Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal - March 2016

Business Journal NORTHEAST

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PENNSYLVANIA

THE REGION’S AWARD-WINNING SOURCE OF BUSINESS NEWS AND INFORMATION

MARCH 2016 VOL. 31 NO. 03

Slow Progress in Closing Wage Gap Women are out-earning their male counterparts in these fields: media production and direction; vehicle and equipment cleaning; wholesale and retail buying, except for farm products; transportation, security screeners, social and human service assistants, counselors and special education teachers. (U.S. Census Bureau) other fields where women are making wage strides include technicians specializing in life, physical and social sciences and health; dieticians and nutritionists; occupational therapists; mechanics dealing with aircraft, vehicles and mobile equipment; and construction laborers.

By Dave Gardner

When female equality is discussed, there may not be an issue within America as incendiary as the wage gap.

Data indicates some difficult truths about this issue. Women make up the majority of the American population and are now the breadwinners in four out of 10 American families.

They also earn more college and graduate degrees than males. Yet, during 2014, female fulltime workers made only 79 cents for every dollar earned by men, indicating a gender wage gap of 21 percent.

The data worsens with age when female earnings are measured against male compensation. Women, ages 45 to 64 who logically should ascend to senior positions, receive earnings at 77 percent of their male counterparts.

In addition, female median earnings are lower than those of males in nearly all occupations.

However, in a twist, the federal Census Bureau has

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identified a small line-up of occupations where women are out-earning their male counterparts.

These jobs include media producers and directors, cleaners of vehicles and equipment, wholesale and retail buyers except for farm products, transportation security screeners, social and human service assistants, counselors and special education teachers.

Other fields where women are making wage strides include technicians specializing in life, physical, social science and health, dieticians and nutritionists, occupational therapists, mechanics dealing with aircraft, vehicles and mobile equipment and construction laborers.

SloW ProGreSS

Samantha Christiansen, Ph.D., assistant professor of history at Marywood University, expressed approval that American society is generating conversation about the wage gap, but also said this is happening at a slower pace than she would

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expect. She agreed that there is some progress with overcoming the wage gap, but is disheartened that the gap widens with age, as careers progress.

According to Dr. Christiansen, the male-tofemale wage gap stands at 90 percent for workers ages 16 to 24, but expands to 77 percent when considering workers ages 45 to 54. Females with doctorate degrees are advancing better than those without, but race is also a factor, with overall Latino females earning 54 percent of their male counterparts.

She added that these gap numbers are a global problem and nodded approval that within America a relevant conversation is taking place. She compared wage gap revision to be like chipping away at a mountain because of deeply ingrained ideas.

“We need to achieve small progress and build on it,” said Dr. Christiansen. “I suppose it was incredibly optimistic to expect great change within only two generations.”

Please see COVER STORY, Page 14

TOP 25

WOMEN IN

BUSINESS

25 Top Women In Business

The Business Journal’s salute to businesswomen in NEPA ...................... 15

Also Inside: Growth Industries: Winners & Losers

High technology, biotechnology, chemicals, metals and finance are extremely profitable ................................ 4

Will ‘reshoring’ bring manufacturing back to NEPA?

NEPIRC’s goal: leverage NEPA infrastructure, cheap energy, natural gas and total package of region for new business...................... 7

Energy Focus

Global oil is in oversupply and gas drilling is declining, what does this mean for NEPA businesses and investors?...................8,9

Small Business Spotlight

My College Roomie............................... 42

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Business Journal PeNNSYlVANiA

Vol. 31, No. 03 • MARCH 2016 149 PeNN AVeNue SCRANtoN, PA 18503 www.biz570.CoM

On THE COvER the wage Gap

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

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

COvER

The Wage gap ...................... 1, 14

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

THE bOTTOM lInE Economy.................................. 9 banking................................. 37 Retirement ............................. 46

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

pREss RElEAsEs/sTORY suggEsTIOns (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3448 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.

REgIOnAl nEWs & FEATuREs

Carbon Chamber & economic Development.......... 18

Women Entrepreneurs ............... 21 Made in nEpA ......................... 40 small business spotlight ............ 42

Community bank .......................................... 10 Fidelity bank............................................... 37 First National Community bank......................... 48 Hemmler + Camayd Architects .....................26, 29

HIgH IMpACT IssuEs

Hospice of the Sacred Heart ............................ 39

state .................................... 11 Health...............................38, 39

Joseph w. Scotchlas Funeral Home ................... 18

ideaworks Marketing ..................................... 16 lewith & Freeman .......................................... 7 looie McNally .........................................32, 33 luzerne County Community College ...............14, 24

Focus on growth Industries . 4, 5, 7, 8 A business guide to Energy ... 8, 9, 10 Focus on Ebusiness ..............32, 33

ExECuTIvE suITE Management...................... 28 - 31

busInEss bullETIns For the Record ............... 44, 45, 47 personnel ..................... 35, 41, 43

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Classic Properties ........................................ 43

Highland Associates...................................... 25

spECIAl FOCus

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MARCH 2016

Top Women in Business Profiles on our 25 Top Women in Business in NEPA, featured on pages 15-34 highlight the importance of their partners, spouses and families in their careers. To a person, they state they couldn’t do what they do without their families.

These are women on the move, rising to their own personal heights in the office and community.

They serve on boards and believe in corporate citizenship. Many had humble beginnings but parents who told them to strive for their dreams. They believe in themselves, each other and continued growth.

They mentor other women and express gratitude for the help they have received along their journeys.

They run healthcare departments, plan and build bridges, revitalize architectural heritage sites, oversee educational centers and are elected to public office. They own businesses dedicated to finance, fitness, dining and more.

Their stories are eye-opening, uplifting and most instructional to upcoming businesswomen. Happy reading!

— Christine

ADVeRtiSeR iNDeX barry isett and Associates............................... 23

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

COpYRIgHT

A nOTE FROM THE EDITOR

We’ve all heard the statistics, wages for full-time female workers are 21 percent less than their male counterparts. Our cover story shows that even though women are earning more degrees, heading more families and comprise nearly half of the workforce, they are not achieving complete gender equality in the workplace.

Many of the experts cite lifestyle choices. Men and women gravitate to different careers, with men choosing higher paying careers than women.

However, even in the same job, men, starting out at age 22, earn a slight bit more than their female colleagues who have exactly the same credentials (see research at payscale.com).

At age 30, the research reveals, women’s wages begin to slip around the time they start their families.

Child rearing, along with elder care have been a standard female responsibility, however it “penalizes” female earning capacity.

The story gets even worse when women reach ages 45 to 64 and earn only 77 percent compared to their male counterparts.

We may not not be able to change the wage gap, by reporting on it, but as Dr. Samantha Christiansen, at Marywood University says, society is talking about it and that’s a start.

M&t bank/wilmington trust ............................ 13

s u b s C R I p T I O n

NoRtHeASt

McCarthy tire ............................................. 17 Mericle Commercial Real estate ......................... 3 Northeastern Plastics .................................... 27 PA treasury .................................................. 6 PenteleData ............................................... 12 Scranton Chamber of Commerce ....................... 22 SOVA........................................................ 30 Subway Development of eastern PA ...............28, 46 the Commonwealth Medical College.................. 20 the Scranton Cultural Center ........................... 26 the willowbrook .......................................... 31 toyota of Scranton ........................................ 34 uGi .......................................................... 37 university of Scranton.................................... 21 ViVe Health and Fitness ................................. 19 VNA Hospice............................................... 39

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focus on growth industries: the winners

‘Businesses must capitalize on the opportunities that change creates’

By Dave Gardner

ings of $20.2 billion; and Chevron Corporation, with revenues of $192.3 billion earnings of $19.3 billion.

Select talking heads and media outlets may be broadcasting that the global economy is in shambles, but data clearly indicates profits are being rolled up by a variety of business interests.

This economic picture also includes some wild roller coaster rides, especially by energy sector companies because of plunging fuel prices.

According to USA Today, during the past year, earnings of the world’s 10 most profitable companies totaled $223.2 billion. Despite plunging fuel prices three of these 10 companies operate in the oil and gas sector, although Exxon Mobil profits were down more than 40 percent when measured against one year before.

Top annual profits have been reported by: Apple, with total revenues of $182.8 billion and earnings of $39.5 billion; Exxon Mobil with revenues of $369.4 billion and earnings of $33.6 billion; Samsung Electronics with revenues of $188.9 billion and earnings of $21.4 billion; Berkshire Hathaway with revenues of $189.7 billion and earn-

Profitable sectors

Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics and finance at the University of Scranton, identifies the business sectors of high technology, biotechnology, chemicals, metals and finance as extremely profitable. “The airlines in particular are now generating record profits now because of low fuel costs,”said Dr. Ghosh.

He also identified relatively unprofitable sectors that include farming, traditional technology and anyone struggling against cheap-labor competition in Asia. Because of the evolution of Asian manufacturing, and its inherent low labor costs, American competition against these companies may be virtually impossible. “This adds up to many lost jobs here, and a need for our companies to re-invent themselves to complete,” said Dr. Ghosh.

American advantages in global commerce identified by Dr. Ghosh include a dedicated workforce, overall technical superiority, a first-rate education

system and cheap energy from natural gas. He said that business leaders must pick their spots behind these opportunities and move forward.

“For our on-shore business to remain profitable ongoing skill enhancement is also vital,” said Dr. Ghosh. “Business cannot prevent change. Instead, it must capitalize on the opportunities change creates.”

As he drills down into the profitability data, Zhen Ma, Ph.D., assistant professor of business at Misericordia University, pointed out that one way to assess business profit margins is to calculate the dollars earned for every sales dollar. The national average within this calculation is only seven percent, although public expectations are for a 30 to 50 percent return on every sales dollar.

limited returns

Dr. Zhen notes that Wal-Mart, the world’s number one company in regard to corporate revenue gross revenues, achieves only a three percent return on every sales dollar. Other business arenas

are much more profitable, as indicated by returns of: 20 percent for accounting tax services and payroll; 15 percent for real estate leasing with both commercial and residential sites; 14 percent for dentists and physicians;14 percent for legal service; 13 percent for health care practitioners and overall real estate; and 12 percent for insurance carriers.

“It’s not a surprise that all of these are from the service sector, which generates 70 percent of our national GDP,” said Dr. Zhen.

Annual salaries are another issue. He identified America’s best-paying business areas for high-end workers as: surgeon at $350,000; psychiatrist $200,000; dentist $150,000; pharmacist $120,000; physician $118,000; attorney $110,000; and physician assistant $100,000.

Educational majors that can inevitably expect earnings in the top one percent, according to Dr. Zhen, include pre-med, economics, biochemistry, and biology. He said that these all involve Please see WINNERS, Page 14

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MARCH 2016

the “sweet spot” for top profits is the under-35 tech crowd and for many companies to make money they must figure how to serve this group. an example of this is uber.

focus on growth industries

Energy-efficient LEED buildings seen in NEPA but interest not as expected

By Dave Gardner

The multiple benefits of locally sourced materials, efficient operational costs, and an environmentally-friendly design are available when buildings are constructed with green building certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USBG).

The labels being issued by this organization are known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These can be achieved with escalating targets designated as silver, gold and platinum, and include specifics such as sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, local materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED therefore offers multiple rating systems that address project types such as: • Building and interior design and construction; • Building operations and maintenance; • Neighborhood development; and • Residential homes.

A specific LEED project checklist also tells the story. This may include: • Sensitive land protection; • Green vehicles; • Bicycle facilities; • Rainwater management; • Outdoor and indoor water use reduction; • Water metering; • Building energy metering; • Renewable energy production; • Enhanced refrigeration management; • Thermal comfort; • Daylight use; • Low-gas-emitting materials; and • Storage and collection of recyclables.

“We are fully prepared to meet our tenants’ requests to place them in LEED certified space,” says Cummings. “However, of those companies that contact us seeking space, a very small percentage, less than five percent, indicate that they have an interest in LEED.” Cummings adds that, although overall interest in LEED is far less than what was predicted when the program was introduced, Mericle is still developing structures with the LEED standards in mind. Several years ago Mericle kicked off an associated green building program with a commitment to provide lower tenant operating costs through the implementation of energy-saving and eco-friendly tactics.

According to Cummings, a great deal of locally sourced and near-sourced products can be part of a LEED building. These include energy-efficient T-bay or LED lights that are zoned and fitted with motion sensors to reduce power consumption.

On the energy front, tight building envelopes, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems with gas-fired roof top units can all generate big Leed staff savings. Interior finish materials based on recycled Jim Cummings, vice president of marketing with content and proximity of the manufacturer to the Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, said that site can be a part of LEED. the first three industrial buildings to receive LEED Other LEED tactics include appropriate building certification in Luzerne County were developed by ventilation and the use of construction materials Mericle. The company maintains two professionals with low levels of volatile compounds. Insulated on staff who have been certified by the USGBC as steel overhead doors and dock seals can be installed LEED accredited professionals.

projects that have been LEED certified. These include the glimmering Wilkes University science building, Western Wayne School District’s newest school, and the Geisinger Mount Pleasant facility in Scranton.

“An example of local material suppliers we have used within LEED certification includes beautiful blue stone from Susquehanna County,” said Sordoni.

James Eckler, director of architecture studies at Marywood University, agreed that NEPA’s integration of LEED tactics is not as widespread is it could be. This is true despite the fact that LEED energy standards make a building more efficient, and the inherent technologies and applications also lower other operating costs.

“In particular, the LEED temperature and environment tactics are worthwhile and create compounding effects, despite higher upfront costs,” says Eckler. “There does not seem to be a particular sector in NEPA utilizing taking LEED construction more serious than others.”

Pr benefits?

William Sordoni, president and CEO of Sordoni Construction Services, said that within NEPA most of the commercial construction clients he encounters will only pursue LEED certification for a public relations benefit. A tactical advantage for specific customers may also be available, although the construction costs must include a payment to the USBG for LEED certification which raises costs.

According to Sordoni, a lower-cost alternative is to build commercial structures according to LEED specifications but not apply for official certification.

This includes the local sourcing of construction materials and the probability of lower operational costs for decades into the future.

He listed several recent Sordoni construction

highland associates is the architectural and engineering firm responsible for the design and construction of the commonwealth Medical college which is certified Leed silver. a highland spokesperson said that the firm utilizes sustainable design principles in every project, regardless of the clients desire to pursue Leed certification. in some cases, at the onset of the project the client will opt not to pursue Leed designation and then change their mind, as was the case with the commonwealth Medical college.

for creation of an energy-efficient building envelope.

Water use can be reduced by 40 percent with installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures, while native and adaptable landscaping may not require irrigation. Reserved parking for carpools, energy-efficient cars, and bike rack storage all can be added.

“When you consider all this, we can honestly say that Mericle is making a concerted effort to go green,” proclaims Cummings.

decades Long

A trend-setting commitment to LEED certification has been going on for many years with the PNC Financial Services Group, according to Mike Gilmore, director of construction services. He details how during the late 1990s PNC’s Operations Center in Pittsburgh became the largest silver LEED facility in world.

“In those days green construction tactics meant higher costs, and we also had time pressure to occupy the site,” says Gilmore. “The Operations Center was completed with a huge win in both time and money.”

This same LEED commitment has now been applied by PNC to the construction of branch locations. Gilmore extends substantial credit to the USBG for its push to promote green building, and notes that PNC’s building designers carefully follow LEED guidelines whenever possible.

According to Gilmore, increasing numbers of LEED-friendly materials are now available with reduced costs. For example, properly forested plywood can be pricey, but PNC has partnered with a wholesaler for railroad car buys that substantially reduce the purchase price.

Other LEED materials that PNC is using include lighting controllers with dimmers and LEDs, recycled carpet materials, specific acoustic ceiling tiles, recycling equipment and green roof components.

A value-added financial perk is also emanating from PNC’s LEED branch locations, according to Benson Gabler, manager of corporate sustainability.

He points out that banking customers appear to like the idea of LEED construction, because a study done at Notre Dame University clearly revealed that deposits are up at LEED branch offices, while operating costs decrease.

“It’s true that some green construction materials are not really mainstream, but overall LEED construction usually pays for itself within two years,” says Gabler.

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MARCH 2016

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focus on growth industries

An area’s total package can help with re-shoring the manufacturing industry ‘Our lOng-term gOAl is tO leverAge Our regiOnAl infrAstructure, the AvAilAbility Of cheAp energy with nAturAl gAs And the tOtAl pAckAge Of whAt we hAve tO Offer here fOr new business.’ - eric esOdA.

By Dave Gardner

Regional initiatives are underway to re-shore manufacturing jobs to NEPA from overseas, and in the process recapture finite dollars from the foreign manufacturing monsters.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is offering a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to regional business organizations. This process can help to determine the true price of doing business offshore through a comparison of product costs, risks and the strategic impacts of sourcing decisions.

“In particular, small to mid-size companies have trouble calculating their true costs, and may easily get caught up in the surface benefits of offshoring,” explained Eric Esoda, CPA, president and CEO of the NEPIRC. Because of confidentiality requirements Esoda is reluctant to identify specific businesses that have used the TCO system, but he acknowledged that

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a total of 33 companies utilized the TCO through the end of 2015. Success was achieved with 70-plus different component purchases by these companies and $13.6 million in annual buys was resourced closer to home.

complex arena

Reshoring for manufacturing may not be as easy as it seems. Long-term contracts may still be in effect despite non-competitive pricing, and costs may not be the sole reason why the decision was made about utilizing a vendor.

“Other parts of vendor relationships also come into play,” says Esoda. “These can include a seller’s qualification, component testing, lead times, vendor inter-relationships and quality assurance. In these cases its not enough to just crunch the numbers.”

Despite the relatively modest success officially logged by the TCO process, Esoda pointed out that there is no way to know how many companies have

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used the system independently because the TCO tool is available via the Internet. He also commented that revised near-shoring of buys, versus a dramatic reshoring of purchases completely back into NEPA, is a more realistic goal for many companies to pursue at this time.

Esoda adds that NEPIRC, as part of its reshoring initiative, has conducted six open manufacturing forums. He is also hoping an NEPA trade show can take place, which would join buyers and sellers and make them aware of NEPA’s needs and capabilities.

“Our long-term goal is to leverage our regional infrastructure, the availability of cheap energy with natural gas and the total package of what we have to offer here for new business,” says Esoda.

nearby bonanza

Another initiative to expand NEPA’s business Please see RE-SHORING, Page 8

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MLS# 15-4077 JILL J. 696-0882

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NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 7 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B07] | 02/24/16

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FROM PAGE 7

community, with a potential reshoring component, is underway by the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. This organization is working through its energy task force to spread the economic word about cost savings that are available with natural gas harvested from the expansive Marcellus Shale.

Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute, explained that the effort began with questions about how the Lackawanna-Luzerne Valley, which has no recoverable gas deposits because of regional geology, can cash in on the nearby Marcellus wealth.

The solution is to highlight the huge cost savings for energy created by use of the gas, particularly for businesses involved in the arenas of plastics, chemicals, iron, steel and fabricated metals.

“UGI says they can deliver a 50 percent cost savings with Marcellus gas versus gas piped here from the gulf coast,” said Ooms. “All of the business parks here are plumbed for gas except one and the cost savings are therefore ready for the use of gas as a raw material or heat source.”

The process being utilized by the Institute involves identification of potential companies which would benefit from the Marcellus gas and then turning over these names to regional economic developers. There also is an educational and workforce enhancement component being supported by the Institute.

“This overall effort is just starting, and within the next 12 months we hope to be partnering with our schools for development of new programs that will enhance our regional workforce,” added Ooms.

Several promising trends are occurring within the region that can help with near-shoring or re-shoring, according to Ken Okrepkie, regional manager with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA. These involve the availability of software and hardware developers that are making it possible for business to return to NEPA. According to Okrepkie, a natural evolution is occurring within the computer arena making it advisable to move some manufacturing to locations closer to the customer.

If an inevitable mistake is made within an Asian factory, lead times for corrections can be long, with a potential alternative existing to resource buys closer to home.

“Lead times from China can be challenging, and the communications barrier is very real,” said Okrepkie. “Closer access to a vendor can create a quicker fix for problems.”

LogicaL reshoring

Computer call centers are now an example of a business sector returning to the United States because of practical problems such as verbal com-

8 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B08] | 02/24/16

FOCUS ON ENERGY

munication, according to Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. He also has noticed that manufacturing is favoring locations with “better” labor climates, and that prices and reliability of industrial energy sources are crucial.

The promotion of lower American costs for natural gas and electricity can therefore be part of a reshoring enticement. However, the domestic natural gas sector needs to better develop its distribution infrastructure.

“It’s usually easier for a high-tech manufacturer to re-shore than the cheap commodity manufacturers,” said Barr. “America’s technical workforce can be a vital draw for the tech manufacturers.”

David Taylor, president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, mentions that the “wet gases” deposited in the westerly section of the Marcellus Shale can be a gold mine for the petrochemical industry. However, mass wet gas extraction is still waiting to be born because of infrastructure limitations and Taylor said that the financial bonanza eventually flowing from this industry will be bigger than from the dry gas.

“This is one reason why the Saudis are trying to kill the shale hydrocarbon business before it

By Dave Gardner gains momentum,” charged Taylor. “They have flooded the market with cheap hydrocarbons in an Wild swings in the energy supply-demand curve attempt to stop this new American industry. We are dominating prices within the global markets, should want these gasses deployed here for our including natural gas being harvested from the vast economic benefits.

Marcellus Shale region.

Above all, globally-generated data continues Market advantages to prove that energy is big business. According to Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics ExxonMobil, global demand for energy rose approxiand finance with the University of Scranton, warned mately one-third in the time period of 2000 to 2014, that the old tactic of luring a large company to an with one half of this growth occurring in China. area simply with tax breaks no longer produces Looking ahead, Exxon predicts that global extensive results. Instead, he advocates a push for demands for energy will rise 25 percent by 2024, and the development or relocation of small and mid-size oil will remain the world’s top energy source. In addicompanies by advertising a region’s total market tion, scientific improvements with energy efficiency advantages. and efforts to use lower-carbon fuels will slow the These advantages can include a superior growth of carbon emissions. workforce, lower energy costs and the availability of expansion capital which has been touchy since the Wild SWiNGS Great Recession.

Kurt Rankin, assistant vice president and econoDr. Ghosh also advocates for government supmist with PNC Financial Services Group, notes that port with worker retraining, and a collegiate push crude oil was selling for more than $100 per barrel for students to enter advanced manufacturing. several years ago. This profit bonanza for producers Specifically, jobs in manufacturing must be was scuttled when OPEC, in an attempt to shipwreck promoted as something positive, and not as dirty successful American producers of shale oil, opened blue collar toil. their spigots and flooded the world with Mideast “We can’t go back to the 1950s and 1960s crude. economy,” said Dr. Ghosh. “Hi-tech industry is America had risen to become the world’s now the key, although when this is promoted we number three producer of crude, but as the price of must also be careful to keep an eye on long-term crude crashed due to the mass increase of supply, environmental concerns.”

