Retail Theft: The Multi

Transcription

www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
Regional Business News & Resources
Pocono Business Journal
Seven Bridge Road, RR# 5 Box 5198
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
THIS MONTH
• Retail Theft: The Multi-Billion Dollar Secret ..p. 1
• Cybercrime Safeguards................................p. 3
• Total Security Systems for Business..........p. 9
• From Parole to Paycheck............................ p. 12
• When Crime Hits.................................... p. 13
• PBJ Columnists:
Commissioner Commentary/
Monroe County . .................................p. 4
Protect Your IT Assets..............................p. 6
Leadership Carbon...................................p. 7
Leadership Tips . .....................................p. 4
Marketing Momentum.............................p. 7
More Than Money..................................p. 15
PA CareerLink........................................p. 11
Pocono Mountains Association
of Realtors.........................................p. 14
Healthcare Report/Wayne County ........p. 10
Residential Real Estate............................p. 5
Sustainable is Attainable.........................p. 5
February 2008, Vol. 4, Issue 2
Public Safety/Protecting Your Business
Retail Theft: The Multi-Billion
Dollar Secret
QUOTE
- Richard Podguski, Director of
the Bureau of Offender Re-Entry
Coordination for the PA Board of
Probation and Parole, Harrisburg
– Full story on Page 13
OBSERVE
11 National Inventor’s Day
14
17 18 29
Valentine’s Day
National Random Acts of
Kindness Day
President’s Day
Leap Day
QUESTION
What is the average value of
a new housing unit in Monroe
County?
See PMCC Business Magazine ad
for the answer on page 10.
please recycle this paper
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Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal
“Having a good job contributes to your
community being safer. Employers can
go a long way by offering ex-offenders
substantial employment.”
The appearance of service vehicles in the Pocono Mountains from security companies has become more commonplace
over the past decade. As the region has grown, so has the emerging face of crime; business owners often turn to companies like Vector to protect the things they cherish most. Shown here, Vector installations specialist Tom Hall.
By Ken Clark
You’re a sales associate at a shop in the mall. You love
the job and you’re loyal to your boss, so when you see a
shoplifter grab merchandise and run for he parking lot,
your sense of honor demands that you pursue the thief and
demand return of the goods, right?
Not unless you have a death wish, according to Mark
R. Doyle, president of Jack L. Hayes International of
Fruitland, Florida, a loss prevention consultancy. Doyle
said things have changed since the days when the average
shoplifter was a nervous kid who, under peer pressure,
pinched a candy bar or a lipstick from the local drug store.
Now, gangs of shoplifters, as disciplined and as organized as a special forces’ strike team and just as deadly,
frequently descend on malls and outlet centers, sweep-
ing entire racks of goods into “booster bags” before fleeing as
swiftly as they arrive. And, individual thieves now all too frequently bring murderous intent to their work. Doyle cautions
his clients to tell their employees never to pursue a thief.
“Some shoplifters now carry guns and knives,” Doyle
said. “We had one client with an employee who ran after a
guy who stole a pair of shoes. When the suspect got to his car,
he pulled a gun and shot him. Over a pair of shoes! Another
shoplifter pulled a (hypodermic) needle on someone and said,
‘I have AIDS; you want it?’ It’s scary stuff and it’s not worth
it. You’ve got to train your employees to stop at the door. Try
to get a license description but don’t follow and don’t chase.”
With retail theft on the rise across the land, the issue is beginning to look more like a war than a problem with pilfering.
“Unfortunately, that’s what it’s turning into,” said Doyle.
see THEFT page 8
Workplace Profile - From Parole to Paycheck page 12
2
Pocono Business Journal | February 2008
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLES
Twin Willow Publishing Company
Seven Bridge Road
RR#5 Box 5198
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209
570.421.0100 | fax 570.421.0404
www.pbjonline.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Marynell Strunk
EDITOR
Debbie Burke
REPORTERS
Ken Clark
Judith Mehl
Kathy Ruff
CONTRIBUTORS
Donna Asure
Barbara Bélone
John Casella
Gene Dickison
Susan Gallagher
Richard J. Henley
Heidi Blade Hewlett
David Hoff
Cheryl Houseman
Sylvia Lafair
Victoria Mavis
Dominick J. Sacci
Kristin Simmons
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Danielle Eberhardt
COPY EDITOR
Joan Groff
SALES
[email protected]
PRODUCTION/DESIGN
Jason Trump
CIRCULATION
[email protected]
COPYRIGHT: PBJ is protected under the federal Copyright Act. Reproductions of any part by
any means or facsimiles without the express written permission of the publisher are not permitted. Reprints of PBJ articles are available. For rates and information visit http://www.pbjonline.
com/reprints.html. PBJ cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material, manuscripts
and photographs without the inclusion of a self-addressed stamped envelope. Information
in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and
completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. Submission of information does not
guarantee inclusion. PBJ is published monthly from offices located at Seven Bridge Road, East
Stroudsburg, PA 18301. PBJ serves business owners, managers and professionals in the four
county Pocono region: Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne. Subscriptions are available for $30
per year or $60 for two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Pocono Business
Journal, RR#5 Box 5198, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
Monthly Missive
Being bad is big business. Once you lock your office at the end of the day, you
contend with an inventory of
security checklists, back-up
plans and the tentative sensation that you’re not quite sure
if you’ve covered all your
bases. Crime and security threats lurk in every
corner of business and prey on business owners,
employees and customers.
Pocono Business Journal reports on the
state of crime as perpetrated upon businesses
in the Poconos and some of the contributing
factors. On the flip side, it has caused a boon to
Cybercrime Safeguards Costly But Necessary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3
From Parole to Paycheck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12
Interview: Mike Tabery, Ex-Offender Re-Entry Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13
Retail Theft: The Multi-Billion Dollar Secret. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 1
Total Security Systems for Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9
When Crime Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13
DEPARTMENTS
• Book Review: Life Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9
• Business Briefs – Who’s Who/ What’s What . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 18 • Business Cartoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
• Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 21
• Legislative Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16
• Reader’s Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
• Columnists
Commissioner Commentary/Monroe County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
Leadership Carbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
Leadership Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
Marketing Momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
More Than Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15
PA CareerLink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11
Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14
Protect Your IT Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6
Healthcare Report/Wayne County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10
Residential Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
Sustainable is Attainable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
• Focus List – It Firms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 20
• Register – Deeds, Mortgage Transactions and New Corporations/Fictitious Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 22-23
Advertisers Index
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. . . . . . 6
Carbon County Chamber of
Commerce Business Expo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Elk Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ESSA Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
First Impression Career Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Great Wolf Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Greater Pocono Chamber of
Commerce Business Expo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Greater Pocono Chamber of
Commerce Business Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . 10
HR For Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lehigh University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Michael Baxter & Associates
Commercial Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Monroe County Career Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
NEPA Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Pocono B2B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Pocono Commuter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Pocono Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Pocono Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
RGB Custom Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sherman Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Stone, Cyphers, DeAngelo & Hornberger, LLC. . . 9
TN Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
University of Scranton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Wayne County Builders Association. . . . . . . . . 8
Wayne Memorial Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
sectors that are in the business to protect. This issue
provides articles to help protect your business from
the inside, out.
This month, I’d also like to welcome some new
columnists to the PBJ slate: our County Commissioners (this month, Monroe has a turn), Wayne
Memorial Hospital and the Pocono Board of Realtors. Readers should look forward to more new
columns and departments as 2008 unfolds.
Lastly, I want to make the business community aware that in April, Pocono Business Journal
will be highlighting businesses that work hard to
improve the Pocono environment. No matter how
large or small your attempts are to be a green steward, we want to hear from you. Send in a paragraph
telling us how your company lives up to its environmental responsibility [details follow on our Web
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3
NEWS
Cybercrime Safeguards
Costly But Necessary
By Judy Mehl
Consumers lose millions of dollars a year to Internet fraud, but businesses lose even more in their
efforts to deter, detect, and defend their customers and systems against fraud and identity theft. The corporate and government worlds have numerous new costs that are now essential because of cybercrime.
Risk mitigation is one of the largest and newest issues in this evolving field of fraud.
The Department of Justice and the FBI lead the national effort to investigate and prosecute cybercrime. One of the FBI’s missions is to stop those behind the most serious computer intrusions and the
spread of malicious code. The Justice Department provided grants to several universities, including East
Stroudsburg University, to research computer forensics for law enforcement.
“The bigger the system, the higher the cost when it falls,” said Glenn Watt, former director of the
Computer Research Security Center at ESU. They developed the center this fall when enough interest
was found at the federal and corporate level to research cybercrime solutions.
Business costs include cybercrime avoidance, personnel downtime, legal requirements of notifying
affected clientele, cost of cleanup and restructuring lost data, and lost business income from downtime.
Yet these areas can be broken down even more. For instance, cost avoidance alone requires antivirus
software, firewalls, video scanners, and hiring consultants to review systems.
William Krebs, temporary director at Backbone Security in Stroudsburg, feels that the issue is
complex. He said, “I do not believe anyone can say with certainty what are the specific costs attributed
to cybercrime because the security that each company is willing to invest, in infrastructure and personnel
resources, will vary substantially within each company.”
He added, “The expense for a full-time information technology specialist can be substantial and that
is why many companies are now looking to outsource not only information technology security but also
information technology in general.”
Backbone Security was established to integrate government, industry and academic computer expertise and serve as a consultation and solution source. A report produced by the company indicated that the
cost of information technology and the management of information technology are the second highest
costs for any business.
Those who still are not convinced that cybercrime is a serious threat should know that the FBI and
the National White Collar Crime Center have set up a clearinghouse for triaging cybercrime complaints.
Also, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the latest Internet-related fraud statistics (2006) show
204,881 complaints for a total of $590,310,461.00, more than double the dollar amount in 2004.
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
I just finished reading the article by Ken Clark titled “Sub-prime Storm May Soak Wall Street West.”
I have to tell you that was one of the best written news articles that I have seen in the Pocono Business
Journal to date. Clark nailed it.
Everyone is under the impression that Wall Street West is a “given,” the project will raise the value
of my home and will bring thousands of jobs to our region. In reality, that’s not the case and Clark, with
just a little bit of research and a couple of telephone calls, saw that right away and had the courage to
print it.
While I understand the concept of Wall Street West, and I’m sure that the appropriate people (including Governor Rendell’s office) researched the success it would have, given its proximity to New York
City, but I don’t think anyone told Wall Street!
On another note, the collapse of the sub-prime market further stopped most financial companies doing any type of expansion, let alone “back office” type operations.
I enjoy reading the Pocono Business Journal every month and wish you continued success. With
articles such as the “Sub-prime Storm” story, I’m sure you’ll keep a very large reader base.
Thomas R. Wilkins
Broker/President
Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, Inc.
Stroudsburg
To the Editor:
I saw a copy of your December issue today. Fantastic work. Is there any way I could get 15 extra
copies? Thanks so much!
Kaoutar Tlemcani, MD, PMC Physician Associates: Hematology & Oncology
Trust A National Leader
Kaoutar Tlemcani, MD of the nationally recognized
Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center and PMC
Physician Associates: Hematology & Oncology
introduces a new dimension of care to the
community. As a hematology Fellow of the Albert
Einstein School of Medicine, Dr. Tlemcani has
unique, specialized training in treating blood-related
diseases like anemia and leukemia. Named a Cancer
Liaison Physician by the American College of
Surgeons, she also has access to the latest methods
for diagnosing and treating cancer—giving you yet
another reason to trust your care to a national leader.
Tina Dennis
Manager - Marketing, Media, and Public Relations
The Synchrium Group
Shawnee-on-Delaware
To the Editor:
We are so delighted with the wonderful article on Page 12 and 13 of your January issue! We’re
singing it from the rooftops here and my team is very proud of how you represented the work they do
every day. We’re proud to make a difference in Eastern PA. You’ve helped me motivate 12 individuals
for months!
Thank you again for your interest in the LWDC. Happy 2008!
Marsha E. Felsten
Associate Dean
Leadership and Workforce Development Center Lehigh Carbon Community College
Allentown
The Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center
4
EDITORIAL
Emergency Preparedness in Monroe County
Commissioner
Commentary –
Monroe County
Donna Asure
Public Safety is everyone’s business. But what exactly
is the role of the county in an emergency?
The county’s role can be broken into several categories: planning, response, state activity and other duties.
The code that governs counties - and their role involving
emergency services - is different than the role defined by
code for municipal officials.
For instance, the county, by law, cannot have a police
force nor, under our Commonwealth, can the Sheriff’s
department serve as one. Municipal officials do have the
right to start and maintain local police departments. It is
the same for emergency services such as fire and ambulance. The county also cannot set aside millage dedicated
to these organizations but townships and boroughs can.
Planning is where the county must take the lead. From
our Emergency Management Coordinator, Guy Miller, we
need an updated Emergency Operations Plan. This lays
out the organization that occurs when and if there is an
emergency in our county. Not only must our manual be
current, but also each township and borough is responsible
to have an emergency plan for its respective municipality.
We must be ready with a Pandemic Plan, just in case of an
unforeseen event. We are also responsible to all residents
to keep the essential parts of county government running
even during a disaster, thus the need for a Continuity of
Government Plan.
Through our emergency department, we work with all
the schools in the county, as well as daycare facilities and
the hospital, to make sure they all have emergency plans.
In order to be able to oversee the plans of others, it is
imperative that we stay current on the knowledge that will
guide us successfully through an incident. We hold practice events at the county safety center, where all possible
scenarios play out, enabling us to analyze how we will
handle specific situations. We maintain the fire training
academy so that our many volunteer fire companies can
practice and become proficient in order to perform without
hesitation during “the real thing.”
This month, I and four others have been chosen to
attend a national Interoperability Academy. Communications interoperability is the ability of public safety agencies
to talk across disciplines and jurisdictions, i.e. police, fire,
EMS and municipalities, via radio communications. The
goal of our Monroe County team is to learn about the
levels of technology that are available today; to network
with others; and to learn how to develop basic, functional
operating guidelines which will be used as a foundation for
what must be done locally during an emergency.
By planning, practicing and learning we are also
saving both lives and resources. Having updated plans
in place should allow businesses to feel secure that their
investments are being protected. Being proactive during
an emergency will allow business owners to get advance
warning to take action and protect their livelihood. I
recommend strongly that all businesses develop their own
emergency plan for fire, flooding, etc. By training our
emergency responders, by practicing emergency scenarios
and by constantly learning all new techniques we are providing a level of service to the community that guarantees
our business owners, their employees and all residents a
level of safety that all should have.
As regulations and types of emergencies themselves
evolve and change, it is my duty to continually educate
myself to make sure that in an emergency I can protect,
|
PBJ READER’S RESOURCE
www.sonoma-county.org/
crimecrushers/index.htm
Based in Sonoma County, California, this
“Crime Crushers” site includes a wealth
of information on crime that touches
the workplace. The issues are universal:
workplace confrontation and personal
safety, internal crime, and how to handle
the post-crime fallout. The downloadable
security survey provides a useful checklist
for businesses.
Debbie Burke
to the best of my ability, every resident and visitor to this
great county.
Donna Asure has just begun her third term as a Monroe
County Commissioner. Prior to becoming commissioner
she served as a Paradise Township Supervisor. From 1987
to 2000 she and her husband owned and operated Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast in Paradise Valley.
Is Power More Trump or Gump?
Leadership Tips for
Today’s Leaders
Sylvia Lafair, Ph.D.
www.pbjonline.com/blog
“You’re fired!”
Thanks to “The Apprentice,” that’s the catch phrase
of the day, representing power and success à la Donald
Trump: Business is a contest, and if you’re not the winner,
you’re a loser. This “survival of the fittest” model plays out
in offices everywhere.
But remember Forrest Gump, with his synchronistic
connection to the world? His message: Power and success
are available to all. We simply have to trust the intelligence
of our whole self, not just our rational mind. And we must
understand that relatedness is a key principle of life.
Larry, a V.P. of sales in a large apparel company, had a
lot to learn from Forrest Gump. He grew up in the Donald
Trump world of winners and losers, climbing the ladder of
success by stepping on fingers and toes — a consummate
“super-achiever.” And he refused to listen to the concerns
of his sales team; their issues, he felt, were their problem.
His team members complained to Human Resources,
and an off-site meeting was arranged.
On Day 1, Larry immediately claimed his positional
power and told the group that while he would certainly
listen to their concerns, they should remember that he was
in charge. And if they did not like his leadership, there were
lots of people hungry for their jobs.
No one spoke up and the day was a waste, full of
superficial comments and platitudes. Tired of these ungrateful employees, Larry went to dinner alone, where he was
seated next to three angry, noisy business people complaining about their defensive and stubborn boss. “If only he
would be real!” one of them exclaimed.
Larry began to think about his own defensiveness. That
night, he dreamed he was nine years old and his mother
was ranting and raving at him for going to a friend’s house
without permission. She was the worst kind of “persecutor.” He woke with his body tense and a terrible headache,
feeling the anger rise as he remembered the incident.
Suddenly it all made sense. The defensiveness and
anger he felt toward his employees were exactly what he
had felt toward his mother.
With that realization, Larry discovered true power.
On Day 2, a calmer and more authentic Larry told his
team about the dinner and how he had recognized his own
defensive behavior. He had become a persecutor, just like
his mother. He apologized for the intensity of his reactions
to them. He wanted to hear what they had to say. And then
an interesting thing happened. The courage he exhibited by
telling the truth sparked the group to reality and honesty.
They talked about the old “you’re fired” mindset, and
the differences between positional and personal power.
They felt energized by the meeting and optimistic about
working together.
By the end of the year, Larry’s team had produced such
remarkable results that managers from other departments
came to ask how they did it.
Clearly, leaders have the power to create environCorrections and Additions: The byline for
January’s “WIRED, The Chicken and the Egg”
was omitted. It should have read “by Ken Clark.”
