Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal April 2015 by CNG Newspaper Group

Business Journal NORTHEAST

$1.50

PENNSYLVANIA

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

HEALTHCARE UPDATE Spring 2015

Building Bones

Research at TCMC may yield a way to build up the fragile, thinning bones of the aging. See page 28

APRIL 2015 VOL. 30 NO. 4

As production outpaces infrastructure, rig counts fall in Marcellus shale Seen standing from left are John Arnott, Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC); and Carmine Cerra, M.D., associate professor of pathology, TCMC. Seated is Youngjin Cho, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell biology, TCMC.

The natural gas industry undoubtedly pumped significant dollars, jobs and energy cost-savings into Pennsylvania’s economy over the past few years, a trend many hope will continue. But the industry’s natural cycles and additional proposed government taxes could thwart that hope. Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget would create a five percent severance tax plus 4.7 cents per thousand cubic feet of gas extracted — an effective rate of 7.5 percent, one of the highest in the nation. That proposal hits at a time when the industry cycles downward. According to RigData, the rig count in Pennsylvania fell by eight, to 45 rigs, the lowest since 2009.

Tom Bonomo photo

Spring Healthcare Update New

TCMC research holds promise for those suffering from osteoporosis.... ...................................................... 28

ALSO INSIDE:

Please see RIGS on page 15

In an increasingly uncertain world, preparedness pays When the manhunt for cop-killer Eric Frein was ongoing, the Wallenpaupack Area School District was closed for several days on police orders. In addition, the school’s team of school resource officers (SRO), composed of retired state troopers, conducted added security checks and campus inspections. Preparedness helped the district deal with the crisis and mitigate the costs.

would impose ‘artificial minimum’ on gas prices severely depressed by oversupply, lack of pipelines ............. ........................................................7

Harvard of Home Study Penn

Times-Tribune file photo

Foster celebrates 125 years .............. ......................................................22

By Dave Gardner

Businesses are dealing with a brave new world of security concerns. Alongside more traditional problems like fraud and natural disaster, plans must account for everything from terrorism to active shooters to cyber criminals and a host of other threats. Security experts from throughout NEPA are in

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Price floor proposal Severance tax

universal agreement that there’s common ground for organizational safety, no matter what type of threat looms. This is also true for more traditional security problems, such as theft, fires, disgruntled employees and contagious disease. Security professionals say they study business locations carefully to uncover areas of vulnerability. Then, a business should deploy processes,

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systems and material assets that can deter disaster from happening. Its also vital that staff who may cope with trouble receive training and rehearsal. Repetition and drills come in handy when a real disaster occurs, since training will kick in and overwhelm the paralyzing “fight or flight” response. Please see PREPAREDNESS on page 10

Spring Building Forecast Builders sound an optimistic note .................. ......................................................46 FIND US ONLINE AT BIZ570.COM

No Media Covers the Nation’s #1 Newspaper Market like...

Market Fact: Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre DMA is the

Standard~Speaker

Newspaper Market in the United States

Times, Voice, Speaker & Republican Herald • Total Daily Readers 275,508 • Readers in Luzerne, Lackawanna & Schuylkill County 193,088 or 42.7% of Adults

48.0% of Adults Read A Daily Newspaper Yesterday in Northeast PA

Times, Voice, Speaker & Republican Herald • Total Sunday Readers 303,762 • Readers in Luzerne, Lackawanna & Schuylkill County 217,923 or 48.2% of Adults

39.0% of Adults Read A Daily Newspaper Yesterday in the United States

1 2 3 4 5

Scranton/WB DMA Pittsburgh DMA Honolulu DMA Buffalo DMA Hartford/New Haven DMA

Integrated Newspaper Audience (Read the daily, Sunday or Web past 7 days) • Total Times, Voice, Speaker & Republican Herald INA 423,752 • Readers in Luzerne, Lackawanna & Schuylkill County 302,000 or 66.8% of Adults

48.0% 44.8% 44.4% 44.1% 44.1%

*Total Luzerne, Lackawanna & Schuylkill County Adults 451,816

Source: Scarborough WB/Scr Release 2 2014

For Advertising Information In Scranton Call (570) 348-9100 ext. 5297 In Wilkes-Barre Call (570) 821-2037, In Hazleton Call (570) 501-3520 and in Pottsville Call (570) 628-6070.

Source: Scarborough Multi-Market Release 1 2014 & Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Release 2 2014

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APRIL 2015

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FOOD FOR

FAMILIES Last year, the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s (CEO’s) Weinberg Regional Food Bank provided area residents in need with more than 5 million pounds of food.

This month, CEO will move the food bank into the new 50,022 SF Andrew J. McGowan Center for Healthy Living in CenterPoint East. The building was constructed by CEO on a 6.3 acre parcel that was fully prepared and donated by Mericle. To help the new food bank get off to a good start, Mericle and CEO created the Food for Families Campaign. Through this campaign, Mericle’s employees and 14 of its tenants donated non-perishable food items, which Mericle delivered to the new building this week. We salute all of the companies that contributed to Food for Families and we congratulate CEO on the opening of its new food bank in CenterPoint East.

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VOL. 30, NO. 4 • APRIL 2014 149 PENN AVENUE SCRANTON, PA 18503 WWW.BIZ570.COM The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal is a member of Times-Shamrock Publishing Division

ON THE COVER

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

In an increasingly uncertain world, preparedness pays

Business Plan Competition in its 13th year

Preparedness pays

conomic development strategies come and go. There’s the tried-and-true formula of trying to lure out-of-state companies with tax breaks. That ploy often backfires when the lured firm flees as soon as the tax breaks expire. For awhile “clusters” were in vogue. The clusters strategy suggested regions group industries together by kind in an attempt to build critical mass for, say, plastics or biotech. The thinking was that Silicone Valley exists because Hewlett Packard was there first. Silicone Valley was also the template for In an increasingly uncertain world, business the strategy that attempts to harness intellectual must be ready for anything. property coming out of universities with business Cover theme .............................. 10-13 start-ups. Here the thinking goes that Silicone Valley exists because Stanford was there first. Then we were all mesmerized by Richard Florida and his THE BOTTOM LINE Banking.......................................... 8-9 focus on the “creative class.” 401(k)s losing lots to leakage....................8 All of those ideas have merit and drawbacks. Economy......................................... 5-7 However, one idea emerged in the early 2000s that Severance tax may have artificial ‘floor’ ........7 suggested the best economic development strategy was to encourage local businesses and local entreWhen the manhunt for cop-killer Eric Frein was ongoing, the Wallenpaupack Area School District was closed for several days on police orders. In addition, the school’s team of school resource officers (SRO), composed of retired state troopers, conducted added security checks and campus inspections. Preparedness helped the district deal with the crisis and mitigate the costs. Times-Tribune file photo

By Dave Gardner

Businesses are dealing with a brave new world of security concerns. Alongside more traditional problems like fraud and natural disaster, plans must account for everything from terrorism to ctive shooters to cyber criminals and a host of other threats. Security experts from throughout NEPA are in

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Elizabeth Zygmunt — ext. 5415 ezygmunt@timesshamrock.com

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS Dave Gardner,Kathy Ruff, Phil Yacuboski

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Judy S. Gregg — ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

CNG Sales Manager

Alice Manley — ext. 9285

CNG MANAGING EDITOR Tom Graham — ext. 3492

Please see PREPAREDNESS on page 10

REGIONAL NEWS & FEATURES

PRESS RELEASES/STORY SUGGESTIONS (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3448

Regional................................... 17-23 Penn Foster turns 125 ....................... 22 Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs ....... 17 Meet Maggie Calpin Hemak ................. 17 Made in NEPA ................................ 18 Focus on Golis Machine ..................... 18 Small Business Spotlight................... 21 Spotlight is on Shred-All Company......... 21

MAILING ADDRESS: NPBJ Editorial Dept., 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503

HIGH IMPACT ISSUES

ADVERTISING/SUBSCRIPTIONS (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3452

Education...................................... 20 Tobyhanna encourages comp sci majors ... 20 Energy & Environment ...................... 15 Shale rig count falls .......................... 15

EDITORIAL E-MAIL ADDRESS: ezygmunt@timesshamrock.com

NPBJ is protected under the federal Copyright Act. Reproductions of any part by any means or facsimiles without the express written permission of the publisher are not permitted. Reprints of NPBJ articles are available. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials — manuscripts or photographs — with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. No information expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal (ISSN 1078-5698) is published monthly except twice in the month of May by The Scranton Times from offices located at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. Periodicals postage paid at Scranton, PA. The Journal serves business owners, managers and professionals in a 10-county region. Subscriptions are available for $28 per year, $49 two years or $64 for three years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal, 149 Penn Avenue, Scranton, Pa.18503.

SPECIAL FOCUS

Spring Healthcare Update .............. 25-40 Promising new research at TCMC .......... 28 Focus on Sports .............................. 45 RailRiders have a new GM................... 45 Spring Building Forecast ............... 46-47 Builders sound a note of optimism......... 46

EXECUTIVE SUITE

Management.............................. 41-44

BUSINESS BULLETINS

For the Record............................ 50-64 Personnel File............................ 53-61

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APRIL 2015

ADVERTISER INDEX Commonwealth Health ..................................................... 40

Pennsylvania Treasury Department................................... 19

Community Bank.............................................................. 14

PenTeleData ..................................................................... 24

Crystal Window & Door Systems Ltd............................... 47

PNC Bank......................................................................... 64

ESSA Bank & Trust............................................................. 6

Subway Development of Eastern Pa ........................... 37, 62

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce......................... 44

The Commonwealth Medical College............................... 30

Hospice of the Sacred Heart ............................................. 38

UGI................................................................................... 46

Lewith & Freeman .............................................................. 9

University of Scranton...................................................... 23

Luzerne County Community College.......................... 20, 40

VNA Hospice.................................................................... 35

Mericle Commercial Real Estate......................................... 3

Wayne Memorial Hospital ................................................ 32

Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers............................. 33

Wilkes University Family Business Alliance..................... 43

Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates ............................ 27

Wilmington Trust.............................................................. 11

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

FIND US ONLINE: WWW.BIZ570.COM FACEBOOK.COM/BIZ570 TWITTER.COM/BIZ570

preneurs. Unlike companies lured by a tax break, local people already know what a region has to offer and, by virtue of their residence, have signaled they like it. The clusters idea is fine as far as it goes but clusters grow organically and probably can’t be artificially engineered. Experience has shown that the “creative class” comes AFTER the jobs. First employment, then talent. You can’t put the talent cart before the job horse. That leaves harnessing the power of universities and engaging local entrepreneurs, which has been the winning formula for the TecBridge Business Plan Competition for the past 12 years. Some of the start-up businesses the competition spawned are still with us and quite well known . . . think BlackOut Design. Others have evolved and some failed but taught the young founders valuable lessons they now use in other ventures. In short, the competition has proven to be a reliable source of economic development. Congratulations to all involved as the 13th annual competition approaches.

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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 The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News and Information

ECONOMY & JOBS

Gov. Wolf unveils budget March 3 PennFuture commends proposal to ‘reinvigorate clean energy investments

ov. Tom Wolf on March 3 unveiled his 2015-2016 budget proposal that he said “makes historic investments in education PennFuture praised Gov. Tom Wolf for “his bold while taking concrete steps toward rebuilding the plans to reinvigorate Pennsylvania’s investments middle class.” in clean energy” as part of the administration’s Gov. Wolf said his budget “contains a four-year proposed 2015-16 fiscal year budget. commitment to increase funding of schools by The Wolf administration unveiled a proposal $2 billion while cutting property taxes paid by the to invest $225 million in revenue from a new drillaverage homeowner by 50 percent and reducing tax in a comprehensive energy portfolio that ing the total tax burden on average, middle-class includes $50 million to re-launch the Pennsylvania families. Gov. Wolf’s budget also helps grow jobs in Sunshine Solar program; $50 million to improve Pennsylvania by cutting the corporate net income energy efficiency at small businesses, local tax by 50 percent and making strategic investments governments, schools and nonprofits; $30 million in job creation through programs like the Made in for a combined heat and power grant program; Pennsylvania manufacturing tax credit.” $30 million for clean energy market development; Seen at right, Gov. Tom Wolf delivers his $20 million for clean energy and energy efficiency budget address on March 3. projects in the agricultural sector; and $20 million for a wind energy generation program. “Not long ago, Pennsylvania was a national leader in clean energy production and clean energy jobs,” said John Norbeck, acting president and CEO of PennFuture. “Gov. Wolf’s proposed new invest- Pennsylvania’s Act 13: No other ments will send a powerful signal to both entrelaw in recent memory has brought preneurs and markets that Pennsylvania is serious so much back to rural Pennsylvania about regaining national leadership in solar, wind, The state Senate Environmental Resources energy efficiency and other clean technologies.” and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), and the Senate Local Government Sierra Club approves of moratoCommittee, chaired by Sen. Scott Hutchinson rium on new gas leases in parks (R-Clarion) on March 3 held a joint public hearing The Sierra Club said it agrees with Gov. Wolf to discuss the positive benefits of Act 13 impact fee that “the gas industry has not paid its fair share, dollars on Pennsylvania communities. and companies need to be held accountable.” “As Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his 2015-16 In one of his first acts as governor, Wolf signed General Fund budget, which highlighted impleExecutive Order 2015-03, placing a moratorium on mentation of a state severance tax on natural gas new leases of state park and forest land for natural extraction, we must be mindful of the opportunigas development. The Sierra Club said it thanks ties currently being offered to our citizens as the Gov. Wolf for removing one-time public lands leas- result of Pennsylvania’s Act 13 law. No other law in ing revenue from his proposed budget. Pennsylva- recent memory has brought so much back to rural nia’s state parks alone provide $1.2 billion annually Pennsylvania,” Sen. Yaw said. to the state economy, so, according to the Sierra During the hearing, Susquehanna County Club, “this decision is not only the right move for Commissioner Alan Hall addressed important conservation, but the right move for our economic contributions made to Susquehanna County by future.” Under the current proposed DCNR budget, the industry following enactment of the Act 13 law. all 120 state parks will remain open and 22 new “Municipalities and the county have used funds to state park employees will be added. Under Wolf’s improve bridges, sewer systems, roads, parks, and proposed budget, $20 million of DCNR’s operating equipment to name a few. It has also allowed the budget would be funded through the General Fund, entities the ability to free up other revenue streams not the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, and DCNR’s overall to improve facilities, reduce debt, and prepare our budget would increase by $8.3 million. communities for the future.”

ANGA: Don’t stifle gas industry The governor’s severance tax proposal jeopardizes the advances and future economic growth that comes from a robust natural gas industry in Pennsylvania.

Responding to budget, state Senate committees hold hearing highlighting natural gas impact fee

“Enacting another tax on natural gas development as a means to fix a budget shortfall is the wrong path forward for Pennsylvanians. With the benefit of a policy environment that has encouraged economic development, the natural gas industry has helped create good-paying jobs, lowered energy bills and delivered unprecedented economic opportunity.” “From powering new electric generation in Bradford and Lycoming counties, to heating Elk Lake schools in Susquehanna County, from fueling Lower Merion School District’s natural gas school buses, to helping save family farms in Washington County, natural gas development is powering Pennsylvania’s 21st century economy. The governor’s severance tax proposal jeopardizes these advances, and future economic growth that comes from a robust natural gas industry in Pennsylvania.”

— Frank J. Macchiarola, executive vice president of government affairs of America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA)

Marcellus Shale Coalition: Budget stunts economic momentum Marcellus Shale Coalition president Dave Spigelmyer:“Natural gas development in the Commonwealth continues to be an absolute gamechanger for each and every one of our 67 counties, bringing about positive progress and broad-based Hall added, “the loss of the Act 13 funding benefits to all Pennsylvanians. This is especially true would mean deteriorating conditions throughout on the job creation and tax revenue front as well as the county with roads, bridges, infrastructure, lost the opportunity for a regional manufacturing rebirth. jobs, and large tax increases throughout. Dealing with all the impacts without the funding will cripple Yet, what was offered March 3 once again by the governor — higher energy taxes on an industry our communities.” that already generates substantial tax revenue for The committees also heard from Anthony J. Ventello, executive director of the Progress Authority state and local governments — would undercut located in Bradford County. “We have experienced tax Pennsylvania’s positioning in the global fight to attract capital investments and stunt this economic base expansion with new commercial and residenmomentum rather than fully capitalize on it. tial buildings. Our counties have two new hospitals “Small businesses, labor unions and local improving health-care delivery and experiencing their 24/7 economic impacts. Taxable income has risen 19 governments across the commonwealth share our industry’s deep concerns about the economically percent, farming remains the strongest in the core Marcellus counties, along with continued investment damaging consequences associated with higher energy taxes and potential job losses.” in our diversified local manufacturing sector.” Seen testifying is Howard W. Fry III, president, Lycoming County Association of Twp. Officials.

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APRIL 2015

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ECONOMY & JOBS Guest Op-Ed:

Wolf budget: What’s not to like for business community? By Stephen Herzenberg

When you think of Pennsylvania’s business community, the bold budget proposal of business leader-turned-Gov. Tom Wolf brings to mind a scene from the movie Austin Powers. I’m referring to the scene in which Dr. Evil silences his son Scott with “shh” every time Scott tries to speak, and then throws in an extra “shh” with the line “that was a preemptive shh.” The governor’s proposal to slash the Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax rate from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent in just two years is a preemptive “shh” aimed at quieting potential business opposition to the budget and ending a quarter century of business groups beginning policy discussions with complaints about the CNI rate. Even for those of us who believe that the impact of state business taxes on growth is overstated (including by Gov. Wolf since he proposed the cut), shh-ing business complaints on the subject provides an opportunity for a broader discussion about making Pennsylvania’s economy better for businesses and families. Looked at from this perspective, Gov. Wolf’s budget deserves vocal support from open-minded business leaders — not just a silent pass. Here’s why. With regard to short-term economic management, Gov. Wolf’s budget breaks from the cuts-only approach embraced under Gov. Corbett. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past four years, economic austerity — including cuts of $1 billion to education in 2011 — slowed down the commonwealth’s economic recovery. Among states, Pennsylvania has placed 50th for job growth and 46th for revenue growth since the first part of 2011. The Wolf budget reinvests in K-12 education, nearly doubles spending on pre-kindergarten programs (which business organizations wisely support because of the high return on investment), and restores half the funds cut from higher education in 2011. Together with expanding Medicaid and continuing to roll out the state’s transportation infrastructure package, passing Gov. Wolf’s budget should mean more customers for Pennsylvania businesses and a rise in Pennsylvania’s jobgrowth ranking.

With regard to the longterm economy, businesses should support the Wolf budget because it would recapitalize Pennsylvania’s economic development and workforce skills programs. Gov. Wolf recognizes that Herzenberg economic growth in a global, network-based, knowledge economy hinges on public-private investment in the industries and technologies of the future. While the details are still being worked out, the thrust of the Wolf budget is to encourage government and business to work together to address market failures that cause businesses, acting alone, to invest too little. This is the right place for government leadership. For example, the budget would revitalize the state’s national model Industry Partnership training program, under which employers in key industries— e.g., manufacturing, information technology, health care and transportation — partner with government to plug common skill gaps; create new curricula, credentials, and career pathways; and learn from each other about best management practices. The budget also increases funds for apprenticeship and other pipeline programs that deliver future workers with the skills employers need. In economic development, the budget would expand bond-financed investments in universityindustry innovation partnerships, translating more of the cutting-edge research ideas generated in our leading universities into products, companies, and jobs here in Pennsylvania. Last but not least, the Wolf budget aims to rewrite the future for Pennsylvania’s older towns, cities, and inner suburbs. Gov. Wolf learned first-hand in York about the challenges of older communities “rotting from the core,” as businesses and families with means moved to outer areas. Pennsylvania’s fragmented school districts and municipalities make it difficult to reverse this decline, saddling the lowest-income places with a combination of high-tax rates, and lower-quality services and schools. The Wolf budget would attack the roots of

the problem. It would target most of $3.8 billion in property tax relief to older school districts, in many cases eliminating half or more of property taxes for typical homeowners. Together with increased state school funding and better targeting of community development and water and sewer infrastructure funds, smaller cities and rural boroughs would get a fighting chance to become more vital regional centers. This, too, is a win for the business community: a mountain of research shows that regions grow more quickly when their economic core flourishes. With a stronger economy, better qualified workers, healthier communities, and low (not just lower) business taxes all part of the plan, Pennsylvania’s business leaders should be leading the parade for the Wolf budget. Stephen Herzenberg, Ph. D. is an economist and executive director of the Keystone Research Center, Harrisburg.

Proposed pricing floor ‘unique’ among states with severance tax Drillers received an average of $2.65 per thousand cubic feet in the last six months of 2014 .. . at that price, effective tax rate would have been 7.38%, with the price floor, versus 6.84% without. With the price floor, tax paid would have been $416 million; without, $386 million. Associated Press — Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal to

impose a severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production could yield hundreds of millions of dollars in extra revenue while prices are at rock bottom, because it would set a floor on the price at which the tax is calculated. The proposal is key to the Democratic governor’s

Please see PRICE FLOOR on next page

Upcoming Special Editions! • Executive Spotlight

Publishing: May • Ad Deadline: April 15

• Book of Lists

Publishing: May • Ad Deadline: April 16

• Profiles in Medical Excellence

Publishing: June • Ad Deadline: May 15

• Who’s Who in NEPA

Publishing: July • Ad Deadline: June 3

Contact Judy Gregg today for advertising information! 570-207-9001 ext. 5425 • jgregg@timesshamrock.com

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

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

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BANKING & FINANCE

‘Leakage’ from 401(k)s a ‘serious concern’ In our May issue… COVER THEME

May is Mental Health Month and a good time to examine the strengths and limitations of our mental health system, especially as it relates to violence. This month we’ll talk to the people on the frontlines of health care and the justice system about what works and what doesn’t to both get people into treatment and to keep them going for treatment to keep them well. We’ll also talk about the difficult subject of mental health and gun violence and see where NEPA stands on the issue.

FOCUS Health focus on Stroke: May is American Stroke Month. We’ll explore the latest prevention, treatment and rehabilitation options available in NEPA. Business and The Law: A pilot program that links lawyers who want to volunteer their services with clients unable to afford legal help was created March 5 by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The program provides a centralized clearinghouse of lawyers willing to participate and a communications network for them to make their services known to those in need. How will that work in NEPA? We’ll find out this month. Tourism: Meet the Lackawanna Visitors Bureau’s new chief, Susan Estler, and learn her visions for the future of tourism. Vacation Guide: Business and Personal Travel: Summer approaches and that means vacation! This month we’ll talk to some travel agents about hot destinations for 2015 and whether and how much world affairs weigh on people’s travel decisions.

SUPPLEMENTS Executive Spotlight

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

UPCOMING ISSUES

• June – Profiles in Medical Excellence • July – Who’s Who in NEPA • August – Adult Education Guide

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

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APRIL 2015

When it comes to retirement savings, how big of a problem is so-called leakage—an industry term for early withdrawals from 401(k) accounts? The Wall Street Journal said March 12 that, according to a new study by researchers at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, it is “a serious concern.” In fact, loopholes that allow employees to raid their 401(k) accounts before retirement reduce the aggregate wealth in these accounts by an estimated 25 percent. Below are the study’s key findings: As 401(k)s and IRAs have Source of all charts: The Impact of Leakages on 401(k)/IRA Assets, by become the dominant source of Alicia H. Munnell and Anthony Webb, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, crr.bc.edu retirement saving, the potential for pre-retirement withdrawals — after age 59½; “leakages” — has grown. 2. Cash outs when individuals leave a job; and Leakages occur via three channels: 3. Loans. 1. In-service withdrawals for hardships or Please see RETIREMENT on next page

Price Floor — continued from previous page

bid to boost funding for pre-kindergarten programs and public schools by $2 billion over his four-year term. The pricing floor is believed to be unique among states that impose a severance tax on oil and gas production, and industry officials are pushing back. Prices are severely depressed by oversupply and a lack of pipelines to get gas to market, so gas is not selling for anywhere close to the proposed artificial minimum, they say. Released earlier this month, Wolf’s proposal calls for a 5 percent tax on the value of the natural gas pulled from the Marcellus Shale, plus a flat fee of 4.7 cents per unit of gas. The proposal would require the state Revenue Department to calculate the average market price every three months, no less than $2.97 per thousand cubic feet. Prices recently dipped to as low as $1.10 at one of the major trading hubs for Marcellus Shale gas. Drillers received an average of $2.65 per thousand cubic feet in the last six months of 2014,

according to the research firm SNL Energy. At that price, their effective tax rate would have been 7.38 percent, with the price floor, versus 6.84 percent without the floor. With the price floor, their tax paid would have been $416 million; without the floor, it would have been $386 million. Wolf’s policy secretary, John Hanger, said the pricing floor was added to ensure a predictable level of funding for schools and for drilling communities that would receive a per-well allotment. In any case, he expects prices will average well above the pricing floor during the state government’s next fiscal year beginning July 1, and that prices will rebound in the longer term. Still, industry officials say it would be unfair to make them pay a tax based on a price they are not receiving. David Spigelmyer, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, an industry trade group, said the floor would make the effective tax rate 13 percent. Source: Associated Press, March 17, Michael Rubinkam and Marc Levy

BANKING & FINANCE Pennsylvania’s CPAs tackle budget issues

RETIREMENT — continued from previous page

Estimates indicate that about 1.5 percent of assets leaks out of 401(k)s/IRAs each year, reducing wealth at retirement by about 25 percent. Given the size of leakages, it may be time to take steps like: ■ Limiting hardship withdrawals to unpredictable events; ■ Raising the age for penalty-free withdrawals to better align with when people actually retire; and

■ Closing down cash outs by requiring the money to stay in the 401(k) system or be rolled over into an IRA. The authors recommend that policy makers limit qualified withdrawals to “serious unpredictable hardships, such as disability, high health care costs and job loss,” and do away with the 10-percent penalty for those who meet those criteria. In contrast, “predictable needs like housing and higher education” should not be grounds for taking early distributions. Moreover, the option to cash out when changing jobs should be eliminated entirely. As for loans, they should be allowed because defaults are very low—amounting to 0.2 percent of assets each year and employees who know a loan is an option might be willing to save more than they would otherwise. Source: Wall Street Journal March 12, 401k, Raiding Your Retirement Account

New report addresses pensions, taxation, financial transparency

Members of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) have put together a report that offers high-level policy options for Pennsylvania’s most pressing fiscal and economic challenges. The report, by the association’s Fiscal Responsibility Task Force, addresses the potential disaster of state and municipal pension obligations, outlines suggested best practices for current and future taxation policies, and urges for more transparency in government financial reporting. The first section in the report reviews two separate and distinct pension crises: state pensions and municipal pensions. These are the most pressing issues discussed in the report because they are the biggest challenges to Pennsylvania’s long-term economic stability. The underfunded pension emergency has been growing, and will continue to deepen if left unresolved. By 2021 state pension obligations could be underfunded by $65 billion, a fiscally unsustainable trend. Municipal pensions are faring no better, with local governments facing an underfunded liability for pensions

Please see CPAs on page 48

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NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 9 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B09] | 03/25/15

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COVER STORY

Preparedness pays

— continued from page one

emergency manager, explain that they capitalize on the fact that September is national preparation month. The depot uses that month to offer an on-site educational bazaar to help with employee education. “Pamphlets from FEMA, OSHA and safety standard information is distributed, and drug and alcohol awareness literature is handed out,” explains Horn. The depot also maintains a year-round, aggressive public service campaign, which delivers command information to the depot’s workforce. An EAP program is also active, with on-site counselors to assist employees in need. “The costs to the depot for all of this are not extraordinary, in part because DoD and Army support the programs that help to support us,” says Morgenweck.

Compliance with regulations has also become a necessity for business. A host of agencies, like the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other groups are making demands for disaster preparation and offering process templates to create security responses. Technology has become both a blessing and a curse in modern security systems. Cyber crime is expanding rapidly, but computer encryption systems, expansive security cameras and protective garb for health-care workers are some preventive measures well worth their costs. Effective communication is a key component of disaster preparation and coping. Scurrying around to find a qualified employee to talk to the media, or to squelch nasty internal rumors, is not an effective strategy once a crisis situation has taken hold. Last but not least, business organizations should acknowledge it’s a realistic possibility they will someday be dragged into a security crisis. Although the old joke that events occur in NEPA 10 years after they happen everywhere else may be true, the region is not immune to global realities.

Preparing for the unknown At Wilkes University, the on-site security program has multiple priorities — the protection of human life, support of health and safety services, protection of university assets, maintenance of university services, assessment of damages, and restoration of campus operations. Justin Kraynack, chief risk and compliance officer and Chris Jagoe, During the Ebola scare, area hospitals took part in drills and chief of public safety, explain that a pressing parts of the job is preparaOpen facilities simulations of situations like transporting a patient in full protection for the unknown. “There are many people out there with problems Hospitals, with their open facilities, sit squarely in the cross hairs tive garb, securing strategic hallways and cleaning up potentially related to work, marriage and mental illness, but fortunately mass shootof a variety of security threats. Stephanie Gryboski, MS, serves as hazardous waste. Times-Tribune file photo ings are very rare,” says Kraynack. “Some of the cases of violence in the manager of emergency management with the Geisinger Health Sysnews are actually the product of kids medicating themselves.” sis” spread sheet, which enables the security team to analyze various tem. She says Geisinger strives to be increasingly prepared every day Wilkes maintains a comprehensive action plan that uses input disasters from shootings to blizzards. The team identifies and ranks for any type of emergency. from sources like the National Incident Management System and the hospitals vulnerabilities and then devises improvements. “TerAccreditation demands and regulatory agencies are just a few of FEMA. To rehearse and improve their plans Wilkes conducts exerrorism is actually the least likely form of disaster to occur in NEPA,” the bodies with whom Geisinger must comply in regard to disaster cises facilitated by a consultant, and the school’s nursing department says Gryboski. Still, no matter how unlikely, employees of Geisinger preparedness. Consequently, high-level employee awareness and also has a live plan if mass medical care is needed on the campus. are prepared. The employees are trained to look into eyes of visitors, systematic drills are used to prepare for a real event. “We must never “An automatic response must be second nature to our incident ask if they need assistance and then immediately report anyone who react out of fear. Being completely prepared not only makes our reacresponders,” says Jagoe. could be an imminent threat. “A disgruntled patient is a reality, but the tion effective, it saves money, too” says Gryboski. The federal government has also been quite active in creating case of a deranged employee is being over-hyped,” says Gryboski. She says Ebola’s arrival in America was an event which placed mandates since 9/11. These rules create a framework for responses Despite all of its preparation, including active shooter awarestrong demands on the health-care system. As a result of the Ebola to disaster which a university can follow. Included are categories such scare, a patient’s travel history is now a part of disease management ness drills, Geisinger has experienced some violent incidents. The as critical infrastructure protection. incidents involved law enforcement or were domestic in nature — not and staff education about contagions like Ebola is continuous. Making In particular, Wilkes is prepared for on-campus violence. The school related to the hospital — but preparations continue as employees are sure equipment is fully up-to-date is also part of the protocol. maintains a hybrid force of both armed and unarmed personnel, experitrained to call 911, shelter in place, or potentially evacuate a facility. “As a hospital, we face frightening situations every day, so we enced in law enforcement, who possess Act 120 certification, a required should display less fear and panic than other institutions when some- “In particular, patient evacuation from a hospital could be very difcredential for Pennsylvania law enforcement professionals. ficult,” says Gryboski. thing like Ebola strikes,” says Gryboski “Corporate communications If anyone calls public safety, these personnel are immediately disalso has to stay ahead of rumors which spring up in a time of crisis.” All-hazards approach patched, while information abut the imminent threat is disseminated to During the Ebola scare, different hospitals assumed different The sprawling Tobyhanna Army Depot, with thousands of the campus community via several communication systems, including functions, such as triage, assessment and treatment. Geisinger employees and a diverse workforce, uses an “all-hazards” security texting. “One of our challenges is to have as many areas covered as helped prepared for its role by performing tabletop exercises comapproach, preparing for possibilities ranging from a natural disaster possible,” explains Kraynack. “We encounter absolutely no parental replete with patient encounters, and then looked for system weakness to an active shooter. The program features scalable responses often sistance with our security and preparation program, and have enjoyed and ways to improve. based on FEMA guidelines, and seeks to prepare the workforce for great support for our hybrid security force,” adds Jagoe. Simulations of situations like transporting a patient took place, with any scenario. Annual costs for this security preparation, including staff and staff using full protective garb. Other scenarios included securing strateThe federal government mandates that the depot have a flexequipment such as cameras, exceeds $12 million. gic hallways and cleaning up potentially hazardous waste. ible emergency management plan in place, which is ready for any Other scenarios Wilkes prepares for include disease pandemics, “Contrary to reports issued by some media outlets, American medi- foreseeable hazard. This preparation must include provisions for suspicious packages, and evacuations due to flooding. A big part of cine actually did a great job in its handling of Ebola,” says Gryboski. business continuity, including a police response if needed. Every year Geisinger also works with a “hazard vulnerability analyPlease see Preparedness on page 12 Mark Horn, chief of risk management and Brett Morgenweck,

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Call Mark Graham at 302.651.1665 • wilmingtontrust.com

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 11 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB11] | 03/25/15

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COVER STORY

When disaster strikes: Stories of recovery By Dave Gardner

Disaster, which may appear in many forms, apparently spares no one, including the NEPA business community. Jane Martini Kraynak is the consummate entrepreneur. She operated a highly successful retail

establishment near Hamlin from 1990 to 1995 that offered video rentals, pool games, a retail boutique, and tanning. Having a keen sense of her market, Kraynak recognized that changes were near for video and decided to evolve. In 1996 she opened a new

at the Wallenpaupack Area School District, says the district maintains an emergency operations plan this preparation must include continuity plans to that serves as an all-hazards planning tool. The deliver classes without on-campus classrooms. expansive document is based on recommendations from PEMA, FEMA and the U.S. Department of New frontier Homeland Security. Banks are dealing with threats in the new “Our emergency operations plan details prevenarena of cyber security, according to Ben Wallace, executive vice president of operations and technol- tion and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from a disaster,” explains Dr. Hudak. ogy with Orrstown Bank. He says threats from cyber-crime are significant, fueled by computerized “Phases one and two take up the majority of our criminals who are both intelligent and sophisticated. time, because prevention and elimination of hazards and vulnerabilities are the keys to success. We Government regulations regarding cyber secumust act before an event happens.’ rity are a big priority for bankers. Federal laws are The district performs an ongoing vulnerability rapidly evolving, and banks have to keep up or face assessment to detect weakness in its preparedness. problems with compliance. Trained administrators walk the campus, alert for “We all must fortify our cyber sites, including the vendors we deal with,” explains Wallace. “Cyber such things as hiding places where a perpetrator might lurk, as well as the availability of a water supprotection is more difficult with vendors than it is internally, so we try to keep our number of vendors ply to fight fire. Wallenpaupack also uses a checklist of staff down to a manageable total.” requirements and the district works closely with According to Wallace, banks must have layer law enforcement and fire-fighting professionals. upon layer of security roadblocks that will prevent data from being pirated. If a breach does occur and Step-by-step requirements for handling incidents data is stolen, it should be thoroughly encrypted so are established. When the manhunt for cop-killer Eric Frein was that it’s unusable. on-going, the district was closed for several days as In addition to detecting and then interpreting instructed by authorities. In addition, the school’s a data breach, a security team must also be able team of school resource officers (SRO), composed to calculate the event’s cost. Accurate information of retired state troopers, conducted added security about the breach should become available within 24 hours of the event. “We prepare for a breach by checks and campus inspections at a cost to the district of approximately $9,000. “This cost for rehearsing all the way through the event with our partners and law enforcement,” says Wallace. “Se- the Frein situation was reasonable, considering curity problems with data can also be caused by an the start-up for our security force was $225,000,” employee event — that also requires preparation.” says Dr. Hudak. “Fortunately, the four salaries and benefits have been paid for, to a large degree, by grants and awards.” Mandated planning Dr. Hudak says that she feels safer with the Pressure is also falling on the nation’s K-12 SROs on campus. Overall, the community has been schools to maintain top-rate security. By law, all public schools must develop emergency prepared- supportive of the school’s security program, despite an occasional angry parent who complains of the ness plans for scenarios ranging from active shooters to bomb threats, gang-related activities to stress created by security drills. “In an emergency, the SROs will buy us time until the troops come,” hostage situations, and even earthquakes. says Dr. Hudak. Joann Hudak, Ed.D., assistant superintendent Preparedness — continued from previous page

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APRIL 2015

When a Frein sighting occurred very close to Jerry Jie’s resort, road closings and a substantial armed police presence suddenly became the norm. . . the drama destroyed business that had already been booked and deterred new business — the resort ultimately endured losses estimated at $50,000. business dubbed Lady Jane’s, offering a spa, nail grooming, facials and tanning. She moved her business to a spacious nearby location with increased customer traffic. Then, on the evening of Dec. 2, 2006, disaster struck with no warning — a fire consumed Lady Jane’s. “I received a call at midnight telling me that my business was burning, and I just couldn’t believe it recalls Kraynak. “As I stood there and watched the fire destroy the building, I can clearly remember being very concerned about what was going to happen to my plants.” The subsequent investigation revealed that the fire started next door in a beauty parlor, where a neon sign had been incorrectly wired, overheated, and ignited. The structure was declared a total loss, and Kraynak promptly received an insurance settlement for $50,000 that day. “While the business wasn’t operating, I lived off of that insurance money,” says Kraynak. The gloom of the fire gave way to new opportunity in May of 2007 when Kraynak reopened her business at a location closer to Hamlin. She credits her survival as an entrepreneur to the fact that she maintained good insurance and a strong work ethic. “The fire was a fluke. There’s no way I could

have been prepared for it or avoided it,” says Kraynak. “The only advice I can offer is to review your insurance policy, make sure it covers replacement costs, and that it will pay you quickly.” Tired and angry Disaster paid a visit to Jerry Jie, co-owner of Chestnut Grove Resort in Swiftwater during the manhunt for accused cop killer, Eric Frein. Jie was in his first critical year of resort ownership. His resort features 40 cabins and enjoys an occupancy rate of 85 percent to 90 percent from June through September. “The majority of our customers are families, and repeat business is vital,” says Jie. “Many of these families have been vacationing here for 20 to 30 years.” The Frein episode, which occurred when Chestnut Grove maintained a weekend occupancy rate of up to 60 percent, came as total surprise. The ambush on the State Police barracks took place just 15 minutes away and everyone believed Frein would be apprehended within a week. No one anticipated business disruptions. This complacency changed when a Frein sighting occurred very close to Jie’s resort. Road

Although the floodgates held in Wilkes-Barre in 2011, Jim Bach wasn’t as lucky. His business, Bach’s Fitness Center, was completely wiped out. When Bach returned to the fitness location and several other buildings he owns, he was greeted by several inches of mud, a terrible odor and damages in the vicinity of $60,000 and $70,000 per building.

