Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal March 2015

Business Journal NORTHEAST

$1.50

PENNSYLVANIA

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

Image provided by NASA

2 5 Women in Business Top

March 2015

MARCH 2015 VOL. 30 NO. 3

FCC needs broadcasters’ spectrum Local TV stations enticed by potential windfall for selling portion of their airwaves to large mobile companies through incentive auctions

By Phil Yacuboski

Just last month, the Federal Communications Commission began meeting with local broadcasters in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, as well as throughout the state, about selling some of their spectrum space. The move comes as the FCC

announced incentive auctions in May of 2014, the first such time it’s ever happened.

“I think the big question is: How do we take care of the growing need for spectrum and how do we satisfy that need in the Scranton area,” said Please see SPECTRUM page 24

ALSO INSIDE: Pennsylvania’s inequality The

commonwealth has a healthy 1%, but three NEPA counties rank among ‘least unequal’ ................................. 6

When freshmen drop out Study finds colleges could reap a healthy profit if they focus on freshmen retention ....................................... 13

UM Tech team members, from left Geoff Speicher, Daniel Sputa, Karen Tomaine and Matt Artz.

U.S. News in January released its ‘Best Jobs’ rankings. The publication offered this definition of best jobs: The best jobs pay well. They challenge you without stressing you out too much. There’s room to grow and advance. Maybe most importantly, the best jobs are ones that are hiring. It’s no surprise that most of the best jobs were in health care, but three of the top 10 are in IT. This month we’ll take a look at those jobs and at a company anxious to find local talent in the field.

Billion-dollar pipeline Mariner

The ‘best jobs’ of 2015 are right in NEPA’s own backyard

Governor expands Medicaid Who

By Dave Gardner

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), last year’s top Information Technology (IT) job – software developer — is destined to

TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B01] | 02/25/15

grow and add 139,000 new jobs by 2022.

Software developers must understand the operation of all devices working in a computer system and that interface with the Internet. The

17:27 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

software developer must also be creative and a problem-solver who understands company-wide implications created by different software systems Please see BEST JOBS page nine

East pipeline project expected to infuse billions into Pennsylvania’s economy ...................................... 16 qualifies and how the news has been received .......................................47

FIND US ONLINE AT BIZ570.COM

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

Market Fact: Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre DMA is the

#1

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

2 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB02] | 02/25/15

MARCH 2015

17:27 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

BUSINESS HAPPENS HERE 

Mericle has helped hundreds of companies move into millions of square feet and create thousands of jobs.

We can help your business too.

If you are a manufacturing, distribution, office, or medical company in need of great space, call Mericle.

We’re ReadyToGo!™ when you’re ready to grow.

AVAILABLE FLEX SPACE

 INDUSTRIAL

FLEX

109,516 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

20,289 SQ. FT. to 64,626 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

OFFICE

FLEX

225 Enterprise Way, CenterPoint West, Pittston Twp., PA

20,000 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

FLEX

124-134 CenterPoint Blvd., CenterPoint East, Jenkins Twp., PA

19 Bert Collins Dr., Keystone Industrial Park, Throop Borough, PA

42,573 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

345 Enterprise Way, CenterPoint West, Pittston Twp., PA

OFFICE

14,112 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

161-163 CenterPoint Blvd., CenterPoint East, Jenkins Twp., PA

3,680 SQ. FT. AVAILABLE

660 Baltimore Dr., East Mountain Corporate Center, Plains Twp., PA

WE’LL HELP YOU YOU FIND A GREAT HOME FOR YOUR BUSINESS. 570.823.1100



Mericle, a Butler Builder™, is proud to be part of a network of building professionals dedicated to providing you the best construction for your needs.

mericle@mericle.com

mericlereadytogo.com

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 3 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB03] | 02/25/15

17:27 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

Best jobs in our backyard VOL. 30, NO. 3 • MARCH 2015 149 PENN AVENUE SCRANTON, PA 18503 WWW.BIZ570.COM

I

Elizabeth Zygmunt — ext. 5415 ezygmunt@timesshamrock.com

UM Tech, located in Moosic is on a hunt for technology talent.

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS

Cover theme ................................8-12

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Banking.............................................5 Bankers say regs are harming consumers

Dave Gardner, Kathy Ruff, Phil Yacuboski

THE BOTTOM LINE

Judy S. Gregg — ext. 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

Economy............................................6 Pennsylvania not immune to rising inequality

CNG Sales Manager Ext. 9285

REGIONAL NEWS & FEATURES

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

Regional...........................14-15, 21-23 Small Business Spotlight................... 21 Focus on Drucker & Scacetti Made in NEPA ................................ 22 A look at Brand Graphic Solutions Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs ....... 21 Meet Katharine Schkloven

ADVERTISING/SUBSCRIPTIONS (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3452 PRESS RELEASES/STORY SUGGESTIONS (570) 207-9001 or (877) 584-3561 Fax: (570) 207-3448

HIGH IMPACT ISSUES

Education...................................... 13 The problem of freshmen retention Energy & Environment .................. 16-20 Sunoco pipeline could mean billions Health Care ............................... 47-50 Gov. Wolf expands Medicaid

MAILING ADDRESS: NPBJ Editorial Dept., 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 EDITORIAL E-MAIL ADDRESS: ezygmunt@timesshamrock.com

COPYRIGHT

NPBJ is protected under the federal Copyright Act. Reproductions of any part by any means or facsimiles without the express written permission of the publisher are not permitted. Reprints of NPBJ articles are available. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials — manuscripts or photographs — with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. No information expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal (ISSN 1078-5698) is published monthly except twice in the month of May by The Scranton Times from offices located at 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA. Periodicals postage paid at Scranton, PA. The Journal serves business owners, managers and professionals in a 19-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

Technology & eBusiness......................7 How to stay cyber secure March is Women’s History Month ..... 14-15 Women leaders reflect on careers Power Up Your Business................ 16-20 Don’t grow too fond of cheap oil Top 25 Women in Business............. 25-40 Our annual salute

EXECUTIVE SUITE

Management.............................. 42-46

BUSINESS BULLETINS

For the Record............................ 51-64 Personnel File............................ 55-61

4 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B04] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

find it interesting that three items in this month’s edition have a common link. First, on page six is an analysis of Pennsylvania’s increasing inequality. Then, there’s our profiles of some of the technological talent at UM Tech in Moosic. UM Tech wants to hire more people like those profiled — but they are having trouble finding them.

Turn the page to 13 and find a study reporting on American institutions of higher learning and their struggles with freshmen retention. Put it all together and you can see the problem: Inequality may be rising, but it’s not an unstoppable tide.

Good, quality jobs are available but they are no longer jobs that can be performed with just a high school diploma. Today’s solid jobs — the kind with good pay and benefits — increasingly require college degrees, and more.

There is one thing about freshmen retention rates that the Business Journal can’t tell you in the news pages because it’s chatter found on blogs and message boards. There are two common

ADVERTISER INDEX Armetta’s Pizza ................................................................. 33 Baker Tilly - Vantagen ...................................................... 26 Can Do Inc. of Greater Hazleton ....................................... 30 Classic Properties ............................................................ 38 Community Bank.......................................................... 8, 35 Crystal Window & Door Systems..................................... 18 Energy Technologies Inc. ................................................. 16 ESSA Bank & Trust........................................................... 64 Evanish Realty.................................................................. 62 Fidelity Bank ...................................................................... 6 Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce ......................... 31 Highland Associates......................................................... 27 Hinerfeld Realty................................................................ 19 Hospice of the Sacred Heart ............................................. 48

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

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Education the answer to rising inequality themes educators are talking about. One can be summed up thus: Many freshmen who drop out simply needed more help making the leap from family and high school to the outside world. That would be the talented kid who is unable to avoid the party scene and gets overwhelmed fast. This issue should be addressed by high school and then college counseling.

Another, more alarming, theme is the dramatic jump in the need for educational remediation.

Remedial numbers have increased from nearly one-third of incoming college freshmen in 2001, to about 40 percent currently. The ACT indicates only about one-third of high school students are college-ready, yet around two-thirds of them are college-bound every year. When the unready meet with demanding coursework they can’t complete, discouragement leads to dropping out.

This issue requires that we demand more rigor and accountability from our public schools. Until we do, we’ll never touch income inequality.

Kelly Green & Associates LLC.......................................... 32 Lewith & Freeman .............................................................. 9 Luzerne County Community College................................ 13 Mericle Commercial Real Estate......................................... 3 Metz Culinary Management ............................................. 37 McCarthy Tire .................................................................. 34 NBT Bank ......................................................................... 40 PenTeleData ..................................................................... 11 State Senator Lisa Baker................................................... 29 Steamtown Hot Yoga ........................................................ 29 Subway Development of Eastern Pennsylvania .......... 33, 62 The Commonwealth Medical College............................... 39 The Scranton Area Foundation ......................................... 36 UGI................................................................................... 17 University of Scranton...................................................... 28 VNA Hospice.................................................................... 49 Wilkes University Family Business Alliance..................... 46

Subscribe to the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal Payment enclosed 1 Year, 12 issues - $28 2 Years, 24 issues - $49

Bill me 3 Years, 36 issues - $64

Name_____________________________ Title/Position___________________ Company_________________________________________________________ Business Type_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City____________________________ State __________ Zip______________ Telephone_________________________ FAX___________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________ For faster service, fax this card to (570) 207-3448 or call (570) 207-9001/877-584-3561 Mail to 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503 The Region’s Award-Winning Source of Business News and Information

BANKING & FINANCE

ABA to Congress: Growing volume of regulation harming community banks The growing volume of regulation is harming community banks’ ability to meet the needs of consumers across the country, according to testimony from the American Bankers Association before the Senate Banking Committee.

Daniel Blanton, CEO of Southeastern Bank Financial Corporation and Georgia Bank & Trust in

Augusta, Georgia, testified on behalf of ABA. Blanton, who is also vice chairman of ABA, noted that while community banks are resilient, the avalanche of new rules has made it much more difficult to meet customer needs.

“It is this regulatory burden that often pushes small banks to sell to banks many times their

Child advocates release report on effects of recession on children’s well being The Great Recession might be over, but its ripple effects continue to impact children in health care and many other ways, according to a new report issued by the bipartisan children’s advocacy organization First Focus and PolicyLab at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The report, The Effect of the Great Recession on Child Well-Being, was released on Feb. 3 in conjunction with a Congressional briefing that featured remarks from George Hoover, Pennsylvania Partnerships For Children (PPC) health policy director.

Hoover discussed how the lack of health insurance can have a detrimental “snowball effect” on a child’s life, saying: ■ When parents lose their jobs, employerbased coverage is no longer available and quite often COBRA or private coverage becomes unaf-

fordable.

■ Children who have insurance generally have better school attendance, meaning they are likely to do better in school. In the long-term, this is better for the child, the family and our economy.

■ Children who lack insurance are less likely to see a doctor and get the preventive care they need, which can lead to delayed diagnoses and result in more severe medical problems and higher treatment costs.

As of 2013, 14.7 million children were in poverty, a significant increase from the 12.8 million children in poverty before the recession began.

The Effect of the Great Recession on Child Well-Being is a follow-up to a paper published in 2010 entitled The Effect of Recession on Child Well-Being.

size,” Blanton said. “In fact, today there are 1,200 fewer community banks than there were five years ago. This trend will continue unless some rational changes are made to provide relief to America’s hometown banks.”

Blanton emphasized that regulation shapes the way banks do business and affects their ability to contribute to economic growth.

“Every bank regulatory change directly affects the cost of providing banking products and services to customers,” Blanton said. “Even small changes can reduce credit availability, raise costs and drive consolidation. Everyone who uses banking products or services is impacted by changes in bank regulation.”

Blanton’s testimony comes after ABA recently shared its legislative platform — focusing on helping America’s hometown banks serve their customers and grow the economy — with members of Congress. In addition, the association’s 2015 Key Banking Issues publication outlined four distinct areas where lawmakers can take action, including: ■ Removing impediments to serving customers; ■ Eliminating distortions by government in the marketplace; ■ Improving access to home loans; and ■ Facilitating growth to loans, jobs and the economy.

Blanton encouraged Congress to work together

to pass bipartisan legislation in these areas, particularly in the mortgage space.

“It is painfully clear that new regulatory requirements have restrained mortgage lending, and have made it particularly difficult for first-time homebuyers to obtain a home loan,” Blanton said. “Overregulation of the mortgage market has reduced credit available to bank customers, raised the cost of services and limited bank products. The result has been a housing market that still struggles to gain momentum.”

Blanton urged Congress to ensure that loans held in portfolio are treated as “qualified mortgages,” noting that the Dodd-Frank Act’s restrictive definition of “ability to repay” is having a detrimental impact on the market and consumer access to credit.

“Loans held in portfolio, by their very nature, demonstrate ability to repay,” Blanton said. “Simply put, banks would not stay in business very long if they made and held loans on their books that cannot be repaid.”

Blanton closed his testimony by encouraging Congress to take additional actions to ease regulatory burden, including expanding the number of highly rated community banks eligible for an 18-month exam cycle, providing an independent appeals process for bank examination decisions and several other important measures.

Learn more at aba.com.

Although herds increase, beef prices to stay ‘historically high’ U.S. beef cow inventory increased 2 percent from a year ago, signaling expansion among herds across the nation, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agricultural Statistics Service cattle report.

“I thought the report showed more beef cows added than I expected,” said Dr. David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist, College Station. “But record prices in the last half of 2014 will do that.”

Anderson said prior to the report, industry experts had believed the current rebuilding phase will be longer and slower. “It might have to be rethought,” he said.

Seven percent more beef cows were reported in Texas on Jan. 1 compared to the same time last year. When the final numbers come in, Anderson said it could potentially be the largest year-over-

year percentage increase in Texas beef cows since 1972-1973 when the cowherd grew 14 percent.

Cattle prices should remain historically high in 2015 as tight supplies of cattle continue.

However, herd rebuilding is steadily increasing, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Agricultural Statistics Service cattle inventory report.

According to the report, there were 89.8 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 5 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B05] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

ECONOMY & JOBS

Think tank finds ‘a wage-less and income-less recovery’ for Pennsylvania’s 99% New study: Top 1% only group to see income gains since 2009 The top 1 percent of Pennsylvania earners are the only group to see their incomes grow in the current economic expansion, according to a new report The Increasingly Unequal States of America: Income Inequality by State released nationally by the Economic Analysis Research Network and the Economic Policy Institute, and in Pennsylvania by the Keystone Research Center.

KRC’s release includes expanded Pennsylvaniaspecific analysis by the authors of the national report, Dr. Mark Price and Dr. Estelle Sommelier.

The Pennsylvania release examines trends in the state’s income growth during the last 10 economic expansions, as well as county level and metropolitan area data on the share of income earned by the top 1 percent.

“Recent income trends represent a worsening

to address the deeply rooted growth of economic inequality, which threatens core values including that hard work should be rewarded and opportunity widespread. The Marie Antoinette ‘let them eat cake’ approach to inequality won’t cut it anymore: Pennsylvania workers and families need jobs that pay and that will lift up their incomes.”

The 10 most unequal counties in Pennsylvania in 2012

of a three-decade trend, with the top 1 percent of earners capturing an ever-increasing share of income growth until, in this recovery, top earners garnered ALL the increase in income — and then

Do you have business questions?

We have business solutions.

FREE, No Obligation Cash Flow and Business Efficiency Consultation.

Plus, We’ll give you

$

500

if we can’t save you money on your existing credit card processing plan.1 1Offer applicable only if three (3) months of statements are presented for accurate analysis

Call us today at 1-800-388-4380 to set an immediate appointment.

Member

FDIC

bankatfidelity.com

570.342.8281 800.388.4380

6 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B06] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

some,” said Price, an economist at KRC. In the post-WW II period until 1979, whenever the economy expanded, the bottom 99 percent of Pennsylvania earners captured most of income growth. Since 1979, in four economic recoveries, Pennsylvania’s bottom 99 percent have captured just 39 percent of income growth.

In the current economic expansion, which began in 2009, real incomes have increased 3.7 percent in Pennsylvania. In that period, the income of the top 1 percent of earners increased 28.6 percent. In contrast, over the same period the bottom 99 percent of earners in Pennsylvania saw their incomes fall 1.1 percent. Because the income of the bottom 99 percent in Pennsylvania fell, the top 1 percent accounted for more than 100 percent of overall income growth in the commonwealth.

“Every state and every region in the United States is going to have to grapple with the effects of rising inequality,” said Sommelier, a researcher at the Institute for Research in Economic and Social Sciences in Greater Paris, France. “Our expanded findings for Pennsylvania paint a picture of the top 1 percent thriving in every county in Pennsylvania, but not the 99 percent: No county has escaped the troubling growth of inequality.”

Price said, “Policymakers need to acknowledge and

County

Top 1% share of income in 1978

Top 1% share of income in 2012

Potter

6.4%

26.1%)

Allegheny

9.0%

23.1%

Montgomery

9.9%

23.0%

Delaware

7.9%

21.3%

Chester

8.3%

20.6%

Erie

7.6%

19.5%

Philadelphia

8.4%

19.5%

Warren

8.1%

18.9%

Berks

7.1%

17.7%

Washington

6.5%

17.4%

The 10 least unequal counties in Pennsylvania in 2012 County

Top 1% share of income in 1978

Top 1% share of income in 2012

Cameron

5.3%

11.6%

Columbia

6.4%

11.4%

Mifflin

7.1%

11.4%

Bedford

7.1%

11.2%

Monroe

8.1%

10.8%

Snyder

6.3%

10.7%

Carbon

5.6%

10.2%

Juniata

6.3%

9.3%

Fulton

7.0%

9.1%

Perry

4.6%

8.5%

REGIONAL BUSINESS

How to be cyber-secure nesses should bring in the experts, even if it’s to ensure you have your security systems installed and set up correctly.

“Security in this day and age is paramount,” — U.S. cybercrime: Rising risks, reduced readisays Jim Slick, president and CEO of Slick Cyber ness. Key findings from the 2014 US State of CyberSystems, White Haven, Luzerne County. “Data is crime Survey, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. your business, period. You need to protect that

By Kathy Ruff data with everything you have. It’s our job in IT to A dog, a locked door or an alarm used to be make sure that companies are properly protected deterrent enough for prospective thieves looking to from the cyber criminal.” score from a business. Not today. Just ask Home But protection needs come in a variety of forms, Depot, Target and Sony…recent victims of data and canned solutions may not necessarily work breaches and online hackers. for all businesses. A manufacturing business with “There’s a concerted attempt across the world intellectual property, a health-care professional and on aggressive attacks on businesses, attacks on a retail operation each have unique security needs. individuals,” says Alan Peslak, volunteer with “There is no such thing as a Swiss army knife SCORE and professor of information sciences and (for security),” says Slick. “You really need to contact technology at Penn State’s Worthington-Scranton a competent IT professional, someone who has been campus. “It’s important for small businesses to un- in the industry for a long time and understands the derstand that if the big businesses are vulnerable, pitfalls and understands your business. A candy store they are certainly even more vulnerable because the is going to be a lot different than a manufacturing big businesses have sophisticated cyber security plant where there is intellectual property involved. practices in place, like Sony.”

Data is handled differently. There is no one solution.”

Many small business owners misguidedly Solutions created by those capable or by those believe they are not vulnerable because of their professionally qualified also may offer a different diminutive size. Many lack expertise to understand degree of protection for both the data and the what they need to do protect themselves. business. “All too often we hear about companies So what should local companies — including or small businesses in particular that hire some kid small and large — do to protect themselves? to do their site,” says Dennis Jeter, CEO and owner “Common sense is maybe the first step for of A Sound Strategy Inc., Stroudsburg, Monroe small businesses. Just do the small things — a County. “Then the site will go down or the kid will strong password, physical security of servers, go away and now the company has no access to training of your staff and also good background their information. If the site gets hacked and the checks of your staff, making sure they are trustperson has no real knowledge of the platform or worthy,” says Peslak. “Having proper password how the platform is constructed, they may or may protection, having access in your organization not be able to ever recover the data.” with very limited individuals, having backups, just Jeter offers some specific recommendations to even a backup of all of your data off-site. A lot of create a fundamental foundation for cyber protecthings can happen in-house, both deliberately and tion. “Sometimes what will happen is they will accidently. That’s the first line of defense.” develop their site on an open-source platform in an According to Peslak, studies show the majority environment that is not secure,” he says. “That will of data breaches for small businesses occur from open them up for vulnerabilities and hacking atinternal sources. To prevent that, companies should tacks. Another thing, too, is when a person is doing only give individuals in the organization the access an e-commerce web site for you — it’s not in your they need, train employees properly and ensure best interests to install an open-source shopping they follow cyber security policies. cart on your server in your own web account. It’s For example, logging out when you walk away better to use a hosted cart that is PCI-compliant. from your computer represents a simple way to If you host a shopping cart on your own site and protect the data entrusted to an employee, espeprocess credit cards through your site and your cially those in the medical and financial industries.

Please see CYBER SECURE on page 12 For the second line of defense, small busi“One thing is very clear: The cybersecurity programs of U.S. organizations do not rival the persistence, tactical skills and technological prowess of their potential cyber adversaries.”

2015

BOOK OF LISTS 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 T) 04/26/2014 -

<LIST_COVER>[*********-0](PRIN

[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

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 7 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B07] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

COVER STORY

Top job in 2015: Computer systems analyst

By Dave Gardner

In the world of Information Technology (IT), the roles of politician and negotiator are performed by the computer systems analyst.

These professionals act as a liaison between programmers, engineers and key business stakeholders. Careers as a systems analyst are profitable, with annual salaries in big markets that can range from $80,000 to $120,000, and the United States Bureau of Labor (BLS) statistics forecasts an employment growth exceeding 24 percent.

Computer systems analysts can carry great responsibility. They may be required to develop, test and analyze expansive systems, as well as create a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the best software and hardware to use in a particular situation.

Matt Artz serves as director of business systems analysis for UM Tech. He is a native of Woodbridge, New Jersey, where he first discovered a knack for math and science. “IT just came easy to me when I was a kid,” remembers Artz. “When I was growing up we had a computer in the house, and very early I found I was interested in math and

Quick Facts from the BLS: Computer Systems Analysts 2012 Median Pay .................................................................................$79,680 per year $38.31 per hour Entry-Level Education...........................................................................Bachelor’s degree Number of Jobs, 2012..........................................................................520,600 Job Outlook, 2012-22...........................................................................25% (Much faster than average) Employment Change, 2012-22 ...........................................................127,700 What Computer Systems Analysts Do Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

science, which are so relevant to IT.” He is a graduate of Marywood University, where he earned a bachelors degree in business administration, with a specialty in computer information systems. His educational resume also includes an MBA in finance.

According to Artz, there’s a public misconcep-

tion that a systems analyst deals primarily with technology and machines. In truth, he says, the job’s key interaction is now with people, requiring a person grounded in business who focuses on people, as well as systems.

He has fond memories of a particular Marywood professor who reinforced the idea that

Big-time lending. Right around the corner.

communitybankna.com

8 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B08] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

BUSINESS BANKING

SYSTEMS ANALYST concludes on page 10

MEMBER FDIC

With millions to lend local businesses, Community Bank is ready to meet your needs now and for years to come. That’s because we’ve got all of the products and services you’d expect from a big-time bank, along with bankers who focus on your hometown business.

So stop into a branch. And Bank Happy.

PERSONAL BANKING

Artz

systems analysts must serve the human end of the equation. This instructor, who was married to an anthropologist, played a key role in Artz’s professional development.

The anthropologic end of IT still fascinates Artz.

He studies how IT systems transform technology as a whole and make the world a better place as people and computers interact. “My interest is connecting people and technology, with humans as the stakeholders,” says Artz. “This perspective creates a win-win for everyone involved.”

His typical job duties of a systems analyst are never “typical.” For example, Artz’s employer recently merged several IT firms and he participated in rebuilding one of the internal platforms for a large number of users. To accomplish this, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant hardware and software was needed, along with knowledge of networking changes and all of the various types of users. In this case, Artz’s efforts served a group that spanned business owners to property manag-

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

COVER STORY

What it takes to be a software developer

— continued from page one

working in unison.

Geoff Speicher, senior vice president of operations at UM Tech, is an Archbald native and resident who has accrued substantial experience developing software. He explains that the many divergent IT platforms in use all depend on software to deliver results. Software enables communication between systems and the integration of multiple-use software.

“Software development involves experimentation to determine what works and what’s possible,” explains Speicher. “New programming languages are also being created. Even Google has created its own language.”

“Hardware can also be a driver of IT evolution, so it’s not enough just to focus on software applications,” explains Speicher.

Speicher is a graduate of the University of Scranton where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and also a master’s degree in software engineering. This formal education

hardware and software must integrate.”

As a boy, Speicher was drawn to an Apple computer in his home. He learned that Apple had Quick Facts from the BLS: shipped the unit with the BASIC programming lanSoftware Developers guage installed. Speicher became fascinated with 2012 Median Pay........................................................................$93,350 per year the power of code. “It just amazed me that I could $44.88 per hour get this weird-looking box to do what I wanted it to Entry-Level Education.................................................................Bachelor’s degree do,” says Speicher.

Number of Jobs, 2012................................................................1,018,000 Job Outlook, 2012-22 ................................................................22% (Much faster As Speicher’s career has progressed, he has than average) noted that successful software developers can be Employment Change, 2012-22 ..................................................222,600 almost autistic-like in their behavior and focus.

What Software Developers Do In addition, because programming and logic go Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some Speicher hand-in-hand, he has on occasion been called Mr. develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or Spock, the emotionless Vulcan from the Star Trek control networks. television series.

He says developers are often people who manufacturing processes creating generations of included subjects such as hardware and software personify the INTJ (introverted, intuitive, thinking smaller and faster IT devices. Software, however, interaction, various programming languages, and and judging) Myers Briggs personality type*. These has had a less predictable evolution. “The software IT paradigms. people are analytical problem-solvers, eager to industry is delivering such fast improvements it can The evolution of IT hardware, according to improve systems and processes with innovative be exhausting to keep up with,” says Speicher. “Yet, Speicher, can be traced back to the invention of at the end of the day, what has not changed is how the transistor in 1950s. This led to escalating Please see SOFTWARE DEVELOPER on page 12

NEW LISTING

WILKES-BARRE

State of the Art 34,000SF open span Office Building w/1000SF Data Center, 8000SF Warehouse & parking for 165 cars.

MLS# 12-3565 RHEA 696-6677 OR JUDY 714-9230

$2,900,000

PITTSTON

Prime location! 2 plus acre lot with building & existing lease. Zoned Industrial.

MLS# 14-3735 TINA 714-9277

$280,000

NEW LISTING

LARKSVILLE

Modern facility offers multiple uses. One story, 17000 sq ft bldg. 130 parking spaces, built in 2001. Serene surroundings consist of 15 acres.

MLS# 15-431 GERI 696-0888 OR KATHLEEN 696-0870

$1,695,000

NANTICOKE

Large Commercial building in convenient location can serve many purposes! Currently used as Automotive Repair & Motorcycle Repair.

Land includes 2 parcels. Bldg. includes attached 2-story which could be good rental income totaling 1150SF. Abundant room for parking!

MLS# 14-4774 LISA 715-9335 OR JUDY 714-9230 $224,900

$224,900

DALLAS

NEW PROPRIETOR WANTED! Established, successful, ongoing business in the heart of the Back Mountain. This Restaurant/ Tavern with apartment & 2 car garage includes equipment & liquor license.

MLS# 14-3638 JUDY JUDY 714-9230

$650,000

HUGHESTOWN

Turnkey bar business with parking lot for 15 cars plus a 4BR apartment on the 2nd floor. Well established business with weekly leagues.

MLS# 14-3673 TINA 714-9277

$170,000

DUPONT

Office, Garage & Fleet parking. Located in Industrial Park this 8320SF building in excellent condition sits on 2.46acres.

Planned Rt 81 exit in near future.

MLS# 14-927 JUDY 714-9230

$399,000

NANTICOKE

REDUCED! Former Church & Rectory.

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

MLS# 13-3998 MATT 714-9229

$139,000

WILKES-BARRE

Restaurant for sale! Turn key includes all equipment. 18 parking spots in rear. 2BR apartment upstairs. Gas heat.

MLS#14-5020 JIM 715-9323

$335,000

HANOVER TWP.

Great investment opportunity Beauty Shop & 4 Apartments. Good income tenants pay utilities. Call for appt & information!

MLS# 14-4200 BETTY 970-1119

$125,000

WHITE HAVEN

Turnkey opportunity! Restaurant, Lounge & banquet facility. All equip, furniture, small wares, liq license incl’d. Seats approx 200 w/ample parking. Priced to sell!

MLS#15-423 JUDY 714-9230

$298,000

WILKES-BARRE

This Bar/Restaurant property includes a very valuable liquor license. Also includes all equipment & furniture. Property has 2nd floor 2BR, 1 bath apartment. Great opportunity for someone looking for an affordable business in a desirable location. Priced to sell fast!

