MAY 2016
Check out a recap of
Sponsored by:
CHAMBER EVENTS
Remembering a Volunteer President’s Message y, The In recognition of Scranton’s 150th anniversar Who ple Scranton Times has been featuring 150 “Peo late Nanc y Made Scranton Great.” I’d like to add the son, Inc., Jackson Matthews, president of Nanc y Jack to that list.
Nanc y was a voice for business at a time when firms. few women owned and operated their own Board Elected to a three-year term on the Chamber another of Direc tors in 1983, she went on to serve of the six years as a vice president and a member Executive Committee. her to the Her interest in economic development led pany Com Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building from 1988 (SLIBCO), where she served on that board le president until her passing. Nanc y was the first fema SLIBCO of the SLIBCO board and, during her tenure, and er developed the Jessup Small Business Cent ed the Valley View Business Park as well as construct ton. Scran Scranton Enterprise Center in downtown her opinion, Never hesitant to ask questions or express d. Nanc y’s counsel was sought after and value unity, but Nanc y served not only the business comm a dedicated she also served the community at large as other rous nume volunteer with the United Way and civic and charitable organizations.
On the Cover: Kindra Hall, Keynote Speaker at The Women’s Leadership Conference held on April 21, 2016. Photo Courtesy of Cheryl Kaiser Fine Photography 2 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Nanc y Jackson Matthews passed away on March 17, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Remembering Nanc y,
#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!
@ScrantonChamber recently hosted its Spring Business Card Exchange at Friedman Electric in Scranton.
@ScrantonChamber in partnership with The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted the 2016 Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Four Points Sheraton in Scranton. Jay Bryson, Ph.D., a global economist with Wells Fargo, was this year’s featured speaker.
@SLIBCO recently hosted an Incubator Open House at the TekRidge Center where incubator clients had the chance to introduce their businesses to students and staff from Penn State Worthington Scranton. Students had the chance to discuss potential employment and/ or internship opportunities; while the businesses had the opportunity to further discuss externship, research and project opportunities. Businesses also gave students real-word tips for application of their major courses of study in their lives.
OFFICIAL NOTICE
TO CHAMBER MEMBERS Earlier this year, the Board of Directors of the Greater Northeast Chamber of Commerce met to discuss the future of the organization. The Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to consolidate its membership with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, effective April 1, 2016. It is our pleasure to welcome the members of the former Greater Northeast Chamber of Commerce to the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, all with the shared goal of attracting, sustaining and growing businesses in our region.
@ScrantonChamber
2016 The 2016 Employment Expo was recently held at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. This year’s Expo was hosted by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Greater Hazleton, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre and Back Mountain chambers of commerce. The area’s largest employment event welcomed more than 1,500 job seekers from throughout the region. “The Expo was a valuable event to participate in because you were networking with a room full of people, all with the goal of helping each other,” said Aimee Walker of the P.A. Hutchinson Company, one of more than 100 employers who were present at the Expo. For businesses looking to promote their available jobs, the Chamber also offers an online Job Bank as well as weekly member Eblasts. Visit www.scrantonchamber.com for more information. www.scrantonchamber.com • 3
RIVER ROCK COMMUNICATIONS
Lake Ariel, PA (570) 689-2700 • riverrockcom.com Member since 2007
When it comes to marketing your business, sometimes you need to call in the professionals. Catherine Bolton, the founder of River Rock Communications, has more than 30 years’ experience in the public relations and communications industry and is ready to put that experience to work for a wide variety of clients across the region. Meet River Rock Communications…
Other clients come to River Rock to generate awareness for their products and services. River Rock Communications develops targeted campaigns designed to address each client’s specific needs. We are creative problem solvers who provide practical solutions.
What are some of the services you offer?
CB: We joined The Chamber so that we could network with other like-minded business professionals and benefit from its mission, which is to attract, sustain, and grow business. River Rock Communications wants to attract new business opportunities, sustain and build upon current client relationships and stimulate business growth within our community. We believe that a strong community is beneficial to all businesses and are committed to helping our community grow and prosper.
CB: River Rock Communications offers all aspects of business communications and marketing services. The field of public relations is growing at an astronomical rate because we understand not only how to promote a particular company’s product or service, but also how to build sustaining relationships with audiences that are important to the client. We offer a variety of services in business development and sales materials, community and employee relations, media relations and training, crisis planning and communications, strategic planning, logo design and branding, social and traditional media public relations and advertising, as well as website design. What kinds of public relations issues can you help your clients solve? CB: Our phone rings for numerous reasons and the communications and marketing recommendations differ from client to client. One client may have a tenuous situation that requires resolution more centrally focused on crisis communications or problem solving, developing positioning statements or communications focusing upon employees’ understanding the need for change. 4 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
How do you envision The Chamber helping your business in the future?
