Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal--12-18

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Business Journal NORTHEAST

$1.50

by Dave Gardner

PENNSYLVANIA

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

December 2018 VOL. 33 NO. 12

A look back at 2018

Investment, education, employment and stability marked the trends that Northeast Pennsylvania’s business community faced during calendar year 2018. According to Gene Barr, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, it was a positive year for the overall state economy as part of the ongoing national boom. Tax reform courtesy of WashBARR ington certainly helped to stimulate the business sector, as well as the curtailing of government regulations which businesses consistently said were strangling their operations. “There hasn’t been much talk about regulation reduction stimulating the economy, but it’s very real here in Pennsylvania,” said Barr. He noted that, despite the rosy times, concerns surfaced during 2018 about a mounting trade war with China and its inherent trade tariffs, and voiced hope that the conflict would be resolved during 2019. China is Washington’s biggest creditor, and Barr noted that this debt could become a pawn if the trade war intensifies and America’s federal debt mounts from the federal tax cuts while interest rates rise. Steel is one product Barr specifically mentions that is being adversely affected by trade tariffs. Prices for industrial construction around the country are based to some degree on steel costs, and tariffs on this product, plus others, could place a drag upon the state’s current economic boom. However, when looking back at 2018, workforce concerns are the number one issue voiced by Barr

and virtually every employer in a survey recently conducted by the Pennsylvania Chamber. As the economy has rebounded from the 2008 financial crash, needs for trained personnel are outstripping the supply, creating a frustrating personnel shortage with no quick fix available. “The losses suffered by the Republicans during the election also have not created any tremors within the business community,” said Barr. “Despite the changes in Congress, we are hopeful there will be agreement reached next year on renovations to the nation’s infrastructure, which are badly needed.” Health care stability Within the bustling health care arena, process changes from legislation were manageable during, but during 2019 could become more challenging, according to insurers. Pricing gains for Accountable Care Act Internet-based policies finally settled down as insurers gained actuarial insight from several years of operation, and Congressional battles, although heated, never resulted in the abolishment of the internet-based policy market. Tom Novinger, MD, senior medical director with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, voiced the observation that the rash of mergers and acquisitions with NEPA’s health systems is largely complete. However, national system changes are still NOVINGER ongoing. He said that during 2018, Highmark continued to evolve both culturally and with its business processes, and that these changes have been particularly noticeable with provider relationships as conversion occurs from a system of payment for

service to payment for patient outcome. Highmark also has partnered with Geisinger to create a new facility in Montoursville, participated in improvements by the Allegheny Health System based in Pittsburgh and forged a financial affiliation with the Hershey Medical System. The need for dollars to purchase new technologies continued to be a major insurer challenge during 2018, as all insurance company actuaries strived to forecast equipment costs and then provide for the financial needs. Promising, but costly treatments also continued to appear, such as manipulation of the immune system to battle cancer, thereby delivering new hope for patients while also increasing policy premiums. Some drug costs also can be expected drop in time. “The accelerating use of bio-similar drugs that provide the same effectiveness as the costly brand-name counterparts can bring down overall pharma costs,” said Dr. Novinger. “However, the drug companies may fight this trend.” In what may be regarded as a surprise, technology actually lowered some health care costs during 2018. Dr. Novinger explained that new procedures and systems, such as the move of many patients from in-patient to out-patient care processes, are decreasing costs, and some surgical procedures such as an appendix removal or knee replacement can involve extremely short hospital stays. “As I look back at 2018, what has kept me up at night involves the drive to provide the right care at the right place at the right time,” said Dr. Novinger. “This sounds simple, but is becoming increasingly complex.” Industrial investment Calendar year 2018 witnessed continued investment in the overall NEPA industrial system,

True Performers make every minute of every visit count.*

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

Please see Look, Page 4

HC401200

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Business Journal PeNNSYlVANiA

Vol. 33, No. 12 • December 2018 149 PeNN AVe., ScrANtoN, PA 18503 www.biz570.com The Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal is a member of Times-Shamrock Publishing Division

braNd

oN tHe CoVer

A look back at birds of a feather: Using affinity brands to understand and inform your brand 2018 by Dave Taylor

CNG MaNaGiNG editor elizabeth baumeister — ext. 3492 CNG SaleS MaNaGer Alice manley — ext. 9285 CoNtributiNG reporterS Jennifer butler Dave Gardner Joe Sylvester Phil Yacuboski

FeatureS

a new way to buy cars ................. 5 tech update ............................. 5 Holiday help ............................. 6 a seller’s market........................ 6 Focus on Hazleton .................. 7-10 pink pedal ............................. 13

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

20 uNder 40

Jacob Hauptmann..................... Michelle Cadden...................... Julio Caprari........................... lindsay barrasse...................... Matthew borwick ..................... elisha Nolan ........................... patrick Nolan.......................... Kyle livingston........................ Carina Havenstrite.................... Gina Suydam........................... Jennifer Menichini ................... robert bresnahan..................... brian Stanchak........................ Scott Verdine.......................... Christa Vinciguerra................... Melissa Garcia ........................ edna darko............................. travis davis............................ alison Zurawski .......................

buSiNeSS bulletiNS

21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 31

personnel file ............. 16-20; 33-35 deeds & mortgages............... 36-39 Stocks of local interest.............. 39

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Next time you get into an impromptu discussion on “What does our brand stand for?” try this easy exercise to gain a little more insight. Ask everyone in the room to name a brand or two that is akin to your company’s or organization’s brand. This is not to say that these brands are identical, just that they share some major aspects. These are affinity brands. While there is an infinite range of choices, ideally there will be a pattern of brands that make a logical grouping – maybe they are all premium brands, or focused on exceptional service, or on practical value. Of course, you might find there are widely diverging perceptions of what your brand qualities are that could be an indication that your organization is in need of a bit more focus, or at least introspection. During a client meeting a few years ago, I watched as one participant declared that Ritz-Carlton was an affinity brand. The other participants almost immediately disagreed (respectfully), pointing out numerous reasons why their services were not up to the standards of a super-premium brand like that. But the ambitious suggestion helped the group get closer to what they did feel comfortable with, which was Courtyard by Marriott. When using the affinity brand exercise, the hotel category is one that is particularly helpful because there are many recognizable brands with well-known brand personalities and tiers of costs and services. This allows the exercise to pinpoint an appropriate level for your brand, as well as suggest affinity brands for your competition. Thus, your brand might be perceived as similar to Hampton Inn and your major competitors might be more like Motel 6 and Hilton. Keep in mind that it’s important to avoid personal

S u b S C r i p t i o N

NortHeASt

biases toward brands in this exercise. Someone who had a bad experience at a Hampton Inn may not have the same perception of their brand as a person who has had nothing but good experiences. (The same is true of your customers, as well. One negative encounter can taint their view of your brand indefinitely.) So, it can be helpful to point out that Hampton Inn is a strong and growing brand, or to suggest a close comparison like Holiday Inn Express as a replacement. This affinity brand exercise can also serve as a useful touchstone on an ongoing basis. Having agreed that a central element of your brand is to provide the unfailing speedy reliability of FedEx, for instance, you can return to that analogy over time and ask, “How are we doing on making our brand the most reliable, like FedEx?” Occasionally, the converse may occur as well. You may find too many mentions of affinity brands that are not quite what you would like it to be. Maybe some of your team thinks BMW, but the others think Kia. Maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle. But again, use this as a checkpoint moving forward, so you can move toward a greater consensus on your brand and how it fits in the marketplace.

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FEATURE FROM PAGE 1

according to Ken Okrepkie, regional manager with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners. This organization alone pumped $1 million into the NEPA technological infrastructure, while other economic development organizations such as Wilkes-Barre Connect, Hazleton’s CAN DO, Wilkes University and Penn State, all did their part to promote growth. “Besides the measurable dollar investment, we’re also seeing a commitment to social media for leads and branding, and this is a big change for business in NEPA,” said Okrepkie. “For example, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services is OKREPKIE working on a brand called DiscoverNEPA and doing an excellent job.” In a switch from the days of rampant NEPA unemployment, workforce issues with the availability of quality workers have come to the forefront within NEPA. Okrepkie calls this a huge change from the days when the NEPA industry was depressed for so long, with baby boomer retirements contributing to the workforce shortage in addition to the region’s industrial growth. However, Okrepkie is confident that as 2019 rolls on, this situation will improve as the region’s 14 schools produce graduates at various levels, from specialty certification to graduate degrees. This includes badly needed two-year tech degrees. “Companies in the industrial parks generally keep a low profile and are quiet about their workforce needs, but they need skilled people in a variety of technical disciplines,” said Okrepkie. Therefore, Okrepkie calls 2018 a time that awareness increased about technical workforce opportunities, provided a job applicant has the appropriate education. He forecasts that economic growth will continue unless derailed by some sort of global event, with NEPA’s business incubators and industrial parks enjoying another year of accomplishment during 2019. Cost-effective locations The rapid escalation of high facility lease prices within urban areas, combined with tightening labor markets, definitely played a role during 2018 as companies were driven to more costCUMMINGS effective locations within

NEPA, according to Jim Cummings, vice president of marketing with Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services. Logistics firms consistently lead this list, and when Pennsylvania’s lower-than-urban tax structures are considered, a roadmap for industrial prosperity appears. Urban America’s high utility costs, labor compensation needs and infrastructure congestion, also are encouraging company location within NEPA. Despite the frequent complaints of local motorists about road conditions, highway access to NEPA’s distribution centers is among the best in the nation. “I suspect right now we’re at our market peak with firms moving here, but we’re not seeing the numbers of inquiries drop and the political instability in Washington doesn’t seem to be affecting things,” said Cummings. “I believe 18 months to two years of expansions are still possible.” The choking ebb in expansion of investment capital, which was notorious after the 2008 financial crash, also appears to have eased, according to Cummings. Mericle is receiving few if any questions from potential customers about government financial incentives, which to Cummings indicates private money flowed readily during 2018. “On the other hand, the steel tariffs have been a concern and we’ve tried to move quickly with new development,” said Cummings. “We are certain the tariffs are going to increase the price we must charge for buildings, but even with that threat business has been very good overall.” Available jobs NEPA’s industrial boom with e-commerce and manufacturing, which rolled on during 2018, is the biggest the region has witnessed since the bustling days of the 1950s, according to John Augustine, president and AUGUSTINE CEO of Penn’s Northeast. He reported that unemployment in the area is subsequently dropping, and while this regional metric is traditionally above that within the overall state, if a person wants a job it will be available in some form. “The square footage in dollar investment we are experiencing is the greatest in 25 years,” said Augustine. “Spec buildings are popping up which indicates confidence in the economy, and within three years we will have 10 million square feet of new logistics capability here, along with increased growth in retail and hospitality.” Augustine explained transportation challenges

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DECEMBER 2018

with the region’s infrastructure are a key issue that intensified during 2018. The region’s Route 81 corridor handled a minimum of 50,000 cars and trucks every day, with the 81/380/84 corridor witnessing 70,000 cars and trucks during every 24-hour period. Fortunately, revamped bridges on these routes largely have been constructed with three directional lanes each way, making them ready for inevitable highway widening. This expansion will be good business within the regional logistics industry, because one-half of the Canadian population and one-third of America’s people are living within a day’s drive of NEPA. Augustine also has seen data indicating wages are finally on the rise within NEPA. These compensation levels are not comparable to many national wages of $14 to $16 an hour, but the region’s employers, as they deal with the workforce shortage, are realizing they need up increase compensation to have a quality workforce. “The horrible 2008 recession and its wreckage are still in the minds of many employers, and I’d say that it’s about 50/50 whether these companies finally have eased their cautious attitude,” said Augustine. “Cash standpoint as a business plays a role in how cautious companies now are, and unfortunately Washington is creating a great deal of global uncertainty for business.” Evolving students Thomas Botzman, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University, noted that during 2018 NEPA continued to enjoy a full and expanding range of higher education options, from certificate programs, through two and four-year programs to Ph.D. options. He observed that the students enrolled in these schools are evolving toward a

greater understanding of other people’s needs and opinions, while also pushing for a better connection between higher education and the outside world, particularly in the arena of ethics. Dr. Botzman also has BOTZMAN witnessed increasing numbers of community college and other adult students return to school to earn a four-year degree, as internet technology continues to change access to schools. Many of these students have known nothing of the world except the post 9/11 and 2008 financial crash eras, and largely are now questioning problems at the local levels with an understand that small changes can have big national results. “An example of this is the millennial kids applying the freedom of technology, developing an outward focus, and solving problems,” said Dr. Botzman. With education still a labor-intensive industry, 2018 also saw schools struggling with operating costs, with health care insurance premiums near the top of the list. Regulatory compliance, despite any positive intent by legislators, also continued to increase costs for education such as the need to actively cope with varying regulations for distance learning between states. “There are also changing financial tools that we have to deal with,” said Dr. Botzman. “For example, the federal Perkins Loan program, which provided low-interest loans to college students with an exceptional financial need, has expired and deprived us of one option for a loan of last resort.”


FEATURES

New business drives in to Northeast Pennsylvania

Tech update: 2018 was a year of innovation Phil Yacuboski

2018 was a year for innovation and teach and as usual, Northeastern Pennsylvania was at the forefront, proving it is producing useful technologies for the marketplace. “There are a lot of promising young startups that I’m seeing here in our area,” said Dr. Chris Speicher, associate professor of marketing and The result of these observations was creation of entrepreneurship at Marywood University. “Some the Carvana retail network, and a national selection of of them are more service providers that are taking vehicles to sell at any given moment. The vast invenother people’s innovations and making them better tory, obtained through the traditional supply chain of and others are focusing on original ideas.” auctions and buys, including the sale of a vehicle from The Scranton Enterprise Center, which helps a customer, is housed at four separate inspection startups with office space and mentorship, features centers around the country, with Philadelphia the Cracked Innovations, a social media company, My PHOTO COURTESY OF CARVANA closest to NEPA. College Roomie, a way for colleges and universi“Delivery charges change due to the location of Carvana, an e-commerce used-car dealties to better match college roommates and Sho er, now delivers to the Scranton area. the buyer versus their car’s location,” said O’Hara. Technology Solutions. “There is the seven-day return policy on a sale giving by Dave Gardner Speicher cited Bedrock Technology Partners in The retail market’s expansion of e-commerce con- each customer time to have the car inspected and Jessup as such an innovator that has become very tinues, with a national used-car dealer expanding into driven by a mechanic, and we will take the car back successful on its own. The company offers fixedthe Scranton area and utilizing an electronic business and unwind the deal if the customer desires.” price information technology services and works Carvana also offers financing options, while plan unthinkable only a generation ago. with companies throughout Pennsylvania and New Carvana, a leading e-commerce platform based in customers may utilize traditional methods of obtaining York City. funding for their purchase through a bank or other Arizona, has set up operations in the Scranton area, “It’s a good time for the economy and they are process. Long-term warranty vehicle packages are thereby increasing its Pennsylvania market penetrapicking up the smaller pieces of businesses that the tion since 2016 to seven regions. Potential customers also available. big guys don’t want,” he said, “because they are on “We seek a transparent and fast experience for who utilize the Carvana.com internet market can shop the acquisition hunt. It’s opened up a lot of doors each customer, with no haggling over the price, among more than 10,000 vehicles by viewing highfor these companies right here in our area.” which is non-negotiable,” said definition, 360-degree photos, and after a purchase He also cited business incubators in both O’Hara. “The buying process enjoy speedy delivery direct of a vehicle to their Scranton and Wilkes-Barre as promising. therefore takes only as long as chosen location. “One of the things that is happening is that we is necessary for the customer Amy O’Hara, associate director of communicaare getting away from apps,” he said. “An app is because they control the deal tions with Carvana, explained that each Carvana necessary to drive business, but it’s not the focus 100 percent. There is no need vehicle has been certified and reconditioned by ASC of the underlying business. Before, the app was the to spend many hours in a technicians, which includes a rigorous 150-point business, but now that’s not the case.” inspection. The vehicle must also have a clean record dealership and wind up downSpeicher said with a stronger economy, governO'HARA trodden by sales pressure.” of reported accidents, no frame damage and only ments are spending money on seeking solutions O’Hara added that the minor cosmetic imperfections that would be expected and putting much of that out to bid on contracts. company often includes thank-you gifts in the delivfor a vehicle of that model year. “Their tax revenues are up because more Carvana’s 21st Century business plan has allowed ered vehicle as a way of personalizing the transaction and as a token of customer appreciation. In addition, it to enter a total of 82 national markets since the if an unforeseen problem arises, Carvana customer company’s launch in 2012. The process also includes advocates can be contacted by telephone. the operation of car vending machines, of which one Carvana is not alone in striving to exploit the is operating in the Keystone State, and the potential bustling e-commerce market. According to the purchase by Carvana of a customer’s existing vehicle. federal Census Bureau, e-commerce sales as a perQuick and efficient centage of national retail commerce now measures According to O’Hara, Carvana’s CEO Ernie Garcia had at a current level of 9.4 percent, which is an increase accrued business experience in both the areas of finance from 9.10 percent a quarter ago, representing an and the auto industry. Garcia observed that wholesale-toannualized growth rate of 13.19 percent when dealer used car auctions often took a total of 30 seconds compared to a long-term average annualized growth for each transaction, but the final retail sale of the car rate of 15.72 percent. could drag on for an average of four stressful hours.

people are working and more people are paying into the system,” he said. In 2018, Pennsylvania saw a budget surplus. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in 20172018, saw sales tax revenue at nearly $10.4 billion – almost one billion more than the previous year. He said the financial crisis was painful for many, but added many businesses found out that staying ahead of technology was a way out. “Many of them are continuing to reduce cost and keep costs under control from a personnel standpoint,” he said. But technology, which has boosted the profits for many businesses, can also be a pitfall to the overall economy. The week of Thanksgiving, the stock market tanked, wiping out all of the gains made in 2018. Tech stocks were to blame; companies like Apple shook the market because of its iPhone sales. There are fears over a global trade war, issues over tariffs and the Trump Administration as well as rising interest rates. “Some were in free fall,” said Dr. Speicher speaking about the tech stocks, “and that downturn is going to be faced very shortly here in the United States. I’m a little nervous because the stock market couldn’t go up the way it was. It’s definitely a correction,” adding that while things in the U.S. ‘look good,’ around the world things are shaky in spots. But how will that affect the economy and technology sector here in northeastern Pennsylvania? He said energy independence is key for the U.S. and cited the natural gas industry as a solid predictor in Pennsylvania. “We are at the forefront,” he said. “Particularly with the lower cost of getting it out of the ground, we benefit from that. Our natural gas goes to the market first and the producers have been so smart in getting the cost down, that’s really incredible. If that continues, it will really skyrocket.”

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FEATURE

REAL ESTATE

Holiday help by Phil Yacuboski

Almost anywhere you look this holiday season, there are help wanted signs. “There’s quite a bit of seasonal work in the Poconos,” said John Casella at Careerlink Poconos. “At the Crossings Factory Outlets, they are looking for work and at Walmart, they are looking for truck drivers.” Holiday hiring in 2018 has surpassed recent years, according to research by outplacement giant Challenger, Gray & Christmas (which ironically has nothing to do with the holiday). The last time a record was set was in 2014, when nearly 700,000 seasonal jobs were available, but this year it’s been pushed above that mark, among the nation’s major retailers. Places like Amazon, Target, UPS and Macy’s are all hiring. Challenger, Gray & Christmas also said the reason is consumer confidence is the highest it has been in 18 years. Companies are also offering perks like gift cards; JCPenney is offering ‘price packages’ to workers. Kohl’s is offering special discounts and shopping days for workers. Target alone said it would hire 20-percent more seasonal workers this year, than last year. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is at 4.1 percent, which is unchanged from September and the lowest since mid-2000. Casella said with the Poconos loaded with seasonal resorts, they too, are looking for help. He said PennDOT, in several locations throughout the Poconos, is also looking for plow truck drivers. “They are paying $18 per hour,” he said. That demand for workers is a problem because there are more jobs than workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more jobs in the retail sector than workers between March and June. Some companies are also pushing wages higher in order to attract better talent. Casella said because the Poconos has been growing as of late, there are more jobs available and sometimes not enough workers to fill those positions. “The more resorts we get, the more industries we receive,” he said. “When the employment rate is low, it makes it tougher for the employers to recruit. We are doing our best to help them.”

He said some of the jobs are part-time, but many are full-time and could lead to a job beyond the typical holiday season. “People who show up and do a good job are going to be needed throughout the year, especially at the resorts, which are always growing and expanding,” he said. “We are seeing a lot of people being hired at the distribution centers. This is their busy season,” said Tracy Kleban, businesses services manager at Careerlink, Luzerne County. “But we are also seeing a lot of other needs too and that runs the spectrum from healthcare to manufacturing.” Kleban said in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, unemployment is at 3.7 percent. “With that trend, we are seeing the labor is getting a little tight and that’s a contributing factor,” she said. She said as far as retail is concerned, ecommerce warehouses and distribution centers are replacing traditional in-store, brick and mortar jobs. “It’s a big reason for the distribution here,” she said. “Most of them are third party retailers.” Kleban said if you go on a website and order a piece of clothing, it’s often handled through a third-party retailer, which then is handled locally. She said beyond the typical holiday season, the manufacturing agency in NEPA is growing, so there is full-time potential. “There’s a need to fill those positions,” she said. “Anyone who is looking to get trained or retrained for a new career or career transition should take a look at manufacturing.”

