alperin was a sewing contractor who made military uniforms during World War II. My father and his brothers evolved the business into a trouser sewing contractor, serving boys and men’s suit manufacturers — turning raw materials into finished goods. I lead our transformation into a sourcing and distribution company — making school uniforms, men’s suits, sport coats and trousers.

We sell under our own labels, licensed brands and produce private label merchandise on behalf of major department store chains. We own factories in the Dominican Republic and buy finished products from China, Vietnam, Italy and El Salvador.

JB: What are tough choices you make daily?

JA: Weighing and managing risks. I’m lucky to have a seasoned, knowledgeable team supporting our mission; (growth, cost control, corporate culture), but the nuance comes in predicting outcomes.

The most difficult decisions involve hiring and staff development. Our hiring decisions tend to have the greatest impact on our long-term performance. And more than half our associates have been family for

more than 20 years.

JB: What’s your process to reach a decision?

JA: I study information and run the numbers myself. I’m a spreadsheet geek and contrarian. It probably drives our management team mad, but I always challenge their recommendations. I’ll eventually go along, but I push boundaries and make sure we’ve examined all risks — and my involved managers are supportive before we decide.

JB: For insights, where do you seek counsel?

JA: Our management team’s recommendations are always instrumental. There were more owners in the family business, but now I’m alone. Today, my Vistage group has been an incredible assist —talking through issues with a network of peers.

JB: What decision do you regret, yet learned from?

JA: Recently, I tried to acquire an Italian company.

It had a great brand and a wonderful product. It was in bankruptcy and I learned the hard way, Italian bankruptcy law is very different than U.S. law. I spent a huge amount on lawyers, advisors and due diligence. I should have been listening closer to lawyers and advisors, when I entered literally foreign territory. It was probably my most enjoyable and informative failure.

JB: What are your priorities and how do you make sure you and your team execute them?

JA: Acquiring a new business and moving it to our platform requires careful execution. When something doesn’t go as planned, we make sure we understand how to remedy it. We have a great reputation. We do everything possible to get it right. If we fail, we’re committed to making it right. Everything else flows from there.

Jeff Blackman, J.D., CSP, CPAE, is a Hall of Fame speaker, Vistage Fast-Track Speaker of the Year, bestselling author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer. His clients call him a businessgrowth specialist. If you hire speakers, contact him at 847-998-0688 or email jeff@jeffblackman. com. Visit jeffblackman.com to learn more about his other business growth tools and to subscribe to his free e-zine, The Results Report. Blackman’s bestselling books include: Stop Whining! Start Selling! and Peak Your Profits. You can also stay connected with Jeff via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter: @BlackmanResults

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ECONOMY

Study: Live Nation added $32.4 million to Lackawanna County economy in 2015

Photo courtesy of Live Nation

Live Nation events attracted more than 100,000 people from outside the region to Montage Mountain last year, according to an economic impact study.

the promoter only was able to track residencies of 125,814 concertgoers, the majority live outside Live Nation events generated $32.4 million in Pennsylvania. The study found 27,196 concertgoeconomic activity and attracted more than 100,000 ers were from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, people from outside the region to Montage Moun- 37,615 from other Pennsylvania counties and tain last year, an economic impact study found.

61,003 from other states.

The study’s release comes at a time when the Some examples of how visitors spend dollars concert promoter and Lackawanna County comlocally include lodging, dining, shopping, buying missioners are negotiating Live Nation’s future at gasoline and visiting other attractions. the county-owned pavilion in Scranton.

Robert Durkin, president of the Greater Scran“We recognize that Live Nation has a large ton Chamber of Commerce, did not review the economic impact on our area, and we will take that study in detail yet but said he is impressed by the into consideration during continuing contract negeneral findings. gotiations,” said Andy Wallace, chief of staff to the “The numbers are staggering,” he said. “I’m board of county commissioners. “We have enjoyed not surprised it creates a major economic impact working with them in the past, and we look forward because out of every dollar people from outside the to continuing this relationship in the future.” area spend here, there’s a ripple effect.”

Live Nation conducted the study with the Among local taxes, Live Nation paid about $1.1 Wilkes-Barre-based Institute for Public Policy and million in property and earned-income taxes and Economic Development and measured direct and $353,000 in Scranton’s amusement tax. indirect economic benefits of hosting 13 concerts, “The study shows that when you’re buying a trade show and two special events in 2015. a ticket, you’re not only gaining access to an The promoter estimates it employs five full-time unforgettable experience at the Pavilion at Montage workers with another 250 people on its staff during Mountain, but you’re also improving the lives of concert season, and aside from costs of paying those in the community that make these events for acts to perform, spends 85 percent of its $12 possible,” David Niedbalski, vice president of million operating budget in the region. marketing for Live Nation, said in an email.

Estimates are conservative and based only on Live Nation’s lease of the pavilion runs through what researchers could quantify with data, said Teri 2021. Company and county officials recently Ooms, executive director of the Institute for Public agreed to extend the deadline for the business to Policy and Economic Development. opt out of the rest of the lease to Oct. 31, while they “It’s a very strong economic engine for the discuss the promoter’s future at the venue. area,” she said.

This story first appeared in The Times-Tribune The concerts at the Pavilion at Montage on Sept. 26, 2016 Mountain drew about 214,000 people. Although

By Kyle Wind

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FROM PAGE 4 This includes a commitment to reverse the investment, and specifically increased access to city’s negative perception. She said that an effecearly-stage capital. tive delivery of information to counter negativity is “Our existing angel network of investors is word-of-mouth communication, which can best vital, but we need an early-stage seed fund,” said be kindled by a string of successes despite whatOkrepkie. ever sector the co-opetition is operating within.

He commended the work of the region’s cur“Throughout NEPA, including within Scranton, rent network of support incubators, we need to get out of our own way cooperation between entrepreneurs and better publicize our victories,” and the agencies that help to access Houlihan said. available resources. In particular, Promotion of a city such as the work of Tec-Bridge is vital as a Scranton will inevitably involve the community support vehicle for endebate of paper versus electronic trepreneurs that aligns the economic marketing for that locale, according community with needs of business, to Susan Estler, executive director of Houlihan capital and the workforce. the Lackawanna County Convention Okrepkie also supports an and Visitors Bureau. She believes that increasingly adaptive program to paper brochures are dead, but still market NEPA, including Scranton. favors a mix of paper and electronic This would leverage the resources sales materials that are mixed to of Penn’s Northeast to promote the match how the target audience gathentire region. ers information.

“We can use our existing success Estler also values marketing stories as a blueprint for more compavehicles that are trackable with the Ghosh nies locating here, such as promotion results they achieve. Older systems of our low energy costs with natural simply “hoped” that a target audience gas,” Okrepkie said. would see an advertisement or article, Kathleen Houlihan, Ph.D., assistant but electronic advertising allows a professor of management information funnel of information to be channeled systems and marketing with Wilkes efficiently to an audience and the University, believes that the promotion results recorded. of Scranton must be a group effort “Electronic marketing must also that is not dominated by one sector. be friendly for mobile devices,” said Estler As with all modern marketing, the Estler. “Millennials love blog posts, seller must identify a buying group, but Facebook is the broadest platform. figure out the needs of these prospective custom- Coordinating your efforts with a professional ers, for example, quality of life and then target marketer can help with this.” them with promotional efforts.

Teri Ooms, executive director of The Institute The increased popularity of downtown living for Public Policy & Economic Development, sums in Scranton, in particular, indicates that the tastes up Scranton’s situation by declaring that great opof the millennials differ from their parents. The portunity exists, but the city’s current tax structure millennials clearly are not allergic to city environis chasing away entrepreneurs and deterring ments, and they spend on experiences instead of economic growth. muscle cars and suburban houses.

“Yes, we understand the need for business “Young professionals are now increasing taxes,” said Ooms. “The real question involves in number, and promotion of a city must speak what is a fair rate.” to that group,” Houlihan said. “Unfortunately As the city evolves, Ooms zeroes in on the in NEPA, we often struggle with who we are, future of the downtown as a business hub and because of an ongoing identity crisis, and that office location. But, she questions if this office interrupts our ability to sell ourselves, especially space is modern enough for younger occupants, because of government reputation issues.” particularly when it comes to technology issues Houlihan advocates the concept of “cosuch as infrastructure and broadband. opetition” to be part of the marketing of Scranton.

“The city is demonstrating that it can support This calls for business competitors to join forces, downtown residents,” said Ooms. “Hopefully, collaborate and strive to build a clustered comthe same will be true with the adaptability of mercial network that is sustainable. office space.”

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HUMAN RESOURCES

REGIONAL

Competition for talent a big consideration for employers when making decisions about benefits to offer.

Misericordia offers free assistance for enrolling in health insurance marketplace

Benefit choices abound for employers and workers during open enrollment

By Dave Gardner

According to MetLife’s 12th Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study employees now support increased contributions to their benefits programs. These may include involvement in health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health reimbursement accounts (HRA), which all can be used to lower total costs for health insurance coverage.

Roger Howell, owner of Howell Benefits, explained that setup and evolution of a benefit program must take into account the employer’s philosophy and budget, morale of the employees, market competition for talent, changing legislative and compliance climate and administrative expenses. Annual increases of 6 percent to 10 percent may now be the norm with health insurance costs. a lot of time and work for education on these issues.”

Michelle Grushinski, past president of the NEPA Specific demographics in an employee base will chapter, Society for Human Resource Management, also be the cause of some bigger cost increases urges employers to never forget that benefits are based on insurance usage. Obesity has become not an employee entitlement.

Even in the era of the the new smoking and is costing insurance carriers Accountable Care Act (ACA), benefits exist as a combecause of the associated co-morbidities, such as petitive effort to hire quality employees.

But within heart disease, diabetes and orthopedic problems. this framework costs are guaranteed to keep rising.

“Some employers just can’t afford these costs,” “An employer must offer an attractive package Howell said. “The increases are not sustainable and in some cases already close to the breaking point.” for skilled labor and the program must be targeted at the specific audience for hiring,” said Grushinski.

Another reality forces some employers to pay “Costs for medical will always be at the more for benefits in lean labor pools top of the list and this must be budgeted with highly-skilled workers. These emfirst with the remaining funding then ployers must have a keen understanding directed for other choices.” of this employee supply-and-demand According to Grushinski, both sides when decisions are being made about of the benefits program can save tax benefit program evolution. money by intelligent use of programs Information is key for employers to such as HSA or FSA. Annual competimake proper decisions. Out-of-pocket tion between insurance carriers can Howell premium costs, dental, vision and life also lower costs, so employers should insurance coverage, flexible spending always shop around and never fear to negotiate and account participation, retirement contributions and switch carriers. profit-sharing involvement are all part of a total “This can be an annual strategy that produces compensation approach, Howell said. surprising savings,” said Grushinski.

“We can easily use a four-hour think-tank session She added that employer matches with retirewith a business about these issues to decide how ment programs have substantially declined since the total compensation pie should be divided,” said 2008, with 2 percent to 5 percent of annual salary Howell. “Perhaps it’s better to absorb health care now the norm.

Risks on investment choices have increases but not award a pay increase. This can also been transferred, with the employee being reinvolve big dollars by the end of the year and it takes sponsible for participation in a myriad of possibilities.

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NOVEMBER 2016

She also warned that evolution of the overall benefits system and bad health habits are creating an unsustainable future for benefit programs.

Preventive care programs can be used by employers for negotiation power and in the process reduce escalating costs for insurance.

As for the investment benefit in a package, it has been difficult to convince younger employees that they should make decisions to invest a consistent percentage of their earnings, said Kim Hawk, another past president of the NEPA chapter, Society for Human Resource Management. However, a market swing is occurring and increasing numbers of youthful employees seem to understand the long-term benefits of investment.

“The 2008 financial crash is, in some ways, the dividing line about who will invest,” said Hawk. “The idea of a safe harbor for earnings is now popular, especially with younger employees, using a standard enrollment percentage that the employee can change later.”

Hawk also urges all employers to build a benefit package that will entice quality employees to stay.

She believes that use of an HSA can be effective as the company saves with higher-deductible insurance programs, follows ACA regulations,and helps the employee build long-term security.

“Open communication by all parties is vital when choices have to be made with benefits,” said Hawk. “The employer should also disclose costs and explain why certain decisions are being made.”

The health care management program and the Health Care Management Association at Misericordia University are collaborating with The Advocacy Alliance of Scranton on Saturday, Nov. 19, to provide information and help for people who need assistance navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace for the new year. The free community education event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McAuley Hall on campus.

Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace begins Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15 for anyone who needs to enroll, reenroll or change their insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act. Medical coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1 by signing up for insurance.

“We want to help people in our local communities to navigate the insurance marketplace and also to understand the many options for coverage that are available to them,’’ said Ronald V. Petrilla, Ph.D., assistant professor of business at Misericordia University. “Students in our Health Care Management Association are volunteering to share the lessons they learned in the classroom for the betterment of their local community.’’

The Bachelor of Science in health care management at Misericordia University offers two distinct tracts: a four-year degree for traditional students and the 2½-year program for adult learners in the Expressway Accelerated Degree Program. The academic program is designed to respond to the specific needs of health care organizations in today’s dynamic environment. Management skills, leadership development, strategic planning, marketing, health care finance and law are examined, including a comprehensive understanding of finance, insurance and payment mechanisms.

For more information about the free community education event at Misericordia University, call Petrilla at 570-674-1764. Visit misericordia.edu/business and click on health care management to find out more about the academic program.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Small Business Saturday is November 26

By Phil Yacuboski

Learn more about the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Community

The small businesses in NEPA neighborhoods and adjacent communities are exceedingly important to the overall economy of the region.

While they may not produce as much revenue as large corporations, they are a critical component and major contributor to the strength of the local marketplace. According to smallbusiness.chron. com, small businesses present new employment opportunities and serve as the building blocks of the U.S.’ largest corporations. Larger businesses also often benefit from small businesses within the same local community, as many large corporations depend on small businesses for the completion of various business functions through outsourcing.

In the following small business profiles we present holiday gift ideas for office mates, co-workers and employers as well as family and friends AOS Metals Kari Johnson’s move from Jackson, Wyoming, back to her hometown of Tunkhannock six months ago, was fueled with her love of handmade metal jewelry.

A lot of the jewelry is made from argentium, a recycled silver. In the recycling process, the copper is removed. This helps it keep its color longer.

“We’re also using other high-quality metals and AOS Metals prices are reasonable,” she said.

There are gifts for the women in the office — a lot of personalized necklaces and nameplate charms,” she said. “They are popular. It can have the words “dream” or “believe” on it or it can have your name.”

She also makes custom items and children can even get involved.

“The kids can come in the store and create their own items using stamps,” she said.

Johnson was taking classes at Scranton’s Small Business Development Center and won a space at Bogart Court through a Kickstarter program. The Kickstart Art Challenge gave 500 local artists the chance to win a space at the Renaissance Hotel.

They receive six-months free rent, while signing a one-year lease.

“I do some of my artwork at my home studio and some of it there,” Johnson said. “It all starts as a sheet of metal or piece of metal and then I go from there.”

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She’s also an Etsy.com wholesaler, where she sells other artists’ creation from across the country.

Etsy is a website for handmade crafts.

AOS Metals is located in Bogart Court, behind the Renaissance Hotel. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday and Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Please see GUIDE, Page 18

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News and Information 570-348-9190 • 877-584-3561 • Fax 570-207-3452 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 75 North Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 mrade@timesshamrock.com NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2016 17

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FROM PAGE 17

Scranton

745 North Keyser Avenue 570-344-9944

Bee Hive Gift Shop You will find gifts for the home and for women at the Bee Hive Gift Shop in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

“The hottest thing right now for women are ponchos and blanket scarves,” said Patty Leighton, the store’s owner. “They are the big scarves that you wrap around you when it’s cold. They really fit anyone and everyone and they are very popular,” adding that they are even popular with teenagers.

Leighton said she also has interchangeable jewelry that come equipped with magnets that you can switch around to wear with any outfit, something she said is popular with teens.

She said the store in the MidTown Village also sells a lot of monogrammed items.

“Money clips, keychains and necklace,” she said are very popular and are good gifts for the men in the office. “We even have umbrellas that are monogrammed.”

Leighton said she also sells mantrabands, metal bracelets grouped together with inspirational sayings.

“They are popular with teenagers as well as college students,” she said.

Leighton opened the Bee Hive Gift Shop in April 2009. She said with several businesses closing in her neighborhood, there’s been less foot traffic, LAVISH BODY AND HOME something she hopes picks up with the holiday shopping season. geared towards that,” she said. “There are so many “It’s caught me by surprise, but I’m hoping for here. It’s tough to keep them in stock. We get a good season and I’m hanging on,” she said. shipments five times a week and it’s something with a high turnover. A lot of styles we get just once Francesca’s and then you never see them again.”

At Francesca’s, a boutique at the Shoppes at Bralettes are popular with teen girls, said Montage, shoppers will find gifts for the home Grazious. She said the ones sold at Francesca’s as well as jewelry and clothing for teenagers and are full of lace and meant to be worn underneath adults alike. sweaters and T-shirts. She also said they are less “Our graphic tees, leggings and bralettes are expensive than other retailers. really popular throughout the year,” said Allison The boutique also sells gifts for the home, Grazious, the store’s manager. including picture frames, bar accessories, candles She said T-shirts with sayings emblazed on and even coffee mugs as well as key chains, sunthem are popular too. glasses, scarves and handbags.

“The younger girls love them and they are really Shoppers should definitely put the store on their list of places to shop for the holiday, Grazious said.

“It’s definitely not too different,” said Grazious, “but we do carry unique things. We do sell a lot of gifts throughout the year and we do sell a lot of gift items for birthdays, bridal showers in addition to the holidays. There’s definitely a lot of neat stuff here.”

Francesca’s is at the Shoppes at Montage.

Moosic. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday; and Sunday, 11a.m. to 6 p.m.

FRANCESCA’S

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NOVEMBER 2016

Lavish Body and Home When you think of the word boutique, you envision a shop full of items for women — handbags, clothing and jewelry. In downtown Scranton, you’ll

find Lavish Body & Home, a hair salon and gift boutique for her and him too, in what the owners call a unique hybrid shopping space.

“We have everything from loungewear to shaving items to cologne,” said Lauren Woodard, who co-owns the store along with her husband Micah.

She said a big seller for men are bar accessories.

“We’ve seen a huge rise in things to make your own cocktails at home,” she said. “These are not items for beer and wine. These are things to mix and create cocktails. We have specialty muddlers and bitters.”

Woodward said they sell a lot of things with a mid-century theme.

“A lot of the items have a throwback feel,” she said. “We have a kit on how to make a good Manhattan, but then we also have shaving kits like the way men used to shave years ago.”

Woodard said shopping for men doesn’t have to be difficult.

“A space like ours solves that problem,” she said. “We have items that you wouldn’t think of yourself. The problem with shopping for men is that it’s very difficult to think of a unique gift idea; things that are unusual, but things that a guy will use.”

Lavish is at 600 Linden St., Scranton. Hours are Tuesday 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 7

p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and closed Sunday and Monday.

Rustique Looking for home décor, gifts and even furniture for the holidays? Rustique in Kingston offers a unique mix of the three, according to owner Jamie Flack.

“I think that what differentiates us from other stores is that I have brought in a number of different brands that aren’t found in our area,” Flack said.

“Nobody else carries them and you’re pretty much going to find something unique.”

She said the store in the United Penn Plaza offers all kinds of gifts for the holiday season.

“We have everything from a cheeseboard to cheese knives, to old-fashioned door knobs to bigger gifts such as wall hangings,” she said.

She also goes to auctions to find one-of-a-kind antiques and refurbishes them, something she said is truly unique. Flack also creates custom signs, with names, dates or phrases. Rustique also sells candles and hostess gifts.

“We have really pretty trays and cutting boards,” she said. “If you wanted to do something small, we sell cocktail napkins and even cocktail napkins that come with a wine stopper.”

Flack opened Rustique on Black Friday in 2013.

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RUSTIQUE

I decided to move back home and over the years, I’ve always kept a lot of brands that I thought were interesting,” said Flack, who is also an attorney.

She called her endavor a “pipedream” — something she has always wanted to do. “I think the shop’s a nice addition to the area. I think people don’t feel like they are shopping in the valley anymore.”