MLS# 14-5180 JULIO 239-6408

$58,500

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 9 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B09] | 02/25/15

17:28 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

COVER STORY

What it takes to be an information security analyst

By Dave Gardner

Information security analysts play a big part in the battle against the bad guys. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that demand for these highly-skilled workers will grow at a rate exceeding 36 percent between 2012 and 2022. Considering that cyber security specialists safeguard the computer networks which house corporate secrets and financial data, pay rates for these jobs will undoubtedly be healthy.

Recent news headlines detail failures in recent corporate IT security. According to the Wall Street Journal, the country’s second-biggest health insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross, became the victim of hackers who stole records for millions of customers and employees. Hackers also infiltrated Hollywood in an attempt to derail the Sony film, “The Interview.”

Commercial systems must use real-time monitoring and scalable threat-detection, explains Daniel Sputa, director of information security with UM Tech. Companies must establish processes that protect the security and integrity of data, emails, files and human resource documents. Security demands that certain company data goes only to designated recipients. Moreover, systems must be in place to stop anyone who tries to disable a computer system or actually shut it down.

“We have to stay one step ahead of the hackers,” says Sputa. “Keeping data on a computer system can be like driving a luxury car in a bad neighborhood with the windows down.”

Sputa is a native of the Czech Republic and

Quick Facts from the BLS: Information Security Analysts 2012 Median Pay .............................................................................. $86,170 per year $41.43 per hour Entry-Level Education ....................................................................... Bachelor’s degree Number of Jobs, 2012....................................................................... 75,100 Job Outlook, 2012-22 ....................................................................... 37% (Much faster than average) Employment Change, 2012-22 ........................................................ 27,400 What Information Security Analysts Do Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyber attacks increase.

Sputa

“One wrong click can let a cyber infection loose.”

Identity theft, according to Sputa, is one of the most familiar types of cyber-crime. There’s a big market for stolen financial data, like credit-card numbers. Identity theft helps promote the spread of malware, viruses and spyware — all of which can haunt a business. According to Sputa, access to company email boxes may now be the biggest threat security specialists face.

Hackers regularly steal contact lists for business, create fake emails, spread infections and sell company data to competitors. Unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to expect that every computer user in a business be trained to recognize and avoid every threat.

“Corporate espionage, which involves a formal cyber-attack against an entire company, has become a big problem, says Sputa. “These attacks may be designed to disable an entire system and shut that company down.”

SYSTEMS ANALYST — continued from page eight The personal qualities needed to become a system desirable for the users, and if possible security specialist, according to Sputa, do not necers and even accountants. “We strive to design make use of overlapping functions.” essarily include suspicion. Instead, good security systems for every type user type, and to make “The challenge of this job is to navigate the requires a deep understanding of human behavior, them logical to operate,” says Artz. many stakeholders and bring all of the pieces as well as the ability to foresee scenarios hackers Included in these professional efforts are coor- together in an ideal sweet spot,” says Artz. may attempt.

Artz says a good foundation a systems analyst dination of software systems that optimize various Security analysts must understand the many in college includes classes in systems databases, functions; integration of the applicable hardware; computer integration and psychology, along with a ways IT connects us, possess strong IT systems and keen attention to fiscal sustainability and knowledge and learn some programming as it perbudget compliance. Artz says that a common com- standard business curriculum. tains to security vulnerabilities. Strong knowledge Artz confirms that labor shortages in IT are plaint levied against system analysts — one that of basic business processes is also needed. a real issue, in part because of the widespread he strives to avoid — occurs when end-users find “At the end of the day, however, security problems in the U.S. concerning STEM (science, the IT system isn’t “enjoyable” to use, creating a technology leads back to people,” says Sputa. “The technology, engineering and math) education. The weak employee buy-in and subsequent productivweakest part of a system is the users. We can’t career of systems analyst, according to Artz, delivity problems. “My job requires me to ask if it is expect them to be technicians. Training can never possible to achieve a set of IT results with whatever ers some protection from outsourcing. “I do believe be complete.” this profession will evolve to a job with an even already exists, or if we have to create something The complexity of cyber security, according greater value proposition,” adds Artz. new,” says Artz. “Above all, we have to make the attended Marywood University. While still in the Czech Republic, Sputa developed an interest in computer technology. He says he built an entire computer in his teens and later studied electronics and cybernetics before earning multiple degrees, including a master’s in financial information systems.

“Success in my job involves a mix of specialized knowledge, including technical and math subjects, as well as business and financial information,” says Sputa.

Despite his technical knowledge, Sputa explains that the true key to secure data depends upon people, not computers. He says because security breaches usually involve human failings, system users must be properly trained.

“A cyber-infection can be spread because of too-simple passwords or user carelessness. These are the biggest problems we face,” says Sputa.

10 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B10] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

to Sputa, requires the analyst to think in terms of prevention. If a breech does occur, rapid detection and damage control are essential, but additional layers of security should then be constructed to avoid similar attacks in the future.

These multiple layers of IT security, according to Sputa, resemble watertight doors on a large ship that can be quickly closed if the hull is breached.

To maintain security, he reviews ongoing reports that indicate which types of attacks are attempted. These attempts easily total in the hundreds to thousands, as hackers scan computer systems, poking for holes.

“It’s interesting to see these various pokes. As more cloud systems come into use, security must grow alongside it,” says Sputa. “This is all part of an open season on computer systems, where even one security mistake can be very costly.”

Salaries for information security analysts can range from $60,000 to $100,000 annually.

Every work day for the analyst is different as they review security audits; devise methods to improve systems and reduce costs; study prevention, issues and trends; identify new products and services; and conduct employee training.

One example of a new threat, Sputa says, is that cyber criminals can use a computer virus to hack encrypted data and then hold the information they seize hostage for ransom. In these situations the business must act quickly to save its data and customers.

Information security analysts also studies cyber forensics to determine why a system failure occurred. Once again, however, effective information security leads back to people.

“Consider the example of where a company’s cleaning service was using the computers at night,” says Sputa. “This was possible because the passwords were stuck on the computers with sticky notes and no one thought to investigate the cleaning company.”

As he looks into his crystal ball, Sputa expects the number of cyber attackers will only expand. The crime will become more sophisticated, but technology on the horizon will be very useful in prevention.

“IT systems will eventually be using multiple security technologies, like biometrics, that can identify the fingers of designated users,” says Sputa. “When biometrics is combined with conventional passwords, it creates the multiple-layer security systems now preferred.”

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 11 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB11] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

COVER STORY CYBER SECURE — continued from page seven

site gets hacked, you are liable. Use a hosted shopping cart solution.”

Jeter also recommends changing the default password on your router to limit or prevent access to your network, the starting point for many security breaches. “Another thing you could possibly do to protect your data in your home security network is to restrict the MAC address for each of your devices directly with your router,” says Jeter. “Basically any computer, every phone, every device that can connect to the Internet has a MAC address. You can restrict access to your router to only machines where the MAC address is registered with that router.”

Restricting access to your data remains one

of the primary focuses of cyber security for small businesses and individuals.

“Data security is one of these things that needs to become part of our day-to-day routine,” says Fred Aebli, instructor and internship coordinator at Penn State Information and Science Technology, Worthington-Scranton Campus. “It has to become a practice that’s a process. It has to become ingrained in your employees that they have to be aware of the customers’ data, their privacy. It has to become part of the day-to-day work attitude and process. Anybody and everybody is at risk.”

As a victim of identity theft, Aebli knows firsthand the importance of cyber security. “It’s not just running scans or malware,” he says. “It’s a layered

Who are you and what are you doing on my website?

By Jack Reager

When I started working as a web developer, there was a great deal of software that my company purchased a license for (which in hindsight I realize cost a small fortune). By using that software, I was able to find out all sorts of interesting things about the visitors to the websites I was employed to manage. What did they do when they got there? What web browser were they using? What resolution was the monitor that our site was displayed on?

Each of these questions had answers for us that shaped what we did with not only our clients’ current websites, but subsequent redesigns. We used this knowledge to help us build a better product for our clients, generating in more sales for them.

In 2005, Google Analytics completely changed the way businesses drove traffic to their websites and how my company worked…for absolutely free.

Google Analytics has evolved in many ways from the original product but more importantly, web developers have changed the ways in which they use the information.

Today, marketers don’t care much to know what monitor resolution viewers are using. How a viewer got to a client’s website, for example, is vastly more important. Integrated marketing campaigns mean that consistent messaging across all platforms— web, social, print, etc.— is critical to determining whether or not a campaign is successful and it’s never too late to be looking at if and how your organization can be learning from its website.

It is not a question of if your organization should be using analytics, but a question of what you should be using analytics for. At BlackOut Design, when we first meet a new client, we ask them a few, very straightforward questions about how they want to be using their website and what they

hope to learn from it in terms of consumer data.

A business should always be able to identify what people are reading and sharing from its website, what pages they’re looking at, and what pages the business actually wants them to see. Once a business can fill in these blanks, it’s up to the marketing firm to determine what is or isn’t working in a client’s overall marketing strategy.

Armed with some key data, your business may be able to identify what might not be functioning correctly on your website or what content may need to be redone. Did you have 150 visitors land on your information request form and no one filled it out? Did 1, 500 people look at that fancy blue widget you were selling and yet not one sale? Maybe it’s time to look at pricing or the aesthetic of product placement. If the 10 hours a week you’re putting into crafting Facebook and LinkedIn content isn’t translating into new visits to your website, then it may be time to reexamine whether or not you’re spending your resources in the right marketing activities. The best and most accurate way to determine this is through a robust, efficient and user- friendly website.

There are a host of features and some great benefits to using website analytics but it’s a running joke in our office that working with analytics can be a full time job.

I typically joke that working with analytics can be a full time job. More precisely though it is very easy to get lost in the weeds and data that is available once you start working with it. That’s why it’s critical to make an investment in a marketing agency that will work with your organization, using analytics to help it grow and most importantly, define a return on your investment.

Jack Reager is owner of BlackOut Design in Scranton.

12 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B12] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

approach making sure that you are not sharing data through networks that are unsecure, making sure you don’t have the same password for everything.

The password should be somewhat complex even though it’s a pain in the butt to remember.”

Aebli suggests encrypting data and hard drives, especially for sales people with notebooks or laptops, and to do due diligence to vet outside services used in your business. “You need to make sure you take a look at your agreements and understand, ‘if I put my data out in the cloud, where is it residing?’” he says. “You should also ask, ‘when I want to move, if I want to leave your services, how easy is it to move my data from one personal service to the other? How are their data servers backed up? What happens if their cloud crashes?

If you put your data out there, who else is sharing

that same location with it? Is it a competitor? How is it put out there in a secure fashion?’”

While security of your online data may seem overwhelming, Aebli believes small business owners can follow best practices, implement basic strategies and policies or hire the experts.

“Any time you have technology touching your business, you have risk and you have to manage it. We assume the technology sector is doing everything it can to protect us and they are. But at the same time, you have to make sure you understand what you can do also to safeguard data. There are certain steps people aren’t doing .. . .making sure to change passwords on a regular basis, making sure your virus scan and malware software is installed and checking to see it’s running. Bottom line: It goes back to education,” says Aebli.

are musicians, who have learned to use both sides of their brain.” ideas. One thing they cannot be is poor at interperAnnual earnings for a software developer are sonal relations. “One of the professional lessons widely varied, depending on the individual’s experiI’ve learned is that developers must deal with ence and capabilities. The BLS has indicated that, emotional people, which many young people are on a national scale, average annual earnings for not particularly good at,” says Speicher. developers during 2013 exceeded $96,000.

Another key to creative problem solving is to Speicher says that new college graduates understand the consequences of particular lines of entering the job market can expect to earn $30,000 computer code. This skill, if not properly mastered, to $40,000 per year. While a few “super-star posican affect the operation of an entire company and tions” exist in NEPA, earnings for an experienced endanger precious data. developer can total $60,000 to $80,000.

One of the biggest challenges Speicher now To forecast the future of software developfaces is talent acquisition. Although local schools ment, Speicher points out that modern IT has now produce some talent (Speicher praises the Univer- surpassed many of the developments foreseen in sity of Scranton as a “great source” for software the world of Star Trek. He is certain IT advancement education), he finds UM Tech often has to look will soon offer thumb scans with a cell phone, enfar and wide. For example, he notes he recently abling a customer to walk into store and pay for a received a resume from a job candidate in Pakistan. transaction quick and easily. Applications activated “It’s actually quite common for students from with eye (retina) recognition are also ahead.

Pakistan and India to apply for IT jobs in the United Speicher forecasts that the term “container” will States,” says Speicher. “America ranks low in math soon become common. This word is being used to education, but the IT talent shortages we encounter define everything needed to run a program, includare bigger than the national problems with math.” ing all facets of the IT system.

Another challenge that faces software de“Software powers IT and the internet, so the velopers involves the sheer stress of creating IT role of software developer is going to be around for deliverables that work flawlessly. Reality dictates a long time,” adds Speicher. that software written for a production environment * The Scientist will sometimes fail, so the developer has to take As an INTJ, your primary mode of living is focused interinto account ways to recover vital data. nally, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with IT professional must juggle many concerns things rationally and logically. at once, while dealing with distractions. Speicher INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. admits the distractions create some of the most They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they unpleasant situations. “Code writers have to keep their heads down, but they also need to participate continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others. in customer interaction,” says Speicher. “These are Read about the other personality types at www.personalitypage.com or www.keirsey.com some of the reasons why good developers often SOFTWARE DEVELOPER — continued from page nine

EDUCATION

COUNT

American colleges and universities lose $6.6 billion in tuition alone to first-year student attrition

New report on predicted retention rates draws on data points related to academics, affordability, and the campus environment Eduventures Inc., a research and advisory firm focused exclusively on analyzing the forces that are transforming higher education, on Feb. 11 revealed data from a new report that focuses on key findings relevant to the retention issue.

In a single year, Eduventures estimates that American colleges and universities lose $6.6 billion in tuition alone to first-year student attrition. With so much on the line, retention has fast become a crucial priority. In an Eduventures review of 250 colleges’ strategic plans, retention appeared in 87 percent of them and marked a larger year-over year increase than any other initiative. Clearly, everyone is talking about retention, but do they know what questions to ask?

In a newly published report, Eduventures Insights: Strategies to Win the Retention Race, the best practices of high performing public universities highlighted the following strategies: 1. A campus-wide retention strategy starts at the top. A successful retention strategy requires making tough decisions—who to admit, what to spend, how to measure—that can pit priorities against one another.

2. Institutions must weigh recruiting for fit against enrollment goals. In today’s competitive recruitment environment, a selective strategy requires sacrificing high-risk enrollments.

3. Collect data systematically; analyze data creatively. A data audit can identify gaps in data collection to inform a strategy for a comprehensive, cross-campus approach.

4. Deploy resources to prioritize at-risk

MAKEIT MAKEIT

100 programs 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 Upcoming Special Editions!

• Spring Healthcare Update

Publishing: April • Ad Deadline: March 16

Source: Complete College America, completecollege.org

populations. Focus support programs on the most at-risk populations to ensure that they have the biggest impact.

5. Intervene early for the greatest impact. In many districts, struggling K-12 systems are not adequately preparing students for college-level study. Rather than waiting until students enroll, some colleges intervene as early as 11th grade to provide remedial education.

Eduventures has done extensive research on this issue. According to Heather O’Leary, principal analyst focused on Retention Strategies at Eduventures, “there are a number of factors that impact first-year student retention and we advocate an integrated approach that includes both academic and non-academic programming and analysis.”

A full comparison of predicted and actual retention rates from 1,100 schools can be found at www.eduventures.com.

• 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

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

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 13 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B13] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Women leaders in NEPA:

‘Employee No. 33’

By Dave Gardner

Kara Fox-LaRose, a Kingston resident, serves as assistant general manager of Mohegan Sun Pocono.

She is a member of the Mohegan tribe and says that although employment at the “mother ship” casino in Connecticut is common in her extended family, her childhood dreams didn’t necessarily feature casino management. It was Fox-LaRose’s father, a man of humble roots, who first became involved with a new casino in Connecticut. It was through him that Fox-LaRose, who had become a legal secretary in Boston, was introduced to the gaming industry.

“I can see how hard life was for my parents, and how hard they worked,” says Fox-LaRose.

“This is where my work ethic came from.”

After three years as a legal secretary, FoxLaRose used the connection her father had established with the Connecticut casino and began working there as well. She became “employee No. 33,” and dove into the work as a marketing assistant.

As she grew professionally, Fox-LaRose became restless with her desk job. She was eventually promoted to special event manager, where she organized and delivered parties for the casino’s customers.

“Back then, things in Connecticut were all new,” says Fox-LaRose. “It’s safe to say the company and I evolved together.”

Fox-LaRose was then transferred to NEPA in 2011, where she was named vice president of marketing at the relatively new Mohegan Sun Pocono. Her husband also came to NEPA, moving his construction business from New England.

The sprawling Mohegan Sun Pocono delivers a wide variety of good times for Fox-LaRose to promote.

The facility features more than 2,300 slot machines and in excess of 90 table games, live harness racing, a hotel, salon and spa, and a new hotel with 238 guest rooms, 218 standard rooms, and 20 suites.

The facility’s entertainment offerings also include live shows, dining and shopping, as well as meeting spaces for the NEPA commercial market. As she integrated herself into this massive operation, Fox-LaRose noticed NEPA’s beautiful landscapes, slower lifestyle and friendly population.

“I was actually blown away by how friendly almost everyone here is,” says Fox-LaRose. “On many days, I see a lot more potential here than many of the long-time residents do.”

Another difference from Connecticut is that

Fox-LaRose

the two casinos are in different stages of their “life cycles.” Because Mohegan Sun Pocono is newer, it’s growing and has a different culture. “Working here reminds me of the early days in Connecticut, for which I sometimes become nostalgic,” she says.

She explains that her 10-hour work days are intensely varied and have a very “social” side as Fox-LaRose enjoys the people, events and energy at Mohegan Sun Pocono. Besides being present on the gaming floor and at special events, she engages in employee team-building, strategy sessions and branding. “This industry is actually the opposite of the ideas of people who hold a negative view of gaming,” says Fox-LaRose. “Coming here is an escape for the guests, and if I didn’t like the people and believe in our culture, I couldn’t do this. Every day I’m very grateful for how fulfilling this is.”

Despite the party-like atmosphere, management at Mohegan Sun Pocono has to maintain a business focus, especially given the intense competition, market contractions and cyclic revenues decreases in an industry that relies on discretionary incomes for its life.

The Mohegan Sun leadership conducts a “team huddle” every day, and pursues creative problemsolving with guest service as the No. 1 goal. It is crucial to maintain the tribe’s professional brand image of optimism and progress. To this end, management must be aware of employee demeanor, because it’s all too easy to slight a guest.

Fox-LaRose says serving customers is as simple as it seems. “Our challenge is to maintain market share in the industry and stay positive.”

“Each customer has his or her own unique mix of preferences, so we consistently offer diverse products — gaming, dining, entertainment, and shopping.”

MARCH IS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Women leaders in NEPA:

Women leaders in NEPA:

Entrepreneurial spark

Change = Opportunity

By Dave Gardner

By Dave Gardner

Naheed Mohiuddin, a native of India who resides in Sugarloaf, owns M&N Foods which operates four Burger King franchises in eastern Pennsylvania. The firm bought its first restaurant in Philadelphia in 1998 and now operates franchises in Hazleton, Nanticoke, and another unit in Philadelphia. “It’s not an easy life being a business owner, but it is fulfilling,” says Mohiuddin.

Her formal education includes attending Western Michigan University, where Mohiuddin earned a master’s degree in biology. She then embarked on a remarkable professional voyage spanning 25 years working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Mohiuddin’s employers included Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi Pasteur. During this time she was integrally involved in many long and expansive processes, lasting five to 10 years, to clinically test new drugs. “I enjoyed this part of my life, but the spark to become an entrepreneur burned inside me,” says Mohiuddin. “Luckily, my family has been very supportive of my entrepreneurial mentality.”

Mohiuddin, one of nine children, migrated to the United States at age 19. Her father was a physician who prized education. Mohiuddin credits her homemaker mother with being an inspirational parent who exuded desire and ambition, urging her children to reach high. “Imagine her life with nine kids,” says Mohiuddin. “Of the nine children, I always was the one with the entrepreneurial spark.”

Mohiuddin is quick to point out that her decision to own a business was filled with risk. Such a venture can easily become a nightmare — there’s a high rate of failure for entrepreneurs. Calling herself a “real fighter,” Mohiuddin teamed with her husband, who had worked as an executive in Burger King’s corporate system, to take the plunge.

“He had the knowledge to operate the restaurants, and I had the desire,” says Mohiuddin.

The team worked 24/7 in the beginning, as they made the most of the Mohiuddin’s intense drive and her husband’s industry knowledge. When the opportunity arose to expand and add stores in NEPA, the pair acted quickly, despite stiff competition, including fellow franchise owners.

“We had to get through corporate interviews, and stand up to some very tough competition,” says Mohiuddin. “When they picked me to be the buyer of the additional stores, I felt very proud, and

Karen Tomaine, CEO of Taylor Consulting and general counsel with UM Tech, is the classic example of a high-technology entrepreneur who Mohiuddin recognizes opportunity and seizes it.

Since Pennsylvania deregulated its electric supply markets, various opportunities arose for energy brokers. Tomaine’s company has profited from these fundamental market changes.

Tomaine, who is a native of Carbondale now residing in Moosic, was living in Connecticut when I couldn’t believe I had won. When they told us to Pennsylvania’s energy market was deregulated. It get our money ready for the buy, I was overjoyed.” was her husband, Scott Stiner, who identified the The road to business expansion eventually hit business potential back in the Keystone State. “Our a roadblock for M&N Foods. The company was energy business has now been operating for seven forced to close one of the Hazleton locations, a years and rapidly expanding into new technology casualty of urban economics. Mohiuddin says that markets,” says Tomaine. she was heartbroken over the failure and took the One key service offered by UM Tech is a loss personally. Despite the setback, in a short time platform to manage utilities. Live energy auctions sales jumped at other the store in Hazleton. involving as many as 10,000 customers take place, Any successful business operating in the 21st and the process allows buyers to find suppliers century faces its challenges, according to Mohiud- with the lowest prices, if they can sift through all din. She explains that the fast food industry is the data. This company — a business solutions rapidly evolving. The last 10 years have been a time technology expert — is expanding and hiring. Total of great change as stiff new arrivals compete for employment in both Taylor Consulting and UM finite consumer dollars. “Even mini-markets and Tech now exceeds 50 people and the firms are in the delis in grocery stores now offer sandwiches. need of additional IT talent, which is proving hard There’s competition everywhere,” says Mohiuddin. to locate in NEPA. Labor is another problem. Mohiuddin admits She says she did not have many good female keeping an employee base of minimum-wage role models while growing up. “With the exception earners happy and productive can be an enormous of nurses, there just weren’t many women out there undertaking. “But, the fact is, a business must first who held professional positions,” says Tomaine. raise revenue to raise wages,” says Mohiuddin.

She was an English major at Marywood UniSpeed and service are crucial to fast food versity and subsequently went to law school. While success. Mohiuddin says her restaurants strive studying law, Tomaine became intrigued by criminal to serve customers in less than 30 seconds. This justice and wound up working as an assistant discommitment presents a particular problem with trict attorney. “There was a lot of adrenalin flowing new menu items. in the district attorney’s office. I served under men Now semi-retired, Mohiuddin has handed like Ernie Preate and Mike Barrasse,” says Tomaine. the reins of active company management to her “I did this for less than five years total, but during son. She sees some differences between his that time I learned about society’s dark side and experiences and hers. For example, she had to do became a big supporter of law enforcement.” research the old-fashioned way — with books and Tomaine also worked for Tobyhanna Army no Internet. “We had to find out necessary informa- Depot as a labor lawyer for more than a decade. tion on our own. I now call that the hard way to During this time she represented the depot in dislearn,” says Mohiuddin. “In the same way, success putes that included unemployment, discrimination, to me is demonstrated by hard work, although the workers compensation and labor problems. definition of success is subjective and may not be Today, as an entrepreneur, Tomaine says she the same for two different people.’ enjoys the challenges and obstacles of business.

Tomaine

Her husband is the front person for the energy business, while she handles the contracts and licenses involved.

She says as the deregulated energy market evolves, new products become possible — like the UM utility module software platform. According to company literature, this product is, “A multi-step process that creates purchasing efficiencies for deregulated electric and natural gas accounts.”

Tomaine also explains that energy auctions are becoming a common occurrence wherever deregulation has been instituted.

UM promotes its ability to stay on top of these evolving markets. The company advertises that it, “Continuously monitors changing market conditions, as well as utility tariff rates, to determine the optimal timing to auction the aggregate load.”

Tomaine voices many of the complaints often heard from entrepreneurs. She says a lack of expansion capital is a common thorn, especially since potential investors often do not understand what UM actually does. “We even had our web site recently stolen, and certain customers affected,” reports Tomaine. “This was a very painful experience.”

Customized software design is one product offered by UM’s sister company, Taylor Consulting.

The company say, “Our proprietary development tools and platforms are designed specifically for creating custom online business applications and database systems from scratch.”

Tomaine must deal with HR issues like employee turnover, a lack of entry level workers and occasional disciplinary issues. However, right now the major problem is talent acquisition. IT needs educated talent to thrive, but sufficient numbers of candidates for these jobs just aren’t available. “The result is we’re on an ongoing search for IT people.”

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 15 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B15] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

Sunoco Logistics’ natural gas liquids projects to support more than 30,000 jobs

Philadelphia-based Econsult Solutions Inc. on Feb. 5 released an economic impact study that finds the Sunoco Logistics (NYSE: SXL) Mariner East projects are expected to add up to $4.2 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting more than 30,000 jobs during the construction period and approximately 300-400 permanent jobs.

The study, commissioned by Sunoco Logistics, is designed to forecast the potential economic and fiscal impacts of its proposed Mariner East projects on the commonwealth’s economy, including the development of a 50-mile pipeline that connects with an existing pipeline, construction of a new 350-mile pipeline, and the repurposing of its Marcus Hook Industrial Complex to store and process natural gas liquids (NGLs).

SXL recently announced plans to invest approximately $3 billion in Pennsylvania for the Mariner East projects to transport NGLs from western

Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio to its Marcus Hook Industrial Complex — a former oil refinery — for storage, processing, and distribution of NGLs, such as propane, ethane, and butane.

The study finds that construction of the Mariner East projects will support an estimated 30,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs throughout the construction period, including direct jobs in the construction industry as well as architectural and engineering jobs, wholesale trade business jobs, and professional, scientific, and technical service jobs. According to the study, the projects will generate an estimated $23 million in personal income tax to the commonwealth throughout the construction period plus a secondary potential fiscal impact for a total $62 million in tax revenues for the commonwealth from direct, indirect and induced activities of SXL, its vendors and employees.

In addition to construction benefits, the study

16 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B16] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

projects that NGL transport, processing and distribution from the Mariner East projects will create a recurring economic impact from ongoing operations. Although the total expenditure for operations at the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex has not been finalized, SXL predicts spending between $60 and $90 million annually to operate the pipeline projects beginning in 2017. Throughout the entire commonwealth, the total economic impact of the projects’ ongoing service is estimated to be between $100 and $150 million annually, supporting between 300 to 400 full time equivalent jobs with estimated earnings of $22 million to $33 million.

Ongoing operations and their spillover impacts will generate between $800,000 and $1.2 million in annual tax revenue to the commonwealth. The majority of employment and expenditure impacts are estimated to be in the southeastern Pennsylvania region (including the City of Philadelphia and

Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties) due to the ongoing operations at Marcus Hook Industrial Complex, according to the study.

“Our numbers indicate that the Mariner East project will significantly impact the state’s economy, from the jobs it will create and support, both temporary and permanent, to the tax revenues generated for the commonwealth,” said Stephen P. Mullin, president and principal of Econsult Solutions, Inc. “You just don’t see companies investing $3 billion on capital projects in Pennsylvania every day.”

The Mariner East projects will increase the locally available domestic supply of propane, meeting both the residential need for propane and the commercial need for propane and other NGLs as inputs to catalyze regional manufacturing. Additionally, new business and job opportunities may also Please see MARINER on page 18

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

Wolf proposes education reinvestment plan featuring natural gas severance tax Governor Tom Wolf on Feb. 11 proposed an education reinvestment plan featuring a severance tax on natural gas extraction as part of his solution to fund public education in the commonwealth.

“We can get Pennsylvania back on track, and we can start by passing a commonsense severance tax that will help fund our schools — an idea with bipartisan support,” Wolf said. “The commonwealth ranks 45th in the nation in percentage of state funding for public education, and as a result,

more than a billion dollars in fiscal year 2017 prior we have seen larger class sizes, fewer teachers, to exemptions. It is modeled on neighboring West and vital program cuts. These cuts have made it more difficult for students to get a strong education Virginia’s severance tax plan. in Pennsylvania’s public schools. This is the right thing to do for our children and our economy and to move Pennsylvania forward.”