Do you have any advice for business professionals who might have to deal with the media on a regular basis? CB: Warren Buffet said, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Any type of public communication takes thoughtful planning and strategy development. Business leaders who excel are individuals who take all forms of speaking to the public seriously. How can quality public relations/ communications campaigns make or break a business? CB: Using a well thought out, targeted, strategic marketing communications campaign that is expertly executed is an
instrumental component of a successful business. The world is changing; social media is requiring businesses to focus on relationships and understanding key influencers. How can businesses benefit from using a public relations professional? CB: The most appropriate manner in which to begin the process of successfully using the services of a public relations/marketing firm is to engage in a dialogue that allows the public relations professional to understand a client’s overall business goals and objectives and develop a marketing communications plan specifically tailored to meet these business objectives.
Get in the Spotlight! Every month, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce features a member small business in the Small Business Spotlight. Don’t miss your chance to be seen! Visit www. scrantonchamber.com to apply for membership or to fill out a Small Business Spotlight application today! The Small Business Spotlight is sponsored by:
FIVE TIPS FOR WORKPLACE WELLNESS KRISTIN MARTELLI, LMT, BCTMB GreenRidge Om and Wellness, LLC 222 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton (570) 507-9494 GreenRidgeWellness.com According to a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study, approximately 40 percent of American workers feel that their jobs are very or extremely stressful and 25 percent view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. The study also reported that job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems. In light of this information, we asked Kristin Martelli, founder of GreenRidge Om and Wellness, LLC to share with us some tips on how to avoid workplace burn out and keep the tension at bay.
1. Consider joining or implementing a workplace wellness program.
Studies have shown that a successful workplace wellness program can improve employee productivity, reduce healthrelated absences, improve employee morale and retain employees. Many businesses are starting to take notice of the relationship of healthy employees and workplace efficiency. By providing quality wellness programs with
experts in your community, employees can benefit from the services and information provided. Popular programs include chair massage, yoga, nutritional classes, smoking cessation classes, mindfulness meditation and fitness.
2. Create a culture of wellness in your work environment.
This can be achieved in many ways and custom fit to various situations. If vending machines are available, try changing some of the options to providing fresh fruit or other healthy snacks. Provide BPA-free refillable containers to your employees for water, along with a method to track how much water they are drinking each day. Take a “walk and talk” meeting as a change of pace. Provide a “Zen room” or an area where employees can take a five minute break to just breathe. Get creative and provide incentives. If you work in an environment that does not foster a culture of wellness, lead by example and start planting the seeds!
3. Keep tabs on how long you are sitting.
New studies show that there is no such thing as the “perfect” sitting posture. Claims are also being made that sitting is the new smoking. Without debating either of those claims, we do know that you should change positions often. Obviously, you want to make sure you are not slouching or overreaching for the mouse, etc. However, be mindful of how long you are in each position and slightly shift yourself every so often. Take frequent breaks to stand and walk around. Having a good quality chair and ensuring your work space is set up efficiently is also highly recommended.
4. Foster a healthy work-life balance. This responsibility falls mostly on the employer, where policies in the company dictate the expectations. Work-life balance is beginning to be addressed in the United States. Other countries have implemented this long ago, and are seeing the benefits. Policies such as paid time off, maternity leave, flexible work schedules and strict maximum hours are a few examples of benefits that can be customized for your organization and employees to foster a healthy work-life balance.
5. Put your health first!
You can’t do anyone any good if you don’t take care of yourself. Take a walk during your break, pack a healthy lunch, consider having a plant on your desk or even hang up a motivational sign in your work area that reminds you of what is truly important. There are many websites that provide quick guided meditations if you are feeling very stressed. Stretch often. Take advantage of the wellness programs or initiatives in your organization or advocate for one to be implemented.
