SEPTEMBER 2016
WATCH SCRANTON GROW:
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION ON THE RISE!
Sponsored by:
President’s Message
“Downtown, where all the lights are bright,” so went an old song extolling the virtues of downtown shopping, dining and entertainment.
“Downtown, N o Finer Place F or Sure!”
In recent years, developers, businesses and residents have rediscovered the virtues of downtown Scranton. We’ve seen vacant properties renovated and put into productive use as offices, apartments, restaurants, shops and galleries. We’ve also witnessed the rebirth of the Marketplace at Steamtown, the acquisition of the historic former Globe Store building for a new County Government Center, expansion projects at The University of Scranton and Lackawanna College, and the arrival of new entertainment sites and exciting special events. City-sponsored paving, lighting and public safety initiatives and the County’s Intermodal Transportation Center also portend great things for the geographic and social hub of the Lackawanna Valley. In addition, the Chamber, along with the City and County, brought together a diverse group of partners to develop a Community Revitalization Plan. This plan builds on the strong educational and healthcare facilities located within an enlarged downtown footprint with a focus on economic, community and workforce development needs and opportunities. With all of the pieces coming together, we at the Chamber can’t help but sing along with Petula Clark, “Downtown… everything’s waiting for you!” Showing my age,
NEW EVENT
Business Card Exchange
An exclusive networking event.
Thursday, September 8
Tuesday September 13
Harness Your Potential Wednesday, September 21
MEMBER Member WELCOME Appreciation Day
Learning how The Chamber can help you! Friday, September 23 2 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Friday, September 30 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
#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 welcomed the past chairs of the board of directors for an annual luncheon.
Nunzi’s Advertising Specialties recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location in North Scranton.
@ScrantonChamber recently celebrated the grand opening of Bar Pazzo in downtown Scranton.
Two #ChamberDays were held at Montage this past summer in partnership with the Greater Hazleton, Pittston and Wilkes-Barre Chambers of Commerce.
@ScrantonChamber recently celebrated the grand opening of the new location of Kelly Services in Pittston.
@ScrantonChamber
The Chamber recently hosted Chamber Jump Day at SkyZone in Pittston.
A team from Fidelity Bank recently recruited the most new Chamber members during this year’s #AnnualCampaign.
OneSource Staffing Solutions recently brought their new Mobile Recruiting Center to the Chamber. The Center gives job-seekers the chance to apply for full-time jobs as well as discover other possible employment opportunities.
The staff of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce would like to express its condolences for the death of David Duchnik, Jr., of Duchnik's Towing. www.scrantonchamber.com • 3
THE DAISY COLLECTIVE Scranton, PA (570) 880-7991 thedaisycollective@gmail.com Member since 2014
Why did you relocate to For Maggie Mineo, owner of The Daisy Downtown Scranton? Collective, Downtown Scranton is the place to be. When an opportunity presented itself to move her store from its The Hill Section is a great neighborhood and it was very hard original location in Scranton’s Hill Section to leave for sentimental reasons. to its new location on Penn Avenue, she However, with the revitalization efforts knew she couldn’t refuse. An example happening in downtown of a small business helping to contribute to Downtown “THE CHAMBER Scranton, I couldn’t pass up such a great Scranton’s revitalization, IS ALSO A HUGE opportunity to try and The Daisy Collective sells grow my business. It is unique clothing brands and ADVOCATE FOR an amazing feeling to be accessories that represent a modern, fun and eclectic YOUNG PEOPLE a part of the downtown “network” of other style of dress. Meet Maggie COMING BACK creative and motivated Mineo… businesses and their TO SCRANTON owners who all share the same passions and AND DOING What sets your store dreams. apart from other retail WHAT THEY What is the best part businesses? LOVE.” about owning a business At The Daisy Collective, I in Downtown Scranton? put a lot of emphasis on There are so many amazing things engaging with my customers. I have about Downtown Scranton! It is so nice built great relationships with the people to see people walking around; I’ve seen who come through the door. There is a a huge increase in foot traffic coming fun atmosphere in the store and I think into my store. There are a ton of young customers can feel that when they are people living and working downtown shopping. It is also important to offer and it is great that they have local shops something different; each line I carry is a and restaurants to visit and support. well thought out decision. I spend a lot Knowing that my store can be a little of time looking for new brands to bring escape to some of the employees of to the area and curating a collection the downtown area during their lunch that tells a story about myself and my breaks is a great feeling. inspirations.