Please see RECOVERY on next page

RECOVERY — continued from previous page

closings and a substantial armed police presence suddenly became the norm, complete with helicopters overhead jarring the serene setting. Jie endured this scenario for almost a month, suffering a great deal of apprehension. The drama destroyed business that had already been booked, and served as an effective deterrent to new business as the resort endured losses estimated at $50,000. “We were all tired and angry, and just wanted the whole thing to be over with,” says Jie. “There was great relief when Frein was finally apprehended, in a place that turned out to be very close by.” Looking back, Jie is certain that there was nothing anyone could have done to prepare for the Frein fiasco. He believes one key to surviving the ordeal, and the financial losses, was not to over react. “The Poconos are a very safe place, and something like this will probably never happen again,” says Jie. “Having a flexible response was important for us to endure, and all businesses should be prepared for an unexpected loss of revenue at some time.”

ECONOMY & JOBS Keystone Research Center unveils economic development strategy for Pennsylvania pray, it helps when disaster strikes and apprehen-

sion runs high.” Bach has some criticism of the federal government, saying floods are now common in the Shickshinny area due to the Wilkes-Barre dykes, which are causing the Susquehanna River to experience increased sedimentation.“We send millions to other countries, but we can’t construct dykes down here,” says Bach. “Something is very wrong with this.”

Charred remains Lisa Diemer, owner of Kitchen Chemistry in Stroudsburg, opened her business in 2010 fulfilling a lifelong desire to teach classes in cake decorating. As the business grew, her daughter joined Diemer, and Kitchen Chemistry became a specialty bake shop that also offered instructional classes and sold baking supplies. “We also branched out with a soap-making business, which has grown because many people have concerns about what’s in factory soap,” says Diemer. During the night of July 5, 2014, a fire, which Multiple washouts began in an air conditioner, consumed Kitchen Flooding has been a consistent companion of Shickshinny’s Jim Bach. He is the owner of Bach’s Chemistry. Diemer clearly remembers feeling shocked and numb as she inspected the charred Fitness Center, and became familiar with floods in and melted remains of her business. 1972 during the infamous Hurricane Agnes, when It took several months for the manufacturer his multiple business interests lost everything. The of the air conditioner to evaluate its role in the tragedy was compounded by the fact that he had devastating fire. The overall damage was assessed no flood insurance. Bach’s businesses have dealt at more than $120,000. Luckily, Diemer was able with six more floods since then. Tenaciously, he opened his fitness club in 2007, but was wiped out to continue the soap business, giving her both an outlet and an income. again by flooding in 2011. “Our family had a big part of our lives wiped “Mother Nature can be very tough to deal with out,” says Diemer. “Fortunately, the soap business and to prepare for,” says Bach. gave us some relief from worry.” During the 2011 flood, Bach’s brother and She advises other entrepreneurs who have friends helped him by moving vital equipment to encountered disaster to always look at the bright a safe location. When he returned to his fitness location — and to several other buildings he owned side. “Looking back, there was no indication the air conditioner was misbehaving,” recalls Diemer. “We — he discovered several inches of mud, a terrible had five wedding cakes to do the day before, so in odor and damages in the vicinity of $60,000 and a way the timing of fire was pretty good.” $70,000 per building. “I had flood insurance, but Diemer also says exceptional family and the premium rates have risen sharply depending on community support helped her to a reopening of locale of the insured property,” says Bach. Kitchen Chemistry last month. She advises fellow Now a veteran of flood recovery, Bach advises his peers to always be prepared with the necessary business owners to always carry adequate insurrecovery equipment, like pressure washers. He also ance. Maintaining a focus on the remaining good is also vital during recovery, as is having a solid advocates targeting business equipment to save logistics plan if the location is lost. before water rises, and to have a plan ready to im“I’ve found its normal to have some longmediately notify the applicable insurance company. term anxiety long after the disaster ends,” adds “It can take months to have insurance repreDiemer. “I even find myself being extra cautious, sentatives come to the site,” warns Bach. “I also even at home.” believe it’s important to maintain faith in God and

Plan seeks to build businesses here, rather than ‘poaching’ from other states Report released in late February — same week Florida Gov. Scott visited Philadelphia in ‘search of companies to lure south’

In the same week that Florida Gov. Rick Scott visited Philadelphia as part of his plan to lure other states’ employers to Florida, the Keystone Research Center a labor-backed think tank, released a new report offering a different economic development strategy for Pennsylvania, based on building home-grown businesses. All Pennsylvanians Prospering Together (APP): A Pennsylvania Economic Development Manufacturing is a key component of Pennsylvania’s econoStrategy for the Long Term, by my, accounting for more than 10 percent of total employment, Dr. Stephen Herzenberg, an econ- making it the third-largest sector in the state . . . and these omist and the executive director are good jobs. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Inof KRC, and John McAuliff, is dustry reports that the average manufacturing wage, $53,976, based on four core principles: is higher than the state’s average wage, $46,748. KRC backs the Wolf plan to invest in manufacturing innovation. ■ Investing in “public goods” that deliver public Source: Made in Pennsylvania: Tom Wolf’s Plan To Create Manufacturing Jobs in Pennsylvania benefits ■ Practicing market-based, ■ Invest adequately in economic developnot market-distorting, economic development ment. Business and economic development ■ Investing in innovation and growing Pennsylorganizations need to champion raising the vania’s own companies revenue for that investment. ■ Pursuing a Pennsylvania good jobs strategy ■ Promote transparency and accountability in “At the start of a new governor’s administration, economic development programs. Pennsylvania needs to renew its historic bipartisan ■ Invest in manufacturing innovation, including commitment to economic development. The state through low-cost networking among university and has the opportunity to create a national model of industry researchers, industry economic developan economic development strategy in which all ment partnerships, and supply chain initiatives that the people contribute to a joint effort to expand the boost reshoring. economic pie and benefit from the growth of that ■ Invest in Pennsylvania’s cities, towns, and pie,” Herzenberg said. landscapes by expanding Community and Regional Among the report’s recommendations are that Development funding via a multi-purpose Keystone Pennsylvania should: Communities Fund, providing block grants to ■ Develop a holistic strategy to grow Pennincentivize bottom-up regional revitalization, reinsylvania’s own businesses, promote innovation, vesting in Community Landscape Initiatives (CLIs) and encourage sharing of the benefits of growth with employees. Please see PLAN on next page

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ECONOMY & JOBS in rural regions and other means ■ Promote a Pennsylvania good jobs strategy by creating an industrial performance center to

deepen knowledge about good jobs strategies and how to diffuse them, by setting aside five percent of technical assistance funds to assist companies

What do you have to make in a year to be in the top 1% of earners in your county? Pennsylvania Average: $355,000 $274K $225K

$177K

$209K $150K $269K

$234K

$214K

$198K

$192K

$312K

$315K

$169K $235K

$170K

$233K $429K $404K

$200K

$237K

$253K

below $200K

$145K

$201K

$200K to $299K

$168K

$227K

$300K to $399K

$235K

$219K

$332K

$164K

$317K

$259K

$362K $296K

$581K $736K

$367K $181K

$226K $143K

$159K $176K

$197K

$168K

$206K

$173K

$294K

$274K

$240K $4

$431K

$225K

$242K

$175K $202K

$223K

$227K

$219K $254K

$268K

$267K

$219K

$173K

$326K $277K

$400K to $499K

$780K $549K

over $500K

Source. Mark Price and Estelle Sommeiller, What About the Rest of Us? Top 1% Takes Home All the Increase in Pennsylvania Income in Current Economic Recovery, Keystone Research Center, http://goo.gl/83q0jp .

in low-wage industries in improving jobs, and by other means. “If Pennsylvania can find the will to invest more in innovation, technology, and its workforce, and to spread new norms in which employees enjoy more of the fruits of their employers’ success, the state could become the strongest economy in the country,” Herzenberg said. Governor Wolf’s Made in Pennsylvania’ Plan: (Referenced on KRC’s website) Gov. Wolf promised to institute a Made In Pennsylvania “cash-back” jobs creation program. If the plan is enacted, manufacturing companies that increase their annual taxable payroll by at least $1 million, the commonwealth will provide cash payments of up to 5 percent of new taxable payroll the following year. In order to qualify, these new jobs must be full-time, have an average wage equal to or above the county wage in which the company is locating or expanding, and include competitive health benefits. The plan will include a clawback provision. Those manufacturing companies that do not maintain these jobs for five years will have to return the cash payment to the state. Gov. Wolf promised to promote innovation and job growth by connecting colleges and universities with small and emerging manufacturing businesses. If enacted, an innovation grants program, colleges and universities will work in partnership with these manufacturers to move theoretical ideas to the market place. These projects will help engage college students, lead to job creation and

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14 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B14] | 03/25/15

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APRIL 2015

BUSINESS BANKING

the production of new, innovative products, and drive additional research and development funding to our higher education institutions. Currently, the state’s manufacturing workforce is aging, and business leaders fear that the next generation is not prepared to fill these soon-to-be vacated positions. Gov. Wolf promised to enact “innovative reforms to improve student outcomes.” His “Technical Education Applied to Manufacturing (TEAM) plan vows to “ improve vocational education programs in all high schools by: ■ Integrating the academic curriculum with technical training so that students develop a strong foundation. The current advanced manufacturing sector covers such fields as mechatronics, precision machining, and metal fabrication. Because of the technical and innovative nature of this industry, workers need to demonstrate their proficiency in both academics and technical skills. ■ Working with local manufacturers to make sure that vocational curriculums are aligned with workforce needs. Because the future of the manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania is dependent on a prepared local workforce, it is incredibly important that this industry has a voice in the education process. ■ Encouraging school districts to offer a nationally recognized industry certification. Meeting high standards will ensure that our graduates are prepared to enter the manufacturing workforce or go on to a community college or union training program where they can specialize their skills. DID YOU KNOW? The nearby map from KRC shows the income threshold necessary for an earner to be classified as part of the top 1 percent in each county of Pennsylvania. Source: Keystone Research Center.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT RIG REDUCTIONS — continued from page one

An industry newsletter, The Marcellus Moment, recently highlighted how gas producers across the board plan to reduce their 2015 capital expenditures by billions of dollars. For example, one of those producers, Cabot Oil & Gas invested a billion dollars in Susquehanna County in 2014. It expects that investment to drop to $600 million this year. According to one industry representative, gas prices in the Lackawanna County area dropped 45 percent in 2014 compared to prices in 2008. The abundance of gas production — and a lower price — contributes to the capital investment reduction. “What’s happening is the infrastructure to move it to market, pipelines, can’t keep up with the amount of gas that we are producing,” says George Stark, spokesperson for Cabot Oil & Gas. “The price has decreased on natural gas because we have so much and we can’t get it every place it needs to be. The result has been a decrease in price, which has meant then a decrease in companies like Cabot, Chesapeake, Southwestern, those companies that are going to produce less next year, drill for less next year.” Stark believes the infrastructure to distribute gas needs to catch up with production, a situation that could take years to unfold. As a result, the low price of gas forces industry producers to reduce capital spending projections now. That reduction will trickle out of the state’s economy, affecting jobs, suppliers and tax revenues. Gov. Wolf’s push for a high severance tax adds to the situation problem. “Those companies that we partner with will have to make tough decisions on having less work to do with Cabot and they will to then in turn probably cut their employment ranks,” says Stark. “The marketplace because of the cost of gas, that’s already causing that. The gas companies to itself that has called for a lessening of operations. Then in addition to that now comes along the governor’s proposed severance tax and that further makes the combination difficult.” Stark says the capital expenditure reduction is a temporary occurrence that will change in 2016 or 2017 when expanded distribution outlets including Philadelphia, New York, Boston and other areas of New England come onboard. “When it comes to the tax side, it has to be an understanding of what the numbers are and right now there is some instability in our industry because it’s unknown as to what’s going to come out of the state budget,” he says. “That instability does scare investment. I am hopeful we will see

“…our industry is contributing enormously to our economy, helping to drive Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate down to its lowest level since the recession began, while also generating huge amounts of much-needed revenue for local, county and state government. In addition to the more than $2.1 billion in various taxes generated from shale production, our industry has paid $630 million through a special tax in just three years, making important community-focused investments possible.”

PG&W. “The biggest take-away, infrastructure for natural gas is way behind the production capability side, pipelines to get natural gas to the markets that really want natural gas, which is extensive,” says Marquardt. “It just takes time. It will take decades. The building out of the infrastructure is an ongoing project. As demand increases and new markets — Dave Spigelmyer, Marcellus Shale Coalition president, marcellusshalecoalition.org open up, new stations have got to be built.” Until new markets open, Bradford and Susque2015 Capital Expenditure Reductions (CAPEX) Source: Marcellus Shale Coalition hanna counties will bear the brunt of the downward cycle in the drilling industry. Producer Name CAPEX Reduction “The cycling of the industry is not a secret,” Anadarko Petroleum “Significantly lower” says Anthony J. Ventello, executive director of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation 44% ($1.6 billion to $900 million) Progress Authority, Towanda. “One thing that’s constant with this industry is its cyclical ups and Chevron 12% ($39.8 billion to $35 billion) downs. It’s the nature of the beast. Economics Chesapeake Energy Corporation 37% ($6.7 billion to $4-4.5 billion) come and go with rigs.” CONSOL Energy 23% ($1.3 billion to $1 billion But the low cost of gas has created cheap energy for consumers and opportunities for expanEclipse Resources 20% ($800 million to $640 million) sion to other businesses, according to Ventello. EOG Resources 40% ($8.1-8.3 billion to $4.9-5.1 billion) “Distribution is critical,” he says. “It’s not just EQT Corporation 24% ($2.7 billion to $2.05 billion) economics from drilling. It’s the long-term effects National Fuel Gas (Seneca Resources) 4-10% ($1.03-1.28 billion to $990 million-1.15 billion) that virtually integrate natural gas. It’s like taking your milk and making ice cream before it leaves the Noble Energy 40% ($4.8 billion to $2.9 billion) area. You need exports to keep pricing up so that Range Resources Corporation 40% ($1.45 billion to $870 million) drilling is still profitable. That’s a balance we need Rex Energy Corporation 40-49% ($350-365 million to $180-220 million) to strike but it’s generally utilizing the resource so Rice Energy LP 19% ($1.1 billion to $890 million) we can encourage more drilling.” One use includes energy generation. For Shell $15 billion reduction from 2015-2017 example, Panda Power Funds entered into a joint Southwestern Energy $2.4 billion in 2014 to 2.0 billion in 2015 venture with Sunbury Generation to develop, Statoil 10% ($20 billion to $18 billion) finance, construct and operate a 1,000-megawatt Stone Energy 100% ($214 million to $0) natural gas-fueled power project near Shamokin Dam in Snyder County. Panda expects to supply Warren Resources 74% ($80 million to $21 million) large power markets in the northeast in the second technicians, technologists and field operators who sound policies out of Harrisburg that can take half of 2017. are retiring.” advantage of the employment opportunities, the Other uses may include making products such Demand for the school’s graduates remains clean-burning benefits of natural gas and a tax as LNG, CNG and GTL, hydrogen, fuels, waxes and policy that does demonstrate an industry that does strong, despite the slowdown on the drilling side. lube oil. Projects are under way and planned on “Half of our graduates are hired on the midpay its fair share.” some products but it will take time. stream end and down-stream side, gathering, proAlthough the drilling and production aspect of For now, the slowdown of the capital investduction, compression, measurement, evaluation, the natural gas industry sees a cyclical slowdown, ment will create a ripple effect through the region, other industry factions gear up for future demand. analytical problem-solving,” says Marquardt. “That including a reduction of benefits realized on impact part of the industry is not affected by the capital “One of the biggest factors in the oil and gas fees and sales tax. industry, among the petroleum engineers and other investment around drilling.” “As activity slows, so will the revenues from According to Marquardt, most of the school’s engineers, technicians and technologists, the averit,” says Ventello. “It’s all about balance. It’s about age age of that group in the industry is very high,” graduates secure employment from major exploraincreasing utilization but about exporting some of tion and production companies including Williams, says Richard Marquardt, founding dean of Lackathis in other forms, in LNG that are going to go to Chesapeake, Talisman and Cabot. He sees other wanna College’s School of Petroleum and Natural countries to generate electricity, to keep pricing expansion opportunities for the school’s graduates Gas, Susquehanna County. “There hasn’t been a up reasonably high enough so that natural gas lot of hiring since the 1980s. What we are doing is, in the service sector with huge companies such as producers can do it and make money. The bottom even if things remain the same without the growth, Halliburton and more on the downstream side of line is if they can’t drill and make money, they are the industry with companies liked UGI, PECO and we are really just replacing a very large amount of not going to drill.”

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ANNUAL NEPA COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS AWARD DINNER APRIL 16, 2016 ~all proceeds benefit~ The Northeastern Pennsylvania Council Boy Scouts of America Dinner Reception and Gathering 6:00 pm Dinner served promptly at 6:45 pm Silent Auction begins at 6:00 pm Location: Genetti Hotel & Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre Purpose: To honor two leading citizens and role models in our community, heighten awareness of the Scouting Program and raise the necessary funds to provide a quality Scouting Program for youth.

Keynote Speaker Vince Papale

Former Philadelphia Eagle and inspiration for the movie “Invincible”

Distinguished Citizen Award Honorees Dominick DeNaples Patrick J. O’Connor Family Committee Chairs Dan Santaniello

President & CEO, Fidelity Bank THIS IS A PREMIERE EVENT ~ COME JOIN US! Sponsorships Available $150 per Seat or $1,500 per Table Program Ad space is available: Full Color Page - $1,500, Full Page - $1,000, Half Page - $500, Quarter Page - $250, Business Card - $100

Angelo DeCesaris

VP Commercial Relationship Manager, PNC Bank

Proud Member Agency

For Table and Sponsor information, please inquire no later than April 10, 2015. You may contact the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America Phone: 570-207-1227 ext. 226 ~ email: rmozeleski@nepabsa.org 16 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB16] | 03/25/15

APRIL 2015

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REGIONAL BUSINESS Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

Meet Maggie Calpin Hemak By Larissa Hoffmann and Donna Simpson

With an upbeat attitude and continual drive for creativity and success, Maggie Calpin Hemak, owner of Nibbles & Bits, operates her business under the belief, “Who says a Calpin Hemak girl can’t try to have it all?” The 29-year-old animal, crafting and outdoor enthusiast purchased Nibbles & Bits in an act of “pure impulsiveness with a heavy dose of intuition” at the age of 24, with the assistance of the University of Scranton SBDC and its director, Lisa Hall; the Small Business Administration; and a bank loan from an institution that believed in a young woman with a dream. Since first turning the key to her business in August of 2009, Calpin Hemak has been faced with the numerous challenges of being a woman entrepreneur, but remains motivated by the empowerment and excitement of being a business owner. Growing up, Calpin Hemak was a dreamer and always a bit ahead of her times. She learned to be independent and take on a judgmental world with thick skin after her sister, Molly, passed away when Calpin Hemak was only eight years old. Calpin Hemak adopted a tougher mentality, though she says she will always be free-spirited and colorful. Uncertain of a career path, she knew that her creativity would aid in discovering a calling. Calpin Hemak enrolled in beauty school and worked as a cosmetologist in many well-known local spas. She says that experience — as a cosmetologist — mirrors those of a business owner, since both have a strict focus on client retention, creativity and self-promotion. Calpin Hemak, during this period of finding herself, obtained her bachelor’s degree in business from Keystone College. As a young woman it is sometimes hard for other’s to see Calpin Hemak’s potential but she says, “I am hoping with time and experience, others see past me being young and a girl, and see me as a business woman who purchased her business on her own, with her own finances.” Calpin Hemak speaks of her challenges as a woman entrepreneur, saying long hours, uncontrollable external factors and the overall toll that business ownership takes on her personal life have burned her out at times. However, no matter how hard times get,

Calpin Hemak has many plans for the future of her business. This spring she plans to knock down a wall to expand the shopping area of her store and she continues to experiment with chocolate and is introducing hard ice cream, handmade waffle cones and gooey cookies for ice cream sandwiches come May 1. she has found a career that speaks to her. She is a fighter, and her passion keeps her going. One of Calpin Hemak’s most challenging choices as a business owner was the transition of her shop from Dunmore to Scranton. But, within one week of moving, painting and furnishing, the Scranton location was up and running, as it has been for nearly four years. After a few tough, yet rewarding, decisions Calpin Hemak says, “We can become more efficient both with quality of product and quality of overall work.” Calpin Hemak has many plans in the work for the future of her business. This spring she plans to knock down a wall to expand the shopping area of her store, and is working on developing a new website to launch in the fall. Calpin Hemak continues to experiment with chocolate and is introducing hard ice cream, handmade waffle cones and gooey cookies for ice cream sandwiches come May 1. Calpin Hemak says her products are not necessities, but rather indulgences of high quality. The future is bright for Calpin Hemak, as she continues to innovate and improve her business. Her path to woman entrepreneurship all started as a creative, young girl with a dream. Although she claims she has a long way to go, her affection for her small business pushes her to fully actualize her potentials. Established in 1985, Nibbles & Bits is located at 1427 Ash Street Scranton. Visit www.nibblesbits. com. Call 570-344-1955, or visit Facebook: Nibbles & Bits Scranton. Larissa Hoffmann is a junior accounting major at The University of Scranton working as a Women’s Entrepreneurship intern. Donna Simpson is the consultant manager with the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

Front Page Advertising with

NEWS NOTES™

Business Journal NORTHEAST

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AUGUST 2014 VOL. 29 NO. 9

Mall at Steamtown now owned by mortgage lender By Phil Yacuboski

The Mall at Steamtown is now owned by its mortgage lender. In mid-July, the mall went up for sheriff’s sale and the only person to bid was Scranton businessman, Bob Bolus who planned to turn the mall into a casino. His bid was rejected because it was contingent upon him obtaining a casino license. The mall’s mortgage holder took possession of the property for taxes and costs when no

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

potential bidders bit at the minimum asking price of $37.3 million. Steamtown Mall Partners did not bid. Department store owner Al Boscov is the principal of the Steamtown Mall Partners, along with his nephew Jim and Atty. Scott Esterbrook. They did not enter a bid at the sheriff’s sale, but Boscov said he will now renew negotiations with LNR Partners, the real estate company that represents the unidentified

Place Your Advertising Message Here! Please see Mall on page 10

ol scho ! k to e t bac ed my lif n e w g I chan and it

hran

ALSO INSIDE: Annual Adult Education Guide

Inspiring stories of real-life adult learners demonstrate education’s power to transform lives ................... ..................................................... 29

Back-to-School and Holiday Retail Forecast In a word: Guarded

RESERVE

NOW!

....................................................... 9

State Budget Deal Still no pension

reform. Governor says lawmakers ‘failed’ the people of Pennsylvania ... ..................................................... 12

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

2004 in

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

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

A varied line-up of area businesses, while flying under the public’s radar, are tapping the wells of profitability in the Marcellus Shale. Microbac Laboratories, which can trace its origins to the late 1960s in the Pittsburgh area, is an American-owned testing service that is obtaining business with the Marcellus gas industry. The company’s duties include

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

Cabot Oil & Gas and Chesapeake Energy. Cherie Gudz, Microbac’s senior vice president, notes that the extensive water testing in the Marcellus region is building long-term data trends about water conditions. New well pre-drilling sweeps of groundwater are now common to detect pre-existing contamination. Please see Gas vendors page 17

East Mountain Makeover The

renovation and re-branding of the East Mountain Inn ............................. ......................................................59

Appeals Court Rules on Act 13

Place Your Advertising Message Here!

Rights of local municipalities are affirmed..........................................45

FIND US ONLINE AT BIZ570.COM

For Advertising Information Contact:

Judy Gregg 570-207-9001 ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

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APRIL 2015

Attention Pennsylvania Employers April 15, 2015 is the deadline for filing annual unclaimed property reports in Pennsylvania.

New For 2015:

Dormancy peri od reduced from 5 to 3 years; increased ffiines & penaltie s for noncompliance .

APRIL

EXXAMPLES OF

UNCLLAIMED PROPERTY: • Uncashed checks (including payroll) • Insurance proceeds • Savings and checking accounts • Expired gift cards

To learn more about Pennsylvania’s unclaimed properrty law, dormancy period and information on how to file your annual report rt:

visit: www.patreasury.gov/holder/ call: 1-800-379-3999 email: report@patreasury.gov

P E N N S Y L VA N I A

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

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EDUCATION

Eduventures identifies key objections to the new Department of Education regulations for teacher preparation programs Eduventures, a research and advisory firm focused exclusively on analyzing the forces transforming higher education, has analyzed data based on comments from educators and accreditation boards on the new U.S. Department of Education (DOE) regulations for teacher preparation programs under Title II of the Higher Education Act. These proposed federal regulations would require states to rate teacher preparation programs at one of four levels — exceptional, effective, at-risk or low-performing based on a series of indicators such as student learning, employment and survey outcomes. Eduventures has analyzed comments from thousands of education leaders and organizations and uncovered five over-arching themes evident in this research: 1. Federal overreach: These new rules may constitute an expansion of federal authority with governance that has typically

COUNT

MAKEIT MAKEIT

been delegated to states and institutions. 2. Over-emphasis and reliance on student outcomes: Placing the highest emphasis on student outcomes may be flawed. Multiple measures should be used to determine the impact on k-12 learning. 3. Burden on providers and states: The regulations require providers to report to states on multiple indicators by 2017. Collecting the data to meet these requirements places a high burden of time, capacity and cost on providers. 4. Impact on high-need schools and disciplines: Since student outcomes is the most heavily weighted indicator of success, programs will drive teachers into schools that can guarantee higher test scores. This works against the regulations goal to drive teacher candidates into high-need fields and low-income schools. 5. Purpose of the proposed federal regulations:

Tobyhanna Army Depot encourages computer science majors

100 programs

Depot is looking to hire students and graduates who major in computer science and similar studies.

2-year degree for under $8,000 2 years here + 2 years any other college = huge savings More than 28,000 alumni

I’m Ready...to learn a new career!

1.800.377.5222, ext. 7337 LUZERNE.edu 20 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B20] | 03/25/15

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The overall negative tone of the proposed regulations suggests that providers who are not concerned with meeting certain criteria will be denied access to federal funding. According to Max Woolf, senior research analyst at Eduventures, “After analyzing comments from many stakeholders who will be impacted by Title II of the Higher Education Act, it is clear that the proposed federal regulations may be too stringent, while the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Prep (CAEP) standards board recommendations may not be stringent enough. Ultimately, the most impactful approach to regulating teacher preparation likely lies somewhere in between.” Visit www.eduventures.com.

APRIL 2015

In a move to address employment requirements for a new workload heading to the depot, Tobyhanna leadership met March 11 with representatives from 11 local colleges and universities to discuss recruitment and curriculum development opportunities. The work centers on information assurance and technology to keep military weapons systems secure from cyber intrusion. “This emerging new software workload requires 21st century skills,” said Col. Gerhard P.R. Schröter, depot commander. “It’s a terrific example of career opportunities for Americans who choose to serve our nation in the Department of Defense at Tobyhanna Army Depot.“ The depot is looking to hire students and graduates who major in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, computer systems technology and similar studies. The meeting gave educators a better idea of curriculum changes that would support the new workload.

During a meeting with representatives from 11 local colleges and business organizations at Tobyhanna Army Depot, Frank Mayer, chief of Cybersecurity at U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command Software Engineering Center, discusses the importance employing capable people ‘who can think on their feet.’ “This is a very exciting and significant new workload for the depot,” said Frank Zardecki, depot deputy commander. “It’s one that would add opportunities for our partner colleges and universities in northeast Pennsylvania. Similar to what we did for electronics students and graduates in the past.”

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON...

Shred-All Company LLC Shred-All Company LLC P.O. Box 456, Moscow 18444 570-842-8980 shredallcompany@verizon.net Chamber member since 2014

aren and Mike Brown take pride in owning a family business. Shred-All Company LLC was created by Karen’s mother, Deborah Loessy in 2005, and Karen recently acquired it. Shred-All Company LLC focuses on document management, security, and has the capability to destroy electronic data sources such as hard drives and floppy disks. Since acquiring the business, Karen and Mike have been able to continue to build and maintain strong relationships with their customers while continuing to grow the business. We were able to speak with Karen and Mike more about their business. Scranton Chamber: What sets your business apart from others in the field? Karen Brown & Mike Brown: We go above and beyond to create a personal connection with our customers. Our customers know our employees and we love that they can put a face with our business. Through these relationships, we are able to better accommodate our customers’ needs and often provide security and peace of mind as they can watch their secure documents be shredded on-site. Also, our staff members appreciate one another and truly enjoy working together. SC: What does sustainability mean to you? KB & MB: We believe in performing a sustainable process for us and the environment. We are privileged to be part of the larger process of recycling. Even though we are only a small piece of the pie, it is a great feeling to know our services help keep paper out of landfills. Recycling also creates an economic domino effect — it keeps more people active in trying to advocate for a great cause while

Mike and Karen Brown, owners of their family business, Shred All Company LLC. they are also helping their own businesses grow. SC: How has your business been able to give back to the community? KB & MB: We have stayed in Scranton because the community lends itself to be supportive of local businesses. There is a “we are all in this together” mentality, and businesses in this community work together and succeed together. Shred-All would not have seen the success it has if we were not located in northeastern Pennsylvania. The business owners here take pride in the services they provide and understand how important it is to give back to those who have invested in your business. We are

able to give back through our “Community Shredding Days.” These days allow customers to come to us with their documents and we shred them at a discounted price. We are proud that our services can help others. SC: Where do you see your business 5-10 years from now? KB & MB: As new customers come to us and technology continues to improve, we see ourselves becoming more efficient and plan to expand. We would also like to control more of the recycling process. We would also like to promote the fact that we have machines capable of destroying digital

data, because we know the economy continues to shift in a digital direction. Finally, we would like to expand our customer base throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. SC: How has the Chamber helped your business? KB & KB: We have been able to attend several of The Chamber’s networking opportunities. At those events, we’ve been able to build business contacts and help spread the word about our business. Events and programs The Chamber offers will only help our business grow and build our customer base.

HOW TO GET IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Each month, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Community Bank and the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal present the Small Business Spotlight award to a Chamber member who is making its mark in our community. To nominate a small business for this award, visit www.scrantonchamber.com or call 570-342-7711.

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EXECUTIVE SPOTLIGHT

REGIONAL BUSINESS

‘The Harvard of home study’

Penn Foster, a top Scranton employer, celebrates 125th anniversary

Penn Foster today.

In the 1950s, Penn Foster built the facility in North Scranton that houses it today

Leadership:

Few things are more important to business success. Great leaders show us the way and keep us on track. The absence of leadership is equally dramatic in its effects. Without leadership, organizations move too slowly, stagnate, and lose their way. We all recognize the importance of leadership when we say a good leader can make a success of a weak business plan, but that a poor leader can ruin even the best. Our Spotlight will recognize great leaders right here in Northeast Pennsylvania! We’ll offer insightful interviews with the business professionals who have made Northestern Pennsylania a better place to live and do business.