The quote by John Drake on page 1 misidentified
his affiliation. It should have read “Pike/Wayne
administrator, Northampton Community College.”
ments of safety, openness and empowerment that support
collaborative and conscious workplaces, with extraordinary
bottom line results. So it seems Forrest Gump is pointing us
in the right direction. Discovering our interconnectedness
and our inner knowing infuses us with a power that exceeds
and outlasts titles, perks, and corner offices.
Sylvia Lafair, Ph.D. is the President of Creative Energy
Options, Inc. and the developer of Total Leadership Connections™, an innovative leadership forum. She is an
executive coach and consultant to family firms and global
corporations. She is presently writing a book, “The Gotcha
Game: Helping Leaders Decode Office Politics”™. For
more information or comments email Sylvia@ceoptions.
com or call (570) 636-3858.
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5
EDITORIAL
Keep Customers, Public Safe by De-Icing
Sustainable is
Attainable
Susan Gallagher
In the middle of a harsh Pocono winter, there are
a few things you can count on: scenic, snowy landscapes, bustling ski resorts, the occasional run on milk
and bread at your local grocery store, and of course,
slippery, ice-covered sidewalks.
The last of these is much more than an inconvenience. In today’s world, business and property owners
must consider slippery walkways as a liability, and
take responsibility for keeping them safe and clear.
A good supply of rock salt is often the weapon of
choice in battling winter ice, but is this an environmentally friendly option?
The fast answer is “No.” Standard de-icers in all
their forms (there are many) are tough on the environment. They can kill vegetation and contaminate both
ground and surface water. The staunch environmentalist would be better off resorting to old-fashioned elbow
grease, carefully chipping ice from a walkway with a
flat hoe, then removing it with a shovel.
But most of us aren’t willing or able to entirely
sacrifice modern conveniences for the sake of the environment. Can we find a happy medium?
Yes. You can keep your rock salt - you just need to
use it properly.
Understanding a little bit about the chemistry
of de-icers helps. Even if you hate chemistry, this is
simple stuff.
As you sprinkle pellets across the sidewalk, they
begin to melt through the ice and snow like little white
PacMen. The liquid that results, a salty water, is called
brine. As the brine reaches the sidewalk, it breaks
the bond between the cold surface below and the ice
above.
But this is only the beginning of a process - a
process meant to include at least a little bit of that oldfashioned elbow grease. As the bond between a cold
sidewalk and an icy coating is broken, the ice should
then be cleared away (this is where the work comes
in!) by hand.
The process works in part because the temperature
at which brine freezes is well
below that of water. Brine
stays in a liquid state longer
than plain water, just the
same way salt water - ocean
water for example - freezes
at a lower temperature than
fresh water.
If you simply sprinkle
your rock salt and do nothing
more, the brine will continue
to melt away ice for some
time. But the longer this goes
on, the more dilute the brine
becomes. Eventually the
brine may become so weakened that it no longer works.
Like a watered down glass
of whiskey, its effects simply
aren’t the same. Melted ice
and snow will eventually refreeze, and you can actually
end up with more ice on the sidewalk than when you
started out.
Tossing more rock salt at this new icy build-up
simply perpetuates the cycle, with greater costs to you
and the environment.
Using rock salt properly may be a bit more timeconsuming, but the results are well worth it. A safe
walkway can be achieved with less environmental
impact, and for less money, if you’re not afraid of a
little preventive elbow grease.
Susan Gallagher is Chief Naturalist of the Carbon
County Environmental Education Center. She can be
reached at (570) 645-8597 or by emailing cceec@ptd.
net.
The Local Real Estate Market, Or, There Are Two Sides To Every Story
Residential Real
Estate Quarterly
Dominick J. Sacci
Since I have been writing this column more and
more readers have been asking me questions on
this “bad” market. I am asked to clarify the national
coverage of the real estate market, and qualify how it
pertains to us here at home in the Poconos.
While there is no room to qualify and clarify what
has transpired in the entire real estate industry recently,
we certainly can shed some light on the other side of
the story that hasn’t been getting anywhere near as
much coverage.
Let’s first look at the coverage of the markets
reporting a 15% drop in home values. We should appreciate that when a market comes off of a “boom” any
drop in values can still be a net sustainment in property
values. In other words, if values boomed 30% in 2006
and then adjusted down 15% in 2007, values are still
up a net of 15% and haven’t technically lost value
from a more stable type of market. Of course, no one
wants his home to ever lose value, but a market must
correct itself every cycle or no one would be able to
afford a home anywhere if values shot up every year.
Gas prices have been another hot topic in the
Poconos. I have friends all over the country saying,
“Wow, that must have killed you in the Poconos, huh?”
Actually because of the increases in gas, we have
recaptured the demographic that was lost over the last
I have been selling homes in the Poconos since
10-15 years. New York and New Jersey families have
1994. If you want to talk about a bad market, ask me
stopped driving to vacation areas over five hours away
how it was to be a Realtor® from 1994 through 2000!
and are now content with the two-hour drive to the PoI am happy that it is 2008.
conos. I was interviewed by Men’s Health Magazine in
Atlanta, where they were investigating the idea that the
Dominick J. Sacci is vice president and general manPoconos was going to become the affordable alternaager for Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, Inc. Sacci
tive to the Hamptons.
has been tracking market statistics, with market data
The third item that we will acknowledge is the “F”
compiled from the Pocono Mountain Association of
word: Foreclosures. While the filings of foreclosures
Realtors’® MLS system. Readers can discuss the
are up, the gut feeling in our industry is that fewer than
residential real estate market with Sacci at
50% of the homes that are filed will actually be lost
www.pbjonline.com/blog.
and go to foreclosure. We are already seeing banks
working with families and adjusting rates, monthly
payments, criteria of some loans, and approving shortsales.
Overall the data for 2007 shows a 1.6% increase in
Pocono property values from
2006, with a mild increase
in secondary/vacation home
sales. As far as the “F” word,
out of 3,595 closed sales there
were 414 foreclosure sales in
our local MLS. That is only
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IT
Six Tips You Can Use Now To Protect Your IT Assets
By Barbara J. Bélon, Ed. D.
Protecting corporate information demands not just
a technology solution. While firewalls and antivirus
software are mandatory in our business environments,
it is just as important to do the homework on your
information security policies and procedures. Here are
a few that should be crafted for your specific business:
1. Password policy – this includes the length and
make-up of allowed passwords. Remember that for
many companies, the only thing standing between a hacker and your corporate
data is a password, so the stronger it is,
the less likely someone can break it and
obtain access to your “crown jewels.”
Recommended: a length of 8 or more
characters, including upper and lower
case, and a mix of alpha, numeric, and
symbols. Never use proper names or
words that can be found in any dictionary, including foreign languages. Every hacker worth his salt has multiple
dictionary-cracking programs in his bag
of tools that can uncover these types of
passwords in a matter of seconds.
ployees on how to protect the data with which they
work is an inexpensive investment that reaps large
benefits. Training can cover such topics as social
engineering, current threats, and industrial espionage.
Those companies that are subject to HIPAA, GrammLeach-Bliley, and Sarbanes-Oxley laws have annual
requirements to show that information security refresher training has been given to their employees. For
companies who do not fall under these legal requirements, it’s just smart business.
The list of policies and procedures, while much
longer than these tips, can be a bit daunting. However,
failing to have policies in place is just a recipe for
disaster. Make sure your corporate New Year’s resolutions include a look at your information securities and
plug any holes that you might have.
Barbara J. Bélon, Ed.D. is the president/CEO of Bélon
Research & Practice in Lehighton.
2. Least privilege policy – Allowing every employee to have access to
everything is just asking for trouble.
Depending on whose statistics you’re
reading, insider threats either equal or
exceed threats from outside hackers. A
least privilege policy clearly states who
has access to what resources. Your IT
administrator assigns the access privileges, and maintains and monitors access
to resources to spot any attempted and
unauthorized access.
3. Clean desk policy – Trusted insiders
include such people as security guards,
cleaning staff, temporary help, and
consultants. Having a clean desk policy
stipulates that no employee leaves confidential data out in the open while not
at his or her desk. This includes putting
workstations in sleep mode when stepping away for any length of time.
4. Fair use policy – This policy, signed
by the employee, lays out what s/he is
allowed to do with corporate computing
equipment and what the ramifications
will be if the policy is violated, including
loss of employment. Many companies
explicitly state that the employee’s office
computer is to be used for company work
only, and excludes using it for sending
personal email or carrying on a private
business on the side. This policy can
keep your company out of nasty legal
proceedings. Without it, the company
will be in an uncomfortable legal position
if one of your employees is involved in
downloading pornography, online stalking, or office harassment.
5. Data transfer policy – Guarding the
data that leaves your company, either
on a flash drive, diskette, paper, or as an
email attachment, is just as important as
technically protecting the database or file
in which it is housed. This policy is related to both data encryption and remote
access policies.
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We help your employees predict, and prevent. Imagine if you
could help your employees predict future health problems…in time for them to do something about it and lower
health care costs? You can, with Blue Health SolutionsSM. Our unique combination of personalized services,
programs, and support can identify at-risk employees and help prevent future health problems. So your employees
get and stay healthier—as does your company’s bottom line. Best of all, Blue Health Solutions is available as an
added value to members* of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Visit www.bcnepa.com
or call 888-768-2020. Because
6. Education policy – Studies have
shown that continually educating em-
it’s time for a revolution in health care.
*BlueCare® Security and BlueCare® Senior plan members are not eligible to participate in Blue Health Solutions.
223_PRESSURE_7.4063x10.536.indd 1
9/13/07 10:14:45 AM
7
MARKETING
Leadership Carbon: Focus on Healthcare
+EEPMOVING
4HERESNOTHING
TOSEEHERE
Leadership Carbon
3ECURITYCODES
BSCCOZZ
Kristin Simmons
The Class of 2008 of Leadership Carbon was introduced during a teambuilding program at The Resort at Split Rock. Pictured from left,
front row: Judy Borger, Casey Parker, Donna Mills, Judy Dvorshock, Shannon Gogal and Laura Kennedy. Back row: Hal Resh, Ryan
Snyder, Micah Gursky, John Kovatch IV, John Kowalchick, James Krakey, and James Zurn.
Leadership Carbon recently conducted its fifth session
at St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital, with the topic of
healthcare. William Crossin, president of St. Luke’s Miners
Memorial Hospital, provided the State of the Union address
to the class while Jamie Drake, CMP Drug and Alcohol
Commission, spoke about behavioral healthcare issues.
Deborah Holmberg provided a tour of the hospital. Also
speaking were Dr. David Bohri, Radiology & Diagnostics;
Michele Levitz, Dash Board Indicators; Micah Gursky, Rural Health Issues; Dr. Joanne Calabrese, Professionalism &
Informed Consent; and Mark Janner, Carbon County PreHospital Emergency Services. Ralph Richards conducted a
businesses development exercise.
The class is now discussing an initiative that will focus
on providing safe, well-constructed park benches and picnic tables in Carbon County as part of Leadership’s group
project. The plan is to construct these tables and benches
and scatter them throughout the county where the need is
greatest. Although the class is planning to purchase the
molds to produce these tables and benches, the molds will
then be donated for use by high school students to construct
additional benches and tables as part of their graduation
project.
Leadership Carbon is now in its fourth year and was
created by the Leadership Committee of the Carbon County
Partners For Progress to educate local government officials,
interested community leaders, and people who live or work
in Carbon County about aspects of the community. This
7HOS0ROTECTING9OUR"USINESS
will help them pilot its direction for the future and to foster
the development of leadership skills. The nine-month program will run from September 2007 to May 2008. Leadership Carbon’s motto is “Cultivating leaders for the benefit
and development of Carbon County’s Future.”
Kristin Simmons is coordinator of Leadership Carbon. Her
office is located at Lehigh Carbon Community College in
Nesquehoning. For more information, contact Leadership
Carbon at (570) 669-7010, e-mail leadershipcarbon@lccc.
edu, or visit www.lccc.edu/leadershipcarbon.
What’s in a Name? Steps to Stand Out
Marketing
Momentum
Heidi Blade Hewlett
Have you thought of a great name for your new
company? Or maybe you have a terrific idea for a logo
or slogan to uniquely identify your company. What can
you do to find out if someone else in the country has read
your mind and stolen your concept? Start on the Internet
of course…
Business Name
Be creative. Be short. Be unique. But most importantly, be mindful that the name you choose should
somehow relay the nature of your business to the public.
Once you have what you think is the winner, choose your
favorite search engine on the Internet to see if you have
been successful in the “unique” category. Pay attention
to search results that produce similar company names in
a similar industry or similar company names outside of
your industry but within your target geographic market.
With results produced in these instances, it would be in
your best interest to go back and brainstorm for some
more options. If there are no obvious conflicts produced
through your online search, move on to the local county
level search and registration process, through your local
chamber of commerce or the Department of State. Then
research the most current registration procedures for
your sole proprietorship, partnership, and whether your
company is an LLC or a Corporation.
Trademark
A trademark attempts to protect what’s trademarked
from use or misuse by competitors and also helps prevent
the confusion and the purposeful manipulation of customers. Your brand assets include intangible items such
as your logo and tagline; you should take steps to protect
them. One option to securing your brand is to trademark
it. As with your business name, the true test to determining if the trademark process is viable is to ascertain
the “uniqueness” of your brand elements. A unique
phrase in a tagline or the unique use of colors and spatial
relationship in a logo are both items under consideration
in the trademark process. There are many ways to work
through the trademark process. An online search, either
free or fee-paid, will start you on the right path. The
United States Patent and Trade Office (www.uspto.gov)
maintains a searchable database of trademarked items,
but an intellectual property lawyer would be a good
resource to research as well.
Heidi Blade Hewlett is the owner of BladeHewlett Marketing & Development. BladeHewlett offers outsourced
marketing services to companies without a full-time
marketing staff and especially to small- to medium-sized
businesses. BladeHewlett can be reached at (570) 2260660 or visit www.bladehewlett.com
Internet Domain Name
While most companies now understand the importance of registering an Internet domain name even if
they don’t yet have a Web presence, some businesses
have fallen victim to a third party owning rights to their
trademark or domain name. These third parties try to
profit from re-selling the domain name back at an exorbitant price. This practice, known as “cybersquatting,”
was outlawed under a 1999
federal law known as the
Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act. More
comprehensive information
and complaint filing procedures can be found online at
“Serving You and the Needs of Your Employees”
www.icann.org in the Uniform Domain Name Dispute
Resolution Policy section
Time spent dealing with employee issues, is the biggest part of any Manager’s
and also at www.wipo.int, the
day. HR FOR HIRE, Inc. can provide experienced and knowledgeable HR ProWorld Intellectual Property
fessionals, who can handle your people issues, and develop systems, so you can
Organization Web site.
concentrate on growing your business, and we can do it in a cost effective manner.
HR FOR HIRE, INC.
Take the time to identify
the important items associated with your business
and take steps to safeguard
them. Research your topic
thoroughly and investigate
your options – if you put in
the work on the front end, the
peace of mind will be priceless.
Some of the services HR FOR HIRE, Inc. can provide:
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• Coaching and Counseling
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8
NEWS
THEFT... cont. from page 1
“It’s us versus them, and whenever we try to come
up with something new, they’re already trying to find
ways to defeat it. There are things on the Internet telling you how to steal. It’s ridiculous.”
Shoplifting 101
The Internet? Fagan with a Web site? A quick
Google probe turns up a dozen such sites, bearing
such titles as “Shoplift Literate,” “How to Steal from
K-Mart” and “How to Steal a Laptop.” All are courses
in crime, explaining in detail how to steal and not be
“busted,” or how to react if you are (“Threaten to sue
… If you’re a woman, scream sexual harassment,”
and so on).
But crime school isn’t the only criminal enterprise
on the Internet. Thieves of old fenced their booty at
garage sales, swap meets and flea markets. They still
do, but now they have eBay, Craig’s List and other
online auction houses where anonymity and difficulty
in tracing goods offered are assured.
“That continues to be a problem, and a lot of
decent, hard-working people think they’re getting a
deal and don’t know that some of these items are stolen,” said Brian Rider, president of the Pennsylvania
Retailers Association. “Yet, they’re selling unopened
Craftsman tools. Do you think they bought them at
Sears and they’re selling them for half price because
they’re good people? We’re trying to tell people to
stop and think. Sometimes if a deal seems too good to
be true, it probably is.”
Rider estimated that retail theft costs Pennsylvania businesses $2 billion a year, and the rise of
organized shoplifting gangs has triggered legislation
in Harrisburg aimed at cracking down on the practice.
Even as the war heats up, however, retail theft
remains one of the most under-reported and poorly
tracked crimes of any on the books.
A Taboo Topic
Local merchants are reluctant to discuss the matter, and big box stores like Wal-Mart and Kmart all
refer a reporter to their national headquarters where
definitive answers remain elusive.
Russ Hunter, advertising manager for Dunkelberger’s sporting goods in Stroudsburg, said he knows
why.
“Nobody wants to talk about it because somebody’s going to write an article about it and say one
person said this and another person said something
else about it,” he said. “They’ll refer you to their national headquarters, and if they give you anything at
all, it’s probably going to be just the national percentages that someone wrote up years ago.”
“It’s there wherever you go,” Hunter said of shoplifting. “I’ve been in retail for a long, long time and it
has never gone away. There’s no way to really put a
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number on it. We don’t seem to have a lot of it in this
particular store, but it is there. We have more than we
probably think we do.”
Doyle concurred that secrecy is the norm where
retail theft is concerned, even though merchants who
decline to report the crime for fear of adverse publicity are doing themselves no favors.
“If it’s internal theft by employees, they fire them
and just let them go,” he said. “They don’t want a
story out there saying, ‘Oh, the ABC store had three
employees stealing from them.’ It‘s the same on the
shoplifting side. They think it’s negative publicity,
but the consumer knows this stuff is going on. I think
when they see stores that are progressive and doing
something about it, it’s positive.”