4 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
How do you feel the Chamber helps your business? The Chamber offers great opportunities to meet and network with other business owners in the area. Hearing what works and what hasn’t worked for them has been extremely helpful in growing my own business. The Chamber is also a huge advocate for young people coming back to Scranton and doing what they love. It is awesome to have a support system like that!
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 scrantonchamber.com to apply for membership or to fill out a Small Business Spotlight application today!
The Small Business Spotlight is sponsored by:
Define your mission.
A short summary of the aims and values of your company, your mission statement will help you guide your business, as well as make decisions on a daily basis and overcome obstacles along the way while not losing the focus on the end goal. All of this creates value for your customers.
Believe in your idea. ROBERT PAULINO Co-owner, Adezzo
(570) 955-0130 www.adezzolife.com
Your first year of operations is the most challenging one, but don’t give up. Don’t doubt your success even when you are experiencing your worst days. If running a business was easy and successful from the very first day, everyone would do it. Be courageous and trust yourself.
Stand out from the crowd.
Be different and dare to offer something unique to your customers. Don’t fall into the trap of price competition; instead, focus on differentiation from your competition based on the quality of your products and services. Don’t sell your products – sell the story behind them. Make your customers feel special when they experience your products.
Owning and operating a business in downtown Scranton means being part of the hustle and bustle of an increasingly vibrant city. For the co-owners of Adezzo*, which recently celebrated its first anniversary in business, there are several ways to showcase your business’s uniqueness while helping to bolster a developing arts and culture scene. This month, they are sharing their ideas on how all businesses can make the most of their first year.
Create a strong culture.
*Adezzo is co-owned by Predrag Grujić, Mladen Jecmenica, Tijana Jecmenica and Robert Paulino.
No matter how good you are in everything said above, unless you know your numbers and make sure that you are creating value along the way, your business will not be sustainable in the long run.
If you are in the service industry, your staff is your biggest asset. A strong company culture will help you navigate your team in the desired direction. They will feel as if they contribute to the business’s success on a daily basis.
Know your market.
You need to clearly define your target customer group and tailor-make the products and services you offer to their needs. You need to know your competition’s weaknesses and strengths so that you can learn from their mistakes and make sure to be one step ahead of them.
Know your numbers.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARDS
THE GREATER SCRANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Best Practices in Community Involvement Best Practices in Customer Service Best Practices in Marketing and Communications Business of the Year Excellence in Leadership Healthy Workplace of the Year
SCRANTON AWARDS FOR GROWTH & EXCELLENCE
Hometown Star New and Emerging Business of the Year Non-Profit Organization of the Year
The deadline for applications is Friday, September 16, 2016 by 4:00 p.m. Apply now at ScrantonChamber.com
Pride and Progress: Exterior Renovations Pride and Progress: Interior Renovations Pride and Progress: New Construction Presented by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Small Business of the Year Woman of Excellence
www.scrantonchamber.com • 5
Revitalization efforts spur a new image of the city’s downtown
Imagine a city with a rich social and architectural history, a diverse population and prime educational opportunities. Imagine that same city with world-class medical facilities, an eclectic array of shopping experiences and outdoor activities. You don’t need to imagine it because it already exists. Downtown Scranton has undergone a renaissance since the 1980s. By focusing more on uniting the city’s past with its present, revitalization efforts have sought to include all facets of Scranton’s unique personality. Over the past year, the Chamber, along with more than 30 community partners, has spearheaded a community revitalization project that seeks to transform Scranton’s Central Business District into a vibrant center for commerce and residential living, supporting the continued growth of the city and its anchor higher education and healthcare institutions. Now in its early phases of implementation, the plan heavily focuses on Scranton’s potential to attract
6 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
and retain knowledge-based businesses and talent. “In order to take advantage of the real opportunities for business and community development, we have to get past the historical perspective of downtown Scranton as fundamentally a retail hub, and imagine a future with a balance of residential, commercial, institutional and retail components,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Developments have and are taking place that foreshadow a very bright future for the Central Business District, the City of Scranton, and businesses throughout the region. “ Many of the developments are through Lackawanna County, most notably the Intermodal Transportation Center on Lackawanna Avenue, the county’s Information Technology Infrastructure Initiative and the recent purchase of the former Globe Store building on Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton to eventually become the consolidation point for all county offices.