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DECEMBER 2018

A sellers market by Joe Sylvester

Homeowners looking to sell their houses should still have an easy time of it. They might have some trouble, though, finding the next home of their dreams. Home sellers are drawing more interest from prospective buyers because there are fewer homes on the market, a condition seen in most parts of the country for the past couple of years. “A lot of people are getting multiple offers on their properties,” said Allan Hetkowski, chief executive officer of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors, which serves the real estate market in Lackawanna, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties. He’s also CEO of the Pike-Wayne Association of Realtors. More offers lead to higher prices on homes because of increased competition from those looking to buy. In some cases, that leads to a bidding war, according to Todd Umbenhauer, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. He said there has been even more of a slowdown late this year. “Sales in September across the country were the lowest since 2015,” Umbenhauer said. “Sales were down 4.1 percent from a year ago. Rising interest rates have led to declining sales across the country.” But Hetkowski sees the market loosening up due to the improved economy. “Locally and nationally it’s starting to ease,”

he said. “We did see an increase in sale prices.” He said the market has been improving for a number of reasons. “I would have to say it had to be the economy, the change in tax laws, people have more and more disposable income,” Hetkowski said. “The big thing is the economy, their perception of a better market over those years the market was depressed. Interest rates are always a problem. That has an effect on what they can afford. That may move people out of the market.” Fewer homes for sale “Inventory is still so there’s not a lot to choose from,” said Terry Solomon-August, coowner of the Antonik & Associates real estate firm in Nanticoke and president-elect of the Luzerne County Association of Realtors. The association serves the real estate market in not only Luzerne County, but also goes into Lackawanna and Columbia counties and sometimes into the Poconos. “A lot of times we get into multiple offer situations,” she said. “It slowed down slightly. I almost thought people were waiting until the election. It seems to have picked up again.” Umbenhauer said it has been a seller’s market for two to two and half years. “The biggest driver is the lack of inventory,” he said. “More people are looking for homes. Sellers are staying where they are.” Please see Sellers, Page 11


FOCUS ON HAZLETON

The revitalization of a region

point, Hazleton as a whole is demonstrating a focus on moving forward spurred by talented economic Like the survivor of a cold but painful war, oncedevelopment teams. Progress has been made with embattled Hazleton appears to be binding up its business participation in social gatherings that brings wounds and moving forward into the modern age of together different groups of people, as past chaos and economic and ethnic diversity. xenophobic concerns recede. The Hazleton region as “Many of our chamber members do, at times, a whole entered the 2008 voice concern about Washington and trade tariffs,” said economic recession “late” Malone. “They understand what tariffs can do to combut also was delayed in the merce, as well as incite national chaos into business present national turnaround, processes.” according to Mary Malone, Downtown revitalization president of the Greater HazleKrista Schneider, executive director with the ton Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress, described MALONE She now is witnessing what a myriad of development projects now underway. she called “progress and par- These include the establishment of a “Launch Box” ticipation” with economic advancement, but admitted business incubator via a partnership with Penn State, that from some aspects the process is still fragile. and redevelopment of a blighted property of 13 West Malone has noted that cooperation between the Broad Street which formerly served as a bingo hall city’s council and business community is improving, but later experienced severe water damage due to a and the private sector is finally hiring as the dark days deteriorated roof. of the recession recede into history. Many members The two-phase project, totaling $1.1 million that of the business community are using more progresincludes private funding, will develop office and retail sive processes than in the past, and the managespace with a shared lobby and has a target date of ment of downtown buildings is improving within an summer 2019 for its grand opening. Downtown atmosphere of grassroots diversity. revitalization projects also include an arts center and The region’s booming health care sector is being two new restaurants, plus the advent of First Friday spurred by funding, as Lehigh Valley Hospital invests celebrations. major money downtown to revise the facility’s emer“We’re also seeing the economic and the educagency department. The system is also a creating medi- tional community now working together, with many cal mall concept with a health and wellness center. Latino’s creating an entire network to encourage small “Yes, the City of Hazleton is still in Act 47 and business which many of them have proven to be therefore labeled as financially distressed, but that successful at,” said Schneider. “There are still hurdles hasn’t been a bad thing,” said Malone. “Act 47 comfor the downtown business community, and on the pliance requires better spending, collaboration and a neighborhood levels there are political realities that leaner operation of government.” Malone therefore testifies, from a macro standPlease see Region, Page 9 by Dave Gardner

ELLEN F. O’CONNELL FILE PHOTO / HAZLETON STANDARD SPEAKER

Tom Kennedy, at podium, president of the board of trustees at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, addressed the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony of the second phase of the multi-million dollar modernization project at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton held in October at the East Broad Street facility. This event marked the beginning of the second phase, which began in April, that nearly doubles the size of the emergency department and expands the main lobby.

ELLEN F. O’CONNELL FILE PHOTO / HAZLETON STANDARD SPEAKER

IRIS USA officials traveled from Japan and throughout the United States to break ground on a 500,000-square-foot facility in Humboldt Industrial Park in May. The project brings nearly 100 manufacturing jobs to the area.

Partnering in Downtown Hazleton’s Revitalization For decades, CAN DO has led Greater Hazleton’s economic development, resulting in thousands of jobs for area residents. Today, positive change is taking shape in Downtown Hazleton and we’re proud to be playing an instrumental role, partnering with the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress. CAN DO is in the process of transforming one downtown building into the future home of a modern eatery and garden patio. One S. Church Street, Suite 200 Hazleton, PA 18201

570.455.1508 www.hazletoncando.com

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Tomorrow starts today.

Your community hospital will be here to comfort and care for you today… and tomorrow. As part of Lehigh Valley Health Network, we are proud to bring you more services and better care than ever before – and it’s all right here in your community: • LVHN Cancer Center–Hazleton, part of the Lehigh Valley Cancer Institute • Da Vinci® Robotic Surgery • More providers – we’ve added 20+ new physicians and advanced practice clinicians • Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton earned an “A” rating from Leapfrog for patient safety AND WE’RE NOT DONE. Our next phase of growth will bring you: • Even more health care resources • An expanded, modernized emergency room to meet your needs • Renovated hospital rooms to provide added privacy and comfort

LVHN.org/hazleton | 888-402-LVHN

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focus on hazleton FROM PAGE 7

may include a bit more tension, but Hazleton’s problems of this type are ebbing.” Schneider’s organization is offering a branding and identification workshop, and she has noted that demand is accelerating for downtown apartments, although there SCHNEIDER has not been the type of investment in urban housing rentals as Scranton has enjoyed. Meanwhile the historic Altamont Hotel, which can trace its roots back to the 1920s, awaits tax sale and an investor willing to pump $12 million to $14 million into the stately structure for renovation. “From one perspective, the weather has been the biggest deterrent to many of our efforts, said Schneider. “Funding also is tight, because in comparison to Scranton we have a smaller pool of assets to work with.” Industrial hotbed Hazleton’s Route 81 corridor is increasingly a hotbed of commercial activity, according to Kevin O’Donnell, president of CAN DO. He stressed that this regional success with distribution should not be thought of simply as warehouses, because modern logistics centers are now genuine fulfillment centers with automated systems, robotics, computerized controls, and in many cases, internal processes that allow automation to perform all activities from order picking to final attachment of a shipping label. “The employee skills needed in these places are therefore related to the automation, and this has cre-

ated a real problem with a workforce shortage,” said O’Donnell. “Appropriate education is vital for these modern logistics jobs, and I have no prediction when the gap between workforce training and the large number of jobs available will ease.” According to O’Donnell, a scan of Hazleton’s industrial sector will reveal that the private sector has returned as a source of investment after the nonprofit sector carried the ball for many years. An incubator is now operating within Valmont Park, developers are active in the industrial parks erecting both spec and O’DONNELL pre-leased buildings, and sites within the Humboldt Park are generating great interest. “Despite all of this distribution growth, because of the nature of the evolving economy, economic growth is now largely about risk-taking, start-up companies and not so much the big-box additions,” said O’Donnell. “This is the future of the American economy, and we must accept the reality that many startups fail.” This reality makes the role of the business incubators a vital one with economic development, according to O’Donnell. Square-foot costs are lower generally for three years within an incubator, and support systems such as legal, technical and financial are readily available. “As we enjoy the industrial expansion occurring here, we also must be aware that the economy works in cycles and there’s no prediction on how long this

Congratulations Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress on the revitalization efforts in downtown Hazleton

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A proud partner in the educational and economic life of Greater Hazleton for more than 80 years

COURTESY OF THE GREATER HAZLETON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

the hotel altamont stands proudly at the corner of West Broad and north church streets in downtown hazleton in the mid-1950s.

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MANUFACTURING

A sweet field trip Bazooka Candy Brands opened the doors to its Ring Pop factory in Scranton to 20 local students from The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County on Tuesday, Nov. 6 for a rare tour designed to enlighten students about the manufacturing process of the popular Ring Pop candy. Anthony Trani, VP of Global Marketing and Innovation for Bazooka Candy Brands, led the students on the tour. It was a day filled with sweet treats, as the students learned about the manufacturing of Ring Pop candies and got an inside look at the facility.

Photos courtesy of Bazooka Candy Brands

Anthony Trani, VP of global marketing and innovation for Bazooka Candy Brands, with the students from The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County at the Topps Scranton Plant.

Students learn about manufacturing at the Topps Scranton Plant, where Ring Pops are made.

Career Technology Center students got some hands-on learning in at the Topps Scranton Plant.

REAL ESTATE FROM PAGE 6

Umbenhauer said some people who bought their current homes at a lower interest rate might be hesitant to get into a new mortgage at a higher rate. That leads to potential buyers offering more than the asking price. He said many offers don’t include requiring the seller to pay for the home inspection, which he doesn’t recommend, or don’t require testing for radon. Solomon-August said potential buyers do get into bidding wars for homes. “It all depends on their circumstances,” she said. “They might put more money down, they could give up inspections and, yes, they do write letters (to the seller) to try to tug at the heart strings.” Umbenhauer, like Hetkowski, sees a shift taking place. They both noted interest rates are still low, despite the Federal Reserve’s increases this year. “I remember the ’70s. The normal rate was 16 percent,” Hetkowski said. “I was selling houses when interest rates were 18 percent,” Umbenhauer said. “The problem in the ’70s was there wasn’t mortgage money available.” Now with the Fed recently raising interest rates close to 5 percent, that still is a much better rate than in the ’70s, though millennials just getting into the housing market think 5 percent is high, Umbenhauer said. “Sometimes people say interest rates are rising, I need to get into the market,” Umbenhauer said. “Some say they’re waiting for them to come down. (I tell them) you don’t understand, 5 percent is not high.” He said millennials — those born between 1981 and 1997 — delayed their entry into the housing market when interest rates were around

3.5 percent. After the Fed increased the rate three times this year, the August average mortgage interest rate was at 4.63, as reported by Freddie Mac, Umbenhauer said. “I won’t be surprised to see 5 percent early next year,” he said. Hetkowski said he hasn’t heard of cases in which potential buyers passed on the home inspection in order to sweeten their offer. He said bank loans require the home inspections, so unless the buyer is making a cash offer, the inspection is required. Listings, pending sales down, prices up According to the November report from the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors, new listings in Greater Scranton were down 18.7 percent to 230. Pending sales decreased 1.1 percent to 185. Inventory shrunk 16.5 percent to 1,156 units. Meanwhile the median sales price was up 11 percent to $144,750. Days on the market decreased 12.6 percent to 83 days. Months supply of inventory was down 17.7 percent to 6.5 months, indicating that supply increased relative to demand. Solomon-August said listings in the Luzerne County board’s market area decreased to 5,147 listings from 5,450 in 2017, a decrease of about 5.6 percent. Home sales decreased to 2,621 from 2646 last year, about 0.9 of a percent. She expects the market to improve. “I would certainly hope so,” she said. “There always are reasons for people to be moving – family situation, your job.” But, she said, price ranges determine where people search for a home. “I would tell them to definitely hire a Realtor to help them in their home search,” SolomonAugust said. “We could try to push them in an appropriate direction to try find a home.”

Bazooka Candy Brands provided a tour of its Ring Pop factory in Scranton to students from The Ca- Students inspect some products during a tour reer Technology Center of Lackawanna County. of the Topps Scranton Plant.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LOCAL

Leadership Ten principals for the future of the Pocono Northeast Lackawanna receives Scranton Area Community Foundation grant

by Howard J. Grossman, AICP

A 413-page book titled “Our Towns” may have significant implications for the future of the Pocono-Northeast. Written by husband and wife James and Deborah Fallows, the book follows their air trips to many towns across the United States, and points out how these communities changed and had specific steps to become a standard bearer which other tons possible could emulate. It was a 100,000 mile journey that enabled them to meet hundreds of civic leaders, workers, immigrants, educators, artists, public servants, librarians, businesspeople, city planners, students, entrepreneurs and others to help craft solutions to problems. They identified ten principles which can be utilized in this region to isolate new ways to improve community life throughout the PoconoNortheast: ■ People work together on practical local possibilities rather than allowing bitter disagreements about national politics to keep them apart. They pointed out that the more often national politics came into local discussions, the worse shape the town was likely to be in. ■ You can pick out the local patriots. In other words who makes the town go? It varies greatly based upon the list above. ■ The phrase public-private partnership refers to something real. They identify partnerships such as Greenville, South Carolina, Holland, Michigan, Fresno, California and others. ■ People know the civic story. Every community has a story, and successful tries are found in such locations as Columbus, Ohio, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Bend, Oregon, Eastport, Maine and others. ■ They have downtowns. It is the quickest single marker of the condition of a town. They point to the Main Street project of the National Trust of Historic Preservation, and downtown stories such as Greenville, Burlington, Vermont, several in California and others. ■ They are near a research university. They point to Rapid City, South Dakota and the presence of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and Clemson and the array of automotive-tech firms that have grown up around it in South Carolina.

Craft brewing is a trend that affects many communities the Fallows point to the growth of local brewing pioneers across the nation. There are now more than 500 and more are expected in coming years. It appears to be a sign of civic energy. But the most important contributions the Fallows made in their five-year journey are the specific examples of civic engagement that are spread throughout the book and these are possible ways for this region to grow. Here are some samples: ■ In Erie, Pennsylvania, there is a Multi Cultural Resource Center with the theme of being active, and not passive along with other steps that have been taken. ■ Holland, Michigan has more manufacturing facilities than many other places, public art, and passed a bond issue to help resolve public school issues. ■ Burlington, Vermont has a commercial airport with many features not found elsewhere along with many other factors to improve that ■ They have, and care about, a community community. college. They potentially offer a connection to ■ Libraries, according to the Fallows have higher-wage technical jobs, for people who become the heart and soul of American commight otherwise be left with no job or one at munities, and they point to Columbus, Ohio and minimum wage, They point out that nationmany other locations, as excellent examples. wide, only about 40 percent of those who start ■ Other communities noted include St. at a community college, finish within six years, and believe that this needs to be removed as a Marys, Georgia, Caddo Lake, Louisiana-Texas, negative factor. Duluth, Minnesota, Charleston, West Virginia, ■ They have distinctive, innovative schools. Columbus, Mississippi, Dodge City, Kansas, Some are charters, some are special statewide Winters, California, Redmond and Prineville, public academies, some are religious schools, Oregon and a host of other small and medium some are private academies, and some are size communities. traditional public schools that are carrying out The point behind this travelogue is to utilize new ways to instruct. examples that already exist as a tool for looking ■ They make themselves open. Attracting at this entire region, adapting some of the same new people to move into the community is an ideas, and seeing what can be done, similar to important factor. The emphasis on inclusion the Fallows’ examples. The setting of this book would make a town attractive to talented outsidas a reference guide for the Pocono-Northeast, ers and increases the draw to its own emigres. and for that matter other Pennsylvania comSioux City, Fresno, and Burlington are examples munities, can stimulate new approaches to of this trend. old problems and become a familiar process ■ They have big plans. Cities can still do things that can sustain the growth and development such as planning. When a mayor or city council of regional life in coming years to improve the shows a map of how new downtown residences quality of life for the one million plus citizens will look when they are completed, it is a sign that who reside in the whole region for the generaperhaps you will want to return to that locale. These ten are added to by one other marker. tion present and those to come.

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DECEMBER 2018

Leadership Lackawanna, a regional community leadership and professional development organization, recently received a Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Needs Grant in the amount of $2,000. Leadership Lackawanna will use this grant to help offset the costs associated with consulting services related to the organization’s new three-to-five-year strategic plan. This plan will help determine the organization’s future growth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation makes grants to foster good ideas which have the potential to strengthen our community and enrich the lives of the people of Scranton and Lackawanna County. These grants fund a wide range of non-profit programs that respond to a particular community need or issue and must enhance the quality of life in Lackawanna County. For more information, visit leadershiplackawanna.com.

Photo courtesy of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

From left: Alan Hughes, Scranton Area Community Foundation board member; Nicole Morristell, director, Leadership Lackawanna and Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation president and chief executive officer.


CELEBRATING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS by Catherine Farrell

Pink Pedal

Looking to update your wardrobe with the newest trends or find the perfect outfit for an event? You may find what you’re looking for at the new downtown Scranton boutique, Pink Pedal. Ever since owner and creator Lynn Farrell’s girls were little, she wanted to own her own store. Her main focus was raising her two girls; therefore, that dream took a backseat for years. Now that her oldest daughter has entered the working field and her youngest is in college, she finally felt that this would be the perfect time for her to start her next adventure. She always thought she would open a children’s store, and she loved every second of dressing her girls and constantly keeping up with the new trends and fashions as they got older. You can say it became a hobby of hers. Farrell was looking for a new adventure in life. With her kids all grown up, she thought it would be the perfect time to follow her dream. An outpouring of support from her family and friends motivated her to make her dream a reality. Pink Pedal is a one-of-a-kind women’s clothing and gift boutique. Farrell attends shows in New York City, Atlanta and Miami to find the newest trends to bring to the store. Pink Pedal has something for just about every sense of style – that is what makes it unique. “We don’t fit just one mold of style,” Farrell said. Pink Pedal customers can create their outfits and accessories with the help of the shop’s stylist. By shopping there, women of all ages are being empowered to be who they want to be in the fashions they love. The business posts its own models – the customers – wearing their new clothes on its Instagram account, using the hashtag #modelsofpinkpedal. Balancing family life and a store full-time can be tough. Farrell has a passion for what she does, and is constantly changing the store around with each new season and every new arrival. The businesswoman values family as much as she values her store and strives to balance both. She wants to continue to learn and grow her business. She also wants to continue to build

“Never let go of that dream you have always had. My dream to open my own store started several years ago. I never thought it would be a reality. But, I never gave up – never. Once my children were in college and started to chase their own dreams, I decided to take a chance to live mine. I know now that there isn’t a time limit on following your dreams. You just do it. There is never a time limit to when you can achieve your lifelong goals.”

— Lynn Farrell, owner and creator Pink Pedal, Scranton

wonderful relationships with her clients and deliver trendy and confident fashions to the city. “Never let go of that dream you have always had,” Farrell said when asked what advice she has for other female entrepreneurs. “My dream to open my own store started several years ago. I never thought it would be a reality. But, I never gave up – never. “Once my children were in college and started to chase their own dreams, I decided to take a chance to live mine. I know now that there isn’t a time limit on following your dreams. You just do it. There is never a time limit to when you can achieve your lifelong goals.” For more information about the business, visit The Pink Pedal on Facebook and @thepinkpedal on Instagram.

DISTRIBUTION CENTER

is looking to hire

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

New hiring wage at $12.00/hr, after 30 days $12.25/hr. We pay shift differential for off shift an additional $1.25/hr. and premium pay for Receiving/Shipping up to $1.55/hr. Also eligible for weekly Bonus Incentives up to $0.75/hr. Located at 4000 OLDFIELD BOULEVARD IN PITTSTON! YOU CAN COME SEE THE CENTER, GET ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS AND EVEN SAME DAY JOB Offer. English is not a requirement. Transportation available from Wilkes Barre, Scranton, and Hazleton.

Apply in person or online at:

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

Staffing Services: Seasonal, Temporary & Permanent Employees

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

Call us for your business needs Catherine Farrell is a University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) intern working under the supervision of Donna Simpson, Consultant Manager. She just began her first year with the center.

570-800-1880 www.KCRNow.com

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

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

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

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

Finch Manufacturing & Technology thrives in West Pittston government contracts and growing business with existing and new customers, Finch Manufacturing & Technology is poised for growth. The company is currently focusing on investment in the facility and has just recently undergone a total redesign of the production floor to improve efficiencies and increase the capacity of the plant. With the improved facility, the company is also looking to bring back production of machinery that was previously outsourced. Recognizing the need to both attract and A crusher custom casting reverse engineered by Finch Manufacturing and Technology. retain new talent, the company is striving Finch Manufacturing & Technology to adapt to the needs of today’s modern specializes in the design, building and installation of massive kilns, dryers workforce. According to Robert O. Zinnen, Jr., CEO & Managing Partner, and trunnions used in the concrete, recycling and silica industries, just “Our goal is to create a work/family environment. Not only have we to name a few. Their final work ranges in size from inches and ounces to upgraded our production floor, but we have remodeled our offices, updated feet and tons. In short, Finch can do anything with metal. Finch is also computers, added new sales, production, and financial software, and even certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business a new phone system. We know our talented team takes pride in their high (SDVOSB) and has similar certifications with PA and NY. quality work, but we also want them to be comfortable and proud of their The company also provides extensive field service support to clients work environment and tools." ranging from system NEPIRC is currently assisting Finch with becoming ISO 9001:2015 inspections, grinding certified. As a result of this assistance, the company will have a and alignment, documented Quality and Risk Management System and should preventive or predictive receive certification to ISO 9001:2015; resulting in an increase in sales maintenance, opportunities and an improved process. installation supervision, engineering expertise, This feature is sponsored by... and complete project management. The company employs 15 machinists, engineers and office staff. Due to their efforts to expand their work with Finch manufactured product dwarfs company employee.

Since 1855, Finch Manufacturing & Technology has been designing and building massive rotary processing and other specialized equipment. It’s 25,000-square-foot facility in West Pittston possesses unique machinery and engineering capabilities that enable the company to machine or fabricate some of the world’s largest equipment and parts.

