Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal--11-18

Business Journal NORTHEAST

$1.50

PENNSYLVANIA

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

November 2018 VOL. 33 NO. 11

Scranton resurrection continues

munity Foundation.

Collins said a healthy level of investment dollars mong the most visible signs of Scranton’s now flow into the downtown from both governmental resurrection is the city’s downtown residen- and private sources. Downtown capital assistant grants tial revival. According to Leslie Collins, exwith gaming money, plus bank funding, also exist. ecutive director of Scranton Tomorrow, developers Scranton Tomorrow is also involved with plans can’t create apartments fast to designate a formal business improvement district. enough to house the scores Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are utilizing this tactic, of people who now wish to which involves creation of a cohesive look for the live downtown. downtown that projects safety, cleanliness and beauty.

The majority of these “We will develop our own unique brand for renters are young professionals Scranton that promotes the feel of the Electric City,” and graduate students, plus said Collins. some empty nesters who fled New cooperation COLLINS their former residences for A fertile partnership is now evolving within convenience and simplicity. The Scranton between the mayor’s office, council and The “liveliness” of the downtown is also a draw.

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, according to Collins cites the example of the historic Samters Bob Durkin, president of the chamber. He contrasts this retail building in the downtown as a classic reuse new reality with the less-than-ideal conditions that often of a former business location. The facility is being existed in the past, and remarked that the cooperation developed into a five-floor apartment complex offering is fueling substantial growth around the city.

34 one-bedroom units, with the bottom level housing Among these is the use of Federal Opportunity retail space. She explained the building’s developer Zones, which allows corporations and banks with owns other revamped apartment complexes that are stranded capital gains and liabilities to avoid paying 100 percent occupied. taxes. Instead, the organizaOther development success stories such as Penn tion is allowed to participate Avenue also show Scranton is demonstrating renewed in investment opportunities economic success by the private sector. that can later be sold without a “The downtown no longer is just the courthouse capital gains liability. square area,” said Collins. “Building is now occurring toThe chamber identified 11 ward the Lackawanna River, creating a larger footprint.” city areas for zone designaAn interesting area of development involves plans tion which can be identified to create a pocket park at the corner of Wyoming as distressed by Harrisburg.

DURKIN Avenue and Linden Street. This 11,200-square-foot Stranded tax liabilities can be parcel, now destined for community green space, invested into these zones, creating pools of developwas purchased with a $400,000 state grant and ment capital. financial assistance from the Scranton Area Com“Bustling construction sites and cranes are now a

by Dave Gardner

A

common sight within the city” said Durkin.

Durkin is also a supporter of the federal Community Reinvestment Act. This program requires all banks to participate in and report lending that must include small business loans for economic development, investment for community development and mortgages for home ownership in low-to-moderate income areas.

Among the most transforming efforts being pursued by the chamber, and a high priority for Durkin, is the drive to develop a 21st Century workforce trained in job skills with contemporary demand. Among these facets is the chamber’s new Educators in the Workplace program, which allows members of the education system to visit employers working within the sectors of transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, construction utilities and professional services, and take their observations back to the classroom.

“We’re also working vigorously to develop paid internships with small business,” said Durkin.

Modern formula Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, agrees that Scranton’s downtown revitalization is amazing. She noted the Marketplace at Steamtown successfully moved forward using the mixed-use formula of the Reading Marketplace, and this effort is now tying in with the downtown housing demand.

Central to this housing growth is the reality that scores of millennials, as opposed to generations past, often prefer to rent in an urban environment. Some baby boomers have also discovered the ease and convenience of downtown OOMS apartments.

True Performers make every minute of every visit count.*

*Based on reduction in hospital costs for patients with True Performance doctors compared to those without from January 2017 to December 2017. Highmark Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Please see Scranton, Page 16

FIND US ONLINE AT BIZ570.COM

HC401200

TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B01] | 10/31/18

17:02 | BAUMEISTER

PeNNSYlVANiA

Vol. 33, No. 11 • NoVember 2018 149 PeNN AVe., ScrANtoN, PA 18503 www.biz570.com The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal is a member of Times-Shamrock Publishing Division

CNG MANAGING EDITOR elizabeth baumeister — ext. 3492

Focus on Scranton

City’s resurrection continues

CNG SALES MANAGER Alice manley — ext. 9285 CONTRIBUTORS thomas J. botzman, Dave Gardner, Sydney Garofolo, Howard Grossman, Kathy ruff, Jack Smiles, Joe Sylvester, Dave taylor, Phil Yacuboski FiND US oNliNe: www.Biz570.com facebook.com/570 • twitter.com/biz570

FEATURES

ADVERTISING/SUBSCRIPTIONS 570-207-9001 or 877-584-3561 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 COPYRIGHT

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.

Health insurance update .............. 4 Minimum wage conversation ......... 5 Polystyrene legislation ................ 6 Holiday gift guide....................... 7 Holiday shopping outlook ............. 8 Duchess Outlet ........................ 13 ‘Child care desert’.................... 14 Holiday giving ......................... 15 Chamber has new vice president .. 18 The business of Nerf guns........... 19

EXECUTIVE SUITE Brand ..................................... 2 The value of higher education...... 10 The Ben Franklin Partnership....... 10 Blockchain buzz....................... 12

BUSINESS BULLETINS Business briefs.................... 20-23 Education briefs .................. 24-25 Personnel file ..................... 26-28 Deeds ............................... 28-29 Mortgages ......................... 29-31 Stocks .................................. 31

2 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B02] | 10/31/18

BRAND

ON THE COVER

12:14 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

inconceivable? bringing a brand back from the dead is harder that it seems

by Dave Taylor

So it turns out the Bon-Ton was only mostly dead, or so says its new owner, CSC Generation Holdings. CSC bought the recently defunct brand and added it to a long list of brands it owns and operates, mostly online.

As Miracle Max explains in the movie “The Princess Bride,” mostly dead is also slightly alive, and certainly the Bon-Ton, which just finished closing its stores in August, still has a heartbeat.

Toys “R” Us also recently announced a comeback, though under a sub-brand name.

The stores have been closed since June, and there have been previous gallant proclamations of a restart, but none have come to fruition. Reviving a brand that is mostly or completely dead is not an easy proposition.

There are very few examples of restarts that rise to their previous levels of success, which is not to say that it’s impossible to turn at least a small profit on a redux brand. Just very difficult for a variety of reasons.

In the case of both the Bon-Ton and Toys “R” Us, the substantially altered retail world led by the king of disrupters, Amazon, is a tidal wave of change that largely swept them both aside.

Department stores like Bon-Ton die a death of a thousand cuts as specialty e-tailers chip away at them with low prices, free shipping and broad selection. As a category leader, Toys “R” Us didn’t adapt its own online presence fast enough to compete with another 800-pound gorilla, Walmart, which took away substantial sales volume.

To some extent, this shows the integral part that brand plays with the overall business concept of a company. Brand alone

S U B S C R I P T I O N

Business Journal NortHeASt

is not enough to fight tremendous market forces that are against you. Yet without a strong brand, your company won’t survive for long against others with ample share of mind and wallet.

The new owner’s concept for Bon-Ton is to add it to its broad array of online brands it already markets and milk the remaining equity that way. They are also promising to begin reopening brick-and-mortar stores, but that is step two in the plan and likely depends on step one succeeding first.

The investors in Toys “R” Us also have a twostep plan that calls for stowing the lead brand in the attic and opening a wholesale business under the name Geoffrey’s Toy Box, which uses its sub-brand mascot name.

This is an interesting naming strategy that raises at least a few questions. One, why would a B2B audience – toy buyers for retail – care about a sub-brand originally aimed at children? And two, is it really setting up the new brand to go back into the retail market at some point? Step two of the Toys “R” Us plan calls for re-launching the original brand and the Babies “R” Us brand as well in a brick-andmortar kind of way.

Other retail brands have been purchased off the scrap heat and given extensive CPR. Circuit City still exists, and so does Blockbuster Video. But these brands, like so many others, have little to show for sales and only enough brand equity left for some people to say, “Oh yeah, I remember them.” But unfortunately, not fondly enough to get them back on their feet.

So, Bon-Ton and Toys “R” Us, have fun storming the castle, but honestly it might just take a miracle for it to ever really succeed.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL Payment enclosed 1 Year, 12 issues - $28 2 Years, 24 issues - $49

Bill me 3 Years, 36 issues - $64

Name_____________________________ Title/Position___________________ company_________________________________________________________ Business Type_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ city____________________________ State __________ zip______________ Telephone_________________________ FAX___________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________ For faster service, fax this card to 570-207-3448 or call 570-207-9001/877-584-3561 MAIL TO 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503

Business Journal NortHeASt

PeNNSYlVANiA

the region’s award-winning Source of business News and information

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 3 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB03] | 10/31/18

17:17 | PYTLIKALLE

HEALTH CARE

Health insurance update

by Dave Gardner

As commerce marches into 2019, despite a host of political promises, no employer relief appears in sight from frustrating health insurance costs as high policy premiums are joined again by annual price increases.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, on a national level, employers and workers together spent almost $20,000 for family health insurance coverage during 2018. These companies paid an average of $14,100, with employees contributing an average of $5,550, totaling a 65 percent DAY increase over 10 years.

Dan Day, senior vice president and chief marketing officer with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, commented that insurance policies purchased through the ACA marketplace have finally stabilized as insurer spending now can include accurate actuarial data of claims compiled

over several years. This allows a true understanding of insurer outlays, thereby creating price stability.

Within the small group market, on average, 2019 will feature policy cost increases of approximately a six percent increase. This will predictably vary by situation, claims and other factors such as demographics.

Day explained that the three cost drivers functioning within the health insurance system remain alive and well. These are high patient insurance use, drug costs and prices for steadily advancing scientific technology.

“We spend a lot of energy trying to slow these down, but overall costs continue to rise,” said Day. On the caregiver front, big news that will play out during 2019 includes the effects of the expansion, acquisition and assimilation of various health systems. This process now has largely been completed, forcing insurers to adapt.

“Care systems may change alignment with a health plan around contractual realities,” said Day. “Many of these large system assets are now aligned.”

In the case of Pennsylvania, a widespread unhealthy and obese population with an epidemic of

4 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B04] | 10/31/18

16:35 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

diabetes continues to jack up insurer payments to providers. According to Day, the majority of coronary disease now being treated is avoidable because it is directly related to behavior such as lack of activity, smoking and weight gain, with only 20 percent of associated disease genetic in nature.

“Cancer is caused 50 percent by behavior, making it largely avoidable,” said Day. “Therefore, the real challenge within Pennsylvania is to modify patient behavior, and this isn’t easy although we have had some success with employer wellness plans coupled with strict safety programs.”

Pharma challenges Looking ahead into 2019, insurer spending for patient drugs presents another challenge. According to Day, pharma costs now make up 15 to 20 percent of total insurer outlays, with 95 percent of this spending flat for routine illness.

The ongoing advancements of pharma science are another matter as new drugs come to market.

“Specialty drugs that have six-figure price tags are used relatively sparingly, but they are the ones blowing up total costs for pharma,” said Day. “There’s talk that within a few years there will be 50 percent increase in total spending for pharma, largely because of these high-priced drugs.”

New treatments and therapies, largely considered impossible in the past, also are driving up insurance rates. These include promising ways to use the human immune system to fight cancer, even though when they arrive on the market the treatments are very expensive.

Uncompensated care also must be considered when evaluating costs for insurance.

“When people don’t have insurance coverage, many will go to the ER for treatment and then not pay,” said Day. “This can later show up in the hospital balance sheet creating higher prices for the insured.”

Rising compensation From the employer perspective, 2019 will include minimal policy pricing increases compared to some years, according to Michelle Grushinski, past president of the NEPA Chapter with the Society of Human Resources Management. In her specific situation, she said this is the result of her organization achieving a good year with insurance claims.

The modest policy price increases, however, are being inflicted in an environment where compensation costs GRUSHINSKI

are on the rise due to an outbreak of wage competition, which had been relatively flat for many years.

“For so long an employee merit increase was just a cost of living increase,” said Grushinski. “Now, as we move into 2019, compensation costs are great unknowns.”

Grushinski is firm that, despite a great deal of bluster, Washington is delivering only mirrors and deception with health insurance cost reduction. Some of the mandated benefits of insurance targeted by Washington through the Accountable Care Act did raise costs in the short run, but also were potent weapons to reduce insurance claims over the long haul.

“Yes, the tax penalty for employers will now be dismantled, but when you look comprehensively it’s obvious we’re experiencing only a guerrilla war with changes,” said Grushinski. “There is nothing coming out of Washington to address the long-term cost problems, and now we’ve got a lot of confusion over system changes in fines from the IRS.” She added that an honest examination of longterm trends within the employer insurance market reveal a system headed for a shipwreck.

“The employer system with these annual five percent to seven percent increases just cannot continue, and there’s no simple answer to fixing it,” said Grushinski.

Add in celebration Kurt Wrobel, chief financial officer and chief actuary with the Geisinger Health Plan, confirmed that his employer small groups will also largely endure a modest rate increase for 2019. This will be in the low single digits, with differing market dynamics for various employers.

He agrees with Day about the three big cost drivers continuing to escalate policy costs and that every health plan is struggling with the same realities. In the case new WROBEL treatments that save lives, such as using the immune system to fight cancer, Day argues that celebration should also be heard because of the reduction in human suffering.

“Employee wellness programs are one tactic that can help with costs, but changing human behavior is difficult,” said Wrobel. “Data is also indicating that wellness programs must be comprehensive with education. You can just give somebody movie tickets for what they have accomplished with wellness and stop there.”

ECONOMY

Local economics experts weigh in on minimum wage conversation ticularly food service workers and environmental service technicians.

Federal tax cuts and the booming economy Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce are leading businesses to raise pay for workers, President Bob Durkin said with the unemployment business experts say. rate at just around four percent, “It virtually puts us A local economics professor who specializes in at full employment.” labor issues, however, believes it’s in companies’ He said many employers now face the chalbest interests to even pay workers well above the lenge of finding enough qualified workers in the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. He said workers tight labor market. who currently cannot afford necessities would He said companies already were increasing spend more on those needs and stimulate the their minimum pay before Amazon did, though not economy. to $15.

Salyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., a professor of econom“There are so many new businesses, so many ics at The University of Scranton, said, however, businesses are growing,” Durkin said. “There is a minimum of $15 an hour (the base pay Amazon going to be wage pressure.” announced it would pay its workers) is not And he said that is good. sustainable for businesses in the Scranton and “I’m always happy to see people make a susWilkes-Barre area. tainable wage,” he said.

“I don’t see why $10 or $11 could not be seen He said, however, there will always be a low as a sustainable wage in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,” end to the salary scale. he said.

“It’s healthy to have something like that, to get Higher pay also attracts more workers and people into the work force, get their feet wet.” keeps those workers, said Ghosh. With the low The market should determine what those unemployment rate and fewer workers available, wages should be, said Pennsylvania Manufacturcompanies already are giving raises. Darlene ers’ Association President and Chief Executive Robbins, president of the Pottsville-based PennOfficer David N. Taylor. sylvania Manufacturers and Employers Associa“We are in an economic position now where tion, said she is hearing about more companies the economy is growing,” Taylor said. “We have granting raises and bonuses, from big corporamore jobs available than there are people looking tions such as Disney and Apple to Pennsylvania for work. There still is a problem matching people companies such as PNC Financial, which she said with the skills.” increased its minimum pay to $15 an hour, and He said when the market is increasing wages, Fulton Financial Corp. in Lancaster, which now that’s good for workers and a healthy sign for the pays a $12 minimum-per-hour. Manufacturers economy. also are increasing minimum pay, though, Robbins “That’s how we want wages to grow, rather said, “I don’t know that any of my companies paid than through artificial government intervention.” minimum wage.”

Taylor said better pay also helps prevent She said they paid closer to $16 to $19 an poaching, which he said is a big problem. Keeping hour. workers happy helps make sure they don’t stray, “If they want to retain or attract new employhe said. ees, they’re going to have to pay the going rate,” He said he also hopes low unemployment and Robbins said. rising wages help attract people outside the work “Opportunities have been provided because force who have given up looking for a job and of the economy, because of tax reform and less bring them back to the job market. regulations,” she added. “It’s a labor market.”

Ghosh, who has been writing about the Geisinger increased its minimum pay to $11 minimum wage issue for some time, said it is an hour across the health system, effective Sept. absolutely necessary to raise the minimum wage.

30, up from $10, according to Amy Brayford, “Whether it’s $15 depends on the cost of Geisinger’s chief human resources officer. living,” the economics professor said. “There are The increase marked the second time in three different city governments and states taking the years that Geisinger raised its minimum hire rate initiative to raise the minimum wage above the for employees. federal $7.25. There is quite a bit of disparity in the About 800 employees saw a pay increase, par- federal minimum wage to begin with. Given the

by Joe Sylvester

cost of living, it is absolutely needed to raise the minimum wage.”

Ghosh said the federal poverty line is at an annual income of $24,600 for a family of four. For a family of three, it’s at about $24,300.

He said that about 40 million Americans, around 12.3 percent of the population, are considered poor.

Ghosh said that if the principal wage earner is at minimum wage and working 60 hours a week, he or she would not make enough to reach the poverty line.

“Even working 10 hours a day, five days a week, you cannot make ends meet,” he said. “That’s how out of line the federal minimum wage is.”

He said that while some working in minimum wage jobs are working their first jobs, more than 50 percent earning minimum wage are 25 or older.

“If you haven’t gotten a raise in years but prices keep going up, you see how unfair it is,” Ghosh said.

He said there is some pushback from companies and lawmakers, who say an increase would hurt business. The same people also argue that not many people receive minimum wage.

“The two arguments don’t work at the same time,” Ghosh said.

In Pennsylvania, 3.4 percent of hourly workers make minimum wage or less, he said.

He said that if you raise the income of executives or others who are making a good living, they will only spend a certain amount and invest the rest, but if you increase the pay of people receiving minimum wage, they will spend the increase on the necessities they could not afford before.

“Their needs are so great, they are not about to buy everything they need,” Ghosh said. “They will spend it on local businesses, not buy stocks and bonds and other speculation. They are buying food and clothing that will help local businesses.”

He said paying workers more also will give them incentive to work harder and not leave.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 5 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B05] | 10/31/18

12:14 | BAUMEISTER

FEATURE

Pennsylvania lawmakers consider bill banning polystyrene food containers

“I don’t think it stands a chance at passing,” said Mararra, “and quite honestly I don’t think it would Coffee cups and take-out containers are just a few have ever gotten legs.” things we think of that are made from polystyrene.

According to an analysis by the PMA, the state Environmentalists argue they are bad for Mother would lose 4,000 jobs, more than $1 billion in ‘total Nature and often litter our highways and neighboreconomic output,’ and more than $240 million in hoods, but business leaders argue a ban on them worker income. would be a job killer.

“This is exactly the type of manufacturing in Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering House Pennsylvania that we should try to attract,” he said.

Bill 2560, a bill that would ban the use of polysty“It’s because of all of the natural gas liquids that are rene food containers in all ‘food-based establishhere. We want to send a message to the general ments’ in Pennsylvania. The law, introduced by Rep. assembly and hit them pretty hard by sending them Tim Briggs (D-149) of Montgomery County, is push- this economic analysis to say that this is the type of ing for the legislation. manufacturing that we want here.”

“It can take that long for polystyrene, comMararra said this type of legislation ‘sends the monly known as Styrofoam, to break down, wrong’ message because it tells future manufacturing because it is not biodegradable,” Rep. Briggs told groups that Pennsylvania is not ‘open for business.’

“You’re not going to make a product like this constituents in a newsletter. “And in the meantime, it clogs our local waterways and poses a threat to where the state has banned it,” he said.

He also said many people don’t realize that polybirds and marine life.” styrene is also in many other products such as plastic If such a bill is passed, it could mean the loss of utensils. The industry is highly regulated by the Food thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth, according to Carl Mararra, vice-president of government and Drug Administration because of polystyrene particles that can migrate into food and beverages. The affairs, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association.

by Phil Yacuboski

American Chemistry Council says polystyrene also cuts down on food borne illness by keeping hot foods ‘hot’ and cold foods ‘cold.’ They also argue despite its perceived environmental harms, it uses less energy to produce than paper cups.

Mararra also said profit margins on making these products are low, but the distribution is very high, which means the costs to get the products to their final destination is the most expensive part of the process.