The proposal, called the Pennsylvania Education Reinvestment Act, enacts a 5-percent severance tax plus 4.7 cents per thousand feet of volume on extraction, which the governor expects to generate

Pennsylvania sits on one of the largest deposits of natural gas in the world. The Wolf Administration

Please see SEVERANCE on next page

Subzero nights, frigid days topple power usage record for PPL Electric Utilities customers Temperatures more suited to the Arctic Circle than Pennsylvania produced a new peak power usage record on Feb. 20 among PPL Electric Utilities customers.

Preliminary figures show a new mark of 7,883 megawatt-hours, which breaks the old mark of 7,816 megawatt-hours set just 13 months ago, in early January 2014.

The latest record was set during the hour ending at 8 a.m. Friday. It means customers used 7.88 million kilowatt-hours of electricity during that one-hour period, enough to power about 700 homes for a year.

“Investing in our system makes it more reliable, and that benefits customers,” said Dave Bonenberger, vice president of Distribution Operations for the utility. “Whether the thermometer reads minus 1 or 101, we work to make sure our system delivers as promised.”

The utility has invested about $4.7 billion in its system in the past decade and is poised to invest another $5.7 billion over the next five years. Improvements include rebuilding older lines, installing more automated smart grid technology and making the system more storm-resistant.

The company reported no notable coldweather-related issues on its transmission and

distribution systems.

The PJM Interconnection, which coordinates and directs the operation of the regional transmission grid serving all or part of 13 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, also reported setting One of several charts displayed at a press conference Feb. 11 during which local leaders a new power demand record. No significant warm- in education, business and industry announced legislation to enact a new Marcellus Shale severance tax. Times-Tribune file photo up is forecast through March 5.

Customers looking to save on their electric bills should consider shopping for their electricity supply, and the best way to do that is to visit www.

PaPowerSwitch.com. There are numerous offers below the utility’s price to compare, the cost for electricity supply for customers who don’t shop.

Customers shopping for their electricity supply should be sure to understand the terms of any supplier contract, including whether the price is variable or fixed over time. They also should be aware of any cancellation fees.

The cold weather of recent weeks likely will drive up customer bills, putting stress on some households.

“For those who qualify, we have payment assistance programs to help,” Bonenberger said. “Those programs can be found at www.pplelectric.com/ billhelp. In addition, customers can take advantage of programs like budget billing to help make payments even over time and avoid seasonal swings.”

PPL Electric Utilities posts quarterly price to compare

Cost cutting isn’t always painful.

Take natural gas, for example.

Need operational savings?

PPL Electric Utilities has posted its price to compare for customers who do not shop for their electricity.

Switch to clean, locally produced natural gas. Many Pennsylvania businesses are saving thousands of dollars a year with natural gas.

Effective March 1, the new price to compare for residential customers will be 9.559 cents per kilowatt-hour (currently 9.318 cents per kWh). The price to compare for small business customers will be 10.121 cents per kilowatthour (currently 9.325 cents per kWh).

And UGI can make the conversion process painless. To see if natural gas is an option for you and estimate your savings, visit www.ugi.com/business4.

Shopping for energy supply: Information about shopping for electric supply can be found on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website, www.PAPowerSwitch.com or at www.pplelectric.com/choice.

Or call UGI at 1-800-276-2722.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 17 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B17] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

MARINER — continued from page 16

become available in southeastern Pennsylvania due to the stabilized local supply of NGLs. Econsult Solutions Inc. used an econometric model to estimate the direct and indirect economic benefits of both the construction of the Mariner East pipelines and the renovations at the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex and their ongoing operations. The model estimated the purchase of goods and services from local vendors, labor income spent by employees regionally, and other spillover economic impacts, and translated these economic impacts into the generation of estimated tax revenues.

IBEW supports job creation, economic growth numbers in new pipeline report Donald C. Siegel, International Brotherhood of Electrical

Workers International (IBEW) vice president third district, issued the following statement in support of the findings of a new economic report released Feb. 5 that shows the Mariner East natural gas liquids projects could support more than 30,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania’s natural resources give us a competitive edge in the new energy economy and deliver broad benefits for our communities. The economic report released today reinforces what we already know: the Mariner East pipeline is a job creator.

“This project will put Pennsylvanians to work, supporting more than 30,000 jobs during construction and 300-400 permanent jobs for the region. These types of investments — like the repurposing of the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex — are revitalizing our region and making Pennsylvania an energy hub for the future.

Our skilled men and women will go to work every day to construct the pipeline and ensure it is built safely — a task they take great pride in.”

Source of charts: Econsult Solutions Inc.

SEVERANCE — continued from previous page

argues other natural gas producing states, including Texas and Oklahoma, levy a similar — and in some cases higher — tax on extraction to fund key priorities and initiatives.

The proposal would continue the payments made to impacted communities and make reasonable exemptions for: gas given away for free; gas from low-producing wells; and wells brought back into production after not having produced marketable quantities of gas. It will also contain provisions to protect property owners who lease land for natural gas exploration.

Key Features: ■ 5% of the value of gas at the wellhead; ■ 4.7¢ per thousand cubic feet of volume severed.

Reasonable exemptions for: ■ Gas given away free; ■ Gas from low producing wells; ■ Wells brought back into production after not having produced marketable quantities of gas.

Finally, the Education Reinvestment Act will contain provisions to protect property owners who lease land for natural gas exploration. No portion of the tax imposed in this legislation will be allowed to SEVERANCE concludes on page 42

18 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B18] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

EXCITING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! Northeastern Pennsylvania 1800 N. Washington Avenue Scranton/Dunmore ton/Dunmoree PA 18509 On behalf of Marywood University, Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate seeks proposals to purchase and re-develop Marywood South Property, located partly in the Borough of Dunmore and partly in the City of Scranton.

The completed Statement of Intent to Purchase and Develop Marywood South must describe the proposed redevelopment project, explain how such redevelopment will benefit the surrounding neighborhoods, describe the final use of the property, and illustrate your capacity to maintain the property. Development proposals will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees of Marywood University for the purpose of evaluating the Statements of Intent and determining which ones will advance to Phase II of the Sale Process.

The University reserves the right to deny any and all offers to purchase Marywood South property without explanation.

Consisting of nine buildings in a campus arrangement on 8.5 landscaped acres, it lies within the Green Ridge neighborhood of the City of Scranton and the Hollywood neighborhood of Dunmore Borough.

Mountain vistas, a stream traversing the property, and mature landscaping, the site is a park in an urban setting.

COMPLETED PHASE I STATEMENT OF INTENT DUE NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2015.

The location is walking distance to Marywood University’s campus, the neighborhood shopping areas of Green Ridge Corners and Dunmore Corners, and Downtown Scranton, at a public transportation bus stop, and within two miles to Interstates 81, 380 and 84 and two and one half hours to either New York City or Philadelphia.

The collection of the architecturally beautiful and historic buildings totaling 169,845GSF with the land or the land alone at this location provides for a “one of a kind” real estate development opportunity.

570-207-4100

www.hinerfeldcommercial.com

For a Confidentiality Agreement, Offering Memorandum, property inspections and tours contact Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate, John Cognetti, at (570) 207-4100 EXT 200 or jcognetti@hinerfeldcommercial.com NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 19 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB19] | 02/25/15

17:29 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

POWER UP YOUR BUSINESS

Observers: Don’t get accustomed to cheap oil

By Dave Gardner

Crude oil pricing has been on a roller coaster ride, creating economic positives and negatives, as well making an accurate forecast of business conditions virtually impossible.

In mid-2014, the global selling price of crude oil exceeded $100 per barrel. By mid-January 2015, the price had dropped to below $50 a barrel.

Analysts in the oil industry reject conspiracytheory claims, citing the fact that oil prices are simply a function supply and demand. Rising crude production in non-OPEC countries, such as the United States, coupled with decreasing demand in Europe, Japan and China, stand as the prime reasons behind the volatility.

Goldman Sachs has forecast that if crude oil prices don’t jump, the American economy will add 300,000 more jobs this year than if the price had remained at its June level. The low oil prices are also taming inflation, putting more disposable income in the hands of American consumers.

According to analysts, certain sectors of the American economy are particularly benefiting from the oil prices, including retail, auto sales, manufacturing, shipping, food service and hotels.

These gains are being offset by losses in oil-producing states like Texas and North Dakota, as oil and gas drillers are forced into layoffs. The industry’s lethargy is also affecting suppliers to the oil business, as evidenced by the fact that U.S. Steel dismissed more than 750 workers who make tubing for the oil sector.

Doug Batzel, president of Batzel Engineering Consulting, is a frequent business visitor to the Mideast, where he keeps his professional ear to the ground. He says conventional wisdom in the oil industry says that investment costs require an optimum price of $80 per barrel. Any pricing below that discourages development of new oil recovery.

However, Saudi Arabia can successfully pump crude at $56 barrel for quite some time, and could go as low as $20 per barrel if circumstances dictate. Canadian oil is another issue. The country has a vast supply of crude locked in its western tar sands, but Batzel believes it will take a price of $80 per barrel for this resource to be developed.

“Canada also doesn’t have many places to refine this oil, so tar sand oil becomes even tougher to produce,” explains Batzel.

Above all, Batzel concludes that the current

VOLATILITY CONCERNS OPEC: The Nigerian oil minister told the Financial Times on Feb. 23 that

the OPEC oil cartel is considering an emergency meeting to discuss persistently low oil prices. Diezani Alison-Madueke is the current president of OPEC and the Nigerian oil minister. She told the FT that if the price "slips any further it is highly likely that I will have to call an extraordinary meeting of OPEC in the next six weeks or so.”

The next scheduled OPEC meeting is in June. The last time the cartel met, in November 2014, its decision to hold production at 30 million barrels a day set off a huge slide in the price of brent crude.

Shortly after the FT article went live, another anonymous OPEC delegate told Bloomberg that there are not any plans for an emergency meeting. After the FT article went live the price of crude bounced up, and then quickly came down after the Bloomberg story: The key quote from the FT story seems to be this one: "Almost all OPEC countries, except perhaps the Arab bloc, are very uncomfortable." There's a divide between the Arab bloc, mostly Saudi Arabia, which has enough the financial resources to withstand price shock for a while, and the rest of OPEC, which is getting crushed by low prices.

Back in December, the Saudi Arabian Minister of Petroleum, Ali Al-Naimi, told a group of reporters, "Why should I cut production? You know what a market does for any commodity. It goes up and down and up and down,” he said.

Saudi Arabia is widely believed to be pursuing this strategy in order to gain back more market share as the U.S. shale industry continues to grow. That strategy, however, requires a long-term view that other members of OPEC don't really have the liquidity to take.

— Source: www.businessinsider.com

low price of crude will deal serious injury to the development of American shale oil. The process to extract this oil from shale is similar to fracking. The technique again requires a minimum price of $80 per barrel. “The inevitable solution to today’s low oil prices will be for the producers to cut production,” says Batzel. “Shale oil will take a time-out for one to two years, but because the world is always hungry for oil, as soon as shale oil is off the market, prices will rise and a sort of equilibrium will be achieved.”

Batzel also sounds a warning about the political fallout from low oil prices. He recently attended a Mideast oil conference where it was made very clear that there’s tension between Russia and Saudi Arabia, since Russia is allied with Iran and Syria.

20 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B20] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

Conspiracy theorists have even claimed the Saudis are actually striking at Russian oil production by cooperating with the ultra-low prices of crude. “The Russian economy, which depends on oil exports, is unsustainable with these prices. There is great risk they may do something very foolish and lash out at their neighboring countries,” says Batzel, something now plating out with Ukraine.

The countries immediately north of the Mideast also have oil, with vast conventional deposits that will be economical to produce. Some development of this oil has occurred, and Batzel is sure this will grow. Although the oil is easy to recover, the infrastructure for production and distribution of these

nations is still lacking, “There is business to be done in these countries,” says Batzel. “I’m certainly looking into it.”

Above all, based on his Mideast contacts, Batzel is certain, that Americans should not become too comfortable with low oil prices. He is certain prices of $100 to $120 per barrel will return.

“The evidence indicates that by end of 2015, prices will surpass $100 per barrel,” says Batzel.

Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, notes that low oil prices reduce America’s trade deficit. However, cheap oil clearly inhibits the recovery of domestic shale oil, thereby subjecting America to political instability when it relies upon overseas producers.

Barr also explains that the world’s oil supplies are not created equal. Saudi oil, as well as that from locations such as the Dakotas, is classified as light sweet crude, easily refined into gasoline, diesel, home heating oil and jet fuel.

Alaska’s oil is “sour,” with higher sulfur content, and is more costly to refine.

With crude prices down, and different oil deposits requiring a higher return on investment, oil supplies are bound to fluctuate. “With all of this swirling around, I wish good luck to any predictions made on streets,” says Barr.

Investment markets are also enduring upheaval because of oil’s volatility, according to Lou Ingargiola, president of the Ingargiola Wealth Management group. He agrees that lower oil prices are good for the overall economy, but points out that when energy costs drop, oil investments are in for trouble and, due to systemic connections, this will cause ripple effects all across the economy.

“The futures market locks in oil prices down the road, so even when crude drops, retail prices take six to 12 months to decrease,” says Ingargiola.

“Yet, oil is now so volatile all predictions about pricing will come true at some time.”

Because of oil’s volatility, Ingargiola now recommends that investment portfolios manage cash expectations and become highly diversified.

This should include 25-percent participation each by the S&P 500, the bond index, real estate and commodities such as oil.

“Above all, we shouldn’t be overly concerned by this oil pricing volatility,” says Ingargiola. “People have been preaching doomsday for many years with oil, and it just hasn’t happened.”

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON...

Drucker & Scaccetti Drucker & Scaccetti: 327 N. Washington Avenue Suite 400, Scranton 18503 Web: taxwarriors.com

“The name 'tax warriors' started at the inception of the firm. There’s a distinction between a warrior and a street fighter, warriors are skilled artisans. This idea caught on and it's part of our brand. Our clients and others remember it very easily so it helps build our brand,” Mesko said.

Phone: 267-765-0205 Chamber member since 2013

G

eoffrey Mesko, CPA, MT of the tax advisory firm Drucker & Scaccetti combines his desire to help and advise others with his knowledge and experience in analytics . A local of the Scranton area and Temple graduate, Mr. Mesko joined the firm in 2004 and quickly rose to become a partner of the 60-person firm. Bringing this branch of the firm to his hometown, he’s eager to serve his local community and consult with familiar faces.

We spoke with Mr. Mesko to find out more about his unique tax business and how he serves the local community.

Scranton Chamber: How does your firm stand apart from others?

Geoffrey Mesko: Our firm specializes in tax and consulting. Most accounting firms perform audits of financial statements along with other services, but we lead with tax and consulting as our main revenue driver. This allows us to provide the service one would receive from a large national firm, but with lower rates. It allows our people to specialize and perform in the areas they enjoy. There‘s a misconception that we crunch numbers all day, but what we really like to do is advise clients on tax efficiency and solve problems.

SC: What area of clientele can you address?

GM: We have clients across all different industries and professions. Our clients usually operate in a multi-state environment. They are often entities owned by our individual clients, which allows us to see the whole picture of their tax exposure and offer solutions at the business level that impact the wealth preservation of the business owner.

SC: When and why did you start calling your-

Mesko

Drucker & Scaccetti specializes in tax and consulting. selves the “tax warriors”?

GM: That name started at the inception of the firm being that we specialize in tax. This concept was and still is unique for a firm our size. There’s a distinction between a warrior and a street fighter, warriors are skilled artisans. This idea caught on and we changed our website to make this part of our brand. Our clients and others remember it very easily so it helps build our brand.

SC: Describe how Drucker & Scaccetti embodies its motto of “Tax As A Business Strategy.”

GM: We view “Tax As a Business Strategy” to sustain and grow our clients’ wealth. This philosophy has been our firm’s focus for 25 years. As part of this we assist clients with saving dollars and increasing cash flow.

SC: What do you enjoy most about being locally based?

GM: I enjoy being surrounded by people I’ve known for most of my life. I grew up in this area and my family is here too. The strong community

and companionship of so many make it enjoyable practicing here.

SC: Upon joining a year ago, how has The Chamber impacted your firm and its relationship with NEPA? GM: It certainly helped in putting the word out that I’ve reconnected to Scranton in a professional context. The Chamber’s vast networking opportunities support that and the attendance of fellow members is outstanding I really appreciate their efforts and their recognition of my business.

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.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 21 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B21] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

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

Plymouth graphic solutions company’s growth spans two decades They launched their business in their parents’ sporting goods store on Main Street in Plymouth in 1994. Since then, Brian, Ed and Mark Vnuk have taken their original vision of a vehicle graphic decal company to new heights.

The three brothers’ business, Brand Graphic Solutions, as it was renamed just two years ago, expanded over its two decade existence from a company that primarily made vinyl decals and wraps for vehicles to a manufacturer of everything from trade show and exhibit systems, to wall murals, to architectural graphics, marketing specialties and point-of-purchase displays for large and small companies, some of them on the Fortune 500 list.

Today, the company is serving clients with graphic solutions not only throughout the Northeast, but also around the country and internationally.

Fleet Decal & Graphics, as the company was known from 1994 until 2012 when it was renamed Brand Graphic Solutions, began with one vinyl cutter, the three brothers, and some occasional borrowed help from employees of the sporting goods store.

Today, the sporting goods store (SportJes) is closed, but Brand Graphic Solutions’ expansions over the years have more than filled the large building with new state-ofthe-art direct-to-substrate flatbed printing equipment, wide-format color printers and

custom-cut rigid material cutting capabilities.

Brand Graphic Solutions’ growth has allowed the company to expand its workforce to more than 20 people, including three full-time graphic designers.

Digital technology has allowed the company to expand its offerings, even though screen printing techniques that were used in their parents’ sporting goods store for printing logos on clothing is still being used on higher volume jobs, such as printing manufacturer warning labels on adhesive material for many companies.

Brian attributes much of his company’s success to the fact that it began small and the three brothers have always put an emphasis on personal attention every time they acquired a new client. “It was this personal attention that allowed our company to continue to exist when the recession hit. We were able not only to hold on during this time, but also to continue growing by working hard and giving our customers a higher overall level of service than they were getting elsewhere,” he said.

Looking to the future, the Vnuk brothers are working on making improvements through value stream mapping and other lean manufacturing initiatives. Currently, the company is working with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) to map out strategies to streamline its production and operating methods. NEPIRC is assisting the company with defining its

22 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B22] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

Brian Vnuk inside one of the production departments at Brand Graphic Solutions. markets and customers within those markets and helping them generate leads for top-line growth.

“We have been very impressed with NEPIRC. They have delivered on everything they have proposed to date and it has really elevated our company.

This feature is sponsored by...

“We are evaluating where we are, where we are going and setting goals for the future and NEPIRC has been a great resource for us at every stage in the process,” he said.

REGIONAL BUSINESS Celebrating women entrepreneurs

Meet Katharine Schkloven

By Donna Simpson

Katharine Schkloven is not an artist, but she’s passionate about her new artistic career as the owner of Spirited Art in the Fashion Mall, Dickson City. She’s even found she wields a mean paint brush.

Schkloven was working as a lawyer in Illinois when her husband found a position in northeast Pennsylvania. After visiting the area, they knew this was where they wanted to be. They packed up the family and are now residents of Clarks Summit.

Schkloven said Spirited Art is a business she runs for her family as well as herself. As one would imagine, running a full-time business while raising children can be challenging, but she seems to handle it all with great ease. Her children often help in the studio, even her nearly year-old son is often in the studio.

Schkloven enjoys learning and, in the process ,growing as a person. Her business has demonstrated that although some people imagine they lack artistic talent, Spirited Art brings color, creativity and confidence to them. Shapes, letters and colors are the only tools you need to get started. Of course, neither a friend nor a snack and a beverage hurt either.

It’s interesting to note that, while in Illinois and a busy lawyer, Schkloven found the Spirited Art franchise by chance when she ran a women’s group and was researching an activity for an upcoming meeting. When she found Spirited Art, she realized there wasn’t a franchise in her area. Once she moved to Pennsylvania and decided to start a business, she remembered the organization and continued her investigation.

Spirited Art Scranton was the first franchise opened, after much investigation and a visit to the headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. Schkloven loves her independence as a business owner, but appreciates the assistance and support of the franchise. She has always wanted to own a business and she is now following that dream.

Her best advice to others considering opening a business is to spend plenty of time doing research, have good advisors and get connected. On a personal note, I had the pleasure of meeting Katharine on one of her early visits to the area. She attended the Top 25 Women in NEPA luncheon, which she said was a great way to jump in and start network-

According to SBA.gov: ■ You need a strategy before investing in a franchise. Doing your homework about the franchise first will help you gain a solid understanding of what to expect as well as the risks that could be involved.

■ Be a detective In addition to the routine investigation that should be conducted prior to any business purchase, you should be able to contact other franchisees before deciding to invest.

You can obtain a Uniform Franchise Offering Circular (UFOC), which contains vital details about the franchise’s legal, financial, and personnel history, before you sign a contract.

■ Know what you are getting into before entering into any contract as a franchisee, you should make sure that you would have the right to use the franchise name and trademark, receive training and management assistance from the franchisor, use the franchisor’s expertise in marketing, advertising, facility design, layouts, displays and fixtures and do business in an area protected from other competing franchisees.

■ Watch out for possible pitfalls: The contract between the two parties usually benefits the franchisor far more than the franchisee. The franchisee is generally subject to meeting sales quotas and is required to purchase equipment, supplies and inventory exclusively from the franchisor.

■ Seek professional help. The tax rules surrounding franchises are often complex, and an attorney, preferably a specialist in franchise law, should assist you to evaluate the franchise package and tax considerations. An accountant may be needed to determine the full costs of purchasing and operating the business as well as to assess the potential profit to the franchisee.

ing. Another of her efforts was to join the local NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). She knows how to make things happen.

She is interested to see where this business

takes her. She has always had a great interest in psychology and is fascinated with art as therapy. In fact, she majored in psychology and international business in college and later attended law school.

While Spirited Art is located in the Fashion Mall across from the main entrance to the Viewmont Mall, the business is also totally mobile. She has held children’s parties of all types, as well as parties for grown-ups. She also can work with businesses to provide team-building experiences.

Schkloven finds great satisfaction in her ability to help nonprofits raise money. She has worked with numerous organizations as they try to meet their fund-raising goals.

Webster’s dictionary tells us that art is something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings. To Schkloven’s delight, she is able to make this magic happen one customer at a time.

Contact Katharine Schkloven at Spirited Art 570-507-1560 or SAS@gmail.com or visit myspiritedart.com Donna Simpson is consultant manager at The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

Concrete Texturing of Throop notes construction business is picking up

By Phil Yacuboski

A Lackawanna County manufacturing business owner is just back from Las Vegas, where he met with construction executives from all over the world. It means his Throop business is making its mark in faraway places.

Bart Sacco, owner of Concrete Texturing LLC, Throop recently participated in the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. “I think the foot traffic of the show was good,” he said. “It definitely has improved from previous years.”

His observations are borne out by data. Across the country, nonresidential construction spending increased .4 percent in December, the latest numbers available, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade group that tracks such figures. Also, the U.S. construction industry added 39,000 jobs in January, including 12,700 net new nonresidential jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary estimate released Feb. 6. In addition, construction input prices dipped 2 percent in January 2015 and have now failed to rise for six consecutive months, according to the Feb. 18 producer price index (PPI). In general,

falling input prices are good for contractors since they tend to bolster margins and increase the likelihood that certain construction projects will move forward. For contractors involved in oil exploration and mining activities, the news is not nearly as positive. In fact, One of the only sectors that lost jobs in January was oil and gas extraction, which decreased by 1,900 jobs.

“Locally, things are still lagging more than other parts of the country,” Sacco said. “Some areas of Texas are really starting to take off and even some areas down south are doing well. They were hit hard by the housing recession but they’re coming back.”

He said one reason northeastern Pennsylvania is taking so long to bounce back is because it experienced the tail end of the housing recession. “I don’t think there’s any magic to it,” Sacco said. “Even some of the sales we’ve had out west, I saw my sales in those areas literally drop off in 2008, where it didn’t affect those of us locally until around 2010.”

All in all, Sacco said he’s very excited about the future. “I think this is going to be a very good year,” he said. “I could see the work the guys on the streets are starting to obtain locally. While it’s still

far from where it needs to be, I can see the demand is starting to come back again.”

While in other years he’s attended the show, this was the first year he actually had a booth where he met one-on-one with potential clients. His business, a small business with about nine employees, markets concrete design and texturing supplies and services — things like overlays and specialty concrete products — to customers around the world.

During the show, Concrete Texturing sponsored Troy Lemon, founder and president of Cornerstone Decorative Concrete, to do a demonstration about artistry and concrete using Concrete Texturing products — a contest they won in competition.

Sacco said there was a lot of domestic and foreign interest in his company. “We had a tremendous amount of interest from overseas in some of our mixes,” he said. A business owner recently visited Throop from India because of what he saw at the trade show. Another business owner from Dubai was interested in 220,000 square feet of concrete overlay, something Concrete Texturing manufactures for re-surfacing. “If I could get one or two accounts like that, it makes it worth going to the show.”

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 23 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B23] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

REGIONAL BUSINESS

FCC needs spectrum

— continued from page one

Usage of our wireless networks is skyrocketing, dramatically increasing demands on both licensed and

In our April issue...

COVER THEME

If disaster should strike. The headlines couldn’t be more frightening: American malls are being threatened by terrorism. Public places have increasingly come under siege. Every business should have a plan in place should disaster strike. This month we’ll find out how concerned you should be, how to adequately plan but not over-react and what elements of preparedness every business with a public presence should have in place.

FEATURES

Leadership: Aligned with this month’s cover theme, we’ll talk to several area leaders about their view of leadership’s role in disaster preparedness and how they are taking charge.

Spring Building Forecast: A look at what’s going up in 2015.

Sports and Leisure: The Rail Riders have a new general manager. A look at what’s new in 2015.

SUPPLEMENTS

Health Care Update: 1. Osteoporosis research: The latest from The Commonwealth Medical College 2. Wolf Medicaid expansion: Healthy PA is no more. What are the repercussions.

3. The rite of the annual physical...should you skip it? University of Pennsylvania’s Ezekiel Emanuel says to forget it. Is he right?

Advertising deAdline: MArch 16 For advertising information contact Judy Gregg 570-207-9001 extension 5425 jgregg@timesshamrock.com

UPCOMING ISSUES • May – Executive Spotlight Stroke Focus Book of Lists Business and The Law • June – Profiles in Medical Excellence • July – Who’s Who in NEPA

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

24 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B24] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

unlicensed spectrum—the invisible infrastructure on which all wireless networks depend. Our country faces a major challenge to ensure that the speed, capacity, and accessibility of our wireless networks keeps pace with these demands.

The FCC has worked to free up spectrum for wireless broadband use through traditional approaches such as auctions, including clearing and reallocating government spectrum. The 2010 National Broadband Plan introduced the idea of incentive auctions as a tool to help meet the nation’s spectrum needs. Incentive auctions are a voluntary, market-based means of repurposing spectrum by encouraging licensees to voluntarily relinquish spectrum usage rights in exchange for a share of the proceeds from an auction.

The incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum will have three major pieces: 1. A “reverse auction” in which broadcast television licensees submit bids to voluntarily relinquish spectrum usage rights in exchange for payments; 2. A reorganization or “repacking” of the broadcast television bands in order to free up a portion of the ultra high frequency (UHF) band for other uses; and 3. A “forward auction” of initial licenses for flexible use of the newly available spectrum.

Source: www.fcc.gov

said Larry Irving, whose long list of credentials include former head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. “No matter where you are in America, you can’t deny the need for more spectrum — spectrum, as in the wireless broadband that we use when talking on our smartphones or accessing data through a wireless device.”

The FCC also talked with broadcasters in New York City, Albany, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Nashville. More talks are planned with more broadcasters across the country in the coming months.

“Data consumption is increasing exponentially,” Irvin said. “It’s like a little roadway trying to handle much more traffic than it was built to support.

That’s what we’re seeing in regard to our spectrum highway. We don’t have enough spectrum currently and we’re going to need more going forward.”

He said the FCC is working with broadcasters to find a “win, win, win” situation through incentive auctions. “Some of the best spectrum on the planet is the spectrum that broadcasters use and it’s best if consumers get access to more spectrum and where broadcasters get revenue while still serving the public,” he said.

The FCC has gone so far as saying the dwindling

So far, owners of the TV stations have been less than thrilled with the idea because they are unsure of the risks involved, even though the FCC is predicting an overall $45-billion haul.

— www.sitepronews.com

spectrum is a public safety issue because so many people rely on wireless devices. In 2010, the National Broadband plan gave birth to the incentive auction — something that is completely voluntary and based on market needs. Plus, broadcasters probably have a lot of unused air space. With cable saturation nearing an all-time high, more and more people rely on cable and satellite to receive a radio or television signal — not old-fashioned rabbit ears.

