June 2008 - poconobusinessjournal.com

Transcription

Pocono Business Journal
Seven Bridge Road, RR# 5 Box 5198
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
Regional Business News & Resources
June 2008, Vol. 4, Issue 6
Wage Equity in the Poconos
THIS MONTH
Can Your Wages Compete
With Neighboring Counties?
• Can Your Wages Compete?.............................. p. 1
• Membership Has Its Benefits:
Chambers of Commerce................................. p. 6
• Antidote: Pocono Wage Gap............................ p. 7
• The State of the Unions................................. p. 12
• New Health Dept. for Monroe....................... p. 15
• Don’t Take the Merge Lightly........................ p. 21
• Professional Profile: Stroudsmoor ................ p. 16
• A Peek into Resort Wages, Tips...................... p. 17
• PBJ Columnists:
Business Coach........................................p. 5
CareerLink/Pike......................................p. 12
In the Commercial Zone........................p. 11
Leadership Carbon.................................p. 14
Perspectives on the Economy................p. 13
Regional Healthcare Report/Carbon......p. 10
Sustainable is Attainable/Carbon............p. 5
Tax Facts................................................p. 11
QUOTE
“You’re not going to get a sustainable
wage until you get a workforce that’s
trained to earn it.”
- Joe Merlino, Industry and Business
analyst for the Department of
Labor & Industry in Harrisburg
Full story on Page 8
National Patriots Month
6 Career Nurse Assistants
Day and Week
9 Men’s Health Week Begins
14 Flag Day
15 Father’s Day
21 First Day of Summer
QUESTION
How many business establishments are in Monroe County?
See GPCC Business Magazine ad
for the answer on page 10.
please recycle this paper
www.pbjonline.com
Photo credit: Perry Hebard
OBSERVE
Dawn Barankovich, a recruiter at the Palmerton Job Connection, stands behind job seeker Zachary Cebrosky, who is applying for a
warehouse position. Barankovich says it’s difficult matching the right person with the right job when many area employers are barely
paying above minimum wage.
By Ken Clark
If you try to hire a secondary school teacher, a truck driver
or just a day laborer in the Poconos, you’ll probably have no
trouble finding eager candidates.
On the other hand, if the job you’re trying to fill is that of an
office supervisor, a salesman or a registered nurse, you might find
your prospects climbing into cars or onto buses to join the 47,000
Pocono residents who, according to recent census figures, commute daily to New York, New Jersey or the Lehigh Valley in search
of more money.
Upshot: If you’re hiring in the Poconos, you may find that you
just can’t compete.
The “brain drain” syndrome that paints young people graduating from college finding no financial incentive to work here
while their parents either commute or move entirely out of the
area has long been an economic plague in Carbon, Monroe, Pike
and Wayne Counties, despite the struggle of employers to recruit
and retain skilled workers. In an effort to find out why and what
to do about it, Pocono Business Journal recently partnered with
the East Stroudsburg University’s labor economics students with
help from Dr. Patts Neelakantan of ESU’s Business and Economic
Research Group (BERG) to run an in-depth survey comparing
wages in the Poconos with those in Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne
and Northampton Counties. (Note: findings were highlighted in the
April issue of PBJ. This article has local wage experts weighing in
on the report’s findings.)
Dr. Neelakantan, a professor of economics, took on the job
and recruited 15 of his students. Using a list of “high priority occupations” compiled by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor &
see WAGES page 8
Professional Profile - Stroudsmoor Growth Formula Caters to Success page 16
2
Pocono Business Journal | June 2008
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
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
Susan Jorstad
Eric Mark
Nicholas Sergi
CONTRIBUTORS
Michael Baxter
Holly R. Corcoran
Cynthia DeFebo
Susan Gallagher
Rachel Hendricks
Chuck Leonard
Victoria Mavis
Richard Munson
Terry Purcell
Kristin Simmons
Mary Beth Wood
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Danielle Eberhardt
COPY EDITOR
Joan Groff
SALES
[email protected]
PRODUCTION/DESIGN
Allison Mosher
Jason Trump
PHOTOGRAPHY
Perry Hebard
CARTOONIST
Tanya Kerkslag
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
The Perfect Balance –
Working and Living in
the Poconos
If you’ve ever
had the opportunity to be on
any of the main arteries of the
Poconos in the early morning
hours, say 4:00 or 5:00 a.m., you will witness a
mass exodus of the gainfully employed residents from the region. Thousands of workers
migrate to New York and New Jersey for nothing more than better wages, I think. Really, why
else would someone spend upwards of three
or more hours in their car every day, travel far
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLES
Can Your Wages Compete?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 1
Membership Has Its Benefits: Chambers of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6
Antidote: Pocono Wage Gap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8
New MCTA Exec on the Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
Making the Poconos Sizzle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7
The State of the Unions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12
New Health Dept. for Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15
Professional Profile: Stroudsmoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 16
A Peek Into Resort Wages, Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 17
Don’t Take the Merge Lightly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 21
DEPARTMENTS
Book Review: “Beyond Booked Solid”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13
Business Briefs – Who’s Who/ What’s What. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 22
Business Cartoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 8
Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 26
Legislative Roundup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 20
Reader’s Resource. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
Columnists
Business Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
CareerLink/Pike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12
In the Commercial Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11
Leadership Carbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14
Perspectives on the Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13
Regional Healthcare Report/Carbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10
Sustainable is Attainable/Carbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5
Tax Facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 11
Op Ed PA Chamber of Business and Industry “Prevailing Wage Requirement”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4
Focus List – Chambers of Commerce/Economic Development Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 25
Register – Deeds, Mortgage Transactions and New Corporations/Fictitious Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 28
Advertisers Index
Associated Libraries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. . . . . . 6
Blue Mountain Healthcare Systems. . . . . . . . . 15
Buchart-Horn Inc./BASCO Associates. . . . . . . 14
Carl Pettry Seminars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Corporate Environments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ESSA Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
East Stroudsburg University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ESU Center for Research & Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
First Impression Career Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Great Wolf Lodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Greater Pocono Chamber of
Commerce Business Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Jena Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Journal Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Monroe County CareerLink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
NEPA Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Penn Security Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Pennstar Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
PenTeleData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pocono Commuter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Pocono Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Pocono Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Premier Administrative Resources. . . . . . . . . . 11
RGB Custom Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sherman Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
TN Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
University of Scranton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
from home, and sacrifice valuable time spent with
family and friends for something other than money.
At first blush this sounds rather shallow and
superficial, making money such a priority. But dig
a little deeper and the motivation lies in the reality
that there are too few jobs for too little money to be
able to live and work in the Poconos.
The upward spiral of gas prices places additional stress on the wage equity issue, forcing
folks to take a hard look at what they make at work
versus what they spend to get to work. Working
locally or moving closer to employment seem to be
the only two solutions.
Although the dynamic is too complex and
layered to explore in this small corner of the paper,
our articles aim to delve more into this issue. We
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East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209
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hope this leads to conclusions being drawn with
workable solutions that will, in time, help the
region reach equilibrium.
Marynell K. Strunk
Publisher/Editor
Contact me at [email protected]
3
Let us handle the details,
you bask in the glory
Are you ready for success?
JENACOMMUNICATIONS
Marketing | Public Relations | Media | Management | Creative
www.jenacommunications.com 570.476.6900
jena-ad.indd 1
5/20/2008 3:17:27 PM
4
OP ED
Perspectives, PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Prevailing Wage Requirement Defeats
Purpose of Keystone Opportunity Zones
HARRISBURG, PA – The incentives available to
businesses that locate within a Keystone Opportunity Zone would be diminished if prevailing wage
requirements remain in legislation (H.B. 2297)
that would expand the program, the Pennsylvania
Chamber of Business and Industry said recently.
“Expansion of prevailing wage would undermine the very purpose of Keystone Opportunity
Zones, which is to encourage economic activity in
underserved regions of the commonwealth,” said
Gene Barr, PA Chamber vice president of government and public affairs.
Pennsylvania’s Keystone Opportunity Zone
program was enacted in 1998, with additional
zones created in 2001, 2003 and 2004. The zones
offer property owners, residents and businesses
greatly reduced or no tax burden for a period of 10
years.
With the first of the zones set to expire this
year, the General Assembly is looking to extend the
program. On Tuesday, May 6, the House adopted
an amendment on second consideration that would
require all future public works projects undertaken
within a KOZ to (add) be subject to the prevailing
wage. The House passed the bill, with the prevailing wage amendment, on May 7.
Prevailing wage rates can add up to 30 percent
to the cost of school district and municipal capital
projects. Barr said similar cost add-ons could be
expected for projects undertaken within opportunity zones.
“It makes no sense to extend the Keystone Op-
portunity Zone program in order to encourage the
development of underutilized land and buildings
while, at the same time, forcing businesses that
would be helped to pay inflated labor rates,” Barr
said. “Doing so would reduce the benefits of locating or expanding within the KOZ.”
Barr said jobs and job opportunities would be
lost in regions of the commonwealth most in need
of economic growth if development programs are
burdened by the costs associated with the prevailing wage.
“Lawmakers who are interested in creating successful Keystone Opportunity Zones and fostering
business and job growth in parts of the state that
are struggling economically should rethink this
counter-productive requirement.”
Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of
Business and Industry is the state’s largest broadbased business advocacy association. PA Chamber
members comprise nearly 50 percent of the private
workforce. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice
of Business.
“Taste of PBJ” Takes Off
|
PBJ READER’S RESOURCE
www.workforce.com
Click on “Compensation, Benefits & Rewards” to find information on wages and
other methods of rewarding employees. See
what’s happening in your industry; blogs on
compensation and the global community;
articles on training; and tips on how progressive companies are finding ways to combat
fatigue in the workplace. Also check into
the Web seminar “Guide to Wage and Hour
Compliance,” and information on work/life
balance for your
employees.
Debbie Burke
In order to bring you more business news as it’s happening, we have recently launched “Taste of PBJ:
Business News Update.” This e-newsletter will initially be distributed once a month, in between publication dates (and more frequently as the news dictates).
“Taste of PBJ” promises quick, readable news written in a succinct style that doesn’t waste your
time.
If you do not yet receive “Taste of PBJ” and would like to, please email [email protected]
with your request.
5
COLUMN
Do You Hire Great Employees?
Business Coach
Rick Munson
“You can’t hire good employees in the Poconos.”
“All the good employees are working somewhere else.”
“People these days just aren’t as good as they were in
my day.” “This younger generation….” Have you ever
heard these lines or spoken these words yourself?
Hiring good employees is tough. But as Jim Collins
says in his book “Good to Great” it is crucial to building
a great company. As business owner, CEO, or president,
hiring is one of your most important duties. The myth
in small companies is that hiring bad employees doesn’t
matter much. But, in fact it is even more important in a
small company than a large company. One bad hire out
of 10 employees can literally be devastating, where the
100-employee company can probably weather one bad
apple.
It is amazing to me the companies that have been
crippled by poor employment choices. It creates a bad
situation to hire poorly. However, it is an even worse
situation to keep that poor employee and watch the daily
devastation.
Hiring great employees can help catapult your company forward. They help you in so many ways. Great
employees can actually make being a business leader
fun.
As a business coach, I believe hiring employees
should be a carefully planned process. It is as important
as the processes you use to ensure excellent customer
service. Or, the careful selection process to decide
which products to stock and sell. Yet too often, hiring
is rushed, an afterthought, then decisions are made with
too few good choices.
Before you begin, it helps to offer a desirable setting to work for prospective employees. If you are having difficulty attracting great prospects, it may be helpful
to look inward. Is your company a great place to work?
Are you a great boss to work for? Take a look around
and do a quick analysis. (Big hint: It is not necessarily
about the wages and benefits.)
Below is an abbreviated version of my “4 Hour
Hiring Process” that routinely helps business leaders in
hiring great employees:
• Start out with a great job description and performance
criteria
• Develop this into an outstanding advertisement (i.e., a
help wanted ad) with proper placement to yield many
great choices
• Carefully plan an interview process that saves you
time, yet ensures the great potentials get through and
the poor choices fall out
• Conduct background checks
• Give the best candidates pre-hire assessments to get
information on their skills, learning traits, personality,
and job fit for the opening
• Conduct thorough interviews with great open-ended
questions
• Make your decision objectively
• Use a well-thought-out induction process to get the
best choice off to a great start
Do your homework, design a great hiring process,
and hire great employees. You will thank yourself over
and over again.
Richard Munson is a Business Coach from ActionInternational. Munson works with businesses in NE
Pennsylvania to improve their success and achieve their
goals. Action-International is the world’s #1 business
coaching team. He can be reached at richardmunson@
actioncoach.com.
Two Great Locations
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Avoiding Ants in the Pants- and The Office Pantry
Sustainable is
Attainable
Susan Gallagher
Hooray for summer! Weekend barbeques,
sunshine and well-deserved vacations on sandy
beaches. That’s the good news. The bad news is
that summertime also brings the buzzing, biting
and stinging of annoying insects.
While the vast majority of insect types are
either benign or beneficial in their relationship
with man, there are species that range from mildly
annoying to downright dangerous. This summer,
we’ll no doubt encounter one of the most common
sorts of six-legged annoyances: the ant.
Ants can be beneficial. They help control many
other insect populations, churn and aerate soil as
efficiently as any earthworm, and serve as highly
capable ‘clean up’ crews, quickly scavenging dead
and decaying organic matter.
But inside our homes and offices, ants are pests.
Since they’re pests we’ve no chance of completely
eliminating, the best we can hope for is some level
of control and prevention.
Prevention isn’t very difficult, once you start
to think like an ant. Think about food and about
where an ant might find some.
For most workplaces, this would be the lunchroom. Prevention begins here, possibly by restrict-
ing eating to this one room. Fruit, candy or other
results in 78 million pounds of poison applied ansnacks left opened on desks or in drawers is an
nually. Since ants have been around for millions
invitation for pests of all sorts.
of years - and will probably stick around for a few
In the lunchroom, be sure to routinely wipe
million more - it’s unlikely we’ll wipe them out
crumbs from counters and tables. Wash and dry
anytime soon.
dishes as you use them, and rinse any residue from
There are dozens of homemade, non-toxic opdisposable containers before tossing them in the
tions for killing or repelling ants. For more infortrash.
mation, contact Carbon County Environmental
Re-sealable containers with tight-fitting lids are
Education Center at [email protected].
a wise investment for any office where chips, pretzels or other snacks are going to be stored. Sugar
Susan Gallagher is Chief Naturalist of the Carfrom the office coffee station should also be kept in
bon County Environmental Education Center. She
such a container at all times.
can be reached at (570) 645-8597 or by emailing
Some ants can crawl up into the lids of [email protected].
top containers, so these are
not advised. Use rubbersealed or snap-on lids
instead.