Publication Date: May 2015 Advertising Deadline: April 15 For advertising information contact Judy Gregg 570-207-9001 extension 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News & Information

A Times-Shamrock Publication

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

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APRIL 2015

2014 was a record-breaking year for Penn Foster — more than 20,000 students received high school diplomas from the school. By Phil Yacuboski

Penn Foster, one of Scranton’s top employers and an education leader in northeastern Pennsylvania is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The school was founded in 1890 by Thomas J. Foster, a newspaper editor who had a vision of educating coal miners in order to advance their careers and increase worker safety. Penn Foster was originally known as the Colliery School of Mines, but changed its name to International Correspondence Schools or ICS. “I think one of the reasons we have survived for such a long time is that we are always introducing new programs,” said Dara Warn, chief marketing officer for Penn Foster. “We have programs that are popular now that weren’t even around or relevant 15 or 50 years ago.” Warn said Penn Foster must keep up-to-date with where the jobs are in order to ensure the school’s continued success. “By nature, we have to evolve,” said Warn, “because the careers we are training our students for have evolved.” Throughout its history, Penn Foster has earned both regional and national accreditations, including recognition of its high school program, which is accredited by Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In 2014, more than 20,000 students graduated with high school diplomas from the school. That number is a 54 percent increase from 2013. Some of those students will continue at

Frank Britt, CEO of Penn Foster. Penn Foster — many earn their high school diplomas before entering other Penn Foster job-training programs. Penn Foster’s high school division is the biggest growth area for the company, which also offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs. “What’s keeping us around is our commitment to consistent training for career-ready adults — giving them the information they need to take the next step,” she said. “Education follows the economy in many ways,” she said. “When the economy is down, people tend to go back to school to get better skills. We’ve seen our demand be relatively consistent because are a low-price provider.” Penn Foster offers classes at $79 per credit. Warn said programs that are currently popular are careers in the medical field. “Given the explosive growth of the pharmacy field, pharmacy tech is growing.” Another growth area is the vet tech field, which is popular because changes in the field have required workers to be certified. “I think the changes we’ve seen are led by economic shifts and certification shifts in the industries we serve,” she said. “A lot of the programs are highly regulated so proper education in them becomes more important.” Please see PENN FOSTER on page 49

REGIONAL BUSINESS

Business Plan Competition introduces crowd-sourcing at 13th annual event April 30 By Donna J. Simpson

Later this month, three new technologybased businesses will be given an extra boost as winners of the TecBridge Business Plan Competition. In its 13th year, the competition has helped create businesses and grow the local economy by generating jobs and keeping some of the best and brightest college graduates in the region. Designed to stimulate innovative thinking and to leverage a technology-driven economy, the organizers will award over $100,000 in cash and in-kind services to the winners. Shawn Mera of New Horizons Learning Computer Centers and Lynn Banta of Twin Stacks Center are co-chairs of this year’s event. Teams from the region’s colleges and universities will compete in one division. Aspiring or early-stage firms with less than $250,000 in gross revenues will compete in a second, non-collegiate division. Judges from the region will pick winners in each division. Award dinner attendees will be able to vote on the Wild Card Winner of their choice via crowdsourcing, a

Area volunteers gathered to begin planning for the 13th annual Business Plan Competition (BPC). The awards dinner will be held on Thursday, April 30 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Seen first row, from left: Mike Detter, PINNACLE Commercial Realty Group; Helen Barosky, Prudential; Lynn Banta, Outsourcing USA and BPC co-chair; Tiffany Cross-Luciani, tecBridge; Shawn Mera, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers and BPC co-chair. Second row: Bob Courtright, Courtright & Associates Inc.; Alex Brunelle, Nearbid.com (first BPC winner); John Riccetti, Baker Tilly; Donna Simpson, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center; and Tim Maloney, Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

MORE THAN A MASTER’S

DEGREE

business flourishes in a number of different industries, including the industry of optimizing building heating systems to pattern recognition software that analyzes the stock market. Shawn Mera, 2015 BPC event co-chair said, “At one point many wish they would invent and create that unique product, run a cool business and harness the energy of a dream for others to enjoy. What better way than to enter the Business Plan Competition and see first-hand what Tickets are now available for the 13th annual it’s like. The competition provides exposure to Business Plan Competition awards dinner, to the assistance and connections, as well as great be held on Thursday, April 30 at Mohegan Sun mentorship you that provide the things you can’t Poconos. Visit www.nepbpc.com/ put a price on. Finally, the prizes help get busicomponent that is new to the event. In addition, ness started and on the way to success.” 2014 collegiate winner, Jonathan Weber, of sponsors will be able to support aspiring entreTickChek, uses a sophisticated online ordering preneurs from our area high schools to attend the and fulfillment system to allow customers to event and see the potential of NEPA first-hand. order high-tech tick testing services from home. Winners of the very first competition, brothCustomers are instantly notified of their ers Ted and Alex Brunelle, consider themselves results by email or text message when their tick serial entrepreneurs. Although their original busiis tested for common tick borne diseases such as ness, The Perfect Lawyer.com is no longer operating, the licensed technology from their original Please see BPC on page 49

The University of Scranton, a Catholic, Jesuit institution, is a nationally recognized university known for outstanding academics, state-of-the-art facilities, and an exceptional sense of community. The University offers 26 graduate programs accredited by 10 professional associations.

Graduate programs include: • Business Administration • Chemistry • Counseling • Education

• Health Administration • Nursing • Software Engineering • Theology

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE Spring 2015

Building Bones

Research at TCMC may yield a way to boost the fragile, thinning bones of the aging. See page 28

Seen standing from left are John Arnott, Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC); and Carmine Cerra, M.D., associate professor of pathology, TCMC. Seated is Youngjin Cho, Ph.D., assistant professor of cell biology, TCMC.

Tom Bonomo photo

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

Is the annual physical exam ‘worthless’? By Dave Gardner

On Jan. 8, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist, a vice provost at the University of Pennsylvania and one of the chief architects of the Affordable Care Act, wrote a controversial op-ed in the New York Times, which began, “We all make resolutions and promises to live healthier and better lives, to make the world a better place. Not having my annual physical is one small way I can help reduce healthcare costs — and save myself time, worry and a worthless exam.” So is this annual ritual “worthless?” The response form health-care professionals in NEPA is a resounding, “No!” Dr. Emanuel notes that approximately 45 million Americans are likely to have a routine physical each year. He then opines that, from a health perspective, these annual physical exams are basically worthless. He cites studies of annual health exams during the years 1963 to 1999 which indicate annual physicals did not reduce overall mortality rates. The exams also did not decrease death from cancer or heart disease. In addition, Dr. Emanuel wrote that the exams are not cost-effective, consuming billions of precious health-care dollars with little to show for them. These losses are amplified by the fact that annual exams motivate providers to order additional screenings and follow-up tests, which often return normal results. Silent killers Darci Brown PA-C, works as a physician assistant at a regional urgent care center’s private practice. She also serves as program director of clinical education for the physician assistant program at Misericordia University. Brown vehemently opposes Dr. Emmanuel’s commentary and insists that annual exams detect potentially devastating problems before severe damage occurs. The often-silent killers hypertension, diabetes and cancer are among the problems that may be red flagged by clinicians during an exam. “Prevention and screening are often the result of talk between patient and care-giver,” says Brown. “This really is a form of cooperative patient compliance. Skipping an annual exam is risky, even though physicians who may note minor concerns during an exam will often order tests from a defensive standpoint.” Brown proposes that instead of skipping an

United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendations for Physical Examination Procedures for Average Risk Asymptomatic Adults: Procedure

To detect…

Grade

Comments

Blood Pressure (BP)

Hypertension

For adults age 18 or older. There is no evidence on which to base a recommendation for optimal interval. The Joint National Committee on Prevention Diagnosis and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends every two years in persons with initial blood pressure less than 120/80 and every year in persons with blood pressure 120-139 or diastolic 8089. Veterans Administration guideline recommends annually.

Weight (Body Mass Index)

Obesity*

Frequency not specified; Veterans Administration guideline recommends annually.

PAP smear

Cervical cancer*

For women with a cervix, every three years beginning within three years of onset of sexual activity or age 21 whichever comes first.

PAP smear

Cervical Cancer*

For women without a cervix or women over age 65 if they have had adequate screening in the past and are not at high risk of cervical cancer.

Pelvic examination

Ovarian cancer*

Testicular examination

Testicular cancer

Abdominal palpation

Pancreatic cancer

Thyroid examination

Thyroid Cancer*

Oral cancer*

Either for average or high risk (ie > age 50 who use tobacco) adults

Whole body skin examination Skin Cancer

Applies to general adult population. Does not apply to patients with a history of malignant or pre-malignant lesions or with familial syndromes associated with high risk.

Breast examination

Breast Cancer

Insufficient evidence to recommend as an additional test for women who receive recommended mammography; see text page 4

Eye examination

Impaired visual acuity

For adults age 65 or older. Tests included Snellen eye chart, Amsler grid and/or fundoscopy to detect age-related macular degeneration or cataracts. Insufficient evidence that vision screening improves functional outcomes.

Glaucoma*

Tests included Visual field exam, intraocular pressure and fundsocopic exam

Hearing Examination

Hearing Loss*

For adults age 50 or older.

Carotid artery auscultation

Carotid artery stenosis

Grade D for Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography

Peripheral pulse palpation

Peripheral vascular disease

Grade D for screening w/ Doppler blood pressures which have “better accuracy than palpation of peripheral pulses”

Lung auscultation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Grade D for screening spirometry; “good evidence that clinical examination is not an accurate predictor of airflow limitation”; JAMA Rational Clinical Exam (Simel 2009) states that no single component of the PE can rule in or rule out airflow obstruction and none could accurately assess severity of airflow obstruction

Abdominal palpation

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Grade B for one time screening by ultrasound in men age 65-75 who have ever smoked. Screening by ultrasound is superior to abdominal palpation which has poor accuracy.

RECOMMENDED

Recommend AGAINST

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE Mouth examination

Not Rated

annual exam completely, perhaps a more targeted approach would be beneficial. In this case, young healthy adults would only have an exam every five years but, as they age, the physicals would increase proportionally. “The time between a patient’s exams should also depend on risk factors and individual situations,” says Brown.

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Source of table: National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Patient compliance is a critical issue physicians face. Lifestyle changes are hard to accomplish, so an annual meeting with a physician can help to build a relationship that fosters honesty and calls attention to the need to modify habits and to keep patients on track with those changes. “Awareness can play a key role in the prevention

of illness,” says Brown. Proposing heresy Barbara Higgins, Ph.D., FAANP, chair of the nursing program at Marywood University is so Please see ANNUAL on page 29

HEALTHCARE UPDATE

Local physicians offering musculoskeletal symposium at The Commonwealth Medical College May 15 and 16 Local and national physician surveys of primary care practitioners have identified a knowledge gap in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes. Lucian Bednarz, M.D. and Sheryl Oleski, D.O., directors of the Musculoskeletal Symposium, are providing physicians and other health-care providers with a day-and-a-half symposium on these topics of interest including the use of diagnostic imaging, administration of medications and recommendations of particular treatment for musculoskeletal disorders and other medical conditions. This two-day event is the first musculoskeletal conference in the area offering 10 continuing medical education credits (Approved for 10 credits AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1TM). The program will also provide an opportunity for registered nurses, specifically nurse practitioners and case managers, as well as physician assistants to gain valuable medical information as well as continuing education credits. Credits for nurses (including four pharmacotherapeutic credits) and physical therapists (including four direct access credits) are pending. The agenda includes the following topics: Low Back Pain Overview; Diagnostic Testing of the Spine — Clinical Interpretation; Fibromyalgia Syndrome; Chronic Pain — Opioid Use for Non-Malignant Pain; Acute Pain Concepts; Spinal Pain Management — Spinal Injections: Basic and Advanced; Musculoskeletal ultrasound —A New Diagnostic Tool; Concussions — Recognition and Management; and Headache Post Trauma — Evaluation and Treatment. Lucian Bednarz, M.D., partner physician at Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates, certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation said, “This conference will provide health-care professions with a broad range of topics focusing on acute and chronic pain.” Dr. Bednarz wanted to provide a quality educational program locally, offering continuing medical education (CME) credits for physicians. Sheryl Oleski, D.O., partner physician at Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates and also certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation agrees that it can be difficult to find quality conferences locally that offer up to 10 live CMEs approved by the American Osteopathic

Bednarz

The Musculoskeletal Symposium is the first musculoskeletal conference in the area offering 10 continuing medical education credits. Guy Cali photo

Oleski

The physicians of Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of painful conditions of the spine, muscles and joints; acute and chronic sports injuries; disabling injuries of the brain and spinal cord; peripheral nerve injuries; and complicated musculoskeletal problems. For more information or to register for the Musculoskeletal Symposium, visit www.nerehab. com/cme or contact Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates directly at 570-344-3788 ext 320 or amloiseau@nerehab.com.

Association (AOA) and the American Medical Asso- care professionals such as physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, and chiropractors. ciation (AMA). So, when Dr. Bednarz approached Dr. Oleski about the idea of a two-day symposium on musculoskeletal disorders she agreed it was a great idea. Dr. Oleski has been instrumental in obtaining continuing education credits for physicians of osteopathic medicine through the American Osteopathic College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AOCPMR). Dr. Bednarz specializes in the treatment of acute The Commonwealth Medical College and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. In addition 525 Pine Street, Scranton, PA, 18509 to his outpatient practice, Dr. Bednarz is the director of the Orthopedic and Amputee Rehabilitation Unit 10 AOA 10 AOA C Ca Cate ateg gory ory 1 1-A -A at Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Oleski also specializes in the treatment of acute AM MA PRA Category 1 Credits edits and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and completed CNE & PT Credits Pendiing ing a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine. She has been with Northeastern Rehabilitation since 2007 in the outpatient setting providing evaluawww.nerehab.com/cme tion, treatment and interventional pain procedures. Lisa Monahan-Gatto, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Oleski and Dr. Bednarz are clinical assistant Ann Marie Loiseau, RN, BSN, MS, CCM professors of surgery for the Commonwealth Phone: 570.344.3788 ext. 322 Medical College. Additional speakers at the event Email: tjohnson@nerehab.com include Scott Naftulin, D.O., Paul Horchos, D.O., and Kelly Williams, D.O. An Up to Date Review of Pain and Spine Disorders for Primary Care Providers, The Musculoskeletal Symposium will take Neuromuscular Specialists, and Allied Health Professionals place at TCMC, 525 Pine Street, Scranton on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 with a target audience of primary care physicians, orthopedists, rheumatologists, neurologists, physiatrists, pain management, and allied health

M u s c u l o s ke l e t a l S y m p o s i u m Friday & Saturday, May 15 & 16, 2015

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

TCMC research may yield bone-renewal treatments for osteoporosis By Dave Gardner

A veteran research team at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) is researching one of the most common medical problems plaguing older citizens throughout NEPA. The team is tackling osteoporosis, a progressive condition characterized by a decrease in bone mass and bone density that creates an increased risk for fracture. Osteoporosis most commonly occurs in women. (Although there is renewed attention on men, see nearby box.) Medical science attributes the disease’s onset to predictable decreases in estrogen production that take place after menopause. Another form of the disease, known as secondary osteoporosis, can begin to afflict people of both sexes at any age. Usually, this form of osteoporosis is caused by chronic medical problems, disease or the use of medications such as steroids. Osteoporosis is a huge and costly medical problem. At least 10 million Americans currently are suffering from the disease, and estimates indicate more than 30 million more have reduced bone mass known as osteopenia. Lifestyle changes, including proper diet and exercise, can help to limit the effects of osteoporosis. However, the TCMC research team is attempting the fight the disease by stimulating the genetic molecular mechanisms that control bone formation. The TCMC team includes John Arnott, Ph.D., and Youngjin Cho, Ph.D. Both are assistant professors of cell biology. They say their research is made possible by TCMC’s commitment to helping the people of NEPA, including the elderly.

Bone-health experts are making a new push to reduce rates of osteoporosis, with a particular focus

on controlling the bone-wasting disease in men. An important goal is to get greater numbers of men to be tested for osteoporosis when they come to a hospital or clinic with a fracture to the wrist, vertebrae or other bones that wasn’t from a major accident or trauma. Doctors call this a “fragility fracture” — one that results from a decrease in bone density. A recent study of about 440 people over 50 years old found women were about three times as likely as men (53% versus 18%) to be tested using a bone-density scan after suffering a distal-radial fracture, or broken wrist, a common warning sign of early osteoporosis. The National Bone Health Alliance, a publicprivate partnership managed by the nonprofit National Osteoporosis Foundation, is nearing completion of a year-long pilot project at three hospitals to test programs called fracture-liaison services that make bone-density tests routine for all patients over 50 with fragility fractures. Such tests currently are recommended in the treatment guidelines of various medical groups. . . . but experts say the majority of patients in the U.S., especially men, don’t get tested for osteoporosis after suffering a fragility fracture. Osteoporosis is commonly thought of as a women’s disease, but as many as one in four men in the U.S. over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of the condition, more than will have prostate cancer, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Many men “think they can’t get osteoporosis. A man will say, ‘Oh, it was a really bad fall’,” says Richard Dell, head of Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s fracture-liaison service until he retired last year. Care managers at Kaiser order a bone-density scan for everyone over 50 whose fracture results from a simple fall. Since the service was launched in 1997, the rate of hip fractures at Kaiser is down 40%, says Dr. Dell, an improvement he attributes in large part to the fracture-liaison service. Dr. Dell currently advises the National Osteoporosis Foundation on its effort to get more hospitals to adopt the services. Many experts believe fracture-liaison services will be more widely adopted once Medicare, the big government insurer, pegs more of its payments to patients’ overall health outcomes. “When they put in more pay-for-performance programs, that’s when it will really get attention,” says Douglas Dirschl, chairman of orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation at University of Chicago Medicine, which isn’t participating in the pilot project. Fracture-liaison services represent “the best chance we have” for getting men and women evaluated and treated for osteoporosis, he says. Source: Wall Street Journal, Men Are New Target for Osteoporosis Treatment, March 23

sis to some degree. During the five to seven years that pass after the onset of menopause, a woman can typically lose up to 20 percent or more of her bone density. Drugs such as Boniva can help to stop osteoporosis-affected bone mass from decreasing. However, these pharmaceuticals will not re-grow new bone and so are not considered a comprehenMass-ive problem sive solution. The goal of the TCMC research team is to create a bone-renewal drug or technique that According to the National Osteoporosis would stop the loss of bone mass and also fill in Foundation, bones continue to increase in the existing spaces and voids from osteoporosis density until a person reaches an age between with new bone tissue. 18 to 25 years. An active lifestyle at a young “The amount of bone-mass loss from osteoage is important, since the density of the bone achieved during this peak growth time has a di- porosis depends on the individual,” explains Dr. rect correlation to the possibility of a break later Arnott. “Patients with osteoporosis can possibly lose 50 percent of their bone mass. Steroids and in life, particularly if osteoporosis strikes. Big dollar amounts are associated with osteocurrent drugs available are not the answer.” porosis. The fractures that occur after bones lose Calcium intake, another advertised remedy for mass and strength, particularly in older women, osteoporosis, is vital. Calcium taken orally can help cost the American health-care system $19 billion to provide the bones with crucial nutrients, but annually, and may balloon to $25 billion during the various forms of calcium offer different absorption next few years. characteristics, with better calcium found in kale The vast majority of older women in NEPA, and other leafy vegetables. “We must also address from all races and national origins, have osteoporo- the activity inside bones, because food is only a

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The bone on the left is a normal bone, while on the right is seen the characteristic ‘open spaces’ of osteoporosis. The goal of the TCMC research team is to create a bone-renewal drug or technique that would stop the loss of bone mass and also fill in the existing spaces and voids from osteoporosis with new bone tissue. Source of photo: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, www.niams.nih.gov

issues being considered in the study are complex, and the team emphasizes the great care required with any gene manipulation because DNA research of the possibility of side effects. Those things Since the TCMC research project was kickedbeing said, however, Dr. Arnott says, “We still off one year ago, the team has looked at the are quite sure that taking cells from a patient’s genetic material and cellular compounds that body, modifying them, and then returning them instruct bones to grow new tissue. One segment to the patient’s body to build new bone is a of the research is probing how to use adult stem graspable milestone.” cells to grow and enhance bone material. The team believes it’s close to “turning on” target No roadblocks cells that can create new bone. The team has In a surprising statement, the team says identified a specific gene — the trigger for new their project has, so far, presented no unexpectgrowth —responsible for this process . ed challenges. The basic biological principles Collaboration with the Pocono Medical they believed in are turning out to be true. System is providing TCMC with bone sections Yet, in an era of fiscal austerity, funding is a from osteo patients who have had replacement consistent problem. The team is asking for $1.7 surgery or with samples after an autopsy. The million over five years to sustain their research, tissue from these anonymous patients has and a practical return could be transferable for played a crucial role in the project. the treatment of bone injury situations. “We can Despite the promise of their research, the envision using a protein to create a gel or putty TCMC team emphasizes that moderate exercise, through tissue engineering,” says Dr. Cho. “We particularly with a resistance technique such would put the material into an injury location weight lifting, has been proven to increase bone where it would reprogram the patient’s cells to mass and therefore should be part of most osgrow back and actually heal a broken bone.” teoporosis patients’ regimes. The overall drug building block,” says Dr. Cho. “Bone construction activity is separate from the oral intake of calcium.”

HEALTHCARE UPDATE ANNUAL EXAMS — continued from page 26

troubled by Dr. Emmanuel’s proposal that she wonders if he wanted to be taken seriously. “He is promoting heresy, or he has another agenda,” says Dr. Higgins. She notes that Dr. Emmanuel is an oncologist, so suspects disease — not wellness — is his medical model. According to Dr. Higgins, annual exams encourage conversation, trust and an ability to discuss subtle or difficult problems with a physician. Wellness and health are a key part of this model as the patient establishes a relationship with their provider. “These are the reasons I don’t think Dr. Emmanuel honestly believes what he is proposing,” says Dr. Higgins. “If we look at the research he cites, we find that there is no way to measure what doesn’t happen if an exam is skipped.” Widespread illness in NEPA from lifestyle issues and behavior is another matter. According to Dr. Higgins, physicians who “keep after” patients to comply with behavioral changes utilize annual physicals as opportunities to gauge their compliance and promote wellness. These exams offer teachable moments where the provider can talk about specific behaviors that are creating risks to the patient’s health. In addition, because the human body changes over time, an exam can include advocacy about the need for the patient to pay increased attention to his or her changing health and wellness. “An exam creates an opportunity to ask about certain functional aspects of a patient’s daily life, and then uncover chronic conditions the patient lives with, even if they are initially not talking,” says Dr. Higgins. Benefits derived Low-income patients who may deal with a community health program benefit from annual

exams, according to Meredith McCracken, MPH, director of community health with the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC). She explains that UNC recognized a need to provide increased access to annuals for these low-income populations because these are people regularly hampered by transportation issues, non-comprehensive or non-existent health insurance, illiteracy, and an inability to complete complex forms. “Many people in this population have never seen a physician, and also have no resources to obtain recommended pharmaceuticals, get follow-up care and follow instructions for lifestyle compliance” says McCracken. She also cites shocking data indicating chronic illness is the norm in American society — 51 percent of the public deals with at least one chronic problem, and 26 percent suffer from more than one. This is happening despite the fact that it’s easier and cheaper to prevent illness diagnosed early during an annual physical exam. “Numbers of ‘super utilizers,’ those who consume the vast majority of health-care dollars, have grown. These patients are particularly expensive to deal with,” says McCracken. “It’s unfortunate, because early detection and management of a problem can be achieved through an annual exam.” Tina George, M.D., maintains a family practice in Avoca associated with the Commonwealth Health System. She agrees with Dr. Emmanuel that annual exams do not necessarily decrease mortality or morbidity rates, but Dr. George still

Data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) demonstrates the high cost of caring for ‘super-utilizers,’ the majority of whom receive Medicare or Medicaid or a combination of the two. Annual exams can head off the escalation of multiple chronic problems that create super utilizers. Source of charts: PHC4.org approves of them because they provide regular contact with her patients. Insurance companies are also increasingly promoting prevention while paying for the routine screenings associated with annual exams. For this preventive medical model to work, the patient must see their caregiver regularly. “Diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol are the big issues

we deal with, but during an exam I will also mention social issues, and if needed, direct the patient to appropriate agencies,” says Dr. George. “This is especially true with anxiety and depression, because many people will only discuss these problems with a provider whom they’ve grow to they trust and who has spent some time with them.”

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

Excellence

The best prostate cancer treatment:

in Medical

UVA research offers answers to debate over use of radiation after prostate removal

EDUCATION

The research ‘contradicts the clinical principle of delaying radiation as long as possible for the sake of the patient’s side effects. It really speaks against that, and that ought not to be used for a reason to delay radiation.’

— Timothy N. Showalter, M.D., University of Virginia Cancer Center

TCMC believes in the compassion, achievement, and commitment of our faculty, including over 1,000 volunteer clinical faculty members, who have dedicated themselves to educating the healers of tomorrow. To learn more or if you would like to become a volunteer clinical faculty member at TCMC, visit www.tcmc.edu/vcf

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

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Important news for men receiving treatment for prostate cancer: Two new studies from the University of Virginia School of Medicine have upended the widely held view that it’s best to delay radiation treatment as long as possible after the removal of the prostate in order to prevent unwanted side effects. “The common teaching has been, without clear evidence, that urinary incontinence and erectile function are worse when radiation is delivered earlier rather than later, but we didn’t see any protective effect of delayed radiation compared to earlier radiation,” said radiation oncologist Timothy N. Showalter, M.D., of the UVA Cancer Center. “It contradicts the clinical principle of delaying radiation as long as possible for the sake of the patient’s side effects. It really speaks against that, and that ought not to be used for a reason to delay radiation.” Locally, radiation oncologist, Harmar Brereton, M.D. agrees with the study’s findings. “Yes, the UVA researchers are correct,” he said. “If a patient has a measurable PSA and positive margins following surgery, we must treat him with radiation. The sooner the better. The side effects are modest, at best, and far better than the risk of a serious recurrence. In these cases, the only chance for a cure is to add radiation.” Preventing Cancer’s Spread The findings inject hard facts into a debate that has long divided the medical community, with many radiation oncologists preferring adjuvant therapy — radiation given soon after prostate removal to kill off any remaining cancer cells — and many urologists preferring salvage therapy — radiation given later, when prostate-specific antigen tests suggest it’s needed. “Urologists tend to prefer to forgo adjuvant radiation therapy, because they fear the side effects, and radiation oncologists tend to prefer offering adjuvant radiation therapy because they fear the

risk of metastasis,” Showalter said. Showalter conducted his two studies to address the lack of facts, in hopes of providing doctors with the information they need to determine the best course of treatment. “There’s this commonly held belief that the longer you delay radiation therapy, the more opportunity a patient has for recovery from prostatectomy, and therefore the better long-term function in terms of urinary and bowel function — the longer you delay it, the better they’ll function,” he said. “A lot of clinicians believe that if you wait six months, 12 months, 18 months, that each additional step gets you some benefit in terms of toxicity. That didn’t make sense to me from a medical perspective, because I can’t think of any other surgery where we think recovery requires a year or more. We often, for other cancers, deliver post-operative radiation very soon.” Radiation Side Effects The findings, based on a review of approximately 16,000 patients’ outcomes, shed light on the side effects of radiation treatment after prostate removal. “What we found is that the addition of radiation therapy after prostatectomy does lead to a noticeable increase in GI (gastrointestinal) and GU (genitourinary) side effects. However, delaying radiation therapy offers no protective benefit and in fact may increase the risk of GI complications,” Showalter said. The research also found adjuvant therapy did not increase rates of erectile dysfunction. Guidance for Patients The takeaway for men receiving prostate cancer treatment, Showalter said, is that they should discuss the best strategy with their physicians. “Once there’s a real, compelling reason to deliver radiation, there doesn’t seem to be a benefit to delaying their radiation in terms of avoiding complications. And we know from other studies, the earlier radiation is delivered, the more effective it is for these patients. The more likely it is to cure them,” he said.

HEALTHCARE UPDATE Gov. Wolf’s Medicaid expansion approved by health providers, eyed skeptically by budget hawks By Dave Gardner

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is transitioning the state’s Medicaid system from Gov. Corbett’s “Healthy PA” to what many call a “simpler” format with “streamlined processes and increased access.” The move has some budget-watchers concerned about long-term costs. The changes end Healthy PA — which required modest co-pays and other devices meant to make Medicaid users more cost-conscious — and places all adult recipients into a more traditional Medicaid system. Lawful residents of the state who previ-

ously qualified for Medicaid will continue inclusion in the program. In addition, an increased number of state citizens, ages of 19 to 64, with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (about $33,000 for a family of four) may now be eligible for Medicaid coverage. The revised Medicaid system will offer coverage for primary care and preventive care, prescriptions and behavioral health services. Washington will cover 100 percent of the costs incurred by the commonwealth’s expansion through 2016, but the federal share of the costs

With Pennsylvania deciding to implement the Medicaid expansion in 2015, nearly three-quarters (72%) of nonelderly people in the state who were uninsured prior to the ACA coverage expansions will become eligible for financial assistance for coverage available through either Medicaid or the Marketplace. Given the income distribution of the uninsured in the state, the main pathway for coverage will be Medicaid once the Medicaid expansion is implemented in the state, with nearly half (48%) of uninsured Pennsylvanians eligible for either Medicaid or CHIP as of January 1, 2015. While some of these people (such as eligible children) are eligible for health coverage under pathways that were in place before the ACA coverage expansions, most adults are newly-eligible through the Medicaid expansion. Nearly one in four (24%) of all uninsured people in Pennsylvania will be eligible for premium tax credits to help them purchase coverage in the Marketplace in 2015. Other uninsured Pennsylvanians may gain coverage under the ACA but will not receive direct financial assistance. These people include the 23 percent with incomes too high to be eligible for premium tax subsidies or who have an affordable offer of coverage through their employer. Some of these people will still be able to purchase unsubsidized coverage in the Marketplace, which may be more affordable or more comprehensive than coverage they could obtain on their own through the individual market in 2015. Lastly, approximately 5 percent of uninsured people in Pennsylvania who are undocumented immigrants will be ineligible for financial assistance under the ACA and barred from purchasing coverage through the Marketplaces. This group is likely to remain uninsured, though they will still have a need for health care services. Source: Kaiser Family Foundation,kff.org/health-reform/fact-sheet/state-profiles-uninsured-under-aca-pennsylvania/

will decline to 90 percent in 2020. More straightforward For the most part, health-care providers in Pennsylvania approve of the Medicaid revisions and its expansion. Karen Rizzo, M.D., president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, has a specialty medical practice in the Lancaster area. She says that, compared to previous Medicaid systems, Gov. Wolf’s changes will create simpler processes and a consistent insurance package for all adults. “This system will be easier to deal with — it’s not as complex and convoluted,” says Dr. Rizzo of the comparison to Healthy PA. She explains, from a physician’s standpoint, Healthy PA had varied processes for adults, confusing subsets of coverage and higher administrative costs for physicians. According to Dr. Rizzo, the new Wolf plan is both simple and easy. “Overall, Gov. Wolf is also improving access to care, which improves a patient’s situation,” says Dr. Rizzo. “We are moving from a complex and fragmented system to one that is simple.” She adds that Medicaid operation and expansion faces some wild cards. Expansive health-care utilization in cities is sure to raise costs for the program. Moreover, state government will eventually have to modify funding sources from taxation to cover these needs. “It’s very hard to predict the results of these Medicaid changes after two years, especially the costs,” says Dr. Rizzo. Dr. Rizzo is also awaiting this summer’s decision by the federal Supreme Court in the King v. Burwell case, which could rollback subsidies offered on the federal exchanges per the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the Supreme Court strikes down the subsidies, Pennsylvanians would be among those affected because they use the federal exchange. People in other states using state-run exchanges will not be affected. “If the ACA subsidies go away, there will be an enormous scramble for coverage,” says Dr. Rizzo. Decreased complexity Alice McDonnell, Ph.D., program director for administrative studies at Marywood University, believes Wolf’s Medicaid changes will improve health-care access for consumers. Additionally, primary care will be available for newly eligible people — especially older people and the disabled — who previously found the ACA’s Internet-based enrollment system to be overly complex. However,

Dr. McDonnell has concerns about long-term costs for Medicaid. She notes that the program’s price tag was rising — and the tax base buckling — long before Gov. Wolf’s election. “The tax base to support all government spending is under a great deal of pressure,” says Dr. McDonnell. “The gasoline tax, taxes on natural gas and the price of crude oil are all interconnected. We must consider all of these things together.” Nevertheless, she expects Medicaid expansion to potentially offer a better quality of life for elderly patients who can tap services that will allow them to remain in their homes instead of going to an institution. She also approves of efforts to promote wellness, prevention and exercise. “Medicaid expansion is really part of the rapid change that’s now the norm with American health care,” adds Dr. McDonnell. “It’s all part of the multitiered health-care system we have, where different care is available for the wealthy, the middle class, and those in poverty.” Mistake recognition

Michael M. Costello, J.D., faculty specialist in health administration and human resources at the University of Scranton, points out that Gov. Corbett originally fought Medicaid expansion under the ACA, but later said agreed to expansion with special terms that became “Healthy PA.” According to Costello, Gov. Wolf recognized that Gov. Corbett “made a huge mistake” in his handling of Medicaid, including creating processes that were difficult and complex for many people. “By expanding Medicaid under the ACA, 600,000 people in state are now directly affected,” says Costello. Costello is also watching the Supreme Court and says if the subsidies are struck down, the decision would have powerful effects. For example, the federal mandate for every hospital with an emergency room to care for anyone who enters the facility is still in place. Expanded Medicaid will undoubtedly chip away at the amount of uncompensated care delivered by these hospitals. Costello also has an eye on Medicaid costs. “State costs in five years from Medicaid expansion are an unknown — that’s worrisome,” adds Costello. Multiple concerns The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Pol-

Please see MEDICAID on page 36

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National Stroke Awareness Month A stroke is brain death it occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. Early action can minimize brain damage and potential complications. The good news is that strokes can be treated and prevented and many fewer Americans now die of stroke than was the case even 15 years ago. May is Stroke Awareness Month. Every moment counts when it comes to stroke, the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies from stroke every 4 minutes. The risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity and lifesttyle. Do you know your risk? This month we’ll look at prevention, treatment and rehabilitation options available right here in northeastern Pennsylvania.