But why sell the nation’s airwaves that belong to the public? “When I worked in the Clinton Administration, we decided that it made a lot more sense for Americans to derive some economic benefit than to just license it and not get any money,” Irving said.

Please see SPECTRUM on page 48

2 5 Women in Business Top

March 2015

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 25 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B25] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Hands-on experience makes leadership authentic Duffy Wylam

Congratulations Baker Tilly Vantagen is proud to join the NEPA Business Journal in recognizing the 2015 Top Women In Business.

Congratulations to all of the women who have received this prestigious honor, including our very own Kim Wylam.

Benefits Administration I HR Consulting

26 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B26] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

K

imberly Duffy Wylam gets involved. She asks questions, does the work, listens, communicates and trusts others — whatever it takes to succeed. “You learn so much when you get involved first-hand, knowledge is priceless,” she says. Two other key ingredient to her success are the ability to be adaptable — to be both reactive and proactive — and her team. Being surrounded by good people for whom you have both affection and respect makes work easy, she says.

As the president and managing partner at Baker Tilly Vantagen, a company dedicated to supporting the human resource profession in supplying both consulting and administration solutions, she and her team work in many industry segments and primarily serve the mid-market. Wylam manages the company on all levels: client service, operation, staff and strategic and she spends a great deal of time developing new business, both with clients and with service offerings located throughout the U.S. that range in employer size of 100 to 30,000.

Wylam is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a degree in business management and a concentration in human resources. “I have always had a passion for both people and business, so what better way to satisfy that passion than to run a company that serves human resources,” she says. She began her career as a controller/office manager for a small, family-owned business and learned how a successful company operates from the ground up. She then went to work for NatWest, experiencing its growth from a 50-person company to supporting 25,000 employees. She says she learned a great deal there.

Wylam has had many mentors who have helped

shape her professional career, including her grandfather, Peter Iacavazzi, an Italian immigrant who stressed the importance of education and joining the family business. She has also had mentors who provided great leadership and include Al and Eugene Peters, Don Webster, Larry Puleo and Bob Ciaruffoli.

Her entire family has been a complete support system for her. She relies upon her husband of 25 years, Atty. Paul Wylam, Jr., saying she could not do what she does without him. “We truly are a team and work well together so that sacrifices are minimalized,” she says. The couple have two children, Cael and Cassidy, who provide inspiration and help her stay focused on the things that are truly important.

A night owl by nature, Wylam loves the time between dinner and bedtime. “I feel you can decompress from the day, spend time with the family and connect without distraction,” she says.

She is on the board of partners for Baker Tilly; the National Society for Human Resource Management; the Employee Benefits Institute of America; the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the Tri-County Personnel Association; the American Management Association; and the American Payroll Association. She is also a frequent speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s employer law segment, various local SHRM chapters and Chambers of Commerce, and most recently for 85 Broads (now Ellevate, a network for high-achieving women).

Wylam is involved in many community and social organizations. She is an executive board member for the Broadway Theatre League, Past Regional Walk Chair for JDRF, and treasurer for Scranton Preparatory School Parent’s Club.

TOP 25 WOMEN In control of life

Curiosity is a virtue, not a vice

Alpert

M

Goryeb

egan M. Alpert, financial advisor at Alpert, Yanoski and Associates, attributes her success to perpetual self-improvement and ongoing commitment to family, community and business. She lives by Tony Robbins’ philosophy: “The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life.

If you don’t, life controls you.”

Alpert graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in psychology. When she and her husband moved to New Jersey, she took a job as a preschool teacher at Merrill Lynch Family Center.

Here, she was introduced to the financial-services industry, where she later took an entry-level job learning the foundations of company. From there, she moved up to a client associate role, building and maintaining relationships with investors. Now, 10 years later, she works in an advisory role. She says, “If you told me in 2003 that I would go on to become a financial advisor, I would have said, ‘What?’”

As a financial advisor, she adheres to a disciplined process that delivers a consistent yet individualized wealth management for her clients.

With her clients, and in conjunction with their CPAs

and attorneys, she develops customized strategies to achieve each client’s unique goals.

Her greatest supporter is her husband, Ryan, who challenges her and provides unconditional love.

Her children, Jack and Ben, are both an inspiration and a joy. “I’m grateful to have a strong team around me, supporting me in everything I do,” she says. She loves coming home in the evening, to be together with her family, relaxing and reading to her boys.

Her mentors are her parents, Bill and Kathy McDonough, who modeled honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable; courage and integrity; independence; the ability to dream big and aspire to excellence; respect for self and others; and empathy and kindness.

She is on the boards of the Century Club of Scranton, the KRW Foundation, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Circle 200, the Ballet Theatre of Scranton and the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is chair of the Community Council for the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, and is a member of the Junior League of Scranton. Her love of dance has led her to perform in the Ballet Theatre of Scranton’s annual performance of the Nutcracker, and also inspired her to compete in the 2012 Dancing with the NEPA Stars, which she was named champion.

U

nlike the proverbial cat, curiosity hasn’t harmed Bridget Goryeb. Instead, it has heightened her awareness and made her more attentive. “Good things happen when you are curious and pay attention,” she says. She lives by the philosophy articulated by Theodore Roosevelt: Believe you can and you’re half way there.

As an associate of business development at Highland Associates, Goryeb loves her varied and never dull days. In addition to promoting her firm’s architectural and engineering design services across multiple markets throughout the northeast, Goryeb’s job is to seek project opportunities for which her firm is well qualified and to position Highland to compete for work through proposals and meetings. She is also responsible for preparing client presentations to convey company qualifications; composing and issuing press releases; preparing promotional pieces; and maintaining the firm’s website and social media accounts.

She graduated from Marywood University with a degree in PR and advertising, then worked in corporate communications prior to being a stay-athome mother and working at the family restaurant.

Once her children were in school, she began work-

ing as a Highland consultant and never left.

One of her greatest mentors is husband, Glen, who, along with his family, owned Jim Dandy’s Saloon and Eatery in Clarks Summit and Edwardsville for nearly 30 years. “He’s really shown me how to look at situations from an owner’s perspective, as well as emphasizing the importance of relationshipbuilding and teamwork,” she says, “I have many mentors here at Highland, too many to mention, who have taught me so much about our industry.”

Her husband and their two children, Emily and Gregg, her mother and extended family have all been wonderfully supportive. “Knowing that I have their love and support allows me to go full steam at work,” she says. Her favorite time of the day is having dinner with her family, where they all catch up on each other’s days.

Goryeb has served on the committee for Marley’s Mission Blue Ribbon Gala and is a committee member for the upcoming Scranton Chamber of Commerce NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference. Highland Associates was honored to win the 2013 Business of the Year Award and the 2014 Sustainability Award at the Scranton Chamber of Commerce SAGE Awards.

Congratulations to Bridget www.highlandassociates.com Pennsylvania: 102 Highland Avenue Clarks Summit, PA 18411 570-586-4334

for being recognized as one of the 2015 Top 25 Women in Business

New York: One East 33rd Street New York, NY 10016 212-681-0200

NEPA Business Journal

Bridget Goryeb

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 27 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B27] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Be still, live in the moment

An eye for design, a love for history

Schumacher Cohen

I

t’s important to Julie Schumacher Cohen to be hopeful and to have an awareness of God’s presence. “When I read the psalm verse, ‘Be still and know that I am God,’ it helps remind me not to get overwhelmed by complex problems, but to look at what I can make an impact on today,” she says.

As the director of community and government relations at The University of Scranton, she is the liaison with neighborhood and community groups, downtown businesses and local, state and federal government bodies. “My job has a lot of variety, from organizing fun events like the Downtown Scavenger Hunt, to finding ways to connect the university with community projects, to backing student aid proposals in Harrisburg. I have the opportunity to work with great colleagues, both on and off campus,” she says.

Cohen sees every past thing she’s done leading to today. In high school, she trained as a pre-professional dancer with the School of American Ballet and learned the importance of hard work and persistence.

In her first jobs in New York City, she gained understanding of the mechanics of community organizing, uniting varied groups and cross-cultural issues.

In Washington, D.C. she was an advocate for faith groups on Middle East peace issues. “Conflict resolution, the importance of empathy and knowing how to

Coleman

navigate the complexities of large institutions inform any problem I try to solve now,” she says.

Cohen acknowledges strong women in her life, including her two sisters, mother and late grandmother, who always reminded her that when things are tough, “this too shall pass.” She added, I’m grateful for all of the support and encouragement I’ve received.”

Her parents have always been her cheerleaders, and her husband and three children are her daily inspiration. Although she’s never been a morning person, Cohen says she now loves the early morning, “It’s a reminder of what’s most important. Whatever the mistakes or problems of yesterday, I’ve been given another chance at them today,” she says.

She is a graduate of Gordon College with a degree in English literature and political studies. This spring she will graduate with a masters of public administration from Villanova University.

Cohen was named Northeast Woman by the Scranton Times Tribune and Top 20 Under 40 by the Northeast PA Business Journal. She serves on the boards of Metro Action at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, First Friday and Scranton Tomorrow. She is also the correspondence secretary of the William Prescott Elementary PTA.

D

onna Coleman always had an eye for design and color. She’s loved art since childhood.

This keeps her focused on her work as vice president of the Endless Mountain Stone Co. when she’s creating or assisting with the right mix of stone textures in a building or landscape.

She began painting interiors in college for income, branching out to helping owners decorate, keeping an eye on what they already had. “Before I knew it, I had customers, who wanted my help,” she says.

Coleman, after an honorable discharge from the Navy, moved around the country in support to her first husband, while raising her young children. She learned different design and decorating styles along the way. She sought a flow from interior to the exterior in her design methods. She met her husband of 23 years, Robert Coleman, who ran small a Pennsylvania bluestone company and the magic began. The two have developed and grown their business together. “We also have many talented artisans with whom we have the pleasure of sharing our love of this trade,” she says.

As vice-president, she is responsible for everything from social media to assisting with procurement of jobs and estimates to historic restorations — something this history buff relishes — and even hosting and developing conventions.

Her mentor is her husband, as well as many other stone company owners. “We learn from and support each other, our industry works together!

The members of the Pa. Bluestone Association are a resource of shared industry support,” she says.

Another mentor has been Robert Ranger of RW Funding, due to the decades of financial knowledge he has shared with her company. She also cites another woman in business, Jesse Hagan, vice president of Ridgestone Bank, who has an eye for hard working, good companies and who believed in Endless Mountain Stone and gave guidance and support.

She believes the company’s success is a result of having a diverse line of architectural building stone products, including paving and veneers for interior and exterior stone applications. “We try to always have new products and strive for high quality, which keeps us very busy,” she says. “Quality remains, long after the price is forgotten.”

Her favorite part of the day is at 4 a.m. when the world is still quiet and she can plow through enormous loads of prep work undisturbed!

Endless Mountain Stone has received the Susquehanna County Business of the Year award; the Building Stone Institute’s Tucker award; and an assortment of show accolades and placings.

The University of Scranton Congratulates NEPA’s Top Women in Business Julie Schumacher Cohen Director of Community & Government Relations, The University of Scranton

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most nationally recognized private university 28 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B28] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

And our alumni Laura Ducceschi ’98 • Lisa Armetta ’96 • Donna Coleman ’95 Kimberly Duffy-Wylam ’90

scranton.edu

TOP 25 WOMEN Advancing the healing power of yoga

Impacting policies affecting workers, employers

Alexiou

L

ara Alexiou attributes her success to the her clarity of vision and a determination to be there each day to make it happen.

As the owner of Steamtown Yoga LLC/Steamtown Hot Yoga, Alexiou is responsible for providing a safe place for self-transformation through yoga and the Eastern healing arts. In addition to maintaining the day-to-day operations — including the very unglamorous part of scheduling, finances, marketing and paperwork — she also has the more enjoyable responsibility of teaching yoga classes and specialized workshops, training fellow teachers and staff and making a personal connection with every person who walks through her door.

Alexiou holds a degree from Temple University and has been a certified yoga teacher since 2003 when she trained with Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles. She has also trained with Jimmy Barkan in the Barkan method of hot yoga, plus Taoist yoga and medical qigong with Zen Wellness.

In 2007, she opened the doors to Steamtown Yoga, bringing the healing transformation of hot yoga to NEPA. Steamtown Yoga is the first hot yoga studio to open in NEPA and one of the first yoga studios to open in the greater Scranton area.

In August 2014, she was a featured speaker at TEDxScranton, Scranton’s first official TED Talk forum. Her talk, “Architecture of the Body, Mind, and Spirit,” speaks about her personal experience with the healing power of yoga and why she has made sharing the yoga experience her life’s work. She has worked closely over the years with Zen Business Bootcamp and is now a certified business mentor there and has her own business clients she mentors.

She has received great support from her parents, her husband, John Yanni Alexiou and her parent-inlaws. Her favorite part of the day is afternoon coffee and mediation break, where she reflects on the morning and prepares for the rest of the busy day. “Finding space within my day for quiet and reflection is a big part of living the teachings of yoga that we speak about inside the Hot Yoga room,” she says.

Alexiou is a member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Yoga Alliance. In 2005, she won first place in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Yoga Competition and qualified to represent the region in the Bishnu Gosh National Yoga Competition in 2006. In 2013, Steamtown Yoga received the SAGE Award for Small Business of the Year and in 2014 Best Yoga Studio in an Electric City reader’s poll.

Your Business Success is directly related to your Personal Growth.

Contact Lara Alexiou today for Business Mentoring and Masterminding Opportunities.

Certified Business Mentor with Zen Business Bootcamp.

1 2 1 N o r t h W a s h i n g t o n A v e n u e • S c r a n t o n , PA 5 7 0 - 9 4 1 - 9 9 7 7 • w w w. s t e a m t o w n y o g a . c o m

Baker

S

tate Senator Lisa Baker is serving her third term representing the 20th Senatorial District, and is grateful to her parents for the core values they instilled in her — those of keeping and being true to her word, of working as hard as possible and never making excuses, and the importance of giving back to others to make a difference, which have helped to make her successful in her career.

Numerous community organizations and projects have benefitted from her concerted advocacy, including business development and job creation efforts, library expansions, senior housing initiatives, and recreation programs. Working with county and municipal officials, she has helped to secure essential funding for sewer and water system upgrades, transportation priorities, and intergovernmental cooperation efforts.

Sen. Baker leads the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, where she is working to create consensus on issues that matter to workers and employers and to assist job training, workforce development, and school-to-work initiatives in her district.

She serves as a member of the following committees: Aging and Youth, Appropriations, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Public Health

and Welfare, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. These assignments give her the chance to work in-depth on many of the concerns expressed by individuals and groups in the district, to push forward on reform and cost-efficiency measures, and to shape programs opening the door for opportunities that residents are seeking.

Sen. Baker led the push for changes to the laws and procedures governing the juvenile justice system, in the wake of widespread corruption in Luzerne County. She contributed an important bill to a successful bipartisan legislative effort strengthening Pennsylvania’s child protection laws.

Her efforts on behalf of crime victims resulted in the opportunity to offer in-person testimony before the Board of Probation and Parole when an offender is eligible for release from prison. She also collaborated on the passage of Kevin’s Law, eliminating a loophole that rewarded drivers who fled the scene of an accident where a death resulted.

Her dedication to Pennsylvania’s veterans is evidenced by her work to secure funding for veterans’ outreach and support programs and her leadership in establishing the Pennsylvania Veterans Trust Fund to help needy veterans and their families.

PROUD TO SERVE SENATOR LISA BAKER LUZERNE, PIKE, SUSQUEHANNA, WAYNE AND WYOMING COUNTIES

22 Dallas Shopping Center Dallas, PA 18612 (570) 675-3931 lbaker@pasen.gov www.senatorbaker.com Paid for by the Baker for Senate Committee

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 29 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B29] | 02/25/15

17:30 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Impulsive, fearless . . . and successful

Combining the creative and the practical

Gilmartin

K

atie Gilmartin knows hard work is the key to success, but she also knows the ability to adapt and a commitment to the original goals of her business are also important ingredients.

As a partner at Nada & Co. in Scranton, her everyday responsibilities include those of the buyer, merchandiser and salesperson.

She studied theatre at Fordham University and, after working in the field for several years in Manhattan, a series of freelance jobs allowed her to split her time between Nada & Co. and New York City.

“This finally led me to the decision to return full-time to Scranton and to focus on our store,” she says, “It

was a gradual and natural decision.”

When she was in high school, the family also managed a restaurant in the same building as Nada & Co., and she realized she enjoyed tasks like scheduling, budgeting and payroll. “Around the same time, opportunities in costume design began to present themselves and I ultimately pursued theatre as my major in college and then as my career. While I was in school and working in New York, I continued to be involved in the buying for the store. Although I had wonderful jobs in theatre, I began to realize that our business allowed me to balance my creative interests with the practical, administrative tasks I also enjoyed,” she says.

Calpin Hemak

M

aggie Calpin Hemak’s philosophy is, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Living by that adage has made her fearless.

As the owner of Nibbles & Bits, Scranton, Hemak says she wouldn’t be where she is today if she feared taking a chance.

Graduating from Wyoming Seminary in 2003, she was uncertain as to a career path, knowing only that she enjoyed cosmetics and pretty, frilly things.

As a result, she enrolled in Empire Beauty School and became a cosmetologist. While she enjoyed that career, she always felt something was missing.

During this “finding herself” time, Hemak earned a

business degree Keystone College. A few weeks before her college graduation, Hemak heard the business Nibbles & Bits was for sale. “My intuition and slightly impulsive personality took control and I was on my way to buying it. I was 24, an almost-college-graduate with zero experience and a slim savings,” she says.

She is very grateful to the University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center and its executive director and her mentor, Lisa Hall Zielinski; the SBA, and First Liberty Bank who all believed in a girl with a dream. Nearly six years later, she says, “I stumbled on something that I now realize was what I was supposed to do. I absolutely love it.”

Congratulations, Mary Malone!

On being recognized by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal as being among

Northeast Pennsylvania’s Top 25 Women in Business 2015 We appreciate and are grateful for your tireless service to the community!

30 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B30] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

TOP 25 WOMEN

M

A unique blend of people skills and a flair for data

ary R. Malone loves to live life to its fullest. “ I love to be present in every moment and laugh...a lot.. because we only get to do this once, and it might as well be fun,” she says.

As the president of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce she is responsible for the overall administration of the chamber, directing the staff in carrying out its work and implementing the decisions of the board of directors of the chamber and its industrial development organizations and affiliates. The Greater Hazleton Chamber serves more than 700 members and strives to add to their business success by providing valuable information, services and networking opportunities. The chamber’s mission is to take active measures to help improve business climate and the quality of life in greater Hazleton.

She received a degree in business administration with a minor in finance and human resources in 1987 from York College, where she met her husband of 31 years, Sean. In 2000, she attained her master’s degree from Misericordia University in organizational management.

Malone spent her professional career in the non-

profit realm, mostly in the health and human service sector. “I have always had a core passion for people and how they interconnect and make an impact on projects, organizations and communities as a whole.

The combination of people skills, curiosity and an interest in data and numbers has led me to some unique positions in a variety of organizations,” she says.

She’s been blessed with many mentors, two of the most important being her parents, who taught her to respect and appreciate that everyone has a skill or a lesson to teach when their lives cross your path. “Since my professional life has had many changes in career fields, this basic understanding of mentorship has helped because I’ve needed to learn new things quickly,” she says.

Malone attributes her success to hard work, appreciation for the contributions of others and a positive yet competitive spirit, as well dedication to being a life-long learner.

She says her life is richer because of her family.

“Sean and I are a testament to that fact that opposites attract, together we are a strong team,” she says. The couple has two “amazing” daughters, Megan, 21, and Emily, 18, who bring joy and learning

Malone

in their lives. As a military family — her husband is a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard — they have been through two year-long deployments in 2003 and 2010. “We have a special appreciation for each other and the family who helped us through those challenges times,” she says.

Her favorite time of the day is watching the sun rise. She enjoys the creative peace and productivity of the early morning hours. As a youth, she was a competitive swimmer and always enjoyed this time.

“I have always been lucky to wake up ready to go!” she says, adding “Now caffeine helps too!”

She has received the 2000 Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Athena Award; the 1999 – Hazleton YWCA P.E.A.R.L.; she is a founding member of the Circle 200 Regional Women’s Leadership Organization and is on the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board; Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails Advisory Group and the Hazleton Rotary since 1999.

Congratulations, Mary R. Malone!

From the Board of Directors and staff of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, our sincerest congratulations on being named to the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business 2015.

www.hazletonchamber.org NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 31 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B31] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Trading cameras for cows was transformational

Kapral Kelly

S

A renewed sense of grace

Foster

uzanne Kapral-Kelly looks to the future.

A small business owner for more than a decade, she established Kelly Green & Associates LLC in 2013. “The primary goal of my company is to teach nonprofits how to become more sustainable, which includes developing alternate revenue streams that extend far beyond traditional fund-raising. I teach others how to ‘dig a well,’ that is, be self-sufficient,” she says.

She also serves as director of development and marketing for The Lands at Hillside Farms, a nonprofit, historical educational dairy farm located in Shavertown.

Kapral-Kelly’s responsibilities at Hillside includes securing much-needed funding for the farm’s educational programs, with an emphasis on farm- and naturebased activities and therapies for vulnerable children.

The farm has several four legged “co-educators,” including cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses and special-needs English setter puppy, Boo. She is registered in Pennsylvania as professional fund-raising counsel, and has served on several nonprofit boards and currently is active on the boards of Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce and Ballet Northeast. She is a volunteer for Hospice of the Sacred Heart and for more than a decade has performed extensive pro-bono work at WVIA TV/

FM, serving as an on-air fund raiser, current events show producer and host.

In 2010 she was offered the opportunity to head the development and marketing team at Hillside Farms. Ironically, this 412-acre farm was her playground as a child. “Without hesitation, I chose to focus full throttle on the farm — to give up cameras for cows. The experience has been transformational,” she says.

Having been asked many times about the connection between her role at a sustainable farm and her company, Kelly Green & Associates, she says, “It’s simple — philosophies and practices. If you are going to make it in farming, you need a honed, multi-faceted skill set that extends far beyond the physical demands of the business. Your ‘hats’ include marketing, training, visioning, motivating, communicating and revenue generating.” She also points out that a good farmer knows survival usually depends on more than one revenue stream and never takes today’s yield for granted. “Collaboration and crosspromotion can be more profitable than competition.

A farmer must be highly efficient, creative, frugal, respectful and driven — obsessed with mission.

Days are measured by progress, not a clock. A great sense of humor helps too,” she says.

K

atrina Foster has the same passion for marketing today as she did 10 years ago.

“What fuels that is my A-type personality and the people I surround myself with. I have always been good at finding people in my life that fill in my knowledge gaps and are supportive, kind and loving — having a good support system is key to any sort of success,” she says.

As founder and “chief difference maker” at KKPR Marketing & Public Relations Inc., Foster spends her days running her business, performing all of the HR functions and business development, as well as providing advice to clients and staff.

She sometimes laments the fact that, as owner, she gets to do less of the creative work like writing, planning events and directing the work of clients.

“I don’t do a job because it’s a job, it’s my life, my livelihood and my dream,” she says.

She’s had a job ever since she was old enough to legally work, even while attending Penn State full-time. After a short stint working in NYC, doing public relations for a fitness firm, she realized that she could surely do the work herself, rather than for an employer. “When I first started my business, the drive and fire in my belly kept me going through tough times. Now I realize there are

always tough times. It’s about how you handle the bumps in the road. The fire still exists, but for far different reasons that it did when I was in my 20s,” she says.

“I realize that I have fought through just about everything that could have happened in business and now it’s about refining and having a renewed sense of grace to get through the ever-changing business climate,” she says. Her mentor is Paula Mackarey, who gave her some sage advice and whose poise and grace she admires.

Her favorite part of the day, which doesn’t happen every day, is when a client calls to personally thank her for a job well done. “When they realize how hard my team and I have worked to make their dreams a reality and take the time to say thank you, it means a great deal,” she says.

Foster received a silver ADDY award; the SAGE award for Best Practices in Marketing & Communications; the SAGE award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year and was recognized in the Top 20 Under 40 in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

She is past president of the board of directors for NEPA chapter of the American Advertising Federation and has sat on various other boards in other markets over the years.

“Sustainability means living life today so that those born 200 years from now will have access to the same or better resources and opportunities.”

MISSION FOCUSED

STRATEGIES, SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS. 32 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B32] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

Suzanne Kapral Kelly

Professional Fundraising Counsel

Kelly Green & Associates LLC www.kellygreenllc.com

TOP 25 WOMEN Always ready for a mental challenge

The freshest ingredients, the freshest ideas Armetta

Kishel

L

isa Armetta believes she can do anything she puts her mind to and she never gives up.

In 1988, she and her ex-husband began Armetta’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Chinchilla. Very soon afterward, they opened another business in Gibson. Since their 2006 divorce, she operates the Chinchilla location solo. An entrepreneur at heart, she also purchased a Convenient store in Lemon Township, outside of Tunkhannock and later sold it in 2013. In May of this year, Armetta purchased a piece of property on Depot Street in Clarks Summit and opened NYX Depot Street about a month ago.

“It’s a bar with great burgers, which will feature a back deck upon completion and a completed second floor with rooftop dining,” she says.

She oversees all operations daily basis and can be found in either location doing everything from washing dishes to tending bar. “I often wonder why I work so much, but I hope to leave my children the option of being their own boss. It makes it simpler for them because I paved the way,”she says. Armetta has three children: Vincent, 25, who is completing his bachelor’s degree and works at the pizzeria; Christina, 24, a designer residing in Atlanta; and Charles, 22, who is completing his bachelor’s and manages NYX. “Whether a customer is being served dinner or having a party for someone’s birthday I strive

to give them what they want. I try to offer the freshest ingredients along with the freshest ideas.

That’s why I offer a seasonal menu with changing items — so people don’t get bored,” Armetta says, “Many of our offerings are hand-crafted and make all the difference — like our mozzarella sticks, which are hand-cut and battered. They’re so good, you have to get them every time you come.

Sometimes the classics are the best, even though I love creating newfangled items. One of the reasons I love to try new restaurants is because they inspire me to be more creative with my own menu.”

Armetta says that the best part of the business are the people. “I’ve been in Chinchilla 27 years and have literally watched kids grow up and have their own families. It’s very rewarding. The other day a ‘regular Friday night family’ came for dinner. It was time for dessert and their adorable girl cried, so we let her decorate the plates with chocolate. I later realized, ‘Before you know it she’ll be here on a date!”

Her parents and children inspire and motivate her. “I’m quite blessed,” she says. She has a degree in accounting from the University of Scranton. She was a co-chair at St. Joe’s Auction 2013; and served on the boards of the Comet football fan club; the wrestling club; and the Abington Junior Comets.

She is also a member of the Abington Rotary Club.

Congratulations

to all the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s 2015

Top 25 Women in Business

From your friends at Armetta’s Pizza and The NYX

I

f you love what you do, success will follow — of this Atty. Mary Jo Kishel is sure.

An insatiable interest in the law and its applications drew Kishel to the study of law, especially to the business and finance areas.

“The work is so varied. No two matters are ever exactly alike. So I am constantly challenged and intrigued. There are often situations in which there are two or more correct and entirely appropriate approaches to a matter, requiring a careful, thoughtful analysis of all of the pertinent issues to arrive at the approach that works best for a particular client,” she says. She finds this mental exercise enjoyable and fulfilling.

As counsel to the firm of Rosenn,Jenkins & Greenwald LLP, she is engaged in business and finance transactions in the private sector, including, the retail, insurance, franchising and construction industries, as well as doing work for nonprofit entities like educational institutions and foundations. She is also responsible for handling the firm’s trademark, service mark and copyright matters, including registrations, licensing, transfers and infringement issues. In addition, she mentors a number of associates who practice in the business and finance department of Rosenn, Jenkins, & Greenwald LLP.

Invest in a “Healthy” Opportunity...

Kishel obtained her undergraduate degree from Bucknell University, earning a bachelor of arts degree in economics. She subsequently earned her J.D. degree from Villanova University School of Law. Her husband, Frank, her high school sweetheart from Abington Heights High School, has always supported her dreams and aspirations.

He has enabled her to strike a healthy balance between her professional and personal life.

After having made partner at Rosenn, Jenkins, & Greenwald, Kishel took some time off to raise her children and ended up practicing law on a part-time basis while raising her family.

She says her parents have also been very encouraging of her career aspirations, and believed in her even when, at the tender age of 8, she announced her decision to become a lawyer.

Her favorite part of her work day is when she reviews her incoming voice-mail, e-mail and paper mail, because it’s then that she often encounters potential new ventures, which require her involvement — and another shiny, new challenge.

Kishel is currently a member of the board of managers of the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

... eat fresh.

Subway Development of Eastern PA is Growing!