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DECEMBER 2018


COMPANY CULTURE

Making corporate social responsibility part of your company culture people. The next generation of workers In order to compete today, comare purpose-driven and want to know panies must demonstrate more than that their work matters. For millennial business savvy and superior customer employees, a job is about more than just a service; they must differentiate thempaycheck; it is an opportunity to take part selves by demonstrating corporate social in a mission. responsibility. Brands can distinguish There are a few key ways businesses themselves by taking a stand for social can practice corporate social responsibility MUNLEY causes and adopting a philosophy of in today’s market. One example is being giving back. While this trend has taken environmentally conscious. As many off among larger corporations, it also presents an people know, Starbucks got rid of plastic straws this opportunity for small businesses like ours to connect year, in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic that with the communities we serve. enters our oceans. This was a largely well-received For a consumer-based business, corporate socampaign, and many corporations are now looking cial responsibility can be a competitive advantage. to follow in those footsteps. Businesses can look to Many consumers are more likely to purchase a reduce their carbon footprint and take care of the enviproduct or service from a company that they see as ronment if they want to be more socially responsible. responsible in their business practices or beneficial Another way to practice corporate social responto the community. sibility is to engage in philanthropy. This can involve But consumers are just one piece of the puzzle. donating to charities or local programs in the comDemonstrating corporate social responsibility is also munity. Something as common as Casual Friday can a powerful way to attract and retain top talent in your be a great way for businesses to give back as a team. organization. This is especially true among young For example, at Munley Law each member of our by Robert W. Munley, III

w Ne ting Lis

HAZLE TWP. Excellent investment opportunity! New construction! Townhomes with great rental history and income. Great location.

$850,000 MLS# 18-210 KRISSIE 570-501-7519 OR PAT GENETTI 570-501-7580

staff contributes a small monthly donation in order to participate in Casual Friday. Each month, we pool the contributions and donate to a different local organization. This is a small step that can have a big impact. Companies should also be committed to the success of future generations. Our office offers scholarships to help young people attending local colleges and universities, like the University of Scranton, Johnson College and Marywood University. Awarding a scholarship can make a difference in the lives of individual students and enrich the entire community by investing in the next generation of leaders. Of course, corporate social responsibility isn’t just about giving money. Donating time to a local cause can be just as impactful. Spending time face-to-face with the people in the community you serve allows you to forge a connection with your consumer base. Volunteering is also good for staff morale, team-building and cultivating a shared sense of purpose. Coming together off-site to serve meals at a local soup kitchen or participate in adoption events at the SPCA creates a spirit of goodwill in the company that lasts beyond that one good deed.

FORTY-FORT

All brick, modern, 1 level building in excellent condition w/over 6600SF on 1.14 acres. High traffic area. 180' frontage on Wyoming Ave. Handicap accessible, multi use, 4BA, parking.

MLS# 16-6333 RAE 570-714-9234

$299,900

Robert W. Munley III is a seasoned personal injury attorney and courtroom advocate with a special focus in truck accidents and workers’ compensation. Learn more at munley.com.

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Incorporating one or more of these initiatives can account for so much positive change in a company. When a business is passionate about a cause or issue, it will attract passionate and like-minded employees. Giving back to the community fosters positive relationships with local organizations. Having a sense of purpose outside of running a financially successful business can increase productivity and a feeling of goodwill in any office. For all of these reasons, every business should look into how corporate social responsibility can be instituted in its workplace. Businesses can set themselves apart by standing up for the “little guy” and helping those who cannot help themselves. This is especially true for small businesses in places like NEPA where community is paramount. Munley Law has been rooted in northeastern Pennsylvania for 60 years, and for generations this is where our family made their home. For the people at Munley Law, being a good neighbor is part of the company culture.

HARVEY'S LAKE 40 Year LandmarkHarvey's Lake location. Seating 150. 20 in bar area. Apartment on second floor. Live in and work. Great investment opportunity!

PLAINS

Well maintained, 1-Story, brick front, professional office building. High traffic area & very visible location w/ paved parking for 30 cars. Handicap accessible, gas heat, ductless A/C. Wonderful business opportunity.

MLS# 18-5857 GERI 570-696-0888

$599,900 MLS# 18-2475 MARIBETH 570-696-0882

$289,900 w Ne ting Lis

WILKES-BARRE

NORTH SCRANTON

5000+ SQ FT One Story Masonry Building Zoned M-1 (Light Industrial) situated next to Luzerne County Correctional Facility can accommodate a wide variety of uses.

Multiple use, free standing building. Imagine your business here! Centrally located! Excellent condition. Or terrific opportunity to own your own turnkey business with all equipment, fixtures included.

MLS# 18-3245 ANN LEWIS 570-714-9245

MLS# 18-3327 BEVERLY 570-585-0619

$180,000

Kingston: 570.288.9371 Shavertown: 570.696.3801

$147,000

YATESVILLE

INCOME STREAM!! Occupy one building collect rent from the other. Or other options occupy both OR lease both!!! The total of 12,000 sf is available for you to invest in to best suit your needs. Property features include at grade overhead doors, small offices and ample lot area. Easy access to major highways!!! Call now. MLS# 17-5392 $499,000 JUDY 570-714-9230

Mountain Top: 570.474.9801 Wilkes-Barre: 570.822.1160

HAZLETON

DALLAS

Former ''Brick House'' bar, 1st floor includes KIT area, DR, bar area & 2 restrooms. Built in bar included. 2nd floor has a lg 3BR apartment. Building is zoned commercial. Would make a great restaurant or retail space on the 1st floor.

Full of character! Great investment opportunity. Commercial property w/2nd floor apartment in the heart of Dallas. Call today!

MLS# 18-4716 MIKE 570-501-7584

MLS# 18-5842 CHRISTINA 570-696-0897

Clarks Summit: 570.585.0600 Scranton: 570.207.6262

$99,900

Drums: Hazle Twp.:

$69,500

570.788.1999 570.501.7575

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PERSONNEL FILE A. PICKETT CONSTRUCTION INC.

Candy Frye of Harding was promoted to director of new business for A. Pickett Construction and Pickett Facilities Maintenance divisions, Kingston. Being a 12-year employee and prior dispatch manager, coupled with her sales experience, customer relations and creative marketing strategies, has led her to the position.

FRYE

BARRY ISETT & ASSOCIATES INC.

The multidiscipline engineering firm with offices in Hazleton and WilkesBarre recently elected two new members to its seven-member board of directors during the annual shareholders meeting. Ross Sotak, P.E., head of the structural engineering department, is a 24year veteran of the firm. Timothy McNair, CPA, MBA, was elected as an external board member. The chief financial officer of BRD Noise and Vibration Control Inc., a company specializing in HVAC acoustic design and manufacturing, McNair previously had a 16-year career with C.F. Martin & Co. Both Sotak and McNair will serve three-year terms.

SOTAK

MCNAIR

CENTURY 21 SMITH HOURIGAN GROUP

Michelle Reilly has rejoined the Mountain Top office. Reilly has more than 15 years of experience in the field and most recently worked with Benchmark Mortgage as a licensed loan REILLY originator. Reilly brings back with her a knowledge and understanding on the mortgage side, which will be very useful working with buyers. Reilly has always been a top producer, receiving many Century 21 awards, and is a trained relocation specialist.

CLASSIC PROPERTIES

Nicole Maloney, a resident of Harding, recently joined the Kingston office. She grew up in West Pittston.

COMMONWEALTH HEALTH

Karla Porter, a member MALONEY of the Greenhouse Center Clubhouse Advisory Board, was presented the Pennsylvania Clubhouse Coalition Community Partnership Award at

the organization’s annual statewide seminar for her exceptional service to the Greenhouse. The Greenhouse is a psychiatric rehabilitation program and part of the health system’s Community Counseling Services. As an advisory board member, Porter has helped the Greenhouse by MCGARRY assisting with employment, educational and technological opportunities for Greenhouse members. William McGarry, M.D., has joined Radiology Associates of Wyoming Valley and the medical staff of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Dr. McGarry, who specializes in women’s imaging, is originally from MOTT Kingston. McGarry is certified by the American Board of Radiology. The practice of the health system’s surgeon Brian Mott, M.D., has been designated a case observation site for Intuitive Surgical, the manufacturer of robotic surgical equipment. Mott is affiliated with Commonwealth’s physiTOLAN cian network and is on the medical staff of Regional Hospital of Scranton. This designation means that surgeons from throughout the United States and their team members will visit Mott at Regional Hospital of Scranton to observe thoracic robotic surgery. Maxwell Tolan, M.D., has joined the physician GUERRIERO network and will practice family medicine at 1 Brookhill Square South in Sugarloaf. Tolan is on the medical staff of Berwick Hospital Center. He is affiliated with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Vascular surgeon John Guerriero, D.O., has expanded his medical practice into Sugarloaf Twp. in Luzerne County. Guerriero, a member of the health system’s physician network, is on the medical staff of Berwick Hospital. He also has an office at 1918 W. Front St., Berwick. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery. Mark Lokuta, of Mountain Top, has been named director of respiratory services at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. Lokuta previously served as manager of the hospital’s respiratory department and was named Clinical Manager of the Year in 2017. In his new role, he will LOKUTA

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oversee all respiratory, neurophysiology and sleep lab functions along with the inpatient tele-neuro program. He joined the hospital staff in April 2016 and previously served as manager of respiratory therapy at Regional Hospital of Scranton, pulmonary manager at Select Hospital, Danville, and clinical respiratory care instructor at Luzerne County Community College.

DIME BANK

Vicki DiGiuseppe and Eric Avery have been selected among 100 emerging bankers nationally to participate in this year’s BAI Emerging Leaders Network program. Avery is the bank’s assistant branch manager in Damascus, and DiGiuseppe is a credit analyst in the loan department. Members of the BAI Emerging Leaders Network are self-nominated or nomiDIGIUSEPPE nated by a senior leader in their organization.

DISTASIO & KOWALSKI LLC

Attorney Michael J. Kowalski, a partner in the Wilkes-Barre personal injury firm, has been selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America 2019. Kowalski was selected for his expertise in the area of personal injury law. He resides in Moosic with his family. The Best Lawyers in America rankings are based solely on peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands KOWALSKI of attorneys confidentially evaluate their colleagues. It is widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide that identifies outstanding counsel for a wide range of legal matters.

ENGLE EYEWEAR

Katlyn Prednis, managing optician with the Wilkes-Barre business since 2015, is a boardcertified optician who has demonstrated the knowledge, skills and expertise necessary for the practice of opticianry by passing the American Board of Opticianry National Competency Examination in 2017. Upon PREDNIS certification, Prednis immediately began preparation for the National Contact Lens Examiners, which she passed on Aug. 4. Certification by an ABO member involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the field. To demonstrate leadership, ABO certification also requires proof of continuing education and experience in between testing for recertification.

ERIE MATERIALS

Brian Murtaugh has joined the Scranton branch as a territory manager. He had managed another building materials distributor’s location

for the past four years. Steve Paszek has been selected as a territory manager for the Scranton branch, covering the Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton territory. He has been with the company since 1997 and has held several positions, including warehouse specialist, delivery specialist, dispatcher and assistant warehouse manager before his move to inside sales in 2002. Brian Manning has relocated to the Williamsport branch as a territory manager. He joined the company three years ago as a territory manager for the Scranton branch. Brian Diehl has relocated to the Scranton branch to serve as an inside sales representative. He joined the company in January as an inside sales representative in Binghamton, New York.

ESSA BANK & TRUST

Maria Kelly of West Pittston was hired as branch manager of the bank’s Scranton office located at 300 Mulberry St. She will be responsible for sales and service of consumer and small-business relationships in the Greater Scranton market. Kelly brings 13 years of KELLY branch banking experience, most recently serving as a regional banking district manager in the Scranton market for Wells Fargo. She will report to Lori Ruiz, regional branch administrator.

FIRST NATIONAL COMMUNITY BANK

Michael S. Cummings, vice president, marketing manager, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional certification from the American Bankers Association. The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonCUMMINGS strate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial services marketing profession, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. Cummings has been with FNCB for seven years and is responsible for overseeing the bank’s marketing efforts.

FOLEY LAW FIRM

All five of the firm’s attorneys, Thomas J. Foley Jr., Kevin P. Foley, Michael J. Foley, Thomas J. Foley III and Terrence R. Nealon Jr., have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2019 for their expertise in the area of Personal Injury Litigation

THOMAS J. FOLEY JR.

Please see Personnel, Page 17


PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 16 — Plaintiffs. Their inclusion in the 25th edition of Best Lawyers marks the first year that all five attorneys have been named together. Thomas J. Foley Jr., who founded the law firm in 1979, has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2010. Kevin P. Foley has achieved awards in excess of $1 million as part of the law firm and has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2016. Michael J. Foley has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2010 and was also recently awarded the highest level of distinction from the American Association For Justice National College of Advocacy’s Achievement Recognition Program. Thomas J. Foley III has been a member of the Board of Governors of the MICHAEL Pennsylvania Association FOLEY for Justice since 2009, and has served as chair of the Amicus Committee. He opened the firm’s Stroudsburg office in 1991. Terrence R. Nealon Jr. has been an attorney with the law firm since 2011 after earning his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. The Foley Law Firm THOMAS J. serves personal injury clients throughout Northeast FOLEY III and Central Pennsylvania with offices in Scranton and Stroudsburg.

GEISINGER COMMONWEALTH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

completed an emergency medicine internship and residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. David Edwards, M.D., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Mary Gallo, M.D., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she served as chief resident. She previously worked as a research technician at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Sheel Mehta, D.O., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Stephen H. Mohney, M.D., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he served as the prehospital physician chair. Essie Reed-Schrader, M.D., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency and emergency medical services fellowship at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, where she served as chief resident. Akash Patel, M.D., most recently completed his emergency medicine residency at Vidant Medical Center/East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Patel has served as an Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor for the American College of Surgeons and as a Basic Life Support course instructor for the American Heart Association. Keith D. Willner, M.D., most recently completed an emergency medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Willner previously served as an EMS physician for the city of Pittsburgh, a STAT Medevac air transport flight physician, and an assistant medical director for Fayette County emergency medical services.

GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

John L. Szarek, Ph.D., of Moosic, professor and director of clinical pharmacology and education director for simulation, recently SZAREK returned from Japan where he attended the 18th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP2018) in Kyoto. Szarek played numerous leadership and educational roles at the event. He was on the steering committee that organized a preconference satellite symposium, “Educating Scientists and Healthcare Professionals for 21st Century Pharmacology,” on June 30 and July 1. Szarek gave one of the plenary talks at the education satellite conference titled, “Introducing the Pharmacology Education Project.” During the general assembly of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Education Section, he was elected as a member of the executive committee for 2018-2022.

GEISINGER WYOMING VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

The medical center recently welcomed the following emergency medicine physicians to its team: Lindsey Kay Duguet, M.D., most recently

Amy S. Luyster has been promoted to the position of vice president of the Scranton Plan, effective Sept. 1. Luyster joined the chamber in 1998 and is responsible for the coordinaLUYSTER tion and implementation of marketing strategies for the Scranton Plan and providing site location and financial assistance to firms interested in moving to or expanding within Lackawanna County. In her new role, she will also assume oversight of all workforce aspects of the chamber’s industrial/economic development operations, including Skills in Scranton. She will also join the chamber’s Staff Management Committee. As a member of the Industrial Development team, Luyster has held the positions of economic development manager, research and marketing director and Scranton Plan administrator before being named to her most recent role as assistant vice president for the Scranton Plan.

Upcoming Special Editions! • Economic Forecast 2019 • Investment and Tax Planning for 2019 • Focus on Wilkes Barre All Publishing January 2019 Deadline: December 27th

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PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 17

HOURIGAN, KLUGER & QUINN P.C.

Nine attorneys at the law firm, including the entire litigation team, in multiple categories, to the 2019 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. The following lawyers have been named to the 2019 Best Lawyers List: Richard M. Goldberg: Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Union; and Terrence J. Herron: Corporate Law. The entire litigation team: Joseph A. Quinn Jr.: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Product; Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs; Michelle M. Quinn: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Product; Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs; Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year, NEPA Region; Donald C. Ligorio: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants; Brian Q. McDonnell: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants; Kevin C. Quinn: Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs; Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; Michael A. Lombardo III: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs; and Nicole M. Santo: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs. Additionally, Michelle M. Quinn has been named Lawyer of the Year, NEPA Region – Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs. Since 1987, attorneys at the firm have been named to the Best Lawyers in America list.

H&R BLOCK

The tax service recognized 30 company and franchise associates, including Caroline Keeler, Scranton, for going above and beyond for their clients with the 2018 Henry W. Bloch Excellence in Client Service awards. The awards recognize the service’s tax-office associates for their extraordinary client service, exceptional tax expertise and ongoing commitment to solve problems and advocate for clients. For the second year in a row, every winner also earned service quality scores of 90 percent or greater. Keeler works at the tax office at 751 Oak St. She has been with the company for the past 24 years.

KEYSTONE COLLEGE

Bernadine Ahonkhai, Ed.D., Scott Koerwer, Ed.D., attorney Zachary D. Morahan, attorney Peter G. Rossi, and Paul Wendolowski have been elected as the newest members of the college’s board of trustees. New board of trustees officers include John F. Pullo, chairman; James C. Clark, chairmanelect, attorney Daniel Haggerty, first vice-chairman, and Ida Castro, J.D., secretary. Ahonkhai is a recognized leader in the early childhood education field. She recently retired from PA Key, Office of Child Development and Early Learning, where she served for 10 years as the higher education program manager. Koerwer is an entrepreneur in education and business with more than 30 years of experience, including three entrepreneurial startups and many program development initiatives around the world. He serves as vice president for Strategy, Planning and Communication at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, where he is also the founding dean of the graduate school and

vice dean for Graduate Studies and professor of Organizational Systems and Innovation.Morahan is an associate with the law firm of Coughlin and Gerhart LLP, Binghamton, New York. His practice areas include estate and property litigation, and energy. Rossi, who graduated from the college in 1972, is a member of the Cozen O’Connor law firm in Philadelphia. His practice centers on property damage cases with emphasis on floods and water damage litigation. Wendolowski graduated from the college in 1971. Before his retirement in 2001, he worked as an executive with the United Parcel Service specializing in air coordination and was responsible for millions of dollars of equipment, service guarantees and daily payroll. He was employed by United Parcel for more than 30 years.

KING’S COLLEGE

Dr. Thomas Concannon has been appointed instructor of computer science. Previously a part-time instructor in mathematics since 2010, he earned the status of adjunct instructor in August 2017. His professional experience includes serving as a software applications engineer at Synopsys Inc. Dr. Matthew Eaton, assistant professor of theology, was a postdoctoral teaching fellow at Fordham University, an adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University, New York, an instructor at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and an instructor at University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto. Katherine Filbert has been named instructor of philosophy. She was formerly a part-time instructor of philosophy and an adjunct faculty member in the philosophy department at Villanova University. Hussam Ghunaim is an assistant professor of computer science. His classroom experience includes serving as a visiting lecturer at Rochester Institute of Technology, a visiting instructor at Ohio Northern University, and a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Bridgeport. Dr. Ismail Haltas, assistant professor of civil engineering, previously served as a senior research fellow at Cranfield University,

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CONCANNON

EATON

HALTAS

HILDEBRAND

KIESSLING

DECEMBER 2018

United Kingdom, and an associate professor at Zirve University, Turkey. Jessica Hildebrand, a 2015 alumna, will serve as instructor of accounting. In addition to working as an adjunct professor at Bloomsburg University, she was a core tax senior associate at Price Waterhouse MOULTON Coopers LLP. Dr. Corinne Kiessling, assistant professor of neuroscience, was a clinical assistant professor and a research assistant professor at the Freshman Research Immersion program — Neuroscience stream at Binghamton University. After graduating from the physician assistant KULP master’s degree program in 2015, Gianna Moulton was a physician assistant in internal medicine with a local doctor and instructor of premedical programs at Hazleton Area STEM High School. She has been named an assistant clinical professor in physician assistant studies. Linette Rayeski, a 1998 graduate, has been appointed assistant technical professor of accounting. Rayeski brings significant professional experience to the classroom. She also returns to the college after serving as an assistant technical professor of accounting from 2013 to 2015. Christopher Stine was named instructor of philosophy. He served as an adjunct instructor at both Immaculata University and King’s College. Holly Kulp, a resident of Dallas, has been appointed controller and chief risk officer at the college. Kulp oversees financial reporting, internal control, BROCK regulatory compliance, risk management including insurance, endowment management and annual audits. She also serves as the liaison to the audit committee of the board. Kulp previously served as director of finance for Gertrude Hawk Chocolates.

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE

Melanie Brock of Clarks Summit has been announced as certified occupational therapy assistantlicensed specialist for the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. Aaron Mattern of Scranton has been announced as admissions adviser. Daniel Regan of Union Dale has been announced

MATTERN

as admissions adviser for Lackawanna College. Regan previously served as assistant men’s basketball coach at West Chester University.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

Mary Garm, administraGARM tor of the county’s library system since 2003, appeared in a recent edition of The Compendium, a newsletter produced by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries. She is serving as chairwoman of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Library Development after first being appointed to the council in 2010 as vice chairwoman by Gov. Ed Rendell, serving as acting chairwoman in 2016 and earning a formal appointment as chairwoman by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017. Garm is also a founder of the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Academy of Leadership Studies and served as the founding chairwoman of PaLA’s PA Forward steering committee.

LANDMARK COMMUNITY BANK

GURNARI

LAWRENCE A.J. SPEGAR

SPEGAR

Bobbie Gurnari, a resident of Plains Twp., has been named vice president and branch manager for the Wyoming branch of the bank. Gurnari’s professional experience includes several years of service at Citizens Bank, Prudential Retirement, First National Bank and M&T Bank.

Attorney Lawrence A.J. Spegar of Jessup was recognized in Denver in July at the American Association for Justice annual convention for his efforts as a national and leading speaker and presenter on the topic of “End Distracted Driving.” The topic and presentations focus on the dangers of texting and driving, as well as eliminating other driver distractions that are potential concerns for the safety and well-being of motorists across the country. Spegar has been active with the “End Distacted Driving” campaign for a significant number of years, including the recent annual convention. His offices are located in Jessup and Pocono Summit.