Let Walls Have Eyes
And what, exactly, can a merchant do about it?
Most experts recommend plenty of surveillance
cameras, prominently displayed; uniformed security
guards in larger stores; and above all, watchful employees and customers.
“As a businessman, I have constantly used the
common deterrence, which is lighting,” said Jim
Becker, proprietor of Office Access Technology in
Stroudsburg. “If you don’t have video surveillance,
you make it look like you do. We’re in a good spot.
There is a large apartment complex across the street,
so I have a lot of eyes that don’t always sleep at night
watching over the place. We’ve put up fencing and we
try to keep people aware that we’re watching. Mostly,
you just use common sense.”
Arrest statistics, given the fact that they represent
only thieves who get caught, are sketchy. Monroe
County alone produced a comprehensive list of prosecutions from 2004 through 2007. In that five-year
period, theft levels increased in four of 10 boroughs
and townships and declined in four, with rates generally remaining stable in the other two. Overall, the
county prosecuted 1,988 cases in the years surveyed.
But according to Doyle, actual apprehensions may
have been much higher. He said the FBI’s crime
statistics are collected from local law enforcement
agencies all over the country, and that most departments are required to neither release nor even record
such data.
“The figures do not represent a true picture of
what’s going on out there,” Doyle said. “Police are
very busy doing a lot of things, and a shoplifting case
for 50 bucks? They really don’t want to deal with it.”
The Price Tag
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that
theft by employees alone costs American companies
between $20 billion and $40 billion a year. Consumers, in turn, pay an average of $400 more per year for
their purchases as stores raise prices to compensate
for the “shrinkage” of inventory.
The Chamber also said that an employee is 15
times more likely than a shoplifter to steal from a
store, and 75 percent of employee-related crimes go
unreported.
Insurance against loss by theft generally is included in any business policy, usually at no extra cost,
but Phil Barcafer, Commercial Insurance Account
Executive for Harry A. Mullins Insurance Agency in
Stroudsburg, said it rarely plays into the game.
“In 23 years in this business, I’ve never seen a
claim filed,” he said. “Part of the reason is that any
sort of shoplifting is probably going to be small, so
it’s not going to be worth reporting. The other reason
is, unless they really catch the person, simply doing
inventory and finding you’re short does not constitute
proof of theft. There would be coverage in the policy,
but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be worth
it to file a claim. In most cases, if you get the shoplifter, you get the stuff back.”
How’s This for a Euphemism:
Inventory Shrinkage
By Ken Clark
Just when it seems that retail theft is growing into an
unstoppable plague, along comes Mark Doyle, president of
Jack L. Hayes International, with a cheerful new prognosis.
Hayes International, a consulting firm specializing
in loss prevention and inventory shrinkage control, took
a 2006 survey of 23 major retailers representing 14,118
stores. The survey -- the firm’s 19th annual query -- shows
signs that a turn in merchants’ fortunes may be occurring.
Here are the highlights of the report:
More than 530,000 shoplifters and dishonest employees
were apprehended in 2006 -- an increase of 10.6% over
2005. Total dollars recovered: $116 million, up by 15%.
463,682 shoplifters were apprehended in an increase of
11.2% over the previous year.
For the sixth straight year, the cost of goods recovered
from arrested shoplifters totaled $59.6 million, an increase
of 13.9%.
Among surveyed companies, one in every 27.9 employees was arrested for theft.
The 66,507 dishonest employees apprehended, and the
$56.6 million recovered from them, both increased in 2006
by 6.6% and 16.4%, respectively. And the bad news: On a
per case average, dishonest employees outnumbered shoplifters in terms of amounts stolen by a magnitude of 6.6, or
$851.44 to $128.71, respectively.
“Morals aren’t what they were 20 or 30 years ago,” says
Doyle. “That all plays into what we deal with.”
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9
NEWS
Total Security Systems for Business: More Teeth Than a Guard Dog
By Judith Mehl
America’s come a long way in security since Benjamin
Franklin founded the fire insurance firm, the Philadelphia
Contributionship in 1752, or since the Pinkertons were
formed in 1850 as a private U.S. security guard and detective
agency. The industry has grown from telegraph messengers
who doubled as watchmen in the early 1900s to high-tech
security systems aiding every aspect of home and business
safety and security.
Today the demand for workplace, employee and home
security is at an all-time high. Dozens of firms in the region
provide a wide variety of services to meet those needs.
According to a Security Distributing and Marketing
Magazine survey, ADT Security Services, Inc. is the nation’s
largest electronic security service company in the industry,
providing services to nearly six million commercial, residential and government customers throughout America.
Vector Security, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has
180,000 clients, serves the mid-Atlantic, and is sixth in the
industry. It is the largest in northeastern and central Pennsylvania in residential and commercial security, according to
David Merrick, vice president of marketing at Vector Security in Wilkes-Barre, a center which serves 13 Pennsylvania
counties including Wayne, Monroe, Carbon and Pike.
The industry has moved from armed guards to electronic surveillance gradually over the years, leaving the
uniformed guards as only a small part (20%) of the business.
Vector Security is one of the few that provides guards, and
they serve mostly residential communities in the Poconos.
“There has been a steady increase in interest in the
purchase of electronic security products and services in the
Pocono Mountain area,” said Gay Gagliardi, public relations
manager of ADT. He attributes the growth partially to the
influx of people who want the same level of protection of
their New York and New Jersey homes to be duplicated here.
“Much of the monitoring is automated but security is
He says the largest increase in security requests in the past
done by our people,” he said. “It is vital that our employees
year is for digital video surveillance systems, regardless of
gain familiarity with their surroundings and their customers.
residential size or value.
We’ve never dropped our level of concern for the safety of
Web portals in the past couple of years have been a
our customers,” he added.
big leap in the industry, agrees Merrick of Vector Security.
The security industry today provides total security
Twenty years ago, it was fire and security. Now, it’s Web
solutions including intrusion, fire protection, closed-circuit
portal or video surveillance. People have cradle-to-grave
television, access control, critical condition monitoring, elecservice, moving from general safety to protection of the
tronic article surveillance, radio frequency identification and
home while away on vacations to emergency support for the
integrated systems. The Bonnie Parkers, Clyde Barrows and
homebound elderly. At Vector, smaller businesses like office
Willie Suttons of today would need a whole new strategy.
and retail might pay $1,000 to $5,000 for one-time installation, with monthly monitoring ranging from $25 to $39.
Residential installation varies
greatly depending on the services desired and the size of the
home—anywhere from $500 to
$5,000, with a monthly cost of
$25 to $31.
With the exception of vault
security, banks don’t require
any different or specialized seSTONE, CYPHERS, DEANGELO & HORNBERGER, LLP
curity than other corporations.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
According to Joseph Kneller,
senior vice president and security officer at Wayne Bank, the
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421-4382
www.scdh.net
day-to-day operations.
BOOK REVIEW
At the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors’ annual luncheon,
from left: Bev Hay, PMAR association executive; “Ethics Guy” and
author Dr. Bruce Weinstein; and Gloria Green, PMAR education chair.
By Debbie Burke
Nationally acclaimed author Dr. Bruce Weinstein, known as “The Ethics Guy” (not to be confused with the New York Times’ Ethicist), recently
spoke at the annual luncheon of the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors. The event, which saw
a crowd of over 150 member Realtors®, was held at
The Ridgecrest at Stroudsmoor. Weinstein, who discussed the practical application of ethics in our daily
lives, held a book-signing after his presentation.
“Life Principles: Feeling Good by Doing Good”
concerns itself with five ‘life principles’ which
Weinstein indicates are all evident in some form
in the major religions, and based upon what many
know as The Golden Rule. They include “Do No
Harm,” “Make Things Better,” “Respect Others,”
“Be Fair,” and “Be Loving.” Now, these should
be nothing new, and Weinstein even says as much;
that we already know what we ought to do “without having to analyze the implications of each Life
Principle.” His tome not
only presents a guidepost
for when we are in need of
ethical reinforcement, but it
also aptly illustrates how the
more we make such choices,
the easier it becomes to
continue making them. From
the business perspective, the
book reaffirms the appropri
ate way to conduct business,
deal with co-workers and
clients, and even how to
handle an unethical boss (contact HIS boss or report the matter to human resources; no discussion as to what to do when
the boss is the owner, though one might surmise the Board of
Directors is the next logical step). Weinstein’s writing is clear,
tight and filled with realistic examples of everyday ethical
dilemmas touching our personal and business lives.
However, the real ‘story’ here is the self-nourishing sense
of solidarity that was obvious among the members of the
PMAR in attendance. Talk about team spirit. Even though the
room was, technically speaking, filled with competitors- elbow
to elbow in Chicken Marsala- there was a genuine and visible
warmth (even obvious to an outsider) that pervaded the room,
punctuated by much laughter, camaraderie, and the swapping
of insights into the Poconos’ real estate industry which, many
will agree, is going through its challenges. Ethically speaking,
the event proved to be a living example of respecting others
and, seemingly rare in the business environment, being loving.
In that respect, perhaps Dr. Weinstein was preaching to the
choir.
Photo Courtesy of: Dr. Bruce Weinstein
Pocono Realtors Meet “Ethics Guy”
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• Network business to business
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10
HEALTHCARE
Patient Safety at the Forefront at Wayne Memorial Hospital
Regional Healthcare
Report
David Hoff, FACHE,
CEO
Patient safety is a pressing national priority. At Wayne
Memorial Hospital, it’s at the forefront of everything we
do, everyday. Whether it’s how we hire and orient new
employees, review physician credentials or set strategic
direction for the hospital, we are mindful of how our decisions will impact patient safety.
In the last six years, we have invested $10 million
to help assure patient safety and accountability through
the purchase of new technology and the implementation
of revised standards and procedures. Our Patient Safety
Committee regularly and personally visits every department
to review issues and procedures with staff. We care about
our patients and their safety. Our hospital has embraced
national patient safety goals set by respected organizations
such as The Joint Commission. We continually invest in
state-of-the art equipment to provide patient caregivers with
the right tools to make sure the right patient is receiving the
right care and the right medicine at the right time.
Here’s some of that technology:
• PACS – This Picture Archiving Communications
System digitally stores CT Scan, MRI and x-ray images
which our physicians can access in “real time” on their
own computers via a virtual private network. This facilitates faster diagnosis and treatment.
• Clinical Information Systems – Our new $7 million
Meditech system is designed to cut down steps, reduce
double documentation and give instant access. This
means caregivers no longer rely as much on reading
someone’s handwriting; the information is on a computer screen. Hospitals nationwide are shedding paper files
and converting to EMRs (electronic medical records)
and CPOEs (Computerized Physician Order Entry) to
increase patient safety, satisfaction and efficiency.
• Medication Verification System – This technology,
part of Meditech, matches the bar code on a patient’s
wristband with the bar code on the medicine prescribed
for that patient, greatly reducing the possibility for human error.
• PYXIS Medication System – When fully implemented, this $1 million investment in automated medication
tracking and dispensing will help us guarantee the right
caregiver is administering the proper medication and
dose to the correct patient in the manner ordered—
orally, intravenously, etc.
As a small, non-profit, general hospital, Wayne Memorial is proud of its advances but we realize we are part of a
larger network of care. If a patient is transported from our
facility to another, consistency is essential to treatment. In
2006, we adopted, with Scranton hospitals Mercy, Community Medical Center, Moses Taylor, Allied Rehabilitation
Network and other regional medical centers, the same color
patient wristbands for the same “at risk” conditions. For
example, a yellow wristband now means “Fall Risk” at all
these facilities.
Through these and other procedures and technologies,
Wayne Memorial Hospital is providing a safer environment
for patient care delivery. In using information technology to
improve efficiency, effectiveness and patient safety, we are
at the forefront – and we plan to stay ahead.
David Hoff, MBA, MHA, FACHE, is the president and
Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Memorial Health System.
He has 26 years of healthcare administration experience
in hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the East
and Midwest. He is an active member of the Wayne County
Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Honesdale partnership, WEDCO and the Wayne County YMCA
HR Tidbit
By Victoria Mavis
Q. If a seasonal employer (i.e., ski resort) lets
its employees go in the fall and then rehires
them in the spring, do employees need to fill out
a new I-9 form when they return to work?
A. Employers are obligated to retain the I-9
form for a year after the employee has been
terminated. Depending on how the personnel
files are kept by the employer, it might be easier
to get a new I-9 form and documentation than
to use the previous form. The key is to make
sure that the I-9 form is up-to-date and kept with
current records.
S
ince 1959 the goal at
Elk Mountain has
remained the same. We have
continued to fine tune and
improve the skiing experience.
Elk Mountain offers a wide
variety of terrain including long
“cruisers” or challenging steeps
with or without the bumps. We
are committed to quality snow
and will do our best to provide
you a great skiing or riding
experience. We have the guns,
tractors, staff...and the knowledge of how
to use them.
While other
ski areas offer
gimmicks, we will
continue to
offer you
a quality
experience.
UNION DALE, PA 18470
( 5 7 0 ) 6 7 9 - 4 4 0 0 / T O L L F R E E S K I R E P O R T : 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 3 3 - 4 1 3 1 • w w w. e l k s k i e r. c o m
ELK MOUNTAIN 1/4 PAGE AD FOR POCONO BUSINESS JOURNAL
11
EDITORIAL
Industry Partnerships Connect Business to Workers
PA CareerLink
John Casella
State-funded Industry Partnerships and incumbent
Worker Training Grants are key institutional innovations for meeting the skill needs of businesses, the
career goals of workers and the economic development
goals of the Commonwealth.
Industry Partnerships are a particular kind of
“workforce intermediary,” a so-called dual customer
institution that helps connect the needs of both workers and businesses. Industry Partnerships bring together
multiple employers with workers or worker representatives when appropriate, in the same industry cluster to
address common or overlapping human capital needs.
Governor Edward G. Rendell recently said workers
in high-growth, high-demand industries will be able to
improve their skills and find good jobs with Pennsylvania’s $17.6 million investment in training and industry
partnerships. Combined with at least $18.7 million
in private-sector funds, the total investment for these
projects is more than $36.3 million. “Industry Partnerships are an innovative and successful way to help
make Pennsylvania businesses more competitive and
our workforce more skilled,” he said. There are 5,900
companies currently working together in 86 active part-
nerships; more than 34,300 employees have received
advanced skills training.
“With their improved skills, workers are able to
do more, earn more, advance their careers and better
provide for themselves and their families,” Governor
Rendell stated. “Investment in industry partnerships
is providing great returns for individuals, families,
employers, communities and the Commonwealth.”
The strategic investments announced provide $13.3
million for workforce training in key industries and
$4.3 million to develop industry partnerships in which
employers, workers and workers’ representatives from
vital industries cooperate to improve their collective
competitive position in the marketplace.
Industry partnerships identify specific training
needs and skill gaps; help connect young people to
careers; help educational and training institutions
arrange curriculum to meet business demands; address worker recruitment and retention; develop career
ladders within companies; highlight best practices; and
promote communication among companies.
Applications and eligibility guidelines for industry partnership and industry partnership worker
training program grants are available online at www.
paworkforce.state.pa.us under the “Governor Rendell’s
Strategy for Building a Skilled Workforce” quick link.
For additional services and programs that help
meet your workforce development needs, give your local PA CareerLink a call or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us.
CareerLink can assist you with recruitment needs,
interviewing space, posting of job openings, tax credits,
labor market information, on-the-job training opportunities and more.
John Casella is the PA CareerLink Administrator in
Monroe County and the Executive Director of Monroe
County Job Training. A Certified Workforce Development Professional, he has over thirty years experience
administering Workforce Development programs.
Casella serves on the Pocono Counties Workforce
Investment Board, WIRED Executive Committee and
Pennsylvania Partners.
Workplace Wellness Tip
Helping Your Employees Keep
New Year’s Resolutions
Every year, individuals vow to get into shape for
the New Year. Unfortunately, only a small percentage
of them actually does.
Employers can help employees keep their resolutions by offering smoking cessation and/or weight loss
programs, providing healthy snacks, offering discounts
for health/fitness clubs, or adding a small fitness room
to the workplace. Encouraging employees to walk
during breaks or asking them to stretch for ten minutes
every two hours can also be helpful.
Rewarding those who participate in any of the
above programs via monthly drawings, giveaways or
bonuses can also boost motivation for better health, all
year long.
12
WORKPLACE PROFILE
From Parole to Paycheck
a problem. Usually the person in charge of the program
can give you input about whether the guy has been a
troublemaker.”
Papay also considers other facts including the reason
for incarceration, the offender’s prior work history and
By Kathy Ruff
deserve a second chance.
attendance. He also adapts his hours and takes a little
“For the most part, they are average people who
more responsibility than he would for a typical employ After over 20 years on the job, “Harry,” a computer
made a mistake, got caught with a DUI or didn’t pay
ee.
technician, lost his job after being convicted of driving
their child support, something like that,” says Papay.
“Most of them are only allowed eight-hour days,”
under the influence. Harry’s story is one of many who
“They need somebody to give them a break. Their work
says Papay. “They have a certain amount of time to get
struggle with the consequences of bad decisions and
ethic is usually pretty good.”
here, a certain amount of time to get back. If they came
must learn how to transition from imprisonment to the
Papay offers unskilled labor jobs to those willing to
in late, it’s our responsibility to call the prison and to tell
workforce.
accept their responsibilities and, in return, gets motivatthem. They can decide if he had a legitimate reason, if it
Peter J. Papay, president of Penn Big Bed Slate Co.,
ed, reliable workers. Yet Papay is selective in whom he
snowed or something, or if he is just goofing off.”
Slatington, is one employer who helps make that transihires and conducts a one-on-one interview as part of his
Papay realizes the work-release offenders will only
tion possible. Since the late 1960s, when an employee
hiring process.
stay long enough to pay off their fines and costs, yet
became incarcerated, Papay has offered work to offend “It’s very important to do the interview,” he says. “If
he believes the effort is worth it and ‘what goes around
ers in Carbon and Lehigh Counties who he believes
you get somebody who has an attitude, you could have
comes around.’