“If it’s banned in Pennsylvania, they won’t make it here and it will cost much more to have it delivered to Pennsylvania,” he said.

Mararra is not confident that the ban will pass, and neither is one of the main environmental lobbyists.

“I think it’s a good first step,” said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment, which is backing the legislation. “We applaud Rep. Briggs for sponsoring the bill and I think it’s catching up where more of the public is because there’s a growing a public dialogue around single-use plastics and even plastic straws.”

Polystyrene/Styrofoam bans are now in place in major cities across the United States including New York City, Washington, D.C., Portland, Maine, and Miami Beach, FL. California recently became the first state to ban plastic straws in restaurants and Seattle, WA has banned single-use plastics as well as plastic straws. Some companies like Starbucks have banned certain plastic items all together.

Narberth Township, Montgomery County recently became the first community in Pennsylvania to ban plastic straws.

“I think there’s something to be said for using something that is used once and then we throw it away and is with us for hundreds of years,” he said.

Masur said he has had conversations with the business community about voluntary bans or even looking to do things better.

“I don’t think the Pennsylvania economy will crumble if we ban Styrofoam,” he said.

w Ne ting Lis

WILKES-BARRE

PLAINS

9000SF building built in 2008. 3 bay service garage, office, apartment, 2 commercial rental units, gas heat, separate utilities.

MLS# 18-2329 MARIBETH 570-696-0882

$990,000 w Ne ting Lis

SHAVERTOWN

Rare commercial property in Shavertown. Prime location for this Back Mtn office building. Separate utilities. Zoned B-2. Currently 1 unit w/lease all others month to month at this time. See income and expenses.

MLS# 18-2690 $425,000 TRACY 570-696-0723

NANTICOKE

FORTY FORT

MLS# 18-5336 JULIO 570-239-6408

16:38 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

WILKES-BARRE

The entire corner is for sale! Develop your own business or use existing structure.

This location is visible from Route 81 and located on highly traveled Rte 309.

MLS# 18-3405 JUDY 570-714-9230 OR JULIO 570-239-6408

$499,900

w Ne ting Lis

Prime Wyoming Area Location! This unique property includes a modern one story 3 bedroom, 3 bath architecturally designed residence and an attached professional office with reception area, showroom, 2 exam rooms, office, additional spacious lab area and a 1/2 bath. Property also features a 2 car garage and beautiful private courtyard.

Professional space currently used as an optometry practice.

Mountain Top: 570.474.9801 Wilkes-Barre: 570.822.1160

6 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B06] | 10/31/18

BLOOMSBURG

Professional, multi-purpose facility w/8260SF. Impressive 1-Story building on a prime 4 acre site w/40+ parking spaces.

Excellent location just off Rte 11 & I80. Zoned commercial.

Interior w/4 rooms, 6 restrooms. Gas, forced air heat & central A/C. Uses include professional office, medical facility, day care.

MLS# 18-4892 $449,900 DONNA 570-715-9333

w Ne ting Lis

Well established turn-key business! Rare opportunity to own iconic Maureen's Ice Cream & More. This landmark establishment offers updated equipment and plenty of off street parking.

MLS# 18-5406 CORINE 570-715-9321 OR TRISTA 570-715-9350 $289,900

Kingston: 570.288.9371 Shavertown: 570.696.3801

Wilkes-Barre Twp 2 acre parcel! A rare find! The property is fenced w/1000SF building & shed. High traffic, great exposure and easy access to Rte 309 & I81.

MLS# 18-5033 $555,000 JUDY 570-714-9230

$399,900

WILKES-BARRE

KINGSTON

High traffic count & great exposure! Former car lot allows for other adaptations. 1,026 SF building with offices on property. Nicely paved lot.

Great opportunity to own commercial space.

Rental income potential w/2BR apartment on 2nd level. Nice location, plenty of on-street parking.

MLS# 18-5032 JUDY 570-714-9230

MLS# 18-4139 TRISTA 570-715-9350

Clarks Summit: 570.585.0600 Scranton: 570.207.6262

$159,900

Drums: Hazle Twp.:

$89,900

570.788.1999 570.501.7575

Holiday gift guide

by Kathy Ruff

Whether you need a gift for a parent, spouse, child, friend or co-worker, we offer a few suggestions on what you can do to check those names off your list with businesses located in Northeast Pennsylvania.

For arts and entertainment fans The Mauch Chunk Opera House offers a variety of entertainment alternatives for those who enjoy listening to tribute bands playing songs made famous by John Denver, Chicago, Linda Ronstadt or Fleetwood Mac – or dozens of other bands and acts.

Located in the downtown of historic Jim Thorpe, the venue presents year-round entertainment in a variety of styles including theater, classic rock, bluegrass and folk as well as special events to help bring a smile to the entertainment-lover’s heart.

“It’s a great venue,” said Christie McGorry, one of the facility’s event producers. “It’s very intimate.

It seats about 360 people. We have a floor section of the theater and a lower and upper balcony.”

Restored and remodeled, the venue has offered entertainment performances since 1882, when a variety of emerging vaudeville stars performed for dignitaries, merchants and politicians.

“We have made a lot of repairs to it, upgraded our light system, our sound system,” said McGorry. “We have a really nice concession area and a bar downstairs and upstairs.”

In addition to gift cards available in a wide range of denominations, venue-goers can purchase Tshirts or sweatshirts, hats and other small trinkets.

Mauch Chunk Opera House 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe 570-325-0249 Calling hours: Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

Online: mcohjt.com

people ask us for an opinion, we ask what are they interested in. We would show them anything we had in that area. We have such a high variety of things. People come in and they may be looking for something in particular but it’s not the same as the next person or the next ten people.”

Someone looking for railroad memorabilia may find old-fashioned lanterns, kerosene lamps or train sets. Offerings range from glass centerpieces, teddy bears and books to brass candlesticks, coffee tables and vintage cans and trays.

Formerly known as The Quiltery, the business still occasionally offers quilting materials and handmade quilts.

The mall’s inventory regularly turns over as more than 20 vendors update products.

Weissport Antique Mall 410 Bridge St., Weissport 610-377-5590 Hours: Thursdays, 1-5 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Online: facebook.com/weissportantiquemall

For the outdoor enthusiast Opened earlier this year, the Lehighton Outdoor Center – comprised of Jim Thorpe River Sports, Northeast PA Kayak School, a retail store and cafe – offers a wide range of gifts for the outdoor enthusiast.

“For the outdoor adventurer type – whether they are walkers, bikers, rafters or kayakers – we have items big and small, everything from the stocking stuffer to a big-ticket item like a kayak,” said Jeremiah McAward, president. “(We offer) a lot of little things that are high-quality stocking stuffers, high-quality gear any outdoor adventurer of any level would enjoy having in their toolkits. For bicyclists, gloves are an ever-popular Christmas item. We have headlights and cycle computers. We have the little blinking lights – because visibility is all important with everyone texting and distracted – are gaining more favor than they have in the past.”

For those who appreciate nostalgic keepsakes Specialized-brand electronic bikes provide Weissport Antique Mall is a “multi-dealer ana supportive alternative for the more physically tique mall,” according to Kelly Deutsch, who owns challenged biker. The center also offers bike accesthe business with her husband, Bryen. sories, parts and full repair services.

“We sell a lot of furniture this time of year, but For kayakers and rafters, stocking stuffers there’s lots of collectible kinds of things in there,” available include tether and tie-down straps, flotashe said. tion bags and eyewear retainers designed for floatCollectibles including vintage ornaments, ing as well as other gear accessories and jewelry. furniture and other fixtures rest intertwined among Larger items available include roof-rack systems, soaps, books, antiques and other items. paddles, life jackets and Jackson kayaks.

“People usually tell us what they are interThe center offers gift certificates for bikes, kayested in,” said manager Rosemary Manbeck. “If aks, rafting trips or a variety of localized T-shirts,

made with essential oils to complement its yoga and other holistic and wellness services.

Prayer and mala beads make great stocking stuffers.

“We also sell a lot of gemstone jewelry, gemstones themselves,” Zero said. “We are also a yoga studio, so people like to offer different gift certificates for yoga classes as well as Reiki sessions and card readings. It’s definitely not stuff For the musically inclined A third generation family-owned business, Rob- you’re going to find at the mall. People who come ert M. Sides Family Music Centers offers a creative here know they can get prints of original artwork or even original artwork, greeting cards that come alternative to holiday gift ideas. from local people. They come here because they “Guitars get to be a pretty popular gift item know it’s a one-of-a-kind type of gift here.” for Christmas,” said Doug Stoddard, sheet music The Wonderstone Gallery and lesson coordinator. “We sell a package of an 100 North Blakely St., Dunmore acoustic guitar with a big bag and all the acces570-344-2360 sories someone who is beginning to play a guitar Online: thewonderstonegallery.com would need.”

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to The center sells gift certificates that can be used to purchase a variety of instruments including 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. pianos, band instruments and ukuleles. It also offers a band rental program to acquaint new users For the young, the old & everyone in between without risk.

In business for four decades, Bendixen’s “It’s a lot about the younger generation, Giftware & Boutique offers a variety of unique gift students or kids who are in the 10- to 15-year-old items. age bracket,” Stoddard said. “They watch a lot of “We just added a new clothing boutique,” said shows on TV like The Voice, America’s Got Talent, Judy Bendixen, owner. “That has been a big hit things like that. They will see the current people because we’re basically the only one on top of the who are winning those kinds of shows and a lot mountain here in the Pocono Summit, Blakeslee of them are doing musical acts like playing guitar, piano and so on. A lot of them might get inspiration area that sells clothing with the exception of Walmart.” that they would like to try it.”

Bendixen’s tries to offer American-made Gift ideas also include lessons on all of the major band instruments, piano and string instruments products. Its North Carolina-based Simply Noelle boutique offerings include women’s apparel while such as the guitar, violin, cello and ukulele. The center also offers stocking stuffers such as music- Utah-based Lazy One lines its sleepwear shelves. themed pens, bookmarks, gloves and scarves and Specially-made souvenir T-shirts and sweatshirts add to its offerings. other accessories.

“We have local jams,” she said. “We have handRobert M. Sides Family Music Centers crafted things. We have some really neat, unusual 717 Center St., Throop items and not high-end (but) affordable. We have 570-909-9016 some Penn State items.”

Online: rmsides.com Gifts range from aromatherapy candles, handbags and stationery to home décor items such as For unique, locally-made gifts placemats, pottery and table runners.

“We have a lot of hand-crafted items from “It’s not a huge store but we carry a lot of different artisans throughout our area,” said Beth Zero, owner of The Wonderstone Gallery. “Probably items, really things that you won’t see in Walmart or even in a department store, because a lot of the 80 percent is made locally. We’re talking jewelry, companies we buy from are smaller companies,” hand-knit items, crocheted items, a seamstress Bendixen said. “They are not big box items.” who makes her owned stuffed animals. We have Bendixen’s Giftware & Boutique people who make soaps and pillow sprays, differ2414 Route 940, Pocono Summit ent body care items, all made by people within the 570-839-8795 Dunmore/Scranton area.”

Online: bendixens.com The gallery offers its own line of natural sprays sweatshirts and other apparel.

Lehighton Outdoor Center 123 Lehigh Drive, Lehighton 610-377-1230 Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Online: jtraft.com, lehightonoutdoorcenter.com and kayakschool.com

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 7 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B07] | 10/31/18

12:15 | BAUMEISTER

ECONOMY

Holiday shopping outlook: Retailers expect a positive season

Photos by Joe Sylvester / For Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal

People shop at the Viewmont Mall.

since the 5.2 percent year-over-year gain seen in 2010 said. “You can’t get that online.” be busy.”

And, she added, shoppers will always come out for after the end of the Great Recession.

She said the shoe business isn’t hurt by online Northeastern Pennsylvania merchants are expect“Last year’s strong results were thanks to growing the holidays. competition, either. ing to have a merry holiday shopping season. wages, stronger employment and higher confidence, “We haven’t seen any downside during the holi“People like to try them on,” she said.

So is the National Retail Federation, which ancomplemented by anticipation of tax cuts that led days,” Turner said.

“I expect an excellent holiday season,” said Marie nounced recently that it expects holiday retail sales in consumers to spend more than expected,” NRF Chief Andre Fleming agreed people will be out in stores Jones, manager of the High Street clothing store, also November and December — excluding automobiles, Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “With this year’s at Steamtown. “People seem to have more money now this holiday season. gasoline and restaurants — to increase between 4.3 forecast, we continue to see strong momentum from “It’s the shopping,” said Fleming, manager of the and they’re in a better mood.” and 4.8 percent over 2017 for a total of consumers as they do the heavy lifting in Blue Monkey Vapes kiosk at Jenny Turner, co-manager $717.45 billion to $720.89 billion. supporting our economy. The combination Wyoming Valley Mall. of the Express clothing store “Thanks to a healthy economy and of increased job creation, improved wages, “I think this year we’re exat the Wyoming Valley Mall, strong consumer confidence, we believe pecting a lot of people to come expects customers to flood into tamed inflation and an increase in net worth that this holiday season will continue to in,” said Justin Lansberry, the store during the holiday all provide the capacity and the confidence reflect the growth we’ve seen over the past second assistant manager at season. to spend.” year,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew the Zumiez clothing and ac“I feel the customer still NRF forecasts that annual retail sales Shay. “While there is concern about the cessories store in the mall. “In wants to come into the store,” for 2018 will increase by at least 4.5 percent impacts of an escalating trade war, we are Turner said. “We like to dig into Tia Ulbaldini, Andre Fleming, November and December, they Justin Lansberry, over 2017. optimistic that the pace of economic activity second assistant come in for snow season.” their needs.”

NRF’s holiday forecast is based on an assistant manager, manager, Blue will continue to increase through the end of manager at Retailers hope sales this By that she means the sales economic model using several indicators, Shoe Dept.

Monkey Vapes. the year.”

Zumiez. year surpass last year’s. staff will ask the customer how including consumer credit, disposable “I think it’s going to be decent,” said According to the NRF, holitheir day is going, what they are personal income and previous monthly Tia Ulbaldini, assistant manager of Shoe Dept. at the day sales in 2017 totaled $687.87 billion, a 5.3 percent retail sales. The number includes online and other looking for.

Steamtown Mall in Scranton. “I think it’s really going to increase over the year before and the largest increase “What can I do to make their day better,” Turner non-store sales.

by Joe Sylvester

8 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B08] | 10/31/18

12:15 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 9 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB09] | 10/31/18

17:17 | PYTLIKALLE

EDUCATION

Gainful employment and the value of higher education

engineering degree prepared me for a career in the plastics industry. My wife’s nursing degree opened the How do you measure the value of a college door for her to work as a registered nurse. degree? An open-ended question like In recent years, many occupations that can have many correct answers. For have been using higher education to most, an appropriate response would be prepare students for employment without a rewarding career in their chosen field a full four-year curriculum. Over the past of study. Higher education, however, also decade, the U.S. Department of Educaplays a vital role in producing solid citizens tion proposed a “gainful employment and productive members of society – rule” based on the ability of a certificate outcomes that are more subjective and program or vocational certificate graduate BOTZMAN less tangible. to repay a loan based on a formula. At Overall, higher education is a “public Misericordia University, the criteria would good,’’ meaning everyone from all walks of life benefit include academic programs in the College of Health from its existence beyond the simple logic of being Sciences and Education, such as diagnostic medical better people as a result of going to college. Examples sonography, addiction counseling, autism spectrum of public goods include the military, public parks, disorders, patient navigation and picture archiving and fire department, sanitary systems, and spraying for communication system administration certificates. mosquitoes. Society benefits from these whether we A U.S. Department of Education study in 2017 pay for them directly or not. revealed that about one in every 10 programs would Higher education also has an imperfect availability have failed the test, with 98 percent of the failing as a public good. Students pay for the right to attend a programs at for-profit institutions. With the proposed college and earn a degree. Local residents may enjoy repeal of the current gainful employment rule, some sporting events, but they often have to purchase a programs will once again be able to apply for public ticket to attend. Most collegiate libraries lend books, support, typically in the form of a Pell Grant. Holding usually without charge. the present gainful employment rule in place, though, At Misericordia University, where I serve as presents continued challenges for compliance both president, we host numerous community groups and in the for-profit education sector, where many of the nonprofit functions as a way to extend our public good. difficulties began, and in the nonprofit sector, which There is also a “private good” aspect to higher provides the majority of programs and degrees. education. Graduates gain value in their ability to earn We appear to be faced with a substantial dilemma. a higher wage as the result of completing a degree.

There are a number of websites, including the College Some degrees, clearly, pay quite well. Others, such as Scorecard (collegescorecard.ed.gov), which provides teaching and social work, even though they are very some of the information on the career opportunities and valuable to society, pay relatively less. The federal gov- earnings for students. It is very easy to get overall data ernment has been working for years to ensure college on how a college stacks up on cost, graduation rates and graduates receive a proper return on their investment salaries of recent graduates. However, we do not have a of money and time spent earning their college degrees practical and even-handed way to assure all students of or employment credentials. the value of their degree, credential or certificate.

When I went to college, it was generally assumed Is the gainful employment rule good for students the public (federal government and states) would pay and higher education? Probably. My hope is that part of the tuition and the private (students and their the U.S. Department of Education and informed families) would pay the balance. The public and private stakeholders will revisit the aim and ideals of gainful good aspects of the college degree were accepted. employment. At the same time, their work must lead The public perception was that education – especially to a clear, understandable and accurate approach higher education – had good and lasting value. to inform current and future students that higher Gainful employment, as defined in its original education does hold value, appropriately offering both form by the federal government, was a way to note public and private goods. that colleges prepared their graduates for “gainful Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., is president of employment in a recognized occupation.” My polymer Misericordia University in Dallas.

By Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D.

10 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B10] | 10/31/18

12:15 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Forging the Ben Franklin partnership As a result of this and other research, resulted in a six point economic development strategy, There is a distinctive and essential process including one addressing advanced technology. which has made great strides and achieved Thornburg stated “we have proposed in our spectacular success across the Commonwealth state that government serve as a catalyst for since its founding in 1982. This is the Ben Franklin growth in this area through the Ben Franklin Partnership, rated by many as the finest and most Partnership.” powerful technology program of all fifty states Walt Plosila, Director of the Governor’s Office in the nation. Under the leadership of Governor of Planning and Policy was charged with directing Dick Thornburg, the program was initiated, has policy package and strategy, and on December grown under both Republican and Democratic 17, 1981, he released an opinion paper titled “An governors, and continues today to be a bright Advanced Technology Promotion for Pennsylvaand shining star in the overall nature of how the nia” making points related to high tech industries state can be economically competitive in a global being on the rise, financing should be more economy. readily available, and Pennsylvania should focus The writer had the fortunate experiences of be- on already existing advanced technology both ing fapped as a board member of the partnership to raise awareness and to draw new advanced for eleven years by two governors, Thornburg technology companies. and Robert P. Casey. This enabled him to see first There was outreach to colleges and universihand the startling role that the partnership has ties, industry groups, local economic developplayed in bringing new talent to fruition and jobs ment entities and chambers of commerce to to Commonwealth business and industries being obtain their support and input. Backing for the born during a time of economic challenges, the plan ensued and other technology corridors partnership helped to stem the tide of a disapwere studied such as California, Massachusetts pearing industrial workforce. and North Carolina. On March 22, 1982, the Ben Thornburg and Lt. Governor Bill Scranton Franklin Partnership Challenge Grant Program acted on their campaign promise to address the (H.B. 2344) was introduced, and the General Asailing economy a business-labor organization sembly appropriated $1 million to the program on did a study and the results were published in a June 8, 1982. In December, 1982, the Governor report entitled “ Choices for Pennsylvanians” in signed the bill into law. Thus, was created the asSeptember, 1981. tonishing and innovative Ben Franklin Partnership, ■ Pennsylvania has been losing out to other a landmark program that continues to this day, states in the competition for rapidly expanding currently ion the hands of Governor Tom Wolf. high technology industries. One reason is its The program serves all 67 counties of the inability to train enough youth in applied science Commonwealth through its four regionally and technology. A refocusing of faculties and based centers in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, institutions of learning to meet future work force Pittsburgh and University Park. What occurs is needs in these areas is critical. the combination and collaboration to develop and ■ Pennsylvania should encourage private partnerships, college and university relationships, investors to make more investments in high risk and investment strategies that bet serve their ventures. Along with this, expand and better regional economies under the umbrella mission target government-based business loan funds as of the Ben Franklin Partnership. Thirty-six years sources of venture capital for Pennsylvania small have gone by and while the name has changed businesses. Such funds should be used only to to the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the zeal fill needs unmet by private capital markets and and excitement remain. It has earned international higher risk ventures. recognition and acclaim as the gold standard in ■ Pennsylvania should encourage the creation technology-based economic development. Asof multiple-occupant enterprise development suming leadership roles in supporting ecosystems sites. that support innovation in areas such as busi■ Pennsylvania should provide specialized ness incubation and centers of excellence, it has technical assistance to facilitate the continued received multiple awards and certainly achieved successful operation of sound companies. and resulted in being a resounding success.

by Howard J. Grossman, AICP

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 11 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB11] | 10/31/18

17:17 | PYTLIKALLE

BANKING & FINANCE

Blockchain buzz: Emerging tech offers potential, not promises and cut costs for electronic payments, securities trading and lending. Since 2015, more than 100 Blockchain is a data structure used to create financial institutions, trade associations, regulaa digital ledger shared among a distributed tors and technology partners have joined forces network of computers. It was initially designed to set up and test a blockchain that could one day become an industry-wide platform. for the peer-to-peer exchange of the virtual ■ Supply chains: Each link in a company’s currency bitcoin. However, businesses are now supply chain could be held accountable by tracdeveloping and testing some potentially gameing products from origin to store, discouraging changing blockchain applications. tampering and fraud. This could enhance food According to a recent survey of execusafety, reduce the costs associated with recalls, tives across a variety of industries, 29 percent and help retailers verify authenticity. For example, said their companies already participate in a blockchain consortium to share knowledge and/ customers could be assured that their food or cooperate in the research and development of was raised on an organic farm or that a specific blockchain applications. Another 45 percent said diamond did not come from a conflict zone.