Houseplants are a great
iLÊ*ÀiÃÃ
Ê7
`

Ê>
`
i
way to keep workplace air
ÌÊ
-ii
fresh, and to brighten ev*, /ͩʜ љň
Й̜Ɏʜз˙
eryone’s spirits on a dreary
ǪѠљŐʜǪзίΒǪȸ ͩͩљňЙίɎʜззљ@ίͩίЙ
Monday morning. Howev҇
ͩίЙзљǪΒɳљ
Ϝ҃̚̚ѯљŝϱίѠљ@ί љίΒљ9ίѠ̉љňЙʜззʜз
er, the soil can harbor ants
‫ڙ‬Ǫ̜ͩǪȸͩʜ
as well. If this happens,
UÊ,"
1,-ÊUÊ9,-ÊUÊ/
/submerge the whole pot in
UÊÊ-/1,-ÊUÊ//,water for a few minutes,
UÊ 7-**,-ÊUÊ*,",-ÊUÊ 1allowing all of the insects
to crawl out and away.
Йί΁љǪљȸ҇з̜ΒʜззљɎǪЙɳљѠίљǪљ
Finally, think before
Ɏί΁ϱͩʜѠʜљΒʜ‫ڠ‬зϱǪϱʜЙљʹљ‫ڠ‬ʜљɎǪΒ
you spray. Poisons rarely
ɳίљѠ̉ʜљ͕ίȸљ˜ίЙљ˜ǪЙљͩʜззљ΁ίΒʜ‫ڮ‬ϼ
target the entire colony,
and can be hazardous
>Ê/ÊÀii
to your own health. By
one estimate, home (and
£nää{{ÎäÎÇÇ
office) use of pesticides
6
NEWS
Membership Has Its Benefits: What Our Chambers Can Do For You
By Susan Jorstad
CARBON REGIONAL COUNCILS:
business networking and a more regional approach.
Pennsylvania’s chambers of commerce offer
services and opportunities such as business referrals, networking (business card exchanges, monthly
meetings with speakers), online member directories
and avenues for advertising, educational workshops, event planning, and professional assistance
with new, small businesses and event planning.
Most have a printed and Web-based membership
directory. The Carbon, Delaware Water Gap and
Wayne Chambers also print brochures for visitors,
distributed locally and through Pocono
Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB).
Members also have the option to
purchase group health insurance coverage
for employees – health, dental, vision, life,
disability and/or long-term care – through
Blue Cross of Northeast PA ChamberChoice.
Here is a sampling of additional offerings, along with information on 2008
dues:
Jim Thorpe Council
P.O. Box 164, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(570) 325-5810 / 1-888-JIM-THORPE
www.jimthorpe.org
Dan Hugos, President
[email protected]
“Though we are a volunteer organization, we have
expanded our role as a business advocate by developing positions on local economic issues and encouraging
political support for beneficial projects. We work closely
with the CCCC and the PMVB to operate our downtown
visitor center and acquire funding for tourism-related
projects.”
– Dan Hugos, President
Founded in 1983 to promote the downtown historic
area of Jim Thorpe and to help attract tourism; grew to
encompass traditional chamber-related functions such as
see CHAMBERS page 9
CARBON
Carbon County Chamber Of Commerce
(CCC)
110 North Third St.,
Lehighton, PA 18235-1567
(610) 379-5000
www.carboncountychamber.org
Michael Heery, President/
Executive Director
[email protected]
Membership:
$50 - Associate
$150 - Professional
$150 - Small Business (fewer than 10
employees)
$250 to 1,000 – Business & Industry (sliding scale for 10 to 100+ employees)
Joint Dues Sharing Program
Members may affiliate with one or more
of six regional councils, with one third of
their dues apportioned. This eliminates
competition for membership dollars and
assures the viability of the local councils
and community programs.
Benefits:
• Reciprocal membership to NEPA
• Monthly newsletter, email action alerts
• Member-to-member direct mail opportunities
Events/Programs:
• Annual dinner & awards presentation
• CCCC Business Expo
• Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival
• Leadership Carbon
MICHAEL HEERY,
Carbon County Chamber
of Commerce
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Or helping to prevent it, now. What if you could help your employees
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223_FLOWERS_7.4063x10.536.indd 1
9/20/07 10:09:48 AM
7
New Transportation Exec “On the Go”
Photo credit: MCTA
Richard Schlameuss
of Monroe County
Transportation
Authority
By Debbie Burke
Monroe County Transportation Authority (Scotrun)
has a new assistant executive director. Richard
Schlameuss, formerly of Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance, is responsible for the oversight of special
programs, advertising and a variety of duties at MCTA.
He has worked for over twelve years in non-profit and
governmental agencies, and has experience in housing,
transportation and health.
Schlameuss shared some noteworthy items with PBJ
including:
•The hybrids are coming: MCTA is purchasing
two hybrid buses and two new diesel buses,
aiming for higher fuel efficiency. The vehicles
are expected to roll out before 2010.
•MCTA has just completed Phase I of a recently
awarded contract with Abrams-Cherwony and
Associates, transportation consultants of Philadelphia. The project’s goal is to prepare a shortterm, comprehensive Transit Development Plan
for the agency’s use over the next three to five
years. According to Schlameuss, “AbramsCherwony and Associates began their activity in
May 2007. Stakeholders were interviewed, bus
riders surveyed, current services evaluated, and
more. Information gathered from the research
will be incorporated into a document that will
help MCTA prepare for the future by enhancing
service delivery and developing a capital plan.”
•MCTA is seeking feedback from Monroe County businesses on possible increased service to meet demands.
One of MCTA’s goal is to make forty business contacts to find out what employers’ public transportation
needs are. (For more information, contact Iris Rivera
at [email protected].)
Contact PBJ
for Ad Rates.
www.pbjonline.com
e-mail: [email protected]
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
Making the Poconos
Sizzle for Tourists
Photo credit: Pocono Business Journal
NEWS
Crystal Maisel of Mountaintop Lodge
By Debbie Burke
At the recent Tourism Achievement Awards Luncheon
held at Pocono Manor, over 200 Pocono Mountains Visitors
Bureau members representing a wide swath of the resorts and
destination facilities came to celebrate tourism’s cream of the
crop. Presenters discussed cutting-edge technologies and strategies to keep the Pocono region fore-of-mind for visitors and
vacationers. “I came here to learn about tourism and marketing, says Crystal Maisel (in photo), Operations, Mountaintop
Lodge, Pocono Pines. “We want to move forward with Internet
marketing. Everything’s changing. We now are available
24/7.”
The PMVB honored the following award winners:
• Tara Wilson, restaurant manager, The French Manor –
Brand Hero Award
• Amy Gryn, front office supervisor, Split Rock Resort –
Brand Hero Award
• Donna Smith, general manager, Bushkill Falls – Lifetime
Achievement Award
• Rob Howell, general manager, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year Award
• Hampton Inn Lehighton – Community Service Award
• Great Wolf Lodge – Community Service Award
• The Settlers Inn – Green Award
• Split Rock Resort & Golf Club – Brand Champion Award
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8
NEWS
WAGES... cont. from page 1
Industry, the students selected ten jobs applicable to the Poconos. Wages paid - adjusted for property taxes, cost of living and median home prices - then were compared, county
by county, to come up with a sustainable wage profile.
Occupations surveyed included secretaries, truck drivers, general and operations managers, laborers, office clerks,
secondary school teachers in math, science and foreign languages, registered nurses, maintenance and repair workers,
sales representatives and office administrators, and support
workers.
The survey found that, overall, paychecks in Lehigh
County were the highest, while those in Carbon County
ranked the lowest, but Monroe, Pike and Wayne also were
near the bottom of the wage scale, compared with Lehigh
(used as a baseline for the study).
Will the BERG study aid Pocono employers in their
quest to recruit and maintain a sustainable workforce? Joe
Merlino of the Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg and Joseph J. Sebelin, executive director of the Pocono
Counties Workforce Investment Area, both of whom have
seen the survey, give it a qualified evaluation.
Merlino said the survey’s methodology and data are
solid, but he found two areas which needed improvement.
“When I look at the wage comparisons, the study
speaks of entry level, median and experienced, and that’s
good,” he said. “However, later on, under comparison of
annual wages, they’re marked ‘Wages may be lower [or
higher] by 10% or more when adjusted for cost of living
compared to Lehigh County.’ Is it 25% or 45%; how much
lower or how much higher? It leaves the reader wondering
how much of a gap there is.”
Merlino, whose agency (D&L) works in the same statistical realm as that in which the study was prepared, also
noted that while entry and median wage levels are meticulously detailed, the “experienced” level is largely neglected.
“This shows wages for registered nurses at entry level
and median level, but they do not mention the experienced
nurse,” he said. “You know, if I’m going in for heart surgery, I want an experienced nurse.”
Sebelin said the figures closely coincide with wage
studies compiled by his own agency. “We did a self-sufficiency wage analysis of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne
in September of 2007,” he said. “Carbon had a self sufficiency wage listed as $24,961, Monroe at $38,107, Pike at
$33,462 and Wayne at $28,169, with an overall average in
the Poconos at $30,000.”
But while his figures generally match those of the
report, Sebelin said the commuter culture is deeply entrenched, and that it will take more than wage scales alone
to stem it.
“When we talk to folks, they say it’s actually an easier
commute to do the two hours from Monroe to Manhattan
than it is from Staten Island to Manhattan,” he said. “A
number of years ago, we did a random survey of people who
make that commute and we said, ‘Look, you’re driving into
Manhattan. If you could work within a 20 to 30-mile radius
of your home for two dollars less an hour, would you do it?’
The answer was no. It wasn’t the wage, it was, ‘I have 23
years in that company. I have vested benefits, I’m looking at
retirement. I can’t afford to pull out.’
“If you live in Carbon County, your commuting trek
is into the Lehigh Valley. I thought it was Nirvana down
there until I started interacting with people from the Lehigh
Valley and they tell me they’ve got a problem because their
people are driving an hour south to Montgomery and Chester and Bucks for more money. Our people go there and
their people go further south.”
Dawn Barankovich, recruiter for Palmerton Job Connection Services in Carbon County, doesn’t have to work
with statistical analyses, charts and bar graphs to assess
wage levels in the Poconos. Job seekers come to her, right
down among the grassroots of unemployment, displacement
and need. Her mission, she said, is a simple one: “The right
person for the right job.”
When she receives calls from prospective employers
asking for people to fill specific jobs at a specified rate of
pay, she matches their needs with her database of job seekers and attempts to put the two together. But pay scales are,
for many positions, barely above minimum wage.
“I find that a minimum sustainable wage for the area is
between $10 and $12 an hour,” she said. “Factory workers
are looking for $10.50 in the warehouses. Most of them are
only making between $7.50 and $9 an hour.”
Barankovich said the economic downturn is driving the
jobless rate, and that clients laid off or downsized are not
finding the wages they have enjoyed in the past.
“We’re getting a lot of truck drivers and professionals
-- people you wouldn’t expect to get,” she said. “Employers expect a lot for $10 an hour. We’ve had people say, ‘We
need a professional for $9 an hour.’ It’s very hard to fill that
kind of position for such little pay. These are very tough
times. I’ve had people tell me, ‘I’ve applied everywhere I
could possibly apply, online and out there, submitting applications everywhere.’ My heart goes out to them.”
Hearts should go out to local employers too. Consider
this conclusion from the ESU students: “…We feel that the
Poconos are not paying adequate wages to some workers.
Due to the higher cost of living in the Poconos, people who
live and work in the area need more income to live comfortably. Our research supported that the highest wages, when
compared to the cost of living, can be found in the Lehigh
Valley (which) has a lower average cost of living and pays
entry level police officers, experienced nurses, accountants,
general managers and maintenance workers higher wages
[than Pocono counties]. A solution for those living in the
Pocono area who would like to make more money but continue living in the area (is they) can choose to commute to
the Lehigh Valley.”
Thoughts on an Antidote: Pocono Wage Gap
By Ken Clark
Bright kids graduate, and go away. Commuters
live here, but work elsewhere. Families, displaced by
downsizing or plant closings in economic hard times,
move away because they can’t find other jobs in
the Poconos. Conventional wisdom says low wages
in all four counties are to blame for the Diaspora,
and economic studies reveal the fact that most local
paychecks are not competitive with those earned
elsewhere. But experts immersed in studying the situation have another culprit in mind.
“You’re not going to get a sustainable wage until
you get a workforce that’s trained to earn it,” says
Joe Merlino, Industry and Business analyst for the
Department of Labor & Industry in Harrisburg. Joseph Sebelin, executive director of Pocono Counties
Workforce Investment Area in Jim Thorpe, independently concurs. “The big concern of any company
coming into the area is, ‘Are you going to have a
trained workforce?’” he said. “It’s economic development, workforce development and the missing link:
education.”
Merlino said communities with “a higher education base” invariably see higher wages in their areas.
How do we stack up? For example, Lackawanna and
Luzerne Counties boast thirteen colleges and universities, while, to the south, Lehigh and Northampton together offer twelve. The four counties of the
Poconos have only East Stroudsburg University,
Northampton Community College and two technical institutes, in Monroe and Carbon, which Merlino
maintains are not enough to fill the workforce pipeline needed to lure industry in.
“People who pay wages have to be able to afford
those wages for their product,” he said. “Samuel
Gompers, the great labor organizer of the 1930s, was
telling his rank and file folks that the greatest enemy
of the working man is a company that does not earn a
prof-
it, because when they don’t earn profits, they don’t
exist.” Sebelin agreed that the educational system has
its flaws, especially in the average high school which,
as a rule, has five janitors but only one guidance
counselor to steer young people into fields where
they are most needed.
“How many parents know what careers are out
there?” he said. “It’s been twenty or twenty-five years
since they’ve had to do anything, careerwise.” Sebelin added, however, that Monroe County, in partnership with ESU in its “2+2+2” program, is beginning
to make some watershed changes. The program is
designed to counsel and guide 11th and 12th grade
high school students in math and the sciences, first
to Northampton Community College in quest of a
two-year Associate’s degree, then into ESU where
credits for those two years will be accepted as lower
division requirements, leaving the student only two
years away from a Bachelor’s degree. Sebelin said,
however, that even if such students do not elect to
go on into the four-year curriculum, they still come
out equipped for jobs with such high-paying employers as sanofi pasteur and Tobyhanna Army Depot.
“You spend two years in a community college and
you walk out with an Associate’s degree in electronics and you can get a job today at Tobyhanna for
$38,000 a year,” Sebelin said. “But it’s so hard to
convince parents. Parents see their kids as having to
have a four-year college degree.
“Even at a state institution, you’re spending
$15,000, and that’s cheap. Take 15 times four and
you get a base of $60,000. Go to community college for two years and you might have an investment
of only $12,000. There are some wonderful careers
out there. We just need the link for a mindset in the
school districts to get enough people in the pipeline
so that they can live and work in the Poconos.”
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9
ECONOMY
CHAMBERS... cont. from page 6
DAVID ALTHOUSE, Penn
Kidder Chamber of Commerce
Lehighton Area Council
110 N. Third St., Suite 201, P.O. Box 483, Lehighton,
PA 18235
(610) 377-2191
http://www.lehightonchamber.org
William Billowitch, President
[email protected]
“Once business owners discover the opportunities
available, coupled with the positive and productive team
atmosphere we enjoy, they seem to find it a benefit they
choose to become a part of… We are all volunteers who
work well together in an effort to grow each other’s
businesses (and) enhance and benefit our community.”
Not available for comment.