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

Even though Dr. Edward O’Brien’s research on the Multidimensional

REGAN

O’BRIEN

Please see Personnel, Page 20


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PERSONNEL FILE

FROM PAGE 18 Self-Esteem Inventory is 30 years old, it is still widely used, including being cited in research conducted in 37 different countries, and has been translated into eight different languages. The MSEI is part of a general pattern of research in psychology where concepts and measures developed in the United States are evaluated with regard to their applicability in other parts of the world. Originally published in 1988 by Psychological Assessment Resources Inc., MSEI was based on the dissertation of O’Brien, professor and director of clinical training in the psychology department, as well as several years of his postdoctoral research. Dr. Sy Epstein at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was the second author of the MSEI publication, and Epstein served as the dissertation advisor for this project. O’Brien published an update of a bibliography of the MSEI that recently SMITH appeared on the publisher’s website at Psychological Assessment Resources Inc. Christopher Smith, Dunmore, was recently named the director of the Office of Military and Veteran Services. While a student at the university, he served as president of the Student Veteran Alliance, the official campus chapter of the Student Veterans of America. While an undergraduate student, he helped lead the SVA in raising more than $12,000 for Operation Tails for Troops; applied to, and received, a $9,500 grant from the Student Veterans of America and the Home Depot, which was used to open the Veterans Resource Center, and was president of the SVA when it was selected as the National SVA Chapter of the Year.

professor and chairwoman of the diagnostic medical sonography program, at the SDMS Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Baker Pioneer Award honors a sonographer who had made a unique and outstanding contribution to the sonography profession. Goss received the GOSS award during the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Awards Dinner for advancing the profession and increasing the knowledge and welfare of sonographers through her focused contribution to the profession. Goss is a Hunlock Creek resident who has more than 30 years of experience in sonography, performing a variety of sonographic studies to include general sonography, vascular, adult and pediatric echocardiography and supervisory roles in sonography departments. She is the immediate past president of SDMS’s board of directors and foundation. Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, associate professor of speech-language pathology, was presented with the Deso Weiss Award for Excellence in the field of cluttering at the “One World, Many Voices: Science and Community” inaugural Joint World Congress of the International Cluttering Association, International Fluency Association and International Stuttering Association in Hiroshima, Japan. The Joint World Congress, hosted at the International Conference Center by the Japan Society of Stuttering and Other Fluency Disorders and the Japanese Stuttering Genyukai Organization from July 13-16, is a groundbreaking initiative that brought together historically diverse groups to explore experiences of living with, treating and researching stuttering and cluttering.

Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-F, associate professor of speech-language pathology, recently wrote the textbook, “Fluency Plus: Managing Fluency Disorders in Individuals with Multiple Diagnoses.’’ The 224-page textbook helps to close an education and training gap for students and SCALER SCOTT clinicians by increasing their confidence, knowledge and skills when dealing with fluency disorders and complex combinations of concomitant disorders, or disorders happening at the same time. Scaler Scott is a practicing speech-language pathologist and board-certified specialist in fluency disorders. She has been a practicing clinician since 1993 in hospital, school and private practice settings, including the Misericordia University Speech-Language and Hearing Center in John J. Passan Hall. She has been a member of the Misericordia University faculty since 2009. The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography recently awarded the 2018 Joan P. Baker Pioneer Award to Sheryl Goss, M.S., RT(R) (S), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RVS, FSDMS, assistant

Best Lawyers has chosen attorney Michael A. O’Donnell for the first time for inclusion in the 2019 Best Lawyers in America for Claimants’ Workers’ Compensation Law. Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Its methodology is designed to capture, as accurately O’DONNELL as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practices area. For information, visit bestlawyers.com. A frequent contributor to legal education programs, O’Donnell has received the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating 2016–2018 and has been named a Rising Star Lawyer 2017-2018.

MISERICORDIA UNIVERSITY

O’DONNELL LAW OFFICES

OUTREACH – CENTER FOR COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The organization, formerly the Employment Opportunity Training Center of Northeastern Pa., announced the addition of Scranton resident Kristin Cianfichi to its administrative team.

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Cianfichi, an award-winning journalist, joined in June as director of community outreach and resource development. In this capacity, she will work to create and implement strategies for development and social media. Cianfichi came from Washington, D.C., where she worked in the nonprofit sector on public policy issues and in media/communications.

CIANFICHI

PENN STATE HAZLETON

Mark Tranguch has been named director of housing and food services. In his role, he will oversee all the operations for housing and food services at the campus, including TRANGUCH the HighAcres dining hall, Higher Grounds Café and the residence halls. He also oversees the food service operations at the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton campuses. He has worked at the campus for four years, first serving as manager of Housing and Food Services and then as interim director. Before coming to the university, Tranguch worked at Red Lobster for 12 years at the Wilkes-Barre, Allentown and Bartonsville locations, where he held multiple roles in management.

PENN STATE WILKES-BARRE

The college announced the addition of new faculty, staff and campus advisory board members for the 2018-2019 academic year. Erin Brennan, who joins the business faculty, was previously a partner and director of litigation at the law firm of Oliver, Price & Rhodes. Her professional career path has always involved working with local higher education institutions. Since 2016, she has taught business law and labor relations, among other courses, at Duchess Community College. Dr. Allyson Walker joins the administration of justice faculty after spending six years as a researcher at the Program/Research Associate Center for Court Innovation. She decided to complete a year as a post-doctoral research associate at the Utah Criminal Justice Center at the University of Utah. Christine Gerhardt has taken on the role of administrative support assistant in the Academic Affairs Department. Her background includes 13 years in the printing industry filling various roles with primary responsibilities in accounting. Gerhardt looks forward to supporting the faculty and interacting with the students. Heidi Kump is the new administrative assistant in continuing education. She will be supporting strategic initiatives at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Northern Tier Center in Towanda. Kump comes with approximately 30 years of experience as an administrative assistant. Since 2011, she has assisted her husband at his business, Bradford Foot and Ankle Specialties LLC, for which she served as the office manager/ medical assistant/receptionist.

Zachary Aciukewicz begins his term on the campus advisory board this fall. Aciukewicz is currently employed by the Bridon-Bekaert Ropes Group as a plant manager. Aciukewicz is an Army veteran who served as a human intelligence sergeant in various locations. Will Beekman, executive director at the F.M. Kirby Center, has joined the campus advisory board. He also sits on the board of directors for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, Diamond City Partnership and Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association. Also joining the campus advisory board is John J. Glushefski. Glushefski is the highway discipline manager for Borton-Lawson Engineering. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Pennsylvania with numerous C.E. trainings. Kady Schwartz, the co-owner at Fortune Fabrics, is also joining the campus advisory board. She completed Leadership Wilkes-Barre in 2017.

PEOPLES SECURITY BANK & TRUST CO.

Malcolm Williams has joined the bank’s team as a commercial lending officer serving Luzerne County. Williams has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. His extensive knowledge of the financial industry enables him to provide a wide array of customized solutions to assist businesses and individuals to reach their financial goals. He also served in the Army for more than seven years.

PIKE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Kelly Stagen, of Lords Valley, a member of PCCD’s board of directors, has been named secretary of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. Stagen, an artist and conservationist, also serves as Northeast Region Director for PACD and is an alternate delegate for STAGEN the National Association of Conservation Districts. Since 2017, she has served as executive director of the Hemlock Farms Conservancy. She is an art teacher and day camp supervisor in the Hemlock Farms Community Association Recreation Department. Previously, Stagen taught art at Notre Dame Elementary School in Stroudsburg and St. Vincent School in Honesdale.

RE/MAX OF THE POCONOS

Brick Quinn, a veteran realtor, was recently recognized in the 2018 REAL Trends “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” rankings for the third year in a row. Nearly one in four agents (22.7 percent) in the REAL Trends 2018 QUINN “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” rankings is a RE/MAX agent, more than any other brand. Please see Personnel, Page 33


Business Journal NORTHEAST

The top 20

Top 20 Under 40 is the Business Journal’s annual salute to Northeast Pennsylvania’s best and brightest young stars in business. Dozens of successful young professionals from across the region were nominated for the 2018 awards. This year’s winners are: ■ Lindsay Barrasse of Voyager Video ■ Matthew Borwick of Ollies American Restaurant and the Atrium ■ Robert Bresnahan of Kuharchik Construction Inc. ■ Michelle Cadden of Electric City Bakehouse ■ Julio Caprari of Duchess Outlet ■ John Carson of Bedrock Environmental ■ Edna Darko of Geisinger Medical Center ■ Travis Davis of Allied Services ■ Melissa Garcia of AAA North Penn ■ Jacob Hauptmann of Borton-Lawson ■ Carina Havenstrite of The Wright Center for Community Health ■ Kyle Livingston of Livingston Tire and Auto ■ Jennifer Menichini of Joyce, Carmody and Moran, P.C. ■ Elisha Nolan of Alter House ■ Patrick Nolan of Alter House ■ Brian D. Stanchak of The BDS Agency ■ Gina Suydam of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce ■ Scott Verdine of ABC Kiddie Kampus and Verdine Enterprises ■ Christa Vinciguerra of Marywood University and Vinciguerra Creative ■ Alison Zurawski, Community Bank, N.A.

PENNSYLVANIA

J

Jacob Hauptmann

acob Hauptmann believes in continuously making improvements, and this has contributed to the success he enjoys in his life. “I have never been competitive with others, but I have been very much so with myself,” explains the senior CAD operator at Borton-Lawson engineering, Wilkes-Barre. The entrepreneur first found enjoyment in drafting and design in high school. He attended Berks Technical Institute for an associate’s degree in architectural drafting. His first job in survey gave him a good perspective on how things come from a drafted document to being constructed. He then became an architectural designer and gained an understanding of how all the disciplines of a site and building work together. Next, he took a position in civil design with a heavy focus on software process improvement at the company. The last five years he has spent employed by the Borton–Lawson company. Hauptmann is responsible for design and presentation for land development and environmental permits as well as being a supervisor and mentor for less experience designers and drafters. He hosts trainings to share his knowledge and teach more efficient methods. “My personal study and practice in customizing our software has led to me being able to alleviate the stress of tasks that are time consuming, repetitive, error-prone and highly iterative,” he explains. He is also responsible for leading committee efforts for the company to improve organization, manage files and reduce waste and leads a committee

20 40 under

and see the greater good of my work.” He is grateful to his wife, Kristen, for being his mentor and greatest supporter. “She and I talk in depth about important matters and try to solve things together. I value her words and perspective very much,” he said. He also relies on mentor, Tom Maheady, vicepresident of industrial infrastructure and industrial energy. “He has immense experience in engineering and I hope to gain a lot of knowledge from him,” noted Hauptmann. Hauptmann is a true believer in empathy. “Too often people make judgment before they for technology-minded staff to meet and discuss ideas consider they may not fully understand what kind of life the other person has,” he said. “We need to think and break out into focus groups to help improve the about how our actions can have impacts that we may company. Recently he was promoted to manager of never feel, but others may feel immensely.” a research and development group that will seek to “I believe everyone has immense potential. The serve the entire company in the pursuit of optimizing potential of humanity to connect and work together and advancing their services with technology. “I truly enjoy helping people build value and learn towards a great purpose is staggering when you think about it. We may not know why we are here ... But I to seek the opportunity to excel,” he notes. know “here” is all we have and you are here now,” he The businessman has been inspired by his wife’s concludes. family from Elmira, New York. Her father, Walter, and He urges others to believe in a world where brother, Mark, showed him what it meant to work incredible things can be built, make extraordinary hard and be accountable for what you produce and how people feel about it – a strong work ethic. advances and strive to maintain harmony with this “Whether I was putting on a roof with Mark or planet. building a rock wall with Walter, I was working hard. Active in his community, he considers himself There was no cutting corners, no settling for less than a lifetime advocate for animal welfare assisting great,” he admits, “Walter’s story and his influence with rescues, foster care and supports shelters and taught me to always persevere through hardships, sanctuaries.

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Top 20 Under 40

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Michelle Cadden

ichelle Cadden works hard every day but makes sure she also takes time out to enjoy life. As the owner of Electric City Bakehouse, the businesswoman does a little bit of everything, but her favorite part of the job is cake decorating. “It is my passion and creative outlet when I get the opportunity to create something special for my customers,” she explains. “I found my niche in the types of cakes that I create. They are pretty abstract and we try to keep things innovative and different. The community has been amazing in that they have embraced the style that we are bringing to the area. I was nervous at first, but I could not be happier with the response that I have received.” Cadden graduated from Keystone College with a culinary degree and is self taught in cake decorating. “I had an interest in the art, and started experimenting with different techniques. As people started to ask me to create cakes for them, I realized I could make a career out of it,” she noted. Her mentor and go-to-person is one of her best friends, Michelle Valentino. “She manages it all - both her family and her career. Her drive and creativity are incredibly inspiring and we support each other’s crazy ideas, such as the Pop-Up Wedding that we created,” she said. “I am incredibly lucky in that a lot of my best friends are not only small business owners, but also work in a similar industry. Having so many creative minds around to discuss ideas with, share struggles and motivate each other is really helpful. Just like with raising children, owning a small business takes a village. Your success can partly be attributed to the relationships that you form.” She attributed her success to watching her dad work his way up the corporate ladder in his job, start-

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s Operations coordinator of Duchess Outlet, Julio Caprari is responsible for the dayto-day activities of the two-fold company. “We operate both a brick and mortar and an online store,” he explained. “As a small, family-owned business we are a tightly woven tapestry.” His responsibilities include managing online strategy which includes social media, advertising and overseeing the shipping department - shipping products all over the world. The business carries a wide range of products. Outerwear from famous designers such as Michael Kors, Anne Klein, BCBG and London Fog dominate ing from nothing and ending as the owner of several the showroom floor, but the outlet also dedicates successful businesses. about 2,000 square feet to collectibles like Madame “When he passed away when we were young, I Alexander dolls, doll furniture and accessories, Hansa watched my mom then raise three children by herself Toys and Folkmanis Puppets. while working and taking care of a household,” she The young businessman attributes the success of said. “Both gave me the tools I needed to know that the company to the ability to adapt to changing trends hard work pays off and that giving up is not an option.” and embracing new products. Cadden is grateful for the support she received “In the 1950s, my grandparents started a textile from her parents. manufacturing plant that morphed into a discount She is a member of the Scranton Chamber of retail outlet for clothing,” he explained. “In the 1980s, Commerce, involved in Scranton Tomorrow and was my parents vastly expanded the retail-clothing busifeatured as a small business spotlighted in Lackawaness and began carrying Madame Alexander dolls. In nna County. The business has been featured on The 2011, my brothers and sisters and I launched Knot, Pennsylvania and Delaware editions, in back-to- DuchessOutlet.com.” back issues recently, and hosts the Pop-Up Wedding. The young man is grateful to his grandparents Cadden is constantly pushing herself to do better. and parents who instilled in him a passion for growing “I have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to business and a commitment to playing a role in the constantly be on top of what I could do next,” she community. He attributes his success to the support said. “I love being a part of the community and getting of his wife, Melissa. involved with as much as I can, with the time that I Caprari graduated from Wilkes University where have.” he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and a The staff at the bakehouse is involved in many master’s degree in law and public policy from Califorcharities, most recently donating cupcakes for the Em- nia University of Pennsylvania. The businessman is a erald Gala to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center. fourth-generation resident of Pittston and the oldest of

five children. He works part-time with NEPA Inclusive as a direct support professional. As a member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, he sits on the board of directors and is vice-chairperson of the Small Business Merchants Association. He has promoted “live, work and play” in the Greater Pittston area in a commercial. He is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus on the board of directors and two-term president of Council 372 Home Association. He raised funds to erect the President John F. Kennedy statue on Kennedy Boulevard and is vice-president of the Greater Pittston Historical Society. In 2017, he organized the first Pittston History Day, and was also a narrator on the TV series “Our Town Pittston” and has penned several articles for the Greater Pittston Journal. He is a member of the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of Unico National; a member of the Italian American Association of Luzerne County; and is active with the Columbus Day celebration in Pittston and the Pittston Tomato Festival. Caprari resides in Pittston with his wife and their dog, Carlo. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening and horticulture and is a drummer in the blues band, the Phyllis Hopkins Electric Trio.

Congratulations Robert! and all of the top 20 under 40 Recipients

WE KEEP PENNSYLVANIA MOVING

WWW.KUHARCHIK.COM (570) 654-3391

SMARTER. - Since 1972 22 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B22] | 11/28/18

Julio Caprari

14:47 | BAUMEISTER

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420 Schooley Ave. Exeter, PA 18643


Top 20 Under 40

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Lindsay Barrasse

indsay Barrasse is tenacious. “With the successes I have had there is a list of failures, setbacks and disappointments – some of which I caused and some of which were beyond my control. I have gotten back up, refocused, restarted, learning valuable life principles along the way and moving forward. Those ‘failures’ are the attributes to my successes,” she explained. Wearing many hats and holding a variety of positions, the young woman is the co-owner/operator of Voyager Video, with her husband, where she oversees all areas of production – cinematography, camera/ SteadiCam, editing and more including Voyager’s Creative Partnership program that helps small businesses with video and social media. The couple recently finished production on a short film “The Road Less Traveled,” to be released at the NEPA Film Festival, and is currently working on the Mystery Box Film Challenge. As the owner/operator/inventor of Zen-Doh, a vegan, non-toxic and all-natural modeling compound infused with essential oils used for recovery from a muscle injury, anxiety and stress release, she does it all – making, marketing and selling her product across the United States. The product sells locally as well as in in New York, California and Hawaii, Zen-Doh’s Website, Facebook and Etsy. Priding herself on her humanitarian and volunteer work, she is a member of the United Nations Association of the USA; the U.S. National Committee for UN Women; vice-president of American Advertising Federation of NEPA; social media and communications chair for the National Alliance On Mental Illness PA Scranton Area Chapter; She supports the Junior League of Scranton and Cinderella’s Closet of NEPA; and is active in the arts and performing arts with the Scranton Fringe Festival, NEPA Film Festival, Lackawanna Arts Festival and the New York Women In Film and Television. She recently founded the all-female improv group “Make Your Own Damn Sandwich” with her best friend Jennifer Frey. She is a certified Yoga instructor (and also holds

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Matthew Borwick

atthew Borwick lives in the present while possessing the understanding that tomorrow is never promised. “I do not sweat the small stuff because life is too short to do that,” said the owner of Ollie’s Restaurant and the Atrium Restaurant in Kingston. Borwick graduated from Shippensburg University with a BSBA in business marketing. After college he returned home and started working at a nearby casino to pay off student debt and quickly found out that he wanted to be in business for himself. With a a certification from The National Alliance On Mental Ill- great passion for food and having grown up working ness’ Family-to-Family Education Program and Mental in restaurants from a very young age, eventually an Health First Aid; ) certified in Trauma Informed Yoga, opportunity presented itself to purchase an existing loKundalini Yoga and Yoga for Children. She volunteers cal restaurant - The Atrium Restaurant. He had been in teaching yoga to the young adults in the PA Treatment business for more than five years there when another & Healing Intensive Adolescent program, and classes opportunity presented itself for him to take on a much and workshop at her home studio Mission Yoga, as bigger restaurant down the road - Ollie’s. well as Soulshine Inner Wellness and Thaxton Holistic “I have now been here for a little over a year and Wellness Center. we strive everyday to serve great food at a affordable Hard work and imagination have spurred on the price,” he says. entrepreneur. Learning entrepreneurship at a very Borwick began volunteering for Habitat for young age from her father, owner of Billy B’s; her Humanity, anything and everything he could do to mother, an art teacher; and her Aunt Janice instilling help his local community with housing projects. Then her love of making films. after purchasing Ollie’s Restaurant, he took on a very After graduating from college with a degree in serious role in a program called “Dinners for Kids.” visual art, she later returned to obtain a degree in The previous owners of Ollie’s Restaurant created marketing. Moving across the United States in her the program and remains very much involved. late 20s proved to be quite a learning experience for “Here at Ollie’s we provide the food, we prepare the young woman and has guided her to follow the the food, volunteers package the food and then philosophy, “struggle as hard as you can for whatever ultimately deliver the meals to children who otherwise you believe in.” might not have any food to eat. We are constantly “It is my philosophy and it is a reminder that no looking to expand our program to other areas and matter where I am, the universe, or God, has my back. encourage other people to get involved in the commuYou just have to be willing to struggle and believe that nity to try and alleviate child hunger,” says Borwick. anything and everything is possible.” As the owner of two different restaurants, the Motivational speaker, life coach and author Gabby young man oversees more than 50 employees at both Bernstein and filmmaker Reed Murano have been her establishments and makes sure day to day operations mentors. run smoothly. Her husband, David Corigliano, who, with his love “Anything that is needed of me I am there to do. and support have grown their company together and Make deliveries, cook on the line, wash dishes, etc. No job is too small, just good old everyday restaurant continues to cheer her on or be a shoulder to cry on.

management,” he says, laughing. His first and foremost mentor has been his father who taught him to always work hard and to be kind and compassionate to others. “He was always there to help me along my journey and I would not be where I am today without him,” he adds. His second great mentor has been David Tevet, who he continues to learn from him day in and day out about the hard work and dedication it takes to run a successful restaurant as he has done for 35 years in the local community. He relies on hard work, dedication and a great support system and family in his life to create the successful life. Borwick also receives support from his wife, Taylor, and children, Zane and Zoey. “Without them I would not be where I am today,” he emphasized. “They are my motivation and I love them very much.” The business man was recently nominated for “Entrepreneur of the Year” for young business professionals by the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and has dedicated his time to working for its program “Dinners for Kids.”