2 0 1 6 E D U C AT O R I N T H E W O R K P L A C E P R O G R A M
WANTED: Teachers Willing to Spend One Week in the Healthcare Workforce
Skills in Scranton, the Chamber’s workforce development affiliate, will host its 2016 Educator in the Workplace Program this summer. This five-day initiative is designed to strengthen interactions between educators and healthcare industry professionals. Features of the Educator in the Workplace Program include: • A one-day orientation focusing on our area’s high-demand occupations and the skill sets employers need from young people to more effectively enter and succeed in the workplace; • Three days in a healthcare employment setting to experience hands-on industry interactions; and • A one-day wrap up and curriculum discussion on integrating information into lesson planning. This year’s program will begin on Thursday, June 23, and conclude on Wednesday, June 29. Participants who complete the full program and prepare a class lesson plan on the subject will receive a $500 stipend from Skills in Scranton. The program is limited to 10 educators from any high school or intermediate school in Lackawanna County. The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, May 13. Educators will be contacted and assigned to worksites in early June. For more information on this program, call Bill Schoen, Skills in Scranton administrator, at (570) 342-7711. www.scrantonchamber.com • 5
More than 450 professionals from throughout the region attended the second annual Northeast PA Women’s Leadership Conference at Mohegan Sun Pocono. This regional, day-long conference is designed to emphasize women’s ability to forge a positive change in their communities and in their personal and professional lives while highlighting the incredible energy created when women come together to support one another. This year’s keynote speakers were award-winning columnist, author and national champion storyteller Kindra Hall and nationally recognized author, speaker and branding professional Cindy Ratzlaff. Executive track speakers included Diane Baldi of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Lisa Golden of Geisinger Community Medical Center, Bobbi-Jo Romanishan of Mental Toughness University and Dana Zimmer of Tribune Media. Emerging professionals track speakers included Danielle Fleming of NOTE Fragrances, Melissa Keklak of MMKpr, Katie Murphy, formerly of NBC Universal, and Susan Unvarsky of Prudential. The Northeast PA Women’s Leadership Conference is a regional event presented by the Greater Scranton, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Back Mountain Chambers of Commerce.
6 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
There is nothing better than getting a group of women together who are all united to lift each other up, to learn more information and take the next steps in whatever career move, path or life journey that they want to take. It is always exciting to speak to a room filled with excited and empowered women—it was my honor to be able to participate.
Cindy
Ratzlaff
Kindra
Hall
When people invest in their own networking and they get to be with other people, the energy that you feel in the room is something that you can’t recreate in your own office alone. Being with other smart, interesting women and talking about smart, interesting things will put jet fuel into your own brand. All photos courtesy of Cheryl Kaiser Fine Photography
www.scrantonchamber.com • 7
Sustained
GROWTH Manufacturing industry sees regional surge
If you were to ask Ruslon Smith, president of Equipment Technology Inc. (ETI) in Peckville how his business got started 40 years ago, he would tell you that it was a matter of creating new ways to provide customers a service they couldn’t get elsewhere while laying the groundwork for something that would stand the test of time. “I was in design for approximately 19 years before I opened my own business,” he recalled. “You don’t realize that it is a process to start your own business. I always wanted to own my own business, but I had to get a foundation for it.” ETI has been a Chamber member for the past 34 years. While much of the company’s focus is on manufacturing high-end machinery, they are also emphasizing new trends in robotics in automation as part of their business platform. “In the end, automation will help create more jobs in the manufacturing industry,” Smith said. “Companies really need to welcome it.”
“When you look at long-standing manufacturing companies, one thing that they have in common is the ability to design solutions to meet individual customer needs or the ability to adapt to changes in the industry,” he continued. “When you look at ETI’s product, you get the feeling that they couldn’t be where they are today without constantly being innovative.” Adaptability and creativity, spiced with a bit of networking, are something that Smith knows all-toowell. His company’s portfolio reads as a “Who’s Who” in the manufacturing industry, having serviced clients such as General Electric, Simmons Bedding, Technicolor, Time Warner/WEA Manufacturing and Sony, to name a few. Smith even traveled to the former Yugoslavia to help Iskra Electronics automate their finishing process.
“...automation will help create
more jobs in
the manufacturing industry...companies really need to welcome it.”
In a time when the manufacturing industry has seen its fair share of twists and turns on industry growth charts, ETI has managed to grow and expand since its founding. Part of that growth, according to Eric Esoda, president and chief executive officer of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), is because of the business’s adaptability. “One of the things that ETI has done successfully is having in-house or strategic partner design expertise,” Esoda said. “When you see their facility, you can see their great design work where they are able to come up with customized solutions to customer challenges.”