Palmerton Chamber
410 Delaware Avenue, P. O. Box 214,
Palmerton, PA 18071
(610) 824-5100
http://www.palmertonpa.com/chamber
Peter Kern, President
[email protected]
Future direction and growth of the council will be determined from the results of
a recent membership survey sent to members and prospects. Results are anticipated this summer, according to Renee
Slakoper, acting secretary.
Penn Kidder Chamber
P.O. Box 421,
Lake Harmony, PA 18624
(570) 401-0618
www.PennKidderChamber.org
David Althouse, President/
Vice Chairman
[email protected]
Benefits:
• Reciprocal membership with GPCC,
PMVB, Greater White Haven Chamber and West End Business Group of
Brodheadsville
• Ability to post Web ads and coupons
• Meetings on the second Thursday of
the month at 7 p.m. Changing locations gives members exposure, makes
them more fun and shares the burden.
• Periodic incentives such as three free
months of membership (via CCCC)
or a free temporary listing on PKC’s
Web site.
Events (sampling):
• Breakfast meetings: second Wednesday of each
month at 8:30 a.m. at a member restaurant
• Chamber Benefit Golf Tournament (June 12, 2008)
• 5th Annual Founder’s Day Celebration (June 28,
2008)
• Downhill Derby, 2nd Annual Revival (July 26,
2008)
“We really place our emphasis on creating and supporting family-friendly ‘good times’ events that will bring
visitors in to appreciate our quaint, little borough and
the unique restaurants, shops, and services it offers.”
– Michael Miller, President
Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce (GPCC)
556 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Phone: (570) 421-4433 Fax: (570) 424-7281
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Robert Phillips, President/CEO
[email protected]
This council is currently being re-structured.
Membership:
Many categories; call for more information.
Benefits:
• Guest on GPCC’s radio show and advertising in
Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Business
Magazine
• Online newsletter, Impact
• Business Resource Center
Events:
• Women in Business Luncheon; Save Our Planet
MONROE
Delaware Water Gap Chamber
P.O. Box 144, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327
(570) 476-0331
www.delawarewatergap.com
Michael Miller, President
PETER KERN, Palmerton
Chamber of Commerce
Panther Valley Area Council
P.O. Box 219, Lansford, PA 18232
(570) 645-5000 ext. 227
Angela Costello, President
– David Althouse, PKC President and
Vice-Chairman, CCCC
Weatherly Area Council
103 Carbon St., Weatherly, PA 18255
(570) 427-8975
Gary Makuch, President
Benefits:
• Access to advertising on PACC’s full-size billboard,
Rt. 248
• Luncheons with guest speakers, held the second
Tuesday of each month at Bert’s Steak House
• Limited amount of low-interest loan funds for business start-up or improvement
“The Palmerton Council is proud to be
a part of the Carbon County Chamber of
Commerce. By working together we have
provided our membership with greater
opportunities for growth. Being associated with 500 other businesses and organizations within Carbon County yields
long-term benefits to local communities
such as the Palmerton area.” – Peter Kern, President
$10 individual
Membership:
$75 large business (10+ employees)
$35 small business
$15 family
see CHAMBERS page 18
Stay on Course This Summer at
EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
of Pennsylvania
A Member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Register Now for One or More Summer Courses at ESU
SIX WEEK SESSION STARTS JUNE 9




Select courses from a wide variety of fields.
Accelerate your academic program.
Complete a requirement.
Distance education and home study courses
are available.
SUMMER 2008
Main Session
June 9 to July 18
Post-Session
July 21 to August 8
For a complete schedule and
registration information, visit
www.esu.edu
and click on Summer Sessions.
Or call (570) 422-2872.
Register on-line or in person.
www.esu.edu
10
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare Industry Responds to Wage Pressures
Regional Healthcare Report
Terry Purcell
The healthcare industry is facing a serious shortage of employees and the shortage is projected to
intensify in the next decade. Shortages are severe
among both clinical and non-clinical workers, including nurses, therapists, radiology technicians, pharmacists, medical record personnel, housekeepers and
food service personnel. These workforce deficencies
are resulting in increased wages for healthcare workers.
According to a the Department of Labor, the
average worker in Carbon County earns $28,818 per
year, in Luzerne County the average worker earns
$35,000 and in Lackawanna County, the average
wage is $33,000. The average employee at the Blue
Mountain Health System earns $43,000 per year.
Wages in the healthcare industry tend to be higher
because many healthcare positions require advanced
education. Registered Nurses have two to four
years of education, pharmacists have seven years of
education, and physical therapists have six years of
training. Our healthcare system employes over 1,000
individuals and has approximately 150 job classifications.
The healthcare industry does compete with private industry for employees. Approximately 25% of
our workforce are either unskilled or are entry level
positions that we provide on-the-job training. The
healthcare industry has a difficult time attracting these
individuals because the wages in private industry tend
to be higher for this group. In the past, hospitals had
no difficulty recruiting these individuals but the workforce shortage is affecting all industries. The time to
fill an entry level job is increasing as the workforce
shortage is intensifying.
The healthcare industry also employs many
highly skilled employees in Accounting, Information Technology, Finance, and General Management.
There are workforce shortages in these areas as well.
Private industry tends to pay higher salaries for these
positions and healthcare employers are forced to
increase their wages to remain competitive.
In summary, the healthcare industry pays higher
wages in general in northeastern Pennsylvania. The
primary reason is the increased workforce shortage.
Employers tend to increase wages when experiencing difficult times recruiting and retaining employees.
This causes other employers to increase their wage
plans and the result is we all experience increased
wage expenses. The healthcare worker shortage will
get worse before it gets better. The Department of Labor projects a shortage of 1 million nurses by the year
2020. This will increase the wage pressures on every
healthcare employer.
The Blue Mountain Health System pays market
based wages to its employees. Every year, the hospital receives market data regarding the wages paid to
healthcare employees in the region. The market data
is reviewed and a wage comparison is made to other
healthcare providers. Market adjustments are made
to various positions to ensure the system is paying
competitive wages. It is extremely important to pay
competitively in order to recruit and retain our valuable employees in a competitive environment.
Terry Purcell is the vice president of Ambulatory
and Support Services for the Blue Mountain Health
System in Lehighton. Purcell has more than 20 years
experience in human resources with healthcare
organizations. Blue Mountain Health System may be
reached by calling (610) 377-7148 or email
[email protected].
HR Tidbit
By Victoria Mavis
Q. What should you do when an employee who is serving on jury duty is
released by the court and doesn’t report
back to work?
A. It is important to clearly inform employees that they are responsible to be at
work unless they are actively serving on
jury duty. Provided this has been done,
the company should then discipline the
employee as they would for any other
unexcused absence.
1151 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570-655-5581 Fax: 570-654-5137
www.nepa-alliance.org
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
For more information, contact:
John Wozniak at ext. 242 or [email protected]
Dave Nat at ext. 243 or [email protected]
11
COLUMN
Protecting Your Small Business From Fraud
Tax Facts
Holly R. Corcoran, CPA
We’ve all heard stories of how money was embezzled from some unsuspecting business. However,
many times we may not hear about fraud because
the business owner chooses not to pursue the issue.
Many find the cost to hire professionals to quantify
the damage and pursue justice far outweighs the benefit.
In many cases, this could have been avoided, to
save time and money in the long run. In our practice,
we’ve seen many trusting business owners allow
some employees too much freedom over the company’s cash and other assets. Ninety percent of the
time, these employees are honest and would never
steal anything. However, why take that chance when
there are simple measures that can be employed to
reduce the opportunity for embezzlement or fraud?
deposits, recording the transactions in the accounting
software, signing checks and balancing the checkbook. One suggestion is to have someone who does
not record the transactions go to the bank with the deposit and have the owner sign checks, the bookkeeper
record the transaction and another capable employee
either prepare or review the bank reconciliations.
2) Do not have a signature stamp unless you have
segregation between the signature and approval of
bill payments separate from the recording function.
In a small organization, the owner should be the one
signing the checks. In an instance where having a
signature stamp cannot be avoided, be sure someone
other than the person who records the transactions has
control over the stamp and would not be in a position
to misappropriate funds.
counting function.
Overall, these precautions protect the owner
as well as the employee and can save a significant
amount of money. In our firm, we advise our clients
on a day-to-day basis how to best protect their business. If you are unsure whether you are leaving an
opening for fraud, ask your accountant to review your
procedures.
Holly R. Corcoran, CPA is the president of Holly R.
Corcoran, CPA, Inc. providing quality, professional
accounting and tax services for businesses and individuals since 1991. Visit www.hrcorcorancpa.com.
There is something
in the water
3) Online banking information should be closely
safeguarded and should be separated from the recordkeeping function or designated to an employee who
does not perform the accounting for the company.
Here are a few suggestions:
4) Access to the receipt of cash should be separate
from the ability to write off an accounts receivable.
Write-offs of receivables should have a specific
authorization procedure so that an employee does not
have the opportunity to pocket cash and credit the
receivable thereby covering his or her trail.
1) Segregation of duties: The employee who has
control over the recordkeeping function should not
have control over the cash. For instance, the bookkeeper should not have the duties of making all
5) Employee bonding should be used where it may
be difficult to safeguard the company’s assets fully
due to staffing challenges or the inability of the owner
to be intimately involved with the company’s ac-
As the weather warms, water is your best bet
for hydrating your workforce. The calorie-free
and relatively inexpensive liquid is essential to
one’s overall health. Therefore, individuals should
not rely on thirst alone to indicate when they
need to refuel. While not an exact measurement,
the eight-by-eight standard (i.e., drinking eight
8-ounce glasses of water a day) is a good rule of
thumb.
Wanted - Leadership
Michael Baxter
I hate to overuse a metaphor, but let’s face it: “It’s
easy to captain a ship in a calm sea.” Right now the
“economic sea” is fairly turbulent and it is affecting
nearly all businesses and individuals both locally and
nationally.
I think the overall biggest problem we face is
fear of the unknown and how we deal with that fear
requires leadership. We are in a presidential election
year so the media has lots to report. The candidates
are focused on telling you what is wrong with our
country and the economy, and making the voters
afraid of what will happen if the wrong leader is
elected. The reality is that “fear” is what wins elections, and it has always been a part of politics.
Now is the time for all of us to demonstrate our
leadership skills. It doesn’t matter if you are the
owner or manager of a business, an elected official
or the head of your household, now is not the time to
wallow in or commiserate about all of the negativity
out there and talk about all of the factors that are out
of our control. Now is the time to step up and focus
on all of the positive things you can do to guide your
employees, constituents or families through these
rough waters. The reality is that the real leaders out
there will help weather the storm and still be there
when calmer seas return as they always do. History has demonstrated this time after time. So,
encourage the people around you to stay focused
and more productive. As someone once said,
“A good leader inspires others with confidence.
A great leader inspires them with confidence in
themselves.”
In the real estate industry this is the time
when the cream rises to the top. The agents and
brokers who are committed to the real estate
industry are still caring for their clients and
customers, working even harder to provide more
customer service. Now is not the time to avoid
communication with your clients but the time to
increase communication to keep them informed.
Real leaders will focus on and put more effort
into the things that they can control to compensate for the uncontrollable outside factors.
So when you walk into that voting booth to
choose our next national leader, don’t make your
choice based on fear, but on the best person to
lead our country through the challenges of the
future. In the meantime, now is the time to demonstrate those leadership skills. It’s time to turn
things up a few notches and stay more focused
than ever on savoring the
opportunities that are still
out there. Be a leader.
Michael J. Baxter, CCIM
is the Broker/Owner of
Michael Baxter and Associates located in Tannersville. He can be reached at
(570) 620-1900 or through
his blog at www.pbjonline.
com/blog.
In the
Commercial Zone
please recycle this paper
Soft Landing - The Pocono Mountains Association
of Realtors recently held its first annual Trade Show/
Expo at The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake (Reeders). Melinda Statler, co-founder of the startup First
Impressions Staging and Design, says comfortable
furnishings, placed strategically, help move homes
quicker for those buyers who ‘must sell to buy.’
During the walk-through process, an inviting interior “helps buyers visualize themselves in their new
home.”
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12
COLUMN
Pocono Wage Stats Speak to Gender Inequity
Pike County CareerLink
Cindy DeFebo
When I first received the email about the topic of
the month [wage equality in the Poconos] I initially
felt like I was handed a loaded gun. I thought, being
a woman in the workforce, if I deny wage gaps exist,
women will stone me. If I declare the injustice, my male
counterparts will view me as a complainer. After giving
it some time and consideration I decided it best to “stick
to the facts.”
My personal experiences in the workforce can be
viewed either way. I remember applying for a job as
a shipping/receiving clerk many years ago and being
insulted when the man conducting the interview insinuated he needed a man for the job. How dare he! I had
all the qualifications and as the ad stated I could easily
lift 50 pounds. But the next job I applied for as a retail
manager, I got the job because I was a woman. As for
my most recent employment history my wages have
been comparable to my male predecessors.
As the director (and formerly a programs adminis-
trator) of Workforce Development, I cannot recall any
complaints regarding this topic so I was surprised by the
statistical data. I searched the Internet and contacted
my friend Steven N. Zaricki, Research & Information
Manager for Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance. We’ll
let the numbers speak for themselves.
According to the Pennsylvania State Data Center
and the U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2004 American
Community Survey, for both men and women, earnings
capacity increases with education. However, females at
all levels of education earn less, on average, than their
male counterparts do. At the median, women (25 years
and over) earned 64.7% of men’s earnings in Pennsylvania for 2004. Women without high school degrees
were at the greatest disadvantage, earning just 54.8% of
males with the same level of education. Highly educated females with graduate or professional degrees had
significantly lower median earnings than males with
bachelor’s degrees.
A variation in the gender earnings gap also occurs
by race and ethnicity. The female-to-male earnings ratio
at the median for year-round, full-time workers was
74.5% in 2004. For white women, the earnings gap was
73.8%; for African Americans, the gap was smaller,
with African American women earning close to 94%
of what African American men earned. However, this
The State Of The Unions
While the number of companies whose employees
have banded together to create workforce unions has
steadily decreased in the Poconos as well as throughout the
nation, there are still a few notable industries in the region
that continue to have them. Locally, union shops include
Liz Claiborne and United Envelope, both of Mt. Pocono,
and Excel Storage Products in East Stroudsburg, according
to Michelle Bisbing, director of marketing for the Pocono
Mountain Economic Development Corporation. In addition to these and other manufacturing companies, Bisbing
said that both transit and transportation organizations such
as Roadway Express, Martz Trailways and the Monroe
County Transit Authority operate with a union workforce
base.
According to Allan Dabrow, an attorney at Jackson
Lewis LLP (Philadelphia) with expertise in labor/ employment law, the number of unions in this country has decreased since the National Labor Relation Act was enacted
into Federal Law in 1935. This allowed for a company’s
employees to bind together for the collective bargaining
of various employee rights such as working conditions,
on-the-job safety packages, and wages, provided that 30%
or more of the employees who wish to bargain collectively
sign union authorization cards so that a union is recognized
by the government’s National Labor Relations Council.