Rustique is in the United Penn Plaza, Kingston.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Sunday and Monday.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Amazon is primary gift destination for 42 percent of consumers, but retailers can compete The Amazon threat is real for retailers this holiday season, with 42 percent of U.S. consumers reporting that the big online retailer will be their primary holiday gift destination, according to a new survey conducted by Signal, a global leader in real-time, people-based marketing.

However, retailers can capture their own piece of the holiday commerce pie with data-driven relevance, highly personalized marketing and simple, seamless experiences.

While total 2016 retail holiday season sales are predicted to increase just 1.8 percent over last year, ecommerce sales are anticipated to increase 13.3 percent, meaning that retailers must up the digital ante when planning for this critical time of year. The survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers sheds light on their holiday shopping preferences, suggesting how retailers can deliver superior digital experiences this season. Key findings include: Consumers browse and buy across all channels.

The primary way holiday shoppers browse for gifts is on a desktop/laptop (36 percent), but the most frequent way consumers purchase gifts is in-stores (33 percent). About one in five consumers primarily browse via mobile devices (smartphones and tablets), and 8 percent use smartphones and 7 percent use tablets as their primary way to make holiday purchases.

Consumers are split on their love for Amazon.

Of those surveyed, 42 percent say that the ecommerce giant is the main retailer where they purchase gifts, but 40 percent say it’s not. This finding suggests that there is plenty of opportunity for retailers to capture holiday dollars. Consumers like Amazon because it is easy (50 percent), because they are Prime members (36 percent), and because they like the product reviews and recommendations (29 percent). Retailers can look to these preferences to understand ways to improve their own efforts.

Digital advertising can make an impact.

Most people — 43 percent — say that digital advertising on a website or in a mobile app somewhat influences their holiday gift buying.

Consumers appear to appreciate the information that can be found in digital ads. One-third of respondents said that ads help them get discounts or deals, and 27 percent said that ads provide them with new gift ideas. However, because 48 percent of people surveyed also said that digital

ads are annoying, retailers should always prioritize experience above all else when planning online advertising initiatives.

“The retail environment is a complicated battleground, with mega-competitors like Amazon and demanding consumers who want to shop when they want, how they want. But retailers don’t have to be Amazon to succeed, as 40 percent of consumers say they primarily shop elsewhere for holiday gifts. Instead, they can use the wealth of knowledge available in first-party data to understand their customers better than anyone else, gaining the edge they need to design personalized experiences that will delight holiday shoppers,” said Mike Sands, CEO, Signal.

To provide the best holiday shopping experiences, Signal recommends retailers consider the following steps in their holiday strategies: • Consumers don’t think in channels, and neither should retailers. The survey findings show that people consistently shop across desktop, mobile and in stores as it suits their needs.

Consumers don’t want to make a choice between the convenience of buying from home and the assurance of handling the product in a store: they want both. By offering options like buy online/pick up in store, free shipping and easy returns, retailers can effectively serve consumers wherever they are shopping.

• Retailers can provide relevance by understanding context. What is the consumer trying to achieve? First-party data will help retailers understand what actions are appropriate to provide relevant assistance to a shopper in real-time and in support of their goals. In fact, 46 percent of consumers surveyed said that relevant deals and discounts will motivate them to buy this holiday season.

• Amazon is not unbeatable, as consumers are split on whether or not it’s their primary destination for holiday shopping. Retailers can raise the stakes by leveraging their extensive customer data from all channels and touchpoints to best Amazon with more intelligent and relevant suggestions. Retailers with physical stores can also consider ways to use those locations as distributed, flexible warehouses for pick up and returns – both of which offer cross-sell and upsell opportunities.

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eGift cards sales growing in gift card market

eGift Cards are virtual cards delivered immediately by e-mail, SMS or social media and redeemable online, in-store, or over the phone at individual merchant stores or virtually anywhere in the case of an open-loop Visa or MasterCard.

In August 2015, GiftCards.com — a provider of gift card products including personalized gift cards, group gift cards, egift cards and local gift cards redeemable at millions of establishments across the country — reported an increase of 397 percent in egift cards over the same period in 2014. Egift cards had grown from 8.4 percent of total gift cards sold in the site in 2014 to 25.3 percent in 2015, or one in four gift cards.

Justin Fritz, affiliate and search marketing director, GiftCards.com, told the Business Journal that eGift Cards sales are estimated to reach $15 billion for 2016 — a small fraction of the $160 billion in sales for the gift card industry as a whole by 2018.

“From what we saw in 2015, more people purchased egift cards online vs. plastic online during the holiday season,” Fritz noted, however he said “I think it will be some time before egift cards actually overtake plastic in real life, not just online.”

A close look at popular holidays reveal a much more insightful story. As consumers and online shoppers tend to procrastinate shopping in these periods, same-day delivery egift cards prove to be a very convenient and effective gifting item.

The data measures the week leading to and including the major holiday (seven days worth of data)

for Valentine’s, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and for the period between Black Friday and Christmas Day for the Christmas season, comparing 2015 vs.

2014.

Across the board, the data shows explosive triple-digit growth in 2015, anywhere from 218 percent for Valentine’s to 535 percent for Mother’s Day. For Christmas, GiftCards.com’s analysis took the weighted average growth of the other three actual holidays and applied it to last year’s Christmas figures. The same was done for overall gift card sales to come up with the resulting share of egift cards vs. its plastic counterparts.

The resulting numbers indicate that egift cards will make up 50.2 percent, or just over half of all gift cards sold between Black Friday and December 25 through online and mobile channels.

“As the leading online gift card seller, this is the first time we’ve seen data indicating our egift cards will surpass plastics,” said Shelley Hunter, a.k.a.

Gift Card Girlfriend and spokesperson for GiftCards. com. “As yet another industry migrates to digital format, the inevitable inflection point could come earlier than expected for all merchants and the eventual acceptance of digital wallets seems to be accelerating this trend.”

Of all the merchant brands sold on the site, Amazon takes the lion share, with more than one in four merchant brands sold, or 27 percent. Other popular brands include Sephora, Barnes & Noble, Texas Roadhouse and Regal Cinemas.

MARKETING

Keep your new brand on the straight and narrow Put another way: Computers don’t kill brands.

People do.

After a year of research, strategy Any employee at Coke could allow meetings, creative testing and a grand the graphics standards to wander, but rollout, you’ve finally launched a brand none do because they learn from day that you expect to transform your one to respect the brand. Here are three marketing. It’s gaining traction when you key elements to keep a brand pure and begin to realize it’s already unraveling focused after all the hard work it took to throughout your company. create it.

The first crack shows up in Power• Start at the top. If leadership Taylor Point slides from the most remote sales doesn’t value a consistently represented territory in the organization. Somehow, brand, you’re dead. It’s no different from they must have missed nine memos and the the police and the courts. If cops arrested people employee video, because they’re still using the old but the judicial system refused to prosecute them, logo and colors. Then another one pops up with the the police would be essentially powerless. right logo, but the tagline has been altered a bit to • There have to be written guidelines to hold fit the theme of a regional trade show. anyone accountable. Imagine your local police A sales person who once took a design class trying to enforce laws that were not clearly written likes a certain flowery typestyle better than the ones and available for everyone to see. It would be in your new brand identity guide. Soon, there are a impossible. Yet, many smaller brands have few or variety of typefaces being used. You find mesno written statements available. sages in mailings and presentations from the old A brand identity guide should be created and brand position. Someone took a design element cover at least the basics of approved typefaces of your new logo and turned it into to a wallpaper and usage (are all caps acceptable, minimum point background for a flyer design. sizes, etc.), proper usage of logo and what is not Your brand is on the run in five different direcacceptable (reversing the logo or using parts of it tions. You need (cue the chords from the Law and as decoration). Many guides will go much further Order segue) the Brand Police. and show acceptable slogan usage, PowerPoint This is largely a small- to mid-size company templates, ad designs, signage or rolling stock problem. A Coke employee requirements.

There are three key who decides to take liberties • Take corrective action. elements to keep a brand with the logo, the colors, or Once a transgression has the message, will get warned pure and focused: occurred, promising not to once if they’re lucky and get 1. Start at the top: do it again might work. But fired if they’re not. Co-promorequiring that materials be Be sure leadership tions with other brands are revised or even reprinted will respects the brand. carefully watched, checked 2. Create a brand identity be far more effective. When and verified for conformance employees realize that it is guide and have everyone to the master brand plan. more convenient to do it right adhere to it.

It would be easy to (or check with the someone 3.

Have transgressors do blame the problem on digital who knows) than to have to it over again. technology, which has made do it over, brand consistency anyone with a computer is likely to flourish. a designer and publisher.

Dave Taylor is president of Taylor Brand Group, a Everyone has a hundred or more fonts available, company that focuses on developing brand strategy and in a half-dozen programs. Some folks prefer serif ongoing brand marketing. Based in Lancaster, Taylor Brand Group works with national and regional clients. faces, others like sans serif. But, the reality is, it’s He can be reached at 717-393-7343. Visit taylorbrandnot the mere capability to wreck a brand identity group.com. that makes it happen, it’s the lack of accountability or respect for the brand concept that does.

By Dave Taylor

CElEBRATING WoMEN ENTREpRENEuRS

Integrative Health Consulting and Coaching llC

Southard surveys a client’s past medical records, current medications and nutrition habits Almost 40 years ago, Mary Elaine Southard to offer a total holistic health assessment. She knew she was destined for a career in service, so practices a natural homeopathy and provides alshe pursued a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Today, ternative choices to traditional medicines. A client Southard owns and operates receives optimal care because Integrative Health Consulting Southard has a foot in both and Coaching LLC in downtown doors of the medical world. She Scranton. understands the benefits and A native of the Scranton area, success of modern pharmaceuSouthard has been a nurse for ticals, but she also has a greater 38 years and worked for more understanding of how much the than 20 years in oncology, which body can heal itself naturally. has provided her with a unique She strives to help her clients beperspective on medicine in all its come their most healthy selves. aspects.

These goals for her clients With her understanding of align with her goal for her busimodern medicine and its potenness, to expand so that many tial, she felt as though people did generations can understand the not give their bodies enough of benefits of a holistic lifestyle. a chance to self-heal. Aggressive Southard In regard to entrepreneurcancer treatments could worsen ship, Southard offers a few this issue. She attended New York University to pieces of advice: “always stay curious and be become a holistic nurse practitioner — a step eager to learn new things, put your best foot closer to the more natural type of medicine she forward, start slow and be persistent.” believes is better for the body. While attending When she began, she said, she knew nothing NYU, Southard worked at Olive Leaf Wholeness about marketing or web design, but with help and Center in Manhattan where she garnered further perseverance she was able to successfully open experience in holistic medicine. her own business.

In addition to her work at various hospitals Integrative Health Consulting and Coaching and the Wellness Center, Southard also taught at LLC is located at 222 Wyoming Ave., in downtown the University of Scranton, Misericordia UniverScranton with Green Ridge Om and Wellness sity and New York University. She learned about (GROW) owned by Kristin Martelli, a certified and policies and regulations while working as a case licensed massage therapist. Her business can manager at Geisinger Health Plan and soon after be found on Facebook, Twitter and her website, launched Integrative Health Consulting and Coach- HealthCoachbyME.com. She can also be reached ing full time. at 570-604-2994.

She earned her doctorate of nursing practice in integrative health and healing at the University of Denise Rizzo is an intern with The University of Minnesota while operating her business. Her most Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC), recent degree fits nicely into her business concept and works under the supervision of Donna Simpson, Consultant Manager.

— to consult and coach people who wish to use alternative, non-pharmaceutical healing methods.

By Denise Rizzo

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2016 21 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B21] | 10/26/16

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT IS ON...

NEPIRC says data confirms NEPA manufacturers thrive of $4.8 million; and Manufacturers continue to • Creation and retention of 659 thrive and expand in Northeast manufacturing jobs.

Pennsylvania and the northern All data was compiled tier, according to first quarter through independent surveys of 2016 client impact reports NEPIRC clients and verified by announced last month by the the U.S. Department of ComNortheastern Pennsylvania merce, according to Eric Joseph Industrial Resource Center Esoda, CPA, president and CEO (NEPIRC). of NEPIRC. NEPIRC provides consulting Of the nearly 1,000 manufacand training services to manuturers within Northeast and the facturers throughout 11 counties northern tier of Pennsylvania, of Northeast and Northern 67 percent have fewer than Pennsylvania. The company’s Esoda 20 employees and more than first quarter 2016 client-reported 80 percent have fewer than 50 impact numbers include: employees. NEPIRC serves this small and mid• New sales of $2.6 million; sized manufacturing community exclusively.

• Retained sales of $55.2 million; For information on NEPIRC programs and • Operating cost savings of $480,000; • Investment in new equipment, regional expan- services visit NEPIRC.com. sions, new technologies and workforce training

“Your Business... is Our Business” The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News and Information

Judy Gregg

For Advertising 570-207-9001 ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

Christine Fanning

For Editorial 570-348-9100 ext. 5415 cfanning@timesshamrock.com

149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 • 75 North Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 For subscription information: mrade@timesshamrock.com

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NOVEMBER 2016

HRC Manufacturing

adveRtoRial

MANUFACTURING

What are some of the specialized services you offer?

We offer a wide range of assemblies, from general and complex, to large and small. We also offer light HRC Manufacturing has expanded its business to meet the needs of consumers machining and various types of sealing, including shrink wrapping and blister throughout the region and beyond. Servpackaging. We ing Pennsylvania, pack, ship and New York and New label packages, Jersey, HRC Manuprovide complete facturing provides product fulfillment a quality product services and secure every time, with document shredno job too big or ding. too small. A pillar We also have of the community, fair, competitive it is also the home no-cost bids. When of the Human Resources Center From left: Kevin Hoover, floor supervisor; Jen- an agreement is Inc., a non-profit so- niene Nagel, production manager; and Darlene reached, we can pick up the product Glynn, CEO, HRC Manufacturing. cial services orgaand perform the nization. Meet HRC work in a 100 Manufacturing… percent quality-controlled environment under professional supervision. Upon Can you describe HRC Manufaccompletion, we return the product to you turing’s services to someone who or ship it as instructed. might not be familiar with them?

We are a highly regarded fulfillment How does HRC Manufacturing and packaging leader working with work with the community it serves? many area manufacturers, printers The community response to us has and other businesses to help them meet been remarkably supportive for many their productivity goals. When work years. We have worked with many busiis outsourced to us, we meet our turnaround commitments efficiently, with 100 nesses that were looking for a company like ours to assist them. Mutually benpercent quality control. Our vision is to provide a quality, cost-effective service to eficial relationships have developed and continue to grow. Some companies have our customers, while maintaining and growing employment opportunities here outsourced a portion of their business for us to handle on an ongoing basis. in America for individuals with disabilities through the Human Resources How has being a chamber member Center Inc. helped your business?

The chamber provides innovative and How has your business grown and fun ways to help meet potential clients; evolved since it began? the business card exchanges are wonderWe have more than 40 years experiful opportunities for communication and ence in assembling, packaging, kitting, business exposure. Our challenge is to machine work and much more. We have “get the word out” about the many and survived a mass exodus of goods to China, as well as other impacts of reces- varied services we offer the manufacturing and general business communities. sionary times.

Honesdale, Pa. (570) 253-3782; hrcmfg.com Member since 2015

Hospice focuses on quality of life

HEALTH

Hospice and palliative care combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when facing the end of life, November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospices across the country are reaching say reports from the National Hospiceand Palliative out to raise awareness about the highest quality care Care Organization. Through this specialized quality care, we see many patients and their families for all people coping with life-limiting illness. experience more meaningful moments together.

“Every year, nearly 1.6 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospice Hospice helps them focus on living despite terminal diagnoses. and palliative care providers in this country,” said J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of the Throughout the month of November, hospice National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. organizations will be joining organizations across “These highly-trained professionals ensure that the nation hosting activities that will help the compatients and families find dignity, respect and love munity understand how important hospice and palliative care can be. during life’s most difficult journey.”

More information about hospice, palliative care and Hospice is not a place. Hospice and palliative advance care planning is available from nhpco.org. care programs provide pain management, sympStories showing the many ways hospice makes tom control, psychosocial support and spiritual more special moments possible can be found care to patients and their families when a cure is atmomentsoflife.org. not possible.

Facts about Hospice

Where do most hospice patients receive care?

The majority of patient care is provided in the place the patient calls “home.” In addition to private residences, this includes nursing homes and residential facilities. In 2014, 58.9 percent of patients received care at home. The percentage of hospice patients receiving care in a hospice inpatient facility increased from 26.4 percent to 31.8 percent.

Inpatient Facilities and Residences In addition to providing home hospice care, about one in three hospice agencies also operate a dedicated inpatient unit or facility.

Most of these facilities are either freestanding or located on a hospital campus and may provide a mix of general inpatient and residential care.

Short-term inpatient care can be made available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite.

Hospice in the nursing home As the average life span in the U.S. has increased, so has the number of individuals who die of chronic progressive diseases that require longer

and more sustained care. An increasing number of these individuals reside in nursing homes prior to their death. This rise has been mirrored by growth in the number of hospice patients who reside in nursing homes.

A 2010 study examined the growth of Medicarecertified hospices providing hospice in the nursing home from 1999 to 2006. Using Medicare’s minimum data set (MDS), the study found that the proportion of nursing home decedents who received hospice care rose from 14.0 percent in 1999 to 33.1 percent in 2006; a growth rate that closely paralleled the increase in Medicare-certified hospice programs.

How long do most patients receive care?

Length of service can be influenced by a number of factors including disease course, timing of referral and access to care.

The median length of service in 2014 was 17.41 days, a decrease from 18.51 days in 2013. This means that about half of hospice patients received care for fewer than 17 days and half received care for more than 17 days.

RECOGNIZED MEDICAL EXCELLENCE “VNA Hospice has always provided the most compassionate care not only for my patients but for my own mother and mother-in-law during their end-of-life....”

Ethan Singer, PhD, CRNP Lakota Health Clinic, Hawley, PA

“Mom passed away in 1998.

She received such loving care and compassion from all VNA nurses, aides and volunteers. I will always be grateful to VNA because they helped not only my Mom but also our entire family at a very difficult time for all of us.”

Cathy Reilly

“Visiting Nurse Association’s team provided excellent care for my beloved wife in every way, until her final day.

Thank You VNA Hospice for being an important part of our lives when we needed you.”

Tom Galella

“In 2012, my husband passed after a long illness with kidney disease.

After he passed away, I took advantage of the Bereavement Support Group held at the VNA office.

Attending the group was very helpful in assisting with my healing. The staff was very helpful.”

Sharon Chapman, RN, BSN, CDE Diabetes Nurse Educator

VNA Hospi ce & Home Healt h of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities recognizes the priceless benefit of hospice care during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities

HOME HEALTH HOSPICE INPATIENT UNIT

570.383.5180

vnahospice.org

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HEALTHCARE

Geisinger selected to join the national Precision Medicine Initiative

Geisinger Health System has been named one of four health care provider organizations (HPOs) to participate in the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) Cohort Program to help build a nationwide million-person-strong study.

Geisinger will operate as an enrollment center to help create a unique and incredibly diverse research cohort research effort that aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. participants to improve health care organizations’ ability to prevent and treat disease based on differences in lifestyle, environment and genetics.

Combined, the four new HPOs will receive initial funds of $5.5 million to begin recruitment and build infrastructure. As efforts advance, the centers may receive first-year funds up to a total of $16 million. Geisinger Health System joins awardees announced earlier this year to enroll interested individuals, gather participants’ health information and biospecimens and provide input on developing plans for the program.

The PMI was launched by President Obama in 2015 “to bring us closer to curing diseases like cancer and diabetes, and to give all of us access to the personalized information we need to keep ourselves and our families healthier.” Geisinger’s participation will bring the benefits of this national program to a largely rural population.

“We want this program to be open to everyone across the United States,” said Eric Dishman, director of the PMI Cohort Program. “These additional health care provider organizations will help us in our efforts to reach communities that have been underrepresented in research. By contributing their information, these communities will help people and their health care providers identify the right prevention strategies or treatments. With the PMI Cohort Program, we’re making a concerted effort to include people from all communities and walks of life, to make sure that the knowledge we gain benefits everyone.”

After launching its own cohort study in 2007, Geisinger already has more than 120,000 participants enrolled in its MyCode Community Health Initiative, a precision medicine project that includes a system-wide biobank designed to store blood and other samples used by researchers to help develop treatments tailored to the individual needs of Geisinger patients.

