December 2015 Momentum

DECEMBER 2015

PAGE 4

Welcome Crystal Window & Door Systems to NEPA! www.scrantonchamber.com

Sponsored by:

Chamber

Events “Giving Thanks” President’s Message

and the As I write these words, Thanksgiving nears During ing. oach appr December holidays are rapidly to thank this season of giving, I would especially like tment in you – our members – for your continued inves the Chamber. d Without your support, for example, we woul of ion locat the not have been able to announce based Crystal Windows in October. This New Yorking manufacturer has purchased the former Corn loy 300 building in Benton Township and plans to emp Our staff workers over the next three-to-five years. years to worked with this company for more than two bership help them find the right location. Your mem investment made this possible. support us I am thankful as well for those of you who on one with your time – more than 100 of you serve oAction, of our boards – Chamber, LIFE, SLIBCO, Metr ton – and Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scran ittees there are others who actively serve on comm the Gala, and task groups. You attend our events like anges. You the Annual Dinner and Business Card Exch tion of provide support through sponsorships, dona door prizes and in-kind services.

Save the Date: January 13: Member Welcome

bers. I wish And so, I say “thank you” to you, our mem season each of you and yours the best this holiday and in the New Year.

January 20: Women’s Network Luncheon

In gratitude,

February 9: Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange

2 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Cover Photography courtesy of Michael Straub Photography. *All other photos courtesy of those featured unless otherwise noted.

#ScrantonChamber See what we have been up to this month on behalf of our members and community!

Share your #ChamberMoments with us on social media. We’ll spread the word and you could be featured in Momentum!

Fifteen member restaurants and caterers donated food to our Open House in October.

We welcomed more than 100 people through our doors to give them a taste of what the Chamber does every day. During our Open House, we also hosted a blood drive sponsored by the Geisinger Blood Center.

@ScrantonChamber Government Affairs Committee recently welcomed both the Democratic and Republican candidates for Lackawanna County Commissioner in a preelection meet-and-greet with board members.

@ScrantonChamber, in conjunction with the Greater Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton and Pittston Chambers of Commerce, recently hosted a Regional Card Exchange at the Mohegan Sun Club at PNC Field in Moosic.

The event was presented by Coordinated Health in partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

Preceding the card exchange was a free seminar: The Affordable Healthcare Act and the Empowered Employee with keynote speaker Dr. Emil DiIorio, chief executive officer of Coordinated Health.

@ScrantonChamber staff recently participated in a social media training class

by Steve Genett of Social Media Done Simply and filmed by Raul Ferrara of the University of Scranton’s Department of Communications.

Executive secretary Virginia “Ginger” Goodrich was recently honored with a 50-year service award from the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) at its annual conference in Williamsport in October.

@ScrantonChamber

Several community leaders, including @ScrantonChamber president Bob Durkin, recently spoke at TCMC’s Economic and Community Impact press conference where results of an economic and community impact study were released. The study showed that TCMC contributed $65 million to northeastern and north central Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth as a whole during 2014.

Ken Okrepkie, president of the board of directors of SLIBCO, the economic development affiliate of the Chamber, and @ScrantonChamber president Bob Durkin, recently presided over a SLIBCO board meeting where detailed plans for regional economic development in 2016 were presented.

www.scrantonchamber.com • 3

OPENING THE DOOR FOR OPPORTUNITY The Chamber Helps Bring Crystal Window & Door Systems to Northeastern Pennsylvania

Through the efforts of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Flushing, New York-based Crystal Window and Door Systems purchased the 226-acre former Corning property in Benton Township for expansion into Pennsylvania.

Crystal Window and Door Systems is a national manufacturer of quality vinyl and aluminum fenestration products for residential, commercial and institutional properties. The company distributes products in more than 40 states and is ranked among the top 35 window and door manufacturers in North America.

The Chamber’s involvement in the Crystal project dates back to more than three years ago. Members of the Chamber’s industrial and economic development teams assisted company officials in laying the groundwork for the expansion, including connecting state and municipal officials with key Crystal personnel. Chamber staff also helped provide information on and organize meetings with area general contractors, rail partners and trucking companies and conducted a community presentation to several members of the Crystal team, which included information on area educational opportunities and amenities. All of these efforts had the

“For 25 years, Crystal has provided quality products to the construction and fenestration industries and, once up and running, this new facility will enable us to continue to serve our growing customer base across the nation for a long time to come.”