Counties of interest include: Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming

Pizza

• Flexible Space Requirements 1000-1600 sf. - End Cap, Freestanding and Inline • Our Healthy eating options work well with Hospitals, Colleges, Universities, B & I, Stadiums, Casinos and Airports

329 Northern Boulevard Chinchilla, PA • 570-586-5492 www.armettaspizza.com

218 Depot Street Clarks Summit, PA • 570-862-2308 www.thenyxbar.com

Regional Office Fogelsville, PA Contact Abbie at muto_a@sdepa.com 610-366-8120 x 29 “Like Us on Facebook” at facebook.com/sdepa1

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 33 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B33] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

n t o i io s a t l u r a g n Co Ladies !

TOP 25 WOMEN Living by the golden rule will never steer you wrong

Toczko Maculloch

B Thank you for being some of life’s most dedicated, intelligent, and inspirational women.

McCarthyTire.com 34 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B34] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

arbara Toczko Maculloch treats others as she herself wants to be treated.

As the senior vice president and Pennsylvania market director at Community Bank Wealth Management, Maculloch is responsible for the growth of Community’s market in all areas of wealth management in 32 branch locations throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Bradford and Wyoming counties.

Maculloch’s banking career began in the early 1980s as a teller at Wyoming National Bank. She worked her way up to district branch market manager over a 10-year period. During that time, she went to college at night and on weekends and earned a business degree from Misericordia University. In the early 1990s, she was recruited to PNC Bank, where her career shifted to private banking in the wealth management group. She advanced to vice president. When her daughter, Rachel, was born in 1999, she took a two-year hiatus, later to return to the field at M&T Bank.

In March of 2011, Maculloch was recruited to Community Bank to begin the most challenging, yet rewarding position she says she has ever been happy to have, as the market director of wealth management.

Earlier in her career, her most influential mentor was Joe Guyaux, a high-level executive in the banking field. What she admires most about him is that, no matter how successful he is in his career, he has never forgotten his roots and treats every person he meets — in and out of the workplace — with dignity and respect.

Currently, Maculloch works with mentors who influence her each and every day. They include the president of the Wealth Management Group, Paul Restante; CEO of Community Bank, Mark Tryniski; and Pennsylvania regional president, Bob Matley.

Personally, the most important mentor of her life is her late mother. “A very important part of my daily life is that both of my late parents were proud of the way that I conduct myself in the lives that I touch and, most of all, that I am as great a mother to my daughter, as they were parents to me,” she says.

Maculloch has been fortunate and continues to benefit from being surrounded by “great” people — her late parents, Helen and Gene; her siblings, Mary Ann, Peggy and Gerard; her husband, George; their incredible daughter and grown stepchildren, Bryan and Megan.

Throughout the community, she says she has worked with “so many great people,” including Kathy Dunsmuir, Katie Lambert and Barbara and Gerry O’Donnell, in fund-raising and events. “When it comes to fund raising, we’re a force to be reckoned with, but have such a good time doing it we’ll never stop,” she says.

She currently serves on the boards of the Osterhout Free Library, Leadership Wilkes-Barre and United Way of Wyoming Valley and is a member of Circle 200. She has served on the Greater WilkesBarre Chamber of Commerce, FM Kirby Center, St. Vincent DePaul Kitchen, Luzerne County Community College, Wyoming County United Way and Volunteers in Medicine boards.

Maculloch received the 2007 Leadership Wilkes-Barre Distinguished Alumni award; served as the 2013 annual campaign chair for United Way of Wyoming Valley and has chaired more than 15 events for nonprofit organizations over the last dozen years, helping to raise more than $1.5 million.

Her favorite part of the day is walking into her house and being greeted by her husband, daughter Rachel, and dog, Buddy.

TOP 25 WOMEN A friend in need

Huff

K

risten Huff devotes herself to people in need.

“You never know when something might happen and you may need help. I only hope that if I am in need, there’ll be someone there to help me,” she says.

As executive director of the Wyoming County United Way, she certainly helps a lot of people.

In charge of a small office, she is hands on with every aspect. She runs the UW annual campaign, a top priority; is in charge of accounting work; and oversees the fund distribution process. “We have a very generous community and our campaign continues to grow — it’s gone from $556,421 in 2012 to $700,690 in 2014.”

She began her first job in her field at United Way of Wyoming Valley in 1998. She held several

positions there, subsequently accepting the position of vice president of resource development. In this role, Huff oversaw the annual campaign, which at the time raised $4 million a year. In 2012, she accepted the position of executive director and returned to work in her hometown of Tunkhannock.

“I couldn’t think of anything better then helping to give back to the community I love,” she says.

Raised by two loving parents who taught her to be the best she could be, she says she is also very fortunate to have a very supportive husband. “The best encouragement comes to me through the eyes of my 10-year-old daughter. Not only is she my No. 1 helper, she has also grown into a truly compassionate person who always wants to help others.”

Hard work is easier in a great pair of shoes Kearney

N

atalie Kearney knows that to achieve great things in life you have to work hard.

As the owner and buyer of Runway Luxury Boutique in Scranton, Kearney loves every minute of every day. Responsible for seasonal buying and ordering, inventory and budgeting, bill payment and much more, she also regards herself as a permanent fixture of the store when it comes to sales. “My customers, who have been shopping with us from the day we opened, look to me for advice when it comes to their wardrobe. I style many of my customers from head to toe,” she says.

Having graduated from King’s College as a physician assistant studies, she continues to use her degree and works part-time as a PA-C with Northeast Rehab two days a week.

On the days that Kearney is busy with her other job, her mother — her mentor and one of the people she admires most — is another “permanent fixture” of the store. Her parents have been instrumental in her success since the boutique opened in September of 2006. “My father is also one of the hardest working people I know and I go to him for all of my advice. I have become the woman I am because of my parents’ dedication, not to mention their good eye for fashion,” she says.

Her “loving and devoted” husband has been her rock, confidant and greatest supporter. Her sister has also played a huge role.

She has no “favorite” part of the day — she loves it all. “I am truly blessed to be alive, therefore, I’m happy all day long,” she says.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 35 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B35] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Empowering women in NEPA

Not a fan of what could have been

Ducceschi

Hitchcock

L

aura Ducceschi tends to see the glass half full.

As a result, she enjoys a successful career.

She holds the title of president and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF). In addition, she also manages Lackawanna County’s Community Foundation, a $31 million public foundation which provides grants to support important projects and causes and which helps individual donors achieve their charitable giving intentions. She also serves as the administrator of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, a $16 million public foundation.

Her most recent initiative at SAF is “Women in Philanthropy,” which will provide grants that make transformative change for women and girls in the region. Examples of such projects include microloans for women who have difficulty accessing credit. The loans enable them to start small businesses and funding for STEM education in the public schools. “One of the most exciting parts of Women in Philanthropy is that it will empower women in our community to have an active role in making funding decisions,” she says.

Having graduated summa cum laude from the University of Scranton, Ducceschi earned a fellowship to pursue a master’s degree in communication at the Annenberg School at the University of Pennsylvania and she earned her MBA from Drexel’s Le

Bow College of Business. She then spent 15 years working in the nonprofit sector in Philadelphia, performing work such as grant-making, advocacy, managing programs and operations, and advancing public policy. “I had many opportunities to travel internationally, which were valuable career experiences. I feel very fortunate that I was able to return to my hometown to take the position as president and CEO at SAF, and to be able to use my skills and education to help to make a difference in our community,” she acknowledges.

Her parents immediately come to mind as her mentors. “They taught me value of humility; to have pride in your work; to treat every person with respect; to be compassionate; and to live with character and integrity,” she says.

In the business world, Ducceschi points out that communication skills and a strong work ethic with a good follow-through are very important. She has always had a keen interest in listening to others and a willingness to take calculated risks.

She lives by the following quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

C

hristina Hitchcock is not going to be that person that wakes up one day wondering about what could have been. “I wake up every day excited to take on the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead,” says the full-time blogger/publisher and cookbook author.

Her responsibilities include spending the majority of her “work” day cooking, testing recipes and sharing them with her readers at www.itisakeeper. com. Hitchcock has also published her first ebook, Dinner411: How to Get Dinner on the Table in 30 Minutes or Less, which outlines her proven, stepby-step approach to feeding a busy family while keeping one’s sanity. There are recipes, tips and strategies to creatively feed a family. She also offers blogging classes for those who want to start or grow a successful blog.

The entrepreneur recently partnered with another blogger to launch a media management company. “We work with businesses and brands to help them generate social buzz about their products and services,” she explains.

Cooking has always been her passion. In 2010, she started her blog as a hobby while she was working full time. “Through the years, my blog continued to grow and, in 2012, I was at the point where I needed to focus on it full-time to take it to the next level. I made the decision to leave my full-

time job and focus on growing my website. It was the best decision I ever made,” she says.

She believes that success is not something that is given to someone, instead that it has to be earned. “My parents taught me the value of hard work and gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams,” she says. “I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without the support of my family, including my supportive husband and son who are my biggest fans and recipe testers,” she says.

Her favorite part of the day is first thing in the morning, because in her industry is ever changing, and she never knows what the day will bring her.

“It’s exciting to face new challenges,” she noted.

It’s a Keeper was named the Best Blog of 2014

by Happenings magazine; Best Local Blog of 2014 by the Weekender readers choice awards; and Best Blogger of 2013 by Electric City. Hitchcock is also field editor for Taste of Home magazine, a national cooking magazine and have had several recipes published. In addition, she has been featured on numerous national blogs and websites, including QVC.com, BlogHer and Yummly.

She is a member of the North Pocono Preschool and Childcare Center board of directors and a member of the First Friday Scranton board of directors. Hitchcock is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation congratulates its President & CEO, Laura Ducceschi, and all of 2015’s Top 25 Women in Business on their success.

Engage. Empower. Transform.

The Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Women in Philanthropy: a fund to empower and transform the lives of women and girls.

This exciting new initiative is open to members who want an active role in making funding decisions that will change lives.

615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102 36 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B36] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

Contact the Foundation to join.

Scranton, PA 18510 MARCH 2015

(570) 347-6203

www.safdn.org

TOP 25 WOMEN Better to decide and fail than to stay cautious

A knack for design and happy customers

Metz

M

Hobbs

aureen Metz firmly believes that it’s better to make decisions and mistakes than to never live life or take chances.

She is vice president of marketing at Metz Culinary Management, an on-site food service provider in 17 states. The company also holds 11 TGI Friday franchises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; a Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchise; a Wolfgang Puck Express franchise, both in Wilkes-Barre; and it is the owner and operator of Lucky’s Sporthouse, Wilkes-Barre.

Metz is responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing the production of public relations, media, branding, creative, promotions and advertising for both the restaurant division and Metz Culinary Management. While trying to ensure the businesses’ messages are distributed across the right channels and to targeted audiences, she must also communicate strategies to employees effectively. Generating revenue by increasing sales through successful marketing for the entire organization is one of her most significant responsibilities.

Upon graduating from college, she was employed at the TGIF in Wilkes-Barre when a vendor offered her a job in his own food-service equipment and supply company. After two years, Metz was offered a position as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Aventis Pasteur and was soon promoted to a market manager for a new spin-off business,

VaccessHealth. After a few years, however, she realized it wasn’t for her. When her father asked her to help part-time in the marketing department of the family business she has been around since childhood, she took it.

“To me a mentor is someone who cares for you, believes in you and encourages you……that’s also known as my family!” she says.

She attributes her success and that of the company to the team members who are fully engaged and dedicated to the goals and values of the company. “Hard work and dedication have always been part of my life. I have seen my father and my entire family and team members work so hard to start and continue to build Metz Culinary Management, they lead me by example,” she says.

Each day, she loves being able to take a few minutes to herself, to relax and reflect on the day as she takes her two dogs, Roxy and Popeye, for walks . She also has another business Mo Photos!, wedding, family and child photography, which has been a passion of hers for many years.

She has been awarded the Top 40 under 40 Business Executives in NEPA from Times Leader; and is a member of the boards of the Wyoming Valley Children Association and Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce; and the Friday’s Franchise Marketing Advisory Committee.

L

ora Hobbs owns Live With It, a small,tidy gift shop in Peckville which she established 25 years ago. When she started, she had a Marywood University degree, a secondary education teaching certificate, substantial experience in restaurant and catering management, two adorable young daughters and a husband, who — although supportive — did not want to be involved.

Hobbs has an uncanny eye for color and design which she incorporates into a tireless work ethic and an unquenchable desire to continuously improve the quality of life of her family.

The concept for her business was simple — service and gifts. She envisioned all kinds of gifts — for the home, the table, the office and the bride; gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and a new baby; gifts for Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter; both inexpensive gifts and expensive gifts — but every gift is wrapped and delivered, as needed, free of charge. “Live With It patrons walk out the door, proud as a peacock, with a wonderfully wrapped and always reasonably priced gift,” she says.

In 2014, a second Live With It gift store opened in Pittston. The new store is managed by Lora’s oldest daughter, Alicia (Hobbs) Musial. Alicia, having worked shoulder-to-shoulder with her mother for many years in Peckville, brings a much welcomed freshness to Live With It.

Alicia spent years in New York City, working with fashion designers and the Theory brand, so she brought many good ideas to the store.

Although the new store in Pittston has its own distinctive look and character, it is natural out-growth of the first flourishing business in Peckville.

Presently, Live With It continues to be regarded as northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier gift store and is consistently voted “Best Bridal Registry” location.

The shops feature an amazing array of both classic and new/trendy dinnerware patterns and glassware/ flatware coordinates by industry giants, as well as by boutique comers, which are always beautifully shown. In addition, seasonal gift displays for spring, summer and the holidays are spectacular.

Hobbs lives by the philosophy, “The love that you take is equal to the love you make.” She attributes her success to hard work and great support from her reluctant-to-be-involved husband, who now helps grow the business; her children, Alicia and Letizia; her mother, Lil; and brother, Frank.

Her favorite part of the day is morning coffee and conversation with her husband. “We are never idle, never stale, always up to date and usually available — on premises seven days a week and some evenings to assist with the simplest birthday gift or to help select a complex suite of corporate gifts. In addition, we love to work with and register our brides. It keeps us young.”

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 37 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B37] | 02/25/15

17:31 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

TOP 25 WOMEN Reaching children on the autism spectrum

Don’t ever tell her, ‘You’ll never make it’

Calabro

Gregory

D

iane Calabro, co-founder and broker appraiser of Classic Properties in Clarks Summit, believes in hard work, quality service and high ethics as she celebrates her 42nd year in real estate.

The multi-million dollar sales achiever is responsible for the listing, selling and appraising of residential and commercial properties in her day-today activities. She keeps her word and is honest and respectful to everyone she meets.

She had been working as a realtor for approximately eight years when her broker retired. Ironically, she and her two other partners of what would become Classic Properties were all in the same position. So the “3 Cs,” as they became known, created the firm. “Although we all had a following when we opened our doors, the word was on the street was that we’d never make it. So the challenge was on!” she says.

From the first year it began, Classic Properties has always been in the top three firms in volume sales. “It was one thing to be on top, but staying there was the challenge. I put in 12 hour days, seven days a week, which I still do,” she says.

The company, now 32 years old, was sold by

the three partners 12 years ago “‘Twenty years ago we had two offices, now we have five,” she says.

Her forte is that she is a good negotiator and today she serves third-generation clients. “Our reputation grew through satisfied customers,” she says.

Her husband, Ed Moody, is the “wind beneath her wings” and has always encouraged her to soar.

She has two very supportive sons, Joe and Jeff Calabro, who grew up sharing their mother with her career, she says.

Calabro is a member of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors, past president and has served as numerous committee chairs; the Pa. Association of Realtors; the National Association of Realtors; the Rotary Club of the Abingtons serving as past president and earned the 25 year award - the Paul Harris Award; Scranton Business and Professional Women’s Club, serving as past president and current parliamentarian; on the board of Dress for Success and is currently vice-president; UNICO, Italian American Club; ERN (Executive Referral Network) as current president; on the board of directors of the Abington Business & Professional Association; and the Scranton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network committee.

I

f a child doesn’t learn the way he is being taught, instructors should teach the way the child learns.

Jodi Gregory lives by this philosophy and utilizes it as a board-certified behavior analyst and licensed behavior specialist.

Nineteen years ago, Gregory began working with children on the autism spectrum as an intern from Wilkes University. Her mentor, Claire T. Shadie, encouraged her to pursue a career focusing on applied behavior analysis in relation to children with autism. Claire and her husband, George, are co-founders of the local support group called SAFE (Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere) which continues to help families locate services related to their child’s autism spectrum diagnosis.

Gregory continued schooling and received a master’s degree from Marywood University and was able to assist the Pennsylvania Department of Education in implementing its state-wide autism initiative. “While working with the Pennsylvania autism initiative, I completed the Penn State University ‘behavior analysis for special education’ coursework and completed the training necessary to sit for and pass my national certification as a

behavior analyst,” she says.

She began her own consulting agency, seeing clients in numerous school districts in northeastern Pennsylvania. Gregory soon opened The Gregory Center for Applied Behavior Analysis, a multi-faceted agency which boasts both a clinicbased ABA service, along with outreach ABA services in homes and schools. The center provides ABA therapy to toddlers and pre-school aged children daily in the clinic. “I feel that all children are valuable and deserve the time and caring that I deliver to my clients,” she says.

Besides her responsibilities to The Gregory Center, she is also the mother of five children ranging in age from five to 20. For the first 12 years of her career, Gregory worked part time in order to be home with her children. Now, Gregory’s sons, Tyler, Zack and Jake and daughters, Sadie and Alida, love to visit The Gregory Center.

With the support of her husband, Joshua, she has gradually expanded her availability to clients.

He has also recently renovated and remodeled the office space that houses The Gregory Center. Her mother, Lillian Bryk, is her greatest cheerleader.

April 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Northampton Community College — Monroe Campus, Tannersville

,*-$% -! %0+."() +'10"#"/".&) (,%)% !100%77 -0%."'%6,2 &71.."* -043%0,"%. #' 544'$ 8+./16'

$#37% &383025 &51"5,7'%24 +//5)#3-% (25!%2 &*(4 +(* 6,8-#16#88#57 $58832 .25',)%2

38 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B38] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

NEPA Alliance Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is hosting its annual Government Contracting Showcase 2015. The 2015 Government Contracting Showcase is a half-day training event to learn how to do business with federal & state agencies and prime contractors. Attend educational workshops on government contracting, networking opportunities with government agency buying offices, government prime contractors and economic development agencies.

U.S. Rep.Tom Marino (R-Pa. 10) is invited to be the luncheon keynote speaker.

■ Discover benefits of securing government contracts; learn how PTAC can help.

■ Diversify your client base; explore new business opportunities.

■ Grow your bottom line.

■ Expand to new markets;

Cost: $30 per registrant, and includes speaker presentations, workshops, entry to exhibit area, and lunch/refreshments. Register until March 25. Visit: www.nepa-alliance.org/gcs2015 or call 1-866-758-1929 or 570-655-5581.

Living a life of service

TOP 25 WOMEN

Simoyan

D

r. Olapeju Simoyan wants to be able to look back and know that she lived a life full of integrity and service. “I want to know that I used my gifts and talents to the best of my ability and that I made a difference in the lives of others,” she says.

She is the director of the Introduction to Psychiatry course for second year MD students, co-director of the MD/MPH program and faculty advisor to several medical students and student groups at The Commonwealth Medical College.

Dr. Simoyan not only cares deeply about her students at TCMC, she also wants to help low-income youth who might not have access to education and opportunity. She has been heavily involved in TCMC’s “REACH-HEI” program (Regional Education Academy for Careers in Health—Higher Education Initiative), a pipeline program to provide economically disadvantaged high school and undergraduate students in northeastern Pennsylvania with academic and career development support.

Her work with REACH-HEI inspired her to develop the Leaders in Training Experience (LITE) program. She brought LITE to students at the University of Lagos, Nigeria as a Fulbright scholar in December 2014. In collaboration with Dr. Yewande

Leamor Kahanov

Kahanov

Oshodi, a psychiatrist at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, she designed and led workshops for health professions students. The LITE program also brought high school students to the College of Medicine, University of Lagos where they learned about medicine, dentistry and physical therapy. In addition to providing mentorship, Dr. Simoyan encouraged the students to become mentors.

Her own mentors include her second-grade teacher, Mary Faith Sneath, whose 90th birthday celebration she recently attended. “I am grateful to her for providing a solid foundation for the many years of education which were to follow,” she admits. Her current department chair at TCMC, Dr. Janet Townsend, has also played a significant role in mentoring and supporting her.

Dr. Simoyan attributes her success to the grace of God, the support of family and close friends and her commitment to making a difference, perseverance and hard work. She is grateful for parents who believed in her, “They had great expectations of me and supported me throughout my training and career,” she says. Her siblings, extended family members and close friends have also been a source of support to her over the years.

D

r. Leamor Kahanov possesses a natural drive to work hard. As dean of the College of Health Sciences at Misericordia University, the first and foremost responsibility of the dean is to facilitate excellence in education for every student who meets with faculty and instructors in the college. “That requires support for faculty with facilitating a common vision and encouragement to continue professional development and growth. Likewise, developing additional resources, directing the college so that we are relevant and 10 years ahead of where we are today, and marketing our educational excellence both internally and externally to the institution,” says Dr. Kahanov.

Some ingredients to her success are being at the right place at the right time and being fortunate enough to have personal talent meet with institutional needs. “I like working with individuals who are smarter than myself, and listening to incorporate ideas to make appropriate decisions,” she says. She confesses that naiveté has also played a part in her career — because she sometimes didn’t realize what she was getting into!

She says she doesn’t pre-judge because she

believes that beauty, however defined at the time, lies in the most unexpected opportunities.

Dr. Kahanov has had several strong mentors. Those relationships provided guidance as she continued her graduate education, and they helped her develop the leadership skills that are necessary in today’s demanding higher education and clinical settings.

She has also been fortunate to not only have a supporting family, including parents and husband, but a cadre of friends that have become family along the way.

Dr. Kahanov is a certified athletic trainer with a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California. She earned a master’s degree in exercise and sports sciences from the University of Arizona and has a degree in exercise science and athletic training from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

She previously held faculty positions at San Jose State University and Rocky Mountain University, Provo, Utah, and served as an athletic trainer at both the high school and collegiate levels. She has published and presented extensively on athletic training and sport science.

The entire TCMC family congratulates

Dr. Olapeju Simoyan for her selection as one of the 2015 Top 25 Women in Business.

Scranton • Wilkes-Barre • Williamsport

www.tcmc.edu

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

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 39 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B39] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

Access everything that counts, everywhere you go.

NBT Bank Mobile Banking puts banking at your fingertips. You’ll have the ability to view transactions, transfer money, make deposits and pay bills anytime, anywhere. It’s our way of making your banking experience as convenient as possible—and now more than ever, convenience counts.

Visit nbtbank.com/mobile Member FDIC

40 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB40] | 02/25/15

MARCH 2015

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

REGIONAL BUSINESS

Co-op concept helps small merchants thrive in Nicholson

By Phil Yacuboski

At Route 92 and Main Street in Nicholson sits what some are calling the “new” way of doing business — offering artisans, small business owners and others to sell the wares, goods and even antiques to customers looking to buy. Others know cooperatives have long been a way for small businesses to pool their resources.

According to the Small Business Administration, a cooperative is a business or organization owned by and operated for the benefit of those using its services. Profits and earnings generated by the cooperative are distributed among the members, also known as user-owners.

In Nicholson, the cooperative is called Farmers Supply LLC, and it’s a fairly new venture to allow people like Whitney Mulqueen to sell her services as a tarot-card reader, along with her handmade soaps and jewelry.

“It’s a basically a big co-op,” she said. “The vendors rent the space — there are currently about 10 — and then give an additional percentage above what they sell.” She said she’s also obligated to give back three days a month to the co-op.

“It just makes sense because now I work in the gas industry and I can have my weekly job and my security but then still be making money by having my shop at the co-op and I don’t have to be there all of the time so my overhead is not that high,” she said. “I wouldn’t call the co-op an incubator, but it’s like an incubator,” she said. “It’s a nice way to have a brick-and-mortar business without having all of the overhead. I think that’s why it appealed to me.”

The co-op has weekend hours and has become a popular place for people to drop in and discover.

Mulqueen said winter hours are shorter than summer. She said her customers told her they missed the items from her previous shop in Clarks Summit and are happy they now have a way to buy them.

In addition to the jewelry and homemade soaps, Mulqueen also sells an imported sage product from California and what she calls “hippie hand bags.”

Cooperatives, as they are known, have grown in popularity over the past few years. There are now more than 29,000 of them across the country, according to the National Co-op Grocers Association. An idea that originally began with farmers has spread to other industries.

“It’s a neat spot,” Mulqueen said of Farmers Supply LLC. “The building is from the late 1800s and Nicholson recently received a grant to restore

some storefronts.”

She said there will be a lot of people stopping by Nicholson because this is the centennial of the Nicholson Viaduct.

“Bridge Days” will be held for three days in September.

Whitney Mulqueen at her shop in the Farmers Supply co-op in Nicholson.

The Goddess Shop sells jewelry, homemade soaps, an imported sage products and ‘hippie hand bags.’

Can a co-op idea save the Mall at Steamtown?

This article by Chris Kelly originally appeared in The Times‑Tribune on Feb 8.

On Wednesday, I joined the Facebook group “Reading Terminal Market at The Mall at Steamtown.”

I’ve never been a joiner, but a brief conversation with Mike Boyd made me a happy convert.

“Reading Terminal Market is a destination,” said Mike, an administrator of the Facebook group.

People travel to Philly just to visit the market, he said. A similar venue here could keep locals home and draw shoppers from Binghamton, Allentown and (gasp!) the Abingtons.

“I’d rather drive up here from Allentown than go to Philly,” Mike said. “I’m not really a big-city guy.”

Mike is a dialysis nurse working on a master’s degree at the University of Scranton. He has a wife and a teenage daughter and lives in the city. He is 37, and going to school with younger students from New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

“They think Scranton is just this Podunk town that never had anything,” he said. They don’t know that the Industrial Revolution would have been impossible without Scranton. Their ignorance bothers Mike. Me, too.

Mike’s hard-nosed pride in his hometown is infectious. It thrives in spite of the defeatist decisions of government and the “Chicken Little” mentality of many Scrantonians. Involved citizens like Mike are the future.

The Mall at Steamtown is dead. Boscov’s soldiers on as its lone anchor, but between there and Starbucks, the place is a tomb. The mall was on borrowed time when it opened, and the debt has come due. No one seems prepared to pay, so the mall festers in the heart of the downtown like a poisoned boil waiting to be lanced.

It’s time to push the pin. Let’s stop pretending the mall can survive in its current form. The Reading Terminal Market thrives today by hosting vendors who offer regional products you can’t find anywhere else. The most celebrated is easily the roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s, which comes with a slice of sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. It’s amazing and a big draw for the market.

So are ethnic specialty grocers like Hershel’s East Deli, Little Thai Market and Wursthaus Schmitz. Reading Terminal Market boasts more than 100 merchants selling everything from artisan bread to grass-fed beef and Amish-style doughnuts and wine. If you can’t find it there, you don’t need it.

“And when a tenant leaves, it’s not like you’re losing an anchor,” Mike said. Vacancies are quickly filled by vendors who covet a space in one of the state’s prime commercial venues.

What if the Scranton Farmers Market was moved to the mall? How about a brew pub run by Three Guys and a Beer’d in Carbondale, Nimble Hill in Tunkhannock or Susquehanna Brewing Co. in Pittston? Ethnic food vendors would surely draw customers, and “locavores” seeking honest food produced by neighbors could buy Leraysville cheese, Beta Bread Bakery loaves, Pallman Farms poultry and Maple Hill Syrup under one roof, with easy parking.

Mike and I agreed that it’s delusional to expect a high-end chain like Whole Foods to move into our Market at Steamtown, but drawing a Trader Joe’s might be doable. Abingtonians would certainly come down off their mythical mountain of gold to shop there, and as Mike said, a “destination market” could draw customers from all over.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 41 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B41] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

REGIONAL BUSINESS SEVERANCE TAX — continued from page 18

be deducted from royalty payments.

REACTION

Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors: Very concerned about the loss of these local impact fee revenues “Pennsylvania has serious fiscal issues, but PSATS is concerned that many see a severance tax as the solution to all of the state’s problems . . . Meanwhile, Act 13 requires that, if enacted, a severance tax would eliminate the local natural gas impact fee. Since 2011, this funding has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to townships and other municipalities for transportation, public safety, the environment, flood control, water and sewer systems, and recreational facilities. PSATS is very concerned about the loss of these local impact fee revenues, which are invaluable to our townships and their taxpayers . . . That said, Gov. Wolf’s proposal represents a first step in the dialogue, and PSATS is committed to ensuring that any plan doesn’t change the distribution model for municipalities that are currently receiving impact fee revenues. We commend Gov. Wolf’s commitment to this position as evidenced in his policy statement to the Legislature, where he said: ‘My proposal would continue the payments made to communities impacted by drilling that are currently funded by the impact fee.’”

could lead to fewer wells being developed, fewer landowners collecting royalty payments, and fewer small businesses that provide products and services to the industry. It could also reduce job growth and produce an unfavorable regulatory and tax climate.