“We are honored to be chosen to play an important role in a program that makes patient care more personalized and will drive innovation

in medicine for future generations,” said Geisinger President and chief executive officer David T. Feinberg, M.D., MBA. “This is truly the creation of anticipatory medicine that will allow us to treat patients before they get sick and help prevent and treat life-threatening diseases before they take hold.

Precision medicine is a game-changer in health care and we are excited to be at the forefront.”

Individuals participating in the PMI Cohort will donate biospecimens — for example blood or saliva — and then fill out enrollment surveys, undergo a standardized physical evaluation and commit to sharing their electronic health records with researchers.

“Large quantities of data are needed to reap the most rewards from precision medicine research,” said Marylyn D. Ritchie, Ph.D., chair of the department of Biomedical and Translational Informatics at Geisinger Health System. “Part of Geisinger’s work, in addition to helping collect this data, will be to help the NIH combine and analyze the data,” said Ritchie, an informatics specialist. “One of the unique things about the PMI Cohort Program data is that it will be available for all researchers and citizen scientists, with applicable security and privacy protections,” Ritchie said.

“Geisinger’s early and substantial commitment to genomics and precision health anticipated President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative to improve the health of our country,” said David H. Ledbetter, Ph.D., ACMG, Geisinger’s executive vice president and chief scientific officer. “We are pleased that the NIH has selected us as a healthcare provider organization to share our lessons learned and to benefit our patient participants.”

Geisinger’s status as a PMI Cohort Program enrollment center means patients already participating in the MyCode Community Health Initiative will now have the opportunity to enroll in the national precision medicine program.

NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit nih.gov.

Geisinger Health System serves more than 3 million residents throughout 45 counties in Central, South-Central and Northeast Pennsylvania.

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NOVEMBER 2016

Department of Health releases nursing home quality improvement recommendations Task force report outlines significant improvements to oversight of state’s facilities

Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary a generation ago, a nursing home was a place to Dr. Karen Murphy released the recommendations live out your final days,” Secretary Murphy added. of the Nursing Home Quality Improvement Task “Today, in addition to providing long-term care, Force last month. The nursing homes have The task force confirmed a task force was created become a place for misalignment between outdated short-term stays for the as part of the departnursing home care regulations and elderly following surgery ment’s efforts to make the type of care that is needed the most significant or a prolonged hospital in today’s nursing homes. It changes to nursing stay. We need to revise home oversight in nearly concluded that in the past, state regulations to meet the two decades. needs of all nursing regulations were designed to Secretary Murphy evaluate the quality of the actual home residents.” also announced the Office of Attorney General is providing $1.2 million to help facilitate the recommended changes.

This philosophical nursing home facility, but did not shift in regulations will fully account for the quality of life change how nursing of the residents themselves.

“Since coming into office, the Wolf administration has made several significant changes to the Department of Health’s nursing home care oversight to ensure we are doing our utmost to protect residents,” said Secretary Murphy.

“The task force helped us look at how we, as regulators, can improve our interaction with nursing homes, as well as the revisions that need to be made to the regulations themselves to improve the quality of life for all residents. I want to emphasize that today’s announcement is in no way an indictment of the entire nursing home industry in Pennsylvania — we have many excellent facilities. But we will continue to make improvements to ensure that every Pennsylvanian living in a nursing home has access to high-quality care.”

homes function and improve the quality of life for all residents. The task force identified the following key areas to focus efforts: • Improve collaboration between policy makers, lawmakers, providers, health care professionals and most importantly, the residents of nursing homes and their advocates;

• Change regulations and expand facility inspections to focus on the quality of life for residents who live in that facility; • Perform more comprehensive and consistent surveys to collect data that allows for consistent evaluation of quality of life in nursing homes; and • Redesign workforce composition and competencies.

The Department of Health plans to use the $1.2 million from the Office of Attorney General to execute a performance improvement plan to enhance the regulatory oversight of nursing homes in Pennsylvania.

The task force confirmed a misalignment between outdated nursing home care regulations and the type of care that is needed in today’s nursing In the coming months, the department will homes. It concluded that in the past, state regulawork with legislators, revise its regulations, rections were designed to evaluate the quality of the acommend laws and retrain Department of Health tual nursing home facility, but did not fully account staff to make a fundamental shift in nursing for the quality of life of the residents themselves. home oversight.

“Another important distinction to note is that

In 2015, Secretary Murphy asked Auditor General Eugene DePasquale to take a critical look at how the state responds to nursing home complaints. His report highlighted three key areas where improvement was needed:

• Consistency when evaluating nursing homes’ compliance with current staffing requirements; • Procedures implemented to respond to all complaints; and • Effective methods to fine facilities that are out of compliance.

Since the beginning of the Wolf administration, the department has: • Established new procedures to ensure surveys are more objective and consistent from facility to facility.

• Improved communication to anyone who files a complaint to give them more complete details of the investigation.

• Reinstated anonymous reporting in July 2015 to ensure residents and advocates feel free to make a complaint. Since that time, nursing home complaints have increased overall by 155 percent.

• Made it easier for individuals to make complaints. The online complaint form was made more visible and accessible. The process to make verbal complaints was also improved with the installation of a new telephone system that increased caller access to a person rather than a voicemail.

• Increased enforcement of regulatory sanctions and revised its calculations for how facilities are fined.

Fines will be based not only on the deficiencies, but will also take into consideration: • The level of harm; • How long it will take a facility to correct the deficiency and prevent it from happening again; • The degree to which the potential harm can impact other residents; and • The facility’s track record with regulatory compliance.

A new campaign “Speak up. We are listening,” was launched to let Pennsylvanians know they have a safe place to raise their concerns.

Posters will be mailed next week to all of the state’s nursing homes, which will be required to prominently display them in their facilities.

The nursing home portion of the state’s website was revamped to make it easier for individuals to find important information. This new webpage will include monthly reports of nursing home survey results and sanctions. For more information, visit nursinghomes.health.pa.gov.

REAL ESTATE

Five notable nuggets from NAR’s home buyer and sellers survey’s 35-year history When the first profile of home buyers and sellers was introduced 35 years ago by the National Association of Realtors, mortgage rates were more than four times higher than they are today and firsttime buyers made up a much larger share of overall sales (44 percent). Over time, homebuyer tastes and behaviors have changed, yet many have stayed the same. In anticipation of the 2016 survey release on October 31, NAR has identified five noteworthy real estate trends since the survey’s inception.

NAR’s Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers dates back to 1981 and is the longest-running series of national housing data evaluating the demographics, preferences, motivations, plans and experiences of recent home buyers and sellers.

To mark the 35th year of NAR’s highly-anticipated survey capturing the pulse of buyers and sellers, here are five notable trends from the past 3 1/2 decades:

then contact a Realtor was non-existent.

When NAR first began asking the question 21 years ago, only 2 percent of buyers used the internet during their home search. By 2005 usage soared to more than 3/4 of buyers, and since 2012, 90 percent or more have gone online during the house hunt.

Despite the internet’s ascending popularity over the past 20 years, buyers and sellers continue to seek a real estate agent to buy or sell a home. In NAR’s 2015 survey, nearly 90 percent of respondents worked with a real estate agent to buy or sell a home; which pulled for-sale-by-owner transactions down to their lowest share ever (8 percent).

In fact, after peaking to 14 percent in 2003 and 2004, for-sale-by-owner sales haven’t risen above 9 percent since 2011 (10 percent).

Buyers have bought slightly bigger, but the pace is currently at a standstill The typical single-family home purchased in Participation from first-time buyers is depressed 1981 was 300-square-feet smaller (1,700 square Last year’s survey highlighted the ongoing hardships young adults have faced since the Great feet) than in last year’s survey, which at 2,000 square feet remains the survey high, achieved in Recession and its consequences for the housing market. From reasons such as underemployment, seven different years. 1985 was the low point in home size (1,650 square feet) and after gradually repaying of student debt and being unable to increasing leading up to the boom years, purchased save for a down payment or simply young adults holding off until they marry and have children, first- homes scaled back early in the housing recovery as distressed sales and first-time buyer activity during time buyers in the 2015 survey represented the lowest share (32 percent) since 1987 (30 percent). the tax credit period made up a larger bulk of the Furthermore, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, sales and reduced the typical home size.

Recently, common claims that more homebuythe homeownership rate for 18-35 year-olds is curers are either flocking to McMansions in the subrently at 34.1 percent, the lowest level in records urbs or to tiny homes less than 500 square feet are dating back to 1994. simply untrue. The data shows that since 2011, the Sales to first-time buyers peaked in 2010 and median size of homes bought is 2,000 square feet.

2009 at 50 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

However, the long-term average is 39 percent of “While many millennial renters living in urban sales after excluding the skewed data from those areas have sacrificed space for proximity to jobs two peak years, which were influenced by the and entertainment, they’ve so far followed previous popular first-time homebuyer tax credit program generations by fleeing to the suburbs for larger and available at the time. more affordable homes when they’re ready to buy,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior The internet is not replacing a real estate agent vice president of research. “It’ll be interesting to see in coming years if the typical home size shrinks It should come as no surprise that NAR didn’t as baby boomers downsize, and if there’s a shift track buyer and seller data on internet usage in 1981. With the World Wide Web not gaining mass towards more young buyers opting for less space to live closer to city centers. So far it hasn’t happened.” popularity until the 1990’s and realtor.com introduced in 1995, the ability to view listings online and

Down payments have trended down over time, but not in recent years At an average monthly mortgage rate of 10.62 percent, the typical first-time homebuyer in 1989 — the earliest NAR collected buyer data on down payments — financed their purchase with a 10 percent down payment; it was 23 percent for repeat buyers. As low-down-payment mortgage programs entered the marketplace and credit standards eased too loosely, the typical amount of money put down fell to as low as 2 percent for first-time buyers both in 2005 and 2006. For repeat buyers, the smallest median down payment was 13 percent both in 2012 and 2014, which is likely due to reduced equity in the home that was sold.

In recent years, down payment amounts have remained mostly unchanged, coming in at 6 percent for first-time buyers the last two surveys and either 13 percent or 14 percent for repeat buyers in the past four surveys.

The home search is taking longer; tight inventory has slowed the pace in past two years With the internet and digital technology creating numerous avenues for sellers to quickly and efficiently market their listings to prospective buyers, one may think the duration of the home search has decreased over time. NAR’s long-running data reveals the opposite: the typical number of weeks has actually increased since the late 1980s. From 1987 until 2007, a buyer typically searched seven or eight weeks before finding the property they purchased. After rising to 10 weeks in 2008, the median length increased to 12 weeks through 2013 before falling back to 10 weeks the last two years.

“Insufficient supply levels throughout most of the country have forced recent buyers to move quicker to close on a home,” Yun said. “Until new and existing inventory ramps up to meet demand, prospective buyers should anticipate a brisk home search process with not as many homes to choose from as they may like.”

The National Association of Realtors, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

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Smart Communications for Business!

Today’s businesses must be powered by smart solutions.That’s why NEC provides you with the broadest range of industry-specific communications solutions-so you can easily make quicker, more informed business decisions, drive loyalty, and keep ahead of your competitors. NEC develops future-proof Unified Communications solutions for the multi-gen workforce, which will continue to safeguard your investment for a long time to come!

• Simplified user licensing • Unsurpassed warranty • Low TCO

• Vertical market-specific solutions • Voice/UC/UM fully integrated • Comprehensive contact center suite

• Broad range of mobility applications • Wide range of end-points • Delivers on NEC’s green initiatives

NEC delivers on the promise of unifying your business’s communications by integrating seamlessly with Microsoft® Outlook® and CRM applications. The innovative UC Suite ties your organizational communications into your core business processes while also helping to increase employee productivity, shorten response times, encourage collaboration, and improve customer satisfaction.

Today’s Technology at Yesterday’s Prices

Existing NEC Customers

AS LOW AS $2,900

Call For Upgrade Options, Including Reuse of Your Existing Phones

SV9100 equipped with 4 lines, (5) Display phones, voice mail, email integration, Auto Attendant

Call Karen for your FREE survey

OTHER INTEGRATED SYSTEMS GUYETTE COMMUNICATION PROVIDES: Nurse Call Solutions • Paging & Intercom • Sound Systems • Access Control • Camera Systems Wireless Clocks • Fiber & Data Wiring • IPTV-CATV • AV Integration • Crisis Notification

www.WeConnectNEPA.com

90 Narrows Road, Plymouth, PA 18651 • 570-779-5355 26 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB26] | 10/26/16

NOVEMBER 2016

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Since 1947

Are all phone systems created equal?

By Karen Crofchick

Do your research and consider: • Which features are essential for our business to have?

A company’s phone system is usu• What are our current costs and ally a long-term investment, fundamenwhat is our budget? tal to its operations. When it comes to • What frustrations do we have with features and functionality, all phone our current system? systems basically do the same thing.

• What are our goals for our new They all have auto attendant, voice phone system? mail, cell phone notification, email in• How many extensions do we need? tegration and twinning. But configura• Who are the vendors we will tion, setup and operation can be quite potentially be doing business with. cumbersome with some manufacturers.

• How long have they been in business?

Not with NEC. The many customiz• Do they have a true local presence? able options and advanced features • From where will a technician be available on NEC phones provide busidispatched? nesses with even more flexibility in how • How many employees does the they communicate. With proven ease of company have? use and rich flexibility, NEC phones of• Is the company financially sound? fer superior durability and high quality • Will they be around to service my geared to customer’s needs. needs in the future?

Guyette Communication Indus• How long have they been in a relatries is the single source for all of the tionship with the manufacturer? telecommunication needs required by your business or facility. We are a famOnce you have chosen your provider ily- owned business providing the latest you will want to ask: technology to professional organiza• How long does it take to get up and tions all over Northeast Pennsylvania running? since 1947.

• How easy is it to add a new user or What differentiates Guyette from location? other companies is that we take a • What features are available with consultative approach with our custhis system? tomers. We help them decide not only • Are all the features included or do what their needs are now, but how they some of them cost extra? see their business communications • Does this system support mobility? operating in the future. Regardless of • Is this system compatible with othcost — whether it’s $2500 or $50,000 — er technologies/ software programs? the customer’s investment deserves the • Can this phone system scale as my best service and solution.

In the initial meeting, the first thing business grows?

• What service and support will I get I ask customers is to see their monthly for both installation and on an ongophone bill. It’s amazing how many ing basis? times I find that the customer is paying • How much training is provided and for lines/services that they don’t even

have. Sometimes I find that they have had the services disconnected, but are still paying for them.

It’s a big decision, to buy a new system or switch services. Once the decision is made, a list of questions — both internally, at the research level and externally to the prospective vendors — will determine whether the the investment is the best solution and if the partnership with the provider is the right choice.

Implementing the great communication technology now available, will assist in increasing customers’ satisfaction and employee productivity. And all of this is possible while making an investment that will continue to reveal benefits for a long time to come.

advertorial

HOW TO CHOOSE A PHONE SYSTEM

Karen Crofchick, at Guyette’s wall of fame, explains the necessary information decisionmakers need to know before deciding on a phone system for their companies.

is there an additional cost for the training?

The customers’ desires are the foundation of any business, but without providing great service, they will go elsewhere. So make sure you can provide the experience they want and should expect. By streamlining your company’s communication processes, your employees will be able to provide faster and more attentive service, while putting more of the focus on the customer.

Implementing the great communication technology now available, will assist in increasing customers’ satisfaction and employee productivity. And all of this is possible while making an investment that will continue to reveal benefits for a long time to come.

When we earn our customers’ trust and gain their confidence, we welcome them aboard with pride as one of our family members, and I say family because that’s how we perceive our customers.

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aDveRToRial

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY

Smart and easy ways to keep your data safe

The digitally connected world provides consumers with opportunities to be engaged with global communities, be educated and entertained and shop with ease. But those opportunities carry risks of intrusions and threats from criminals. To help consumers stay safe online, Consumer Reports worked with dozens of security experts to put together an extensive guide covering everything from passwords for laptops and smartphones to ways to keep web-connected devices from leaking private data.

Following are 12 tips for consumers who are concerned about privacy and security protections in the marketplace: 1. Check your data breach status Wondering whether your personal data is for sale on the web? At haveibeenpwned.com you can check your email addresses and usernames against lists from 120 known breaches at companies including Adobe, LinkedIn and Snapchat. (You’ll need to register to check the full database.) If your name pops up, change the password for the compromised account and any other site where —tut, tut— you were using the same password. (Bonus tip: Pros pronounce “pwned” as “poned,” not “pawned.”)

2. Stop WiFi imposters Laptops, smartphones and other WiFi-enabled devices can automatically connect to familiar networks. That’s convenient — no one wants to enter a password for their home or work WiFi every day — but it can also be risky. A hacker can set up a rogue WiFi network with the same name as a legitimate one such as “Google Starbucks” or attwifi and trick your gadgets into joining it.

Periodically get a fresh start by using your devices’ network or WiFi settings to prune the networks you join automatically. Most devices let you delete networks one by one, but if you have an iPhone or iPad, you need to go to Reset Network settings under

General settings and delete all of them at once.

3. See who shared your private data Sometimes you need to register for a website with your real email address, say, if you plan to log in repeatedly to make purchases. Here’s a neat hack for ferreting out which companies are sharing your data with email lists, if you have a Gmail account: Type “+” before the @ symbol and add the website’s name.

Email addressed to YourName+ Websitename.com@gmail.com will go to the regular inbox for YourName@ gmail.com. But now it will carry an extra crumb of data, and if you get spam from a company you’ve never heard of, you’ll know whom to blame.

4. Try to be unique . . .

Don’t use any of the following PINs because they’re far too common, accounting for almost 20 percent of those currently in use: 0000, 1111, 1212, and 1234.

5. But not too personal Your birth date? The last four digits of your Social Security number? Your phone number? Those are all terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad PINs. Don’t use them.

6. Do better finger art Android users can unlock their phones by tracing a pattern on the screen. To be safe it needs to be unpredictable, but often it’s not. For her master’s thesis at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Marte Løge analyzed thousands of patterns.

Seventy-seven percent began in a corner. One in 10 formed a letter — often the first initial of the user’s name.

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NOVEMBER 2016

7. Shred these five document types Do you really need to destroy every piece of paper that has your name and address on it? “Probably not, but I shred a lot,” said Kelley Long, a CPA and certified financial planner at Financial Finesse, a company hired by HR departments to coach employees on personal financial issues. In particular, Long recommends destroying any health-related documents.

“Medical identity theft is a growing threat,” she said.

Your Long-approved list of paperwork to shred includes any documents containing the following: • Social Security number (even just the last four digits); • Birth date; • Credit card numbers; • Account numbers from financial institutions; and • Medical insurance numbers.

8. Shut off the flow of credit card offers These unsolicited mailings can be intercepted and filled out by identity thieves who have credit cards sent to their own addresses, then start piling up debt in your good name. You can put a stop to most of these offers by going to optoutprescreen.com or calling 888567-8688. The service, run by the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry, will turn off the spigot permanently or for five years. You can always opt back in.

9. Receive less mail When you give a company your name and address, chances are good that the information will be added to direct-marketing lists and used by other companies to send you solicitations. Go to dmachoice.org to remove your info from many mailing lists if you don’t want the offers.

10. Return to sender Life as a direct-marketing target: You go to the mailbox, filter out the offers you don’t want, put them in the recycling bin — and repeat. But if an unwanted envelope is printed with the phrase “Address Correction Requested” or “Return Postage Guaranteed,” you have an alternative. You can write “Refused/Return to Sender” and mail it back — no postage required. You’ll keep your recycling bin svelte while making the marketing company pay the return-trip postage. It’s a tiny win, but still a win.

11. Turn on automatic updates Keeping your software up-to-date is the most critical step you can take to boost security, according to professionals surveyed last year by Google. “Software updates are like oil changes,” said Mark Surman, executive director of the Mozilla Foundation. “They can be a hassle in the moment but a lifesaver in hindsight.” Hackers are always exploiting more vulnerabilities, while security pros play nonstop malware whack-amole. If you’ve got old software, you’re missing the latest protections. “Most modern software will update itself if you let it,” Surman says. Make sure you have auto-updates turned on across the board.

12. Stop Making Sense One way to make a great password is to string together unrelated words.

“It’s the Diceware method, in effect,” Gosney says. Diceware is a low-tech way to pick passwords that was developed in the 1990s. You roll dice to pick from a list of 7,776 words. But you don’t have to actually roll dice. Just pick five long, random words and string them together into a nonsense sentence that you can remember.