8 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
“Networking really helps grow your business,” Smith said. “We were fortunate to get into a lot of areas where we dealt with big customers. Customers coming into the area need to know where they can get equipment and service locally. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce helps make those connections.” “Manufacturing has gone downhill in this area and many companies have left this area since I started,” he continued. “The Chamber, through its affiliates, has done its part by trying to help grow existing manufacturing firms and recruit new manufacturing companies to the region.” Manufacturing is one of The Scranton Plan’s
targeted industries for the next five years. The Scranton Plan is part of the Chamber’s industrial development arm. Recent successes in manufacturing expansion in the region include the arrival of Crystal Window and Door Systems in October and Select Tissue of Pennsylvania in March. “Manufacturing is one of only five industries that can say they have added jobs in each of the last three years and the first quarter of 2016,” Esoda said. “Manufacturing is starting to bounce back. We did sustain a manufacturing loss in 2010 and 2011 in terms of total employment. However, that trend then reversed itself and the trend increased from 2013-2015 and is showing a very strong first quarter of 2016.” According to workforce development data available through the Chamber, the manufacturing industry is one of the current High Priority Occupations for Lackawanna County. The average wage for manufacturing in Lackawanna County is also much higher than the overall average wage in the county. All of this shows that a boom in the industry is on the horizon. “The manufacturing industry is all a mix of business attraction, business retention and business startup,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Many of the entrepreneurial startups out there now are manufacturers. Economic development has to attract, expand and embrace entrepreneurship while working to sustain what we already have. That’s what’s happening here in Lackawanna County.”
Select Tissue
Comes to Pennsylvania The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently held a Community Welcome Event for Select Tissue of Pennsylvania, which plans to bring 140 new jobs to Lackawanna County over the next three years with its recent lease of a facility in Vandling Borough.
Welcome new members Access Aerial ADT, LLC AEP Industries, Inc. The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania Big Apple Beauty Supply
“Our new location will serve as our manufacturing hub, providing efficient service and distribution of our product lines to our network along the East Coast,” said Simon Roozrokh, chief executive officer of Select Products Holdings. “The business assistance provided by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce made for a smooth transition into the community and we are excited to call Northeastern Pennsylvania home.”
Children’s Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
Deputy Secretary Scott Dunkelberger, Office of Business Financing of the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, introduced company representatives on behalf of Governor Tom Wolf.
Comprehensive Professional Reimbursement, Inc.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Huntington, New York, Select Products manufactures paper products, such as bath tissue, facial tissue, napkins and paper towels under the Select Products name and private labels. “The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is committed to working toward the creation of family-sustaining manufacturing jobs,” said Bob Durkin, Chamber president. “Select Products Holding’s decision to locate here is a three-fold win for Lackawanna County. Not only are we welcoming a new manufacturer to the area, but we are creating jobs in a part of our community with a labor pool trained in the necessary skill sets and recruiting a company that currently does business with our existing industries regionally.”
Bright Horizons Family Solutions Colonial Life Commonwealth Health Emergency Medical Services
Discovery MI Preschool EIHAB Human Services, Inc. Elmhurst Country Club ENX2 Marketing Essential Beauty Treatments Salon & Spa First Quality Nonwovens Genpact Goodwill Industries of Northeastern PA Haltermans Automotive Grp / Toyota Mitsubishi Jerry’s Sports Center, Inc. King’s College Kingston Manor Alyssa Kondash / New York Life Lil Tikes Playschool Center Inc. Little Night Owls-Sleep Solutions Mental Health Billing Services, LLC
Ttohank You our sponsors Economic Outlook Breakfast 2016: Wells Fargo
Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Sponsor: Lackawanna Heritage Valley Spring Business Card Exchange: Friedman Electric Employment Expo 2016: TMG Health
Bold Gold Media Group Entercom
Lamar Advertising
Times-Shamrock Communications WNEP TV
Mid Valley Manor Old Forge Manor Northeast PA Women’s Leadership Conference:
Presenting Sponsor: Peoples Security Bank and Trust
Platinum Sponsors: NET Credit Union, PNC Bank, Prudential, Toyota Scranton
Gold Sponsors: ESSA Bank and Trust, First National Bank, MCR Productions, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Wilkes University Silver Sponsors: Highland Associates, Frontier Communications, Misericordia University, Montage Mountain
Bronze Sponsors: Community Bank NA, Cheryl Kaiser Photography, Kalahari Resorts, Luzerne County Community College, New Story, POSH, PPL, Service 1st, Style Encore, The University of Scranton, The Wireless Experience
PCC Aerostructures April Petroski Power Kunkle Benefits Consulting Quidsi Logistics Scranton Manor Sentext Solutions SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties Signallamp Health LLC Split Rock Resort (H20 Waterpark) Taylor Consulting and Contracting Verizon Wireless Web.com White’s Mechanical, LLC Wyoming Manor www.scrantonchamber.com • 9
MEMBER NEWS
University of Success Receives Donation
Fidelity Bank recently contributed $10,000 to The University of Scranton’s University of Success Program, a four-year pre-college mentorship program for high school students designed to develop the skills needed to successfully gain entrance to college. The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants.