American shale oil suppliers faced a decision to keep

17:40 | GRAHAMTOM

‘An energy market with great unknowns’

MARCH 2016

producing and generate debt or highlight other revenue streams. During 2015 oil from shale required a $60 per barrel production costs, which had improved to $45 per barrel, but Saudi crude production costs may be as low as six dollars per barrel.

“Global oil storage is now in an oversupply situation, and crude prices below $40 a barrel for a long time are realistic,” forecasted Rankin. “Oil speculation within the futures market is also a part of this, involving complex processes.”

In many ways, prices for natural gas are following the same path. The American gas market, which is not yet global due to logistic challenges from a lack of pipelines, has become flooded with product and prices have predictably crashed.

The export super-tankers needed to move liquefied natural gas to huge global markets such as India are also not available. Rankin’s forecast for natural gas therefore predicts that prices will remain extremely low, and it will be 2017 before a real dent is made in the nation’s gas oversupply through expanded demand.

“DuPont and other chemical companies are actually fighting natural gas exports which would increase prices for the product,” says Rankin.

PREdiCtAblE dECliNE

George Stark, director of external affairs with Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, notes that the number Please see MARKET, Page 10

A busINEss GuIdE tO ENERGy

REGIONAL

For investors, time to buy

Gibbons Ford celebrates opening of new service center and showroom

don’t panic. Everything is cyclical. Even gold has had booms and busts.”

Investors are becoming queasy due to the rollerScalese said this is a time of great opportunity coaster ride being inflicted upon their portfolios by for consumers and investors. Current stock values unstable global energy prices. are always relative to the price paid when the stock Recent headlines are not helping the worry. In a was purchased, and the herd mentality of buyers classic stunner, Chesapeake Energy, formerly a big and sellers definitely influences buyers and sellers. player with gas recovery from the Marcellus Shale, “Fear presented within the media also sells. Stability is issued a statement saying it “has no plans to pursue not interesting.” bankruptcy” but acknowledged the company’s finanControversy has always swirled within oil markets, cial position is questionable. said Lou Ingargiola, president of Ingargiola Wealth Management Group. Since December 2015 a 90 percent correlation between oil and stock values has MARKEt MOvEMENt existed, which contrasts with prices during the sumEnergy prices must inevitably rise, according mer 2008 when oil sold for $147 a barrel. to Lynn Evans, president and CEO of Northeastern “The economy then crashed and a herd mentality Financial Consultants in Clarks Summit. She said the market is “trying” to escalate its prices, but probably took over with electronic trading that created big will not create real price movement before the fourth swings,” said Ingargiola. “Since then oil investments are down 70 to 80 percent and even the pipeline quarter of 2016. companies are hurting. Investors must ask why they Evans said that a variety of complex economic own each particular stock and if these types of swings factors are influencing energy prices and subsequent bother them.” investment portfolios. These include international Ingargiola advises his investors to not “put all their bank interest rates, the Greek economic collapse, eggs in one basket,” although it is acceptable to over slowing economic growth in China, population logistiweight one category.

Conditions in Iran, Russia, Saudi cal shifts, and the re-emergence of Iranian oil on the Arabia and Iraq all are factors that influence the global world’s market. “The realities of all this are nervous supply-demand curve with energy and Ingargiola markets, instability and creation of a new normal.” believes oil supply is a much more accurate predictor She said that the oil futures market allows invesof pricing than demand, which is relatively stable. tors to buy crude oil ahead of time, which is really “I always say that the cure for high oil is high a hedge against inflation. However, these contracts pricing, and the cure for low oil is low pricing,” said eventually end, presenting investors with financial Ingargiola.

“The predictions that the world’s oil supply markets saturated by too much information and would now be drying up were obviously incorrect.” conflicting earning reports.

“The current economic numbers are very good, but the data is being manipulated by certain media outlets Market disconnect to promote their negative agendas,” warned Evans.

Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics

John Grow, dealer principal and managing partner on 8 acres. Employment is expected to grow as a result of the new facility, creating approximately 20 new of Gibbons Ford, celebrated the opening of a new careers, and bringing total employment to nearly 70. modern $9 million service center and showroom, in January, measuring 47,000-square-feet with 28 bays,

By Dave Gardner

and finance with the University of Scranton, questions if energy sector financial performances have become tIME tO buy? disconnected from rest of the globe’s markets. He Christopher Scalese, president and founder of the also warned that any time America depends on a Fortune Financial Group, says that he is receiving calls foreign source for a vital product such as crude oil, from clients about energy investments. His response is unknowns and shocks are inevitable. that they should be adding, and not selling energy stocks.

This situation with imported crude oil contrasts Scalese uses Fidelity Investments and said that with domestically produced natural gas and some this firm is still bullish about long-term energy investalternative energies.

These arenas are usually much ments. Exxon Mobil, BP and UGI all remain blue-chip more stable than crude, with the overall energy stocks, and most investors are not panicking because sectors creating fluctuating investment scenarios. of the drops within energy markets.

“Fluctuating sectors such as energy are not for some “It’s true that energy investments are hurting risk-adverse investors. They should be asking why now, but this is not the time to sell,” said Scalese. “I advise everyone to hold onto quality companies, and risk having energy within a portfolio. A new market normal is being created,” Gosh said.

At the ribbon cutting, from left are: Kurtis Medeiros, sales consultant; Casey Medeiros, director of marketing; John Grow, dealer principal; steve Randall, Philadelphia regional manager, Ford; Kate Grow, service and parts; darryl Jayne, general manager; stanley Prushinski, mayor of dickson City and Robert F. durkin, president, the Greater scranton Chamber of Commerce.

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The Mall at Steamtown is now owned by its mortgage lender. In mid-July, the mall went up for sheriff’s sale and the only person to bid was Scranton businessman, Bob Bolus who planned to turn the mall into a casino. His bid was rejected because it was contingent upon him obtaining a casino license.

The mall’s mortgage holder took possession of the property for taxes and costs when no

Al Boscov, middle, with his attorney, Scott Esterbrook, left and nephew Jim Boscov at the sheriff’s sale of the Mall at Steamtown last month. Times-Tribune file photo

potential bidders bit at the minimum asking price of $37.3 million.

Steamtown Mall Partners did not bid. Department store owner Al Boscov is the principal of the Steamtown Mall Partners, along with his nephew Jim and Atty. Scott Esterbrook. They did not enter a bid at the sheriff’s sale, but Boscov said he will now renew negotiations with LNR Partners, the real estate company that represents the unidentified

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State Budget Deal Still no pension

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Stafursky Paving Company Inc. based in Archald paves along State Route Road Lathrop Township, Susquehanna County. Above and right, Times-Tribune file photos

2004 in

Microbac lab manager Christine Pechacek tests water samples in the company’s Scranton facility.

From testing water to paving roads, local vendors now a vital part of the natural-gas supply chain

By Dave Gardner

A varied line-up of area businesses, while flying under the public’s radar, are tapping the wells of profitability in the Marcellus Shale.

Microbac Laboratories, which can trace its origins to the late 1960s in the Pittsburgh area, is an American-owned testing service that is obtaining business with the Marcellus gas industry. The company’s duties include

water testing for homeowners, business, and governmental regulatory agencies. In 2008, the company began to work in the Marcellus region after making connections with several engineers and consultants This opening later evolved into specific water testing as DEP and EPA demands grew for monitoring contaminants and carcinogens. In time, the company was doing business with gas producers

Cabot Oil & Gas and Chesapeake Energy.

Cherie Gudz, Microbac’s senior vice president, notes that the extensive water testing in the Marcellus region is building long-term data trends about water conditions. New well pre-drilling sweeps of groundwater are now common to detect pre-existing contamination.

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FROM PAGE 8

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16:59 | GRAHAMTOM

MARCH 2016

of gas drilling rigs now operating in Susquehanna County is declining proportionally to the collapse in natural gas prices. He said that Cabot spent $1 billion on gas production during 2014, but that total declined to $500 million during 2015 and the company plans on reducing its rig count further during 2016.

According to Stark, gas pipelines that will increase national access to Marcellus Shale gas and thereby create new customers are still in the permitting stage, with delayed construction. He charges that if New England gas users had access to Marcellus gas it would save these rate payers $12 billion over the 10-year span from 2008-2018, versus what they are now paying for Canadian gas.

Stark also said that powerful demand exists for cheap Marcellus gas in the Philadelphia region and the Carolinas. Last winter, during the frigid polar vortex, Boston actually imported liquefied natural gas from Yemen.

Business interests in select sectors, according to Stark, are also awaiting the arrival of Marcellus gas to further lower their operational costs. These include companies involved with plastics and extrusion, electric generation, advanced manufacturing, and product formulations which require heat.

On the local front, Stark cites Air Products and Proctor and Gamble as companies that are utilizing local gas to improve their balance sheets. He said that Montrose Hospital also saved $250,000 last winter after replacing an antiquated boiler with a gas unit.

“The benefits generated by the use of Marcellus gas will last for generations,’ says Stark. “Unlike the Gulf Coast we do not have horrific hurricanes here, and this creates less business volatility. There actually is so much gas in the Marcellus that we can easily serve many new markets without any hampering of supply, therefore making this a time of opportunities with low gas prices.”

Gene Barr, president and CEO with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, served in the oil business for two decades. He said that he laughs when he hears firm price forecasts for energy, because the global market’s pricing keeps confounding exports again and again.

According to Barr, the tense state of the global economy, the futures market, infrastructure costs, budget cuts by governments, and economic forecasts by media talking heads all play a part in energy prices. Swinging supply-demand curves also are a key and oil producers in the Dakotas are burning off natural gas because they have no infrastructure to distribute it.

“Saudi oil is now so cheap that it costs less than domestic oil which requires no transport halfway around the world,” said Barr. “We obviously have an energy market with great unknowns.”

STATE NEWS

Last year's state budget still unresolved as new year's released of state government, that is to provide a basic education. At least with the income tax, people have Gov. Tom Wolf released his 2016-17 budget ad- an ability to pay because they are earning wages. dress on Feb. 9, reiterating his demands for higher Property tax is silent with respect to the ability to taxes to pay for more education and reductions in pay and in fact treats people who are wage earners the state’s deficit. the same as retirees.”

Substantial portions of the 2015-16 budget Carroll believes lawmakers need to review the remain unresolved as Wolf blue-lined many items status quo. on a budget packet he signed into law in late For others, the governor’s new budget proposal December. has shown a lack of insight on the fallout.

The newly proposed budget would increase to According to Gene Barr, president and CEO of nearly $33.3 billion, a 7.9 percent or $4.3 billion the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry increase. the governor focused on his stalemated position to Some of the big changes include: raise taxes instead of look at spending.

Raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to “For you and I, there is a personal income tax $10.15 to generate about $60 million; and no increase and because most businesses pay the property tax reduction plan. Tax increases includpersonal income tax rate as a pass-through, that efing $1.4 billion from a 10.7 percent increase in fectively becomes a business tax increase as well,” personal income taxes, raising the current 3.07 he says. “The governor is making that retroactive to rate to 3.40; $415 million from the elimination January 1 of 2016 to make that 3.4, up from 3.07 of sales tax exemptions on items including basic (percent). Those are dollars that a businessperson cable television, movie theater tickets and digital might have used to hire new employees, give raises downloads; $468 million from an extra $1 per-pack to employees, buy new equipment, expand locatax on cigarettes; $136 million from a 40 percent tions. That won’t be available because those dollars wholesale tax on cigars, loose tobacco, smokeare headed off to Harrisburg.” less tobaccao and electronic cigarettes; $218 Other tax increases for consumers and busimillion from a 6.5 percent new tax on natural gas nesses would include an insurance premium tax on production; $101 million from a new surcharge on property and casualty, tipping fees and a severance insurance premiums for fire, property and casualty tax on gas drilling. insurance; $39 million from a 0.1 percent increase “The dollars would not go to pay off some of in the shares tax on bank and trust companies our problems but into spending in education,” says What do some think about the new proposal?

Barr. “In terms of where we rate, Pennsylvania is Rep. Michael B. Carroll, D-118 serving sixth in education spending in federal, state and Lackawanna and Luzerne counties believes the local dollars. More importantly, in per-pupil spendgovernor’s budget proposal is fair and accepts the ing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, we are reality of the math that’s in place with respect to ranked ninth in the United States.” revenues and expenses.

Like others throughout the state, Barr doesn’t “There definitely will be problems,” he says. know where the proposal will go in light of the “There is no way for the commonwealth to make budget cuts done by Wolf in December. it through the 12 months with the budget that was “They are still going to have to argue over what partially approved in December. The reality of the we do with last year,” says Barr. “The governor situation will begin to sink in eventually, if it hasn’t hasn’t gotten his request from last year and saying, already. It will force a discussion that has been ‘By the way, I want you to give me more than I was delayed unnecessarily for seven months.” even asking before,’ that’s certainly problematic.

Carroll believes if the governor gets additional Where that ends up we certainly don’t know.” money for education, the additional state funding According to Barr, the governor’s address has would help to minimize increases in property taxes only added more bitterness to the ongoing budget at the local level. battle. “We are really in unchartered territory,” he “The property tax by my measure is the most said. Barr believes the new budget proposal will hated tax that exists in the state,” he says. “At least deter economic prosperity due to the significant tax for me, it would be far preferable to rely on other increases and the lack of consideration to address means besides a property tax to raise the revenue growing cost drivers such as unfunded pension to provide for a constitutionally-mandated function liabilities.

By Kathy Ruff

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MARCH 2016

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16:59 | GRAHAMTOM

FROM PAGE 4

heavy data analysis, with the areas of health care, e-commerce, computer design, and alternative energy all offering superior job opportunities.

age opportunities

Justin Matus, Ph.D., associate dean of the business school at Wilkes University, identifies three consumer sectors that must be understood if profits are to be generated in the modern marketplace. These are consumers under-35, 35 to 55, and 55-plus.

He explained that the “sweet spot” for top profits is the under-35 tech crowd, and for many companies to make money they must figure how to serve this group. This must be part of a larger philosophy that preaches every business must offer a solution to a problem. “An example of this is Uber,” said Dr. Matus. “People can go out, get all liquored up, and Uber has the solution for how to get home safely.”

Other examples of business solutions targeted at specific consumer groups include schools with on-line classes, streamlined music, unbundling with the NFL, and Netflix. He noted that the 55-plus age group tends to spend the least, but they do create profit opportunities.

“Leisure, travel, and home health companies

Ready

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can profit from the 55-plus consumers,” said Dr. Matus. “The 35 to 55 group is becoming tech savvy and this is creating opportunities.”

Dr. Matus speculates that advancing technology will soon offer amazing new ways to generate profits, including how a person will be able to enter a retailer, be laser scanned, and then receive jeans made by an on-site, three-D printer that fit perfectly.

Craft foods, food trucks, and hand-made items will all increasingly exploit profitable market niches.

Wearable technologies such as medical devices will instantly indicate vital data like heart rate, cholesterol levels and whether the customer has taken his meds.

“Small will be the new big in the years to come and provide new opportunities in the marketplace,” added Dr. Matus.

Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, finds it admirable that American companies continue to generate profits despite many frustrating roadblocks. These include lawsuits galore within the pharmaceutical industry, ultra-cheap imports, and plunging prices for energy.

“Government can also throw up some damaging obstacles,” says Barr. “An example of this would be how the new medical device tax is hurting that sector.”

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MARCH 2016

FROM PAGE 1

Dr. Zhen Ma, Ph.D., assistant professor of business with Misericordia University, identifies specific occupations where females are reaping healthy wage compensation. These include nursing, teaching, accounting and administrative assistant.

Meanwhile, wages that are superior to men are being earned by women who serve as media producers and directors, cleaners, social service assistants and special education teachers “Careers that require a lot of math and data work seem to be paying women a lot worse than men,” charged Dr. Zhen. “I have to wonder if discrimination is at work here.”

HigHer education

Ariane Hegewisch, program director on employment and earnings with the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, pointed out that women are now attaining higher educational levels than their male counterparts.

It also is true that each sex continues to largely work at different occupations, but she placed the overall wage gap at 21 percent lower for the same job, with the metrics being influenced by child rearing, race, and union membership.

Hegewisch also said that American society seems to be awakening an interest to tackle the wage gap. She points out that this spark was ignited during the 1960s, gained momentum in the 1980s, and when females began to assume more “male occupations” during the 1990s.

She charged that employers must hold themselves accountable for all hiring and wage gaps that appear within their compensation systems.

Relevant information must be forwarded to line managers, and any wage-discrimination incident that occurs must be properly tackled.

While acknowledging that 51 percent of wage gaps occur because of different occupations, she encouraged the private sector to increase all sector

earnings. Hegewisch also advocates for improved family support systems, paid maternity leave for both parents, and for school hours being to aligned with the work schedules of the private sector.

Washington also has a legislative role to play.

“Government must tackle discrimination,” charged Hegewisch.

Variable factors

Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, noted that when evaluating wages of any group, it is important to analyze all factors, such as conditions of employment and time off for child rearing.

“If you do this, the wage gaps often narrows significantly, or even disappears,” said Barr. “And, all wages are inhibited by slow GDP growth, regulatory burdens, and government red tape.”

He cites the example of a practicing lawyer, where starting wages often feature no difference by gender. However, the females inevitably take time off for parental duties, thereby slowing their career progress and creating wage gaps.

“Here at the chamber we offer maternity leave for both sexes in a genuine attempt at promoting equality,” added Barr.

Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics and finance with the University of Scranton, said that females are still on the short end of wages and that the free market has not corrected the problem. He emphasized he does not have patience with this situation or with any illusions that some change will magically occur and capitalism will quickly correct the shortfalls.

“Many of the newer and hi-tech companies seem to be more fair with wages paid to women, but we still need federal intervention and more of a commitment throughout business to promote everyone with talent and skills,” said Dr. Ghosh.

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top 25 women in business Donna Hansbury, president and chief operating officer of Ideaworks Marketing, Wyoming, Pa., said she truly believes in living by the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

“I have always treated people with respect, no matter what my interaction with them and I have always been treated well by others,” she explained.

Hansbury said her responsibilities are very diverse and include managing all aspects of the operation. She oversees all of the financial objectives of the agency as well as the technology initiatives that the company undertakes to keep it on the cutting edge.

A 1983 graduate of Bloomsburg University, Hansbury holds a bachelor of science in business administration with a focus on accounting which helped her to use a logical numbersoriented way of thinking. She says she also has a very creative side that she utilizes in her job.

Hansbury attributes her success to getting the job done, and has been fortunate to have been recognized for that effort. “I thrive on a good challenge and take great satisfaction in

Donna Hansbury: respect is Key

Congratulations D O N N A

H A N S B U R Y

on your well-deserved Top 25 Women in Business award.

We’re proud of you!

197 Wyoming Avenue • Wyoming, PA 18644 • Phone: 570-609-5650 www.ideaworks.marketing

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MARCH 2016

solving a problem.

Hansbury has never been afraid to put in extra hours at her workplace when necessary and it has paid off. “I have also have had one career path since I started working, so for nearly 32 years I have only worked for two companies, and the two had common ownership for a time, so until our recent move I went to the same office for 32 years,” she said.

Her strongest mentor has been Peter Steve, the owner of the agency, who has taught her so many things about the industry.

“I have a natural curiosity to learn new things, so I am never afraid to take on a new challenge, and in our agency I am surrounded by a terrific group of very talented people,” she noted.

Her fiancé, Eddie, has always been very supportive of the long hours and travel required. “My mother, my friends and my sisters, have also supported me throughout my career,” she said.

Hansbury is also vice-president of finance for the NEPA AAF and is past president of the local chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA).

top 25 women in business Donna mascelli barbetti: Honesty and hard work are steps to success

brenDa bistoccHi: champion of nePa residents and workers Donna Mascelli Barbetti ascribes her career success to the values of honesty, integrity and hard work instilled in her by her parents.

As office manager at Michael A. Barbetti LLC, Certified Public Accountants, she prepares biweekly, quarterly and year-end payroll functions for the firm; time and billing reports; vendor payments; administration of health benefits and tracking employee benefits; supervision and scheduling of support personnel; and much more.

Barbetti received her bachelor of science in dietetics and her master’s degree in foods and nutrition from Marywood University. She began her career as a clinical and administrative dietitian and subsequently accepted the position as corporate dietitian for Allied Services. Barbetti oversaw all clinical and administrative functions for two rehabilitation hospitals, two skilled nursing facilities, two residential facilities servicing the developmentally disabled and 10 community programs.

Her mentor has been Monsignor Constantine V. Siconolfi, who many years ago, asked her to apply her professional expertise to start a soup kitchen in Scranton. The object was to provide daily

nutritional meals to anyone in need, no questions asked. “He was instrumental in helping me to develop the responsibility I feel to contribute to the community,” she added.

She has received great support from her husband, Michael A.; her son, Michael O., who has been a role model for kindness and has acute acumen in so many areas; her late father, Armond Mascelli, who was honest; hard working and loved her unconditionally; her mother, Thomassina Mascelli, who was selfless, supportive, brilliant and insisted her daughter toe the line and both who selflessly provided numerous opportunities and a great education for their children. Her siblings Armond, John, Jim, and Mary Ann are very successful in their professional and personal lives and are supportive and caring.

The favorite part of her job is the people with whom she works, the great clients and observing the great work ethic and kindness her husband exhibits in managing the firm.

Barbetti has received several awards, is involved in industry affiliations and serves on the board of St. Francis of Assissi Kitchen.

Brenda Bistocchi always tries to take an honest approach to life and work. “I believe in being genuine, loyal, positive and kind,” said the beverage manager at LaBuona Vita. As the former owner of Bistocchi’s Restaurant, Dunmore, Brenda Bistocchi brings years of experience, knowledge, care and outstanding customer service to her team at LaBuona Vita.

Angelo Bistocchi’s Restaurant was a Dunmore fixture for 37 years, with Brenda in charge in the last 10, after her father’s death.

Bistocchi is also an adjunct faculty instructor at Keystone College in the hospitality management program. She holds a bachelor of science in education from Monmouth University.

“My parents laid a strong foundation rooted in customer service. I learned at a very young age that service is extremely important and creating a hospitable environment is key. Those values have remained with me throughout my professional career and easily carried over into my personal life.”

She said that her father also taught her that NEPA’s greatest asset is the people who live and work here.

She made the difficult decision to sell the family

restaurant and then made the transition from selfemployed to employee. Kathy Gavin, owner of La Buona Vita made it easy and Bistocchi joined a very talented group of employees.

Her favorite part of her work is two-fold, the people and her students. She found her niche in the restaurant and hospitality business management world and feels truly blessed to be able to continue to use her skills and share her talents in service to customers and the community and in training and supporting the development of the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Bistocchi serves on many boards of directors and has received several awards including the Everhart Museum Volunteer of the Year Award, Honorary Chair of the NEPA Komen Race for the Cure and she was a Northeast Woman in the Scranton Times-Tribune.

“It is a true honor to be recognized as one of the Top 25 Business Women of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she said. “To be in the company of so many talented professionals, who serve as true inspirations for women in the workforce and in the community, is quite humbling.”