“We have completed the work that was started over five years ago to have all of our services under one roof in a convenient and friendly location,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Patrick M. O’Malley. “The purchase of the historic Globe Store is a major step in the county’s revitalization and extends the efficiency of County government.” Another visual way the city is transforming is through the construction of the new NET Credit Union headquarters along Mulberry Street at the end of the North Scranton Expressway, effectively changing the gateway to the downtown. “Scranton has undergone a transformation over the past several years – new businesses entering town, the growth of several local colleges and universities, and nouveau boutiques and dining facilities. It’s almost as if the City has undergone a renaissance,” said Clarence Baltrusaitis, chief executive officer of NET Federal Credit Union. “We wanted to be part of that movement. Once completed, our facility will become a refreshing upgrade
The “Watch Scranton Grow” sign depicted to the left originally stood on top of the Board of Trade Building, now known as the Scranton Electric Building, at 507 Linden Street in Downtown Scranton. The Board of Trade was a precursor to the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.** **Information from #HistoricScranton, an online database for the City of Scranton’s Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) created by members of the Core Program Class of 2016 of Leadership Lackawanna, the Chamber’s leadership development affiliate.
along a busy avenue in the City, a modern place for NET Credit Union to serve our members, and another important addition to Scranton’s renaissance movement.” The city’s metamorphosis is also evident through the eyes of the educational institutions that call downtown home. Lackawanna College, The University of Scranton, The Commonwealth Medical College and The Wright Center have all had their hand in recreating the downtown landscape. Lackawanna College recently purchased a building at the corner of Mulberry Street and Adams Avenue to expand its programming, and The University of Scranton has launched its own “Downtown Engagement Initiative” that introduces students to everything Downtown Scranton has to offer.
With all of the changes happening to downtown Scranton, it is only natural that further opportunities for housing become part of the new landscape, as Jessica Kalinoski, director of operations for Admiral Management Services, explained. Admiral Management Services owns the Connell Building, 426 Mulberry Street and The Leonard Theater. “Downtown Scranton is thriving and continuing to grow,” she said. “Since 2010 when I began renting the apartments at the Connell Building, hundreds of apartments downtown have popped up. We have been 100 percent occupied since October of 2010 at both of our buildings and we have a waiting list that continues to grow daily.”
from age 21 to 87. Downtown Scranton provides easy access to Interstate 81, the Turnpike and is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. In today’s world where people can work from virtually anywhere, downtown Scranton provides affordable, high quality housing.” “We are all proud of Scranton,” said Nicole Morristell, director of Leadership Lackawanna, which often works in partnership with Scranton-based organizations. “Everyone who has undertaken any kind of revitalization project is doing it because of their faith that the city’s best days are yet to come.
“Housing in downtown Scranton is in high demand,” she continued. “The average age of our tenants is 34. Our tenants range
Scranton has undergone a transformation over the past several years... It’s almost as if the City has undergone a renaissance. We wanted to be part of that movement.
Coming soon to Mulberry Street...