HEALTHCARE UPDATE Pennsylvania Medical Society poll:

Patients’ out-of-pocket expenses growing A poll of 700 Pennsylvanians age 21 and older suggests patients are able to schedule appointments with doctors easily, but their out-of-pocket expenses appear to be growing compared to one year earlier. The Pennsylvania Patient Poll, conducted March 6 through 12 by Susquehanna Polling and commissioned by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, asked residents across the state questions about access to care and the cost for that access. The poll consisted of live and automated interviews and has a 3.7 percent margin of error. Of those participating, 97 percent indicated they had health insurance. “We are doing fairly well at the current time in meeting consumer demand for care,” said Dennis Olmstead, chief medical economist at the Pennsylvania Medical Society, noting that rising out-ofpocket expenses have been a deterrent in seeking a usual source of care with Pennsylvania physicians. When asked about how long it took the respondent to see a doctor from the time they made the appointment, 75 percent indicated within a week with 51 percent saying less than three days. In a separate question, only 14 percent indicated it was more difficult to get an appointment this year compared to one year earlier. The majority, 71 percent suggested it is about the same, while 11 percent believe it’s easier. When it comes to out-of-pocket expenses, 37 percent noticed an increase, while 53 percent believe it’s about the same. Eight percent saw a reduction in costs. “Most people purchase a Bronze or Silver plan in the Marketplace where there is a 40 or 30 per-

cent out-of-pocket expense,” says Olmstead while offering a possible explanation why 37 percent say they’re paying more out-of-pocket today than a year earlier. “Collecting these huge out-of-pocket expenses has also increased physician administrative expenses, so it can be a double whammy.” The Pennsylvania Patient Poll Q: Thinking back to the last time you made an appointment to see a doctor, how long did it take you to finally see your doctor from the time you made the appointment — less than three days later, between three and seven days later, between eight and 14 days later, between 15 and 30 days later, or more than 30 days later? 1. Less than 3 days later......................360...........51% 2. Between 3 and 7 days later .............167...........24% 3. Between 8 and 14 days later ...........70.............10% 4. Between 15 and 30 days later.........33.............05% 5. More than 30 days later...................28.............04% 6. Undecided/Don’t recall ....................42.............06% Q: Compared to this time last year, has getting in to see a doctor gotten easier, has it gotten more difficult, or is it about the same? 1. Gotten Easier....................................79.............11% 2. Gotten more Difficult .......................97.............14% 3. About the same................................495...........71% 4. Does not apply.................................20.............03% 5. Undecided........................................09.............01% Q: In comparison to 12 months ago, did your out-ofpocket costs to see a doctor on your last visit increase, decrease or stay about the same? 1. Increase............................................262...........37% 2. Decrease ..........................................53.............08% 3. Stay about the same........................369...........53% 4. Does not apply.................................13.............02% 5. Undecided........................................03.............00%

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE Pennsylvania Bio, advocate for Pennsylvania’s bioscience industry:

Wolf budget ends, once and for all, Capital Stock and Franchise tax Pennsylvania Bio applauded Gov. Wolf’s “determination to make Pennsylvania more competitive and more business friendly,” saying in a statement, “ His business background steers his understanding of the challenges that Pennsylvania businesses face. We are very supportive of the C.U.R.E. program and the valuable research funds it provides. The research & development tax credit is widely used by our membership and we will again be ready to defend it should there be efforts to put it on hold or shrink the overall amount. Finally, we remain supportive of the funding levels of the

Greenhouses and the Ben Franklins. They play a most crucial role in the life sciences ecosystem and the Commonwealth’s investment in these centers must continue. “ Pennsylvania Bio analysis: Of particular interest to the life sciences community, the governor’s budget proposal proposes: ■ Level funding for Life Science Greenhouses. ■ Level funding for Ben Franklin Technology Fund. ■ Maintaining research & development tax Credit at $55 million. ■ Increased funding for C.U.R.E. (Common-

PHCA/CALM: Wolf budget good for frail elderly A Medicaid managed long-term care demonstration pilot is proposed in the budget . . . 30 states are experimenting with managed care under Medicaid for the elderly. There are no conclusive results that show it improves care or outcomes, gives consumers choice or saves money. In fact, preliminary data seems to say that it does none of these.

to ensure our skilled nursing facilities have the resources they need to provide our sickest, frailest elderly residents with the services they need to live a healthy, safe, high-quality life with the dignity and respect they deserve. “We look forward to working with the administration and the legislature on all of the governor’s initiatives including a Medicaid managed longterm care demonstration pilot, which is proposed in the budget. The commonwealth must ensure that care to consumers is not sacrificed in an attempt to reduce costs. “Thirty states are experimenting with managed care under Medicaid for the elderly. There are no Stuart H. Shapiro, M.D., CEO of the Pennsylconclusive results that show that managed care imvania Health Care Association and the Center for proves care or outcomes, gives consumers choice Assisted Living Management (PHCA/CALM), on and saves money. In fact, preliminary data seems March 3 issued the following statement in response to say that it does none of these. to Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2015-16 General “We look forward to being at the stakeholder Fund budget: “During his campaign, Gov. Wolf table that will develop the small geographically limnoted that Pennsylvania’s aging population is strugited demonstration project, as suggested by Gov. gling and he made clear that we need to protect Wolf, to assure that it is voluntary, person-centered our frail elderly and ensure dignity for them in the and that consumer care is protected. twilight of their lives. We couldn’t agree more, and “PHCA is committed to working with Gov. Wolf with this budget, he’s taking his first steps to try to and the entire General Assembly to ensure our fulfill that promise. sickest, frailest elderly residents get the services “Despite the tremendous financial straits our they need to live a healthy, safe, high-quality life state faces, the governor is working to ensure with the dignity and respect they deserve.” continuity of care for our frail elderly and disabled “All of us share the same commitment. We look residents. These are challenging times all around. forward to working with Gov. Wolf and the entire “Pennsylvania’s population is aging rapidly and General Assembly as the budget process begins.” the demand for long-term care services is growPHCA/CALM is a statewide advocacy organiing, especially among residents and patients who zation for Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable older have higher acuity levels, more complex medical residents and their providers of care. Visit www. needs and chronic health conditions that require phca.org or www.calmpa.org. around-the-clock care. We need to do all we can

wealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE): Act 77 of 2001 directed the Pennsylvania Department of Health to establish a health research program. Under this program, research grants are awarded for clinical, health services, and biomedical research. Act 77 establishes two types of health research grants — formula grants and competitive grants. Regardless of the type of grant awarded, all funds must be used in a way that is consistent with the research priorities as established by the Department of Health. ) ■ Elimination of the Discovered and Developed in PA (D2PA) program. The tax changes as listed in the proposed Wolf budget are: ■ Ending Pennsylvania’s status as the secondhighest corporate tax state. The 2015-16 budget reduces the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) from 9.99 percent to 5.99 percent — improving the commonwealth’s ranking from second-highest to 14thlowest and bringing Pennsylvania’s tax rate below the national average and below all of our neighboring states. Within two years, the rate will drop to

4.99 percent-ranking 10th-lowest in the nation. ■ Finally eliminating the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. Seventeen years ago, Gov. Ridge began the gradual phase out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax — but the tax’s elimination has been delayed time and again. The 2015-16 budget ends this process once and for all by fully eliminating the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax, effective Jan. 1, 2016. ■ Combined reporting. Loopholes in current law enable large corporations to shelter income — making it harder for small businesses to compete. With the 2015-16 budget, Pennsylvania will join 28 other states that require “combined reporting.” Combined reporting means that corporations in a group will calculate their income for the entire group, making it harder to take advantage of tax loopholes. ■ Updating the cap on “net operating losses.” The budget proposes to decrease the cap on net operating losses from $5 million or 30 percent of income to $3 million or 12.5 percent of income.

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

Community Health Centers appreciate support of SB 4, bill reserving right to deem ‘purely public charity’ exclusively to legislature

To better understand the potential impacts that properties with tax exempt status have on the counties, municipalities and school districts in Pennsylvania, the Department of the Auditor General sampled 10 counties across the commonwealth to identify those properties, and the Table 1 provides summary information about ALL property in a county, including assessed value and total taxes if all parcels were taxed at county, municipal and school district levels. dollar amounts of potential property tax liability. Each of the 10 county property tax databases was reviewed to identify the following data: Source: Pennsylvania Auditor General’s A Review of Potential Lost Revenue Due to Property Tax Exemptions. ■ Total assessed value of all properties, regardless of tax exemption status; ■ All properties that have been assigned exemption status; Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision re-created Pennsylvania Association of Community ■ Medical facilities that are classified as purely public charities Health Centers on SB 4: uncertainty and instability on this issue. As a Source: Pennsylvania Auditor General’s A Review of Potential Lost Revenue Due to Property Tax Exemptions. Dear Editor: result, we have been supportive of Senate Bill 4 as On behalf of more than 250 nonprofit commulegislation that places a referendum question on the Nonprofits own 20 percent to 40 percent of other safety-net providers. nity health center delivery sites providing primary November general election ballot to ask the public if properties in a typical city, the Pennsylvania MuniciEditor’s Note: medical, dental and behavioral health care for more the state legislature should be granted authority to pal League says. The amendment proposed by Senate Bill 4 than 700,000 vulnerable Pennsylvanians annually, we define the criteria of “purely public charity.” Source: http://triblive.com aims to clarify that lawmakers — and not the thank the Pennsylvania Senate for adopting state Sen. On behalf of small nonprofit organizations that courts — have authority to designate so-called Ryan Aument’s (R-Lancaster) Senate Bill 4, a joint AUDITOR GENERAL’S CONCLUSIONS: “purely public charities,” nonprofits that generally resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitu- have been subject to arbitrary and inconsistent The debate over how a purely public charity is do not pay real estate taxes. tion of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing local interpretations of what is considered to be defined is ongoing. This report demonstrates why Proponents tout the amendment as a way to a non-profit and the unanticipated costs of these for criteria for institutions of “purely public charity.” taxpayers, local governments, school districts, and Community Health Centers comprise the largest challenges, we welcome an opportunity to have the resolve confusion stemming from a 2012 Supreme the charitable institutions themselves have a major Court decision. They say it will help protect nonpublic’s voice heard and ultimately give the state network of primary care providers, with locations stake in the outcome of how this issue is resolved. profits from excessive litigation. in 48 counties in the commonwealth serving legislature the ability to create fair criteria that can Local governments forgo significant amounts of Opponents, including Allegheny County Chief predominantly low-income patients with high increasingly needed taxes, while some institutions’ be consistently applied. Executive Rich Fitzgerald, argue that the amendquality outcomes. However, since 2012’s Mesivtah exclusion from paying property taxes is a critical We thank Sen. Aument and supporters of the ment will hamper the ability of municipalities to Eitz Chaim of Bobov, Inc. v. Pike County Board of factor in their financial health and ability to provide bill for their leadership in passing this legislation challenge the status of exempt organizations. They Assessment Appeals court decision, several comcharitable services. and urge the House to also adopt it. tend to favor either a five-part test implemented in munity health centers have been targeted for local BACKGROUND: Submitted by the Pennsylvania Association of 1985 by the courts, or to revisit criteria set by the tax assessments. In 1985, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Community Health Centers (PACHC), a statewide state’s Institutions of Purely Public Charities Act We were pleased with the clarity provided by defined the five requirements an institution must 55 of 1997 in its entirety rather than change the membership services organization representing the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act (Act Constitution. community health centers, rural health clinics and Please see PURELY PUBLIC CHARITY on page 36 55 of 1997), and were disappointed when the

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE Alzheimer’s expert keynotes ‘Conference on Aging’ at the University of Scranton April 9 Steven Trent DeKosky, M.D., a national leader in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research and advocacy, will deliver the keynote address at The University of Scranton’s fifth annual Conference on Aging. Titled Perspectives on Aging and the Brain: Restorative-Medical-Spiritual-Caregiving, the conference will be held in the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus on Thursday, April 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dr. DeKosky, professor of neurology and psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience and the director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, will present Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease during the conference. Dr. DeKosky is also a visiting professor in the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. A frequent lecturer and commentator for the press on Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging nationally, Dr. DeKosky has testified several times before U.S. Senate committees in support of increased research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. He has met with government officials in other countries as a consultant and advocate for programs and support for people with dementia. Dr. DeKosky has served on and led many National Institutes of Health review and advisory committees, and he has taught and mentored in clinical research training programs sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and NINDS. The University of Scranton’s Conference on Aging, by facilitating collaboration between practitioners, health care institutions and academic centers,

will enable participants to merge academic findings with practical applications. Organized into four concurrent tracks — restorative, medical, caregiver and spiritual — the conference features additional presentations and workshops led by specialists from Geisinger Health System, the University DeKosky of Scranton, The Commonwealth Medical College, Allied Services, University of Florida, Harvard Medical School, Emory University Hospital, United Way and Misericordia University. Geisinger Health System is sponsoring the conference’s continuing education component, and Allied Services Integrated Health Systems is a key supporting partner of the conference. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a contributor. Participants are eligible to obtain continuing education credits for physicians, nurses, counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and administrators of nursing homes and residential care/assisted living facilities. For additional information or to register, visit www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/aging-conference, or contact Herbert Hauser, Ph.D., conference founder and research scientist at the University of Scranton, at 570-941-5860 or herbert.hauser@ scranton.edu.

Commonwealth Health Physician Network’s Avoca office holds ribbon-cutting

Seen at the Commonwealth Health Physician Network Avoca Office ribbon-cutting are from left: Janelle Heisler, manager of internal medicine/family practice for Physicians Health Alliance (PHA); Christine Lucas, site leader, PHA; Patricia Kane, chief operations officer, PHA; Jennifer Swenski, M.D., OB/GYN physician; Tina George, M.D., family practice physician; Justin David, CEO of Moses Taylor Hospital; Joseph Satkowski, Avoca Borough Council president. Commonwealth Health Physician Network’s Avoca office recently held a ribbon-cutting and open house at its newest location, 822 McAlpine Street, Suite 6. The office is occupied by the practices of Dr. Jennifer Swenski, obstetrics and gynecology; and Dr. Tina George, family medicine. Dr. Swenski, who is on the staff at Moses Taylor Hospital, is a graduate of the University of Scranton. She was first in her class at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

PUBLIC CHARITY — continued from page 34

meet to be considered a “purely public charity” in Hospital Utilization Project v. Commonwealth (the “HUP Test”). All five elements of this test must be met to attain IPPC status in Pennsylvania: 1. Advance a charitable purpose; 2. Donate or render gratuitously a substantial portion of its services; 3. Benefit a substantial and indefinite class of persons who are legitimate subjects of charity; 4. Relieve the government of some of its burden; and

5. Operate entirely free from profit motive. In 1997, the General Assembly passed Act 554, which relaxed some of the requirements for meeting the HUP Test. With two apparent separate standards for meeting the requirements of a purely public charity, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was called upon once more to provide clarity on the issue. In a 2012 case, Mesivtah Eitz Chaim of Bobov, Inc. v. Pike County Board of Assessment Appeals, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court reaffirmed the five element requirements for IPPC status (the “HUP Test”). Importantly, the Supreme Court in Bobov

MEDICAID — continued from previous page

icy Alternatives in Harrisburg has various concerns about Gov. Wolf’s Medicaid plans. The Foundation says that expansion will primarily increase access to insurance and not to health care itself. Moreover, it believes it would be preferable for Harrisburg to “fix” the program, through which beneficiaries regularly receive “sub par” care. According to the Foundation, the most pressing problem in Medicaid is access to care. The organization notes that one out of every three physicians are not accepting new Medicaid patients, creating lengthy wait times when care is needed. Commonwealth Foundation also suggests that Gov. Wolf shed federal regulations that “hamstring” Medicaid. Specific revisions would allow Medicaid recipients to use vouchers to purchase their own care, while the program would be able to offer unique benefit packages for different types of patients. The organization advocates changes to the law that would allow allied health-care providers, such as experienced nurse practitioners, to practice independently without physician oversight.

Perhaps above all, Commonwealth Foundation voices costs concerns. Despite the influx of federal dollars, Pennsylvania’s taxpayers will be responsible to provide $2 billion in additional state taxes over the next 10 years to cover Medicaid expansion. Although advocates for seniors praise Medicaid expansion. some are concerned about Gov. Wolf’s proposal to raise the sales tax. LeadingAge PA, a senior advocacy group, expressed concern about the proposal, saying, “Under this proposal, seniors who require nursing home care will pay as much as $6,000 more per year, while those in assisted living can expect the cost to increase by $3,500. This proposal should concern every Pennsylvania family who has a loved one in a senior care setting,” said Ron Barth, president and CEO. “It’s an incredible burden to ask seniors and their families to pay. Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens and the fastest growing segment of the population — its seniors — simply cannot afford this expansion of the sales tax.”

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also observed that: “[t]he ultimate power and authority to interpret the Pennsylvania Constitution rests with the judiciary, and in particular with this court” and stated that “… the Judiciary is not bound to the ‘legislative judgment concerning the proper interpretation of constitutional terms.’” In short, the court stated that statutes enacted by the legislature did not carry the same weight as the judiciary’s interpretation of the constitution; if the legislature disagreed with this interpretation, the only remedy was to amend the state constitution.

In reaction to this Supreme Court decision, the General Assembly is currently attempting to pass a constitutional amendment to give the Pennsylvania legislature the sole authority to define a purely public charity. The joint resolution (Senate Bill 4, P.N. 347) passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Senate in June 2013; it must pass again in the new legislative session, and then be affirmed or rejected by voters. — Source: Pennsylvania Auditor General’s A Review of Potential Lost Revenue Due to Property Tax Exemptions.

HEALTHCARE UPDATE Guthrie, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania launch Patient Centered Medical Home pilot Two regional health-care organizations are working to improve quality and better manage health care costs for local patients. Guthrie and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BCNEPA) recently joined together to launch a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) pilot program with Guthrie Medical Group primary care physician practices in Pennsylvania. The PCMH model is part of the evolution of the health care industry toward accountable care and the transformation of Guthrie’s health delivery to meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) “Triple Aim” goals: ■ Improving the health of the population (quality and safety) ■ Improving the patient experience (satisfaction with care provided) ■ Reducing the cost of health care (better value for the community)

The BCNEPA/Guthrie Medical Group pilot program will seek to meet these goals by ensuring that the care patients are receiving meets national quality measures in areas such as childhood immunizations, cancer screenings, diabetes testing and cholesterol management. As part of the pilot program, BCNEPA will support Guthrie Medical Group’s primary care physicians in making necessary office and technology improvements, including the integration of care coordinators into the practice. “It is exciting to follow the transformation of the practices, particularly the addition of care coordinators,” said Nina M. Taggart, M.D., vice president of clinical operations and chief medical officer for BCNEPA. “They help mobilize the overall care team and engage patients in new ways, which in turn leads to even better outcomes for our members and providers.”

King’s College, St. George’s University sign articulation agreement benefitting doctor, veterinary degree candidates King’s College officials recently finalized an articulation agreement with St. George’s University (SGU), Grenada, which will provide international options for students interested in medical or veterinary careers. Under the three-year agreement, students who successfully complete their first three years of premedicine or pre-veterinary coursework at King’s and meet grade-point-average and MCAT or GRE score standards will enter the Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at SGU. Upon successful completion of the first year of studies at SGU, the student will be awarded their bachelor’s degree from King’s St. George’s University was founded in 1976 and pioneered the concept of international medical education. It was the first private medical school in the Caribbean and has graduated more than 12,000 physicians that have been licensed in every state in the U.S. and more than 45 countries. Eligible students will complete the first two years of study at St. George’s School of Medicine and the final two years in clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals in the United States or the United Kingdom. Veterinary students can complete their first three years of study at St. George’s and their final clinical year at affiliated veterinary schools in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or Ireland.

“The agreement with St. George’s University allows interested King’s students a unique opportunity to finish their bachelor’s degree studies at an international medical school,” said Dr. Fevzi Akinci, associate dean of the William McGowan School of Business at King’s and director and professor of the master’s program in health-care administration. “The students will then be exposed to one of the finest international medical educational facilities for their professional studies and have a wealth of international options for their clinical rotations.” According to St. George’s University, the majority of their students come from the top 100 schools in the United States, including more than 500 from Ivy League member schools. Both the medical and veterinary programs qualify for United States federal financial aid. SGU and King’s are also in discussions concerning possible cooperative efforts for students in the College’s Master of Public Health degree program. “The agreement with St. George’s University is the latest King’s College initiative at internationalization,” said Father John Ryan, C.S.C., president of King’s. “Coupled with an already strong record of King’s students either studying or performing community service outside of the United States, the recent initiatives have involved approved proposals for student, faculty, and staff collaborations with educational institutions in Turkey.”

BCNEPA’s Blue Health Solutions care managers will also have access to the tools and reports provided to on-site Guthrie Medical Group staff, meaning they can work together to manage the patient’s care needs. This coordination will allow for better care management of all patients, regardless of health status, including those patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Frederick Bloom, M.D., president of Guthrie Medical Group, said, “This pilot has played a role in the transformation of Guthrie’s medical practices into patient centered medical homes. Guthrie is committed to delivering the Triple Aim across our integrated health system, and we are pleased that we have been able to work with BCNEPA on part of this journey, to the benefit of our patients.”

Misericordia purchases Anatomage ‘virtual dissection table’ to aid students in health, medical science fields The College of Health Sciences at Misericordia University recently purchased the innovative Anatomage “virtual dissection table” to enhance anatomy education for students majoring in the health and medical science fields at the University. “The university’s investment in this cutting-edge technology ensures that our students are clinically sound and proficient across the many disciplines of our health and medical science programs,’’ said Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., A.T.C., L.A.T., dean of the College of Health Sciences at Misericordia University. “At Misericordia, we constantly strive to incorporate the most current and proven best practices into our academic curricula, as well as the most current technology.’’ The format resembles an operating table or hospital bed so the anatomical graphics of the patient fit into the framed contents. The table features an interactive touch-screen, and unique hardware and software designed specifically for the educational community. The Anatomage table also provides dynamic 3D and 4D scans of gross male and female body types, 3D high resolution regional anatomy, and a digital anatomy library with more than 120 pathological examples. Addition-

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NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 37 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B37] | 03/25/15

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Profiles in Medical Excellence rod of Asclepius

The Greek god of medicine was Asclepius, a healer who carried a staff entwined by a single snake. Asclepius was so gifted, he could raise people from the dead. This angered Hades, who feared the loss of his dominion. So, Asclepius perished by Zeus’ thunderbolt. However, the Greeks continued to revere the god who relieved their suffering. The original Hippocratic Oath began with the invocation, “I swear by Apollo the Physician and by Asclepius and by Hygieia and Panacea and by all the gods. . .” While today’s healers don’t traipse a mythological countryside leaning on a staff, they do perform some miraculous feats, up to and including helping patients cheat Death. These modern-day miracle workers will be featured in our June Profiles in Medical Excellence issue. We’ll bring you sensitive portraits of NEPA health-care professionals who, like Asclepius, have devoted their lives to healing. The common thread they will all share is compassion, achievement and a commitment to improving the quality of life for patients, their families and co-workers.

Publication Date: June 2015 Advertising Deadline: May 15 For advertising information contact Judy Gregg, 570-207-9001 extension 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com 38 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB38] | 03/25/15

APRIL 2015

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HEALTHCARE UPDATE

New initiative calls on nurses to battle illiteracy

University of Scranton effort asks school nurses and pediatricians to include literacy as part of wellness checks The statistics are staggering. Across the country and at home in northeastern Pennsylvania, illiteracy is rampant, widespread enough to be classified as a crisis. In the United States, according to the Literacy Project Foundation, 45 million Americans, or roughly 14 percent of the population, cannot currently read above a fifth-grade level, and only a third of fourth-graders read at the level of proficient. In Pennsylvania, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, 13 percent of adults lacked basic prose literacy skills in 2003, the latest year for which such numbers are listed. In Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties, according to that same report, 12 percent of adults were illiterate in the same time period. The problem was a bit better in Pike County, affecting 10 percent of adults, but a bit worse in Susquehanna County, affecting 13 percent of adults. According to statistics pulled from the 2010 Census and reported on the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania website, the problem is escalating, with nearly 18 percent of Lackawanna County adults classified as educationally disadvantaged, most of them functionally illiterate. Those figures do not surprise M. Sandra Lamanna, a faculty specialist in the Education Department at The University of Scranton, who has spent her career watching this problem linger. “I worked as a school psychologist in public schools for 31 years, and I’m not seeing major change in the literacy development of the students,” said professor Lamanna. “The majority of students who have IEPs (individualize education plans) are students with reading disabilities. Generally speaking, the number of these students have been stable or increasing rather than decreasing. We are also seeing an increase in the number of students who demonstrate a need for remedial reading services. Therefore, in many school districts, we are not closing the gap between those with good and poor reading skills.” She and three University colleagues: fellow faculty specialist Sandra Pesavento; Debra A.

pediatricians and general practitioners understand that illiteracy is indeed a crisis, Lamanna said. According to Lamanna, one goal of the conference is to encourage physicians to make literacy screenings a regular part of wellness visits and ask them to disseminate literature that addresses the importance of talking to and reading to children. Early literacy and early education are critical, and both are key goals of Reach Out and Read, an evidence-based nonprofit organization founded in Boston in 1989. Reach Out and Read works with medical professionals in all 50 states, and its goals, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, include ensuring that children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, according to www.reachoutandread.org. A signature event of the literacy effort will take place April 22 and targets all reading A second-grader at Scranton’s McNichols Plaza Elementary School works with University of specialists in NEIU 19, Lamanna said. SuperinScranton junior Taylor Schuck along side her mother during an after-school reading program tendents, school-board presidents and elected at the school. The university’s effort, called the National Reading Crisis Project, will be officials also will be invited. developed in the region over three years and target health-care professionals, educators, The keynote speaker for that event will be G. families and community agencies. If successful, hopes are the model can be used statewide. Times-Tribune file photo Reid Lyon, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of eduand deficits in phonological processing, an essenPellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of cation leadership and policy at Southern Methodist Professional Studies; and certified registered nurse tial component of successful reading. University in Dallas, Texas, and a distinguished Children who experience frequent ear infecpractitioner Teresa M. Conte, Ph.D., an assistant scientist in the school of brain & behavior sciences tions are at risk for such speech-sound disorders professor of nursing — have teamed with two at the University of Texas in Dallas. professional colleagues: Gina Colarossi, supervisor if the ear infections are accompanied by hearing Dr. Lyon founded and serves as CEO of of special education in the Scranton School District; loss, according to the American Speech-Language Synergistic Education Solutions, an educational Hearing Association (www.asha.org). Mary Lou Heron of the Northeastern Educational consulting firm, and has become a leader in the The nurse training seminar targets school Intermediate Unit 19; and Jenna Stoddard, school development of evidence-based education policy nurses in all 20 school districts within NEIU 19, psychologist for the Blue Ridge School District — at federal and state levels. He advised President to rally the community, especially its most front-line which serves Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, George W. Bush on education research and poliWayne and Wyoming counties. professionals, around the problem of illiteracy. cies. From 2001 until 2005, he directed programs “We want nurses to identify children who are Their efforts are collectively known as the at the National Institutes of Health, as well as National Reading Crisis Project and will be devel- presenting with chronic ear infections and be an the National Institute of Child Health and Human extra set of eyes to make sure kids are achieving oped in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania Development. reading benchmarks,” Lamanna said. In other over a three-year-period then extended to other The first trio of major efforts led by The words, she said, if a nurse is aware of a student counties in the state. The partnership will target University of Scranton, the Scranton School District having a history of ear infections, he or she “might and NEIU 19 might be aimed at the medical and four main stakeholders: health-care professionals, review their reading grades every quarter.” educators, families and community agencies. educational sector, Lamanna said, but many others Area pediatricians and health-care providers Their program began March 10 with a training have a role in literacy as well. were invited to a physician training seminar in seminar for nurses in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room “I would like everyone to understand that POSH at the Scranton Club on March 26. The semi- this is a national problem,” she said. “Illiteracy on the University’s campus. Professor Lamanna nar hewed closely to the concepts that drive the na- is not solely the schools’ responsibility but a said the seminar focuses on the correlation between untreated chronic ear infections in children tional Reach Out and Read program and will help community effort.”

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The dynamic duo. Moses Taylor Hospital is proud to announce that pediatric specialists from Penn State Hershey are now available to care for children in our E.R., and are on-site in the pediatric unit around the clock. So you can be confident knowing that specially trained and skilled pediatric hospitalists from Penn State Hershey are on Moses Taylor’s medical staff. We are working together to provide great children’s care close to home.

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APRIL 2015

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MANAGERS NOTEBOOK

Gender bias is a costly mistake

Subconscious Visualization Techniques, Part II

points out that this number coincides There is a crisis in leadership with the “stall out” number of female everywhere. You can’t pick up a representation in other places such as publication or observe any media “Fortune 500 companies, law partners, outlet without learning of some leadertenured professors, (and) Congress.” ship failure. Women in the business The salient point is that little girls world today are talented and able. Yet have fewer role models than little statistics substantiate that women boys. This creates a psychological Craighead in critically responsible positions of ceiling, installed at an early age, which authority are significantly under represented. continues to influence women’s decisions in While gender equity is a part of today’s conver- adulthood. The reality is that a child’s perception sation, statistics point out the fact there is still of the world is often shaped by what she sees in much to be done. This article isn’t about being the media and in the people around her. Likewise, fair or nice to women; it focuses on how we get she is influenced by how both men and women the best people in the right positions to make relate to her. We must not ignore the potential the biggest difference. for unconscious hesitations being planted and One popular explanation for discriminareinforced at these early stages. tion against women is insecure men who want Gender inequity is more than a just social to keep women in their place. This mindset issue; it is a costly mistake. Another McKinsey will eventually be resolved in time by cultural & Co article titled “Why Diversity Matters” changes. However, discrimination is more likely states that it is clear that women are a valuable generated by a lack of female assertiveness or resource. Their research found that “companies promotion. If this is a credible explanation, then in the top quartile for gender or racial and ethnic a more meaningful inquiry would be to examine diversity are more likely to have financial returns the formulation of female self efficacy in the above their national industry medians. Compaearly stages of life. nies in the bottom quartile in these dimensions In a recent McKinsey & Company article ad- are statistically less likely to achieve abovedressing unconscious bias, actress Geena Davis average returns.” asserts that films distort gender perceptions by Further evidence is provided in an analysis favoring males over females, and that this media by Quorum Strategies, a consulting startup in bias negatively impacts women in adulthood. Washington, D.C. that offers data on legislaThrough her work in such films as Thelma and tors. It states that over the last six years Senate Louise and A League of Their Own, she became women have been more likely than their male aware of how few opportunities there are for colleagues to introduce legislation. Since the women to feel empowered by movies. Then, 111th congress which was sworn in 2009, the when she became a mother, she noticed the average female senator submitted 96.31 bills same trend in children’s media. “I was thunder- while the average male senator submitted 70.72. struck by the dearth of female characters. But The challenges today require every resource no one else seemed to be noticing.” When she we can muster. Women leaders are a resource we brought it to the attention of studio executives can’t ignore, and when we do it is at our peril. and producers, she was assured it was no In 2010 we did a study of women in leaderlonger a problem. ship in which we conducted a series of interStunned by this reaction, Davis commisviews with 102 business women in 11 states. sioned a massive study on children’s televiThe struggle of women in business has not sion and films which resulted in her founding been an easy one, and fortunately for us these the Institute on Gender in Media. Among the interviewees persisted with inexorable inner study’s revelations it was found that in family resources and courage. A report on the study is films, male characters out-numbered female posted on our website. characters by a ratio of three to one, and that Jon Craighead is president of Craighead 81 percent of characters with jobs were males. Associates LLC. Email him at jon@ Especially remarkable was that women reprecraigheadassociates.com or visit www.craigsented only 17 percent of crowd scenes. She headassociates.com

a hospice, or a child in trouble, that will have an effect on them. You are not a social worker, but By Biagio “Bill” Sciacca you are responsible for their output! So, here you are with a title! I don’t Can you assist them in “seeing” what care if your title is C something, vice the future looks like president, director, manager, supervisor, 2. In your meetings, do you use team leader etc. What it means is that phrases such as, “We need to be at Sciacca you are responsible for other people. this spot by…”, “I can see that in More specifically, you are responsible the next year…”, “Over the next quarfor the results and output of other people. ter, we should…” When you have a few minutes, perhaps on 3. Ask your employees in their yearly perforthe way to work, and you really think about this, mance review one thing they would like to see it is an extremely daunting task. I mean, you implemented over the next 5 years. If they can’t have a job to do in terms of whatever your core think of anything on the spot, give them a few business activities are and your particular func- days to get back to you. (Think of the informational area. So, if you work for a company that tion that you can give to your higher ups if you manufactures medical equipment, and you work compiled all of those future projections and as the director of marketing, then your major gave your recommendations on the top 3 that responsibility is selling medical equipment to you feel should be put into practice. Yes, you your target market. This may involve stratewill look like a visionary! Guess what? You are!) gies revolving around direct sales, promotions, 4. I know of 2 companies that require each social media campaigns, and various tactics to of their employees to document 5 new ideas implement each of the strategies. EVERY DAY! Then you realize that you are also responsiThat’s right, before you leave the office for ble for the development of the 35 people in your the day, you better email your supervisor five functional area. You need to know what their new ideas that you thought of at work. In actualstrengths are so that you may capitalize upon ity, one of the companies tried to make it 10 them. You need to know their opportunities for ideas per day but found 10 ideas in one day just growth so that you can determine if you should a little too much. invest the company’s resources on bolstering Do you find five a bit intimidating? Try 2 these opportunities or investing in making their ideas per day until your employee’s build their strengths even stronger. momentum. Then go to three a day; then five! When you start to think about the fact that You know your business, you should be able each of these 35 people have family responsibili- to file the ideas categorically, then bring them ties, personal issues and various levels of selfup at staff meetings to see which ones should motivation and individual commitment to your be implemented immediately; within a year; two organization in general and to you in specific, you years; longer. begin to grapple with the awesome responsibility 5. And of course, what we spoke about of the entire field of management. Wow! last month, if you are practicing visualization If you read last month’s article on personal techniques, shouldn’t you be assisting your visualization techniques you have, perhaps, employees in doing the same? You bet! instituted a few new practices in molding your The end result should be better ideas and a future. Now the question becomes, how do we clearer future. In the end, it is al worth the effort! implement these behavior changes into our Biagio “Bill” Sciacca is CEO of Intelligent managerial plan of action so that we can assist Motivation Inc., a training and consulting firm, our employees in becoming ever better? as well as the author of “GoalsBook: Embracing Here are few ideas: Personal Responsibility in an Age of Entitle1. Know your people. Do you really know what is going on in their lives? I am not suggest- ment” and is a full time Instructor of Economics and Business Administration at Penn State ing that you spy or institute any type of clandesUniversity. Bill can be reached at 570-430-9303 tine policies. But if an employee is going to be married in the next six months, or has a parent in or bill@intelligentmotivationinc.com.

By Jon Craighead

Seeing the future and assisting your employees in doing the same. Part 2.