Increased taxes could be passed onto consumers.

Gov. Wolf and our policymakers need to take the right regulatory steps to encourage the continuation of this growth, not put a damper on it with the enactment of unreasonable taxes on what continues to be the state’s fastest-growing industry.”

Focusing on customer experience creates opportunity

redefined themselves are still viable.

In our pursuit of building a business Take for instance the Apple Store; it that is successful, will support our family, specifically exists to answer the cusand will sustain us through thick and thin, tomer’s needs, with a staff well-trained we can focus our time believing that all in understanding complex customer that matters is dollars and cents. issues. Even the world of banking is However, as we dig deep into HOW to changing, people no longer need a Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center: Pleased. create a successful business, we realize that physical location to do their shopping, “Enacting a severance tax on the extraction of Santaniello the dollars and cents come when we have and they don’t need a physical location natural gas in Pennsylvania is long overdue. We, satisfied and loyal customers who return to to do their banking. As Brett King therefore, applaud Gov. Wolf’s proposal earlier our business over and over again. notes…”Banking is no longer a place you go, it’s today to establish such a tax at the same rate as In a 2014 Forrester Research report, companies something you do.” neighboring West Virginia’s tax.” that lead in customer experience outperform finanWhen we have an issue and we need advice, we Marcellus Shale Coalition president David cially the S & P 500 by 29 percent and outperform still want to talk directly to a person. Relationships Spigelmyer: New energy taxes will discourage the customer experience laggards by 75 percent. are as important as ever. At Fidelity Bank we have capital investment : The report also finds that for consumers, customer created a model of banking around the fact that we “Gov. Wolf fails to acknowledge that the natural experience trumps the price-value perception as a offer the best service, the best advice in the friendliest gas industry already pays significant taxes in loyalty driver for banks and retailers. environment. And that has worked very well for us.

Pennsylvania. Natural gas operators pay the same So let’s think about the customer...how do we We have been named the best bank by the taxes that every other business in Pennsylvania exceed their expectations? Customer experience is readers of the Scranton Times two years in a row. pays, which has helped generate more than $2.1 noted by three simple questions: How easy are we We are the No. 1 mortgage lender in the marketplace billion through 2013. Pennsylvania is the only to do business with? How enjoyable are we to do for the previous five years. We are a five-star rated state that imposes a special impact tax that will business with? How effective are we at meeting our Bank with independent rating agency Bauer Financial have generated nearly $830 million by April of this customer’s needs. and ranked 119th best run bank of more than 900 year, directly benefitting all 67 counties throughout The way you create products, the way you community banks as noted by American Banker. And the commonwealth. Pennsylvanians have realized Sen. Gene Yaw, chairman of the Senate streamline processes, the ease of doing business Fidelity Bank has had the best three years our bank more than $700 million in royalties from energyEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee: with your staff, should all done from the customer’s has ever had…with 2014 being the best of them all. development on public lands. By any measure, Skeptical of tax proposal perspective. In order to accomplish this you At Fidelity Bank, our focus on the community these are significant revenues that are boosting “It’s absurd to think development will increase must be truly aware that the customer experience is an important way that we build brand awareness local communities, as well as important environto the point of generating $1 billion by 2017 when happens everywhere, not just where you interact and relationships. Serving on boards, volunteering companies are already slowing down development mental programs. More importantly, revenue with a customer, but when participating in comin your neighborhood, creating partnerships with estimates fail to account for the more than 200,000 without a severance tax,” Sen. Yaw said. “This munity program, on social media, and with online organizations are all important to our Fidelity brand hard-working Pennsylvanians who are employed same proposal was rejected under the Rendell and electronic processes. Enhancing customer and our success. Building playhouses, lemonade Administration during much better economic times. by or support this industry and generate substantial experiences are built not only around the in-person stands, donating to charities and random acts of revenue for the Commonwealth by paying their taxDoes anyone in the Administration realize there is experiences, but around every customer interackindness are all ways that we show who we are to an oversupply of natural gas in the world market?” es. “While we look forward to evaluating the policy tion, no matter the time or place. the larger community. It is not only important to details outlined by the Gov. today, it’s clear that new Businesses can no longer rely on traditional the communities we serve, but it is the essence of Mike Butler, Consumer Energy Alliance’s execuenergy taxes will discourage capital investment into services and approaches.

The need for strong who we are — a vibrant community bank. tive director for the Mid-Atlantic Chapter: Don’t put the commonwealth and make Pennsylvania less customer experiences built through relationship Banks and retailers are not only competing with the brakes on fastest growing industry. competitive. will make customers think of us not only as a bank, business or banks in our marketplace. The com“For the first time in decades, the whims of the a book store, a supermarket or a service provider ANGA , America’s Natural Gas Alliance: Tax petition is global. Expectations are being set outside OPEC oil cartel are of little consequence to Ameribut also as trusted customer-centric expert: a would hamper future gas production of Northeastern Pennsylvania and by companies cans. We need to make sure it stays that way by knowledgeable advisor who understands the wants Now is not the time to put . . . progress at risk not even in our industries.

To be competitive you supporting sensible and economic energy policies. underneath the needs of the customer. by singling out natural gas producers and imposmust be prepared to deliver service at any time, at “Unfortunately, despite this positive news, Gov. Change is happening rapidly due to technology ing a burdensome tax that could hamper future any place, while exceeding the customer’s expectaWolf is advocating for a 5-percent tax severance on and digital devices.

The digital world is creating the production.

In fact, there is a great opportunity to tions.

You need to put your feet on the street and natural gas production that could impact Marcellus death of traditional bricks and mortar retailers such boost economic development in the state by supprepare to interact with customers, when and Shale production in the state. That’s because the as Blockbuster Video, Borders, and Circuit City. porting critical infrastructure projects that will carry where it is convenient for them. cost of energy production in the state could inThose retailers that have redirected and crease substantially if such a tax were applied. That the Marcellus gas to nearby markets.

Please see OPPORTUNITY on page 51

42 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B42] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

By Daniel J. Santaniello

OPINONS & EDITORIALS

Breaking down the Quality Counts report Subconscious visualization techniques: Money doesn’t always matter in education according to the most recent data The 19th annual Quality Counts available from the U.S. Census data. report in Education Week shows Despite this fact, the popular Pennsylvania was rated eighth for and often-used logic that increased education among the nation’s states. spending results in better educational This is a significant accomplishoutcomes across the board remains ment for which the state should be an appealing argument for unions given justifiable credit. and school districts throughout the MacDowell A closer examination of the critestate. ria used by the magazine for rating Jumping to this conclusion, schools in all 50 states and the District of Cothough, isn’t necessarily true — especially when lumbia, however, suggests that the total score it is applied to specific sub-sets of students. needs to be disaggregated in order to obtain a For instance, the Independent Institute’s full picture of schools in the Keystone State.

National Assessment of Educational Programs This year, the Bethesda, Maryland-based shows that the parsimonious states of Arizona nonprofit changed the criteria by which it and Oklahoma spent an average of $4,200 and rates states. $4,300 respectively educating each student.

The publication placed “more focus on Among the important category of lowoutcomes.” One of the outcomes that carried income students, these states tended to have weight in the study was overall K-12 achievebetter educational outcomes in reading and ment. Pennsylvania’s success here was good. math proficiency than Illinois and Nebraska, The state ranked eighth in this important which spent $7,000 and $8,000 educatcategory. ing each other students, according to the Pennsylvania did not do as well in the area nonpartisan, nonprofit in Oakland, California, of early-childhood education, a category that Pennsylvania overall does relatively well in received special attention in Education Week’s educating students when compared with ratings. In pre-kindergarten education our state similarly sized states. earned a D-minus and ranked 41st among We also do it for less money per student. competing states.

For this accomplishment, schools should be As many studies have shown, early childrewarded for progress made against measurhood education is one of the keys to a student’s able outcomes. later success in school. Further, a recent study One way to assure this happens is to conby economists Claudia Persico, C. Kirabo Jack- tinually question whether more non-designated son and Rucker Jackson found that the benefits money for schools necessarily produces better of spending are more pronounced for poor results. Instead, funds should be targeted kids than wealthier ones. Therefore, it makes toward and limited to areas, such as early sense to invest more heavily in early childhood childhood education, where there is a need and programs for low-income students. where results can be measured.

Of course, the often-heard response is Additional innovative approaches, such as predictable when additional funding is sought greater public support for many of the excellent for early childhood education. Advocates claim private pre-K programs in the commonwealth, funding for these types of programs is lackshould be considered. ing and the state spends too little per student Let us hope the governor and legislators on education. A closer look at this argument, keep these points in mind as they consider the though, raises some serious questions. new state budget.

First of all, despite significant criticism about Michael A. MacDowell is president emerithe amount of money Pennsylvania spends on tus of Misericordia University in Dallas where schools, a national ranking shows the common- he occasionally taught economics, and is the wealth is actually in the upper three quarters of managing director of the Calvin K. Kazanjian all states in the total amount spent per student, Economics Foundation.

By Michael A. MacDowell

Seeing the future and helping your employees to do the same

Here are some techniques you can use to get your subconscious into

By Bill Sciacca more powerful use. Please keep in This month I would like to cover the mind that this should be a 5 to 10 rudiments of visualization techniques minute process, most likely when you and how they can assist you in developwake up: ing the life, and becoming the person 1. Study your present situation that you want to become. Next month we thoroughly.

Are there any areas of Sciacca will focus on using those techniques as concern?

Any gaps? Things you want coaching tools to assist your employees to change?

Ideas you want to explore? in doing the same.

2.

Are there any courses of action that you So, how do you plan your day? Over the years may need to take?

Change?

Stop taking? of my time as a trainer and consultant I have 3.

Visualize any results, consequences, or developed a 15-minute routine to planning your ramifications that may occur as a result of you day that works very well. As this column continues, changing your course of action.

I may share that with you, but for now, I think that 4. Decide on daily behavior that need to be question, how do you plan your day, should be modified to fulfill your new course of action. answered at least at a conceptual level.

5.

Schedule whatever changes you need to in Without getting into the questions (or the need) your calendar. of having a life vision and life values, I would like Please keep in mind that the steps above to suggest spending a few minutes picturing your are only meant to get you started and are not most important goal as already achieved. Think of hard and fast rules that need to be followed. As how you feel. Think of how your behavior might be a matter of fact, you should only use the above different and what that behavior change may do to as a springboard; change what you want to assist you in the development of other goals. change, delete those items that don’t work for OK, if you are visualizing your goal as achieved, you, develop your own. are you also visualizing behaving in such a way as The goal is not the “form” it is to develop to maintain the success that you have achieved? your own “function”. And, the important point is In other words, in your mind’s eye, since you have that when you start this process, you are spendaccomplished what you wanted to, are your actions ing some time every day shaping your future! It and your thoughts congruent? doesn’t matter “how” you think about shaping it, Guess what? If you followed the above steps, only that you do. and practice them consistently, you have just used All the truly successful people I know spend your subconscious mind to guide your future level time visualizing their future. Many of them are of success. You can in fact put your subconscious rich, some are not. Some area internationally mind to work for you in accomplishing your goals. known consultants and authors, most are not.

Since your subconscious mind does not tag an Fame, fortune and power are not prerequisites event as either true or false, (that is the function of for success nor are they the necessary fruits the conscious mind), it doesn’t know if the goal you thereof; unless you want them to be. have before you is reality or a vision of reality; it The preparation of your future through visimply responds in-kind with more of the same. sualization is a simple process, but not an easy So, my suggestion to you is to see the things one.

Give it a try, send me your comments! that you want to have or the ways that you want to Biagio “Bill” Sciacca is CEO of Intelligent behave as already yours. In other words, “Act-asMotivation Inc., a training and consulting firm, if…” Your subconscious mind will believe that they as well as the author of “GoalsBook: Embracing are real and already part of your fabric of reality.

People ask if it is possible to live your dreams. The Personal Responsibility in an Age of Entitleanswer is yes! ment.” He is a full-time instructor of economEvery time you visualize an event in the future ics and business administration at Penn State as you already being in possession of that event, University. Call 570-430-9303 or email bill@ you are living your dream! intellignetmotivationinc.com.

(Part 1.)

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 43 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B43] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

PERSONAL FINANCE

Answers to your FAQs

Time a strong ally in saving for retirement Answers to your FAQs:

Keep in mind that these examples are hypothetical, for illustrative purBy Pete Shelp poses only, and do not represent the Father Time doesn’t always have performance of any actual investment. a good reputation, particularly when Returns will change from year to it comes to birthdays. But when it year, and are not guaranteed. You may comes to saving for retirement, time also lose money in your retirement might be one of your strongest allies. plan investments.

Shelp Why? When time teams up with the But that’s why when you’re saving growth potential of compounding, the for retirement, it’s important to stay focused on results can be powerful. long-term results.

Also, these examples do not take into acTime and money can work together count plan fees, which will impact total returns, and taxes.

The premise behind compounding is fairly When you withdraw money from your tradisimple. Your retirement plan contributions are tional (i.e., non-Roth) retirement plan account, deducted from your paycheck and invested you will have to pay taxes on your withdrawals either in the options you select or in your plan’s at then-current rates. default investments. Your contribution dollars Early withdrawals before age 59½ (age 55 may earn returns from those investments, then for certain distributions from employer plans) those returns may earn returns themselves--and may be subject to a 10 percent penalty tax, unso on. That’s compounding. less an exception applies.

Nonqualified withdrawals from a Roth acCompounding in action count may also be subject to regular income and penalty taxes (on the earnings only — you To see the process at work, consider the receive your Roth contributions tax free). following hypothetical example: Say you invest $1,000 and earn a return of 7 percent — or $70 Q. Once I begin receiving Social — in one year. You now have $1,070 in your Security retirement benefits, can my child account. In year two, that $1,070 earns another receive benefits too?

7 percent, and this time the amount earned is $74.90, bringing the total value of your account A dependent child may qualify to receive to $1,144.90.

Over time, if your account continues to earn benefits based on your earnings record. To receive benefits, your child must be unmarried positive returns, the process can gather steam and be under age 18 (or 18 to 19 if a full-time and add up.

Now consider how compounding might work student in elementary or secondary school) or be 18 or older and disabled from a disability that in your retirement plan. Say $120 is automatically deducted from your paycheck and contrib- started before age 22. Your child may be your biological child, adopted child, stepchild, or uted to your plan account on a biweekly basis. dependent grandchild. Your qualifying child may Assuming you earn a 7 percent rate of return each year, after 10 years, you would have receive a benefit that is up to one-half of your full retirement benefit. invested $31,200 and your account would be Contact Peter D. Shelp, AWMA, ChFC, CFP, worth $45,100. That’s not too bad. If you kept CRPC Kingston Retirement Group of Janney investing the same amount, after 20 years, Montgomery Scott LLC 270 Pierce Street, you’d have invested $62,400 and your account Kingston 18704. Call (570) 283-8140 or visit would be worth $135,835. www.kingstonretirementgroup.com. Janney And after just 10 more years — for a total investment time horizon of 30 years and a total Montgomery Scott LLC is a member NYSE, FINRA, SIPC. Portions of this article were preinvested amount of $93,600 — you’d have pared by Broadridge Investor Communication $318,381. That’s the power of compounding Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2015. at work.

44 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B44] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

HERITAGE TOURISM

Success of Scranton’s half marathon is a tribute to our heritage the area to run and watch the race, a team On April 12, thousands of feet will of about 300 volunteers will help ensure hit the streets of Scranton — and paths that everything runs smoothly. Volunteers along the Lackawanna River Heritage will cover seven miles of roadway in the Trail — as the Electric City hosts the city, with two to three people at each second annual Scranton Half Marathon. intersection along the course. Each team After a tremendous inaugural event led by a captain, the traffic volunteers will that welcomed more than 2,500 runners enjoy seeing much of the race because Gelb to the race last year, it is so encouragthey’ll move from intersection to intersecing that this year’s registration is already filled to tion as the race safely progresses. capacity of 3,000 runners. In addition to registraAnother type of “traffic control” is needed at tion filling up early, the race has already earned Valor Credit Union Field. This is a busy area for accolades in the running community. The Scranton spectators and race enthusiasts where volunteers Half Marathon was named Best Half Marathon in will help manage the flow of foot traffic. They’ll 2014 in the Northeast Region of the United States answer questions, offer directions, and distribute

by Competitor magazine’s readers. printed materials about the Scranton Half Marathon.

There’s so much to celebrate in this story. From Volunteers will also be stationed throughout the the success of the athletes who laced up their running course to distribute water to the runners as they make shoes and took a chance on a new race in the city, their way to the finish line, and to cheer them on at key to those who first envisioned that Scranton could be points along the way — including along the trail. the next great Half Marathon city; to the sponsors Volunteer and Course Coordinator Sandra Opwho showed their financial support and the dedicated shinsky knows how much runners appreciate the volunteers who shared their time and talents with all encouragement as they make their way to the finish in the community. A community that comes together line, and she’s hoping to add more volunteers along truly inspires greatness, and the Scranton community the trail to make this year’s race extra special. has certainly come together in this case.

There are so many ways to make a difference With something for people of all ages, this race on race day. As Ms. Opshinsky says, “If you want showcases the best of what our community has to to help, we absolutely have something for you to offer, and is a tribute to our heritage. This region was do.” Whether it’s two hours, four hours or more, founded by strong, innovative, creative people dedicated to improving the quality of life for their families scheduling is flexible and race organizers appreciate any amount of time volunteers can give. and neighbors. So too are events such as this.

To encourage our youngest athletes to enjoy The Scranton Half-Marathon was born from outdoor recreation, a kids ¼-mile Fun Run for progressive thinking, a will to succeed, and a desire children ages 5 to 10 will also be held at the to improve the quality of life for those who live and Stadium on race day. About 100 children have work here. It is a lovely tribute to our history, and a already registered to participate, and there is room preview of the many good things yet to come. for more.

There is no registration for the Fun Run, The 13.1 mile course is unique in and of it itself, which kicks off at 9:30 a.m. starting and ending at Valor Credit Union Field For more information and to register, visit www.

Memorial Stadium. Designed to give runners of all scrantonhalf.com and click on the “Kids” tab. backgrounds and levels the opportunity to experiA Race Expo will also be held at the Ice Box Sports ence the City of Scranton from a different perspecComplex on West Olive Street (across from Memorial tive, participants will enjoy the diversity of running Stadium) on Friday, April 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on on paved roads through Green Ridge, Downtown Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Scranton and South Scranton, and well-groomed, To learn more about how you can become crushed stone paths along the Lackawanna River involved in the Second Annual Scranton Half MaraHeritage Trail. After a scenic run along the trail, participants will make their final loop at Valor Credit thon, visit www.scrantonhalf.com.

Union Field at Memorial Stadium. What a marvelNatalie Gelb is executive director of the ous way to see the city!

Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority. Email her at As the city welcomes about 10,000 people into natalie@lhva.org.

By Natalie Gelb

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Creating a change culture

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Lean learning opportunities

vague and ambiguous.

What follows are some steps to create a Communicate the baseline and the process to create a culture of change. goal; where we are today and where we Create a Sense of Urgency want to be in the future.

To spark the initial motivation to Once success is clearly defined get things moving, start an honest people can get their arms around what and convincing dialogue about what’s is needed to transition from current to happening in the marketplace and with future state and achieve sticky change.

Puleo your competition. If many people start Utilize diagrams and pictures for talking about the change you propose, people to understand the current state, the urgency can build and feed on itself. Collabora- what transition looks like and the desired state. tion and inclusion are important activities to getting Include information regarding where process and key stakeholders on board. Get feedback from technology will be changed and where training and customers and ask what changes they need from support will be provided. you to stay competitive. And always ask: What’s the Things to do to create a vision of change: impact if we do not change?

■Identify exactly what is going to change from Some things you can do: a process and technology perspective and what’s in ■ Facilitate discussions to identify potential it for the people being impacted by the change. threats, and develop scenarios illustrating what ■ Develop a short summary that captures what might happen in the future. you “see” as the future of your organization and ■ Evaluate strengths that can be exploited to how people fit into the new environment widen your competitive advantage or close a gap ■ Create a strategy to execute that vision. between you and your competitors.

Communicate the vision ■ Ask customers and other people in your inDon’t just call special meetings to communicate dustry for input regarding innovation to strengthen your vision. Instead, talk about it every chance you your argument. get. Use the vision daily to make decisions and ■ Provide industry related information that will get solve problems. When you keep it fresh on everypeople to talk and think about change that is needed. one’s minds, they’ll remember it and respond to it.

Form an influential coalition It’s also important to “walk the talk.” DemCollaborate with key allies to influence people onstrate the kind of behavior that you want from that change is necessary. Talking about change isn’t others. Reduce obstacles and barriers upfront. enough, you have to lead it and walk the talk. To Identify all potential obstacles and address them lead change, you need to bring together a team, of early on. Map out the stages of the journey your influential people whose clout comes from a variety organization and team members will experience, of sources, including job title, status, expertise, and and develop a plan for managing and navigating political importance. Do not forget to identify and through each stage. In this way, clarity will replace engage the people who are going to be affected by ambiguity, and acceptance will overcome apprechange. Address their motivation, emotional needs hension. Your role as a project manager is to: and their readiness for change.

■ Talk often about your change vision.

To form an influential coalition you can: ■ Have senior leaders meet with the people ■Identify the key leaders in your organization who are impacted by the change to address peothat embrace the need for change and ask for their ples’ concerns and anxieties, openly and honestly. commitment to support change initiatives.

■ Apply your vision to all aspects of the project ■Make sure that you have a good mix of people you are leading. Tie everything back to the vision. from different departments and different levels Next month I’ll chat about planning and deliverwithin your company to ensure the word gets out ing change program elements, creating short term across the enterprise. Too often information gets wins, building on the change and anchoring the filtered when it’s only a top down approach. change in the culture.

Create a vision for change Larry Puleo a certified project manager (PMP) When people see for themselves what you’re is president of MLP Consultants, LLC which helps trying to achieve, then the directives they’re given companies execute their strategies. Contact him tend to make more sense. People need to underat lpuleo@mlpconsultants.com or visit www. stand the why. The reasons for change cannot be mlpconsultants.com

such as Lockheed Martin, Weiler CorThere are many advantages to lean poration, Gentex, Lehigh Valley Health learning, including delivering value Network, Geisinger Health Systems efficiently, enabling people to lead and and the depot. The event attracted 80 contribute to their fullest potential, continuous improvement practitioners, discovering better ways of working and sharing ideas and insights ranging connecting strategy, goals and meaningfrom deep water drilling to ornamental ful purpose. plant growing.

Grossman Becoming a lean leader means inThe depot, faced with travel restricvesting more time in the critical work of tions and being cost-conscious decided lean leadership. This assures that all organizational to hold its second such event and become a processes continuously add value to customers. leader in the lean movement in the region. Brad Lean learning activates persuasion, influence, Jones, a management director at the depot noted negotiation and teaching. that “You’d normally have to pay hundreds of Lean learning can take many forms and apdollars to hear experts of this caliber; here it proaches. There are tools and seminars available only cost attendees the price of lunch.” Speaker that teach this skill. The “lean” word means a Duggan, who is a featured speaker on the Fox customer focus. Value is defined by the customer.

Business Network and CNN challenged the audiMaintenance of processes provides value, and pro- ence to “ up their games” by designing processes cesses are run by people. Some of the lean tools and empowering employees to make the flow of include leader standard work, visual control boards work both visual and ”self correcting.” and daily accountability.

McCarthy introduced applied behaviorism “Lean” in relation to manufacturing considers into the mix by stressing the reinforcing role the expenditure of resources for any goal other of supervisors in helping employees’ improved than the creation of value for the end customer to processes become deeply ingrained habits.” be wasteful, and thus a target for elimination. Lean Every first-line supervisor needs to be a first-line is defined as any action or process that a customer coach for process improvements to truly become would be willing to pay for. Lean processes gener- rooted in the culture.” ally consist of four parts including people systems, The workshop concluded with a tour of the workspace systems, material systems, and quality Refinishing Center at the depot where visitors systems. Thus, the direction of lean is to improve saw laser stripping technology and other producflow and quality aspects to drive perfection. It imtivity improvements made by rank and file depot pacts the organizational abilities, causing products employees like paint branch leader, Marc Ostroski or services to be initiated that can improve not only who said, “We all want to grow the business, so quality but productivity and profitability for all sec- we all put out best ideas there.” Thus, this region tors of the economy. will glean great benefits from both depot events The Tobyhanna Army Depot experience perhaps with more likely to follow. provides a prime example of what can be done The depot continues as a leader in the region to for lean management training. In 2013, the depot bring new ideas and initiatives to the forefront , and hosted a no cost/low cost Lean learning workshop the lead learning opportunities are designed to fowhere private sector companies were invited cus attention on the newest management principles to present their lean practices in a collaborative that can benefit regional economic development in learning session. The same approach was recently coming years. Continuous improvement is a goal held in June, using a group of Lean experts and that will enhance the role of business developlocal companies who agreed to present their Lean ment and accentuate ways to not only attract new practices at no cost for a group learning session. economic activity across the Pocono-Northeast, There were two notable authors present. They but help retain jobs through the concept of lean were Mr. Kevin Duggan founder of the Institute for learning as a new tool for appropriate growth of the Operational Excellence and Mr. Mike McCarthy, regional economy. consultant and author of “Sustain Your Gains — Howard Grossman is the former executive The People Side of Lean-Six Sigma.” director of EDCNP, now NEPA Alliance. He operates The regional companies present included some HJG Associates in Dallas. Email him at Grossof the distinguished private sector organizations manHJ@aol.com.

By Larry Puleo

By Howard J. Grossman, AICP

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 45 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B45] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

FOCUS ON FAMILY BUSINESS

Zugzwang, emerging leadership and succession planning

and intentional moves by the current “Zugzwang” is the term for a move leadership. No chess player starts out in in a game, like chess, wherein one of Zugzwang, just like no business leader the players is at a disadvantage because starts out having difficulty around transithey must make a move. By making tioning and succession planning. This is this move — because they can’t pass a process that develops over time.

— the player’s position in the game will Research suggests that 35 percent of Sowcik become significantly weaker.

Fortune 500 companies are family-conIn working with many family trolled and represent the wide variety of businesses over the years, it has occurred to me American companies from small business to large orthat often transitioning to the next generation of ganizations. In addition, “family businesses accounts leadership is seen by those in current leadership for 50 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, roles as being “in Zugzwang.” It is a move that the generate 60 percent of the country's employment, founder or current leader must eventually make and accounts for 78 percent of all new job creation.” and it seems that no matter the decision, they will It goes without saying, that family businesses like hurt the family, business or both.

Benco Dental, KANE, Sordoni Construction Services, Zugzwang, in the business sense, does not Dempsey Uniform and Linen Supply, Eastern Pennhappen because the next generation of leadership sylvania Supply Company, and Cornell Ironworks does not exist. In fact, in many situations there are have all had a tremendous impact on our region. Just a number of different family members who could taking these six family business into account, they take the reins. Instead, the feeling of a no-win average 108 years of service to our community. situation often comes from the lack of purposeful However, these companies may be the excepBy Dr. Matthew Sowcik

Relationship Realities: Emotionally-

Mature Leadership in an Age of Avoidance Featuring

John Engles Wednesday, March 11th Contact Lanie Jordan at (570) 408-2120 or meliss.jordan@wilkes.edu for more information.

Thank you to our partners: LINDE FAMILY Business Mentoring Program

46 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B46] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

tion rather than the rule. In fact, only 30 percent of family businesses survive into the second generation of leadership and less than 9 percent continue to the third generation.

Although a number a variables may account for this drop off from generation to generation, one major cause is the lack of intentional and purposeful succession planning. As suggested by the Family Business Institute, “the research indicates that family business failures can essentially be traced to one factor: an unfortunate lack of family business succession planning.”

Succession Issues: From 2007 to 2017, it has been estimated that 40.3 percent of family business owners expected to retire. This transition in leadership will continue to have a significant impact on many of the family businesses in the United States for years to come.

Furthermore, research suggests that less than half of those expecting to retire within five years have selected a successor.

Why is this the case? Even though 70 percent of family businesses would like to pass on the leadership reins to the next generation, why will only 30 percent actually be successful at the transition?

The reason that so many great founders and leaders have difficulty making the transition is due to three different variables. First, the business lacks a defined plan for transition. Most of the time, when I’m discussing succession planning with a family business leader and ask the question, “do you have a succession plan,” here is what happens.

First, I receive a look, then they tap on their head, and followed it up with a comment like, “it’s all up here.” The truth is, a plan that is not written down and successfully communicated cannot count as a plan. A plan needs to be developed by numerous stakeholders. A plan needs to be clearly communicated to all individuals likely impacted.