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top 25 women in business mArlyn linSki kiSSner: Gratitude sweetens life

Alice ScotchlAS: choosing optimism Marlyn Linski Kissner said “It is important to be grateful for all that we are given in life. It truly does come back around.” As executive director of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp. and vice-president of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber (GLVCC), she has many duties.

Hired as a consultant for the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce in 2012, she served an influential role in the merger between the Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Carbon Economic Development leading to the creation of Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp.(CCEDC).

She has continued to play a leadership role with CCEDC developing membership relations, events implementation and community outreach. In January 2014, she assumed her current role and continues as executive vice-president for the GLVCC, which oversees all operations of the organization.

Kissner holds a master of science degree in management from Rosemont College and a bachelor of science degree in education from Kutztown University.

She attributes her success to great networking; making valuable connections to career paths

to ultimately loving what she does and doing what she loves.

Her mother, Martha Linski, has been her greatest mentor and has supported her throughout her life. “As a single parent, my mom taught me the importance of being kind, working hard, and never giving up when you are challenged with the most difficult situations,” she explains.

Tony Iannelli, GLVCC’s CEO, who encourages her to take risks, develop great relationships, take care of people and always be part of the solution has also been a mentor to her. She will always be grateful to all the people in her life including co-workers, the board members, the local dignitaries and county commissioners and all who have helped her along the way.

Bill, her husband of 20 years, wholeheartedly support her efforts, “He has been by my side through so many challenging situations and is truly my number one fan.”

She is also grateful to her brothers, Jerry Price and Dan Linski, and wonderful sisters, Susan Bella Linski, Patty Judd and Carlene Price who are always there for her.

Alice Scotchlas, BSN, RN, strives to live a positive life. As director of professional outreach at Regional Hospital of Scranton for the past three and a half years, Scotchlas is responsible for the direct communication link between the physicians, administration and department leaders at the hospital.

The business woman and nurse actively seeks feedback from clients regarding the effectiveness of hospital services efforts and provides that information to the appropriate leader. She evaluates the satisfaction of hospital services to physicians and their staff through regular visitation and communication. In addition, she performs on-boarding and orientation for new providers to effect a smooth transition to the hospital and coordinates and assists in sales promotion and market research for special projects.

Scotchlas is also a licensed funeral director and with her husband, Joe, owns and operates the Oliver Shifler & Scotchlas Funeral Home in Carbondale and the Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home in Simpson.

Scotchlas received her diploma from Mercy

Hospital School of Nursing; her Bachelor of science in nursing from Pennsylvania State University and an Associate degree in mortuary science from Simmons School of Mortuary Science. She worked as an RN in the emergency department, home health, long term care and as a practice manager for the bariatric program at Regional Hospital of Scranton.

Her mentors include the chief executive officer of Regional Hospital of Scranton, Brooks Turkel and her husband, Joe, who taught her everything she knows about funeral directing.

“I put myself in the ‘shoes’ of the physicians and their staff and really try to understand what their needs are and how we can meet or exceed them” she explained.

Scotchlas said that without her family, she would be less of a person. “My husband is my chief consultant and cheerleader and I have three awesome children — Joseph, Adam and Emily who support me and make me proud every day to be their mother.

She is a member of the hospital’s Employee Council which assists employees in need and also performs outreach in the community.

Congratulations Alice!

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Joseph W. Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc. Joseph W. Scotchlas, Funeral Supervisor

621-629 Main Street • Simpson, PA 18407 Phone: (570) 282-3090 www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com Oliver Shifler & Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc. Alice M. Scotchlas, Funeral Supervisor

62 N. Main Street • Carbondale, PA 18407 Phone: (570) 282-1400 www.shiflerfuneralhome.com

CONGRATULATIONS DIANE INSALACO. YOUR PASSION SHOWS NO BOUNDARIES.

It is a great honor to be named one of the e “Top Wo omen in Business!”

Your vision and commitment to a healthie er community y continues to inspire us all.

VIVE HEALTH & FITNESS | 570-371-3572 500 THIRD AVENUE | KINGSTON, PA 18704 VIVEHEALTHANDFITNESS.COM

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top 25 women in business Diane insalaco: ‘the positive energy we give out returns to us’

Diane Insalaco believes that we need to be the change that we want to see in the world. “I believe in the philosophy that the positive energy we give out to others returns to us ten-fold,” she said.

The owner of VIVE Health and Fitness Club was taught at a very young age that no matter how much power one develops in life and business, never forget where you come from and remain appreciative for opportunities given.

At VIVE, Insalaco oversees all daily operations, staff concerns, construction details and scheduling, and real estate that is attached to her business.

Insalaco earned her Bachelor’s degree at Quinnipiac University in radiological sciences, then moved to Long Island, New York, where she worked in ultrasound. As she became more established in her career, she worked at a hospital and several ob-gyn and radiology offices.

When she moved back to Pennsylvania she focused on fitness and wellness. “The original seedling was to open a cycling studio, but I felt compelled to reach out to a more diverse and broader audience and that is when VIVE Health and Fitness came to life,” she explained.

elizabeth zygmunt: ‘have clear goals and plan for reaching them’

Her greatest mentor has been her father, who taught her to be disciplined, hard working and to strive for excellence. Her mother raised her to be kind, compassionate and good to people.

Insalaco attributes her success to hard work, being patient and having a passion for the work she does. “Passion is what fuels the flames of success to become a reality,” she said.

In addition to receiving great support from her children, Meghan and Conor and their father, Kevin, her parents, Michael and Dolores and siblings, Leonard and Karen; extended family and friends were also great support factors in her life. “One of my biggest supporters is my love, T.J.,” she said.

“Whenever I felt things wouldn’t work a certain way they were all always there to help me pull the pieces together. I am very grateful to have them in my life,” she said.

She loves seeing the members enjoy all VIVE has to offer and watching her staff and team members build relationships with each other. VIVE was featured in an International Health Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) article — Best New Club, six months after opening.

Elizabeth Zygmunt is a communicator and a listener. These features serve her well as director of media and public relations at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). She is responsible for increasing the visibility of TCMC with local, regional and national media. She also oversees internal and external communications to ensure consistent and professional messaging.

“Basically, what this means is that I am responsible for communicating to the public, the extraordinary asset this community has in TCMC. The health and well-being of the community is our focus,” she explained. In addition, she recruits local students who will one day serve the community as physicians. “TCMC is focused on community through programs like the Behavioral Health Initiative. It’s my job to tell that story to the public,” she adds.

Zygmunt holds a bachelor of arts in communications and media studies from the University of Scranton. She served as editor of the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal for 15 years, “This taught me so much about how to recognize a good story and issues the community cares about.”

Many years ago Zygmunt dreaded public speaking. Her mentor, Tom Moore, is entirely responsible for getting her over that fear, she said.

“As for writing, my Dad, Tom Casey, who died in 2006, was a career journalist and a great writer. He had his own newspaper column and it featured his unique take on things and his very distinctive voice -- you could recognize his writing just by his opening sentence. I hope I am living up to his example.” she noted.

Zygmunt began freelance writing when she was still in college and attributes this to her success. “I think it is important to have clear goals and a plan for reaching them,” she explained.

Her husband, Stan, the one who urged her to freelance in college, got her her first “gig” at a local weekly paper and has been a great support to her since.

She has two “fantastic” children: Alex, a fourthyear medical student; and Stacey, an employee at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia.

Her favorite part of the job, she says by far is the writing.

The entire TCMC family congratulates

Elizabeth Zygmunt for her selection as one of the 2016 Top 25 Women in Business.

Scranton

•

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•

Williamsport

•

Sayre

COMMUNITY | WELLBEING | INNOVATION

www.tcmc.edu

The Commonwealth Medical College is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities.

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top 25 women in business

celebrating women entrepreneurs

Theresa Stuckart: New Laundry

By Denise Rizzo and Jaclyn Gantz

An amazing opportunity presented itself to Theresa Stuckart in July 2014, when she got a call telling her that her favorite store was for sale. More than that, the owner, Tara Walsh, wanted Stuckart to take the reins of New Laundry, a downtown Scranton women’s retail shop.

After years of staying home with her children, Stuckart’s dream of owning her own shop was so within reach that she could not pass up the opportunity. She spoke with her lawyer, accountant, and financial advisor to see if it was a possibility, and on Oct. 6, 2014, Theresa Stuckart took ownership of New Laundry.

The Scranton native had attended Marywood College, now a university and majored in retail. This major became useful when she worked at Penn Furniture. But, after being out of the workforce for several years, Theresa was not sure if she would be able to handle the demands of owning and running her own business another book Spiral Blueprint Meditation, also on As Lori Bogedin recognizes needs in her own With the help and advice of her closest friends, life and in her town, her answers come in the form Amazon under L. Bogedin.

Josh Mast and Paul Blackledge, she was able to gain Bogedin has launched TwigsCafeRadio.com of her businesses,” she said confidence and experience. Stuckart’s daughters also which hosts live and pre-recorded Internet talk Bogedin began by opening the Spice Shoppe help especially with social media marketing. early on and recently the WellSpring House, which radio. “I have to get everything done soon because New Laundry had been a viable business over the focuses on mind, body and spirit. Downstairs in the I am going to be a grandmother again, this April, past six years and had an established clientele and great Wellspring House is an upscale consignment shop, and I am so excited,” she added. supplier relationships. Her transition was easier because While Bogedin believes education is so imporOmm Encore Fashion she didn’t have to start from “scratch” in every aspect of Bogedin is very active behind the scenes at her tant, what matters even more is self-motivation. the business.

“I think motivation is the force behind any social, Twigs Cafe Restaurant. She likes to say she works Although Stuckart did not have to build the busion the business, but is not in the business as much emotional, or biological action. ness from the ground up, she did have to find a way to Her mentor, Jeannie Brady of ERA Brady as she did in the beginning. “This has its advanmaintain the reputation of the store, and keep customers Associates, taught Bogedin that life is more than tages, one being extra time to pursue interests coming back. outside of the restaurant; but a big disadvantage is just work. “She taught me to work hard and play Her efforts have clearly been successful. New Laundry not being there to see all the wonderful people that harder” she said. Additionally, the success of her has been open for business for the past two years, under Twigs Restaurant has enabled her to give back to visit us,” she said. her management and continues to thrive in its market. the community. Her husband, Jerry, supports her in She has a grandson that is the “apple of her However, Stuckart has faced her own obstacles that eye” and she wrote and published a children’s book anything she plans. She is also grateful to her late come with entrepreneurship. For her it was learning Nana who was her very best friend and taught her for him, Warm Fuzzies. The book can be found on to navigate trade shows, which is where she finds the Amazon, by L.A. Bogedin. She just recently finished to be the woman she is today.

lori bogedin: business fills many needs

beautiful and unique pieces sold in New Laundry.

The first trade show she attended was with Tara Walsh, who gave her tips on how to tackle the massive shows. Stuckart said “You need to go in there with a plan, scheduled appointments, and prepare to take lots of notes.”

This all sounds simple, but the fast-paced and aggressive environment of a trade show can be overwhelming.

To finally have her dream come true was one of the greatest things that could have happened to Stuckart.

She said that, “If someone told me that I would have my own store 30 years ago, I would have called them crazy.”

But, she said, “Nothing is impossible. If you want to do something, put your mind to it, and go all in.” Stuckart attributes her success to her family, her friends, and her hard work.

New Laundry is located in Downtown Scranton, at 127 N. Washington Avenue. Call 570-344-5155 or visitshopnewlaundry.com; on Facebookfacebook.com/ NewLaundryScranton and Instagram: shopnl.

Denise Rizzo and Jaclyn Gantz are University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center interns, who work under the supervision of Donna Simpson, consultant manager.

Rizzo is a junior business administration major and Gantz is a senior business management major.

The University of Scranton Congratulates NEPA’s Top Women in Business Especially our Alumni Mary Trainor, G’85 • Elizabeth Zygmunt, ’87 Deborah Moran Peterson, G’88

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most nationally recognized private university

scranton.edu

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top 25 women in business kelly gaughan: Works with the law in small town nePa

SuSan e. hazleton: Designing the region’s infrastructure

Kelly Gaughan believes you should never let anything get in the way of your dreams. “I owe my success to hard work, determination, a supportive family and surrounding myself with positive energy,” said the attorney and vice-president of Levy, Stieh and Gaughan.

Gaughan attended the University of Scranton and received her Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Her experiences and her family’s support led her to pursue a degree in law. She began employment with both the Lackawanna County Office of the District Attorney and the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department and kept both jobs through law school. She went on to attend Seton Hall School of Law and upon graduation performed a judicial clerkship in Mercer County, N.J. Once she finished her clerkship, she and her husband, a Pennsylvania state trooper she met while working in Lackawanna County, decided it was time to find a place to settle down. “We fell in love with Pike County and the small town general practice law firm, then known as Levy, Stieh and Blumberg.”

“I knew that being in a small town meant that I would get to know the judges, local law enforce-

ment and the people living in our community, which was important to me,” she explained. She began at the firm 17 years ago and in 2003 became vice-president.

“In my practice, I make it a point to get to know my clients, make them feel comfortable and earn their confidence,” she said. As a mother, Gaughan makes it a point to carve out family time. “As a member of the community, I think it is important to give back and I feel it’s imperative to support valuable community organizations,” she said.

Gaughan has been blessed with a supportive family. Her father has been a blue collar worker and at the same job since age 18, while her mother put herself through nursing school.

“They taught me the value of hard work and have been an endless source of support, encouragement and advice. Her husband has been a constant source of unconditional love and support since the day she met him.

“I would not be able to juggle everything that I do without his support,” she said. They have two children, ages 13 and 10, who enjoy being part of community activities as well.

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Susan E. Hazelton, P.E., gets involved and strives to perform beyond expectations in the job duties she performs through proactive committee participation and effective team building. She is the assistant district engineer of PennDOT District 4-0 design division.

In her post at PennDOT, Hazleton is responsible for a staff of 89 employees comprised of engineers, designers, bridge inspectors, drafters, surveyors, environmental specialists, planners and real estate professionals.

The design division develops highway and bridge projects ranging from interstate reconstruction and maintenance projects to asset management projects such as highway preservation, bridge replacements, rehabilitation and preservation, intersection improvements, safety improvements and congestion mitigation. Over the past two years, the division designed 108 projects worth $468,000,000, the highest two-year total ever recorded by her district.

Hazelton holds a Bachelor of science degree in engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

She obtained her professional engineering (P.E.)

license in 1997. Currently she represents District 4-0 on the statewide interstate steering committee, and participated as a mentor in the department” LEAD (Leadership, Education, Achievement and Development) program, which mentors other women in transportation seeking professional growth and development.

In 2005, she received PennDOT’s highest honor, the Secretary of Transportation’s “Star of Excellence” award.

Each part of her day is very busy, but she truly loves her work and especially enjoys the number of people she interacts with and what everyone brings to the team.

Hazelton’s mentors include her two sisters, both of whom are engineers, and taught her that women can be engineers and have leadership roles.

She credits her husband and three children for their continuous support of her career, and especially is grateful to her parents who emphasized and encouraged education, hard work, and integrity in all of their children.

Outside of work, she spends time time with her family and enjoys yoga and walking.

top 25 women in business Joanne d. arduino: revels in positive energy

Joanne D. Arduino surrounds herself with positive, creative individuals in her life. “I believe that people come into your life for a purpose and that the energy you surround yourself with directly influences your life’s path,” explains the artistic director at the Ballet Theatre of Scranton and owner of The Dance Studio.

She assumes the roles of teacher, choreographer, director and producer of the childrens’ apprentice and senior companies and director and teacher of the mini dance course and intermediate/advanced jazz and tap performers. She produces the annual gift to the community, The Nutcracker Ballet at Marywood University, full length ballets and the annual performances of the school. She is a choreographer for community partnerships such as the NEPA Philharmonic, SAGE awards gala, La Festa Italiana, Susan G. Komen NEPA, and the downtown Scranton Santa parade.

Dancing since the age of three, Arduino began her training with the late Constance Reynolds, and has studied in NYC, Chicago, Toronto and London.

She is a certified member of the Royal Academy of Dance in London; the Professional Dance Teachers Association and Dance Educators of America. She

began her business in 1978 and was appointed artistic director in 1991. She also does extensive choreography for regional high school musicals and local television projects and worked internationally with the late Mehmood Ali in India on a film he directed. She has been the performing arts director at the award winning Arts Alive Institute for more than 20 years.

She has had independent women like her mother and grandmother as role models who understood the value of and shared their love for the arts. Her husband of 35 years, Paul, has been not only a treasured life partner, but also a wonderful role model. The couple have a son, Eric, 13. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Yurkovic and William Dougherty of Dunmore.

She attributes her success to hard work, dedication and passion. “I believe in the talents of the people of the Scranton area and the performers at Ballet Theatre and consider myself an ambassador for them. I am very fortunate to have so many generous volunteers at Ballet Theatre who give so freely of their time and talents and believe in me and the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

christine troxell: striving for Perfection

As senior project manager at Barry Isett & Associates, where she manages both municipal and land development projects, Christine Troxell strives for perfection.

She has managed projects ranging from traffic studies to land development plans and roadway construction and traffic signal plans. She works with a team of surveyors and designers to engineer storm water, erosion control, roadway, sanitary and water infrastructure projects as well as designing and coordinating the calculations, studies and plans required to obtain various municipal and state agency permits for clients’ projects.

In addition, she represents several municipalities and reviews designs by other engineers as part of the municipal review process.

Having graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor of science in civil engineering, she began working in the private sector immediately after graduation. She passed the EIT exam her senior year of college and then passed the PE exam four years later. Troxell spent 17 years in Trexlertown, working predominantly on

traffic studies and highway plans for projects in the Lehigh Valley and Pocono regions, early in her career and later managed land development projects for several clients, including Wal-Mart.

She joined Barry Isett & Associates in 2011, working primarily in the Hazleton office.

Troxell has had several mentors along her career path. “I take every opportunity to listen to the advice and experiences of my colleagues and I remain in contact with the women engineers that have mentored me through the years.

We have a unique bond in this career field,” she said. Also, her parents have always been extremely supportive of her.

“My husband and daughters continually support me through the stress of deadlines, late nights in the office, and night meetings away from home,” she said.

In addition to her full time career, Troxell strives to spend as much time as time possible with her family, especially supporting her daughters as they grow into young adults. She enjoys spending recreational time outdoors, hiking, biking and camping.

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top 25 women in business rebecca brominski: ‘Together we can do so much’

Jennifer Hilla: ‘Do the right thing’ Jennifer Hilla lives by her philosophy – “Do the right thing even when no one is watching!” She explained, “I treat my clients the way I would want my own family to be treated!”

As a realtor at Century 21 Signature Properties and director of new business development at A. Pickett Construction Inc. and Pickett Facilities Maintenance, she wears many hats.

Included in her responsibilities are the representation of buyers and sellers through the listing process; representation of investors and banks in the residential and commercial markets; short sale transactions; and much more. She promotes the commercial construction company through social networking; chamber events; Internet marketing; and maintains constant contact with past clients.

After obtaining a degree in criminal justice, Hilla suffered what could have been a career-ending car accident. She attended the Pennsylvania Real Estate Academy in 2003 and has been practicing ever since.

She attributes her success to her own hard work, dedication, tenacity, determination and persistence.” If you don’t work hard at being suc-

cessful no one is going to do it for you,” she said.

Noting that it is important for all women to balance their personal and family lives along with their professional careers, she says family is her No. 1 priority. She has two “wonderful” children - Caitlyn, 26 and Zachary, 13, who have always been very supportive of her career choice and have been her “back bone and biggest support system.” She also has a grandson, Gavin, 3.

Her favorite part of her job is to be in social event settings and meeting, talking and learning about new people. “Networking is always fun and just being around people is when I am at my best,” she explained.

Hilla has attained multi-million dollar status consecutively over many years in the real estate business and belongs to six chambers of commerce. She belongs to many industry associations and volunteers at Thanksgiving time doing food basket handouts and preparing meals for the homebound on Thanksgiving Day. She loves to travel in her free time; especially to Florida and the Caribbean. She also loves a good game of golf and Loudmouth golf attire.

Congratulations to

Rebecca Brominski attributes her success to having many moving parts. As director of the Wilkes-Barre Center and Educational Conference Center at Luzerne County Community College, she has found a work-life balance that allows her to feel accomplished yet still have enough quality time with family and friends. “One aspect of my position allows me to work with our corporate clients and the community in planning events. The other is working with our students to achieve their dreams of attaining a college education,” she explained.

After spending five years in New York City, Brominski returned to the area and Luzerne County Community College. “This area is rich in culture and family tradition, both qualities I appreciate and admire,” she said.

Brominski earned her Associate’s degree in education from Luzerne County Community College; her Bachelor’s in English/education and Master’s in education from Wilkes University.

She wholly believes in teamwork. “The greatest accomplishments are achieved when people work together. The strength and power of teamwork can create and implement the greatest change. The best

Rebecca Brominski

Director of LCCC’s Wilkes-Barre Extension Center & LCCC’s Educational Conference Center

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MARCH 2016

leaders surround themselves with individuals who like them, desire to be part of a team. The right chemistry will produce dynamic results,” she said.

Her parents, Jim and Carol Shedlock, have always been her cheerleaders. “Coupled with my husband, Don, they make up a great support system which I value and appreciate each and every day,” she said.

Brominski is a member of Dress for Success Luzerne County and Wilkes-Barre Diamond City Partnership boards of directors. She is a graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre and currently serves on its advisory and alumni councils. She recently cochaired the United Way of Wyoming Valley’s 2015 Poverty to Possibility Campaign with her husband.

“Having the opportunity to serve the community in which we were born and raised was both an honor and a privilege for us,” she said.

“Being selected as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in Northeastern Pennsylvania puts me standing side by side with many of the great and accomplished women this area has to offer.

I am humbled and honored by this opportunity,” she said.

Luzerne.edu

top 25 women in business TRACY NELSON WESCOTT: ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’

ELAINE WALKER: Passionate about cardiac care Everything in life that is worth it, requires hard work, dedication and passion, said Elaine Walker, cardiopulmonary director and chest pain coordinator at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Walker directs and manages the daily operation of cardiac diagnostic testing and the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation service lines at the hospital.

“The main focus of a director is to ensure all patients are given the highest quality and safest care, but I am also responsible for compliance with all hospital policies as well as all hospital governing and regulatory bodies for my service lines,” she explained.

Regional Hospital of Scranton has been designated a Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center, the first in Lackawanna County, due in large part to Walker’s oversight and diligence.

In addition to her great passion for her work, she also believes in keeping abreast of the latest healthcare news. Walker graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing with a diploma degree RN and returned after several years to earn her Bachelor of science degree in nursing. “As I saw how healthcare was changing and realized more

opportunities would be possible for me to advance, I went back to school and achieved my Master’s degree in nursing.” She also remains very visible both in the hospital and the community.

Her greatest mentors were the nurses who taught her how to develop her critical thinking skills and how to assess a patient from head to toe, while being respectful of everyone — skills she continues to take to work every day.

Walker values the great working relationships with her staff, peers and executive leaders and is respected for her input and focus on making Regional one of the best cardiac hospitals in the area.