Congratulations to all of NEPA’s “TOP 20 UNDER 40” Especially our alumni

Robert Bresnahan ’12 Travis Davis G’15 Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most nationally recognized private university

Melissa Garcia ’08, G’10 Jennifer Menichini ’02 •

scranton.edu

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Patrick Nolan

Patrick Nolan has learned to seize the day as a result of many formidable changes he has experienced throughout his life and often attributes this to the success he has developed. As co-owner of the Alter House in Clarks Summit, a family owned farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to seasonal, sustainable cuisine, he makes it his culinary mission to source the finest ingredients from farmers’ markets, regional farmers, artisan purveyors and local farms whenever possible. Sustainability is at the forefront of at Alter House’s identity and seasons define the menu. The goal of the business is to be the restaurant of choice in Northeast Pennsylvania, providing guests with unique culinary offerings paired with incredible service in a relaxed atmosphere. “In just seven short months, we’ve managed to build relationships and support the community by working with 20 local farms and artisans,” explained Nolan. “This not only ensures we are offering our guests the finest ingredients at Alter House, but we are able to contribute financially to our local community.” Nolan assists in day-to-day operations, including maintaining the facility to working alongside employees. “There is nothing I would ask an employee to do that I have not done myself, and honestly I am learning something new every new day. We make up a great team at Alter House,” he acknowledges. Nolan began in a construction career at a young age, which has aided in the “from the ground up” rebirth of Alter House for he and his wife’s business. While his wife, best friend and mentor, Elisha, grew up the restaurant industry, a rare medical issue put her life and her husband’s on hold for awhile. “After making the difficult decision to amputate her leg, and the period of rehabilitation and focus on health that followed, we found we could finally move

Elisha Nolan

Elisha Nolan has been on quite a journey, one with many hurdles and road blocks, yet a force within her never lets her give up. “I have great faith and a lot of fight that continues to grow every day,” said the co-owner of the Alter House in Clarks Summit. In her role as owner of Alter House, she, along with her husband, Patrick, is committed to supporting the community actively by working with 20 local farms and artisans to source the finest produce and protein North East Pennsylvania has to offer to provide patrons at Alter House with fine, quality healthy dishes. As an above-the-knee amputee, Nolan had to learn to navigate a whole new reality often very much on her own. “It is not something that any of my close friends forward into the next chapter of our life. We knew we or family have had experience with, so I know the wanted to do something together. With her life long struggles first hand,” she explained. knowledge of the restaurant industry and newfound This then led her to want to aid others so their respect for clean and healthy eating, and my construcjourney would not be quite as difficult. As a patient adtion experience, Alter House was born,” he added. vocate in the local medical community, she has spent The couple continues to learn from one another, years as a motivational speaker and aiding in the fight continuously growing, and dedicated to creating for equal rights in the workforce. That is something something amazing at their beloved restaurant. that will always be close to her heart. “We know if we have our health and each other, “Even though there is much to do, I can still be we are rich beyond measure. That attitude keeps us found on many of my early mornings spent at local forging forward. We will each continue to have our hospitals and in patient rehabilitation clinics mentoring battles to face but we do it together,” he notes. new amputees, and because of that passion, it was He receives great support from both his wife and important to see Alter House built to be 100 percent his son. handicap accessible,” she noted. “He makes me want to be a better man. My son Nolan also oversees all social media and marketreminds me every day that someone is always watching platforms, handles human resources and admining and learning from my example,” explains Nolan. istration duties and assists in day-to-day operational He says he is also blessed with amazing in-laws management at the Alter House. who support him as their own. Nolan notes that success, in her opinion, personThe Alter House received the 2018 Times-Tribune ally, occurs each and every day in her life because she Readers Choice Best New Restaurant award.

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Top 20 Under 40

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chooses to greet each day with optimism and gratitude because of the many opportunities she is provided. As far as her business is concerned, she believes it is and will continue to be successful because of the many talented, passionate and dedicated people who make up the Alter House family. With too many mentors to name, Nolan believes that you should always surround yourself with people smarter than you. “If you find you are always the smartest person in the room, you should find a different room,” she says, laughing. The businesswoman has received great support from her mother, stepfather, husband and son. “Honestly my entire family has always been amazing,” she said. “I’m very blessed in that regard. Now, at this point in my life, I want to show my son what can be done with perseverance and dedication. He is now my inspiration.”


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Kyle Livingston

sk for Kyle and leave with a smile!” is the slogan that Kyle Livingston says sums up his business philosophy. “My philosophy is to work hard and play hard, and to treat people the way you want to be treated,” said the owner of Livingston Tire and Auto, Scranton. An Old Forge High School graduate (Class of 2006) with high honors, he was a member of the football and golf teams for the Old Forge Blue Devils. He then attended Wyotech Automotive Technical School which began his extensive training in chassis fabrication, high performance engines and general business. “Classes were 10 hours long, but trust me, there is a lot that goes into learning about repairing automobiles,” he explained. Upon graduation from Wyotech with high honors and perfect attendance, he became a PA State Inspection, OBD II emission and air conditioning certified technician. Fresh out of school, Livingston landed his first job at Nunzi’s Automotive in Scranton. There he met mentor and friend, Jason, who taught him about being a mechanic. He then became employed at McCarthy Tire, where mentor, Dave Burnside, taught him a lot about the tire business. It was following employment at another tire store and two years later that Livingston began his own business, opening Livingston Tire and Auto on April 1, 2016 on Keyser Avenue in Scranton. Working with three bays and two automotive car lifts, while renting the garage, he hired a mechanic, and by the second month of business, he needed a second employee. A year in, he outgrew the garage and needed yet another employee. “One would say this was a good problem – and it was. However, for me it was a challenging problem because I needed a bigger garage and it had to be in Scranton. I looked for over a year for a place and finally found one – a vacant building that needed a lot of work to bring it back to life,” he noted.

Top 20 Under 40

The second Livingston Tire and Auto opened June 1, 2018 on 350 E. Gibson Street in Scranton, and it features a waiting room, sales office, a large working garage area with six bays, three automotive car/light truck lifts, tire balance machine, inspection station room, a fourth employee and room to grow. The business is a PA state inspection and emissions station and full-service auto repair shop. The mechanic plans to add two more auto lifts, an alignment machine, more full-time employees and possibly a car sales lot. As the owner, he says he touches every vehicle that comes into his shop, interacts with customers, places orders for parts, meets with vendors, changes tires and produces his own commercials and more. He recalls watching his grandfather work as a mechanic in his shop, Morris Auto Ignition and riding on the air jack as a youth. “I thought it was the coolest thing in the world,” he noted. His parents have been his greatest supporters and his father would be at the shop everyday before his illness while his mother has been there since the first day and works five days a week.

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Carina Havenstrite

arina Havenstrite believes the road to success is a long and dynamic journey with many twists and turns along the way, but with hard work, a good work ethic, strong support from people who really believe in you – and a good sense of adventure – all of these hurdles can be overcome. As director of HIV Case Management at The Wright Center for Community Health, Scranton, she is responsible for the oversight of a team of medical case managers who provide services to a vulnerable and dynamic population. She also oversees all of the funding and reporting while identifying and advocating for the expansion of the program to best meet the needs of clients. “This program has seen amazing growth and I am extremely proud of what the program has become and achieved over the last few years, including a new Prison Linkage Program,” she stated. “Much of what I do in my community is linked to my job including health fairs and other events to make an attempt to foster public awareness about what The Wright Center for Community Health has to offer, particularly free and confidential STD and HIV testing; and providing HIV, STD, and safe sex-related information to the public,” she explains. Havenstrite graduated from Keystone College with a bachelor’s degree in social science and a double minor in psychology and sociology a semester early with a 4.0 GPA and no student loans because she maintained three jobs throughout her college career. She believes she has been molded into the person she is today because of the extensive traveling and international volunteer work she has completed. The young woman spent time volunteering with the severely impoverished youth in Peru, Haiti and in Africa. Upon returning to the United States, she worked in the field of psychology case management before accepting a position at the Wright Center for Community Health and has risen from medical case manager to the director of the HIV Case Management Program. Her mentor throughout her professional journey

has been Dr. Maria Montoro-Edwards, vice-president of strategic initiatives and grants at The Wright Center for Community Health, who has pushed her to be the best that she can possibly be, lead by example and always advocate for herself. While juggling two toddlers, a career, a household and an alpaca farm, Havenstrite admits she is usually in a constant state of chaos and abides by the philosophy to take it one day at a time, do her best, and know that at the end of the day you gave it all you had to give. The social worker’s supportive family has always been there for her and she is grateful to her parents, sisters, husband and two toddler children who balance out the craziness of work life and remind her to take time for the little things. “I am so unbelievably lucky to have all of them,” she adds, “I feel that my greatest achievement is being a mother to my two amazing children, at the end of the day, their smiling faces are worth more than anything I could ever achieve professionally.” The businesswoman is actively involved, including sitting on the board, with the Oakleaf Therapeutic Horsemanship Center. As the owners of Alpacas of Windy Haven Farm, she and her husband have 12 alpacas, numerous chickens and ducks, a Great Doberman and a rescue kitten. They recently began as an alpaca vendor selling socks, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and more made from alpaca fiber, and are excited about the new endeavor and what it may have in store for them.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours from your Friends at...

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Gina Suydam

ina Suydam, 39, is president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce in Tunkhannock, where she works with a variety of businesses to strengthen the local economy. She believes a strong connection between community and commerce leads to a better quality of life. Over the past five years in her position, she has facilitated the development of natural gas utility service to the Wyoming County Seat of Tunkhannock. Working with the county commissioners, borough council, Chamber board of directors, UGI Utilities and Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, she encouraged public-private partnerships securing a one-million-dollar grant from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development, allowing this project to begin. Suydam serves as a board member on the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, and recently received a five-year service award; participates in a partnership with the Northern Tier Partnership for Regional Economic Performance to assist with economic development of a five-county region and represents the county on the regional Economic Development Agency at the request of the Wyoming County Commissioners. She was named one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s Top 25 Women in Business in 2017 by the Northeast PA Business Journal. Most recently, she has focused on managing a shift in her organization from a traditional member benefit structure to a tiered benefit structure, which will allow members to have more control of their benefits to accommodate what their company needs. She is currently facilitating the third annual class of Leadership Wyoming, a regional leadership program which she developed. She manages two full-time employees and is eager to bring more leadership training, workforce development initiatives and economic development opportunities to Wyoming County. Suydam believes strongly in professional development and recently attended the PA Chamber’s Executive Leadership Program directed by former PA Senator Earl Baker. This course is designed to give

Congratulations to Gina... ...and to all the 2018 “20 under 40” distinguished honorees from the WyCCC Board of Directors and staff. wyccc.com

Top 20 Under 40

business executives a look inside politics and key issues within Pennsylvania. Thanks to the knowledge gained in this program, she considers herself a more well-informed advocate for Wyoming County’s future. Suydam was born and raised in Tunkhannock and graduated from Tunkhannock Area High School. She continued her education at King’s College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After living in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties for 16 years, she was thrilled to return to her hometown in 2013 to begin working with the Chamber. Suydam and her husband,Tony, live in Tunkhannock with their three children, two rescued dogs and a cat. A recently inducted Rotarian, she is looking forward to serving her community and continuing to strengthen the “hometown” pride. “Rotary is a natural fit for me as I strive to build a strong future for Wyoming County,” Suydam says. She credits her passion for community and business to her family especially her grandmother, Joy Severcool, a life-long resident of Wyoming County and leader in Forkston Township and Forkston Methodist Church, and her aunt, Donna LaBar, an entrepreneur and business leader in Wyoming County real-estate. Both women continue to be advocates for Suydam’s professional growth and leadership in the community.

A 2-part Leadership Seminar February 8 & March 8, 2019 Presented by

Dietrich Theater For more information: Wyccc.com/leadercast-women

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Jennifer Menichini

ennifer Menichini abides by the philosophy of hard work and an ability to recognize the value of treating people with respect. Both of these qualities have attributed to the success she enjoys today. “I work hard and treat people fairly and decently, and hopefully, you can expect the same in return,” explains the attorney with Joyce, Carmody and Moran, P.C., Pittston. As a litigator, the young woman represents clients in a variety of matters in federal and state court with her practice focusing on labor, employment and/or civil rights litigation. Menichini is currently the statewide cochair of the Pennsylvania high school mock trial competition, which is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association in conjunction with local bar associations who help organize the district and regional competitions, and has also served for many years as the local district coordinator. “Pennsylvania has one of the largest mock trial competitions in the nation, and in my position as statewide co-chair, I help coordinate the program statewide,” she explains. Active in several bar associations, Menichini is able to do great things in the community. As a member of the Lackawanna Bar Association, she has served as one of the cochairs for the annual Operation: Dear Santa event, inviting about 100 children to a party with Santa. “We spend the evening with them as Santa’s ‘elves,’ and it’s our responsibility to buy and wrap the gifts for the children,” she notes. As part of the Lackawanna Bar Association YLD, the operation of the milkshake stand at the annual St. Joseph’s Center Festival in July, is another event she participates in. Menichini is a graduate of The University of Scranton with a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was awarded the Loyola Merit Scholarship upon acceptance, renewed each of four years and the

Charles M. Volpe Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence in history and political science during her senior year of studies, among other honors. She graduated from Duquesne University School of Law and was ranked in the top 15 percent of her class. She was awarded a full-tuition merit scholarship upon acceptance, renewed each of three years. The attorney feels fortunate to be surrounded by great people, especially members of the bar associations she has been a part of. “They have helped me greatly throughout my career,” she noted. Menichini is also grateful to her supportive family including her husband, Johnny Drahus; parents, Paul Menichini and MaryRose Centrella; sister, Christa Menichini; her own extended family and her husband’s extensive family, who are always there for her. She previously held several other leadership positions, and she is currently the chair-elect of the Young Lawyers Division of the Pennsylvania Bar Association; executive committee member of the Lackawanna Bar Association; and immediate past president and newsletter editor, Middle District of Pennsylvania Chapter of the Federal Bar Association); and statewide co-chair, Pennsylvania High School Mock Trial Program. Menichini also owns a beagle, who she affectionately refers to as her “furry kid named Jameson.”

Coonngggrrraaatttuuulllaaatttiiiooonnnss Con

Jennifer Menichini

on being honored as One of “The Top 20 Under 40” by The NEPA Business Journal Much deserved!


Top 20 Under 40

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Robert Bresnahan

obert Bresnahan Jr. lives by a simple philosophy: to practice daily recognition and appreciation of the astonishing opportunities he has been given. “This errands me with the need to help others succeed,” he explains. “I start each day by asking myself ‘What good can I do today?’ I have realized that I was entrusted with a lot of responsibilities at a very early age and acknowledge the magnitude of whom much is given much is expected. I expect for the best, plan for the worst, and I’m prepared to be surprised.” The Northeast Pennsylvania native attended Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in Kingston before continuing his education at The University of Scranton, where he obtained a BS in business administration. Following graduation, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Offer at Kuharchik Construction Inc. – Exeter, a third-generation family business focusing on highway electrical construction. Incorporated in 1972, Kuharchik Construction Inc. is a union contractor that employs more than 100 people throughout the state of Pennsylvania with satellite locations in Philadelphia, State College, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Easton and Allentown. Bresnahan has continued to carry his family’s legacy with honor. Supportive of his endeavors, his family has always trusted him to make his own decisions and learn from his mistakes. “Growing up playing travel sports I look in hindsight and recognize the sacrifices my mother, father, grandparents and sister have made to allow me to pursue my passions. Today, we work together through our various different entities often times taking our discussions from the conference room to the dinner table,” he adds. He is also grateful to his girlfriend, Libby, who supports him daily. Bresnahan has selflessly dedicated his financial resources, time and energy to enhance the WilkesBarre Area’s nonprofit organizations. For the past

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Brian D. Stanchak

rian D. Stanchak works hard and uses creativity daily in his work, having established a niche and forming his company – The BDS Agency, which advises, markets and represents college basketball coaches, specializing in women’s basketball coaches. In doing so, he puts an emphasis on building wellrounded relationships with his clients that go beyond the court. “I believe in investing in clients on both a professional and personal level, while being detail-oriented and organized in the process,” he said. The founder and president of The BDS Agency, Brian oversees and manages all aspects of the Mountain Top agency that assists clients in the areas of career counseling, professional development, marketing, job placement support, interview preparatwo years, he has served as the corporate chair of tion and contract negotiations. He also organizes and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge Bowl for coordinates all aspects of Head Coach Training Center, Kids’ Sake campaign for the betterment of children a conference designed to teach basketball coaches throughout the area. He also established a philanthropic program on behalf of Kuharchik Construction’s strategies to obtain a first-time or new collegiate head mission, Kuharchik Kares, where he directs his staff to coach position and to be successful in that role. Growing up and throughout college, Stanchak strategically place portable highway message boards always dreamed of becoming a college basketball along roadways to help promote nonprofit events free coach. After graduating from Seton Hall University in of charge. 2004, he went on to work at the University of PennHe serves actively on multiple charitable nonprofit boards, including Forty Fort Cemetery Association, Jr. sylvania as the coordinator of Men’s and Women’s Basketball Operations. Following his that season, Leadership Advisory Counsel, Wilkes-Barre Catholic Stanchak became an assistant women’s basketball Youth Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge, coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Teaneck Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority, for two seasons and Seton Hall University for three SPCA of Luzerne County, National Electrical Contracseasons. tors Association, Exeter Proud, Junior Achievement In 2011, Stanchak transitioned from coaching to of Northeastern PA, Automated Vehicle Coalition, administration and became the director of athletics at Luzerne County Transportation Authority Miles Ahead Penn State University-Wilkes-Barre. Foundation, and a trustee for the IBEW JATC 163. He “It was during this time, I started advising several is also a member of the West Wyoming Hose Comof my college basketball coach friends on their conpany #1, Wyoming Rotary Club, Wyoming Seminary tracts, interview preparation and handling situations Alumni Council, Luzerne County Historical Society, with their administration,” he said. “I realized that my Westmorland Club’s New Membership Development experience having been both a collegiate coach and committee and The Pittston, Wilkes-Barre and Scran- athletic director would provide real value to coaches, ton Chambers of Commerce.

Congratulations to Scott Verdine and all of the Top 20 Under 40 recipients! From your premiere early learning provider, ABC Kiddie Kampus

while making women’s basketball coaches a priority. I left my AD role in February of 2015 to focus full-time on my agency and have not looked back once since.” Stanchak started his company in 2013, and more than 30 of his clients have obtained a first-time or new Division I head coach position in the agency’s five short years. Stanchak lives by the philosophy of having no regrets in the life he leads, which means giving it his all in everything he does. A New Jersey native, he is the son of David and Deborah Stanchak, who have supported him throughout his life in the decisions that make him the success he is today. He and his wife, Kristen, are the proud parents of Mason, 4, and Harper, 1. Stanchak is the only agent to have been invited and participated in the Women’s Sports Foundation Sports Advocacy meeting in New York, participating in each meeting since its formation in 2016. He has spoken at numerous conferences, events and universities throughout the country on various topics, including entrepreneurship and networking. He is also a member of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Council and the Wyoming Valley Montessori School board of trustees.

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S

Scott Verdine

cott Verdine possesses the drive to constantly improve on situations, regardless of difficulties, obstacles or failures. This is a key attributor to his success. “My businesses are successful because we have identified a need in the community and are able to capitalize on this need by providing a high-quality product,” he explains. “I hire passionate and talented people who I continue to invest in, knowing that this investment will help build out the infrastructure necessary to grow. Further attributing to our businesses’ success is our ability to change and be flexible in an ever changing industry. We will continue to grow by maintaining our focus and executing on our vision everyday.” As the chief executive officer of ABC Kiddie Kampus and president/CEO of Verdine Enterprises, he is charged with implementing the strategic vision for his companies. This includes identifying new opportunities, building out a talented team, maintaining effective fiscal management, executing strategy and allocating resources that support the strategy. His attention to detail and perseverance allows him to stay focused on the journey, not simply the end result. Verdine is a 2002 graduate of Pittston Area and a 2006 graduate of King’s College with a degree in business and accounting. He is a cofounder and board member of the Cashmere Foundation; a board member of the Greater Pittston YMCA; cofounder and board member of the Pittston City Art’s Council and a board member and art juror of the ArtèFekts Art Gallery. The young businessman surrounds himself with people who challenge him, teach him, and inspire him. “That being said, I have had many mentors throughout the years that have supported me both personally and professionally,” he acknowledges. “I hope to be as good of a mentor to the next generation as those that have impacted my life.”

Top 20 Under 40

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Christa Vinciguerra

hen opportunity comes knocking on Christa Vinciguerra’s door, she is ready and waiting to seize it. “It does not hurt to keep building your skill set in various areas while being open to new challenges also,” explains the digital marketing specialist at Marywood University and owner and creative director of Vinciguerra Creative, Moosic. The entrepreneur wears many hats. In the Vinciguerra Creative, she manages creative marketing needs for select clients with a focus on branding strategy. Projects can be isolated or collaborative, quick or labor intensive, depending on objectives. “Building brands is a passion and I have been happy to have worked with many companies for nearly 10 years,” she explained. She began working for Marywood University in April 2018 in the role of digital marketing specialist for the Marketing and Communications (M&C) department developing and maintaining the university’s marketing campaigns and brand image for the internet and digital technologies. Prior to the recent role, she served as a graduate assistant in the M&C department at the university for two years. Verdine believes “You only get one go around so She led the organization in the public event make the most of your time here.” Mastering Success last May at Marywood UniverHe is the son of Patricia and the late Scott Verdine, sity and is currently pursing a graphic clothing line, VictoryChick.com, for her core project with which who have instilled core values which include an she aspires to be able to donate funds to worthy appreciation for people and a strong work ethic. He causes that empower women and girls in business. is the proud father of his fun-loving son, Cooper, and “I am still sourcing and developing the logistics husband to his loving wife, Marlene. of it all as it comes closer to fruition,” she adds. “This ‘position’ is one that I am most proud of. If She is also looking forward to working closely my family life is not right then nothing is,” he adds. “I with students and interns in her Marywood Unijust want to stress the importance I place on my family. versity role to help them grow into their successes It is number one and number two is not even close in and gave a presentation on social media etiquette in the race. That being said, my family is very understand- promoting their events and causes. ing and supportive in my initiatives. This notion allows The businesswoman is currently a student in me to excel on a professional and personal level.” the master of fine arts program at Marywood Uni-

versity, and will graduate from the program in the summer of 2019. She earned the Sr. Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM ’54 Endowed Scholarship for the 2015-16, and 17-18 years; a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design from Marywood University; a Continuing Education certificate course in web design, development, and HTML; and associate degrees in advertising and graphic design from Luzerne County Community College. Vinciguerra attributes her success to her mentor, her late grandfather, a skilled engineer, who taught her patience and logic through learning. She is also supported by her significant other of 10-plus years who has supported her in ventures together in food service. “Family is always there and proud, and I also have backyard chickens that can be inspiring and one of many influences for Victory Chick,” she laughs. She is a Democratic committeewoman in the 3rd Ward in Moosic. She is a member of the Type Directors Club; the AAF Northeast Pennsylvania; and Wilkes-Barre POWER! She has served as the president and of the AAF Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter; as an ADDY judge for several years; vice-president of the AAF NEPA Chapter; web and social media director of AAF NEPA Chapter; and awards co-chair for the AAF NEPA Chapter.

