APRIL 2016
148th
ANNUAL DINNER
RESHMA SAUJANI < The
Closing the gender gap
story of girls who code > Sponsored by:
CHAMBER EVENTS
Are You Making the Most of Your Membership?
President’s Message
2016
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
to which I I recently had a call from a local organization she said, lf, herse ified ident r calle the after belong and bership.” mem “I can see you have not been using your our not or her That caused me to wonder whet ber members are making the most of their Cham membership.
ts? March Have you been able to attend Chamber even Business , kfast saw our annual Economic Outlook Brea on nar semi urces Card Exchange, B3 Human Reso includes dar calen April The nt. Selling to the Governme en’s Wom PA t heas Nort the and Expo ent the Employm Leadership Conference.
Thursday, April 21, 2016 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
ise to Have you sent us your news? We can’t prom loyee emp ds, awar ts, publicize all your special even in our can we as many as use we promotions, etc., but . sites ia med l socia our on and m entu Eblasts, in Mom and Do you need assistance with grand openings to finish, start from you help can We ngs? cutti n ribbo the right down to using our big scissors for when ribbon is cut.
job bank Are you looking for employees? We have a t our ghou throu le peop es reach that ite on our webs free ings open region where our members can post job of charge. or Do you have office, commercial, industrial ? We can lease or sale for able warehouse space avail . base data hable searc list it on our
ALUMNI & FRIENDS REUNION Thursday, April 28, 2016 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
POSH @ The Scranton Club *All photos courtesy of those featured unless otherwise noted.
2 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
section Did you know the Chamber website has a unts? disco where our members offer coupons and a being how see Have you looked at it lately to ey? mon you save Chamber member can
bership? Have you been making the most of your mem let us and call or ite, webs and ns icatio publ Check our ess. help you find ways to support your busin Sincerely,
#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!
Peoples Security Bank and Trust recently presented a check for its sponsorship of the second annual Northeast PA Women’s Leadership Conference later this month.
Members of the Government Affairs Committee recently met to review @ScrantonChamber’s annual Program of Work.
@ScrantonChamber hosted a B3 Human Resources seminar on “The Dos and Don’ts of Employment-Related Contracts and Restrictive Covenants” by McNees, Wallace and Nurick at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.
@ScrantonChamber affiliate Skills in Scranton recently hosted its Healthcare Career Academy at West Scranton and Scranton High Schools. The session’s featured speaker was Elizabeth Leo, human resources executive at Moses Taylor Hospital.
In accordance with the by-laws of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the Nominating Committee has presented a slate of candidates for election to the Board of Directors. The names of the candidates are herewith submitted for your review: Donna Barbetti, Office Manager, Michael Barbetti, LLC; Dr. Nichole Danova, President/Director of Surgery, Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center; Justin M. Davis, FACHE, CEO, Moses Taylor Hospital; Bridget Goryeb, Business Development, Highland Associates, Ltd.; Attorney P. Timothy Kelly, Needle Law; Ryan McGowan, Government Banking/Relationship Manager, M & T Bank; Timothy B. McGrath, General Manager, Viewmont Mall; Dr. Peter Rosecrans, General Manager, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control; Laurie M. Schwager, Senior Relationship Manager, Business Banking, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Dr. Marwan A. Wafa, Chancellor, Penn State Worthington Scranton and Attorney Jennifer Walsh, McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC. Additional candidates for directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signature of at least 15 members of the Chamber, in good standing. Such petition must be filed with the Nominating Committee by April 18, 2016. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition(s) shall be final. If no legal petition is filed by April 18th nominations shall be closed and the candidates declared elected by the Board of Directors at its May meeting.
@ScrantonChamber recently celebrated the grand opening of Gibbons Ford’s new location in Dickson City.
@ScrantonChamber recently assisted Simply Lush Photography with the grand opening of its Scranton location.