Thomas Chen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Crystal Window and Door Systems

4 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

overall goal of making the company’s expansion into the region as seamless as possible.

Chamber staff also helped connect displaced BAE Systems employees with the Crystal Windows human resources department. Through that connection, Crystal hosted an open house for BAE employees and is also purchasing equipment from them.

Future plans for the Crystal property include major additions to the building, new production of equipment acquisitions, expansion of the product line and the ultimate creation of more than 300 jobs . Overall, Crystal Window and Door Systems plans to invest more than $26 million in our area.

“Our team acted as a true partner to Crystal Window and Door Systems by delivering the resources, services and information that they and all businesses need. The Chamber enables companies to overcome obstacles, increase opportunities and partner together to create a better Lackawanna County.”

Molly Lorenzen, Project Manager

The Scranton Plan, an Affiliate of The Greater Scanton Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber’s role in projects like this is probably best described as being the ombudsman. When a company comes to town or we’ve made contact with a prospect, our job is to play whatever role is necessary to help move them through the process. This project showed the strength of our staff and the depth of our team—everybody had some sort of a role in this process, which shows that we have ‘bench strength’ here at the Chamber.

-Bob Durkin President,

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

CRYSTAL CLEAR HISTORY 1982: Founder Thomas Chen arrives in United States from rural Taiwan.

1984: Steve Chen as a young child comes to New York City with his mother to join Thomas.

1990: Crystal formally begins operations in Flushing, New York.

1996: Crystal establishes a manufacturing facility in Chicago, Illinois.

1998: Crystal Window and Door Systems wins the National Minority Manufacturer award from the United States Department of Commerce.

1999: Thomas Chen named Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce began working with Crystal Window & Door Systems in the spring of 2013. Crystal officials were seeking buildings that fall within a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designation. The project location must experience an unemployment rate of at least 150 percent of the U.S. national average to receive TEA status. Over the course of a year, the Chamber was able to present Crystal with various properties available, including former Corning facility in Benton Township.

The Chamber’s assistance in Crystal arriving in NEPA included:

2001: Crystal moves into a new

210,000-square foot production facility in College Point, New York.

2003: Crystal acquires an aluminum extrusion plant in Union, Missouri.

2004: Crystal begins concerted efforts to become a national company.

Assisting with state, local and regional meetings and grant applications regarding the purchase of the property and creation of access roads.

2005: Steve Chen assumes senior

Introducing Crystal officials to Congressmen Tom Marino (PA-10) and Matt Cartwright (PA-17) as well as U.S. Senators Robert Casey and Pat Toomey who both pledge support for the property purchase and necessary financing.

2008: Crystal begins looking nationwide for production facility expansions.

leadership of all of Crystal’s window and aluminum extrusion operations.

2009: Crystal begins focusing on

Hosting a meeting with Benton Township officials to introduce them to Crystal and to educate Crystal about the municipality’s issues.

Pennsylvania for expansion efforts due to its close proximity to New York and skilled workforce.

Introducing the region’s amenities to the Crystal staff, including housing, workforce and education.

2012: Crystal Pacific launches production

Upon hearing of BAE Systems’ plant closing, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce met with Crystal and BAE’s human resources director to begin discuss connecting BAE’s displaced employees with Crystal Window’s new operation.

In October of this year, Crystal officially closed on the property. Crystal’s arrival in the region means the potential creation of more than 300 jobs for Lackawanna County.

in Riverside, California.

2015: Crystal celebrates 25th anniversary.

2015: Crystal acquires the former Corning facility in Benton Township, Pennsylvania, through the efforts of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. www.scrantonchamber.com • 5

Member NEWS The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Sarno and Son Tuxedo on celebrating its 75th anniversary. The business opened in Scranton in 1940 and has now spread throughout the Northeast region of the United States. Pictured is Nancy Sarno de los Rios, receiving a certificate from Chamber president Bob Durkin.