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PROJECTMANAGEMENT

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

Creating a change culture, part 2

The status of venture capital

early goal, it can hurt your entire change Last month we talked about cominitiative. municating the company’s vision and ■ Celebrate the win and reward the building buy-in from all levels of the orpeople who help you meet the targets. ganization. The following builds on those I had one client who bought a bell and steps to create a culture of change. each time a major target was achieved Plan and Communicate the Proyou’d hear that team ringing the bell. Puleo gram Elements to Remove Resistance Build on the Change Identify the champions who will lead Too often change projects fail because victory is your change project. These change agents should declared too early. Real change runs deep. Things have clout to make things happen. Change, by to consider for continuous improvement: definition, is about doing things differently, so it ■ After every win, analyze what went right, and requires more planning and communication, not what needs improving. less. Ongoing communication builds momentum ■ Set goals to continue building on the moby letting team members know that their efforts, mentum you’ve achieved. ideas and participation are not taken for granted. ■ Introduce kaizen , the idea of continuous Communicating what is going to happen and how improvement to all project participants the organization will help folks transition will make ■ Keep ideas fresh by bringing in new change people feel better equipped to adjust. agents and leaders for your change coalition. Some things you can do: ■ Make the roadmap visible to people so they Anchor the Changes in Corporate Culture can monitor the transition Finally, to make any change stick, it should ■ Create forums to give people an opportunity become part of the core of your organization. to receive information and ask questions Make continuous efforts to ensure that the change ■ Recognize and reward people for making is seen in every aspect of your organization. This change happen. will help give that change a solid place in your ■ Identify people who are resisting the change, organization’s culture. It’s also important that your and help them see what’s needed to adapt. company’s leaders continue to support the change, ■ Take action to quickly remove barriers. so make sure to: ■ Talk about progress every chance you get. Create Short-Term Wins Tell success stories about the change process, and Nothing motivates and quiets the doubters repeat other stories that you hear. more than success. Give your company a taste of ■ Include the change ideals and values when victory early in the change process. Within a short hiring and training new staff. time frame (this could be a week or a month de■ Publicly recognize key members of your pending on the type of change, you’ll want to have original change coalition, and make sure the rest some ‘quick wins’ that you can communicate and of the staff — new and old — remembers their are visible to all stakeholders. Without this, critics contributions. and negative thinkers might hurt your progress. ■ Create plans to replace key leaders of change Quick wins are beneficial because they boost your confidence, and they help to establish author- as they move on. This will help ensure that their ity within your new team. When you prove that you legacy is not lost or forgotten. Creating a change culture is a journey rather can get results, you gain respect and credibility than a destination, going forward rather than going with your colleagues and team members. Any backward, getting started rather than standing still. fence-sitters, cynics and doubters will now know It’s not always smooth sailing because the winds of that you “walk the walk,” and that you’re willing to change are met with much resistance, but navigatwork to make change happen! ing through the obstacles to a new way of doing When looking for quick wins: things is worth the effort of the journey. ■ Look for opportunities that you can impleLarry Puleo a certified project manager (PMP) ment without help from any critics of the change. ■ Don’t choose early targets that are expensive. is president of MLP Consultants, LLC which helps companies execute their strategies. Contact him You want to be able to justify the investment. at lpuleo@mlpconsultants.com or visit www. ■ Thoroughly analyze the potential pros and mlpconsultants.com cons of your targets. If you don’t succeed with an

■ Next Stage Capital Venture capital is an important ■ Novitas Capital asset across the Pocono-Northeast. It ■ Originate Ventures has enabled projects to move forward There is a connection between Ben and has the ability to focus attention Franklin and all venture funds in Pennsylon entrepreneurship and promote the vania. Those that are located reasonably entrepreneurial spirit. So-called venture close to this region include: Grossman capital “angels” are available in differ■ Angel Venture Fair ent parts of the region and should not ■ Delaware Crossing be neglected when it comes to their economic ■ Great Valley Pennsylvania Angel Network development role. ■ Lancaster Angel Network In his book, titled “ The Innovators,” Walter ■ Lehigh valley Angel Investors Isaacson has given 400 pages to the growth of ■ LORE Associates computers and the Internet, but also to venture ■ MAG Fund capital as the engine that forwarded these events ■ Pennsylvania Angel Network and processes. The importance of venture capital ■ Pocono Mountains Angel Network opportunities represents a possible avenue of ■ Robinhood Ventures improvement as the region seeks to diversify ■ Susquehanna Investment Network economic development and compete with global Another source of assistance is IPart (Innovaregions in coming decades. Therefore, the more tion Partnership) which is a consortium of economthat is known about venture capital, the more likely ic development and business assistance organizait is that competition can be met head on. tions located throughout the Commonwealth of There are organizations who specialize in venPennsylvania. The program is managed by Ben ture capital, individual angels who want to seize op- Franklin Technology Partners. IPart helps early portunities to generate economic growth, venture stage technology companies secure federal funding specialists who only want to specialize in specific opportunities through proposal writing, travel, and employment types, and other factors that dictate training and commercialization assistance. how and in what manner they can best apply their Ken Okrepkie can be reached at 610-849-9090 own expertise and funding support. or kokrepkie@nep.benfranklin.org. Other contacts Venture capital in the Pocono-Northeast is not include Larry Seibert, Bloomsburg Regional Techas lively as has been the case elsewhere, yet it has nology Center, at 610-849-9091 and lseibert@nep. a place in the role of encouraging risk-taking and benfranklin.org. project actions that can lead to a positive source Additionally, there is the Pennsylvania Angel of development growth. Its role should be part of Network (PAN) which provides resources and supwhatever strategy exists to find new sources of port to the angel community in the commonwealth economic development and be responsive to not PAN is a member of the Angel Capital Associaonly start-up companies and topics of economic tion. The combination of Ben Franklin and venture interest that will drive future development, but capital is a strong force for enhancing the growth become a strong element in regional growth. of early stage companies and should be considOne of the most important sources of technical ered as a major source of support for advancing and financial support for learning about venture the economy of this region to strengthen this and capital is the role of the Ben Franklin Partners. Based future regional generations toward job development at Lehigh University, the region has several locations, and economic improvements. one of which is served by Ken Okrepkie. Ben Franklin Some example companies that received both staff and a network of consultants work closely with Ben Franklin funding and venture capital funding the regional venture capital community and private include Give Gab, Viddler, TMG Health, Ciclon (now investors to link clients to targeted investors and Texas Instruments Lehigh Valley), Noble Standards, guide the company through negotiations. Cernostics, TB Biosciences, Micro Interventional Ben Franklin is a limited partner in venture Devices, Saladex, and Azevan. capital funds managed by a number of angel and Howard Grossman is the former executive venture capital firms, including: director of EDCNP, now NEPA Alliance. He operates ■ Graham Partners HJG Associates in Dallas. Email him at Gross■ Mid Atlantic Venture Funds manHJ@aol.com.

By Larry Puleo

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APRIL 2015

By Howard J. Grossman, AICP

FOCUS ON FAMILY BUSINESS

Boards as a strategic weapon for family and privately held businesses To learn more from Andrew Cornell and his experience building a board, join the Family Business Alliance at Wilkes University on Oct. 14 as Andrew walks us through the process of building a successful board.

By Lanie Jordan

An interview with Andrew Cornell, CEO of Cornell Iron Works. Recently, I met with a CEO who was struggling with some challenges that could impact the future success of her company. When we spoke, the stress was evident on her face as she described in great detail the critical issues her company was facing. My first question was, “Do you have a board of advisors?” She said that she did. Her board was made up mostly of executives within the company, along with a few friends from outside the business, and their corporate attorney and accountant. After she admitted that the board had not adequately addressed the problems, I asked how board meetings were conducted. A quick examination of the current structure revealed that these advisory board meetings were really operational reviews, including updates from each key department. They were not focused on solving problems, developing key strategic initiatives, or moving the company toward sustainable growth. Further, none of these “board members” were willing to stand up to the CEO for fear of losing their position. I promised to get back to her with feedback from some of our members whom I knew utilized advisory boards successfully to solve problems and build winning strategies for their companies. When important issues like this arise, I head straight to our experts and network within the Family Business Alliance at Wilkes University for guidance. Andrew Cornell, CEO of Cornell Iron Works, is the FBA’s advisor on successful boards and he provided me with some sound advice to share with my CEO. I asked Andrew how his board had impacted his business. Andrew quickly replied that the board at Cornell really challenged him and that it got him to think bigger and more critically about problems and opportunities. “Accountability drives human performance. There is a reason even the best athletes have coaches.” I explained to Andrew how our troubled CEO’s board was comprised. After agreeing with our assessment of these meetings being operational reviews we discussed his thoughts. Andrew shared that, “To reach any individual’s or company’s potential you must seek out

responsible supervision.” He explained that the secret to high functioning boards Cornell is to build diversity and independence. Cornell’s board is made up of six executives that don’t work for Cornell. They bring their wide range of experience to the table to help facilitate strategic growth for the company without being subject to the constraints employees might face. An executive already gets their team’s opinions 40-50 hours per week. A business leader needs a “cabinet” of seasoned leaders who have been where the company is going and can help point out risks and alternatives. He said that you need a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and networks to help your company grow. It is important to include individuals who don’t have a vested interest in the outcome of any evaluations or decisions that the board must make; that is, they aren’t employees or paid consultants. This diverse group of experts should encourage necessary risk taking, accountability, strategic review and performance evaluation that is on a higher plane than one’s management team. I asked how Andrew built his board and chose its members. “It has been a steady evolution and each board member has expertise that I don’t; their skills and backgrounds are unique and compliment my own.” Andrew started with his own network, asking other CEOs whom they utilized to provide specific skills to their boards of advisors. From there he recruited members for his own board. Next, Andrew and I talked about how Cornell conducts board meetings. He told me that the No. 1 mistake, made with respect to conducting the actual advisory board meeting, is that the board not the CEO should do the talking. Well in advance of a scheduled meeting, Andrew circulates an agenda containing a descriptive background of specific issues on which he would like board input. This insures that board members have time to read, examine, check within their individual networks, and reflect regarding important topics. Each board mem-

ber has the opportunity to critique the issues and suggest how they might address the issue, including which experts they would turn to for advice and whether they have faced something similar in their own business. This approach insures maximum take home value to the CEO. Andrew closed our visit by saying, “My board makes me more productive and has caused our business to grow. And, it wasn’t difficult to build a board as a strategic weapon for Cornell Iron Works.” If you would like to learn more from Andrew and his experience building a board, please join the Family Business Alliance at Wilkes University on Oct. 14, from 8:30 a.m. until noon as Andrew walks us through the straightforward, but not obvious, process of building a successful board.

SBA announces theme for National Small Business Week, May 4-8 The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Administrator Maria ContrerasSweet announced that this year’s National Small Business Week will be held from May 4-8, 2015. This year’s theme will be “SBA: Dream Big, Start Small.” Every year since 1963 SBA takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from across the nation through National Small Business Week. As events are finalized more details will be posted on www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek. The Eastern Pennsylvania District Office will visit and recognize its 2015 Small Business Week Award Winners during the week of May 4-8 and will also recognize them during the annual “SBA Day at the Ballpark” networking luncheon event held each June which is followed by a Phillies game at nearby Citizens Bank Park.

THE ALLAN P. KIRBY LECTURE SERIES IN FREE ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS ALLIANCE PRESENT

CYNTHIA MONTGOMERY Timken Professor of Business Administration and Director of Research at Harvard Business School, Author of The Strategist: Be the Leader Your Business Needs

“Where Leadership Begins” 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16 Marts Center Gymnasium

Registration is required for this FREE event. Contact Lorna Galliford at (570) 408-4590 or lorna.galliford@wilkes.edu. Patrons requesting accommodations or services at Wilkes University or Wilkes University-sponsored events in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III: Public Accommodations are asked to contact the University at 1-800-Wilkes-U to request such services/accommodations. It is recommended that requests be made at least 48 hours prior to any event.

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PERSONAL FINANCE

Opportunity for local businesses to improve financial literacy Many adults are spending more than April is Financial Literacy Month. their income and lack significant savings This national initiative provides busifor emergencies such as sickness, job nesses with the opportunity to not only loss or economic downturn. Of even impact individuals within their company greater concern is that the younger but also drive local economic opportunigeneration entering the workforce is ties by teaching these important skills displaying even lower levels of financial to employees, interns and even family literacy, engaging in problematic finanDietrich members. cial behaviors, and already expressing As a business, we need to consider concerns about their debt (according to that the stability of a business could be impacted one of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s by not only our company’s financial performance, recent Financial Capability Surveys1 available at but also the soundness of our employees’ financial www.usfinancialcapability.org). capabilities. This is something that should invoke If your organization employs young adults in attention and action from all businesses, non-profit entry-level, seasonal or other jobs, then there is an organizations and community groups. opportunity for you as a business leader to help Our greatest asset is our employees. And, by these young adults take stock of their own financial providing them with tools that make them better footing as well as the business’ finances, with equipped to manage their finances, we can start guidance on managing a budget, paying down debt a domino effect that will help improve our local while saving and establishing achievable goals to economy. Please see LITERACY on page 48 By Marty Dietrich

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE CORE PROGRAM CLASS OF 2016!

The area’s premier leadership and professional development organization! Applications due April 30, 2015 Leadership ■ Teamwork ■ Service Personal & Professional Growth

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HERITAGE TOURISM

Sesquicentennial festivities honor Scranton’s rich heritage Irish step dance to the stirring sound of The City of Scranton is about to young voices singing in unison, there are reach a milestone in its history — its glimpses into the heritage of the people Sesquicentennial. To commemorate 150 who came here and created a vibrant city. years of the rich heritage that makes this To welcome Scranton’s neighbors, city so unique, the community will come Steamtown National Historic Site will run together through a series of special a special train to during the Ethnic Festival. events beginning on April 25th, 2015, Departing from Jessup, Olyphant and Gelb and ending a year later on Charter Day, Dickson City, the train will arrive at SteamApril 23, 2016. town around noon. Round trip tickets are available for A Planning Committee, organized by the nonprofit purchase by calling Steamtown National Historic Site organization Scranton Tomorrow, an LHVA partner, is at 570-340-5204. This exciting event will conclude developing a full schedule of activities for the year. with fireworks near the entrance to the mall at 9 p.m. To kick off this special series of events, all are Scranton Tomorrow and its partners will invited to gather at City Hall at 9:30 a.m. on April 25th continue to organize monthly activities in celebrawhere Proclamations will be presented, flags will be tion of Scranton’s 150th anniversary. Plans for a raised and the National Anthem will be sung. The variety of events are well underway, including a program will feature the State Police Mounted Unit, Scholarship Contest hosted by the Century Club Lackawanna College Police Cadets, Scranton High of Scranton; The Lackawanna Historical Society’s School Band, bagpipers, public officials and partners. Annual Dinner honoring past Mayors; the Mayors’ Following the event, attendees will proceed to Prayer Breakfast hosted by Scranton Tomorrow; the Mall at Steamtown to enjoy an Ethnic Festival. and special activities hosted by The Mayors ComA tribute to the cultural diversity upon which Scran- mittee. Former Mayors James J. Walsh, Eugene ton was founded, the Ethnic Festival will provide J. Peters, James Barrett McNulty, David J. Wenzel, entertaining and enlightening activities and opJim Connors and Christopher Doherty, will oversee portunities from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The local dance the committee’s work to plant 150 trees throughout community will offer artistic insight into our herithe city. The first planting will be held on April 23rd tage with a Scottish Sword Dance by Ballet Theatre on Courthouse Square, in honor of the city’s foundof Scranton, Irish Step Dancing by Crossmolina ers. A second planting will honor the four Medal School of Dance, and a performance by Scranton of Honor recipients from Lackawanna County, and Civic Ballet Company. Young musicians will also additional plantings will take place throughout the play an important role in the festivities as the year. The final planting will be 30 trees, representArts Alive Ensemble, Neil Armstrong Elementary ing the 30 mayors of Scranton, at the new Harrison School Chorus, St. Stanislaus Youth Polish Choir, Avenue Bridge when the project is completed. Bethel AME Youth Chorus, and Mc Nichols Plaza Scranton’s Sesquicentennial is generating a great Elementary School Chorus will take to the stage. In deal of enthusiasm throughout the community. addition, people of all ages will enjoy performances The Planning Committee’s Logo Design Contest by Shiloh Singers and Liturgical Dancers, St. among local students, was met with a great Stanislaus Bell Choir, Bethel AME Sounds of Praise response. Look for the winning logo design by MatChorus and St. David’s Welsh Choir. The Poets will thew Walsh, a senior at Holy Cross High School, perform music throughout the decades, and for and artwork by Shannon Baransky, an 8th grade those inspired to join, interactive Zumba is included student at the Abington Heights Middle School, on in the line-up. Throughout the day, guests will also promotional materials throughout the year. enjoy plenty of ethnic food, historic and educational There is much to look forward to in the coming exhibits and an Artisans Marketplace. months! Watch for neighborhood celebrations This is an important chapter in Scranton’s history hosted by the respective Neighborhood Associabook and it holds a significant place in the mission of tions, as well as a commemorative book published the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. The Sesquicentenby the Times-Tribune later this year. nial year is an invitation for the community to reflect Natalie Gelb is executive director of the on its roots, to learn from the past, and progress Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority. Email her at into the future. From the swift movement of an natalie@lhva.org By Natalie Gelb

FOCUS ON SPORTS & LEISURE

Meet Jeremy Ruby, the new RailRiders general manager By Dave Gardner

Minor league baseball in NEPA has reached out to local talent for a major league management position. Jeremy Ruby, a native of Jessup who resides in Eynon, has been named to the position of general manager with the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He is a 1994 graduate of Valley View High School who later played center field and first base at East Stroudsburg University, where he earned acclaim as a good hitter and base runner on the varsity team. Ruby was also drafted by the California Angels in the 38th round of the MLB draft and spent one month with Angels on its rookie team. However, at 5-feet, 11-inches and 170 pounds, Ruby had physical limitations he knew would curtail an MLB career. Fortunately for Ruby, he also had an eye on front-office management in the sports world. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. “I always wanted to own and operate a restaurant,” says Ruby, adding, however, that the a degree ultimately provided a career path he now relishes. Gopher Humble beginnings marked Ruby’s start with professional baseball management. He was awarded an internship with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, where he says he functioned largely as a “gopher.” In early 1999, the internship ushered Ruby into the position of stadium operations manager, where he supervised special events at the old Lackawanna County stadium. The menu of special events included job fairs, garden shows, marching band competitions and football games. Ruby worked that position, and kept learning, until 2005. “That job really was all about creating revenue streams apart from the Red Barons baseball games,” says Ruby. “Today, we have a grass field, as opposed to the turf field in those days. The grass limits the number of special events we can offer.” Ruby was rewarded for his professional growth by being named as the team’s general manager in 2006 when the regional organization was still named the Red Barons. Later, the major league affiliation changed and became Yankees-affiliated in 2007. In 2009, the team had an ownership

“This is entertainment. We’ll offer fun-filled quality for the whole family by making every night at the stadium special,” says Ruby. The lofty goal that Ruby pursues is strewn with challenges. Weather is a huge issue, especially in April and May, as wind and rain plague many outdoor events. Yet, even during bad weather, revenues must be generated. Ruby’s business plan focuses on selling stadium seats despite these foul conditions. Central to this effort will be Jeremy Ruby special incentives offered during the “so-so” weather months. restructuring, and Ruby was moved to the position There’s another factor Ruby can’t of executive vice-president and general manager. control — the baseball product offered on the Ownership also brought in a team president to field to regional fans. “Fortunately, our team correspond to management systems used by many here has made the playoffs 80 percent of the other professional franchises. time since we have been affiliated with the New Ruby eventually threw the team a curve ball York Yankees, and that’s impressive,” adds when, in 2011, he made a career move to the Ruby. “It’s off the field that we control what happosition of athletic director with the Abington pens. Come check us out this season, and you’ll Heights School District. He calls this time of his walk out with a smile.” life an extremely busy one when he thrived in the Battle plan bustling school district. “I had a lot to deal with, but I just loved it, including my interactions with Ruby’s battle plan to increase ticket sales parents,” he says. includes offerings of comprehensive pre-game entertainment, promotions during a game, giveNew facility aways, fireworks, dollar hot dog nights, dollar Meanwhile, back in Moosic, a new ball park — beer nights, and free T-shirt games. Increased today’s PNC Field — was being constructed. Ruby add-on revenues are another facet of Ruby’s was lured back to the facility to become executive business plan. He is scheduling parking lot vice president of operations, which ultimately led to events, special uses for the stadium’s upstairs his current position as general manager. club level, weddings, holiday parties, job fairs, Ruby reports to a new ownership group, the business meetings, amateur school showcases, Wilkes-Barre Investors, who have professional and a circus in the parking lot. ties to the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia “We have to be entertainers who oversee 76ers. Ruby is responsible for generating revenues an entertainment facility and make the public through ticket sales, franchise promotion and happy,” says Ruby. “Yes, we have a love for sponsorships, while also raising the team’s combaseball, but we have to do more.” munity involvement. He stresses that it is an honor to hold his “I have spent one third of my life here, and current position, and that management in the the new ownership group recognized my regional world of baseball creates some of the most experience and familiarity with the stadium,” says sought-after positions in the professional sports Ruby. “I know the dimensions of the job.” The world. Ruby also acknowledges that a general ownership group has entrusted him with the goal manager is always in the hot seat. “In some of making the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders cases, a job like mine has high turnover,” the most successful AAA franchise in the country. says Ruby. “Other general managers succeed in To this end Ruby is toiling to offer regional baseball the long-term and just keep increasing their fans the “ultimate event” 72 times a year. skill levels.”

This seasons: Free T-shirts, pulled-pork tacos and more By Phil Yacuboski

With spring finally here after what seemed like a long (OK, ridiculously long) winter, baseball is about to get into full swing. The Scranton/WilkesBarre RailRiders will open the 2015 season at home at PNC Field against the Syracuse Chiefs. “We are really excited about the Friends and Family Package,” said Barry Snyder, director of marketing and promotions for the team. “We’re bringing it back.” The package is sponsored by McDonald’s and includes four tickets, four value meals from McDonald’s and four RailRiders Hats for $39. “The price point is awesome,” Snyder said. The team also expanded the number of fireworks shows to 17. “Not only Fridays, but some Saturdays as well, which is a franchise record,” he said. Fireworks shows have been added on June 13, July 25 and Aug. 22. Snyder said the RailRiders plan a lot of giveaways too — 29 in all — and that’s also a franchise record. Giveaways to look for: Bobbleheads, including Derek Jeter on June 13, Dellin Betances on May 30 and Rob Refsnyder on June 27. Another bobblehead giveaway will be “Champ-Vader” — the team’s mascot Champ dressed up like Darth Vader from Star Wars. The RailRiders will give out Mr. Incredible masks to the first 1,000 kids on Superhero night on Aug. 21. For Breast Cancer Awareness Night on Aug. 22, the team will give out 2,500 pink jerseys to fans. The Philly Phanatic will entertain fans on July 28 when the team takes on the Ironpigs. T-shirt Tuesdays are back as well. The first 1,000 fans each Tuesday receive a free T-shirt. “Each design is different,” Snyder said. As far as food goes, the What the Fork food truck will be stationed in right field, where fans can have something to eat. “They will be featuring their pulled pork tacos, as well as a different menu every night. We’re very excited to have them. It gives the place a local flavor,” he said. Snyder said a RailRiders game is both a great deal and a great experience for the whole family. “We have tickets as low $8, so it’s really affordable for the whole family,” said Snyder. “Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s really all about the entire event. Many times, fans don’t even remember the final score, it’s more about the experience.” Snyder said last year’s attendance was better than 2013. “We’re on the upswing for this year and have high hopes.”

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SPRING BUILDING FORECAST Hardly any room left in Glenmaura:

Love of lifestyle drives $2.9 million Glenmaura deal

By Phil Yacuboski

There’s something about northeastern Pennsylvania Mitch Weiss just absolutely loves. The air, mountains and small town feel makes this an oasis to escape the concrete jungle that is midtown Manhattan. So in addition to his weekend Susquehanna County getaway property, Weiss thought it would only be an added bonus so as to contribute to the economic lifeblood of the region. “It’s my intention that over time, I’d like to settle down here because the lifestyle is preferable to me over the hustle and bustle of New Jersey and New York,” he said. Weiss recently purchased a commercial office building at 72 Glenmaura National Boulevard in Moosic for $2.9 million. The 33,000-square-foot facility was built in 2003. He said he “stumbled” upon Glenmaura almost by chance. “I was really enamored by the whole concept by the whole mountainside including the retail, the unbelievable homes and the golf course. It seems to be a really terrific

Almost all of the space is occupied with investment bankers, insurance companies and an architectural firm. There’s one small space open at around 1,000 square feet that Weiss is currently using as his office space.

ABC’s outlook for construction industry The likelihood of continued low oil prices for much of the year will slow investment in exploration and new production, which will adversely affect equipment suppliers to the oil industry. At the same time, it will increase the availability for construction of skilled workers, many of whom have been employed in the energy sector.

The trade group, Associated Builders and Contractors has released its outlook for 2015. It finds that 2015 promises continued improvement for the U.S. economy and construction. With the U.S. economy still performing well below potential, Mitch Weiss recently purchased a commercial office building at 72 Glenmaura National there is considerable room to grow without undue Boulevard in Moosic for $2.9 million. inflationary pressures. The year is likely to produce place to live and work,” he said. “I see northeast vestment bankers, insurance companies and an ar- significant changes for some industries. The likeliPennsylvania positioned very well. It’s prime space, chitectural firm. There’s one small space at around hood of continued low oil prices for much of the year (and possibly beyond) will slow investment in but also offers smaller sized offices.” 1,000 square feet that is left. Currently Weiss is Just about all of the space is occupied with inusing it as his office space. He said he is not alone exploration and new production. This will adversely affect equipment suppliers to the oil industry. At in splitting his time between Manhattan and NEPA — one of his tenants has an office in New York City the same time, it will increase the availability for construction of skilled workers, many of whom in addition to the space at Glenmaura. have been employed in the energy sector. The sale of the property indicates there is a Meanwhile, lower energy prices are benefiting demand for Class-A office space in northeastern many manufacturers and are putting money back Pennsylvania, said Steven Farrell, owner and broin the consumers’ pockets. The demand for more ker, Classic Properties. Farrell recently negotiated consumer goods and services will mean increased the deal with Weiss. need for facilities to produce those goods and “Class-A is premier. It’s the most premier office deliver those services (e.g., office space, lodging, space available. It means the building has a nice health care facilities). entryway and is the best of the best and there’s baIncreased hiring to meet those needs will raise sically no more space left on Montage Mountain,” income among those who return to the workforce, he said. “All of the Moosic space is filled. ” those who move from part-time work to full-time Farrell said the commercial real estate market work, and those who move to a better paying job has been very strong in the past 18 months and or receive an increase in pay above the inflation he enumerates the reasons Glenmaura has been rate. They, in turn, will spend more, continuing the so successful. “I think that many firms are leaving virtuous cycle. For some, the increased income and Scranton City because of the tax situation. Also, implied greater job security, will purchase their first there’s been some consolidation, where entities once house or move to a more expensive house. Some had two or three offices and they’ve consolidated into of these will purchase a newly constructed house, Need operational savings? one space,” he said. “I think you also have a handful increasing demand for residential construction. AnSwitch to clean, locally produced natural gas. Many Pennsylvania of new companies that like the location.” Farrell also other beneficiary of the improving job market will be businesses are saving thousands of dollars a year with natural gas. said Glenmaura’s proximity to the Wilkes-Barre/ demand for rental properties as newly hired workers And UGI can make the conversion process painless. To see if Scranton Airport along with shopping, golfing, housmove out of shared living arrangements. Rising rents natural gas is an option for you and estimate your savings, ing and restaurants are often big selling points. will keep multifamily projects moving forward. visit www.ugi.com/business4. He said because there is almost no space left Construction of single-family structures will reOr call UGI at 1-800-276-2722. at Glenmaura, would-be companies are put on a waiting list. Please see OUTLOOK on next page

Cost cutting isn’t always painful. Take natural gas, for example.

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OUTLOOK — continued from previous page

main below the long-run needs of the nation, but will increase over last year’s activity. Construction of multifamily structures, which are already close to the long-run needs of the nation, will increase moderately. Any evidence of overbuilding in a particular locale will be quickly reined in by lenders. In most markets, this means an adjustment period of two to three months as the oversupply of rental units is absorbed and demand for rental units again puts upward pressure on rents. Thus, expect overall residential construction activity (both single-family and multi-family) to advance somewhat faster in 2015 than in 2014. An Uncertain Outlook for Government One of the big unknowns is what government spending on infrastructure projects will be this year. A number of politicians on both sides of the aisle have touted the importance of infrastructure to the U.S. economy and indicated a willingness to fund such projects. At the same time, there is little agreement on how to fund these projects. Risks to the Forecast The complete fallout from the significant drop in energy prices may play out in unexpected ways, though we believe that, on net, the effects will be positive for the U.S. economy. At some point (most likely in the third quarter of this year), the Federal Reserve will begin a process of raising interest rates. The increases in 2015 should not have a significant impact on economic activity. Other, positive forces should more than offset the negative impact of higher rates. The Fed also will be cautious in its moves to raise rates for fear of undermining the expansion, but the risk of too fast an increase in rates remains. Another risk is the recession in Europe, which is already hurting U.S. exports. On the other hand, lower energy prices greatly benefit European economies and should help limit their downturn. Although we expect the negative impact on the U.S. economy to be fairly modest, the risk for greater fallout exists. The biggest risk from Europe to the forecast is from what happens to the euro and how that ripples through the financial markets. The impact of the exit of a nation from the euro (voluntary or otherwise) is unknown. Greece, of course, is the most likely candidate to leave the euro but not the only one. Italian and Spanish economies continue to pose a risk to the euro and the European Union. Although these risks to the forecast are real, we believe that most of the risks will be avoided or the negative effects from them will be limited. We expect the U.S. economy to perform somewhat better this year than last and for the construction industry to benefit from that improvement.

SPRING BUILDING FORECAST

Construction to grow 8% in 2015 Management consultant, FMI released its construction outlook report. It found total construction put in place (CPIP) for 2015 is predicted to grow 8 percent. This supports earlier FMI predictions that CPIP will top $1 trillion in 2015, something the market has not seen since 2008. This indicates that the economy is on track for a resilient recovery. “The current growth cycle appears to be broadbased and sustainable,” says Randy Giggard, managing director of research services for FMI. “Most of the new construction activity is in the private sector. Projects dependent on government spending, especially those involving infrastructure, continue to be at the mercy of politics.” Geographically, larger cities are experiencing strong construction growth due in part to increases in rents and declining inventory for housing and office space. The sectors expected to experience the highest growth rate are: ■ Lodging construction — 16% CPIP growth ■ Commercial construction — 15% CPIP growth

Source: www.fminet.com

■ Manufacturing construction — 11% CPIP growth

■ Office construction — 11% CPIP growth ■ Residential construction — 9% CPIP growth

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REGIONAL BUSINESS LITERACY — continued from page 44

help reach financial success. At NBT Bank, we launched a financial education program and special banking products designed to help today’s youth grow into financially responsible, independent adults. We have conducted more than 300 financial literacy presentations across our six-state footprint since 2012, and already have another 50 programs planned for the first half of 2015. This year-round program provides in-classroom and online financial education to help kids, teens and young adults establish a positive relationship with money and navigate personal finances as their financial needs mature. And, the new generation of employees rapidly joining our businesses would also benefit from this education in their classrooms, at home and on the job. These teens and young adults need practice and guidance in the real world, too. Many already

have car loans, student loans and other expenses or debt. As they join the workforce for the first time, they have an opportunity to get started on the right foot with their first paychecks. It is never too early, or too late, to help our employees start learning about financial literacy and the ability to manage one’s own finances. It’s not just a philanthropic opportunity; it could have a significant impact on your own business. Reach out to your financial institution to see if it offers resources during Financial Literacy Month, and determine how they can help you—or how you can help someone else. Our local community depends on it. Martin Dietrich, is president and chief executive officer of NBT Bank. 1 2013 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) State-by-State Financial Capability Survey

CPAs — continued from page nine

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APRIL 2015

of nearly 54,000 members — a staggering figure illustrating the cold truth that too little is being done to meet pension obligations for retirees. Failure to adequately fund pension obligations could result in hardships for current and future retirees, or could result in state and municipal bankruptcies. Policy suggestions in the report include establishing a defined contribution pension system for all new public school teachers, state employees, and lawmakers, while ensuring that no change in benefit level occurs to all existing retirees. The task force also calls for requiring annual plan funding contributions to prevent the deferral of funding, among other options. For the municipal pension crisis, policy options include establishing pension plan portability for new hires, decreasing the vesting period, and increasing the retirement age and length of service. Another area the task force analyzed was good taxation principles. While creating a climate that attracts and retains business is the goal of any state, and is often at the core of debates on whether or not tax rates should be raised or lowered, the question of whether or not a tax change is “good tax policy” is often overlooked. The task force recommends that any changes to tax policy meet the 10 Guiding Principles of Good Tax Policy, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Fundamental Tax Reform Task Force. Policy changes that meet these principles, specifically those of certainty, convenience of pay-

ment, economy of collection, and economic growth and efficiency, will have the broadest impact on the state and its taxpayers. Recommendations for meeting these four highlighted principles include shifting remittance and collection of local earned personal income taxes to the state level and considering ways the corporate net income tax could be altered to make Pennsylvania’s tax portfolio more competitive with other states and, by consequence, more attractive to businesses. The task force also calls for transparency in governmental fiscal matters, specifically detailing the costs and benefits of tax breaks and offering a timeline of obligations and future financial burdens of all current fiscal decisions. These are just a few highlights of the options the task force recommends to solve the pending pension emergency, create good tax policy, and increase transparency in Pennsylvania. Detailed discussions of these issues and more policy suggestions can be found in the full report, available at www.picpa.org/fiscal. The Fiscal Responsibility Task Force was created in 2010 to provide Pennsylvania policymakers with strategic financial guidance. The goal of the task force’s report is to provide lawmakers with objective, third-party CPA expertise and perspective to help address the state’s fiscal challenges. The report was presented to Gov. Wolf’s office and delivered to members of the General Assembly. This is the PICPA’s third task force report, which is released biennially.

REGIONAL BUSINESS BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION — continued from page 23

Lyme disease. By using the prize money from the 2014 BPC to invest in new equipment and to perfect his online presence, Jonathan’s business elevated to the next level. His business continues to refine the target market by finding more opportunities to reach those who have been bitten or who know someone one who was bitten. Weber reminds us that “winning the prizes is nice, but there is much more.” He believes writing a business plan is a valuable exercise and claims that it helped him put into prospective what is viable and what challenges he could expect. Further, “the connections and people you meet are invaluable” he says. They ask for nothing in return for their sage advice. He wisely reminds us, “Everyone was a student once.” 2014 Non-collegiate winner, Abby Speicher, of DARTdrones LLC, suggests, “If you plan too much, you will be driven crazy and give up. I finally took my own advice and started taking action. I was sick of planning and decided to spend my college winter break working solely on DARTdrones. Once I took a few actions steps, the domino affect started and now my team owns a revenue generating company and not just an idea with a great business plan.” While the definition of an entrepreneur varies from person to person, Speicher claims an entrepreneur is someone who can create value out of nothing. With that thought in mind, she hopes that NEPA will pursue a “local business” movement and be home to many more small business entrepreneurs. 2014 wild card winner and CEO of M & S Biotics, Joshua Mecca, enjoyed the excitement of winning for technological innovation, but the true reward was that his team would spend the next months with mentors and advisors to develop their business pedigree including several months of developing the concept and prototype. Additional advisors joined to revamp the business plan and financial projections. After engaging with potential investors, the team laid a foundation for foreign suppliers and in-roads to hospitals. With the business plan complete, a provisional patent was submitted and currently a patent attorney is assisting with a full-length patent. As of early this spring, things are moving forward nicely.

For other students considering entrepreneurship, Mecca suggestions two things: First, reach out to your professors. As a graduate student in biotechnology, business was like a foreign language to him. Dr. Chris Speicher of Marywood University served as an excellent business resource in developing strategies for this new business. Secondly, he suggests that one speak openly about his/her idea. Execution is far more important than an idea. Mecca also believes that in 10 years, with the help of The Commonwealth Medical College, northeast Pennsylvania can erode the stigma that you can’t find quality health care in NEPA. Through technology and passionate medical students, the area can level the playing field to offer a standard of care unprecedented in this area and comparable to, if not better than, even larger metropolitan area hospitals. In 20-30 years there are hopes that Scranton becomes the epicenter of medical innovation and can act as the beating heart by pumping out new medicinal techniques, technologies and therapeutics. Ted and Alex Brunelle said it best, “There are two type of people is the world — those that look around and see doom, gloom, and the place they live as not the way they like it, and those that have vision, that see opportunities everywhere they look, and work every day at making the world the way they want it to be. We choose to be the latter — We love NEPA, see more opportunity than could be capitalized upon in a lifetime, we can’t wait to get started each morning at making the world a better place!” The 2015 Business Plan Competition will bring forth another group of entrepreneurs changing the region one business at a time. Tickets are available for the BPC Awards Dinner now. This dinner provides the opportunity to meet the finalists, vote for your favorite, and network with local entrepreneurs. The dinner will be held on Thursday, April 30. Starting at 4:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to meet the finalists. The networking cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. and all of the festivities will take place at Mohegan Sun Conference Center at Pocono Downs. For reservations visit www.nepbpc.com/ Donna J. Simpson is consultant manager, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center and a BPC committee member.

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FOR THE RECORD

PENN FOSTER — continued from page 22

In addition to staying flexible and responsive with its programs, Penn Foster has also changed the way it’s done business through the years. In 1950, New Yorker magazine called Penn Foster (then International Correspondence Schools, or ICS) the “Harvard of Home Study.” That year ICS had enrolled its six-millionth student. Now “correspondence” has given way to “online” offerings in programs that include bachelor, associate and high school programs. “We offer those courses that people can do while they are working, on their own time and on their own demand,” Warn said. “So if they have a job, they can accomplish their goals.” In celebrating their 125th Anniversary, Warn said Penn Foster is also celebrating its 150,000 current students and their success stories. “Many have overcome a lot of obstacles and have decided to put their training and their future first,” she said. “We want to celebrate that.” Penn Foster’s record-breaking year in 2014 included the establishment and the expansion of partnerships with organizations including Youthbuild USA and Job Corps. Twenty new colleges and career schools also now offer Penn Foster’s high school diploma completion programs.

NeighborWorks NEPA aided by Community Bank

BANKRUPTCIES CHAPTER 7

PA Tire Connections LLC. Filed: Feb. 10 in WilkesBarre. Business location: Carbon County. JMC Pocono Pizza Company Inc. Filed: Feb. 17 in Wilkes-Barre. Business location: Monroe County.

CHAPTER 11

P and A Fisher Oil Company Inc. Filed: March 3 in Wilkes-Barre. Business location: Wayne County.