“You get a little satisfaction that you
actually helped somebody out,” says Papay.
“That’s not always a good way to look at it
from a business point of view. You are doing
something for the community.”
In the local community, the Carbon
County Correctional Facility, Jim Thorpe, offers a few programs to those eligible for work
release but unable to keep their jobs due to a
lack of transportation or other reasons.
“If you meet certain eligibility, you can
work in the community,” says James Youngkin,
warden. “We have one program where you
get paid a nominal amount, maybe 50 cents
an hour at the most, and go out and work in
the community. We have an alternative work
release where people would work here in the
jail, in the kitchen, maintenance, custodial or
laundry.”
Offenders have worked on a variety of
outside community projects including cutting
brush, construction and roadside garbage pickup.
But another relatively new work program
may create more motivation.
“We also have a program that’s called the
Good Time Work Program where inmates go
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out and work in the community and get time
off their sentence, eight hours off their sentence
for every eight hours they work,” says Youngkin. “They put in three days of work and get a
day off their sentence.”
Each of the work programs is designed to
help inmates develop job skills for when they
are released, to reduce idleness and, in some
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It deters some participation.”
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Hour limitations, time off for drug testing, counseling or probation appointments
and a basic lack of job skills all contribute
to the challenges offenders face in obtaining
or retaining employment. In Carbon County,
Youngkin estimates anywhere from 15 to 25
percent of its population participate in workrelease programs at any given time.
“I understand that people deserve a second
chance and parole itself is tough to complete,”
says Youngkin. “I run into people with a lot of
talent who are worth employing. We also get a
lot of repeat offenders.”
Employment represents a pivotal ingredient
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13
WORKPLACE PROFILE
Interview with Mike Tabery
Director, Ex-Offender Re-Entry
Program of Monroe County Inc.
to connect the dots and to make life doable for these
people who have done their time, and they deserve a
second chance,” says Rev. John Rush, executive director of the Yokefellowship Prison Ministry. “There are
a lot of people who want to work, but they need to be
given a ramp-up opportunity so they are capable of
plugging into an outlet that’s compatible. Employers
are really doing the community a big favor by seeing
this as a great service to the community to give these
people work.”
Incentives for employers to hire ex-offenders
include a bond program available through the federal
government and a state tax incentive program. And the
opportunities are plentiful.
“Ninety-five percent of all people incarcerated today are coming back to your community,” says Richard
Podguski, director of the Bureau of Offender Re-Entry
Coordination for the Pennsylvania Board of Probation
and Parole, Harrisburg. “For a very brief period of
time, we have those folks under our supervision where
we can begin to make an impact. So having a good job
contributes to your community being safer. Employers
can go a long way in contributing to that by offering
ex-offenders substantial employment.”
Podguski believes the Bureau’s programs help to reduce recidivism, including a new program that created
transitional coordinators, specialized parole agents who
work intently with new parolees to help them acclimate
to their families and jobs successfully.
“One of the biggest challenges that offenders face
when they come out of jail in terms of employment is
that they have a lot of unrealistic expectations; not only
in terms of succeeding on parole, but also in finding a
job,” says Podguski. “They don’t think it’s a problem
finding a job. They are not going to think it’s a problem
keeping a job and they think they are going to get a
very well-paying job.”
But a lack of job skills and work ethic combine
with distorted thinking patterns make that transition
more difficult.
“Often offenders have a hard time holding employment because they don’t know how to work,” says
Podguski. “They don’t know how to interact with other
people or, more importantly, they don’t know how to
interact with a boss. They have trouble getting to work
on time. They have trouble taking orders, being told
what to do.”
Offenders face many challenges and barriers that
may cause them to fail including requirements to pay
court-ordered fees and restitution, and attending drug
treatment programs, in addition to rebuilding their
families.
So how can employers help?
“They have a lot of issues confronting them, and
employers need to be aware of those things,” says Podguski. “They need to be involved with the parole agent.
Try to measure how well he relates to you, how well he
relates to others. Your parole agent can be a very good
resource in terms of knowing that sort of information.”
The board performs various assessments that can
tell employers how offenders relate to other people,
how they manage their money, whether or not they
have a drug problem, and what they do with their
leisure time – all factors that could determine risk for
recurrence.
“We find, at least in some communities, employers
are very open to hiring offenders,” he says. “We find
that people go out for background checks and then the
company never gets the checks and the guy is lost. He
may just have a drug conviction from when he was 18
and now he is 45, looking for a job and can’t shake the
conviction. For employers to just be aware of this is the
best thing.”
The board looks for employers with on-the-job
training programs to create the meaningful work
needed to prevent recidivism.
Glenn Claypoole, assistant chaplain of the Carbon
County Correctional Facility, offers his take on the
situation.
“The problem of men coming out of prison is
they are coming back to the same rut we see in a drug
neighborhood: poor economics, poor education,” he
says. “The ones who made it from parole to paycheck
are the ones determined to help themselves.”
For more information about work release or other
programs available, contact your county probation office.
By Debbie Burke
What was your role at the
prison as deputy warden, and
what are you doing now?
I started in 1982 as a corrections
officer and started bible study
there. I was then appointed the
coordinator of treatment services.
In 1988, I became the deputy
warden of treatment services. I retired in 2003, and I now
work on a part-time basis for the Ex-Offender Re-entry
Program, which came out of a task force of clergy associations starting in the fall of 2001. In spring 2003, we
became a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The program is
funded by local churches and individual donations.
What programs were in place during your tenure to
help ex-offenders get jobs upon their release from
incarceration?
In 1963, county judges were given the opportunity to sentence them to a work release program where the prisoners
live in jail and work in the community. The single biggest
indicator of recidivism is addiction. So we started getting
drug and alcohol counselors from Carbon-Monroe-Pike
Drug & Alcohol Commission to set up programs. Another
thing we recognized is that a lack of education can hurt
their chances for employment. I was able to get Stroudsburg Area School District to start a GED program in the
jail in 1993. Offenders can attend college from jail, but
they have to pay for it themselves.
In your view, have these programs been successful?
Yes, but a lot of it depends on what the individuals want
to accomplish. If they don’t want to come back to jail,
they can use the work release and educational programs as
building blocks. If they want it only to look good on a résumé and then abandon everything they’ve learned, they’re
going to come back. Our program mentors these people. It
takes them a year before they are ready for a 9-5 job.
What could be done to improve these programs?
If we had more male mentors [there are currently 38] we
could expand it as most ex-cons are male. If we had more
places that were willing to employ people, that would be
a bigger help. Our problem starts when we don’t put a
component for housing in our program. We intentionally
did that because one of big issues is having someplace to
go, and everybody would want to be in our program for
the housing. If you get beyond that, then transportation becomes a problem. Unless they live on a public transportation route and so does the employer, it becomes difficult to
get them to the job, even if they have the skills. There are
common crimes that will put you in jail and will take away
your driver’s license. That’s quite a limiting problem!
Can you predict their future work success by certain
qualities?
There are rules that have to be obeyed in prison; if they
can follow them, they have better potential. They also have
to be eligible for work release. We have about an 85%
success rate with the program. When they’re doing well in
work release, you don’t see them again.
What are the challenges they have to overcome to get
their first job?
The big thing they have to face is what happened with their
break in employment. For a lot of them, especially addicts,
they have no work history. They’re taught not to lie and to
keep plugging away until they can get an employer who
wants them for who they are.
What types of jobs do they typically start with?
Most of the time, they come into rather bottom level jobs.
We try to hook them up through CareerLink; they do a nice
job in mock interviews, what to expect during interview
process and to know about the topic you are interviewing
for.
How are they taught to fit in and to form good work
relationships?
We try to get them to fit in and socialize with everyone.
Church helps with that aspect and teaches that there’s
something more important than yourself.
Are they a good risk for an employer?
In general, yes. If they are still incarcerated or on work
release, they’re a good risk because they have to remain
in the program. We have a higher stay-rate (with employment) than for those who are not in the program. In Monroe County, we’ve had 90 people in this program, and only
two went back and broke new laws.
What specific job skills do most of Monroe’s inmates
appear to have, and for which jobs are they primarily
qualified?
The sky’s the limit, for both men and women. Jail is kind
of an equal opportunity housing project. Among men, generally they have some sense of work in construction and, to
varying degrees most of them can do it. What holds them
back is alcohol. We had an extraordinary mason, but when
he was out, he couldn’t stay sober and was always getting
into trouble. Any jail in America will tell you that story.
What happens when they are out?
They can keep in touch with their mentors as long as they
want. Technically, the time period would be one year, but
we really don’t tell anybody they’re done; they tell us
when they don’t need us anymore. We now have 11 people
who have gone through the program and have come back
to help us show other men and women that, if you stick
with it, this is where you will get. Also, a lot of them have
become speakers or sponsors in 12-step programs.
Any other comments or advice to employers when considering ex-offenders?
I would tell them to contact CareerLink and look into the
tax breaks. The best thing I can tell them is that if you can
help somebody who needs the helping hand, you are helping in God’s love, and that’s a good enough reason. It can
be a pay-it-forward kind of logic.
For more information call Mike Tabery at (570) 421-3280
ext. 49 or visit www.ex-offender.com.
When Crime Hits
please recycle this paper
By Debbie Burke
You have your lighting, surveillance and alarm systems
all set up; your IT security needs are met with all the industry
protections available. As a business owner, you are relatively
assured that your facility and its contents are safe. Now, what
about your most prized asset without which you would not
be in business: your employees? The emotional impact that
crime has upon your workplace can be detrimental. According
to John Garber, president of Garber Associates in Lansdale,
employers should have processes in place that foster good
communications which can include feedback sessions with
management. “Post-traumatic stress disorder may arise, and
employers should have arrangements with mental health
professionals to come to the facility or to be made available on
a confidential basis to employees,” he notes. “Critical incident
procedures that involve the use of trained mental health professionals aid in post-event effects such as loss of productivity
and turnover, not to mention it is also the right thing to do
for the employees.” As to bottom line implications, Garber
believes that the costs can be “staggering.” Take Workers’
Comp: “Consider the cost of workers’ compensation claims
for stress related claims, which are jurisdictional-dependent
as some states may not recognize such claims. There are also
stress-related costs that may not be compensable, such as when
employees fail to return to the workplace.” Additionally, employers can be faced with associated costs such as counseling
services, handling public relations’ matters with the press, and
the cost of litigation, lost productivity and sales.
From an HR standpoint, when crime hits from within,
Carol Morgan, president of the Lehigh Valley chapter of
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) advises
businesses to prepare policy statements that are communicated
to the employees on the company’s zero tolerance of theft,
vandalism, etc. Such a policy should also spell out the consequences of any violation. “Don’t try to hide any incidents;
rather, seek the support of employees in helping to solve an
incident,” advises Morgan. “Employees will realize a higher
degree of comfort knowing their fellow employees are actively
involved.” This level of participation and communication can
serve as a deterrent to anyone in the organization contemplating inappropriate activity.
14
EDITORIAL
Protecting Yourself, Your Business and Your Client
Pocono Mountains
Association of
Realtors
Cheryl Houseman
Every year, Realtors® and other business professionals are threatened, robbed, physically or sexually
assaulted, or tragically even killed, while fulfilling the
everyday requirements of their job. Whether you are on
the job, on the road or at home, protect yourself, your
co-workers, and clients by making some basic adjustments.
Safety Rules for Realtors® and other
Business Professionals
• Ten-Second Rule. Often people find themselves in
dangerous situations because they aren’t paying attention. During the course of your day, stop to assess
your surroundings. Use 10 seconds to scope out
your environment to spot and avoid danger. Make
this a daily habit.
• Know your prospects. Meet first-time prospects at
your office or a public place. Tell them it is company
policy to make a copy of a driver’s identification
of all customers. Introduce that person to two other
people in your office. Criminals are less likely to
take action if they think they’ll be recognized.
• Be Pro-Active. Create a tip-off code that can be
used in a phone conversation with co-workers or
family if you need help. For example, your distress
code may be “red file.” If you’re in trouble, you
would call your office and say, “Could you see if
there’s a RED FILE on my desk?” The person on the
phone would then know you are in danger and take
action. Have a pepper spray dispenser easily accessible on your key chain at all times. Let your office
and family know when, where, and with whom your
appointments are and when you expect to return.
Make it policy to check in every hour when with
clients. If you don’t check in, the office can call you
right away.
• Don’t be too flashy. Wear conservative clothing
and jewelry to avoid being a target for theft. Real
estate and other sales professionals often market
themselves with photos, which can be risky, as perpetrators have been known to scan photos looking
for victims. Make sure photos are professional so
that you don’t attract unwanted attention. Reveal no
personal information in ads or conversations with
customers.
• Take the driver’s seat. Use your car when with
clients. If a client insists on driving, let him take
his own car and follow behind you. Lock the doors
whenever leaving your vehicle to prevent criminals
from sneaking in the car and lock doors before you
begin driving to prevent an attack after you are
inside the car.
• Don’t get stranded. Keep your car’s gas tank
filled. Also, keep a charged cell phone, a battery
jumper, a spare tire, and a roadside emergency kit
that includes a flashlight and flares in the car.
• Keep an eye on the exit. Never walk into a room
first. Allow potential buyers to explore areas of the
home on their own, with you following behind to
answer questions. Avoid escorting prospects into
basements or other secluded areas, where you can
become trapped. Position yourself between the customer and the exit.
• Never say you’re alone. If you encounter an
individual while working late at the office, never
indicate that you are by yourself. Say something
like, “My supervisor should be able to assist you.”
Likewise, if you’re meeting a customer at a home
for a showing, never say anything about the home
being “vacant.” Make it seem as though other people
may be there.
Cheryl Houseman is the government affairs director
for the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors®.
She served as the former chief of staff to Rep. Mario
Scavello. Houseman can be reached at (570) 424-8846
or [email protected].
Pocono Business Journal will be
creating a bi-weekly newsletter
providing business updates and
news on special events in the
community. If you would like to
be on our mailing list, please email
[email protected].
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15
FINANCES
Protect Your Bottom Line in 2008
taxpayers in the 10% and 15% brackets (taxable
income under $65,100 for married and $32,550
for singles). This is an exciting opportunity to
create tax-free income with proper planning.
More Than Money
Gene Dickison
Your business is a powerful tool for creating and
growing your personal income and wealth. Increase
its power by knowing the financial facts that leverage
your ownership even more in 2008.
What is your most valuable business asset? Your
employees, of course, and that includes you. New
for 2008 is the ability to add automatic enrollment
to your 401(k). The 401(k) plans are proven to help
businesses attract and retain talented employees.
They also improve morale. Now you can have all
your employees automatically enrolled in your plan
by following some simple guidelines, which is good
for them and good for business.
Three new changes in the tax laws for 2008 can
help your employees pay fewer income taxes:
• IRA contribution limits are raised to $5,000
($6,000 for age 50 or older). Many employees (or
their spouses) will benefit from this increase.
• Capital gains taxes have been eliminated for
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are more accessible in 2008 for many more employers and
employees. HSAs can create significant tax savings by allowing employees to tax deduct many
health care expenses and save for retirement at the
same time.
Two steps to bring more revenue through the door
and ensure the life of your business itself:
• Create strategic alliances with businesses that
serve the same target markets you do.
Offering two companies’ products to the
same customers can increase the profitability of both companies with very little
additional cost. Your possibilities are
limited only by your creativity.
• Create a Business Succession Plan to
ensure your business has a life beyond
your own. You want your company to
go on, but so do your employees and
customers. Give everyone the peace
of mind they desire by designing (with
a good business attorney) a plan to
keep your business healthy even when
you’re not. It will immediately improve
employee morale and can be an effective
advantage when communicated
to your
PrManAdJanMar_08
clients.
These are just a few ideas to allow your business
to better serve you, your employees, and your customers. Make the commitment to get good counsel
from professionals who can assist you in implementing these actions steps. This time next year you’ll be
reaping the rewards.
Gene Dickison is the president of MtM Financial
Group, LLC, hosts a weekly radio and television
show called “More than Money,” and is on the board
of the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce.
Gene can be reached at (866) 683-7007 or online at
MoreThanMoneyOnline.com.
“Making Connections Happen”
For All Your Workforce Training and
Recruitment Needs
570-620-2850
www.cwds.state.pa.us
11/28/07
9:50 AM
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ay 2
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Phone: 570-655-5581 Fax: 570-654-5137
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First Industries
Tourism Program
NEPA Alliance provides direct loans to businesses
employing less than 100 individuals in Carbon,
Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill & Wayne
Counties.
Tourism related businesses include:
• Destination Sites
(historic, heritage, cultural, sporting, amusement, nature,
outdoor recreational or retail venues)
• Hospitality
(including lodging, restaurants, outdoor activity based businesses)
• Other businesses that promote overnight visits in Pennsylvania
“The Lehigh University program format offered me the
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For more information, contact:
John Wozniak at ext. 242 or [email protected]
Dave Nat at ext. 243 or [email protected]
lehigh.edu/projectmanagement
Phone: (610) 758-5575
16
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Carbon Expo Seeks
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Lehighton - The Carbon County Chamber of Commerce is seeking corporate sponsorships for its 2008
Business Exposition on April 17 and April 18, 2008
from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe.
Corporate partnerships in the amount of $500 are
being sought to help underwrite the Chamber’s projected expenses. In return for this support, sponsors
will be mentioned as a corporate partner on advertising and literature that can include mailings, email,
newspaper ads, radio and television ads, billboards,
and a listing on the CCCC Business Expo Web site.
In addition, corporate partners will be provided
with a complimentary display booth at the Business
Expo, and still ads from corporate partners will run
continuously on the screens and monitors throughout
Penn’s Peak during the event. Display booths are
also available and cost $175 per space for CCCC
members or $375 per space for non-CCCC members.