CLARENCE BALTRUSAITIS Chief executive officer NET Federal Credit Union
www.scrantonchamber.com • 7
MEMBER NEWS PA Secretary of Health Speaks at University’s Community Breakfast
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, Karen Murphy, Ph.D., recently spoke at The University of Scranton’s community breakfast. Organized by the University’s Office of Community Relations, the breakfast focused on “Improving Health for all Pennsylvanians” and was part of the University’s ongoing efforts to draw attention to a “Living Wage,” which is what it costs to live a modest, but dignified, life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The owners of the Backyard Ale House, located in Downtown Scranton, were recently named Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business People of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration.
FNCB Donates to Nativity Miguel School
FNCB recently presented a $1,700 donation to the Nativity Miguel School of Scranton through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program. Nativity Miguel School of Scranton is a tuition-free school for students from low-income families and underserved populations that seeks to provide an education that breaks the cycle of poverty in underserved communities across America. The Nativity Miguel model includes an extended day averaging 9.6 hours and an extended year of up to 11 months. Abington Heights High School in Clarks Summit was one of 30 Pennsylvania-based high schools named to Newsweek’s list of the 500 best public schools in the United States. Schools were chosen based on standardized test scores, college acceptance and enrollment rates, SAT and ACT participation and performance, dual enrollments and programs like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. Abington Heights was No. 290 overall and No. 18 in Pennsylvania. According to district officials, Abington Heights scored the highest school rating in the northern half of the Commonwealth, only finishing behind schools in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh suburbs.
More than 30 Green Ridge-based businesses will participate in the inaugural Green Ridge Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sanderson Avenue, Scranton. Green Ridge-area shops and restaurants will offer autumn-based treats and promotions, as well as outdoor activities and live entertainment. Tickets for a gift basket raffle in honor of Breast
8 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Cancer Awareness Month will be available at all participating businesses. Chamber member businesses participating in the festival include A Little Pizza Heaven, Brunetti’s Pizza, Kelly’s Collision, Nibbles & Bits, Paul Molter’s American Kempo, Peoples Security Bank, Pop It! Jackets & Accessories, Powell Studio and Zummo’s Café.
PERSONNEL FNCB Recently Named Five New Staff Member Jeffrey Mokychic, Treasury Manager, will be responsible for managing the accounting for the investment portfolio, participating in investment planning to facilitate desired portfolio structure, liquidity monitoring, managing correspondent bank, broker and other funding relationships, coordinating the ALM process and supporting the Bank’s budgeting process and regulatory reporting. Jason Bohenek, Assistant Vice President, Audit Manager, will be responsible for performing internal audits, independent audit fieldwork and communicating pertinent findings to management. Justin Shaffern, Commercial Banking Officer, will be responsible for expanding existing commercial relationships as well as prospecting new commercial relationships, commercial lines of credit, commercial loans and commercial deposits.
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Recently Announced Several Staffing Changes Laura Toole, LCSW was recently promoted to Vice President of Community and Patient Services. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Community and Patient Services. In her new role, she will continue to provide organizational supervision and management of all Community and Patient Services programs and activities, including the Patient Navigation Screening Program, community education, family of survivors programs and special events, and healthcare professional education. Trudy A. Coleman, Ph.D., CTR was hired as the cancer program manager. Dr. Coleman has extensive experience in cancer data collection and retrieval, cancer registry management, registrar training and education, research design, project management, and data analysis.
Marilyn White, Vice President of Registry Services recently retired after 22 years with the Cancer Institute. White has over 20 years of experience as a leader implementing a regional cancer registry as well as experience with data management such as coding and abstracting medical records. In 1996, she received the Distinguished Member Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Cancer Registrars. Carolyn Azzarelli, CTR, was promoted to cancer registry supervisor where she is responsible for the organizational supervision and management of the cancer registry staff at the Cancer Institute.