See 54 more ways to protect your privacy right now at consumerreports. org/privacy/66-ways-to-protect-yourprivacy-right-now/

RETIREMENT

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

you have $55,000 in stocks, $31,500 in bonds, and $20,200 in cash. This means that the distribuYou can change your portfolio tion of your assets has changed to 52 through one of two basic strategies: repercent stocks, 30 percent bonds, and designing or rebalancing. Redesigning, 18 percent cash. the more drastic of the two measures, The example above is for illustrative involves dismantling your old portfolio purposes only and does not represent and starting fresh with a new one. the actual returns of any investment or Although redesigning might be a viable portfolio. option in extreme cases where every This change in percentages may Shelp part of your portfolio has failed to meet pose a problem because you chose the your expectations, you should generally original percentages with the intention not choose this strategy based solely on investof maintaining them in accordance with your own ment performance. particular risk tolerance and expected return. Since However, when faced with a major life change stocks now make up a larger percentage of your such as retirement, you should definitely consider portfolio than you had once intended, the volatility redesigning. If you are about to retire and have of your portfolio may have increased. not done much to change your portfolio in 30 There are a few simple ways to bring your years, it may be time for a complete overhaul that portfolio back into alignment. You can sell some reflects how your investment needs and goals of your stock so that the ratio of stocks to other have changed over that time. In such a case, the investments drops; you can sell some stock and redesigning process might involve eliminating invest that money in other assets so they once investment categories that may no longer be again are at their original percentages; you can add appropriate while adding fixed-income bonds and/ money to the portfolio and buy more bonds and or other investments that better suit your current cash alternatives; or you can do some combinaneeds. tion. Many investment advisers recommend You should not be too quick to totally redesign using shifts of 5 percent or more as a trigger for your portfolio, however. For example, while loss rebalancing. Others recommend that it be done of a job certainly qualifies as a major life change, every year. Tax time or year-end is usually a good it does not necessarily mean that you should time to check up on your portfolio and think about redesign. If you are panic-stricken over the sudden rebalancing if necessary. loss of income, keep in mind that it may only be You should consider the transaction costs and/ temporary. You may find a new job that restores or tax consequences that might result from rebalyour financial security and supports the investment ancing. For example, selling investments as part goals on which your original portfolio was built. of your rebalancing strategy might trigger capital Rebalancing involves restoring your original gains tax and/or (in the case of a mutual fund) asset allocation by shifting your funds among redemption fees. Before investing in a mutual fund, investment categories to regain the ratios you carefully consider its investment objectives, risks, decided on when you first designed your portfolio. charges, and expenses, which can be found in the You simply make changes as needed to bring your prospectus available from the fund. Read it careasset allocation back in line with the plan originally fully before investing. determined to be appropriate for your investment As advisors, we often see portfolios drift. objectives.

Studies have demonstrated that rebalancing helps Say that your original asset allocation scheme to considerably reduce overall risk on the portfolio calls for 50 percent stocks, 30 percent bonds, and overtime. Most clients want risk monitored more 20 percent cash alternatives. You have $100,000, than returns. Yearly rebalancing of allocations so you start out with $50,000 in stocks, $30,000 offers an effective strategy. in bonds, and $20,000 in cash alternatives at the Peter Shelp, AWMA, ChFC®, CFP®, CRPC®, CRPS® beginning of the year. Over the course of the year, leads the Kingston Retirement Group and Kingston Branch Office of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC. He can your stocks provide a 10 percent return; bonds, be reached at 570-283-8140 or pshelp@janney.com. a 5 percent return; and cash investments, a 1 Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC. Courtesy Broadridge percent return. Consequently, assuming that you Solutions. reinvested your earnings, at the end of the year

• Focus on the problem to be solved and not a person on the team; I recently was asked to assess a • Stick to facts instead of assumpproject that was three months behind tions; schedule because of communication • Allow each person to provide their breakdown from executive sponsor to perspective without interruption; and the subject matter experts at the desktop.

• Seek input from people outside the Project manager must make sure team may offer thoughts that might not that team members, customers and all have been considered. stakeholders have the information they Depending on the situation there can Puleo need to do their jobs. Communication be many ways to make a decision. The manages expectations about how the project sponsor, project manager or a project is going and who needs to be doing what subject matter expert decides and communicates and when. to the team, a team vote with majority rules, or an On most projects it is rarely the technical outside expert is brought in for a decision — to challenges that cause problems — it’s the people name a few. There should be a primary decision issues. High performing teams have a commumethod and a contingency in case the primary nication plan that is agreed to by all project team decision does not work. Implementing change is all members. The frequency, format and type of com- about making the best decisions with the informamunication are pre-negotiated and meet the unique tion that is available. needs of the team and situation.

Fair is a relative term. There will be times on Remember we are implementing change so the any project where some team members do more situation will probably include communications to work than others, but the work must be perceived stakeholders who may not be easily identified at to be fairly distributed across the whole project. the beginning of a project. Areas such as finance, Deliverables should be assigned so everyone legal, audit and compliance come to mind so knows who is accountable for each project deliveryou want to ensure they are incorporated in your able. The problems with fair work distribution are communication plan. The plan should also outline usually caused by slackers. Amir Hartmann stated what team members need to do when they feel that in his book, “Ruthless Execution” that one of the communication is breaking down of if they feel out failure points for companies dealing with hitting a of the loop. performance wall is that organizations are not good It is the project manager’s role to ensure that at finding and getting rid of non-performers. If a everyone on the team is crystal clear on the goals, team cannot address their performance and conwho is in charge, what everyone’s role is and what tribution then you as the project manager will have the big picture is. This should be a topic for discus- to get involved by giving clear feedback and setting sion at the kickoff meeting. Go around the room expectations. If performance does not change the and ask team members what they see as their role issue must be escalated to the project sponsor and and what deliverables they will be accountable for. addressed. Team morale is at stake here. One note Conflict is inevitable within any team and of caution; if you are an outside consultant you healthy if managed properly. You should not want should discuss this matter with senior stakeholders a team without some conflict. Positive conflict can because many companies do not want consultants lead to increased involvement and team cohesion to deal with employee relation problems. through discussion and debate. Challenging the Appropriate leadership is usually the most difold process and looking for new ideas and better ficult one to get right. As the leader of a team that ways of doing things are also positive results of does not report directly to you how hands-on or conflict. Without some conflict you should be wary hands-off should you be? Should you take a directhat team members don’t care or they all think the tive style or should you delegate? There is never an same and neither is good for implementing change. easy choice.

As part of the communication plan the project Larry Puleo a certified project manager (PMP) is manager should establish some ground rules in president of MLP Consultants, LLC which helps compatimes of conflict. nies execute their strategies. Contact him at lpuleo@ These rules might include: mlpconsultants.com or visit www.mlpconsultants.com • Be patient

Rethinking your portfolio

By Peter Shelp

Agree to communicate

Larry Puleo

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HOS P ICE C A R E

H O M E H E A LT H C A R E

“VNA Hospice has always provided the most compassionate care not only for my patients but for my own mother and mother-in-law during their end-of-life....”

Ethan Singer, PhD, CRNP Lakota Health Clinic, Hawley, PA

“Mom passed away in 1998. She received such loving care and compassion from all VNA nurses, aides and volunteers. I will always be grateful to VNA because they helped not only my Mom but also our entire family at a very difficult time for all of us.”

Cathy Reilly

“I underwent total hip replacement and needed home health care so I chose VNA. My physical therapist went the extra mile every day by staying as long as I needed her and making sure I was okay. I’m already feeling better and couldn’t have asked for better home health care.”

Rick Cordes

“Visiting Nurse Association’s team provided excellent care for my beloved wife in every way, until her final day.

Thank You VNA Hospice for being an important part of our lives when we needed you.”

Tom Galella

The VNA Difference...Since 1895

The VNA Difference... Since 1895 “In 2012, my husband passed after a long illness with kidney disease. After he passed away, I took advantage of the Bereavement Support Group held at the VNA office. Attending the group was very helpful in assisting with my healing. The staff was very helpful.”

RECOGNIZED MEDICAL EXCELLENCE

Sharon Chapman, RN, BSN, CDE Diabetes Nurse Educator

Bringing to Your

Home

THE VNA DIFFERENCE...

Caring for you in more ways than one.

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities 301 Delaware Avenue • Olyphant, PA 18447

VNAhospice.org • 570.383.5180 30 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB30] | 10/26/16

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Grief counselors understand and can help

By Olympia Cianfichi, BSW/CT

That important person who added meaning to your life has died and for that we wish to extend our deepest condolences.

Sometimes, it is difficult to get through a normal day (not that any day is normal anymore). But it’s holiday time and you are searching for ways to cope with what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

adverTOrial

HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING

The things that once brought you joy and elation, are memories that might be put away this year. Saying no to putting a tree up or even baking or cooking customary dishes is not to wipe away the holidays altogether.

Maybe this year will just be different, a time to change tradition, even if just for now.

4. Try not to anticipate what the day will be like — because most of the time we just upset ourselves with what-ifs for too Cianfichi long. Once the holiday comes, Wonderful — yes —when my we might find our anticipation husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, was unrealistic and the time spent with father, grandparents, sister, brother, family/friends was tolerable — maybe best friend or beloved pet was here even a bit enjoyable. That’s okay too! with me.

You are allowed to find joy without your loved one. The feeling doesn’t disGrief counselors understand and have some help for you and yours, espe- honor their memory, it just means you have multiple feelings that come out cially if your loss has occurred within when you give them permission. the past year or two. Here are some survival tools that help.

5. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated with water or juice and try to get 1. Your grief is valid — just because enough exercise. This will be a stressit’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, those ful time and you’ll need all the energy who are grieving have a right to decide you can muster. Try not to overindulge how to celebrate (or not), the holidays.

Sometimes the sadness is too overwhelm- in alcohol and food. Be honest with yourself and let others know what you ing and we need to take a break from might need to get through this year’s festivities. That’s okay, you are grieving an enormous loss in your life. Spend the holidays. Please know that because days as you wish and honor the memory your family and friends care for you, they will understand and want of your loved one as you like. to be helpful.

2. Don’t feel pressured to join in —

just because everyone thinks you should.

We know that this year is changed in so many ways. Often, being around a large group of people who are gathered for a joyous time together might be a bit too much right now. A small group with whom you feel comfortable might be just as much as you can handle.

Only attend events as you are able.

3. It’s alright to say no — and not have to explain yourself. Of course, the traditions of the holidays were something you looked forward to, until the loss of your loved one. Now, everything has changed.

In 2012, my husband

If you’d like to passed after a long hear more about illness with kidney disease. surviving the After he passed away, I took holidays as you grieve, join us advantage of the Bereavement at VNA HosSupport Group held at the VNA pice and Home office. Attending the group was Health of Lackavery helpful in assisting with my wanna County, healing. The staff was 301 Delaware Ave., Olyphant on very helpful.

Nov. 17 and/or Dec. — Sharon Chapman, R.N., BSN, CDE 15 at 6 p.m. for more Diabetes Nurse Educator helpful information.

Call us at 570-383-5180.

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Iron-Tree Data specializes in providing voice and data networking services and products to small and medium sized organizations.

Whether you need occasional expert advice or a 24/7 IT support system, Iron-Tree Data can tailor a solution to fit your needs.

VOICE OVER IP (VoIP)

INFRASTRUCTURE & SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Our experienced team will guide you through the selection and implementation of your system to ensure seamless transition.

• Call center design & implementation • Mobility solutions • Unified Communications by Cisco - Improves organizational efficiency - Increases sales agent productivity - Provides greater employee mobility

From design to implementation, we are the region’s trusted IT partner.

• Routers & switches by Cisco, HP • Firewalls & VPN’s by Cisco, HP • Servers & PCs by Dell, HP • Server OS by Microsoft, VMware • Message & mail solutions

by Microsoft

32 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB32] | 10/26/16

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IRON-TREE DATA SMARTCARE SERVICES From data centers to desktops, we support you.

24/7 network monitoring & diagnostics • PC break-fix, diagnostics, setup & support • LAN/WAN design, implementation & support • Remote site integration & support • Guaranteed service levels •

www.irontreedata.com

AdvErToriAl

HOW TO COLLABORATE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE

Iron-Tree Data Networks brings cutting-edge collaboration to businesses

number and type of end-user connection method (computer/mobile device/phone).

This includes the addition of specialized meeting rooms or provisioning portable equipment to be deployed as needed.

Imagine that it’s time for your Monday morning video conference and team call.

You leave your desk and walk down the hall to the conference room only to find it occupied. After proving you have the room reserved and taking your rightful place at the table, you set about trying to place the video call to your other three office locations. As you are struggling to do this, your cell starts ringing. It’s the other participants asking you for the call-in number, or why no one else is on the call, or why they can’t see anyone on their fancy new mobile device. After 3 calls to IT, and 45 minutes of battling with technology that is supposed to make your life easier, you give up and just send an email. Does this sound familiar?

Now, picture this: It’s time for your Monday morning video conference and team call. You sit down at your computer, open your calendar and click a button.

Your meeting has begun. Your sales manager appears on the screen. She has joined the conference from the airport on her mobile device. Your operations manager, who has a terrible cold, joins the meeting from home on his laptop.

Your data analyst is ready to share her screen to review this week’s numbers. In less time than it would take to walk to a conference room, your team is connected and ready to plan the week ahead.

No physical meeting rooms, no awkward video equipment, no hassle. What you do have is flexibility and the same level of collaboration offered by face-toface meetings.

Business moves more quickly today than ever before. Meetings occur spontaneously and can include team members, clients and vendors. There is no time to wrestle with technology that is either cumbersome to use or too slow for your fast-paced projects and deadlines.

The ability to collaborate at a moment’s notice is no longer a “nice to have,” it is a business imperative in today’s environment.

You need tools that enable you to conduct business at any time and from any

location, so you can stay actively engaged with colleagues, partners and customers.

In order to support and empower a modern workforce, a collaboration solution should be readily available in every room, on every desk and in every pocket.

Video capability in particular enables a common experience across roles and organizational boundaries. A modern, streamlined collaboration solution can give you the freedom to focus on your work and the opportunities it presents, rather than spend time struggling with collaboration tools of the past.

How can a business make the move to modern collaboration?

Iron-Tree Data Networks helps businesses take this step forward. We will visit your place of business, assess your current solutions, discuss your needs and present an implementation plan.

We partner with Cisco Systems and recommend their easy-to-use video collaboration solutions that quickly control operational costs and increase productivity.

What kind of infrastructure is required?

Cisco’s collaboration solutions typically do not require a significant investment in additional infrastructure. Depending on your current inventory of computers and smart phones, video calls could be made by Cisco software, on your existing equipment.

How are video collaboration solutions implemented?

Typically, a business will start with a small solution including a few desktops, cell clients and video capable phones.

Once installed, the collaboration system can easily be expanded to support any

Top 3 reasons to consider video collaboration: Affordable: Throw out high dollar, dedicated video meeting rooms.. Collaboration solutions are 40 percent less expensive now than they were two years ago.

Cloud-ready: All Cisco video collaboration solutions are cloud-ready. Cloudconnected options can provide flexible alternatives to scale and extend the reach of your video collaboration.

Easy to use: Cisco video collaboration solutions are simple and intuitive across devices. A consistent interface on any device creates familiar interaction from the browser to the boardroom. They offer easy one-click-to-join meetings. Individual installation takes minutes. This further simplifies deployment options across the organization, including remote and home office locations.

Iron-Tree Data Networks Inc. was founded by Charles Kornutiak, an area native who returned to this region after building a solid network engineering career in the Washington D.C. area. IronTree Data provides skilled IT services to regional businesses including LAN/WAN design, implementation and support.

Iron-Tree Data is Lackawanna County’s only Cisco Premier Certified Voice Partner and also has partnerships with Dell, HP, VMware, Sophos, EMC and other reputable manufacturers.

Iron-Tree is I.T. Iron-Tree Data Networks Inc. 201 Lackawanna Ave, Suite 223 Scranton, PA 18503-1953 570.558.9300 • www.irontreedata.com

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Heritage Tourism

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Building connections in the Lackawanna Heritage Valley

Surveying the many assets of NEPA

region from an economic standpoint. When these programs are added up regionally, they produce a There are many assets that the Pocono-Northeast crop of new leaders annually. Many leaders have offers to help both existing businesses and those that gone through this learning system and entered the are attracted to this region. While the liabilities are nonprofit world as well as political life and other comsometimes played up, there are more asmunity enterprises. While other regions sets. It is marketing by local development have community leadership programs, organizations such as Penns Northeast perhaps not as comprehensive a pattern that helps to maximize these assets and as exists in the Pocono-Northeast. promotes the role they play to attract • The extensive nonprofit series of new development. These factors are key organizations that exists inside this region to determining the future of the region is another asset that could be marketed as being competitive both domestically as a basis for attracting new developand globally. Perhaps, the most powerful ment. In securing interest in headquarter Grossman ingredient is represented by — location, companies to the region, what should location, location — being in the center not be forgotten is that such entities add of the East coast, close to major metropolitan areas many jobs to the regional landscape. of New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia as well as • The region is a tremendous avenue to raise adjacent to the Lehigh Valley and other metropolitan youngsters and offers a family haven that is not sectors. found in many other regions. There is a livable scale Interstates 80, 81, 380, 84 and the northeast exof communities in the region, and while some argue tension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike cross the region that there are too many governments, the family life and connect regional life to many other corridors in opportunities are significant and can be marketed as the nation. The Wilkes-Barre-Scranton International an asset.

Airport and freight rail systems allow industries to • Added to this are the number of recreational move their products and bring supplies to regional resources that form the basis for a quality of life that businesses. Thus location and transportation are twin can be promoted as part of a livable package to focus elements that are marketed to help attract new deattention on a well-rounded lifestyle. Also, there are velopment as well as support those businesses that many sports opportunities and venues that did not already are located in the region. These advantages exist 30 years ago. are not the only assets that exist to enable economic • Excellence in private-public partnerships is development to take place. Here are some others: another role that can and should be advanced as an • Worker productivity has always been an asset across the region. The role of the NEPA Alliance important component of the regional economy. It (formerly Economic Development Council of Northcontinues to be a factor in coping with the competieastern Pennsylvania) is a prime example, but there tion and perhaps is even more vital as international are many others that can be cited. The opportunity factors become more dominant in coming years. In exists to increase these types of partnerships in the fact, retraining of workers is a major determination future on an as needed basis, using collaborative as technology has made changes to how workers approaches to benefit regional development. do their jobs not just here, but all across the nation.

• Added to these assets are prepared industrial Worker productivity means that the region has the land holdings, water resources, a foreign trade zone, capability to perform tasks to meet the goals and ob- a regional data bank and a growing and advanced jectives of all types of industries. It is a major element telecommunication service delivery system that has in publicizing the asset base of the region. the capability of being extended even further. These • Many higher educational institutions are located assets are designed to maximize infrastructure and in the region as well as proximity to nearby colleges informational resources beyond current levels. outside of the region. There are plenty of choices that While there are many assets, there are liabilities are available for advancing educational learning in such as aging housing stock, reliance on transfer this region. payments for income, need for an improved image • Community leadership programs now exist in all and others. regional counties. This is an asset that has not been Howard J. Grossman is the former executive director marketed nearly as strongly as it could be and should of EDCNP, now NEPA Alliance. Email him at Grossbe added to the ability to sharpen how we look at the manHJ@aol.com Howard J. Grossman, AICP

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NOVEMBER 2016

been working diligently to create a book that pays tribute to those who founded Lackawanna Heritage Friends and supporters of the Lackawanna Valley, and the businesses and families that make Heritage Valley (LHV) have always been committed to this region so special. Its pages are filled with special strengthening the communities they serve greetings from multi-generational busithrough progressive thinking and creative ness, and community-mindedindividuals, partnerships. For 25 years, that commitas well as historical information on the ment has remained steadfast. One of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley and highlights results of this commitment is the creation from the 25th anniversary gala held in of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail September along the Scranton Riverwalk.

(LRHT), a historic linear park that is one To reserve a copy of the Legacy Keepsake of LHV’s greatest achievements to date.