Her mother, the late Venus Graham, who always wanted her to be a nurse, was her greatest supporter, in addition to her husband, Larry and her children and grandson. “I believe that every day you will have one moment that someone will touch you in the most positive way, if you are paying attention.

My favorite is when patients tell me a story, a joke, a compliment or just need me to listen to them about their struggles,” she said.

Tracy Nelson Wescott, LEED, BD+C ascribes to the philosophy and quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” by Mahatma Gandhi. As project manager at Highlands Associates, where she is a senior associate, she coordinates the project team; maintains the schedule and budget; and ensures clear and consistent communication with the owner and construction team.

As project architect, her role is to translate her client’s needs into built form and as an LEED accredited professional, sustainable principles and strategies guide the process.

She joked that she would not be where she is at today without sheer luck, and a ton of hard work. Wescott grew up in a middle class family just outside of Boston. She attained her Bachelors and Masters of architecture from Tulane University in New Orleans. Fifteen years ago, she and her husband moved to the Scranton area.

Wescott began at Highland as an architectural designer and was fortunate to gain experience in multiple markets including healthcare, education, retail, corporate office, and industrial.

She is eternally grateful to her first boss, Loren

Belida, who quietly provided support when she needed it. “Most importantly, Loren never made me feel like a woman in a male-dominated field, instead we were all equal members of the same team,”she said. “I’m blessed to work with very talented individuals who are experts in their field,” she said.

Her family and friends have been a constant in her life and a true source of inspiration, and she said she could not do half of what she does without her husband, Todd, who always manages to catch whatever ball she is about to drop, and encourages her to reach higher. Her three boys, Jacob, Nathan and Lucas, keep her grounded while reminding her of what is truly important.

Her mother, Susan, helped her to be a strong independent woman; and her in-laws, Lynne and Jamie, have showed her what it takes to maintain a successful marriage.

Her favorite part of her job is solving a challenge, whether it be a design, budget, or personality challenge. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing what you put on paper being used and having a positive impact,” she said.

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top 25 women in business DEBORAH MORAN PETERSON: ‘Believe in yourself and your goals’

Deborah Moran Peterson is open to new experiences, skills and friendships. “I love to share time, talents and skills with the community. The rewards are endless and rejuvenating,” she said.

As executive director of the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, her mission and that of the center is to rejuvenate the national architectural treasure as a regional center for the arts, education and community activities that are appealing to all. Her responsibilities include fund development, programming, community outreach and partnerships while providing leadership to a staff of professionals who handle the operations of the facility. She is also responsible for developing a cohesive strategy for ensuring continued success and sustainability of the center.

She earned her Bachelor of science degree in sociology from Marywood University and Master’s degree in human resources in administration from the University of Scranton. “It is important to believe in yourself and in your goals,” she said.

Moran Peterson’s mother, the late June Winwood Moran, always worked outside of the home. “She was an example of independence and

taught me to be able to think on my feet and take care of myself. She felt strongly that if a woman chooses to have a family, she could have a career too.” Her late sister, June Moran Coyne, had a zest for life, was very talented and well loved and also a mentor to her. She was professionally influenced by mentors Bill Nish, Gene Langan Jr. and Bill Gerrity. “These gentlemen saw my potential and were responsible for my career direction and advancement,” she noted.

Her parents were also very supportive of her, and her husband, John, and son, Jake tell colleagues and friends that they are proud of her.

Peterson loves that her job is different every day. “Creativity, community interest and historic preservation all wrapped up in one. It is the perfect mix of opportunity and challenge. I am fortunate to work each day with a talented team of professionals, a dedicated and forward thinking board of directors and a loyal team of volunteers,” she said.

“I feel that it is a privilege to be the steward of this architectural historic treasure as a hub for cultural and performing arts and an honor to uphold the mission to be a center piece of the community.”

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MARCH 2016

EVIE RAFALKO McNULTY: Living a life of service

Hard work, determination and a strong desire to work in the public sector is what drives Evie Rafalko McNulty. As Recorder of Deeds for Lackawanna County she has been an advocate for women and a political activist since 1977.

Rafalko McNulty’s primary responsibility is to protect the peoples’ ownership of their homes and other real property. “The two primary functions are to record and index documents relating to property in Lackawanna County and to act as a collection agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and all municipalities and school districts,” she explained.

The office handles many documents, some of which include deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mortgage assignments, power of attorney, leases and more.

“The records in this office protect and establish an accurate and thorough official record of real property ownership and are essential to the individual property owner who wants to establish a clear title to his holdings,” she added.

McNulty has held this post through the “generosity, support and votes of the people of Lackawanna County” for the past 18 years. “With

the expertise, professionalism and work ethic of my co-workers we have worked to make this office become the state of the art records office it is today,” she said.

Her favorite part of her job, is the contact with the people who use the office or who are in need of assistance in some aspect of government. She also enjoys applying today’s technology to public records to provide more efficient service.

Her husband, former Scranton Mayor James Barrett McNulty, has been her greatest mentor in life. “He has taught me, inspired me and supported me in all I have ever done. We both share a deep desire to help the people in Northeastern Pennsylvania” she said.” Rafalko McNulty lives by the philosophy that one has to believe in oneself, their work and their community family. “Find the goodness in people whose paths you cross and be kind to yourself and to others,” she said.

Rafalko McNulty was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women in 2015. She is active in the community, has served on many boards and received many awards.

top 25 women in business KIRSTEN WENTWORTH: ‘To whom much is given, much is expected’

CINDI TELESCA HEYEN: Dedicated to second chances Cindi Telesca Heyen believes in trying to see the best in people and treating them as she would want to be treated.”

As president and CFO of a multimillion dollar manufacturing and distribution company, JED Pool Tools Inc., doing business as Northeastern Plastics, she said “We feel very strongly about the importance of sustaining manufacturing jobs in the USA.” Her company employs 25 full-time employees and an additional 25 temporary workers in peak production season. Although she oversees the entire corporation, her primary responsibilities include accounting, purchasing, and inventory functions.

Heyen received her bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Penn State University. Upon graduation, she was recruited and began working in the defense electronics field. She and her husband, Alan, moved to Old Forge to run NEP/JED Industries, a pool accessory company her father had just purchased.

“As my children and the company grew, I began working more hours, getting involved in all aspects of the business and then we purchased NEP/JED

in 2005 renaming it JED Pool Tools,” she explained.

The company has continued to grow with the 2012 purchase of the assets of her father’s first business, Northeastern Plastics Inc., a custom injection molding company.

She attributes her success to hard work, organizational skills, attention to detail and a partner in business that balances her extremely well.

Her parents, Don and Pearl Telesca, both dedicated and hard workers, who believed in her possibly more than she herself did when she was younger, have been her greatest mentors. Her husband, Alan, and children, Casey, Steven, Rob and John, are also very supportive of her work ethic.

“They also know that if they need me I will drop everything and get to the work later,” she added.

“Although extremely challenging and emotionally trying at times, we hire many people that are struggling and would not be able to find work otherwise; many from halfway houses coming from prison. It is satisfying when we help someone and have given many people a second chance to start again on the right path.”

“I have been afforded many opportunities in my life, and I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure that what I’m working toward in life will also benefit others,” explained Kirsten Wentworth, vice-president of Wentworth and Associates Inc. Wentworth lives by the Jesuit philosophy that, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” She said one can incorporate a service mindset even in the business world by behaving ethically and respectfully.

At Wentworth and Associates, she provides bookkeeping, accounting and tax services to individuals and small to midsized-businesses, in addition to tax planning for individuals and businesses. A new facet of her business has been online cloud accounting, which transitions businesses from desktop to the cloud (online).

She was inspired to business ownership by seeing how it brought her family together for the success of their engineering company.

Wentworth graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in accounting, economics and finance. She and her mother began an account-

ing firm to help businesses utilize cloud accounting, as well as traditional services.

“My background was strong in tax and with my Enrolled Agent (EA) certification, my mom knew we would make a great team. In October of 2010, we started Wentworth and Associates in Clarks Summit,” she said.

Her mentors include her mother and her grandparents. “My mom has always shown, by example, the importance of hard work and perseverance. “My grandmother was one of the most incredible people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, kind yet full of strength, spunk and tenacity. My grandfather was always a great balance for her — steady, fair and honest, but one of the hardest workers I know,” she said.

“I am so fortunate to have an amazing immediate and extended family of wonderful individuals who have always supported me: my mom, brother, grandparents, aunt, uncle, cousins and fiance.”

“I keep my clients’ satisfaction as my main priority,” she said. She is also the president of NAWBO NEPA, and a past board member of NEPA Networkers and the 25th Komen Gala.

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eCoNoMiC DeveLoPMeNT

The value of job training

• An educational system that can be considered the finest possible, despite the fact that there are One of the most powerful weapons available to many low-income areas throughout the region. make the Pocono-Northeast competitive economi- Kindergarten is as important as higher education, cally is job training and it’s available in and, in fact, pre-school is essential. many different ways to benefit workers • Increasing the awareness of joint and add to worker productivity. marketing for attracting even better jobs This asset has always been one of to the region so that various chambers the foundations upon which ecoof commerce and industrial developnomic development activities have been ment agencies and others work closely achieved throughout the more recent together and coordinate activities for history of the region. It is accomplished true regional marketing.

Grossman by colleges and universities in the • An inventory of training modules region; by Career Link organizations; and across the entire region would be a step by a host of other groups and public and private toward expanding training opportunities greatly. A agencies and businesses that decide such training special website might be considered that highlights equips them for 21st Century business. this component regionally.

Employee training has become a springboard • Study the role that training plays elsewhere in for enabling job seekers and job generators, yet, the nation and across the globe and see if there there never seems to be sufficient training dollars are any elements that could be adapted inside the or community priorities for this function. region.

Much attention needs to be placed upon obtain• Organize a training academy for special needs ing the types of jobs that lead to higher incomes. or have a group of higher educational institutions Although there are examples of higher income combine their resources to meet these specialized opportunities, such as Tobyhanna Army Depot, situations. they are not present enough in quantity to meet all • Since there are solid successful entities in the of the elements important to regional residents. region that relate to jobs and job training such Therefore, steps need to be taken to focus as the NEPA Alliance; Northeastern Pennsylvania attention on job training as well as job availability Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC); the Career throughout the Pocono-Northeast to create an ad- Link entities; the many colleges and universities; vanced system of creative job wealth that will push and a host of other places that relate to job trainthe region to be competitive in a global economy. ing, the collective best of the roles that integrate to Global means that job training needs to include jobs should be put together and publicized in the such aspects as exporting and outsourcing — electronic and print media. themes that relate to economies of many countries Howard J. Grossman is the former executive director of and much more. The ability of this region to EDCNP, now NEPA Alliance. Email him at GrossmanHJ@ compete is controlled by many factors such as the aol.com. following.

By Howard J. Grossman, AICP

FACTOID The Honorable Marion L. Munley (1905-1983) was one of the first women elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. During her time, she established multiple precedents for women in Pennsylvania public life, and was a prominent leader in her community. Marion L. Munley was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on August 19, 1905. She attended Marywood College and the Powell School of Business in Scranton. She married Democratic State Rep. Robert W. Munley. The couple had two sons, Robert W. and James M. Munley, who grew up to become a trial lawyer and a federal district court judge, respectively. Following her husband’s death on Jan. 25, 1947, Munley took his place in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to represent Lackawanna County in the state house. She went on to be re-elected an additional eight times before retiring in 1964. Source: Wikipedia

Community partners support LHV stories four teams of third year students from the School of Architecture at Marywood University. The students are Inspired by the creative, enterprising and industri- engaged in a design/build project for a pavilion at the ous spirit of those who founded this region, LackaLaurel Street Trailhead in Archbald along the Lackawawanna Heritage Valley (LHV) celebrates nna River Heritage Trail. They will construct its 25th anniversary this year by honoring a permanent pavilion on stone abutments their legacy. at the site of the Gravity Slope Colliery.

Plans are underway for a series of Not only will the structure accommodate exciting events and initiatives made postrail user activity, but it also will reflect the sible through community partnerships that history of the site, resulting in a mutually help LHV continue to fulfill its mission: to beneficial amenity for the community. facilitate community action in the preservaAt the popular Nay Aug Avenue Natural Gelb Play Area in lower Green Ridge, a new tion, promotion and development of the pavilion will expand opportunities for outdoor region’s history, cultural heritage and natural learning with plans for a covered area to accommodate resources.

Community partners play a vital role in sharing the cultural performances, and educational workshops. story of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, and this year’s The park’s proximity to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and Lackawanna River make it an ideal venue for special events and initiatives will provide even greater environmental programming. The park is located on opportunities for collaboration. property owned by the City of Scranton, and LackaThe inaugural Heritage Explorer Golf Tournament at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor is among the new wanna County has provided initial funding to kickstart the project. events on the heritage calendar. Presented by Munley The Heritage Valley relies on the support of Law, the event will be held on Sunday, June 26, with individuals, businesses and institutions to enhance the a shotgun start at 8 a.m. The tournament features a life of the community. To learn more about the range captain-and-crew format, contests and prizes, lunch of sponsorship opportunities for the Heritage Explorer at Pine Hills Bar & Grill, and an awards presentation.

Golf Tournament, or to register, visit lhva.org or call The cost is $100 per golfer (including lunch and 570-963-6730. greens fees) or $50 per person for those who opt for LHV will hold its 25th anniversary celebration lunch only. in September. In keeping with a heritage theme, an The tournament will serve as a major fundraiser outdoor event featuring hors d’oeuvres, beverages to benefit the Heritage Area. The Lackawanna Heritage and live music is planned. A commemorative book Valley is a public/private partnership. As public funds honoring the people and places that make this heritage diminish, the participation and support of individuals area so unique will be unveiled at the celebration. The and organizations are vital. Funds are needed so that commemorative book as well as the anniversary event the Heritage Area can continue to tell the region’s story will serve as fundraisers. and to create a sense of place with an understanding of Natalie Gelb is executive directorof the Lackawanna what makes the region special.

Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA). Email her at natalie@ This spring, a partnership is under way with lhva.org.

By Natalie Gelb

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HeRiTAge TouRiSM

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MARCH 2016

opinion: eDuCAtion

Federal government oversteps into higher education accreditation are lower when compared to graduates in other fields, The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) once such as engineering and computer science. It baffles again is making plans to further increase federal me that the DOE has a regressive fixation on wages of oversight and control of higher education. new graduates. It is a simple metric, but The DOE continues to press for increased it punishes students for choosing careers transparency in the accreditation process that serve others.

– the review that ensures increasing quality Another executive action will publicly and effectiveness of academic programs – post probation letters to higher education and more attention to student outcomes. institutions. The DOE is asking Congress Since higher education’s federal finanto change the law to allow final accreditacial aid and support is tied to accreditation, tion reports to be posted on the Web we pay careful attention to the regional for public inspection. Again, this seems Botzman process that reviews our institutions. reasonable until one thinks carefully The DOE plan began in November with about what higher education accreditafive executive actions, such as sorting institutional tion is supposed to accomplish. Unpaid volunteer scores into categories and taking steps to improve specialists in higher education serve as consultants communicationbetween accreditors and the DOE. and evaluators in a rigorous process of peer evaluaSome, such as increased attention to educational outtion. Most institutions spend two years preparing a puts, partially mirror what has been happening in higher self-study and exhibits that will be examined by the education accreditation for decades. Instead of focusing visiting review team. on inputs, such as the number of volumes in the library, Evaluators provide an institution with commendawe have shifted to measure what our students are tion for what they do well and provide ways they can learning as they prepare for life after graduation. improve performance going forward. Much of that Through a process of assessment, all of higher advice is confidential as it is intended to give an institueducation has come to adopt a process of continuous tion the flexibility to decide on its best path for a better improvement and learning to do things new ways. We future for both its students and larger community. have created hybrid courses with electronic supplePublicly posting final accreditation reports will, ments to the traditional classroom, linked academic remove the ability of volunteer evaluators to frankly learning directly to service and internships, and sought assess the institution. Likely, as taxpayers, we will pay for ways to provide higher levels of learning in our redegovernment employees – many with little or no higher sign of curriculum. education experience – to accredit institutions. And, given The DOE, however, wants to move to more metrics the political pressure on the DOE, the reports will be less that focus on imperfect measurements that penalize than helpful in transparently improving outcomes. institutions that do not follow the DOE scheme for The proposal seems destined to fail since the performance. For example, the DOE once again wants DOE wishes for more transparency and an increased to place emphasis on earnings of graduates. emphasis on outcomes is naive. Hopefully, Congress Misericordia University, for example, graduates will continue to resist efforts from the DOE to provide teachers, social workers and other important profesfederal control over higher education. sionals who are fully capable of serving society’s needs Thomas Botzman is president of Misericordia University regionally and nationally. Their starting salaries also

By Thomas J. Botzman Ph.D.

top 25 women in business Laura GiLLette MiLLs: Focus on the end goal

Laura L. Gillette-Mills, AAIA, always looks at each opportunity that presents itself not only in the moment but also where it may lead her in the future. “The path I have traveled has made me realize that even when things are tough and you may even think impossible, as long as you dedicate yourself to the task at hand and focus on your end goal, you truly can make anything happen,” said the only female partner at the firm of hemmler + camayd architects.

As a mother and a woman in any workforce, especially a field saturated with men, she knows that you must learn that with confidence you can allow your skills and knowledge to speak for themselves and never doubt your own abilities, or you are opening the door for others to doubt you as well.

She is a project manager on various project types that range from higher education, health care to corporate, and includes working with clients on defining their needs, overseeing and working on the designs and drawing documentation for building projects and working with contractors on construction sites.

Gillette-Mills is also very involved in the busi-

ness development efforts and other managerial tasks in the company’s operations. She enjoys getting out there and meeting potential clients and discussing the endless possibilities of what they can achieve as a team A graduate of Dunmore High School and Philadelphia University, she studied abroad in Rome which was a fantastic experience in so many ways for her.

She grew up in a very close family who always not only supported each other but also pushed each other to achieve their dreams. She is grateful to have been blessed with supportive parents and three wonderful sisters. “They helped me realize the importance of being a strong and independent woman, confident that I can offer just as much to the world as anyone else, if not more” she said.

Her biggest supporter is her husband, David.

Their 2-year-old daughter is so happy and very sweet. Over the years she has dedicated herself to numerous organizations and non-profits. “I love my community, I am proud of where I am from and where I still live,” she said.

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management & Leadership

‘Sound strategy starts with having the correct goal’

that is, spending some time every day in your Last month, if you remember we laid out our goals; formalizing them and making midcourse VISION for the future. This is the second of a four corrections as necessary, you are in all likelihood step process in Personal Strategic writing down a great deal more goals Planning. than you ever thought possible.

If you ask me what a good synAll of them can’t be handled simultaonym is for vision, I would have to say, neously. So, choose wisely. To give you “Goal setting.” So, with enough practice an example, I have a free 30-minute time we should have a set of meaningful, block early in the morning and I wanted written goals, but now we have to do to do something totally selfish. I narsomething with them. I believe the startrowed it down to one of three activities: Sciacca ing point in understanding actions in the practice guitar, write fiction, or reading. goal setting process can be understood in Now, it really doesn’t matter which a Michael Porter quote: “The essence of strategy is one I picked, my purpose here is to point out that choosing what not to do.”

I could only do one. Since they were all equally I am speaking about how goals should drive meaningful to me, I knew I would enjoy myself and action, and Professor Porter is saying to do noththat the half hour would fly by. I knew also, from ing. Well, not really. What he is saying is be careful experience, this half hour of personal endeavor with what you spend your valuable time on by not would energize me. And it did. So choose wisely spending it on less important goals. because your choices of the goals you decide to A good question, at this point might be, “How pursue will drive the actions for that day. do I know what goals I should work on first, then And, you will find that the process outlined in second, and so on?” Unfortunately, I can’t help you this and the last issue will also energize you. As you with that. The answer to that has to be your own set goals and then decide to put certain ones into personal answer. For example, your goal today action, it is almost like you’re planning a journey; might be to spend an extra hour at work each day and you can’t wait to get started! to secure that promotion that will be coming up As we all endeavor to live our life with purpose next year. But then your doctor calls and says if you and by applying meaningful pressure to our cirdon’t take 40 pounds off in the next year, you risk cumstances, we grow. It’s kind of like weight lifting; serious health issues. How many of us would be the resistance causes muscle growth. With stratspending that extra hour at the gym instead of the egy, as you press your strategy against the world, office? you grow. And you begin to get what you want.

So, strategy is really looking over your vision Biagio “Bill” Sciacca is CEO of Intelligent Motiand deciding the parts of it that should be moved vation Inc and a full-time instructor of Economics forward at various times. and Business Administration at Penn State UniverIf you practiced what I suggested last month; sity. Email him at bill@intelligentmotivationinc.com.

top 25 women in business MARY ALICE TRAINOR: Work hard, work smart

By Biagio “Bill” Sciacca

SOVA, Inc. congratulates the “Top Women in Business” Including its own MARY TRAINOR, VP and Co-Founder

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MARCH 2016

Since she surrounds herself with good people, Mary Alice Trainor attributes a great part of her success to working with a great support team.

As co-owner and vice president of SOVA Inc., a telecommunications sales company which acts as a master agent for independent agents VARS, MSPs and Solutions Providers, her responsibilities include management of the support staff and assistance in marketing and administrative functions requiring executive oversight.

Trainor received her Bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Wilkes University and attained an MBA from the University of Scranton.

She began employment at a local small business in furniture manufacturing where the two owners and the management staff were all under 30. “That’s where I learned about entrepreneurship, effective decision-making and risk management,” she said. After that, she held various positions at Commonwealth Telephone Company (now Frontier) in a staff role, promoting into a succession of sales, marketing and business development management positions. “While there I received a solid background in telecommunications and valuable experience and understanding of

the corporate environment,” she noted.

Trainor co-founded SOVA in 1992. “For the first two years I was paying more for childcare than I earned in the business, however shortly after that our business turned the corner and has been growing ever since. We grew our business through solid business relationships with our carriers and strong backroom support for our agent community and their customers,” she said.

Her parents, her greatest mentors, taught her to always be fair, have a positive outlook and most of all, to value family. She is also grateful to her three siblings, who all followed in their parents’ footsteps, understanding what it means to work smart.

She attributes a large part of her success to having the right business partner in Gene Esopi.

Her loving husband, Frank, supports her and is the best dad in the world to their daughter, Caitlin.

“My beautiful daughter Caitlin has taught me that life is a wonderful puzzle that constantly needs to be examined and to listen to the world in a different way,” she said.

