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July 2019 VOL. 34 NO. 7
Event planning guide: Local pros share their wisdom by Dave Gardner
Despite differing business plans, varied sales advantages and assorted operational challenges, successful vendors in the Northeast Pennsylvania event planning industry understand that, above all, they are players in the hospitality arena. More than 470 events were hosted at the sprawling Mohegan Sun Pocono complex during 2018, according to Michael Slivka, director Slivka of sales and catering. These were made possible by completion of facility’s three-phase expansion program that included construction of a hotel and convention to generate non-gaming revenue, plus evolution of the overall business plan. “We now go after businesses within a three-hour drive of the facility,” said Slivka. “The area includes Harrisburg, Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.” According to Slivka, cold calling as a sales tool for events is fading, as the Mohegan Sun operation receives better responses with targeted emails directed during formal gatherings such as corporate meetings and association trade shows. If the email is favorably answered, the
Mohegan sales person will create a oneon-one appointment to discuss hosting an event, thereby not wasting time on weak prospects. For success, he urged all operators within the hospitality industry to customize every event for each customer after completing the necessary homework about event expectations. This must be coupled with the ability to create networking and relationships that effectively sell, using modern tools such as virtual facility tours. “The partying, dining and golfing days are over for sales people to use because most business prospects are too busy and budgets are too tight,” said Slivka. “Often the prospective customer has a strict limit what they will spend for an event, and we therefore may customize the food options we offer.” He also reported that, to close a sale with event planning, truthfulness to the customer is paramount. If a facility operator can’t offer something, they must admit it during the sales negotiations and never lure the customer onto the property thinking something is going to happen that simply is impossible. “You must know the group and what they expect,” said Slivka. “Using this plan, we’ve achieved a 75 percent return rate for event customers.” Operational challenges that the Mo-
hegan management must face are often related to the time of year in which an event occurs. The facility maintains an on-call workforce list, usually of college students, who can be counted on to appear if needed. Tenure with the management staff is also vital. “Employee management and the creation of a strong staff also goes to relationships,” said Slivka. “Management must be visible to the event guests, see how the event flows, and immediately deal with surprises when they occur.” Outdoor beauty A unique marketing advantage for events is available at Shadowbrook Inn and Resort, as the facility is surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Endless Mountains. A ballroom, private dinDel Prete ing room and restaurant accompany the resort’s golf course, poolside pavilion and outdoor meeting spaces, creating one of the most visually pleasing locations in the region. Ralph Del Prete, general manager, Please see Event, Page 6
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event planning guide: local pros share their wisdom
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Providing a caring example ........... 3 Finding a job without a degree ....... 4 Made in NEPA ........................... 5 Shortage of nurses grows ........... 11 Women entrepreneurs ............... 12 Honeycomb Credit .................... 13 National parks bring in revenue.... 14 Small businesses & credit .......... 16 A fruitful century ..................... 18
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2 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B02] | 06/26/19
you believe in your brand. but does your target market? by Dave Taylor
CNG MANAGING EDITOR elizabeth baumeister — ext. 3492
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BRAND
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Without belief in your brand, it doesn’t exist. The leadership of a company must believe in the brand. The staff and employees must believe in the brand. Most importantly, your next customer must believe in the brand. Brands that are different—Uber, Apple or Tesla for example—have to convince people that the difference is better, that their innovation is real and not just flash or fad. Apple has created an aura of individuality and creativity around its products. They have an incredibly loyal following that literally buys into the entire “ecosystem” of Apple products (iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches) and services (apps, iTunes, Apple TV). Their customers believe in the products and the brand, with many waiting in line to buy the latest upgrades as soon as they become available. Lots of companies make great products that compete with Apple, but this incredibly strong belief in the Apple brand is what makes it the most valuable company in the world. Uber is much earlier in its life cycle as a brand. Uber has created a belief in its concept of easy transportation that’s a better experience and usually cheaper than catching a traditional taxi cab. Taking an Uber has become a daily practice for many users and at least weekly for many more. So-called “Uberites” love the service and the brand, and they promote it. But there’s big difference between Uber and Apple. Uber is losing money. In effect there hasn’t been enough belief in the brand for the company to make a profit. The believers who are keeping Uber in
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business right now are the investors who have put up millions of dollars of venture capital to support the concept. And you better believe that they believe in the brand because they’re betting a whole lot more than a ride home from the bars that they’re right. It can be even harder to convince audiences to believe in a brand that claims the same concept as others in their industry. Exhibit A: Healthcare. Brand A may very well be a very caring organization. Its employees may very much believe that “we care.” But how effective is Brand A at proving that it cares more than Brand B or C? They all think they care. The key is: does the market believe in Brand A more than another? I should note that while trust and belief have overlapping meanings, there is a subtle difference for a brand. Trust in a brand is earned over time. But belief can come first, as in a person will believe a message before having it proven to be true and therefore earning trust. So establishing an early belief in the promise of a brand is key. Startup brands often do this with early adopters who may become unofficial ambassadors for a new brand. Gradually as more and more “believers” are created, a brand can build the trust that is needed to grow and sustain its business. Apple has done this. Uber has created a lot of belief in its users, but hasn’t turned a profit. In a sense, they are buying some of that belief by discounting the true cost of their service. A simple question for any brand manager to ask is, “do our customers and prospects truly believe in our brand and what it can do for them?” If the answer is yes, that brand should be successful. But if the answer is no, believe me, there’s work to be done.
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FEATURE
A caring example by Joe Sylvester
Patrick McMahon knew he did the right thing when three John Adams Elementary School students came up to him and said it was the best day they’ve ever had. Not that McMahon, chief executive officer of One Point, a Scranton-based office furniture and supply company, had any doubt about his company putting on a carnival for the school on a recent Friday. He knew that was the right thing to do, just as he was certain it’s right for his company to put up the money to fund an after-school STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program at the school. McMahon wanted to do something for the school, not for publicity or praise, but to encourage other companies to do the same. Especially for a school like John Adams Elementary, where 96 percent of the students come from economically disadvantaged families and the students and their families speak a total of 26 different languages and come from more than 14 different countries, according to Principal Mario Emiliani. McMahon and his employees formulated plans to help the Capouse Avenue school, located just two blocks away from his Poplar Street company, after he learned about the school from one of his employees, who was there for the United Day of Caring. McMahon learned the students did not have the same advantages as more affluent schools. He said that in a meeting of the company’s charity committee, he thought the company should do something for the school. “I said, what about a day of fun?” he recalled. “These guys are neighbors of ours,” said McMahon, as he stood in the school lot where some of the 300 students participated in such games as soccer darts, potty toss, Minute to Win It or had their faces painted or did sand art. “These neighbors are the future.” “I was excited for the kids,” said Emiliani. He gave a presentation at One Point to talk about his school.
Submitted photo
From left, first row: Jeanne McCloe, Claire Davis, Molly MacDonald, Caitlin Kern and Sandy Lemoncelli. Second row: Guy Leach, Michael Conahan, Patrick McMahon, Ali Tigue, Lori Hockenberry, Patrick Higgins, Kim Johnson, Evan Kasperowski, Peter Lemoncelli and Mark Fawcett.
At least a dozen of McMahon’s employees volunteered at the carnival, along with some Scranton Preparatory School students. McMahon said that while a lot of companies do public outreach, “we would encourage other companies to adopt an elementary, middle or high school.” He said his company is not stopping at the fun day. “We’re going to keep this relationship going,” he said. One Point, which derives its name from Submitted photo Joe Sylvester / For Business Journal Patrick McMahon works the cornhole stalate former President George H.W. Bush’s Patrick McMahon waits for a high five from tion at the carnival. a student. reference to a thousand points of light volunteer organizations, will organize and pay for a teacher for the afternoon STEM program. McMahon said that hopefully, the Prep students will assist. He said he hopes his company can serve as a model for other companies to do the same. McMahon follows the four pillars of success in leadership – self-awareness, ingenuity, love and heroism – as stated in Chris Lowney’s 2003 book, “Heroic Leadership,” based on the business practices of Jesuits. “Businesspeople don’t use the word love,” McMahon said. “It’s caring, it’s reSubmitted photo spect. That’s love.” One Point is grateful to the many sponsors that helped to make the day possible.
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FEATURE
A steep climb: Finding a job without a degree by Dave Gardner
Paths with genuine opportunity are available for youths who choose to climb the employment mountain without formal post-high school education, provided they are ready for a steep climb. Applicable data from 2018 collected by the American Community Survey reveals a varied educational and work landscape within Lackawanna County, according to Amy Luyster, Luyster vice president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. She cited how 38 percent of Lackawanna County residents age 25 or above have attained a high school or GED diploma, 26 percent attended some sort of college, and 27 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additional data for 2018-2019 collected by the Lackawanna Workforce Investment Board indicated that 39 percent of those working have some postsecondary education. During April of 2019, a total of 3,432 jobs were listed online within Lackawanna County, with the largest industry sectors comprising logistics, construction, business services, advanced manufacturing and healthcare. “Therefore, some sort of training has been achieved by the majority of our regional workforce,” said Luyster. “If kids go direct to the workforce, various types of on-the-job training including apprenticeships are available, and many companies want this. But the kids have to understand they will start at the ground level and there will always be training needed.” From an employer perspective, Luyster noted concern exists across the entire spectrum of commerce about employee soft skills. Additionally, career awareness by prospective employees about the types of work now available is a problem, creating a situation where one of chamber’s biggest goals is to create awareness for jobs that exist now. “We are also constantly questioning if our education needs for the jobs that exist are being met,” said Luyster. “Central to this is the work of Skills in Scranton, our workforce development affiliate.” An example cited by Luyster of how career awareness and associated readiness skills can be created involves how the chamber formally hosts
select educators for a week. The group initially meets with industry partners and HR representatives, then goes on-site at participating company locations for three days to learn the realities of that type of employment. This is followed by a final day where the participants return to the chamber and discuss the skills needed for the opportunities they have observed. In time, this information is delivered to the students at the educator’s school. “The program participants can’t wait to create a comprehensive plan for action,” said Luyster. Various pathways Reality is dictating that school after grade 12 is not for everyone, with various forms of learning such as hands-on being preferable, according to Christine Jensen, PA CareerLink administrator in Luzerne County. Jensen Many kids also avoid college because of the staggering financial costs, or may be academically exhausted but later attend a college or tech school. Within this scenario, according to Jensen, the present is actually a great time for opportunity at various levels of employment. She noted that during early June more than 741 posts had been made by Luzerne County employers on the on the CareerLink website, listing more than 3,000 jobs. “One-half of these jobs only require a high school diploma,” said Jensen. “Some offer great opportunities to get right into the workforce. Warehouse and logistics employees may eventually earn $15 to $17 an hour, with the potential to move after specific certifications such as forklift certification.” For job seekers who desire entrance to quality work, Jensen may recommend tactics such as job training with a mentor or registered apprenticeships. She has personally witnessed how quality employees within an apprenticeship may be offered a deal where they work and also attend community college, with the classroom tuition paid or greatly reduced. Awareness about true interests for each job seeker is vital, according to Jensen. The middle school years are particularly important because kids at that age are very malleable, making tactics such as job shadowing very fruitful if a student is to
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understand what is really involved within a specific line of work. She added that soft skill problems do appear every day with employers concerning specific behaviors such as time management and verbal communications. This is harder to manage than teaching the technical skills of specific jobs, and to help alleviate soft skill problems Jensen’s organization offers workshops. “Of course, technology education in the workplace and ongoing computer skills are vital,” said Jensen. “Any employee must understand that lifelong education is now a part of the workplace.” Changing demographics Potential employees with an age of 16-21 years old are now at historic lows, creating a critically small number of people now entering the workforce, explained Helene Mancuso, certified workforce development professional Mancuso and certified career coach with the Wayne-Pike Workforce Alliance. She also cited how workforce quality is a constant issue for employers, with the situation often fueled by the fact that there has been a definite shift in the values system of young people. “With the baby boomers versus the millennials in a workplace, differences are very apparent,” said Mancuso. “Employers must consider this, while also considering the needs, priorities and value systems of all work groups. Respect must
go both ways, especially when one’s feelings are concerned, but clearly inappropriate behavior must not be allowed.” Mancuso noted that her organization has been effective at developing vital programs that help to open pathways to employment at various levels. Career coaching and inherent support systems to recognize and develop a path for each individual are invaluable, along with mentors and internships that help a participant to develop work-ready skills and give job candidates true leverage. “The reality is that most jobs in Pennsylvania require a two-year education, and this must be considered when exploring a career path,” said Mancuso. Her organization can sometimes offer a job seeker on-the-job training within some fields such as the hospitality industry. The alliance taps into a revenue stream that pays one-half of the new employee’s salary while they train, creating a favorable situation for all parties, especially small employers that are seeking to grow their workforce. Yet at the end of the work day, skill accreditation, specific training and a demonstration of lifelong learning remain the keys to employment. Partnerships with business for specific training are available, but youthful employees must demonstrate good behavior and never commit “sins” such as complaining about their job to a public audience on social media platforms such as Facebook. “And yes, a new and unskilled employee can expect to start their job at minimum wage,” said Mancuso. “Lifelong learning is vital to increase compensation.”
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FROM PAGE 1
explained the facility is family-owned by local people who seek to encourage repeat business, making it ideal for corporate events. In addition, the business plan recognizes that a natural chain of personnel events can be tapped into for virtually anyone, starting with a wedding and proceeding to a baby shower, school events and graduation. “Repeat business is also crucial for our restaurant,” said Del Prete. “Studies have shown a second successful restaurant visit must go well to create and long-term customer, so we are always committed to strive for this.” In the sales arena, Del Prete described an ongoing challenge that involves development and maintenance of a strong prospect base to mine customers. Shadowbrook uses information from chamber of commerce groups and other events to generate sales leads, but also focuses on the power of word-of-mouth communication. “Yes, we also do some cold calling with groups that use event space,” said Del Prete.