Dabrow says that while unions have played an important
historical role in the workplace, with at one time, over 40%
of the companies in the nation using unionized employees,
“today it has become less and less of a factor and that number has become closer to 8%.”
One of the factors accountable for this decline, he
says, is the fact “today there are many federal laws in place
that companies have to follow” whose purpose is to secure
safe working conditions and the protection of the rights of
employees. “No employer is required to agree to collective
bargaining that is not beneficial to the company,” he said,
adding that it is becoming more common for employers to
resist the need for unions by opening the lines of communication and instituting practices that will allow employees
to deal directly with the company rather going through an
outside firm.
Locally, about 450 registered nurses employed at the
Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg joined JNESO
(Jersey Nurses Economic Security Organization) in 1993.
Members have used collective bargaining to help obtain
better wages, pensions, and benefits at the medical center,
according to Joan Campagna, a registered nurse at PMC
and president of JNESO. She added that as members
of the union, the nurses of Pocono Medical Center have
Photo credit: George Roberts Productions LLC
By Nicholas Sergi
United Envelope of Mount Pocono has unionized
employees working with equipment in the plant.
Employers seeking to resist unions should, according
to experts, ensure a safe work environment, pay fairly,
and keep lines of communication open.
had more of a voice regarding the working conditions of
the center. “We have formed a joint committee with the
hospital, where we can meet with management to discuss
policies and procedures.” Prior to joining JNESO in 1993,
registered nurses at Pocono Medical Center were part of
Pennsylvania Nurses Association, which wasn’t as good a
fit, notes Campagna, because the association “didn’t have
a keen sense of the needs of working nurses and focused
more on educators and managers.”
According to a management source at Pocono Medical
Center, a new contract between the center and JNESO was
finalized on January 20, 2006 and took effect on February
1 of the same year. “Pocono Medical Center and JNESO
have always had an amicable relationship and are both
committed to quality patient care. The medical center and
our nurses work hand-in-hand under a shared governance
model to exceed the standards of care and meet the needs of
our community.” said Kathleen E. Kuck, interim president
and CEO.
Campagna added that she and the members are satisfied with PMC’s contract, which ends on January 21, 2009.
“The current establishment at Pocono Medical Center has
shown that it is willing to give the nurses a voice.”
relative equity was mitigated by the fact that the median
earnings of African American men were significantly
lower than for all men in general. Similarly, Hispanic or
Latino origin women earned 93% of their male counterparts’ median earnings, yet the earnings of both men and
women of Hispanic or Latino origin were significantly
lower than the national average. The most equitable
conditions exist for Asians: Asian women and men
enjoyed higher-than-average median earnings in 2004
and a smaller earnings gap than the national average
(79.0%).
It’s important to point out that although the goals
of The Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963 have not been
reached, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that
nationwide, women’s salaries in relation to men’s have
risen dramatically, from 62% of men’s earnings in 1970
to 80% in 2004.
Cynthia DeFebo is the Director of Pike County Workforce Development Agency, located in Shohola, PA.
PCWDA is part of a four-county consortium, Pocono
Counties Workforce Investment Area, and is overseen
by the Pike County Commissioners and Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board, whose goal is to bring
together regional employers and local job seekers. Call
(570) 296-2909 for more information.
Union Avoidance 101
While unions and management can co-exist, there are
ways that organizations can resist unions, according to Allan Dabrow:
- Provide fair wages and benefits
- Keep open lines of communication between employees
and management
- Ensure the consistent application of rules and
procedures.
- Show a respect for employees, including finding ways
to allow employees to balance the needs of the job with
other, personal issues
- Treat employees with dignity
- Ensure the consistent application of corrective action
when there is a problem.
- Establish set problem-solving procedures
- Provide both technical and skills training for employees
as well as interpersonal training for members of management.
Dabrow adds that when employers behave a
certain way, it will probably be repeated by employees
as well. “Those in management should consider reacting to any situation in this manner: ‘How would you
feel if your parent or your child were telling you about a
situation at the workplace; how would you deal with that
situation?’” Management, he says, should identify situations that could cause employees to be uncomfortable,
and should be more proactive in solving such problems
before they escalate.
Associated Libraries of
Monroe County
Barrett Library
570-595-7171
Clymer Library
570-646-0826
Hughes Library
570-421-0800
Pocono Mt. Library
570-894-8860
Pocono Township Library
570-629-5858
W. Pocono Library
570-992-7934
Smithfield Library
570-223-1881
13
ECONOMY
Perspectives on the Economy: Wages
CARBON COUNTY
Declined to participate
MONROE COUNTY
Chuck Leonard, Executive Director
Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corp. (PMEDC)
Average wages in Monroe County, for most ocupations, are among the highest in Pennsylvania when compared to other rural counties. In 2006, the Annual Median
Family Income in Monroe County was $63,800. Compare
that to Somerset County’s $44,800, Sullivan County’s
$45,300 and Wayne County’s $49,600. Whenever statements like this are made during local presentations, groans
usually follow. Many of our residents commute to work
every day in New Jersey and New York where wages are
much higher. Their view of wages is naturally based on
perceptions developed in a different marketplace.
An important thing to remember: in a free economy
it is the marketplace that determines wages. A company
must pay what the market requires in order to attract a
workforce. In recent years, companies locating here have
typically paid in the 90th to 100th percentile in their respective job classifications. They know that to compete for
employees, they should pay people a competitive wage so
people apply for their jobs.
One of the companies recently locating in Monroe
County had originally told us it hoped to pay an entry level
wage of $10 to $12 dollars per hour. Similar jobs at other
local companies were paying $2 to $4 per hour more than
this and the company had to increase its entry level wage.
In our area, the right skills will get you a very good
job. We hear from many local companies that many available positions go unfilled due to the lack of applicants
with the right skills. There is significant evidence that the
U.S. is not preparing its people for the new kinds of opportunities that are available in our economy. Americans’
unlimited vocational choices contribute to a system that
has difficulty getting information to job seekers in a format
that enables them to adjust their career goals and training
targets toward the jobs that are and will be available.
Programs like WIRED, in cooperation with our institutions of higher education, are critical components to our
future. A prepared workforce with the right training and
skills is the solution to better wages.
PIKE COUNTY
Rachel Hendricks
Vice President, Pike Industrial Development Corp. (PIDCO)/ Deputy
Director for Economic Development,
Pike County Industrial and Commercial Development Authority
The Equal Pay Act is summarized as “Equal Pay for
Equal Work.” The law provides exceptions for pay systems
based on seniority, merit, measures of quantity or quality of
production, or any other basis than sex. The collective data
typically used to decry wage equity gaps doesn’t take these
measures into account; it does not compare wages within a
company, and it strictly measures earnings by gender.
EDITOR’S PICK – BOOK REVIEW
“Beyond Booked Solid”
By Debbie Burke
How do you fill up your business ‘dance
card’ to get beyond booked solid- with all the
clients you could ever wish for? “Beyond Booked
Solid” author
Michael Port
says you are
the architect
of your business, and you
can (with lots
of well-spent
effort), put the
systems, plans,
and actions in
place to grow
it.
The
subsystems
within your
organizationnot at the heart
of making your
widgets but
your supporting functions like marketing, accounting, customer service, human resources- are all interconnected. Therefore they all need to be running
smoothly. But not by you, the big picture planner.
These ancillary components are meant to be the
time savers - liberating you to do what you love:
innovate and plan in order to grow. Building such a
systems-based approach eats up your time initially.
Other time hogs are things like research, emails,
seminars, travel, IT issues, and meetings. But after
the support trusses are built and the business can
run with the talented executives and managers you
Image courtesy of John Wiley and Sons
have chosen, you end up freer, with more opportunities to pursue.
Self-awareness will help you grow, Port says.
Identify qualities you already have but weren’t particularly aware of, like your creativity, curiosity, and
ambition. Such positive characteristics, once recognized, will help you move forward to the enviable
“beyond booked solid” status.
Another tip: be ahistorical, or, unconfined by
your past. Business owners are not fated to continue
the same solutions to new challenges. Where do
you want to go? Prepare your future now, he says,
by opening up to different experiences, different
responses. Port provides numerous vignettes throughout the book of successful entrepreneurs and executives whose business models are based on innovative
approaches, creative thinking, preparation and risk.
These individuals share qualities like urgency, risk
taking, flexibility and collaboration.
Case studies - ranging from New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg to entrepreneur Brandon
Hartsell of Sunstone Yoga - and clear illustrations
and charts help the reader understand the steps taken
by those who have been able to grow their client list
to dizzying proportions. This is not a fast read, but
rather serves well as a detailed guide to the many
steps that are all within your power to embrace. The
book and the systems suggested therein are well
worth the time.
Title: “Beyond Booked Solid”
Author: Michael Port
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
ISBN: 978-0-470-17436-4 (cloth)
Price: $24.95
Book courtesy of John Wiley and Sons. PBJ’s review
display and book are available at Borders Stroudsburg.
According to the National Committee on Pay Equity,
over her lifetime a woman with a high school diploma
will make $700,000 less than a male counterpart with a
professional postgraduate degree, the disparity jumps to
$2,000,000.
Current data on median earnings by gender and county
are available only for Monroe County locally, until later
this year. Across industry sectors the differences range
from a high of 76% more earned by men in the field of
arts, entertainment and recreation to 31% more earned by
women in real estate. By occupation, differences range
from 86% more earned by men in life, physical and social
science occupations to women earning over 109% more in
construction and extraction occupations*. Cumulatively,
men earned roughly 34% more than women did across all
sectors and industries.
Another disparity in earnings exists which is unlikely
to have roots in discrimination. Half of U.S. businesses are
owned by women, yet 97% of them make under $1 million
in annual revenue.
From an individual employer’s point of view, subjective perception of a specific employee or prospective
employee’s value drives wage decisions which collectively
bring us to the statistics. Perceptions of employee value
typically have their basis in those things exempted under
the law. Employers are not usually comparing apples to
apples in backgrounds, perception of skills etc. Profit-driven companies will pay women what they will accept and
perceive as fair to both. There are many variables. More
definitive research is needed to identify the true nature and
origin of the wage equity situation.
* 2006 American Community Survey, Monroe County, as
provided by the Northeastern PA Alliance
WAYNE COUNTY
Mary Beth Wood
Executive Director, Wayne
Economic Development Corp.
(WEDCO)
Wage rates are scrutinized in many ways in economic
development. The numbers must be looked at relative to
our industry profile, local influences, cost of living, as well
as equity.
A county’s industry profile contributes to its per capita
personal income. Current data on the PA Dept. of Labor
and Industry’s Web site (www.dli.state.pa.us) has Wayne
County’s per capita at $26,822, or 77% of Pennsylvania’s.
The top three industries in Wayne County are Retail,
Healthcare, and Accommodations and Food Service. This
makes sense when we think of our rural nature and location. The average wages for these industries are lower than
the majority of other industries, which impacts our overall
per capita.
However, when we look at wages within a particular
industry, we see the influence of competition and other
regional factors. For example, the Wayne County wage for
Accommodations and Food Service is almost 25% higher
that the state average.
One of our challenges as economic developers is to
know our industry profiles and to work towards balancing the lower-wage industries with those that traditionally
pay more, such as Professional and Technical Services or
Manufacturing. It is not just about creating jobs, but creating jobs with a family-sustaining wage. Business parks,
including Sterling Business Park, are under development
throughout the region to create an inventory of land and
buildings to attract these higher-wage industries.
Wage rates must also be balanced against cost of living. If we look strictly at the numbers, most industries in
Wayne County offer wages less than neighboring urban
areas. According to salary.com, the cost of living in New
York, NY is 88.7% higher than in Scranton, our closest city
for comparison. But in NYC, employers typically pay only
27.4% more than employers in northeast PA. So, while
wages are lower, employers and employees relocating here
will find that our lower cost of living could result in a positive net change in disposable income.
14
LEADERSHIP
Leadership Carbon Graduates Fourth Class
PBJ Partners
with Borders on
“Business and Books”
Leadership Carbon’s goal this graduating class was to
help design the molds required to create park benches and
picnic tables that will be available to all Carbon County
residents- and is actually known as the BENCHES (Building Effective goals, kNowledge, and Community Health
through Enthusiastic Students) Program. Participants also
were tasked with providing safe, esthetically pleasing park
benches and picnic tables to Carbon County schools, parks,
and recreational areas, and providing Carbon County students with a new community service project idea.
Class members raised funds either by conducting their
own fundraising efforts or by soliciting organizations to
help provide the funding for the materials and delivery of
the completed benches.
The project had the following components:
Leadership Carbon wrote and designed a manual for
students which included a supply list and step-by-step
instructions of how to put the benches together. This
brochure was distributed to all school districts to make
students aware that the BENCHES project is available to
them. The benches have value for our community, and students who adopt this project will identify locations where
they should be placed so residents and visitors have a place
to sit and enjoy the scenery around them. The benches
should be placed where people can stop during a hike, a
walk, a break from class, or just where they can enjoy a
conversation with a friend.
Applications are being accepted for the Class of 2009.
The deadline to register is June 21, 2008. Leadership
Carbon, which just completed its fourth year, was created
On June 19 at 5:30 p.m., Pocono Business Journal will launch its “Business and
Books” series at Borders Stroudsburg (see
our Calendar of Events in this issue). The
first installment is “Editors on the Road:
Getting PR For Your Pocono Business.”
Stay tuned for more great topics as we
move into summer!
At the graduation ceremony for 2008 class of Leadership
Carbon, Lisa Johnson (at left), public relations director at
Blue Mountain Health System, stands with colleague and
graduate Judy Dvorshock. Leadership is “a great venue to
mingle and meet other future leaders,” says Dvorshock, a
physician liaison at Blue Mountain.
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 to help them pilot its direction for the
future and to foster the development of leadership
skills. The nine-month program will run from September 2008 to May 2009. Leadership Carbon’s motto is
“Cultivating leaders for the benefit and development
of Carbon County’s future.”
Kristin Simmons is the 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 [email protected], or visit www.lccc.
edu/leadershipcarbon.
Kristin Simmons
Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal
Leadership Carbon
Three chambers, a packed house, and a guy comes out
of retirement − Dave Wilson, retired as head of the Pike
Chamber, is now serving as interim director of the Hawley/
Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce. He welcomed
over 125 members of the Wayne, Southern Wayne, and
Hawley/Lake Wallenpaupack chambers at the TriChamber
annual mixer, held at Cove Haven Resort, Lakeville.
Yep, it’s that flexible.
• Architecture
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• Bridges/Roadways
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For a free catalog or quote, contact
Linda Litchfield at 888-300-7082 or
visit us on the web at www.ceg-pa.com.
• Parks
605 East Broad Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
888-300-7082 www.ceg-pa.com
800-274-2224
570-213-0082
www.bh-ba.com
15
HEALTH
Photo credit: PHCA
Michael Tukeva, new
executive director at
Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance.
By Debbie Burke
Recently, the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce’s
board of directors passed a resolution asking the county
commissioners to request a feasibility study in Harrisburg
for the creation of a county health department.