222 Mulberry Street P.O. Box 431 Scranton, PA 18501

• 255,964 SF • Attached Parking Garage • Availble for Lease or Sale • KIZ Approved • Downtown Scranton

119 Wyoming Avenue

MetroTech Center, Scranton, PA

• 36,400 SF office space available

Francis Smith and Sons, as well as their sister company, Smith Air Center, recently relocated to 26 Sam’s Road in Scott Twp. The company was located in Chinchilla for 61 years until the new facility was constructed.

• On-site parking • Downtown Scranton • Business Incubator Suites available • KIZ approved

201 Lackawanna Avenue

Scranton Enterprise Center, Scranton, PA

• 45,249 SF

Bethlehem-based Edwards Business Systems (EBS) was recently named an official approved partner in the Xerox Authorized Dealer program.

EBS has locations throughout the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, as well as the Poconos, the Lehigh Valley, and the Reading, Pottstown, Harrisburg, Lancaster and Lewisburg areas. As an Authorized Xerox Dealer, Edwards Business Systems will offer Xerox products ranging from the smallest printers and multi-functional devices through light production products. In addition, the expert technicians of EBS will be fully trained as authorized service providers on Xerox products.

• Parking for 220+ • Incubator suites • 30,000 SF Anchor Tenant space • Tax free through 12/31/2020 • KIZ approved

50 Alberigi Drive

TekRidge Center, Jessup, Pa

570-342-7711

scrantonplan.com

6 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce board member and chair of the Government Affairs Committee attorney Richard Bishop was recently presented with the Attorney Robert W. Munley Distinguished Service Award by Lackawanna Pro Bono at their recent fundraising gala. Additional honorees included the Women’s Resource Center and Dr. Robert Wright.

ELECAST, INC. Clarks-Summit, PA (570) 587-5105 In early 2015, John and Leah Kane decided to make a change. Before then, John had been commuting to New York City from their family’s home in the Abingtons on a weekly basis for work. When Elecast Inc. went up for sale, they knew that purchasing it would teach their two sons about commitment and community, as well as put an end to John’s long commutes.

We recently had the chance to speak to the Kane family about their business and what they have experienced in their first year of ownership.

Why did you decide to buy Elecast Inc.?

John Kane (JK): We saw Elecast as a profitable business with a solid track record and good growth prospects. Leah and I viewed the business as an opportunity to invest in ourselves and our region.

What does Elecast do?

Leah Kane (LK): Elecast Inc. is a manufacturing business located in the Ivy Industrial Park in Clarks Summit. For more than 25 years, Elecast has produced high-quality die cast parts in aluminum and zinc. We make zinc components for electric motors for General Electric and aluminum candy molds for Topps, purveyors of Ring Pops. In addition to casting the parts, Elecast has machining, assembly and finishing capabilities.

What exactly is die casting?

JK: We begin with raw metal in large bars that weigh about 40 pounds. These bars are then melted in our furnaces. The molten metal is forced into a mold cavity under high pressure to form the shape of the desired part. The molds, also called dies, are housed in machines that range in size from 12 to 600 tons. Elecast’s machines are capable of producing die cast parts weighing from a few ounces to five pounds.

What type of industries does your company serve?

LK: We currently serve a wide array of industries, such as furniture manufacturing, electric motor, medical device and candy manufacturing. We also service the construction and metal valve industries.

How would you sum up the philosophy of your company?

LK: We use an acronym, “CAST,” to describe our company’s philosophy. The “C” stands for “commitment,” because we have been producing high-quality die cast products for more than 25 years. The “A” stands for “attitude,” as our standards are high and we strive for the highest quality craftsmanship.

“S” stands for “singular focus”—we know what we are good at; we focus on short run, quick turnaround solutions for our clients.

Finally, “T” stands for “trust.” It is oldfashioned now, but we do what we say we are going to do. Our word is our bond, and that applies to deadlines as well.

How was business in your first six months?

JK: The previous owner had a solid, longstanding client base. Our first priority was to ensure that the transition for these clients was seamless as we learned the business.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN OWNING YOUR OWN COMPANY?