Book, call 570.963.6730, ext. 8200 or Gelb Its pathways connect neighbors in 30 email arogato@lhva.org. communities and four counties in NEPA. Speaking of holidays, be sure to save One section at a time, we strive to continue to close Saturday, Dec. 5 for the annual Santa Train. This the gaps in the trail system, and a recent announceis the 20th anniversary of the event sponsored by ment by Gov. Tom Wolf and Transportation Secretary LHV and Steamtown National Historic Site. The Leslie S. Richards brings us one step closer to a new train delivers Santa and Mrs. Claus to six communiconnection in the Electric City. ties from Carbondale to Scranton, at the following Heritage Valley Partners, the non-profit partner of times and places: 10:30 a.m. at the Carbondale Lackawanna Heritage Valley, was awarded a $463,179 Train Station, River St., Carbondale; 11:35 a.m. at Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from PennDOT. the Archbald Train Station, Pike St., Archbald; 12:20 Once matching funds are secured, LHV will use this p.m. at the Jessup Train Station, Church St., Jessup; grant to create safe, ADA-compliant access from the 1 p.m. at the Olyphant Train Station, Lackawanna 7th Avenue Trailhead to Lackawanna Avenue. The Ave., Olyphant; 1:45 p.m. at the Dickson City Train new path will provide a much-needed direct link to the Station, Boulevard Ave., Dickson City; and 3 p.m. at city’s downtown.

Steamtown NHS in Scranton.

The new section of trail will benefit pedestrians At each stop, children visit with Santa and share and bicyclists who currently must navigate along a their holiday wish lists. There will be photos, refreshvery narrow sidewalk on 7th Avenue near LHV Head- ments, live entertainment and special activities. Train quarters and around a stone wall near the intersection rides for the public are not available then, but there with Lackawanna Avenue. will be other opportunities to enjoy excursions and Borrowing a bicycle from LHV headquarters tours on Steamtown trains. Visit nps.gov/stea/planyand riding to Steamtown National Historic Site, the ourvisit/trainrides.htm.

Marketplace at Steamtown, or Courthouse Square Like other LHV events, the Santa Train, also will be quick and easy, and pedestrians will enjoy known as Christmas in a Small Town, is made posa convenient pathway to walk to downtown. By sible through the generosity of sponsors. The Lackacreating a direct link to the Intermodal Transportation wanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Center on Lackawanna Avenue via this new pathway, Area is proud to support this event in partnership NEPA will reap the economic benefits of attracting with Steamtown National Historic Site, the Delaware tourists, including bicyclists, who will be able to Lackawanna Railroad, Pennsylvania Northeast connect with the AMTRAK system at 30th Street Sta- Regional Railroad Authority, City of Carbondale, tion in Philadelphia by bus and immediately access Carbondale Business Association, Archbald Borough, the trail. Be sure to visit Lackawanna River Heritage Jessup Borough, Jessup 21st Century, Olyphant Trail on Facebook and lhva.org for updates on this Borough, Dickson City Borough, City of Scranton, exciting project.

Lackawanna Historical Society, Anthracite Heritage It’s been a wonderful year of celebration as LHV Museum, Lackawanna County Council on Arts and marks its 25th anniversary this year. As part of the Culture, Propst Transportation, Community Bank NA, festivities, a Legacy Keepsake Book will be unveiled and Peoples Security Bank and Trust. at LHV’s Holiday Open House on November 17, from Natalie Gelb is executive director of the Lackawanna 5:30 to 8 p.m. at LHV headquarters at 213 South 7th Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA). Email her at natalie@ Avenue. A committee of volunteers and partners has hva.org

By Natalie Gelb

HEALTHCARE

TCMCs integration with Geisinger will expand the region’s knowledge economy

By Kathy Ruff

Pending regulatory approval, Geisinger Health System, one of the nation’s largest health service organizations, will align forces with The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) to expand on their missions to meet the health care needs in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania and beyond.

The alliance, which will create the Geisinger Commonwealth College of Medicine, will connect academic and clinical education with research opportunities, creating a foundation for expanding the region’s knowledge-based jobs and businesses.

“It solidifies the medical school’s future permanently and tremendously strengthens our ability to offer wonderful training to our students but also offer new degree programs in other health-related areas,” said Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., TCMC’s president and dean. “All of this means that our students will have more opportunities to train locally after medical school, that new students will be coming to study other fields other than the doctor of medicine degree in some of the new master’s degree programs that we will create. The degree programs and other things we will be building with Geisinger should result in economic benefits to the region and, we hope, business opportunities.”

Scheinman sees the alliance as a catalyst for recruiting both physicians and researchers to Northeast Pennsylvania.

Under the comprehensive integration agreement, Geisinger commits to maintain the college as a licensed, degreed graduation institution in perpetuity. The move integrates not only Geisinger’s traditional educational programs, including its current residency and specialty training programs, but also leverages its top-notch research capabilities.

“Geisinger has been dedicated to medical education for more than a century, with more than 400 fellows and residents annually and having a medical school completes the continuum,” said Geisinger president and CEO David Feinberg,

hospitals in northeastern Pennsylvania M.D., MBA. “This strong alliance sets gave its input. us apart by allowing us the unique “We at Commonwealth Health unability to offer medical students a fullyderstand the medical college’s need to integrated learning experience while find a capital partner to assist with its filling a tremendous need for physicians financial future,” said Cor Catena, chief in the regions we serve. Partnering with executive office of Commonwealth a community-based medical school to Health.

“We look forward to continuing influence physician education is based Thomas-Hemak our relationship with TCMC and our on our shared belief that patients are the role in nurturing future physicians to true north. Educating tomorrow’s docserve our community.” tors to be catalysts for positive change Although Geisinger cannot speak is a natural evolution of the patientfor other institutions, the organization centric collaborations we’ve already shared its belief on the effect on other fostered with the medical college. We regional hospitals. are very excited.”

“We believe that hospitals throughAccording to a report prepared by out the region would benefit from both Pittsburgh-based consulting firm Tripp Feinberg the physicians being trained through Umbach, the medical college brought an the Geisinger Commonwealth College estimated $65 million into the regional of Medicine and through the medical economy in 2014. Observers speculate research and discovery being produced that economic benefit will grow. there,” said Alysha Davis, Geisinger However, the integration could cause spokesperson. “Geisinger Health Sysadverse effects on other health care tem regularly meets with other healthproviders in the community to compete care organizations regarding ways we successfully and patients if businesses Scheinman could potentially work together with do not survive. While that could mean the goal of improving the health of our additional mergers in the industry, the communities.” lack of competition could boost prices for care.

Davis sees additional benefits to the region.

“We tried to make clear that although we are becoming part of Geisinger, we “Combining a world-class health plan to build on good relationships we’ve system with a forward-looking medical built with everybody else and to continue college will make Northeast and Norththose strong relationships,” Scheinman central Pennsylvania a hub for medical Catena said. “I’m hoping that competition in the education, research and discovery,” clinical marketplace will not complicate she said. “The synergy created by this that. We will have to see but I feel a very strong integration will attract the highest caliber students, goal is to make those relations with non-Geisinger scientists and physicians to the region.” partners even stronger.”

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education and The Wright Center for Primary Care, What do others think about the integration?

Commonwealth Health, the largest network of Scranton, also sees the rationale and benefits

behind the move.

“This is an incredible opportunity to link an academic enterprise to an integrated delivery system so that we are sure that the workforce development for health care is responding to the needs of the patients, needs of the commonwealth and needs of the public,” said Linda ThomasHemak, M.D., president and CEO and one of the founding board members of TCMC. “Geisinger has a triple mission of patient care, research and medical education, so the medical college plays a very big role in the education of health care delivery and workforce development.”

Thomas-Hemak elaborated: “The medical college was founded with the vision that it would be an engine for a knowledge-based economic renewal for Northeast Pennsylvania, creating a lot of jobs in the health care and biotech industries,” she said. “Linking to Geisinger is going to catapult that mission and vision for the medical school. This is going to create a ton of new programs, a lot of advanced degree programs and many jobs. It’s going to lead to a lot of conversations that are going to generate collective genius about how do we better meet the needs of our communities, our patients and families. I don’t even think we can fathom the rippling impact on this on what it’s going to do for Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania because this has national significance.”

Thomas-Hemak also sees the alliance as a significant benefit to the regional health care community.

“CHS and Geisinger in many instances are serving the same patients so the game really is to go to higher purpose so that the patient gets good care so they are healthier,” she said. “Anything that really enhances the way that care is delivered is going to be mutually benefitting those institutions even though they compete. This is going to catapult a knowledge-based economy in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania and this is going to be a move that all boats rise.”

“Combining a world-class health system with a forward-looking medical college will make Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania a hub for medical education, research and discovery. The synergy created by this integration will attract the highest caliber students, scientists and physicians to the region.”

— Alysha Davis, Geisinger spokesperson

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PERSONNEL FILE

supported system, including testing and configuration management. Software support relies on uniform processes and consistent policies to execute standardized IAVA releases. Prior to her current position, Askew was the chief of the installation services directorate’s network operations branch. She began Askew her depot career in August 2010.

She received a bachelor’s degree in management of information systems from Eastern UniverLaura Ducceschi, center, president and CEO sity and a master of business of the Scranton Area administration in 2013 from the University of Scranton. abandoned and/or foreclosed properties in stable local Also, an innovative engineerneighborhoods, renovate them with the help of partner ing solution developed here will Johnson College and volunteer crews and resell them at save the depot more than $12 The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2016-2017 is pictured. From left, front row: an affordable price. Through the initiative, NWNEPA helps million over the next three years, Robert Knight Jr., The University of Scranton; Lauren Perry, FreshySites; Deborah Flynn, Luzerne to retain neighborhood stability while creating new homeexceeding Tobyhanna’s Value Holder Engineering (VE) savings goal County Community College; Angela Burke, TMG Health; Carrie Balashaitis, TMG Health; Meghan owners who are not burdened by costly renovations. The organization reinvests the proceeds of the home sales into while improving component-level Loftus, NEPA Alliance; Michelle Georgetti, Valley Community Library; Sara Samala, Gertrude its service projects in struggling neighborhoods. reliability within various systems. Slatington resident dr.

Hawk Chocolates; and David Humphreys, Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Middle clinton holder, an electronics engineer in the depot’s row: Sandra Snyder, NeighborWorks of NEPA; Leanna Skaluba, Admiral Management Services; the scranton pLan production engineering directorate, designed a test set Michelle Rake, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Patrick Connolly, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Robert The Scranton Plan, an affiliate of the Greater Scranton that will evaluate the detector/cooler bench (DCB), a Chamber of Commerce, recently held its annual Summer major component of the Long Range Advance Scout Hagenbaugh, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Christopher Szewczyk, Mazzoni Karam Petorak Valvano; Festival at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic. The Surveillance System (LRAS3), for faults and failures. The Anthony Ferrese, Lackawanna College; Jonathan Tobin, Penn State Worthington Scranton; Kathleen Bird, Benco Dental; and Angela Berardelli, DaVita Dialysis. Back row: Scott Winschuh, Summer Festival is an economic development marketing second generation forward looking infrared (SGFLIR) initiative, targeting site selection consultants, real estate B-kit DCB allows the system into which it is installed to Prudential Retirement; Ryan Zarkesh, United Neighborhood Centers; Dragan Jokic, Fidelity professionals and corporate expansion and relocation generate a clear infrared image of the battlefield. LRAS3 is Bank; David Morrison, Toyota of Scranton; Brad Kovaleski, Penn State Worthington Scranton; executives. Organizers say that the festival’s goal is to a long-range multi-sensory system that provides real time ability to detect, recognize, identify, and geo-locate distant Tyler Crawford, Montage Mountain Resorts; Douglas Mielnicki, Procter & Gamble; Michael Wis- introduce the quality of life and business opportunities targets and improvised explosive devices. neski, Everhart Museum; Matthew Donnelly, Procter & Gamble and Scott Scouten, Wells Fargo. available in the Greater Scranton area. This year’s event welcomed more than 70 real estate brokers, consultants and site selection specialists from neighboring states.

Leadership Lackawanna

The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program class of 2016-2017 met in September for its first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics. In the 10-month core program participants gain leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton area, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to developing and implementing community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations.

ne pa aLLiance

NEPA Alliance, a regional community and economic development agency, serving seven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania presented loan funds of $75,000 to N.E. Dental Sleep Masters LLC. The purpose of this $75,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) loan was for the purchase of equipment, furniture and fixtures. Other funds in the project include owner’s cash equity injection of $75,000. NE Dental Sleep Masters LLC handles chronic facial pain and sleep disorders. Anthony Polit, D.M.D., and John Costello, D.M.D., started the business in 2015. They offer services to patients with sleep disordered breathing, TMJ disorders, orofacial pain and headaches, including an FDA-cleared protocol for migraine prevention.

United way of Lackawanna and wayne coUnties

NE Dental Sleep Masters LLC received loan funds. From left: Jack Ferrett, Fidelity Bank; Ron Carter, Performance Biomedical Inc.; Anthony Polit, D.M.D., N.E. Dental Sleep Masters LLC; Dave Nat, NEPA Alliance; Jeffrey Box, NEPA Alliance; Cindy Vough, Sen. Yudichakak’s office; Jack McNulty, PA Dept of Labor & Industry; and Frank Mazza, Sen. Toomey’s office.

neighborworks northeastern pennsyLvania

A $10,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation will help NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NWNEPA) hone its newest initiative, Project PAR, or Property Acquisition & Redevelopment.

The funding, awarded as a Community Needs Grant, will help NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania buy

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NOVEMBER 2016

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne counties announced that Justin davis, CEO of Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital and Regional Hospital of Scranton and Commonwealth Health EMS, has been named chairman of the 2016-17 United Way Annual Fundraising Campaign which kicked off Sept.

1. The United Way campaign runs through Nov. 17. The funds raised will be used in support of the United Way’s network of Davis Winners of a golf tournament that was part funded agency programs and of this year’s Summer Festival are pictured. special initiatives focused on education, financial stability and health, to create lasting From left: Bob Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Art Wegfahrt, changes in Lackawanna and Wayne counties.

Savills Studley; Jeff St. Thomas, McBride Corporate Real Estate; Greg Hoffman, McBride Corporate Real Estate; and Amy Luyster, assistant vice president, The Scranton Plan.

tobyhanna army depot

West Pittston resident donna askew is chief of the production engineering directorate’s software sustainment support branch at Tobyhanna Army Depot. She supervises employees who deliver software support in partnership with the Software Engineering Center.

Personnel execute the monthly production of Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) packages for each

weinstein and Zimmerman

In August, ashley Zimmerman, partner in the local law firm, Weinstein and Zimmerman, Attorneys at Law, was admitted to the New York state bar. In addition to her many other accreditations, Zimmerman is now recognized by the court to practice law in the state of New York. A Pike County resident since 1996, Zimmerman holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in law from College Misericordia in Dallas.

She received her juris doctorate from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. She is licensed to practice law in the states of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

PERSONNEL FILE WEis MarKEts

Weis Markets has promoted Jeanette rogers, CPA, to vice president and corporate controller. As vice president and corporate controller, Rogers is responsible for the company’s financial reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), maintaining and enforcing all accounting policies, overseeing its accounting department including tax, payroll and treasury functions and directing the budget and financial analytics department. She will continue as chief accounting officer and assistant treasurer. Prior Rogers to her promotion, she was the company’s corporate controller.

Rogers joined the company in 2013. Earlier in her career, she worked at Foot Locker as director of finance.

Salt Lake City, Utah, where he grew up, attended Westminster College, and graduated with a degree in business management.

After college, McGhie moved to Arizona to take a position with a large national bank as a licensed banker. After several years in varying locations with the large bank, McGhie felt his focus on Mcghie customer service would be a better match with a community bank. That is when he joined The Dime Bank. He recently completed his second year of a three-year program of the PA Bankers Advanced School of Banking. McGhie is a licensed mortgage loan originator with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

EDUCATION East stroudsburg univErsity

BANkINg ESSA Bank & Trust announced the following promotions and hiring of key talent. sam graffman, mortgage loan originator in the Lehigh Valley region is responsible for originating mortgage loans within various Lehigh Valley markets and creating and maintaining relationships with realtors and builders throughout the region. He has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years and since 2010 has served in a similar capacity for Valley National Bank and Tri-Emerald Financial Group. He will be based out of the bank’s Palmer Park mall location. bill Mathewson, mortgage loan originator in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region will be headquartered out of Wilkes-Barre and will focus on the bank’s Wilkes-Barre and Scranton markets, creating and maintaining relationships with realtors and builders throughout the area. He has been in the financial industry for over 20 years. He is a seasoned mortgage lender with significant lending experience in all facets of mortgage and consumer lending. Prior to joining ESSA, Mathewson was the regional manager with CountryPlace Mortgage.

William J. bajor, Ph.d. was appointed director of graduate and extended studies. Bajor comes to ESU from New Jersey City University (NJCU) where he most recently served as acting director of the division of professional and lifelong learning. As director of graduate and extended studies at ESU, Bajor will provide leadership within graduate and professional studies in order to establish and maintain excellent academic programs. He will plan and implement educational policies and curricula, provide Bajor leadership in creating, developing and implementing programs and initiatives which serve the educational and training needs for Pennsylvania’s industry leaders and public agencies and identify the programs and courses that will best serve the needs and interests of students and faculty.

He will also oversee the Lehigh Valley Center. Located in Bethlehem, the Lehigh Valley Center offers accelerated undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

FidElity banK

KEystonE CollEgE

Essa banK & trust

Eugene Cunard has joined Fidelity bank as a trust officer. Cunard brings more than 30 years experience assisting families, individuals and businesses with trust and wealth management services. In his role as trust officer, Cunard handles administration of trust funds, providing estate planning support and assists clients in planning for their financial future.

Additionally, he will administer and provide expert financial service assistance to local businesses, schools, municipalities and institutions in managing Cunard assets and expediting financial obligations. A graduate of Wilkes University, he has completed the Central Atlantic School of Trust held at Bucknell University.

Davis

Heffernan

tHE diME banK

rory Mcghie was promoted to assistant vice president, Carbondale branch manager. McGhie joined The Dime Bank in February 2013 as a branch manager of the bank’s Carbondale branch. He moved to the area from

Davis

Meagher

Dressel

Morrison

The newly elected board of trustees of Keystone College has been announced. They are: alice M. davis, Ph.d.; James b. davis; nancy s. dressel; James M. Heffernan, Ph.d.; sharon M. Meagher, Ph.d.; and John

s. Morrison Jr. robert H. swartley has been elected as the new board chairman. Other officers elected to the Keystone board include: John F. Pullo, sr., chair-elect; attorney Judith gardner Price, first-vice chair; and James C. Clark, secretary.

Swartley

Kings CollEgE

King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, appointed five full-time faculty members for the 2016-17 academic year.

Megan baumann is an assistant clinical professor in physician assistant studies.

After earning her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at King’s, Baumann was a physician assistant at the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Office of Dr. Sean McVeigh in Honesdale and at the Honesdale Family Health Center.

Heather grimm, assistant Baumann professor of exercise science, served as a graduate research assistant, study coordinator and lab manager at the Vascular Health Lab, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she earned her doctorate.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers, State University of New Jersey and a master’s degree from Temple University. grimm A 2010 King’s graduate, Jill Kisel will serve as an assistant clinical professor in physician assistant studies. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from King’s, Kisel was a part-time lecturer and dermatology course director at Marywood University and a physician assistant at Lackawanna Valley Dermatology Associates in kisel Scranton.

Jillian McCue has been named assistant professor of chemistry. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Susquehanna University and doctorate at the University of Connecticut.

She was previously a postdoctoral teaching fellow and a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Susquehanna University McCue Christopher Moore is an associate professor of sociology.

He was a tenured associate professor of sociology at Lakeland College and a visiting assistant professor of sociology at Purdue University, North Central. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Clair, master’s degree at the University of Iowa and doctorate Moore at the University of Georgia.

From left: Nikki Schake, Express Pros; Alexis Shotwell; Amy Clegg, Express Pros owner; and Evan Miller, McCann School of Business.

MCCann sCHool oF businEss

Express Employment Professionals, Scranton, presented alexis shotwell of Scranton with the Dr. Tony and Mrs. Kitch Mussari $500 Leadership Scholarship. Shotwell is a student at McCann School of Business where she studies early childhood education. The Scholarship honors Dr. Tony and Mrs. Kitch Mussari, who believes in empowering young people to be their very best selves.