One question that frequently surfaces when I’m working with a business on succession planning is, “when is it time to develop a plan?” My immediate thoughts are “there is no time like the present.”

However, experts recommend that a plan should be at least in place three to five years prior to the transition. Honestly, I would err on the side of five to 10 years out. Transition works best when handled over time, when future leaders have time to mature, grow and develop into the position. Additionally, time is needed to insure smooth transitions when developing lasting relationships between vendors,

partners, customers and other employees.

The second variable that often gets in the way of a successful transition is lack of training and development emerging leaders often receive prior to moving into the leadership role. The development of leaders is an iterative process, which requires leadership development activities that extend over time. Once again, this needs to be an intentional and purposeful process that utilizes appropriate assessment tools to evaluate the emerging leader, provides mentoring/coaching opportunities, and engages the emerging leader in the active development of strengths and opportunity areas. However, the major problem is that most businesses do not have organizational/leadership development training specialists to develop in-house leadership programs.

The third variable that hinders successful transitioning is the final selection process. I have found in working with great leaders that one common characteristic they all share is the willingness to make the hard decision. In most cases, not pushing difficult decisions off on others is a very honorable characteristic. However, in this case it often leads to two different results. First, it puts an unfair burden on the family business leader. Secondly, it often promotes an environment where the decision is pushed off till the last possible moment.

Decisions that are pushed off are eventually made at the wrong time — very close to the time when the founder is planning to step down or worse, when tragedy strikes. In both cases the organization is already dealing with emotion and change. Adding more due to successor selection starts the new leader off on the wrong foot.

One solution is to begin an advisory board and/ or a family council to help make the final decision.

The board can provide guidance and support in making the decision. Additionally, the board can help the current leader identify those characteristics that would be most beneficial in selecting a successor. Finally, the most important role an advisory board can play is to keep the process fair.

Without planning, providing leadership development, and establishing a selection process, it’s clear why family business see succession planning as being “in Zugzwang.” Unfortunately, unlike chess, the only opponent who puts you in this no-win situation is you.

Dr. Matthew Sowcik is an assistant professor in leadership studies and the director of leadership education in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Leadership Studies at Wilkes University.

HEALTH CARE

Governor launches Medicaid expansion G

ov. Tom Wolf on Feb. 9 announced Pennsylvania’s transition to a simple traditional Medicaid expansion plan.

“Today is the first step toward simplifying a complicated process and ensuring hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have greater access to the health insurance they need,” said Gov. Wolf. “Our approach will alleviate confusion, remove unnecessary red tape, and streamline the system so that people can see a doctor when they are sick and health care professionals have more time to concentrate on providing quality care.”

Wolf directed the Department of Human Services (DHS) to submit a letter to the federal government withdrawing the “low-risk” health care package known as the “Healthy” option from further federal consideration.

The Wolf Administration said complications under Healthy PA resulted in people not receiving important treatment, confusion among recipients, and special populations being placed into the wrong plans, which jeopardized coverage.

While the state transitions to the less complicated and simpler full Medicaid expansion, the commonwealth will continue to provide individuals with appropriate health care coverage and no coverage will be immediately impacted by the decision. Over time, DHS will eliminate the use of the health screening tool put in place under Healthy PA and restructure benefit packages from three plans to one.

“We are committed to ensuring an orderly and efficient transition for every Pennsylvanian receiving health care coverage through the commonwealth,” said DHS Acting Secretary Ted Dallas. “We are already at work making changes to our eligibility systems that will take effect this spring. This will enable us to transition individuals participating in the General Assistance and SelectPlan programs to the new health plan.”

The department also said it is also working with the commonwealth’s health-care providers and hospitals to transition individuals enrolled in the PCO to the adult package. This transition will occur over a longer period of time to ensure that individuals are clearly informed of these changes and they do not experience any gap in coverage.

Who qualifies for coverage under Med-

icaid expansion?

In addition to individuals who qualified previously, Pennsylvanians ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may be eligible for coverage under Medicaid expansion.

How does Medicaid expansion differ from Healthy PA? Medicaid expansion will allow for eligible adults to be placed into one streamlined Adult package.

This will increase continuity of care and reduce unnecessary processes to make individuals eligible for uncomplicated health care coverage faster.

What does this mean for individuals who are in the Private Coverage Option?

The department is currently working on a plan to transition individuals into one streamlined Adult package without interruption to their coverage and services.

What will happen to the Healthy and Healthy Plus benefit packages?

The department is currently working with the federal government to develop one benefit package for adults. Once that has been finalized, adults in Healthy and Healthy Plus will be transitioned to the new Adult package.

What kind of coverage will be provided?

Medicaid coverage meets national standards for coverage. This includes primary care doctors, preventative care, prescriptions and behavioral health parity.

Who will pay for the expansion?

Federal funds will cover 100 percent of the cost of Medicaid expansion for 2014 to 2016, 95 percent in 2017, 94 percent in 2018, 93 percent in 2019 and 90 percent in 2020 and subsequent years.

What do I need to do if I am already covered under Healthy PA? If you are already covered, your coverage will remain unaffected at this time and you do not have to do anything at this time. As Pennsylvania transitions to the new comprehensive adult package, the Department of Human Services will notify you of any changes prior to those changes taking effect.

What do I do if I want to apply for health insurance?

If you do not have health care coverage, you can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.

REACTION:

Pennsylvania Medical Society

Recently, Gove. Wolf announced his plans to expand Medicaid. Pennsylvania’s physicians look forward to working with the governor and other stakeholders to work out the details of this important plan. We are encouraged by its potential to positively impact Pennsylvania’s patients and the care they receive.

As part of our eight principles of health system reform, the Pennsylvania Medical Society has long supported the principle that health-care coverage should be available and affordable to all Pennsylvanians, and that it should reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency. While most of the attention from the recent announcement certainly will focus on the elimination of former Gov. Corbett’s “Healthy PA” and the politics involved, let’s not forget what ultimately counts the most — patients getting the care they need.

Gov. Wolf recognizes the need to take actions to improve the health of all Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Medical Society applauds the governor for recognizing this need and looks forward to working with him and other stakeholders to improve the health of all Pennsylvanians.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey

“I’m pleased that Gov. Wolf has taken this commonsense step to help hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians more easily access health-care coverage. Expanding Medicaid in this fashion will alleviate confusion, remove red tape and ultimately allow more Pennsylvanians to get the care they need. Gov. Wolf has led on this issue by making it a top priority for his new Administration and I applaud him for moving it forward so quickly.”

Commonwealth Foundation

The announcement that Healthy PA will be rolled back in favor of full-scale Medicaid expansion misses the point. Instead of unraveling the few positive reforms incoporated in the original Medicaid waiver, lawmakers should focus on fixing a program that reguarly provides subpar care for the most vulnerable.

The real problem is not a lack of insurance, but access to care. One in three doctors do not currently accept new Medicaid patients, which leads to long wait times for patients who need treatment. It

takes 49 days to see a dermatologist in Philadelphia, according to a Merritt Hawkins survey. No wonder ER visits dramatically increased in Oregon and California after Medicaid expansions.

Note that Gov. Wolf claims Medicaid expansion will increase access to insurance, not health care: “Today is the first step toward simplifying a complicated process and ensuring hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have greater access to the health insurance.” Adding more Pennsylvanians to Medicaid increases competition for a limited pool of doctors who are already paid well below market rates. This guarantees worse health care access for those who need it most.

What should Gov. Wolf do to fix Medicaid and improve health care options for low-income Pennsylvanians? First, he should seek a reprieve from federal regulations that hamstring the state.

Secondly, Pennsylvania can take steps to chip away at the supply-side of the access problem.

Lawmakers can allow advanced providers, such as experienced certified nurse practitioners, to open their own practices without the oversight of a doctor. The state could also empower charity clinics to serve more people who fall through the cracks by reforming liability coverage for volunteer doctors.

Removing cost-sharing, health screenings and other noteable reforms in Healthy PA—while pressing forward with full-scale Medicaid expansion— will do nothing to ensure more Pennsylvanians gain access to the care they need.

Pennsylvania Health Access Network

“We applaud the governor for working to free Pennsylvania from the bureaucracy, complexity and confusion caused by former Gov. Corbett’s Healthy PA. Our view . . . is that traditional Medicaid Expansion has always been the best route to creating jobs, covering families and growing our economy. . . . Healthy PA has jeopardized the health and benefits of low-income Pennsylvanians by disrupting and cutting enrollees’ benefits, delaying coverage for new applicants and piling on new layers of red tape that patients and providers are forced to fight through every day. Giving people fewer choices and tools to take care of their health care needs will only lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs.

Real Medicaid Expansion will free Pennsylvania from the complexity and inefficiency of Healthy PA, and give a much-needed boost to our economy.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 47 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B47] | 02/25/15

17:32 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

HEALTH CARE

Study: Suffering at the end of life getting worse, not better Kaiser Health News, Feb. 3

It’s been more than 15 years since the Institute of Medicine released its seminal 1997 report detailing the suffering many Americans experience at the end of life and offering sweeping recommendations on how to improve care. So has dying in America gotten any less painful?

Despite efforts to build hospice and palliative care programs across the country, the answer seems to be a resounding no. The number of Americans experiencing pain in the last year of life actually increased by nearly 12 percent between 1998 and 2010, according to a study released Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. In addition, depression in the last year of life increased by more than 26 percent.

That’s the case even though guidelines and quality measures for end-of-life care were developed, the number of palliative care programs rose and hospice use doubled between 2000 and 2009.

“We’ve put a lot of work into this and it’s not yielding what we thought it should be yielding. So

what do we do now?” asked study author Dr. Joanne Lynn, who directs the Center for Elder Care and Advanced Illness at the Altarum Institute.

The study looked at 7,204 patients who died while enrolled in the national Health and Retirement study, a survey of Americans over age 50. After each participant’s death, a family member was asked questions about the person’s end-of-life experience, including whether the person suffered pain, depression or periodic confusion. Those three symptoms were all found to have become more prevalent over the 10-year analysis.

One reason, Lynn said, is that doctors are using a greater range of high-tech treatments, which can lengthen the process of dying without curing the patient. “We throw more medical treatment at patients who are on their way to dying, which keeps them in a difficult situation for much, much longer,” she said. “We’ve increased the number of people put on ventilators and kept in

Source of chart: National Care Planning Council, www.longtermcarelink.net

hospitals, and we simply have more treatments that are possible to offer.”

The majority of our research, she added, focuses on wiping out diseases, rather than longterm supports or symptom management for people with chronic conditions or disabilities associated with aging: “Think about how much we invest in curing Alzheimer’s disease, and how little we put into making the course of Alzheimer’s better.”

Most physicians tend to under-treat pain and other symptoms at the end of life because they don’t recognize them or are hesitant to talk candidly about the process of dying and the pain associated with it, said Dr. Tim Ihrig, a palliative care physician at UnityPoint Health in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

“A lot of practitioners aren’t honest. We fail to empower patients with the truth,” said Ihrig. “In that setting, it’s easier to continue to do procedures SPECTRUM —continued from page 24

Diane Baldi, CEO

Ralph DeMario, MD

www.HospiceSacredHeart.org

Experience Defined. Compassion Driven.

48 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B48] | 02/25/15

17:33 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

What is unclear is the economic benefit to broadcasters. “It’s not that we’re giving this away for no purpose,” Irving said. “There is a direct benefit to the American people and broadcasters will get to share in that benefit.”

Irving said broadcasters must work with the wireless industry to that both sides agree.

“Broadcasters have served a great need for the past 70 years and no one wants them to go away,” said Irving. “But we have the opportunity to give this spectrum to those who serve and equally important need.”

and diagnostics rather than having that conversation, which is very honest and very difficult.”

Take a cancer patient who has stopped eating and is writhing in pain, he said. An oncologist might recognize the person is going to die, but rather than telling the patient, he or she begins another round of treatment that causes more pain and suffering.

“We don’t have the vernacular in our society to have the conversation about the end of life. People say, ‘I don’t want to take away someone’s hope.’ But in a metastatic pancreatic cancer, for example, we have to redefine what we mean by hope,” he said, citing one of the most deadly cancers. Often, those conversations aren’t happening until the last days or hours of life, according to Ihrig.

Jonathan Keyserling, a senior vice president with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, points out that half of all hospice patients receive hospice care for less than 30 days.

“If these patients had been under the care of a hospice or palliative care program [earlier], their pain and symptoms could have been brought under control for a much longer and sustained period of time,” Keyserling said via email.

It’s possible, however, that caregivers interviewed in the study simply reported more suffering, reflecting Americans’ changing awareness of pain and depression over the past decade.

“We’ve raised the expectation of better pain management over the years, which may make (the caregivers interviewed) more likely to report it,” says Rosemary Gibson, author of The Treatment Trap and senior advisor at The Hastings Center, a bioethics think tank based in New York. There are many more Americans diagnosed with depression today than in 1998, she added, “so it’s not surprising that people would report it more.”

Nonetheless, Gibson said, the country has a long way to go in improving care at the end of life.

The increase in palliative care and hospice use over the last decade was just ”an oasis in the desert.

We did nothing to stop the tsunami of overuse [of aggressive treatments] and doing things to people at the end of life that have no benefit.”

It’s time to pick up the speed of change, said study author Joann Lynn.

“We are all going to pass through this part of our lives, and we have a strong interest in its not being awful. So let’s buckle down and get it right.”

HEALTH CARE Americans on wrong diet for heart health? Just 5% have tried Mediterranean diet Cleveland Clinic survey reveals confusion around best foods to eat to lower the risk of heart disease Heart disease causes one in every four deaths in the U.S., but a Cleveland Clinic survey reveals many Americans are still confused about how to eat a heart-healthy diet. The survey showed half (52 percent) of Americans have tried a diet in the past year to potentially improve their heart health.

However, only 5 percent have tried the one diet that extensive research has shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors — the Mediterranean diet.

The survey was conducted as part of Cleveland Clinic’s “Love your Heart” consumer education campaign in celebration of American Heart Month celebrated in February. Cleveland Clinic has been ranked the No. 1 hospital in the country for cardiology and cardiac surgery for 20 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

Americans’ lack of knowledge about the proper diet for heart health is especially troubling considering the number of Americans affected by heart disease. Of the respondents, nearly half (46 percent) either have heart disease or have a family member with heart disease. Of those, 68 percent said they are likely to change their diet because of these factors.

“It’s encouraging that Americans are aware of their history of heart disease and want to take steps to prevent and manage their risk factors,” said Dr. Steve Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “However, there is still a tremendous need for education around understanding what the right diet choices are to improve cardiovascular health.”

‘Frequent flyers’ cost Medicare most The Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) released a new report on so-called hospital frequent flyers — “the superutilizers” with five or more admissions per year who account for the largest share of the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenditures. The report is entitled Pennsylvania’s Super-Utilizers of Inpatient Hospital Care.

Super-utilizers—patients with five or more admissions to a general acute care hospital per year, often for chronic illnesses—accounted for $761 million of Medicare and Medicaid expenditures for inpatient stays in Pennsylvania, according to a new research brief released today by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.

The PHC4 analysis shows: ■ Fourteen percent—$545 million—of Medicare fee-for-service payments for inpatient stays were for super-utilizers.

■ Seventeen percent—$216 million—of Medicaid payments (including both fee for service and managed care) for inpatient stays were for super-utilizers.

“Having data on super-utilizers will help the Commonwealth’s policy makers and health care professionals as they determine the best way to care for those with chronic care needs while containing costs,” said Joe Martin, executive director of PHC4.

The PHC4 brief indicates that while superutilizers represent a relatively small percent of patients, they tend to have longer hospital stays and account for a disproportionate amount of health care resources. Also included in the brief is the number of super-utilizers per 10,000 residents Please see FREQUENT FLYERS on next page

VNA | Home Health

Non-Profit Organization

Visiting Nurse Association of Lackawanna County

Since 1895, Our Nurses Have Been Making A Difference

The experienced staff of VNA is a leader in innovative hospice and home health services in Lackawanna County.

“They always made themselves available to me. Any time I had any questions, they were there. I believe my recovery was so successful because of the skilled staff at the VNA Home Health of Lackawanna County.”

VNA | Hospice

“My mother was fiercely independent and proud and wanted to stay in her home. Because of VNA Hospice & Home Health of Lackawanna County she was able to do just that.”

Our VNA goal: Give Comfort to You and Peace of Mind to Your Family

570-383-5180 | vnahospice.org NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 49 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B49] | 02/25/15

17:33 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

HEALTH CARE

Scranton’s Wright Center joins the Keystone ACO that more Medicare beneficiaries in Scranton ACOs meant to improve care coordination for people with Medicare and its surrounding communities have access to

“Continuously improving patient care and education in a collaborative spirit is at the heart of high-quality, coordinated care,” said Thomas Graf, The Wright Center’s mission,” said Linda ThomasM.D., chief medical officer for Population Health at Hemak, M.D., President and CEO of The Wright The Wright Center, a Scranton-based primary Geisinger Health System and chief executive officer Center. “Joining the Keystone ACO represents ancare and medical residency training provider, other means of improving efficiency in health care of Keystone ACO. recently joined the Keystone Accountable Care as part of our organization’s overall commitment to “Improving quality while reducing cost has Organization (ACO), a network of doctors, nurses, provide patient centered care. We look forward to been Geisinger’s driving organizational strategy for hospitals, and other healthcare providers that working with Wayne Memorial, Geisinger and the more than decade,” Dr. Graf said.

“The Affordable includes Geisinger-Community Medical Center, other Keystone ACO members.”

Care Act and CMS have incentivized doctors and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wayne ACOs are a unique opportunity for financially healthcare providers to establish ACOs in order Memorial Hospital and Highland Physicians Group. strong, independent healthcare facilities to work to work together to give people with Medicare the “The addition of the Wright Center ensures together to serve their communities while at the high-quality care they expect and deserve.” same time experiencing cost savings that can be re-invested into more care programs that only creSUPER UTILIZERS — continued from previous page ate more benefits for their patients. for each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. A list of the Beneficiaries using ACOs always have the top reasons for super-utilizer admissions by county freedom to choose doctors inside or outside of the is available on PHC4’s website at www.phc4.org.

ACO. An ACO shares with Medicare any savings The brief is based on hospital data from fiscal generated from lowering the growth in healthcare year 2014. Payment figures were based on 2012 costs, while meeting standards for quality of care. data, the most recent year available to PHC4.

In addition to The Wright Center, the Keystone In repsonce to the report, Geisinger Health SysACO is comprised of the following healthcare tem said it has been targeting that group (superproviders: utilizers) for some time — particularly through ■ Brookpark Family Practice, P.C., Lewisburg ProvenHealth Navigator (PHN), its advanced and surrounding communities medical home that applies a care team to improve ■ Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg population health, primarily for those patients ■ Evangelical Medical Services Organization, diagnosed with chronic illnesses.

Lewisburg and surrounding communities Thomas Graf, M.D., chief medical officer for ■ Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg population health at GHS, directs PHN and can ■ Geisinger-Community Medical Center, address the new PHC4 report and discuss how Scranton We’ve reduced both the number of patients Geisinger is bucking the trend when it comes to ■ Geisinger Medical Center, Danville going to the hospital the first time as well as the this particular patient group.

■ Geisinger-Wyoming Valley Medical Center, re-admission rates for other patients while imConsider that an analysis of 80,000 patients Wilkes-Barre proving the quality of their care. The outcomes during a five-year period showed that PHN: ■ Highland Physicians Ltd., Honesdale are proving that this model is the right way ■ Reduced acute care admissions by 27.5 percent to improve quality and thereby reduce cost, a ■ Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, ■ Reduced 30-day readmissions by 34 percent central goal of health care reform.”

Honesdale and surrounding communities ■ Reduced risk for heart attacks, strokes, and ■ Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale Designed in 2006 to drive sustained improvedamage to the retina in patients with diabetes ACOs must meet quality standards to ensure ments in value by providing physician-directed, ■ Kept emergency department visits stable that savings are achieved through improving care team-delivered care, ProvenHealth Navigator uses ■ 72 percent of patients thought the quality of coordination and providing care that is appropriate, a series of patient-centered, evidence-based clinicare improved after enrollment in the ProvenHealth cal protocols, automation and other office-based safe and timely. CMS has established 33 quality Navigator program innovations. It also places nurse case managers in measures on care coordination and patient safety, “We’ve been able to produce these types of Geisinger and non-Geisinger practice sites who are appropriate use of preventive health services, numbers in both Geisinger-owned and nonable to leverage near-real time data analytics to help improved care for at-risk populations and patient Geisinger-owned practices,” said Dr. Graf. “ and caregiver experience of care. patients coordinate and manage their care.

50 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B50] | 02/25/15

17:33 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

Medical Society asks: Pennsylvania tanning facilities — Are they in compliance?

Act 41 of 2014, otherwise known as the Indoor Tanning Regulation Act, took effect on July 7, 2014. According to this law, no legal entity has the ability to operate a tanning facility in the commonwealth without first obtaining a certificate of registration through the Department of Health. Are these facilities registering? Early reports indicate they are not in significant numbers.

In Pennsylvania, there are approximately 1,500 tanning facilities, defined by Act 41 as any place where a tanning device is used for a fee, membership dues or any other compensation. This not only includes retail tanning establishments, but also many beauty salons, gyms, apartment complexes and other locations charging a fee to tan. While each of these establishments is required to comply with Act 41, many have yet to register with the Department of Health.

“The PAD is encouraging all tanning facilities to register,” says Christine E. Cabell, M.D., president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery (PAD). “This ensures their customers that they are meeting basic safety requirements and educating clients about the risks involved with tanning.”

Additionally, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, if an indoor tanning facility knowingly violates Act 41 they must cease operations in the state. Further, action by the Department of Health’s Office of Legal Counsel will be taken, should the same tanning facility continue to operate as an unregistered entity.

Registrations are required on an annual basis.

While a change in registration does not require a fee, the initial registration or annual renewal fees are $150 for the first two sun lamp products or $300 for facilities operating more than two sun lamp products. An additional fee of $20 is charged for each tanning bed in excess of 10.

The PAD and The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PMS) advocated for the creation of Act 41 due to increasing concerns about the health risks of tanning beds. Not only does this law place specific requirements on tanning facilities, it also places age restrictions on the use of these tanning facilities.

It prohibits minors under the age of 17, and it requires parental consent for 17-year-olds.

FOR THE RECORD BANKRUPTCIES CHAPTER 7

PA Tire Connections LLC. Filed: Feb. 10 in WilkesBarre. Business location: Carbon County.

DEEDS COLUMBIA COUNTY

Global Space Developing Inc. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Qi Ming and Mei Oin Zhang.

Price: $465,000.

Rancom LLC. Property Location: Roaringcreek Township. Seller: Estate of Barry L. Essig. Price: $380,000.

Flash Holdings LLC. Property location: Madison Township. Seller: Jerseytown Real Estate Inc. Price: $325,000.

Booth Scrap Yard & Recycling Center LLC. Property location: Hemlock Township. Seller: Recycling Environmental Group Inc. Price: $275,000.

Rakki LLC. Property location: Berwick. Seller: Bottling Group LLC. Price: $180,000.

Bloomsburg Volunteer Ambulance Association Inc. Property location: Scott Township. Seller: U.S. America.

Price: $162,000.

Source Properties LLC. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Estate of Armando J. Lenzini.

Price: $130,000.

Amark Investments LLC. Property location: Berwick.

Seller: Carol R. and James L. Zeart. Price: $100,000.

2438 West Front Street LLC. Property location: Briarcreek. Seller: Emily S. Strausser. Price: $90,000.

Wells Fargo Bank. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Charles M. Helwig. Price: $1,920.88 f-m-v $88,044.29.

FD Berwick Pennsylvania West Front Street LLC. Property location: Berwick. Seller: Dale W. and Barbara S. Croop, William H. Croop, Nancy L. Croop. Croop Family Trust. Price: $53,222.23 and $48,343.06.

T.S. Development Co. Property location: Berwick.

OPPORTUNITY — continued from page 42

This is the age of the customer — anytime, anywhere service has become the norm as ecommerce platforms present more and more offerings to consumers. The shift away from bricks and mortar toward digital interactions is happening faster than any of us could imagine.

Consumer behavior is changing, they want digital technology and they want it now. The standards are being set by powerhouses like Amazon, and Netflix, and Apple. People no longer need a physical location to do their shopping, and they don’t need a physical location to do their banking. People can’t be shepherded through a retail process from 9 to 5 because that works for the organization.

Consumer’s use of time has changed. We can no longer only be available when it’s convenient for us. We must be available when our customers want us, no matter the time, the place, or the channel. Customers expect anytime, anywhere service.

Personalization and appealing to the consumer is the key. Corporations that are succeeding are winning because they know that customer experience is first and foremost. It becomes important for

Seller: Barbara N. Silvetti. Price: $46,000.

MC5 LLC. Property location: Beaver Township. Seller: Columbia County Tax Claim Bureau. Price: $1,498 f-m-v $24,270.14 and $1,000 f-m-v $5,484 respectively.

Autoneuym North America Inc. 3 parcels Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Estate of Thomas R. Ernst Jr. Price: $12,000, $8,000, $16,000 respectively.

UGI Penn Natural Gas Inc. Property location: Bloomsburg. Seller: SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority. Price: $9,500.

Price: $72,000.

Smokin’ Joe’s Quality Meats & Deli Inc. Property location: Jefferson Township. Seller: Dolores Dombrowski trustee. Price: $60,000.

Cook Brothers Enterprises Inc. Property location: Carbondale City. Seller: Rosemary Ezman, agent.

Price: $37,000.

Grabin O’s LLC. Property location: Archbald Borough.

Seller: Citizens Savings Bank. Price: $25,000.

Lapera Taylor Development LLC. Property location: Carbondale City. Seller: First National Bank of PennsylvaLACKAWANNA COUNTY nia. Price: $24,000.

YBC LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: PEL 1501 Hawthorne LLC. Property location: Scranton MER Realty Company Inc. Price: $430,000.

City. Seller: Firstone LLC. Price: $21,000.

NSV Investments LLC. Property location: Clarks DJMR Portfolio LLC. Property location: Scranton Green Borough. Seller: Anthony J. Baldoni, per attorney in City. Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Price: $15,000. fact. Price: $235,000.

Auric Investment Holdings LLC. Property location: 3703 Birney LLC. Property location: Moosic Borough. Scranton City. Seller: Fannie Mae per attorney in fact.

Seller: Muskey Financial Services LLC. Price: $180,000.

Price: $11,900.

Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Property location: Ransom Holdings LLC. Property location: Moosic Dunmore Borough. Seller: Betty Farris. Price: $155,000.

Borough. Seller: Gary L. Frey. Price: $10,000.

PNM Enterprises LLC. Property location: Dickson WDD Real Estate LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Gulan Azeez. Price: $150,000.

City. Seller: Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau. Price: 5000 Birney Avenue LLC. Property location: Moosic $5321,53.

Borough. Seller: Paul Sinkaus. Price: $127,500.

RVFM 11 Series LLC. Property location: Scranton Ruane’s Real Estate LLC. Property location: ScranCity. Seller: JP Morgan Chase Bank. Price: $1,800. ton City. Seller: Michael A. Genello, individually and as co-partner. Price: $110,000.

LUZERNE COUNTY Machine LLC. Property location: Old Forge Borough.

Store Master Funding VII LLC. Property location: Seller: John C. Saleski. Price: $106,000.

Hazle Township. Seller: PVC Container Corp. PRice: B&M Property Development LLC. Property location: $7,646,912.48.

South Abington Township. Seller: Ocwen Loan Servicing Gennaro Gardens LP. Property location: Hazleton per attorney in fact. Price: $96,000.

City. Seller: Mark Harman Properties LP; Mark Harman R&A LLC. Property location: Scranton City. Seller: Properties Inc, general partner. Price: $400,000.

Bayview Loan Servicing LLC. Price: $85,000.

Outlook Design and Construction Inc. Property location: South Abington Township. Seller: Circle Green Inc. Price: $79,000.

Hills of Archbald Phase III Inc. Property location: Archbald Borough. Seller: Darlene Froncek.

companies not only to deliver what’s expected, but to deliver the “wow” experience by focusing on the outcomes for the customer. That means innovation through the lens of the customer experience in order to build solid long-term relationships that generate trust and loyalty over time.

This is the age of the customer! How will you deliver your “wow experience”?

Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as trusted advisors to the customers served, and is proud to be an active member of the community of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With 11 branches located throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, Fidelity Bank offers full-service Trust & Investment Departments, a mortgage center, and an array of personal and business banking products and services. The Bank provides 24 hour, 7 day a week service to customers through branch offices, online at www.bankatfidelity.com, and through the Customer Care Center at 800.388.4380.

Daniel J. Santaniello is president and CEO of Fidelity Bank. The ideas and opinions expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of the Business Journal.

National Transfer Services LLC; WHR Group Inc. Property location: Lehman Township. Seller: Christopher N. and Vicki B. Romero. Price: $350,000.