DEEDS COLUMBIA COUNTY

Sekisui Polymer Innovations LLC. Property location: South Centre Township. Seller: R.R. Donnelly & Sons Company SBM Haddon Craftsmen Inc. Price: $4,125,000. Tenny Street Holdings LLC. Property location: Scott Township. Seller: RBR Realty. Price: $420,000. RFF Patrners LP. Property location: Locust Township. Seller: Frontier Farms North LLC. Price: $1 f-m-v $147,446.84. PH2 Homes LLC. Property location: Berwick. Seller: Jams D. and Glennda R. Moser. Price: $115,000. Gordner Enterprises LLC. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Estate of Betty S. a/k/a Betty L. a/k/a Betty Lynn McDaniell. Price: $102,500. GSC Rentals LLC. Property location: Scott Township. Seller: William c. Palembas. Price: $100,000. Reliable Apartments LLC. Property Location: Briarcreek Township. Seller: Rick L. adnd Jill Harmon and Michael S. and Patricia Stenko. Price: $90,000. QSC Sub LLC. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Bloomsburg Municipal Authority. Price: $1 f-m-v $79,744.90. Golden Property Management LLC. Property location: Mt. Pleasant Township. Seller: Elizabeth C. Bankes. Price: $65,000. R.G. Kuchka Inc. Property location: Berwick. Seller: Verna E. Grifasi. Price: $40,000. JAM Housing LLC. Property location: Berwick. Seller: M&T Bank. Price: $16,900. Penford Carolina LLC. Property location: Berwick. Seller: 1 Freas Avenue LLC. Price: $12,150.50.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Seen from left are Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania (NWNEPA) president and CEO; and Robert Matley, president of Pennsylvania banking for Community Bank N.A. NeighborWorks NEPA recently received a $10,000 contribution from Community Bank through DCED’s Neighborhood Assistance program. The program provides state tax credits to businesses for contributions made to qualified organizations undertaking projects and programs that fit within DCED’s priorities.

Corridors Portfolio LP. Property location: Jessup Borough. Seller: Jessup LP. Price: $11,005,434.79. Allied Health Care Services Inc. Property location: Taylor Borough. Seller: Terrence J. O’Brien. Price: $1,990,000. Shire Partners LP. Property location: Jefferson Township. Seller: Kathleen M. Butler. Price: $577,000. R&J Birney Avenue Real Estate LLC. Property location: Moosic Borough. Seller: Richard C. Darrow. Price: $505,000. Sanctuary Properties LLC. Property location: Clifton Township. Seller: Lillian M. Catagnus. Price: $445,000. Pleasant Mount Welders Inc. Property location: Carbondale City. Seller: George J. Wallis Jr. Price: $298,000. State Street Realty LLC. Property location: Clarks Summit Borough. Seller: Bunnell Real Estate Co. Price: $265,000. Northeast Pennsylvania Youth for Christ Inc. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: Jerome Musheno. Price: $169,000. Bricks Tavern LLC. Property location: Covington Township. Seller: Geraldine Larson. Price: $155,000. 134 N Main Ave LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: John J. Hubshman. Price: $150,000. JBAS Realty LLC. Property location: Moscow Bor-

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APRIL 2015

ough. Seller: Daniel A. Setzer Jr. Price: $130,000. Genco CD LLC. Property location: Dunmore Borough. Seller: Fremiotti LLC. Price: $95,000. 1425 Cherry Street LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: Sharon M. Durkan, executrix. Price: $60,000. Allied Health Care Services Inc. Property location: Taylor Borough. Seller: Terrence J. O’Brien. Price: $60,000. Delray Properties LLC. Property location: Moosic Borough. Seller: Walter Kapelanovich. Price: $60,000. Hillside Development LLC. Property location: Dunmore Borough. Seller: 106 Shoemaker Street LLC. Price: $56,000. Delray Properties LLC. Property location: Taylor Borough. Seller: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Price: $42,000. Lolajt LLC. Property location: Olyphant Borough. Seller: Thomas J. Malone. Price: $40,000. Seven Hundred Forty Seven Roberts Ltd. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: Zvi Shkedi TR. Price: $40,000. Spring Lane Associates LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: Phillip Rempe. Price: $38,500. EAS3 Realty LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: University of Scranton. Price: $25,000. Great Lakes Investments LLC. Property location: Jessup Borough. Seller: Michael A. Skovira. Price: $22,000.

ship. Seller: Karl Butz Est., James Marsh (Admr.) Price: $700,000. DLP Professional Building LLC. Property location: Smithfield Township. Seller: WTRO Properties Inc. Price: $2,150,000. 94 East 25th Street Limited Liability Co. Property location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Coleman 805 Scott Street LP. Price: $200,775. Pocono Mountain Recovery Center Land LLC. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Matthew Mulhane and Mary Butler. Price: $174,000. Reidenbach Partners LLC. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Seller: Ronald Minner. Price: $120,000. Adluck LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Fannie Mae, Federal National Mortgage Assn. Price: $85,000. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC. Property location: Tobyhanna Township. Seller: William Burke Jr. Price: $60,000.

PIKE COUNTY

Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Property location: Delaware Township. Seller: John F. Pochis; Stacy L. Pochis. Price: $204,034.84. Milford West Development LLC. Property location: Dingman Township. Seller: FANNIE MAE also known as Federal National Mortgage Association by its attorney in fact KML Law Group PC. Price: $165,000. Mill Ridge Properties LLC. Property location: BloomLUZERNE COUNTY ing Grove Township. Seller: IB Property Holdings LLC. Corridors Portfolio LP. Property location: Hanover Price: $146,500. Township. Seller: Hanover LP; Hanover I LLC, general Recreation Management Inc. Property location: partner; Verus/MetLife Laster Company LLC; Verus Asset Lackawaxen Township. Seller: Country Squire Property Company LLC. Price: $9,244,565.22. Owners Association formerly known as Masthope PropOley Real Estate Company LLC. Property location: West Wyoming Borough. Seller: Santarelli Realty; Santar- erty Owners Association & Masthope Property Owners Association Inc. Price: $68,000. elli Realty LLC, general partner. Price: $1,150,000. Green Summit Investments LLS. Property location: 1212 Scott Properties LLC. Property location: Delaware Township. Seller: Alexander Prokofiev. Price: Wilkes-Barre City. Seller: 1212 Scott Street LLC. Price: $66,000. $980,000. Strategic Realty Fund LLC. Property location: PTG I LLC. Property location: Nanticoke. Seller: Lehman Township. Seller: Washington Federal NA. Price: Daniel DelBalso III; Daniel DelBalso, Jr.; Patrick DelBalso. $36,750. Price: $500,000. Mill Pond Unit Owners Association. Property locaPenn Security Bank & Trust Co. Property location: tion: Lehman Township. Seller: JCC Consulting Services Kingston Borough. Seller: U.S. Postal Service. Price: LLC. Price: $28,500. $495,000. Kaja Holdings 2 LLC. Property location: Lehman Strive Multi Sport Inc. Property location: Harvey’s Township. Seller: U.S. Bank NA, as trustee for Citigroup Lake Borough. Seller: Jean DeWees; Lillian Sacco. Price: Mortgage Loan Trust Inc., series 2005-9 by Ocwen Loan $350,000. Iona Realty LLC. Property location: Wilkes-Barre City. Servicing LLC, its attorney in fact. Price: $21,900. Kaja Holdings 2 LLC. Property location: Lehman Seller: United Rehabilitation Services Inc. Price: $335,000. Township. Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank NA, succesSMJO Enterprise LLC. Property location: Fairview sor by merger Chase Home Finance LLC successor by Township. Seller: Mark Hanlon; James A. Hanlon. Price: merger to Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation. Price: $310,000. $15,618.75. Northeast Eagle Distributors Inc. Property location: Milford West Development LLC.roperty location: Jenkins Township. Seller: Samuel Falcone, co-partner; Leonard Falcone, co-partner; Angelo Falcone, co-partner; Dingman Township. Seller: Lester Rusinek. Price: $10,500. Cone Realty Company. Price: $285,000. NP Dodge Jr, trustee; Trust Between National Equity SCHUYLKILL COUNTY Inc and NP Dodge Jr. Property location: Jackson TownAA&R LLC. Property location: Pine Grove. Seller: ship. Seller: Daniel J. Geraghty; Kathleen D. Geraghty. Arthur Aungst. Price: $430,000. Price: $240,750. Lublin Realty LLC. Property location: Frackville. Keystone Property Rentals LLC. Property location: Seller: MBC Development LP. Price: $367,000. Forty Fort Borough. Seller: Angela C. Resavage; Thomas 42 # Players Way LLC. Property location: East Union Resavage. Price: $240,000. Township. Seller: Linda A. Lee. Price: $259,000. Drums DG LLC. Property location: Butler Township. Foggy Valley Tree Farms LLP. Property location: Seller: R&R Minnick Real Estate Inc. Price: $205,000. East Brunswick Township. Seller: Kunkel Farms Inc. Price: $250,000. LA Commercial Servicing LLC. Property locaMONROE COUNTY DK Stroudsburg Limited Liability Co. Property location: Mahanoy City. Seller: George Mamarella. Price: $68,026.40. tion: Stroudsburg. Seller: Penn Stroud Hotel Inc. Price: $1,200,000. Please see DEEDS on next page 2055 Realty LLC. Property location: Pocono Town-

FOR THE RECORD DEEDS — continued from previous page Michael Foran d/b/a Forans Transportation and Auto Repair. Property location: Minersville. Seller: Margaret, Michael and Susanna Gula. Price: $40,000. Foggy Valley Tree Farm LP. Property location: Orwigsburg. Seller: Jeffrey C. Hill. Price: $15,120. Genotfil LLC. Property location: St. Clair. Seller: Margaret, Michael and Susanna Gula. Price: $8,000. LV Singh Interprises LLC. Property location: Minersville. Seller: Christopher Morris, Jr. Price: $1,700.

WAYNE COUNTY

The Conservation Fund. Property location: Canaan al. Seller: Theta Land Corp. Price: $19,100,000. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Property location: Canaan al. Seller: The Conservation Fund. Price: $16,316,000. EMK Resources LLC. Property location: Clinton. Seller: M&J Development Group. Price: $265,000. Marcellus Futures LLC. Property location: Lake and Salem Townships. Seller: Oreste Amato ux al. Price: $205,000. Jurgensen LP. Property location: Honesdale. Seller: Michael C Wood ux. Price: $110,000. Piper Creek Inc. Property location: Honesdale. Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Price: $100,000.

WYOMING COUNTY

Countryside Professional Center LLC. Property location: Clinton Township. Seller: Mark J. Jeffers; Michele R. Zajac. Price: $350,000. WLR Family Partnership. Property location:

Meshoppen Township. Seller: Dorothy Sargent. Price: $32,000.

MORTGAGES COLUMBIA COUNTY

Innovative Building & Design Inc. and Rick Iddings and Rick A. Iddings and Sun-Dry Laundry Inc. Property location: Benton Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $1,000,000. Siya Patel Properties LLC. Property location: Berwick. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $750,000. Tyrone LP. Property location: Berwick. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $400,000. Tenny Street Holdings LLC. Property location: Scott Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $325,000. Columbia Valley Lodge No. 623 Loyal Order of Moose. Property location: Scott Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $250,000. GP Investors LLC. Property location: Hemlock Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $170,000. PH2 Homes LLC. Property location: Berwick. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $92,000. Marks Family Farm. Property location: Cleveland Township. Lender: AgChoice Farm Credit. Amount: $90,500. Gordner Enterprises LLC. Property location: Bloomsburg. Lender: Service 1st FCU. Amount: $82,000. JAM Housing LLC. Property location: Berwick. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $12,675.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

USPG Portfolio Five LLC. Property location: Moosic

YOUR COMPANY NAME

Corporate Photo

Amount: $325,000. 1230 Keyser LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $310,000. Kenmarq LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $250,000. KLT Realty LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $250,000. Village Green Development Corp. Property location: Springbrook Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $250,000. Genco CD LLC. Property location: Dunmore Borough. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $235,000. R&J Birney Avenue Car Wash Inc. Property location: Moosic Borough. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $224,000. R&J Birney Avenue Car Wash Inc. Property location: Moosic Borough. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $216,000. State Street Realty LLC. Property location: Clarks Summit. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $198,750. Bricks Tavern LLC. Property location: Covington Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $169,000. Delray Properties LLC. Property location: Moosic Borough. Lender: Hoegen & Associates PC. Amount: $150,000. J&Z Realty LLC. Property location: Old Forge Borough. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $150,000. 310 Penn LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $145,000. 134 N Main Ave LLC. Property location: Scranton

Please see MORTGAGES on next page

Coming July 2015

WHO’S WHO 2015

FULL PAGE COMPANY ADVERTISEMENT

Borough. Lender: US Bank National Association. Amount: $40,465,000. Penn Foster Inc. Property location: Ransom Township. Lender: Fifth Street Finance Corp. Amount: $30,000,000. Penn Foster Inc. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Fifth Street Finance Corp. Amount: $30,000,000. Mulberry Apartments Realty LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Investors Bank. Amount: $8,645,000. Greenspace East Scranton LP. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $7,500,000. Greenspace East Scranton LP. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $4,500,000. Greenspace East Scranton LP. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $3,000,000. TF Blakely LP. Property location: Blakely Borough. Lender: Northfield Bank. Amount: $4,800,000. ATR Properties LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $600,000. Apple Alley Associates II LP. Property location: Dunmore Borough. Lender: Trade Eastern Inc. Amount: $429,136. FSS 10 Realty LLC. Property location: Scott Township. Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $400,000. Roaring Brook Log Homes LLC. Property location: Roaring Brook Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $400,000. Kenmarq LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $328,000. Round Robin Enterprises Inc. Property location: Old Forge Borough. Lender: Penn East Federal Credit Union.

WHO’S WHO IN NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA

Who’s Who includes: •Business profile (Approx. 700 words) with

significant space for a corporate photo •Full page company advertisement (7.085 x 9.25)

Who’s Who in Northeast Pennsylvania focuses on the story behind each unique business, its employees, its expertise, its history.These stories illuminate the growth and development of industry and technology in the area. Who’s Who in Northeast Pennsylvania also serves as a testament to the diversity of Northeast Pennsylvania’s business community. Don’t miss this opportunity to include your business in this annual reference publication.

Publication Date • July 2015 Space Deadline • June 10 Copy Deadline • June 11

The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News & Information

For more information and details on how your company can be featured, Contact Judy Gregg...

570.207.9001 • 877.584.3561 ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

A Times-Shamrock Publication

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

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 51 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B51] | 03/25/15

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MORTGAGES —continued from previous page

City. Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $120,000. JBAS Realty LLC. Property location: Moscow Borough. Lender: Daniel A. Setzer Jr. Amount: $100,000. Kenmarq LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $82,500. Northeast Pennsylvania Youth for Christ Inc. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $80,000. Lolajt LLC. Property location: Olyphant Borough. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $65,000. Lolajt LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $65,000. Spring Lane Associates LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $50,000. Hillside Development LLC. Property location: Dunmore Borough. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $44,800. Cook Brothers Enterprises Inc. Property location: Carbondale City. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $40,000. Village Green Development Corp. Property location: Springbrook Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $25,000.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Bridon-American Corporation. Property location: Exeter Borough; Hanover Township. Lender: Royal Bank of Canada. Amount: $652,076,000. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation. Property location: Ashley Borough; Avoca Borough; Bear Creek Township; Black Creek Township; Buck Township; Butler Township; Dennison Township; Dorrance Township; Dupont Borough; Duryea Borough; Exeter Borough; Exeter Township; Foster Township; Hanover Township; Hazle Township; Hazleton City; Hollenback Township; Hughestown Borough; Jenkins Township; Kingston Township; Laflin Borough; Laurel Run Borough; Nescopeck Borough; Nescopeck Borough; Nuangola Borough; Pittston Township; Plains Township; Plymouth Township; Salem Township; Sugarloaf Township; West Pittston Borough; West Wyoming Borough; Wilkes-Barre City; Wilkes-Barre Township; Wright Township; Yatesville Borough. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon (trustee). Amount: $300,000,000. Bridon-American Corporation. Property location: Exeter Borough; Hanover Township. Lender: Royal Bank of Canada. Amount: $222,474,000. Moreco Inc. Property location: Hanover Township. Lender: TD Bank. Amount: $26,570,000. Corridors Portfolio LP; Corridors Portfolio General LLC, general partner; BV/Endurance Corridors LLC; Corridors Manager LLC. Property location: Hanover Township. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $15,752,000. River Street Real Estate Group Ltd. Property location: Plains Township. Lender: Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. Amount: $9,200,000. Waterfront Professional Park LLC. Property location: Plains Township. Lender: Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. Amount: $9,200,000. Falling Creek Investments Inc. Property location: Hanover Township. Lender: First Northern Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $1,680,000. Birch Knoll Associates LLC. Property location: Hazleton City. Lender: Oklahoma Fidelity Bank. Amount: $1,450,000. SMJO Enterprise LLC. Property location: Fairview Township. Lender: Live Oak Banking Company. Amount: $1,150,000. Drums DG LLC. Property location: Butler Township.

FOR THE RECORD Lender: Centennial Bank. Amount: $1,130,000. Oley Real Estate Company LLC; Oley Industries LLC; Mark C. Oley. Property location: West Wyoming Borough; Lehman Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $1,000,000. Oley Real Estate Company LLC. Property location: West Wyoming Borough. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $925,000. Oley Real Estate Company LLC; Oley Industries LLC; Mark C. Oley. Property location: West Wyoming Borough; Lehman Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $800,000. 1212 Scott Properties LLC. Property location: Wilkes-Barre City. Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $784,000. Real Estate Magnate LLC. Property location: Larksville Borough, Plymouth Borough, Plymouth Township WilkesBarre City. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $638,000. BGN Development Corporation Inc; BGN Development Corporation. Property location: Duryea Borough. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $600,000. Two Jesters Invest LLC. Property location: Kingston Township. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $562,000. 880 Gayatri LLC. Property location: Wilkes-Barre City. Lender: First Niagara Bank. Amount: $550,000. Kingston Village Center LLC. Property location: Kingston Borough. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $500,000. Oley Real Estate Company LLC; Oley Industries LLC; Mark C. Oley. Property location: West Wyoming Borough; Lehman Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $500,000. Venus Ventures LP; Chase Properties LLC, general partner. Property location: Swoyersville Borough. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $420,000. PTG I LLC. Property location: Nanticoke. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $365,000. Apple Alley Associates LP; Coach Partners LLC, general partner. Property location: Lehman Township. Lender: Trade Eastern Inc. Amount: $363,059. SMJO Enterprise LLC. Property location: Fairview Township. Lender: Crestwood Pharmacy. Amount: $333,000. Iona Realty LLC. Property location: Wilkes-Barre City. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $268,000. Strive Multi Sport Inc. Property location: Harvey’s Lake Borough. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $268,000. PTG I LLC. Property location: Nanticoke. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $255,500. Kenmarq LLC. Property location: Nanticoke. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $250,000. Outlook Design & Construction Inc. Property location: Jackson Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $210,000.

MONROE COUNTY

Route 209 Partnership, Abigail Ahnert, Emily Ahnert, W. Peter Ahnert Jr., Robert Ahnert II. Property location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $7,200,000. Vertellus Specialties PA LLC. Property location: Delaware Water Gap. Lender: Jefferies Finance LLC. Amount: $4,374,143. DK Stroudsburg Limited Liability Co. Property location: Stroudsburg. Lender: 1st Constitution Bank. Amount: $2,600,000. 94 East 25th Street Limited Liability Co. Property location: Stroudsburg. Lender: Alpha Prime LLC. Amount: $2,500,000. DLP Professional Building LLC. Property location: Smithfield Township. Lender: Emerald Creek Capital LLC. Amount: $1,250,000. Hannig Development LLC. Property location: Toby-

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hanna Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $1,238,000 and $604,000 and $308,000. Spread Eagle Development Corp. Property location: Coolbaugh Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $1,238,000 and $604,000 and $308,000. 2055 Realty LLC, LBA Realty Trust, Richard Albert (Trus.). CRT CVI LLC (manager). Property location: Pocono Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $560,000. Stroud Park LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $400,000. Skytop Lodge Corporation. Property location: Barrett Township. Lender: PNC Bank NA. Amount: $285,000. LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $238,320. LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $214,380. LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Stroud Township. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $211,360. 1126 Ventures LLC. Property location: Stroudsburg. Lender: Andrew Thierry. Amount: $114,000. Seitz Brothers Property Holdings Inc. Property location: Pocono Township. Lender: Mauch Chunk Trust Co. Amount: $105,000. Bricktown LLC. Property location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $97,500. Lot Holding Co. LLC. Property location: Stroudsburg. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $85,000. Red Maple Investments LP. Property location: Ross Township. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $50,000. LTS Homes LLC. Property location: Smithfield Township. Lender: First National Community Bank. Amount: $17,400.

PIKE COUNTY

A&K Systems Inc. Property location: Westfall Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $7,200,000. Route 209 Partnership. Property location: Westfall Township. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $7,200,000. Mill Ridge Properties LLC; Waymart Hunting Camp. Property location: Blooming Grove Township. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $155,000.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

MBC Properies LP. Lender: M&T Bank. Property location: Pottsville. Amount: $5,291,250. MBC Development LP. Property location: Wayne Township. Lender: Vist Bank. Amount: $1,050,000. AA&R LLC. Property location: Pine Grove. Lender: Arthur Aungst. Amount: $430,000. Lublin Realty LLC. Lender:1st Keystone Commercial Bank. Property location: Frackville. Amount: $275,250. Foggy Valley Tree Farms LLP. Property location: East Brunswick Township. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $210,000. Eagle Mountain Fundings LLC. Property location: East Union Township, Lender: Centric Bank. Amount: $200,000. Michael Foran d/b/a Forans Transportation and Auto Repair. Property location: Minersville. Lender: Miners Bank. Amount: $32,000.

WAYNE COUNTY

KYMAC LLC. Property location: Berlin. Lender: The Dime Bank. Amount: $605,000. KPG Inc. Property location: Honesdale. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $180,000. DJB Property Inc. Property location: Honesdale. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $75,000. Noble Lane LLC. Property location: Bethany. Lender:

The Dime Bank. Amount: $35,000.

WYOMING COUNTY

Kintner Modular Homes Inc. Property location: Mehoopany Township. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $240,000.

NEW INCS BRADFORD COUNTY

BR Transport LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Interstate, intrastate commerce for hire. 96 McKale Road, Ulster 18850. C. R. Parshall LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Title abstracting, contract landman. 178 Riverside Drive, Athens 18810. Crow Hill Hatton Family Limited Partnership. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. 194 Crow Hill Road, Wyalusing 18853. PVH LLC, general partner. High Steak’s Trucking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Transportation of livestock. 239 Buck Run Lane, Canton 17724. John Cook Consulting Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Consulting. 2385 Crayton Road, Monroeton 18832. Knolles Real Estate LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Real estate brokerage. 332 South Main Street, Athens 18810. Lala PA Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Convenience store. 2477 Elmira Street, Sayre 18840. LH Excursion LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Transportation by bus service. 2164 Bumpville Road, Ulster 18850. New Hope Counseling LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Licensed professional counseling. 781 South Main Street, Athens 18810. PVH LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Manage real estate. 194 Crow Hill Road, Wyalusing 18853. RGM Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Unknown. 516 Main Street, Towanda 18848. Segur’s Gun Shop LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 11. Sale of sporting goods, shooting and ammunition supplies. 105 Carlton Street, Canton 17724. The Berry Family Limited Partnership. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. 11121 Route 6, Troy 16947. Berry Development Company LLC, general partner Who Knew Consignment LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Consignment shop. 987 Morris Road, Sugar Run 18846.

CARBON COUNTY

Baha Beverage Co. Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Beverage distributor. 157 South First Street, Lehighton 18235. Chestnut Ridge Tactical LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Gun shop. 661 Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton 18071. Done By Dave LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Small engine repair, snow removal and lawn care. 101 Keats Lane, Albrightsville 18210. Flawless Angels Cleaning LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 14. Commercial and residential cleaning. 221 Columbia Avenue, Palmerton 18071. Gerlock Construction LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. 15 Boxwood Drive, Jim Thorpe 18229. Great Aruba Rentals LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Vacation rentals. 1787 Route 903, Jim Thorpe 18229. Grundle Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Brewer of fine malt beverages. 226 Center Street, Jim Thorpe 18229. John Herman Insurance Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 11. Insurance services. 770 State Road, Please see NEW INCS on page 54

PERSONNEL FILE BANKING & FINANCE AXA ADVISORS LLC

Steven DeRiancho, CFP, a financial professional with AXA Advisors LLC, was awarded the 2014 Branch Champion award for outstanding sales achievements. The announcement was made by Joseph DiMora, an executive vice president for AXA Advisors. DeRiancho has attained the professional designation of certified financial planner. DeRiancho He joined AXA Advisors in 2003 and has been recognized with several awards throughout his tenure with the company. DeRiancho also actively serves his community as a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Estate Planning Council and a member of the Waverly Planning Commission.

FIDeLIty BAnk

Seen from left are The Honesdale National Bank CEO, Thomas Sheridan receiving a framed certificate and letter from Emmit C. Odom Jr., assistant deputy comptroller, Philadelphia field office, Office of the Comptroller of Currency. framed certificate and letter from Comptroller Thomas J. Curry were delivered to HNB president and CEO, thomas Sheridan at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Honesdale by Emmit C. Odom Jr., assistant deputy comptroller, Philadelphia Pennsylvania field office. Upon receiving the certificate and letter, Sheridan said, “This places Honesdale National is one of the oldest national banks in the country. We were founded in 1836 with $100,000 in capital and operated as Honesdale Bank, until filing Articles of Association for The Honesdale National Bank in 1864, when the National Banking Act was established. HNB has been consistently recognized for our financial strength and we consider it an honor to be listed among the nation’s top banks in our peer group.”

The inaugural Fidelity ‘Banker of the Year’ award is presented by Daniel J. Santaniello, Fidelity Bank president and CEO, left, to Robert Connors, branch manager at Fidelity’s Dunmore headquarters. The inaugural Fidelity Banker of the Year award was recently presented to Robert Connors, branch manager at its Dunmore headquarters by bank president and CEO, Daniel J. Santaniello. According to Santaniello, “Bob was chosen for this prestigious award by the Fidelity organization as exemplary of the bank’s core values: relationships, integrity, commitment, passion, innovation and success. These values are measured on how the bank gives back to its employees, customers, shareholders and the community.” Connors has been with Fidelity Bank for more than six years and leads the Fidelity Wellness Committee, helping to make Fidelity a healthier workplace through organizing races, walks and sporting events for the bank staff. The program’s success allowed Fidelity to be recognized in the marketplace with a SAGE award for the “Healthy Workplace of the Year.”

HOneSDALe nAtIOnAL BAnk

The Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the regulator for all national banks in the country, issued a certificate of recognition to The Honesdale National Bank upon achieving 150 years as a national bank. The

nAtIOnAL Penn

National Penn Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: NPBC) announced that kevin C. Morris, information center manager, has been promoted to senior vice president. He reports to Carol Franklin, executive vice president and director of operations. Morris has 21 years of industry experience. He is responsible for managing call and email production standards to ensure quality customer Morris service in the Information Center. In addition, he plans for strategic growth within his department and evaluates and executes customer experience improvements. He joined National Penn in 2005.

Lewis J. Critelli, president and CEO of Wayne Bank recently honored Nancy A. Hart for 35 years of service with the bank.

WeLLS FARgO

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) announced that Maria kelly has been named district manager for Wells Fargo’s Scranton/Pike district, which includes 11 stores across Lackawanna, Pike, Wayne and Wyoming counties. She is based at the company’s downtown Scranton office. As district manager, Kelly is responsible for Kelly managing Wells Fargo’s retail business in the market, ensuring that local goals and targets are met for a wide variety of criteria including customer service, governance, ethics, business development and community involvement. She began her Wells Fargo career in 2010 as a banker in the Dupont store and became a store manager in Exeter in 2012. Most recently, she served as the company’s store manager in Brodheadsville.

COMMUNICATIONS, ADVERTISING & PUBLIC RELATIONS BRuCe VAn PAtteR

FROntIeR COMMunICAtIOnS

Frontier Communications (NASDAQ: FTR) announced the recent appointment of Robert Massimilian as senior marketing manager of commercial sales for the company’s East Region. In this role, Massimilian works with Frontier’s commercial sales force and operations to build market share and brand awareness. His responsibilities will focus on Massimilian business customers of all sizes, from home-based and small businesses to multinational enterprise corporations in Frontier’s three East Region states of Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania. Massimilian most recently served with Frontier as marketing manager for the company’s Central Region, covering seven Mid-West states. In this role, he executed print, broadcast, online, outdoor and direct response media plans and supported local engagement plans and new service initiatives. Prior to Frontier, Massimilian was creative director and/or partner at various Rochester and Boston-based agencies including Archer Communications, RPM Creative Services, K2 Communications, Massimilian + D’Amanda, and Buck & Pulleyn. His work has received numerous awards, including multiple Addys and Hatch, One Show, Direct Marketing Association, FIMA and New England Bank Marketing Association recognition.

RIgeR MARketIng COMMunICAtIOnS

Riger Marketing Communications received an American Advertising award for its writing and design of Pocono Health Foundation’s 2013-2014 Annual Giving Report. Conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF), the local American Advertising Awards (formerly the ADDY Awards) is the first of a three-tier, national competition. The awards are the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 50,000 entries every year in local competitions. Riger is a member of the American Advertising Federation’s Northeast Pennsylvania chapter and accepted the award at the chapter’s award ceremony in February.

WAyne BAnk

Lewis J. Critelli, president and chief executive officer of Wayne Bank recently honored nancy A. Hart for 35 years of service with the bank. Hart began her career in 1979 and has served in a variety of positions including the manager of the Waymart community office; manager of loan operations; and manager of the Bookkeeping Department. She is currently a vice-president, controller, and assistant secretary of Wayne Bank and Norwood Financial Corp.

Bruce Van Patter, a Lewisburg-based illustrator has won Silver and Bronze awards in the 34th season of the Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honor national film and video productions, web-based video commercials, and local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. Van Patter won for original drawings featured in two promotional videos produced on behalf of American Society of Mechanical Engineers by New Vision Communication in New York, New York. Van Patter says that his work on the award-winning films is an outgrowth illustration work he’s been doing for global accounting and business advisory firm Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC). Van Patter has done live scribing for PwC and other clients all over the world. To fulfill requests for animated scribing, Van Patter partnered with Peter Wiley, executive producer at Lewisburg-based Arbour Media LLC in 2011. The audiences for Van Patter and Wiley’s work are typically employees of global corporations who view them in the course of training programs. Since developing their unique whiteboard production process, the team have produced work for PwC, Qualcomm, Cisco, and a number of global pharmaceutical companies. Van Patter is currently working on a set of three films for Hitachi to be produced in San Francisco.

Bruce Van Patter Arbour Media LLC

Please see PERSONNEL FILE on page 55

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FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS — continued from page 52

BOOK OF LISTS

2015

Build a Year’s Worth of Business! The Book of Lists including Market Facts is a valuable reference tool for local business professionals who refer to this premier source of business lists, facts and figures for Northeast Pennsylvania all year long!

Boofok Lists 2014

It includes informative lists and rankings on a variety of subjects of interest to area businesses!

4/28/2014 2:16:34 PM ******** 0](PRINT) 04/26/2014

[Active] < > 1

When you advertise in the Book of Lists, your company has the opportunity to effectively reach more than 25,000 prominent NEPA business executives! It’s broad audience base appeals to a variety of businesses and industries!

Some of the lists for 2015 are...

• Accountants • Advertising Agencies • Airports • Architectural Services • Builders • Commercial Banking • Credit Unions Electricity Distributors • Electricity Generators • Employment Placement Services • Engineering Firms • Gas Drillers • Health Insurance Providers • Hospitals • Hotels • Law Firms • Meeting and Conference Centers • Realtors • Small Business Development Centers • Universities/Colleges • Women-Owned Businesses

To include or update your business listing, contact Elizabeth Zygmunt at ezygmunt@timesshamrock.com

Publication Date: May 2015 Advertising Deadline: April 10 Be a part of the 23rd edition of the region’s most sought-after single source of business and market information!

For advertising information contact Judy Gregg, 570-207-9001 extension 5425 • 877-584-3561 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

The Regions’s Award-Winning Source of Business News & Information

A Times-Shamrock Publication

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

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APRIL 2015

Parryville 18244. Kandyland Bounce Houses LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 9. Renting bounce houses for events and parties. 184 Nosirrah Road, Albrightsville 18210. Kristie’s Rockin’ Locks LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Beauty salon; hair, nails. 15 Sheckler Lane, Palmerton 18071. Lake Mountain LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Management and operation of food, beverage hospitality and recreational facilities. Route 940 & Moseywood Road, Blakeslee 18610. Lynnx 5 LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Unknown. 548 Lehigh Avenue, Palmerton 18071. Lynnx 6 LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Unknown. 772 Mauch Chunk Road, Palmerton 18071. Malibu Ridge Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Consulting. 295 Malibu Drive, Lehighton 18235. Sensinger Plantation LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 5. Storage facility. 9665 Interchange Road, Lehighton 18235. Timeline Construction LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. General and electrical contracting. PO Box 33, Lehighton 18235. Xtreme Auto Tint Sounds & Alarms LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Auto tinting. 6875 Interchange Road, Lehighton 18235.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia at Bloom Mills LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Real property. 700 Sawmill Road, Suite 101 Bloomsburg 17815. DEC Associates LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Affiliate marketing. 731 Elysburg Road, Catawissa 17820. Dildine Masonry LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Masonry. 239 Peppermill Road, Bloomsburg 17815. G & R Marketing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Real estate. 832 Austin Trail, Benton 17850. G & R Marketing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Real estate. 832 Austin Trail, Benton 17850. GillaWatts LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Music lessons, audio engineering, sound design, acoustical contracting, creating original art, music. 105 East 5th Street, First Floor, Bloomsburg 17815. L & G LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. 586 Salem Boulevard, Berwick 18603. Spencer, Gary, general partner; Spencer, Laura, general partner. Mountainside Pottery LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Retail sales. 205C Independent Street, Catawissa 17820. Onofrio Homes LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Real estate. 7025 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg 17815. Onofrio Homes LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Real estate. 7025 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg 17815. R.A. Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Real estate. 98 Orchard Drive, Bloomsburg 17815. Solo House LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Business consulting services. 30 Maple Ridge Road, Millville 17846.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

114 N. Sixth Realty Corp. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Real estate ownership. 106 Chapin Lane, Dalton 18414. AMPP Ideas LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Retail company specializing in vintage materials and home goods. 120 Burcher Avenue, South Abington Township 18411. Beaver Pond Farms Limited Liability Company. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Organic farming and purveyor of organic goods. 1637 Beaver Pond Road, Clarks Summit 18411. BioYork LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Medical waste hauling and disposal. 600 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Eynon 18403. Black Shale Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Handle gas and oil development. 96 Mountain Road, Jefferson Township 18436.