To curb operational challenges, according to Del Prete, facility management must adhere to set of policies and procedures. Only with this tactic can a facility develop a well-trained staff that is disciplined and cooperative with continuous training and improvement efforts, as well as successful team building. “It’s vital to set expectations for a new employee, as well as the need to display soft skills from the moment of the first interview,” said Del Prete. “We therefore outline the need for qualities such as punctuality and communication to see what the applicant’s reaction is, and this system avoids a lot of problems from the beginning.” Regal history A historic facility plus a keen delivery of guest hospitality are the “sizzle on the steak” of event sales at the Regal Room, which opened in 1952 and during 2018 hosted approximately 125 events. George Pachucy, co-owner and sales manager, explained that the inter-generational family operation offers three rooms for events such as weddings, confirmations and
funerals, and a business plan that is achieving a sales closing rate up to 88 percent. Pachucy aggressively advertises with television, radio, newspaper and online mediums, Pachucy and he has recognized that sales are delayed from the time an advertisement airs to the time of booking. Lately he has developed a comprehensive focus on smaller events, coupled with “encouragement” to customers to remember the success of past Regal Room service. He has developed a realistic business expansion plan calling for the facility to increase its gross sales by 25 percent within six years. This plan recognizes that off-premise catering is a highly competitive business, while availability dates with weddings are also a big consideration. Pachucy explained one of the keys to successful event sales involves getting the prospective customer in the door and developing a relationship. He added an owner must never forget that a facility’s
staff must first be cared for if they are to deliver the level of hospitality Pachucy strives to offer. His sales strategy may also include a second meeting with a still-reluctant customer where a “flexible event date” is penciled into a contract. Some phone closings do occur, but Pachucy prefers face-to-face meetings due to the need to firm up event details and educate the customer about the specifics within his or her wishes, such as costs of a cash bar versus an open bar. “We work hard to never, ever lose an event over a small amount money in the pricing,” said Pachucy. From an operational standpoint, once an event room is filled, the Regal Room staff strives to stay cool and organized no matter what surprises occur such as a bride arriving late. Pachucy has learned that customers can sense anxiety within a staff and management, with the result casting a pallor over the flow of the event. “It’s is vital to be up front with the customer,” said Pachucy. “Remember, any customer request is legitimate.” Please see Event, Page 7
MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT SHINE A LITTLE BRIGHTER. With our 20,000 square-foot convention center, modern meeting rooms, world-class service, comfortable guest rooms and more, Mohegan Sun Pocono in Wilkes-Barre, PA has everything you need to make your next meeting or conference shine. Book your event today at mohegansunpocono.com or call 1-855-MEET-MSP. CONVENTION CENTER | HOTEL | GREAT LOCATION
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The Kirby Center set for an event. FROM PAGE 6
of-mouth approval spreads quickly. “The Kirby is now listed among the Busy calendar top theaters in the world for ticket sales, A somewhat unique and considering this busy theater busimarketing situation ness, availability for special events may be with special events is limited to weekdays on Monday through a reality at the popular Thursday,” said Taylor. “We also cannot F.M. Kirby Center for control the scheduling for the main shows the Performing Arts. that travel, so if events wind up being Drew Taylor, director back-to-back, our relatively small staff and of operations, and Paul volunteers may wind up working a very Taylor Rodella, front of house long week or even a month.” manager, deal with a The Kirby is also unique in that it has situation where the no kitchen facility for special events. facility’s stage presentaInstead, events are served by preferred tions occupy top priorcaterers that do all of the food preparation, ity, with corporate and serving and cleanup. private events, business However, an alcohol license owned by functions, weddings and the Kirby is maintained to allow the facility parties scheduled for to serve adult beverages. This process is Rodella times when the auditoself-contained by the facility, right down to rium is dark. the operation of the needed bar and servThe Kirby therefore does not formally ing processes. advertise use of the facility for special “When we are working to book a special events such as weddings and corporate event within this very unique setting, it’s gatherings, even though the complex offers become important to show the potential a unique setting. Some information about guest that everything they may have in booking events is listed on the Kirby’s mind has a monetary cost,” said Rodella. website, but demand consistently out“Once people see these costs, it all bepaces the supply of available dates when comes real to them. And helping them to the facility is available, and once business save money is part of the sales process.” leaders attend one of these events, word-
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Using HSAs for retirement
BANKING & FINANCE
Trends in cybercrime and business
family coverage (for 2019). Also, the sum of the annual deductible and other annual Health savings acout-of-pocket expenses (other than precounts are primarily used miums) required to be paid under the plan as a savings vehicle to cannot exceed $6,750 for self-only coverage help people pay out-ofand $13,500 for family coverage (for 2019). pocket medical expenses. These amounts are adjusted for inflation However, some people annually. may be able to use them Setting up an HSA is similar to setting up to save for retirement as a traditional savings account or an individual well. Whitesell retirement account (IRA) in that it can be Health savings acopened with a lump-sum payment or through counts (HSAs) were an arrangement to make contributions on a created in 2003 as a savings vehicle to help regular basis. people pay out-of-pocket medical expenses. Contributions: In general, the maximum Although that is their primary purpose, HSAs contribution to an HSA in 2019 is $3,500 contain several features that could potentially with self-only coverage and an additional make them viable as a retirement savings $1,000 in catch-up contributions for those vehicle for some individuals. aged 55 years or more. The maximum family contribution for 2019 is $7,000 plus a The nuts and bolts of HSAs $1,000 maximum catch-up contribution for An HSA is essentially a medical savings participants aged 55 years or more. These account available to those enrolled in a limits will be adjusted for inflation in future qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). years. An individual’s employer or family HSAs offer several tax-saving features. For member may also contribute, as long as the example, contributions are deductible (or total contribution amount doesn’t exceed the excluded from income), account earnings limit. accumulate tax free, and, as long as the Contributions can be kept as cash or inmedical expenses paid with HSA savings vested in other options that may be available, are “qualified” expenses for the individual, such as stock or bond funds. Any money not spouse, or dependents, HSA withdrawals are spent during the year is rolled over for subtax free. sequent years. A relatively healthy individual Qualified expenses: Qualified expenses could accrue a sizable HSA balance over a include doctors’ fees, hospital services not number of years. paid for by insurance, and prescriptions, You should consider a fund’s investamong others. While health insurance prement objectives, charges, expenses and miums generally are not considered qualified risks carefully before you invest. The fund’s expenses, there are some exceptions. For prospectus, which can be obtained from example, individuals receiving unemployment your financial representative, contains this compensation can use HSA funds to pay for and other information about the fund. Read health care coverage. the prospectus carefully before investing or Qualifications to open an HSA: To open sending money. Shares, when redeemed, and contribute to an HSA, individuals must may be worth more or less than their original have a qualified high-deductible health plan. cost. In addition, they generally cannot have other Rules for withdrawals: The rules for health coverage (although certain types of withdrawals are quite flexible. An individual insurance are allowed, such as vision and with an HSA may make a withdrawal at any dental care) or be enrolled in Medicare. point in the future for any qualifying expense To qualify, the high-deductible health plan incurred since the HSA was first opened. must have an annual deductible of at least $1,350 for self-only coverage or $2,700 for
bY Sue Whitesell
Please see Retirement, Page 10
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JULY 2019
bY Matthew Colgan
“The Impact of Cybercrime—No Slowing Down,” released by The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and McAfee Economic, estimates that close to $600 billion is lost to cybercrime each year. Colgan In today’s business environment, two of the most common cybercrimes we see local organizations facing are business email compromise and check fraud. Yes, that’s right—the 2019 business environment is still dealing with check fraud. Cases of check fraud usually occur when a mailed check is intercepted and duplicated. Business email compromise occurs when an email appears to come from someone in your company—often a CEO or CFO—or someone in another business with whom you have a financial relationship requesting that you make a wire transfer. Many individuals transfer the money, assuming this is a normal, legitimate business activity. What if my business becomes a victim of check fraud or cybercrime? If you believe your business has become a victim of check fraud or cybercrime, the first step is to notify your bank immediately. Your financial institution will assist you in taking the steps necessary to secure your accounts and mitigate fraud risk while maintaining business activities. To minimize your risk against cybercriminals, we recommend the following actions: ■ Safeguard your checks and account information. ■ Utilize secure bank products such as Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) and Universal Payment Identification Code (UPIC). ■ Use one computer or device for business banking purposes. ■ Make sure to keep your wireless network secure by placing a password on your account. ■ Maintain strict controls on who in your organization has access to bank account
information. ■ Create strong passwords for your accounts and update your usernames and passwords regularly. ■ Don’t click on links, open attachments or provide sensitive information through an email or text message even if the sender appears to be a reputable company or someone you know. With incidents of fraud growing in number and sophistication, NBT Bank’s online Fraud Information Center at nbtbank.com/fraud is an important resource to consult as it offers the latest information, tips and resources to help businesses and individual customers keep their accounts secure. Is my business safe? To get the best protection, it’s important to talk to your financial institution to understand the latest threats and determine the cybersecurity services available to protect your business. For example, NBT Bank offers commercial banking customers a check fraud service, called Positive Pay, that protects customers from illegal duplication of documents. The business provides issuance information—date, amount, payee name and check number—every time a check is written. Then, as checks come in to be paid, they are compared with this issue file. If any check does not match the file, a reject report is created for the business, who then decides whether to pay or return the item. It also reduces the time needed to resolve issues when fraud is perpetrated. Cyber insurance is another means of protection for businesses. For example, NBT Insurance Agency offers inexpensive and a la carte policies for network and security liability, privacy liability, PCI and HIPPA compliance, computer and funds transfer fraud, and ransomware. In today’s business environment, a careful eye on traditional fraud methods and the diligent use of cybersecurity services are essential to minimizing the risk of becoming a cybercrime victim. Matthew Colgan is vice president regional commercial banking manager at NBT Bank. He has 11 years of commercial banking experience and is based at the Scranton Financial Center at 120 North Keyser Ave.
NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2019 9 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB09] | 06/26/19
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
‘A dollar here, a dollar there’
calculating an employee’s hourly wage. In other words, employers must also pay emThe expression, “a ployees the regular minimum wage. Thus, dollar here, a dolthe idea is to significantly raise wages that lar there” applies to have not been changed in many years. The Pennsylvania state IFO looked at several areas of interest that government as well would impact the change, and some of as all county and lothese include the following: cal governments who ■ Use of Census data for 2018 which prepare and implement show a considerable drop in non-tipped Grossman budgets. Pennsylvania workers earning under $10 Consider the role of per hour and a large increase in workers the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal (IFO) earning $15 per hour or more. office which was created in 2010 under ■ Current analysis assumes that some the terms of P. L. 1269, No. 120, under of the negative employment effect maniwhich they provide revenue projections fests itself as a reduction in hours worked, for use in the state budget process along as opposed to lower employment. with impartial and timely analysis of fis■ The proposal treats tipped workers cal, economic and budgetary issues to the same as other workers. A more limited assist residents and the General Assembly analysis is performed for tipped workers. in their evaluation of policy decisions. One ■ New research suggests that the proof its more recent steps was to look at the posal for $12 per hour could have a more proposal to raise the minimum wage from moderate effect on employment opportu$7.25 to $12 per hour. This important nities due to new census data. analysis is being driven, in part, by the ■ The analysis incudes accounting for role that has occurred to raise minimum secondary workers. wages nationally (not yet happened) and ■ The Pennsylvania labor market conwhat seems to be developing in some tinues to be tight. Therefore, higher ministates to have already raised the minimum mum wage will cause less disruption that wage to up to $15 per hour. There are if there were a slack in the labor market. potential employment impacts, income The study suggests that the $15 per effects and implications for General Fund hour figure has not provided sufficient revenue and expenditures. study as yet to warrant anything beyond In recent months, a staff member of speculation. There is an examination of that office made a presentation to the cen- wage in some other states. There is also a tral Division of the Pennsylvania Economy look at some studies that have been done League in Scranton and discussed the such as the Institute for Research on Labor results of the analysis. The proposal dem- and Employment, The congressional Budget onstrates that the minimum wage per hour Office, the Upjohn Institute and at least would be raised to $12 on July 1, and that nine others. The results are compiled by there would be a raise by $0.50 cents per the authors as follows: year in the Commonwealth each year until ■ Moderate increases in the minimum July 1, 2026, reaching a level of $15 per wage likely have a modest negative impact hour on July 1, 2026. Every year thereafon employment. ter, the minimum wage would be raised by ■ More moderate effects could be exan annual cost of living adjustment based pected if a higher wage rate is phased in. upon the Consumer Price Index for All ■ Similar to other states and cities, the Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Pennsyl- Pennsylvania labor market for low-wage vania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland workers is not perfectly competitive. region. The proposal also removes the ■ Other factors should be included in ability of employers to count tips when an analysis
by Howard J. Grossman, AICP
10 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B10] | 06/26/19
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JULY 2019
■ Pennsylvania does not resemble Seattle or other large cities that have recently enacted large minimum wage increases. ■ A handful of national firms have recently increased wages for low-wage workers. Some include Walmart, CVS, Costco, Amazon, Target and others. Much other information is supplied in this report. Here are some likely results if wages are increased in this region. ■ There is a need to consider the 2020 Census results as a key indicator of what impact wage increases would have, although phasing in becomes a key factor in thinking about changes in wage hours and it would be likely that the region would follow what occurs in state legislation. ■ Some type of analysis should be considered regionally that could demonstrate a true picture of what is likely to occur when and if such changes are made. ■ The various tables shown in the report and the impact of change on workers needs to be addressed regionally as more data is made available that can be utilized at the sub state levels. ■ Since much of this region relies on service jobs, the impact would be likely significant in the region assuming such changes occur statewide and a special analysis would be a helpful tool in thinking about wage changes across the Pocono-Northeast. ■ Such issues as general price impacts, general fund revenues, impact on state and local government expenditures, impact on safety net programs, income mobility of low-wage workers, impact on tipped workers and other elements become extremely critical both inside the region and the remainder of the Commonwealth. The report concludes with a summary of gains and drawbacks from the proposed $12-an-hour increase and many of these conclusions would undoubtedly be found in this region. Therefore, the report should become a strategic document to be evaluated in coming months since this proposal is likely to be discussed in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.
FROM PAGE 8
For example, a child needs dental work and her parent pays the $2,700 cost out of pocket this year. If the parent saves the receipt, the parent could use that bill 25 years later in retirement as the basis for an HSA withdrawal. In addition to the receipt, the parent would need records showing that the expenses were not previously paid or reimbursed from another source or taken as an itemized medical deduction. Using an HSA to save for retirement
The combination of favorable tax treatment, the potential opportunity to invest contributions in longer-term assets, and the flexible withdrawal rules make HSAs particularly attractive as an alternative retirement savings vehicle for certain individuals. An individual who currently maximizes contributions to all tax-favored retirement accounts for which he or she qualifies and who also saves in taxable accounts could treat the HSA as another option to save more and to save in a tax-favored way. Essentially, the individual could treat the HSA as a retirement savings account and let the assets compound for as long as possible while paying out-of-pocket medical costs with taxable funds. However, for those who cannot fund all tax-advantaged retirement vehicles, the decision to use a HSA as a retirement savings account is less clear cut. It may make sense in this situation to try to fund a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged retirement savings account, especially if there is an employer match. As always, each individual’s situation is unique and the input of an experienced advisor can be invaluable when considering different retirement savings options. Susan A. Whitesell is vice president/ investments, financial Advisor at the Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott. Reach her at 570-2838140 or visitkingstonretirementgroup.com. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, its affiliates, and its employees are not in the business of providing tax, regulatory, accounting or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Prepared by DST Systems, Inc. Copyright 2019.