Congratulations

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Melissa Garcia

elissa Garcia believes education is the path to success. She says she was blessed to attend some of the finest academic institutions including Academy of the Holy Angels, an all-girls preparatory school, and The University of Scranton where she received a bachelor of science in financial accounting with a minor in finance and a Master of Business Administration degree. As the controller at AAA North Penn, Scranton, she is responsible to manage the operations of the finance and accounting department. She was most recently promoted to the executive management team at the business. “This gives me more responsibility for the organization as a whole,” she notes. “I’m looking forward to the future here at AAA. My favorite part of being in a management position is seeing others grow and reach their full potential.” The businesswoman has been a board member of Dress for Success Lackawanna since 2010 and on the executive committee as the board treasurer for the majority of that time. She has also been active with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and volunteers throughout the year for various organizations throughout Lackawanna County. “I find it most rewarding to roll up my sleeves and volunteer on the frontline of organizations,” she added. During her time in public accounting the partners and managers at the firm have taught her the skills she has needed to grow professionally into her career. “My time in public accounting exposed me to different industries and the various levels of each organization I had the opportunity to work with,” she said. “I am learning every day, and every experience is an opportunity to grow.” Her mentor is Margaret McCormick, the CFO of AAA North Penn. “She is very strong-willed and forward-thinking businesswoman,” said Garcia. “I admire her integrity

Top 20 Under 40

and learn something new from her every day.” Since the age of 14, Garcia has been employed and believes hard work and determination have allowed her to grow within her profession and as an adult. She enjoys working on projects as a team and looking at each task as an opportunity to surpass her own expectations. She often recalls a saying found on The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management which has resonated with her: “Of those to whom much has been given, much is expected.” With a great family support system, Garcia’s parents never let her give up on anything and always believed in her, and often goes to her parents for advice and honest feedback. Her boyfriend has encouraged her during the hardest two years of her life - working in public accounting and attending graduate school, both full-time, while studying for the CPA exam on weekends and during winter/summer breaks. “There were many late nights and early mornings spent at the kitchen table studying,” she acknowledged. She received The University of Scranton College of Graduate and Continuing Education academic achievement award for accounting; is certified in Public Accounting; and is a member of the Pennsylvania institute of Certified Public Accountings and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

I

Edna Darko

n an age in which people are finding it more and more difficult to get along, Edna Darko is a dynamic example of how we all should behave and relate to each other. Darko gets along with all different types of people, and even goes beyond to love them all as well. She understands and gets along with people from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic groups and works together with them to achieve common goals and objectives. She also sets the standards for diversity and making diversity work in her workplace and life. She has dual citizenship in the United States and Ghana, and plays a constructive role in both countries. As a nurse at the Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Darko is an exemplary young professional proving technically competent and demonstrates her love and compassion for people as she takes care of her patients. She is a model citizen in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and at Geisinger has been fortunate to have her part of its team. She is and will continue to make a great contribution to the community and its people.

“It is by the grace of God that I have achieved many goals in my life. He gave me the strength and the ability to do what I am doing today,” admits the

young woman. She quotes the following: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16.) Beloved, Jesus is coming – let us live and continue to trust in him.” Darko was born in Ghana and came to the United States at age 13. She graduated with a BSN in nursing from Drexel University, and her mentor has been her friend, Vivian Asakoma. She attributes her success to following in the steps of Jesus and trusting in God on her path to success. “My goal is to help alleviate suffering,” she explained. “Though nursing can be challenging, in the end, the smile that brightens the patient’s face is what matters most. There is no greater joy than seeing a patient get better.”

“My goal is to help alleviate suf“I try to reduce suffering and care fering. Though nursing can be challenging, in the end, the smile for those who are unable to care that brightens the patient’s face for themselves. ... It is by the grace of God that I have achieved is what matters most. There is no many goals in my life. He gave me greater joy than seeing a patient the strength and the ability to do get better.” what I am doing today.” “I try to reduce suffering and care for those who are unable to care for themselves,” said the compassionate nurse.

Her parents have provided her with tremendous support throughout her life, to which she is very grateful. Darko belongs to the Nurses Union, SIEU.

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Top 20 Under 40

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rowing up with a father who is a physician, Travis Davis, NHA, MHA, was introduced to the healthcare industry at a young age. “Early on, I was unsure of whether the industry was right for me. I recognized the dedication and hard work it took to be successful, but also realized the strong impact you could have on the community,” he explained. Throughout his high school and collegiate years, he was split between a career in business and professional healthcare. After completing his undergraduate degree in finance at St. Joseph’s University, he spent a few years working for a large financial institution learning the operations side of the global company. On the advice of a strong mentor, Davis returned to school to earn his graduate degree in healthcare administration from The University of Scranton. Since then, he has worked at one of the largest, non-profit healthcare and human services organizations in his community, Allied Services Integrated Health System. He attained his license as a Nursing Home Administrator which was achieved through a 1,000-hour, state-approved training course and completed his state and federal boards. As the administrator of Transitional Rehabilita-

Travis Davis

tion Unit (TRU) at Allied Services, he is responsible for the planning, organizing and directing of all activities of the inpatient facility. These activities include ensuring the objectives of health care, advancement of knowledge and overall contribution to community welfare are achieved most effectively, economically, and to the satisfaction of patients, employees and medical staff. He is responsible for the oversight of the daily management of rehabilitation, reimbursement and resident assessment programs. “My favorite part of the job is interacting with patients and families,” he said. “Many individuals we see are dealing with serious illness along with multiple physical limitations. It is very rewarding to see hundreds of patients leave our unit to go home, stronger than when they arrived.” While noting that mentorship is a vital part of a leader’s role within a company, Davis believes a strong mentor-mentee relationship is an invaluable part of the career of a young professional. One of his closest mentors is William Conaboy, Esq., president and CEO of Allied Services. “Conaboy is a highly-effective leader who goes above and beyond to take actions to support the long-term growth of his employees. Mr. Conaboy

welcomes discussions about leadership, succession planning, culture and expectations,” he notes. Davis is on the board at Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, in which he loves being part of because it is an independent and local organization that directly responds to the needs of the community and invests all of its resources in this region. He is also on the Community Council of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania; has been a part of fundraising efforts for of WNEP’s Ryan’s Run since joining Allied Services; and most recently, completed the NYC Marathon with 50 other team members on Nov. 4, successfully completing the campaign’s ninth year and raising more than $3.1 million to help children and adults with disabilities throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Davis is also on the faculty at The University of Scranton in the Health Administration/Human Resources Department and a cohort member of the University’s first Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. His parents have provided great leadership and support to him and have instilled in him that family comes first. “My mother reminds me daily to be thankful and encourages me to keep learning. My father

exemplifies hard work and treating people right,” he explains. “Working in the trenches of any healthcare setting is very challenging and to have a strong support cast is very important,” he admits. His wife, a registered nurse, is his rock and biggest supporter. “She understands the challenges that must be overcome on a daily basis and pushes me to be better every day,” he notes. His children, Hayden and Lillie, quickly remind him everyday how sweet life truly is and make him feel blessed to have such a beautiful family.

Congratulations, Travis, on your Top 20 under 40 honor. Thank you for your leadership in transitional rehabilitation and your dedication and commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Travis Davis, MHA, NHA Administrator, Allied Services Transitional Rehabilitation Unit

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Top 20 Under 40

A

lison Zurawski believes hard work and a passion for what you do contribute to the success you enjoy along the way. “I work very hard and am driven. I always go the extra ‘five’ miles in everything I go to do,” she explains. “I also do not mind taking a risk and working hard to build good relationships.” Some people may think it is her job to be involved with the community but for her it is a passion – what she loves to do. Zurawski is the community relations manager for Community Bank, N.A, and has been with the bank for more than 17 years. She is responsible for supporting all 32 Community Bank, N.A. Pennsylvania branches in the coordination of internal and external initiatives. She also develops community and social outreach activities while promoting the bank within the six counties in which they serve. Outside the office, Zurawski is an active leader in her community and takes volunteerism to the next level.

Alison Zurawski

She is currently a board member for the Back Mountain Chamber, Northeast Sight Services and Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center. She also volunteers for numerous organizations and fundraising committees, including CASA of Luzerne County, Leadership Wilkes-Barre Alumni Council, North Branch Land Trust, Osterhout Free Library, WilkesBarre Family YMCA, Northeast Sight Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge, Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, Tunkhannock Foundation, United Way of Wyoming Valley, Back Mountain Chamber, The Lands at Hillside Farms and Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. Most recently she was recognized as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award recipient from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce. Zurawski is also a graduate of Leadership Wilkes-Barre, Class of 2016. Her boss, mentor and friend in her life is

Barbara Maculloch. “She has worked hard for her success as the PA President of Community Bank, N.A. and truly inspires me,” the businesswoman said. “Barb is also deeply committed to the community and understands the value of giving back.” As her career grows, Zurawski surrounds herself with people who can teach her something. “I’m always willing to learn and always willing to try something new,” she adds. Her husband, Brian, shows his unwavering love and support of her growing career and community involvement. “Being involved with so many organizations takes me away from home many evenings and he is so supportive of me,” she said. Her parents are also great supporters and have been a positive influence in her life. She was taught at a young age the meaning of respect and hard work. Zurawski attended Luzerne Community College and resides in Trucksville with her husband, Brian.

on being selected as one of

NEPA’s Top 20 Under 40. Congratulations Ali on an honor well received and thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to your local community.

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Congratulations to all of this year’s 20 Under 40 Honorees.

We are proud to recognize

Carina Havenstrite

for her efforts in support of our mission to continuously improve education and patient care in a collaborative spirit to enhance outcomes, access and affordability. Our team provides comprehensive and affordable primary care, dental and behavioral health services for children and adults in Clarks Summit, Jermyn, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. New patients of all ages are welcome!

Take a look inside our newest practices: TheWrightCenter.org/tour Get social with us: The Wright Center for Community Health offers healthcare services for children and adults across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our offices are open to everyone—regardless of insured status or ability to pay.

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PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 20 Artie Rosenberg has received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award, which honors successful agents who have earned more than $1 million in commissions during their careers with the company. Less than 22 percent of all active agents have earned the prestigious award since its inception.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

ROSENBERG

Bryan Burnham, Ph.D., received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who enhance student learning. Burnham, associate professor of psychology, has been a university faculty member since 2007. BURNHAM David Dzurec III, Ph.D., received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the university community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. Dzurec, associate DZUREC professor and chair of the History Department, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. Rita Fleming-Castaldy, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative FLEMINGactivity. Fleming-Castaldy, CASTALDY professor of occupational therapy, joined Scranton’s faculty in 2002. Renee Hakim, Ph.D.; Peter Leininger, Ph.D., and Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, received the Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award. This award honors faculty members whose special efforts ensure stuHAKIM dents have a keen understanding and appreciation of the realities of the world, including pressing justice issues in a local, national and global context. Hakim, professor of physical therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2011. Leininger, assistant professor and chair of the Physical Therapy Department, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1999. Schwartz, faculty specialist, physical therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2014. Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., received the Excellence

in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award. This award is given to a faculty member who strives for excellence in teaching about sustainability and makes extraordinary efforts to introduce concepts of sustainability into the curriculum. Nolan, associate professor of psychology, NOLAN joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. Steven Szydlowski, DHA, received the Excellence In Advancing Global Learning Award, presented to faculty members who integrate international issues and perspectives into the curriculum. Szydlowski, associate professor of SZYDLOWSKI health administration and human resources, joined the faculty at the university in 2004. Kevin Wilkerson, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Graduate Teaching Faculty Senate Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates dedication to teaching graduate students in a manner that WILKERSON creates an encouraging and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and learning. A member of Scranton’s faculty since 2004, Wilkerson is a professor of counseling and human services. University of Scranton professors Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D. ’81, G’85, accounting, and Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., operations and information management, were awarded the threeyear William and Elizabeth Burkavage Fellowship in Business Ethics and Social Responsibility for 2018-21. MAHONEY The endowed fellowship was established in 2009 by William J. and Judith G. Burkavage in memory of (his parents) William and Elizabeth Burkavage, and provides support to assist university faculty in new research on issues of sustainability, social responsibility and business ethics. SEBASTIANELLI Mahoney and Sebastianelli are award-winning professors who have focused much of their teaching and scholarship in areas related ethics and social responsibility. Mahoney, a resident of Clarks Summit, was named the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year five times, receiving the honor most recently earlier this year. In 2001, he was

selected Teacher of the Year by the University’s graduating class. He was also named the University’s CASE Professor of the Year, and received the University’s Alpha Sigma Nu University Award for Teaching Excellence and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Educator Award. Mahoney also held a three-year position as the business school’s Alperin Teaching Fellow. A certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner, he joined the faculty in 1990. Sebastianelli holds the Alperin Endowed Chair in Business Administration at the university. She was named the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year three times and, in 2013, was named the university’s CASE Professor of the Year. She also received the University’s Alpha Sigma Nu University Award for Teaching Excellence, the Provost’s Award for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, and held a three-year position as the business school’s Alperin Teaching Fellow. A resident of Clarks Summit, she joined the university in 1988. During her three decades of service at Scranton, she also served as interim dean of the Kania School of Management for one year and as interim dean of the Graduate School for two years.

WALLENPAUPACK VETERINARY CLINIC

Dr. Joseph Mastroianni jointed the veterinary team this summer. Mastroianni received awards in biochemistry and public health, in addition to an award from the American Veterinary Medical Association honoring one individual who displays the greatest potential for positive impact MASTROIANNI on the veterinary profession. He spent most of his clinical education focusing on companion animals, with special interests in cardiology, emergency and internal medicine. He also enjoys general surgery.

THE WRIGHT CENTER

Angela M. Murphy, CRNP, MSN, RN, has joined as a registered certified nurse practitioner. In this role, Murphy will provide primary care services, including assessing and managing patients, at the Wright Center for Primary Care Mid Valley. She previous held an adjunct faculty position at the University of Scranton and was employed by Moses Taylor Hospital and Community Medical Center. She has more than 20 years of experience in geriatrics, nursing education, medical/surgical, telemetry, interventional radiology and ICU/critical care. She is a certified family nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and holds certifications in critical care and advanced cardiac life support.

WAYNE BANK

John Baker, a resident of Hawley, was promoted to network manager. He

MURPHY

joined the bank in 2010 and most recently served as the information technology associate, where he maintained the computer networks throughout the 26 community offices. Eli Tomlinson, of Clarks Summit, was promoted to senior vice president and information security officer. He joined the bank in 2001 and most recently served as the information technology manager. Robert Sebastianelli has joined the bank as an assistant vice president and security/fraud officer. He served as a criminal investigator with the Pennsylvania State Police for 25 years. A member of the Pennsylvania Homicide Investigators Association, he resides in Jessup.

BAKER

TOMLINSON

WAYNE MEMORIAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Board-certified psychiatrist Tuhin Gupta, M.D., has joined the team of providers at the Behavioral Health Center in Honesdale. Gupta treats adults, children and adolescents at the recently expanded outpatient facility located within the Stourbridge Professional Complex. In addition to behavioral health diagnoses, he also treats patients suffering from Substance Use Disorders. Gupta is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

SEBASTIANELLI

GUPTA

WEICHERT, REALTORS HIBBLE & ASSOCIATES

The real estate company announced Michael Maxwell has joined its Clarks Summit office.

WEICHERT, REALTORS ACCLAIM

The Tannersville real estate firm has announced that Michele Livingston has joined its team as a real estate sales associate. Livingston will be assisting home buyers and sellers throughout Monroe County. Livingston formerly worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. She is also a member of the Pocono Mountain Board of Realtors. Livingston lives in Tobyhanna.

WEIS MARKETS

John Evans has been promoted to director of private brands. He will continue to oversee product development and sales for the company’s 7,700 private brand products and work through partnerships with Daymon Worldwide, Topco and other key vendors. He joined the company seven Please see Personnel, Page 34

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DECEMBER 2018

PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 33 years ago as a buyer merchandiser. Evans reports to Richard Gunn, senior vice president, merchandising and marketing.

WILKES UNIVERSITY

The university’s president Patrick F. Leahy has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program Advisory EVANS Board. Leahy is the only president of more than 90 private institutions in the state to be selected for the board, which includes 19 members. Leahy was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf. Other members include state Treasurer Joseph M. Torsella and state Rep. Michael Peifer. The board advises on the work of the Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, which provides families with a tax-advantaged way to help save for their children’s higher education. The university welcomed 18 new faculty members for the 2018-2019 academic year. New faculty included new tenure-track faculty, as well as visiting professors and faculty of practice. The new faculty and their areas of specialization are: Nelson Archila Anaya is returning for a second year as assistant professor in the department of environmental engineering and earth sciences. He was formerly a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Rhode Island. Jane Blanken Webb joined the doctor of education program in the School of Education as an assistant professor. She was formerly a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Billie Jeanne Burry joined the Passan School of Nursing as a visiting instructor. Before this role, Burry served as an adjunct professor of nursing at the university, as well as a student clinical instructor with the program. She has approximately 15 years of nursing experience. Kristen Cheslick joined the Passan School of Nursing as faculty of practice. Before this position, Cheslick severed as an adjunct faculty member at the university as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Lehigh Valley Hospital Pottsville and Sunbury Hospital. Conor Flynn joined the chemistry department as faculty of practice. Flynn was formerly an adjunct professor of chemistry as well as a visiting assistant professor at Bucknell University. Amy Hnasko joined the School of Education as an assistant professor in the undergraduate education program. Hnasko previously was the director of training and staff development at Tools of the Mind Curriculum. She also served as the early childhood program coordinator at Rowan University. Saritha Karnae joined the environmental engineering department as an assistant professor. She was formerly a research engineering associate at Texas A&M University. Julie Lartz joined the English Department as a visiting instructor. Before this appointment, she was an adjunct instructor in English at the university. Lartz has been an educator for 19

years. Troy Lynn Lewis joined the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice. Lewis was formerly a pharmacy practice resident in the ambulatory care setting at the Carolinas HealthCare System-NorthEast. Jap-Nanak Makkar joined the English department as an assistant professor. Makkar previously taught at the University of Virginia. Christine Muller joined as director of the honors program and an assistant professor. Muller was previously employed by residential college dean for Saybrook College at Yale University, where she also was a lecturer in American Studies. Kimmy Nguyen joined the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice. Nguyen was formerly an ambulatory care pharmacy resident at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System. Lisa Reynolds joined the department of integrative media, art and design as an assistant professor. Before this appointment, Reynolds was the creative director for the university’s Marketing Communications Department and taught as an adjunct faculty member in digital design and media art. Stephanie Wasmanski joined the doctor of education program in the School of Education as an assistant professor. Before this position, Wasmanski was an adjunct professor and the director of graduate admissions. Tanya Pyke joined the finance, accounting and management department as faculty of practice. Before this appointment, Pyke was an adjunct professor of management. Sam Schmidt joined the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership as an assistant professor. Schmidt formerly taught at the University of Louisville. Shi Sha joined the electrical engineering department as an assistant professor. Sha was formerly employed by Florida International University in their electrical and computer engineering department. Richard Williams joined the chemistry department as a faculty of practice. Williams was formerly a lecturer at Morgan State University. Five faculty and staff members were honored with the 2018 President’s Awards for Excellence. The awards, which were presented at the university’s fall convocation, recognize individuals who reflect excellence in their work based on the university’s core values. This is the third year for the awards program. Zbigniew J. Witczak, professor and chair of pharmaceutical sciences, was the recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship for his efforts in advancing knowledge through discovery and research to better educate university constituents. Witczak was also recognized for his collaboration with junior colleagues and students. WITCZAK Kathleen Hirthler, associate professor and chair of Please see Personnel, Page 35


PERSONNEL FILE FROM PAGE 34 graduate nursing programs, received the President’s Award for Excellence in Innovation for her efforts in promoting programs, ideas, and sustainable practices. Hirthler has developed five new graduate nursing programs at the university including the university’s first Ph.D. Melissa Howells, direcHIRTHLER tor of student development, was honored with the President’s Award for Excellence in Community for her efforts in collaborating with others on campus with mutual respect to foster a sense of belonging. Howells interacts with students on their co-curricular and leadership activities and HOWELLS aids in their transition to college life. Deborah Tindell, professor of psychology, received the President’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring for her efforts in nurturing individuals to understand and act on their abilities while challenging them to achieve great things. In addition to her work with students, TINDELL Tindell is also credited with mentoring new faculty members. Evene Estwick, associate professor of communication studies, was honored with President’s Award for Excellence in Diversity for her efforts in embracing differences and uniqueness through sincerity, awareness, inclusion, ESTWICK and sensitivity. Estwick was recognized for advancing equality and inclusivity in every aspect of the student experience.

SUBMIT PERSONNEL FILE items to business@timesshamrock.com or The Times-Tribune, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503.