County Commissioner Suzanne McCool acknowledges that the commissioners have already been working
on the issue and her take on it is: “At this point, this is not
moving forward right now. We do not have the money.” Though the commissioners researched the formation
of a regional agency (to encompass Carbon, Wayne and
Pike Counties), McCool says, “Because the other counties
are not interested in partnering with us, I am not willing
go forward alone as I do not wish to raise taxes to accomplish this, not with the way food, gas, housing, and utility
costs keep increasing in our area. I’m inclined to believe
that after the next census if we become a third or fourth
class county, we may be able to leverage funding to be able
to create a DOH, but probably not now. There are many
other priorities. At the moment I am more interested in
getting a clinic started for uninsured and underinsured
folks in our area. The Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance (PHCA) is close to accomplishing this goal. We
have been working on it for 2½ years now.”
Commissioner Theresa Merli echoed the importance of this clinic, which she says received $325,000
in funding from PHCA and was matched with $275,000
by Pocono Medical Center. The clinic would be located
somewhere in Stroudsburg. “We have to get it on the
agenda for a public meeting. We have lots of questions
and concerns, many of them related to realities of funding, and concerns about duplication,” Merli says, adding that the commissioners could submit the certificate
of approval to the PA Dept. of Health roughly by July.
The state would be required to respond with its approval
or disapproval within thirty days.
Michael Tukeva, the newly appointed executive
director of PHCA, says improving the quality of life is
vital for the business community as well as residents;
his immediate focus is the creation of such a clinic for
the uninsured and underinsured of the county. “The
benefits of a health center in Monroe County are numerous,” says Tukeva. “To the community, the health center
is a means of supporting the residents of Monroe. To
businesses, the health center represents the growth and
development of our county. Through an affiliation with
HumanWorks Affiliates, Inc., Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance, a United Way member agency, will
continue to develop, support, and improve its services.”
To view the Chamber’s resolution to the commissioners for the creation of a county health department,
visit www.pbjonline.com and click on “Taste of PBJ.”
Photo courtesy of Wayne Bank.
New County Health Department
for Monroe Not a Sure Thing
Wayne Bank recently donated $4,000 to the Wayne County
Historical Society towards a new addition that will offer
artifacts and information about the county. From left, Lew
Critelli, Executive Vice President and CFO of Wayne Bank;
Sally Talaga, Executive Director of the Wayne County
Historical Society; and Bill Davis, President and CEO of
Wayne Bank.
Contact PBJ
for Ad Rates.
www.pbjonline.com
e-mail: [email protected]
POCONO
www.pbjonline.com
16
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Stroudsmoor’s Growth
By Susan Jorstad
Three-generation family business
It was May 1984 when the entire Pirone family
moved to the Poconos and commenced the legacy of
Stroudsmoor – loved for its serene vistas, enchanting
weddings and grand private functions.
Applying prior hotel and restaurant experience
from the Jersey shore, Louis and Bernadette Pirone
opened the property’s main restaurant, where Bernadette is executive chef.
The three Pirone daughters, their husbands and six
grown children are all integral to the business: Andy
Forte, president, and Linda Forte, director of Event
Operations/Marketing/New Projects; Louis Lebel,
facilities manager and Susan Lebel, floral designer;
and Barbara Ciaramella, senior event planner. Though
retired, Louis remains his family’s biggest fan and
constant critic, says Linda.
The family incrementally grew the former seasonal resort into a year-round destination, and continues
to expand and refine its offerings. Their success is
very personal. Everyone knows each others names.
Staff members, regardless of position, are addressed
on a first name basis. People are treated as distinct
individuals.”
The staff make-up is food and beverage 60%,
hotel 18%, retail 16% and administrative 6%.
“We are also close to the more densely populated
residential areas of Monroe County. In this era of high
fuel costs and fast-paced schedules, our associates
have a short commute requiring minimal time and expense. We have experienced an influx of employment
applications from commuters who no longer consider
it cost effective to commute out of state.”
Andy Forte, president of Stroudsmoor, points to
Lawnhaven, one of the event facilities.
Secret of Success
Stroudsmoor’s ongoing success lies in its proven
growth formula: build a new event facility one year,
followed by a year of fine-tuning; the next year, add
new lodging; and always incorporate patrons’ requests regarding services and amenities.
From parking to cocktails to waitstaff,
Mountain. Its interior has an expansive cocktail bar
and conservatory overlooking a waterfall garden,
while the airy old-world-style banquet hall (with
bandshell and dance floor) can be customized with
linens and architectural centerpieces.
Coming Up, Additional Hotel Rooms
Photo supplied by Stroudsmoor Country Inn
“We’re kicking around a few design
options,” says Forte. “We concentrate on
dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s before
taking on another big project.”
The result: growing demand for
one-stop upscale facilities in the country.
Stroudsmoor receives as many wedding
reservations from brides and grooms from
Metropolitan New York or beyond, as
from local residents.
“We’re really a wedding destination. They move in at the beginning of the
weekend, use our facilities for all their
events – rehearsal, spa, golfing, and the
actual wedding. It’s much more than a
drive to the event, and then it’s over. It’s
a weekend event, an entirely different
experience. A lot of people travel long
distances, and it gives them more time to
spend with family and friends.”
Responding to bridal requests,
Stroudsmoor partnered with Stroudsburg’s
Shear Design to open a full-service onsite spa in 2006. Whirlpool pedicures,
manicures and massages are among the
services available to the public as well as
inn guests. Many gents frequent the spa
for after-golf massages; couples’ massages
are also available.
Weddings, corporate functions, private parties and dining open to the public, at Stroudsmoor.
evident not just in dollars, but in high staff continuity. Despite the slow economy and being situated in a
transient area, Stroudsmoor continues to experience
below average employee turnover, which the owners
attributes mainly to the family-run environment, size
and easy location.
“Three generations of family members are involved and provide strong role models for others,”
says Andy Forte. “As owners of the business they exhibit tremendous pride, dedication, and an exemplary
work ethic. This is part of our organizational culture
and is infectious throughout the entire staff.
“From an employee’s perspective, we are large
enough to provide a competitive wage and benefits
package, make available the best equipment and other
resources for their use, and provide ongoing training;
yet, we are small enough for the environment to be
Stroudsmoor’s five stand-alone event facilities
host up to twelve weddings in a weekend, without
compromising service or privacy. This is unique
compared to other properties which may not do
weddings as a core business, which practice doublebooking, notes Andy Forte. “Here, everything is
an independently dedicated facility with an event
planner who sees things through. That’s our business – attention to detail and personal service that
you would expect from a premier wedding facility.
Having that experience works to the client’s advantage. This is a big day in their life, and you don’t
want to leave it to chance.”
Last October premiered the estate’s newest and
largest addition, Terraview. The 13,000 sq. ft. stone
castle, designed for grand receptions of 300 guests
or more, has scenic views from atop Stroudsmoor
Venturing Into ‘Towne’
Cramped for bakery production space, in October
2004 the family took notice of an old commercial
building just a mile down the road, and concluded it
was easier and cheaper to renovate than to construct
new.
When the space turned out to be bigger than
needed for production, they opened a portion as a
retail bakery and deli cafe. The public response was
immediate, and Stroudsmoor Inn Towne evolved to
include grocery and gift items, along with an expanded line of prepared foods. “We opened the doors and
never looked back. We were surprised at how quickly
it caught on. It happened to fill a void. Just being at
the bottom of the hill in town makes a world of difference. It’s a good business location.”
17
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Photo supplied by Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Formula Caters To Success
One of the guest rooms at the Stroudsmoor, which is a popular wedding destination.
Knowing The Market
Says Forge: “You have to keep it all in the
setting of a country inn. It’s not Fifth Avenue. But
certainly as we launch new facilities, we incorporate lessons learned into the process and listen to
our customers.”
Fast Facts
Name: Stroudsmoor Country Inn
Location: P.O. Box 153, RD 4 Stroudsmoor
Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Telephone: Customer Service (800) 955-8663 or
(570) 421-6431, Event Office: Ext. 420
Web Site: www.stroudsmoor.com
Location: Property sits high atop a 300-acre vista
of the Pocono Mountain Range.
Facilities: Five event facilities – Auradell, Lawnhaven, Ridgecrest, Terraview and Woodsgate (the
oldest, circa 1842.) Guest accommodations are
located in the Main Inn; Cottages; Ledgemere
Suites; and Cabins on the Commons.
Dining: Restaurant at the Main Inn includes private dining option in The Stone Room.
Stroudsmoor Inn Towne Bakery Café located at
125 Broad St. in Stroudsburg, Monroe County.
Years in Operation: The original Inn dates as far
back as the early 1800’s. Opened by the Pirone
family as Stroudsmoor in 1984. Additional lodging and event facilities have been added biannually.
A Peek Into Resort Wages, Tips
Susan Jorstad
Tips play a big role in the tourism industry, which is
an established and growing sector in the Pocono Mountains region.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage rates are set higher
than the federal at $7.15 an hour, and will increase in
July of 2009, to $7.25 an hour.
“Most employees making tips earn a fixed wage
less than minimum wage because most of their income
comes from tips,” said Pat Conway, CEO for the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association. “Most businesses in
the hospitality section pay $2.83 per hour – but most of
those people are making more than $20 per hour (with
tips) depending on what they’re doing and how many
hours they work. They’re highly compensated employees based on their tip income.”
According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, a tipped employee customarily and regularly receives more than $30
per month in tips. The employer is only required to pay
$2.83 per hour in direct wages if that amount combined
with the tips received at least equals the minimum wage.
Otherwise, the employer must make up the difference.
A compulsory charge for service, such as 15 percent of
the bill, is not a tip. Such charges are part of the employer’s gross receipts. Where service charges are imposed
and the employee receives no tips, the employer must
pay the entire minimum wage and overtime required by
the Act.
Total average earnings in the tourism sector are
probably well above average earnings in other industries; that, combined with generally good benefits, keeps
retention higher in our region, said Conway.
“That’s why the wage laws are the way they are,”
he said, noting that waitstaff aren’t required to make
the same minimum because of their tip income. “Employees in the back of the house without tip income
(i.e. cooks) are paid substantially higher than minimum
wage, to be competitive. It allows that distribution of
wage payment to be more equitable. Tipped employees
are generally very successful financially and tips are
their bread and butter.”
The requirement that an employee must retain all
tips does not preclude a valid “tip pooling” or sharing
arrangement among employees who routinely receive
tips, such as waitstaff, bellhops, counter personnel, busboys/girls and bartenders. Tipped employees may not be
required to share their tips with employees who do not
regularly participate in tip pooling arrangements, such as
dishwashers, cooks, chefs, and janitors. Only those tips
exceeding tips used for the tip credit are taken for a pool.
Tipped employees also cannot be required to contribute
a greater percentage of their tips than is customary and
reasonable.
Most larger employers in the hospitality industry offer other benefits, including health insurance, in order to
be competitive, he said. Mom and Pop diners probably
don’t, or may do so only for the manager or full-time
staff. There are various chamber of commerce and other
programs available to enable smaller businesses to stay
competitive, and attract and retain high quality workers.
For additional information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division Website:
http://www.wagehour.dol.gov.
18
ECONOMY
Awards; Golf Tournament; Bizzy Awards; Business
EXPO
“The GPCC, The Voice of Business Since 1910, continues to expand business growth, job creation, economic
development that will enhance the quality of life for
our region, and is an effective advocate for legislative
issues.”
– Robert Phillips, IOM, President/CEO
powerful, innovative tool as it works to refocus on the
importance of supporting fellow businesses in the community. Our Web site, www.pikechamber.com, highlights the many programs available to grow businesses
in the region. I am interested in helping each of our
friends in business to succeed, and I welcome every opportunity to do so. We are proud of our efforts, and we
ask those who are also looking to grow Pike County to
join us.” – Scott Weiland, Executive Director
WAYNE
Hawley – Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of
Commerce
P.O. Box 150, Rt. 6, Hawley, PA 18428
Phone: (570) 226-3191 Fax: (570) 226-9387
http://www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com/
Amy Griffith, President
[email protected]
PIKE
Pike County Chamber of Commerce
209 E. Harford St, Milford, PA 18337
Phone: (570) 296-8700 Fax: (570) 296-3921
www.pikechamber.com
Scott Weiland, Executive Director
[email protected]
Membership:
Starts at $195 per year (based on number of employees
and industry)
Partnerships:
Many, including the Chambers of Commerce Service
Corporation.
SCOTT WEILAND, Pike
County Chamber of Commerce
“Pike County, a community poised for increased
economic growth, is driven by its burgeoning spirit of
volunteerism. Our buy local first approach is a very
Benefits:
• Complimentary basic listing in annual Touring Wallenpaupack Visitor Guide and Directory; display
advertising and enhanced or multiple listings in the
Guide. A minimum of 10,000 are printed and distributed annually.
• Free event publicity in the semi-annual Calendar of
Events (Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter editions).
• Sponsorship and other opportunities for increased
visibility and exposure through Chamber-sponsored
special events and activities.
Events:
• Hawley Winterfest
• Fall and Crafts Fair
(570) 689-4199
www.swrchamber.org
Patty Blaum, Executive Director
[email protected]
Benefits:
• Two Tri Chamber card exchanges working with the
Hawley/Wallenpaupack and the Wayne Chambers
• Annual Community Reading Day
• Interaction with the local Masons Lodge, the
American Legion, the Community Library of Lake &
Salem Townships
• 2nd Annual Guide to Businesses and Community
Services
• Quarterly newsletter distributed to all members and
surrounding businesses
“We have found that working with other community
organizations and assisting in their annual events gives
the Southern Wayne Chamber more visibility in our
service area. We have worked diligently with WEDCO,
our economic development organization, and we will be
breaking ground on a long awaited business park located in Sterling Township that will produce many jobs in
the near future. Growth in the Hamlin/Lake Ariel area
is increasing with many new businesses moving here. It
is important to keep in touch with existing members as
well as bringing in new members to help service their
business needs.”
– Patty Blaum, Executive Director
Wayne County Chamber Of Commerce (WCCC)
32 Commercial St., Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 253-1960 Fax: (570) 253-1517
www.waynecountycc.com
Donna LaBar, Executive Director
[email protected]
Southern Wayne Regional Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 296, Hamlin, PA 18427
see CHAMBERS page 23
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East Stroudsburg University
is proud to announce its new division
Research and Economic Development
The university takes great pride in announcing this exciting milestone in the
“
recent history of ESU. The new Research and Economic Development division is
clearly the next logical step as we continue to provide enhanced benefits to the
community, the region and the university.
”
– ESU President Robert J. Dillman
A Member of the
Pennsylvania State System
of Higher Education
www.esu.edu
The Research and Economic Development division includes the ESU Office of
Sponsored Programs and Research, Workforce Development Programs, Business Accelerator Program, and
the management of the Center for Research and Economic Development (CFRED), a (501c3) not-for-profit
corporation/affiliate organization of ESU.
ESU Research and Economic Development:
 Recognized as a “best practice” model in community, workforce, and economic development
regionally and by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
 Operates an award-winning Business Accelerator Program that serves nine high-tech companies and is
creating high-tech jobs.
 Secured over $16.5M in grants through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.
 Distributed in excess of $622,000 in workforce training support through WEDnetPA Guaranteed Free
Training Program.