■ Medical records: Blockchain systems are they are likely to join one in the next year. Even being designed to store health data that can be so, 39 percent of these global business leaders conveniently shared among patients, doctors, believe blockchain is overhyped. hospitals and insurers while protecting patient Here’s an introduction to blockchain and privacy. a glimpse into how this emerging technology ■ Digital rights: Musicians, photographers, might impact the future of businesses around artists and media businesses could more easily the world. monetize, track and control the use of their creations, which could reduce piracy.

Control by consensus Some other possible uses include public real Blockchain provides all network participants estate registries, identity verification, law-enforcewith simultaneous access to a single body of ment activities, digital voting platforms and securstrongly encrypted data. Each individual (or ing Internet-connected devices, among others. node) can enter new data, but a majority of nodes on the network must verify the addition Work in progress before it becomes part of the permanent record.

Businesses and governments worldwide are Each transaction is time stamped and linked to exploring blockchain technologies as they seek the prior transaction, forming a series of blocks in a digital chain. This creates an audit trail each time data is changed, helping to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the information.

Because no third-party intermediary (or central authority) is needed, transactions can be completed instantaneously and at a lower cost.

by Peter Shelp

Realm of possibility A blockchain can be public (open) or private (closed). Any system or business that relies on a database could be a candidate for blockchainbased innovation. A blockchain can also be coded to execute or enforce smart contracts automatically (without an intermediary) when certain conditions are met.

Here are a few examples of applications that are already in the pipeline.

■ Financial markets: The financial industry is identifying ways in which the technology could be used to protect sensitive data, increase speed

12 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B12] | 10/31/18

12:16 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

to improve transparency, increase productivity, and reduce costs. As a result, investment in blockchain initiatives could approach an estimated $700 million in 2018. Numerous industry consortia are working together on business solutions for their shared interests, while some individual companies are racing to influence what might become common industry standards.

Despite the heightened levels of interest and investment in blockchain, deployments are still fairly rare, and widespread adoption could be years away. In one 2018 survey, only one percent of chief information officers (CIOs) indicated that their organizations have already invested in and deployed blockchain applications. Only eight percent of CIOs are in active experimentation or short-term planning, and another 14 percent are in medium- or long-term planning stages. The bulk of surveyed CIOs (77 percent) either have no interest in blockchain or no plans to investigate or develop the technology.

Some factors slowing the pace of adoption are governance issues, a lack of regulatory frameworks, and a shortage of professionals with blockchain skills.

In the longer term, however, blockchain could be a transformative and/or disruptive force that creates a new set of winners and losers. Speedy and successful implementation may deliver a competitive advantage to some companies while punishing others that don’t keep

up with the pace of change. There may also be some societal costs, such as high energy consumption from running millions of powerful computers, and the technology’s potential to displace a large number of human workers.

Word of warning As an investor, you should keep in mind that new technology ventures are often risky.

Some blockchain projects may turn out to be viable and profitable, but many others could fail.

Bad actors are also trying to capitalize on the blockchain buzz by luring investors into highly speculative investments and some outright scams.

Thus, you should be wary of a company’s claims regarding blockchain – especially if an investment offer is unsolicited and Internetbased – and never wire money to pay for such an offer.

All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Peter D. Shelp, CFP®, CRPS®, CRPC®, ChFC®, RIS, AWMA® Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC 270 Pierce Street, Kingston 18704.

Call (570) 283-8140 or visit www.kingstonretirementgroup.com

SHELP

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Financial Advisors are available to discuss the suitability and risks involved with various products and strategies presented. We will be happy to provide a prospectus, when available, and other information upon request. Please note that the information provided includes reference to concepts that have legal, accounting and tax implications. It is not to be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice, and is provided as general information to you to assist in understanding the issues discussed. Neither Janney Montgomery Scott LLC nor its Financial Advisors (in their capacity as Financial Advisors) give tax, legal, or accounting advice. We would urge you to consult with your own attorney and/or accountant regarding the application of the information contained in this letter to the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, is a full-service investment firm that is a member of the NYSE, the FINRA and SIPC. Source: Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2018.

FEATURE

Timeless trinkets can be found in Pittston shop

by Jack Smiles

Past, present and future collide at the Duchess Outlet, 75 William St. in Pittston. Julio Caprari represents the third generation at the family business, which continues to diversify and expand.

The past The family owned business — founded by Julio’s grandparents, Sam and Teresa Caprari, in 1956 as garment factory — is housed in the last standing section of the legendary Pittston Stove Company. From the 1860s to 1950 the stove company manufactured hundreds of thousands of coal stoves and furnaces for home kitchens and parlors and twin stoves for restaurants and hotels.

On Feb. 20, 1950, one of the largest fires in city history with flames 100 feet high gutted the stove works, sending bricks from the collapsing walls across Broad Street.

In 1956, Samuel Caprari and his wife, Theresa, took a chance, bought what was left of the building and started a garment factory, which eventually evolved into the Duchess Coat Outlet.

Julio believes his grandparents were visionaries.

They were one of the earliest businesses to offer an outlet model, where they not only made, but sold clothes.

As homage to its past the Duchess Outlet doubles as a Pittston Stove Museum with stove memorabilia such as a handwritten joint stock agreement, salesmen guides, matches, pamphlets, advertising, log books, payroll books, tools, parts of harnesses for the mules that operated the lifts before electricity and three complete Pittston Stoves

restored by Julio’s brother, also Paul.

One document in a display case shows the company shipped $175,000 worth of stoves in 1917, the equivalent of $3.2 million today.

Though by the 1920s, as many as 250,000 Pittston Kitchen Stoves and Happy Thought Parlor Stoves, as they were called, were in use around the country, very few (no one knows how many) still survive. One of the stoves Paul restored is the only known surviving Union Parlor Stove manufactured between 1869 and 1881. Julio explained the parlor heating stoves as restored by his brother are like works of art.

“They weren’t just functional, they were something families had to look at all day long and they are beautiful,” he explained.

The present The Outlet offers a myriad of merchandise for kids from coloring books to a mechanical life-sized reindeer that can an sing and talk and heirloomquality toys such as Folkmanis Puppets, Kidkraft, Backyard Discovery and Hansa Toys, makers of hand-sewn realistic stuffed animals.

“If Walmart carries it we don’t,” Julio said. “We wanted to compete in a way a box couldn’t.”

The men’s department has outfitted the Pittston firemen and some New York City firemen with American-made Anchor raincoats for their dress uniforms, and HI-VIZ, High Visibility Clothing.

Duchess also carries clothing discounted with up to 60 percent off manufacturer’s retail prices, including outerwear from London Fog Raincoats BCBG, Anne Klein, Jones NY, Hickie Freeman, men’s suits and sports jackets.

But the dolls dominate the Duchess showrooms.

Julio’s mother Paula said she has a vivid childhood memory of seeing Madame Alexander Dolls at the Globe Store.

“My parents had to tear me away,” she said. She didn’t get her first Alexander Doll as a kid. “I was married with two children before I got one,” she said.

Paula began retailing the Alexander Dolls in 1984. She opened a doll hospital the next year. Today Duchess, with more than 1,000 dolls displayed, is a must-stop for doll lovers. Fifty women from a Harrisburg collector’s doll club visited Duchess a couple weeks ago. Julio said shoppers come to Duchess from Philadelphia and the Poconos, many drawn by the dolls.

section of the downstairs. Expanding the store again is an option with the potential to add another 3,600 square feet.

They also will continue online growth. Since launching their retail website in 2011, duchessoutlet.com, they have shipped items worldwide. They are advertising with pay per click Google AdWords, which steers Google users to specific websites with with key words.

Julio said he spends 10 to 12 hours a week managing the Google AdWords account. Julio explained the click through rate where a click leads to a sale is only one to one-and-a-half percent, but as the click rate is under 20 cents because the key words are narrowly targeted, “Shopping Wyoming Valley,” or “Minutes from the Poconos” for example.

The future Julio summed up the future, writing on Looking to the future, Julio’s father, Paul and his duchessoutlet.com, “The fourth generation of our wife, Paula added 3,600 square feet of retail space in family-run business is just around the corner. With 2014. The Caprari family is always on the lookout for more than a quarter-million dollars in investment for eclectic retail items to add to their showroom floors. future expansion, stay tuned for the next chapter in The newest wrinkle is a general line of antiques in a our story.”

Retirement involves striking a delicate balance between cash flow, spending, investment risks, lifestyle needs, and many other factors. If your retirement is feeling off-balance, it’s time to get the advice you need. The Kingston Retirement Group has been helping people reach their retirement goals for many years. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you find the right balance for your retirement.

THE KINGSTON RETIREMENT GROUP OF JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC PETER D. SHELP CFP®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CRPS®, RIS, ChFC® First Vice President / Wealth Management Branch Manager Susan A. Whitesell CRPS®, CRPC®, RIS, AWMA®, CLTC Vice President / Investments

Jack Smiles / For Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal

Paul, Paula and Julio Caprari at their family business, Duchess Outlet in Pittston.

570.283.8140 | 800.643.5021 270 Pierce Street Suite 108 Kingston, PA 18704 KingstonRetirementGroup.com

Adam Shelp CRPC®, RIS Financial Advisor ©Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Member: NYSE, FINRA, SIPC

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 13 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B13] | 10/31/18

16:37 | BAUMEISTER

FEATURE

Staffing Services: Seasonal, Temporary & Permanent Employees

KCR is looking for companies to partner with to assist with their staffing needs.

Call us for your business needs

570-800-1880 www.KCRNow.com

KCR provides qualified employees with special needs in a variety of positions.

Talented & Hardworking Employees Sub-Contractor or Direct Hire Assembly • Packaging • Order Fulfillment etc..

KCR Mission: We provide people with autism and developmental disabilities diverse opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER

is looking to hire

General Warehouse Associates for their day, weekend and night shifts.

New hiring wage at $12.00/hr, after 30 days $12.25/hr.

We pay shift differential for off shift an additional $1.25/hr. and premium pay for Receiving/Shipping up to $1.55/hr.

Also eligible for weekly Bonus Incentives up to $0.75/hr.

Located at 4000 OLDFIELD BOULEVARD IN PITTSTON! YOU CAN COME SEE THE CENTER, GET ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS AND EVEN SAME DAY JOB Offer.

English is not a requirement. Transportation available from Wilkes Barre, Scranton, and Hazleton.

Apply in person or online at:

WWW.TJX.COM/CAREERS Subject to drug and background screening.

14 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B14] | 10/31/18

16:39 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

Pennsylvania a ‘child care desert’

by Phil Yacuboski

Finding it tough to locate good, quality child care? You’re not alone. Pennsylvania is considered a “child care desert” when it comes to finding quality caregiving facilities, according to new information compiled by care.com, an online company focused on finding and managing quality family care.

“The issue isn’t only the availability of child care,” said Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a statewide nonprofit advocate for children and family issues.

“Children spend a great deal of time in child care.

A child under the age of five can spend up to 50 hours a week in childcare and therefore, you want that to be high quality.”

Pennsylvania ranks third behind California and New York when it comes to the availability of too few licensed child care providers. Care.com estimates 59 percent of people live in a so-called “child care desert.”

However, that also means child care providers can find higher-than-average wages because they are in such demand.

“Right now in Pennsylvania, 70 percent of children live in a household where both parents are in the workforce,” said Benso. “They need child care.

The absence of availability is a serious problem.”

It’s no secret that Pennsylvania is a rural state and a contributing factor to the issue.

“It’s a big challenge,” she said, “but if you look at high-quality child care either from the data, you see in a highly, densely populated area, you don’t find the needs for kids.”

Benso said in Luzerne County, 11,000 children under the age of 5 need child care, but only a third of that care is considered “high quality,” meaning a low teacher to student ratio, an experienced staff and a small group size.

She said typically children who are from lower income families don’t have as much access to higher quality care.

“That means in Luzerne County, only one in four children have access to high quality care,” she said. “That’s pretty low.”

It’s a similar story in Lackawanna County.

Benso said the solution is a better investment by both the state and federal governments.

“We need to make higher quality child care more available to our families with greater economic risk,” she said. “The state needs to fix the rates it pays to child care providers.”

More than 200,000 families in Pennsylvania receive a child care subsidy for those who are working, training or in school, and they can receive up to about $48,000 per year for a family of four, based on including guidelines, according to Diane Barber, executive director of the Pennsylvania Child Care Association.

“Unfortunately, that’s never enough money,” she said. “We have many families on waiting lists.

So if you need to go to work and you’re eligible and you are waiting, who has been caring for your kids during that time?”

She said the lack of access to child care is a hindrance to businesses and people looking to enter the workforce.

“If our families can’t work, then our businesses can’t thrive,” she said. “It’s all connected.”

FEATURE

Hoping for a holiday giving boost

families. It also has programs for rental assistance and help for people who can’t pay utility bills. Hanley With improving job numbers and an improvsaid in some cases they will buy boots for someone ing economy, some local charities are hoping that it who needs them for their first job or put a tank of gas transfers to a big boost in holiday giving. in their car before they get a paycheck.

“That would be great,” said Nancy Post with a “We are anticipating that we are going to have joyous laugh. “I hope that’s the case if it’s true.” a lot more working families coming to us over the Post, director of volunteer initiatives of the Volholidays,” he said. untary Action Center, which oversees the Christmas Hanley said in the past, they’ve received donations Holiday Bureau in Scranton, said all of the money is from people who have received assistance. locally raised. In 2018, they hope to raise $60,000.

“They’ve been able to pull themselves up,” he They typically give out gift cards to families who need said, “and they want to give back. It’s heartening to them for the holiday season. see that, especially around the holidays.”

“Some of our donors have either died off or may Hanley said donations in previous years have been not be in the best financial shape to give. It effects ‘steady’ and there have been no large jumps. He said the bottom line. The need grows all of the time, but companies have often sponsored employee giving the donations do not. I think they are pretty stagnant and often will match donations. or a little bit more,” she said. There is an income Major Bob Schmig of The Salvation Army in requirement.

Scranton said despite what the economy is doing, it’s While Post said they’ve been able to receive grants difficult to tell from year-to-year. from foundations, there’s a lot of competition.

“In my experience, a lot of the giving is done The organization raises money through a letter in the more difficult times,” he said. “I think people from past donors and it organizes a happy hour recognize that people are in need.” combined with a basket raffle in Scranton.

Schmig said the kettle campaign, an iconic part Giving USA, a philanthropy group that tracks giv- of the holiday season for decades, will again be in full ing across the country, found in 2017 giving reached swing, but they are always looking for volunteers to $410 billion; an increase of more than five percent man the kettles. He said in the Scranton area, they over the previous year and the first time giving topped need to take in between $160,000 to $180,000 to more than $400. The report found giving to religious keep their budget. organizations is most popular, followed by education He said the money is used for food box programs, and human services. clothing vouchers, help for utilities and some children’s “We’re really not sure what it’s going to bring,” programs. Angel Trees are also popular at places said Mike Hanley, CEO of United Neighborhood Centhroughout the area where people can sponsor a child ters in Scranton. “More people certainly are working, (or children) and buy gifts for them for the holiday. but a lot of them are working at jobs that don’t pay “We are hoping that the economy does work in very much.” our favor,” he said. “I’m hoping this year is better than Hanley said they are seeing working families com- the last. I have lived here long enough to know there ing to them for help. The nonprofit distributes food are enough caring and concerned people in our comyear-round as well as household goods for struggling munity who are willing to step in and partner with us.”

Now more than 200 experts and specialists in more than 70 essential services to help you succeed.

by Phil Yacuboski

Dryfoos Insurance Agency Woodring-Roberts Insurance The Insurance Shop ARE NOW

Leaders on risk management, business and personal insurance, employee benefits, human resource consulting, life insurance strategies, workplace injury management, workers’ compensation and much more.

28 South Vine Street, Hazleton | 570-455-7575 100 Brodhead Rd., Suite 160, Bethlehem | 610-867-4168 881 Broadway Rd., Milton | 570-742-8741 Corporate Offices: OneGroup Center, 706 N. Clinton St., Syracuse, NY 800-268-1830 | OneGroup.com

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 15 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B15] | 10/31/18

16:37 | BAUMEISTER

FROM PAGE 1

“Upgrades are therefore being studied for mass transit improvement within Scranton,” said Ooms.

“The city also needs a downtown grocery store that will compliment the existing success in food service, hospitality and with the retail entrepreneurs.”

Ooms voiced concerns that urban property taxes, including those within Scranton, are too high and have contributed to the problem of city blight. When property owners can’t afford their taxes, they may abandon a parcel, with this occurring at the same time rents are being pushed up. This discourages young families and low wage earners from living in the city.

“Blight must constantly be battled,” said Ooms.

“Real solutions with taxation are vital, and we must do this quickly while the economy is good because the development window is not open forever.”

Despite Scranton’s current bailout of its financial problems by selling the sewer authority, Ooms also voiced what she calls “universal concerns” about the fiscal situation within municipalities. She charged that, in general, government finances are vulnerable because of municipal pension problems and overspending, and that a realistic investigation will indicate these pensions around the state simply are not sustainable.

“Unfortunately, there’s little initiative to solve this problem,” said Ooms. “We need long-term solutions because the pay-out dollars are not there with defined

benefit pensions. We need conversion to defined contribution formats.”

Changing students The student body within Scranton’s biggest college is now experiencing several game changers as the city’s higher educational system evolves. Joseph Roback, associate vice provost for admissions and enrollment at The University of Scranton, described how recent changes to the FASFA financial aid system now allow the college enrollment process to begin earlier, with prospective students receiving information about financial aid offers quicker than in the past.

These perspective residents of Scranton can therefore take their campus visits earlier, decide upon a school, and enroll before the deadline of May 1.

“This change is affecting everyone in the admissions process, while also giving the student, school and parents longer to decide upon their choices,” said Roback.

In another swing, prospective students who are selecting courses of study are sometimes leaning away from a 100 percent career focus that almost guarantees a job upon graduation. Instead, the enrollment pendulum is swinging to a recognition to the value of liberal arts.

“The skill sets learned from ROBACK

liberal arts are invaluable,” said Roback. “These include critical thinking plus an ethical and moral grounding, which employers have always been interested in.”

A third change cited by Roback involves the number of students who are becoming interested in five-year programs. Graduation will lead directly to advanced educational recognition, such as a master’s degree, CPA certification, and select special education opportunities.

The university also is experiencing a true boom with the number of students choosing life sciences as a curriculum. These include pre-med, occupational therapy, physical therapy and community health administration, with the school recently receiving 1,400 applications for nursing, among which 400 were accepted and 60 students enrolled.