A limited number of display booths are available for
501(c)3 non-profit organizations, schools, government agencies, etc. at a discounted rate. Each space
is 8’ x 10’ and includes a table, two chairs, an ID
sign and a waste basket. Electricity will be provided
for each booth. Participants are encouraged to conduct their own respective door prize drawings.
For more information, contact Carbon County
Chamber of Commerce at (610) 379-5000 or
[email protected]. To reserve a
display booth space, forms can be downloaded at
www.carboncountyexpo.org.
Legislative Roundup
Compiled by Debbie Burke
Sen. Lisa Baker (R, 20)
“As chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I am working very
hard to improve emergency management and response
in Pennsylvania. When a complete breakdown of
leadership from state officials stranded motorists and
halted commerce last winter, my committee acted immediately to determine what went wrong. We held the
administration accountable and forced the public safety
cabinet to evaluate and revise its preparedness and
response plans, improving the state’s ability to properly
handle emergency situations. I am also working on
several initiatives to support our first responders and
improve public safety, including legislation to establish
a 511 Travel Information Service and to increase the
number of state troopers protecting rural and growing
communities. Must-do items for 2008 include ensuring
implementation of a statewide radio system for public
safety personnel, strengthening security for our nuclear
plants and other vital infrastructure, and enhancing fire
and emergency management services.”
Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D, 18)
“Make no mistake: un-capped electric prices will
devastate family budgets and the bottom line of every
small business. Electricity prices will force some
industrial plants to eliminate jobs or close down. The
ripple effect will result in higher prices for goods and
services for everyone. That’s why I’ve drafted legislation to extend the rate caps and keep them in place until
a real, competitive market develops in Pennsylvania.
In the months ahead, I will fight to broaden the Energy
Debate in Harrisburg to protect ratepayers from the
massive rate increases that occurred in other states
when electric rate caps expired. I will also propose that
we move beyond basic utility restructuring and ensure
reasonable and stable rates, least-cost procurement, and
system reliability that includes energy resource diversification, distributed generation, and load management.”
Sen. Patrick M. Brown (R, 16)
“There is great concern that Pennsylvania is losing
manufacturing and high-tech jobs – over 200,000 in the
last two years – because of current laws that discourage investment. That is why as Chairman of the Senate
Finance Committee I am proposing a bill called ‘The
High-Tech & Manufacturing Stimulus Act’ to help
Pennsylvania corporations which are currently paying
Pennsylvania’s very onerous corporate net income tax
(CNIT). This gradually adjusts the way corporate net
income tax is assessed to eliminate increased taxation
on new investment; and it phases out the Net Operating Loss Cap, which limits a company’s ability to grow
once it becomes profitable. I am convinced that passage
of the High-Tech & Manufacturing Stimulus Act will go
a long way in making Pennsylvania more competitive
against neighboring states. It will also encourage companies to increase both capital investment and employees in Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Mike Carroll (D, 118)
“Legislation I sponsored, H.B. 1422, would improve
the state Department of Agriculture’s ability to enforce
food safety regulations at retail food-service establishments. It would also standardize inspections and
reporting across the state. Most cases of food poisoning
are caused by improper handling, preparation or storage
of food. Those errors should not be happening, and
making inspections more uniform is a simple way for
us to stop contaminated food from reaching our tables.
The bill has passed the House and is currently under
see ROUNDUP page 17
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17
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
ROUNDUP... cont. from page 16
consideration in the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Committee.”
Rep. Sandra Major (R, 111)
“I am anticipating a very busy session of the General Assembly, which unofficially begins with the governor’s budget address early this month. I am looking forward to debating taxpayer-friendly alternatives to Gov. Ed Rendell’s
plans for health care reform, public safety and energy.
Members of the General Assembly who are pro-business
and pro-jobs scored major victories in 2007 by successfully
fighting Gov. Rendell’s efforts to spend, borrow and tax
more. We were able to maintain priority programs while
keeping spending under control.”
Rep. Keith McCall (D, 122)
“Thanks to a $40 million investment, business leaders
in northeastern PA could be able to commute to lower
Manhattan in .00007 of a second. ‘Wall Street West’ is
going to build a fiber-optic network connecting us with
Manhattan so we can have all the advantages of living in
our area while still being in instant contact with the movers
and shakers of the city. I was proud to fight for more than
$15 million in state funding to supplement a mix of federal
and private money for this network that will provide key
business continuity, data recovery and replication to try
and decentralize the nation’s financial industry for security
and economic development. We want to attract more of the
world’s leading telecommunications and financial institutions here to create high-tech, high-wage jobs. Our area is
already home to a number of financial firms, and this initiative is essential to continue our advancement and economic
growth. This plan saves money by improving New York’s
already world-class financial market status with the data
backup and saves money thanks to our low cost of doing
business, as well as our competitive operational, energy
and real estate costs, along with an educated, dedicated
workforce.”
Sen. Robert J. Mellow (D, 22)
“While development of cellulosic ethanol is still in its
infancy, I am working to make Pennsylvania a key player
in its development, production and use. I have introduced
a four-bill package that would invest over $71 million to
reduce our reliance on foreign fuels, create new jobs and
greatly improve Pennsylvania’s economic stake in this budding alternative energy industry.”
Sen. Raphael J. Musto (D, 14)
“I was pleased that the Senate was able to pass several
important energy related bills before it recessed for the
holidays. Special Session Senate Bill 1 will provide $650
million in funding to help develop alternative energy
technologies and reduce energy consumption. This money
will assist businesses, municipalities, and consumers. The
Senate also passed Special Session Bill 36 which provides
incentives for the use of alternative vehicle fuels. Both
bills now await action in the House.”
Rep. Mike Peifer (R, 139)
“Our growing area - Pike, Monroe and Wayne Counties - is
getting hammered by underfunding of schools, roads and
other infrastructure. Because of the hold harmless provi-
sion in education, areas that are seeing population booms
do not receive the education funding and block grants they
need to keep up. We must remember, our students become
our workers, and education is the key. Overburdened agencies are being forced to find new sources of revenue locally
because the state and federal government do not step to the
plate and fund all of the mandates they hand down. The
counties I represent simply are not getting the state funding
they need. This must change in Harrisburg.”
Sen. James J. Rhoades (R, 29)
“The General Assembly has taken a number of steps in
recent years to stimulate the economy and promote job
growth, but we must continue to provide a business-friendly environment in the state to ensure that our state can
continue to prosper in the future.”
Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R, 176)
“I have been a steadfast advocate for the environment
during my years of public service, so I was a vigorous
supporter of the compromise that enabled financing for the
Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund to continue without interruption. If an agreement was not reached, many important
projects would have been shut down before completion,
causing workers to be laid off and cleanup operations to
lose revenue. Continuing the program will ensure that our
environment stays healthy and green. This program dovetails well with Department of Environmental Protection
recycling grants to local communities, which promote the
re-use of recyclable trash, help create jobs in the recycling
industry and decreases waste disposed at landfills.”
Rep. John J. Siptroth (D, 189)
“For many people, January is the opportunity for new
beginnings or resolutions. In Harrisburg, February provides
a similar occasion with the annual budget address. This
year House Democrats, myself included, are renewing our
efforts to increase access to effective health care. While
a challenging endeavor, I vow to consider this topic from
both the employer and employee perspectives. After all
a healthy Pennsylvania population leads to a healthy
workforce and economy.”
Rep. Edward G.
Staback (D, 115)
Lackawanna/Wayne
“The House Democrats
are proud to work on
an energy package that
will help residents and
businesses reduce our
reliance on foreign oil
by investing in alternative and cleaner energy
sources, providing incentives to encourage energy
efficiency and supporting
conservation initiatives.
The energy package is
now the focus of public
hearings later this month
and I expect to vote this
month or in March.”
The Annual PBJ
“Green List”
is coming!
In our April issue, Pocono Business Journal highlights the top ten firms
throughout the Pocono region that have
demonstrably impacted our environment
for the better. We seek businesses that
are truly stewards of the environment,
with programs to minimize waste, re-use
resources, and encourage employees to
be more environmentally responsible.
Each of the top entries will be featured
in a mini-profile and receive a certificate
from PBJ, along with a complimentary
subscription. Please send all nominations
to [email protected]. Nominations
are due March 1. Look for criteria and
other details online at www.pbjonline.com
18
BUSINESS BRIEFS
WHO’s WHO
BENEDETTO
DEMAREST
DEYOUNG
FARRINGTON
FEINMAN
GALLAGHER
GALLUCCI
GEORGE
HALAS
HENDRICKSON
KWAWAJA
LALLEY
PRIMROSE
SCHULDENFREI
SHEPTAK
SHIMKO
SIMMONS
SZOSTAK
Behr - Todd Behr, associate professor of economics at East
Stroudsburg University, attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative
agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in Harrisburg.
Bello - Christopher Bello received East Stroudsburg University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for ESU Faculty, Staff,
Administrator or Student. Bello is the advisor to the ESU
Campus Activities Board and works with the students and
faculty to organize and coordinate many of the educational,
social and cultural programs that take place on campus
throughout the year.
Benedetto - Vince Benedetto, president of Bold Gold Media
Group, has been announced as the 2007 Wayne County
Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. He
was honored at the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting last month at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort. Bold Gold
Media Group, whose main office is in Honesdale, owns and
operates eight radio stations in northeast Pennsylvania and
Sullivan County, NY.
Burke - Penn’s Northeast has hired Bob Burke for the
position of economic development specialist. Burke’s main
initiatives include identifying, pursuing and generating new
business opportunities for Northeastern Pennsylvania. Prior
to working with Penn’s Northeast, Burke worked in higher
education administration and has experience in the consumer
finance and mortgage industries.
Christofides - Dr. Constantinos Christofides, distinguished
professor of economics at East Stroudsburg University,
attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Center for
Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania
General Assembly, in Harrisburg.
Demarest - Carol Demarest of Bushkill has successfully
completed the course to become an Accredited Buyer
Representative (ABR). She works at the Bushkill office of
Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. Demarest completed
the course through the Pocono Mountain Association of
Realtors®. The course provides agents with the tools and
skills needed to professionally represent the buyer in a real
estate transaction.
DeYoung - Annetta DeYoung has retired from her post as
executive director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. She has served in this capacity since 1988. During
her tenure membership increased 60% and new programs
and benefits have been added for members.
Farrington - David Farrington of Solution Pro was inducted
as the first vice president of the Pike County Builders Association.
Feinman - Jason Feinman, a Realtor® with Weichert, Realtors® - Acclaim, has earned the nationally recognized e-PRO
Internet Professional certification, currently held by fewer
than 1% of real estate professionals nationwide. E-PRO is
the official technology certification program of the National
Association of Realtors®.
Fish - Gina B. Fish of Stroudsburg has successfully completed the course to become an Accredited Seller Representative (ASR) at Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. Fish
works in the Stroudsburg office and joined the company two
years ago. The course provides agents with the tools and
skills needed to professionally represent the seller in a real
estate transaction.
branch locations. He joined Wayne Bank in February 1998
as assistant vice president.
Gallagher - Peter Gallagher was installed as president of
Pocono Builders Association for a term of one year. Gallagher is general manager of Liberty Homes in Pocono Lake.
He has been with Liberty Homes since 1999 and served
as a PBA board member, treasurer, secretary and first vice
president. He has also chaired the finance and government
affairs committees.
Master - Dr. Terry Master, professor of biological sciences
at East Stroudsburg University, along with three graduate
students, recently attended and participated in an international meeting of the Waterbird Society in Barcelona, Spain.
Gallucci - Al Gallucci of East Stroudsburg is part of the
25 person DUCTZ National Service Team that began work
in early November restoring the indoor air quality of the
Memorial Union at Arizona State University following a fire
that caused thousands of students and faculty to evacuate.
Gallucci and other members of the team mobilized in one
day to begin the restoration and worked through the end of
December. Gallucci has been in the HVAC business for over
15 years and recently opened Ductz of the Poconos.
George - Local artist and Honesdale resident Jeff George
was awarded the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
Community Achievement award for 2007 at the Chamber’s
Annual Dinner. George began working at Highlights for
Children as a staff artist in 1979 and left in 1996 to open his
own company, Jeff George Design.
Halas - Sandy Halas of Wayne Bank has been promoted
from wealth management investment officer to assistant vice
president. She started working at Wayne Bank in 2001 as a
trust specialist.
Hendrickson - Donna Nacarlo Hendrickson has been
appointed as a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Phyllis
Rubin Real Estate’s Stroudsburg office. She joins CBPRRE
from Keller Williams Realty and is a member of Pocono
Mountains Association of Realtors®.
Hutchins - Robert Hutchins, vice president of Centennial
Homes in Blakeslee, has been elected northeast regional
vice president of the 10,000-member Pennsylvania Builders
Association. Hutchins will serve on the 250-member board
of directors, and he will be responsible for overseeing the
association’s activities to ensure it is properly representing
and addressing the needs of the building industry. Hutchins
served as northeast legislative officer in 2007.
James - Gina-Marie James, PTA, M.S.Ed. has joined Riverside Rehabilitation Centers in East Stroudsburg as a physical
therapy assistant. James treats physical therapy patients with
orthopedic injuries, sports injuries, work injuries, arthritis,
sprains and strains, neurological disorders and post-surgery
patients.
Khawaja - Amna Khawaja has been appointed as a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate’s East
Stroudsburg office. She joins CBPRRE from Keller Williams
Realty and is a member of Pocono Mountains Association of
Realtors®.
LaBar - Donna LaBar, a long-time Wayne County Chamber
of Commerce board member, takes over as executive director of the Chamber.
Lalley - Kelley Lalley of Wayne Bank has been promoted
to vice president. Lalley is the Honesdale regional manager
and oversees the Honesdale, Willow Avenue and Lakewood
Meyers - Dr. Ronald Meyers, professor of English at East
Stroudsburg University, presented a paper titled “I.B.
Singer’s Place in the Constellation of Twentieth Century
Literature Alongside William Faulkner and James Joyce” to
the American Professors of Yiddish at the annual meeting of
the Modern Language Association.
Murray - Bill Murray of Wayne Bank was inducted as the
secretary of the Pike County Builders Association.
Neelakantan - Dr. Pats Neelakantan, professor of economics
at East Stroudsburg University, attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a
legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in
Harrisburg.
Persia - Dr. Margaret Persia, assistant professor of hotel,
restaurant, and tourism management at East Stroudsburg
University, organized and hosted the first-ever East Coast
Travel & Tourism Student Conference last fall. The event
was the first of its kind to bring together students in travel
and tourism programs from four-year universities, business
schools, and community colleges with industry professionals
to discuss business trends and employment opportunities in
the field.
Pierce - Bob Pierce of Davis R Chant Realtors® was
inducted last month as the president of the Pike County
Builders Association. Pierce will attend the 2008 National
Association of Home Builders International Builders Show
this month. He has served as vice president and was on the
Board of Directors of the PCBA before becoming president.
Primrose - Christina Primrose has been awarded the Realtor
of the Year award by the Pocono Mountains Association
of Realtors® at its annual Installation of Officers. She will
serve her third term as treasurer at the local level. She is an
associate Broker and partner with RE/MAX of the Poconos
and has been licensed for over 26 years.
Reardon - Colleen Reardon has been promoted to regional
coordinator of the Pennsylvania Business Retention and
Expansion Program, managed by Penn’s Northeast. She
previously served as regional marketing manager for the organization and will continue to retain the responsibilities of
her former position. Reardon was selected to replace Penny
Cannella as regional coordinator, following Cannella’s promotion to the position of Penn’s Northeast president.
Sacci - Sylwia Sacci of Effort, a Realtor® at the Brodheadsville office of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, has passed
the exam and met the qualifications to become an associate
Broker. In the four years since joining Wilkins & Associates,
Sacci has ranked in the Top 10 agents in the company for the
last three years, was Outstanding Salesperson for the past
two years and was the Rookie of the Year in her first year.
She is a member of the National Realtors® Association and
has an Associate Buyers Representative certification.
19
BUSINESS BRIEFS
WHO’s WHO
Schleiker - Brenda Schleiker, a 14-year custodial supervisor of East Stroudsburg University, was inducted into the
Ardath E. Houser Chapter of the National Residence Hall
Honorary, which recognizes staff members who have shown
exceptional leadership in the advancement of the residence
hall program.
town Center, Jacob Stroud Board and East Stroudsburg University’s Dept. of Recreation & Leisure Service Mgmt. Advisory Council. She is also a Board Trustee of the Pocono
Environmental Center as well as a member of the Mattioli
Main Street Project Committee and Land Use Transportation
Economic Development Steering Committee.
Schuldenfrei - Patti Schuldenfrei has been appointed executive assistant for marketing and sales at Creative Energy Options, Inc. in White Haven. Schuldenfrei joined the company
in November after participating in a session of CEO’s flagship program, Total Leadership Connections™. Schuldenfrei
will focus on brand development and marketing communications for CEO, including Web site design, public relations,
and creation of sales and training materials.
Shimko - Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. has hired Steve
Shimko, P.E., P.L.S., as regional manager of the Transportation Service Group in its Dunmore office. He will be
responsible for overseeing all roadway, bridge and traffic
engineering projects completed by the firm in northeastern
Pennsylvania. Prior to joining HRG, Shimko served as a
district executive for PENNDOT.
Sheptak - Mathilda Harrison Sheptak has been appointed by
Governor Edward G. Rendell as the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s deputy executive director. Sheptak is an active
member of the Travel Industry Association of America,
Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Down-
Simmons - C. Matthew Simmons, a five-year resident director of East Stroudsburg University, was inducted into the
Ardath E. Houser Chapter of the National Residence Hall
Honorary in November, which recognizes staff members
who have shown exceptional leadership in the advancement
of the residence hall program.
Szostak - Paul Szostak of LTS Builders was inducted last
month as the second vice president of the Pike County
Builders Association.