Member since 2015

We focused on quality and service and this approach paid off. We earned our clients’ trust. In some cases, they have allowed us the opportunity to work on new projects with them. It is very rewarding to see this organic growth. With this confidence in a job well done and solid process knowledge, we are looking to expand our client base.

Now that you have bought the business, where do you see it in five to ten years?

LK: The manufacturing industry and, specifically, die-casting, have changed rapidly in the past decade. We would like to see Elecast add automation, initiate in-house engineering services and potentially expand into the additive manufacturing arena in order to provide a more comprehensive offering to our clients. Elecast has historically focused on short-run production (500-5,000 parts); we envision bolstering that capability for larger projects.

How do you envision the Chamber helping your business?

JK: The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce provides a great network that can connect our firm with potential clients. We enjoy the beneficial events, community focus and broad scope that the Chamber offers.

Each month, The Chamber highlights a member business that is making its mark in our community. To apply for the Small Business Spotlight award visit scrantonchamber.com.

The Small Business Spotlight award is sponsored by:

“...YOU ARE FORCED TO WEAR MANY HATS IN ORDER TO COMPETE. TRANSFORMING YOURSELF INTO A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT IN MANY AREAS IS IMPERATIVE AS YOU DON’T HAVE THE SUPPORT NETWORK THAT A LARGER FIRM OFFERS.”

-JOHN KANE www.scrantonchamber.com • 7

CONGRATULATIONS

WINNERS!

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted our annual Gala and presentation of the SAGE Awards (Scranton Awards for Growth

and Excellence). More than 100 applications were received showcasing the success of businesses in the greater Scranton community, of which

45 finalists were declared and 16 SAGE recipients were unveiled at the Gala. The winners in each category are:

BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Toyota of Scranton BEST PRACTICES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE DePietro’s Pharmacy BEST PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Design Done Right BUSINESS OF THE YEAR DePietro’s Pharmacy HEALTHY WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR AWARD MetLife HOMETOWN STAR Lackawanna Heritage Valley: Heritage Explorer Bike Tour and Festival

8 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Graham Public Relations and Advertising

PRIDE AND PROGRESS: NEW CONSTRUCTION University of Scranton: Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR NAMI PA Scranton Area Chapter

PRIDE & PROGRESS: PROJECT OF THE YEAR University of Scranton: Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall

PRIDE AND PROGRESS: EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS Geisinger-Community Medical Center: 1800 Mulberry Street PRIDE AND PROGRESS: INTERIOR RENOVATIONS University of Scranton: The Quincy Avenue Apartments and Learning Center

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 13 Olives EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP Fidelity Bank WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE Natalie Gelb, Lackawanna Heritage Valley PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD Benco Dental

THANK YOU to our sponsors See more of the SAGE Awards and Chamber Gala on our Facebook page!

Leadership Lackawanna Core Program: PNC Bank Leadership Lackawanna Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program: Johnson College Chamber Gala & SAGE Awards Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Peoples Security Wealth Management Group Gold Sponsors: Entercom Wilkes-Barre Scranton Times-Shamrock Communications Lackawanna College Lamar Advertising Toyota of Scranton Silver Sponsors: Commonwealth Health EDM Americas Bronze Sponsors: Baker Tilly Frontier Communications Happenings Magazine Honesdale National Bank Lexington Entertainment MCR Productions Michael Straub Photography Nasser Limousine Portofino Salon POSH at the Scranton Club PPL Electric Utilities Sarno and Son Sculpted Ice Works Spencer Printing UGI Utilities TMG Health Copper Sponsors: Leeward Construction Quandel Construction

WELCOME new members Adezzo AT&T, The Wireless Experience Geisinger Community Medical Center Geisinger Health Plan Geisinger Viewmont Medical Labs Inspired Design Studio, LLC Lackawanna Energy Center, LLC Mercury Metz Culinary Management People’s Security Wealth Management Group Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Scranton Preferred Meals Scranton Fringe Festival Social Media Done Simply Tractor Supply Company #1902

www.scrantonchamber.com www.scrantonchamber.com••11 9

SHOPPING FOR YOUR ENERGY PHYLISS PAONE

Talen Energy Relationship Manager (570) 309-7945 • Phyliss.Paone@TalenEnergy.com

The expiration of energy rate price caps in Pennsylvania back in 2011 meant that consumers could now shop to supply their homes with electricity—just like they would shop for any other service.