 Developing an 11-acre University Research and Technology Park in Smithfield Township.
Research & Economic Development
570-422-7920
Mary Frances Postupack, Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Patricia Campbell, Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
and Research, [email protected]
Brad Klein, Director, Business Accelerator,
Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone
[email protected]
Miguel Barbosa, Director of Workforce
Development, [email protected]
Jane Togher, Grant and Compliance
Accountant, [email protected]
Michelle Keiper, Administrative Assistant
RED, [email protected]
Ingrid Sidlosky, Administrative Assistant
CFRED, [email protected]
19
20
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Legislative Roundup
Compiled by Debbie Burke
For this installment of the Legislative Roundup, our
representatives were asked to comment on either redistricting, or, how the Poconos can offer more competitive
wages (see feature story “Can Your Wages Compete” on
page 1).
Sen. Lisa Baker (R, 20)
On wages: “To retain and attract employers, our business and education communities must continue working
together to make sure graduates have the skills to meet
future needs, and legislators must continue reducing
our burdensome tax and regulatory environment and
encouraging wise investments in infrastructure. The
Pocono region has a lot to offer. By building on our
strengths, and working to maintain the unique character
of what has attracted so many to our communities, we
can produce an even more competitive job climate and
offer family-sustaining careers to keep our young people
here. If we don’t, we cannot attract businesses that will
provide the jobs and wages we are seeking.”
Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D, 18)
On redistricting: “The redistricting system must be
changed to replace politics with common sense. I have
introduced legislation, SB 346, to overhaul the system to
make it based on municipal boundaries and not political
affiliation. Under my plan, no district would be mapped
out to favor a political party or an incumbent legislator.”
“We need to enhance our skilled workforce through
greater educational and job training opportunities.
Partnering with higher education facilities such as ESU
and NCC will help our Pocono region become more
competitive. Both colleges are working with local high
schools on the “2+2+2” program for individuals interested
in computer securities and biotech degrees.”
Sen. Patrick M. Brown (R, 16)
On redistricting: “In the past, the redistricting process has
left the Pocono region far too fragmented to provide for
effective legislative representation. I support an amendment to the Constitution which would establish a nonpartisan legislative redistricting bureau. This bureau would
establish legislative district boundaries based on a set of
objective criteria including population, political subdivision boundaries and communities of interest. The bureau
will not be permitted to take into account voter registration
or voter trends to establish district lines. This new process
will ensure that the Pocono region receives the direct representation it deserves.”
Rep. Mike Carroll (D, 118)
On redistricting: “I support legislation (H.B. 2420) that
would turn the determination of legislative districts over
to the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau. The bill
would use common-sense provisions to determine legislative district boundaries. This would avoid favoring one
political party or having skewed geographical borders like
my district does. It would also eliminate situations like the
one we currently have in Monroe County, where there are
six different state senators.”
Rep. Sandra Major (R, 111)
On redistricting: “When the 2010 census is completed,
members of the General Assembly will be faced with
redrawing the boundaries
of congressional and legislative districts in order
to meet the United States
constitutional requirement
of one person - one vote.
In Pennsylvania, congressional redistricting is done
by statute passed by the
General Assembly and
approved by the governor and an independent
commission redraws the
state House and Senate
districts. There are several
legislative proposals to
modify the process. While
I agree that additional
public input is desirable,
I would not endorse any
‘one-size-fits-all’ proposal
that would harm rural
Pennsylvania, especially
at a time when the Commonwealth is expected to
lose at least one seat in
Congress.”
Rep. Keith McCall (D,
122)
On wages: “The Pocono
region already has so
many advantages for
employers and employees. We’ve got a great
location with access to
major cities even though
we’ve still got lots of
wide open spaces for
recreation which makes
us very attractive to
businesses looking to set
up shop in our area. In
Harrisburg we’re promoting partnerships between
government, business and
schools to fit the other
need of companies hoping to start up or expand: a
well-trained workforce. By involving our business
leaders with our universities and community colleges
like our innovative development programs spearheaded by Lehigh-Carbon Community College—we
can make sure our schools are on the cutting edge of
high-tech, high-wage jobs. Then, this skilled workforce will be the keystone of job creation for entrepeneurs looking to put those well-educated employees
to work. We’ve got ‘location, location, location,’ and
we’ve got the best workforce around. It’s a winning
combination.”
Sen. Robert J. Mellow (D, 22)
On wages: “Businesses in the Pocono region are
well-positioned to meet the challenges of a global
economy. Yet, business must continually reposition itself to maintain worldwide competitiveness
and keep the region at the cutting edge of economic
growth. Efficient management of wage rates is a
good example of where being both smart and innovative helps business. Better, well-funded and targeted
job training programs, plus advanced education for
workers in our region will result in a flexible and
capable labor pool--featuring competitive wage rates-that can adjust to fast-moving changes and emerging
economic demands.”
Sen. Raphael J. Musto (D, 14)
Unavailable for comment
Rep. Mike Peifer (R, 139)
On redistricting: “The League of Women Voters of
Monroe County favors a nonpartisan redistricting
plan. I agree this is ideal. It is challenging to represent three counties and over 700 square miles. Districts should be more centralized and respect county,
school district, township and other regional lines
when possible. Monroe County is represented by 10
state legislators, six senators and four representatives.
Only Reps. Mario Scavello (R-176) and John Siptroth
(R-189) actually reside in the county. A Monroebased Senate seat would give Monroe County residents a stronger voice in the state Senate.”
Sen. James J. Rhoades (R, 29)
Rep. Mario M. Scavello (R, 176)
On redistricting: “Currently, I am the only state legislator whose district is wholly contained in Monroe
County. Though members always advocate for all
of the people they represent, the voice of a county
resident is particularly important when speaking for
those citizens. Monroe County has six state senators.
Although I have a great working relationship with all
six senators, it would be nice if reapportionment created a Senate district based in Monroe County.”
Rep. John J. Siptroth (D, 189)
On redistricting: “The 189th legislative district is
clearly gerrymandered. If you look at it one a map,
the district is long and skinny and, especially in
winter, can be very difficult for constituents traveling to the district office. Because of the way it has
been redistricted and it covers two counties, the 189th
legislative district contains many communities with
opposing views on many issues. That sometimes
makes voting difficult when my goal is to always
try to represent the views of all my constituents.
Ultimately, I favor an independent body to make the
decisions when it is time to redistrict. I would like to
see the lines redrawn so that districts are contiguous,
compact and competitive.”
Rep. Edward G. Staback (D, 115)
21
WORKPLACE
Don’t Take the Merge Lightly
It’s 1,341 miles from East Stroudsburg to Brookings,
South Dakota, according to MapQuest.
The long trip is worth it for local manufacturing
company Excel Storage Products, says Mike Albers, the
company’s vice president of operations.
Excel Storage, on Route 447 in East Stroudsburg,
in December acquired the assets of South Dakota-based
Prest Rack, which specializes in material handling. The
new entity is known as Excel Storage Products, LP.
The merger has gone well for both Prest Rack and
Excel Storage, as the whole of the new, more diversified
company is greater than the sum of its parts, Albers says.
“The Prest Rack product line was a complement to us,”
he said. “It gives us a complementary product line to offer
our customers.”
Excel Storage Products, which has been in business
locally since 1968 and was founded as Excel Mining Systems (and itself acquired and moved into the quarters of
the former United Steel Products in East Stroudsburg in
2004), specializes in roll form palette racks, the shelving
system which can be found in home improvement stores.
Prest Rack produces cantilever rack and mezzanine rack
systems.
Excel executives did their homework before closing the Prest Rack deal, and have logged lots of frequent
flyer miles since the merger was completed, according to
Albers.
“Our executive team has been taking trips out there
every week since December,” he said. “It’s a matter of
evaluating the operations,” he added. “We made some
adjustments to better focus on folks we have in that facility.”
Nearly the entire Prest Rack management team stayed
on after the merger and there were no layoffs among the
65-member Prest Rack workforce. Albers described the
Brookings production center as a “rural environment
where the (employees) have a very strong work ethic.”
Despite the distance between the new company’s
two main sites, there has been no culture clash following
the merger. “They were very open, happy to see us come
along,” he said. “I think we have an excellent culture fit.”
Compatible corporate culture was one of the key
issues Excel Storage managers considered while researching the merits of the merger. A few technical issues, especially streamlining the Excel and Prest computer systems,
required some work soon after the companies merged,
but payroll processing continued without any glitches,
according to Albers. “It’s never a completely smooth integration when you move to a new computer system, but
most things went smoothly,” he said.
“Overall the company is running as it was,” he added.
“If anything it’s running better.”
A local lawyer with 30 years experience handling corporate mergers as part of his practice says there is no such
thing as too much due diligence when deciding whether
to merge. “You can’t do too much homework in a case
like that,” said Tim McManus, a Stroudsburg attorney.
McManus urged all managers and owners of companies
considering a merger to consult in depth with professional
advisers before making any decisions.
“In particular, it’s important to talk to a tax adviser,”
he said. “The tax laws change constantly.” McManus also
cautioned that a company which takes over the assets and
stock of another company also takes on that company’s
liabilities. “That can lead to headaches,” he said. “Focus
on the goals both sides want to achieve,” he added. “Find
out what your objectives are.”
Excel Storage Products employs about 250 workers at
its East Stroudsburg facility.
Tips To Keep In Mind
Due diligence tips for managers and executives pondering a possible corporate merger, provided in part by
Mike Albers of Excel Storage; Stroudsburg attorney Tim
McManus, who has handled numerous local corporate
By Eric Mark
Excel Storage’s Rich Matthews, coating line supervisor for
Excel Storage Products (East Stroudsburg). A well-executed
due diligence process made two Excel acquisitions run
smoothly.
mergers over his 30-year career; and Victoria Mavis of
CorePeople Resources in Wind Gap:
• Look for a fit with your business. Will the merger
provide a geographic advantage or add a product line?
• Always do good contingency planning. Things do not
always turn out exactly as planned, so be prepared.
• Corporate culture is key. As a critical component of
your analysis, look for whether the move will be a
good culture fit.
• If possible, spend a lot of time talking to employees
and managers of the company with which you are
considering a merger.
• Decide in advance how best to streamline the transition of computer systems and other technical details of
the merger.
• Carefully consider the potential risks as weighed
against the potential benefits.
• You can’t do too much due diligence or homework.
Full disclosure and transparency are a must on both
sides.
• Consult with professional advisers, including attorneys
and accountants.
• Pay special attention to potential tax ramifications;
consult with a tax specialist if your accountant or
financial managers need more information.
• Clearly define what your objectives are for the proposed merger.
• Make sure all parties are clear in advance as to which
kind of merger will take place.
• Nail down all details of the merger before signing off
on the deal. Be as specific as possible to avoid potential future hassles or misunderstandings.
• Know if there are pending lawsuits or other potential
legal action against the employer by employees.
• Understand the benefits and compensation that have
been provided to employees and what it will cost the
company at the current time and also in the future, i.e.,
health insurance, retirement plans, retiree insurance,
vacation, and paid time off.
• Know if there are any other special agreements/contracts with employees, or contractors, such as length/
terms of employment contracts, executive pay plans,
bonuses, etc.
• Dates of contract renewals/negotiations, i.e., union
contracts, outsourced services such as payroll, insurance, or staffing agency agreements.
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22
BUSINESS BRIEFS
WHO’s WHO
FRIDAY
GARVEY
GASPER
LUMIS
PUGH
SALK
Adams – Dr. Kimberly S. Adams, assistant professor of political science at East Stroudsburg University, attended the 66th annual Midwest Political
Science National Conference, where she presented
a research paper titled “Rounding the Tables of
Legislative Decision Making: Women in Sub-Saharan African Parliaments” and led a panel discussion
on female leadership and politics.
Behr - Todd Behr, a member of the economics
department faculty at East Stroudsburg University,
recently attended the 24th annual Washington Economic Policy Conference. The conference featured
presentations by economic experts from the fields
of academia, government, business and public
policy.
Booser - Richard Booser, a member of the economics department faculty at East Stroudsburg
University, attended the 19th annual Undergraduate
Research Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. Under his guidance, two ESU economics
students conducted research and presented their
findings at the conference, and a third served as a
discussant on a paper.
Bunjun - Dr. Shiv Bunjun, a member of the
economics department faculty at East Stroudsburg
University, attended the 24th annual Washington
Economic Policy Conference, featuring presentations by economic experts from the fields of
academia, government, business and public policy.
He also attended the 19th annual Undergraduate
Research Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.
Christofides - Dr. Gus Christofides, a member of
the economics department faculty at East Stroudsburg University, attended the 24th annual Washington Economic Policy Conference, featuring presentations by economic experts from the fields of
Cohen - Dr. Robert Cohen, professor of physics at
East Stroudsburg University, partnered with ESU
students to deliver two presentations at professional
conferences in March. Cohen co-presented a talk
titled “The Impact of Moisture on the Structure of
an Intense Oceanic Cyclone” at the 33rd Northeast
Storm Conference held in Springfield, Mass.
Friday - Brenda Friday, associate director of university relations at East Stroudsburg University, has
been inducted into the Ardath E. Houser Chapter of
HANEY
HERRLINGER
SCHRODER
(“Before”)
HOWELL
SCHRODER
(“After”)
the National Residence Hall Honorary. The National Residence Hall Honorary recognizes students
and staff members who have shown exceptional
leadership in the advancement of the residence hall
program.
Garvey – Mary Jane Garvey, RN from the Cardiovascular Unit at Pocono Medical Center, received
the Nursing Excellence Award for 2008 in celebration of National Nurses Week. Garvey has been
with PMC for ten years.
Gasper - Karen Gasper has been appointed vice
president, Internal Audit for Wayne Bank. Gasper
joined Wayne Bank in February of 1999 as loan
operations manager. In September of 2001, she
assumed the post of auditor and was promoted to
assistant vice president in July of 2004.
Haney – Jane Haney, LPN in Pocono Medical Center’s Occupational Medicine department, received
the Nursing Excellence Award for 2008 in celebration of National Nurses Week. Haney has been
with PMC for 26 years.
Herrlinger – Tim Herrlinger has been appointed
executive director of Lehigh Carbon Community
College Foundation. He is founder of Hire Ed. Resources, which provides partnership development,
board development, fundraising training, strategic
planning and training goal implementation.
Howell - Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association announced that Rob Howell, general
manager of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort,
has been named finalist of the Spirit of Hospitality Awards. This award recognizes outstanding
performance, commitment and achievements in
the hospitality and tourism industry throughout the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Howell created
an employee incentive program and he also focused
on improving the financial returns of the business.
Last year, under Howell’s direction, the resort had a
record-breaking year with higher revenues than any
other year in its history.
Hunt - Dr. Jay Hunt, assistant professor of biology, was recently awarded $5,831 in funding by
the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Faculty Professional Development Council (FPDC)
for a research study titled “Investigating the Biology of Gelatinous Zooplankton Using a Newly
Developed Submersible System.” Hunt’s research,
to be concluded by October 31, 2009, will use a
LeBEAU
SCOTT
LOBE
SIM MAN
newly developed remote-operated vehicle to collect information about deep-sea animals including
jellyfishes, squids, fishes and soft-bodied animals.