FEATURE
Nursing shortage grows with aging population to be available each year. And there will not be enough qualified people to fill those Pennsylvania could be at a crisis when it positions.” comes to nurses. Many in the state’s health Shamberg said it’s a combination of not care industry are worried that if staffing having enough qualified people to fill the levels remain where they are, health care positions as well as an aging population. facilities will not have enough nurses to Pennsylvania is the fifth largest state meet the demand, especially considering the with residents aged 65 in the nation behind state’s aging population. California, Texas, Florida and New York, “We have pockets of shortages,” said according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Betsy Snook, CEO of the Pennsylvania “We’re an old state,” Shamberg said, “and State Nurses Association. “We don’t have we are getting older. And to compound the shortages in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh problem in five years, the baby boomers are area, but in the more rural areas is where we going to age into the demographic that is in have a problem.” most need of long-term care services.” Snook said by analyzing projections Shamberg said his group is working through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with local Chambers of Commerce and nursing is one of the top occupations for job other nonprofits to get more people into the growth in the future. profession. “This may be one of the bigger shortages “But we really have to look outside of the that we face,” said Snook. box,” he said. “It’s a physically and emotionally The latest census numbers show demanding job. It’s not for everybody. It’s the Keystone State’s elder population is really for a special set of people.” growing 20 times faster than the rest of “We don’t have a big enough geriatricthe population in the state. In 2025, one in prepared workforce and there likely won’t be five Pennsylvanians will be age 65 or older, enough nursing home beds because there’s according to government projections. In about a 91 percent occupancy at nursing Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, homes throughout the state,” said Brenda Pike, Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Carbon Hage, assistant dean of nursing and chief and Schuylkill counties, between 30 and 35 nursing administrator, Misericordia University. percent of the population is older than age 65. “The aging population is living longer too.” “We’re going to have to work hard at Hage said the average salary for a nurse this,” said Snook. “We’re going to need one- with a bachelor’s degree is $71,000. million nurses. That’s huge.” “A lot of it has to do with a positive image Snook said the nursing curriculum is of nursing,” she said. “We are there when tough and demanding – requiring strong people come into the world and when they skills in the sciences and math. She said leave it, so I think people have a good view another problem will be the faculty to teach of nursing overall, and I think there are a new nurses coming into the profession, lot of opportunities and we have to get that as half of the teaching staff is over the age message out.” of 50. Job stress and other factors also She said to attract higher level nurses have to be addressed to keep people in the who are looking to expand their education, profession once they begin their careers. Misericordia University is opening a “We’ve been warning about this for satellite campus in Pittsburgh this fall. It’s some time,” said Zach Shamberg, president a combination of online and face-to-face and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care communication. Association. “If we look at the next five years, Snook said to combat the shortages, statewide, we can expect more than 9,500 companies will have to look at helping pay registered nurse positions, more than 3,200 back student loans or provide scholarships licensed practical nurse positions and more to help to their staff members who choose to than 10,000 certified nursing aide positions return to school to earn higher degrees. by Phil Yacuboski
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1-800-377-5222 www.luzerne.edu NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2019 11
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12 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B12] | 06/26/19
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JULY 2019
CELEBRATING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
The Garden: A Mediterranean Restaurant by Carolyn Giordano
Familiar to the area of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Garden: A Mediterranean Restaurant has found its new home in Scranton. Jo Marie Yamin Ali and her husband opened Yamin Ali The Garden in March, after moving from West Pittston, where they were in business with The Garden since 2016. The business woman’s roots are in Scranton, but her childhood and some later years had her exploring other regions of the U.S. Growing up around food, her grandmother had a tiny kitchen, but made bountiful meals for her family. The family spent countless hours over food and conversation, during the food prep and enjoying their labors. Originally a hair stylist for about 20 years, Yamin Ali took some time off to care for her father and began cooking out of her house for people. She then opened her own pastry shop in 2007 and began supplying her pastries to a popular coffee shop in New York City. She worked in the bar business in the area, usually from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Yamin Ali then ventured into the food cart business and was one of the first people to have a food cart in Scranton. She brought New York-style chicken over rice to the area, and after eight years had a food cart, a food truck and a hot dog cart. Yamin Ali always knew she wanted to have her own business. Many in her family were entrepreneurs, including her mother and father’s family specifically, who owned their own grocery stores. After getting married, she and her husband, who was in catering and had a butchering background, decided to open their own restaurant in West Pittston. Shortly after opening up, her husband who was working in New York at the time, quit his job because their restaurant was so busy. After being in West Pittston for
The Garden, 116 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, can be found online at thegardencafeandgrill. com, on Facebook (The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant) or on Instagram (The Garden at 116). around three years, they began looking for a space that suited their needs. They found their current location in downtown Scranton and set to work right away. When first opening in West Pittston, the couple found the area hesitant to try this new cuisine, but the word soon spread and it caught on, with many of their loyal customers following them to their new Scranton location. Yamin Ali and the team are excited about the possibilities that the new location holds. Currently, The Garden offers a casual dining experience with a modern feel. All of the Mediterranean recipes are family recipes with all of the menu items made in-house. Even their olive oil comes from a family orchard in Jerusalem. The restaurant menu includes lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, all accompanied by homemade desserts. Yamin Ali says she strives for “a homey, comfortable feeling, while treating everybody the way we would want to be treated.” The Garden also offers catering and hosts private parties. In the future, Yamin Ali plans to expand the catering aspect of the business, specifically doing more weddings, while also expanding her pastry offerings. For women entrepreneurs, or entrepreneurs in general, Yamin Ali advises, “have faith in yourself” and “don’t be afraid, and just do it.” Even if you fail, that failure is the fuel to keep going, and eventually everything will click. Carolyn Giordano has been writing for this column since she began internships with the Women Entrepreneurship Center several years ago. Carolyn graduated from The University of Scranton in May. All the best, Carolyn!
FEATURE
Opportunities flow via Honeycomb Credit by Jennifer Butler
Everyone deserves access to a community with exquisite character, a thriving economy and inviting public spaces that create a feeling of belonging for residents and visitors alike. Honeycomb Credit recently joined forces with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) to help make that dream a reality for small businesses throughout the commonwealth. And its unique crowd financing operations are heading to businesses all over Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh-based company helps connect small businesses looking for expansion loans with community members looking to invest local. By allowing anyone to invest in their own local economy, Honeycomb Credit aims to unlock growth opportunities for small businesses to build vibrant, financially empowered communities. Businesses can borrow up to $100,000 for expansion purposes, and community members can start investing for as little as $100. “Locally owned businesses can borrow from their own community members, and these members can earn competitive returns on these investments,” said George Cook, Honeycomb CEO and co-founder of the two-year-old business. “It’s similar to a GoFundMe platform, but with a return for those who contribute. It is for businesses not ready for borrowing from a traditional bank,” he added. Also, members of the PDC are eligible for an exclusive Main Street Champion program with Honeycomb. This allows them to use the Honeycomb platform to support small business growth in their
“Locally owned businesses can borrow from their own community members, and these members can earn competitive returns on these investments. It’s similar to a GoFundMe platform, but with a return for those who contribute. It is for businesses not ready for borrowing from a traditional bank.”
George Cook CEO and co-founder, Honeycomb Credit
communities while simultaneously building community wealth and pride through the power of local investments, according to the company’s CEO. Larry Newman, executive director of the Diamond City Partnership in Wilkes-Barre, believes the crowd sourcing Honeycomb is offering is another tool that can assist business owners and downtown managers in furthering the growth of their communities. “It’s a tool in a suite of Newman tools we need to make our businesses more successful and our communities more appealing,” said Newman. “It will absolutely benefit us here in Wilkes-Barre.” “This is a tool for businesses to use to expand their store fronts, equipment, working capital, and other business components,” he added. Wilkes-Barre has seen its share of success with 47 more occupied storefronts than 10 years prior as a result of the community’s efforts to have a viable downtown center for shoppers to enjoy. “Honeycomb is really excited about working with the PA Downtown Center,” said Cook. “They have an extraordinary reach throughout the commonwealth, and their programs already support so many towns that are currently revitalizing. We feel that the addition of Honeycomb Credit to Cook their existing toolbox is not only an excellent fit, but one that could have ripple effects statewide.” More information can be found online at honeycombcredit.com. As a Main Street America coordinating program, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, is part of a powerful, grassroots network consisting of 45 coordinating programs and over 1,600 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
BANKING & FINANCE
Are you sabotaging your retirement? by Adam D. Shelp
Are you helping or hindering your future retirement security? It may be time to rethink your approach to retirement planning if any of the following apply to you. MisunderstandShelp ing retirement income sources: Too many people believe Social Security will provide a comfortable retirement. The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit, however, is $1,565 for men and $1,244 for women, according to the Social Security Administration. That’s not a lot of money, and it certainly leaves little room for extras. According to many financial experts, retirees need about 70-90% of their preretirement income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. If you want a better quality of life in retirement, you will have to count on additional sources of retirement income, such as your retirement plan, personal investments, home equity or even part-time work. Saving too little: Nearly half (45%) of workers included in a 2018 survey conducted by Employee Benefit Research Institute and Mathew Greenwald & Associates reported that the total value of their household’s savings and investments, excluding the value of their primary home and any defined benefit plans, was less than $25,000. If you have fallen behind in saving for your retirement, it’s never too late to try to get on track toward a more secure future. Employer-sponsored retirement plans offer tax benefits, and many employers make matching contributions to their employees’ plan accounts. Or consider opening your own individual retirement account (IRA). Both the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA have certain tax advantages that could help you grow your savings. Once you have a retirement account, try to increase the amount you contribute, even if it is only a small increase. Contributing some or all of any pay raises or bonuses to your retirement account can potentially help grow your retirement assets. And it’s important to contribute consistently – even when you are juggling other major
expenses such as buying a house or helping a child pay for college. Ignoring inflation’s impact on savings: Even a low rate of inflation will mean that you will have to pay more for goods and services in the future than you do now. One of the most effective ways to protect your retirement savings from inflation is to have a good asset allocation strategy. By investing your retirement savings in different types of investments, you will be able to allocate a portion to investment types that have the potential to grow faster than the inflation rate. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, historically, stocks have outpaced inflation and produced higher long-term returns than other investments. Failing to learn about investing: Learn as much as you can about investing and investments. The more you know, the better decisions you will make. Try to read up on different types of investments, diversification, asset allocation and investment risk. Be sure you understand the details of your retirement plan. Find out how much you can contribute to your plan, the size of your employer’s matching contribution, if offered, and when you are allowed to change your contribution amount. Read about the investments your plan offers. Each mutual fund offered by your plan has a prospectus, which is a document that describes the fund’s main features. It provides important facts about the fund’s investment objectives, portfolio manager and any risks involved associated with investing in the fund. Don’t sabotage your future. Careful planning, a sound, long-term strategy, and the input of a financial professional can help move you closer to your retirement goals. You should consider a fund’s investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks carefully before you invest. The fund’s prospectus, which can be obtained from your financial representative, contains this and other information about the fund. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money. Shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Contact Adam D. Shelp: Kingston Retirement Group of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, 270 Pierce Street, Kingston, PA, 18704; 570-2838140; kingstonretirementgroup.com.
NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2019 13 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B13] | 06/26/19
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FEATURE
National parks bring in tourism money, jobs by Phil Yacuboski
Nestled along the Delaware River in Monroe County, the population of Delaware Water Gap is only roughly 600 people, according to the latest U.S. Census figures. But what it lacks in a permanent resident base, it makes up for in visitors. The quaint little borough, which boasts shops and restaurants, is also a major stop along the Appalachian Trail. “We get a massive number of hikers through the borough,” said Mayor Larry Freshcorn. “It’s very scenic and it’s very important to tourism. Tourism brings in revenue. It’s a big deal for us.” The Appalachian Trail runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, part of the National Park System, which are big business when it comes to tourism, especially in Northeast Pennsylvania. A new National Park Service report shows the more than 9.7 million visitors to Pennsylvania’s national parks spent more than $467 million in 2018. “The national parks of Pennsylvania attract visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Northeast Region Director Gay Vietzke. “Whether they are out for an afternoon, a school field trip, or a month-long family vacation, visitors come to have a great experience and end up spending a little money along the way.” The figures also translate to jobs. According to the report, spending resulted in more than 7,300 jobs and had a “cumulative benefit” to the state economy of $693 million. Vietzke said national park tourism is a “significant driver” to the economy. He said it returns $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service. “It’s a tremendous driver for us,” said Chris Barrett, President and CEO of the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau. “A good portion of the 29 million people who visit are coming here for our state and federal parks.” Barrett said many come to fish the Delaware River, home to some of the best freshwater fishing in country. A 2018 report by the National Park System puts the total number of visitors at around 945,000 per year. He said they are always looking for better ways to market the region to attract even more visitors. “We have been buying a lot of television time in
Roebling Bridge at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. the New York, Harrisburg, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. markets to attract people,” he said. “We work with the National Park Service to help them, but they are significantly challenged with investing maintenance capital with the park, so we help them with marketing as much as possible.” While much of the park sees its highest visitors during the summer months, many people like to come for autumn. “They love the leaves,” he said. “More people are visiting and hiking in the fall.” Barrett said people come from all over. He recalled a recent conversation he had with a couple who only visited national parks. “It’s a big draw,” he said. Delaware Water Gap. The Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, began the process of becoming a national park in 1986 through a federal grant thanks to former Congressman Joe McDade. The site, which features old locomotives from the industrial era, gets slightly less than 97,000 visitors per year, according to online data compiled by the National Park System. “It’s especially great for group travel,” said Alexa Peregrim, group marketing manager, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau. “It’s a big tour destination. They come here and they spend money at hotels and restaurants.” She said people visit from all over. “We get international folks stopping in as well,” she said. Steamtown National Historic Site.