“It’s true that the upcoming students are increasingly concerned about the price of higher education,” said Roback. “We have been generous if the with the aid packages we are offering.”

Continuing investment Ron Zibo, interim CEO of the two Commonwealth Health System hospitals in Scranton, noted that technological advancements within his Scranton health care system are numerous, as well as ongoing.

The Commonwealth Health Heart & Vascular Institute at Regional Hospital, which has garnered national attention for its array of programs, recently became the first hospital in the region and one of four

nationwide to receive the HeartCARE Center Award.

This is a national distinction of excellence by the American College of Cardiology.

“Expansion of the hospital’s cardiology program also now offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the watchman procedure for treatment of atrial fibrillation,” said Zibo.

Nearby Moses Taylor Hospital has been recertified by The Joint Commission for Perinatal Care, an accreditation it was the first in the nation to receive. As the only hospital in Lackawanna County that delivers babies, Moses Taylor has added 24-hour EEG service for pediatric patients.

Moses Taylor also continues to focus on women’s health and opened the Women’s Imaging Center at Advanced Imaging Specialists in Dunmore. This facility offers breast tomosynthesis, or 3-D mammography.

“Regional Hospital has undergone a major renovation of its intensive care unit,” said Zibo. “Moses Taylor has also added navigation bronchoscopy, a procedure that uses electromagnetic technology to ZIOBO localize and guide endoscopic tools through the bronchial pathways of the lung.”

WHAT’S YOUR

PLAN?

A booming business climate, access to major metropolitan markets, operating costs, labor availability and superior quality of life are leading national corporations to invest in greater Scranton, Pennsylvania.

MAKE SCRANTON PART OF YOUR PLAN. Visit SCRANTONPLAN.COM or call 570-342-7711 to learn how our team can help you grow.

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Scranton Plan is a marketing affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

16 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B16] | 10/31/18

16:39 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

ATTRACT. SUSTAIN. GROW.

SCRANTON

OUR GRADUATES ARE IN DEMAND

Let us help you shape your future...

Your time is now!

MARYWOOD.EDU

Educating successful Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral students for more than 100 years.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 17

TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB17] | 10/31/18

17:17 | PYTLIKALLE

FEATURE

Ready for the role

by Dave Gardner

Those who believe historically staid and parochial Scranton has not joined the 21st Century with leadership might shake hands with Amy Luyster, vice president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Luyster, a living testimony to the word “strategic,” joined the chamber in 1998 and as one of four vice presidents now oversees all workforce aspects of the chamber’s industrial and economic development operations.

This includes the program known as Skills in Scranton, which is charged with developing modern job training for workers.

In addition, according to the chamber, Luyster is, “responsible for the coordination and implementation of marketing strategies for The Scranton Plan and providing site location and financial assistance to firms interested in moving to or expanding within Lackawanna County.”

During her long tenure with the chamber, Luyster has held the positions of economic development manager, research and marketing director and Scranton Plan administrator.

She also was named as a “Top 20 Under 40” by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal and a Northeast Woman by the Scranton Times-Tribune.

According to Luyster, she received a strong foundation from her parents who consistently taught her the value of hard work and the beauty of attaining personal goals.

This message included the concept that success will follow if a person stays focused and goal oriented.

Exposure to a series of strong female professionals has had a big influence upon Luyster. She also accredited current chamber president Bob Durkin with being a huge supporter and a professional mentor.

Amy Luyster, vice president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, oversees all workforce aspects of the chamber’s industrial

Historical mission Luyster joined the chamber at age 22, and found it inspirational that the organization’s vast resume of community and economic development can be traced back to the aftermath of a shining moment for America.

“The mission here actually goes back to 1945 with the Murray plant which built

18 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B18] | 10/31/18

12:22 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

“Scranton’s downtown costs are now lower than within many other cities, and therefore our real estate inventories have become very tight. As a result, we have to develop an adaptive reuse of the downtown and refocus our beautiful buildings if we are to meet the growing needs for business locations.”

Amy Luyster, vice president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

aircraft wings during World War II,” said Luyster. “After the war ended a program was created for capital to keep the plant opened, and I feel committed to be part of the club that has carried on that legacy.”

Luyster is firm that, during her professional career, she has not suffered from the type of gender-related issues now capturing many national headlines. Instead, she has enjoyed great acceptance in an environment of community and is made to feel welcome by her peers.

She feels called to the promotion of women’s leadership within a level playing field. On occasion, Luyster finds herself pondering what type of opportunities will be available to her daughter in adulthood as the nation evolves.

“In my case, I believe my greatest strengths are analytical problem-solving that is flexible and adaptive,” said Luyster.

“I also follow through on commitments, and it is interesting to think about how my daughter will eventually be able to apply her individual skills.”

From a big-picture perspective, Luyster enjoys being part of a team committed to making Scranton attractive with commerce,

thriving arts and culture. The city’s recent success with re-development of the downtown on Penn Avenue stands as a testimony to the possibilities that exist, and all evidence points to the city’s colleges as continuing economic drivers.

The chamber is now operating two business incubators within the city with the proven goal of nursing entrepreneurs to the position of established business operatives.

Luyster stated that cooperation between the various players in the total economy is superb, and programs such as Skills in Scranton toil to develop real-time job skills that can alleviate the nagging problem of modern workforce expansion.

“We also must mentor young professionals to create the next generation of partnerships with our industry sector,” said Luyster.

She confirmed the challenges now facing business leadership may arrive in new forms.

This comes into focus when remembering, from a recent historical standpoint, a Scranton downtown that was declining with empty storefronts and a lethargic level of activity.

“Scranton’s downtown costs are now lower than within many other cities, and therefore our real estate inventories have become very tight,” said Luyster. “As a result, we have to develop an adaptive reuse of the downtown and refocus our beautiful buildings if we are to meet the growing needs for business locations.”

Strategic operator Bob Durkin, president of the chamber, readily describes Luyster as intelligent, hardworking, and as a leader who understands the organization’s core mission. He credits her with exceptional skills in strategic thinking, planning, writing, organization and coordination that brings people together, and that she is clearly representative of the region’s upcoming leaders that are often female, loaded with talent and tuned into accomplishment.

“Amy can match multiple situations with multiple roles,” said Durkin. “She’s ready for the position she holds and understands focus using various private sources for investment.”

CELEBRATING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Dunmore native opens Nerf gun arena The business has special promotions and events running weekly. A Nerf gun league is Samantha Palumbo, owner and creator of currently in the works. The business also hosts the newly opened Dart Zone in Dunmore was birthday parties and private events. inspired by her four boys who love playing Nerf Palumbo believes in giving back to the gun wars in the backyard. community since the community did so much Palumbo grew up in Dunmore and currently in helping her open her business. She and her resides in Scranton. With the love and support family do so by working with the local schools of her husband and children, she jumped right and setting up fundraisers for organizations. in when deciding to open her own business. She Dart Zone held its official grand opening always wanted to work for herself, but never on Oct. 13. There were still some obstacles acted on the thought until now. After observing Palumbo and her family had to face while openthe market, she decided to open Dart Zone being up shop, however. They had issues with the cause she noticed this area is lacking activities location, building and unexpected work of the for children ages 7-18. facility. They also faced the issue of not having “That is how Dart Zone, Inc. came to life,” the right material and many unexpected trips to she said. the store were required to make sure everything Dart Zone is a Nerf battle arena where would be completed on time. There were a lot of children of any age “can come in and blast their surprises and hardships along the way, specififriends with the foam darts.” cally in the area of advertising.

“Think of laser tag but using Nerf Blasters Palumbo and her family were able to coninstead of laser guns,” the owner explained. quer these obstacles, however, and are open

by Sydney Garofolo

and ready for business.

Samantha has many plans for the future, and the opening of Dart Zone, Inc. in Dunmore is only the beginning. She hopes to open Dart Zones around Pennsylvania, and eventually expand around the country.

Palumbo has two pieces of advice for anyone opening a business: “The first would be to never give up,” she said. “Even when it seems like that light at the end of the tunnel is so far away, just keep going toward it. It will get closer and you will finally reach it. Just be patient and keep going toward your goals. You will get there and it will be the best decision you have ever made.

“Also, ask for help when you need it. Don’t try to do it alone. Opening a business is a lot of work and you need a good support system to help you through it. You will break down, you will get frustrated, and there are times that you will think about giving up, but you will get through it. Rely on the people around you to help you through the

“Never give up. Even when it seems like that light at the end of the tunnel is so far away, just keep going toward it. It will get closer and you will finally reach it. Just be patient and keep going toward your goals. You will get there and it will be the best decision you have ever made.”

Samantha Palumbo Owner, Dart Zone, Inc.

hard times. It goes a long way having a support system to help you achieve your goals.”

To learn more about Dart Zone, Inc., visit the business on Facebook and Instagram.

Sydney Garofolo is a senior at The University of Scranton and an Intern at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) who works under the supervision of Donna Simpson, Consultant Manager.

Looking to make

the bestt education nal choice for your chiild?

Choose Pennsylvania’s most ex xperienced, tuition-free, K-12 online publiic school.

Visit PAcyber.org

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 19 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B19] | 10/31/18

16:39 | BAUMEISTER

BUSINESS BRIEFS AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

ATI recognIzed by PATIenT AIrLIfT ServIceS

Aviation Technologies, Inc. (ATI), the Fixed Based Operator (FBO), at the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport, supplying fuel to the scheduled air carriers, business and private aircraft, operates a Part 145 aircraft repair station, provides charter aircraft and operates a Flight School, which includes flight instruction for Marywood University.

ATI was recently presented a plaque from Patient AirLift Services (PALS). PALS is a non-profit charitable aviation organization who arranges free air transportation for medical, compassionate, humanitarian and military needs. The generosity of the aviation community is essential to the PALS program and mission. Over the course of the next year or so, PALS will present all the FBOs that support their program with plaques recognizing their good deeds for their community. FBOs often waive or reduce fees associated with the PALS fights, including landing and fueling, and make sure that the needs of the PALS pilots and passengers are met.

“We have and will continue to be very supportive of the PALS program which helps local Northeastern PA residents get to destinations to receive medical attention and other necessary services,” said ATI President and CEO Jim Gallagher in a news release.

CHEETAH CHASSIS

berwIck comPAny AnnounceS creATIon of uP To 100 new jobS

Cheetah Chassis President Garry Hartman recently announced major job growth and investment due. Hartman pointed to assistance he received regarding tariffs as directly benefiting their workforce and helping to bring good paying jobs to the area.

“Support for regulatory changes in Washington DC has had a direct and positive impact on Cheetah Chassis and our current 160 + team members,” said Garry Hartman, President of Cheetah Chassis in a news release. “As a result, the playing field is being leveled against China and its state owned edentates, which over the past 10 years has been detrimental to our business.

Thanks to positive economic policies, Cheetah Chassis and our team members are looking forward to substantial growth in the coming years.”

Over the past ten years, Cheetah Chassis has been affected by Chinese dumping in the chassis market. When at one point the factory was filled with more than 500 employees, Chinese dumping of chassis caused job loss. But because of recent economic policies, Cheetah Chassis announced the creation of 80 to 100 jobs for the local area.

Hartman also touted the welding apprenticeship program at Cheetah Chassis that invests more than $50,000 in its team members complete with thousands of dollars in bonus incentives.

ing to community causes. In total, Community Bank N.A. donated $55,250 to local nonprofits throughout its four-state footprint, with 32 branches across Northeast Pennsylvania contributing $8,000 to local nonprofits of their choice.

From raking leaves and washing windows to hosting bake sales and food drives, more than 90 branches joined the celebration to spread neighborly spirit. Locally, nine branches in Northeast Pennsylvania participated: ■ bowman creek collected school supplies throughout September for students in the LakeLehman School District.

■ meshoppen hosted a drive to collect cat food, cleaning supplies, toys and monetary donations for Meshoppen Cat Rescue.

■ Tunkhannock hosted a bake sale to benefit Interfaith Friends’ Christmas Bureau/Adopt-aFamily program during the Christmas season.

■ wyalusing conducted a food drive during September for Helping Hands Food Pantry. In addition, the branch held a bake sale to benefit Wyalusing firefighters.

■ Pittston held a food drive and collected coat and winter items to donate to Care and Concern Free Health Clinic and Food Pantry.

■ dickson city made a tree in its lobby where customers donated to purchase a leaf. All proceeds were given to Dickson City Civic Center’s youth programs.

■ back mountain hosted a food drive and held dress-down days to benefit Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge.

■ Lehighton held a food drive for Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Pantry.

■ hazleton north church Street collected canned goods for the Salvation Army’s food pantry.

All Pennsylvania branches held dress-down

days to raise money for United Way of Bradford County and he United Way of Susquehanna County to help with flood relief.

“As a community bank, being a good neighbor and an active participant in our community is part of our core values,” said Bob Cirko, Community Bank N.A. senior VP, regional retail banking manager. “We’re not just your local teller or branch manager — we live here in Northeast Pennsylvania and we’re invested in our region’s future. National Good Neighbor Day was a chance to thank and highlight our neighbors who do so much for our community.”

National Good Neighbor Day was created in 1971 by Becky Mattson from Lakeside, Montana, and proclaimed a national day by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 to raise public awareness that good neighbors help achieve human understanding and build strong, thriving communities. It is celebrated annually on Sept. 28 as a day of gratitude and community building.

ENTERPRISE RIDESHARE

commuTerS dIScoverIng new TrAnSPorTATIon oPTIonS Through PenndoT PArTnerShIP

The partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Enterprise Rideshare – part of the global Enterprise Rent-A-Car network – began paying dividends less than three months after Governor Tom Wolf announced it in July.

PennDOT and Enterprise joined together in the summer and launched a new statewide publictransit program, the Pennsylvania Vanpool Incentive Program (PVIP).

The PVIP is designed to expand the availability of regional public transportation by subsidizing a

COMMUNITY BANK N.A.

LocAL brAncheS Lend A hAnd for nATIonAL good neIghbor dAy

Community Bank N.A. branches across New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Massachusetts celebrated National Good Neighbor Day on Sept.

28 by engaging in neighborly activities and donat-

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance held its Annual Dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor. From left, Philip Condron, NEPA board chairperson; Tom Donohue, Lamar Advertising; Ryan McGowan, M&T Bank and Jeffrey Box, president & CEO, NEPA Alliance.

20 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B20] | 10/31/18

16:12 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

portion of the cost of new Enterprise Ridesharemanaged vanpools for local commuters who agree to share their ride to and from work in a vehicle large enough to accommodate seven to 15 people.

Like many state transportation departments – including those in Florida, Michigan, Nebraska and Vermont – PennDOT is expanding mobility options by launching this statewide program.

The PVIP, available to all Pennsylvania commuters, is expected to decrease commuting costs for riders by more than 50 percent. Currently, there are more than 50 PVIP vanpools, with seven-passenger vans (an average of six passengers each) accounting for approximately 90 percent of the vehicles. Eventually, PVIP is expected to create 100 new vanpools statewide.

Through Enterprise Rideshare, PVIP participants will be able to choose a qualifying vanpool vehicle from an industry-leading selection of makes and models, including crossovers, SUVs, minivans and large passenger vans. Enterprise Rideshare will provide 24-hour roadside assistance, liability insurance and scheduled maintenance. Vanpoolers also can choose to upgrade their vehicles with optional high-end features, such as satellite radio, in-vehicle Wi-Fi service, and power ports for individual seats.

To learn more about commuting with Enterprise Rideshare, or to sign up for a vanpool, visit enterpriserideshare.com.

ESSA BANK & TRUST

LoAn ProgrAm AImed AT crImInAL rehAbILITATIon

Gary S. Olson, President and CEO of ESSA Bank & Trust, spoke about the bank’s participation in the Court-Assisted Re-Entry Program (CARE) and the Supervision to Aid Reentry (STAR) Program as part of the Reinventing Our Communities: Investing in Opportunity conference held in Baltimore. Hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, the national biennial conference draws hundreds of community development practitioners, planners, government leaders, bankers, researchers and foundation representatives to participate in forward-looking conversations around revitalizing our communities across the country in equitable and inclusive ways.

This year’s conference, Investing in Opportunity, looked at effective models and emerging research on investing and building four types of capital – financial, human, physical and social – to create an environment that enables every individual to contribute to and benefit from an expanding economy.

In an effort to support community stabilization ESSA joined a partnership (CARE) with Northampton Community College, Pyramid Healthcare, and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 2015 to help ex-offenders reintegrate into their communities. ESSA joined the STAR Program in 2017 in partnership with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ESSA provides financial education and loans for housing, transportation, or education to participants of the CARE and STAR Program who are leaving the federal corrections system and transitioning back into the community.

“We were looking for ways to strengthen our ties and impact in the community and this partPlease see Business, Page 21

BUSINESS BRIEFS FROM PAGE 20 nership provides that opportunity,” said Olson.

“Since the beginning of the loan program seven participants have received loans and all are in good standing. It has been rewarding to see their efforts pay off.”

Olson highlighted the CARE and STAR program on “The Economic Impact of Reentry and Returning Citizens” panel examining how criminal convictions, criminal justice debt and job qualifications create barriers to reintegration into the community for the recently incarcerated. These barriers also exacerbate financial instability for both individuals and their families and can hinder economic mobility for communities experiencing high levels of incarceration. Panelists examined the challenges associated with reentry, along with ways that communities are collaborating to reduce fiscal stress and invest in opportunities after incarceration.

tion for consideration. All applications must be received by Nov. 30, when Fidelity will select up to five finalists. Voting will begin at the grand opening of the branch on Jan. 12, running through April. During this time, supporters of the five organizations are encouraged to stop in and vote as many times as they’d like for their choice. The non-profit with the most votes on April 1 will win $15,000.

Fidelity Bank supports non-profit organizations and programs in the communities it serves that address community arts, economic development, education, family and health and youth services.

The Bank’s IMPACT grant is designed to help a worthy organization produce tangible, sustainable results.

More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at bankatfidelity. com/impact.

FIDELITY BANK

Pottsville store oPens Beer & wine eatery

Bank announces community imPact Grant

As part of the opening celebration of its newest branch in the Back Mountain area, Fidelity Bank is proud to announce its IMPACT grant.

Through IMPACT (Investing in Making Progress Across the Community Together), the Bank will award $15,000 to one local non-profit organization, with the community deciding the winner.

From now through the end of November, 501(c)(3)organizations throughout the Back Mountain are encouraged to submit an applica-

GIANT FOOD STORES, LLC

GIANT Food Stores recently opened its 71st Beer & Wine Eatery in Pennsylvania at its Cressona Mall store, 1544 Route 61 Hwy S., Pottsville.

Pottsville customers will find hundreds of domestic, imported and craft beers coupled with an immense wine selection in the Beer & Wine Eatery. Customers currently have a “mix-a-six” option where they can create their own six-packs from a variety of craft beers. Customers can also choose from eat-in and take-out selections offered, including sandwiches, wraps, subs and

salads. The new eatery seats 30.

THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE leadershiP lackawanna core ProGram class of 2018-19 announced

The Leadership Lackawanna Core program Class of 2018-2019 recently held its first session at Lackawanna College.

“I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Leadership Lackawanna Director Nicole A. Morristell in a news release.

“This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past, and I look forward to seeing how they will use the leadership skills they acquire over the next 10 months.”

In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program participants gain leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton area, through monthly sessions.

Areas of focus include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to developing and implementing community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations.

Members are: Stephanie Longo, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Thomas, Penn Foster Jill Krolikowski, Penn Foster Tracy Supple, Tobyhanna Army Depot Michelle McMaster, Fidelity Bank Jaka Wescott, Ronald McDonald House Erica Carrescia, Tobyhanna Army Depot Brian Spinelli, Ingargiola Wealth Management Michelle Lemoncelli, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Judy Delaney, Prudential Gopu Kiron, Lackawanna College Lauren Rusen, Benco Dental Kristen DePietro, Classic Properties Alexandra Loder, Procter & Gamble Rachel Sweeney, Geisinger Steele Institute for Healthcare Innovation Sherry Frable, Marywood University Lisa Wesneski, Tobyhanna Army Depot Frank Ohotnicky, Keystone College Jeff Bonczek, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP Vincent Yates, FNCB Bank Justin Patchoski, PennWood Financial Carmen Brutico, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. Alexander Bricker, Procter & Gamble Kevin Morgan, Montage Mountain Resorts Jim Kuzmak, Sanofi Pasteur Neil Prisco, WVIA Public Media Edmund Hunter, Solar Plus Mark Williams, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jennie Garelli Davis, TMG Health—A Cognizant Company Christine Healey, Penn State Scranton Jennifer Mackey, St. Joseph’s Center C.J. Rinaldi, Community Bank, NA

skills in scranton announces exPansion of educators in the workPlace ProGram

Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announced the expansion of its Educators in the Workplace program.