Book Insight Company LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Sell books and digital resources to schools and public library. 601 Pin Oak Place, Moscow 18444. Bradshan LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Purchase of bar and restaurant equipment. 907 Meadowlark Drive, Madison Township 18444. Centers For Healing Scranton Inc. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Dental practice. 810 Green Ridge Street, Scranton 18509. Chapter XI Farm Incorporated. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Horse farm. 171 White Road, Jermyn 18433. Chapter XI Farm LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Horse breeding and training facility. 171 White Road, Jermyn 18433. Cianci Design Works LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Design, construction aesthetic services. 118 Sussex Street, Old Forge 18518. Cigar Girlz LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Retail tobacco products. 110 Squirrel Run, Clarks Green 18411. City Publishing Company LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Music publishing. 7000 Country Club Lane, Dalton 18414. Corey Brian Strauch Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Funeral establishment. 602 Birch Street, Scranton 18505. Cousins Beer Stop LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Liquor sales. 202 Betty Street, Archbald 18403. Dalton Dickson Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Consulting. 457 Craig Road, Dalton 18414. Dime Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Real estate. 135 Mortimer Street, Dunmore 18512. Dream Big Learning Centers LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 10. Operate a preschool. 1582 Newton Ransom Boulevard, Clarks Summit 18411. Flamingo Fab LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Metal machine work and welding. 3281 State Route 107, Dalton 18414. HailStaff LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Recruiting and staffing services. 420 Adams Place, Clarks Summit 18411. HPower Energy NJ LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Energy supply. Care of Vcorp Services LLC. HSA Enterprises LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Real estate. 301 Rabbit Run, Clarks Green 18411. J.W.B. Property Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 4. Real estate. 306 Columbus Drive, Archbald 18403. JA Security Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Event security and protective services. 217 Franklin Street, Dunmore 18512. John & Lynn’s Home Improvements LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 22. Home improvement. 108 Steinecke Street, Olyphant 18447. Joseph Bomersheim Excavating LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Excavating. 150 Bomersheim Road, Roaring Brook Township 18444. Mall Stuff Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Retail. 515 Center Street, Fourth Floor, Scranton 18503. Mazz Real Estate Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Real estate. 1009 Watkins Street, Taylor 18517. Mind Body WelLaneess Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Consulting. 457 Craig Road, Dalton 18414. NEPA Barter Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Business services. 220 Linden Street, 806, Scranton 18503. Notarianni Zambetti Drywall & Paint LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Drywall, painting. 919 Clearview Road, Moscow 18444. OTOWN LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Bar, restaurant. 400 Lackawanna Avenue, Olyphant 18447. R.A.J. xpress LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Transporter of goods. 1108 Watson Street, Scranton 18504. Please see NEW INCS on page 61

PERSONNEL FILE BOARDS & COMMITTEES

lAcKAwANNA HERITAGE vAllEY AuTHORITY

cENTER FOR RuRAl PENNSYlvANIA

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania on March 2 re-elected state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) to serve as chairman of its 11-member board of directors. The board has guided the center's work and raised public awareness on a number of matters critical to the commonwealth,from public hearings and a report on heroin and opioid abuse (seen above) and the research on expanding natural-gas service in the commonwealth, to testifying on the rural impact of the major rate increases with the federal flood insurance program. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania re-elected state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) to serve as chairman of its 11-member board of directors. The center is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The center works with the legislature, educators, state and federal executive branch agencies, and national, statewide, regional and local organizations to maximize resources and strategies that can better serve Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million rural residents. Created in 1987 under Act 16, the Rural Revitalization Act, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania promotes and sustains the vitality of Pennsylvania’s rural and small communities.

HONAT BANcORP INc.

William Schweighofer, chairman of the board of Honat Bancorp Inc. announced the appointment of Robert c. Grimm to the board of directors of Honat Bancorp Inc. and The Honesdale National Bank. Honesdale National is the wholly owned subsidiary of Honat Bancorp Inc. Grimm joins Schweighofer and John P. Burlein, DVM, the Grimm current vice chairman, and board members Alfred D. Beck, Roger L. Dirlam, Charles H. Jurgensen, Paul M. Meagher, and Kurt I. Propst. Grimm is the owner of Charles W. Grimm Construction and Robert Grimm Racing LLC, both headquartered in Waymart. Grimm Construction, established in 1975, is a general contractor specializing in industrial, institutional, and residential construction projects. In 2007, he started Grimm Racing and his team has enjoyed success competing nationwide

GOVERNMENT

on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Circuit.

Atty. Julia K. Munley is the new chairperson of the board of directors of Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA). She has been a member of LHVA’s board of directors for six years, previously serving as Vice chairperson and secretary. Her appointment as chairperson is historic — she is the first female to serve in this capacity. Munley plans to J. Munley build upon the momentum the organization gained under the direction of Bob Savakinus, immediate past president, and continue developing the trail system. Munley brings unique perspective to her new role. She grew up in a home along the Lackawanna River, and watched the river transform from an unhealthy body of water to a renowned site for fishermen and a source of pride for the region — all through the efforts of LHVA and its partners. She believes the region’s past, steeped in tradition and history, is the source of its strength today. Munley is part of the family of lawyers at Munley Law, based in Scranton.

TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT

Farrell

Belleman

telecommunications solutions. Prior to joining Allied Services, he held information technology leadership positions with Greater Hazleton Health Alliance and Community Medical Center. Timothy J. Farrell, M.D., is a general surgeon at Northeastern Surgical Specialists PC. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Dr. Farrell completed his surgical residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is currently involved with the Pennsylvania and Lackawanna Medical Societies, The American College of Surgeons, Alpha Omega Alpha, The National Medical Honor Society and the Keystone Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Anthony D. Aquilina, D.O., chief medical officer at Geisinger Community Medical Center was also appointed as a new board member.

lAcKAwANNA HISTORIcAl SOcIETY

The Lackawanna Historical Society welcomed a new member to its board of trustees, John A. Farkas, Ph.D. Dr. Farkas is the chief development officer at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and has extensive experience with nonprofit organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, public libraries, special-needs schools and Farkas health-care organizations. After his son began volunteering at the Catlin House, Dr. Farkas and his wife, Nancy became participants in Historical Society events and sought ways to contribute their time and expand their participation in the society.

NORTHEAST REGIONAl cANcER INSTITuTE

Jackie Brozena, chair of the board of directors of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, recently announced the appointments of John Regula, Timothy Farrell, M.D., Mindy TorbikBelleman and Anthony Aquilina, D.O. to the board of directors. Mindy Torbik-Belleman MS, RN, is the chief nursing officer at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Brozena Prior to this position, she worked with a variety of hospitals within the region. She has more than 35 years of experience in the health-care industry. John Regula currently serves as the vice president and chief information officer for Allied Services of Pennsylvania. He provides guidance and leadership in the selection and implementation Regula of innovative information and

OIl AND GAS TEcHNIcAl ADvISORY BOARD

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the members of the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board (TAB). TAB’s mission is to increase transparency and communication about regulating the unconventional oil and gas drilling industry. TAB is authorized under the 2012 Oil and Gas Act to advise DEP in the formulation, drafting, and presentation stages of all regulations relating to unconventional oil and gas extraction. TAB will be given the opportunity to review and comment on all regulations of a technical nature prior to submission to the Environmental Quality Board. TAB consists of five members, all of whom are chosen by the governor and are residents of Pennsylvania. All board members were appointed on March 9. Fred J. Baldassare, P.G., owner and senior geoscientist, ECHELON Applied Geoscience Consulting. David A. Yoxtheimer, P.G., hydrogeologist, Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research at The Pennsylvania State University. Robert c. Hendricks, P.G., water team lead/ groundwater protection lead Appalachia, Shell Exploration and Production Company. casey v. Saunders, P.E., Pennsylvania coal operations senior project engineer, CONSOL Energy. Bryan J. Mcconnell, P.G., environmental program manager, Tenaska Inc. The non-voting members of the advisory board are selected by the Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. These members are: Atty. John walliser, vice president of legal & government affairs, Pennsylvania Environmental Council. w. Michael Griffin, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Energy and Decision Making, Carnegie Mellon University. Emily Krafjack, president, Connection for Oil, Gas, & Environment in the Northern Tier Inc. Barbara G. Kutchko, Ph.D., P.E., physical scientist, National Energy Technology Laboratory at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Seen from left are John Alden, Kenneth Flannigan and James Mason at a Tobyhanna Army Depot ‘Length of Service’ ceremony held recently. U.S. Army photo by Steve Grzezdzinski Three employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot were recognized for their years of government service during a recent “Length of Service” ceremony. James Mason was recognized for 40 years. He is electronics equipment inspector, Quality Control Division, Continuous Process Improvement Directorate. John Alden was recognized for 35 years. He is an electronics mechanic, C4 Division, C4ISR Directorate. Kenneth Flannigan was recognized for 35 years. He is an equipment specialist (electronics), C4ISR Maintenance Engineer Division, Production Engineering Directorate. Deputy Commander Frank Zardecki and depot Sgt. Maj. Juan Rocha presented the awards.

Dang

Stellatella

Also, two of Tobyhanna’s finest have been recognized for their performance and dedication to serving the warfighter. Sara Stellatella and Ngoc Dang were named the Tobyhanna Army Depot Employees of the Quarter in the junior and senior categories, respectively, for the fourth quarter of 2014. Stellatella, an administrative assistant in the Production Management Directorate, has worked at the depot for five years handling various administrative responsibilities while ensuring directorate leaders are prepared and well-informed. She credits the support of those around her for paving the way to her success. Dang is the commodity expert for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems in the Production Engineering Directorate. He is responsible for technical advising and the execution of counter fire radar overhaul.

MANUFACTURING ElEcAST INc.

John and leah Kane announced the acquisition of Elecast Inc. Elecast Inc. is a manufacturing business Please see ELECAST on next page

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 55 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B55] | 03/25/15

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PERSoNNEL FILE ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS & ENGINEERS BARRY ISETT & ASSOCIATES

Douglas Beam, EIT, has joined the Structural Engineering Department of Barry Isett & Associates Inc. (BIA), a multi-discipline engineering firm with offices in Hazleton and Forty Fort. Working most recently for Thorson Baker & Associates in Richfield, Ohio, Beam is experienced in structural engineering design, construction administration and conducting field surveys. He holds a masters of engineering in structural engineering from Lehigh University.

LARSOn DESIGn GROup

Beam

BORTOn-LAwSOn

Borton-Lawson welcomed three new employees to the firm’s Wilkes-Barre office, which serves as its corporate headquarters. Shawn whalen joins Borton-Lawson as an automation specialist. He comes to Borton-Lawson with seven years of experience in PLC programming, control system analysis/design, and a diverse electrical and controls background. Whalen earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology from Penn State University. Stephen nealon joins Borton-Lawson as a survey assistant. A Penn State graduate will a bachelor’s degree in survey engineering, Nealon previously worked at Quad 3. Joseph Marchakitus, SIT joins Borton-Lawson as a survey assistant. A Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in survey engineering, Marchakitus previously worked at Michael Baker International.

GEORGE J HAYDEn, InC.

Donna Kozden, human resources manager/public affairs at George J Hayden Inc., recently earned the respected “Professional in Human Resources” (PHR) certification. The certification, awarded by the HR Certification Institute, signifies that an individual has demonstrated the mastery of the body of knowledge and practical experience in human resource management through the passing of rigorous

examinations. The HR Certification Institute is the largest credentialing organization dedicated to serving the certification needs of human resource professionals. George J Hayden, Inc. is one of the largest commercial, industrial and service specialty electrical contractors in the region and family owned and operated for 40 years. Kozden has been at Hayden since 2007. Prior to Hayden, she worked in the legal field in North Carolina and Philadelphia law firms. At Hayden, Kozden’s responsibilities include talent recruitment, management of workforce training plans and apprenticeship training program, compliance review, employee relations and performance management, organizational development and public relations communications and representation. Larson Design Group (LDG) recently announced that Jennifer A. George has joined its Williamsport headquarters as its new marketing manager. She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, graphic design, and photography. George holds an MBA from Penn State University. She has a wide range of expertise in areas such as George project management, training, strategy, branding, public relations, graphic design, and photography. Previously, she worked at Penn College as student affairs marketing specialist, developing marketing plans and communications for all student affairs departments, including Athletics and Residence Life, and was an elected member of the College Council. During this time, she won two awards: a Bronze award for marketing a bus trip to the Holocaust Museum by the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association, and first place for marketing of the My Last Words lecture series at Penn College by NACA (National Association for Campus Activities). In her new role, Ms. George will oversee marketing staff and support the firm’s strategic marketing and business development initiatives, reporting to the director of sales & marketing.

REnEwAL BY AnDERSEn CORpORATIOn

Renewal by Andersen Corporation has announced that Renewal by Andersen of Northeast PA has earned its second prestigious Green Diamond award. A direct result of homeowner satisfaction ratings assessed during 2014, the Green Diamond award has been presented to only six Renewal by Andersen affiliates nationwide. The criteria to earn the Green Diamond Award are based upon

Kozden

homeowners’ responses to a satisfaction survey distributed after their Renewal by Andersen window replacement project has been completed. Affiliates must meet or exceed a minimum customer satisfaction rating of 95 percent, with a minimum of 50 surveys completed and a greater than 40 percent survey response. “We are thrilled to be recognized for the second year in a row by our customers for the exceptional customer service we provide,” said Joe winters, president of Renewal by Andersen of Northeast Pennsylvania. The 2014 Green Diamond award was presented at the Renewal by Andersen Summit Meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

QuAnDEL COnSTRuCTIOn

York County Solid Waste Authority is making facility improvements to its Black Bridge Road campus, including modernization of the York County Resource Recovery Center. Quandel Construction Group Inc., a local construction firm, was awarded the general construction for this project. The construction phase of the project will include an expansion of the tipping floor and waste storage pit; wastewater effluent reuse; new boiler water treatment system; reconfiguration of site roadways and relocation of vehicle scales; stormwater management and reuse; relocation of the public recycling drop-off center; a new education center, maintenance shop/warehouse and a “convenience center” for public waste Construction is anticipated to be complete in fall of 2017. Quandel is also renovating Evangelical Community Hopsital. The entire dining room/kitchen renovation project includes exciting new updates all geared toward more efficient and comfortable surroundings for both staff and visitors. The new kitchen will feature updated and modern equipment and finishes as well as behind-the-scenes updated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. The dining room and conference rooms will see new furniture and finishings in keeping with more recent renovations. There will be an addition of an electronic menu board for clear viewing of available food options. Quandel was also selected to serve as the construction manager for an addition and renovations to the Muncy Valley Hospital’s emergency services facilities, located in Muncy. The program includes an addition to the Emergency Department, renovations within the existing Emergency Department and various site improvements. The phased construction duration, involving nearly 15,000 square feet, is anticipated to span 18 months. The hospital is to remain in service during the improvement program.

REuTHER+BOwEn

MANUFACTURING (CoNT.) ELECAST InC.

located in the Ivy Industrial Park in Clarks Summit John Kane, the new president of Elecast Inc., said, “Leah and I were born and raised in NEPA and moved back to the area to raise our two sons. For the last several years, I have been commuting weekly to New York City. On March 4, we made a change. We invested in our community and purchased Elecast Inc. We are excited for this new adventure and the opportunity for our boys to learn a profound lesson about commitment and community.” John Kane graduated from West Point and served a five-year commitment in the United States Army specializing in logistics. He received an MBA from William & Mary and completed a successful 15 year career as an equity trader in New York. Leah Kane spent seven years with major

New York advertising agencies developing strategies for Fortune 500 companies, and has served as a litigation consultant for more than a decade. She is also a passionate volunteer in NEPA currently serving on the board of the Everhart Museum. She is combining her community ties and her marketing expertise to grow Elecast. For Kane more than 25 years, Elecast has produced high-quality die-cast aluminum and zinc products for long-standing clients in a wide array of industries.

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and New York. Xiao (Ricky) Ye Zheng, EIT has joined the firm as a structural designer. Zheng earned an integrated bachelor and master of architectural engineering degrees from Penn State University in 2013. Zheng is currently assigned to work on a new, seven-story medical office building and parking garage in Brooklyn, New York and a new, 60,000-square-foot assisted living facility in central New Jersey. Reuther+Bowen is the largest dedicated structural and civil engineering firm with headquarters in Lackawanna County.

LAW MYERS BRIER & KELLY LLp

Daniel T. Brier, a founding partner at Myers Brier & Kelly LLP, in Scranton, has become a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America. The induction ceremony at which Atty. Brier became a fellow took place during the recent 2015 spring annual meeting of the College in Key Biscayne, Brier Florida. Brier was the only lawyer from Pennsylvania admitted to the college at this induction ceremony. Selected one of the “Top 100 Attorneys in Pennsylvania” annually since 2011, Brier has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since 2005 and has received the highest ranking available from his peers in the Martindale-Hubble Law Directory for more than a decade. Membership in the college cannot exceed 1 percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,860 members in the United States and Canada, including active fellows, emeritus fellows, judicial fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and honorary fellows.

O’DOnnELL LAw OFFICES

Kingston personal injury law firm O’Donnell Law Offices announced Atty. patrick M. Scanlon has joined its team of experienced and skilled personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys. In his eight-year career, Scanlon has championed individuals, families throughout the region, focusing on personal injury. Scanlon has spent his Scanlon career representing individuals and families. He received his Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where he was an Honors Scholarship Recipient.

pERRY LAw FIRM

McLaine

Zheng

Reuther+Bowen Engineering, Design, and Construction Services announced the following new hires: patrick McLaine, Jr. PE has joined the firm as a senior civil engineer. His responsibilities include land development design, planning, and municipal engineering. McLaine, who has more than 16 years of experience in civil engineering, earned an MBA from Fordham University. He holds professional engineer registrations in Pennsylvania

Mark perry has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for the 10th consecutive year. Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more

Perry

Please see LAW on next page

PERSonnEL FILE LAW (cont.)

HEALtH cARE commonweaLth heaLth

Samir Pancholy, M.D., who is on the medical staffs of three Commonwealth Health hospitals, co-authored a research study that was published in a recent edition of The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Pancholy is one of the authors of “Randomized Trial of Primary PCI With or Without Routine Manual Thrombectomy,” which Pancholy was published on March 16. Dr. Pancholy is affiliated with North Penn Cardiovascular Specialists, Clarks Summit, and is on the medical staffs of Tyler Memorial Hospital, Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital.

GeiSinGer

Seen from left are Atty. Karl A. Wagner, Jr., center for Developmental Disabilities (cDD) of Pike county's 'children’s champion' honoree and cDD board vice president; Atty. Elizabeth A. Erickson Kameen, Pike county Bar Association president; Atty. James P. Baron, Pike county Bar Association treasurer; Atty. Kelly Gaughan, cDD master of ceremonies and Pike county Bar Association secretary; Atty. Arthur K. Ridley, Pike county Bar Association vice president; Saige Fohl, 2015 cDD’s featured annual appeal child. Thomas Duncan Photography photo

Perry Law Firm (cont.) than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. Perry was selected under the practice area of civil Litigation Defense. A substantial portion of his practice is dedicated to the litigation of complex professional liability claims. He has represented physicians and hospitals in northeastern and central Pennsylvania in hundreds of cases in both state and federal court. He has successfully defended hospitals and physicians in virtually every specialty of complex medical negligence litigation.

outdoor classroom for the children at CDD along with the “Jack Linshaw” outdoor sensory garden.

wiLKeS-Barre Law & LiBrary aSSociation

The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) presented three County Bar Recognition awards to the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association during the 49th annual seminar of the Conference of County Bar Leaders in February. Recognized for two educational seminars and a charitable fund-raising event, the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association is one of 26 local bar associations in Pennsylvania honored this year for sponsoring projects that improve the legal profession, justice system or community. The awards are presented annually by the PBA. The association partnered with the National Park Service, PiKe coUnty Bar aSSociation Lackawanna Bar Association, Federal Bar Association The Pike County Bar Association congratulates Atty. and Third Circuit Bar Association to present a continuing Karl a. wagner, Jr., recipient of this year’s Center for legal education program for lawyers and a public legal Developmental Disabilities of Pike County Children’s education program for area high school students. The Champion award and Saige Fohl, this year’s CDD featured program was about “the Ashley Special,” a famous Annual Appeal Child. Both were honored at the 17th local train. A host of distinguished speakers spoke in the annual “Chefs Do Dinner” event on March 25. Wagner is crowded amphitheater at the Steamtown National Historic being honored for his role as youth ambassador ensuring Site in Scranton. While the association has sponsored necessary programs and services are available to all many programs jointly with Lackawanna and the Federal children of Pike County. The funds raised at the “Chefs Bar associations, this was the first time it partnered with Do Dinner” event are used for educational programs and the Third Circuit Bar Association. As part of its ongoing therapeutic services, which CDD provides to over 200 relationship with the medical profession and the joint children and families in the local community. Pike County effort to educate the community about subjects having Bar Association (PCBA) officer Atty. Kelly Gaughan will both a legal and medical component, the association’s serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event along with Legal-Medical/Disabilities Committee planned a seminar Atty. John Klemeyer. The Center for Developmental Diswith the Luzerne County Medical Society. The seminar abilities of Pike County holds a special place in the heart was held at King’s College on the subject, “What You of the Pike County Bar Association as the first organizaNeed to Know about Medical Marijuana.” The seminar, tion supported through the initial efforts of the late Atty. which attracted a large crowd, was a CLE for lawyers, a Jack Linshaw. The Pike County Bar Association has CME for physicians and open to the public as a Public Leprovided Christmas gifts and a Christmas party each year gal Education program. December also marked the 10th for CDD since its inception. n addition the PCBA donated annual Holiday Basket raffle, a charitable fund raiser held the funds to build the “Arthur K. Ridley and Jane Ridley” by the association’s Young Lawyers Division.

Geisinger Life Flight was recently recognized by the Pennsylvania emergency health Services council for children Voluntary recognition Program as a Level iV-master service providing the best pre-hospital care for children. Life Flight is one of only three air medical service providers in Pennsylvania to receive the highest level of recognition. Specifically, Life Flight was recognized for its compliance with Federal Emergency Medical Services for Children equipment list standards, compliance with ChildLine background clearance checks for all Life Flight staff, completion of a minimum of four hours of annual pediatric-specific continuing education for all EMS providers and staff, and achievement of excellence in pediatric care through participation in community outreach initiatives demonstrating benefits to children for safety and injury prevention. Life Flight staff complete more than 30 hours of continuing medical education per year and provide hundreds of hours of outreach at community events throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, much of which is dedicated to injury prevention and pediatric education. In addition to the pediatric recognition, Life Flight’s paramedics recently received recognition from the Board for critical care transport Paramedic certification for maintaining 100 percent compliance as certified flight paramedics. The program is one of approximately 25 programs world-wide that have been recognized for having 100 percent of paramedic staff compliant with the certified flight paramedic certification and standards.

Pocono meDicaL center

nche Zama, M.D., Ph.D., cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and a nationally recognized leader for clinical and quality outcomes, has returned to Pocono Medical Center (PMC) to lead the Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. Under his previous leadership, PMC gained national recognition as one of the highest rated cardiothoracic programs for quality Zama in the nation. He rejoins PMC after serving since August 2012 as the medical director, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery program at Aria Health, one of the largest health-care providers in Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County. Dr. Zama’s return to PMC will solidify the Cardiothoracic Surgery Program as the regional destination for patients in need of care. He trained in cardiothoracic surgery

Seen from left are Elizabeth Wykpisz, Pocono Medical center's (PMc) chief operating officer and chief nursing officer; Louis capozzi, housekeeper and brother of Dedicated Employee of the Month, Ben capozzi; Bob cohen, PMc security officer I; Ben capozzi, supervisor, security services and Dedicated Employee of the Month for March winner; Jim Bratcher, PMc security officer II; Lester Fernandez, supervisor, security services; Kevin crain, director, PMc security and safety.

and pediatric cardiac surgery at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Zama completed his specialized training in cardiac valve and complex cardiac surgery at the University of Paris, Broussais Hospital under the leadership of world renowned surgeon Dr. Alain Carpentier. He also completed training at the Cleveland Clinic where he served as chief resident and received a prestigious award for extraordinary clinical skills and performance. Dr. Zama earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati as well as his Ph.D. in chemistry and master of science degree in management from Harvard University. In addition to his regular medical practice, Dr. Zama frequently conducts medical missions in Asia, Africa, and South America. Also, Pocono Medical Center announced Ben capozzi, a Security Services Supervisor, was named its “Dedicated Employee of the Month” for March. A nomination submitted on his behalf read in part, “Ben always exemplifies the PMC values by demonstrating integrity, respect and teamwork.” In addition, Becker’s Healthcare recently released its 2015 edition of the 150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare and among them is Pocono Medical Center. This is the second year in a row that Pocono Medical Center was recognized and joins Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as one of only two Pennsylvania health systems to achieve this special recognition. The list is developed through a combination of nominations and editorial research.

SUSQUehanna heaLth

Susquehanna Health Heart & Vascular Institute welcomed Dr. John hynes, cardiac electrophysiologist, to the cardiology team. Dr. Hynes received his medical degree from University of Texas Health Sciences Center Medical School, San Antonio and completed his residency at University of Alabama Birmingham Hospitals. Dr. Hynes also completed two fellowships at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State

Hynes

Please see HEALTH CARE on next page

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PERSONNEL FILE HEALTH CARE (CONT.)

AAA NORTH PENN: Seen from left are, front row seated: Veronica Ostrowski, Towanda office manager; Katrina Harvey, Group Travel, Williamsport office; Melanie Palski, Accounting Department, Williamsport office. Second row: Joseph Zielinski, IT specialist, Scranton office; Emily Bowen, Honesdale office; Brenda Frystak, travel agent, Tunkhannock office; Tracey Sanderson, Carbondale office; Wayne Mitchell, Scranton Maintenance Department; Rosemary Belotti, Scranton TRAVEL travel agent. Third row: Nancy Bozym, Scranton Travel office; Margaret McCorAAA NorTH PENN mick, Scranton CFO; Ronald Straka, courier, AAA North Penn held an employee luncheon to Scranton office; Mary Marcinko, Scranton recognize employees who have hit their milestone years (measured in five-year intervals). Recognitions ERS Department; Lisa Burcher, Honesdale were awarded to employees ranging from five years of Travel office; Leigh Ann Fedorchak, Scranservice to 40 years of service. Each employee received ton License Department. a recognition pin and a check reward based on their

Seen, front row, from left: Ruth Akers, Bryn Mawr Hospital; Jill Fox, Somerset Hospital; Denise Sheffield, JC Blair Hospital; and Diane Ortega, Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg. Back row, from left: state Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Pike); Nadine Greco, Wayne Memorial Hospital; Joy Reardon, Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg; Von Sheivert, Holy Spirit Hospital; and Sen. Thomas McGarrigle (R-Chester, Delaware).

SUSQUEHANNA HEALTH (coNT.)

service years. AAA North Penn serves AAA members in Lackawanna, Monroe, Lycoming, Wayne, Bradford, Susquehanna, Pike, Tioga, Wyoming, Potter and Sullivan counties. Visit online at www.aaa.com.

NONPROFITS ScHUyLKiLL cHAMBEr of coMMErcE

College of Medicine in cardiology and electrophysiology. Cardiac electrophysiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that involves the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal electrical activity of the heart. Dr. Hynes come to Susquehanna Health with a decade of experience in treating patients with state-of-the-art technology to remedy complex heart rhythm disorders.

The Schuylkill Executive Leadership class of

2015 recently celebrated their graduation with a luncheon following their last class. Schuylkill Executive Leadership is a program of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual in helping them with their professional development no matter what their profession. Please see PERSONNEL FILE on next page

WAyNE MEMoriAL coMMUNiTy HEALTH cENTErS

Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC), welcomed Norma Nocilla, BSHA, LPN, CPHQ, who has been appointed director of quality assurance for the federally qualified health center. Nocilla will be responsible for planning, supervision and coordination of performance improvement initiatives across Nocilla all WMCHC offices located in Wayne, Pike and Lackawanna counties. She attained distinctions as a certified professional in healthcare quality as well as national managed care certification level I and II. Over the past 20 years, Nocilla held various leadership positions in health-care quality and performance improvement at local health systems including: regional manager of risk and patient safety/patient safety officer for Geisinger Health System; director of quality and clinical outcomes, Geisinger Community Medical Center and director of performance improvement at the former Marian Community Hospital. Alos, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) presented the 2015 Golden Stethoscope awards to Kenneth Bannon, PA-C, Carbondale Family Health Center and Krista Hollis, CRNP, McAndrew Family

Seen from left are Janice McConnell, primary care clinical lines manager, WMCHC; Kenneth Bannon, PA-C; Krista Hollis, CRNP; and Frederick Jackson, Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers executive director. Health Center. The awards, given annually by WMCHC, recognize clinicians for outstanding leadership, patient satisfaction and loyalty to the health centers, Wayne Memorial Hospital and the community at large. Both Bannon and Hollis were praised by WMCHC’s executive director, Frederick Jackson for demonstrating extraordinary commitment and professionalism throughout 2014. Also, Sen. Lisa Baker welcomed several health-care officials from across the state to the Senate on March 2 to mark Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week in Pennsylvania. Among those attending was Nadine Greco, from Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, who also serves as the president of the Tri-State Society for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a multi-disciplinary professional association that serves Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Baker (R-Pike), introduced a Senate Resolution, which the Senate unanimously approved on Monday, designating the week of March 8-14 as Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week in Pennsylvania.

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SCHUYLKILL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP CLASS: Seen, front row, from left are Tina Rose, Penn State Schuylkill; Michelle Mace, Michael Foods Inc./Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products; Shoanna Turner, Dunkin Donuts; Devin Hetrick, Michael Foods Inc./Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products; Kim Shepherd, Michael Foods Inc./Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products; Deb Raymond, The Evans Network of Companies; Kym Hasenauer, Dunkin Donuts; and Karen Kenderdine, president, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. Rear, from left: Monica Walborn, Schuylkill Chamber Leadership coordinator; Jeff DeAngelo, Alfred Benesch & Company; Gabriel Marrero, The Evans Network of Companies; Vicki Marteslo, Service Access & Management Inc.; Brock Stein, Koch’s Turkey Farm, LVE Inc.; John Matz, Schuylkill County Emergency Management; Alyssa Pauley, Dunkin Donuts; and Trisha Wolfe, Michael Foods Inc./Papetti’s Hygrade Egg Products.

PERSONNEL FILE HIGHER ED

was the establishment of the William G. McGowan School of Business at King’s in 1992. Pinola is the a principal in GPS Investment Group LLC, investment counselors and the retired chief executive officer of Right Management Consultants, a career transition and organizational consulting business and a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

East stroudsburg univErsity of PEnnsylvania

MisEriCordia univErsity

George

Seen from left are Kristin Schafer, Emily Selby, Nicole Troia, Rebecca Keck, Caitlin Trainer and Dr. Richard Wesp who presented their study, “Multitasking During Introductions Inhibits Ability to Remember Names,” at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA). Students and faculty in the psychology department at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania started their spring break telling people about how irresponsible college freshmen are when it comes to online shopping and the importance of infusing diversity into the college classroom. The forum for these discussions was the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological association (EPA) in Philadelphia, where ESU faculty and students presented their research on these topics and more. Eleven presentations were given by ESU students and faculty. Topics varied from college students’ perception about mental illness to research meant to help college students see connections between coursework and “real life.”

CarEEr tEChnology CEntEr

Jenine J. ikeler, MS has recently been appointed part time continuing education coordinator by the CTC board of directors. In this role, she will be responsible for the administration of adult education. Ikeler will develop continuing education programs, which will meet the needs of local citizens, unions, business and industry. She is currently works Ikeler full time as the career resource coordinator, in this role she is responsible for student recruiting and retention as well as developing classroom activities that support career exploration for the members of the Career Technology Center consortium school districts.

KEystonE CollEgE

Marie angelella george, Ph.D. has been named executive vice president at Keystone College. Dr. George has extensive experience in higher education having served as president of Cabrini College, executive vice president of Saint Anselm College, and vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness at the University of Scranton. She also was a faculty member at King’s College. She is an evaluator for the Middle States

Yarrish

Commission and was actively involved with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium of Higher Education, and the Colonial States Athletic Conference. She is currently a trustee for St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and College, Philadelphia. Dr. George has her doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, graduate degree in counseling from the University of Scranton, and baccalaureate degree in mathematics from Misericordia University. Karen yarrish, Ph.D. has been named vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Keystone College. Prior to accepting her new position, Dr. Yarrish had been vice president for strategic planning and human resources at Keystone. A professor in higher education for 23 years, Dr. Yarrish began her career at Keystone in 1998 as an assistant professor. She has as also served as chair of Keystone’s School of Business, Management, and Technology. Dr. Yarrish is active in the community, serving on the board of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Society for Human Resources Management. Dr. Yarrish received a master’s of science degree in human resources administration from the University of Scranton, and a doctorate degree in workforce education and development from Pennsylvania State University. Kara stone has been named dean of enrollment at Keystone College. Prior to joining Keystone, Stone had been director of retention and student success and assistant dean of transfer students and student retention at Fordham University in New York City. She also served at Fordham as assistant director of transfer Stone admissions. She received her master’s degrees in English from Fordham and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in English.

King’s CollEgE

rich Pinola, a 1967 graduate of King’s College, has been selected as the second recipient of the Father James Lackenmier, C.S.C., Award for Achievement and Leadership. The award will be presented at a ceremony to be held Oct. 22 at the Union League in Philadelphia. Funds raised at the dinner will benefit the King’s College Presidential Pinola Hope Fund, a critically important resource that supports deserving King’s students that are faced with unforeseen financial hardships that threaten their ability to complete their undergraduate studies. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the College’s annual McGowan School of Business Forum. A highlight of Father Lackenmier’s 18-year presidency (1981-1999)

Charles J. brody, Ph.D., a native of Nanticoke and most recently an associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte, has been named vice president of academic affairs at Misericordia University. He begins his new role at Misericordia on July 1. At Misericordia UniverBrody sity, Dr. Brody will be the chief academic officer with oversight of academic programs and personnel, and affiliated units such as the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library and the Student Success Center. Dr. Brody has long been associated with the Religious Sisters of Mercy who founded Misericordia University. He attended Mercy-sponsored elementary and secondary schools in the region, and his sisters, Sister Elizabeth Brody, RSM, director of the Mineral Springs Learning Center, Wilkes-Barre, and Sister Mary Ellen Brody, RSM, of St. Louis, are Religious Sisters of Mercy. Dr. Brody holds a Master of Arts degree in sociology from the University of New Orleans. He earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona. In his most recent role as associate dean for academic affairs, Dr. Brody’s responsibilities included overseeing development of new and revision of existing undergraduate and graduate curricula across the college, and overseeing the college’s program review process and assessment of student learning outcomes. Dr. Brody began his work at UNC Charlotte in 2001, as a professor of sociology. Dr. Brody is a widely published scholar on topics including public opinion about nuclear power, employment among high school students, female gun ownership, and managers’ behavior in the workplace. In addition, he has written several technical reports and reviews, submitted and been awarded numerous grants, and made scholarly presentations at conferences. Also, James siberski, M.S., C.M.C., CRmT, assistant professor and coordinator of the geriatric care management program at Misericordia University, will make the presentation, “I Have What? What Do I Do?,” at the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Early Stage Symposium “The Future of Dementia Care’’ on May 6 at the Holiday Inn Siberski Harrisburg, Grantville. During his presentation, Siberski will examine what families and individuals need to do after the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He will specifically address psychosocial interventions, support services and slowing cognitive losses, as well as what documents need to be easily accessible and what are some end-stage issues that will need to be considered. In addition, brenda hage, Ph.D., D.N.P., C.R.N.P., professor of nursing and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, has been selected as a fellow for the prestigious Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership

Program for 2015-16. The program is a partnership between Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University School of Nursing, and Johnson & Johnson. The one-year certificate program was created to provide an innovative leadership development learning experience for the advanced practice nurse. Fellows Hage will participate in three leadership retreats at Duke University throughout the year as well as through distance-based learning activities and a transformational leadership project of their choice. The program aims to provide fellows with the leadership and management skills required to effectively address the needs of underserved populations and to become change agents within their practice settings and the ever-changing health-care environment. In addition to her responsibilities at Misericordia University, Dr. Hage is the associate medical director of the Hope Clinic in Luzerne Borough. Finally, Mark van Etten has been named the director of facilities and auxiliary services at Misericordia University. In his new position, he will be responsible for facilities, housekeeping, grounds, construction, the Campus Bookstore, and printing and engraving services. Van Etten joined the Misericordia University staff in 2004 as director VanEtten of budgets and accounting after working in public accounting for more than 10 years. He is a graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2008.