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JULY 2019
National Park Service
James Hicks / National Park Service
Jim Lockwood file photo / The Times-Tribune
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NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2019 15 TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB15] | 06/26/19
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FEATURE
Small businesses rely on credit access
chief lending officer at First Columbia Bank and Trust Company. “It all depends upon Credit isn’t something the strength of the borrower. I small business owners should would not say credit is tighter fear, according to Elaine Woodor easier.” land, president and CEO, First Page said in a community Keystone Community Bank. bank environment they don’t “Small businesses are the “open or close the credit valve.” backbone of our communi“We look at each borrower Page ties,” Woodland said. “The request on its own,” he said. “If Woodland money we loan allows them to it makes sense and we can beeither expand or grow. It helps come comfortable with the request, we move forward.” employment and it helps the economy.” He said in some cases, people may use credit cards Asking questions isn’t something to fear, either. to start a small business – things such as a home “In many cases, small businesses are a little less improvement business or landscaping – however that’s sophisticated,” Woodland said. “When they walk in always not the best option. the door, they often aren’t sure what they need or what “Credit cards typically will have much higher rates information the bank will need.” of interest while not providing access to larger sums Woodland said the bank has a commercial lending of capital for bigger needs,” he said. “Banks are able to team that is geared toward lending businesses money. make loans of various sizes – from very small to multiThey will often need projections as well as other finan- millions of dollars.” cial information to help secure the loan. Regardless He also said they have access to government loan of the type of businesses seeking financial help, they programs that can provide additional flexibility. look at the ability of the business to repay and then the Page said some businesses like to “think big,” but personal financial strains of the owner and the people then quickly realize they may have to scale back their behind the business. She said a good personal credit ideas. score is helpful. “If they borrow more money than they need, that “If we have a business owner who comes in and we can create an issue in being able to pay it back,” he feel they have too much risk, our lenders will give them said. “If they grow too fast and don’t have access to advice to help them make it better the next time they working capital to fund that growth, that can be an come in,” she said. issue as well.” A good economy might be a sign banks – both Page said business owners typically use credit big and small – are lending. The latest figures from for just about anything – including buying equipment, the Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index show property and inventory as well as paying bills and taxes. loan approvals by big banks are at 27.5 percent; that’s “The list can go on,” he said. an all-time high. Nearly half of all loans being sought “Our doors are open,” said Woodland. “We’re a through small banks are also being granted, according community bank, and while many banks are looking to the same survey. for the big loans and the bigger bang for the buck, we “Access to credit is the same as it has been for handle loans from $12,000 to $12 million. We have years,” said Paul Page, executive vice-president and money to lend.”
EDUCATION
Keystone, LCCC sign articulation agreement
by Phil Yacuboski
Submitted photo
Keystone College and Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) signed an articulation agreement enabling LCCC early childhood education graduates to seamlessly transfer to Keystone. Under the agreement, LCCC students who graduate with an associate degree in applied science, early childhood education and meet transfer requirements will be guaranteed admission into Keystone’s bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education and teaching: child and family studies. Students will be able to complete their bachelor’s degrees within four regular semesters. From left, first row: Fran Langan, Keystone College vice president of institutional advancement; Karen Yarrish, Keystone College interim provost and vice president of academic affairs; Tracy Brundage, Keystone College president; Thomas P. Leary, LCCC president; Cheryl Lesser, LCCC vice president of academic affairs; and Rosana Reyes, LCCC vice president of enrollment management and student development. Second row: Heather Shanks-McElroy, Keystone College professor and coordinator of undergraduate and graduate programs in education; Kate Zielinski, LCCC associate professor of social science/history; Janis Wilson Seeley, LCCC professor and chair of social science/history.
Misericordia students compete in case study
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A team of students from Misericordia University recently competed in the Mount St. Mary’s University (MSMU) Business Ethics Case Competition in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The BB&T Center for the Study of the Moral Foundations of Capitalism at MSMU sponsored the annual event, which expands dialogue on business ethics to other colleges and universities. From left: Veronica Venit, a junior, Swedesboro, N.J.; Edward Okeke, a senior, New City, N.Y.; John N. Mellon, mentor and associate professor of business, Drums; Keith Eppinger, a senior, Staten Island, N.Y.; Jayme DeMedio, a junior, Collegeville, and Tara Welliver, a senior, Towanda.
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FEATURE
A fruitful century Greg and Andrea Heller know running a successful apple orchard and fruit farm takes hard work, a willingness to evolve and expand offerings and loyal customers. Without that combination, it’s unlikely Heller’s Orchards in Wapwallopen would be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Greg Heller, who is the sixth generation on his family’s farm and the third generation of the Heller family growing fruit, grew up with farming in his blood and the smell of apples wafting through the air. He began operating a forklift at the young age of 9. By age 12, he was spraying trees for his dad on a Massey Ferguson tractor. At the age of 16, he started making cider, pruning trees and planting them by hand. By the age of 20, he built a pole shed, painted the old barn several times, replaced the cider press, installed drip irrigation, installed a restroom and an office, planted a pear orchard and planted/re-planted different varieties of apples. By the age of 35, amongst countless jobs, he planted a peach orchard and built a packing house. The Hellers were honored when Sen. Lisa Baker and Reps. Gerald Mullery and Eddie Day Pashinski stopped by the orchard recently to take a tour, learn more about its history and find out how the business operates. Baker, R-20th, called the Heller Family and the farm and orchard that bears their name, “cornerstones of the community” that “have helped to put Wapwallopen on the apple lovers’ map.” Andrea Heller gave credit to her husband, saying he “has an endless passion for farming.” Her husband credited something else. “We have been growing fruit successfully for 100 years. The one word that comes to mind is ‘dedication.’ I have dedicated my entire life to this orchard, and my mother has dedicated over 50 years of her life to growing the business,” Greg Heller said. The farm’s market has been run by Ruth Heller for four decades. She said those who stop in, whether for the first time or the 51st time, are more than customers. “They are my friends,” she said. Mullery, D-119th, noted how important small family farms still are for rural America, but believes just being a small farm doesn’t equate to success. “The quality of fruit and the values the Heller family has is what makes them so successful in the fruit growing business,” Mullery said. Tarah Toohil, R-116th, whose district is home to
the orchard, praised the family for their accomplishment and the product. “Congratulations to the Heller family on a century of contributing to the success of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and for producing some of the best-tasting apples anywhere,” Toohil said. Seventeen varieties of apples and five varieties of pears grow at the orchard. In addition, peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries are also grown and sold by the Hellers. The 50-acre apple orchard and fruit farm has been a staple near the North Branch of the Susquehanna River and draws in visitors year round to buy fruit, baked goods, eggs and cider. In addition, the property hosts peach and apple festivals annually. Founded by Hoyt Heller in 1919, the orchard began on just 20 acres of land. Hoyt’s son Quentin traveled to England in 1954 where he learned that dwarf trees allowed farmers to produce more fruit while using less land. He returned to the states with the trees and became one of the first apple growers in Pennsylvania to pioneer dwarf apple tree nurseries. He and his father cleared additional land to be used for the orchards and expanded the operation to 35 acres. Greg added another 15 acres and, along with his wife Andrea, has grown wholesale operations. Their fruits are now sold at Wegmans, Gerrity’s and Mountain Fresh supermarkets. — The office of Sen. LiSa Baker
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Crates of Stayman Winesap apples ready to be Sen. Lisa Baker and Reps. Jerry Mullery and Eddie Day Pashinki chat with Greg Heller in the orchards of his family fruit farm. sold at Heller Orchard in Wapwallopen.
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State legislators presented the Heller family with Senate and House citations marking the orchard’s 100th anniversary. They gathered for the photo inside the 1857 Farm House in Conyngham Township where six generations of Hellers have lived and farmed. First row, from left: Riley Heller, Pete the dog, Sen. Lisa Baker, Quentin Heller, Rep. Jerry Mullery and Kayden Kratz. Second row: Greg Heller, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Ruth Heller and Andrea Heller.
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BUSINESS BRIEFS Health system makes donation Commonwealth Health was a key corporate sponsor of the American Heart Association with a $30,000 donation. Commonwealth Health was proud to hold the Chairman position at the Heart Walk, Pacemaker level at the Heart Ball and Presenting sponsor at the Go Red for Women Luncheon this year. Robert Stiekes, chief operating officer at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, led the 2019 AHA Heart Walk. Commonwealth Health employees raised an additional $21,988 in donations for the Heart Walk. Poconos lodge receives rating AAA North Penn recently presented Skytop Lodge with its third Four Diamond plaque. The lodge has maintained the prestigious rating consecutively since 2017. Nestled in the heart of the Poconos, Skytop Lodge is part of a select group of establishments within North America. Currently, just 1,722 hotels hold the AAA Four Diamond Rating. Bank makes Heart Month donation Mid Penn Bank and the Peyton Walker Foundation announced the creation of a new lifesaving initiative to combat sudden cardiac arrest, one of the leading causes of death among Americans. Through the foundation, Mid Penn will invest in training and certification of its employees in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the use of automated external defibrillators and first aid. The program will launch in June. The Dime Bank honored by United Way The Dime Bank was recently recognized in two categories for the 2018-19 campaign year at the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne counties Celebration of Caring breakfast event. The Dime Bank received the Platinum Hand Award for its corporate giving and an Award of Excellence for its employee giving in recognition of its commitment to the people of the community. Colleges sign agreement Kutztown University and Lackawanna College signed a five-year transfer and articulation agreement May 13 to facilitate the transfer of Lackawanna College students to Kutztown University. Under this transfer and articulation agreement, Lackawanna College students who submit letters of intent to enter Kutztown University before the completion of 30 transferable credit hours will be guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program. Cancer institute recognizes company Northeast Regional Cancer Institute recently recognized One Point Inc. for its contributions to the Cancer Institute’s annual colon cancer awareness campaign, CASUAL (Colon cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day. CASUAL Day is an awareness campaign about the importance of early detection and screening for colon cancer. One Point has been a partner with the cancer institute since 2004. Law office opens new location McAndrews Law Offices is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Northeast Pennsylvania office by opening a new expanded office at 2 W. Olive St., Scranton. The new location will provide an even more accessible option for the firm’s regional and surrounding area clients. Geisinger receives recognition Geisinger was named among the winners of the Employer
of Excellence Awards during the AAPA Conference 2019 in Denver by the American Academy of PA’s Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management. The award program is designed to showcase organizations that have created and maintain an environment in which physician assistants can provide the best care for their patients and are afforded opportunities for professional growth and leadership. Head Start programs honored Five Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency Early Learning Programs successfully attained implementation recognition of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support with fidelity for Tier 1 from the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Network. Elk Lake Head Start, Dunmore Head Start, Mid Valley Early Head Start, Moosic Head Start and North Pocono Pre-K Counts staff participated in a day of recognition at the Pennsylvania PBS Implementer’s Forum in Hershey, where honored programs from around the state were recognized. SLHDA operates Head Start programs in four area counties and serves nearly 1,600 youngsters. Bank participates in annual event Wayne Bank employees recently participated in the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s 16th annual CASUAL Day on March 28. Participants wore a specially designed pin and/or custom T-shirt, while dressing casually for the day. CASUAL Day stands for “Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives” and is organized by the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute to raise awareness for colorectal cancer in Northeast Pennsylvania and teach the importance of screening and early detection. All of the funds raised for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute through CASUAL Day stay in Northeast Pennsylvania to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured and underinsured individuals. Health system recognized Geisinger has been recognized for its commitment to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce with a place on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Governor’s Employer Honor Roll. Gov. Tom Wolf presented the award during the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s annual conference earlier this month. Geisinger was nominated by the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation and the Employment Advancement and Retention Network. The award recognizes Geisinger’s ongoing collaboration with the EARN program, which assists low-income individuals who face serious barriers in gaining and maintaining employment. Geisinger was also recognized for its efforts to understand and assist with the challenges faced by EARN participants in finding and maintaining employment, including reliable transportation. Training company raises cancer funds Body Blueprint, a local personal training company in Clarks Summit, raised $1,000 for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. They hosted a 28 Day Ab Challenge for their members and nonmembers. A nominal fee was required to participate in the challenge, and videos were posted to a private Facebook group with each daily workout. Christie Estadt, head trainer and owner, came up with the idea for the fundraiser. One of her staff trainers, Susan Burke, is a colon cancer survivor and is a team captain for the Cancer Institute’s annual colon cancer awareness campaign, CASUAL Day.
Grant helps with program expansion ON Semiconductor recently presented Misericordia University with a $25,000 grant to expand opportunities for primary, secondary and higher education students to study and understand water quality and the impact it has on organisms and the ecosystem. The grant will enable Misericordia University to purchase a portable YSI ProDSS Multiparameter water quality meter and related equipment to expand upon the joint STEM program, “The Language of Water: A Forest-to-Classroom First,’’ which was established in 2018 with the Lehman Sanctuary in Lehman Twp. The university installed telemetry equipment at the 17-acre wetlands site that contains old forest, natural meadows and prime wildlife habitat. Investment aids region development Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pa.’s board of directors has approved the investment of $488,400 in support of regional economic development. Clients are early-stage, technology-based firms and established manufacturers in BFTP/NEP’s 21-county service area. Investments are identified as continuation projects indicate that the client achieved pre-determined milestones and is receiving more funding to accomplish additional project work. Health system receives designation The Wright Center for Community Health has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The designation is a result of the organization’s pursuit of and commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, safetynet health care services in Northeast Pennsylvania. This designation will bring significant federal resources into the region through appropriate reimbursement rates and enable more of the area’s patients and families to access high-quality health care. Wilkes to enhance athletic complex Wilkes University will invest nearly $8 million in new
athletic fields at Ralston Athletic Complex. The project includes a multipurpose turf field that will be used for men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse and women’s field hockey. It also includes a new turf baseball field. Due to a leadership gift from Wilkes alumnus Robert Bruggeworth ’83, the new fields will be named Bruggeworth Field at Ralston Athletic Complex. The project will transform the complex for student athletes and improve the fan experience. Enhancements also include two press boxes, two spectator areas and a scoreboard. In the future, new lighting, expanded parking and enhanced pedestrian walkways will complete the multi-year initiative. Annual contracting showcase held The NEPA Alliance held its annual Procurement Technical Assistance Center Government Contracting Showcase on May 30 at Genetti Hotel & Conference Center, WilkesBarre. The event was well attended with registrations and walk-ins totaling more than 125 individuals and 20 exhibitors. Jeffrey Box is the president and CEO of the organization. State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski served as morning keynote speaker and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright served as the luncheon keynote speaker. Colleges ink transfer deal Wilkes University and Northampton Community College have entered into a new articulation agreement that will help Northampton graduates transfer to Wilkes to complete their bachelor’s degree. Under the new agreement, students who earn an associate degree in early childhood education from Northampton can transfer into the Wilkes bachelor’s degree in elementary and early childhood education as a junior. It formalizes the relationship between the institutions, streamlining the admission process for interested students. As part of the agreement, 60 credits earned at Northampton may be applied toward the bachelor’s degree at Wilkes.
SUBMIT BUSINESS BRIEFS to business@ timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.