T7H Rentals LLC. Property location: Pittston Township. Seller: You Want To Rent.com LLC. Price: $350,000.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc. Property location: Jackson Township. Seller: Anthony M. and Karen M. Decesaris. Price: $252,500.

AP Brothers Property LLC. Property location: Hazleton City. Seller: Redzo Deljanin; Vjolca Deljanin.

Price: $225,000.

Adventure Investments LLC. Property location: Hanover Township. Seller: Kabarchik LLC. Price: $200,000.

MONROE COUNTY

Weis Markets Inc. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: WBHV Associates LP. Price: $8,378.386.

WBHV Associates LP. Property location: Chestnuthill Township. Seller: Richard Welkowitz.

Price: $1. Tax basis: $2,783,000.

Nature Conservancy. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: David and Lisa Weiss. Price: $646,318.

DS & BH Realty LLC. Property location: Hamilton Township. Seller: Molinaro Associates LLC. Price: $400,000.

Family Care Centers Inc. Property location: Stroud Township. Seller: Frank Wagenhoffer.

Price: $375,000.

Swiftwater One LLC. Property location: Pocono Township. Seller: Lisa and Arthur Berry III. Price: $375,000.

Please see DEEDS on next page

FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS— continued from page 54 Feb. 4. Motor carrier operations. 670 Lincoln Street, Hazleton 18201.

White Haven 18661.

Panorama Community Magazine Inc. Commercial.

Mr. Kleen Kar Wash & Auto Sales Inc. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 29. Community magazine. 32 East Buttonwood Filed: Jan. 30. Auto sales and car wash services. 611 Ford Street, Hazleton 18201.

Avenue, Kingston 18704.

Paradise Rental Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed: MVP Barbershop TM LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Renting apartments. 134 Grouse Ridge Lane, Jan. 21. Barbershop. 39 East Diamond Avenue, Drums 18222.

Hazleton 18201.

PLUGD LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Internet New Age Restoration LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. business. 17 Marina Drive, Harvey’s Lake 18618.

23. Auto body refinishing and restoration. 1451 ShoePRL Internet Marketing LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. maker Avenue, West Wyoming 18644.

21. Retail general consumer products. 38 Payne Avenue, Nichole Rivenburg Distribution Company. Commer- Kingston 18704. cial. Filed: Jan. 29. Bakery products. 7 Evergreen Road, PRS Accounting LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. Pittston 18640.

2. Accounting and income tax. 100 Shulde Lane, Noah Transportation LLC. Commercial. Filed: Wyoming 18644.

Red White and Brews Saloon Inc. Commercial.

Filed: Feb. 3. Bar, restaurant. 115 Hudson Road, Plains Township 18705.

(CONT.) Reese Tower Services Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27. Mapping condition assessment and weld inspection services for tower structures. 1044 Saint Johns Road, Drums 18222.

Rivenburg Enterprises Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29.

Bakery products. 165 B Glendale Road, Pittston 18640.

Rustic Mix LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21.

Software development consulting. 108 Kestrel Road, Mountain Top 18707.

Sacred Heart Residences LP. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29. 230 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704. Pennrose GP LLC, general partner.

Sacred Heart Residences LP. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12. 230 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704.

Sianis Cleaners LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4. Dry cleaners. 16 Maffett Street, Plains 18705.

Snowfields LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Real esSeen from left are Mary Ann Soriano, Yarrow tate holding, management. PO Box 71, Milnesville 18239.

A. Wilkins, Agatha Kershner and Sandra Ortiz.

Stake - Mt LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Real estate. 980 Crestwood Road, Mountain Top 18707.

Strategic Sports Alliance Inc. Commercial. Filed: POCONO RESORTS REALTY (CONT.) Jan. 26. Sports event, development, etc. 16 Regent Street, selling $1,144,300. Top Vacation Rental Agent: Sandra Wilkes-Barre 18702.

Ortiz, renting $441, 968 in vacation rentals; Mary Ann Summit Drywall Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Soriano, renting $167,471 in vacation rentals; and Agatha Jan. 26. Construction. 179 South Wyoming Avenue, Kershner, renting $139,357.

Kingston 18704.

SWD Trucking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21.

REDCAP LEGACY LLC Trucking. 247 Old River Road, Wilkes-Barre 18702.

Richard Coccodrilli, Jr. and Susan Lang, partners, That Rustic Touch LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Handyhave joined forces with Thomas R. Wilkins, Christine man repair services. 23 East Third Street, Wyoming 18644.

A. Wilkins and Thomas R. Wilkins, Jr. to create RedCap The Matson Group LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26.

Legacy LLC, referred to as the marketing arm of United Investments. 179 South Wyoming Avenue, Kingston 18704.

Country Legacy Auction & Realty, a full service auction Theory Salon and Wellness LLC. Commercial. Filed: and real estate company located in Pocono Lake. “RedJan. 27. Hair and nail salon. 577 Meadowland Avenue, Cap Legacy is the marketing company that will provide Kingston 18704. passion, technology and horse-power to move United Tots & Tykes Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. Country Legacy Auction and Realty to the forefront of the 2. Acquire and manage real estate. 53-55 East Jackson Eastern Pennsylvania auction companies,” Coccodrilli Street, Wilkes-Barre 18701. said. He is owner and auctioneer. Currently, there are few Twin Bridge Building Services LLC. Commercial. auctioneers in the Pocono or northeast Pennsylvania Filed: Jan. 30. Analysis of building systems. 38 North region who provide auction services to sellers online.

Main Street, Pittston 18640.

In addition to that, the services that local auctioneers United Glass Ventures LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. offer have been typically limited to real estate and con30. Sale of aluminum, glass, commercial vinyl manusignment sales. Building on those to include firearms, factured products. 7 South Main Street, Suite 201-B, quality personal and estate property, business liquidaWilkes-Barre 18701. tions, storage unit auctions as well as other innovative Valley Tennis II Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26. type auctions which are popular in other regions of the Recreation. 689 Lakeside Drive, Harvey’s Lake 18618.

United States is what RedCap Legacy intends to do. The Wayne Ferrier LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23.

Unknown. 264 Old State Road, Sweet Valley 18656. first project RedCap Legacy is working on is the auction Willkare Franchise Consultants LLC. Commercial. sale of the Upattinas School, a private school in Chester Filed: Jan. 14. Franchise consultants. 696 Front Street, County. The school has five free-standing buildings with Nanticoke 18634. more than 21,000 square feet of space and a lot size of Wyoming Valley Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: more than nine acres.

REAL ESTATE

Jan. 22. Real estate. 237 Old River Road, Suite F, WilkesBarre 18702.

Wyoming Valley Unlimited LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Landscaping and maintenance. 216 Wyoming Avenue, Office 206, Kingston 18704.

Yatsko Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4.

Rental properties. 166 Oak Street, Trucksville 18708.

MONROE COUNTY

2932 LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Real estate.

930 North Ninth Street, Stroudsburg 18360.

44 Welwood Avenue LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 5. Real estate. 613 North Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg 18301.

5th Street Tire and Auto LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Tire and maintenance. 1410 North Fifth Street, Stroudsburg 18360.

ABC Auto and Truck Repair LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 14. Auto and truck repair. Rear 5243 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Ann St Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 30. Managing real estate. 639 Hallet Road, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Aydemir Construction LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. New construction. 816 Wedgewood Lake Drive, Stroudsburg 18360.

B+B Design Concepts LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Real estate. 149 Clark Road, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Breathing Space LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 14.

Healing and spiritual growth, Reiki, meditation, spiritual and pastoral support and education. 409 Route 940, Suite 103, Blakeslee 18610.

Comfortspec Home Inspections. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. 2138 Route 115, Suite 101, Brodheadsville 18322.

CTTYL Corp. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Investments in securities for self. 183 Green Chapel Lane, Cresco 18326.

DO It For The Music LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Event catering. 816 Wedgewood Lake Drive, Stroudsburg 18360.

Electronic Components LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27. Resale and manufacturing of electronic components.

560 Hearthstone Circle, Bartonsville 18321.

G.E.I. Trucking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 14.

Trucking. 109 Eugene Drive, Stroudsburg 18360.

God’s Miracles From Heaven Childcare LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26. Children’s day care center. 109 Plaza Drive, Pocono Summit 18346.

Guiffre Rodriguez Subway Inc Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Food service. 350 Autumn Lane, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Hairdatabase.com LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 3.

Subscriptions to access the content of hairdatabase.com.

3408 Pine Hollow Road, Pocono Pines 18350.

JaZaR LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Real estate.

2164 Glenbrook Drive, Stroudsburg 18360.

Kash Law Offices PC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26.

Law. 729 Monroe Street, Stroudsburg 18360.

Kickboxing Bethlehem LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 5. Health and fitness club. 142 Philmar Drive, Kunkletown 18058.

Kumba Properties LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. Residential rental properties. 7052 Vista Drive, Tobyhanna 18466.

LAC Internet Marketplace LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 30. E-commerce retail. 3015 Mountain Terrace, Stroudsburg 18360.

Mevem Jewelry Corp. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23.

Online sales. 5178 Classic Drive, Tobyhanna 18466.

Ming Garden 3 Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29.

Restaurant, food services. 114 Pebble Beach Court, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Myla Property Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed:

Jan. 27. Holding company. 447 Rolling Hills Way, East Stroudsburg 18302.

Oakley House LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21.

Unknown. 100 Megargel Lane, Mount Pocono 18344.

PipeDreams Novelties & Gifts LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 27. Tobacco gift and novelty retail sales. 37 South Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Pocono Family Insurance agency LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 26. Insurance brokers. 874 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg 18360.

Pocono Legal Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Process serving, private investigation, legal referral, legal documentation retrieval, evictions. 434 North Courtland Street, East Stroudsburg 18301.

Pocono Mountain Recovery Center Land LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Management company. 3437 Route 715, Henryville 18332.

Rowan Asher Winery Warehouse LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 26. Limited winery. 103 Gypsum Road, Suite A Stroudsburg 18360.

SAS Hospitality Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 2. Hospitality services. 690 Robyn Lane, Pocono Lakes 18347.

SAS Real Estate Holding LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 2. Real estate holdings. 690 Robyn Lane, Pocono Lake 18347.

Truck Lines Eagle Logistics LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Trucking company. 7144 Susquehanna Drive, Tobyhanna 18466.

Whittaker Water Tech LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. Plumbing. 1223 Weingartner Road, Saylorsburg 18353.

Yanac Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 3. Operation of funeral and cremation service. 35 Sterling Road, Mount Pocono 18344.

PIKE COUNTY

All Around Carpentry LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 30. Construction, remodel, landscaping and snow removal. 105 Georgi Circle, Milford 18337.

All Custom Wood LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9.

Unknown. 123 Dover Drive, Bushkill 18324.

Benjamin and Francis Investments LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29. Buy, sell houses. 111 Fernwood Road, Bushkill 18324.

Bviasource LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Mobile apps. 146 Tan Oak Drive, Milford 18337.

Ely Beach Solar LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 2. Solar hot water systems. 100 Sunny Court, POB 1A-HC417 Lackawaxen 18435.

Event Pro Sound Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Consulting, event logistics. 125 Woodlee Road, Shohola 18458.

Husar Corp. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26. Transport services. 1123 Mink Trail, Bushkill 18324.

Keystone Residential Services LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 23. Residential rentals. 137 Brighton Drive, Bushkill 18324.

Men’s Clips PA502 Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16.

Haircutters. 56 Winding Wall Drive, Hawley 18428.

New Gold Empire Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 3.

Entertainment industry transactions. 212 Oak Court, Dingmans Ferry 18328.

North American Consumer Products Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Sales. 197 Mountain Lake Drive, Dingmans Ferry 18328.

Northeast Residential Services LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 26. Real estate. 124 Decker Creek Drive, Hawley 18428.

OGAB LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27.

Please see NEW INCS on next page

FOR THE RECORD NEW INCS — continued from previous page Property management, landlord. 212 East Harford Street, Milford 18337.

Rec Referral LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Real estate. 404 West Harford, Milford 18337.

Royal MH LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Real estate. 110 Fox Road, Dingmans Ferry 18328.

S&A Realty Holdings LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Real estate holding. 115 7th Street, Milford 18337.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

201 East Center Street LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 25. Real estate. 101 East Centre Street, Mahanoy City 17948.

ASR Investments LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26.

Real estate. 1620 Mount Hope Avenue, Pottsville 17901.

B J Trucking Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27.

Transportation services. 532 Morea Road, Mahanoy City 17948.

Badger Tooth LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 14. Management. 86 East Pottsville Street, Pine Grove 17963.

Bashore Truck Service Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4. Mechanical service on trucks. 1176 Long Run Road, Schuylkill Haven 17972.

Cardigan General Insurance Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. Unknown. 927 West Street, Valley View 17983.

Christopher Walters Inc. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 3.

Tastykake route. 518 East Norwegian Street, Pottsville

New Year = New Resolutions for growth and development

Subway Development of Eastern PA is GROWING!

Commercial Space For Lease 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

Evanish Realty, LLC is offering Class A Commercial Space for lease. The 4 story complex, formerly the Guild Studio Building, is a premier landmark in downtown Scranton, Pa. Located on the corner of Mulberry and Wyoming the property offers prime exposure to anyone entering the city from the North Scranton Expressway which is just minutes off Interstate 81.

Evanish Realty, LLC is proud to offer two floors of space each over 9000 sq. ft. The space is available for immediate occupancy and can be remodeled to suit any tenants needs. The property offers onsite property management, fully sprinklered fire suppression system and adjacent off-street parking able to hold upwards of 50 cars, for either tenant or clients.

For more information contact MEP Designs at 570-344-1211 for an appointment to see this property

17901.

Clark’s Valley Greenwood Memorial Cemetery Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Sale of burial lots and interments. 40 Vpt Road, Tower City 17980.

DiRenzo Coal Co. LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 12.

Anthracite coal production and sales. 19 Laudeman’s Lane, Pottsville 17901.

DPS Logistics LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4.

Interstate trucking company. 3189 Summer Valley Road, New Ringgold 17960.

Eden Grove Farms LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26.

Farming. 505 Millers Road, Zion Grove 17985.

Garland Construction Services Inc. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 26. Construction. 2303 Panther Valley Road, Pottsville 17901.

Gun Whisperer LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15.

Education and training for guns. 228 Paxson Avenue, Schuylkill Haven 17972.

Heffner Investment Properties LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Feb. 2. Rental and investment properties. 227 Schuylkill Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven 17972.

K.L. Bensinger Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. To provide land surveying and related services. 5 Oak Lane, Schuylkill Haven 17972.

Knuckle Busters Automotive LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 27. Automotive repair. 1789 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg 17961.

Lazarchick’s Sports Bar & Grille LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 26. Restaurant. 120 Albert Boulevard, Pottsville 17901.

Like New Again LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 19.

Cleaning and remodeling of homes. 543 Blackhawk Drive, Auburn 17922.

M&G Precision Machine LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. Machine shop. 146 Tower Road, New Ringgold 17960.

Next Level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 23. Martial arts. 4607 Brookside Court, Orwigsburg 17961.

Orwigsburg Beer Store. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 30.

Beer distributor. 459 Valley Street, Tamaqua 18252.

PS & KR LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 2. Bar, restaurant. 60 Valley Street, New Philadelphia 17959.

Red Oak Hydraulics LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4.

Rebuilding hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic hose assemblies. 50 Dutchtown Road, Ashland 17921.

Reynolds Constable Services LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 21. Constable services and property security, maintenance. 181 North State Road, Branchdale 17923.

Rockin’ Tans LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Tanning salon. 2079 Wynonah Drive, Auburn 17922.

Rothermel-Heizenroth Funeral Home Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Mortuary business. 901 Center Street,

Ashland 17921.

Sloan & Jones Real Estate LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 3. Real estate. 154 North Tulpehocken, Pine Grove 17963.

Stanell Salt Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26. Manufacturer of vehicle maintenance products. 301 Woodland Road, Brockton 17925.

Stellfox Enterprises LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21.

Real estate. 15 Doe Lane, Tamaqua 18252.

TA Health Administration Consulting LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Health-care administration education.

1501 Howard Avenue, Pottsville 17901.

Taralee Transport LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 30.

Trucking transport of freight. 144 Pennsylvania Avenue, Schuylkill Haven 17972.

VGV Beverages LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21.

Unknown. 704 Claremont Avenue, Tamaqua 18252.

Zimmerman Shoes LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28.

Shoe manufacturers. 209 North Liberty Street, Orwigsburg 17961.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Adams & Hollenbeck Properties LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 16. Real estate management. 7295 Kingsley Road, Kingsley 18826.

BCS Property Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Unknown. 3588 Valley Road, Friendsville 18818.

Brady Hill LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. Real estate. 21 Brackney Hill Road, Brackney 18812.

Brushville Acres Family Limited Partnership.

Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. 60 Public Avenue, PO Box 126, Montrose 18801. Giffis, Carol, A., general partner; Griffis, Jerrold, A., general partner EBTunilo LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Manage gas, mineral rights. 1644 Williams Pond Road, New Milford 18834.

Elk Woods Energy LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 5.

Gas and oil. 4003 Fiddle Lake Road, Thompson 18465.

Empet Dairy Consulting Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Consulting. 269 Deer Trail Road, Kingsley 18826.

F & A Glodek Family Limited Partnership. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28. 2123 Fiddle Lake Road, Thompson 18465. Glodek, Astrid, W., general partner; Glodek, Francis, J., general partner.

JAKABO LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27. Real estate ownership. 243 Peck Hill Road, New Milford 18834.

MJ Land Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29.

Natural gas land, abstract services. 3434 Wickizer Road, Kingsley 18826.

Rolling Acres Homes LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 20. Real estate. 3221 Lower Rhiney Creek Road, Hallstead 18822-9000.

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] | 02/25/15

17:34 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

MARCH 2015

FOR THE RECORD STOCKS

NEW INCS —continued from previous page Star Bound Farm LLC.. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27.

Horse ownership. 3430 State Route 2014, Clifford Township 18470.

Texas Southern Crane Services LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 15. Unknown. 5206 State Route 92, Kingsley 18826.

Tunilo Family Limited Partnership No. 1. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 4. 1644 Williams Pond Road, New Milford 18834. EBTunilo LLC, general partner.

Vasquez Stone Supply LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Unknown. 417 South Main Street, Montrose 18801.

Wildlife Management News. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 14. Operation of subscription magazine company. 29 Public Avenue, Montrose 18801.

WAYNE COUNTY

AB Electric LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 9. Electrical repair, construction. 137 Ann Esther Lane, Lake Ariel 18436.

Advanced Inpatient Medicine Transitional Care PC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 29. Medical services. 183 Maines Road, Lakeville 18438.

All-In Solutions LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16.

Consulting to the transportation industry. 1410 Dewberry Drive, Hawley 18428.

Flooring & Kitchen Depot Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Kitchen, bath fixtures sales. 2213 Route 6, Hawley 18428.

Jak’s BM Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Beverage sales. 214 Willow Avenue, Honesdale 18431.

Jenk’s Trucking LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 28.

Trucking. 785 Cochecton Turnpike, Tyler Hill 18469.

Mid-Life Brewing Company. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 27. Brewing and distillation. 168 Watts Hill Road, Honesdale 18431.

Oxford Place Settlement Services LLC. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 21. Real estate. 1307 Purdytown Turnpike, Suite A, Lakeville 18438.

ReNew - ReUse Second Time Around LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 23. Retail store. 582 Roosevelt Highway, Waymart 18472.

Sages Holding Inc. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 16. Holding company. 630 Main Street, Honesdale 18431.

Systems Integrated Solutions Inc. Commercial.

Filed: Jan. 23. Consulting firm. 57 Martzen Drive, Waymart 18472.

Wayne Enterprises II LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22. Debt collections. 363 Prompton Road, Honesdale 18431.

Yoga International LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 22.

Yoga-related education. 630 Main Street, Honesdale 18431.

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 MARCH (APD – 149.89) AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS INC. John Stanley, vice president of Air Products & Chemicals Inc., exercised options for 2,756 shares on Feb. 6 (exercised 3.7 years prior to the expiration date) at $66.90 per share for a total cost of $184,376 and on the same date sold those shares at $151.27 per share for total proceeds of $416,900. Stanley controls 19,133 shares directly and 40 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Air Products & Chemicals Inc. acquired 25,000 shares and disposed of 58,094 shares.

(CZNC – 19.45) CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORPORATION Ann Tyler, director of Citizens & Northern Corporation, sold 650 shares on Feb. 4 at $19.47 per share for total proceeds of $12,656. Tyler controls 6,419 shares directly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Citizens & Northern Corporation acquired 3,783 shares and disposed of 1,599 shares.

(CSS – 29.12) CSS INDUSTRIES INC. Christopher Munyan, chief executive officer of CSS Industries Inc, sold 2,000 shares on Feb. 3 at $28.34 for total proceeds of $56,677 and sold 2,000 between Jan. 29-30 at $27.83 per share for total proceeds of $55,665.

Munyan controls 55,862 shares directly.

(FDBC – 32.50) FIDELITY D&D BANCORP Michael McDonald, officer and director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $12,900. McDonald controls 87,726 shares directly.

Eugene Walsh, vice president of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 600 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $19,350. Walsh controls 600 shares directly.

WYOMING COUNTY Daniel Santaniello, chief executive officer of Fidelity Arrow Surveying LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 13.

D&D Bancorp, purchased 1,000 shares on Feb. 3 at Professional land surveying. 110 Shore Drive, Tunkhan$32.25 per share for a total cost of $32,250. Santaniello nock 18657. controls 22,354 shares directly.

JTSmith LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 26. Gas drillSalvatore DeFrancesco, Jr., chief financial officer of ing. 4148 West Nicholson Road, Nicholson 18446.

Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 600 shares on Feb. 3 at M&M Drilling and Exploration LLC. Commercial. $32.25 per share for a total cost of $19,350. DeFranFiled: Feb. 4. Explore, drill for oil and gas. 4 State Route cesco controls 10,299 shares directly.

1006, Tunkhannock 18657.

Timothy O’Brien, vice president of Fidelity D&D Mahaganapati Realty LLC. Commercial. Filed: Feb. 2. Bancorp, purchased 600 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per Real estate. 64 Bridge Street, Tunkhannock 18657. share for a total cost of $19,350. O’Brien controls 5,571 NEPA Kobudo Kai LLC. Commercial. Filed: Jan. 21. shares directly.

Martial arts. 7378 State Route 3001, Mehoopany 18629.

David Tressler, director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, Rail Family Management LLC. Commercial. Filed: purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share Jan. 26. General partner of a limited partnership. 154 for a total cost of $12,900. Tressler controls 12,857 Warren Street, Tunkhannock 18657. shares directly.

Siddhivinayaka Distributor Inc. Commercial.

Mary McDonald, officer and director of Fidelity D&D Filed: Feb. 2. Beer distributor. 64 Bridge Street, Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per Tunkhannock 18657. share for a total cost of $12,900. McDonald controls

87,545 shares directly.

John Cognetti, officer and director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $12,900. Cognetti controls 10,733 shares directly.

Kristin O’Donnell, director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $12,900. O’Donnell controls 37,595 shares directly.

Richard Lettieri, director of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $12,900. Lettieri controls 42,185 shares directly.

Patrick Dempsey, chairman of the board of Fidelity D&D Bancorp, purchased 400 shares on Feb. 3 at $32.25 per share for a total cost of $12,900. Dempsey controls 63,271 shares directly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Fidelity D&D Bancorp acquired 1,723 shares and disposed of 1,875 shares.

(FULT – 11.83) FULTON FINANCIAL CORPORATION George Hodges, director of Fulton Financial Corporation, purchased 5,630 shares on Feb. 9 at $11.85 per share for a total cost of $66,710. Hodges controls 19,059 shares directly and 21,430 shares indirectly.

Philmer Rohrbaugh, Vice President of Fulton Financial Corporation, purchased 13,000 shares on Feb. 5 at $11.73 per share for a total cost of $152,446.

Rohrbaugh controls 22,022 shares directly and 13,000 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Fulton Financial Corporation acquired 2,590 shares and disposed of 24,486 shares.

(FNB – 12.82) FNB CORPORATION William Campbell, director of FNB Corporation, sold 3,000 shares on Feb. 3 at $12.58 per share for total proceeds of $37,740. Campbell controls 77,421 shares directly and 2,072 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of FNB Corporation acquired 4,350 shares and disposed of 10,000 shares.

(HXL – 45.71) HEXCEL CORPORATION Wayne Pensky, chief financial officer of Hexcel Corporation, sold 11,000 shares on Feb. 9 pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $45.11 per share for total proceeds of $496,162. Pensky controls 87,840 shares directly.

Michael MacIntyre, treasurer of Hexcel Corporation, sold 1,000 shares on Feb. 5 at $44.60 per share for total proceeds of $44,596. MacIntyre controls 12 shares directly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Hexcel Corporation acquired 39,000 shares and disposed of 67,982 shares.

(MTB – 120.69) M&T BANK CORPORATION Scott Warman, officer and treasurer of M&T Corporation sold 968 shares on Feb. 6 at $123.55 per share for total proceeds of $119,595. Warman controls 18,212 shares directly and 8,587 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of M&T Bank Corporation disposed of 115,973 shares.

(NWFL – 29.00) NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORPORATION Andrew Forte, director of Norwood Financial Corporation, purchased 600 shares on Feb. 6 at $28.88 per share for a total cost of $17,328. Forte controls 4,728 shares indirectly.

Kevin Lamont, director of Norwood Financial Corporation, exercised options for 500 shares on Feb. 2 (exercised 8.9 years prior to the expiration date) at $26.90 per share for a total cost of $13,450. Lamont controls 81,079 shares directly.

Over the last six months, insiders of Norwood Financial Corporation acquired 954 shares and disposed of 635 shares.

(NPBC – 10.58) NATIONAL PENN BANCSHARES INC. Thomas Beaver, chairman of the board of National Penn Bancshares INC., purchased 5,000 shares on Feb. 2 at $9.82 per share for a total cost of $49,100. Beaver controls 48,749 shares directly.

Over the last six months, insiders of National Penn Bancshares acquired 4,999 shares.

(PNC – 89.86) PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP INC. Lorene Steffes, director of PNC Financial Services Group Inc., exercised options for 1,000 shares on Feb. 4 (exercised 2.7 months prior to the expiration date) at $52.64 per share for a total cost of $52,640 and on the same date sold those shares at $87.77 per share for total proceeds of $87,770. Steffes controls 2,041 shares directly.

Joseph Guyaux, officer of PNC Financial Services Group INC., sold 15,329 shares on Feb. 4 at $87.72 for total proceeds of $1,344,597. Guyaux controls 44,350 shares directly and 577 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of PNC Financial Services Group INC. acquired 25,000 shares and disposed of 181,000 shares.

(PPL 35.06) PPL CORPORATION Robert Gabbard, officer of a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, on Feb. 3, pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1), exercised options for 184,460 shares (62,013 shares exercised 8.0 years prior to the expiration date; 36,800 shares exercised 7.0 years prior to the expiration date; 18,477 shares exercised 6.0 years prior to expiration date; 32,140 shares exercised 5.0 years prior to the expiration; and 35,030 shares exercised 4.0 years prior to the expiration date) at $29.62 per share for a total cost of $5,463,668 and on the same date sold those shares at $36.00 per share for total proceeds of $6,640,929. Gabbard controls 53,944 shares directly and 80 shares indirectly.

Robert Grey, vice president of PPL Corporation, on Jan. 28 sold 4,814 shares, pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $35.56 per share for total proceeds of $171,186. Grey controls 639 shares directly and 408 shares indirectly.

Victor Staffieri, officer of a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, on Jan. 28 sold 6,939 shares, pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $35.56 per share for total proceeds of $246,751. Staffieri controls no shares directly or indirectly.

Paul Farr, officer of a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, on Jan. 28 sold 7,178 shares, pursuant to a prearranged trading plan (10b5-1) at $35.56 per share for total proceeds of $255,250. Farr controls 40,000 shares directly and 154 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of PPL Corporation disposed of 372,076 shares.

(UGI – 35.10) UGI CORPORATION Marvin Schlanger, director of UGI Corporation, exercised options for 12,750 shares on Jan. 28 (exercised 11.3 months prior to the expiration date) at $14.49 for a total cost of $184,748. Schlanger controls 46,836 shares directly and 106,995 shares indirectly.

Over the last six months, insiders of UGI Corporation disposed of 221,583 shares.

Prices as of close of business on Feb. 9.

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL MARCH 2015 63 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B63] | 02/25/15

17:34 | ZYGMUNTLIZ

Confidence in your bank means growing your business at the speed of your ambition.

Grow Confidently

You can do more for your business when you’re confident in your bank. It means we get to know how your company works so we can offer a product that’s exactly right for you whether it’s a loan, line of credit or checking account. You also have access to a wealth of expertise to keep you focused on doing what you love: growing your business. Work with us and get banking confidence you can count on.

64 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB64] | 02/25/15

MARCH 2015

17:34 | ZYGMUNTLIZ