Official Notice to Chamber Members
@ScrantonChamber
If a legal petition presents additional candidates, you will be notified and an election by ballot initiated. Members of the Nominating Committee are: Alex Hazzouri, Chair; Paul Blackledge, Laureen Cadden, David Coppola, Jerry Musheno, Bud Quandel, Robert Ufberg and Lisa Zielinski; Mark Volk and Robert F. Durkin, Ex-Officio.
www.scrantonchamber.com • 3
OLYPHANT SELF STORAGE Olyphant, PA (570) 383-7107 www.olyphantselfstorage.com Member since 2015
Sometimes there just isn’t enough space in your home or your office to store all of your belongings. Olyphant Self Storage can solve that problem and assist business owners in a variety of other ways.
authorization. This service allows business people who work from home the ability to have their packages received and signed for as well as securely stored in their unit.
“WE PROVIDE A CLEAN AND SAFE, FULLY-FENCED AND GATED, WELL-LIT FACILITY WITH 24/7 ACCESS.”
What kinds of services can you provide potential customers?
Facility manager Elizabeth Turner recently explained In addition to that the facility standard and offers temperaturetemperaturecontrolled and controlled storage standard storage units and outdoor units, ranging in parking space for size from 5 feet by 5 commercial and feet to 10 feet by 20 Elizabeth Turner, residential vehicles, Olyphant Self Storage feet. They also offer we offer U-Haul a variety of other truck rentals for options, including package delivery and the self-mover as well as moving and 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access. Meet packing supplies. We provide a clean Olyphant Self Storage. and safe, fully-fenced and gated, well-lit facility with 24/7 access. What is unique about Olyphant Self Storage that sets it apart from other businesses in the same field?
At Olyphant Self Storage, we have on-site management six days a week with availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also offer our customers a package delivery service, which means we receive, sign for and deliver customers’ packages to their storage unit as long as we have proper
4 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
What are some of the benefits of having a business located right outside of downtown Scranton?
Olyphant Self Storage is conveniently located off Exit 2 from the Robert P. Casey Highway. Our easy on/off exit location allows customers from downtown Scranton to reach our facility in only eight minutes, making it easy to do business with us.
Olyphant Self Storage is currently celebrating its 10th year in business, where do you see the business in the next 10 years?
In June 2015, we completed a 50 unit expansion. We see opening new locations as a part of our future growth.
How do you think the Chamber has helped your business or will help it in the future?
The Chamber provides the tools to its members to advertise, network and join groups, which allows us to meet other business people and get involved in the community. The Chamber has been a great vehicle to meeting other like-minded people looking to grow their businesses. 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:
GIRLS WHO CODE FOUNDER TO SPEAK AT ANNUAL DINNER THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
148th ANNUAL DINNER
RESHMA SAUJANI Closing the gender gap < The
story of girls who code > Thursday, June 2, 2016
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p. m. Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton Sponsored by:
Girls Who Code aims to close the gender gap in technology and inspire girls to pursue careers in computer science. The Chamber is pleased to announce Reshma Saujani, founder and chief executive officer of Girls Who Code as the keynote speaker at the 148th annual dinner, sponsored by PNC Bank. Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit organization that works to close the gender gap in technology and prepare our youth for jobs of the future. By exposing girls to real-life and on-screen role models,
In her book Women Who Don't Wait in Line, Saujani advocates for a new model of leadership focused on embracing risk and failure, promoting mentorship and sponsorship and boldly charting your own course -- personally and professionally. Saujani is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Yale Law School. She was recently named a WSJ Magazine
Innovator of the Year, one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in New York by the New York Daily News, CNBC's Next List, Forbes' Most Powerful Women Changing the World, Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People, Ad Age's Creativity 50, Business Insider's 50 Women Who Are Changing the World, City & State's Rising Stars and an AOL/PBS Next MAKER. This year’s Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, June 2, from 5-8 p.m. at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton. Sponsorships and tickets are available at ScrantonChamber.com.
www.scrantonchamber.com • 5
Shining at 75
SCRANTON’S SARNO & SON CELEBRATES DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY, CONTINUES DEDICATION TO CUSTOMERS When Ralph Sarno opened Sarno’s Custom Tailor Shop in 1940, little did he know that his surname was to become synonymous with class and elegance throughout northeast Pennsylvania and beyond.
its inception, Sarno and Son Tuxedo offered three basic styles; today that style list has grown to more than 75 different looks, ranging from black tie to every day suits.