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The Wright Center receives designation
LOCAL
Wayne Bank supports Honesdale Communities That Care
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The Wright Center for Community Health has been designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQLA) by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This designation is a result of the organization’s pursuit of and commitment to providing high-quality, accessible, safety-net healthcare services in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Executive Leadership team members, from left: Suzanne Fletcher, CPA, chief financial officer, The Wright Center for Community Health; Jennifer Walsh, Esq., senior vice president and general counsel, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, CEO, The Wright Center for Community Health; Jignesh Sheth, MD, chief medical officer, The Wright Center for Community Health.
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Honesdale Communities That Care Executive Director, Richard Palazzo, accepted a check in the amount of $10,000 from Lewis J Critelli, president and chief executive officer of Wayne Bank. Pictured are: Critelli; Debi McDonald, assistant director, Honesdale Communities That Care; Richard Palazzo, executive director, Honesdale Communities That Care; and children of Honesdale Communities That Care.
PERSONNEL FILE ALLIED SERVICES
Ashley Reedy, PT, DPT, clinic manager, Dunmore Rehab Center, recently became C2 Level Certified in the Schroth-Barcelona Method of scoliosis treatment, qualifying her to treat children, adolescents and adults with the condition. The goal of Schroth exercises is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine REEDY in a three-dimensional plane to achieve a more natural position. The Schroth Method is a personalized physical therapy regime that can only be directed and supervised by a Schroth-certified physical therapist. Reedy also attended McKenzie Parts A, B, and C as well as Mulligan concept courses to help better evaluate and treat lumbar and cervical patients. Cari L. Sakosky, MSN, CRNP joined as a new palliative care nurse practitioner at the Hospice and Palliative Care. She brings with her 10 years of experience in nursing, with three years of experience as a nurse practitioner. She graduated from Misericordia University, with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, followed by her Master of Science in nursing and family nurse practitioner certification from Penn State University.
BARRY ISETT & ASSOCIATES INC.
Mark Katchur of Freeland joined the marketing department as the northeast regional marketing manager. He has
KATCHUR
more than 20 years of experience in communications with 15 years dedicated to the newsroom. He was formerly managing editor of the Hazleton StandardSpeaker. Katchur is a graduate of Wilkes University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in history.
CHAMBER OF THE NORTHERN POCONOS
The organization hired three new staff members: Lisa Burns has been brought on as the vice president of outreach. She brings more than 20 years of experience in business, volunteer outreach and coordinating events with local business owners. She will oversee increasing online awareness, events, BURNS professional development and volunteer recruitment. Burns will be visible and available to the businesses in the Northern Pocono Region of Wayne and Pike counties. Cassie Blume has joined the team in the administrative assistant position. In the time in which she has been with the organization, she has developed a relationship with the members BLUME who have met her, developed new procedures and became a crucial part of the team. Holly Przasnyski has accepted the position of the communications coordinator. She comes with a wide variety of experience, which will help to bring new
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insight into this role and allow the chamber to offer higher levels of media promotions to members and the community. She has already increased visibility and awareness of both the chamber and its members through social media platforms and press releases and will be working to grow this even further in order to offer greater awareness of business in Wayne and Pike counties.
PRZASNYSKI
CIGNA
The global health service company has named Dr. Laura Reich as market medical executive for the Liberty Valley Market, which covers Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware and West Virginia. REICH A board-certified internist and certified in vascular medicine, Reich comes to the role after eight years with Cigna-HealthSpring, where she held multiple senior leadership positions, the most recent being senior medical director of the National Quality Program. In her new role, she will provide medical leadership and clinical guidance with a special focus on physician and hospital system collaboration, network development, client growth and retention, and total medical cost reduction.
COMMONWEALTH HEALTH
Regional Hospital of Scranton honored Physician Educator of the Year John E. Prior, D.O., and Physician
of the Year 2018 Henry C. Yeager, M.D. These awards spotlight physicians who daily represent teamwork, compassion, humanity and professionalism. Douglas S. Coslett, M.D., joined the physician network as he returns to clinical practice. Coslett is a board-certified gynecologist who specializes in women’s health, which includes routine gynecology, menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids and menopausal symptoms. He is a specialist in the area of pelvic floor disorders, such as dropped uterus or bladder and urinary leakage or incontinence. Coslett’s office is located in Suite 111 at 672 S. River St., Plains Twp. He is a medical staff member of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
PRIOR
YEAGER
FIDELITY BANK
The bank announced attorney Lori Barrett has been named trust officer. In addition, two staff members have been promoted. Jamie Dempsey has been named mortgage consultant, and Lauren Luongo has been
COSLETT
Please see Personnel, Page 21
PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 20 named business banking relationship manager. All three play important roles in serving bank clients and the greater Scranton community. As a member of the trust department, Barrett specializes in trust administration, business development, estate planning and support, and investment management. She formerly practiced law in the BARRETT Scranton area for 20 years, representing clients in a variety of legal matters. She is a member of the board of directors of the Lackawanna Bar Association and an active volunteer with Lackawanna Pro Bono Inc. As business banking relationship manager, Luongo, a resident of Roaring Brook DEMPSEY Twp., offers clients her professional expertise in matters of deposits, treasury, credit and a variety of financial services. Skilled in client relations, Luongo’s career with the bank began in 2012 when she joined the staff as a customer care center specialist. Most recently, she was a credit analyst. She is a member of Scranton Young Professionals and the LUONGO Women in Business program hosted by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. As a mortgage consultant, Dempsey guides clients through the mortgage or refinancing process. Dempsey joined the bank team in 2016 as a mortgage underwriter. In this role, he gained valuable experience in client relations, and a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of the mortgage process, including underwriting, closing and post-closing procedures, and essential rules and regulations of the lending industry.
FNCB BANK
The locally based bank recently recognized 23 employees with 10 or more years of service during a luncheon at Glenmaura Country Club, Moosic. The following employees were honored at the event: Madolyn “Midge” MacArthur, retail banking, 30 years of service; Dawn Gronski, human resources; Walter Jurgiewicz, technology services; Nadine Limongelli, retail banking; Maria Lombardi, retail lending; and Marsha Matthews, deposit operations, 20 years of service; Sandra Brandmier, retail banking; Cheryl Carter, human resources; Jeanette Colarusso, retail banking; Lisa Hettes, information technology and operations; Katie King, human resources; and Lori Quinn, retail lending, 15 years of service; and Jack Costanzi, loan operations; Christina Evans, retail banking; Katiemae Goryl, retail banking; Christina Koval, deposit operations; Bernadine Lello, retail banking; Kathy Martino, customer care center; Joseph Moffitt, commercial; Lori Sabia, loan operations; Heather Schramm, commercial; Theresa Verdine, deposit operations; and Dana Warholic, audit, 10 years of service.
FOLEY LAW FIRM
Attorney Michael J. Foley recently lectured at the
National Business Institute seminar in Wilkes-Barre titled “Workers’ Compensation from A to Z.” Foley presented a paper on the “Constitutionality of Impairment Rating Evaluations,” teaching lawyers how best to challenge the constitutionality of impairment rating evaluations. He also lectured at the American Association of FOLEY Justice National Webinar on discovery involving electronic health records. Foley lectured on the topic “Discoverability of Audit Trails: Fighting Litigation Games.” Longnamed to Best Lawyers in America, he was named as Best Lawyers of America 2017 Lawyer of the Year in Northeast Pennsylvania in medical malpractice.
GEISINGER COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Jennifer M. Boardman, Ph.D., assistant dean for graduate academic affairs and associate professor, microbiology/immunology, was named an Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine fellow for the 2019-20 academic year. Acceptance into ELAM is determined through an annual competitive selection process. The ELAM program was specifically developed for senior women faculty at the associate or full professor level who demonstrate the BOARDMAN greatest potential for assuming executive leadership positions in academic medicine within the next five years. The program is based at the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.
GIRL SCOUTS IN THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA
Amanda Hoprich has been appointed regional director of their northeast territory, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. Hoprich will spearhead membership and volunteer growth by showcasing the diverse benefits of Girl Scouting throughout the region. She formerly served as marketing director for a local retail center. She now leads a local team dedicated to delivHOPRICH ering innovative programs — from outdoor adventures like backpacking, orienteering and rock-climbing to handson STEM events — to meet the needs of today’s girls and build the skills of tomorrow’s young leaders.
GREENMAN-PEDERSEN INC.
Matthew Chorba, PE, PLS, LEED AP, recently received his Professional Land Surveyor license in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Chorba is a senior civil engineer/surveyor at the Scranton branch and has been with the company since 2006. He is a 2005 graduate of Drexel University with a B.S. in architectural
and civil engineering and is also a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania.
HONESDALE NATIONAL BANK
Rita Leet has joined the bank as branch supervisor of the Lakewood Office in Wayne County. As branch supervisor, Leet administers the operation of the bank’s office. In addition to offering a variety of deposit products and services, she is charged with promoting the growth and profitability of her branch and the institution and providing consumer, mortgage, smallbusiness and other loans. She began her career in banking in 2006 and gained experience as a teller, customer service LEET representative, personal banking representative and assistant branch manager before joining the bank in January.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTHEASTERN PA. INC.
Ginny Crake was recently appointed president of the organization. Most recently, Crake served as vice president for resource development for the United Way of Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre. Crake has extensive experience in nonprofit management. As president, she plans to expand programs to the school districts in the 13-county coverage area, including Columbia and Montour. In addition to recruiting volunteers to educate students in their home classrooms, the CRAKE organization is one of only a few such facilities in Pennsylvania, where students spend the day working in a career within in a simulated economy, offering insight on what a day in “real life” feels like.
KING’S COLLEGE
Athletic Training faculty members, the dean of the college’s Health Science division, and a senior AT student have been selected to present at the 70th annual National Athletic Trainers Association Clinical Symposia and AT Expo this summer. Dr. Christopher O’Brien, LAT, ATC, dean of health sciences, will present “Charting Athletic Training’s Future-Perspectives from the Academy”; Dr. Gregory O’BRIEN Janik, DAT, LAT, ATC, clinical professor and director of athletic training services, will present “Describing Sport-related Genitourinary Injuries in Males Reporting to Emergency Departments: A National Electronic Injury Surveillance System”; Dr. Timothy Kulpa, DAT, LAT, ATC, CES, clinical professor and athletic trainer, will present “The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on JANIK
Post-Concussion Symptoms in Patients with Persistent Symptoms: A Critically Appraised Topic”; and Dr. David Marchetti, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS, associate clinical professor and athletic trainer, will present “Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Quality of Life.” Senior Athletic Training student Thomas Hoskins will present his case study, “MorelKULPA Lavallee Lesion at the Knee in a 19-Year-Old Collegiate Football Athlete.” Janik and Marchetti will also present at the NATA State Association Advisory Committee’s 2019 State Leadership Forum, which will take place just prior to the start of the convention. Janik was recently elected to serve as a Division 4 memMARCHETTI ber of the NATA State Associate Advisory Committee. This year’s NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo focuses on the themes of Performing Arts, Care Across the Lifespan and Manual Therapy. The event takes place in June in Las Vegas.
MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY
LoriAnn F. Gorrick Pajalich, DNP, MS, APRN, CNS, GCNS-BC, assistant professor in the nursing department, recently had her article, “Collaboration in Healthcare Delivery Interprofessional,” published in the Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice. This is Gorrick Pajalich’s third published article. Her research interests include geriatrics, reduction of falls and increased safety awareness in older adult populations and improvement of transitions from academia to practice for nursing students. The Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice is a quarterly online-only journal that provides innovative ideas for interprofessional educators and practitioners through peer-reviewed articles and reports.
PENN STATE SCRANTON
Penn State Scranton recently welcomed nine new community leaders to its Advisory Board for 20182019. The new members are: Anthony Aquilina, DO, MBA, regional president of Geisinger Northeast; Robert F. Beard, executive vice president of natural gas for UGI Corp. and president and CEO of UGI Utilities Inc.; Lisa Durkin, president and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers and United Neighborhood Community Development Corp.; Jason Kavulich, director of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging; Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., superintendent of the Scranton School District; AQUILINA Michael Mahon, Ph.D., MBA, superintendent of the Abington Heights School District; Judge Julia K. Munley, Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas; James D. Tates, MBA, president and CEO of United Gilsonite Laboratories; and Dave Tomassoni, Please see Personnel, Page 22
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PERSONNEL FILE
FROM PAGE 21 sales director at PacketFabric. The appointees bring to the board a wealth of knowledge and experience in a variety of fields. Aquilina oversees Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Marworth Alcohol & Chemical Dependency Treatment Center. As regional president, he is responsible BEARD for strategic growth and planning, clinical care, operational efficiency and financial success for Geisinger delivery systems across the Northeast region. A board-certified family practitioner and geriatrician, Aquilina has practiced primary care medicine with Geisinger Health System since 1993. He resides in Mountain Top. As executive vice president of natural gas for UGI, Beard is responsible for the company’s natural gas businesses, including utility, midstream and marketing operations. As president and CEO of UGI Utilities Inc., he oversees Pennsylvania’s largest gas utility pipeline system, which has over 12,000 miles of pipeline and approximately 700,000 customers in 45 counties. Prior to joining UGI, he was vice president of operations and engineering of PPL Gas Utilities Corp. A resident of Quarryville, Beard is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Durkin became president and CEO of UNC in February. Durkin began her career at UNC in 1998 as a housing counselor. Upon becoming COO in 2010, she developed the education and community health departments within the agency. She has been actively involved in a number of community initiatives, including the Housing Coalition of Lackawanna County, Women in Philanthropy and the PROSPER team. In 2016, she completed the Achieving Excellence in Executive Education program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Durkin resides in Carbondale. Kavulich has 19 years of DURKIN experience within the human services field. He advanced from caseworker to supervisory and administrative positions within the Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services before becoming director of the Area Agency on Aging. His areas of expertise include combating food insecurity, homelessness and connecting people to cultural opportunities for a holistic approach to well-being. He serves as a board member for the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Kavulich is a lifelong resident of Scranton. Kirijan, the first female superintendent of the Scranton School District, is responsible for educating more than 10,000 students and leading 1,200 employees. There, she developed the Scranton One concept, a five-year plan to improve the education of all district students and bring the district back to financial solvency. In addition KIRIJAN to her education credentials,
Kirijan is a certified strategist in the Balanced Scorecard Strategy Management System and a certified Total Quality Leader. Kirijan resides in South Abington Twp. Since Mahon, a Clarks Summit resident, became district superintendent in 2004, Abington Heights has been selected by the Pennsylvania General Assembly as one of the state’s most efficient districts and been recognized by nationally affiliated publications and organizations. In 2018, the district was named one of the Top 50 districts in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report. Mahon is a member of the Scranton School District Financial Recovery Advisory Committee, the College Board Pennsylvania Superintendent Advisory and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Board of MAHON Governors. Munley was nominated by Gov. Tom Wolf to a vacancy on the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas in June 2016. From there, she was unanimously appointed by the Pennsylvania Senate. In November 2017, she was elected to a 10-year term on the Court of Common Pleas. Previously, she was a trial attorney with Munley Law in Scranton. She was certified in civil trial and pretrial advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and obtained the highest peer review rating with Martindale Hubbell. She resides in South Abington Twp. Before Tates became MUNLEY president and CEO of UGL, a specialty paint and coatings company headquartered in Dunmore, he was region president of U.S. West and Latin America for the Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. A Penn State Scranton scholarship donor through UGL Corporate, Tates is a board member for the American Coatings Association and the Coatings Research Group, and he serves as a mentor with the COMMIT Foundation. He is a past member of the Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises. Tates resides in Waverly TATES Twp. Tomassoni began a career in technology sales. He recently joined PacketFabric, a next-generation, softwaredefined network start-up based in Culver City, California. The company provides data center network and cloud connectivity, and is currently in Class B Series funding. Prior to joining PacketFabric, Tomassoni worked for MCI, Epix and Choice One Communications. At the latter company, he eventually rose to the position of national account TOMASSONI director.