“It is so much easier to be successful at work when you know your child is safe and happy.”

management & Leadership

top 25 women in business

Integrity, Ethics and Character The Wholeness of an Individual covered. It wasn’t just illegal actions but mostly corrupt manipulations of the rules and regulations solely for Integrity is a state of being whole and self-serving profitability. This left innocents complete with no missing parts. It’s not to pay a high price for these misdeeds. about right or wrong, good or bad; rather it With today’s complex business is a description of an individual or a system exchanges and interdisciplinary activities being able and reliable to fulfill a particular it is far too easy to be focused on one’s intent or commitment. personal perspective and less focused on Operating with integrity is about one’s the concerns of others. This circumstance speaking and actions being unquestionable necessitates an imaginative and effective and leaving no task undone without being monitoring of all interrelationships among Craighead accountable for your promises. Integrity businesses and individuals, insuring that is a system of honor that formulates trusted best practices are applied. agreements, which bring certainty to life.

In his book The Road to Character, David Brooks Trust is a significant dimension of the integrity studies the role that character plays in our lives. equation that’s based on your word as your bond.

Through a series of studies of noted people he Before we became a litigious society, a hand shake was concludes that wealth, fame and fortune often failed a binding agreement that was accepted and honored to provide lasting happiness. His thesis is that one’s as such. When people experience your word as bank- character is the pathway to fulfillment. able, they have confidence and a sense of certainty that One aims for happiness as the end game; the other promotes dependability and trustfulness. knows that happiness alone is insufficient. We see In his book, The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that manifestations of this emptiness in individuals with an Changes Everything, Stephen Covey affirms that once insatiable and unfulfilled craving for recognition which trust is broken, it is rarely ever fully recovered. Ethics results in their disillusionment and alienation from are moral principles that govern behavior. It is often others. the difference between what you have a right to do and The essence of Brook’s book is that, even with what the right thing to do is. A primary responsibility worldly abundance, when there is a lack of character of any business is to be profitable; otherwise it won’t people are rarely at peace with themselves. Therefore, remain viable. However, when businesses are not the attainment of absolute fulfillment is unsustainoperated ethically, they inevitably cause great harm to able by acquiring goods and fame alone. It takes the themselves and others. fundamentals of integrity, ethics and character to build Often ethics are viewed from an inward-focused a complete and balanced life. When your handshake perspective without regard or concern for the wellbeing is sufficient and you are known as someone who is of others. In 2008 such irresponsible behavior of a trustworthy, then you are a person of character. relatively few brought down a world economy, ruined Jon Craighead is president of Craighead Associates pensions, and caused business failures and loss of LLC. Email him at jon@craighead associates or visit jobs and homes, many of which have yet to be fully re- craigheadassociates.com

Tammy Connor: Finds happiness in elder care

By Jon Craighead

We only get one life, said Tammy Connor and “You are the only one responsible for your happiness.” Connor, director of admissions and marketing at Willowbrook Senior Living, a Genesis Healthcare facility lives by this philosophy.

Connor develops sales/marketing plans; generates and maintains a referral pipeline within the community; and oversees monthly budgets for sales/marketing. Most importantly, she puts customer service at the top of her goal to ensure the residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere.

Connor is an honors graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a degree in community health education and administration. She worked for the American Cancer Society, Northeast Region, for nine years where she oversaw five counties throughout NEPA. After a term as a social services case manager for Wayne Memorial Hospital, she accepted the position at The Willowbrook.

Her parents, Fred and Kathy Gill, have been her greatest supporters and mentors. “They have been my back bone and have instilled in me their morals, values and are the reason I live my life and raise my children

Congratulations g

to our Director off Admissions and Marketing

Tammy Connor

on receiving the prestigious honor as one of the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s 2016 Top 25 Women in Business.

We are very proud of you!

Love, Your Management Team, Staff, Residents and the rest of your Willowbrook family

the way I do. They are my biggest fans,” she added.

In addition, her management team at The Willowbrook, especially her executive director, Chris Murray, are her mentors. “He has put his building’s success in my hands and I treasure his faith, trust, belief and respect,” she said.

Her two sons, Garrett, 14, and Gavin, 10, are her world and keep her going every day. “I always say if I did nothing right in my life, I at least got two things perfect.” Her brother, Ken, has also played a huge supporting role in her life as well as her core group of friends.

The best part of her job is getting to know her residents and their families, especially the elderly population who teach you that life is so precious and not to take one moment for granted. Another favorite part of her job is her management team who are her family and provide her a second home.

She has received numerous awards in her professional life and is an avid runner.

“I am normally a background person, not someone in the spotlight, so receiving this nomination and honor, although I am grateful, is overwhelming for me,” she said.

The Willowbrook

A Senior Living Community Genesis HealthCareSM 150 Edella Road Clarks Summit, PA 18411 570-586-6028 www.genesishcc.com

Improving the lives we touch…

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 31

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focus on e business

happy online shoppers want different experience than brick-and-mortar shopping

shoppers want a slightly different experience than that received in a brick-and-mortar store.

Ecommerce – commercial transactions conducted “The ease of use of the site is a huge thing, the electronically – continues to change the business speed of something downloading, how much informaworld, now Mom-and-Pop businesses can tap into a tion do they have to put in to be able to get information, world previously dominated by big business by selling can they make it easy to shop in turn?” she said. “Are their wares online. there great promotions? Are they looking for just a According to the U.S. Commerce Department, ton of details about products and reviews and feeling online sales grew over 102 percent since 2010, rising comfortable about the purchase decision they are from $168.9 billion to an estimated $341.7 billion in about to make? There’s a lot of different ways to make 2015. Total ecommerce sales for 2015 increased 14.6 them happy.” percent compared to 2014. Ecommerce sales grew What makes a shopper unhappy includes slow from 6.4 percent of total sales in 2014 to 7.3 percent downloads, a lack of sufficient information or descripin 2015. tions and a complicated process to navigate to make Experts expect that trend to continue. their purchase.

The National Retail Federation forecasts retail Having clear and flexible return and shipping industry sales will grow 3.1 percent in 2016 and nonpolicies also help make shoppers happy with the store sales (web sales) to grow between six and nine experience and likely to return. percent.

Retailers who invest in time to plan, make the best Whether a brick-and-mortar store exists or not, promotions and create the best shopping experience many retailers recognize the opportunities for business reap the rewards of online success, according to Berry. growth by creating an online presence.

“The ones that were most successful this year How can you create a successful ecommerce were the ones that started planning earlier, that didn’t business? Like any other business, basics prevail. First, think about it as online only and really thought about know who your customer is and what they want. the impact on a customer that wants to shop in the “Online shoppers are just shoppers as a whole,” says physical store, making that the best experience,” she Artemis Berry, vice president of digital retail for the said.

National Retail Federation, Washington, DC. “Retailers (who) were the biggest winners were the “They are looking for the best prices out there. ones that did a lot of holiday planning, that really looked They are looking for convenience. Other times, shopclosely at the mobile experience for the consumer as pers are different and they are looking for something more and more customers go and are depending on others don’t have, either something exclusive that can that computer in their home, that mobile phone. The be personalized or something in the consignment planners, the ones figuring out mobile and the ones model of shopping, something they wouldn’t have making sure they had the best deals.” been able to get on their own or something gently Berry sees those with online success operate worn.” efficiently, use a promotional calendar, review website When shopping online, Berry believes happy online

By Kathy Ruff

Please see E-BUSINESS, Page 33

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MARCH 2016

top 25 women in business Ashley WAlsh: A lifelong learner

Ashley Walsh believes that every experience is a learning experience. Walsh is secretary/treasurer at Pocono Raceway; executive director of both the Village at Pocono and the Pocono Raceway Campground.

Walsh’s life has been colorful: childhood in the suburbs of Philadelphia and working at the race track at age 10, alongside her grandfather. She moved to Northern California at 15 years old; graduated from St. Mary’s College High School, an all boys school, where she was part of the first coed graduating class in its 132-year history.

Walsh received her Bachelor’s degree in communications from Elon University while traveling on the weekends to various NASCAR tracks and working in the souvenir trailers.

Upon graduating college, she resided in Italy and worked as a bartender at an Irish pub for six months before returning to the U.S. to work at Speed Channel as a production assistant. She traveled for 12 years as a freelance assistant director for various NASCAR shows and events including the Rolex Series, AMA Motorcycling Racing, and the ARCA series.

When she was 25, her grandfather, Dr. Joe Mattioli, asked her to come back to Pocono and take the reins of The Village at Pocono, a 56-room hotel. She jumped in

headfirst to build the hotel and continues running daily operations at the hotel and the 100-site campground.

As secretary/treasurer at Pocono Raceway, she oversees purchasing activity for staff; develops and maintains systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets of the organization and assists with the coordination and activities of independent auditors and preparation of the annual audit report.

Her grandfather and her mother, Looie McNally, have encouraged her throughout her life.

Walsh finds great enjoyment creating something out of nothing, whether it be editing a film or TV show, constructing a building, or building a business. “It’s like exercise for my brain,” she said. Her number one fan and greatest supporter is her husband, Frankie, a firefighter with the Atlantic City Fire Department. “He has taken me all over this beautiful world and has opened my my eyes to things I would have never experienced,” she said.

The two host an annual charity skateboard race on the 2.5 mile racetrack during NASCAR June race weekend with all proceeds going to Victory Junction Gang Camp. In her limited spare time she loves surfing, yoga, meditation and her dog, Lance.

FROM PAGE 32

analytics and make strategic changes based on what they learn.“The future of bricks-and-mortar needs to have digital infused in it,” said Berry.

“According to Mintel, a market research firm, because one in four online shoppers would rather make returns in person, stores with brick-and-mortar outlets may have a substantial competitive advantage.

Partnering with mail services such as UPS, FedEx and the USPS can add to that advantage.

So where do you start if you’re delving into ecommerce?

The foundation of any successful ecommerce business begins with a website that provides shoppers with needed information and a user-friendly, convenient process.

“When we build a website, we do so from the visitors’ eyes and make sure they can find exactly what they need to ensure an easy online purchase,” said Michelle Bersch, president of Design Done Right Inc., Scranton. “Speed is key when shopping online, whether that is how fast the website and images load, to how fast they can get from product to checkout.

They also need to be able to purchase from their phone or tablet with ease. It is crucial to test your site as a customer, prior to launching, to make sure the experience is flawless.”

Bersch specializes in creating custom WordPress websites that owners can update themselves if they so desire. That service also provides tools needed to measure, track and review the front and back-end processes.

“Our clients have complete control and can set their own photos, inventory, shipping info and connect it all to social media and email marketing,” said Bersch. “We offer researched Google keywords and metadata information on each page to rank higher organically in search engines. We also utilize Google Analytics along with any statistics offered through the clients hosting package. We can also take those analytics and then target with online advertisements to find which keywords were most effective.

A good thing to remember is that your website is

fluid — you can always change it, always improve, change keywords and keep it fresh for your visitors.”

Bersch uses data collected to know which pages within a customer’s current website receives the most attention, a tool used to create the right navigational flow and in-turn increase revenues.

Experts agree keeping tabs on the user side of transactions remains a critical component of a successful ecommerce business.

“We develop websites not only to promote a company’s products and service, but we also focus on the customer experience,” says Dina Tulli Davis, owner of JumpSpark Creative Group, Albrightsville, Carbon County. “The customer experience is extremely important because this will determine if your website is able to convert prospective customers into buyers and whether or not they become repeat buyers.”

That experience includes offering a logical flow and layout, relevant content and a responsive platform that adapts to the size of the user’s screen.

“It has been proven through various marketing research that a customer who has trouble navigating a website on a mobile device and has to enlarge copy and images, will most likely lose patience and move onto another site without placing an order,” said Davis. “Our goal is to give visitors what they want and entice them to dig deeper into the site. We may do this with special buys, online coupons or pop-up deals. We may even use strategies to upsell them on another item or two as well.”

Beyond product information and price, shoppers look at security of the site when considering whether to purchase. “It is also important that when online shoppers visit an Ecommerce store that they feel confident and secure in doing so,” said Davis.

“Today, a website is the nucleus of any business.

A well done ecommerce site opens the doors to more opportunity and revenue for a company both online and offline. Online shopping is not a fad, it is here to stay” said Davis. “If you are a retailer and don’t have an ecommerce website, you are missing out .”

top 25 women in business Mary Jo Preno Yanusauskas: ‘Show up, do good, keep moving’

Mary Jo Preno Yanusauskas always tries to keep a positive attitude. “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well,” she said.

As vice-president of communications at Toyota of Scranton, she is responsible for all internal and external communications. As a member of the company’s senior leadership team, she is dedicated to providing the best customer service and automobile selection. “I work to attract, retain and motivate staff so as to promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.”

Having grown up in a family business, Preno’s Restaurant, she and her siblings learned that the customer comes first. “We were taught to go above and beyond for the customer. The example — set by my family — to serve others became ingrained in my approach to life and has been a constant thread woven throughout my professional career and personal experiences,” she said.

In addition to her parents, several mentors have been instrumental in her life, including her late husband, Joseph Yanusauskas, whose lifelong commitment to doing the right thing serves as an inspiration. A second mentor, Gail Nape,

also helped her evolve, grow and step out of her comfort zone; and a third mentor, Greg Gagorik, president of Toyota of Scranton, has an incredible capacity to help others reach their full potential and creates an environment where everyone is excited to go to work each day.

Preno Yanusauskas said her parents instilled a deep faith and understanding of the importance of family and the need to develop strong and lasting friendships. “It is the people we meet along the journey that inspire us to show up, do good and keep moving,” she said.

She said she is grateful for the opportunity to work every day with an amazing group of talented professionals in a business community that is incredibly diverse and passionately committed to responding to the needs of those who call Northeastern Pennsylvania home. “It’s exciting and quite rewarding to be a part of it,” she noted.

She said she is humbled to be recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Business in NEPA. “To be in the company of such incredible women, who give back to our community through their business leadership is a privilege,” she said.

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personnel file

At the A. pickett construction inc. celebration, from left are: James solano, vice president; Jim Zavaskas, co-founder/ general superintendent and secretary; Joe solano, president and co-founder, Gina severcool, president of the wyoming county chamber of commerce and John Dawe, assistant vice president/chief information officer of the Greater wilkes Barre chamber of commerce.

holds a degree in business management from A. pickett construction inc.

East Stroudsburg University. She is active in her A. Pickett Construction Inc. was recognized by the community and is the writer of “Country ConverGreater Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce for celebrating sations” in The Wayne Independent.

30 years in business. A business lunch was provided by the chambers to recognize and celebrate the milestone. honesDAle nAtionAl BAnk Brian P. Wilken was promoted to busi-

Borton-lAwson

holden

MisericorDiA university

Kathleen Hughes-Butcher, M.S., O.T.R./L.,

was named an academic fieldwork coordinator for the five-year, entry level bachelor of science and master of science degree program in occupational therapy at Misericordia University. HughesButcher holds a bachelor of hughes-Butcher science degree in psychology and a master of science in occupational therapy from Misericordia University.

During her 15-year clinical career, she has specialized in physical disabilities and geriatrics. Hughes-Butcher has experience in skilled nursing facilities, in-patient Bachman and out-patient rehabilitation, home health care, and acute care settings.

Amy Bachman and Lauren Seigfried have been named to new positions in the recently created Department of Enrollment Marketing within the Division of Planseigfried ning and External Relations at Misericordia University.

See PERSONNEL on Page 41

kunkel

Borton-Lawson added two employees to its Wilkes-Barre office. Thomas Holden Jr., EIT joined the Energy Services group as a civil designer. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Seth Kunkel joined the Industrial Infrastructure team as a mechanical intern. He is currently a junior at Wilkes University, where he is majoring in mechanical engineering. He is from Hamburg, Pa.

DAvis r. chAnt reAltors

fisch

ness development officer, Honesdale National Bank.

His responsibilities include assisting the bank in meeting its goals by building or enhancing relationships with present and prospective consumers, commercial/ wilken industrial and governmental/ public sector clients. He assists with the explanation and implementation of many of the bank’s services and informing customers and prospects of the opportunities available through the HNB Trust and HNB Financial Services Departments. Wilken is a 1986 graduate of SUNY Cobleskil, with a degree in agricultural business.

Ronald M. Sebastianelli has been named chief lending officer, Honesdale National Bank. Sebastianelli joined HNB in 2003 as a commercial loan officer and brings 24 years of banking experience, including 19 years as commercial loan officer, to his new position. As chief lending oficer, Sebastianelli is responsible for all aspects of the loan department and will help develop and manage loan accounts and assume responsibility for ensuring proper credit analysis, documentation, loan review, and collections, as well as strict adherence to the bank’s lending policy.

Kim Fisch joined the team at Davis R. Chant as a realtor. Fisch was a stay-at-home mother to her four children, all of whom she home-schooled. She

students who participating in the Misericordia white coat ceremony include, first row from left: caitlin walsh, laflin, pa.; Jessica langone, honesdale, pa.; kristine pavlicka, pocono lake, pa.; rachael taylor, hightstown, n.J.; Alyson clegg, roaring Branch, pa.; victoria Avidano, Bloomingburg, n.y.; Alexis savage, Bloomsburg, pa.; Jessica wood, Dickson city, pa.; olivia Garcia, oyster Bay, n.y.; kate varallo, Doylestown, pa. and christopher hutter, elmsford, n.y.; second row: emily power, north wales, pa.; Jessica watkins, elysburg, pa.; Amanda halchak, nanticoke, pa.; shannon post, Branchville, n.J.; Monica Murray, hopkinton, Mass.; lauren Butruce, shavertown, pa.; Jaime hannis, harding, pa.; felicia turner, west pittston, pa.; Melissa Galloway, Bath, pa.; Mary stephens, Mechanicsburg, pa.; Dana warfel, lancaster, pa., and philip fraher, plainview, n.y.; third row: Mikhayla Michigan, Mullica hill, n.J.; sarah harder, catawissa, pa.; elyssa yanik, west pittston, pa.; samantha scalzo, west pittston, pa.; kayla krishak, springville, pa.; Alyssa schwarz, Belle Mead, n.J.; Julia spencer, Manalapan, n.J.; christina Guzinski, shenandoah, pa.; lauren hause, kulpmont, pa.; emma federinko, spring Mills, pa.; valerie pagano, folsom, n.y.; Michael ryan, west simsbury, conn. and Zachary Moody, clarence, pa.; fourth row: Jacob wysocki, harding, pa.; Gabby watson, west chester, pa.; kylee hazur, shickshinny, pa.; Melanie piser, Middletown, Del.; toni Baran, sugarloaf, pa.; rebecca kunkel, wernersville, pa.; kallie Miller, pittston, pa.; isabella Botak, soudertown, pa.; Miranda pardoe, Montandon, pa.; Michelle norton, susquehanna, pa.; thomas hircock, chester springs, pa., and tyler Arnold, springville, pa.

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ANNUAL NEPA COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS AWARD DINNER

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2016 ~all proceeds benefit~ The Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America Dinner Reception and Gathering 6:00 pm Dinner served promptly at 6:45 pm Silent Auction begins at 6:00 pm Location: Genetti Hotel & Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre Purpose: To honor two leading citizens and role models in our community, heighten awareness of the Scouting Program and raise the necessary funds to provide a quality Scouting Program for youth.

Keynote Speaker

Joe Theismann

Former NFL Quarterback - Washington Redskins

Distinguished Citizen Award Honorees

Joyce Fasula

President, Gerrity’s Supermarket

Denise Cesare

Former President/CEO, Blue Cross of NEPA Committee Chairs

Co-Chair Angelo DeCesaris, PNC Bank Co-chair Jerry Champi, FNCB Bernard Banks, David Price James Gorman, James Roberts Paul Luksh, Tim Holmes Tom Cummings, Dominick DeNaples Greg Collins, Michael Minello Joseph Aldcowski, Richard Read, III Kevin Proctor, Kevin Engelman John Monnier, Dr. Stephen Lawrence, DDS

THIS IS A PREMIERE EVENT ~ COME JOIN US!

$150 per Seat or $1,500 per Table Program Ad space is available: Full Page - $1,000 black & white or $1,500 full color, Half Page - $500, Quarter Page - $250, Business Card - $100

Proud Member Agency

For Table and Sponsor information, please inquire no later than Friday, April 8, 2016.

You may contact the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America Phone: 570-207-1227 ext. 226 ~ email: rmozeleski@nepabsa.org

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MARCH 2016

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BANKING

Business advice you can bank on As a community bank and a local business, Fidelity Bank saw a need and literally developed a channel for tapping into local sources of business wisdom.

The result was the creation of “Fidelity Bank…On Business,” a half-hour weekly radio show that airs Saturdays at 1 p.m. on 94.3FM, The Talker.

The interview format program offers businesses tips, tools and advice on a wide range of subjects focused on financial guidance, helpful business products, and marketing tactics that local businesses can use every day.

The show is a unique addition to the local media market. “We felt very strongly that “Fidelity Bank…

On Business” would be an excellent way to connect with local businesses and provide advice, support and resources that could be very beneficial to help them grow,” said Daniel J. Santaniello, Fidelity Bank’s president and CEO. Recently, industry experts from the Small Business Administration were the guests on the show and gave insights into affordable lending options.

Without lending and obtaining business credit, a new or existing business will struggle to reach their goals. In order for a lending institution to grant a loan or extend business credit, the business owner will have to prove their personal credit worthiness and show that they possess the needed skills and appropriate business plan that will lead to success.

Business lenders will look for the following: Personal Credit Information - The lender will look at the individual, their personal credit, and their management skills. Their personal credit will determine whether the lender will work with their business. Good management skills are necessary in order to thrive even in difficult times.

Start-Up or Existing Business – If the business already exists, be sure to maintain all financial records. The lender will need to know if the business is making money. If not, the lender will need the individuals plan to make money in the future so they will be able to pay back the debt.

Business Plan – This is a very important component for the lenders decision of whether or not to work with a business. In order to create an appropriate business plan, the individual has to set goals and decide what they need to achieve them. The business plan should include: financial information on the prospective or current business owner (financial statement, several years of tax returns), completed business plan from beginning to end, detailed list of business costs (staff, rent, equipment, insurance, etc.), the businesses projec-

tions for the next 24 months (expenses, profit), necessary capital and working expenditures.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a vital financing tool when starting or growing a small business. The SBA is a government agency that provides support to maintain and strengthen small businesses. There are many benefits to clients who utilize the SBA for loans. The loans are made through banks and other lenders who partner with the SBA. So, the agency isn’t actually providing the loan, but rather providing a government-backed guarantee on part of the loan.

The SBA offers a variety of different loan programs for specific purposes. Two common programs are the CDC/504 loan program and the 7(a) loan program. Here’s what the programs do: CDC/504 Loan Program A Certified Development Company (CDC) is a non-profit corporation that is certified, regulated, and granted from the SBA to provide financing to small businesses. The 504 program is very specific because it’s fixed asset financing only. This means it can only be used for purchases like land, equipment, new buildings, etc. For this program, the SBA partners with a local bank in which the bank takes 50 percent of the transaction and the SBA takes up to 40 percent, allowing the small business owner to have as little as 10 percent down payment on asset acquisitions. This program also allows the owner to have fixed rate financing for up to 20 years. So, the owner would have the benefit of consistently making the same payment for 20 years.