The system uses the latest technologies including
HDTV cameras with underwater microscopes and
sensors to collect information on the behavior of
animals and the ecology of the open sea.
Johnson – Rita Johnson has expanded her role at
Century 21 Unlimited Real Estate in Tannersville
to include mature consumers with the designation
of Senior Real Estate Specialist. Johnson obtained
this professional designation by completing the
course of study at the Pennsylvania Realtors Institute.
LeBeau – Susan LeBeau has expanded her role at
Century 21 Unlimited Real Estate in Tannersville
to include mature consumers with the designation
of Century 21 MatureMovesSM specialist. LeBeau
has obtained the experience necessary to assist
homebuyers and sellers approximately 60 to 70
years of age in their next move.
Lobe-Waller – Rose Lobe-Waller has been promoted to the position of vice president/controller of
Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, Inc. Lobe-Waller
has been with the Wilkins organization for seven
years. She is in charge of the Wilkins accounting
department and is also responsible for the books
and financial record keeping of NEPA Management
Associates which handles over 24 community associations throughout the Poconos.
Lumis - Charles Lumis has been named Chief
Financial Officer of Artube, a division of Iridium
Industries, Inc. Lumis was previously the vice
president, finance, of New World Pasta, the leading pasta manufacturer in North America. He has
almost 20 years of experience in the financial
management of manufacturing companies. He is a
licensed certified public accountant in Pennsylvania and is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute
of Certified Public Accountants.
Miller - Dr. Edith Miller, distinguished professor
of academic enrichment and learning and director
of disability services at East Stroudsburg University, was honored by the student group Women for
Awareness. She received the Faculty Award for her
efforts to ensure rights and access for people with
disabilities and for her work to promote women’s
rights and social equity.
23
BUSINESS BRIEFS
WHO’s WHO
Neelakantan - Dr. Pats Neelakantan, a member of
the economics department faculty at East Stroudsburg University, attended the 24th annual Washington Economic Policy Conference, featuring presentations by economic experts from the fields of
He also attended the 19th annual Undergraduate
Research Conference at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.
Pugh - Robyn Pugh has joined Holly R. Corcoran
CPA Inc. Pugh has experience in accounting and
auditing for school districts, municipal authorities,
townships and industrial development organizations. She also owns a building limited liability
company, which constructs and sells spec homes.
Rheinheimer - Dr. David Rheinheimer, professor of academic enrichment and learning at East
Stroudsburg University, was honored by the student
group, Women for Awareness. Rheinheimer
received the Feminist Man Award for his work to
protect and promote reproductive freedom. He has
served on the board of directors of Planned Parenthood of Northeast Pennsylvania and currently
serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Northeast Pennsylvania.
Salk – John Salk, owner and engineer of Digital
Asylum Sound Recording Studio, has officially
opened his business on Main Ave. in downtown
Hawley. Salk has worked on numerous high-profile
projects including MTV’s “Unplugged” series and
HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and was also instrumental in the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel concert for Harry Connick, Jr.
Scott – Dr. Arthur L. Scott, president of Northampton Community College, was keynote speaker for
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania’s
spring undergraduate graduation ceremony. Dr.
Scott, who was named president of NCC in 2003,
had previously served the college in several positions including director of records, director of
admissions, vice president of student affairs, chief
labor negotiator and provost. He also has taught as
an adjunct professor in the College of Education at
Lehigh University, where he was named a University Scholar, and received the Matthew W. Gaffney
Award for Academic Excellence.
Schroder - Brenda Schroder was chosen to be featured on the Pocono Business Magazine TV Show.
Where she recieved a complete Business Woman’s
makeover. Schroder is an Enrollment Services
Manager at Northampton Community College and
is pursuing her Master’s degree in accounting.
The makeover included a haircut, hair coloring,
and a make-up application lesson. Van Heusen &
GB Bass, part of Phillips Van Heusen Corporation
located at The Crossings Premium Outlets in Tannersville, provided the new outfits and shoes; Floral
Boutique of Stroudsburg provided flower bouquets.
SimMan - SimMan, an automated patient mannequin ‘whose lifelike features offer a hands-on
opportunity for professionals to practice crucial
clinical, technical and decision-making skills’
(according to his manufacturer), has just joined
the staff of Pocono Medical Center. Made possibly by a $10,000 donation from Dr. William and
Mrs. Suzanne Viechnicki and donations from the
Viechnicki family and friends, SimMan can be programmed to simulate a variety of patient care scenarios including emergency situations and unusual
or difficult patient conditions. In addition to having
a lifelike anatomy, SimMan can elicit interactive
human responses (i.e., breathing, sweating, dilating
pupils, alternating blood pressures, vomiting and
cardiac arrest), which provide immediate feedback
to a practitioner’s care.
Wayne Continued ...
Membership:
$170 (1 to 5 employees) to $545 for (100+ full time
employees) – Businesses/Industry
$250 - Professionals (Doctors, Engineers, Real Estate,
etc.) & Institutes for Higher Education
$125 – Non-Profits, Farms, Churches
Benefits:
• Matching media package
• WCCC publications such as Demographic and Relocation Packets; Small Business Start-Up information
through SBDC
Events:
• WCCC hosts over 500 community meetings and
events each year and provides office space for Sen.
Michael Peifer, WEDCO, and the Greater Honesdale
Partnership
• Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions (season starts June
21, 2008)
Partnerships:
Southern Wayne and Hawley-Wallenpaupack Chambers
DONNA LABAR, Wayne
County Chamber of Commerce
“Goals for 2008 include exploring additional benefits
and programs for members. By joining the Chamber you
become an important part of a voluntary effort aimed
at strengthening Wayne’s economic climate, promoting the county assets, and meeting the growing needs
of tomorrow. Ideas, energy and financial support come
from a resource pool of 485 members. The Chamber
utilizes this influence to work with other organizations
and public officials to help all members of the business
community.”
– Donna LaBar, Executive Director
Here comes the sound
of shattering glass…The
second annual PBJ “Women
in Business” List is coming!
In our September issue, Pocono Business
Journal highlights the top ten Women in
Business throughout the Pocono region who
have provided tangible value to their company or organization. We seek women who are
a true reflection of innovation and ambition
in businesses. Nominees need not be business owners and may come from all levels of
the organization; also, they must have been
in their current industry or profession since
2005. Each of the top women 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
August 1, 2008. Look for criteria and other
details online at http://www.pbjonline.com/
PBJNews.htm.
POCONO
www.pbjonline.com
Please send all press releases for
consideration to [email protected]
24
BUSINESS
FOCUS LIST
BRIEFS
WHAT’s WHAT
Construction is under way on an Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.
project totaling more than $2 million to replace the well house
and 11,625 feet of aged and undersized water main in the
Mountainhome water system in Barrett Township (Monroe).
These enhancements will improve water quality and pressure,
and will deliver more reliable service to about 1,500 residents
who use the system. Aqua expects the upgrades to be completed
this fall. This project is part of Aqua’s planned $15.6 million
investment in 2008 for capital improvements to water systems
in its Waymart and White Haven divisions, which serve about
40,000 people in Monroe, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Pike, Wayne,
Northampton, Schuylkill, Wyoming and Susquehanna Counties.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern
Pennsylvania in Lehighton has contributed $63,000 to the
“Community Education Behavioral Health and Depressive Disorder Project” of the Blue Mountain Health System. In collaboration with multiple project partners, the Community Education
Behavioral Health and Depressive Disorder Project is designed
to dramatically increase the amount of education and the
number of community-based screenings directed at individuals
at-risk for behavioral health issues across a five-county area,
including Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Luzerne and Lackawanna.
Caesars Pocono Palace has announced to shareholders the
news of a 50 for 1 stock split, enabling PA1st Settlement Services to remain competitive in the realtor-owned title business.
Pennsylvania First Settlement Services is a member-owned title
insurance company in Stroudsburg.
Cherry Valley Vineyard in Saylorsburg has won several
awards at the 2008 Keystone Wine Competition in March.
There were 354 entries. Cherry Valley won Best Wine In
Competition for its 2006 Cherry Valley Vineyards Marechal
Foch, Best Red Wine In Competition for its 2006 Cherry Valley
Vineyards Marechal Foch, and several other awards.
A ground breaking ceremony was held in April to celebrate the
start of construction for a new Dime Bank office on Route 6
in Palmyra Township, Wayne County near the intersection of
Route 590. The new, full service, 7,500 square foot office is
scheduled to open in the lake region by the end of December.
The Annual Shareholders’ Meeting of Dimeco, Inc., holding
company of The Dime Bank (the “Bank”), recently elected its
directors for a three-year term and released financial highlights
for the year 2007, indicating that assets had grown
consistently for the last five years.
ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (Stroudsburg) announced its
recent operating results: a net income of $1.7 million,
or $0.11 per share, for the three months ended March
31, 2008, as compared to net income of $1.3 million
for the corresponding 2007 period. Daniel J. Henning,
Frederick E. Kutteroff and Elizabeth B. Weekes were
elected to the Board of Directors, each for a three-year
term. All have been directors of the company since its
inception. The stockholders also approved the ESSA
Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan and ratified
the appointment of S.R. Snodgrass, A.C. as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm
for the year ending September 30, 2008.
Family Smile Center of Milford recently held a ribbon cutting. The business provides full dental services
for the whole family in a new state-of-the-art dental
practice.
Forklift Café in Dingmans Ferry has just opened for
dinner, after having served breakfast and lunch for a
year. The restaurant has also hired a new chef, Tony
Sicuro.
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. announced the
acquisition of Alliance Environmental Services, Inc.,
based in Harrisburg. Alliance is an environmental
consulting firm that provides technical and consulting
services to a wide variety of business and industry,
financial institutions and legal counsel. With the acquisition, HRG is expanding its current environmental
service offerings to provide an even greater depth of
services and resources to its clients. Alliance clients
will now also have access to a full complement of inhouse engineering and related services.
In partnership with Luzerne County Community
College, Lehigh Carbon Community College was
awarded $1,711.344 by the US Department of Labor
for a Community Based Jobs Training grant. This will
feed the talent pipeline for the logistics and transportation industry throughout eastern PA, improve
performance of employees in that industry sector, and
provide career exploration activities to K-12 students
throughout the region. The grant includes Luzerne,
Schuylkill, Lehigh, Carbon, Bradford, Lackawanna,
Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne
and Wyoming Counties. This grant will enable both
colleges to respond to needs identified by businesses
in this sector to ensure strong employee performance,
talent availability, and stronger awareness of the professional careers available within this industry sector.
Volunteers from the Government Affairs committee of the Pike
County Chamber of Commerce recently met with its elected
officials from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to discuss issues that are critical to the business community of Pike County.
Key issues discussed included the impact of the tourism industry on the regional economy, rising energy costs and healthcare.
Pike County Light & Power Business Office of Milford
recently held a ribbon cutting. It is also known as Tri-State Area
Light and Power.
Pocono Health System (PHS) announced it is live with the
eClinicalWorks unified electronic medical record and practice
management software for its physicians. PHS is also launching
eClinicalWorks Patient Portal to improve patient/provider communications and recently expanded its contract to include eClinicalWorks Enterprise Business Optimizer. With its employed
physicians live on the software, PHS is offering this solution to
independent practices, with plans to create a community health
record.
The Sherman Theater (Stroudsburg) announced a new partnership with Fernwood Hotel & Resort of Bushkill, PA. Fernwood recently signed as sponsor of a Corporate VIP Box at the
historic Sherman Theater and supporter of the Sherman Theater
Capital Campaign. The Sherman Theater is a 501c3 regional
non-profit performing arts center dedicated to the furtherance of
the performing arts in the Poconos and surrounding regions.
Smooth Sailing Cruises (Stroudsburg) has become affiliated
with America’s Vacation Center, one of the leading travel agencies in North America. America’s Vacation Center is one of the
top-producing travel agencies in the American Express Travel
Representative Network. Smooth Sailing Cruises was founded
in 2003 and began as a home-based, cruise-oriented agency
delivering personal service with Internet bargains.
Spiritual Journeys of Milford recently held a ribbon cutting.
The business is a spiritual novelty and metaphysical shop.
At Tobyhanna Army Depot two employees’ suggestion will
result in cost savings of over $78,000 per year. Vincent Nguyen
and William Bishop developed a test aid, used to troubleshoot
the A1A1 circuit card, which is part of a circuit card assembly
(CCA). The CCA is a component of the AN/ARC-186, a small,
lightweight radio used in the Black Hawk helicopter.
A new painter training program at Tobyhanna Army Depot is
expected to save money and time, improve quality and reduce
waste. The Spray Technique Analysis and Research for Defense
(STAR 4D) Program trains personnel in the military refinishing
industry. It aids in practice strategies and techniques that enable
them to use less material and improve finish quality. Through
training, employees learn correct techniques for reducing waste
in the form of paint solids and air emissions.
Tri State MMA-BJJ of Milford recently held a ribbon cutting.
TriState is a multifaceted martial arts school offering Jiu Jitsu,
Mixed Martial Arts, Universal Defense Systems, Western Boxing, Chinese Gung Fu, Karate, Judo & Kick Boxing.
Wayne Bank has donated $4,000 to the Wayne County Historical Society towards a new addition (see photo in this issue).
It will be open to the public and enhances the official Wayne
County history museum with a wide range of artifacts and information about the county.
Reps. Mike Peifer (R-Wayne/Pike/Monroe) and Sandra Major
(R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) announced that Wayne
County has been awarded a $27,540 recycling grant from the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The grant
was awarded under the County Recycling Coordinator Grant
Program which reimburses 50 percent of the county recycling
coordinator’s salary and expenses. The grant is in addition to
the funds DEP allocates to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs.
Weiler Corporation (Cresco) announced three recipients of
the fifth annual Jeanne Heater Memorial Scholarship Award.
The Jeanne Heater Memorial Scholarship Award was created
in 2004 to honor the memory of Jeanne Heater, a dedicated
co-worker who started in production at Weiler Corporation in
1975 and at the time of her death from leukemia in December
2002, served as vice president of human resources. Three
$2,000 scholarships are available annually to Weiler/Anderson
co-workers’ family members.