Local philanthropists establish Preventive Medicine Lecture Series at The Commonwealth Medical College Local philanthropists, Robert Naismith, Ph.D., chairman, JUJAMA Inc. and Ron Kukuchka, owner of Ace Robbins Inc., have given donations to help fund the Preventive Medicine Lecture Series at The Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC). Lectures will be free, public events that will focus on subjects such as nutrition, sleep medicine, substance abuse, smoking cessation and other lifestyle changes that improve health and substantially lower health risks. The first event in the Preventive Medicine Lecture Series will be held Wednesday, April 20, at TCMC and will feature a lecture entitled “The Nutritional Reversal of Cardiovascular Disease: Fact or Fiction” by Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., M.D.
John Cosgrove was recently named executive director of AllOne Foundation and Charities. Cosgrove was most recently vice president of Condron & Cosgrove. He previously served as executive director of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, a national nonprofit association of heritage development entities in Washington, D.C. and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. He also served in the administration of Governor Robert P. Casey as executive director of the Governor’s Office of Citizen Service.
Johnson College Announces New Executive Vice President Katie Leonard was recently promoted to executive vice president at Johnson College. Leonard began her tenure at the college in 2007 as coordinator of grants and the annual fund, eventually becoming director of development, director of institutional advancement and then vice president of institutional advancement and senior vice president of college advancement.
Roach Receives Presidential Award
Justin Roach has received the Presidential Award for Excellence from Wayne Bank. The award is presented to bank employees who show exceptional levels of dedication and service in their positions with the bank.
WVIA Receives EITC Donations
WVIA Public Media recently received two grants through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to support its educational services. The station received a $20,000 grant from Fidelity Bank and a $3,000 grant from Waste Management of Pennsylvania.
10 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
‘Jeans for a Cause’
Employees of First National Community Bank (FNCB) recently participated in a bank-wide “Jeans for a Cause” dress down day in January. Proceeds raised from the event benefitted the Keystone Rescue Mission Alliance, which provides meals, clothing and additional services for the homeless and near-homeless in the region. “Jeans for a Cause” is part of FNCB’s “Community Caring” initiative.
Topp Business Solutions Staffing Changes Chris Falzett was recently promoted to the position of general manager of Topp Business Solutions in Scranton. Falzett is the grandson of the company’s founder, Angelo Falzett, and takes the company’s helm from his father, Paul. Bill Truchan has joined Topp Business Solutions as a management adviser. Truchan has worked with national companies like IKON Office Solutons. Overall, he has led more than 250 successful acquisitions in the business solutions industry.
LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA PLANS
Celebration of Leadership
Sponsorship information for Celebration of Leadership is as follows:
“Celebration of Leadership” is Leadership Lackawanna’s annual signature event, highlighting achievements from the past year while honoring the participants in its Core Program Class of 2016, its 33rd graduating class. The event will also pay tribute to the leadership of our area by recognizing three individuals with awards. Celebration of Leadership will include business networking, live music, raffles, dinner and cocktails, a community service project showcase and the presentation of certificates to graduating participants.
Full-page program booklet ad: $200 Full-color, measurements are 8.5 H x 5.5 W.
This year’s Celebration of Leadership is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m. at The Leonard Theater in downtown Scranton. By supporting this event, businesses will gain recognition and attention from business, community and government leaders who are top decision-makers and emerging young leaders, each of whom is dedicated to continually improving the quality of life in Lackawanna County.
Half-page program booklet ad: $100 Full-color, measurements are 4.25 H x 5.5 W. Quarter-page program booklet ad: $50 Full-color, measurements are 2.75 H x 5.5 W. “Friend of Leadership” name listing: $20 Name listing in program booklet. Submit payment and artwork no later than Friday, May 27. Artwork (if applicable) may be emailed to Nicole Morristell at nmorristell@scrantonchamber.com.
ADVERTORIAL
www.scrantonchamber.com • 11
THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
148th ANNUAL DINNER Keynote Address by:
P.O. Box 431 222 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18501
Return Service Requested
www.scrantonchamber.com
RESHMA SAUJANI
Closing the gender gap < The story of girls who code > Thursday, June 2, 2016 Tickets at ScrantonChamber.com
WE WANT TO BE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP.
COMMERCIAL PRINTING
BOOK PRINTING
SCREEN PRINTING
DIRECT MAIL
WIDE FORMAT
FULFILLMENT
We have been printing for local businesses since 1910, and now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to print for you! We offer a wide variety of high quality services, including digital and offset printing, screen printing, signs and banners, and direct mail. Call us at 570-253-2001, or email us at info@spencerprinting.com for a quote on your next project!
Visit our new website at spencerprinting.com