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Tomassoni resides in Archbald.
MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY
Hannarae Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor in the social science department and director of the criminal justice program, recently co-authored a research article in ScienceDirect titled, “Social-ecological correlates of cyberbullying victimization and perpetration among African American youth: Negative binomial and zero-inflated negative binomial analyses.” Lee is also an associate editor of an article in the International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime titled, “Awareness and Perception of Cybercrimes and Cybercriminals.” Her research focuses on corporate sentencing, corporate cyber-security, mail and wire fraud, interpersonal cybercrime and social media data mining.
LEE
HAYDT
MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY
The university recently awarded promotions to six members of the faculty. Those named to full professor are Richard “Woody” Haydt P.T., D.P.T., O.C.S., M.T.C., F.A.A.O.M.P.T., physical therapy; Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., C.C.C.-S.L.P., speechlanguage pathology; Melanie Shepherd, Ph.D., philosophy; Amy Tremback-Ball, P.T., Ph.D., physical therapy, and Cosima Wiese, Ph.D., biology. In addition, Matthew Nickel, Ph.D., was named associate professor of English. A resident of Mountain Top, Haydt is a licensed physical therapist and is board certified in orthopedics by the American Physical Therapy Association. In addition, he is a Fellow of American Academy Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He joined the faculty in 2007. A clinical physical therapist for more than 30 years, Haydt has authored numerous articles, and published a chapter on the geriatric spine in the book, “Geriatric Rehabilitation Manual for Physical Therapists.” He has also presented at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meetings in Louisiana, Utah, California, Texas and Washington, D.C. Scaler Scott is a licensed speech-language patholo-
SCALER SCOTT
SHEPHERD
WIESE
TREMBACKBALL
gist who specializes in child language disorders, literacy, autism spectrum disorders and fluency disorders. A practicing clinician for more than 25 years, she has presented numerous papers nationally and internationally in the areas of social communication disorders, literacy and fluency disorders. An area of specialty, NICKEL she has published two books on cluttering: “Managing Cluttering: A Comprehensive Guidebook of Activities” and “Cluttering: A Handbook of Research, Intervention and Education,” both with David Ward, Ph.D. She most recently published the book, “Fluency Plus: Managing Fluency Disorders in Individuals with Multiple Diagnoses.” A resident of Kingston, Shepherd is chair of the Department of Philosophy and been a member of the faculty since 2008. Her areas of specialization are the history of philosophy and 19th and 20th century continental philosophy. She teaches a variety of classes, including social/political philosophy, philosophy and literature, and 19th century philosophy. Her recent work on German philosopher and essayist Friedrich Nietzsche has appeared in the British Journal for the History of Philosophy, and History of European Ideas. Another article is forthcoming this spring in the Journal of Nietzsche Studies. A Misericordia alumna, Tremback-Ball is a resident of Jermyn and joined the faculty in 1999. She is a licensed physical therapist who has presented at state, national and international physical therapy, education and medical conferences. She has published numerous articles in a variety of journals, such as the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy and the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine. She presented her scholarly research at the World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, this month, and will be working with and studying elite female triathletes at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in the fall. Wiese, a resident of Blakeslee, has been a faculty member since 2001. Her research focuses on the effects of environmental stresses on plants and how plants respond to stress conditions, particularly to stressors derived from human activities. Her current research seeks to evaluate the impacts of heavy metal pollution on the aquatic plant duckweed. She has presented at dozens of national and international conferences, including the American Society of Plant Biologists meeting in Montreal, Canada, and has served as a visiting scholar in the Cell and Molecular Sciences Group of the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie, Scotland. Nickel has dedicated much of his career to the study of author Ernest Hemingway. His expertise was recognized when he was selected to co-direct the Hemingway Society’s 2018 biennial conference in Paris. Most recently, he was named to the board of directors of the Hemingway Society, which has nearly 1,000 members dedicated to advancing scholarship related to the late author. Nickel’s doctoral thesis examined the influence of Catholicism on Hemingway’s life. It is the focus of his 2013 book, “Hemingway’s Dark Night: Catholic Influences and Intertextualities in the Work of Ernest Hemingway.” The Dallas resident joined the faculty in 2013. Please see Personnel, Page 23
PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 22
her career on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
MORGAN STANLEY
Richard J. Hazzouri, a senior vice president, financial adviser in the firm’s Wilkes-Barre Wealth Management office, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s 2019 list of America’s Best-in-State Wealth Advisors. Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list comprises a select group of individuals who have a minimum of seven years of industry experience. The ranking, developed by Forbes’ partner SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors and weighing factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews.
PS BANK
William Joseph, senior vice president and senior lender, has been selected to receive the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh’s Council Award for community investment. This award is the Federal Home Loan Bank’s highest individual honor and is presented to an outstanding financial service professional JOSEPH who demonstrates exemplary commitment to their profession and service to their community. The bank was established in 1914 and operates branch locations throughout Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and Lackawanna counties.
UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
Julie A. Nastasi, Sc.D., O.T.D., assistant professor of occupational therapy, was named the 2019 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year. The award, formally known as the Gannon Award for Teaching in honor of Edward Gannon, S.J., is the oldest teaching award at the university. Nastasi, who specializes in low vision rehabilitation, serves as director of low vision therapy for the university’s Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured. Through a program she helped to establish, Nastasi, along with her occupational therapy students, offer NASTASI services through the free clinic that are designed to help those with low vision remain independent.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Diane Delaney-Whaley of Broadway, North Carolina, was selected for a three-month English Language Specialist project focusing on training the faculty in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. Delaney-Whaley is part of an elite group, one of approximately 60 U.S. citizens each year selected to serve on an English Language Specialist assignment. DelaneyWhaley, a Wilkes-Barre native, has previously served as an English Language Specialist in Egypt, Brazil, and Uruguay and is returning to Azerbaijan for the DELANEYsecond time. She spent most of
WHALEY
WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL/HEALTH SYSTEM
Patricia Dunsinger, a resident of Honesdale, has been appointed to the position of chief financial officer after more than two decades of steadily increasing duties in Wayne Memorial Hospital’s business office. She was appointed shortly after Mike Clifford retired from the CFO position after more than 40 years at Wayne Memorial. Dunsinger served as chief accountant for Wayne Memorial before her promotion. In addition to the chief accountant role for eight years from 2007-2015, she served a dual role as the contracted CFO for the health DUNSINGER system. She formerly worked in public accounting where she focused on health care, governmental and nonprofit auditing.
WAYNE MEMORIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Rachel Galati joined the staff of Honesdale Surgical Associates. The practice offers general and bariatric surgery at Wayne Memorial Hospital. In her role, Galati is responsible for pre- and-post-operative patient care. She conducts inpatient rounding as well as performs various inpatient and outpatient procedures. Additionally, she provides wound care evaluation and treatment at Wayne Memorial Hospital’s Advanced Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center. Galati was most recently employed as a psychiatric nurse GALATI practitioner for Matthew Berger, M.D., in Moosic. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member of Wilkes University’s PMH-Nurse Practitioner Program.
THE WRIGHT CENTER FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH
Richard Shellenberger, MHA, has joined the center as chief operating officer. He is an experienced leader and healthcare professional with more than 20 years of outpatient and multispecialty physician practice expertise, including service line strategic planning and execution, provider recruitment and acquisitions, ancillary services, facility planning and design, and SHELLENBERGER revenue cycle management. He formerly served as the chief executive officer of Integrated Medical Group in Pottsville. A retired Army major, Shellenberger served as an officer in the Army Reserves from 1985 through 2006, and as a logistics/ maintenance officer in Iraq in 2003.
SUBMIT PERSONNEL FILE items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.
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FOR THE RECORD DEEDS
Seller: Davelisa LLC. Amount: $550,000. Jason Woldzarn. Property Location: Olyphant. Seller: Columbia County Patrick Scanlon. Amount: $339,900. David W Dennis. Property Location: Millville. Seller: Ryan Romanaskas. Property Location: Roaring Columbia Wood Industries Inc. Amount: $491,751.20. Brook Twp. Seller: Danie Pane. Amount: $452,580. Stone Financing llC. Property Location: Cleveland John basalyga. Property Location: Roaring Brook Township. Seller: Christine M. and Michael Kemmerer. Twp. Seller: Alberto A Marante. Amount: $765,000. Amount: $333,250. Eugene F Hickey iii. Property Location: Scranton. nabil tabish and minha Javed. Property LocaSeller: Demetrio Madrid. Amount: $265,000. tion: Bloomsburg. Seller: SR Holdlings LLC. Amount: Patrick Douglas Sellers iii. Property Location: $289,900. Scranton. Seller: Anthony Philip Bartocci. Amount: Christopher and Jessica l. Coombs. Property Loca$284,830. tion: Fishingcreek Township. Seller: George and Amber Frank X Hoban tR. Property Location: S. Abington Johnson. Amount: $306,000. Twp. Seller: Victor Kochmer. Amount: $352,500. timothy S and allyson m turner. Property LocaGravel Pond townhouses inc. Property Location: tion: Cleveland Township. Seller: Allen S. Lucia Baruch. S. Abington Twp. Seller: James M.Munley. Amount: Amount: $355,000. $469,975.43. Ryan H maylath. Property Location: Beaver TownJosephine Guzzi Est. Property Location: S. Abington ship. Seller: Anthony J. and Lynn A. Ziller. Amount: Twp. Seller: Christopher Oyede. Amount: $310,000. $335,000. adolf Riedl. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Colin D Klebon and Jordan a. Marks. Property LocaSeller: William T James II. Amount: $265,250. tion: Locust Township. Seller: Nickolas J. and Autumnlea tung K Du. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. G. Rosini. Amount: $305,000. Seller: Sean Massey. Amount: $315,000. Jonathan m and Heather J. Joseph. Property John Schulken. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Location: Scott Township. Seller: Mark W. and Jeanne R. Seller: Jeffrey Montagna. Amount: $544,000. Fitzgerald. Amount: $344,000. Joseph Sebastianelli. Property Location: Throop. Wenger Foods llC. Property Location: Benton TownSeller: Davelisa LLC. Amount: $550,000. ship. Seller: L&K Mills Inc. Amount: $839,899.72. man Kwong Chan. Property Location: Throop. Seller: Klingerman Family lP. Property Location: Mifflin Michael R Klingerman. Amount: $325,000. Township. Seller: Jane L. Breach. Amount: $495,000. Stanley J Karoscik. Property Location: W. Abington Cartus Financial Corporation. Property Location: Twp. Seller: Christa Lucas. Amount: $289,000. Mifflin Township. Seller: Scott and Autumn D.Irwin. James m munley. Property Location: W. Abington Amount: $310,000. Twp. Seller: James Theodore Michel. Amount: $300,000. Frank Dam Zuan and Can ing Seet. Property LocaJoanne Farley. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. tion: Mifflin Township. Seller: Cartus Financial CorporaSeller: Aaron Nivert. Amount: $430,000. tion. Amount: $310,000. Gerald a Gillette. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Seller: Alex J Boccardo. Amount: $400,000. laCKaWanna County Gene E Goldenziel. Property Location: W. Abington D& l Realty Co. Property Location: Dickson City. Twp. Seller: Ankur Shah. Amount: $457,500. Seller: Dickson City Commons LLC. Amount: $1,555,000. Scott D lombardi. Property Location: W. Abington mark D mesko. Property Location: Dunmore. Seller: Twp. Seller: Lawrence Gliniecki. Amount: $264,000. Jose Antonetti. Amount: $285,000. FmP Realty. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Pornipita mukdasatit. Property Location: Dunmore. Seller: Goodfield 515 LLC. Amount: $640,000. Seller: Eric Evans. Amount: $520,000. SF iii Peckville llC. Property Location: W. Abington mary l Green. Property Location: Fell Twp. Seller: Twp. Seller: Core Peckville LLC. Amount: $5,075,000. Lucan Ryan Bordick. Amount: $365,000. Catherine m loughney Est. Property Location: W. Scott burr. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Seller: Abington Twp. Seller: Laureen H Sheypuk. Amount: Cartus Finan Corp. Amount: $453,000. $310,000. Cartus Finan Corp. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. James b Henkelman. Property Location: W. AbingSeller: Edward M Desole. Amount: $453,000. ton Twp. Seller: Frank Marciano. Amount: $372,500. John W Gilhool Jr. Property Location: Greenfield Sb Healy Revocable living trust. Property Location: Twp. Seller: Haley Properties LLC. Amount: $285,000 W. Abington Twp. Seller: John J Scandale. Amount: Syed beyabani. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. $351,703.88. Seller: Eugene Paciotti. Amount: $449,000. matthew Ryan. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Christopher King. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Kyle Andrew Springs. Amount: $442,500. Seller: Kevin Clarke. Amount: $260,000. Kenneth Powell. Property Location: W. Abington leslie lyness. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Twp. Seller: Dionavalli SRI Sandeep Babu. Amount: Pornipita Mukdasatit. Amount: $285,000. $360,000. C Store Development llC. Property Location: Moosic. Seller: Propane Realty Holdings LLC. Amount: luZERnE County $370,000. George thomas yanchuk. Property Location: Dallas, Glenmaura Commons lP. Property Location: Seller: Louis J. Czaja, Amount: $265,000. Moosic. Seller: George Abdalla Amount: $270,000. David lantz. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: Zagorski Family trust. Property Location: Moscow. James J. Gaudino, Amount: $379,700. Seller: Christopher J Tonkin. Amount: $288,040. Darrell J yost. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Daniel R Sandrowicz. Property Location: Moscow. Maria R. Asevedo. Amount: $292,500. Seller: Keith Edward Cawthern. Amount: $408,000. amerco Real Estate Company. Property Location: J Ward Fitzpatrick. Property Location: Newton Twp. Hazle Twp. Seller: Second Pennsylvania Corporation. Seller: Matthew Ryan Walsh. Amount: $369,000. Amount: $550,000. Eric J Wallace. Property Location: Newton Twp. Edward J Cullen. Property Location: Ross Twp. Seller: Sarah D. Stella. Amount: $282,000. Seller: Ray W King. Amount: $279,000. Joseph Sebastianelli. Property Location: Olyphant. 17333 lakeside Drive llC. Property Location:
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Harveys Lake. Seller: Richard C Angelicola. Amount: $450,000. Robin Powell Feerrar. Property Location: Duryea. Seller: Coleman J Dirhan. Amount: $309,000. Robert Winkler. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Prestige Development Group LLC. Amount: $319,000. David C Coles. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Merima Basuljevic. Amount: $277,500. Daniel W block. Property Location: Bear Creek Village. Seller: James C Spagnola. Amount: $350,00. Richard a Greco Jr. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Jeffrey Miller. Amount: $270,000. Chamberson lP. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corp. Amount: $300,000. Kevin Harger-blizzard. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Joseph G Kester. Amount: $269,000. Stell West nanticoke Holdings llC. Property Location: Nanticoke. Seller: John J Stredny. Amount: $333,750. Jonathan Reil. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: George Rinaldi. Amount: $310,000. Sean o tubbs. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Sand Springs Development Corporation. Amount: $344,476. lianne n Glenn. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: James L Bobeck. Amount: $331,000. lianne n Glenn. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: James L Bobeck. Amount: $331,000. leslie t bullock. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Stephanie K Wallace. Amount: $299,000. angelo marscio. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Roy Bartlett. Amount: $277,000. tom yahel. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: Harold S Edmunds. Amount: $250,000. matthew Rettig. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Travis R Daunet. Amount: $272,501. anthony J angelella iii. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Seller: Joseph Chairge Jr. Amount: $250,000. Steven C Wilson. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Kenneth H Tomczyk. Amount: $437,000. Scott C anderson. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Paula A Brookman. Amount: $263,800. madelene Perrelli. Property Location: Slocum Twp. Seller: Christopher Ditroia. Amount: $350,000. Hawkeye Capital Properties llC. Property Location: Luzerne Seller: Fannie Mae. Amount: $359,500.