Terziev - Realtor® Milko Terziev has been announced by
Weichert, Realtors® - Acclaim as the new addition to the
Brodheadsville sales team. Terziev specializes in residential
and commercial sales serving the Pocono Mountains, Lehigh
Valley and surrounding areas.
Worthington - W. Andrew Worthington received East
Stroudsburg University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Member Award . Worthington joined Bushkill Group,
Inc. as general counsel in 1997, and became president/CEO
in 1999. In 2006, he and his executive committee purchased
the company, then known as Resorts USA Inc., from its
former parent company, Rank Group PLC.
Zernhelt - Bill Zernhelt of Sussex Bank was inducted last
month as the treasurer of the Pike County Builders Association.
WHAT’s WHAT
Higgins Development Partners, a Chicago-based real estate developer, recently purchased 85.54 acres at Arcadia
North Business Park in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe
County, from Bethlehem-based developer Arcadia Properties, LLC. The property can accommodate a warehouse/
distribution center as large as1.4 million square-feet,
which Higgins will market on a build-to-suit basis. The
owners are planning a first-class warehouse/distribution
facility for the site.
Bankers First Mortgage, Inc. in Tannersville has offered to pay one family’s monthly mortgage in 2008.
Homeowners will be given the opportunity to tell their
story; why they should have their mortgage paid for that
particular month. An independent committee will choose
one family each month, and Bankers First Mortgage will
make the principal interest, tax and insurance payment
directly to the bank. Twelve families will be chosen in
2008, one each month.
CruiseOne, part of the world’s largest cruise retailer that
started up in 1992, now has a presence in the Poconos.
In January, the company opened a new office in Brodheadsville, headed by West End resident Karen Clark.
Clark works with corporate clients throughout the Pocono
region coordinating “Meetings At Sea” as well as cruise
benefits to qualified employers to assist with employee
retention and recognition.
East Shore Lodging of Hawley was recently re-certified
into the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s Quality Assurance Program. East Shore Lodging scored over 90%
at each inspection since joining the program in 1999. The
facility, which overlooks Lake Wallenpaupack, is owned
and operated by Bridget and Steve Gelderman.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s
(PASSHE) Board of Governors has given approval to
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s Athletic Training Department to offer a Master of Science
degree with a major in Athletic Training. The Master
of Science in Athletic Training is a 13-month, 35 credit
program which includes a mix of traditional classroom
and laboratory instruction as well as innovative distance
education offerings.
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BCNEPA) has
joined forces with East Stroudsburg University and
Northampton Community College’s Monroe County
campus to relieve the nursing shortage. As part of a
statewide effort led by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation (PHEF), Blue Cross is providing more
than $14,660 in scholarships to students studying nursing
at these two schools. BCNEPA’s pledge to nursing education comes at a time when local doctors and hospitals are
coping with a significant shortage of nurses. Statewide,
Pennsylvania needs more than 17,000 nurses by 2010 to
meet an increasing demand for these specialized medical
professionals.
Businessman Thomas Loughery of Jim Thorpe has started
up a company called EasyHandsFree with a goal of
increasing driver safety without removing drivers’ ability
to communicate. EasyHandsFree installs high-quality
Bluetooth hands-free systems throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Once installed, calls come through the car’s
stereo speakers. Many new vehicles have a hands-free
option available; EasyHandsFree offers retrofits for
almost any new or used vehicle. The company has a crew
of mobile installation engineers which travels to a client’s
location and completes an installation in about an hour.
than $500,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.
The former Fife and Drum Motor Inn on Terrace Street
in Honesdale has been renovated and renamed Delaware
and Hudson Hotel. Improvements at the hotel include
new beds and bedding, new personal heating, ventilation
and air conditioning units, new windows and carpeting,
granite vanities, new phones and Wi-Fi Internet connection. The property also has a restaurant facility that has
a hand-laid stone patio and upper terrace. Owner Steve
Putzi is seeking a restaurateur to open a fine or casualstyle dining facility to complement the new hotel.
SCORE has changed its tagline from “Service Corps of
Retired Executives” to “Counselors to America’s Small
Business”. The change was recently made because of
the number of volunteers who are not retired. SCORE,
founded in 1964, is a nonprofit association dedicated to
entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and
success of small business nationwide.
Geisinger Center for Health Research has joined the
Cardiovascular Research Network, comprised of many of
the top healthcare organizations in the country, to study
the prevention, management and long-range effects of
cardiovascular disease. The network will study patients
with cardiovascular disease from communities across
the country over a long period of time to find ways to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery.
The fourth session of Leadership Pocono took place
at the Pocono Record in December. The class had the
opportunity to interact with Pocono Mountains Media Group/Pocono Record professionals Jim Maxwell,
President/Publisher; Bill Watson, Executive Editor; Marta
Gouger, Online Mapping Editor; and Susan Koomar, Sr.
Managing Editor. Other presenters included Chuck Seese,
DJ at 93.5/WSBG; George Roberts, George Roberts
Productions LLC; and Marynell K. Strunk, Publisher/
Editor-in-Chief of the Pocono Business Journal.
The Pike County Commissioners have announced the
launch of www.DiscoverPikePA.com. This initiative is
funded by the room excise tax implemented in 2005. The
comprehensive Web site offers visitors one-stop shopping
for planning a trip to Pike County. Visitors can research
accommodations, area activities, cultural events, outdoor
recreation and more. The Web site also includes an interactive map and a trip itinerary builder, and it is the only
Web site in the county completely dedicated to tourism.
The October 2007 BG US Challenge, presented by Fortune and hosted by the Pocono Mountains Convention
and Visitors Bureau, has been rated as an overwhelming
success. The Challenge brought 220 participants comprising 44 teams from 28 leading global companies to the
region, and, with that, created a greater awareness of what
the Pocono Mountains has to offer. The event raised more
Sanofi Pasteur employees delivered truckloads of gifts,
non-perishable food items, and supermarket gift cards to
the Mount Pocono Head Start office, a division of Pocono
Services for Families and Children (PSFC). The “Adopta-Family” holiday drive marks the thirteenth year of the
vaccine manufacturing company’s holiday tradition. Hundreds of employees gift-wrapped and donated the items
included on the wish lists of 31 Head Start families.
Sculpted Ice Works, Inc. is expanding and has moved
to its new Lakeville location on Route 590, Paupack
Township. Planned for the new location is a factory tour
and ice harvesting museum, which will showcase the
area’s ice harvesting history and allow the public to view
the modern production of ice blocks and creation of ice
sculptures. The company has been in business since 1999
and currently produces 1250 clear ice blocks per month,
placing it second in production of clear carving ice blocks
in the U.S. and third in North America.
The Sherman Theater, located in downtown Stroudsburg, announced its transition to a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization and officially launched its capital campaign.
Funds raised will be used for the acquisition and expansion of the regional arts center
Tobyhanna Army Depot personnel have created a realistic training tool for TOC field service representatives. A
Tactical Operations Center (TOC) training facility in the
form of a tent has been made available for training field
service representatives (FSRs) at Tobyhanna Army Depot.
The tent serves as a realistic training tool and has all the
equipment a TOC would have, including a generator and
an environmental control unit, as well as the TOC equipment.
The seventh office of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate
Inc. is opening in Gouldsboro. The North Pocono office
will serve Gouldsboro, Moscow, Daleville, Thornhurst
and surrounding areas. The office will be in the same
building as Eagle Lake Realty on Route 435 in Gouldsboro and will open with Realtor® Judi Moniz and Associate Broker Kathy Skillman”.
Please send all press releases for
consideration to [email protected]
20
FOCUS LIST
IT FIRMS
Schools
Address
Phone/Fax
Web Site
Services
Contact
Access Office Technologies
1070 West Main Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-421-0648
570-424-7361
www.accessoe.com
Networking, software support, hardware maintenance, research, design
and consulting
Jim Becker, President/
CEO
Bélon Research & Practice
820 Coal Street,
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-377-7874
888-509-9603
www.belon-rp.com
Security seminars, security policy
development
Dr. Barbara Bélon,
President and CEO
Computer Troubleshooters
P.O. Box 1083
Effort, PA 18330
570-620-2808
www.ctstroud.com
Hardware setup/upgrade,
consulting, Internet/email setup,
virus protection, Internet security
Richard McAllister
DTR Technology
RR #1, Box 117
Scotrun, PA 18355
570-839-1202
www.dtrtechnology.com
Desktop, browser, mobile and
office applications
Dan Rowe, President/
CEO
E.J. Zipp Computer
973 Mahoning Mt. Rd.
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-379-9555
www.ejzipp.com/
PC upgrades, repairs, and custom
built high performance machines. Edwin J. Zipp
Lois Hollopeter,
President
Hollotek Solutions
170 Green Forest Lane
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-379-9121
610-379-9122
www.hollotek.com
Custom Software Application Development, Specialized
Technology Services to perform
specific technical tasks, including
Network Engineering, Graphics
Design and Desktop Publishing
Peak Performance Computers
P.O. Box 126,
Effort, PA 18330
570-237-5869
www.peakpcs1.com
Hardware, software, networking
Jim Connor, President
and CEO
Jack Fraker
Salsa Technologies
Penn Forest Township
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
570-325-3355
www.salsatech.net
Designing, building and
servicing highly-available data
network solutions (LAN & WLAN)
for home offices, small business and
the enterprise
T.R. Technology Solutions
1 Export Lane,
Archibald, PA 18403
(with office in Scotrun)
570-803-0535
www.trtechsolutions.com
Remote Network Monitoring
Services, Preventative Server Maintenance, Service Contracts
Don Webster, President
570-491-2959
570-491-4868
N/A
Computer sales and service
Jerry Nolte, Owner
Pennsylvania Avenue
TriState Computer Centre, Ltd. 103
Matamoras, PA 18336
Disclaimer: If your company is located within Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania and was not included in the listing, please contact Pocono Business
Journal so we can ensure it is included in future editions of this focus list.
Contact PBJ for Ad Rates.
POCONO
www.pbjonline.com
www.pbjonline.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Center for Professional Training and Development
Improve your skills
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Advance in your
current position
Train for a new career
Training Tomorrow’s
Workforce Today
(570) 941-7582
21
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
February 1
BNI Shawnee-on-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Inn at Shawnee,
River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Call (570) 420-8656 for more
information.
Computer Basics, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; Employer Website, 3:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 6202850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
Customer Service, University of Scranton’s Center for Professional
Training and Development, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95. Includes
materials. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information.
February 2, 16, and March 1, 15, and April 5, 19
SHRM 2007 Learning System, HR Management, University of Scranton’s Center for Professional Training and Development, 9:00 a.m.
– 3:00 p.m. Cost: $1500 for SHRM members; $1650 non-members.
Includes materials. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information.
February 4
White Haven Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Charlie Weaver’s on Tunnel Road, White Haven. Email [email protected] for more information.
Quality Essentials, Northampton Community College’s Learning Connection; continental breakfast 7:30; program runs 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $315. Covers key concepts behind quality movement. Call (610)
861-5064 or email [email protected] for more information.
Résumés & Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
pa.us for more information.
Brown Bag Monday, 12:00 noon, Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, 110 North Third Street, Suite 216, Lehighton. Informal lunch
with CCCC management. Reservations are required. Call (610) 3795000 for more information.
February 5
Executive in Residence Program, East Stroudsburg University College
of Business, Management and Economics; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost:
free. Program brings senior executives from major business enterprises
to campus to share their perspectives on leadership and what it takes
to succeed. Presented by executives of Just Born, Inc. Course includes
variety of modules throughout the day. Contact Dr. Alla Wilson, Interim
Dean of the College of Business, Management and Economics, at (570)
422-3589 for more information.
Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Interview Basics,
12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.; Salary Negotiation, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.;
Website Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink
in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for
more information.
Lehighton Area Council Board of Directors meeting, Carbon County
Chamber of Commerce, 5:30 p.m., held at Lehighton Borough Annex,
110 North Third Street, Suite 201, Lehighton. Call (610) 377-2191 for
more information.
February 5 and 6
Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification, Manufacturers Resource Center,
125 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Cost: $600, includes meals/refreshments and all materials. Designed to provide broad
understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Participants learn
Lean Enterprise, Six Sigma and includes individual and team exercises.
Call (610) 758-4588 or email [email protected] for more information.
February 5 - February 7
Multi-Craft Maintenance Training Program, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.,
NEPIRC training facility, 75 Young Street. Hanover Industrial Estates,
Wilkes-Barre. Cost: $895 includes food services, manuals, and certificates. Course covers how to keep critical systems up and running and is
designed to help maintenance technicians work safely and effectively;
plus facts and myths of electrical safety. Students must bring a multimeter to class. Call (570) 819-8966 for more information.
Multi-Craft Maintenance Training Program, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 3:00 p.m. - 9:30
p.m., NEPIRC training facility, 75 Young Street. Hanover Industrial
Estates, Wilkes-Barre. Cost: $895 includes food services, manuals, and
certificates. Course covers how to keep critical systems up and running,
and is designed to help maintenance technicians work safely and effectively; plus facts and myths of electrical safety. Students must bring
a multimeter to class. Call (570) 819-8966 for more information.
February 6
BNI Milford, 7:00 a.m., Mount Haven Resort, 123 Log Tavern Rd.,
Milford. Call (570) 296-7176 for more information.
LeTip Weekly Meeting J.R.’s Grill @ Budget Inn & Suites (I80 Exit
308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty of
business cards. LeTip is a professional business leads exchange group
that becomes your sales force. Only one category is permitted in each
chapter. Call Louise at (570) 588-4113 or email [email protected]
for more information.
Career Exploration, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in
Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for
more information.
February 7
BNI Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Howard Johnson’s, Route 611,
Bartonsville. Call (570) 237-5869 for more information.
Web site Enrollment, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., held at the PA CareerLink
more information.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Examinations, Penn State Cooperative Extension, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. To register for the exam, call
February
(570) 421-6430. For inquiries, call Chris Santore at the PA Dept. of
Agriculture at (570) 836-2181.
Penn-Kidder Area Council Chamber Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.,
Hickory Run Tavern& Restaurant, Rt. 534. Call (610) 377-2191 for
more information.
February 7 - 8
ISO 9001:2000 Internal Auditor Training, Northeastern Pennsylvania
Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 8:00 a.m. Registration
Day 1; course runs 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., NEPIRC training facility, 75
Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre. Cost: $500
includes materials, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
Interactive workshop covers introduction to audit system, principals of
planning and controlling audits, developing checklists. Students should
be familiar with ISO 9001:2000 although this is not required. Call (570)
February 8
information.
Accounting for Non-Accountants, University of Scranton, Center for
Professional Training and Development, O’Hara Hall, 1st floor. 9:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information
Résumé Critique, 9:00 a.m. – 12:000 noon; Employer Website Assistance, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville.
Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
February 11
1-on-1 Résumé Assistance, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
Business Card Exchange, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, held
at KNBT Bank, Route 209, Brodheadsville, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost
in advance: $10 Chamber members, $20 non-members; cost at the door:
$15 Chamber members, $25 non-members. Call (570) 421-4433 for
more information.
February 11 - April 21
Real Estate Fundamentals & Practice, University of Scranton, Center
for Professional Training and Development, O’Hara Hall, 1st floor.
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost: $385 includes
textbook. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information
February 11 - May 9
Six Sigma Black Belt Training, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial
Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., NEPIRC
training facility, 75 Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates, WilkesBarre. Course is a 4-week program which runs Monday through Friday
starting week of February 11 - February 15 (call for remaining weeks).
Cost: $5000. Course concludes with a training certificate of completion.
Covers process improvement. Students must bring their own laptops and
have Minitab preloaded. Call (570) 819-8966 for more information.
February 12
Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Expo Committee Meeting, 7:30
a.m., Beacon 443 Diner. Call (610) 377-2191 for more information.
Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Mock Interviews,
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Web site Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held
at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.
cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon, 12:00 noon, Pocono Inne Town, Stroudsburg. Annual Holiday
Luncheon, sponsored by Tish Leizens of Our House Publications. Cost:
$13 Chamber members, $16 non-members and walk-ins. Call (570)
Palmerton Area Council Meeting, 12:00 noon, Carbon County Chamber
of Commerce conference room, Lehighton. Call (610) 377-2191 for
more information.
February 12 - 13
Boiler Fundamentals, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource
Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., NEPIRC training facility,
75 Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre. Cost: $695
includes food services, manuals and certificates. Course covers common
boiler components, principles and concepts used in boiler systems. Call
(570) 819-8966 for more information.
February 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, and March 4, 6
APICS/CPIM Master Planning of Resources, University of Scranton,
Center for Professional Training and Development, O’Hara Hall, 1st
floor. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost: $400 members, $490 non-members. Includes text. Call (570) 941-7582 for more
information.
February 12 - 28
Blueprint Reading, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource
Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. spread over four dates.
NEPIRC training facility, 75 Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates,
Wilkes-Barre. Cost: $450 includes food services and certificates. Course
covers all aspects of blueprint reading and enables participants to interpret designs for processing and manufacturing. Call (570) 819-8966 for
more information.
February 13
LeTip Weekly Meeting, J.R.’s Grill @ Budget Inn & Suites (I80 Exit
308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty
of business cards. LeTip is a professional business leads exchange
group that becomes your sales force. Only one category is permitted
in each chapter. Call Louise at (570) 588-4113 or email ruonpar@
verizon.net for more information.
Website Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Find a Job You’ll Love!
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call
(570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
The First Step: Starting Your Business, University of Scranton Small
Business Development Center, held at Mt. Pocono Mount Pocono Municipal (Borough) Building, 303 Pocono Boulevard, Mount Pocono.
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Designed for individuals who have an interest in small business entrepreneurship or who would like to learn more
about the basic business start-up process. Topics include common
start-up registrations, licenses, business structure, taxation, research
tools, the business plan, and local resources. Cost: $10. Call (800) 8297232 or Lisa Hall at (570) 941-7588 for more information.