Misericordia University donated four desktop computers and a projector to the kindergarten class of Jenny Lynn Academy, kingston.

From left are Bryn Walsh, teacher, Jenny Lynn Academy; David Johndrow, manager of PC Services; and Matt LaPorte, graduate assistant, Misericordia University of West Pittston; and Linda Ferraro-Swearer, director, Jenny Lynn Academy.

MisEriCordia univErsity

The Department of Information Technology at Misericordia University recently donated four desktop computers and a projector to the kindergarten class at Jenny Lynn Academy, Kingston. The academy serves students in pre-school and kindergarten. Students in first to fifth grades attend the academy’s partner school, Jenny Lynn Elementary. “Teacher Bryn Walsh was interested in starting a technology program in kindergarten, much like we have in grades 1 through 5,” said Linda FerraroSwearer, director, Jenny Lynn Academy. “This donation is a huge help to us. It is great that the two institutions — a university and a pre-school — can work together.”

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PerSONNel FIle WyOMinG seMinary

Plastics and polymer engineering technology major Noah l. Martin, third from left, of South Williamsport, works closely with participants in the recent thin-Gauge/roll-Fed thermoforming Workshop at Penn college.

Pennsylvania COlleGe OF TeCHnOlOGy

Kimberly R. Cassel has been named director of alumni relations at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Cassel had been director of student activities at Penn College since 2008. She began her employment with the college in 2004 as assistant director of student development.

She was appointed associate director of student activities for Greek life and leadership in 2007.

Previously, Cassel was assistant director of campus activities and programs at Bucknell University cassel from 2002-04.

THe UniversiTy OF sCranTOn

The Board of Trustees of Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School has elected new members to serve for the 2016-17 school year.The new members are Rachel Bogart Coates, Berwick; and G. Jonathan Greenwald, Sem Class of 1960, McLean, Va. Coates serves as the president of the Lower School Parents Association. She is the founder and initial owner of the Wind-n-Sea Spa in Bloomsburg, a full-service spa that she operated from 1996 to 2014. She initiated cosmetology internship coates programs with local vocational schools and has been a frequent lecturer on holistic health and beauty, stress relief techniques, yoga and aromatherapy. She has served as an active volunteer at Wyoming Seminary Lower School and as secretary of the Lower School Parents Association for two years, prior to her election as president of the asGreenwald sociation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from San Diego State University and is a registered yoga instructor.

A native of the Wyoming Valley, Greenwald serves as vice president of the International Crisis Group (ICG) and is a veteran Foreign Service officer and former official in the State Department’s Office of Counter-Terrorism. He served for 30 years as a senior U.S. diplomat, focusing on East-West matters, the Middle East, counter-terrorism, the European Union and international law. Upon leaving government, he coordinated foreign policy issues for Senator Bill Bradley’s 2000 presidential campaign and since 2001 has served with the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, widely regarded as the world’s leading conflict prevention and conflict resolution nongovernmental organization. He has taught diplomacy at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis. and the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. He also served as the State Department’s nominee on the panel that completed adjudication of 21,000 Holocaust-era claims in 2015 for Austria’s National Fund for the Victims of National Socialism. A graduate of Princeton University and the Harvard Law School, Greenwald has written extensively on foreign policy issues and is the author of the 1993 book, “Berlin Witness: An American Diplomat’s Chronicle of East Germany’s Revolution.” He also has contributed articles to journals and newspapers such as The Financial Times and Los Angeles Times.

HealtHcare Fourteen University of Scranton education majors will serve as student teachers during the fall semester at seven schools in four school districts. First row, from left: Kelsey Goodson, elizabeth Yorey, angela Szczecina and Samantha Mojica. Second row: Katelyn talty, Stephanie rush and Jessica Muccigrosso. third row: taylor Schuck, Katie Plucker, Marina Massa and Megan connor. Fourth row: emily Goss, Samantha Wojcik, and Nicole Divivo.

COMMOnWealTH HealTH

Johnny Hernandez-Gonzalez, M.D., has joined Orthopaedic Consultants, Kingston, and the medical staff of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon. Hernandez-Gonzalez is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus with a bachelor’s degree in biology and the university’s medical sciences campus where he earned a medical degree. He completed a general surgery internship at San Juan City Hospital and an orthopedic surgery residency at the university’s medical sciences campus. He has been in private and academic practice in Puerto Rico for 26 years. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic

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NOVEMBER 2016

Hernandez-Gonzalez

Williams

Bruno

Gibbons

Surgeons.

Cherise Williams has joined Commonwealth Health as a cardiothoracic surgery nurse practitioner at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Williams was a licensed practical nurse and holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Midlands Technical College, Columbia, S. C., and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lander University, Greenwood, S. C. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville with a master of science degree in nursing. She previously worked at the University of California as a cardiothoracic surgery nurse practitioner.

Also, four Pittston-area family practice physicians have joined the Commonwealth Health Physicians Network.

James Bruno, M.D., Gerald Gibbons, M.D., Charles Manganiello, M.D., and Michalene Torbik, D.O., will continue to see patients at their office at 1099 South Township Boulevard.

Lynnae Imdorf, a physician assistant, also is on staff at the Pittston office. All are on the medical staff of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

• Bruno is a graduate of Autonomous University of Guadalajara and specializes in internal medicine; • Gibbons, a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Medicine, is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine; • Manganiello earned a medical degree in family medicine from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara; and • Torbik is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

GeisinGer HealTH sysTeM

John Farrell, M.D., recently joined Geisinger Health System as a diagnostic radiologist. Board certified in radiology, Farrell earned his medical degree from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. He completed an internship at CrozerChester Medical Center, Upland, and completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, torbik where he completed a fellowship in combined body/musculoskeletal/neurology magnetic resonance imaging. Farrell specializes in breast imaging, including mammography

Manganiello

and tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast ultrasound, breast MRI, MRI-guided breast biopsy, ultrasound guided breast biopsy and stereotactic breast biopsy. His services also include thoracic, abdominal and pelvic imaging. ryan Horsley, D.O. bariatric and general surgeon, Farrell has joined Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) to provide surgical services for the hospital’s new bariatric surgery program. A medical and surgical weight loss center, the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at GCMC will now help patients achieve long-term weight loss success through the most advanced bariatric surgery procedures. Horsley is Horsley fellowship-trained in the latest minimally invasive weight loss surgery techniques, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Horsley joins Anthony Petrick, M.D., associate director, department of general surgery and director, minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, GCMC; nutritional gastroenterologist Jila Kaberi-Otarod, M.D.; and nutrition and weight management physician assistant Kimberly Ann Reed, PA-C in providing a comprehensive range of services designed to help patients lose and maintain a healthy weight through customized treatment strategies —individual to each patient — including behavior modification, lifestyle education, medical care, nutrition counseling and support groups — all in Scranton. Horsley earned his medical degree from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, and a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

POCOnO MeDiCal CenTer

Pocono Medical Center welcomed Mohammad ali, M.D., MBa, to Pocono Medical Center Physician Associates as its new primary care provider. Board certified in family medicine, Ali recently completed his residency at Centra Health — Lynchburg Family Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Prior to joining Pocono Medical Center, Ali earned his doctorate from American University of Antigua. Ali will see patients at what will be Pocono Medical Center’s new Physician Associates Primary Care location in Tannersville Plaza on Route 611 next to Weis Market. The new location will offer Tannersville and its surrounding residents with a range of healthcare services including primary care, occupational medicine, orthopedics, outpatient rehabilitation, and laboratory and imaging services.

THe WriGHT CenTer

Mohammed yesuf abdu, M.D., joined The Wright Center for Primary Care Mid-Valley as a pediatrician. Abdu is a graduate of Addis Ababa University Faculty of Medicine in Ethiopia where he also completed his residency in pediatrics. He completed a second pediatric residency at Woodhull Mental and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, Abdu became a fellow in neonatal and perinatal medicine through the Drexel University College of Medicine. He joins The Wright Center for Primary Care following his time as a pediatrician with Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale.

FOR THE RECORD DEEDs

Columbia County

Christopher P. and Amy G. Lavis. Property Location: Scott Township. Seller: U.S. Bank. Price: $260,000. nest Properties llC. Property Location: Scott Township. Seller: Robert A. and Stacey L. Brunozzi Jr. Price: $390,000. nest Properties llC. Property Location: South Centre Township. Seller: Robert A. and Stacey L. Brunozzi Jr. Price: $70,000.

David a and Valerie m. Andreychick. Property Location: Franklin Township. Seller: Estate of Louise Lesevich.

Price: $480,000.

Wells Fargo bank. Property Location: Berwick.

Seller: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Price: $51,235.65.

John m and tabatha l Smith. Property Location: Benton Township. Seller: Samantha M. and Kevin Hock.

Price: $342,000. uS bank. Property Location: Orange Township.

Seller: Andrew C. Sherrard and Charlene Herring. Price: $5,278.22 f-m-v $165,164.46.

Community options inc. Property Location: Briarcreek Township. Seller: Dale C. and Jane L. Knelly. Price: $165,800.

Columbia County Volunteer in medicine Clinic inc.

Property Location: Mifflin Township. Seller: Ruth E. Harman. Price: $20,000.

Eric m Stouffer and Jennifer a Johnson. Property Location: Orange Township. Seller: Robert E. and Patricia W. Nemchik. Price: $415,000.

Carrington mortgage Services llC. Property Location: South Centre Township. Seller: Lauren L. Hohmann.

Price: $1,961.90 f-m-v $103,094.91.

Zenzel Properties llC. Property Location: Madison Township. Seller: Dan D. and Holly Peterman. Price: $195,000.

Columbia Wood industries inc. Property Location: Millville. Seller: Bruns Properties Limited Liability Company. Price: $150,000.

James S and Sherri a tumolo. Property Location: Orange Township. Seller: Morgan P. and Mary L. Barclay.

Price: $348,000.

Secretary of Housing and urban Development.

Property Location: Montour Township. Seller: Bank of America. Price: $10 f-m-v $131,899.05. mclaughlin Holdings llC. Property Location: Berwick. Seller: Kirk R. Bower. Price: $200,000.

laCKaWanna

mark P mcDade. Property Location: Clifton Twp. Seller: Dean R. Hallet. Amount $588,000.

Jessica Catherine Kraft. Property Location: Covington Twp. Seller: Universal Investments Group LLC. Amount: $315,000.

G Davis Properties llC. Property Location: Dickson City. Seller: Quattro Springfield LLC. Amount: $4,045,000. michael Gregory Zayac. Property Location: Dickson City. Seller: Brian Graddy. Amount: $260,000. thomas m Kimberly. Property Location: Elmhurst Twp. Seller: Michael Suchy. Amount: $290,000. alJ Realty llC. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Seller: John A.C. Atkins. Amount: $650,000.

Christopher nicastro. Property Location: Jessup Twp. Seller: Armond J. Palazzari. Amount: $258,950.

Deb Piaseczynski. Property Location: Madison Twp. Seller: Timothy P. Scully. Amount: $250,000.

Robert Cherundolo. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Seller: Kathleen Doucet. Amount: $318.500.

Carolyn R Wallis. Property Location: Moosic Boro.

Seller: Daniel G. Roberts. Amount: $304,000. leonard Hamilton allen iii. Property Location:

Moscow Boro. Seller: Robert Leonard Lamanna. Amount: $287,000.

George F Edwards iii. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Seller: Douglas P. Utter. Amount: $348,000.

Chad a Calice. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Raymond C. Taylor Trust. Amount: $445,000.

Glenn C Quanbeck. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Jennifer Avvisato. Amount: $478,500.

Paul J Krehel. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Gregory Winowich. Amount: $253,500. brian Kerr. Property Location: Old Forge Boro. Seller: Michael Merrick. Amount: $479,000.

Eric Pusey llC. Property Location: Olyphant Boro.

Seller: Francis J. Ross III. Amount: $300,000. thomas Wilson. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Mario P. Taffera. Amount: $673,000. brian C nalbone. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: William J. Moran Jr. Amount: $460,000.

Edward S Ruocco. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Carol M. Mowry. Amount: $544,000.

Jonathon allegrucci. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Ralph Leiber. Amount: $450.000.

PPl Electric utilities Corp. Property Location: Scranton City. Seller: Diamond Colliery Co. Amount: $900,000.

Chandra llC. Property Location: Scranton City.

Seller: Joanne Marie Davis. Amount: $335,000. ann marie Richards. Property Location: Scranton City. Seller: Melvin Stuart Ufberg Trust per Trustee.

Amount: $262,500. brookfield Relocation inc. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Thomas C. Czarkowski. Amount: $299,125.

Joseph J agugliaro. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company Inc. Amount: $253,000.

John W Pavese. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Scot Anderson. Amount: $265,000.

Evan lewis. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Susan M. Snyder. Amount: $299,900.

Sanjay Saxena. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Siva Myneni. Amount: $430,000.

Cartus Financial Corp. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Seven L. Kelly. Amount: $585,000.

Fitzgerald J Casimir. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Cartus Financial Corp. Amount: $585,000.

Vincent lorusso. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Richard Hartman. Amount: $280,160. adolf Riedl. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Mitchell Grochowski. Amount: $260,000. mario t Spinosi Jr. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company Inc. Amount: $330,000.

Richard a Peters Jr. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Richard W. Whitby. Amount: $316,000. brian E Janoski. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Midardo Delos Reyes. Amount: $270,000.

Joshua E Seldin. Property Location W. Abington Twp. Seller: Greg Severs. Amount: $292,000. brian Venson. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Timothy J. Randall. Amount: $250,000. michael P mcConkey. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Sandherr Trust per Tr. Amount: $325,000.

Kyle F burak. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Heater Kubic Skapyak. Amount: $455,000.

James C Roberts. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Scott M. Severance. Amount: $261,750.

Kenneth C Santarelli. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: John P. Ocenas. Amount: $450,000.

Daniel Joseph Schneider. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Louis A. Costanzo. Amount: $484,000. adrian Duplessis. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Bruce Reddock. Amount: $329,500.

adam Calpin Gower. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Greg Misterman. Amount: $304,000.

Khairul a Chowdhury. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Edward Stepancic. Amount: $290,000.

Stephen mead. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: John D. Howard. Amount: $308,000.

luZERnE

Robert Sitkowski. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Dennis L. Fernandez. Amount: $245,000. betty J. Them. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: George E. Albert. Amount: $315,000.

Kevin S. Palmeter. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Michael H. Baker. Amount: $240,000.

Jeffrey Sodergren. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Hans P. Cassagnol. Amount: $350,000.

Kerry Swiech. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Graham Ross. Amount: $315,000.

Wilkes-barre Square lP. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City. Seller: Wilkes-Barre Square LP. Amount: $4,000,000. thomas m. Gill. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Seller: Thomas J. Mallis. Amount: $335,000. michael brendza. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Silvio J. Talarico. Amount: $265,000.

Joseph b. O’Boyle. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Laura Bulgaris & Jeanette Godlewski. Amount: $310,000. matthew J olexa. Property Location: Nescopeck Twp. Seller: Romaine Bognar. Amount: $255,000.

Jason Helfer. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: John C. Weigand. Amount: $255,000.

Jeffrey Diano. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Nicholas Musto. Amount: $252,000.

Sphere internatonal llC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City. Seller: Ken L. Pollock Inc. Amount: $265.000 alexander a. Yaroshenko. Property Location: Kingston Boro. Seller: Shirley F. Abelson Trustee & Shirley F. Revocable Trust Agreement. Amount: $250,000.

Wesley C. Keller. Property Location: Butler Township. Seller: Sands Springs Development Corporation.

Amount: $316,696.

Joseph J. Grilli. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Martin G. Moughan. Amount: $282,500.

7 Commerce Pittston llC. Property Location: Dupont Boro. Seller: CSI Enterprises Inc. Amount: $565,000.

Jarrett C. Levavasseur. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: FNCB Bank. Amount: $250,000. marlin R Duncan. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Joseph Gary D’Ambrisi, exec., Janet J. Fruitrich Estate. Amount: $795,000.

James Stout & Joseph Cappelloni. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Donald R. Zlobik. Amount: $310,000. brookfield Relocation inc. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Seller: Trent R. Schneider. Amount: $375,000.

Kevin P Fazzini. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Seller: Brookfield Relocation Inc. Amount: $375,000. bonita l bradley. Property Location: Slocum Twp. Seller: Thomas D. Swiech. Amount: $300,000.

Gary mikulski. Property Location: Plymouth Twp. Seller: Lynda S. Rowinski. Amount: $270,000.

Sanjitkumar Patel. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Walden Estate Inc. Amount: $311,000. norman D Price. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Robert S. Kunkle. Amount: $285,000. michael W Stower. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Mildred R. Fink. Amount: $325,000.

Ryan J Dehoff. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Cedar Tree Ridge LLC. Amount: $273,000.

Colin W Snyder & Pamela J. Stevens. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Scott M. Huston. Amount: $370,000.

michael J tribendis. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Dominique Lemire-Ross. Amount: $300,000. b Jackson Realty llC. Property Location: Harvey’s Lake Boro. Seller: Carl Jones. Amount: $335,000. thomas J Smith. Property Location: Fairmont Twp. & Ross Twp. Seller: Timbervest Partners Pennsylvania LLC. Amount: $250,000. michael Cory Koscho & Kelly Dalton. Property Location: Slocum Twp. Seller: John J. Martin & Amy Beth Matyas. Amount: $260,000.

Shneur Z Hackner. Property Location: Kingston Boro.

Seller: Peter P. Borsuk. Amount: $272,000.

Cook Properties management llC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City & Kingston Boro. Seller: James Casey; James A. Casey; Helena Casey & Helena K. Casey.

Amount: $596,400.

Eileen m ormando. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Robert A. Thompson. Amount: $415,000. nicholas F Colangelo Jr. Property Location: Dallas Boro. Seller: Nanette Mackay. Amount: $435,000.

Jeffrey metz. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Stuart Bell. Amount: $795,000.

Jacob matthew burgess. Property Location: Franklin Twp. Seller: Timothy Peter Faneck, Robert Faneck, Amanda Miller, Amanda Faneck. Amount: #415,000. matthew Robert Sitler. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Donald P. Casey. Amount: $375,000.

John tarone. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Kenneth R. Koziel Jr. Amount: $265,000.

Victor J Kulpa Jr. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Jeffrey P. Hartlieb. Amount: $279,900.

Diane Dirhan. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Joseph J. Grilli. Amount: $265,000.

St Enterprise auto Group. Inc. Property Location: Exeter Boro. Seller: E&S Holding Co. Inc. Amount: $512,500.

David yarmey. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Seller: Patrick Murphy. Amount: $780,000.

Southern lincoln inc. Property Location: Kingston Boro. Seller: Millennium Holdings III Inc. Amount: $2,211,100.

Southern lincoln, inc. Property Location: Kingston Boro. Seller: Richard L. Emanski. Amount: $1,350,000.

David William Schimmel. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Seller: Stauffer Pointe Development Group LLC. Amount: $254,900. millennium Holdings iV llC. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: Memco Realty Company. Seller: Lawrence P. Medico & Cataldo Medico. Amount: $3,300,000.

Wallace F Stolarcyk. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Patricia B. Smith. Amount: $347,222. albert Holdings i llC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City. Seller: Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corporation. Amount: $2,600,000.

Kyle n landis. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Michael D. Bray. Amount: $252,000.

Jeremy m Cunningham. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Nationstar HECM Acquisition Trust & Wilmington Savings Fund Society (Trustee). Amount: $285,000.

Willard Wenner iii. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Seller: Ruth L. Wastiluk. Amount: $350,000. margaret a Heffers. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Seller: Stauffer Pointe Development Group LLC. Amount: $256,900. nicholas J Volpetti. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Janet Faleski. Amount: $323,000. timothy Faneck. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Heritage Hills Estates Inc. Amount: $403,000.

Daniel J merrick. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Robert G. Sacco. Amount: $390,000.

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17:04 | GRAHAMTOM

FOR THE RECORD Monroe County

tomba enterprises Inc. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Price: $59,000.

Kathryn Fal. Property location: Tobyhanna Township.

Seller: Joshua and Lauren Manton. Price: $1,040,000. rinnasin LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Saneer and Suparna Kadam. Price: $1. Tax basis: $133,353.

Stroudsburg C-Store Holdings LLC. Property location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Leighter Corp. Price: $775,000.

William Danielson and Stephanie Woodhouse.

Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Lewis and Judith Rarig. Price: $439,500.