An immigrant to the United States from Italy, Ralph saw his version of the “American Ralph Sarno Dream” come to fruition by focusing on custom suit making united with genuine customer care. Within the last decade, Sarno and Son The business soon began to expand gained an international presence by and grow to include alterations, dry joining the Savvi Formalwear co-op of cleaning and tuxedo rentals. An active independent tuxedo specialists. Sarno Chamber member for many years, one and Son has developed a regional of Sarno and Son’s early locations was network of 43 locations that are linked in the Chamber’s original building at by computer, trading under Tuxedo 426 Mulberry Street in Scranton. When Larry Sarno joined the family business, he learned the artisan skills of customer tailoring from his father, as well as many business and life lessons. He then took what he learned from his father and taught his children, Mark and Nancy, the principles needed in business. Now in its third generation, Mark and Nancy are now at the helm of Sarno and Son, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Sarno and Son is now a presence in 13 states and the District of Columbia. At 6 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
by Sarno. This allows customers with many wedding party members in various cities to coordinate their events with ease. “It is a nice situation to help people get dressed up — people stand taller, they pull their shoulders back and they feel good about themselves,” Nancy said. “We are a dressed-down society where comfort is key. When you have a special occasion, you should want to make the effort to look your best. Ideas in fashion are changing, they are always changing; we’re changing right with them.” What has also changed over the past 75 years is technology—gone are the days when pen and paper were the norm, now Sarno and Son uses
Teachings
from the trenches:
BUSINESS WISDOM PASSED DOWN FROM RALPH AND LARRY SARNO If you are standing still, you are moving backwards: “You always have to be moving forward and pressing ahead, looking for the new, innovative technology that is going to reduce costs or look for new product lines that are going to expand,” Nancy said.
1940 PAST • PRESENT • FUTURE 2015
advanced computer technology to better service its customers. However, Nancy says, one key element of the business has not changed. “What has stayed the same is our wonderful staff and the dedication people have to making sure that everything is perfect as if they are putting it together for their own family,” she said. “That is one thing we have built our company on — having great people with a dedication to quality. People can do things less expensively, but not better.”
Don’t worry about the guy down the street, worry about the person walking through your door: “You have to balance that with what new competition is coming your way, but you always need to be very sensitive to your customer’s needs and what he or she is looking for — what are you giving your customer that your competition isn’t?” Surround yourself with really great people who are smarter than yourself: “Find talent that is going to move you forward — not just looking for you to teach them, but people who can also teach you. You have to learn and constantly try to figure out who can bring more to the table for you and learn from them.”
“I hope our grandfather would be happy and impressed with where we have taken the business,” she continued. “We really do try to build on the teachings he gave our father and the teachings that our father passed down to us.”
www.scrantonchamber.com • 7
EARTH MONTH BARBARA GIOVAGNOLI
Recycling Coordinator/Manager, Lackawanna County Office of Environmental Sustainability (570) 963-2017 www.lackawannacounty.org Sustainability, explained, businesses can celebrate Earth Day every day by following five simple tips.
1: Reduce The month of April has been designated as “Earth Month” across the United States and this year, Earth Day will fall on Friday, April 22. In the 46 years since Americans started to celebrate Earth Day, the nation—and the world— has seen a growing trend toward more eco-friendly and sustainable living. Earth Day observations usually involve people gathering together to clean up litter, raise environmental awareness and celebrate progress in reducing pollution. As Barbara Giovagnoli, the recycling coordinator/manager for the Lackawanna County Office of Environmental
“Business waste contains materials that can be diverted from the landfill,” Giovagnoli said. “A waste audit demonstrates what is currently being thrown away. The Lackawanna County Office of Environmental Sustainability can help determine strategies for saving money by reducing waste.”