February 14
308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty
Website Enrollment, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., held at the PA CareerLink
more information.
February 15
information.
Monthly Breakfast, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, Pocono
Inne Town, Stroudsburg, 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by CEO Space, Special
Program to be announced. Cost in advance: $10. Chamber members,
$14. Non-members, in advance. Cost at the door: $12. Chamber members, $18 non-members. Call (570) 421-4433 for more information
Computer Basics, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Employer Website Assistance, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville.
February 18
Class A Truck Driving Instruction, Northampton Community College, held at Pocono Mountain Corporate Center East, Tobyhanna.
Eight-week course. Cost: $3580, but students who qualify for training
through USDOT and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
grants will only be required to cover the cost of a CDL permit and
HazMat Security Threat Assessment fee (approximately $120). Call
Cindy Woodling at (570) 839-2778 for more information and criteria
for grant eligibility.
February 18 – May 2
Six Sigma Black Belt, Manufacturers Resource Center, 125 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Total nine classes; call
for specific dates. Cost: $6500, include Minitabs software, lunch,
materials. Call (610) 758-4588 or email [email protected] for more
information.
February 19
Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Interview
Basics, 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.; Salary Negotiation, 1:30 p.m. – 2:00
p.m.; Web site Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
Lehighton Area Council meeting, Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, 5:30 p.m. Location: TBA. Call (610) 377-2191 for more
information.
February 20
308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty
Website Enrollment, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Career Exploration, Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570)
620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer, 5:00 p.m.
– 7:00 p.m., Kelly’s Irish Pub, 634 East Paterson Street, Lansford. Call
(610) 377-2191 for more information.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS continued page 22
22
CALENDAR OF EVENTS (continued)
February 20 - 21
Train the Trainer Forklift Training, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), Day 1, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(includes lunch), Day 2, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Action Lift/Medico
Industries, 1 Memco Drive, Pittston. Course provides tools for performing operating training needs in-house, including a video program,
CD-ROM and trainers manual. Cost: $795. Call (570) 819-8966 for
more information.
Jim Thorpe Area Council meeting, 7:00 p.m., the Inn at Jim Thorpe, 24
Broadway. Call (610) 377-2191 for more information.
February 20 and 27
ServSafe Food Certification or Recertification Course, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00
p.m. on February 20; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on February 27; First
Presbyterian Church, 308 Broad St, Milford; Offered by Penn State
Cooperative Extension of Monroe County. Cost: $165 includes 4th
edition textbook, NRA exam and lunch on the 2nd day only. Examinations will be at the end of the second class. Participants must attend
both classes; pre-registration required by February 8. Call (570) 421-or
email [email protected].
February 25
Computerized O’Net Career Assessments, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.;
1-on-1 Résumé Assistance, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
February 26
Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Mock Interviews, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Website Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00
p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or
visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information.
February 26 - April 3
Six Sigma Green Belt, Manufacturers Resource Center; held at Greater
Reading Chamber of Commerce, 49 Commerce Drive, Spring Ridge.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $1750. Call (610) 758-4588 or email [email protected] for more information.
February 27-29
Total Leadership Connections (TLC), Program #34, first session. A
multimedia learning forum and retreat that promotes extraordinary leadership practices through transformation from the inside out. Creative
Energy Options, Inc., at The Country Place, White Haven. Visit www.
ceoptions.com or call (570) 636-3858.
February 27 - March 19
Preparation for C.P.M. Exam (Review for Module 4), Lehigh Carbon
Community College, main campus in Schnecksville; Wednesdays, 6:00
p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Course covers management, organization and human
resources management. Textbooks or materials may be required in
advance. Cost: $139. Call (610) 799-1141 or (610) 799-1500 for more
information.
February 28
February 21
February 27
Executive Lean Enterprise Overview, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), Registration and continental
breakfast 7:30 a.m., course 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. NEPIRC training facility, 75 Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre. Cost:
$15. Course covers introduction to Lean concepts, success stories, how
to deploy Lean successfully, how to get started. Call (570) 819-8966 for
more information.
Résumés and Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
1-on-1 Résumé Assistance, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
Web site Enrollment, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., held at the PA CareerLink
more information.
February 22
information.
The Second Step: Developing Your Business Plan, offered by University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, held at East
Stroudsburg University, University Center, 200 Prospect Street, East
Stroudsburg, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Designed for individuals who are
in the process of assessing small business start-up costs and financing or are existing businesspersons needing to learn how to compile a
business plan for financing and success planning for the future. Topics
include learning the metrics and rules of developing your plan, composing a narrative (written portion) with solid research, understanding and
compiling financial projections, understanding the lending process and
documentation lenders request. Cost: $10. Call Brad Klein at (570)
February 29
information.
Effective Employee Appraisals: Evaluating and Building Commitment,
University of Scranton, Center for Professional Training and Development, O’Hara Hall, 1st floor. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95. Call (570)
941-7582 for more information
Résumé Critique, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Employer Web site Assistance, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville.
BNI Member Success Program, Shawnee Inn, Shawnee-on-Delaware,
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Cost: $5 cash at door. Orientation for new
members and returning members. Call Steve Gambino at (908) 9958860 or email [email protected] for more information.
Computer Basics, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; Employer Website Assistance, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville.
PBJ REGISTER
Deeds
Carbon County
Kidder Township North
Robert Williams to Howard Ackerman,
$310,000.
Kidder Township South
Brian Zavitsky to Alicia Jeffries,
$415,000.
Towamensing Township
Clarence Kratz to John Sozanski,
$335,000.
Monroe County
Chestnuthill Township
Kelly and Daryl Arrington to Troy Johnson, $391,400. Salvatore and Anna Marie
Checho, Bonnie Keller and Robin and Roy
Snyder to Running Lane LLC, $1,130,000.
Donald and Mary Ann Kishbaugh to Raphael and Cynthia Caton, $327,563.
Coolbaugh Township
Pocono Mountains Industries Inc. to
Arcadia North Associates No. 2 LLC,
$425,250. Sumner Building LLC to Bonique Gates and Scott Harris, $309,000.
Bradley Miller to John and Karen Carr,
$495,000. Donald Mustachio to MG09,
$450,000.
Hamilton Township
Shahzad Saeed and Rahana Perveen to National Residential Nominee Services Inc.,
$324,500. National Residential Nominee
Services Inc to William and Mary Kiraly,
$325,000. Fannie Mae Foundation to Eric
Leinbach, $316,000.
Jackson Township
LTS Development to Floyd and Ingrid
Yaw, $389,800. LTS Development LLC
to Ricardo Triana and Rossana Reyes,
$452,000. John and Sandra Lewis to
Lancelot and Dana Owens, $387,500.
Middle Smithfield Township
NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Syed Zaidi,
$392,300. Kevin and Sandra Carl to
Prudential Relocation Inc., $594,000. Toll
PA IV to Rodney Jean, $353,533. BML
at Mountainview LLC to Edward and
Claudette Adams, $461,045. Toll PA III to
Robert Peterson, $817,603.
Paradise Township
Derr Flooring Co. to WREP Associates
and JWM Associates, $558,000. Arthur
and Eleanor Cramer to Henryville Conservation Club, $500,000.
Pocono Township
Robert and Debbie Dege to Sanofi Pasteur
Inc, $400,000. Porter and Edith Caldwell
to Sanofi Pasteur Inc., $375,000.
Price Township
LTS Development to Victor Ramos and
Letty Delarosa, $374,800. LTS Development LLC to Michael, Mary and Theresa
Fiorenza, $397,380.
Polk Township
Philip and Carol Matheson to Mark and
Rebecca Cunningham, $307,000. Meredith Knaus to Harry and Sally Tobias,
$380,000.
Ross Township
Marjorie Schultz to Rudolph and Elise
Viggiano, $422,000.
Smithfield Township
Brian and Susan Graczyk to Viviene
Bailey, $350,000. C&M Homes at Shawnee LP to Erick and Elcie Marie Canon,
$337,840.
Stroud Township
Thomas and Bernadette Price to Paul Graham and Laurie Bumback, $356,000. BML
at Mountain View LLC to Gezahegne
Assegid and Hirut Kifle, $310,903. BML
at Mountain View LLC to Ralph Henson,
$306,250. Richard and Sharon Defino to
Nam Majidco Inc., $401,000. Timothy and
Melanie Bond to Maribel and Jorge Cruz,
$310,000. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Lynn
Daroczy, $381,670. Hilding and Judith
Holroyd to Richard and Joanne Way,
$312,000.
Stroudsburg Borough
Drewmar LLC to Jose Delacruz,
$300,000. Joseph Scavo to Stroudsburg
Area School District, $450,000.
Tobyhanna Township
Edward and Joan Burns to John and
Lauren George, $315,000. Phyllis and
Elias Abboud to Bradley and Nancy Ritter,
$736,666. A Richard and Juliette Jones to
Ralph Cook and Mary Daniel, $300,000.
Edward and Ava Pomerantz to Michael
and Frances Curley, $335,000. Mohammed and Nasreen Aslam to MG09 LP,
$450,000.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
Robert and Dorothy Sekkes to Leon and
Jenny Lalite, $322,500.
Dingman Township
Edith Mattaboni to Bruce and Karen Major, $371,000.
Lackawaxen Township
Ingnatius Scalavino to Ian and Laura
Harris, $525,000. Douglas and Geraldine
Wolfe to Robert and Frances Pisanni,
$310,001.
Milford Borough
Alan Wood to Charles Nisbit, $390,000.
BDH Holdings, LLC to County of Pike,
$575,000.
Milford Township
Wells Fargo Bank to Peter and Carmen
Williams, $335,000.
Palmyra Township
David and Barbara Whitmore to Guy and
Katherine Metrocavich, $785,000. Leonard and Linda Green to James Salvatore,
$300,000.
Westfall Township
Boston Building LLC to Paul and Deborah
Fischer, $551,915. Mark and Elizabeth
Bauman to William Wall, $315,180. Eileen
Bowie to William and Donna Shutz,
$330,000.
Wayne County
Berlin Township
Alice Conbeer to Darvin Miller, $450,000.
Clinton Township
Lawrence Berfond to Frederick and Patricia Eck, $520,000.
Dyberry Township
Edward and Nancy Mehmel to David and
Pamela Krol, $359,000. Lee and Gary
Schenck to Michael Mitch and Laura
Hoar, $685,000.
Honesdale Borough
Gerald and Charles Weniger to Frank Romolo and Michelle Green, $300,000.
Lehigh Township
23
PBJ REGISTER
Lawrence and Erin Beaver to Graham and
Tracey Brazier, $560,000.
Mount Pleasant Township
Peter and Olga Dubois to Dennis Cieri,
$480,000.
Paupack Township
WAF Properties to Thomas and Joann
Scherer, $337,500. KFK Holdings to Joseph and Carol Ann Cavanaugh, $740,000.
David Reilly to Paul Reich, $330,000.
Texas Township
Angie Wisniewski to John David and Jennifer Temperton, $329,000.
Mortgages
Carbon County
Kidder Township North
Pennsylvania Suburban Water Company,
Bank of New York Trust Co, $24,830,000.
Kidder Township South
Roy Adair, MERS, $300,000. Barbara
Franzosa, MERS, $300,000. Kimberley
Forde, Bank of America, $480,000.
Penn Forest Township
Carl F Krause, Financial Freedom Senior
Funding Corporation, $337,500. Carl F
Krause, Housing and Urban Development,
$337,500.
Monroe County
Barrett Township
Karl and Ann Weiler, Weiler Coprporation, $8,000,000. Canadensis Land and
Canadensis Holding and Sukonik Camp
and Saltzman Family, Keystone Nazareth
Bank and Trust, $2,500,000. Jesse Sanchez and Josephine Morales, National City
Bank, $352,000.
Chestnuthill Township
Troy Johnson, Countrywide Bank,
$391,400. Running Lane, Landmark Community Bank, $800,000. Marc Utnick,
MERS/Countrywide Bank, $307,160.
Coolbaugh Township
Kenneth and Rosita Scott, James Wescott,
$900,000. John and Karen Carr, MERS/
Wachovia Mortgage, $304,000. Pocono
Community Church, Penn-Delaware
District Loan Fund of the Penn-Delaware
District Council of the Assemblies of God,
$2,000,000. MG09, Robert Maynard and
Jonathan Greenwald, Gelt Financial Corporation, $329,800.
Delaware Water Gap Borough
Vertellus Specialties PA, National City
Bank, $540,000,000. Vertellus Specialties
PA/Heico Chemicals, Silver Point Finance,
$240,000,000.
East Stroudsburg Borough
M&M Ventures, Capital One, $4,000,000.
Brettney Ramsour, Wachovia Bank NA,
$500,000. Sable Machado, MERS/Amtrust
Bank, $315,000.
Eldred Township
Elizabeth Montefusco, MetLife Bank,
$300,000. Elizabeth Montefusco, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
$300,000. S&D Land Co., Gregory Sander
and Herman Dodson, First National Bank
of Palmerton, $600,000. John Dunn and
Mildred Molino, Citizens Bank of PA,
$440,000.
Hamilton Township
William and Mary Kiraly, MERS/USAA
Federal Savings, $325,000. Melita and
Charles Lakhan, MERS, $459,000. Robert
and Charlene Cooney, MERS/GMAC
Mortgage, $335,000. NHS III Properties
and Northwestern Human Services, US
Bank NA, $6,980,000. Sciota Properties,
First Star Savings Bank, $391,262.
Jackson Township
Patrick and Monica Duncan, MERS/
Suntrust Mortgage, $385,000. Floyd and
Ingrid Yaw, National City Bank, $370,300.
Ricardo Triana and Rossanna Reyes, JP
Morgan Chase Bank, $403,750. Alfred and
Maria Gonzalez, AFC Reverse Mortgage,
$300,240. Alfred and Maria Gonzalez, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240. Lancelot and Dana Owens,
MERS/Hometown Security Mortgage,
$348,750.
Middle Smithfield Township
Nezlie Parkes and Dawn Mills-Parkes,
MERS/Wilmington Finance Inc.,
$495,000. Syed Zaidi, MERS/NVR Mortgage, $313,840. HRP Corporation, Textron
Financial Corporation, $401,990. Jeremy
McDermott, MERS/HSBC Mortgage Corporation, $313,000. Edward and Claudette
Adams, MERS/NVR Mortgage Finance,
$355,000. Robert Peterson, World Savings
Bank, $654,082.
Mount Pocono Borough
Robert Larsen, National City Bank,
$340,000.
Paradise Township
Sundance Vacations Pocono Properties,
First Liberty Bank and Trust, $1,443,620.
Henryville Conservation Club, TD Banknorth, $500,000.
Pocono Township
Scott Weinberger, MERS/Countrywide
Bank, $342,470. Elizabeth Ann Maher,
MERS/State Farm Bank, $336,000.
Polk Township
Lorraine Garcia, MERS/Amtrust Bank,
$330,000. Mark and Rebecca Cunningham, MERS/Indymac Bank, $307,000.
Harry and Sally Tobias, Wells Fargo Bank,
$300,000.
Price Township
Victor Ramos and Letty Delarosa,
National City Bank, $356,000. Michael,
Mary and Theresa Fiorenza, National City
Bank, $377,480.
Ross Township
Rudolph and Elise Viggiano, E-53 Federal
Credit Union, $337,600.
Coming Next Month ... March 2008
Smithfield Township
Erick and Elcie Canon, MERS/Colorado
Federal Savings Bank, $320,948. Milford
Road, The Dime Bank, $1,900,000. Laurel
Sword Co. and Laurel Sword Inc., Sanderman Family Trust, $309,138. Peter and
Marnie Gola, Wells Fargo Bank, $360,000.
Stroud Township
William and Barbara Burns, MERS/Amnet
Mortgage, $312,500. Nam Majido Inc.,
$300,000. Cleveland and Maria Currie, Citimortgage Inc., $500,000. Lynn
Daroczy, MERS/NVR Mortgage Finance,
$343,000. Johanna and Manuel Muniz,
MERS/First Tennessee Bank, $333,000.
James Benson, Wachovia National Bank,
$327,000. Paul and Patricia Milenkowic,
NEPA Community Federal Credit Union,
$318,000. Michael and Kathia Benedito,
MERS/Countrywide, $320,000. Michael
and Laurenbeth Baxter, ESSA Bank and
Trust, $796,000.
Stroudsburg Borough
C&E Associates, ESSA Bank and Trust,
$320,000. Tadeusz and Teresa Zyskowska,
MERS/HSBC Mortgage Corporation,
$304,000. Vickiann Hicks, Landmark
Community Bank, $320,000.
Tobyhanna Township
Teicher Organization at Pinecrest, Bank of
America, $2,000,000. Bradley and Nancy
Ritter, Wells Fargo Bank, $417,000.
Tunkhannock Township
Silvio Vitiello, Landmark Community
Bank, $800,000.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
Silvia Seu, Honesdale National Bank,
$450,000. Lawrence and Kathy Livingston, Morgan Stanley Credit Union,
$510,300. Robert and Georgia Leon, Wachovia Mortgage Corporation, $371,000.
Thomas Clauss, Delaware Financial
Capital Corporation, $382,500. Thomas
Clauss, Housing and Urban Development,
$382,500.
Dingman Township
Mark and Lauren Kushner, MERS/
American Home Bank, $417,000. Vannatta
Realty and Builders Inc., Sussex Bank,
$360,000. Vannatta Realty and Builders
Inc., Sussex Bank, $360,000. Karen and
Jonathan Sibalich, MERS/GMAC Mortgage, $375,200. Damian and Louise Santiago, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $347,130.
Lackawaxen Township
Ian and Laura Harris, Wells Fargo Bank,
$345,000. Jeffrey and Alicia Shook, Dime
Bank, $360,000. John and Alma Kretsch,
Financial Freedom Senior Funding,
$457,500. John and Alma Kretsch, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
$457,500.