Commercial Properties LLC. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Leroy Cyphers Est., Justin McCarthy and Donald Stone (Co-Exr.) Price: $110,000.

MtGLQ Investors LP. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn. Price: $10. Tax basis: $100,885.

Comfort Spec LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Douglas and Becky Freeman. Price: $89,000.

JnS Holding LLC. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Richard Ingraham. Price: $100,000.

Jason and Meg eldred. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Clark Chandler and Roberta Barnes.

Price: $389,500.

Laura and Benjamin Archer. Property location: Barrett Township. Seller: James and Laura Coraci. Price: $410,000.

Joun and Choon An. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: US Bank NA. Price: $370,000.

Mack Pocono Properties LLC. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Price: $40,000.

DePG Bartonsville route 611 Plaza LP. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Suburban Realty LP, Suburban Choice Realty Inc. (gen. partner). Price: $1,050,000.

George and Linda Long. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: David Rosenberg. Price: $520,000.

James Harris and Mikhail Dmitriev. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: LTS Homes LLC. Price: $332,900.

Pink Poconos LLC. Property location: East Stroudsburg. Seller: We All Win Real Estate Solutions LLC. Price: $89,000.

Douglas and Kathleen Hall. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Robert Holz and Kathleen Kilhaney. Price: $330,000.

Golden Generation Worship and retreat Center.

Property location: Ross Township. Seller: Virginia International University. Price: $1. Tax basis: $38,133.

Debra and James Liney III. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Myra Kurkowski. Price: $330,000.

Brett Mayfield. Property location: Barrett Township.

Seller: Alan and Barbara McIntyre. Price: $312,500.

Camaplan (F/B/o), John Devine IrA. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Sharon and Richard Beyer Jr. Price: $303,000.

Cogo Solutions Inc. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Allan Panzella and Vivian Incorvaia.

Price: $50,000.

Christopher Paglia. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Gertrude Paglia Est., Christopher and Michael Paglia (Co-exr.). Price: $313,000.

Preston ridge Partners II LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Bank of America NA. Price: $1. Tax basis: $54,055.

JHJF Properties LLC. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Bank of America NA. Price: $91,700.

Albelli entities LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Price: $98,873.

Jonathan and Lori King. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Michael and Joan Kret. Price: $380,000.

154 Belmont Ave. LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Laura Brown. Price: $55,000.

Pocono treehouse LP D/B/A Pocono treehouse Management Inc. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Price: $138,239.

David Carpenter. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Abohawariat Tesfaye and Sara Mersha.

Price: $340,000.

Linda Barnes. Property location: Jackson Township.

Seller: Laina and Ronald Biela Jr. Price: $310,000.

Bergen Kings LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Commercial Associates LLC. Price: $400,000.

Stephen Pojedinec. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: William Forte. Price: $327,000.

Gregory Schuster. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Betty Musser Est. Price: $850,000.

Lake naomi Club. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: ESSA Bank & Trust. Price: $225,000.

PIKe County

Gale J Barnes. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Louis Deghiorgis, Trustee of Gino’s Home Repair Co. Retirement Plan & Trust. Amount: $375,000.

Jeffrey Francis Kistle Jr. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Tradition Homes LLC. Amount: $440,000.

Lynne & Gary Small Family trust. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Elisa R. Grim. Amount: $325,000. tanglwood north Community Association. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: The Dime Bank.

Amount: $295,000. ronald S elukl. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: TRP Realty Management LLC. Amount: $415,000.

James Fahnestock. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Jonathan Chenkin. Amount: $277,000.

Mary Adamo. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Joanne Spiridigliozzi. Amount: $275,000.

Deirdre n Quinn. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Cataldo Minutillo. Amount: $325,000.

Zack Mctee. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Sydney Stahl Weinberg. Amount: $289,000.

Michael D Fullone. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Michael C. Linfoot. Amount: $259,900.

Vincent KJ King. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: James Alberici. Amount: $250,000.

Igor D Gleyzer. Property Location: Green Twp. Seller: Cathy Davies. Amount: $340,000.

Vicky L thomas. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Joy Helms. Amount: $290,000. tanglwood north Community Association. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: The Dime Bank. Amount: $295,000. thomas Pompa. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: William H. Bellhorn III. Amount: $550,000.

Gerald Janetti. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Ronald Thiboutot. Amount: $700,000.

David Vingradov. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Joanne Juncker, Individually & as Trustee of the Juncker Family Irrevocable Trust. Amount: $335,000.

Jerome truzzolino. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Paul J. Meberg & Karle Olson, Co-Trustees of Eleanor B. Meberg Trust Agreement. Amount: $389,000.

Stephan Korsakov. Property Location: Lackawaxes

40 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B40] | 10/26/16

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NOVEMBER 2016

Twp. Seller: Donald Morea. Amount: $260,000.

Matthew Seltzer. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Jones Enterprises. Amount: $607,000.

John rolando. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: Judith Rubin. Amount: $450,000. `Jason o’Brien, Laura Casanova & John o’toole.

Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: David Weiner.

Amount: $394.999. robert J Maroney. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Seller: James Hupka. Amount: $262,000.

Xia Chen. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Jason P. McMullen. Amount: $295,000.

Collen Agatha Hanley Hodgins. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Patrick Cordova & Pamela Grandinall, co-exec of est. of Phyllis Cordova. Amount: $265,000. timothy Day. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Timothy L. Hoover. Amount: $385,000.

Pavel Frolov. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Martin H. Schroeder. Amount: $540,000.

Vijay Malani. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Jeffrey Meyer. Amount: $250,000. richard Caridi. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: John H. Hajjar. Amount: $300,000.

Howard Adam Sussner. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Robert A. Nolan. Amount: $400,000.

Barry nagel. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Juan A. Sabater. Amount: $305,000.

Kenneth L. Sheehan. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Paul Sloan. Amunt: $355,000. rachel M. Scott. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Simeon Dobrev. Amount: $290,000.

Brian naughton. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Milford West Development LLL. Amount: $316,000. robert J olah. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Estate of Lazelle W. Tracy by Billy Tracy & Elizabeth Tracy Monge, Co-Executors. Amount: $340,000.

William Steward. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Anna M. Ketcham. Amount: $315,000. neil F rose. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Mark A. Steward. Amount: $250,000.

Barry Schwarz. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Neil Orrill. Amount: $375,000. the Woodloch Spa resort LP. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Larry Jenson, Executor Estate of Carrie Jane Quick. Amount: $550,000. robert B eisman. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Thomas Tigue. Amount: $340,000.

110 e High Street LLC. Property Location: Milford Boro. Seller: Joel Palmer & Suzanne Gallagher, Individually & as Executrix of the Estate of Lizanne Samuelson Elizabeth Irish. Amount: $550,000.

Michael P turno & Krista A McAdam. Property Location: Milford Boro. Seller: John P. Streb. Amount: $295,000.

Victor eira. Property Location: Milford Boro. Seller: Michael J. Martin. Amount: $335,000.

Christopher C Grady. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Walter Leszczynski. Amount: $254,000.

Jeffrey P Lipnichan. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Charles William Gross. Amount: $325,000.

136 Milford LLC. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Marjorie M. Tanner. Amount: $830,000.

SCHuyLKILL County

Shawn and Coralyn tobin. Property Location: Pottsville Twp. Seller: TCGB – PA LLC. Price: $ 94,000.

LJSI LLC. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Seller: Element 1, LLC. Price: $192,000.

Bty Properties LLC. – Darreall Street. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Seller: Julianne L. Kohler.

Price: $ 2,900,000.

Bty Properties LLC. – Darreall Street. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Seller: Julianne L. Kohler.

Price: $260,000.

Dale and Joyce Kostick. Property Location: Rush Twp. Seller: John T. Kostick. Price: $300,000.

JMAC realty LLC.. Property Location: Kline Twp. Seller: Blackstone Funding LLC.. Price: $ 4,236.

JMAC realty LLC. Property Location: South Manheim Twp. Seller: Blackstone Funding LLC. Price: $6,000.

WAyne County

richard McMaster. Property Location: Lake. Seller: Herbert C. Kneller. Amount: $280,000.

Walter G Hyzer. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: Louis O’Boyle. Amount: $390,000. thomas M Kenny. Property Location: Preston. Seller: Jason Brett Corbett. Amount: $950,000.

Joseph n rodriguez. Property Location: Leigh. Seller: Mark D. Warren & Michael F. Dennehy. Amount: $250,000.

Ar noidhreacht LLC. Property Location: Lake.

Seller: George K. Keenan. Amount: $750,000.

Megan Green & Stephen Kyle Anderson. Property Location: Hawley. Seller: William E. Foley & Kyler W. Brown. Amount: $286,000.

Bruce J Platt. Property Location: $415,000. Seller: Anne Marie De Lima & Christopher A. DeLima. Property Location: Damascus. Amount: $415,000.

Jayne B Dovin. Property Location: Salem. Seller: Joseph J. Gdovin a/k/a Joseph J. Dovin. Amount: $400,000. timothy J Moynihan. Property Location: Paupack.

Seller: Eileen C. Guilfoyle. Amount: $500,000.

Beach Lake Car Wash. Property Location: Berlin.

Seller: Wade Seaman. Amount: $385,000.

Brian Wilken. Property Location: Berlin. Seller: Wayne R. Earley. Amount: $430,000. nathan Wormuth. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant.

Seller: James English. Amount: $275,000.

WyoMInG

Logan L Brace & Paul H Brace. Property Location: Northmoreland Twp. Seller: David B. Holman. Amount: $270,000. ryan Williamson. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Patrick A. Dispenza. Amount: $270,000.

Augustus J Wellings III. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Seller: Diane Miner Short. Amount: $300,000.

David J. Brown. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Seller: Patricia A. Fisher. Amount: $404,575. robert L Kohinsky. Property Location: Factoryville Boro. Seller: Camille M. Grover, Kirsten Spafford A/F Kirsten Ericksen A/F. Amount: $266,750.

Dennis McGraw. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Seller: Wesley R. Crompton. Amount: $400,000.

MORTgagEs

CoLuMBIA County

JLn Investments LLC. Property Location: Briarcreek Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $135,000. nest Properties LLC. Property Location: Scott Township. Lender: Service 1st Federal Credit Union. Amount: $312,000.

Morey General Contracting Inc. Property Location: Scott Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank.

Amount: $56,000.

Chad M and Jasmyne W Gensemer. Property Location: Scott Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $400,000.

Community options Inc. Property Location: Briarcreek Township. Lender: Sun National Bank. Amount: $4,000,000.

FOR THE RECORD Dirty Diapers LLC d-b-a Landmark Student Housing.

Property Location: Bloomsburg. Lender: West Milton State Bank. Amount: $2,650,000.

K&S Realty LLC. Property Location: Scott Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $121,000.

John L Coates Trust. Property Location: Berwick.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $750,000.

Gloria A Coates Trust. Property Location: South Centre Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $750,000.

Eric M Stouffer and Jennifer A Johnson. Property Location: Orange Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $311,250.

Zenzel Properties LLC. Property Location: Madison Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank.

Amount: $156,000.

Nathan A and Penny L Merrill. Property Location: Fishingcreek Township. Lender: Turbotville National Bank.

Amount: $351,000.

Prem Investments LLC. Property Location: Berwick.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $680,000.

Hillside Village Investors LLC. Property Location: Catawissa. Lender: Pillar Multifamily LLC. Amount: $2,025,000.

St Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mifflinville. Property Location: Mifflin Township. Lender: Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Amount: $300,000.

McLaughlin Holdings LLC. Property Location: Berwick. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $238,640.

Lender: LoanDepot Com LLC. Amount: $400,593.

Brian Kerr. Property Location: Old Forge Boro.

Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $383,504.

T&D Alliance Inc. Property Location: Olyphant Boro.

Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $600,000.

Kyle Chuff. Property Location: Olyphant Boro.

Lender: Honesdale Bank. Amount: $327.000.

Eric Pusey LLC. Property Location: Olyphant Boro.

Lender: Live Oak Banking Co. Amount: $752,550 Eric M Pusey. Property Location: Olyphant Boro.

Lender: Live Oak Banking Co. Amount: $752,000.

Nina G Prokop. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: New Penn Financial LLC. Amount: $329,000.

Melanie DePietro. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $441,000.

Edward S Ruocco. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Total Mortgage Services LLC. Amount: $408,000.

Carl M Zuroski. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank. Amount: $388,464.

Jonathon Allegrucci. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $360,000.

Brian T Carr. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $277,200.

Mark Reese. Property Location: Scranton City.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $2,250,000.

Rocco V Valvano Jr. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $260,000.

Scranton Armory LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000.

James A Valvano. Property Location: Scranton City.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $417,000. Two Parcels.

Saint Anthonys Center LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: First Home Bank. Amount: $300,000.

LACKAWANNA James Clegg. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Mark P McDale. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $260,000.

Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: Sanjay Saxena. Property Location: So. Abington $470,000.

Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $408,000.

Jessica Catherine Kraft. Property Location: CovFitzgerald J Casimir. Property Location: So. ington Twp. Lender: Quaint Oak Mortgage LLC. Amount: Abington Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $299,000.

Raymond B Burnett Jr. Property Location: Covington $555,750.

Vincent Lorusso. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $256,000.

Dickson City Realty Corp. Property Location: Dickson Twp. Lender: Primary Residential Mtge. Inc. Amount: $266,152.

City. Lender: BMO Harris Bank. Amount: $1,090,000.

Kumar Anil Singh. Property Location: So. Abington Jeffery Kovaleski. Property Location: Dickson City.

Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $417,000.

Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $262,000.

Thomas Moran. Property Location: So. Abington Thomas M Kimberly. Property Location: Elmhurst Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $300,000.

Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $275,000.

Joseph A Agugliaro. Property Location: So. Abington ALJ Realty LLC. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $417,000.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $810,000.

Richard A Peters J. Property Location: So. Abington Michael Pasqualichio. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $266,000.

Charles Reina. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. $300,000.

Martin J Dunay III. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Lender: American Savings Bank. Amount: $271,679.

Brian E. Janoski. Property Location: Springbrook Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $324,560.

Twp. Lender: Residential Home Mortgage Corp. Amount: William Szili. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. $256,500.

Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $263,000.

Robert Nardelli. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Christian W Woehrle. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $458,449. Lender: LoanDepot Com LLC. Amount: $284,500.

Joshua E Seldin. Property Location: W. Abington Gerald J Butler. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $263,610.

Lender: JG Wentworth Home Lending LLC. Amount: Brian Venson. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. $385,000.

Elizabeth H Colarossi. Property Location: Greenfield Lender: Cityworth Mortgage LLC. Amount: $250,000.

Kenneth C Santarelli. Property Location: W. Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $294,000.

Abington Twp. Lender: NET Federal Credit Union. Amount: Laura M Potorski. Property Location: Mayfield Twp. $250,000.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc BK. Amount: $260,000.

Michael P McConkey. Property Location: W. Leonard Allen III, atty in fact. Property Location: MosAbington Twp. Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: cow Boro. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $272,650. $292,000.

David Raven. Property Location: Moscow Boro.

Kyle F Burak. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $386,000.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bank. Amount: $364,000.

Kenneth Hansen. Property Location: Newton Twp.

Kenneth C Santarelli. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $302,000.

Daniel Joseph Schneider. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: ARK LA Financial Services LLC. Amount: $387,200.

Jamie Duplessis. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Prospect Mortgage LLC. Amount: $313.000.

LUZERNE

Kristen Krashnak. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc.; Cardinal Financial Company, LTD. Amount: $252.000.

Joseph P McNamara. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $675.000.

Gary F Lamont. Property Location: Conyngham Boro. Lender: Bank of America. Two Parcels. Amount: $400,000.

Teejan Wojohk. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $396,000.

Francis J Bayatt. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Jason Helfer. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Amount: $261,120.

Gerald C. Stefanoski. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $360,268.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Ashley Boro; Avoca Boro, two Parels; Black Creek Twp.; Bear Creek Twp., four parcels; Buck Twp.; Butler Twp., four parcels; Dorrance Twp.; Dennison Twp.; Duryea Boro, three parcels; Dupont Boro, three parcels; Exeter Twp., 11 Parcels; Foster Twp, four parcels; Hanover Twp., four parcels; Hazel Twp., 12 Parcels; Hollenback Twp. two parcels; Jenkins Twp., two parcels; Kingston Twp., two parcels; Laflin Twp., three parcels; Laurel Run Boro.; Nescopeck Twp., five parcels; Plymouth Twp.; Nuangola Boro; Plains Twp., 23 parcels; Pittston Twp., three parcels; Salem Twp., eight parcels; Sugarloaf Twp.; Wright Twp., four parcels; West Pittston Boro; West Wyoming Boro, two Parcels; Wilkes Barre Twp; Yatesville Boro, four parcels; Hazleton City, seven parcels; Wilkes Barre City, 21 parcels. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $350,000,000.

Gary Mikulski. Property Location: Plymouth Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Amount: $256,500.

Norman D Price. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $256,500.

Bayard PA LLC. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Greystone Servicing Corp. Inc. Amount: $11,925.000.

Poplar A & M LLC. Property Location: Hazleton City. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $955,500.

Shneur Z Hackner. Property Location: Kingston Boro.

Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $262,922.

Cook Properties Management LLC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $500,000. 10 Parcels. Amount: $435,000.

Nanette Mackay. Property Location: Dallas Boro.

Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $348,000.

Stuart Bell. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $795,000.

Jeffrey Metz. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $600,000.

KMS Investments, LLC. Property Location: Yatesville Boro. Lender: M & T Bank. Amount: $800,000.

Jacob Matthew Burgess. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: Franklin Twp. Amount: $335,000.

John J Oliver. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $396,000.

John Wertman. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Dallas Twp. Amount: $350,000.

Lonnie J Kyttle. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $280,000.

Matthew Robert Sitler. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $281,250.

Gerald Morris. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $265,000.

St Enterprise Auto Group, Inc. Property Location: Exeter Boro. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $425,000.

Anthony Krogulski, Jr. Property Location: Exeter Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $425,000.

David M Yarmey. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $663,000. Four parcels.

Michael J King. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $887,000.

Southern Lincoln Inc. Property Location: Kingston Boro. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $5,900,000.

Omega Development Co. Property Location: Pittston City. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $5,900,000.

Alan N Cohen. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $278,400.

Wallace F Stolarcyk. Property Location: Jackson Twp., Hanover Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank.

Amount: $375,000.

Albert Holdings I LLC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre City. Lender: First National Community Bank.

Amount: $1,699,000. Two Parcels.

John T Zelinka. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Amount: $350,279.

Timothy Rutkoski. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $417,000.

Richard T Hennigan. Property Location: Huntington Twp. Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $360,083.

Hardey S Gill. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Florida Success LLC. Amount: $1,699,000.

Nicholas J Volpetti. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $258.400.

Timothy Faneck. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $362,700.

PIKE COUNTY

Pavel Frolov. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: Martin H. Schroeder. Amount: $330,000.

Woodland Crossing LLC. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: Jeff Bank. Amount: $964,062.

Richard Caridi. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $300.000.

EKG Partnership. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $300,000.

John Evanish III. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $500,000.

Green Circle Real Estate LLC. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $500,000. Five parcels.

Kim Arasimowicz. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $512,000.

Rte 6 &209 LLC. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: Silverpeak Real Estate Finance LLC. Amount: $5,400,000.

Patrick Lynch. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $450,000. Two Parcels.

John P O’Brien Jr. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $262.330.

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17:11 | GRAHAMTOM

FOR THE RECORD Brien Naughton. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc. Amount: $307,330.

Victor Eira. Property Location: Milford Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $260,000.

Charles W White Jr. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Lender: Citizens Bank NA. Amount: $269,000.

Richard C Hanel TR. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $379,500.

Richard C Hanel TR. Property Location Delaware Twp. Lender: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development.

Amount: $379,500.

Paul E Cunningham. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $289,847.

Howard Adam Sussner. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $372,000.

Pamela Duncan Brigani. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $370,000.

Daniel Perrotta. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $250,325.

James Egan. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $324,000.

Robert J Olah. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $272,000.

Paupack Property Management LLC. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $3,000,000.

Michael K Coran. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Lender: PNC Mortgage. Amount: $315,000.

Thomas J Lloyd. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: MERS Inc. Amount: $366,000.

Thomas J Lloyd. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development.

New Development & Relocation Opportunities Needed

Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming Locations Wanted: • Flexible space requirements • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing Bring us any and all potential locations.