2: Reuse
“Coffee breaks and water coolers can be perfect places for eliminating wasteful cups by changing to reusable mugs and refillable water bottles,” she said.
Tip 3: Recycle
“Paper, cardboard and aluminum cans are easily recycled,” she said. “Place recycling
bins in convenient places for employees to use; for example, by each desk and copier for paper or in lunchrooms for containers. Also, businesses should centrally locate trash receptacles as this makes it easy to recycle and inconvenient to throw away.”
Tip 4: Review
“Institutions and businesses in a municipality with more than 5,000 people are mandated by state law and local ordinances to recycle paper, cardboard and aluminum cans,” Giovagnoli said. “Bid specifications for waste hauling contracts must require recycling these items—ask for rebate options or sell these recyclables.”
5: Rethink
“Energy use by the average person creates the most pollution,” she said. “Install motion sensors in less used areas or promote carpooling for employees. Businesses can even change lighting when possible to LED fixtures.”
Lackawanna County’s Office of Environmental Sustainability provides services to assist local businesses and institutions at no cost. Call (570) 963-2017 for more information.
LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA Leadership Lackawanna Dues Campaign Open
Leadership Lackawanna is now accepting applications for the Core Program Class of 2017. The deadline to apply is April 29.
Are you a member of the Leadership Lackawanna Alumni and Friends Association? Are you a graduate of Leadership Lackawanna? Now, more than ever, your support is needed to sustain and grow the organization. Open to anyone who wishes to support Leadership Lackawanna, members are exposed to incredible networking opportunities and save money! Donate today at LeadershipLackawanna.com.
In the 10-month Core Program participants gain leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton area. Areas of focus include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local non-profit organizations.
8 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live or work in Lackawanna County. The cost is $1,350, with partial scholarships available on a limited basis. Optional graduate credit programs are available to Leadership Lackawanna participants in cooperation with Marywood University and Keystone College. Applications are available online at LeadershipLackawanna.com or by contacting Leadership Lackawanna Director, Nicole Morristell at (570)342-7711.
INSIDE THE INCUBATOR
TRIED & TRUE EcoIndustrial builds customers trust through proven methods
If you were to ask Sean McCormack, coowner of EcoIndustrial, why his company doesn’t yet have a website or social media presence, he would probably tell you that those modern methods just aren’t his style. “We market ourselves the oldfashioned way—we go out and knock on doors,” he said, adding that the company will be online by year’s end. “Social media and websites are great, but there is nothing like being in front of a person and explaining how you can help his business grow.” McCormack and co-owner Dan Frascella founded EcoIndustrial in 2011. Originally housed in the Scranton Enterprise Center, EcoIndustrial distributes both eco-friendly and standard industrial packaging supplies to manufacturing plants, distribution centers and distributors throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and the Southern and Midwestern United States. When McCormack and Frascella heard about opportunities at TekRidge, they moved EcoIndustrial there in 2013. “Our business is all relationship driven— otherwise, our customers can get their supplies from anyone,” McCormack said. “We are here; we are local people providing local jobs. Our workers shop in the same stores we service. It all goes
ocery Bakery Deli Gr
Meat Produce
hand-in-hand—if your customers trust that you’re going to do the right thing for them and give them the highest quality at the best price and that you protect their price points, they value that.” Adding to those relationship-based benefits is the fact that EcoIndustrial is surrounded by other incubator clients who are more than willing to help each other become successful. “Being here provides us with a plethora of ideas,” McCormack said. “There are a lot of gifted people at TekRidge and we all share ideas every day. Everyone does something different. It is amazing and unusual that there’s no overlap between the businesses. Everyone has their own little niche.” McCormack and Frascella also credit the Chamber with their business’s success. “The Chamber never steered us wrong,” McCormack said. “We are proud members and we believe that for us to continue to grow our business, we have to support the same people who got us started and that’s the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is here to promote the area and create jobs—we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”
WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS AND WE BELIEVE THAT FOR US TO CONTINUE TO GROW OUR BUSINESS, WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THE SAME PEOPLE WHO GOT US STARTED AND THAT’S THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THE CHAMBER IS HERE TO PROMOTE THE AREA AND CREATE JOBS— WE WOULDN’T BE WHERE WE ARE TODAY WITHOUT THEM. – Sean McCormack, co-founder, EcoIndustrial
For more information on the Chamber’s incubator program, contact incubator program manager Aaron Whitney at (570) 342-7711
www.scrantonchamber.com • 9
Ttohank You our sponsors
MEMBER NEWS
B3 Seminar: McNees, Wallace and Nurick
Economic Outlook Breakfast: Wells Fargo March Business Card Exchange: Friedman Electric
Leadership Lackawanna Core Program: Lackawanna College Leadership Lackawanna Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program: The Commonwealth Medical College
Welcome new members
AAAA Limousines and Transportation Americold Logistics Azar Displays JP Boden Services, Inc. Cintas Corp. Comfort Keepers
New Program Announced at Lackawanna College Lackawanna College recently received a $65,000 grant from Lackawanna County to help establish a new Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) program. The two-year associate degree program is expected to launch in Scranton for the Fall 2017 semester, establishing the only OTA program in a 70-mile radius. The county grant funding comes as part of its ongoing commitment to the Regional Bioscience Initiative. It accompanies a $50,000 grant received for the establishment of the OTA program from the Moses Taylor Foundation in December 2015.
Decipher Software Solutions, LLC Epic Health Services Express Employment Professionals Fanelli Bros. Trucking Co. Hearing Health USA hibu The Home Depot Innovel Solutions Keystone Automotive Opertions, Inc. Lehigh Career and Technical Institute Lord & Taylor Mature Workers Program of Luzerne and Wyoming Counties Medico Industries Inc. Navient Pack Our Party, LLC Primerica PSA Healthcare Quidisi Logistics RCN Telecom Services, LLC Shanty Town Design, LLC Step By Step, Inc. Telerx Walmart Stores Inc. 10 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Production Underway at Crystal Windows Crystal Window and Door Systems recently started production of aluminum windows and patio doors at its new facility in Benton Township. Of the 26 employees currently working at the factory, 24 are from the region. As it continues to ramp up operations over the coming years, the facility has the potential to employ up to 350 workers. Based on a tally by the company, well over 30 local northeastern Pennsylvania businesses have benefited from Crystal’s presence in the region, including Ramada Clarks Summit, which was the site for the Crystal National Sales Meeting in January. As Crystal’s activities expand in the future, the company expects to work with even more firms in the region. Future plans call for the facility’s window and door production capabilities to replicate that of Crystal’s New York City facility as well as related glass, vinyl and aluminum operations. An official grand opening is tentatively scheduled for this spring.
Steamtown National Historic Site to Celebrate National Park Week Steamtown National Historic Site will host an entrance fee-free week to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, April 16, through Sunday, April 24. All indoor and outdoor exhibit areas and park museum facilities, including guided tours and the park movie, “Steel and Steam,” are included in the entrance fee-free week. General park information is available by calling (570) 3405200 during regular business hours, or by visiting www.nps.gov/stea.
Cancer Institute Receives Grant The Prostate Cancer Awareness Alliance (PCAA) of northeastern Pennsylvania recently awarded the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute with a $7,500 grant, which will allow the Institute to host a range of prostate cancer education and awareness activities throughout the 2016 calendar year.
Munley Speaks at National Conference Attorney Marion Munley of Munley Law recently spoke at the American Association for Justice’s winter convention in Boca Raton, Florida. Munley’s presentation was entitled “Demonstrative Evidence: Using Visual Storytelling to Prove Damages.” She also served on a panel of speakers at the American Association for Justice’s Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Leadership Summit, discussing mistakes to avoid during case selection.
ADVERTORIAL
www.scrantonchamber.com • 11
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrate Together!
P.O. Box 431 222 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18501 www.scrantonchamber.com
YOUR BUSINESS
Is your business 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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