7(a) Loan Program This program is the SBA’s most common due to the benefit that it can provide financing for any business purpose, not limited on fixed asset financing like the 504 program. Some basic uses for this loan include working capital, inventory purchases, and refinancing existing business debt. The 7(a) is a guaranteed loan of up to $5 million for any small for-profit business. There is a 75 percent guarantee, which means if there is a default the SBA will reimburse the lender up to 75% of that loan. So, if a business receives an SBA guaranteed loan for $5 million, the maximum guarantee to the lender would be $3,750,000.

To get started, check your personal credit, visit your local bank and present your business idea and need for a loan. The bank will decide if they need the SBA to make it happen. Your bank will help find the right loan program that fits you and your business. Visit: sba.gov for more information.

ON BUSINESS FIDELITY BANK... ON BUSINESS RADIO SHOW SATURDAYS AT 1:00PM

94.3FM THE TALKER Business tips, tools and advice that local businesses can use every day.

Let our experts inspire, motivate and help you to grow with financial guidance, helpful business products, marketing tactics and more.

Business Advice … You Can Bank On Join the conversation at

And listen anytime at our new Fidelity Bank website at www.bankatfidelity.com.

800.388.4380 570.342.8281

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Converting to this clean, abundant, locally produced energy could save you thousands of dollars a year.

To find out if natural gas is an option for you and how much you could save, visit the website below or call UGI at 1-800-276-2722.

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NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 37 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B37] | 02/24/16

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HEALTHCARE

Medicare’s Role in End-of-Life Care Kaiser Health News

About three-quarters of the 2.5 million people who die during the year in the United States are ages 65 and older, making Medicare the largest insurer of health care provided during the last year of life.

In fact, roughly one-quarter of traditional Medicare spending for health care is for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries in their last year of life — a proportion that has remained steady for decades.

The high overall cost for health care received in the last year of life is not surprising given that many who die have multiple serious and complex conditions.

In our April issue…

COVER THEME Self-funded Insurance

Can self-funded insurance garner savings for the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Scranton? With news that Pittsburgh has moved to a self-insured plan for its 3,700 employees and retirees and is slated to save $7 million this year, the Business Journal explores how cutting out the middleman and directly paying for medical claims could work here.

FEATURE

• Spring Building Forecast – We will ask builders about commercial and residential construction

in 2016. Where is the greatest amount of activity seen in construction and are residential clients going for smaller homes?

• Leadership Skill Building – Leadership requires skills to operate effectively in uncertain and ambiguous conditions. We will survey the advances made by higher education and business agencies in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre to help develop tomorrow’s leaders.

FOCUS

• Sports and Leisure – The Sporting Life in NEPA. It’s almost time for baseball. What promotional highlights can the public expect at Rail Riders games? In addition, how can we make this area more appealing for the sports-minded among us. Plus how do our residents and visitors spend their leisure time?

SUPPLEMENTS

• Spring Healthcare Update – What do the experts say about research into the devastating

neurological conditions of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body diseases? We will also address Chronic Pain and Home Health Care. In addition, in our Ask a Doctor feature, we will talk about a hospital system in Eastern PA which has established an online app for 24-hour online doctor visits.

Advertising deAdline: MArch 15 For advertising information contact Judy Gregg 570-207-9001 extension 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

UPCOMING EDITIONS

• May – Stroke Focus; Business and The Law • June – Profiles in Medical Excellence • July – Who’s Who in NEPA

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News & Information • A Times-Shamrock Publication 149 Penn Avenue • Scranton, PA 18503 | 75 N. Washington Street • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 • 570-207-9001 • 877-584-3561 • Fax 570-207-3452

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Aside from cost, several other factors contribute to difficult clinical and policy discussions about whether patients are getting the care they want or need as they approach the end of their lives.

Research has found, for example, that most adults (90 percent) say they would prefer to receive endof-life care in their home if they were terminally ill, yet data show that only about one-third of Medicare beneficiaries (age 65 and older) died at home.

Starting this year, Medicare is covering advance care planning — discussions that physicians and other health professionals have with their patients regarding end-of-life care and patient preferences — as a separate and billable service. The following 10 FAQs provide information on Medicare’s role in end-of-life care and advance care planning. In addition to defining relevant terms, and explaining Medicare’s current and future coverage for end-of-life care, these FAQs also describe recent relevant rules released by the administration and additional proposals from Congress regarding advance care planning and care for people with serious and terminal illness.

Q1: What is “end-of-life care” and does Medicare cover it?

A: End-of-life care encompasses all health care provided to someone in the days or years before death, whether the cause of death is sudden or a result of a terminal illness that runs a much longer course. For people ages 65 and over, the most common causes of death include cancer, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory diseases. Medicare covers a comprehensive set of health care services that beneficiaries are eligible to receive up until their death. These services include care in hospitals and several other settings, home health care, physician services, diagnostic tests, and prescription drug coverage through a separate Medicare benefit. Many of these Medicare-covered services may be used for either curative or palliative (symptom relief)

purposes, or both. Medicare beneficiaries with a terminal illness are eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit that includes additional services—not otherwise covered under traditional Medicare—such as bereavement services.

Q2: What is “advance care planning” and does Medicare cover it?

A: Advance care planning involves multiple steps designed to help individuals a) learn about the health care options that are available for end-of-life care; b) determine which types of care best fit their personal wishes; and c) share their wishes with family, friends, and their physicians. In some cases, patients who have already considered their options may need only one advance care planning conversation with their physician. However, experts state that frequently, beneficiaries may require a series of conversations with their physician or other health professionals to clearly understand and define their end-of-life wishes.

Medicare covers advance care planning as a separate service provided by physicians and other health professional. Medicare will cover advance care planning provided in medical offices and facility settings, including hospitals. If Medicare beneficiaries desire advance care planning during their annual wellness visit, physicians and other health professionals may provide it during the visit and bill Medicare separately for it. However, beneficiaries will have not have any cost sharing liability for advance care planning provided in conjunction with their annual wellness visits.

Q3: Are policymakers, such as CMS or Congress, considering changes in Medicare’s coverage of advance care planning?

A: Yes. The agency that runs Medicare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS), recently proposed and finalized regulations that will allow Medicare to pay physicians and other qualified health care professionals for providing advance care planning to beneficiaries. On October 30, 2015, CMS finalized these proposed provisions, allowing physicians and other health professionals to bill Medicare for advance care planning, as a separate service, starting January 1, 2016. Previous Medicare coverage rules only allowed reimbursement for advance care planning under very limited circumstances.

Q4: What are “advance directives”? Are health Please see MEDICARE, Page 39

FROM PAGE 38

care facilities, such as hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, required to keep records of Medicare patients’ advance directives?

A: Advance directives are written instructions that are intended to reflect a patient’s wishes for health care to guide medical decision-making in the event that a patient is unable to speak for her/himself.

Advance directives typically result from advance care planning and often take the form of a living will, which defines the medical treatment that patients prefer if they are incapacitated, or designation of a certain person as a medical power of attorney.

Advance directives fall under state regulation, and the required forms for formal advance directives vary from state to state.

The Patient Self-Determination Act, which took effect in 1991, included a list of Medicare requirements for health care facilities regarding advance directives. Under this law, facilities such as hospitals and skilled nursing facilities must ask each patient upon admission if he or she has an advance directive and record its existence in the patient’s file. Recent surveys show that among long-term care patients, those receiving care in a facility (such as a nursing home or hospice facility) are more likely to have advance directives in place.

Q5: Does Medicare cover hospice care?

A: Yes. For terminally ill Medicare beneficiaries who do not want to pursue curative treatment, Medicare offers a comprehensive hospice benefit covering an array of services, including nursing care, counseling, palliative medications, and up to five days of respite care to assist family caregivers. Hospice care is most often provided in patients’ homes. Medicare patients who elect the hospice benefit have little to no cost-sharing liabilities for most hospice services.

In order to qualify for hospice coverage under Medicare, a physician must confirm that the patient is expected to die within six months if the illness runs a normal course. If the Medicare patient lives longer than six months, hospice coverage may continue if the physician and the hospice team re-certify the eligibility criteria.

Q6: Did the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affect Medicare coverage for end-of-life care or advance care planning?

A: No. The final ACA legislation did not include provisions that would allow physicians or other health professionals to seek separate Medicare payment for consultations on advance care planning. A House-passed predecessor bill (H.R.3200) included provisions that would have established Medicare reimbursement for advance care planning, as well as programs to increase public awareness of advance

care planning, but these provisions were dropped from the final ACA legislation.Confusion regarding the ACA persisted even after it passed, as seen in a Kaiser Family Foundation survey which found that in 2013, more than one-third (35 percent) of people ages 65 and over incorrectly believed that a panel was created by the ACA to make end-of-life decisions for Medicare beneficiaries.

We hold every moment

Q7: Has the Institute of Medicine (IOM) made any recommendations regarding advance care planning and end-of-life care?

A: The IOM recently released a comprehensive report, Dying in America: Improving Quality and Honoring Individual Preferences Near the End of Life, which included five recommendations aimed to increase the quality of end-of-life care and improve the ability for patients to choose their own treatment plan. In brief, the IOM recommendations call for: Coverage of comprehensive care for patients with advanced serious illnesses who are nearing the end of life by both government and private health insurers; • The development of quality metrics and standards for clinician-patient communication and advanced care planning, with insurance reimbursement tied to performance on these standards;

hospice s acred heart .org

• Strengthening clinical training and licensing/ credentialing requirements in palliative care; • Federal and regulatory action to establish financial incentives for integrating medical and social services for people nearing the end of life, including electronic health records that incorporate advanced care planning; Widespread efforts to provide information to the public on the benefits of advance care planning and the ability to for individuals to choose their own course of treatment.

Q8: How does the public feel about advance care planning and Medicare’s role in end-of-life preferences?

A: By and large, the public supports having doctors discuss end-of-life care issues with their patients, and having Medicare and private insurance cover these discussions (Figure 2). A recent Kaiser Family Foundation surveyfound that about 9 in 10 adults (89 percent) say doctors should discuss endof-life care issues with their patients, yet only 17 percent of adults say they have had such a discussion with their doctor or health care provider. Among adults ages 65 and older, the share is somewhat higher (27 percent). Among all adults who said they had not had a discussion with their doctor or other health care provider about end-of-life care wishes, half said that they would want one.

Hospice means help & hope for f all

“

My Mom m passed away in 1998. She received such lovving care and compassion from alll VNA nurses, aid des and d vollunteers. 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.

During her darkest days there was always someone from hospice ready and willing to help her through, I cannot even recall one time that you were not there to help in any way possible.

Cathy Reilly

”

VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION

of Lackawanna County & Surrounding Communities

570.383.5180 vnahospice.org Available 24/7 Hospice / Home Health / Inpatient Unit

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Each month, we recognize one of the region’s top manufacturers with the aid of NEPIRC, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center. Since 1988, NEPIRC has been working with manufacturers to improve their productivity, profitability, competitiveness and long-term viability through consultative services.

Wilkes-Barre manufacturer’s seats used throughout the country

The next time someone passes you by on a motorized wheelchair or scooter, or you’re enjoying a round of golf while vacationing in Florida, or you’re taking in a show at a university or museum auditorium, you just might find a seat that was manufactured right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Founded in 2000 by Thomas Dellamalva, Custom Seats, Inc. has been creating a variety of seat cushions, backs and arm rests that are being used across the United States and in parts of Mexico and Canada.

Although the company is only 16 years old, Custom Seats, Inc. has become a sought-after source for custom seating. The company has created waterproof scooter seats with a pressure plate that are being used at Walt Disney World and made 400 red and blue seat cushions and backs that are in the National Constitution Center in John Dellamalva with a Backspin Philadelphia. You’ll also find their seats at the American Seating display Express Building in Lower Manhattan near the site of the World Trade Center memorial; universities including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, the University of Chicago and UCLA; the UCLA Medical Center; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; the Seattle Court System; the former Kodak Theatre (now the Dolby Theatre) in Los Angeles, which is home to the Academy Awards ceremony and American Idol, and the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama.

Dellamalva capitalized on his background in engineering and years working for Pride Mobility, Inc., a major manufacturer of motorized wheelchairs and scooters, to launch Custom Seats in Pittston. Pride Mobility was purchasing seats and seat backs for its products from another manufacturer before 2000 but has since been using Dellamalva’s company. Today, Pride Mobility remains one of the company’s major clients.

Custom Seats began with less than 10 employees and has grown to more than 40 people working in its new facilities in Wilkes-Barre.

Within its first two years, Custom Seats, Inc. began making seat cushions and backs for other chair manufacturers including making seats for optometry examination chairs as well as rolling stools for doctor and dentist offices. This has become a significant part of their business, said Dellamalva’s son, John, who is vice president of finance.

One of the company’s biggest projects came in 2002 when Custom Seats crafted more than 800 seats for a Quakertown business that was designing a symphony hall for the University of Denver.

Bill Legg, plant manager, said he remembers when they took on the project that they were worried

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about being able to meet the deadlines.

He said everyone worked day and night and completed the order just in time for pickup and delivery.

While Custom Seats is still the majority of the company’s work, Dellamalva, an avid golfer, launched a subsidiary company, Backspin Seating, for the design and manufacture of custom, high-end golf cart seats complete with arm rests and seat belts. Dellamalva needed to put new seats on the two golf carts he owns and realized that this could become An employee at Custom Seats puts final touches on a another division of his company. custom golf cart seat back.

All the seats are designed to fit the customer’s specifications with many options including colors, quilting and embroidery.

Backspin Seating has a sales staff in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina and has sold its custom seats to golf cart dealers in Florida. The company has been upgrading its designs for the past several years and looks at this as a big part of its business heading into the future.

John Dellamalva said the company has been working with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) for two years and has benefitted from a variety of its services.

“We’ve attended the training seminars they hold. They also helped us obtain small business financing for our building, and we’ve done a broad-band initiative grant with them to upgrade some of our computer systems,” he said.

Legg said NEPIRC has been there whenever the company has needed them. “They’ve been really helpful. Anything we’ve asked of them, they’ve gone out of their way to try and help us and point us in the right direction. (Thomas Dellamalva) is always happy to see them when they come by.”

This feature is sponsored by...

Personnel File for planning and completion of client assignments.

Witinski has been with MMQ for five years. As a supervisor he will direct and train staff members in the completion of audit and tax services in the areas of financial institutions, construction, retail and manufacturing.

nBt Bank

NBT Bank branch manager Marie Ceran has been promoted to assistant vice president. Ceran, manages the bank’s Mount Pocono and Bartonsville offices and is responsible for branch sales, customer service and operations at both locations.Ceran has 14 years of experience in banking with NBT Bank.

A resident of Tobyhanna, cerean Ceran studied business management at Bronx Community College. She completed business management and computer software training classes at the Chinatown School of Business and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Banking Association’s Advanced School of Banking.

Gallagher

Penn Scranton, terminal and serves as a pickup and delivery driver for the Binghamton area. He works an average of 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday, and covers between 850 and 1,000 miles per week.

Pennsylvania colleGe oF technoloGy

Paige E. Pearson, a student in the baking and pastry arts major at Pennsylvania College of Technology was awarded a $3,500 scholarship from the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Penn college student Paige e. Pearson, of williamsburg, was among recipients of the 2016 Foundation. She was among 28 Farm Show Pennsylvania Farm show scholarship. From left are her parents, lyle and trisha Pearson; Scholarship recipients. Her award was presented Paige Pearson; scott sechler, owner of Bell & evans; and Pennsylvania agriculture secretary at the Farm Show by Scott Sechler, owner of Bell & russell redding.

Evans, and Pennsylvania Rep. Judy Ward, R-Blair County. To qualify, applicants must be current or PERSONNEL from Page 35 tion of the nursing program in the spring semester. previous 4-H or FFA members and have exhibited a The ceremony underscored the importance of Bachman has been appointed manager of enrollproject at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Recipients humanistic, patient-centered health care. ment marketing. She is responsible for the planning, are chosen based on Farm Show participation and development and implementation of the university’s volunteerism, academics, financial need, 4-H and undergraduate, transfer, graduate and adult learner McGrail Merkel Quinn & associates FFA involvement, and community service. Pearson recruiting and marketing strategies. In her role, she McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates (MMQ) has has served as president and vice president of the new Penn works in coordination with the admissions and enroll- promoted Stephanie Tulaney Mihal, CPA to direcBlair County Lamb Chops 4-H Club and as presiThomas “Tom” Gallagher recently reached ment management divisions. tor; David J. Grega, CPA to manager and Adam J, the safety record of two million consecutive miles dent, secretary and treasurer of the Williamsburg Seigfried has been named coordinator of enrollWitinski, CPA to supervisor.

FFA Chapter. At the Farm Show, she has exhibited driven without a single preventable collision. Galment marketing. In her new role, she develops and Tulaney Mihal has been with MMQ for 10 years. lagher is now one of seven active New Penn drivers market hogs and market lambs. At Penn College, manages the digital campaigns and strategy for the She will be a primary client contact, working with she is a peer mentor for the Hospitality Living to have achieved an over two million mile safety recruitment of undergraduate, transfer, graduate and the firm’s partners to assure client satisfaction.

Learning Community. record. Gallagher has been driving professionally adult learner students. She also partners with academic Grega has been with MMQ for eight years. As a for 31 years and has been with New Penn for 29 of departments to ensure that academic web pages manger he will maintain a high level of responsibility those years. He currently operates out of the New See PERSONNEL on Page 43 employ search engine optimization best practices and meet Misericordia University branding standards.

Misericordia University medical imaging majors Emily Donovan, Whitesboro, N.Y., and Cheyenne Wulff, Sugar Run, Bradford County, have been selected to represent Pennsylvania at the 2016 American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) Student Leadership Development Program in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 23. The Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) selected the Misericordia University students after reviewing essays from radiologic technology students in the state. In the 500-700-word essays, the students outlined how they expected to grow professionally by participating in the all-expenses paid program and trip. Up to 100 students – two per state – were eligible for the program, which also includes educational programs designed for scranton lackawanna industrial Building company (sliBco) named its board of directors for 2016-17. sliBco is the not-for-profit industrial affilistudents, professional mentorship meetings, and an ate of the Greater scranton chamber of commerce. Members of the board of directors are, from left, front row: Patricia P. acker, alana roberts; insider’s look into the largest association for medical sliBco board chairman kenneth G. okrepkie; Marianne Gilmartin, sliBco board vice president and Greater scranton chamber of commerce imaging and radiation therapy professionals. president robert F. Durkin and sliBco board treasurer craig w. Best. Back row: vincent a. Bonaddio; Paul D. horger; David w. hawk; sliBco board vice president James J. Peters; alex stark; angelo J. Decesaris; lindsey reinheimer loss; Penny common; raymond s. angeli; andrew hailstone; The Department of Nursing at Misericordia robert P. Matley; sliBco board vice president richard r. Beasley; Frank J. Fata; Greater scranton chamber of commerce board chairman Mark University held its inaugural Gold-AACN White Coat volk; Philip P. condron; christopher l. DiMattio; charles c. Jefferson and susan Duckworth. lawrence c. Malski and nancy Jackson Matthews are also members of the sliBco board of directors. sliBco is the industrial Development arm of the Greater scranton chamber of commerce, consistCeremony for Nursing by cloaking 52 sophomore ing of the scranton lackawanna industrial Building company (sliBco), the scranton Plan and the lackawanna industrial Fund enterprise (liFe). nursing students who began the professional por-

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Healthcare Update Spring 2016

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Small Business Spotlight is on My College Roomie

570-677-5155 • Member since 2015

same questions. Our matching algorithm crunches all the data and assigns each student a match For college students, a roommate can make—or capability score from 0 to 100 percent. From there, students network and hopefully, through this probreak—their experience. cess find someone they’d like to Jason Sensi, the founder live with. Pairing up is a breeze, and chief executive officer of My with one student sending the College Roomie, is trying to take other a roommate request and the guesswork out of matching the other accepting. roommates. My College Roomie

Neurological diseases are diseases of the brain, spine and nerves that connect them. There are more than 600 diseases of the nervous system. We will concentrate on Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy bodies disease. What do the experts say about research into these devastating conditions?

About 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, defined as pain that lasts longer than six months. Pain can be mild to excruciating and a nuisance to debilitating. People who suffer from chronic pain in areas that can’t be seen are often told that their pain is “all in their head.” In this edition we explore the related issues that accompany chronic pain and what it means for the patient, family and business.

Home health care is helpful for patients with disabling conditions. We will take a look into the challenges facing home health agencies and families and explore when it is time for patients to move into long term care.

Ask a doctor: A hospital system in Eastern Pa. has established an online app for 24-hour online doctor visits. This service answers to common complaints and responding doctors will evaluate, diagnose and treat with prescriptions if needed. Do our area hospitals have anything in the works to treat patients at home or at work?

PUBLICATION DATE: APRIL 2016 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: MARCH 15 For advertising information contact Judy Gregg 570-207-9001 extension 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News & Information • A Times-Shamrock Publication

149 Penn Avenue • Scranton, PA 18503 | 75 N. Washington Street • Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 • 570-207-9001 • 877-584-3561 • Fax 570-207-3452

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is a social network that helps potential roommates learn about each other before move-in day on campus.

We recently had the chance to talk to Jason Sensi about My College Roomie and discover how it is already helping students get their college years off to a great start.

What is the number one thing you most want people to know about your business?

JS: Everyone can somehow relate to a bad roommate story.

Our ultimate goal at My College Roomie is to eliminate the exisSensi tence of bad college roommate stories, one school at a time.

College is a major transition for young adults, and our goal is to ease that transition and the fears that come Can you tell us about My College Roomie? with it.

JS: My College Roomie is a social networking platform used by colleges and universities to How did you get the idea to start your busiimprove the process and success rate of matching ness? student roommates; simplifying the process for JS: The idea for My College Roomie was born both students and university staff. It is the first serfrom a less-than-ideal roommate experience. I vice to manage all aspects of the college roommate felt that there had to be a better way for colleges and housing process, with the end goal of providing and universities to match roommates. After a lot a great first year college experience. of research into personal compatibility and how roommate relationships impact student life and How hard is it to match college roommates? performance, and with the emerging developments JS: Surprisingly, most universities don’t have and trends of social media, I was able to bring My a good handle on this process, and it hurts them College Roomie to life. when it comes to student satisfaction and retention.

Schools have one chance to make a good first impression with new students and shape their firstyear experience. In my opinion, who they pair those students to live with is critical. With My College Roomie, the power of roommate selection is placed with the students themselves.

How do you envision the Chamber helping your business grow?

JS: Being a member of the Chamber has been very beneficial, particularly in terms of its networking benefits. I’ve met some fantastic business professionals and entrepreneurs, who have quickly become valuable resources — some have gone so What is your roommate matching process?

JS: Like most social media sites, students begin far as to make personal introductions to potential clients. It’s comforting to know there is a comby creating profiles, complete with photos and information about themselves, such as interests and munity of like-minded individuals committed to the success and growth of small business in our area. favorite music, movies, etc. They then fill out our questionnaire, which asks questions about their personalities, lifestyles and social and room preferences. They also designate how their ideal roommate should answer those

PERSONNEL FILE PERSONNEL from Page 41 Daniel G. Curtin, a manufacturing engineering technology major from Berwick, has been chosen as the February Student of the Month at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Affiliated with the Bison Battalion, the Bucknell University-based ROTC program that includes Penn College, Curtin served two years as captain of the Color Guard team and one term as curtin president of Cadet Council.