Educators in the Workplace is offered through a collaborative partnership between Skills in Scranton and the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board. The program seeks to align and connect business and industry leaders with local school districts, the career and technical center and the local intermediate unit by providing Lackawanna County-based educators with a weeklong industry immersion experience.

The initiative has grown to include four leading industry sectors: logistics and transportation, advanced manufacturing, health care and business finance and information technology, all of which drive the Lackawanna County labor market. The expansion will also allow 45 educators, guidance counselors, administrators and career and technical instructors from 10 Lackawanna County-based public school districts, the Career Technology Center and the local intermediate unit to participate, affecting approximately 1,200 students and exposing them to 12 in-demand occupations.

“With first-hand exposure, educators can enhance classroom activities, projects and

Members of the Leadership Lackawanna Core program Class of 2018-2019.

Please see Business, Page 22

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 21 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B21] | 10/31/18

16:12 | BAUMEISTER

Your ONE Source for Business News and Information!

Northeast PA Business Journal!

Learn more about the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Community

Subscribe Today!

28

$

Only

For 12 Issues

1 Year, 12 Issues - $28

2 Years, 24 Issues - $49

3 Years, 36 Issues - $64 Name Title/Position Company Type of Position Address City Telephone e-mail

BUSINESS BRIEFS FROM PAGE 21 work-based learning opportunities that will add relevance and meaning to students’ classroom learning,” said Lyndsay J. Grady, director of workforce development, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in a news release. “This is an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective that lets educators tie curriculum to real-world applications.”

For more information on the program, visit scrantonchamber.com/educator.

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA RECEIVES GRANT FROM PPL FOUNDATION

Leadership Lackawanna announced it received a $1,000 sustaining grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will be used in support of various programming efforts and to help offset operational expenses. It also compliments the organization’s mission of enhancing the skills and knowledge of the area’s emerging professionals through premier leadership development programs enabling them to better serve their organizations and communities.

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. There were nearly 300 applications requesting funding during this highly competitive grant cycle.

“PPL is committed to improving the communities where our customers and employees live and work,” said Alana Roberts, PPL Electric Utilities regional affairs director, in a news release. “Leadership Lackawanna does a fantastic job providing training to emerging leaders in the region. “

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

State

Payment Enclosed

Credit Card Number Signature

Zip Fax URL Bill Me

VISA

MC

Discover

Exp. Date

“Your Business is Our Business!!”

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News and Information 570-348-9190 • 877-584-3561 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 75 North Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 mrade@timesshamrock.com 22 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B22] | 10/31/18

16:40 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

Each year, Leadership Lackawanna awards scholarships to qualified candidates who need assistance paying tuition. Typically, these funds are set aside for individuals from non-profit organizations or who are sole proprietors. Due to the generosity of past donors, different scholarship funds have been established and continue to make a significant impact in the community each year.

The scholarship recipients for the Core Program Class of 2018-2019 are as follows.

■ E.T. Hunter of Solar Plus received the William W. and Mary L. Scranton Scholarship.

■ Jim Kuzmak of Sanofi Pasteur received the H. Leigh Woehling Scholarship.

■ Jennifer Mackey of St. Joseph’s Center received the William Rinaldi Scholarship.

■ Michelle McMaster of Fidelity Bank received the Karen O’Connell Welles Scholarship.

■ Neil Prisco of WVIA Public Media received the H. Leigh Woehling Scholarship.

■ Jaka Wescott of the Ronald McDonald House received both the Margaret Briggs Scholarship and the Government Leadership Award Fund of the Scranton Area Foundation.

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF FUND

Leadership Lackawanna, in partnership with the Scranton Area Community Foundation, recently announced the creation of the H. Leigh Woehling Fund, which honors the late H. Leigh Woehling, a co-founder and first director of Leadership Lackawanna.

The Woehling scholarship fund will be awarded based on financial need to an incoming

Leadership Lackawanna participant who aspires to become an emerging leader. Although he passed away before experiencing the success of Leadership Lackawanna’s first graduating class in 1983, Mr. Woehling’s vision and determination served as one of the pillars of the organization, helping the original founding committee transform his vision into a reality. The Woehling family has continued to remain active with the organization for the past 36 years.

This fund will be housed at the Scranton Area Community Foundation and will make a permanent contribution to the life of this region.

For more information, visit leadershiplackawanna.com. To contribute to the H. Leigh Woelhing Fund, contact Leadership Lackawanna at 570-3427711 or contribute online and earmark it for the Woelhling fund.

HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

HIGHMARK, UNITED CONCORDIA DENTAL DONATE TO ALLIED SERVICES

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, in collaboration with United Concordia Dental, recently presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a donation of $15,000. The contribution brings Allied Services closer to its goal of raising $500,000 through its annual fundraising campaign, WNEP’s Ryan’s Run. Earlier this year, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Concordia Dental announced that they would join together as major sponsors of WNEP’s Ryan’s Run. The campaign centers on a team of 50 volunteers who are raising awareness and funds for Allied Services.

On Nov. 4, those volunteers participated in the TCS New York City Marathon. Funds raised through the charity campaign will enable Allied Services to invest in advanced rehab technology and services to support the rehabilitation and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries and illnesses in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

A portion of the funds raised in 2018 has been earmarked for investment in the Indego, an exoskeleton that will give staff at Allied Services new tools and opportunities in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury or stroke. The device will be the first of its kind in Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

LCCCA, MOHEGAN SUN EXTEND PARTNERSHIP

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority alongside representatives from Mohegan Sun Pocono and the SMG-management staff at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in WilkesBarre Township recently announced a contract extension for the naming rights of the Mohegan Sun Arena through January of 2030.

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority along with Mohegan Sun Pocono unveiled a commemorative 20th Anniversary logo for the venue. Mohegan Sun Arena officially opened its doors on November 13th, 1999 for Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins hockey and hosted Neil Diamond as its first concert in December that year.

Please see Business, Page 23

BUSINESS BRIEFS FROM PAGE 22 Since that time, the venue has hosted nearly two thousand five hundred event performances and is planning to welcome its ten millionth fan to the venue over the course of the next year.

Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza is owned by the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority, a government body appointed by Luzerne County. The arena is managed by SMG, a leader in entertainment and sports facilities management with catering and concessions services provided

by SAVOR… at Mohegan Sun Arena.

NEPA ALLIANCE

ANNUAL DINNER A SUCCESS

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance held its Annual Dinner recently at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Pocono Manor. The dinner was attended by more than 330 business and community leaders from around the region.

During the dinner, NEPA presented the NEPA Alliance Regional Leadership Award. The award is presented to an agency, group or individual demonstrating a significant contribution to regional growth, development or cooperation within the seven county NEPA region. This year’s award recipient was Lamar Advertising for its impact

on the regional economy and involvement in the regional community of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This year’s Keynote Speaker was Department of Community & Economic Development Secretary, Dennis M. Davin. Secretary Davin provided insightful commentary on regional partnerships and program initiatives within the northeast region.

SCRANTON TOMORROW

SCRANTON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS FUNDS FOR THE ARTS

Scranton Tomorrow, on behalf of the Governor’s Arts Awards Committee accepted grant funding from the Scranton Area Foundation in the amount of $2,500. Scranton Tomorrow served as the fiscal institution in order to aid the committee in the administration and reporting of sponsorships and grants activities.

While planning the activities for the awards ceremony, held on Aug. 8, Scranton Tomorrow and committee members partnered with existing arts and cultural organizations in order to highlight their contributions to Scranton’s eclectic arts community.

Scranton Tomorrow’s mission is to establish

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, in collaboration with United Concordia Dental, recently presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a donation of $15,000. From left: Quinn Dufurrena, chief dental officer, United Concordia Dental; Ryan Leckey, reporter/producer, WNEP TV; Katie Kemmerer, senior community affairs analyst, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Jim Brogna, VP of corporate advancement and communications, Allied Services Integrated Health System.

the Downtown Business District of Scranton as a driving force in fostering and supporting economic revitalization utilizing the five-point approach including organization, design, economic revitalization, promotion and safe, clean and green. The Scranton Tomorrow vision statement encompasses livability, arts, economic development, promotion and educational partnerships all fostering positive quality of life initiatives.

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT

INNOVATION LEADS TO A GREENER FUTURE

Tobyhanna Army Depot’s environmental branch is progressively shaping the depot’s future through several projects that reduce energy and waste.

Recognized for many environmental awards over the years, including the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, the depot’s environmental team has been recognized for innovation and new technology, as well as water conservation initiatives.

Dave Ruskey, Environmental Engineer, developed a project utilizing innovative sensor and meter technology, automating process control improvements on many high energy comprehensive systems, which includes eight large paint booths and two large blast booths. Cost savings and energy reductions from this project led to the acceptance of the 2018 Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award. Another significant benefit of this project is the reduction of hazardous waste.

In less than five months, this project proved that it was worth the initial cost.

Tobyhanna plans on expanding this effort in the future to larger centralized compressors and may also be able to assist other sites with the potential to implement similar projects.

Another recognition, received on Aug. 23, is the 2018 Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award, given to Tobyhanna’s Environmental Protection Specialist, Thomas Wildoner for his water conservation initiatives. Tobyhanna volunteered for the U.S. Army Net Zero Water Pilot Program in fiscal year 2011 with a goal of achieving a 50 percent water reduction by fiscal year 2020. This goal was attained in fiscal year 2017, three years in advance.

A robust data collection and monitoring system helped achieve the water reduction goal as well as investments in water saving technologies such as rain water harvesting, wastewater reuse, acoustic leak detection equipment, water pressure monitoring and water valve monitoring. Water usage was reduced by 52 percent from 87.9 million gallons in fiscal year 2007 to 42 million gallons.

This accomplishment saves the installation a total of $475,564 in water use and wastewater treatment costs.

Another environmental engineer, Jacob Gogno, was recognized with the Director’s Impact Award for the work he did at Tobyhanna’s hazardous material storage facility. Historically, collected hazardous material would have been issued to individuals or organizations that could beneficially reutilize it. However, due to a lack of demand and uncertainty of the responsibility, hazardous material has been accumulating over the last four years.

Since July 2017, Gogno has coordinated the

removal of over 29,000 pounds of expired or unused hazardous material. He has also implemented an ongoing plan to continuously remove expired hazardous material, so that it will not significantly accumulate in the future. Removing this material eliminates the potential for spills and exposure to human health and the environment.

Gogno was also recognized with a Commanders Coin.

Jose Abrams, a production controller of Tobyhanna, was also recognized in Fort Hood, Texas, with a third Quarter Heroes Award for his Environmental Compliance Officer duties. Abrams and his team exceeded the established goals of all environmental audits during 2015-2018.

Along with these recognized projects, the Environmental team has numerous other projects that have been initiated in the past and are currently being introduced depot-wide.

Solar energy projects launched in recent years continue to provide return on investment for the depot, including solar wall panels. These panels have been strategically installed on seven buildings across the depot to take full advantage of the sunlight. As the sunlight strikes the surface of the panel, the solar heated air is drawn through perforations in the panel and distributed through the building’s duct work. Approximately 500,000 square feet is benefited by the panels, as fans distribute the warm air when needed in the adjacent bays.

Although the key feature of the panels is to heat buildings, the project has many other benefits. The panels act as sunscreen during the summer months, preventing the sunshine from directly striking the building wall. During cool summer nights, the panels can be used to pull cooler outdoor air inside. Some of the benefits include improvements in air quality, reductions in heating costs and a strong return on investment.

The team’s immediate upcoming plans include executing objectives from the Toby 2020 Invest in Our People line of effort initiatives that include continuing to reduce energy, reducing the quantity of unused hazardous materials and working toward the ISO 50001 Energy Management System.

WEIS MARKETS

MT. POCONO STORE COMPLETES REMODEL

Weis Markets recently completed the remodel of its Mt. Pocono store on Route 940.

The remodeled store now has: ■ An expanded selection of pre-prepared meals for takeout ■ An increased selection of natural, organic and gluten free products in produce, grocery, frozen and dairy.

■ A beer-wine café offering 550 varieties of domestic, imported and craft beer, including a local beer section and more than 300 varieties of imported and domestic wines, including a chilled section ■ New, more energy-efficient LED lighting.

At the grand re-opening celebration, store manager Stanley Kulakowski and the store’s associates presented $1,500 in donations to the Mt. Pocono Volunteer Fire Department, Pocono Mountain Regional Police and God’s People Helping People Homeless Advocates.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 23 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B23] | 10/31/18

16:12 | BAUMEISTER

EDUCATION BRIEFS JOHNSON COLLEGE

GRANT RECEIVED FROM NEPA ALLIANCE

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) presented Johnson College with a $76,974 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant. NEPA, in coordination with Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Office of Appalachian Development, assisted Johnson College in preparation of the grant and recommended the project to ARC for approval. The goal of this project is to update the technical training systems that Johnson College students utilize in obtaining an educational experience that reflects the latest developments in materials, tools, machinery, equipment, methods and techniques; ultimately allowing for quicker response to industry labor needs.

The $76,974 grant, combined with $76,974 in matching funds from Johnson College, will be used to purchase 12 different “Training Systems” which guarantee the students practical experience with high-technology tools and resources that employers expect them to show proficient use of during their first professional positions in industry.

KEYSTONE COLLEGE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE INTRODUCED

Keystone College announced continuing education offerings through its new Professional Development Institute.

The Institute offers a variety of programs connecting education, employment and enjoyment to provide industry-focused, professional development and credentialed coursework, as well as courses for recreation, leisure and personal enrichment.

Programs run the gamut from technology, including 3-D printing and computer skills, to education credentialing, including courses to obtain credentials for early care and education.

Personal enrichment courses include glass blowing, ceramics, holiday table design, wreath making, first aid/CPR and more.

Courses may be offered at the workplace or at Keystone, and can be in face-to-face, online, or hybrid formats. Also, customized credential programs can be designed for employers.

To view available courses and register, visitkeystone.edu/pdi or contact Mary Dower at 570-945-8380.

BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED

Bernadine Ahonkhai, Ed.D., Scott Koerwer, Ed.D., Attorney Zachary D. Morahan, Attorney Peter G. Rossi, and Paul Wendolowski were elected as the newest members of the Keystone College Board of Trustees.

New Board of Trustees officers include John F. Pullo, chair; James C. Clark, chair-elect, Attorney Daniel Haggerty, first vicechair, and Ida Castro, J.D., secretary.

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE

RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATES NEW CULINARY CENTER

Lackawanna College recently held a ribbon cutting for its new culinary center at 409 Adams Avenue in downtown Scranton during a ceremony with college president Mark Volk, local legislators, and college representatives.

“We could not be more pleased with the outcome of this ambitious restoration,” said Volk in a news release. “Through the total transformation of a largely abandoned building and courtyard, not only have we created a beautiful, state-of-the-art dining commons and culinary teaching center for our students, we’ve begun the revitalization of a forgotten block of the city.”

The two-story, 14,400 square foot building includes industrial teaching kitchens for the hospitality and culinary arts programs, baking and pastry program, student study space, and a student dining commons.

Lackawanna College received financial assistance for the project through a $3,000,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) under the direction of Governor Tom Wolf. Built in the 1970s, the two-story building and adjacent courtyard were renovated and outfitted using both RACP funds and private contributions.

Lackawanna College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new culinary center at 409 Adams Avenue, Scranton. From left, first row: Larry West, regional director for Senator John Blake; John Wiercinski, chairman of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees; Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright; Lackawanna College President Mark Volk; Stephanie Decker, Lackawanna College director of strategic partnerships & The Kiesendahl School of Hospitality; Cassandra Coleman, director of Governor Tom Wolf's Northeast Regional Office; Lackawanna County commissioners Patrick O'Malley, Laureen Cummings and Jerry Notarianni; State Representative Sid Michaels Kavulich and Michael Kearney, Lackwanna College trustee. Second row: Thom Welby, chief of staff for State Representative Marty Flynn; Linda Aebli, executive director of the Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development; Wayne Evans, Scranton City Council member; Jennifer Manganello, caseworker for U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright; Laura Gillette-Mills, Hemmler + Camayd Architects partner; Jeff Metz, Metz Culinary Management president and CEO; Bob Durkin, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce president and CEO; Lackawanna College trustees Sally Bohlin, Dominick DeNaples and William P. Conaboy and William E. Sordoni, president and CEO Sordoni Construction Services.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM MOVES TO MAIN CAMPUS

service to the college community.

Dr. Botzman celebrated five years of service on July 1.

The event included special recognition for history professor Lackawanna College announced it will move its Physical David Wright, Ph.D., of Dallas who was recognized for 30 years of Therapist Assistant (PTA) program to its main campus in Scranservice, and Linda Grey of Noxen, Marnie Hiester Idec of Tunkhanton in fall 2019 to better align with the vision of the growing Allied nock, Lalit Shah of Clarks Summit and Loraine Zelna of Falls who Health Division of the College. The program, which originated at were honored for 25 years of service.

Lackawanna’s Lake Region Center in Hawley, will move to Tobin Employees recognized for 20 years of service were Sue Barry Hall with a new state-of-the-art lab, classroom and office space. of Dallas, Pauline Bump of Pittston, Marilyn DeHaven of Dallas, Lackawanna’s PTA program proved to be successful at the Josephine Dougherty of Shavertown, William McMonigal of College’s Lake Region Center with completion and job placement rates soaring above the national threshold. The program boasts a FACULTY MEMBER RECEIVES BAKER PIONEER Plymouth, Maureen Pascal of Forty Fort and Jeanne VanDuzer of Tunkhannock.

100 percent employment rate for all graduates who have passed AWARD FROM THE SOCIETY OF DIAGNOSTIC People receiving recognition for 15 years of service were the national licensure exam and had a 92.3 percent licensure MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY Angela Asirvatham of Shavertown, Sheryl Goss of Hunlock Creek, exam pass rate over the last two stabilized years The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Michael Hilstolsky of West Wyoming, Karen Klimas of Harding, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physical therapist assistants was $57,430 in May recently awarded the 2018 Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award to Sheryl Mary Jo Nelson of Shavertown, Maria Reccahia of Dallas, Charles Goss, assistant professor and chairperson of the diagnostic medi- Saladino of Lake Ariel, Jay Stine of Shavertown, Joseph Wallace 2017. The BLS also states that overall employment of physical of Dallas and Stephanie Winsock of Trucksville. therapist assistants is projected to grow 30 percent from 2016 to cal sonography program at Misericordia University, at the SDMS Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Lailani Augustine of Shavertown, Lynn Blazaskie of Hanover 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand The award honors a sonographer who had made a unique and Twp., Trish Burgess of Dallas, Ted Chernyl of Larksville, Anna Fefor physical therapy is expected to increase in response to the outstanding contribution to the profession. Goss received the award dor of Dallas, Joseph Grilli of Jenkins Township, Richard Hancuff health care needs of an older population and individuals with of Dallas, Angelo “A.J.” Nudo of Dallas, Michael Orleski of Dallas, during the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Awards Dinner for adchronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity.

Moving the program to Scranton is expected to expand oppor- vancing the profession and increasing the knowledge and welfare of David Pasquini of Trucksville, Melanie Shepherd of Kingston, Janilla Stark of Plains, Steven J. Tedford of Mountain Top, Adele tunities for enhanced inter-program collaboration along with provid- sonographers through her focused contribution to the profession.

Wagner of Lehman Township and Cheyne Wago of Scranton Goss is a Hunlock Creek resident who has more than 30 ing the College with a greater footprint for recruiting. Lackawanna’s observed their 10-year anniversaries. years of experience in sonography, performing a variety of sonoexisting clinical relationships will not be impacted by the move.