PEnnsylvania CollEgE of tEChnology

Carol a. lugg has been named assistant dean for the School of Construction & Design Technologies at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Lugg most recently was director of the Office of Transfer Initiatives, smoothing incoming students’ pathways to bachelor’s degrees and furthering articulation agreements with two-year institutions Lugg in majors that dovetail with Penn College’s academic offerings. Previously, Lugg was coordinator of matriculation and retention in the college’s former School of Natural Resources Management. She has worked in higher education for nearly 20 years, holding positions in student affairs, academic affairs and athletics.

thE CoMMonwEalth MEdiCal CollEgE

The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC) announced Marika handakas, LCSW, M.Div., Psy.D is now assistant professor in the Department of Family, Community and Rural Health. Dr. Handakas earned a Master of Divinity degree at Union Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work at Columbia University, and a Doctor of Psychology degree at Immaculata University. She recently served as director of the Academic Advising Center and assistant professor at Bloomsburg University. Dr. Handakas also has her own private psychotherapy practice.

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HIGHER ED (CONT.) THE COMMONWEALTH MEDICAL COLLEGE

Handakas

Sirak

In addition to teaching at TCMC, she will contribute to curriculum development and learning activities related to behavioral health, communication skills, professional development, and interprofessional practice. TCMC also welcomed Jenny Sirak to her new role as senior accountant. Davis She recently served as senior accountant at Baker Tilly International LLP. In her new role at TCMC, she will support the financial reporting and accounting needs of the college. In addition, TCMC welcomed Bethany Davis to her new role as director of research compliance. She recently served as senior associate, development quality assurance at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories / Promius Pharma in Princeton, New Jersey. Prior to that she was a quality planner at McNeil Consumer Health Care in Fort Washington. She has designed and implemented quality systems, including managing training programs for research and development, quality control and quality assurance.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

The University of Scranton has been recognized among the nation’s top producers of U.S. Fulbright students by The Chronicle of Higher Education for 10 consecutive years. The University was among just 21 “Master’s Institutions” ranked among the “Institutions Producing the Most Fulbright Students 2014-15,” which was published by The Chronicle online Feb. 12. The Fulbright program, administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), is the U.S. government’s premier scholarship program for overseas graduate study, research and teaching. The University has enjoyed a long record of success with students earning prestigious Fulbright awards. Since 1972, a total of 148 students who applied through the University have been awarded grants in the competitions administered by the IIE, including Fulbrights. With four University graduates earning Fulbright awards for the 2014-2015 academic year, Scranton tied with four other colleges to have the fifth highest placements in the “Master’s Institutions” category. The four University graduates who earned Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for the 2014-2015 academic year are: Emmanuel Akpan Jr., who was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Cyprus; Olivia Salama, who was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Law to Finland; Matthew Tibbitts, who was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Malaysia; and Marc Andris Vallone, who was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Brazil. Also, Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing at The University of Scranton, co-authored the book “Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom” with Rebecca M. Patton, MSN and Ruth Ludwick, Ph.D. “Nurses Making Policy,” co-published with the American Nurses Association, explores the nurse’s integral role in facilitating health policy change and advocating for the patient, both in the hospital and in the larger political system. Dr. Zalon, who has been a member of Scranton’s

WILKES UNIVERSITY

Wilkes University’s Marketing Communications Department recently received three awards for its work. The department received a Bronze CUPPIE award from CUPRAP (College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals) for agency-produced viewbooks in the print competition for the Wilkes University Viewbook for prospective students. The department also received a Bronze CUPPIE in the special events promotion category of the public relations competition for Passport to Science, an open house event that invites community members to Wilkes’ campus for a day of interactive laboratory projects and scientific demonstrations. Wilkes’ Marketing Communications also received the CASE District II Accolades Awards program’s Bronze award for Passport to Science. District II is the largest of the organization’s districts. It includes all colleges, universities and independent schools in a multi-state area and part of Canada. The award was presented at the district’s conference in February.

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has been in the residential and commercial floor design industry since 1988.

BETTER HOME AND GARDENS WILKINS & ASSOCIATES

Singh

Stossel

Johnsen

DiPalma

D’Anjou

Sanchez

REAL ESTATE BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES, POGGI REALTORS

Jones

Four University of Scranton graduates earned Fulbright awards for the 2014-2015 academic year. Pictured at Class Night exercises in June are, seated from left: Fulbright award recipients Olivia Salama and Emmanuel Akpan Jr.; and Susan Trussler, Ph.D., Fulbright Program adviser. Standing are University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.; Patricia Harrington, Ed.D., who served as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Fulbright award recipients Matthew Tibbitts and Marc Andris Vallone.

REAL ESTATE

faculty since 1988, was inducted as an American Academy of Nursing Fellow in 2010 in part for her positive influence on health-care policy and delivery. Her leadership legacy includes grassroots advocacy, progressive program design, execution and outcomes in state and national nursing organizations focused on establishing practice Zalon and education policy, and building research funding capacity. Dr. Zalon’s research focuses on vulnerable elders.

Koepke

Edmund H. Poggi, owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Poggi Realtors welcomes Joyce M. Jones to the professional sales team in the Forty Fort office. Jones is a member of the Greater Wilkes Barre Association of Realtors and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Academy. She holds certification from The National Association of Realtors as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), and also has a master’s degree in business management from Webster University in St. Louis and a graduate certificate from King’s College in long-term care administration. She is retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant and has worked as a civilian with Air Force Recruiting in Wilkes-Barre for the past 11 years. Poggi also welcomed Bob “Kep” Koepke to the sales team in the Shavertown office. He is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Academy and a member of the Greater Wilkes Barre Association of Realtors. He

Christine A. Wilkins, executive vice president and general manager, announced the hiring of eight realtors to the company. Hired were Jennifer L. Stossel; Sunil “Sunny” Singh; Donna Johnsen; Jason DiPalma and Erika Huber all working from the Stroudsburg office; and Neville “Troy” D’Anjou and Damoes B. Wilson, who will both work from the Mt. Pocono office and Alexa Sanchez from the Bushkill office. Jason DiPalma graduated in December from the Scott White Real Estate Institute. DiPalma will concentrate on growing the Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins & Associates business in the Lehigh Valley market place. Donna Johnsen is a graduate of the Weichert Real Estate School in 2011. Prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Johnsen was employed by Weichert Real Estate in Medford and Marlton, New Jersey. Johnsen is an award winning realtor and has been recognized as a Top Listing Agent and Million Dollar Club winner. Sunil Singh graduated from the Pocono Real Estate Academy in October of 2013. Prior to real estate, Singh was employed for more than 15 years in the telecommunications industry. Neville “Troy” D’Anjou was previously employed by Schmitt & Sussman as a marketing representative in the life, health and disability insurance industry. Prior to that, D’Anjou was employed in the hotel and food industry. Jennifer L. Stossel graduated from the American School of Real Estate Express in November 2014. Stossel for the past 15 years has been Please see REAL ESTATE on next page

FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS — continued from page 54 Ramirez Plumbing Service LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Unknown. 102 Townhouse Boulevard, Scranton 18508. Randy Plumley Trucking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Unknown. 114 Putnam Street, Scranton 18508. Regina’s Estates LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Real estate. 421 Academy Street, Peckville 18452. Sandy’s Table LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Bakery. 711 Davis Street, Scranton 18505. SB 400 Lackawanna Ave LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Real estate. 907 Meadowlark Drive, Madison Township 18444.

PERSONNEL FILE employed in the customer service business. Damoes B. Wilson graduated from the Kratz Real Estate School in 2001 and prior to joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, was employed by Classic Properties. Wilson also holds a Public Adjuster’s License and a Pennsylvania life and health license. Milne Erika Huber is a December 2014 graduate from an online real estate academy. Alexa Sanchez has rejoined the Wilkins organization. Sanchez originally received her real estate in June of 2014. Her background is in sales. Also, John J. Milne, Jr. has joined Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates as a full-time realtor in the BHG Milford office at the Historic Water Wheel. Milne has held a New Jersey real estate license since 2000. Prior to joining Wilkins organization, Milne worked for Realty Executives based in New Jersey. Before that, Milne worked in property management for 10 years and was a title insurance producer for seven years. Milne is a member of the Pike/Wayne Association of REALTORS.

CENTURY 21 UNLIMITED REAL ESTATE

John Fox, owner of Century 21 Unlimited Real Estate announced that Salvatore DeLuca, sales affiliate with the independent office, has achieved a Centurion Producer Award for Individual Sales Production following his 2014 sales success. The award honors sales affiliates of the Century 21 System who earn $218,000 in sales producDeLuca tion or 67 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. Century 21 Unlimited Real Estate is a full-service brokerage located in Tannersville.

LEWITH & FREEMAN REAL ESTATE

Virginia Rose, president of Lewith & Freeman Real Estate announced Shannon Sweitzer recently joined the Back Mountain sales team. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Real Estate Academy. She is a member of the Greater WilkesBarre Association of Realtors, The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Sweitzer

Skytop Business Loans LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Business lending. 102 North Main Street, Suite B, Old Forge 18518. Switchyard Health LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Pursuing opportunities in health care and technology. 107 Princeton Avenue, Clarks Green 18411. Synergy Sports Partners LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Synthetic athletic fields. 120 Yankee Lane, Dalton 18414. T&J Rentals LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Renting apartments. 922 Froude Avenue, Scranton 18505. TaxiCow LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Taxi service. 105 Hickory Street, Archbald 18403. Turbee Enterprise Systems LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Information technology consulting services. 20 Briarwood Way, South Abington Township 18411. VanDeMark & Nieto Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. General construction and landscaping. 307 South Keyser Avenue, Old Forge 18518. Vape Boss 2 LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 10. Retail store, vape shop. 428 Spruce Street, Scranton 18501. Vine Cafe LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Restaurant. 431 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton 18503. VlogClips LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 15. IT firm. 206 Clairmont Road, Dickson City 18519. W.E. Integrate Health LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 16. Health care. Care of O’Brien Law Group LLC. Water Gap Green Refresh Center LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Real estate. 538 Spruce Street, Suite 600, Scranton 18503.

LUZERNE COUNTY

3 Bobby D’s Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Restaurant. 2 Maple Avenue, Sugarloaf 18249. 511 Broad LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Hold a liquor license. 511 W. Broad Street, Hazleton 18201. 618 Wyoming Avenue LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Purchase or lease of real estate. 55 Old Mill Road, Wilkes-Barre 18702. 8th Street Mulch and Stone LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Wholesale, retail sales of mulch and stone. 837 West 8th Street, West Wyoming 18644. 9 Park LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 27. House rental. 9 Park Street, West Hazleton 18202. Advanced Computer & Electronic Specialties LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Computer services. 401 Winters Avenue, West Hazleton 18202. Advanced Lawn Specialties LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Landscaping and lawn care services. 401 Winters Avenue, West Hazleton 18202. Angelo’s Pizzateria Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Sale of Italian food. 141 Kingwoods Drive, Dallas 18612. Antonia’s Jewelry & Repair LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Buy, sell, repair jewelry. 590 Lakeview Drive, Mountain Top 18707. Arkangel Recovery Limited Liability Company. Commercial. Filed Feb. 10. Recovery of fugitives for bail bondsmen. 100 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Suite 112, Wilkes-Barre 18702. ARVI Technologies Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Technology consultants. 3 Endwood Circle, Sugarloaf 18249. ASE Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Maintenance and sale of residential real estate properties. 837 West 8th Street, West Wyoming 18644. Ballydehob Realty LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. Real estate. 199 James Street, Kingston 18704. Bloomfield Asset Management LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Real estate. 827 Exeter Avenue, West Pittston 18643. Bobby O’s Automotive Inc. Commercial. Filed March 2. Unknown. 223 Maple Drive, Drums 18222. Catalina Imports LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Wholesale Mexican products. 91 Parrish Street, WilkesBarre 18702.

Cougar Basketball Camp LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Operation of a basketball camp. 7 Cross Road, Drums 18222. County Line River and Land Company LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Real estate. 179 South Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704. D & M LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Real estate. 1344 North Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre 18705. D’Abuso Hookah Lounge Limited. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Hookah lounge. 35 East Diamond Avenue, Hazleton 18201. Double Diamond Handyman LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Residential remodeling. 1538 State Route 239, Stillwater 17878. DS Nocchi and Sons LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Delivery of goods. 998 Burton Street, Freeland 18224. ELFS LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 11. Assisting in development of ROW. 509 North Main Street, Plains 18705. Empire Mattress LLC. Commercial. Filed March 4. Bedding sales. 424 Ice Harvest Drive, Mountaintop 18707. eVaporate Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. Vaping supplies. 34 Somerfields Drive, Wyoming 18644. Flavor Vapor LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Manufacture and sell liquids for vaping or e-cigarettes. 683 South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top 18707. Four Seasons Realty. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Sale of real estate. 135 East 4th Street, Wyoming 18644. Fruity-Smoothies & More Corporation. Commercial. Filed Feb. 10. Juice bar. 519 Susquehanna Boulevard, Hazle Township 18202. Girman Auctions & Appraisals LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 27. Auction company. 627 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston 18643. GV Real Estate LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Real estate. 827 Exeter Avenue, West Pittston 18643. H&L Group LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Real estate. 113 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston 18643. High Point Greens Juicing Co. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Cold press juicing service. 32 Butler Street, Forty Fort 18704. Honey Hole Winery LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Winery. 2 Honey Hole Road, Drums 18222. Ice Screamers LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Ice cream sales. 101 Hunters Circle, Exeter 18643. Infinity Distributors LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Wholesale novelties and accessories. 226 Burke Street, Plains 18705. Infinity Home Parties LLC. Commercial. Filed March 2. Home parties. 1367 Blueridge Trail, Mountain Top 18707. Joey’s Box Company. Commercial. Filed Feb. 11. Box company. 3245 Lakeside Drive, Harveys Lake 18618. Kapitula & Associates LLC. Commercial. Filed March 2. Retail, internet sales. 1211 Market Street, Dallas 18612. KLS Entertainment LLC doing business as Sensations Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Reiki, adult entertainment. 1475 West Main Street, Plymouth 18651. Kosco Agency LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Insurance. 162 South Market Street, Nanticoke 18634. KP II Infrastructure Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 20. Real estate. 230 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704. LEJ LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Selling medical related products. 115 Greystone Drive, Mountain Top 18707. Lil’ Treehouse LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 20. Day care. 397 Shickshinny Lake Road, Shickshinny 18655. Linden Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Real estate holding. 827 Exeter Avenue, West Pittston 18643. Lispi Consulting Co. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Consulting, digital strategy, business, technology. 123 Jean Street, Exeter 18643. M & J Mattress and Furniture Corp. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Mattress and furniture sale. 347 East Diamond Avenue, Hazleton 18201. Maple Hazleton Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed

March 2. Real estate 235 East Maple Street, Hazleton 18201. Mark Muhlenberg Township Realty Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 11. General partner to limited partnership. 580 Third Avenue, Kingston 18704. Mark Muhlenburg Township Associates LP. Commercial. Filed Feb. 11. 580 Third Avenue, Kingston 18704. Mark Muhlenberg Township Realty Inc., general partner Maximillion Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Property management. 1254 Twin Stacks Drive, Dallas 18612. MJS Tioga Services Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 20. Real estate purchase, investment. 410 North Main Street, Plains 18705. NEPA Home Pros LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 11. Construction. 29 Union Street, Pittston 18640. P & 3 B’s Bennett Family Limited Partnership. Commercial. Filed March 2. 872 Exeter Avenue, Exeter 18643. WP Bennett LLC, general partner . PA&K LLP. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. 269 Pierce Street, Kingston 18704. PAdyno Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Auto repair. 254 Academy Street, Stillwater 17878. Precision Investors Group LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Real estate investment and improvement. 220 Pierce Street, Kingston 18704-4641. Refrag Nation LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 27. Entertainment services. 468 Walnut Street, Luzerne 18709. Rock’s Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 27. Rental real estate. 799 Coon Road, Wyoming 18644. Rooster Creative Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Graphic design. 65 Prospect Road, Mountain Top 18707. S&T Blacktopping & Sealcoating LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Blacktopping and seal coating. 46 Old Mill Road, Laflin 18705. Sacred Heart Residences LP. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. 230 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704. Shoppers Market Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Internet and storefront sales. 55 West 7th Street, Wyoming 18644. SkyDome LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 1. Water park, hotel, adventure park. 1280 Highway 315, WilkesBarre 18702. South City Properties (Wilkes-Barre) LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Real estate. 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre 18766. Sweet Pea Realty LLC. Commercial. Filed March 2. Real estate. 513 Charles Place, Pittston 18640. The Cabin Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Rentals, commercial real estate. 3590 Chase Road, Shavertown 18708. The Kristy Bag by CG LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Manufacturing leather hand bags. 145 Johns Avenue, Hazleton 18201. The Unicorn Restaurant Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Restaurant. 430 West 3rd Street, Nescopeck 18635. Three Bobby D’s LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Real estate. 2 Maple Avenue, Sugarloaf 18249. truOrganics LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 21. Retail skin care products. 101 New Street, Pittston 18640. Utopia Culinary Management Limited Liability Company. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Food service, dining. 723 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre 18705. Valley Park Maintenance Association LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Property owners association. 575 Pierce Street, Suite 400, Kingston 18704. WP Bennett LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. Oil and gas investment. 872 Exeter Avenue, Exeter 18643. Zack Riley Property Managment LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Property management. 212 East 8th Street, Wyoming 18644.

Please see NEW INCS on next page

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 2015 61 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B61] | 03/25/15

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FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS — continued from previous page

MONROE COUNTY

Able Properties USA LLC Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Housing rehab, purchase and sale. 95 Henry Street East Stroudsburg 18301. Absolute Bail Bonds Limited Liability Company. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Bail bonds, fugitive recovery, process serving. 434 North Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg 18301. Ad Bender LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 20. Online advertising services. 209 Lenni Trail, Pocono Pines 18350. Afadomis Productions Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Entertainment. 2274 Hill Road, Effort 18330. AJG Enterprises Incorporated. Commercial. Filed

New Year = New Resolutions for growth and development

Subway Development of Eastern PA is GROWING!

Top Five Growth Opportunities 1. Bucks County: 30 new stores 2. Northampton County: 8 new stores 3. Luzerne County: 8 new stores 4. Lehigh County: 5 new stores 5. Monroe County: 5 new stores Bring us any and all potential locations, we will determine if we can develop or possibly relocate to your site. Locations Wanted: • Flexible space requirements • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna,Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming PLEASE CONTACT Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com

Member of International Council of Shopping Centers

Feb. 13. Unknown. 800 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg 18301. Alamo Home Improvement LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Remodeling houses. 111 Elmwood Drive, Albrightsville 18210. BABA JI 1313 Transportation LLC. Commercial. Filed March 2. Transportation. 2052 Minqua Trail, Tobyhanna 18466. Big Will & JJ Consignment LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Storage. 592 Pocono Park Plaza, Route 940 Pocono Lake 18347. Brodheadsville Sunoco Inc doing business as Sunoco. Commercial. Filed March 2. Gas station with convenience store. 2023 Route 209, Brodheadsville 18322. Bug King Pest Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Pest control services. 335 Pin Oak Road, Stroudsburg 18360. Bulut Construction & Management LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Management of rental property. 12304 Havenwood Drive, East Stroudsburg 18302. Camouflage Tree Service LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Tree service, cutting and trimming trees. 132 Jungfrau Drive, Henryville 18332. Computer Cool Ice Age Mechanical Corp. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Mechanical and air conditioning contractors. 106 Grandview Street, East Stroudsburg 18301. Cuddle Snuggle LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Cuddling services. 1503 Spring Lane, East Stroudsburg 18701. D & D Nail Spa Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Unknown. Route 611, Fountain Spring West, Unit 5, Tannersville 18372. DCLSA Management Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Conference organizer. 9175 Penn Terrace, Tobyhanna 18466. Destruction Upon Us LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Create and promote recorded and live music. 1188 Brian Lane, Effort 18330. Easton Family Chiropractic LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 1. Chiropractic. 1512 Sherwood Forest Road, Saylorsburg 18353. Elevated Nutrition LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Work-out supplements. 78 South Courtland Street, Suite 1, East Stroudsburg 18301. Enterprise Cleaning Corporation. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Commercial cleaning. 193 Resort Drive, Tannersville 18372. Finelli’s Pizzeria LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Pizzeria, eatery. 1033 Kunkletown Road, Saylorsburg 18353. Futuristic Vape LLC. Commercial. Filed March 2. Retail store, smoking alternative. 1581 Bellgravia Drive, Tobyhanna 18466. Geodizz LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Real estate

agent and consulting. 701 Main Street, Suite 503, Stroudsburg 18360. H & L Capital Group LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Real estate. 2813 Route 611, PO Box 531, Tannersville 18372. IBC Global Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 20. Financial services insurance. 303 HTY Road, Kunkletown 18058. IMR Online Enterprises LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. E-commerce retail. 705 Keystone Drive, Stroudsburg 18360. J3 Resources Ltd. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 28. Biotech industry consulting, contracting and technical services. 5237 Hummingbird Drive, Pocono Summit 18346. Kings Realty MGMT Professional LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 10. Assets management, business consultation. Pmb 115, 1 Frantz Road, Brodheadsville 18322. Lake Creek Construction Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Construction. 503 Park Avenue, Stroudsburg 18360. Leader Financial Service Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. 2111 White Goose Street, Tobyhanna 18466. Astrel, Suzanne, general partner. Leverage Home Healthcare Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. Home care services. 2209 Merlo Lane, East Stroudsburg 18301. National Medical Equipment of Pennsylvania Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Durable medical equipment. 116 Huntington Drive, East Stroudsburg 18302. NBHB LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Gas station, convenience store. 5081 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg 18302. NorthEast Spirit. Commercial. Filed Feb. 18. Youth organization. 8534 Bumble Bee Way, Tobyhanna 18466. PA Coachways Bus Charter Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Unknown. 5017 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg 18302. Pocono Lakefront Rentals LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 12. Vacation home rental. 6063 Boardwalk Drive, Tobyhanna 18466. Pocono Mountain Learning and Recreation Center Corporation Commercial. Filed Feb. 25. Unknown. 457 Glen Ridge Road, Tobyhanna 18466. Pocono Mountain Learning and Recreation Center Corporation. Commercial. Filed March 2. Part owner. 1896 Pinecrest Court, Tobyhanna 18466. Pocono Park Place LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Real estate. 6254 Park Place, Tobyhanna 18466. Pocono Property Rehabbers LLC. Commercial. Filed March 4. Real estate. 213 Hawkey Lane, Pocono Summit 18346. ProSanitize LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 24. Janitorial services. 655 Carney Road, Palmerton 18071. Retro Fuel LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 13. Real estate management. 1121 N. 9th Street,

Stroudsburg 18360. SAS Fitness LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 16. Personal trainer. 5119 Winona Falls Road, East Stroudsburg 18302. SMC Advisors LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. IT governance, risk and compliance advisory services. 122 Deep Woods Lane, Stroudsburg 18360. State Tech Construction. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Construction .24 Dory Place, Bartonsville 18321. Tadeusz Byra Transport LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Trucking. 5424 Shelbrooke Road, Stroudsburg 18360. The Family Cafe LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Restaurant. 206 Upper Green Hill Road, Kunkletown 18058. TNA Fleet Services LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 19. Motor vehicle repair. 258 Woods View Drive, Saylorsburg 18353. Tobey Development Partners LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 26. Real estate. 1121 North 9th Street, Pennsylvania Route 611, Stroudsburg 18360. Trout Lake Enterprises LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Restaurant. 1100 Twin Lake Road, Stroudsburg 18360. US Advocates LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 10. Advocacy firm. 4 North Sixth Street, Unit 3, Stroudsburg 18360. Vision Mechanical Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. HVAC installation and service. 155 Saw Mill Road, Long Pond 18334. VOXXY Inc. Commercial. Filed Feb. 17. Business consulting and management, 323 Lower Green Hill Road, Gilbert 18058. White Tiger Express Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Transportation. 744 Silver Spring Boulevard, Kunkletown 18058. Yukato Yoga LLC. Commercial. Filed Feb. 9. Wellness center. 2459 Point Phillips Road, Kunkletown 18058.

PIKE COUNTY

All Custom Wood LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Unknown. 123 Dover Drive, Bushkill 18324. Big Bass Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Aquaculture. 125 Beaver Slide B, Lackawaxen 18435. Chestnut Hill Road Corp. Commercial. Filed: March 6. Collection of dues, maintenance, repair and improvement. 108 Chestnut Hill Road, Shohola 18337. DMS Consultant LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Doorto-door sales. 3600 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley 18428. HIPI LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 28. Real estate 1506 Oak Lane, Bushkill 18324. Hudson Black Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. General contractor. 400 5th Street, Milford 18337. Please see NEW INCS on next page

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ...in every issue of the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal To reserve your space in next month’s issue call the Journal. 570-207-9001 • 877-584-3561 ext 5425 62 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B62] | 03/25/15

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APRIL 2015

FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS — continued from previous page HUSAR Corp. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Transport services. 1123 Mink Trail, Bushkill 18324. JNJ Real Estate Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Real estate holdings. 18 Sutter Court, Hawley 18428. Karis Corporation. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 11. Gas station, convenience store. 401 West Hartford Street, Milford 18337. LX Plus Marketing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. Marketing. 180 Ruffed Grouse Road, Bushkill 18324. Mert Transport LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Car carrier. 1622 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry 18328. Quality Rides Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Limousine service. 1402 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley 18428. Rudy’s Yogurt Cafe LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Retail food business. 111 Hulst Drive, Suite E, Matamoras 18336. Settlers Inn LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Real estate. 4 Main Avenue, Hawley 18428. The Overlook Management Corporation. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Management of office. 114 Overlook Lane, Lords Valley 18428. Tutto Solutions Corp. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Computer services, networking management and service. 106 Arlene Drive, Tafton 18464.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

DJR Realty Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 11. Real estate. 446 East Broad Street, Tamaqua 18252. Faux Real Vegan Creamery LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Vegan ice cream distribution. 734 Port Carbon Street, St. Clair Highway, Pottsville 17901. Fey’s General Auto Repair LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Automotive repairs and service. 864 Deep Creek Road, Ashland 17921. Hold Steady Capital LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Start up company advisory services. 206 Lewis Street, Brockton 17925. Hometown U Store It LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Self-storage facility. 5 Clarryan Street, P.O. Box 488, Tamaqua 18252. HSH Sylaj LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Commercial. Rental. 632 West Nicholas Street, Frackville 17931. J-B Washington Hotel LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Hotel, restaurant, tavern. 100 Church Road, Schuylkill Haven 17972. Ladick Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Rental real estate. 40 Academy Lane, Ashland 17921. Lime Leaf LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Real estate investing, managing. 14 East Railroad Avenue, Apartment 2, New Ringgold 17960. Lion’s Fire Fitness LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 3. Gym. 19 Tall Oaks Drive, Pottsville 17901. Mahantongo Valley Farms LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Pine tree growing and sales. 1326 Stitzer Road, Pitman 17964. Maria I Lopez. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. 607 South Hancock Street, McAdoo 18237. Mind Care Reform Center LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 27. Mental and health wellness. 306 North 12th Street, Pottsville 17901. Nail’d by Barbie. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. 40 West Grand Avenue, Tower City 17980. North By South 95 Designs LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Selling products both retail and wholesale, marketing and marketing artwork design. 3 Sunflower Lane, New Ringgold 17960. Open Africa Safaris LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 20. Travel agency. 27 John Street, Tamaqua 18252. Pine Grove Animal Clinic Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Veterinary clinic; animal health services. 473 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove 17963.

Pushcart USA Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Vending cart manufacturer. 104 Pottsville Street, Port Carbon 17965. Sica Staffing Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Staffing agency service. 18 Pine Street, Tamaqa 18252. Thermal Simplicity LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning services. 18 North Wylam Street, Frackville 17931. TMG Global Ventures LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 11. E-commerce retail. 66 River Street, Cressona 17929. Underground Utility and Construction Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Unknown. 2422 Water Street, Mahanoy Plane 17949. WeGotYourPart LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Sale of used auto parts. 5 Clarryan Street, PO Box 488, Tamaqua 18252.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Calico Painting LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 27. Interior, exterior painting and improvement. 5952 State Route 247, Clifford Township 18470. CWR Enterprises LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Auto parts and sales, hauling, transporting vehicles. 298 Grow Avenue, Montrose 18801. Danny’s Hair Design’s LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 10. Hair, nail salon. 25059 State Route 11, No. 5, Hallstead 18822. Dawn Koehler Insurance Agency LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Insurance agent, broker. 430 Church Street, New Milford 18834. Elk Woods Energy Limited Partnership. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. 4003 Fiddle Lake Road, Thompson 18465. Elk Woods Energy LLC, general partner. Erosion Control LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Erosion services. 13899 Dimock to Nicholson Road, Hop Bottom 18824. M&M Glass Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Construction, glass and storefront. 27611 State Route 171, Oakland Township 18847. Sodon Insurance LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Sale of insurance. 17485 State Route 167, Montrose 18801. Summit Energy Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Fracking water management. 17382 State Route 11, Suite 2, New Milford 18834. Wishful Thinking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Royalty management. 158 Sherman Road, Susquehanna 18847.

WAYNE COUNTY

1306 North Main Street LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Real estate rental. 77 White Oak Drive, Lakeville 18438. 206 Ridge Street LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Real estate rental. 77 White Oak Drive, Lakeville 18438. 544 JJC Associates LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Retail of docks. 544 Lakeshore Drive, Lakeville 18438. Affordable Storage and Rental Facilities LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Storage rental facilities. 339 Murphy Hill Road, Pleasant Mount 18453. Boondocks Family General Partner LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 27. Operating a partnership. 149 Cooley Creek Road, Damascus 18415. Boondocks Family LP. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 27. 149 Cooley Creek Road, Damascus 18415. Boondocks Family General Partner LLC, general partner. Carbonair Environmental Systems Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 19. Water treatment. 99 Beach Lake Highway, Honesdale 18431. Fitzgerald, Tom, president. Dan Balzan Properties Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 10. Real estate attorney office. 613 Main Street, Honesdale 18431. EKB Abstracting LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. Title searches. 220 Schnakenberg Road, Equinunk 18417. French’s Contracting LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Unknown. 158 Maple Avenue, Lake Ariel 18436.

Michael Console Heating & Plumbing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Heating, plumbing. 119 Laurel Drive, Honesdale 18431. Mill Creek Farm LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 26. Dairy farming and milk production. 668 South Sterling Road, South Sterling 18460. Munro Fire Hazard Control LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. Fire protection design, installation, service inspection. 1157 Carley Brook Road, Honesdale 18431. Northeast Sports Management LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Management of sports facilities. 267 Erk Road, Honesdale 18431. One Fox Custom Creations LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 25. Retail store. 2681 Rockway Road, Lake Ariel 18436. Our Man in Ibiza. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 24. 1137 River Road, Milanville 18443. Royal Chimney Supply Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 27. Chimney manufacturing and distribution. 28 North 4th Street, Gouldsboro 18424. Yatsonsky Busing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Provide busing services to local school districts. 1009 Owego Turnpike, Honesdale 18431. Yatsonsky Farms LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Selling produce to the general public. 1009 Owego Turnpike, Honesdale 18431.

WYOMING COUNTY

Arrow Surveying LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13. Professional land surveying. 110 Shore Drive, Tunkhannock 18657. GP Dobrinski Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 18. Land services. Route 92 South, Box 439, Tunkhannock 18657. Independent Construction Builders LLC. Commercial. Filed: March 2. Construction. 19 Meadow Wood Drive, Tunkhannock 18657. Windy Valley Studios LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 17. General merchandising and sales. 125 Main Street, Noxen 18636. Wm. Burnell Insurance Agency LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 23. Insurance agency. 13 East Tioga Street, Tunkhannock 18657.

STOCKS 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 LLC, 672 North River Street, Suite 300, Plains 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. Wells Fargo Advisors LLC, member NYSE & SIPC. Source of data: Thomson Financial INSIDER TRADING ACTIVITY ON STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST FOR APRIL (AWK- 52.28) AMERICAN WATER WORKS CO. Walter Lynch, officer of American Water Works Co. Inc., exercised options for 10,000 shares on March 3 (exercised 1.8 years prior to the expiration date) at $22.26 per share for a total cost of $222,600 and on the same date sold those shares at $53.50 per share for total proceeds of $535,000. Lynch controls 72,212 shares directly. Michael Sgro, vice president of American Water Works Co. Inc., exercised options for 2,717 shares on Feb. 27 (1,391 shares exercised 3.8 years prior to the expiration date; 742 shares exercised 4.8 years prior to the expiration date; and 584 shares exercised 5.8 years prior to the expiration date) at $37.71 per share for a total

cost of $102,464 and on the same date sold 3,326 shares at $53.96 per share for total proceeds of $179,477. Sgro controls 2,397 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of American Water Works Co. Inc., disposed of 39,530 shares.

(CBU – 35.10) COMMUNITY BANK SYSTEM INC. James Gabriel, director of Community Bank System Inc., exercised options for 12,885 shares on March 4 (exercised 3.8 years prior to the expiration date) at $17.41 per share for a total cost of $224,280 and on the same date sold those shares at $35.07 per share for total proceeds of $451,838. Gabriel controls 77,580 shares directly.

(CYH – 50.92) COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS William Hussey, divisional officer of Community Health Systems, sold 8,706 shares on March 4 at $52.15 per share for total proceeds of $454,026 and sold 9,699 shares on March 2 at $49.95 per share for total proceeds of $484,424. Hussey controls 113,568 shares directly and 6,000 shares indirectly. Michael Portacci, divisional officer of Community Health Systems, sold 14,692 shares on March 4 at $50.92 per share for total proceeds of $748,180. Portacci controls 41,460 shares directly. Kevin Hammons, vice president of Community Health Systems, exercised options for 8,000 shares on March 2 (exercised 4.7 months prior to the expiration date) at $40.41 per share for a total cost of $323,280 and on March 2-3 sold 18,640 shares at $49.68 per share for total proceeds of $926,002. Hammons controls 46,201 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of Community Health Systems Inc. disposed of 458,919 shares. (FULT – 12.24) FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION PA Curtis Myers, vice president of Fulton Financial Corporation sold 3,799 shares on Feb. 27 at $12.11 per share for total proceeds of $46,009. Myers controls 32,778 shares directly and 42,944 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Fulton Financial Corporation acquired 2,590 shares and disposed of 24,486 shares. (HSC – 16.32) HARSCO CORPORATION Peter Francis Minan, chief financial officer of Harsco Corporation, purchased 5,763 shares on March 3 at $15.45 per share for a total cost of $89,038. Minan controls 19,461 shares directly. F. Nicholas Grasberger, III, chief executive officer of Harsco Corporation, purchased 25,000 shares on March 2 at $15.76 per share for a total cost of $393,993. Grasberger controls 75,000 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of Harsco Corporation acquired 25,000 shares. (MTB – 124.04) M&T BANK CORPORATION John D’Angelo, vice president of M&T Bank Corporation sold 1,200 shares on March 4 at $122.19 per share for total proceeds of $146,627. D’Angelo controls 3,017 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of M&T Bank Corporation disposed of 115,973 shares. (UGI – 32.65) UGI CORPORATION Ernest Jones, director of UGI Corporation, sold 7,448 shares on Feb. 26 at $33.84 per share for total proceeds of $252,015. Jones controls 11,566 shares directly and 64,647 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of UGI Corporation disposed of 221,583 shares. Prices as of close of business on March 6.

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