LOCAL

The Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs hold leadership dinner The Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs held their annual Leadership Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 25. More than $42,000 in sponsorships were raised. Funding will support scholarships, allowing low-income children to benefit from all the Y has to offer, including early childhood education programs, membership, youth sports and enrichment programs and more. Almost 200 people were in attendance. The silent auction raised almost $9,000. The newly incorporated Wine Pull raised nearly $1,000 and benefits kids swim lessons. The organization honored Catherine Mihalick, Albert J. Kotch and Rose Mahler at the event. Mihalick of Shavertown received the 2018 Robert K. Mericle Leadership Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates exemplary efforts in furthering the mission of the YMCA and enhancing the quality of life in the community. A stalwart supporter of the YMCA, Mihalick has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2008. She held the reins as board president from 2013-15. She was nominated for “her continued commitment of time, energy and expertise in board activities,” according to her nomination. Her roles included serving on a number of committees and projects, including the Leadership Dinner, Executive Committee, Annual Campaign, Friends and Family Night Out and Finance Committee, among many others. She has also served her community as past president of the Junior League and Wyoming Seminary Parents’ Association, and currently is treasurer of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mihalick is an attorney specializing in estate planning, probate and litigation at the Wilkes-Barre and Philadelphia offices of Vinsko and Associates, P.C. in addition to practicing law at other Northeast Pennsylvania area law firms. Mihalick is a native of Kingston and a graduate of Wyoming Seminary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Dickinson College, and holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law. She also holds a Certified Trust and Financial Designation and is admitted to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bar. Kotch, of Walnutport, was presented with the 2018 Frank M. Henry Layperson of the Year Award. The award recognizes an unsung hero at the YMCA, one who contributes his or her time and services for the betterment of the organization and

Photos courtesy of the YMCA

People mingle at the Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA’s annual Leadership Dinner. the local community. Kotch has served the YMCA as a Camp Kresge Committee member for the past five years. During this time, Kotch has served as grill master for various community events at camp, cooking and donating hundreds of hot dogs and hamburgers. He also donated a large amount of furniture from a previous business to Camp Kresge that is used in the Camp Office and Program Office. Kotch is a U.S. Navy veteran and the founding member of the Camp Kresge Hunting Club, a hunting program for wounded veterans. He also established a disk golf tournament, which raised the seed money needed to facilitate the hunting program, and he donated his time and the materials to build two handicap accessible hunting blinds on camp property to help wounded veterans to hunt. Kotch hosts the veterans overnight and then accompanies them on a one- or two-day hunt. He also has donated his time to help replace old platform tents with open air cabins. He designed the cabins and helped oversee the project, resulting in open air cabins in the Camp’s Outpost Village next to Creasy Creek. Kotch formerly served as president and CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Lehigh Valley, and is the properties manager for Bennett Family Properties. Mahler received the 2018 George Brandt Community Service Award. The award is named in honor of the indefatigable YMCA board member

George Brandt, who passed away in September, 2015. The award is bestowed annually to a volunteer who demonstrates the type of exceptional service that Brandt did as an active member and volunteer of the Wilkes-Barre YMCA for more than 60 years. A resident of Nuangola, Mahler was selected for the Brandt Award in part because she stepped up and took on the role of Annual Campaign chair the year after Brandt passed away. In addition, she and her family, including her husband, Eric Mahler, and their two children Adam and Emily, have been involved with the YMCA swim team and aquatics department for more than a decade. She was appointed to and has served on the board of directors since 2014. Mahler has shown outstanding commitment to volunteerism at the YMCA with participation in the numerous committees and projects, including the Annual Campaign, Executive Committee, Leadership Dinner, and the Membership/Program Committee. Mahler is the sales leader of Luzerne Bank Mortgage Services, where she has worked for the past five years. A graduate of King’s College and Leadership Wilkes-Barre, she is a member of the Luzerne County Community College Advisory Committee for the Wilkes-Barre campus. She is a prior member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids’ Sake Committee.

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FOR THE RECORD DEEDS

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Brandon S. Christensen. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Seller: Kirby R. Smith. Amount: $305,000. Allen C Edwards Jr. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Randall K. Sidler. Amount: $300,000. Daniel S. Snyder. Property Location: Locust Twp. Seller: Steven E. Campbell. Amount: $349,900. DMSEAMA LLC. Property Location: Berwick. Seller: Textile Properties LLC. Amount: $775,000. Stanley E. Oberrender. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Seth E. Paul. Amount: $340,000 Columbia County Housing Corporation. Property Location: William C. Brobst. Amount: $312,844. Angelo C. Venditti. Property Location: Mifflin Twp. Seller: William Morey. Amount: $310,000. Brian J. Parker. Property Location: Madison Twp. Seller: Justin W. Beishline. Amount: $415,000. Matthew S. Weyrauch. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Seller: Thomas B. Erickson. Amount: $390,000. Janelle E. Lykon. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Seller: Gregory S. Daily. Amount: $325,000. Kuker Investments LLC. Property Location: Bloomsburg. Seller: Dirty Diapers LLC. Amount: $3,200,000.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Exeter 400 First LLC. Property Location: Covington Twp. Seller: Duke Realty 400 First Ave Gouldsboro LLC. Amount: $62,800,000. Anne Drucker. Property Location: Greenfield Twp. Seller: Paula A. Tagatac. Amount: $385,000. Ian R. Farr. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Members 1st Federal Credit Union. Amount: $265,000. William Golden. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Denzel Construction Co. LLC. Amount: $377,000. John J. Desantis. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Guy M. Caterino Amount: $257,000. Ted Kalinowski. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Nancy B. Ceresko Tr. Amount: $735,000. Colin Ferguson. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Seller: Michael A. Lucas. Amount: $265,000. Porntipa Mukdasatit. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Seller: Jennifer Kurtzman. Amount: $275,000. Thomas Jordan. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Seller: John Danella. Amount: $415,000. Joseph J. Bridy. Property Location: Moosic Boro. Seller: Jeffrey P. Dandrea. Amount: $1,800,000. Matthew Slocum. Property Location: Newton Twp. Seller: Patrick E. Spillane. Amount: $761,000. Dennis E. Phelps. Property Location: No. Abington Twp. Seller: Aminderjeet. S. Aulakh. Amount: $335,000. Derek J. Gaughan. Property Location: No. Abington Twp. Seller: Steven Curran. Amount: $405,000. Dennis L. Furman. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Seller: Grace J. Hydrusko. Amount: $330,000. Deric Reed. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Seller: Allan T. Beggin. Amount: $285,000. Edward Zelinka. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Seller: Mary Learn Est. Amount: $350,000. Patrick W. Sandone. Jr. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Thomas Wilson. Amount: $685,000. Melissa Novak. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Arthur A. Freeman. Amount: $264,000. Peter Paulsen. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Seller: Roaring Brook Log Homes LLC. Amount: $445,000. Eric J. Loff Sr. Property Location: Scott Twp. Seller: Donna Ruth Messina. Amount: $255,000. MRP Real Estate LLC. Property Location: Scranton

City. Seller: V&G Xpress Mart LLC. Amount: $1,000,000. Livingston Realty LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Seller: Barbara Lemoncelli. Amount: $265,000. Michael David Sacco. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Julie L. Lasalle-Mates. Amount: $270,000. Jake D. Stevens. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Amy H. Lange. Amount: $270,000. Michael Sparacino. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Cleve Coldwater. Amount: $372,500. Prental 1 LLC. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: David J. Decker. Amount: $435,000. Alec Nguyen. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Jennifer Marie Remetta. Amount: $280,000. Joseph Shea. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: William A. MacNamara. Amount: $300,000. Nileshkumar V. Patel. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Christopher J. Bianchi. Amount: $308,000. Gary Peters. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Ricky S. Kinney. Amount: $268,000. Joseph John Gaughan III. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Eric Griffin. Amount: $294,500. Boot Hill Ventures LLC. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: James S. Jackson Est. Amount: $459,266.88. Norman N. Gevanthor. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Boston Land Company Inc Amount: $345,705. Hiteshbhai N. Patel. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Seller: Robert O. Gagliardi. Amount: $430,000. 720 South Keyser LLC. Property Location: Springbrook Twp. Seller: Petty Realty LLC. Amount: $390,000. Chad Remetta. Property Location: Throop Boro. Seller: Christine C. Golden. Amount: $405,000. Daniel L. Kurtzman. Property Location: Throop Boro. Seller: Salvatore B. Cerra. Amount: $402,000. PA Commonwealth. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Benjamin Price Carter. Amount: $268,900. Peter P. Tayoun. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Catherine L. Feeney. Amount: $344.300. Christopher Turner. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Larry Holgate. Amount: $300,000. Stephanie Knight. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Humberto Santacruz. Amount: $265,000. Venu Gopal Kankani. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Perih Group LLC. Amount: $490,946.68, Heather Kubic Skapyak. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Michael D. Lopez. Amount: $310,000. William E Aubrey II. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Gerald J. Calpin. Amount: $490,000. Charles H. Koehler. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Frank R Minelli. Amount: $545,900. Gerald Robb Jr. Property Location: Unknown: Seller: Howard B. Loder. Amount: $350,000. Kimberly Pregnar Wilson. Property Location: Unknown. Seller: Anthony Antell. Amount: $325,500.

LUZERNE COUNTY

Maple Lane Mobile Home Estates LLC. Property Location: Foster Twp. Seller: Sekhar Chadasa. Amount: $550,000. Paul J. Sedlak Jr. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: David DePasquale. Amount: $255,000. Indian Lake Preserve LLC. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Seller: William Burns. Amount: $700,000. Shane Yelland. Property Location: Laflin. Seller: John J. Bell. Amount: $279,000. Craig Malinauskas. Property Location: West Pittston. Seller: Paul Bubul Hedrich. Amount: $275,000. Pacific Hazleton LLC. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Huntsville Limited Partnership. Amount: $875,000.

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DECEMBER 2018

J. Christopher Banks. Property Location: Fairmount Twp. Seller: Nancy J. Trynoski. Amount: $318,000. Michael S. Bean. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Rupen Parikh. Amount: $539,000. Paul Lumia. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Seller: Adelle R. Zavada. Amount: $544,050. Marowitz Griffiths LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: William E. Burak. Amount: $379,000. Robert J. Jordan. Property Location: Dallas. Seller: Michael A. Kolinovsky. Amount: $279,000. Yalick CCJ LLC. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Aaron Baker. Amount: $275,000. Christine W. Mathews. Property Location: Exeter. Seller: Michael W. Lane. Amount. $335,000. Nickley Realty LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: WR & CR Realty LP. Amount: $1,550,000. Benjamin V. Jacobson. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Corry D. Unis. Amount: $327,000. Raymond J. Boyle. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: Donald Shappelle. Amount: $440,000. Melanie Poalillo. Property Location: Black Creek Twp. Seller: Theodore C. Waldron. Amount: $324,000. Joseph Gasaway. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: David A. Worth. Amount: $433,000. Gregory D. Perez. Property Location: Bear Creek Twp. Seller: James W. Cross. Amount: $250,000. Michael A. Kolinovsky. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Richard H. Evans. Amount: $389,000. Wendy Ann Brown. Property Location: Duryea. Seller: Kevin Macaluso. Amount: $297,000. Francis X. Sullivan. Property Location: Bear Creek Village. Seller: Vincent Rubino. Amount: $467,500. NP Hanover Industrial LLC. Property Location: Hanover Twp. Seller: Earth Conservancy. Amount: $7,165,400. Mehmet Mert. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Seller: Joseph O’Hara. Amount: $640,000. Dean E. Morrison. Property Location: Black Creek Twp. Seller: Warren J. Hollander. Amount: 275,000. Charles Ostock. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Joseph S. Cigan III. Amount: $332,000. Dan Skladzien. Property Location: Exeter. Seller: Arlene Kratz. Amount: $279,900. MHP Investors LLC. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Seller: Ute C. Hauze. Amount: $585,000. Sean P. Gilligan. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Seller: Imran Saeed. Amount: $275,750. Larry McClendon. Property Location: Hazleton. Seller: William G. Buggy. Amount: $269,000. KHM Realty LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Seller: JC Holdings of NEPA LLC. Amount: $383,500. Donald Shelp. Property Location: Laflin. Seller: Kevin Uren. Amount: $260,000. John E. Stonge. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Joaquin Ignacio L. Carreon. Amount: $358,000. Thomas M. Kutzer Jr. Property Location: Plains Twp. Seller: Presidential Land Ltd. Amount: $289,900. Paul Nikom. Property Location: Wright Twp. Seller: James J. Eshleman. Amount: $460,000. Charles Balbo. Property Location: Black Creek Twp. Seller: Christopher B. Sluser. Amount: $439,000. Daniel R. Gennett. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Marisa A. Burke. Amount: $267,000. Donald E. Miller. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Seller: Mark A. Urash. Amount: $415,000. Luzerne Property Management LLC. Property Location: Butler Twp. Seller: Maybrook-P Butler Valley Propco LLC. Amount: $1,229,410. Nicholas Manganiello. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Kyoung Min Lee. Amount: $428,000. Gabriel J. Horvath. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Marie C. Falvello. Amount: $329,000.

Dustin Spring. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Scott Answini. Amount: $319,000. Lakeside Property Management LLC. Property Location: Harveys Lake. Seller; Maybrook-O Lakeside Propco LLC. Amount: $1,030,349. Devin A. Carey. Property Location: Dallas. Seller: Kristen S. Armstrong. Amount: $255,000. Daniel Hanley. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Seller: Mark Finkelstein. Amount: $312,000. Donna L. Caruso. Property Location: Bear Creed Twp. Seller: Terrance Finn. Amount: $287,500. JBBT Enterprises Holdings LLC. Property Location: Hazelton. Seller: Anthony J. Calucci. Amount: $300,000. Anath Mothukuri. Property Location: Rice Twp. Seller: Anshu Arora. Amount: $430,000. Martin W. Skovish Jr. Property Location: Union Twp. Seller: Martin W. Skovish Jr. Amount: $259,014. John Grana. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Seller: Michael Vanho. Amount: $330,000. Patrick J. Doyle Sr. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Seller: Philip J. Verin. Amount: $363,000. Samantha R. Abod. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Seller: Russell J. Owens. Amount: $585,000.

MONROE COUNTY

Candice Perez. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $297,000. Salvatore Sciortino. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: John Yankov. Amount: $339,000. Dermott Whalen Living Trust. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Meryl Scheitzer Revocable Trust. Amount: $332,500. Frank Weckenman. Property Location; Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Jeffrey Green. Amount: $467,000. Kenneth Crichlow. Property Location: Price Twp. Seller: Srinivas Shankar. Amount: $339,000. Thomas Regan. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Robert Gabriel. Amount: $297,000. Brian Truong. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Stephen Dharmoo. Amount: $350,000. Pocono Summit Properties LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Alexander Holtzman. Amount: $4,000,000. Monroe-Pike Land LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Saw Mill Highlands LLC. Amount: $360,000. Oscar Guerra. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Classic Quality Homes. Amount: $325,000. Justin King. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Anthony Farda. Amount: $390,000. Tomasz Stowik. Property Location: Polk Twp. Seller: Andre Prouix. Amount: $327,065. Franconia Mennonite Camp Assn Inc. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Seller: Bible Fellowship Church Homes Inc. Amount: $326,000. Sands Investments 230 LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Omega LLC. Amount: $615,000. Two Girls CBM LLC. Property Location; Jackson Twp. Seller: Lowtide Properties LLC. Amount: $335,000. PMA LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Brian Potcher. Amount: $250,000. Darrell Carter. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Peter Paulsen. Amount: $320,000. Vrajesh Chokshi. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Anthony Caccione. Amount: $325,000. Frank Robinson. Property Location; Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Jeffrey Springer. Amount: $420,000. Carriage Square LLC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Seller: Spring Hill Realty Co. PA LP. Amount: $3,000,000. Carlos Galletti. Property Location: Middle SmithPlease see Record, Page 37


FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 36 field Twp. Seller: Niles Construction LLC. Amount: $332,000. James Gavek Jr. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Christopher Fisher. Amount: $330,000. Kim Luthy. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Donald Macoun. Amount: $310,000. Jennifer Almonte. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Aaron Wilson. Amount: $310,000. DCHH Holdings LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Dime Bank. Amount: $600,000. Rich Williams. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Lisa Filatov. Amount: $400,500. Charlotte Smaldone. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Seller: Richard Williams. Amount: $340,000. Edwin Eng. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Seller: Saunders Trust. Amount: $345,000. Robert Szelei. Property Location; Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Joseph Garafola. Amount: $368,000. Delbert Tague. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Seller: Evelynn Unmann. Amount: $335,000. Phillip Krissinger. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Tsengen Hu Amount: $345,000. Joseph Cammarata. Property Location; Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: L Jay Lemons. Amount: $450,000. Christopher Hoppel. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Melanie George . Amount: $365,000. Dennis Collins. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Seller: Forrest Old. Amount: $350,000. 2023 Verma Inc. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Seller: Atlantic Oil & Heating Co. Amount: $325,000. Sharon Burke. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Seller: Lena Watson. Amount: $430,000. Pocono Heritage Land Trust Inc. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Seller: Julia Pomeroy Living Trust. Amount: $325,000.

PIKE COUNTY

Joseph Ranalli. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Thomas Schiffer. Amount: $425,000. Richard Paluzzi. Property Location; Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Dennis K. Osborn. Amount: 322,500. Nikolay Minkin. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Yakov Ferenburg. Amount: $330,000. Frances Symanek. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Michael Cebula. Amount: $335,000. Stephen J. Krupa. Property Location: Blooming Grove Twp. Seller: Thomas Gilhuley. Amount: $273,000. Black Bear Run LLC. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Pirog Family Limited Partnership. Amount: $1,300,000. Vadim Knyazev. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: Richard Grenier. Amount: $272,000. James Moore. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Seller: William F. Moulton. Amount: $258,000. Marcelo D. Alonso. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Richard J. Wall. Amount: $255,000. Erik Christensen. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Raymond G. Giteles. Amount: $308,000. Erik Christensen. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Seller: Patricia A. Giteles. Amount: $308,000. Marc Palmerio. Property Location: Greene Twp. Seller: Lloyd Calkins. Amount: $465,000. Megan Civello. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Gary Opatowskli. Amount: $259,000. Daniel E. Prince. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Ralph Cirillo. Amount: $275,000. Richard D. Klemm. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Danny Bakker. Amount: $310,000. David J. Medford. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Kevin S. Merlino. Amount: $410,000. Denise Marie Naccarato. Property Location:

Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Leon H. Kerkowski Sr. Amount: $264,000. Michael R. Meyer. Property Location: Lackawaxen Twp. Seller: Edna Burke. Amount: $325,000. Joseph J. Balsamo. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Seller: Dominic Arcuri. Amount: $270,000. Brian T. Henriksen. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Daniel R. Gilbert. Amount: $325,000. Sharlene Flansburg. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Michael Glatz. Amount: $267,000. Michael K. Coran. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Judith A. Reilly. Amount: $335,000. Dennis M. Keane. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: David J. May. Amount: $250,000. Xio Quan Shi. Property Location: Milford Twp. Seller: Eva Strinati. Amount: $574,000. Christopher J. Suplick. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Stacy E. Styles. Amount: $420,000. W. Alan Epps. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Richard C. Weems Jr. Amount: $780,000. Kenneth Turturro. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Christopher J. Coburn. Amount: $260,000. Nathan Kenthack. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Seller: Lori J. Kenthack. Amount: $350,000. Dennis Dimitri. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: Stephen M. White. Amount: $300,000. William J. Ludwig. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Seller: Michael Nulty. Amount: $480,000 MTMRS LLC. Property Location; Westfall Twp. Seller: Michael A. Hunt Sr. Amount: $800,000.

SCHULYKILL COUNTY

Edward Mady. Property Location: North Manheim Twp. Seller: George Henry. Amount: $450,000 Preston Bacon. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Seller: Robb Blankenhorn. Amount: $309,900.

WYOMING COUNTY

Thuong H Do. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Seller: Donna L. Clemens. Amount: $253,500. Winola Lakes LLC. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Seller: Robert E. Kern Jr. Amount: $1,200,000. Christopher Cuneo. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Seller: Schwager Villa LLC. Amount: $487,500. Jane Hafford. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Seller: Borel Builders Inc. Amount: $284,000. Arthur J. Jordan Jr. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Seller: Frank A. Veteran Excr. Amount: $700,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB Trustee. Property Location: Washington Twp. Seller: Citifinancial Servicing LLC. Amount: $457,018. Veto Barziloski Sr. Property Location: Eaton Twp. Seller: Susann W. Braziloski.

MORTGAGES

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Brandon S. Christensen. Property Location: No. Centre Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic registration Systems. Amount: $302,455. Allen C. Edwards Jr. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $300,000. Daniel S. Snyder. Property Location: Locust Twp. Lender; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc Amount: $332,405. DMSEAMA LLC. Property Location: Berwick. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $538,900 and $400,000. Joseph J. O’Hara. Property Location: Hemlock Twp. Lender: United States of America Farm Service Agency United States Department of Agriculture. Amount: $300,000. Brian J. Parker. Property Location: Madison Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount:

$332,000. Matthew S. Weyrauch. Property Location: Mt. Pleasant Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $351,000. Janelle E. Lykon. Property Location. Mt. Pleasant Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $315,500. Lindsay D. Mariotte. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $334,504. Matthew Murdock. Property Location: Franklin Twp. Lender: Jersey Shore State Bank. Amount: $505,000. Adam J. Reedy. Property Location: North Centre Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $308,745. Dean A. Christensen. Property Location: Benton Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $300,000.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY

Shannon Mary Warner. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $364,184. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Covington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $65,000,000. Steve Koroneos. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $1,400,000. Martin Fangio. Property Location: Dickson City. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $4,279,678. Northeast Radiation Oncology Center LLC. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $2,500,000. PPS Partnership No. Two LP. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: NBT Bank. Amount: $1,041,868. GGBDS Realty Co. Inc. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $930,000. GGBDS Realty Co. Inc. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $930,000. Martin Fangio. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $621,423. Martin Fangio. Property Location: Dunmore Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $250,000. Richard M. Antonio. Property Location: Elmhurst Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $260,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Glenburn Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $65,000,000. Robert Hine Jr. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $260,000. Lauren Golden. Property Location; Jefferson Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $377,000. John J. Desantis. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Jersey Shore State Bank. Amount: $260,000. Ted Kalinowski. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $550,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: Jefferson Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $65,000,000. GPT PA 1446 Alberigi Owner LLC. Property Location; Jessup Boro. Lender: Citibank. Amount: $1,220,000,000. Michelle Wheeler. Property Location: Madison Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $280,000. Anthony Sacco. Property Location: Newton Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $365,440. Patricia J. Fox. Property Location: No. Abington Twp. Lender: Residential Mortgage Services Inc. Amount: $268,000. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: No. Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust

Co. Amount: $65,000,000. Birchwood Estates Realty LLC. Property Location: Old Forge Boro. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $2,950,000. Dennis L. Furman. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Lender: Provident Bank. Amount: $250,000. Karl Reed. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Lender: Pentagon Federal Credit Union. Amount: $270,000. Martin Fangio. Property Location: Olyphant Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $4,279,678. Edward Zelinka. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $280,000. Chad P. Walker. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $455,900. John M. Buranich III. Property Location: Ransom Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $660,000. Patrick W. Sandone Jr. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $500,000. Thomas Garubba III. Property Location: Roaring Brook Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $378,700. Andrew R. Wnuk. Property Location: Scott Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $265,000. Yamunaji Shree LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $275,000. Girikunj LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: 4275,000. Noson Zwi Leiter. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender; Luxury Mortgage Corp. Amount: $251,300. Sanquoit Industries Inc. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank. Amount: $8,395,000. Livingston Realty LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: John Lemoncelli. Amount: $265,000 Wyoming Avenue Development LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $2,500,000. Wyoming Avenue Development LLC. Property Location: Scranton City. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $3,500,000. Michael Sparacino. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $279,375. Gary Peters. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $263,145. Neilton Dias. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: First National Bank of PA. Amount: $295,000. Hiteshbhai N. Patel. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: American Neighborhood Mortgage Acceptance Co. LLC. Amount: $322,500. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. Property Location: So. Abington Twp. Lender: Bank of New York Mellon Trust Co. Amount: $65,000,000. William S. Gilchrist. Property Location: Taylor Boro. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $1,542,000. Chad Remetta. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: Stearns Lending LLC. Amount: $405,000. Daniel L. Kurtzman. Property Location: Throop Boro. Lender: United Wholesale Mortgage. Amount: $381,900. Joanne Farley. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $340,000. Gregory W. Rudy. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $250,000. Christopher Turner. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Hamilton National Mortgage Co. Amount: Please see Record, Page 38

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL DECEMBER 2018 37 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B37] | 11/28/18

12:35 | BAUMEISTER


FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 37 $270,000. Stephanie Knight. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: US Bank National Association. Amount: $251,750. Venu Gopal Kankani. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $417,304. David Stafursky. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $250,000. Frank R. Minelli. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: New Penn Financial LLC. Amount: $453,100. Kimberly Pregnar Wilson. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $310,175. James M. Frankowski. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $720,000. Martin Fangio. Property Location: Unknown. Lender: Fidelity Dep & Disc Bk. Amount: $4,279,678.