The following employees were honored for five years of sergraphic studies to include general sonography, vascular, adult and vice: Laura Angeline of Shavertown, Dr. Botzman of Dallas, Michael pediatric echocardiography and supervisory roles in sonography MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY Diakun of Mountain Top, Pamela Dwyer of Hanover Twp., Heather departments. The immediate past president of SDMS’s Board of AUTISM FOR LIFELONG LEARNING Fritz of Shavertown, Elizabeth Kavanaugh of Swoyersville, Barbara Directors and Foundation, the Misericordia University professor PROGRAM SPONSORS GUEST SPEAKER also received the industry’s highest honor when she was named a Krupsha of Exeter, Darlene Kuchinski-Donnelly of Wapwallopen, AT SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO Susan McDonald of Kingston, Kathryn Michael of Dallas, Matthew Fellow in 2012. SDMS also presented her with the Distinguished Misericordia University’s Autism Center and Autism for Nickel of Dallas, Tracey O’Day of Wilkes-Barre, Welyn Pegarella Educator’s Award in 2013 for being an exceptional educator who Lifelong Learning Program recently sponsored guest speaker has demonstrated the motivation, drive and hard work to promote of Hunlock Creek, Kelly Phillips of Dallas, Katherine Pohlidal of Tim Cotter, Esq., C.P.A., of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, at Glen Lyon, Laura Rock of Kingston, Randy Schimelfenig of Dallas, life-long learning in students and sonographers alike by using Brighter Journeys inaugural Special Needs Expo, “Connecting the innovative teaching methods.

Maureen Sheridan of Dallas, Cathy Speace of Shavertown, MatDots,’’ at Mohegan Sun Pocono. thew Titus of Dallas, Ryan Weber of Greentown, Joshua Winneker In addition, Goss also has served the profession as the chair Mr. Cotter talked about guardianship, a legal tool that allows and past chair of the board of directors for the Joint Review Com- of Chester, N.J., and Andrew Yakobitis of West Pittston. a person or entity to make decisions for other people, and held a PROFESSOR HONORED BY ASSOCIATION OF mittee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. question and answer session. Courts establish guardianship and EDUCATORS IN IMAGING AND RADIOLOGIC EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR SERVICE typically appoint guardians in cases of incapacity or disability.

SCIENCES MILESTONES The Autism for Lifelong Learning Program provides preThe Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic vocational, vocational and community living skills to adults who Misericordia University recently honored 60 employees at the have been diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum 39th annual Service Awards Dinner, including President Thomas Please see Education, Page 25 or dually diagnosed with autism and intellectual disabilities. The J. Botzman, Ph.D., for achieving milestones on their years of

24 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B24] | 10/31/18

program’s primary objective is to enable adult participants to obtain supported or competitive employment in a fully integrated setting with at least a minimum wage.

The Autism Center added the new program because of the region’s shortage of available resources and services for people on the autism spectrum. In addition to specially trained personnel, the Autism for Lifelong Learning Program includes an advisory board that features people with expertise in autism, including parents of children with autism, health care professionals and regional educators from higher education.

16:42 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

EDUCATION BRIEFS FROM PAGE 24 Sciences (AEIRS) recently recognized Mari King, professor of medical imaging at Misericordia University, for her long-term commitment to the profession and AEIRS by awarding her life membership status during the Annual Meeting in Charlestown, South Carolina.

AEIRs members nominate colleagues for elevation to life member status. Upon recommendation of the AEIRS Board of Directors, a majority vote of members during the annual election of officers approves life members. Honorees are those who have rendered outstanding services to the organization.

The AEIRS Board of Directors also awarded Dr. King the 2018 AEIRS Research Grant for the scholarly project, “Service-Learning Practice in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences in Canada.’’ Dr. King is the primary investigator, while Elizabeth Lorusso of Fanshawe College, and Denis Anson and Leamor Kahanov of Misericordia University are co-investigators.

The Scranton resident has more than 27 years of continuous membership and active participation in AEIRS. She was a member of the board of directors before being elevated to Fellow status in 2015. During tenure in leadership positions on the board of directors, AEIRS secured indexation for Radiologic Science & Education, the AEIRS journal, introduced the International Scholarship Travel Fund and Invest in the Future Grant, launched the AEIRS Facebook page, developed a more collaborative and interactive strategic planning process, increased networking and professional development opportunities for members and more.

Dr. King’s service to AEIRS did not stop upon completion of her terms on the board. Today, she serves as the chairperson for the Fellows Committee and the newly established Research/Grant Committee.

At Misericordia University, Dr. King has served as the chairperson for the Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty Senate and Health Sciences Division. She also served as the vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. King earned a bachelor’s degree from Misericordia University in 1979. She completed a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in health service administration from Marywood University and a doctorate in education technology from Lehigh University. Most recently, she earned a professional certificate in online education from the University of Wisconsin.

University celebrates anniversary of the center for hUman Dignity in bioethics, meDicine anD health

Misericordia University is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Center for Human Dignity in Bioethics, Medicine and Health, with a look back at its accomplishments, and the announcement of a new name as it moves forward in its mission “to foster a deepened understanding of medical practices and their ethical ramifications for society.”

During a World Bioethics Day lecture by noted bioethicist Ira Bedzow on Wednesday, Oct. 17, David Rehm, vice president of academic affairs, announced the name of the center is changed to The Center for Human Dignity in Bioethics, Health and the Holocaust at Misericordia University.

The center will continue to build on the teachings offered in the university’s history and religious studies departments, as well as the Medical and Health Humanities Program, to fulfill the mission of integrating the concept of human dignity into the entire educational curriculum, according to Dr. Gallin.

As co-chair of the Department of Bioethics and the Holocaust of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Chair of Bioethics in Haifa, Israel, Dr. Gallin brings international recognition to the Misericordia University Center for Human Dignity.

In addition to hosting numerous programs throughout its first year, the center introduced an online “Pledge for Human Dignity in Health Care” in January. The ongoing pledge enables health care prfessionals and concerned citizens to take action and actively commit to uphold the values of dignity, equality and justice within health care. More than 600 people from around the world have signed the pledge to date, including Holocaust survivor Eva Moses Kor, who spoke at Misericordia University in September 2017.

The center’s Advisory Council scheduled the second annual Pledge to Preserve Human Dignity in Health Care program for Jan. 28, to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Jan. 27. The keynote speaker is psychiatry Professor J. Wesley Boyd, who is on the faculty of the Center for Bioethics of Harvard Medical School and is co-founder and co-director of the Human Rights and Asylum Clinic, and Cambridge Health Alliance.

In an evening lecture, he will present the talk, “The Case for Keep-

ing Our Borders Open to Immigrants,” in which he will focus on understanding data about immigrants in the United States regarding the likelihood of committing crimes and employment status, and understanding national law and international covenants pertaining to immigration, asylum and human rights.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

vice PresiDent for stUDent life nameD

The University of Scranton named Robert W. Davis Jr., vice president for student life.

“I have great confidence that Dr. Davis’ education and experience, including years of service spanning several university divisions, leaves him uniquely qualified to lead this new division successfully,” said Scott R. Pilarz, university president, in an announcement to the university community of Dr. Davis’ appointment and restructuring that formed a new Student Life Division.

Functional areas and departments of the Student Life Division are athletics, campus ministries, university chaplain, university police, the Center for Career Development, the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Center for Student Engagement, the counseling center, the cross cultural centers, residence life, recreational and club sports, student conduct and assessment, student health services, student government, dining services and the university bookstore.

Dr. Davis, who earned his bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from the university, has served as chief of staff at Scranton since 2011. In that role, he also oversaw the university’s department of athletics and managed the essential administrative functions of the office of the president.

Dr. Davis joined the staff at Scranton in 2006 and has served in several capacities, including as area coordinator and assistant director for housing operations in the Office of Residence Life; director of the university’s historic Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, which raised more than $129 million to support the university’s mission, endowment and development; and as interim vice president for development and alumni relations. Prior to his service at the university, he was a volunteer in the Alumni Service Corps at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia.

He currently serves as a member of the NCAA Division III Management Council and on the Board of Trustees at Scranton Preparatory School.

In addition to his degrees from Scranton, he earned his Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.

scranton on 2019 national ranking for oUtcomes

Members of the second cohort of students of The University of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program were introduced to the program at a recent ceremony on campus. From left, first row: Tonyehn Verkitus, Luzerne and Lackawanna Medical Societies; Athena Aardweg, NEPA Alliance; Kristen N. Follert, NEPA Community Health Care; Lauren Pluskey McLain, The Kirby Center and Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., director of the program. Second row: Angeline Abraham, Employment Opportunity Center; Katlyn J. Gardner, NEPA Community Health Care; Eloise Butovich, University of Scranton; Diane Dutko, The Luzerne Foundation; Gretchen Hunt Greaves, Commission on Economic Opportunity; Shannon Hayward, Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc.; Elizabeth Hughes, Earth Conservancy; David Falchek, American Wine Society; Janine Tomaszewski, Johnson College; April Kemp, Marley's Mission; Teddy Michel, Ignatian Volunteer Corps of NEPA; Todd Pousley, NeighborWorks NEPA and program faculty members Jesse Ergott and Kurt Bauman. Other incoming members are Joseph Salva, Individual Abilities in Motion; and Alison Woody, Geisinger Health Foundation.

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked The University of Scranton among “Top U.S. Colleges” in a 2019 listing that analyzes student outcomes after graduation, as well as their engagement while on campus to determine “how well a college will prepare students for life after graduation.”

Scranton’s highest rank was at No. 126 for student engagement, placing it in the top 15 percent of the ranking of nearly 1,000 colleges listed. Scranton also ranked at No. 182 for student outcomes; No. 260 for resources and No. 217 for an “overall” ranking based on analysis of 15 individual performance indicators.

The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education based the student engagement portion of their analysis on The U.S. Student Survey, which queried more than 189,000 current college and university students on a range of issues relating directly to their college experience, such as interaction with faculty and other students, and whether they would recommend their schools to others. Student engagement represented 20 percent of the overall ranking score. Outcomes, which represented 40 percent of the overall ranking score, looked at graduation rate, academic reputation, “value added” to graduate salary and “value added” to the loan repayment rate. The “value added” portions of the analysis applied statistical modeling to adjust for student, location and other characteristics in order to measure the impact the school has on the salary and loan repayment rates of its graduates. The ranking also measured resources invested in instruction and student services (30 percent), which included the finance cost per

student, faculty/student ratio and research papers published per faculty member, and the learning environment (10 percent), which includes student and staff diversity, among other factors.

The ranking was published by The Wall Street Journal in September.

seconD cohort begins nonProfit leaDershiP certificate Program

A ceremony at The University of Scranton celebrated the first cohort to complete its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the incoming second cohort of the new program, which seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions.

Launched in 2017, the certificate program combines a rigorous academic component taught by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations, a mentorship and experiential learning. The program includes a capstone project that requires participants to form a comprehensive plan to solve a current issue faced by the nonprofit organization they represent.

According to Patrick Quinn, director of residential and adult services, ARC of NEPA, who spoke at the ceremony as a member of the first cohort, the program helped him to “refine knowledge and define direction” for his career and for the nonprofit organization he serves. The program also provided him with the opportunity to collaborate with representatives of other area nonprofits.

“The program provided the tools necessary to be a better leader by combining the strength of your nonprofit organization with the strength of the infrastructure of nonprofits in the region,” said Quinn.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., director of the Nonprofit Leadership Program, director Doctor of Business Administration Program and associate professor and chair of the Accounting Department at Scranton; and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program faculty members Kurt Bauman, executive director, Northeast Pennsylvania Nonprofit Community Assistance Center; Jesse Ergott, president and CEO, NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Robert Kelly, Jr., esquire, partner, Myerys, Brier & Kelly.

Incoming members of the second cohort and the organizations they represent are: athena aardweg, community services specialist, NEPA Alliance angeline abraham, assistant director, Employment Opportunity Center eloise butovich, leadership gift officer, University of Scranton Diane Dutko, chief operations officer, The Luzerne Foundation David falchek, executive director, American Wine Society kristen n. follert, director of quality assurance, NEPA Community Health Care katlyn J. gardner, development and human resource director, NEPA Community Health Care shannon hayward, director WIC administration, Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc. elizabeth hughes, director of communications, Earth Conservancy gretchen hunt greaves, director, nutrition programs and resource development, Commission on Economic Opportunity april kemp, program director, Marley’s Mission teddy michel, regional director, Ignatian Volunteer Corps of NEPA lauren Pluskey mclain, director of development, The Kirby Center todd Pousley, community revitalization manager, NeighborWorks NEPA Joseph salva, president/founder, Individual Abilities in Motion Janine tomaszewski, associate vice president of college relations, Johnson College tonyehn verkitus, executive director, Luzerne and Lackawanna Medical Societies alison Woody, director of competitive grants/donor stewardship, Geisinger Health Foundation Local organizations sponsoring the program are: AllOne Foundation and Charities, Geisinger Health System Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, The University of Scranton and the Weinberg Foundation.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 25 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B25] | 10/31/18

16:42 | BAUMEISTER

PERSONNEL FILE ALLIED INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM

The health system named Brianna Hoban, N.H.A., as assistant administrator at the Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Scranton. Hoban has spent six years working in the health care field.

Luke Bauman, R.N., is the new director of nursing at the Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Scranton. Before joining Allied, he served as director of nursing for other Pennsylvania skilled nursing facilities. Bauman also holds certifications in forensic investigation and quality assurance consultation.

Rita Kuchta, R.N., is the new assistant director of nursing at the Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Scranton. Kuchta has been a nurse for 16 years, 14 of which have been with Allied. After pursuing her R.N., she worked as an emergency room and intensive care unit nurse before joining Allied.

Kimberly Yablonski, R.N., is the new assistant director of nursing at the Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Scranton. Yablonski brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role. During her career, she has specialized in gerontology and dementia care. Prior to accepting the position of assistant director of nursing, Yablonski served as the unit manager and Alzheimer’s specialist at the Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center. She led the staff of the Alzheimer’s unit in delivering compassionate, informed and dignified care to patients and their families, providing formal training in dementia care to certified nurse aides.

Travis Davis, M.H.A., N.H.A., was named administrator of the Transitional Rehabilitation Unit in Scranton. Davis, who joined Allied in 2014, brings with him a strong background in marketing, business management and health care referral source collaboration.

He has been instrumental in several projects during his time with Allied.

Most recently. he was intricately involved in the startup and oversight of the Palliative Care program.

BEDNARZ LAW OFFICES

Attorney John A. Bednarz Jr., Shavertown, has been selected a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 10 consecutive years from 2009-2018

by Philadelphia Magazine in the field of workers’ compensation law.

His office is located in Wilkes-Barre.

Since 1991, Bednarz has been a board-certified civil trial attorney as recognized by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and is one of only two claimant’s attorneys practicing in Wilkes-Barre named a Super

Lawyer in the practice area of workers’ compensation.

see and Virginia, where she has worked since 2014.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of personal injury attorney Christopher Caputo as Three Years 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Personal Injury attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the “10 Best” list must pass AIOPIA’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOPIA’s independent evaluation.

AIOPIA’s annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.

Cynthia D. Burdick, assistant vice president, bank secrecy act officer, recently completed the Independent Community Bankers of America Community Banker University’s Bank Secrecy Act/ Anti Money Laundering Institute and earned the certified BSA/AML professional designation. She has served as the bank’s BSA officer since 2014 and has been part of the bank’s BSA function since 1996.

She coordinates, manages and monitors all aspects of BSA/AML, Office of Foreign Asset Control compliance and identity theft compliance, as well as supervises the bank’s fraud specialist and oversees fraud investigations.

CAPUTO & MARIOTTI

HOBAN

COMMONWEALTH HEALTH

BAUMAN

KUCHTA

Philip Marchesini was named assistant chief executive officer at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He joined the hospital in July 2015 and previously served as administrative specialist and assistant administrator.

Morgan Boyer was named the market clinical project manager for neurosciences. Boyer, who has more than 10 years of nursing experience, most recently as LionNet nurse coordinator at Penn State Health, will lead the health network, focusing on organizing stroke and neuroscience programs at its hospitals.

Melanie Mott, M.S.N., R.N., stroke coordinator at Regional Hospital of Scranton, recently earned the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse credential through the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing. This certification recognizes her commitment to advanced stroke knowledge and skill in stroke care.

To earn this designation, SCRNs must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a national administered exam. Mott has been stroke coordinator at Regional Hospital of Scranton for three years.

COMMUNITY BANK, N.A.

YABLONSKI

DAVIS

Kimberly Tonte, Hunlock Creek, was recently promoted to branch manager of the Bowman’s Creek location. In her new role, Tonte will oversee the daily operations of the MOTT office, ensuring every customer receives the highest level of service.

She will also be responsible for managing the branch’s compliance with operating policies and procedures, and outside regulatory requirements.

Tonte has nearly 30 years of experience in the banking industry. She joined Grange National Bank in Edwardsville in 1995, which merged with Community Bank NA in 2003.

Michael Mondy joined the bank’s team as branch manager of the Edwardsville location. Mondy has nearly 40 years of experience in the financial industry. He will oversee the daily operations of the office and manage the effective delivery of sales and service activities. He has spent time in various roles with M&T Bank and Luzerne National Bank, most recently as dual site branch manager.

TONTE

DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

BEDNARZ

National Park Service Northeast Regional Director Gay Vietzke has named Sula Jacobs as the next superintendent of the recreation area. She succeeds John Donahue, who retired last year.

Jacobs comes to the recreation area from Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in the states of Kentucky, Tennes-

26 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B26] | 10/31/18

17:01 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

DIME BANK

JACOBS

DISTASIO & KOWALSKI LLC

Daniel Distasio, a principal of the Wilkes-Barre law firm, has been selected to the 2018 list as a member of the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. Distasio has been a litigator for over 25 years. The personal injury law firm specializes in car and truck accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, product liability and personal injury/wrongful death.

AINEY

COYNE

FOLEY LAW FIRM

BURDICK

DISTASIO

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS OF PA.

Angeline Abraham of Nanticoke has been promoted to assistant director. She will oversee the Educational Talent Search and EOC pre-college TRIO programs that assist individuals with advancing their education.

FIDELITY BANK

was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Information Technology committee.

Rose Coyne, CPA, was appointed as assistant vice president.

Coyne has been with the bank for more than six years and is a financial reporting specialist, working in the accounting division. She is responsible for SEC reporting, including quarterly and annual reports, works extensively with external auditors and manages various tax credit programs. She is a recent graduate of Leadership Lackawanna.

Logan Hansman was appointed as assistant vice president.

A seven-year veteran of the bank, Hansman is the 2018 Fidelity Banker of the Year. She is also a recent graduate of Leadership Lackawanna and involved in community projects.

The bank has announced the following promotions: ABRAHAM Lesly Culkin was appointed as vice president. Culkin, a bank employee for more than 28 years, is the loan operations manager.

In her role, she oversees the loan operations staff and ensures efficient and accurate processing and servicing of loan accounts.

Under her guidance, clients have an exemplary experience when borrowing from Fidelity Bank.

Richard Ainey was appointed as assistant vice president. The past Fidelity Banker of the Year, Ainey is the network manager. A bank employee for more than six years, he was one of this year’s award winners for the most Community CULKIN Service hours performed, and

Attorney Michael J. Foley has attained the highest level of distinction from the American Association for Justice National College of Advocacy’s Achievement Recognition Program. Foley is a partner at the law firm and holds “diplomate” level achievement. He is a certified civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Foley is a member of the National Trial Lawyers Association, an invitation-only organization composed of the top 100 trial lawyers from each state practicing in either civil plaintiff or criminal defense law.

HANSMAN

GEISINGER

President and CEO David T. Feinberg, M.D., MBA, has ranked in the top three in Modern Healthcare magazine’s 2018 list of the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders for the second straight year. The list honors innovators who excel in community service and demonstrate reputable executive authority.

FOLEY

HONESDALE NATIONAL BANK

Five employees, each with 15 years of service, were recognized FEINBERG at the bank’s Annual Employee Recognition Dinner held at Lukan’s Farm Resort. The honorees were Charles Jurgensen and Kurt Propst, members of the Honat board of directors; Donna Rinehimer, assistant vice president, underwriting manager at HNB Mortgage; Lisa Hendrickson, deposit operations representative at the HNB Corporate Center and Jerry Eck, courier.

JOHNSON COLLEGE

Members of the board of directors were installed at the April meeting and new officers were elected. New board members include Richard Manasek, Frank Kilyanek and Nicole Please see Personnel, Page 27

PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 26 Costanzo. Nancy Luciani will return to the board this academic year.

New officers include Alexander E. Stark, chairman; attorney Marianne Gilmartin, vice chairwoman; and Christopher J. Haran, treasurer.

Manasek, of Carmel, Ind., is a 1975 graduate of the welding technology program. He is CEO of Amerifab Inc. and Warner Bodies.