Brooke Lipperini, Banking Officer, Human Resources Generalist, will be responsible for recruiting, training, development and employee relations. Kimberly Rodriguez, Community Office Manager, will be responsible for the daily operation, overall business development and growth of the Dickson City branch. Carla Medura, Clarks Summit was recently awarded the 2016 District 4-0 Charles M. Mattei Award by PennDOT. This award is an award given to an employee who has 10 years of service and who performs community service activities. www.scrantonchamber.com • 9
SIGNALLAMP HEALTH COMES TO DOWNTOWN SCRANTON The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently held a Community Welcome Event and ribbon cutting for Signallamp Health, LLC, a healthcare technology startup that provides population health services via registered nurses to Medicare beneficiaries on behalf of their chosen physicians. Signallamp Health plans to bring 69 new, full-time jobs to downtown Scranton over the next three years. Its operations are housed in a 14,000 square-foot office space in the Bank Towers Building in downtown Scranton. The company has committed to an investment of at least $300,000 at its new site. “Over the next few years, how doctors are paid will rely on their ability to control costs and produce better outcomes across a population,” said Drew Kearney, co-founder and chief executive officer of Signallamp Health. “To meet this significant shift in healthcare’s economic model, Signallamp partners with providers to bring additional clinical capacity that enables physicians to address the needs of a larger number of patients outside the office setting. This collaborative effort results in greater patient involvement in their own healthcare, better clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and higher provider revenue.” Since Signallamp Health’s launch this spring, the company has also added an additional product for transitional care management and has launched its proprietary information technology platform. 10 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
“Events like today are writing the pages to Pennsylvania’s success story,” said Sheri Collins, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Deputy Secretary of Technology and Innovation. “Through collaboration, and the advancement of startups, innovative thinking companies like Signallamp Health are bringing new jobs and a boost to the Scranton area.” The Signallamp Health project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA and the Lackawanna County Office of Planning and Economic Development.
“The location of Signallamp Health and the creation of more than 60 family sustaining jobs within the Central Business District of Scranton is a testament to the growth of the healthcare sector locally – the platform upon which Scranton’s Community Revitalization Plan was structured, said Bob Durkin, president, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased to have worked with this team of bright, young entrepreneurs in their successful launch, which is both a personal success for the partners and a big win for the community.”
Events like today are writing the pages to Pennsylvania’s success story... SHERI COLLINS,
Deputy Secretary of Technology and Innovation. Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Executive Program Accepting Applications
Welcome new members ArtWorks Gallery & Studio Athletes Caring Together
Applications are now available for Leadership Lackawanna’s five-week Executive Program, which engages professionals more deeply in the greater Scranton area, broadens their social network and increases their overall knowledge of the community.
Bee’s Backyard
Leadership Lackawanna’s Executive Program accepts applications from public and private sector administrators and professionals in an executive level position who live or work in Lackawanna County. The cost is $925, with a spouse or guest able to attend at no additional charge. Candidates should possess an interest in learning how Lackawanna County functions and a commitment to enhance the area’s economy and quality of life. The candidate must either live in or work in the greater Scranton area.
Greiner Packaging Corporation
Sessions are Tuesdays Sept. 20, Sept. 27, Oct. 4, Oct.11 and Oct. 18 from 5-8 p.m. and will be held at various locations Visit LeadershipLackawanna.com to apply by Tuesday, Sept. 6. For more information about the Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program, call director Nicole A. Morristell at (570)342-7711 or email nMorristell@scrantonchamber.com.
State Senator John Blake Energy Technologies
Keystone Konfections
Ttohank You our sponsors Chamber Day: Montage Mountain Chamber Jump Day: SkyZone Chamber Night: Circle Drive-In
THE SCRANTON PLAN HOSTS ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL The Scranton Plan, an affiliate of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently held its annual Summer Festival at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic. The Summer Festival is an economic development marketing initiative targeting site selection consultants, real estate professionals and corporate expansion and relocation executives. Organizers say that the festival’s goal is to introduce the quality of life and business opportunities available in the Greater Scranton area. This year’s event welcomed more than 70 real estate brokers, consultants and site selection specialists from neighboring states.
www.scrantonchamber.com • 11
SAVE THE DATE
P.O. Box 431 222 Mulberry St. Scranton, PA 18501 www.scrantonchamber.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2016 The Theater at North
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