monRoE County
Zachary Powell and allison Hahn. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Seller: Robert and Jill Howell. Amount: $449,900 bergen Kings llC. Property Location: Tunkhannock, Tobyhanna Twps. Seller: Robert Delese. Amount: $300,000. tadeusz Jandura. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Mark Thomas. Amount: $320,000. 6053 Route 209 llC, JJ Fixl Properties. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: AOA Management Co. LP. Amount: $1,100,000. michael mcDermott. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Gary and Judy Summers. Amount: $307,000. Eduardo navas and annie mendoza. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Miller Family Trust, Eric and Claire Miller Amount: $335,200. teresa tighe-Smith. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Michael Jarzyna Living Trust, Michael and Shelley Jarzyna (trus.). Amount: $430,000. Stewart and barbara abrams. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Carlos Sattler and Elise Felicione.
Amount: $320,000. Dimitry and maria Petrovski. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Linghang Ying. Amount: $355,000. Doug and Carmen Seamster. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: US Bank NA, RMAC Trust Series 2016-CTT, Rushmore Loan Management Services LLC. Amount: $300,000. michael and Christina Wells. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Jung Kim. Amount: $319,900. Ralph and Roxanne odierno, Ralph odierno Jr. Property location: Polk Twp. Seller: Haydt Enterprises Inc. Amount: $317,000. leilannie morrissey. Property Location: Price Twp. Seller: Michael Quigley. Amount: $456,000. thomas anderson. Property Location: Paradise Twp. Seller: ATD Park Slope LLC. Amount: $342,000. Cimarron Po. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Seller: Thomas and Margaret O’Leary. Amount: $349,000. bryan lundberg. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Central Penn Capital Management LLC, Noble Advisors LLC. Amount: $385,000. abundant Properties llC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Harvest Corners Produce & Materials LLC. Amount: $250,000. Sidney mcadams and andrew Charles. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Jordon and Beth Green. Amount: $312,555. tannning & Driving llC. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB D/B/A Christiana Trust. Amount: $310,000. anthony and Christine DiGiovanni. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Robert and Judith Cahill. Amount: $555,000. Jacob and Jennifer Elston. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Bryan Baumgartner, Barry and Maxine Schaffer, Robert and Donna Coleman. Amount: $340,000. Jonathan Powley. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Donald and Heather Bendian. Amount: $324,500. Devin and Kathleen Gallagher. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: David Hunt and Paula Kramer. Amount: $312,000. micar5 Holdings llC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Gary and Katherine Stidham. Amount: $1,200,000. Rana abuhadba. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Carrie Elsayed. Amount: $295,000. Dansbury Properties llC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Seller: Brenda and Frank Hess Jr. Amount: $307,000. Vladimir Volel. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Robert Kepp. Amount: $299,900. Dreher Estates llC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Franklin Mazuk. Amount: $634,500. nepavr llC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Leanid Tsikhinia. Amount: $300,000. austin and Elizabeth Golat. PropertyLlocation: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Amanda and Matthew Zanzalari. Amount: $299,900. James Schoch. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Joel Smith. Amount: $350,000
PiKE County
Warren tschopp Sr. Property Location: Milford. Seller: Warnerville LLC. Amount: $650,000. Warner tschopp. Property Location: Milford. Seller: Warnerville LLC. Amount: $250,000. William C medina (exec.). Property Location: Shohola. Seller: The Evans Family Trust. Amount: $175,000. Please see Record, Page 25
FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 24 Robert W Kingston. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: The Paparella Family Trust. Amount: $175,000. Edward V and Maureen A Collins. Property Location: Liability Co. Palmyra. Seller: Dal 2 Limited. Amount: $1,899,000. Thomas G and Kathleen A Regenski. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Christopher Ferreri and Donna Ferreri. Amount: $450,000. Christopher W and Beth F Simmons. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Richard Bartsch and Kelly J Sciacca. Amount: $252,000. Christopher and Donna Ferreri. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: John and Barba Tomitz. Amount: $425,000. Gary Dosch and Denis Dosch. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Alyssa Marie and Matthew Joseph Reggio. Amount: $250,000 William K Parkins. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Gadi Beer and Beth Gellman-Beer. Amount: $265,000. Stephen B and Marjorie J Bromberg. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Christopher W and Beth F Simmons Sr. Amount: $349,000. R&B Investors LLC. Property Location: Palmyra. Sellers: 2503 Rte. 6 LLC. Amount: $660,000. Robert F and Antoinette M Barnett. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: David Phillips. Amount: $450,000. Clark and Barbara L Gruman. Property Location: Palmyra. Seller: Kyle McNicholas. Amount: $400,000. Arcadi Ezri and Tamara Dikshteyn. Property Location: Lehman. Seller: Brenda R Colclough. Amount: $350,000. Bernardino and Theresa Lombardi. Property Location: Lackawaxen. Seller: Deepak and Ekata Kamdar. Amount: $555,000. Davies W and Ann L Russell. Property Location: Lackawaxen. Seller: Frank and Janet Pepe Jr. Amount: $269,900. John J and F Marie Palladino. Property Location: Lackawaxen. Sellers: Steven E and Elayne J Wertz. Amount: $455,000. Mark J and Lisa M Kropa. Property Location: Greene. Seller: George C and Ashley E Wirth. Amount: $265,000. Najlah F and Michael Hicks. Property Location: Greene. Seller: Robert F and Christine B Vogel. Amount: $450,000. Jared D Piccone and Gurjeet K Bassi. Property Location: Greene. Seller: Michael A and Laurie E Mastrangelo. Amount: $260,000. Paul and Ella Iris Geida. Property Location: Green. Seller: Mary Ann Fritsch. Amount: $270,000. James William Rohner III and Mary Mader. Property Location Dingman. Seller: Daniel and Kelly Wallace. Amount: $350,000. Thomas and Mary Ellen McGowan. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Richard J and Jayne M Wester. Amount: $265,000. Joshua A and Casey Butler. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Joaquim Fidalgo. Amount: $275,000. Carmen Castellano. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Nickolas J and Jennifer R Huss. Amount: $345,000. Ernest J and Mary A Harnett. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Chia-Hsueh Wang. Amount: $357,500. David and Amy S Garrison. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Eric and Louisa Havermann. Amount: $449,000. Jesse Tashlik. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Jeremy R and Amanda Marie Dumont. Amount: $259,000. Deborah Cassidy. Property Location: Dingman.
Seller: John T and Daia H Flynn. Amount: $349,000. Investco Properties LLC. Property Location: Dingman. Seller: Timothy and Alyson Navitsky. Amount: $267,000. Bryan J and Carolyn M White. Property location: Delaware. Seller: Martin J and Rosemary Hernon. Amount: $312,500. Louise Eppel. Property Location: Delaware. Seller: Michael F Tyrrell. Amount: $310,000. Alison Curtin (ecec) Anna M Curtin Est. Property Lcoation: Bloomign Grove. Seller: John Fisher and Elizabeth Fisher. Amount: $500,000. Sergei and Natalie Mikheyev. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Seller: Derek Power and Patricia Power. Amount: $289,000. Aikolai USA One LLC. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Seller: Unification Sanctuary Inc. Amount: $354,000. Richard and Giselle Caridi. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Seller: William M and Kimberly F Walhs. Amount: $265,000. Robert H Pityo. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Seller: Anne Connors and Anthony Troianiello. Amount: $320,000.
SCHULyKILL COUNTy
Lawrence Turnbull and Erica Hain. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Seller: Walter Meck. Amout: $600,000.
WAyNE COUNTy
Richard and Marissa Cooper. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Seller: Maurice F Meagher Jr. Amount: $400,000. Michael Shatalov, McFarland PIA. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Seller: Bruce Wayne and Susan A. Burke (TR), Bruce Wayne Burke Declaration of Trust, Susan A Burke Declaration of Trust. Amount: $315,000. Michael Anthony and Jessica Marie Aiesle. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Seller: Robert M and Sheri L Rutledge. Amount: $300,000. Ann and Thomas Michael Maxwell, Robert John Germain. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: Edward P and Kathleen Ann Greco. Amount: $510,000. Christina Lake. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Michail and Galina Yusim. Amount: $485,000. Roxanne J Paquette. Property Location: Preston Twp. Seller: George A and Geraldine A Krooss. Amount: $332,000. Dustin Chapman. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Grassie & Sons Inc. Amount: $250,000. Lori Shipsky. Property Location: Clinton Twp. Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Amount: $330,000. Walter Bilecky. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Seller: Joseph Giardina. Amount: $250,000. Marc Haynes. Property Location: Dreher Twp. Seller: Mark Faber. Amount: $267,500. Susan Phuvasitkul. Property Location: Lake Twp. Seller: Hans Oriol. Amount: $250,000. Joseph Pisciotta. Property Location: Lebanon Twp. Seller: Veronica Lamkin. Amount: $575,000. Stone Financing. Property Location: Lebanon Twp. Seller: William Hugar. Amount: $260,000. Deanna Gilbert. Property Location: Lebanon Twp. Seller: Stone Financing. Amount: $260,000. Hannah Clarke. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Susan Sadler. Amount: $600,000. David Glocke. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Sean Smullen. Amount: $1,050,000. Robert Murphy. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Seller: Laurie Murphy. Amount: $310,000. Starrucca Creek B & C LLC. Property Location: Pres-
Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $280,000. Lucas Ryan Bordick. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $292,000. Edward M Delsole. Property Location: Glenburn. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $453,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Glenburn. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $75,000,000. William Burchell. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Lender: NPT Bank. Amount: $475,000. WyOMING COUNTy Greenfield Twp. Sewer Authority. Property Location: Christine M Traver. Property Location: Eaton. Seller: Greenfield Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $300,000. James M Foresman. Amount: $260,000. Haley Properties LLC. Property Location: GreenBKV Operating LLC. Property Location: Tunkhannock field Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: Twp. Seller: S. Borel Inc. Amount: $605,000. $280,000. David Raulfs Jr., Rebecca L Raulfs. Property LocaEugene Paciotti. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. tion Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Brian E Strely. Amount: Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $449,000. $262,500. Geff Blake. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Richard S Kowalczyk, Nancy L. Kowalczyk. Property Fidelity Dep & Disc. Amount: $321,000. Location: Falls. Amount: $254,900. Hit Portfolio I Owner LLC. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: Morgan Stanley Bank. Amount: $870,000,000. MORTGAGES Michael D Grives. Property Location: Moosic. COLUMBIA COUNTy Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $296,917. Christopher and Jessica L Coombs. Property LocaPropane Realty Holdings LLC. Property Location: tion: Fishingcreek Township. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Moosic. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Amount: Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $316,098. $292,000 David M and Ann Maire yost. Property LocaGeorge Abdalla. Property Location: Moosic. Lender: tion: Franklin Township. Lender: UNB Bank. Amount: Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Amount: $256,500. $325,000. Christopher J Tonkin. Property Location: MosADIF Pennsylvania LLC. Property Location: cow. Lender: JG Wentworth Home Lending. Amount: Conyngham Township. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $273,615. $425,000,000. Keith Edward Cawthern. Property Location: Moscow. Timothy and Allyson Turner. Property Location: Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LL. Amount: Cleveland Township. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Regis$387,600. tration Systems Inc. Amount: $355,000. Charles McAndrew. Property Location: Newton Twp. DJJS Property LLC. Property Location: Franklin Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $400,000. Township. Lender: Fulton Bank. Amount: $363,000. John Conaboy. Property Location: Newton Twp. Dennis A and Deborah M Hashagen. Property Location: Jackson Township. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $270,824. Matthew Ryan. Property Location: Newton Twp. Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $442,602. Calvin E and Joanne Barto. Property Location: South Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc BK. Amount: $295,200. Alexander Mielnikowski. Property Location: Newton Centre Township. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc. Amount: $333,533.00. Amount: $375,000. N Abington – Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property LocaJoel D and Sarah M Knoebel. Property Location: tion: N. Abington Twp. Lender: Pennsylvania Inc. of New Cleveland Township. Lender: First Citizens Community York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $ 75,000,000. Bank. Amount: $1,038,000. Janie Hrobuchak. Property Location: N. Abington Twp. Lender: Q Tip Trust. Amount: $725,000. LACKAWANNA COUNTy Joseph J Granko. Property Location: Old Forge. David J Uzialko. Property Location: Carbondale Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc. Amount: $480,000. Lender: Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Amount: $250,813. Kerriann Kathleen Moore. Property Location: Samuel D Smith Sr. Property Location: Clifton Twp. Olyphant. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $257,217. Amount: $308,000.00 Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: CovingTracy Scanlon. Property Location: Olyphant. Lender: ton Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust. Amount: United Wholesale Mortgage. Amount: $322,905. $75,000,000. Daniel Pane. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Frederick K Toy. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount $350,000. $429,951. Steve Koroneos. Property Location: Dickson City. Brian Tinsley. Property Location: Roaring Brook Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $315,000. Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co, Amount: Mountain Summit Apartments. LLC. Property $750,000. Location: Dickson City. Lender: Northfield Bank. Amount: Alberto A Marante. Property Location: Roaring Brook $7,000,000. Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc BK. Amount: $459,000. Eric Evans. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: Jon T Flynn. Property location: Scott Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Disc. Bank. Amount: $416,000. NBT Bank. Amount: $338,000. Binnie Real Estate LLC. Property Location: Elmhurst. Weatherbey Street Holdings LLC. Property Location: Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $780,000. Scott Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $250,000. Mary Ann Stoppini. Property Location: Elmhurst. James J Cilento. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $280,000. Lender: Home Point Financial Corp. Amount: $260,000. Donald Bunda. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $271,000.00 Please see Record, Page 26 David Cosklo. Property Location: Fell Twp. Lender: ton Twp. Seller: Shamus Five Four. Amount: $250,000. SPGTWO. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: Esther Marchington. Amount: $256,000. Michael Piripavel. Property Location: Salem Twp. Seller: David Huck. Amount: $340,000. Ronald Witte. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Joseph Civini. Amount: $322,500. McDonalds USA. Property Location: Texas Twp. Seller: Mark HM Associates. Amount: $675,000.
NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL JULY 2019 25 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B25] | 06/26/19
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FOR THE RECORD
FROM PAGE 25 Mountain Summit Apts. LLC. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Northfield Bank. Amount: $7,000,000. Akshar Lackawanna Station Hospitality LP. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $1,000,000. Simpson Motor Co, Inc. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $1,275,000. Simpson Motor Co. Inc. Property Location: Scranton. Lender First National Bank of PA. Amount: $1,275,000. Vakpateya LLC. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: First Symetra National Life Insurance Co. Of New York. Amount: $260,200 Demetrio Madrid. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Mortgage Unlimited LLC. Amount: $260,200. Kaitlyn Garvey. Property Location: Scranton. Lender: Pennymac Loan Services LLC. Amount: $253,085. Webster Towers (Per agent). Property Location: Scranton. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $500,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust. Amount: $75,000,000. Michael Hinchman. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Customers Bank. Amount: $558,000. Aaron Hufford. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $750,000. Aaron Hufford. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $750,000. Thomas Gregory Hillebrand. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $436,960. Clarks S Summit Hotel Holdings LLC. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: FNCB. Amount: 360,000. Sean P Massey. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $252,000. Jeffrey Montagna. Property Location: S. Abington Twp. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $339,500. SM Rental Properties LLC. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $1,2000,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Thornhurst. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $75,000,000. Michael R Klingerman. Property Location: Throop. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $319,113. Timothy Radzelovage. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Ark La Tex Financial Services LLC. Amount: $132,000. Christa Lucas. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $274,550. James Theodore Michel. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $291,000. Daniel Benjamin Stuble. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep. And Disc BK. Amount: $434,203. Alex J Boccardo. Property Location: W. Abington twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Disc. BK. Amount: $250,000. Ankur D Shah. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: JP Morgan Chase Bank. Amount: $366,000. Goodfield 515 LLC. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $512,000. Core Peckville LLC. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: BSPRT CMBS Finance LLC. Amount: $3,750,000. Laureen H Sheypuk. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $263,250. Eric J Wallace. Property Location: W. Abington Twp.
Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $459,000. Kyle Andrew Springer. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Lott Mary Woodbridge. Amount: $400,000. SRI Sandeep Babu Dronavalli. Property Location: W. Abington Twp. Lender: Fidelity Dep. & Disc. BK.
LuzERnE CounTy
Christopher Lupini. Property Location: Necopeck. Lender: First Citizens Community Bank. Amount: $730,000. LSAM Development Inc. Property Location: Pittston. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: $1,332,000. Frank R DeBona. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $268,000. David Lantz. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $300,000. DHD IV LLC. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $332,000. Darrell J yost. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $292,500. John A Eisenhauer. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $480,000. Anz Wilkes Borough LLC. Property Location: Plains Twp. Lender: Rialto Mortgage Finance LLC. Amount: $5,700,00. Brendan Carter. Property Location: Exeter Twp. Lender: ABC Bail Bonds Inc. Amount: $875,000. Brendan Carter. Property Location: Exeter Twp. Lender: ABC Bail Bonds Inc. Amount: $875,000. 1733 Lakeside Drive LLC. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $416,000. Carmen Sofia Benavides. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $253,600. Robin Powell Feerrar. Property Location: Duryea. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $293,550. Robert Winklerfrom. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $255,200. James Deom. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $605,900. MDDD Realty LLC. Property Location: Ashley. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $264,000. David C Coles. Property Locations: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $283,466. Richard A Greco Jr. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $270,000. MPL Development LLC. Property Location: Plymouth. Lender: Citizens & Northern Bank. Amount: $3,600,000. norman A R Dick. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Lender: Mid Penn Bank. Amount: $408,200. Michael G Kuczura. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $403,000. Mary Christine Kosek. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $349,600. Alba Properties LLC. Property Location: WilkesBarre. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $300,000. Alba Properties LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $300,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Black
26 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B26] | 06/26/19
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JULY 2019
Creek Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company. Amount: $75,000,000. HSK1 LLC. Property Location: Wilkes Barre. Lender: Corevest American Finance Lender LLC. Amount: $1,144,000. Sean Tubbs. Property Location: Butler Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $334,141. Shawn Alexis. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $272,650. Michael A Glenn. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $264,800. Plymouth Storage LLC. Property Location:Plymouth. Lender: Devon Bank. Amount: $780,000. Laurice M Burdick. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $254,000. Deborah A Pride. Property Location: Bear Creek Village. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $339,500. Mark E Morris. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank, & Trust. Amount: $701,487. Steven C Wilson. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $451,421. Sterling Realty of new york Inc. Property Location: Hanover Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $850,000. Luchi Real Estate LLC. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Branch and Trust Company. Amount: $1,700,000. Laurice M Burdick. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $254,000. Cristina Agolino. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $315,425. James Ronald McRipley. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Service 1st Federal Credit Union$. Amount: 315,000. Andrew Hawley. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $457,000. Dennis V Driscoll. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $488,000. Jeffrey L Gittleman. Property Location, Hazle Twp. Lender: Trumark Financial Credit Union. Amount: $622,500. Maureen M Carter. Property Location: Exeter Twp. Lender: Lexington National Insurance Corporation. Amount: $250,000.
MonRoE CounTy
zachary Powell and Allison Hahn. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $427,000. Bergen Kings LLC. Property Location: Tunkhannock and Tobyhanna Twps. Lender: Frist National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $300,000. JE Smith Properties LLC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: 21st Century Bank. Amount: $545,500. noah and Jennifer Smith. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Homeside Financial LLC. Amount: $301,636. John Auer and Regina Ireland-Auer. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: One Reverse Mortgage LLC and Commissioner of HUD. Amount: $435,000. Rebecca Kuhar. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $379,500. Bergen Kings LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twip. Lender: CACL Federal Credit Union. Amount: $252,500. Gary and Cecilia Warner. Property Location: Polk
and Chestnuthill Twps. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $1,300,000. Eduardo navas and Annie Mendoza. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $318,000. Michael and Christina Wells. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twip. Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $303,905. Leary Chester. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $309,700. EMMC Realty LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $260,000. Leilannie Morrissey. Property Location: Price Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $433,200. Thomas Anderson. Property Location: Paradise Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $307,800. Judith Stillinger. Property Location: Barrett Twp. Lender: NBT Bank NA. Amount: $380,000. Cimarron Po. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Lender: Movement Mortgage LLC. Amount: $332,405. Anthony and Christine DiGiovanni. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA. Amount: $440,000. Jacob and Jennifer Elston. Property Location: Polk Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $351,220. Micar5 Holdings LLC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Lender: People First FCU. Amount: $1,459,800. Michael and Carolann Roulis. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: People First FCU. Amount: $1,459,800. DEPG of Shawnee III LP. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000. Dansbury Properties LLC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: Marvin Papillion. Amount: $300,000. Dreher Estates LLC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $475,875 and $104,400. Bartonsville Investors LLC, Winterstar Corp. (manager). Property Location: Stroud Township. Lender: Citizens Bank NA. Amount: $55,768,972. James Schoch. Property Location: Polk Township. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $339,500.
PIKE CounTy
Thomas neidhart and Angelique neidhart. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: Freedom National Abstratct. Amount: $337,500. Anthony and Kathleen Pararella (Tr) Paparella Revocable Family Trust. Property Location: Palmyra. Lender: Mortgage America Inc.. Amount: $360,000. Daniel and Kelly Wallace. Property Location: Dingman. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration System. Amount: $327, 750. Deepak and Ekata Kamdar. Property Location: Lackawaxen. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank NA. Amount: $416,250. Peter A Williams. Property Location: Dingman. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Services Inc. Amount: $258,445. Earl and Keisha Axon. Property Location: Porter Twp. Lender: MES. Amount: $286,710. Joseph A and Paula E Veres. Property Location: Dingman. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount $250,000. Christopher M and Penny D Keating. Property Location: Palmyra. Lender: MERS. Amount: $296,296. Walter E and Linda M Egli. Property Location: DelaPlease see Record, Page 27
FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 26 ware Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $321,035. George C and Ashley E Wirth. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $255,000. Eric David and Gracie Tiedeman. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $258,084. Derek and Patricia Power. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Lender: MERS. Amount: $260,100. Unification Sanctuary Inc.. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Lender: Aikolai USA One LLC. Amount: $318,600. Nickolas J and Jennifer R Huss. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: JP Morgan Chase Bank. Amount: $276,000. Chia-Hsueh Wang. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $286,000. Kevin Trent, Jeanne Kenyon. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank and Trust. Amount: $356,000. Anthony Troianelli, Anne Connors. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Amount: $256,000. Robert F and Christine B Vogel. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $405,000. Michael F Tyrrell. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $304,385. Steve and Ann Idelsa Milutinovic. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $328,050. Brenda Colclough. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $300,000. Eric and Luisa Havemann. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: Paul Havemann. Amount: $449,000. Nicholas and Margaret Valenta. Property Location:
Palmyra Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $370,000. William E and Casey L Poore. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $275,378.
SCHULyKILL CoUNTy
Todd and Shawna Driesbach. Property Location: Tamaqua. Lender:1st National Bank. Amount: $335,374. Lawrence Turnbull and Erica Hain. Property Location: Orwigsburg. Lender: Trident Mortgage Co, LP. Amount: $453,000. Andrew and Jill Miller . Property Location: Orwigsburg. Lender: Mid Penn Bank. Amount: $325,000.
WAyNE CoUNTy
Timothy Petroski. Property Location Berlin Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $300,162. Countryside Apartment Rental LLC. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $405,600. Michael Dougherty. Property Location: Lake Twp. Amount: $325,000. Neil M and Carol Buss. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $315,000. Thomas Michael and Ann Maxwell. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $459,000. Allen D and Nancy K Strathy. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $356,869. Richard and Marissa Cooper. Property Location: Berlin Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $380,000. Christina Lake. Property Location: Paupack
Twp. Lender: Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union. Amount: $388,000. Eric W and Amy J Williams. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $258,795. Joseph Pisciotta. Property Location: Lebanon Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Amount: $275,000. SGPTWo. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $291,000. James Alberti. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank. Amount: $880,000. Deanna Gilbert. Property Location: Lebanon Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $265,590. Roman Guriyelov. Property Location: Lehigh Twp. Lender: United States of America. Amount: $500,000. Michael Piripavel. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Amount: $272,000. Ledges Hotel. Property Location: Hawley Boro. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $1,200,000. Charles Isaacs. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: Homesdale National Bank. Amount: $250,000. James Merritt. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $350,000. Phil Hobson. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Amount: $300,000. Maurice Kelly. Property Location: Mount Pleasant Twp. Lender:Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Amount: $317,131. Marc Haynes. Property Location: Dreher Twp. Lender: JP Morgan Chase Bank. Amount: $254,125.
Walter Belchick. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $330,000. Gregory Post. Property Location: Dyberry Twp. Lender: AGChoice Farm Credit. Amount: $252,000. Samhaven Lake LLC. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Sterling National Bank. Amount: $24,000,000.
WyoMING CoUNTy
Craig D Smith (Tr) and Nancy L. Smith (Tr). Property Location: Nicholson. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $300,000. K&B Holdings LLC. Property Location: Northmoreland. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $300,000. Chesapeake AEZ Exploration LLC, Chesapeake Clements Acquisition LLC, Chesapeake Appalachia LLC, Chesapeake Exploration LLC, Chesapeake Land Development Co. LLC, Chesapeake Plains LLC, Chesapeake Royalty LLC, Express LLC, GSF LLC, MC Louisiana Minerals LLC, MC Minerals Co LLC, Chesapeake Louisiana LP, Empress Louisiana Properties LP. Property Location: Forkston, Meshoppen, Braintrim, North Branch, Lemon, Windham, Washington, Nicholson, Tunkhannock, Mehoopany. Lender: Stephen Warfel (tr), MVFG Union Bank. Amount: $5,000,000. Indialoka Animal Sanctuary Inc. Property Location: Falls. Lender: Dharma Trust. Amount: $460,000. Richard S Kowalczyk and Nancy L Kowalczyk. Property Location: Falls. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $254,900. Charles E McCarthy Jr and Patricia Ann McCarty. Property Location: Meshoppen. Lender: Peoples Security Bank and Trust Co. Amount: $568,000.
Relocation Opportunities Wanted
Bring us any and all potential locations. We will determine if we can develop or relocate to your site. Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming
Types of Locations Wanted: • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing PLEASE CONTACT Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com
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SERVICES INCLUDE: HOME HEALTH IN-HOME SERVICES PALLIATIVE CARE HOSPICE CARE TRANSITIONAL CARE SKILLED NURSING COMMUNITY SERVICES PERSONAL CARE INPATIENT REHAB OUTPATIENT REHAB
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