Kilyanek, of Hughestown, is MANASEK a 1985 graduate of the building construction technology associate degree program. Kilyanek has served on both the college’s HVAC and project management program advisory committees.

Costanzo, of Clarks Green, is vice president of PNC Bank in Scranton. Costanzo also serves on the Junior Achievement of NEPA board.

Luciani, of South Abington KILYANEK Twp., is the owner of Johnny’s Car Wash in Scranton. In 10 years on the college’s board, she has served as part of the presidential search committee and served as vice chair of the board, 2016-17. She has served on all of the committees and has been most active in student life and academics, executive and (finance committees.

Stark of Clarks Summit, joined the board of directors in 2012. Stark COSTANZO played an instrumental role in the presidential search committee and was vice chairman for 2017-18.

He was chairman of the strategic planning committee and the board committee restructuring taskforce.

He is the director of marketing at Kane is Able.

Gilmartin, of Moscow, joined the board of directors in 2014.

She has served on the executive LUCIANI committee, governance committee, human resources committee and board committee restructuring taskforce. She was the chairwoman of the academic achievement and student engagement committee in 2017-18. She is an attorney and shareholder at Stevens & Lee. Haran, of Moscow, joined the board of directors in 2012. Haran has been instrumental in serving on the governance committee, STARK most notably his work with board assessment initiatives. He works professionally as a consultant and adjunct teacher.

KATYL AGENCY

Dunmore Allstate exclusive agency owner Josh Katyl has been awarded the distinctive Honor Ring award and Premier Agency designation. These awards are Allstate’s symbol of exceptional business.

Honorees are proven to be champions in growing their agencies

GILMARTIN

and deliver an excellent customer experience. Katyl has four years of experience with Allstate, opening his agency in 2014.

are considered, including initial claims to requests for review and reconsideration. Spegar has offices in Jessup and Pocono Summit.

A faculty member recently presented research on the use of high-powered computing that may one day help find cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Robert Nardelli, Eynon, assistant professor of information technology, presented research on cutting-edge technology in the areas of machine learning and quantum computing at Pace University’s Michael L. Gargano 16th Annual Research Day in Pleasantville, N.Y. Nardelli presented the paper as part of his research for his doctorate in information technology.

Attorney Timothy Lenahan, managing partner of personal injury law firm Lenahan & Dempsey, has been named to the Top 100 Lawyers practicing in Pennsylvania

by Super Lawyers Magazine. The list is published in Philadelphia Magazine and developed after a survey of judges and peers. There are almost 50,000 lawyers in Pennsylvania. He is also listed in Best Lawyers in America and has been named as Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for the region covering Northeastern PA, Central PA, the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley.

Attorney Matthew Dempsey of Lenahan & Dempsey has been notified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy he has earned recertification as a board-certified civil trial advocate. This designation is held by less than 4 percent of practicing lawyers and is earned by those who meet the highest professional standards in civil law, according to the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Matthew Dempsey is also named to Best Lawyers in America and has earned the designation as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer as published in Philadelphia Magazine.

LENAHAN & DEMPSEY

KEYSTONE COLLEGE

KING’S COLLEGE

Five faculty members recently received teaching awards or were named to established professorships.

Dr. Megan Lloyd, professor of English, was named the Manus Cooney Distinguished Service Professor.

Dr. Denise Reboli, professor of education, was named the John H.A. Whitman Distinguished Service Professor.

Dr. Tara Shawver, professor of accounting, was named the John S. Davis Distinguished Service Professor.

Distinguished Service Professorships honor faculty who, because of their dedication to teaching and commitment to learning, serve as exemplary professors to their students.

Dr. Joel Shuman, professor of theology, was selected to receive the Hon. Max and Tillie Rosenn Award for Faculty Excellence. The award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the faculty from among nominations by students and alumni.

Jennifer Judge Yonkoski, instructor of English, was named the recipient of the Rev. Donald Grimes, C.S.C., Annual Award for Service-Learning Teaching Excellence.

LAWRENCE A.J. SPEGAR

Attorney Lawrence A.J. Spegar of Jessup was selected as the 2018 Social Security Disability-Law Firm of the Year by Finance Monthly Publications. Spegar has been actively representing disability clients of all ages over the past 30 years.

His practice covers many counties and regions throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, including Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and the Poconos.

All aspects of disability cases

HARAN

KATYL

NARDELLI

SHUMAN

JUDGE YONKOSKI

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY

SPEGAR

LEWITH & FREEMAN REAL ESTATE

LLOYD

Tara Siegel recently joined the company as vice president of marketing. Siegel is a multifaceted marketer and executive who brings a wealth of media expertise to the firm’s digital operations. Siegel has worked in the digital marketing sector for more than 10 years while holding a variety of leadership roles and responsibilities, most recently senior director of demand generation at Pepperjam Affiliate Network.

LENAHAN

REBOLI

SIEGEL

SHAWVER

Josh Salvaterra was recently honored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., for achieving Platinum membership in the 2017 Council of Sales Leadership. Platinum-status members belong to an elite group of sales professionals who demonstrate superior knowledge of Honda vehicles and provide exceptional service and solutions for their customers. Recognition is given at the Silver, Gold, Gold Master and Platinum levels. Salvaterra was one of only 161 to earn Platinum membership.

NBT BANK

Susquehanna retail market manager Kimberly Smith, a resident of Kingsley, has been promoted to vice president.

Smith joined the bank in 2001 and has taken on positions of increasing responsibility, including managing the Great Bend and New Milford offices. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 2016 and now oversees the bank’s branch network in Susquehanna County with responsibility for managing the service, performance and development of her

MCANDREWS LAW OFFICES P.C.

Two of the firm’s attorneys have been named Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Estates and trusts attorney Alissa Gorman has been recognized as a

The university recently welcomed the addition of nine new full-time faculty members to campus for the 2018-19 academic year during a special orientation program.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, Michael Floren, Ph.D., has been appointed as an assistant professor of mathematics.

Tania Hazra, Ph.D., has been named an assistant professor of mathematics.

Joseph Iacovazzi III, M.S., has been appointed a visiting assistant professor of biology. Kriszta Sajber, Ph.D., has been named a visiting assistant professor of philosophy. Yanqiu Zheng, Ph.D., has been named assistant professor of history and government.

In the College of Business, Anthony DelRegno Jr., M.A., M.B.A., has been appointed as an assistant professor of mass communications and design.

In the College of Health Sciences and Education, Carly Ellman, M.S.W., has been named an assistant professor of social work. George Godlewski, Ph.D., has been appointed an assistant professor of quality improvement and data analytics.

Tara O’Neill, Ph.D., has been named as an assistant professor of speech-language pathology.

MOTORWORLD HONDA

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

The university recently named Michelle T. Ketten, M.S., to the role of assistant director of advising and career development. She formerly served as the assistant director of admissions at Lackawanna College, where she helped facilitate the launch of its four-year degree programs by heading up the enrollment and recruitment efforts.

“rising star” in the field of estate planning and probate. At the firm, Gorman has already been seen as a superstar in this field of practice, with her client satisfaction ratings regularly being exceptional, and her reputation with the courts and with clients being consistently outstanding. She has developed a unique expertise in the field of GORMAN special needs planning, but also develops complex and simple estate plans for families of all ages, types and income brackets.

Dennis McAndrews has again been identified as a Super Lawyer, which accompanies his consistently high ratings in professional and law firm surveys. McAndrews has been identified as a Super Lawyer nearly a dozen times in the fields of both estate planning/ MCANDREWS probate, as well as in education law. As the founder and managing partner of the practice, he has overseen the growth of the firm from a single attorney in 1995 to a growing 17-attorney practice with offices in five locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Metropolitan D.C.

KETTEN

Please see Personnel, Page 28

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 27 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B27] | 10/31/18

17:01 | BAUMEISTER

PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 27

Executive Committee.

William (Bill) Kerstetter, who served as vice president and commercial loan officer at the Wayne Bank in Honesdale before his retirement in 2015. He will serve as the assistant treasurer on the Executive Committee.

Mary Frances Postupack, who is vice president for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship at East Stroudsburg University. She has over 20 years of experience in the areas of education, business and economic development.

Postupack is a past president of the University Economic Development Association, a national organization representing higher education, and private and public economic development stakeholders. She will serve as the assistant secretary on the Executive Committee.

branch teams.

NEPA ALLIANCE

The organization has appointed Philip P. Condron as its board chairman for fiscal years 2018-2020.

He is CEO of Condron Media, a regional full-service advertising and public relations firm headquartered in Scranton.

He has operated the media firm for almost a quarter century.

Previously, he served as the chief operating officer of one of the area’s largest advertising agencies after managing broadcast stations in the Northeast Pennsylvania market.

The organization has also appointed the following people to its board of directors: Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage, who is the president and insurance agent at Morgan and Halcovage Insurance Agency in Minersville, which was established in 1950. Halcovage was elected as a Schuylkill County commissioner in 2012 and is currently in his second term. He serves on the board of the County Commissioners Association and chairs its Assessment and Taxation Committee. He is also chairs the Republican Caucus of County Commissioners. Halcovage will serve as the secretary on the alliance’s

SMITH

CONDRON

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF KINGSTON

responsibilities over to Dianne Montana. Montana has been with the company from the beginning and was previously acting as both an associate broker and the director of finance and accounting services for the firm.

REUTHER+BOWEN ENGINEERING SERVICES

KERSTETTER

POSTUPACK

Dr. Tara Churilla joined the pediatric staff in August. Churilla is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics & American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians. She will work in the Kingston and new Pittston offices.

HALCOVAGE

MACE

THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

BAGASEVICH

TAYLOR CONSULTING & CONTRACTING

REALTY NETWORK GROUP

Ann E. Cappellini, former president and managing broker, officially turned her leadership

The engineering firm, headquartered in Dunmore with a satellite office in New York City, has announced new hires: Brett Mace, P.E., has joined the firm as a project manager and senior structural engineer. He resides in Trucksville.

Erik Bagasevich, EIT, has joined as a civil designer. He resides in Scranton.

Chethan N. Kubsad has joined as a structural designer. He resides in the Scranton area.

Ryan D. Zaffino has joined as a civil designer. He resides in Madison Twp. Brandi Furman has joined the firm as marketing assistant, where she will serve as receptionist and administrative/marketing assistant.

She resides in Honesdale.

CHURILLA

Prominent industry leader Matt Wheatley has joined the company’s executive team. Based in Avoca,

the firm has local offices across the United States, including Ohio, Texas and New York. Wheatley, a wellknown face in the energy market, frequently works with customers, partners, policy makers and industry regulators, with notable recent appearances at the Ohio Public Utility Commission’s Power Forward industry discussion, ZAFFINO PSE&G’s Energize Long Island efforts, IHS Markit’s CERAWeek and Microgrid Knowledge 2018. He formerly worked for Centrica Plc, the Global 500 energy and energy services company best known for its Direct Energy brand in North America, where he spent nearly a decade.

KUBSAD

Julie Ferguson, registrar at the university, served as chairwoman of the committee of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers responsible for updating the organization’s Professional Development Guide for Registrars: A Self-Assessment.

The self-assessment guide, which has been published for the past 40 years and was last updated in 2012, is routinely used by registrars across the world to identify areas where improvement is needed, set goals for the future, and as a reference for principles of good practice. Ferguson joined the university in 2016.

FERGUSON

FOR THE RECORD DEEDS

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Thomas Iacovoni. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Seller: Jordon Robert. Amount: $400,000.

Zack Rogers. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Kathleen Chapman. Amount: $315,000.

Peter L. Kelly. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Mehdi Khadyek. Amount: $335,500.

Wendy J. Jones. Property Location: Berwick. Seller: PA Discount Homes LLC. Amount: $975,000.

Murn Four LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $300,000.

Murn Three LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $900,000.

Murn Four LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Big Joe Realty LLC. Amount: $250,000.

Murn Four LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Big Joe Realty LLC. Amount: $820,000.

Murn Three LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Big Joe Realty LLC. Amount: $485,000.

Murn Three LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Big Joe Realty LLC. Amount: $280,000.

Murn Three LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $600,000.

Murn Two LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $625,000.

Murn Two LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $305,000.

Murn Two LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $500,000.

Murn One LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Big Joe Realty LLC. Amount: $300,000.

Murn One LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Michael M. Morucci. Amount: $1,385,000.

Amanac Mamrak. Property Location: Orange Twp. Seller: John C. Monick. Amount: $380,000.

RMJ. Bloomsburg. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Seller: Nancy S. Hock. Amount: $455,000.

Vicki A. Davenport. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Seller: Mary Jo Yocum. Amount: $425,000.

James B. Gutshall. Property Location: Main Twp. Seller: Daniel A. Yeager. Amount: $315,000.

Kevin L. Knouse. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Seller: Estate of Zoe B. Whitenight. Amount: $360,000.

J. David Ferro. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: William S. Oruba. Amount: $350,000.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Miriam Allenstein. Property Location: Clifton Twp. Seller: Jerry J. Papp Sr. Amount: $250,000.

Virginia A. Owens. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Seller: Joseph E. Desmarteau. Amount: $340,000.

JCK Global Inc. Property Location: Mayfield Boro.

Seller: Highway Storage LLC. Amount: $400,000.

Lins Realty Inc. Property Location: Moosic Boro.

Seller: Patricia Vittori. Amount: $538,000.

Robert Odzana. Property Location: Moosic Boro.

Seller: Raymond C. Rinaldi II. Amount: $290,000.

George W. Hoover Jr. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Seller: Dennis R. Ruddy. Amount: $289,000.

28 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B28] | 10/31/18

17:04 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

Barry L. Demansky. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Seller: Matthew Scalese. Amount: $390,000.

Cartus Financial Corp. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Justin Marshall Davis. Amount: $558,000.

David Ka Pun Phang. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Cartus Financial Corp. Amount: $558,000.

Jessica Lynn Reale. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Richard Quinn. Amount: $303,000.

Brandon J. Guman. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Seller: George Oprishko Family Irrevocable Trust.

Amount: $260,000.

Dennis R. Ruddy. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller Thomas M. Rhue. Amount: $450,000.

Joshua Aaron. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Thomas Ciccotti. Amount: $255,000.

MUY Properties-NE LTD. Property Location: Scranton City. Seller: Capouse Avenue Associates LLC. Amount: $679,000.

JC Realty Scr LLC. Property Location: Scranton City.

Seller: Louis A. Costanzo Tr. Amount: $585,000.

Ryan Patrick Vance. Property Location: Scranton City.

Seller: Andrew Lawrence Muncy. Amount: $269,000.

Sean P. Castellani. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: James J. Walker. Amount: $353.000.

Robert A. Rogan. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Timothy F. Magnavita. Amount: $410,000.

Melissa Ferrari. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Casey R. Dickinson. Amount: $300,000.

John R. Kerber. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Mohammad Ashraf. Amount: $447,500.

John Thomas Bowe. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Amy M. Ware. Amount: $265,000.

Sandra Calise McGill. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Robert J. Moher. Amount: $282,768.

Raymond J. Shuma. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company LLC. Amount: $275,182.

Robert J. O’Donnell Jr. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Robert McCarthy. Amount: $242,500.

Brandon Evans. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Edward M. Erris. Amount: $328,000.

Patricia A. Cuff. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: John P. Cuff. Amount: $410,000.

Robert Murphy. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Robert Murphy. Amount: $250,000.

Barbara Ricketts. Property Location: Unknown.

Seller: Cloverleaf Developers LLC. Amount: $252,000.

Robert Fluet. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Arm Realty Inc. Amount: $420,000.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Lawrence P. Mahlly. Property Location: Hazleton.

Seller: Kristopher J. Mead. Amount: $$295,000.

Robert M. Zafian. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: Dale C. Stewart. Amount: $450,000.

Gerald F. Idec Jr. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Mark J. Davies. Amount: $455,000.

Shashank Kotakonda. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Benjamin Nakkache. Amount: $590,000.

Please see Record, Page 29

FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 28 AGG Global LLC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre.

Seller: South Franklin LLC. Amount: $250,000.

Darren Lee Jacobs. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Matthe J. Crandall. Amount: $317,000.

Kenneth R. Raiston. Property Location: Kingston.

Seller: Marc H. Freedline. Amount: $250,000.

Boston Road Property LLC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Piir LLC. Amount: $1,600,000.

Jason J. McManue. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Dennis J. Cooney. Amount: $290,000.

Kingston Commercial Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: William R. Chapin Sr. Amount: $925,000.

Kingston Commercial Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: William R. Chapin Sr. Amount: $460,000.

Kingston Residential Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: William R. Chapin Sr. Amount: $1,430,000.

Kingston Residential Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: William R. Chapin Sr. Amount: $1,070,000.

Patrick Holdings LLC. Property Location: Wyoming.

Seller: Renn M. Kasarda. Amount: $275,000.

Turning Leaf Development LLC. Property Location: Wyoming. Seller: LCN Real Estate Inc. Amount: $575,000.

Americo Real Estate Company. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: 525 East Main LLC. Amount: $1,350,000.

Jeffrey N. Cardimona. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: David L. Sadowski. Amount: $300,000.

Obea Shrestha. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corporation. Amount: $351,975.

Matthew J. Brown. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Seller: Joseph Keefer. Amount: $280,000.

ARA Management LLC. Property Location: Foster Twp. Seller: Victor Cap. Amount: $500,000.

Brian Scott. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Amanda J. Kelley. Amount: $258,000.

Henkel Spinco LLC. Property Location: W. Hazleton.

Seller: Henkel Consumer Goods Inc. Amount: $2,516,180.

Henkel U. S. Operations Corporation. Property Location. W. Hazleton. Seller: Henkel Spinco LLC. Amount: $2,516,180.

Craig Malinauskas. Property Location: Wilkes Barre.

Seller: Edward J. Cianimboli. Amount: $285,000.

Jimmy J. Zheng. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: Jereme Allen Brown. Amount: $255,000.

Jason T. Zoshak. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Carl S. Hedke. Amount: $285,000.

NP Hanover Industrial II LLC. Property Location: Nanticoke. Seller: Earth Conservancy. Amount: $2,834,600.

Mary F. Stravinos. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: JLD Realty LLC. Amount: $250,000.

Evan Yost. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corporation. Amount: $377,492.

Charles W. Gordon III. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $265,000.

John Guarnieri. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Bonita L. Boyson. Amount: $264,000.

Ramiro Chagolla Arreaga. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Edward N. Frey. Amount: $280,500.

Red Mill Holdings LLC. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: Bart E. Ecker. Amount: $255,000.

Christopher G. Gunster. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Seller: Robert C. Friedman. Amount: $630,000.

Shawn Alexis. Property Location: Dallas. Seller: Nichole L. Comstock. Amount: $286,200.

Gregory Widuch. Property Location: Foster Twp. Seller: Ce Sassaman. Amount: $315,000.

Shelley Hartman. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corporation. Amount: $297,000.

Jacob Carrelli. Property Location: Conyngham. Seller: Arvind Srinivasan. Amount: $355,000.

Amanda Evans. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Heritage Hills Estates Inc. Amount: $362,650.

John T. Rock. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Seller: Robert J. Kotsull. Amount: $355,000.

Jason M. Kish. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Sally S. Currie. Amount: $270,000.

Christopher M. Lee. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Wilhelm Nemetz. Amount: $299,900.

Varuna Perera. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corporation. Amount: $264,400.

Bond 5 LLC. Property Location: Exeter. Seller: Creative Developers Inc. Amount: $1,038,850.

MONROE COUNTY

Frank Azzaretto. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Raymond Ferri. Amount: $305,000.

Rahim Maqsood. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: 2009 Bernard Lane LLC. Amount: $405,000.

Bernabe Gonzales. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: LTS Homes LLC. Amount: $301,991.

Norman Guzman. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: David Wengard. Amount: $303,000.

Antonio Pereira. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Seller: Margaret Parkes. Amount: $525,000.

Crystal Street Holdings Corp. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Seller: HSPA Properties LLC. Amount: $287,000.

Quadri Shinaba. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Canvos Group LLC. Amount: $300,000.

John McGill. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Milan Zecar. Amount: $325,000.

Andrew Boczkowski. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Hugh Riley III. Amount: $385,000.

Cory Marks. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Ronald Zimmerman. Amount: $345,000.

John Gmelch. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Joseph Hunt. Amount: $364,250.

Thomas McCabe IV. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Seller: Philip Ravenscroft. Amount: $675,000.