He has also participated in the Cultural UnderstandSEdcO board of directors, from left: carl mcBreen, Robert ackell, Steve Field, Irvil kear, ing and Language Proficiency program to Thailand, Brock Stein ceil michalik, Pat caulfield, christine ciavardini, Eric Lieberman. the Cadet Leadership Course, Drill Cadet Leadership Training, and the Scabbard and Blade Society.

PENNS WOOdS BaNcORP INc.

Robert Edgerton Jr. was promoted to president of Luzerne Bank. Richard A. Grafmyre will remain chief executive officer. Edgerton was formerly executive vice president of Luzerne Bank and served as senior commercial lender within the organization. “The Directors of Luzerne Bank are excited to have Bob lead the organization,” said Grafmyre.

Edgerton Jr. “We are confident Bob will meet all challenges with integrity and fairness, as well as common sense; traits he has continually displayed over his long banking career.” Edgerton has extensive experience in commercial lending and related business services. A graduate of Wyoming Seminary he holds a bachelor of science in finance Reviewing the teaching tools at Tcmc are from left: Peter Patitsas, third-year Tcmc student from Susquehanna University and a MBA in Acfrom huntingdon; michael Ferraro, m.d., regional dean, Tcmc; and Gary decker, m.d., chief counting from Wilkes University. of medical staff, Wilkes-Barre General hospital.

ROSENN JENkINS & GREENWaLd

Steven P. Roth has been named managing partner of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald. Mr. Roth has been engaged, for decades, in the representation of a number of the region’s leading businesses in connection with general corporate representation.

Roth received his Master’s in business administration from LaSalle University, his Roth law degree from Duquesne University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Wilkes University.

SEdcO

Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation

Five University of Scranton biochemistry, cell and molecular biology majors presented their research at the american Society for cell Biology (aScB) annual conference in San diego, california. From left: George R. Gomez, Ph.d., associate professor of biology, and student presenters alice chen-Liaw, christa musto, matthew Reynolds, Grace O’Neill and Nicole mcandrew.

(SEDCO) welcomed re-installed members to the board of directors. They are Steve Field, vice chairman; David Snyder, secretary; Karen Kenderdine; treasurer and Kenneth Huebner, assistant treasurer.

Officers of the corporation will remain unchanged for the 2016 calendar year. In addition seven new members were named. Dr. Robert Ackell of North Schuylkill School District, Patrick Caulfield of Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, Christine Ciavardini of Talen Energy, Atty. Eric Lieberman of Lieberman, Tamulonis and Hobbs, Carl McBreen of Minersville Area School District, Ceil Michalik of Michalik Consulting and Brock Stein of Koch’s Turkey Farm.

ThE cOmmONWEaLTh mEdIcaL cOLLEGE

The Wilkes-Barre General Hospital medical staff recently donated funds to The Commonwealth Medical College for the purchase of an anatomically correct arm and torso which will be used to further the education of TCMC students studying at the college’s South Campus.

UNIvERSITy OF ScRaNTON

University of Scranton nursing professor Patricia Moyle Wright, Ph.D., published her first book, Perinatal and Pediatric Bereavement in Nursing and Other Health Professions, in January. She co-edited the textbook with Beth Perry Black, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Rana Limbo, Ph.D., associate director and senior faculty consultant of Resolve Through Sharing, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wis. The textbook serves as a state-of-the-art resource on perinatal and pediatric palliative care. It focuses on guiding nurses and other health care providers who provide care to those involved. The book also serves as a study aid for students preparing for the Pediatric Loss Certification (NBCHPN) exam.

University of Scranton Theology Professor Will Cohen, Ph.D., was among an international group of 30 Orthodox Christian scholars who met at the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul, Turkey, in January. They met to discuss issues related to global Orthodoxy and a long-awaited Council of Orthodox bishops now cohen scheduled to convene this summer in Crete. Cohen joined the faculty at The University of Scranton in 2009. Cohen serves as an officer of the Orthodox Theological Society in America. He is a subdeacon at All Saints Orthodox Church in Olyphant.

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for the record deeds

Lackawanna county

Loco 3 LLc. Property Location: Carbondale. Seller: Jason Smith. Price: $15,000. cottage Hose ambulance corps Inc. Property Location: Carbondale. Seller: Al Ghameshlouy. Price: $50,000. anthracite center Holding LLc. Property Location: Carbondale. Seller: NBT Bank. Price: $400,000.

Brixmor Dickson city Parcel owner LLc. Property Location: Dickson City. Seller: Siniawa IV Ltd. Price: $1,020,000.

Piazza Realty LLc. Property Location: Dickson City.

Seller: Borough of Dickson City. Price: $300,000.

F&L Realty Inc. Property Location: Dunmore. Seller: William Stevens. Price: $1,000. yellow Rose Holdings LLc. Property Location: Fell Twp. Seller: USA HUD. Price: $15,500.

Jessup/PRtB LLc. Property Location: Jessup. Seller: Depuy Synthes Sales Inc. Price: $2,600,000.

MB Development LLc. Property Location: Mayfield.

Seller: Housing Opportunities Partners REO LLC. Price: $37,000.

Susanna L Segars. Property Location: Moosic.

Seller: Scott Sanfilippo. Price: $400,670.

MB Realty LLc. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Matthew S. Basile. Price: $1. nSV Investments LLc. Property Location: Moosic.

Seller: Moosic. Price: $66,200. a&c capital LLc. Property Location: Moscow. Seller: A&L Church LLC. Price: $475,000. wan Realty LLc. Property Location: Old Forge.

Seller: Bruno Dangio. Price: $900,000.

Marlinks II LLc. Property Location: Old Forge. Seller: Mari Anne Assaf Vieira per trust. Price: $220,000. wFS Development LLc. Property Location: Old Forge. Seller: USA HUD. Price: $43,500. c&c Development. Property Location: Scranton.

Seller: D&L Realty. Price: $350,000. alan Investments III LLc. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Wells Fargo Bank. Price: $6,255.

Hengxin Management LLc. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Ernest C. Hunt. Price: $95,000.

Seven D. Real Estate LLc. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Connell Park Developers LLC. Price: $1,500,000. weichert workforce Mobility Inc. Property Location: Scranton. Seller: Heidi Olson. Price: $76,320. cartus Financial corp. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Seller: Lee A. Jackson per agent. Price: $245,800.

Hawk Enterprise. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Seller: Mary Elizabeth Smith. Price: $245,800. two cat Realty LLc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Seller: Mary M. Vanston. Price: $91,000.

Lemoyne Inc. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Eric E. Newton. Price: $75,000.

Robert K Montgomery. Price: $357,900.

Giuliano carannante. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: NP Dodge. Price: $355,900.

JSL Holdings. Property Location: Forty Fort. Seller: Barrister’s Realty. Price: $525,000.

David G. Skutnik. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Manish Gupta. Price: $352,500.

Sunshine Market Inc. Property Location: Hanover Twp. Seller: Betone Realty Co. Price: $975,000. t Pittston crossings Pa LLc. Property Location: Two parcels in Pittston Twp. Seller: Pittston Associates LP and Pittston Partners LLC. Price: $4,250,000.

John nardone. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Prestige Development Group LLC. Price: $374,900.

Volos Properties IV LLc. Property Location: Wyoming Borough. Seller: Salisbury Real Holdings III LLC. Price: $3,600,000. abdul adjei. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corp. Price: $449,000.

Louis J. o’Boyle. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Steven Fisher. Price: $550,000.

MonRoE county

M2J Holdings LLc. Property Location: Stroudsburg.

Seller: Jerry and Nadine Matese. Price: $415,000. albelli Properties LLc. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Kal-Tac Inc. Price: $50,000.

SMP Farms LLc. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Judith Munoz. Price: $650,000.

Molaola LLc. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Debi Halterman. Price: $126,000.

Homepath Services LLc. Property location: Tunkhannock Township. Seller: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Price: $90,500.

Brodheadsville Storage LP. Property location: Smithfield Township. Seller: Dennis Dougherty Irrevocable Asset Protection Trust, Michael and Dennis Dougherty (trus.). Price: $1,260,000.

890 north ninth LLP. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Gregory and Sally Bush. Price: $350,000.

St. Luke’s Emergency & transport Services Inc. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Central Pocono Ambulance Association Inc. Price: $150,000.

Barbara and Donald Haviland Jr. Property location: Barrett Township. Seller: Francis Clark, Mary Zigo, James Clark (trus.), Helen Hook Clarke Revocable Trust. Price: $1,710,000.

Barry and Linda ungar. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Gerald and Barbara Mahon. Price: $450,000.

Galmakss LLc. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Charles Wilson. Price: $72,000.

Levy Law Firm Pc. Property location: Delaware Water Gap. Seller: Janine Hockman-Gusztaw. Price: $115,000.

Pinecourt LLc. Property location: Jackson Township.

Seller: Harry and Kelly Lutz. Price: $189,500.

Deer Run MHc LLc. Property location: Hamilton LuzERnE county Township. Seller: Dorothy Shadle Revocable Trust, Doronational Residential nominee Services Inc. thy Shadle (trus.). Price: $313,010.

Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Nacer Mohand.

Shawnee Inn Reception center LLc. Property locaPrice: $298,000. tion: Smithfield Township. Seller: Township of Smithfield.

David w. Frost. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Price: $175,000.

Joseph A Kasmark. Price: $369,000.

Sc Stream Pa LLc. Property location: Paradise Pacific azo LLc. Property Location: Wilkes-Barre.

Township. Seller: Paradise Stream Propco LLC, Poconos Seller: Kidder Street Development LLC. Price: $1,363,636.

Holdco LLC. Price: $3,888,754.

Ryan Rusnok. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Sc Palace Pa LLc. Property location: Smithfield Seller: Robert J. Sharp. Price: $452,500.

Township. Seller: Poconos Palace Propco LLC, Poconos Valley crest Real Estate LP. Property Location: Three Holdco LLC. Price: $3,095,979. parcels in Plains Twp. and one in Wilkes-Barre City. Seller: Daniel Mendez and nadine Ramos. Property location: Luzerne County. Price: $2,075.000.

Stroud Township. Seller: Keith Albert. Price: $450,000. kashish Holdings. Property Location: Five parcels in Homes of the Poconos LLc. Property location: East Pittston Twp. Seller: Ann Bracini, exec. Price: $950,000.

Stroudsburg. Seller: Robert Peters, Laurie Kresge. Laurie nP Dodge Jr. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Peters. Price: $50,000.

44 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B44] | 02/24/16

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MARCH 2016

Michael and Michelle westerman. Property location: Polk Township. Seller: Guillermo Tabares. Price: $399,000.

907 Route 940 LLc. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: Richard & Dayna Bliss Revocable Living Trust, Richard and Dayna Bliss. Price: $80,000.

Skk Rentals Inc. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Janet and Mames Magrosky. Price: $115,000.

Mae Ropero. Property location: Smithfield Township.

Seller: Bank of America NA. Price: $447,000.

Mazzella Enterprises LLc. Property location: Polk Township. Seller: Northeast Investors Group Inc. Price: $40,000.

Ferndrive LLc. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Craig Kellstrom. Price: $57,500.

Shibber khan. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Kevin and Mary Howell. Price: $338,000.

Penn Hill Mark LLc. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Penn Resort Investments LLC. Price: $300,000.

Penn Hill Mark LLc. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Mid-Atlantic Acquisitions Inc. Price: $100,000.

RGB Homes LLc. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Price: $89,760.

Saleme Investment co. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Seller: Frank Fratarcangeli. Price: $1,950,000.

Jay Veral LLc. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Francine Stapleton. Price: $450,000.

PIkE county

woodland crossing. Property Location: Hemlock Farms. Seller: Jeffrey L. Smith. Price: $150,000.

JJRS Holdings LLc. Property Location: Lattimore.

Seller: Consumer Federal Credit Union. Price: $49,000.

M&S Homes corp. Property Location: Wild Acres.

Seller: Julian Castro, secretary of HUD. Price: $28,250.

Realty Pros Plus. Property Location: Conashaugh Lakes. Seller US Bank National Association. Price: $50,500. cR Properties 2015 LLc. Property LocationConashaugh Lakes. Seller: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Price: $13,150.

Hillview Rod and Gun club. Property Location: Pike County. Seller: Karen Vermette. Price: $19,200.

Sequoia Group northeast LLP. Three parcels and two lots, Property Location: Pike County. Price: $105,000.

Project Philantropy Inc. Property Location: Eagle Village. Price: $100.

Modern Pocono Properties LLc. Property Location: Saw Creek Estates. Seller: George R Unfried. Price: $110,000.

Paupack Property Management LLc. Property Location: Six lots, two in Poco Fairview; four in White Sand Springs. Seller: George P. Cabel. Price: $270,000.

ScHuyLkILL county

nE Prestressed Products LLc. Property Location: Six parcels Beckville. Seller: Frances Nagle. Price: $161,092.00. township of Rush.Property Location: Grier City.

Seller: Grier City Union Sunday School. Price: $18,313.

Summervalley Realty co. Property Location: Two parcels. Orwigsburg. Seller: Nancy Faust. Price: $20,500.00 and $14,350.

Summervalley Realty co. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Seller: Nancy Faust. Price: $14,350.

Property Management of Pa Inc. Property Location: Tamaqua. Seller: Francis and Dawn Kemery. Price: $24,900.

Strack Farms LtD. Property Location: East Brunswick Township. Seller: Richard H Strack. Price: $67,722.

RJ Hoffman and Sons. Property Location: Elder Township. Seller: Mickiko S. Brownlee. Price: $1 no actual consideration noted.

Secretary of Housing and urban Development.

Property Location: Minersville. Seller: Midfirst Bank.

Price: $27,238.

Secretary of Housing and urban Development.

Property LocationL Pottsville. Seller: PNC Bank National Association. Price: $32,468.

Informed Investments LLc.Property Location: Porter Twp. Seller: Wayne and Anne Schylaske. Price: $11,000. tamaqua auto Parts Inc. Property Location: Tamaqua. Seller: CV Tamaqua PA LP. Price: $321,372.

Mimi and cora’s kitchen LLc. Property Location: Schuylkill Haven. Seller: It’s All Good Realty LLC. Price: $125,000.

Bedway Realty LLc. Property Location: Schuylkill Haven. Seller: Paul and Kimberly Bedway. Price: $43,569.

Secretary of Housing and Development. Property Location: Tremont. Seller: Midfirst Bank. Price: $34,798.

Sirva Relocation Properties LLc. Property Location: Rush Twp. Seller: John F. and Mary Gurcsik. Price: $160,000.

waynE county

Robert Bailin. Property Location: Sterling. Seller: Charles E. Finkbiner. Price: $600,000. charles Randolph. Property Location: Lebanon.

Seller: Machana Associates Inc. Price: $94,452.89. the Retreat at 4177 n. Fairway. Property Location: Lake. Seller: William J. Scott. Price: $173,000.

Robert P. Hochreither. Property Location: Palmyra.

Seller: Ingrid Petschauer. Price: $525,000. craig Stiles. Property Location: Oregon. Seller: David Anthony Millar. Price: $400,000.

Piper creek Inc. Property Location: Berlin. Seller: Citizens Savings Bank. Price: $75,000. wayne Memorial Health Foundation Inc. Property Location: Honesdale. Seller: The High Street Corp. Price: $240,000.

Gary a. Meyers. Property Location: Salem. Seller: Primestar Fund 1 Trs. Inc. Price: $60,000.

Richard a. Smith. Property Location: Berlin. Seller: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. Price: $178,000.

GEG Real Estate Inc. Property Location: Honesdale.

Seller: Pedmar Inc. Price: $425,000.

LLMF Living Revocable trust. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: Snip LLC. Price: $260,000.

Sienna Realty. Property Location: Paupack. Seller: Ann Marie Hutchison. Price: $75,000.

wyoMInG county

tJ Grzenda LLc. Property Location: Nicholson Twp. Seller: Douglas H. Thomas. Price: $60,000. wyoming conservancy Inc. Property Location: Falls Twp. Seller: Wyoming Conservancy Inc. Price: $1.

Mortgages

Lackawanna county

Lapera taylor Development LLc. Property Location: Carbondale. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $84,700. anthracite Holdings center LLc. Two parcels.

Property Location: Carbondale. Lender: NBT Bank and Carbondale Lackawanna Industrial Dev. Co. Amount: $650,000 and $200,000.

Piazza Realty LLc. Property Location: Carbondale.

Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Discount Bank. Amount: $240,000. wcP Dunmore LP. Property Location: Dickson City.

Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $1,680,000. c&G Realty LLc. Property Location: Dunmore: Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $88,000.

See FOR THE RECORD on next page

for the record FOR THE RECORD continued from previous page Bertocki Realty LLC. Property Location: Dunmore: Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $220,000.

Belladaro Realty Holding II LP. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $6,945,995.73.

Keystone College. Property Location: LaPlume Twp. Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $1,500,000.

MB Realty LLC. Property Location: Moosic: Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $225,000.

Rodconda Inc. Property Location: Moscow and Throop. Two mortgages. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $345,200 and $356,000.

Wan Realty. Property Location: Old Forge. Lender Dangio Holding LLC. Amount: $1,890,000.

Marlinka II LLC. Property Location: Old Forge. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $519,3775.

CPF RE LLC. Property Location: Olyphant. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $125,000.

C&C Development. Property Location: Scranton.

Lender: D&L Realty. Amount: $250,000.

Kenmarq LLC. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $50,000.

R and A LLC. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $356,000.

Hawk Enterprise LLC. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $82,500.

Gregory J Winowich. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $630,000.

BRT Ice LP. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $200,000.

Two Cat Realty LLC. Property Location: Vandling.

Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $142,875.

Keystone College. Property Location: Vandling.

Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $1,500,000.

DeLeo’s Real Estate LLC. Property Location.

Vandling. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $280,000.

LuzERnE CounTy

David W. Frost. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $376,933.

Turkor Cangoz. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Two parcels. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $1,000,000 and $200,000.

Richard Poluka. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $420,000.

Mericle 185 Centerpoint East. Three parcels. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Community Bank.

Amount: $13,700,000 and $7,500,000.

Ryan Rusnok. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $453,162.

Mahveen Corp. Property Location: Nanticoke.

Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $500,000.

Kashish Holdings LLC. Five parcels. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $712,5000. outlook Design & Construction Inc. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $200,000.

Braven Holdings LLC. Property Location: Kingston Borough. Lender: Peoples Security and Trust Co. Amount: $350,000.

Executive Land Development. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $500,000.

Volos Properties IV LLC. Property Location: Wyoming Borough. Lender: Fulton Bank. Amount: $2,340,000.

Colors Hospitality LLC. Property Location: Wilkes-

Barre Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust.

Amount: $6,100,000.

Luchi Real Estate LLC. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: National Penn Bank. Amount: $800,000.

CK Capital LLC. Two parcels. Property Location: Dupont Borough and Pittston Twp. Lender: Customers Bank. Amount: $3,880,000.

Lori A VanHoekelen. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. Amount: $420,000.

Pen Fern oil Co. Inc. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $586,000.

Brenda Pugh. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. Amount: $403,000.

Edward Genetti. Two parcels. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. and Secretary of HUD. Amount: $591,000 and $591,000 Abdul Adjei.Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: 2004-0000208 LLC. Amount: $403,750.

David E Gintoff. Two parcels, Duryea and Avoca boroughs. Lender: Penn East Federal Credit Union. Amount: $464,000.

David E, Gintoff. Two parcels. Duryea Borough. Lender: Penn East Federal Credit Union. Amount: $464,000.

STS Taylor Properties LLC. Property Location: Avoca Borough. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $950,000.

Louis J. o’Boyle. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $494,945.

MonRoE CounTy

M2J Holdings LLC. Property location: Stroudsburg.

Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $333,000. northwoods Commercial Properties Inc. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Horicon Bank.

Amount: $4,650,000.

Albelli Properties LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Lender: Karen and Tracy Creed. Amount: $45,000.

SMP Farms LLC. Property location: Pocono Township. Lender: Mauch Chunk Trust Co. Amount: $487,500.

GC Bush A/K/A Gregory Bush. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: 890 North Ninth LLP. Amount: $75,000.

Brodheadsville Storage LP. Property location: Smithfield Township. Lender: Univest Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $1,008,000.

Michael and Vicki Peters. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $407,480.

Donald Haviland Jr. Property location: Barrett Township. Lender: Northeast Equitable Mortgage LLC. Amount: $1,169,000.

Barry and Linda ungar. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $360,000.

Galmakss LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. Amount: $57,600.

Levy Law Firm PC. Property location: Delaware Water Gap. Lender: Valor Federal Credit Union. Amount: $92,000.

Deer Run MHC LLC, Cama Sdira F/B/o T120523-01 Dupree. Property location: Hamilton Township. Lender: Merchants Bank of Bangor. Amount: $219,100.

Pinemere Camp Assn. Inc. Property location: Jackson Township. Lender: American Bank. Amount: $50,000.

33 Mill Creek LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $248,000.

Cig Comp Tower LLC. Property location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC. Amount: $682,071.

Daniel Mendez and nadine Ramos. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: First Choice Loan Services Inc. Amount: $417,000.

Douglas and Lisa Smith. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $486,000.

Route 940 LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $150,000.

Donna Porcino. Property location: Pocono Township.

Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $364,000.

Michael and Michelle Westerman. Property location: Polk Township. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $359,000.

Douglas and Lisa Smith. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $486,000.

Robert and Linda Barchiesi. Property location: Hamilton Township. Lender: Capital One NA. Amount: $352,000.

Mae Ropero. Property location: Smithfield Township.

Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $357,600.

Marc and Jana Grossman. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: US Mortgage Line. Amount: $417,000.

Mark Gill. Property location: Pocono Township.

Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $309,700.

Saleme Investment Co. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Lender: Victus partners LLC. Amount: $2,600,000. oval Lincoln Holding LLC. Property location: Middle Smithfield Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $120,000.

Robert Ace Jr. Construction LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Jeffrey Snyder. Amount: $50,000.

LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Stroud Township.

Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000.

LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Price Township.

Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $223,400.

Jay Veral LLC. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Lender: Francine Stapleton. Amount: $300,000.

Karl Weiler. Property location: Barrett Township.

Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $10,000,000.

Greenwood Acres Property owners Assn.Inc. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Lender: First Northern Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $70,000.

PIKE CounTy

Fauchere Properties LLC. Property Location: Milford.

Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $2,100,000, Realty Pros Plus Inc. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Imperial Home Solutions LLC. Amount: $40,000.

Pike County Public Library. Property Location: Milford. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: 101,000.

Excell Homes Inc. Two mortgages. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $29044.75 and $22,375.

SCHuyLKILL CounTy

SSn PG LLC. Property Location: Pine Grove. Lender: Union Community Bank. Amount: $2,360,000.

Travis and Jess Land LLC. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Lender: Susquehanna Bank. Amount: $352,000.