We will determine if we can develop or possibly relocate to your site.

PLEASE CONTACT Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com

Member of International Council of Shopping Centers

Amount: $366,000.

William J Muck. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $345,000. Three parcels.

Global Funding Services LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Lendinghome Funding Corp.

Amount: $96,100.

Jonathan and Lori King. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $304,000.

MONROE COuNTy Jillayne and Barry Preston. Property location: Barrett Eduardo Colares and Carla Gonzaga. Property Township. Lender: TD Bank NA. Amount: $343,000. location: Pocono Township. Lender: Finance of America Vincent and Sharon Keegan. Property location: Barrett Mortgage LLC. Amount: $1,962,880.

Township. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $372,210.

Diaz Property Holdings LLC. RJAD LLC, Anthony RJ Residential LLC. Property location: Eldred TownDiaz. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: ship. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $30,000.

Gravity Segregation LLC. Amount: $260,000.

DAK Investments LLC. Property location: Eldred Northeast Investors Group Inc. Property location: Township. Lender: Mauch Chunk Trust Co. Amount: Barrett Township. Lender: Pyramid Investments Inc. $933,000.

Amount: $100,000.

JNS Holding LLC. Property location: Middle SmithMonroe Judicial Trust III. Property location: Barrett Townfield Township. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $80,000. ship. Lender: Pyramid Investments Inc. Amount: $75,000.

Dawn Hughes and Robert Roskamp. Property locaCarl and Michelle Hughes. Property location: Hamilton Township. Lender: Ditech Financial LLC. Amount: $478,000. tion: Chestnuthill Township. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $1,781,940.

William Rivers and Veronica Donovan. Property Michael Casey and Leticia DiPipi. Property location: location: Chestnuthill Township. Lender: North American Stroudsburg. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: Savings Bank FSB. Amount: $327,066. $316,000.

Stroudsburg C-Store Holdings LLC. Property locaForrest Grove Enterprises Inc. Property location: tion: Stroudsburg. Lender: Landmark Community Bank.

Middle Smithfield Township. Lender: Vist Bank. Amount: Amount: $1,000,000. $1,450,000.

William and Stephanie Woodhouse. Property loca525 Main LLC. Property location: Stroudsburg. Lendtion: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: Two River Community er: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $65,000.

Bank. Amount: $350,000.

Bergen Kings LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Commercial Properties LLC. Property location: Township. Lender: CACL Federal Credit Union. Amount: Pocono Township. Lender: Frist National Funding LLP. $320,000.

Amount: $150,000.

Ivan and Melissa Morris. Property location: Jackson Stroud Park LLC. Property location: Stroud TownTownship. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. ship. Lender: Samuel Newman. Amount: $235,000.

Olusegun Bankole. Property location: Middle Smithfield Amount: $380,000.

Stephen Pojedinec. Property location: Pocono TownTownship. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $371,415.

Ingersoll Financial LLC. Property location: Coolbaugh ship. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $291,000.

Gregory Schuster. Property location: Tobyhanna TownTownship. Lender: RS Lending Inc. Amount: $2,625,000.

H&M Investments Properties Inc. Property location: ship. Lender: Mortgage Network Inc. Amount: $650,000.

Coolbaugh Township. Lender: Stephen Gottfried. Amount: $18,572.

SCHuyLKILL COuNTy Comfort Spec LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Courtney A Ranck and Jason Markowicz. Property Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $71,200.

Location: West Brunswick Twp. Lender: Home Sale R&J Bush Family Limited Partnership, Bush Mortgage LLC. Amount: $378,000.

Management Co. LLC (gen. partner). Property location: Vincent Roman t-d-b-a Roman’s Cafe. Property Eldred Township. Lender: Neffs National Bank. Amount: Location: Frackville Twp. Lender: Miners Bank. Amount: $168,000. $185,000.

DEPG Bartonsville Route 611 Plaza LP. Property MJF Realty Inc.. Property Location: Tamaqua Twp. location: Stroud Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $ 1,537,967. $700,000.

Eagle Rock Green Energy LLC.. Property LocaRiver Keys Realty Partners LP. Property location: tion: North Union Twp. Lender: Centric Bank. Amount: Coolbaugh Township. Lender: Fulton Bank NA. Amount: $250,000. $118,250.

Schuylkill Country Club. Property Location: OrwigsJames Harris and Mikhail Dmitriev. Property locaburg Twp. Lender: Miners Bank. Amount: $ 350,000. tion: Stroud Township. Lender: Premier Home Mortgage Green Hills Land Development and Building LLC. Inc. Amount: $307,900.

Property Location: Friedensburg Twp. Lender: Riverview James and Jill Spinola. Property location: Chestnut- Bank. Amount: $ 210,000. hill Township. Lender: TD Bank NA. Amount: $1,400,000.

Hagedorn Enterprises Inc. Property location: Pocono NEW INCORPORATIONS Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $235,000.

MAK Investment Properties LLC. Property location: CARBON COuNTy Stroudsburg. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank.

Five Apart Properties LLC. Filed: Sept. 7. Acquire Amount: $195,000. property and rent as vacation homes. 865 Jefferson St. C&K McConnell Street LP. Property location: Strouds- Lehighton, PA. burg. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $360,000.

George’s Rentals LLC. Filed: Sept. 8. Rental of real LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. estate. Crescent Drive, Leighton.

Lender: Beneficial Bank. Amount: $210,000.

Hill’s Collision LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Auto body shop.

McGwyne Management LLC. Property location: 145 Honeysuckle Drive. Jim Thorpe.

Smithfield Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and KCL’S. Filed: Sept. 1. Retail food and snack sales. 42 Trust Co. Amount: $1,020,000.

Hartranft Lane, Leighton.

Michael and Dawn Gachette. Property location: Kenner’s Workshop LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Provide web Stroud Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: development, application development, computer service $383,100. and repair. 68 West Highland Lane, Lehighton.

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NOVEMBER 2016

COLuMBIA COuNTy

Farley’s Bar & Grill. Filed: Sept. l. Bar and grill. 710 Maple St, Berwick.

J Bar Trading LLC. Filed: Sept. 1. Trader in securities.

378 River Hill Dr., Catawissa.

Just For Men. Filed: Sept. 6. Unknown. 411 Main Street. Orangeville.

Lightstreet Beer Express LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Beer store. 3 Fowlersville Road, Orangeville.

LuLaRoe PA AAT LLC. Filed: Aug. 31. Retail clothes sales. 104 Shawnee Dr., Old Forge.

Nautilus Computer & Electronics. Filed: Aug. 29.

Repair and support of computers, electronics & mobile devises. 204 E. 3rd St., Berwick.

LACKAWANNA COuNTy

East Realty LLC. Filed: Sept. 14. Real estate. Spruce Street, Scranton.

Electric City Surge. Filed: Sept. 12. Basketball club.

300 Hillside Dr. Moscow.

EOD Buyers Guide. Filed: Sept. 13. Operates as a buyers guide and industry directory. 1143 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit.

Ferguson Cummings Fictitious Creation. Filed: Sept.

14. Real estate partnership. Green Ridge St., Dunmore.

Ganesa LLC. Filed: Sept. 9. Food market/convenience store. 946 Hemlock St, Scranton.

GC417 Inc. Filed: Sept. 4. Bar and restaurant operation. 545 Gleason Drive, Moosic.

Markowitz Limited Liability Company. Filed: Sept. 7.

Real estate acquisition and management. 821 Clay Ave., Scranton.

Hidden Hill Stables LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Horse boarding facility. 457 Carbondale Road, Scott Twp. Iberian Tours LLC. Filed: Sept. 1. Travel arrangements. 117 Church Street, Dunmore.

JJL Contracting LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Construction.

1013 Rushbrook Road, Jermyn.

JS Construction of PA. Filed: Sept. 7. Construction.

513 N. Garfield Ave., Scranton.

Ken Santarelli Enterprises LLC. Filed: Aug. 29.

Carwash. 600 Hilltop Road, Peckville.

Keystone Mission. Filed: Sept. 13. Charitable. 8 West Olive St., Scranton.

La Campesina Grocery Store. Filed: Sept. 3. Mini grocery and deli store. 829 Pittston Ave., Scranton.

Master Contracting and Construction Services LLC. Filed: Sept. 14. Construction. 114 Marcus St., Dunmore.

Midatlantic Tax Funding LLC. Filed: Sept. 12. Consulting services. 116 N. Washington Ave., Scranton.

Liability Nahomy Restaurant Limited Company. Filed: Sept. 12. Full service restaurant. 223 Drinker St., Dunmore.

NEPA Float Centers LLC. Filed: Sept. 4. Provide floating services to community. 502 Highland Ave., Clarks Summit.

Next Level Supps Limited Liability Company. Filed: Aug. 29. Nutrition Supplements. 417 Church Street, Jessup.

LuZERNE COuNTy

Emmaus Holdings. Filed: Sept. 1. Real Estate. 15 South Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre.

Glams Boutique. Filed: Sept. 2. Clothing and accessories. 584 Alter St. Hazelton Gold Star Remodeling. Filed: Sept. 14. Construction, remodeling of residential and commercial properties. 11 Carolina Drive, Wilkes-Barre.

Hospital to Home. Filed: Aug. 29. Retail medical supplies. 104 Orchard East, Dallas.

Hospital to Home. Filed: Aug. 29. Wholesale medical supplies. 104 Orchard East, Dallas.

HumbledinHim LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Retail consignment shop. 1841 Wyoming Ave., Pittston.

FOR THE RECORD Ineeda Nurse LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Elderly services.

170 Belles Hill Road, Shickshinny.

JPS Realty Holdings Co. Filed: Sept. 6. Real Estate.

398 S. Township Blvd. Pittston.

Judgment Solutions. Filed. Sept. 8. Purchase unpaid legal money judgments. 595 Bennett St., Luzerne.

Kingdom Redevelopment Corporation Inc. Filed: Aug. 29. Buy/sell/repair houses. 316 Beech St., Luzerne.

Kisko WoodKraft LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Woodworking/ construction/remodeling. 276 N. Hampton St., Lack Haven.

KRP Auto Sales. Filed: Aug. 29. Used Car Sales.

351 Main Street, Kingston.

La Napoli Inc. Filed: Sept. 1. Restaurant-pizzeria.

427 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top, PA. Large Car Trucking LLC. Filed: Aug. 29. Hauling, transporting. 20 Warner St., Plains.

Maelstrom Management & Entertainment. Filed: Sept. 13. Help clients further themselves in their entertainment career and make them and their products accessible to more people. 22 Fairview St., West Wyoming.

Main Swetland LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Real estate .

170 South Highland Dr., Jenkins Township.

Marcando LOS Tiempos De Dios. Filed: Sept. 12.

Christian church and community outreach. 175 North Cedar St., Hazleton Mario Adajar LLC. Filed: Sept. 12. Real estate. 812 Shoemaker Ave., Wyoming.

Mark & Sons Landscaping LLC. Filed: Sept. 13.

Landscaping and snow removal. 318 Church St., Duryea.

Mr. Tank Lines LLC. Filed: Aug. 30. Transportation.

431 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre.

NEPA Bucket Truck Rentals LLC. Filed: Sept. 8.

Bucket Truck Rental. 29 Whiterock Terrace, Courtdale.

MONROE COUNTY

Elite Autoshippers Inc. Filed: Sept. 12. Shipping cars. 3436 Key Ct., Saylorsburg.

Five Borough Trucking Inc. Filed: Aug. 29. Car transportation and towing. 7078 Beaver Ct., Tobyhanna Flipping Pocono 2 LLC. Filed: Aug. 30. Real estate.

208 Eagle Valley Mall, East Stroudsburg.

GAK LLC. Filed: Sept. 9. Construction. 202 Washington St., East Stroudsburg.

GHR Construction LLC. Construction/contractordriveway, paving. 181 N. Slope 2 Road, East Stroudsburg.

Goodwill Healthcare Inc. Filed: Sept. 12. Home Healthcare. 216 Pin Oak Road, Stroudsburg.

HA Enterprises LLC. Filed: Aug. 30. E-commerce.

2855 Yellowstone Dr., Blakeslee.

Handyman Specials of Mount Pocono LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Buy and sell properties. 225 Champlain, Tobyhanna.

Laxmi Vinayak Inc. Filed: Sept. 9. Real Estate. 135 Larsens Lane, Stroudsburg.

Madeline’s 3D Place Inc. Filed: Aug. 31. Diagnostic services. 632 N. Courtland St., East Stroudsburg.

Mollinea Insurance Agency LLC. Filed: Sept. 7.

Insurance Agency. 191 Daffodil Dr., East Stroudsburg.

Mt Pocono Hot Pot LLC. Filed: Sept. 8. Liquor license/hot pot restaurant. 106 Carlton Road, Mount Pocono.

Oak Ridge Custom Homes Inc. Filed: Aug. 29. New home construction. 922 Interchange Road, Gilbert.

PIKE COUNTY

Paws Adoption & Training Center. Filed: Sept.

5. Animal rescue, animal adoption, training services.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Requester Publications Only) PE 11849

®

Route 739, Hawley.

Grey Ghost Beauty. Filed: Sept. 1. Skin care/cosmetics. 600 Avenue C. Matamoras.

J & J Chips LLC. Filed: Sept. 12. Potato chip sales.

2886 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley.

Journeys the Film LLC. Filed: Sept. 13. Development, production and exploitation of motion pictures.

106 East Hartford St., Milford.

M&S Realty Management LLC. Filed: Sept. 14.

Real estate. 33 Wickes Road, Bushkill.

Martyn L Aldridge Contracting Inc. Filed: Aug. 30.

Construction. 131 Woodtown Road, Shohola.

North East Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind.

Filed: Aug. 29. Creative problem solving organizations for students grades KI-12. 1365 Route 739. Dingmans Ferry.

Nova Transport Inc. Filed: Sept. 12. Transportation.

117 Bourne Ct., Bushkill.

OTM Entertainment LLC. Filed: Sept. 1. Record label/production services. 1437 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley.

SCHUYLKILL

Fountain Fabricating Company. Filed: Sept. 12.

Manufacturing of farm equipment. 1657 E. Main St., Hegins.

HWDR LLC. Filed: Sept. 1. Real Estate. 700 West Frack St., Frackville.

Industrial Control Solutions LLC. Filed: Sept. 6.

Programming industrial equipment. 130 N Railroad St., Tamaqua.

K&K Propane LLC. Filed: Sept. 2. Retail sale of propane. 204 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.

Kasper Construction. Filed: Aug. 30. Building and remodeling. 2030 Wiconisco St., Tower City.

Keystone Servo & Controls LLC. Filed: Sept. 6.

Repair and service of electric motors. 1268 Valley Road, Tamaqua.

L&J Rental Properties LLC. Filed: Sept. 6. Rental properties. 1061 West Market St., Schuylkill Haven.

LDS Customs and Collisions LLC. Filed: Sept. 9.

Repair/customization. 101 St. Clair Ave. Pottsville.

Lighthouse Community Church of Muir. Filed: Sept.

12. Church. 107 West Wiconisco St., Muir.

Main Street Hair and Nail LLC. Filed: Sept. 10.

Hair, nail & beauty salon. 185 Main St. Great Bend.

Natz Pilot Car. Filed: Sept. 6. Escort for overdimentional loads. 525 Pottsville St., Minersville.

Northeast Edge Associates LLC. Filed: Aug. 30.

Title insurance agency. 950 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven.

SUSQUEHANNA

Greenbridge Farm Enterprises Inc. Filing: Sept. 9.

Sale of building materials. 192 Main St., Great Bend.

Jenny’s Barber Shop. Filed: Aug. 29. Barber shop.

24 Hillside Dr., Montrose.

WAYNE COUNTY

Flynn Investments LLC. Filed Sept. 6. Real estate.

755 South Preston Rd., Lakewood.

Foot Woo. Filed: Sept.: Sept. 13. Photo services.

615 Fern St., Hawley.

NEPA Energy Marketers Association. Filed: Sept. 8.

Marketing and advertisement. 333 Erie St., Honesdale.

WYOMING

Goodwood’s Tree, land and excavation services.

Filed: Sept. 2. Tree,land and excavation services. 515 Pond Road, Mehoopany.

1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL

1

1 8

4

-

3. Filing Date 9/30/16

9

5. Number of Issues Published Annually 12

4. Issue Frequency MONTHLY

6. Annual Subscription Price (if any) $28.00

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, country, state, and ZIP+4®) Contact Person ALICE MANLEY TIMES SHAMROCK COMMUNICATIONS, 149 PENN AVE SCRANTON PA 18503

Telephone (Include area code)

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) (570) 348-9100 Ext. 9285 TIMES SHAMROCK COMMUNICATIONS, 149 PENN AVE SCRANTON PA 18503 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) GEORGE V. LYNETT Jr. MATTHEW E. HAGGERTY ROBERT J. LYNETT 149 PENN AVE SCRANTON PA 18503 Editor (Name and complete mailing address) CHRISTINE FANNING, 149 PENN AVE SCRANTON PA 18503 Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) TOM GRAHAM, 149 PENN AVE SCRANTON PA 18503 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners.

If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address was well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

Complete Mailing Address

Full Name THE SCRANTON TIMES, L.P (TIMES SHAMROCK COMMUNICATIONS) Edward J. Lynett, Jr (Ptnr) George V. Lynett (Ptnr) William R. Lynett (Ptnr) Cecelia L. Haggerty (Ptnr)

149 PENN AVE., SCRANTON, PA 18503 26 Oakford Circle, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 1750 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18509 999 Oakmont RD., Clarks Summit, PA 18411 1524 Adams Ave., Dunmore, PA 18509

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box.

None Full Name

Complete Mailing Address 3025 Chemical Rd., Ste 300

Citizens Bank

Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1739

M&T BANK

5 S. Franklin Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18911

12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: ☑ Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months ☐ Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement.)

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 [ Page 1 of 4 (See instructions page 4)] PSN: 7530-09-000-8855

PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com

13. Publication Title NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below 10/01/2016

15. Extent and nature of Circulation

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) b. Legitimate Paid and/or Requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail)

(1)

(2)

Outside County Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541. (Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet requests from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.)

In-county Paid/Requested Mail Subscriptions stated on PS Form 3541.

(Include direct written request from recipient, telemarketing, and Internet request from recipient, paid subscriptions including nominal rate subscriptions, employer requests, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies.)

(3)

Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid or Requested Distribution Outside USPS®

(4)

Requested Copies Distributed by Other Mail Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)

c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2),(3), and (4)) d. Non-requested Distribution (By mail and outside the mail)

(1) (2) (3) (4)

▶

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

8400

8025

5154

4936

1787

1717

600

600

7541

7253

Outside County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) In-County Nonrequested Copies Stated on PS Form 3541 (include sample copies, requests over 3 years old, requests induced by a premium, bulk sales and requests including association requests, names obtained from business directories, lists, and other sources) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Though the USPS by Other Classes of Mail (e.g., First-Class Mail, nonrequestor copies mailed in excess of 10% limit mailed at Standard Mail® or Package Services rates) Nonrequested Copies Distributed Outside the Mail (include pickup stands, trade shows, showrooms, and other sources)

e. f. g. h. i.

Total Nonrequested Distribution [Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)] ▶ Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and e) 7541 7253 Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4. (page #3)) ▶ 859 772 Total (Sum of 15f and g) 8400 8025 Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation ▶ 100.00 100.00 (15c Divided by 15f times 100) * If you are claiming, electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. if you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page 3.

PS From 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4)

Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue During Previous 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date

16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. b. c. d.

Requested and Paid Electronic Copies Total Requested and Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) Total Requested Copy Distribution (Line 15f) + Requested/Paid Electronic Copies Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100)

▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

❏ I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are legitimate requests or paid copies.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership for a Requester Publication is required and will be printed in the issue of the publication.

18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner

November 2016 Date:10/1/16

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526-R, July 2014 (Page 3 of 4) PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on www.usps.com

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2016 43 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B43] | 10/26/16

17:27 | SCHILLINGS

Strong relationships are always good for business.

At NBT Bank, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your partnership with us. Our dedicated relationship managers will get to know your business and connect you with the products and services you need to meet your goals. It’s the personal side of business banking—and for businesses big and small, it counts.

Thomas Ciak Regional Commercial Banking Manager 570.718.1713 Member FDIC

44 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB44] | 10/26/16

NOVEMBER 2016

17:04 | GRAHAMTOM