Alan Wakulik. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Chester Gares Jr. Amount: $300,000.

Cary King. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Bruce Werkheiser. Amount: $390,000.

James Schwartz III. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Randy Halstead. Amount: $450,000.

David Grisostolo. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Kristof Silwinski. Amount: $320,000.

Damion Butler. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Kimberly Hanzimanolis. Amount: $400,000.

Lelynn LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Michael Itkin. Amount: $370,000.

Pocono Hospitality LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: MBC Properties LP. Amount: $600,000.

Jennifer McMahon. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Mark Ferrauiolo. Amount: $310,000.

Andres Soto. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: LTS Homes LLC. Amount: $310,833.

AHED Properties LLC. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Monroe Family Practice Holdings LLC. Amount: $465,000.

Fidelity Properties & Trust 2 LLC. Property Location; Pocono Twp. Seller: Hagedom Enterprises Inc. Amount: $1,800,000.

Edgardo Velazaquez. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Tanning & Driving LLC. Amount:

$265,000.

Van Dyke Realty LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Jacob Bower. Amount: $330,000.

Maria Alfaro. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: RGB Homes LLC. Amount: $425,000.

Richard Oshrin. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Diane Woychick. Amount: $685,000.

Andrew Bernard. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Augustine Inyang. Amount: $460,000.

Resorts Group Inc. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Club Exploria LLC. Amount: $289,232.

Ana Delacruz. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Richard Adams. Amount: $300,000.

PIKE COUNTY

Thomas Colaluca. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Louis Mazzariello. Amount: $265,000.

Dianne P. Merenyi. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Seller: Rivers Edge LP. Amount: $289,900.

Joseph Burzo. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Robert Gullery. Amount: $425,000.

Robert C. Kowtko. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Royal Lake Homes LLC. Amount: $430,000.

Joseph S. Madurski. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Glen Titter. Amount: $349,900.

Charles J. Kovalchick. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Michael A. Oakes. Amount: $315,000.

Lake Region Development V, LLC. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: James Casella.Amount: $717,000.

Thomas Bargmann. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Donna M. Hagen. Amount: $278,000.

Joshua Johnson. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Robert Rascale. Amount: $280,000.

Frederick Weber. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Seller: Robert E. Fuhrmann. Amount: $450,000.

Salvatore Sciascia. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Seller: Route 6 East LP. Amount: $405,000.

Philip Zafiriadis. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Joseph Accardi. Amount: $320,000.

N.P. Dodge Jr. Trustee. Property Location: Hickory Hill Estates Seller: Roberto Inzunza. Amount: $345,000.

Thomas A. Celano. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: N.P. Dodge Jr. Trustee. Amount: $345,000.

Anthony J. Mazzo. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Alfred Petrillo. Amount: $670,000.

Kevin Twardzik. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: G.A. Homes Inc.\Amount: $292,500.

William Woodwell. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Thomas P. Gang. Amount: $310,000.

William C. Boyd. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Estate of John Christopher Ryan. Amount: $335,000.

Kenneth Michael McGee Sr. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: G.A. Homes Inc. Amount: $294,900.

Ashley Power. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Moshe Schwartzberg. Amount: $255,000.

Stanley Czeck Jr. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Ralph J. Wells Jr. Amount: $277,500.

Paul S. Hodoruk. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: John Kelly. Amount: $295,000.

Stephen T. Bracco. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Lynda Dunn. Amount: $260,000.

John Hirt. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Frank E. Manion. Amount: $295,900.

Thomas J. Cannalley. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Robert M. Haas. Amount: $272,950.

Milford Professional Park LLC. Property Location: Samall Properties Inc. Amount: $1,850,000.

Peter Walterspiel. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Peter Donovan. Amount: $255,000.

Carini Ristoranti. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Laurianne S. Henneforth. Amount: $300,000.

SCHULYKILL COUNTY

208 Dock Street Inc. Property Location: Schuylkill Haven. Seller: Tin Roof Group LLC. Amount: $335,000.

Patrick Leitzel. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Seller: James Kowatch. Amount: $340,000.

WYOMING COUNTY

Kevin Deibert. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Joseph L., Lech. Amount: $370,000.

William K. Hatchell. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Seller: William Joseph Gelsleichter. Amount: $315,000.

Richard Wowk. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Donna L. Kaplan Amount: $375,000.

Jennifer L. Gardner. Property Location: Monroe Twp. Seller: George S. Dubinsky. Amount: $465,000.

MORTGAGES

COLUMBIA COUNTY

KEB Gems LLC. Property Location: Catawissa. Lender: Service 1st Federal Credit Union. Amount: $485,000.

Robert J. Scerbo. Property Location: No. Centre Twp. Lender: John A Scerbo. Amount: $300,000.

T&S Realty LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $510,000.

Murn One LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $4,750,000.

Murn Two LLC. Property Location. Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $4,750,000.

Murn Three LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $4,750,000.

Murn Four LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $4,750,000.

Amanda Mamrak. Property Location: Orange Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $323,000.

Raymond R. Haladay. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $402,000.

Raymond R. Haladay. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: Community of Housing & Urban Development. Amount: $402,000.

Vicki A. Daven, Property Location: Bloomsburg.

Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $318,500.

Daniel A. Yeager. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $312,300.

Albert P. Prasnikar. Property Location: Benton Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $605,412.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Carbondale City. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

John Fofi. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: New Penn Financial LLC> Amount: $343,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Clifton Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: Please see Record, Page 30

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 29 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B29] | 10/31/18

17:04 | BAUMEISTER

FOR THE RECORD

FROM PAGE 29 $400,000,000.

Michael Terbovich. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $1,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Dalton Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Dickson City. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

J&J Dickson City LLC. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $850,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Dunmore Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Walter J. Owens. Property Location: Dunmore Boro.

Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $272,000.

Summit Lake Associates. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Northfield Bank. Amount: $6,400,000.

LJP Realty LLC. Property Location: Dunmore Boro.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $468,700.

LJP Realty LLC. Property Location: Dunmore Boro.

Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $468,700.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Jeffrey S. Cavanaugh Jr. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $260,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc. Bk. Amount: $400,000,000.

MSA Inc. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $450,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Jessup Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc. Bk. Amount: $400,000,000.

Lex Jessup LP. Property Location: Jessup Boro.

Lender: Bank of America. Amount: $202,900,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Madison Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

JCK Global Inc. Property Location: Madison Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $394,000.

Lins Realty LLC. Property Location: Moosic Boro.

Lender: Cathay Bank. Amount: $440,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Robert Odzana. Property Location: Moosic Boro.

Lender: Mortgage Lenders of America. Amount: $290,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

George W. Hoover Jr. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $289,000.

Barry L. Demansky. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $370,000.

Jessica Lynn Reale. Property Location: Moscow Boro. Lender: Wei Mortgage LLC. Amount: $297,511.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: No. Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Old Forge Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Brandon J. Guman. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Lender: Servion Inc. Amount: $256,290.

PPL Electronic Utilities Corp. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: New York Mellon. Amount:

$400,000,000.

Bold Gold Media WBS LP. Property Location; Ransom Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $891,579.98.

Joseph G. Holland. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $304,000.

Dennis R. Ruddy. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $427,500.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Andrew F. Martin. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $273,520.

Matthew M. Byrne. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $264,000.

MUY Properties-NE LTD. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: City National Bank. Amount: $117,900,000, PPL Electron Utilities Corp. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender. Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Summit Lake Associates LP. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Northfield Bank. Amount: $6,400,000.

Anthony J. Piazza. Property Location: Scranton City.

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

Ryan Patrick Vance. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Ark La Tex Financial Services LLC. Amount: $269,000.

Seam P. Castellani. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Money Source Inc. Amount: $320,146.

Robert A. Rogan. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank. Amount: $328,000.

John R. Kerber. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Residential Home Mortgage Corp. Amount: $402,750.

PPL Electronic Utilities Corp. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Brian J. Moher. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC. Amount: $282,400.

Rita Mae Evans. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Reg Sys Inc. Amount: $270,000.

Rita Mae Evans. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Federal Housing Commissioner. Amount: $270,000.

Raymond J. Shuma. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $350,000.

PPL Electronic Utilities Corp. Property Location: Taylor Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electronic Utilities Corp. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electronic Utilities Corp. Property Location: Vandling Boro. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Brandon Evans. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: NBKC Bank. Amount: $328,000.

PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000.000.

PPL Electric Utilities. Property Location: Unknown.

Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

PPL Electric Utilities. Property Location: Unknown.

Lender: Bank of New York Mellon. Amount: $400,000,000.

Patricia A. Cuff. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $328,000.

John A. Murnock. Property Location: Unknown.

Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $250,000.

Jeannine L. McKnight. Property Location: Unknown.

30 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B30] | 10/31/18

17:04 | BAUMEISTER

NOVEMBER 2018

Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $318,750.

Robert Murphy. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $297,030.

Robert Fluet. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $273,000.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Bryon Yourdon. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $388,000.

Lawrence P. Mahally. Property Location: Ross Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $301,342.

2.0 Holdings LLC. Property Location: Wyoming.

Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $318,849.

Robert M. Zafian. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $340,000.

Gerald F. Idec. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $364,000 Luchi Rel Estate LLC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Branch Banking & Trust Company. Amount: $800,000.

Thomas Baseski. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $250,000.

Carolyn Kay James. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $301,150.

Wyoming Valley Consultants Inc. Property Location: Exeter. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $4500,000.

Kuharchik Family Limited Partnership. Property Location: Exeter. Lender: Landmark Community Bank.

Amount: $4,500,000.

Kuharchik Construction Inc. Property Location: Exeter. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $4,500,000 Hazleton DG LLC. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Midwest Regional Bank. Amount: $1,300,000.

Boston Road Property LLC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Limoges Lending LLC. Amount: $3,100,000.

A. IV LLC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $360,000.

Jason J. McManus. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $275,000.

Turning Leaf Development LLC. Property Location: Wyoming. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $464,000.

Green Ridge Realty Company. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $500,000.

Sofia Renaud. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mauch Chunk Trust Company. Amount: $350,000.

Jeffrey N. Cardimona. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $300,000.

Kingston Commercial Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Stormfield Capital Funding I LLC. Amount: $2,200,000.

Randy L. Miller Jr. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Lender: U.S. Bank. Amount: $282,000.

Kelly L. Cope. Property Location: Union Twp. Lender: U.S. Bank. Amount: $269,841.

Obea Shrestha. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $351,975.

Kingston Residential Pennsylvania Owner LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Arbor Commercial Funding I LLC. Amount: $2,140,000.

John J. Terrana. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $300,000.

Briggsville DG LLC. Property Location: Nescopeck

Twp. Lender: Progress Bank & Trust. Amount: $1,202,000.

Matthew J. Brown. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $252,000.

ARA Management LLC. Property Location: Foster Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $375,000.

Brian Scott. Property Location: Wright Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $258,000.

UMH PA Corporation. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $17,500,000.

MJ Realty Associates LLC. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: Pender Capital Asset Based Lending Fund I LP. Amount: $6,500,000.

MJ Realty Associates LLC. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: Pender Capital Asset Based Lending Fund I LP. Amount: $4,200,000.

Robert J. Watts. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $320,000.

Jason T. Zoshak. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $256,500.

Evan Yost. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $351,067.

John Guarnieri. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $250,000.

Chandra Dombroski. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $349,500.

Erin Eddy. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $408,000.

KMB Realty LLC. Property Location: Kingston.

Lender: Branch Banking & Trust Company. Amount: $400,000.

Anaxoz Capital Group LLC. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: Visio Financial Services Inc. Amount: $358,500.

William J. Kroski. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $453,100.

William J. Kroski. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $283,150.

Shawn Alexis. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $271,890.

William J. Kroski. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $453,100.

William J. Kroski. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $283,150.

Michael Collins. Property Location: Harveys Lake.

Lender: Penn Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $400,000.

Jacob Carrelli. Property Location: Conyngham.

Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $284,000.

Amanda Evans. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $344,708.

John T. Rock. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $250,000.

Jason M. Kish. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $278,910.

Edward Krasavage. Property Location: Swoyersville.

Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $475,000.

Baseski Evans LLC. Property Location: Kingston.

Please see Record, Page 31

FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 30 Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $2,160,000.

MONROE COUNTY

Frank Azzaretto. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: LoanDepot. Com LLC. Amount: $299,475.

Antonio Pereira. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $420,000.

Crystal Street Holdings Corp. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $480,000.

Quadri Shinaba. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $296,235.

Rylando Bullock. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: American Neighborhood Mortgage Acceptance Co. LLC. Amount: $299,476.

Andrew Boczkowski. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: Supreme Lending. Amount: $306,000.

John Gmelch. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: Mortgage America Inc. Amount: $346,037.

Good as New Ventures LLC. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: American Bank. Amount: $1,000,000.

KS Financial LLC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania.

Amount: $289,000.

833 Cast Street LLC. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: David Baldt. Amount: $300,000.

BWC Partnership. Leo Castiglioni. Property Location: Ross Twp. Lender: Merchants Bank of Bangor. Amount: $850,000.

Kamel Anton. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank NA. Amount: $1,489,900.

Thomas McCabe IV. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Lender: Trident Mortgage Co. LP. Amount: $488,000.

Cary King. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Pentagon Federal Credit Union. Amount: $350,000.

Joseph Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $295,000.

Mariette Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $295,000.

James Schwartz III. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Movement Mortgage LLC. Amount: $459,675.

Damion Butler. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp. Amount: $312,000.

Lelynn LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $277,500.

Jennifer McMahon. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: Atlantic Home Loans Inc. Amount: $320,230.

Robert McWilliams. Property Location: Paradise Twp. Lender: Live Well Financial Inc. & Commissioner of Housing & Urban Development. Amount: $322,500.

Andres Soto. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: Acre Mortgage & Financial Inc. Amount: $299,669.

David Carbone. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: State Farm FSB. Amount: $318,900.

AHED Properties LLC. Property location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $372,000.

DEPG of Shawnee II LP. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $3,800,000.

DEPG of Shawnee II LP. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Mosier Development LLC. Amount: $300,000.

Martin Sagofsky. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $311,250.

Mariette Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: PNCB Bank. Amount: $834,000.

Joseph Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: PNCB Bank. Amount: $834,000.

Joseph Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: PNCB Bank. Amount: $295,000.

Mariette Naughton. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: PNCB Bank. Amount: $295,000.

Nasser & Sons Inc. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $950,000.

Fidelity Properties & Trust 2 LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Hagedorn Enterprises Inc. Amount: $1,170,000.

Henry Martinez. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $345,000.

Henry Guberman. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $300,000.

OM Hospitality LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg.

Lender: Lafayette Ambassador Bank. Amount: $1,335,682.

Jeremy Cohen. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Mortgage America Inc. Amount: $301,342.

Andrew Bernard. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $462,841.

PIKE COUNTY

George S. Hickler. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $275,000.

Carla Twardzik. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $263,250.

Philip Zafiriadis. Property Location: Milford Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $256,000.

Jeffrey Hobson. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: Fulton Bank NA. Amount: $4,680,000.

Salvatore Sciascia. Property Location: Milford Boro.

Lender: Route 6 East LP. Amount: $305,000.

Thomas J. Cannallley. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $259,302.

Good As New Ventures LLC. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: American Bank. Amount: $1,000,000.

Susan Woodwell. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $294,500.

Kenneth C. Delguidice. Property Location: Porter Twp. Lender: Beneficial Bank. Amount: $495,000.

Michael A. Bass. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Lender: NBT Bank NA. Amount: $285,000.

Jamanma LLC. Property Location: Milford Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $475,000.

Lake Region Development 5 LLC. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $400,000.

SCHULYKILL COUNTY

Wydra International Property LLC. Property Location: Delano. Lender: Branch Bank & Trust CO. Amount: $475,000.

Forino Co. LP. Property Location: Schuylkill Haven.

Lender: Riverview Bank. Amount: $540,000.

Christopher Harding. Property Location: Pine Grove Twp. Lender: 1st Citizens Community Bank. Amount: $650,000.

208 Dock Street Inc. Property Location: Pine Grove Twp. Lender: Remake Inv. Group Inc. Amount: $325,000.

Jason Loftus. Property Location: St. Clair. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $275,000.

National Mortgage LLC. Property Location; West Brunswick Twp. Lender: Secretary of Housing Washington D.C. Amount: $252,302.

Patrick Leitzel. Property Location: Orwigsburg.

Lender: Ridgeview Bank. Amount: $340,000.

WAYNE COUNTY

Frederick A. Lankford. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $798,376.

Mark Caplan. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $266,000.

Gordon S. Roeder Jr. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $369,000.

Jeffrey D. Donohue. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $266,850.

Bissett Holdings Inc. Property Location: Texas Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $353,800.

Jurgensen Limited Partnership. Property Location: Honesdale Boro. Lender: Honesdale National Bank.

Amount: $4,250,000.

Erica Lynn Coccodrilli. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $324,000.

Jason J. Durling. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $278,500.

Christopher McQueen Agent. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: CNB Mortgage Company. Amount: $304,000.

Jason Mack. Property Location: Preston Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $396,000.

Ernest Miller III. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $284,747.

Patrician Ohora. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $250,000.

William N. Penwell. Property Location: Lehigh Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems.

Amount: $260,000.

Mark E. Soden. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $400,000.

Jonathan Abbott. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $292,600 Wesley McKay. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $292,500.

WYOMING COUNTY

Kevin Deibert. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $351,500.

Michael G. Wisnosky. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $620,000.

William Hatchell. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $325,395.

Richard R. Wowk. Property Location: Tunkhannock.

Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $300,000.

George S. Dubinsky. Property Location: Monroe Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $365,000.

UMH PA Corp. Property Location: Tunkhannock Boro.

Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $17,500,000.

Haymaker Properties LP. Property Location: Washington Twp.; Tunkhannock Twp.; Meshoppen Twp.; Nicholson Twp. Amount: $500,000,000.

Tunnel Hill Properties LLC. Property Location: Nicholson Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $423,000.

Tunnel Hill Properties LLC. Property Location: Nicholson Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $423,000.

Wells Fargo Advisors, is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Source of data: Thomson Financial

(APD – 169.28) AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS INC.

Russell Flugell, vice president of Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., exercised options for 6,563 shares on October 1 (exercised on expiration date) at $62.47 per share for a total cost of $409,991 and on the same date sold 3,640 shares back to Air Products & Chemicals Inc. at $169.43 per share for total proceeds of $616,725. Flugell controls 8,701 shares directly and 796 shares indirectly.

Michael Crocco, chief financial officer of Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., exercised options for 7,954 shares on October 1 (exercised on expiration date) at $62.47 per share for a total cost of $496,886 and on the same date sold 4,363 shares back to Air Products & Chemicals Inc. at $169.43 per share for total proceeds of $739,223.

Crocco controls 8,701 shares directly and 796 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Air Products & Chemicals Inc. acquired 14,517 shares and disposed of 8,003 shares.

(NWFL – 38.81) NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Andrew Forte, director of Norwood Financial Corporation, purchased 400 shares on September 26 at $39.80 per share for a total cost of $15,920. Forte controls 2,337 shares directly and 9,665 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Norwood Financial Corporation have acquired 8,695 shares and disposed of 5,750 shares.

Prices as of Close of Business October 8, 2018.

Relocation Opportunities Wanted

Bring us any and all potential locations.

We will determine if we can develop or relocate to your site.

Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include:

STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST

This report on insider trading activity has been prepared for informational purposes only by James Blazejewski, CFP, Senior Vice President-Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors, 672 North River Street, Suite 300, Plains, PA, 18705. It is based on information generally available to the public from sources believed to be reliable.

No representation is made that the information is accurate or complete and it does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security. Current information contained in this report is not indicative of future activity.

• Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming

Types of Locations Wanted: • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing 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

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2018 31 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B31] | 10/31/18

17:04 | BAUMEISTER

Our Experience. Your Opportunity.

At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours.

Our relationship managers have the expert guidance, capital and cash management solutions it takes to help grow your business. Our local perspective builds strong partnerships that maximize your potential for success. Let our experienced commercial banking team create real opportunity for your business.

Matthew Colgan Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8426 mcolgan@nbtbank.com Tom Sohns Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8422 tsohns@nbtbank.com

John Palmieri Commercial Banking Relationship Manager 570.341.8444 jpalmieri@nbtbank.com

connect today

Member FDIC

32 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB32] | 10/31/18

NOVEMBER 2018

17:17 | PYTLIKALLE