Generation supply costs comprise the majority of electric bills, but many people still don’t know the best way to pick their energy supplier for their home or business.

Phyliss Paone, a relationship manager with Talen Energy, recently provided tips on how businesses and homes could choose the best energy supplier for their needs.

There are plenty of suppliers to choose from. Choose a supplier who puts you first and who can build solutions around your company’s unique needs. It’s not always about price.

Now is the perfect time. The energy market is at near-historic lows. Now is the perfect time to lock in low prices for future years. Even if you are in a current energy contract, you should request quotes from other energy suppliers for the years ahead. You can typically request a quote on a supplier’s website.

Similar to shopping for insurance or health plans, you may be able to save your business money.

Ask questions. Make sure you ask the supplier any questions you may have, especially after you receive a quote.

Some questions you may want to ask include: “Does the quote include GRT (PA Gross Receipts Tax), transmission and capacity obligation?” or “What is the exact start date of supply?” and “Can my price change?”

Shopping for your home. For decades, local utility companies provided almost all electricity services. They generated the electricity, transmitted it and maintained the power lines. Things are different now. With deregulation, you have the power to choose your electricity supplier--the generation and transmission portions of your bill.

Large business versus small business.

Energy suppliers can offer large businesses comprehensive products and plans depending on their risk tolerance, budgeting needs and ability to curtail their usage. Sharing the opinion of your business on these topics can better produce the customization you prefer.

Small businesses can also choose different plans that best suit their needs.

Depending on usage, suppliers will offer different short- and long-term plans with different prices. Just be sure to read the fine print and choose a supplier you trust.

Things to consider. When shopping for your home, pay special attention to the “price to compare” offered by your utility. Chances are there are various suppliers that can help save you money by providing energy at a lower cost than the utility. Also check out the term length suppliers are offering and whether or not there is an early cancelation fee that you may have to pay, if you decide to end your contract before it expires. Visiting papowerswitch.com is a good place to review Pennsylvania-based energy suppliers.

For the purposes of energy consumption, a great way to determine if you have a large or small business is: *Monthly energy bill $5,000 or greater = Large business *Monthly energy bill $5,000 or less = Small business *Considered by Talen Energy

10 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

For more information about Talen Energy visit TalenEnergy.com.

Talen Energy (formerly PPL EnergyPlus) is headquartered in Allentown and supplies energy to homes and businesses in Pennsylvania. Talen Energy is also one of the largest independent power producers in the United States, with power plants across the United States including Pennsylvania.

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday, held on November 28.

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 as a way to honor and support brick-andmortar businesses during the holiday season. As part of our efforts as a Neighborhood Champion, we showcased our members’ special Small Business Saturday offers on our website and social media and we also delivered kits containing marketing materials that businesses could use to bolster their sales efforts for the day.

Member businesses who received kits include: DePietro’s Pharmacy, Everything Natural, Friedman’s, Greenfield Power, Jack’s Northeast Music, Jet’s Pizza, Justus Home and Garden, Sanderson Place, Springbrook Kennels and Suburban Casuals.

YOU DID OW: KN

We encourage our members to “shop small” not only during the holiday season but also throughout the year!

the businesses belonging to the Greater Scranton 78% ofChamber of Commerce have less than 25 employees!

Holiday Special Buy a year’s membership only $600* That’s $180 in savings!

The Scranton Club Est. 1895

*Available to new memberships only.

Benefits of membership: • •

•

• •

Free membership to UNO Fitness 25% room rate discount at Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Reciprocal membership to 23 private clubs around the nation Rent your own cigar locker Lunch/dinner services provided by Carl Von Luger and Posh

To apply, call (570)344-8671 or visit thescrantonclub.com

www.scrantonchamber.com • 11

WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE YOUR BUSINESS!

P.O. Box 431 222 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18501 www.scrantonchamber.com

If your business is celebrating a milestone year, contact Stephanie Longo at (570) 342-7711 or email slongo@scrantonchamber.com to request a certificate of recognition.

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