Milford Borough
Charles Nisbit, MERS, $312,000.
Mortgage Inc, $390,000. John and Patricia
Galasso, Housing and Urban Development, $390,000.
Palmyra Township
Shmuel and Elizabeth Shahar, MERS/
Infinity Mortgage, $300,000. Guy and
Katherine Metrocavich, Wells Fargo Bank,
$417,000.
Porter Township
Jeffrey and Lynn Lerner, MERS/bayrock
Mortgage, $355,500.
Shohola Township
Joseph Sheehan, MERS/NJ Lenders Corporation, $336,000. Luanne and Stephen
Storms, MERS/Quicken Loans, $413,050.
Edmund and Heidi Carlton, MERS/Wachovia Mortgage, $405,000.
Westfall Township
Paul and Deborah Fischer, Sussex Bank,
$528,800. William Wall, MERS/First
Horizon Home Loans, $310,309.
Wayne County
Berlin Township
Kymac, Dime Bank, $500,000. RRSC,
Dime Bank, $500,000.
Canaan Township
Gregory and Donna Salko, Agchoice Farm
Credit, $800,000. Kris Magalski, Dime
Bank, $393,000.
Clinton Township
Gregory and Donna Salko, Agchoice Farm
Credit, $800,000. Michael and Katherine
Daley, MERS, $328,700. Frederick and
Patricia Eck, Honesdale National Bank,
$448,000.
Damascus Township
James and Amy Hoffman, MERS,
$389,000.
Dyberry Township
Glass Pond One Ltd, Edward Meyer,
$1,434,898.
Honesdale Borough
Gary Linde, Dime Bank, $395,100.
Lehigh Township
Michael and Suzanne Wiacek, MERS,
$350,000.
Mount Pleasant Township
Dennis Cieri, Bank of America, $384,000.
Palmyra Township
Edward McAndrew, Dime Bank,
$517,000.
Paupack Township
Patricia Schmidt, Bank of America,
$300,240. Patricia Schmidt, Housing and
Urban Development, $300,240. Joseph
and Carol Ann Cavanaugh, Wayne Bank,
$400,000. Joann and Arthur McDermott,
Harleysville National Bank and Trust,
$360,000.
Milford Township
John and Patricia Galasso, Pacific Reverse
POCONO
Salem Township
www.pbjonline.com
County-by-County Business Update
www.pbjonline.com
• County-by-County Updates: Healthcare, Financial Services, Commercial Real Estate
• Economic Development in our Townships: Projects that attract revenue, bring growth
• International Flair: Business reps around the globe consider expansion to the Poconos
• Professional Profile: County commissioners speak up on jobs, legislation, and working together
24
PBJ REGISTER
Elliot and Rosann Scolnick, Financial
Freedom Senior Funding, $308,490.
Texas Township
Matthew and Diana Fritz, Honesdale
National Bank, $485,000.
New Corporations /
Fictitious Names
Carbon County
Advent Foot and Ankle Inc., 509 Oak
Street, Jim Thorpe, podiatry office - private practice.
Axis Marketing Ventures, 45 Bunny Lane,
Palmerton, online marketing, Daniel
Burns.
Broad Mountain Stone LLC, 127 Railroad
Drive, Weatherly, install & maintain stone.
Carondo LLC, 132 Drakes Drive, Jim
Thorpe, milkman.
Cross Road Trucking Inc., 209 7th St,
Weatherly, trucking business.
Gilbert Commons, Inc., 840 Stony Mountain Road, Albrightsville, rentals.
Got Music?, 96 Fairway Road South,
Lehighton, mobile DJ services, David
Jonathan Fisher.
Halo Services, Incorporated, 107 Carbon
Street, Weatherly, provide insurances.
Mac’s Window Cleaning, Inc., 640 Mahoning Drive East, Lehighton, window
cleaning service.
Martha’s Place, 18-22 East Ridge Street,
Lansford, antique flea market, Martha H
Alvarez.
Mauch Chunk Associates, Inc., 25 Hemlock Road, Nesquehoning, real estate
holdings.
Peaceful Knights, Inc., 185 Penn Dr, Lehighton, temporary shelter.
Pocono Modular Builders, LLC, 2591
State Route 903 Suite 5, Albrightsville,
construction of residential housing.
Rheiner & Breiner CPA, 243 South Third
Street, Lehighton, Accounting.
Savory & Sage, LLC, 126 Lake Dr., Lake
Harmony, Food service sales.
Shedaker Homes, INC, 639 Behrens Road,
Jim Thorpe, general contracting-residential homes.
Monroe County
209 Fitness, LLC, RR 2 Box 2133,
Stroudsburg, fitness center.
3 for 10 LLC, 20 Indian Spring Drive,
Stroudsburg, real estate sales.
A Square Design, LLC, 34 N Park Estates,
East Stroudsburg, construction.
A+ Smile Center, P.C., 15 Eastridge Lane,
East Stroudsburg, dentistry.
Above All Cleaners, RR 4 / Box 4175,
Kunkletown, cleaning company, Fallon
Nicole Singleton.
Achterman Associates, 33 Stokes Avenue, East Stroudsburg, engineering
services,robert d. Gilmore & Associates,
Inc.
Advanced Pain Spine and Sports Medicine
PC, 338 Big Ridge Estates, East Stroudsburg, unknown.
AJ Nursery Landscaping, Inc., One Dansbury Square, East Stroudsburg, landscaping.
American Eagle Transmission Inc., 7 Eli
Street, East Stroudsburg, transmission
service.
Artemis Press, LLC, RR 3 Box 2477, Effort, unknown
BP Transport Inc., 55 Catskill Drive, Effort, transportation services.
Brian Truong.
CD Poconos Real Estate, 525 Sarah Street,
Stroudsburg, real estate, Thomas Boneta.
Cedar Creek Home Inspection, LLC, 24
Pheasant Run 6 Cranberry Creek Estates,
Cresco, home inspection.
Coded Contracting, 80 Chickasaw Dr,
Effort, insulation, installer construction,
Darren A Lucas.
Connie Hackett Fine Art Photography, 14
Pleasant Court, Brodheadsville, photographic prints and merchandise, Connie
Hackett.
Cyriak John LLC, 3200 Emerald Boule-
vard, Long Pond, consulting.
Direct Installations, 1 Chestnut Drive,
Stroudsburg, installation & sales of automotive electronics, Ramses Regis.
Dittrich Consulting Inc., PO Box 2293/67
Blue Ox Rd, Pocono Pines, consulting
services.
Dolores McLaughlin, LLC, 1808 Chandus
Way, Tobyhanna, real estate.
Door to Door Cab Service, 8838 Blackbird
Drive, Tobyhanna, pick up & drop off
passengers from one location to another,
Everette Sylvester Grant.
East Stroudsburg Rugby Alumni Association, Inc, 55 South Green St, East Stroudsburg, religious, charitable, educational &
scientific purpose.
God’s Temple of Glory And Grace, 4618
Burnside Drive, Tobyhanna, religious
congregation, Elizabeth Simmons.
Goosepond Road, LLP, 1875 West Main
Street PO Box 231, Stroudsburg, William
and Jo Evans Rinehart.
Gotta Go Septic, 75 Pocono Heights Rd,
Tobyhanna, portable potties, B&R Nauman, Inc.
Greater Pocono Chamber Of Commerce,
Inc., 555 Main Street, Stroudsburg, promote business in region, Robert Phillips,
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce
Inc.
Grezak Construction Company, 15 Wyndham Hills, Cresco, small-scale construction, Wieslaw Grezak.
J.H. Lewis Home Inspections, LLC, 45A
Summit Terrace 3034 Penn Estates, East
Stroudsburg, unknown.
J.L. Danal Property Investors, LLC, 8
Murphy Lane, Kunkletown, real estate.
JK Lewis Properties Inc, 2640 Hamilton
East, Stroudsburg, rental property.
JL Controls , 3136 Coolbaugh Rd, East
Stroudsburg, , HVAC Controls Co., Gerald
Lettich.
Jumbo King Corporation, 5161 Lower
Cherry Valley Road, Saylorsburg, tavern.
KickDoor Enterprises, L.L.C., 508 Main
St, Stroudsburg, retail sales.
Kit’s Interactive Theatre, 22 Old Kettle
Court, Stroudsburg, performing arts/family
theatre, Catharine J Jones.
Marble and Mortar Mortgage Management
Fund, 708 Clearview Drive, Long Pond,
Mike Karas and Frederick Reissman.
McLeod Enterprises LLC, 5105M
Whitetall Court, Stroudsburg, small business sales & consulting.
Mountain Computer Systems LLC, 208
Main Street, Stroudsburg, software.
Nebel Enterprises, Inc., RR 5 Box 5422,
Saylorsburg, retail food sales & services.
Neurosurgery & Pain Rehabilitation
Center PC, 100 Eaglesmere Circle, East
Stroudsburg, medical services to the community.
Orchard Street Apartments, One Empire
Plaza, Stroudsburg, leasing apartment
units, Braeside Apartments LLC.
Orzel Deli, 207 North 9th Street, Stroudsburg, deli/grocery store, Janina Janicka.
Patriot Building Products Corp., 102
Pocono Blvd 2nd Floor, Mount Pocono,
roofing materials & equipment supply.
Penn Regional Business Center III, Inc.,
Seven Bridge Rd/RR 5 Box 5348, East
Stroudsburg, real estate.
Phoenyx Capital Incorporated, 538 Main
Street Suite B, Stroudsburg, unknown.
Poc Real Estate LLC, RR 3 Box 3067,
East Stroudsburg, unknown.
PoconoStarter.com, 208 Eagle Valley Mall
Suite 130, East Stroudsburg, installing
remote starters, Simply Wired, LLC.
Pocre, RR 3 Box 3067, East Stroudsburg,
agent, real estate, Bobby R Sepolen.
Pro Nails & Spa, 210 Pocono Plaza Plot
P Lincoln Avenue, East Stroudsburg, nail
salon,
Rosedealz.com LLC, 99 Park Dr, East
Stroudsburg, sale of great deals.
Rotor Ventures, Inc., RR 3 Box 3602,
Cresco, helicopter services.
Scottech Advantage, 413 Route 940 Suite
117, Tobyhanna, personal safety products,
Brenda M Scott.
Shelter Services, 1997 Glacier Lane,
Blakeslee, delivery courier service, William M Shelter, Sr.
Signature Nails & Spa, 604 Tyler Dr, East
Stroudsburg, service of nails & spa, Randy
Kham Nguyen.
Silver Rose Jewelry, 49 Pine Avenue,
Pocono Pines, Jewelry, Rose Shiner.
Sparkle & Shine Professional Cleaning
Services, LLC, 7290 Lake Rd, Tobyhanna, residential & commercial cleaning
services.
Spray Foam Technologies, Inc., RR3 Box
3362C, Stroudsburg, construction/trades
spray applied polyurethane foam applicators.
Spytronics, Inc., 13 Cresco Drive, Pocono
Lake, sell and install access control and
surveillance systems.
StaffPro, Inc., Route 209, Sciota, unknown.
Stone Choice, LLC, 44 Sierra Trail Drive,
East Stroudsburg, custom made stone
products, installation & remodeling.
T.S. Discretion, Inc., 819 Ann St, Stroudsburg, unknown.
The Martial Arts Training Institute, LLC,
5027 Chipperfield Drive, Stroudsburg,
unknown.
United Business Associates, LLC, 12125
Big Buck Lane, East Stroudsburg, general
merchants.
Upgrade Your Space, 1817 W. Main Street
Apt. B, Stroudsburg, home improvement
& handyman services. Stanley N Dahl.
Victory Lane Towing, 213 North 9th
Street, Stroudsburg, vehicle towing,
Shawn Burd.
Wedding Planner 4 U, 2201 Overlook
Drive, P.O. Box B, Tobyhanna, wedding
planner, Wes Mullings.
West End Video and Game World, HCR
Box 9 RT 209, Kresgeville, rental of
video recordings & video games, August
J Wilson.
WPA II, LLC, 2400 Bush Lane, Stroudsburg, construction.
Xhibit Lounge , 23 Tanbark lane, Tannersville, exhibit arts of various types, Vinise
Capers.
York Manor, LLC , 48 Overlook Lane,
Pocono Pines, real estate.
Pike County
123 Blind Mice LLC, 973 Route 6, Shohola, modular home sales.
American Bollard, 104 Ironwood Court,
Milford, manufacture and sale of bollards,
Donald G Quick.
B.J.P. Services, Inc.,175 East Beaver Dam
Rd, Tafton, management and technical
consultations for water systems.
Bob Phillips Drywall, LLC, 147 Woodtown Rd, Shohola, drywall.
Budget Blinds of Newton & Milford, 151
Foster Hill Road, Milford, custom window
treatments, McCormick Distribution, Inc.,
Marie and Thomas J. McCormick.
Clauss Construction, LLC, HC 1 / Box
2108, Tafton, construction business.
Dog Gone Pet Products, LLC, 1223 Delaware Drive, Matamoras, pet products.
eGolfgloves.com, LLP, 3643 Hemlock
Farms, Lords Valley.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milford,
118 Chinkapin Dr, Milford, religious.
Global Direct Lenders Incorporated, 657
Route 739, Lords Valley, unknown.
Global Direct Lenders, 657 Route 739,
Lords Valley, mortgage broker, Cami
Paladine.
Handy Andy Enterprises, 504 Penn Avenue PO Box 278, Matamoras, landscaping,
home improvement, Andrew Kaufman.
Heavenly Painting Co., 1282-18 Eton
Court, Bushkill, painting & carpentry,
Brett Hackenberg.
Investors Direct USA, 1 Lynns Hill Road
P.O. Box 44, Tafton, real estate investing
& finance consulting, Leigh Murray.
Kindred Estates, LLC, 641 RT 739 Suite
5, Lords Valley, real estate investments.
Law Office of Thomas Earl Mincer, LLC,
106 West High Street, Milford, law office.
Little Bears Daycare, 1631 Route 507,
Greentown, child daycare center, Louis
Vulpis.
LS, LLP, 2501 Jean Danielson, Greentown, Richard, P Stine.
Mahroy Realty LLC, 508 7th Street, Mil-
ford, real estate investments.
MMR Management Services, Inc., 175
Van Auken Hill Road, Milford, management services.
Mountain View Estates Property Owners Association, Inc., 111 Simons Road,
Greentown, homeowners association.
Mr. Eco Clean LLC., 499 Sparrow Rd,
Bushkill, cleaning service.
Mrs. Septic, LLC, 2993 Hemlock Farms,
Lords Valley, grease trap & septic tank
pumping.
Nu-Look Tub Refinishing, 101 Pleasant Lane, Milford, bathtub refinishing &
repair, Frank Bogdanski.
Patti’s Variety Corner LLC, 156 Route 507
Suite #1, Tafton, unknown.
Southern Knight, Inc., 1109 Sawcreek
Estate, Bushkill, courier service & transportation.
The Stars R Out Productions, RR 5 Box
58, Bushkill, promotion of entertainment,
David Escalet.
Wayne County
1st Choice Realty Enterprises, LLC, 1182
Hamlin Highway, Lake Ariel, real estate.
About Face Orthodontics, P.C., 212 Main
Avenue, Hawley, orthodontics.
Alfred D. Beck & Company, P.C., 119
Lincoln Street, Honesdale, accounting, tax
and related services.
Banner Consulting Group, Inc., 1432
Brookfield Road, Lake Ariel, investment
information & ideas on stock.
Barca II, Inc., 1801 The Hideout, Lake
Ariel, real estate management.
Closet Solutions and more, 33 Beechwood
Drive, Honesdale, .closets, Sean LeStrange.
Diamond J. Enterprises, Inc., 1200 Hamlin
Highway / Building B, Lake Ariel, building construction.
Don Ann LLC, 416 Hamlin Highway, PO
Box 174, Hamlin, real estate.
Don Hiller Plumbing & Heating LLC, 252
Prompton Road, Honesdale, plumbing &
heating.
GJPM, Inc., 302 Ninth Street, Honesdale,
real estate.
Hometown Answering Service, 359 Ridge
Ave, Hawley, telephone answering service,
Robbin Kizer.
J Team Motorsports, 619 Main Street,
Suite 101, Gouldsboro, ,new and used
ATV’s and parts, Joseph McCracken.
JOHN D AUTO, 145 Butternut Street/
Flats, Beach Lake, used vehicles sales,
John Durec.
Kolmar Americas, Inc, National Corporate Services, LLC, petrochemical and oil
product wholesale trading.
Longtrail Home Inspection LLC, 198 The
Hideout 889 Vista Ct, Lake Ariel, home
inspection.
M.D.’s Heating & Plumbing, Inc., 1404
Belmont Turnpike, Waymart, heating &
plumbing.
Mike’s Auto Service And Towing, Inc.,
1457 Purdytown Turnpike, Hawley, vehicle services & towing.
Peggy Sue’s, 474 Hamlin Way / Suite 102,
Hamlin, ice cream sales, Mark Boos.
Platform Industries, 371 Perkins Pond
Road, Beach Lake, screen printing, Chris
Murray.
Ponytales Rescue, 1096 Bethany Turnpike,
Honesdale, Equine rescue.
Premium Property Management LLC, 411
The Hideout, Lake Ariel, real estate.
Red Jack Solutions, 874 The Hideout,
Lake Ariel, computer consulting services,
Joseph Pettit.
River Rock Communications, LLC, 240
Salem Park Lane, Lake Ariel, public relations.
The Memory Vault, 295 Forest Street,
Honesdale, mail order gifts, Tina Frank.
Vintes, LLC, 31 Ponderosa Drive, Honesdale, business campground management.
MERS = Mortgage Electronic Registration
Systems
Disclaimer: Deeds and mortgages are recorded
as accurately as possible adhering to the cover
dates in the County Recorders’ office.