Sharma Associates LLC. Property Location: St Clair Industrial Park. Lender: Riverview Bank.Amount: $840,000. northern Beland County Store. Two mortgages.

Property Location: Leesport. Lender: USDA Farm Service Agency. Amount: $130,000 and $300,000.

Professional Investors Group LLC. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Lender: Gratz Bank. Amount: $250,000.00.

Dale and Ellen Konsavage. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Lender: Mid Penn Bank. Amount: $360,000.

Pierson Middleport LLC. Property Location:

Pottsville. Lender: Univest Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $5,446,604.

Lamar and Susan zimmerman. Property Location: Pine Grove. Lender: Susquehanna Bank. Amount: $1,032,000.

WAynE CounTy

GEG Real Estate. Property Location: Waymart.

Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $450,000.

Sienna Realty LLC. Property Location: Palmyra.

Lender: The Dime Bank. Amount: $60,000.

238 White Mills Road LLC. Property Location: Cherry Ridge. Lender: The Dime Bank. Amount: $247,500.

Robert P. Hochreither. Property Location: Palmyra.

Lender: Ingrid Petschauer, trustee. Amount: $472,500.

Juresich Holdings Inc. and RBF Properties Inc. Property Location: Honesdale. Lender: Evelyn D. McGowan Revocable Trust of 2003. Amount: $20,000.

Lukan’s Farm Resort. Property Location: Palmyra.

Lender: Ingrid Petschauer, trustee. Amount: $146,250.

Rutledge unlimited LLC. Property Location: Damascus. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $87,000.

Charles S Welch. Two mortgages. Property Location: Preston. Lender: MERS-Liberty Home Equity Solutions and HUD. Amount: $388,500 each.

Kevin Ruffe. Property Location: Paupack. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $366,900.

WyoMInG CounTy

Keystone College. Property Location: Factoryville Borough. Lender: Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank.

Amount: $1,500,000.

Morgan C. Gay. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $950,000.

BANKrUPtcIeS

There were no bankruptcies reports this month.

AcQUISItIoNS & AffIlIAtIoNS

Benco Dental, the nation’s largest privately-owned distributor of dental products and equipment, announced plans to acquire Grand Rapids-based TechTrust in February. This marks Benco Dental’s first acquisition in the Michigan area.

TechTrust was founded 12 years ago by owners Ron Morgan and Ted Bassett in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company was started with the intention of providing the dental community with something it was lacking. TechTrust employees are complete technology specialists, offering total implementation of office networks, including computers, scanners, printers, sound systems, as well as digital x-ray equipment. For more information, visit benco.com or call 1.800.GO.BENCO. Misericordia university recently signed additional affiliation agreements with seven institutions of higher education to expand its study abroad and away programs for students beginning in the summer. Misericordia University President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., approved the agreements with the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, S.D.; American University. Paris, France; Centre International d/Etudes Francaises (International Center for French Studies) at the Catholic University of Angers, France; Freie Universität Berlin, European Studies Program, and Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University, both in Berlin, Germany; Santa Reparata International School of Art, Florence, Italy; and the Council on International Educational Exchange, a study abroad service provider based in Portland, Maine.

eArNINgS

The board of directors of Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: FDBC), parent company of

See FOR THE RECORD on next Page 47

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 45 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B45] | 02/24/16

17:26 | GRAHAMTOM

RetiRement Check out these facts about new Social Security claiming rules

By Peter Shelp

When Congress unexpectedly eliminated two Social Security claiming strategies as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, retirement planning got a little more complicated for people who expected to use those strategies to boost their retirement income.

The following could help if you are wondering how the new rules might affect you.

What’s changing?

The provision of the budget bill called “Closure of Unintended Loopholes” primarily addresses two Social Security claiming strategies that have become increasingly popular over the last several years.

These two strategies, known as “file and suspend” and “restricted application for a spousal benefit,” have often been used to increase cumulative Social Security income for married couples. The budget bill has eliminated those strategies for most future retirees, but you may still have time to take advantage of them, depending on your age.

File and suspend Under the old rules, an individual who had

reached full retirement age could file for retired worker benefits in order to allow a spouse or dependent child to file for a spousal or dependent benefit. The individual could then suspend the retired worker benefit in order to accrue delayed retirement credits and claim an increased worker benefit at a later date, up to age 70. For some couples and families, this strategy increased their total lifetime combined benefit.

Under the new rules, effective for suspension requests submitted on or after April 30, 2016, or later if the Social Security Administration provides additional guidance, the worker can file and suspend and accrue delayed retirement credits, but no one can collect benefits on the worker’s earnings record during the suspension period, effectively ending the file-and-suspend strategy for couples and families.

The new rules also mean that a worker who files and suspends can no longer request a lump-sum payment in lieu of receiving delayed retirement credits for the period during which benefits were suspended.

This previously available option was helpful to someone who faced a change of circumstances, such as a serious illness.

EST. 1983

TOP AGENT MOVES TO CLASSIC

Restricted application Under the old rules, a married individual who had reached full retirement age could file a “restricted application” for spousal benefits after the other spouse had filed for retired worker benefits. This allowed the individual to collect spousal benefits while delaying filing for his or her own benefit, in order to accrue delayed retirement credits.

Under the new rules, an individual born in 1954 or later who files a benefit application will be deemed to have filed for both worker and spousal benefits and will receive whichever benefit is higher. He or she will no longer be able to file only for spousal benefits.

The bottom line A limited window still exists to take advantage of these two claiming strategies. If you are currently at least age 66 or will be by April 30, 2016, you may be able to use the file-and-suspend strategy to allow your eligible spouse or dependent child to file for benefits, while also increasing your future benefit.

To file a restricted application and claim only spousal benefits at age 66, you must be at least age 62 by the end of December 2015. At the time you file, your

New Year = New Resolutions for growth and development

Subway Development of Eastern PA is GROWING!

Mike Tighe, ranked as one of the top real estate agents in the Greater Scranton area, has joined Classic Properties.

In 2015, Mike was ranked #10 out of over 500 Realtors in the Greater Scranton Board for sales volume, which places him in the top 1%.

Joining Mike is his long time assistant, Shannon Ankoff.

“He’s a consistent top performer,” said Steve Farrell, Classic’s owner and Broker of Record. “We are thrilled to have Mike and Shannon join us.”

Mike is a graduate of Dunmore schools and lives in the Hyde Park section of West Scranton. Mike attributes his success to his strong relationships with his clients that lead to them becoming clients for life.

Mike can be reached at mtighe@classicproperties.com and 570.510.1246

Shannon can be reached at sankoff@classicproperties.com and 570.881.1302

324 South State Street • Clarks Summit, PA 18411 • 570.587.7000

46 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B46] | 02/24/16

17:37 | GRAHAMTOM

MARCH 2016

Top Five Growth Opportunities 1. Bucks County: 30 new stores 2. Northampton County: 8 new stores 3. Luzerne County: 8 new stores 4. Lehigh County: 5 new stores 5. Monroe County: 5 new stores Bring us any and all potential locations, we will determine if we can develop or possibly relocate to your site.

Locations Wanted: • Flexible space requirements • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna,Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming 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

spouse must have already claimed Social Security retirement benefits or filed and suspended benefits before the effective date of the new rules.

Why did Congress act now?

Both the file-and-suspend and the restricted application strategies were made possible by the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act of 2000. Part of this Act’s original intent was to enable individuals change their minds in the event they determined that they wanted to work longer but were already receiving Social Security retirement benefits. However, this opened up some claiming strategies, that while legal, went beyond the original intent of the legislation. Congress used the budget bill to close these loopholes in order to save money and slightly reduce the long-range actuarial deficit faced by the Social Security trust funds.

What if you’re already using one of these strategies?

If you are already using the file-and-suspend or the restricted application strategy, you will not be affected by the new rules. You have already met the age requirements.

How are benefits for surviving spouses affected?

Rules affecting surviving spouses have not changed. If you are eligible for both a survivor benefit and a retirement benefit based on your own earnings record, you can still opt to receive one benefit first, then switch to the other higher benefit later.

What planning opportunities still exist?

Even if you can no longer take advantage of the fileand-suspend and restricted application strategies, you may still benefit from considering your Social Security filing options. The age when you begin receiving Social Security benefits can significantly affect your retirement income and income that is available to your survivors.

Basic options for claiming Social Security remain unchanged. Currently, the earliest age at which you can receive Social Security retirement benefits is 62, but if you choose to take benefits before your full retirement age (66 to 67, depending on the year you were born), your benefit will be permanently reduced by as much as 30 percent. On the other hand, if you delay receiving Social Security benefits past your full retirement age, you’ll receive delayed retirement credits, which will increase your benefit by 8 percent for each year you delay, up to age 70.

For more information, contact Peter D. Shelp, AWMA, ChFC, CFP, CRPC, Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, 270 Pierce Street, Kingston 18704. Call (570) 283-8140 or visit kingstonretirementgroup.com.

for the record FOR THE RECORD continued from Page 45

March 22, April 1,20,21,28 Entrepreneurs, game changers, and big thinkers are encouraged to enter The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announce their the 14th Annual Business Plan Competition (BPC), declaration of the company’s first quarter dividend of organized and hosted by TecBridge. For more than a $0.27 per share. The dividend is payable March 10, 2016 decade, the BPC has showcased the work of more than to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 500 students and 100 early stage entrepreneurs. Both 18, 2016. For more information visit our investor relations collegiate and non-collegiate entrepreneurs are eligible web site through bankatfidelity.com. to participate in the BPC, which gives participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in planning, scholarships company formation, and other entrepreneurial skillsets. fundraisers The Murray Motor Group has established a scholarThe competition will award more than $100,000 and inPA Liberty Tax office is donating $25 to the Sorbelli ship fund for automotive students at Pennsylvania kind services to businesses looking to turn their business family of Dallas, Pa. for every customer who goes in to College of Technology. The fund will provide annual merit- idea into a reality within the NEPA region. All submissions the Liberty Tax Dallas location and mentions the code: based awards to full-time students who have successfully are due April 1, 2016. Pitch sessions will be held April 20, NICKY2016. Nicky Sorbelli, the 10 year old son of Jamie completed two semesters at the college. Preference will 2016 as part of the judging process and April 21 for innoand Wayne Sorbelli, owners of a Key West, Fla. and be given to graduates of high schools in Lycoming and vation challenge. Winners of the BPC will be announced at Dallas, Pa. based music store named Wayne’s World Snyder counties who are enrolled in automotive technolthe Awards Dinner, open to the public, on April 28, 2016. has been fighting t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma since ogy management, automotive service sales and marketing, Participants will also be able to take advantage of interachis diagnosis in May 2015. Things have gotten worse, automotive technology, automotive technology: Ford tive help sessions, which will be scheduled for February “My son Nicky’s cancer became chemo resistant in late ASSET, and collision repair technology. Those interested in 24 and March 22, 2016. See tluciani@tecbridgepa.org or November so they had to switch his treatment to a harder contributing to the Murray Motor Scholarship or establish- call Tiffany Cross-Luciani at 570-341-8099. chemo and now he needs a bone marrow transplant,” ing a scholarship fund may send a donation to the Penn TecBridge focuses on harnessing the intellectual said Sorbelli. Monetary donations can be made directly College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, capital, energy, and passion of young professionals by to Nicky and his family at First State Bank of the Florida PA 17701; give at give.pct.edu/scholarship.htm or call the tapping the abilities of business, academia, government, Keys: payable to Sorbelli and Memo; Nicky Sorbelli dona- Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2and economic development of technological, biomedical tion fund (2487; gofundme.com/uldcw0. A bone marrow PC (866-448-3272). Students interested in applying for and natural resource related opportunities of the region. match for Nicky’s transplant is also needed and you can any of the more than 200 scholarships administered by the Now Online registration is open for the 9th Annual D&H get a free home mouth swab test kit at join.bethematch.

Penn College Foundation should complete the application Distance Run and 5K on the D&H Rail-Trail. This year’s event org/Nicky%20Sorbelli/. at pct.edu/admissions/scholarships/. will be held on Sunday, September 11, at 9 a.m. Contact Deb Wayne Memorial Health System (WMHS) and The McNamara, program manager, Rail-Trail Council of NortheastCommonwealth Medical College (TCMC) have estabern Pennsylvania, at 570.679.9300 or trails@nep.net.

Grants lished the Wayne Memorial Health System Annual ScholLackawanna Heritage Valley has announced the start of arship with a $125,000 gift from WMHS. The gift will be a new cycle of grant funding through its Partnership Grant stocks used to grant needs-based scholarships to students who Program. The program is open to members of non-profit This report on insider trading activity has been reside in Wayne or Pike counties or the greater Carbondale organizations, municipal and governmental agencies, and prepared for informational purposes only by James area of Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. educational institutions with proposals for projects designed Blazejewski, CFP, Senior Vice President-Investment Ofto enhance the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. ficer, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC,672 North River Street, The deadline to apply for a Lackawanna Heritage Valley Partdates to remember Suite 300, Plains, PA 18705. It is based on information nership Grant is Tuesday, March 1, at noon. Visit www.lhva.

March 1 The University of Scranton and Times-Sham- generally available to the public from sources believed to org/grants or call 570-963-6730, extension 8200.. rock Communications will present a free, public lecture be reliable. No representation is made that the informaby David Donoghue, Ambassador of Ireland to the United tion is accurate or complete and it does not constitute a Nations, on Tuesday, March 1. Ambassador Donoghue will recommendation to buy or sell any particular security. investments discuss “Ireland’s Role in the World: Sustainable DevelopCurrent information contained in this report is not indicaThe Lehigh Valley Angel Investors network (LVAI) ment, Peace and Human Rights,” at the lecture that begins tive of future activity. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, member announced that it has made three investments in 2015, at 5:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples NYSE & SIPC. totaling $360,000 which brings the total invested to Center. Ambassador Donoghue has served as Permanent Source of data: Thomson Financial $1,125,000 during its 5 year history. Its recruitment drive Representative of Ireland to the United Nations since 2013. has also been successful; the organization has increased March 15 Vendors are being sought for the 2016 INSIDER TRADING ACTIVITY ON STOCKS OF LOCAL its angel investor roster to 37 members.

Greater Honesdale Partnership Events. If you have INTEREST FOR MARCH Kinderpharm LLC is the first dedicated and fully participated in previous Honesdale events, you should (APD-132.46) Air Products & Chemicals Inc. integrated pediatric drug-development company. Kinhave received a vendor questionnaire to be filled out and Seifi Ghasemi, chairman of the board of Air Products derpharm offers support in developing new drugs for returned by March 15. If you have never participated and & Chemicals Inc., purchased 50,000 shares on February pediatric disease on various levels, ranging from pediatric are interested in receiving information about our events, 1 at $126.35 per share for a total cost of $6,217,670. clinical pharmacology to give orientation in the complex please call Gail at 570-253-5492 or email ghp@visithoGhasemi controls 314,865 shares directly and 53 shares framework of financial, regulatory, clinical, and many nesdalepa.com (please put “vendor” in the subject line of indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Air Prodmore challenges. http://www.kinderpharm.com your email) and information will be sent to you. ucts & Chemicals, Inc., acquired 62,623 shares.

Netrepid LLC founded in 2004, is a disabled veteranApril 23, 24 The Carbon County Home Business (CBU – 35.78) Community Bank System Inc. owned company providing colocation, infrastructure and and Outdoor Expo will be held in the convention center James A. Gabriel, director of Community Bank System, application hosting, putting Fortune 1000 level access to at Split Rock Lodge in Lake Harmony. This year’s Expo is Inc., exercised options for 12,885 shares on January 29 data/information within the reach of small to medium-size a “show within a show,” bringing vendors, businesses, (exercised 2.9 years prior to the expiration date) at $17.41 businesses. Netrepid privately owns and operates an home builders and remodelers together with Dr. Lori’s per share for a total cost of $224,280 and on the same date 8000-square foot, Tier 3 (availability of 99.741%), HIPAA Antiques Appraisal Show. Expo attendees can watch Dr. sold those shares at $36.78 per share for total proceeds of and PCI-compliant data center located in Harrisburg.

Lori’s Show for free. Attendees who wish to have items $473,857. Gabriel controls 77,580 shares directly.

From the data center, Netrepid is able to provide its clients appraised may purchase an appraisal for $25. Exhibit John Parente, director of Community Bank System, a wide array of subscription-based technology solutions spaces are available for local businesses to showcase Inc., purchased 8,600 shares on January 21 at $35.10 ranging from hosted virtual desktops and IT services their products or services. Remember Expo exhibiper share for a total cost of $301,849. Parente controls to fully implemented cloud services. Netrepid provides tors are also business owners who shop for products 63,947 shares directly and 30,000 shares indirectly. enterprise class technology services for a large variety of and services from other vendors. The exhibit hall has Over the last six months, insiders of Community Bank industries including health care, financial, education, and a wide range of spaces sizes available. For information System Inc., disposed of 36,966 shares. government. http://www.netrepid.com on exhibiting contact the Carbon Builders Association at (CZNC- 20.01) Citizens & Northern Corp.

TenantRex is an easy to use cloud-based platform 610-379-1099.

Ann Tyler, director of Citizens & Northern Corporafor brokerage houses that standardizes and aggregates raw deal data so brokers and researchers have instant access to make quick, accurate decisions and compete at an advantage. They have “cracked the code” by helping the largest brokerage firms in the country convert their spreadsheets into meaningful market intelligence and are now taking their service to the broader commercial real estate market. http://www.tenantrex.com

tion, sold 375 shares on February 2 at $19.88 per share for total proceeds of $7,456. Tyler controls 6,753 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of Citizens & Northern Corporation, acquired 16,442 shares and disposed of 7,055 shares.

(FDBC – 31.50) Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc. Patrick Dempsey, chairman of the board of Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc. purchased 700 shares on February 2 at $32.40 per share for a total cost of $22,680. Dempsey controls 68,641 shares.

Daniel Santaniello, chief executive officer of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, Inc., exercised options on January 29 (exercised 2.1 years prior to the expiration date) at $27.75 per share for a total cost of $13,875. Santaniello controls 24,314 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, Inc., acquired 1,546 shares (FNB-12.08) FNB Corp.

Laura Ellsworth, director of FNB Corporation, purchased 3,181 shares on February 4 at $12.04 per share for a total cost of $38,287. Ellsworth controls 20,500 shares directly.

David Curtis, chief financial officer of FNB Corporation, exercised options for 109 shares on January 28 at $19.66 per share for a total cost of $2,143. Curtis controls 9,173 shares indirectly.

Frank Mencini, director of FNB Corporation, purchased 2,000 shares on January 28 at $11.66 per share for a total cost of $23,318. Mencini controls 4,200 shares directly.

(FNCB – 6.55) First National Community Bancorp Keith Eckel, director of First National Community Bancorp, purchased 500 shares on February 5 at $5.95 per share for a total cost of $2,975. Eckel controls 3,900 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of First National Community Bancorp acquired 1,500 shares.

(PPL – 36.13) PPL Corp.

William Spence, chairman of the board of PPL, exercised options for 63,445 shares on February 3 pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) (exercised 5 years prior to the expiration date) at $23.20 per share for a total cost of $1,471,924 and on the same date sold those shares pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $37.00 per share for total proceeds of $2,347,465. On January 26, pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b51), Spence sold 57,803 shares at $34.04 per share for total proceeds of $1,967,788. Spence controls 60,366 shares directly and 12,943 shares indirectly.

Victor Staffieri, officer of a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, sold 16,907 shares pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) on January 26 at $34.08 per share for total proceeds of $576,106. On January 25, Staffieri sold 105,267 shares pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $33.99 per share for total proceeds of $3,578,446. Staffieri controls 1 share directly.

Joanne Raphael, vice president of PPL Corporation, sold 6,068 shares pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) on January 26 at $33.91 per share for total proceeds of $205,760. On January 25, Raphael sold 5,825 shares pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $33.98 per share for total proceeds of $197,394. Raphael controls 17,474 shares directly and 1,371 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of PPL Corporation disposed of 33,067 shares.

(PNC – 82.20) PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Daniel Hesse, director of PNC Financial Services Group Inc., purchased 500 shares on February 8 at $81.00 per share for a total cost of $40,500. Hesse controls 600 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of PNC Financial Services Group disposed of 89,000 shares. _________________________________________ Prices as of close of business on Feb. 9, 2016

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2016 47 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B47] | 02/24/16

17:30 | GRAHAMTOM

THANK YOU to our loyal shareholders and

customers for your patience and confidence and to our off fficers f and employees for your guidance, sacrifice, discipline and commitment.

Simply a better bank.

TM

Five Years Ago FNCB Began a Mission to be Simply BETTER. Our Structure, Procedures and Execution are BETTER:

Our Financial Condition is BETTER: 250% increase in shareholders’ equity from December 31, 2010, including 68% growth in 2015.

Adopted and implemented industry best practices related to the Bank’s policies and procedures, and enhanced our risk detection and management systems.

Payment of a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.02 per share on March 15, 2016, representing an implied annual dividend yield of 1.5%.(1)

Created a sound regulatory compliance culture.

A significantly stronger capital position, exhibiting 27% growth in total risk-based capital from December 31, 2010.

Satisfaction of all deferred interest payments on the Company’s debt

by March 1, 2016.

Our Financial Performance is BETTER: $35.8 million net income in 2015 was the highest earnings in the Company’s 105-year history — more than double 2014 net income of $13.8 million, which in turn was more than double 2013 net income of $6.4 million. $55.8 million in earnings achieved over the past three years.

Enhanced core earnings performance.

Improved operational efficiency evidenced by a 30% reduction in non-interest expense from 2010.

Our Prospects for Growth and Value Creation are BETTER: Our strong capital position provides a solid foundation for future growth.

FNCB is a strong regional competitor, with more than 100 years of local market knowledge and experience.

We have a strong and significant market presence with the largest market share of any locally headquartered financial institution.(2) Our home is here, our decision making is here, our entire business focus is on Northeastern Pennsylvania.

We intend to remain invested in this region and committed to our Mission:

Strong credit quality metrics that now compare favorably to our peers.

“To enhance stakeholder value by maximizing long-term earnings consistent with safety and soundness and risk detection and management practices. We will accomplish this objective by offering unsurpassed service to meet the needs of our most important asset, our loyal customer base.

We’re growing with double digit increases in both interest-earning and total assets during 2015.

The goal of this mission statement is to focus every effort in the Bank on creating value for our customers, stakeholders and community, in our direct interactions with them and in all services that are performed.”

FNCB is a Northeastern Pennsylvania success story and –

Simply a BETTER Bank!

(1)

Based on the common stock closing price of $5.17 on January 28, 2016. (2) FDIC Statistics on Depository Institutions for September 30, 2015.

The Company may from time to time make “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in its reports to shareholders, and in other communications by the Company, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors (some of which are beyond the Company’s control). The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The risk factors that could cause the Company’s financial performance to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statement are described in the Annual Report and other documents that the Company periodically files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Readers are also cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis only as of the date of this report, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date made.

1-877-TRY-FNCB | fncb.com | Member FDIC 48 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB48] | 02/24/16

MARCH 2016

16:59 | GRAHAMTOM