Michael A. Kolinovsky. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $309,000. Kyle Peter Woolfolk. Property Location: Wright Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $334,000. Lawrence H. Evans. Property Location: Buck Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $260,000. Paul Nikom. Property Location: Wright Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $473,398. Charles Balbi. Property Location: Black Creek Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $260,000. Richard Amen. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $318,000. GPT PA 125 Capital Rd. Owner LLC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Citi Real Estate Funding Inc. LUZERNE COUNTY Michael Kravitsky IV. Property Location: Larksville. Amount: $2,500,000,000. Richard W. Sachse. Property Location: Sugarloaf Lender: Community Bank. Amount: $1,500,000. Diana L. Decker. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $267,500. Lender: American Advisors Group. Amount: $ 292,500. Mericle 125 Capital LLC. Property Location: JenDiana L. Decker. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. kins Twp. Lender: Citi Bank. Amount: $1,220,000,000. Lender: Commissioner of Housing & Urban DevelopGPT PA 550 Oak Ridge Owner LLC. Propment. Amount: $292,500. erty Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Citi Bank. Amount: Craig Malinauskas. Property Location: West $1,220,000,000. Pittston. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Krishani LLC. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Systems Inc. Amount: $261,250. Landmark Community Bank. Amount: $300,000. Michael Kavitsky IV. Property Location: LarksEast Coast Logistics & Distribution Inc. Property ville. Lender: Landmark Community Bank. Amount: Location: Wright Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $1,500,000. $1,300,000. Michael M. Murphy. Property Location: Jenkins Greater Hazleton Community Area New DevelopTwp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems ment Organization Inc. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Inc. Amount: $329,000. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $1,520,000. Gregory M. Weiner. Property Location: Rice Twp. Donald E. Miller II. Property Location: Fairview Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems $1,015,000. Inc. Amount: $332,000. Markowitz Griffiths LLC. Property Location: KingsNicholas Manganiello. Property Location: Rice ton. Lender: M&T Bank. Amount: $303,000. Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Joseph Wozniak Jr. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: Inc. Amount: $428,000. Benjamin C. Schoenfeld. Property Location: $327,000. Hanover Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Angelo Serino. Property Location: Pittston Twp. Amount: $342,000. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $277,000. Lawrence J. Zuranski. Property Location: PlymMichael S. Bean. Property Location: Dallas Twp. outh. Lender: Luzerne County. Amount: $3,720,000. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Dustin Spring. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Amount: $431,200. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Henry Damato. Property Location; Pittston Twp. Amount: $303,050. Lender: Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank. Amount: Gottstein Realty Company LLC. Property Location: $300,000. Hazle Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $1,350,000. Yalick CCJ LLC. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Daniel Hanley. Property Location: Sugarloaf Twp. Lender Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $250,000. Amount: $303,125. Robert J. Jordan. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lisa DeGraba. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $273,946. Amount: $283,000. Nicklev Realty LLC. Property Location: Kingston. James E. Murphy. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Lender: First Trust Bank. Amount: $1,200,000. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $432,000. Nicklev Realty LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Lisa DeGraba. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: First Trust Bank. Amount: $1,971,500. Benjamin V. Jacobson. Property Location: Fairview Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $283,000. Twp. Lender: Wells Fargo Bank. Amount: $294,300. James E. Murphy. Property Location: Jackson Twp. Boston Road Property LLC. Property Location: Jenkins Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $2,400,000. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $432,000. Vincent A. Ippoliti Jr. Property Location: Black F. Paul Lumia. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Creek Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $311,000. Systems Inc. Amount: $253,085. Colleen H. Morda. Property Location: Forty Fort. Daneen Skladzien. Property Location: Exeter. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $369,760. Gregory Perez. Property Location; Bear Creek Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $274,829. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Benjamin F. Gadomski. Property Location: Exeter Amount: $250,000.

38 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B38] | 11/28/18

12:35 | BAUMEISTER

DECEMBER 2018

Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $275,000. Benjamin F. Gadomski. Property Location: Exeter Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $250,000. MHP Investors LLC. Property Location: Dennison Twp. Lender: Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $438,750. Larry McClendon. Property Location: Hazleton. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $264,127. JC Holdings of NEPA LLC. Property Location: Kingston. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company Amount: $306,400. Mark A. Morrow. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $250,000. United One Resources Inc. Property Location: Wilkes-Barre. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $1,570,000. Bella Vista Associates LLC. Property Location: Wilkes-Barre. Lender: PNC Bank. Amount: $1,570,000. Kathleen M. Thursby. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $393,600. Matthew C. Cannavale. Property Location: Fairview Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $403,750. MehMet Mert. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Lender: First Columbia Bank & Trust Company. Amount: $320,000. MehMet Mert. Property Location: Dorrance Twp. Lender: United States Department of Agriculture. Amount: $288,000. New Summit Manufacturing LLC. Property Location: West Hazleton. Lender: American Bank. Amount: $2,850,000. Brian A. Tomassacci. Property Location: Union Twp. Lender: Kish Bank. Amount: $325,000. Charles O’Stock. Property Location: Dallas Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $265,600. Alexandra C. Treslar. Property Location: Dallas. Lender: Jersey Shore State Bank. Amount: $250,000. Anatha Mothukuri. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $300,000. John Grana. Property Location: Hazle Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $280,500. Todd M. Belles. Property Location: Ross Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $258,000. Samantha R. Abod. Property Location: Kingston Twp. Lender: Luzerne Bank. Amount: $502,850. John J. Tolli Jr. Property Location: Rice Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $446,400.

MONROE COUNTY

Casaburgos Properties LLC. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Consumers Federal Credit Union. Amount: $725,000. Pocono Lane Properties LLC. Property Location; Pocono Twp. Lender: Bryn Mawr Trust Co. Amount: $450,000. Jacob McWilliams. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: PS Bank. Amount: $320,000. Deadre Crichlow. Property Location: Price Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $322,000. Justin Scheffner. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Lender: Neffs National Bank. Amount: $453,000. Patricia Sweet. Property Location: Smithfield Twp. Lender: Guaranteed Rate Inc. Amount: $355,722. Pocono Summit Properties LLC. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $3,200,000. Oscar Guerra. Property Location: Pocono Twp.

Lender: Caliber Home Loans Inc. Amount: $307,800. Mak Investment Properties LLC. Property Location: East Stroudsburg. Lender: Vipul Shah. Amount: $260,000. Justin King. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $312,000. Craig Wetherbee. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: American Advisers Group. Amount: $480,000. Franconia Mennonite Camp Assn. Inc. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Bible Fellowship Church Homes Inc. Amount: $326,000. Jimmy Schlier. Property Location: Twp. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $5,000,000. Sands Investments 230 LLC. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: Branch Banking & Trust Co. Amount: $520,000. Tom Zeiders. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Lender: Fulton Bank of New Jersey. Amount: $500,000. Franconia Mennonite Camp Assn. Inc. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Univest Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $1,000,000. Darrell Carter. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Mortgage America Inc. Amount: $326,880. Carriage Square LLC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $2,250,000. Joseph Primiano. Property Location: Stroud Twp. Lender: Guaranteed Rate Inc. Amount: $360,000, Carlos Galletti. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $339,138. Boguziel LLC. Property Location: Stroudsburg. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $496,344. Mt. Pocono NCP LLC. Property Location: Coolbaugh Twp. Lender: Acore Capital Mortgage LP. Amount: $14,587,836. John Straukas. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $330,000. James Gavek Jr. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: Atlantic Home Loans Inc. Amount: $299,669. Luis Martinez. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: New Penn Financial LLC. Amount: $299,653. DCHH Holdings LLC. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: ESSA Bank & Trust. Amount: $450,000. Rich Williams. Property Location: Tobyhanna Twp. Lender: Finance of America Mortgage LLC. Amount: $320,400. Phillip Krissinger. Property Location: Hamilton Twp. Lender: USAA Federal Savings Bank. Amount: $311,742. Deirdre Furino. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Peirce-Phelps Inc. Amount: $476,000. F&S Realty Partners. Property Location: Tunkhannock Twp. Lender: Pierce-Phelps Inc. Amount: $476,600. TFS Properties LLC. Michael Green. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: First Community Bank. Amount: $1,500,000. Michael Green. Property Location: Eldred Twp. Lender: First Keystone Community Bank. Amount: $1,500,000. Joseph Clevenger III. Property Location: Chestnuthill Twp. Lender: Envoy Mortgage Ltd. Amount: $299,570. Martinell Enterprises Inc. Property Location: Pocono Twp. Lender: Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Amount: $400,000. Please see Record, Page 39


FOR THE RECORD FROM PAGE 38 Sharon Burke. Property Location: Middle Smithfield Twp. Lender: Navy Federal Credit Union. Amount: $430,000.

PIKE COUNTY

Jonathon Ivans. Property Location: Blooming Grove. Lender: MERS. Amount: $333,925. Marc Palmerio. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $72,000. Richard S. Koroly. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $360,000. Westfall Town Center Joint Venture. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: Santander Bank NA. Amount: $9,238,416. Kenneth C. Delguidice. Property Location; Porter Twp. Lender: Beneficial Bank. Amount: $495,000. Gregory J. Lutfy. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: Bank of America NA. Amount: $300,000. Xavisean LLC. Property Location: Milford Boro. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $322,000. MTRS LLC. Property Location: Westfall Twp. Lender: Hunt & Hunt Partnership. Amount: $650,000. Terri Christensen. Property Location: Dingman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $282,051. Joseph Balsamo. Property Location: Lehman Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $270,000. Alan W. Epps. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: County Savings Bank. Amount: $525,000. Carl D. Arnold. Property Location: Delaware Twp. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $300,000. Kam Sau Shi. Property Location: Milford Boro. Lender: NBT Bank NA. Amount: $388,00. Christopher M. Caccavale. Property Location: Greene Twp. Lender: George Anns. Amount: $275,000. Brian T. Henriksen. Property Location: Milford Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $325,000. Sandra Kaplan. Property Location: Milford Boro. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration System Inc. Amount: $282,000. Sandra Kaplan. Property Location: Milford Boro. Lender: Secretary of Housing & Urban Development. Amount: $282,000. Shohola Falls Trails End Prop Owners Assoc. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $250,000. Kathleen J. McGarry. Property Location: Shohola Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $384,000. Nathan Kenthack. Property Location: Palmyra Twp. Lender: MERS. Amount: $325,500.

SCHULYKILL COUNTY

Edward Mady. Property Location: North Manheim Twp. Lender: Riverview Bank. Amount: $360,000. Preston Bacon. Property Location: West Brunswick Twp. Lender: Quicken Loans. Amount: $278,910. Jared Frantz. Property Location: Wayne Twp. Lender: Riverview Bank. Amount: $316,000.

WAYNE COUNTY

Cheryl S. Ruse. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: TD Bank. Amount: $335,000. William C. Kelly. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Summit Mortgage Corporation. Amount: $270,750. Robert J. Suhosky. Property Location: Cherry Ridge Twp. Lender: Wayne Bank. Amount: $300,000. Bohdan W. Kobzar. Property Location: Damascus Twp. Lender: Citizens Savings Bank. Amount: $384,000. Sutter Management Company Inc. Property Location: Honesdale Boro. Lender: Dime Bank. Amount: $1,400,000. Matthew Smith. Property Location: Salem Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Quicken Loans Inc. Amount: $328,000.

EAC Cykosky. Property Location: Hawley Boro. Lender: Christopher Cykosky. Amount: $650,000. Teresa Spoor. Property Location: Canaan Twp. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $325,000. Teresa Spoor. Property Location: Honesdale Boro. Lender: Honesdale National Bank. Amount: $325,000. Erik D. Knowles. Property Location: Lehigh Twp. Lender: Financial Resources Federal Credit Union. Amount: $250,000. John W. Hess. Property Location: Paupack Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems. Amount: $280,000. Brian Stanley Sullivan. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: Irene Baldi. Amount: $350,000. Brenna Hemmler. Property Location: Lake Twp. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems M&T Bank. Amount: $294,000.

WYOMING COUNTY

R. Mark Patterson Trustee. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Lender: Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $300,000. Schwager Villa LLC. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Lender: First National Bank of Pennsylvania. Amount: $390,000. Arthur J. Jordan Jr. Property Location: Overfield Twp. Lender: FNCB Bank. Amount: $350,000. Steven C. Brown. Property Location: Tunkhannock. Lender: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc. Amount: $308,000.

STOCKS OF LOCAL INTEREST

This report on insider trading activity has been prepared for informational purposes only by James Blazejewski, CFP, Senior Vice President-Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors, 672 North River Street, Suite 300, Plains, PA 18705. It is based on information generally available to the public from sources believed to be reliable. No representation is made that the information is accurate or complete and it does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security. Current information contained in this report is not indicative of future activity. Wells Fargo Advisors, is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Source of data: Thomson Financial

(BBT – 50.13) BB&T CORP

Patricia Henry, director of BB&T Corp, sold 611 shares on October 31 at $49.50 per share for total proceeds of $30,245. Henry controls 4,375 shares directly and 8,295 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of BB&T Corp acquired 47,854 shares and disposed of 38,755 shares.

(CZNC – 26.55) CITIZENS & NORTHERN CORP

Frank Pellegrino, director of Citizens & Northern Corp, purchased 76 shares on November 2 at $25.98 per share for a total cost of $1,974. Pellegrino controls 7,923 shares directly. John Reber, vice president of Citizens & Northern Corp, exercised options for 2,260 shares on October 24 (exercised 2.4 months prior to the expiration date) at $18.39 per share for a total cost of $41,555 and on the same date surrendered 1,177 shares back to Citizens & Northern Corp at $26.35 per share for total proceeds of $31,014. Reber controls 10,731 shares directly and 4,266 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Citizens & Northern Corp acquired 17,611 shares and disposed of 11,034 shares.

(CZFS – 61.99) CITIZENS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

Dwight Rohrer, vice president of Citizens Financial Services Inc., purchased 100 shares on October 26 at

$61.55 per share for a total cost of $6,155. Rohrer controls 1,881 shares directly and 1,220 shares indirectly.

(FDBC – 62.86) FIDELITY D&D BANCORP INC.

Michael Pacyna, vice president of Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc., exercised options for 1,935 shares on October 30 at $23.08 per share for a total cost of $44,657 and on the same date sold those shares at $62.06 per share for total proceeds of $120,080. Pacyna controls 4,359 shares directly. Timothy O’Brien, vice president of Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc., sold 2,000 shares on October 29 -31 at $63.14 per share for a total proceeds of $126,281. O’Brien controls 7,706 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of Fidelity D&D Bancorp Inc. acquired 1,935 shares and disposed of 3,935 shares.

(FNB – 12.39) FNB CORPORATION

Barry Robinson, officer of FNB Corporation, purchased 2,500 shares on November 5 at $12.09 per share for a total cost of $30,223. On October 26, Robinson purchased 2,500 shares at $11.21 per share for a total cost of $28,025. Robinson controls 39,052 shares directly. Pamela Bena, director of FNB Corporation, purchased 1,000 shares on October 30 at $11.69 per share for a total cost of $11,686. Bena controls 14,250 shares directly. James Dutey, officer of FNB Corporation, purchased 2,500 shares on October 29 at $11.48 per share for a total cost of $28,692. Dutey controls 2,500 shares directly. James Chiafullo, director of FNB Corporation, purchased 5,000 shares on October 26 at $11.23 per share for a total cost of $56,150. Chiafullo controls 56,007 shares directly. Robert Moorehead, officer of FNB Corporation, purchased 5,000 shares on October 26 at $11.21 per share for a total cost of $56,050. Moorehead controls 33,137 shares directly. Frank Mencini, director of FNB Corporation, purchased 2,000 shares on October 26 at $11.26 per share for a total cost of $22,514. Mencini controls 34,681 shares directly. Gary Guerrieri, officer of FNB Corporation, purchased 1,000 shares on October 29 at $11.49 per share for a total cost of $11,486. Guerrieri controls 40,341 shares directly. Vincent Delie, chairman of the board of FNB Corporation, purchased 6,500 shares on October 26 at $11.21 per share for a total cost of $72,865. Delie controls 262,829 shares directly. Vincent Calabrese, chief financial officer of FNB Corporation, purchased 5,000 shares on October 26 at $11.21 per share for a total cost of $56,050. Calabrese controls 115,974 shares directly. Over the last six months, insiders of FNB Corporation acquired 93,980 shares.

(HSC – 28.79) HARSCO CORP

Scott Gerson, vice president of Harsco Corp, sold 18,802 shares on November 2 at $27.31 per share for total proceeds of $513,483. Gerson controls 3,911 shares directly and 10,513 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Harsco Corp acquired 207,774 shares and disposed of 94,066 shares.

(MTB – 167.37) M&T BANK CORPORATION

Sabeth Siddique, officer of M&T Bank Corporation, sold 930 shares on October 31 at $164.80 per share for total proceeds of $153,264. Siddique controls 1,829 shares directly and 202 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of M&T Bank Corporation acquired 25,209 shares and disposed of 27,939 shares.

(NWFL – 37.16) NORWOOD FINANCIAL CORP Lewis Critelli, chief executive officer of Norwood

Financial Corp, exercised options for 4,125 shares on October 31-November 2 (2,070 shares exercised 1.9 months prior to the expiration date and 2,055 shares exercised 2 months prior to the expiration date) at $16.67 per share for a total cost of $68,764 and on the same dates sold those shares at $38.14 per share for total proceeds of $157,337. Critelli controls 18,551 shares directly and 33,678 shares indirectly. Ralph Matergia, director of Norwood Financial Corp, purchased 4,150 shares on October 22 at $36.18 per share for a total cost of $150,147. Matergia controls 10,322 shares directly and 950 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Norwood Financial Corp acquired 14,025 shares and disposed of 8,875.

(PFIS – 42.57) PEOPLES FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP

William Aubrey, chairman of the board of Peoples Financial Services Corp, purchased 5,980 shares on November 6 at $41.00 per share for a total cost of $245,187. On November 2, Aubrey purchased 2,020 shares at $41.47 per share for a total cost of $83,771. Aubrey controls 30,000 shares directly. Richard Lochen, director of Peoples Financial Services Corp, purchased 550 shares on October 26 at $41.06 per share for a total cost of $22,583. Lochen controls 7,693 shares directly and 3,477 shares indirectly. Thomas Tulaney, vice president of Peoples Financial Services Corp, purchased 8,000 shares on October 26 at $41.00 per share for a total cost of $328,000. Tulaney controls 9,678 shares directly and 14,690 shares indirectly. Over the last six months, insiders of Peoples Financial Services Corp acquired 550 shares. Prices as of Close of Business November 8, 2018.

Relocation Opportunities Wanted

Bring us any and all potential locations. We will determine if we can develop or relocate to your site. Pennsylvania Counties of Interest Include: • Bradford, Bucks, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming

Types of Locations Wanted: • End Cap, In-Line, Drive-Thru, Free Standing PLEASE CONTACT Abbie Muto muto_a@sdepa.com Cheryl Green green_c@sdepa.com (610) 366-8120 • www.sdepa.com

Member of International Council of Shopping Centers

NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL DECEMBER 2018 39 TS_CNG/NPBJ/PAGES [B39] | 11/28/18

12:35 | BAUMEISTER


7

STRAIGHT YEARS RANKED AMONG

TOP 15 U.S. BANKS BY FORBES

482 MILLION

2.4 BILLION

MORE THAN

IN TOTAL

150 LOANS YEARS

COMMERCIAL 3

BANKING

IN ORIGINATED

COMMERCIAL

LOANS IN 2017

1

MORE THAN

2

11

BILLION DOLLARS IN

ASSETS

Yes, numbers are a big deal. But the biggest deal? Our customers. That’s why we offer great flexibility to customize loans for your individual business. While most lenders fixate on checking off boxes, we’re more than happy to go outside the box. To get started or learn more, please visit CBNAbusinessbanking.com to contact your local loan officer.

2017 ranking by growth, credit quality and profitability among the country’s 100 largest banks and thrifts. 2 Dollars originated in 2017. 3As of 12/17/17.

1

40 NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA BUSINESS JOURNAL TS_CNG/ADVERTISING/AD_PAGES [ADB40] | 11/28/18

DECEMBER 2018

17:14 | BAIRDATHLE

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC


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