Please send all press releases for
consideration to [email protected]
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25
CALENDAR
FOCUSOF
LIST
EVENTS
Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Agencies
Name of Facility
Address
Phone/Fax
Web Site
Contact
Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
110 North Third St., Lehighton,
PA 18235-1567
(610) 379-5000
www.carboncountychamber.org
Michael Heery,
President/Executive Director
Carbon County Economic Development
Corporation
P.O. Box 291, Jim Thorpe,
PA 18229
(570) 325-2810
www.carbonecon.com
Toni Artuso,
Director of Economic Development
Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 144, Delaware Water
Gap, PA 18327
(570) 476-0331
www.delawarewatergap.com
Michael Miller, President
Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce
556 Main St., Stroudsburg, PA
18360
(570) 421-4433 /
(570) 424-7281
www.greaterpoconochamber.com
Robert Phillips, President/CEO
Hawley/Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber
of Commerce
P.O. Box 150, Rt. 6, Hawley, PA
18428
(570) 226-3191
(570) 226-9387
http://www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.
com/
Amy Griffith, President
Jim Thorpe Council
P.O. Box 164, Jim Thorpe,
PA 18229
(570) 325-5810
www.jimthorpe.org
Dan Hugos, President
Lehighton Area Council
110 N. Third St., Suite 201, P.O.
Box 483, Lehighton, PA 18235
(610) 377-2191
http://www.lehightonchamber.org
William Billowitch, President
Palmerton Chamber of Commerce
410 Delaware Avenue, P. O. Box
214, Palmerton, PA 18071
(610) 824-5100
http://www.palmertonpa.com/chamber
Peter Kern, President
Panther Valley Area Council
P.O. Box 219, Lansford,
PA 18232
(570) 645-5000
ext. 227
Penn Kidder Chamber
P.O. Box 421, Lake Harmony, PA
18624
(570) 401-0618
www.PennKidderChamber.org
David Althouse,
President/Vice Chairman
Pike County Chamber of Commerce
209 E. Harford St., Milford, PA
18337
(570) 296-8700 /
(570) 296-3921
www.pikechamber.com
Scott Weiland, Executive Director
Pike County Industrial Development
Corporation
209 East Hartford St., Milford,
PA 18337
(570) 296-7332 /
(570) 296-2852
www.pidco.com
Rachel Hendricks, Vice President
Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corporation
300 Community Drive Suite D,
Tobyhanna, PA 18466
(570) 839-1992 /
(570) 839-6681
www.pmedc.com
Chuck Leonard, Executive Director
Southern Wayne Regional Chamber of
Commerce
P.O. Box 296, Hamlin, PA 18427
(570) 689-4199
www.swrchamber.org
Patty Blaum, Executive Director
Wayne County Chamber Of Commerce
32 Commercial St., Honesdale,
PA 18431
(570) 253-1960 /
(570) 253-1517
www.waynecountycc.com
Donna LaBar, Executive Director
Wayne Economic Development Corporation
32 Commercial St., Honesdale,
PA 18431
(570) 253-5334 /
(570) 253-0818
www.wedcorp.org
Mary Beth Wood, Executive Director
Weatherly Area Council
103 Carbon St., Weatherly,
PA 18255
(570) 427-8975
http://www.weatherlypa.gov/chamber
Gary Makuch, President
White Haven Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 363, White Haven, PA
18661
www.whitehaven.org
Henry Straub, President
Angela Costello, President
Disclaimer: If your organization 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.
26
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 2
Résumés and Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Held at the
PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.
cwds.state.pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for more
information.
Brown Bag Monday, 12:00 Noon. Informal lunch with Carbon
County Chamber of Commerce at CCCC Office. Reservations are
required. Call (610) 377-2191 for more information.
June 2 and 3
National Electric Code two-day training program, Northeast
Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Program provides complete overview of general chapters in the National Electrical Code including the most pertinent 2008 changes.
Participants will learn how to effectively use the 2008 NEC® in
applying it to their everyday jobs. Cost: $750 includes 2008 NEC®
Codebook. To register or for more information please contact
NEPIRC by calling Nancy Markovich at (570) 819-8966 or (800)
654-8960 or email [email protected] for more information.
June 3
Intro to CareerLink Services 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Mock Interviews 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.
monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
90 Day Planning For Success, Business for Breakfast, Greater
Pocono Chamber of Commerce. Call (570) 421-4433 or email
[email protected] for more information.
Diversity Means Differences Among People, Penn State Pike Extension, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Pike County Administration Building, 506 Broad Street, Milford. Cost: $5. Living and working in our
society will require that each of us becomes increasingly aware of
the challenges of cultural change. This workshop will help practitioners develop diversity competence through a series of hands-on
activities. Visit http://pike.extension.psu.edu/Family/2008/ChildCareTraining-April-June2008.pdf or call (570) 296-3400 for more
information.
June 4
BNI Milford, 7:00 a.m., Mount Haven Resort, 123 Log Tavern Rd.,
Milford. Call Carl Pallini at (570) 296-7176 for more information.
Career Exploration, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
June 5
BNI Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Howard Johnson’s, Route
611, Bartonsville. Call Jim Connor at (570) 237-5869 for more
information.
LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m., JR’s, Green Tree
Drive, East Stroudsburg. Call (570) 588-4113 for more information.
Chasing the Rabbit, Manufacturers Resource Center, Holiday Inn
Conference Center, Fogelsville, 7:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Covers: How
Market Leaders Outdistance the Competition; How Great Companies Can Catch Up and Win. Cost: $25 includes breakfast buffet.
Call Pat Felise at (800) 343-6732 or (610) 758-6069 for more
information.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Examinations, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00
p.m. Penn State Cooperative Extension office, 724 Phillips St, Suite
201, Stroudsburg. Call (570) 421-6430 to register or call Chris
Santore at the PA Dept. of Agriculture at (570) 836-2181 for more
information on the exams.
Annual Lean Event, Manufacturers Resource Center, Holiday Inn
Conference Center, Fogelsville. Cost: $25 includes buffet breakfast
and all activities. Recognition of individuals who have achieved
Lean Level I and II Certification, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Six
Sigma Green Belt Certification. Keynote speaker is five-time
Shingo Prize winner, noted author, and celebrated MIT lecturer Steven Spear (“Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System”).
Call (800) 343-6732 or (610) 758-6069 for more information.
June 6
BNI Shawnee-on-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Inn at Shawnee,
River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Call (570) 420-8656 or email
Customer Service: New World Technology - Old World Service,
University of Scranton, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95 includes
materials and lunch. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit http://academic.
scranton.edu/department/cce/Lead_Manage.html for more information.
June
Computer Basics 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Employer Web site 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 or www.
monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
June 7
On-Lot Septic System Workshop, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Promised
Land Fire Hall, 1054 Route 390, Promised Land. Cost: $5. Preregistration is required by June 3. Covers how to properly maintain
and identify potential problems with a septic system. Call Peter
Wulfhorst at 570-296-3400 or visit http://pike.extension.psu.edu/
Community/2008/On-LotSeptic060708.pdf for more information.
June 9
One-on-One Résumé Writing Assistance, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30a.m.
Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or
visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for
more information.
Business Card Exchange, The West End Business Group, 5:00
p.m. - 7:00 p.m., David’s Creekside Bar & Grill, Sciota, Business
Rt. 209. Cost: $5 for members, $10 non-members, $15 non-registered walk-ins. Call (570) 972-0563 or email [email protected] for more information.
June 12
information.
Small Business Resource Clinic, Pike Chamber of Commerce in
Milford. Presented by MetroAction, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Cost:
Free. Seminar reviews the steps needed to develop a successful
business. Attendees will learn how small business loans work,
what documents and information are required, and review the
requirements to qualify for small business financing: grants, lenders, and loans. Registration required. Call (570) 342-7711 or visit
www.metroaction.org for more information.
Business Card Exchange, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce,
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Willowtree Inn, Stroudsburg. Cost: $10
Chamber members in advance; $20 non-members in advance; $15
Chamber members at the door; $25 non-members at the door. Call
(570) 421-4433 for more information and reservations.
June 13
BNI Shawnee-on-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., Inn at Shawnee, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Call (570) 420-8656 or
email [email protected] for more information.
Natural Gas Wells and Drinking Water Workshop, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00
p.m. Honesdale location. Topics include: Gas well drilling basics;
Regulations; Potential Water Pollutants; Water Testing. Cost: $5
payable at the door. Pre-registration is required by calling Penn
State Cooperative Extension, Wayne County at (570) 253-5970, ext.
4110. Visit http://pike.extension.psu.edu/Community/2008/Gas_Water0608.pdf for more information.
June 16
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.
information.
June 9 and 16
ServSafe Food Certification or Recertification Course, 8:30 a.m.
– 1:00 p.m. on June 9; 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on June 16. Penn
State Cooperative Extension Office, 724 Phillips St, Suite 201,
Stroudsburg. Cost: $170 (includes 5th edition textbook, NRA
exam and lunch on Day 2). Examinations will be at the end of the
second class. Participants must attend both classes. Call (570) 4216430 for more information or visit http://pike.extension.psu.edu/
Nutrition/2008/ServSafe0608.pdf.
June 10
Ouch! Resolving Conflict at Work, Creative Energy Options, White
Haven, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Cost: $125. Presented by VP for
Leadership Development, Mary Jane Saras, Creative Energy Options, Inc. Call Miguel Barbosa, director of workforce development
at (570) 422-7920 or visit www.esu.edu/red 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. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.
monroecountycareerlink.org for more information
Women in Business, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, 12:00
noon. Cost: $13 Chamber members in advance, $16 non-members
and walk-ins. Held at Sycamore Grill, Delaware Water Gap. Topic:
“Networking 101,” presented by Bill Skinner, Action Coach and
sponsored by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation. Call (570) 421-4433
for more information.
Annual Picnic, Lehighton Council of the Carbon County Chamber
of Commerce. Held at the Phifer Ice Dam. Call (610) 377-2191 for
more information.
June 11
Five Secrets of Successful Job Hunting, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Held
at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit
www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for
more information.
Small Business Resource Clinic, Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry. Presented by MetroAction, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00
a.m. Cost: Free. Seminar reviews the steps needed to develop a
successful business. Attendees will learn how small business loans
work, what documents and information are required, and review the
requirements to qualify for small business financing: grants, lenders,
and loans. Registration required. Call (570) 342-7711 or visit www.
metroaction.org for more information.
June 17
Intro to CareerLink Services 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Mock
Interviews 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in
Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or
www.monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
June 18
BNI Milford, 7:00 a.m., Mount Haven Resort, 123 Log Tavern
Rd., Milford. Call Carl Pallini at (570) 296-7176 for more information.
Career Exploration, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.
June 19
Third Annual “Dump the Pump” Day to enhance awareness of
public transportation. Call Monroe County Tranit Authority at
(570) 839-6282 for more information.
information.
Doing Business with the Commonwealth, Scranton Enterprise
Center, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Learn how to pursue contract
opportunities with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; covers
whether the state buys what you sell, learn how state government purchases goods and services, know where to find state
business opportunities, explore government programs to help
small businesses, find out about certifications for minority- and
women-owned businesses, and more. Cost: Free. Pre-registration
required. Call (570) 342-7711 or visit www.metroaction.org for
more information.
Selling to the Federal Government, Scranton Enterprise Center,
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The SBA has a number of programs to help
small firms do business with the Federal Government. Businesses
owned by individuals who are socially or economically disadvantaged may qualify for certification in the U.S. Small Business
see JUNE page 27
27
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE... cont. from page 26
Administration’s 8(a) program. Information and eligibility requirements for certification will also be presented for the HUBZone Program, which establishes preferences for award of Federal contracts
to small businesses located in historically underutilized business
zones. Cost: Free. Pre-registration required. Call (570) 342-7711 or
visit www.metroaction.org for more information.
The Business Management for Building Professionals, Wayne and
Pike County Builders Association, PPL Learning Center, Rt. 6,
Hawley. Call (570) 226-4941 or (570) 296-5589 for more information.
Business and Books, 5:30 p.m., Borders Stroudsburg, Route
611. Launch of “Editors on the Road” series by Pocono Business
Journal, this first session focuses on “Getting PR for Your Pocono
Business.” Cost: free. Future topics will cover human resources,
marketing, taxes, real estate, and more. Call (570) 421-0100 for
more information.
June 19 - 20
Business Management for Building Professionals, Lukan’s Farm
Resort, Hawley. Registration 8:15 a.m., program 8:30 a.m. - 4:30
p.m. Cost: $225.00 includes instructional manual, light breakfast
and lunch. Call (570) 226-4941 for more information.
June 20
Time Management, University of Scranton, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $95 includes materials and lunch. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit
http://academic.scranton.edu/department/cce/Lead_Manage.html
for more information.
GrowthCLUB: 90 Day Massive Action Planning Session, 7:30 a.m.
- 5:00 p.m., held by ActionCOACH. Getting focused and establishing a game plan for the next 90 days. Location is Stroudsburg area,
venue to be determined. Cost: $299.95. Call (570) 517-7100 or
email [email protected].
Monthly Breakfast, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, 7:30
a.m. Cost in advance: $10 Chamber members, $14 non-members.
At the door: $12 Chamber members, $18 non-members. Held at Pocono Inne Town (formerly Best Western Pocono Inn), Stroudsburg.
Sponsored by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, special
program by Tri-State Troopers Fund. Call (570) 421-4433 for more
information.
Résumé Critique (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Employer Web site 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.
June Networking Dinner, The West End Business Group, 5:00
p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at The American Legion Hall, Route 209, Gilbert.
Cost: $15 for members, $20 non-members, $25 non-registered
walk-ins. Call (570) 972-0563 or email [email protected] for more information.
June 23
One-on-One Résumé Assistance (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570)
620-2850 for more information.
June 26 and 27
BusinessRICH: Business Success Academy, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
held by ActionCOACH. A two-day, 9 hour days, intensive business
course that covers Sales, Selling Techniques, Marketing, Finance,
Operations, Systems, Team Building, Successful Hiring, Priority
Management and more. Location in Stroudsburg area, venue to be
determined. Cost: $1195 includes textbooks and all material. Call
(570) 517-7100 or email [email protected].
June 27
Computer Basics 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Employer Web site Assistance 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 for more information.
June 24
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. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 6202850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
June 30
Computerized O’Net Assessments 9:00 a.m. - 10:30a.m. Held at the
PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.
information.
June 25
One-on-One Résumé Assistance (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00
noon. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 6202850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us or www.monroecountycareerlink.org for more information.
June 26
information.
Pocono Mountains Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament,
Skytop Lodge. Registration 11:30 a.m., shotgun start 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 or $600/foursome includes greens fees cart rental,
lunch, cocktail reception, dinner and one raffle ticket for the drawing. Event is a new partnership venture by the Pocono Mountains
Visitors Bureau (PMVB) and PA CareerLink of Monroe County.
Benefits local students accepted into tourism and hospitality degree
programs. Call John Casella at (570) 620-2960 or Ann Pilcher at
(570) 421-5791 or [email protected] for more information.
Center for Professional Training and Development
please
recycle
this
paper
“Making Connections Happen”
For All Your Workforce Training and
Recruitment Needs
570-620-2850
www.cwds.state.pa.us
Improve your skills this summer!
Quickbooks 2008
June 11, 18 and 25
6 – 9 p.m.
Fee: $165 (includes text)
Upgrading to Microsoft 2007
(including Vista)
Aug. 15 and 22
9 a.m. – Noon
Fee: $99 (includes text)
Training Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
(570) 941-7582
www.scranton.edu/cptd
Coming Next Month ... July 2008
POCONO
[email protected]
www.pbjonline.com
Economic Forecast
www.pbjonline.com
• Foreclosure Update: Taking the temperature on commercial and residential real estate markets
• Outsourcing vs. “Buying American”: Businesses that outsource and why; or, keeping it domestic
• Getting off Foreign Fuel: Fuel alternatives explored; local gas stations get a handle (or not)
on prices
• Conspicuous Consumerism: The retail industry’s rocky road in luring the dollar
• Workplace Profile: Local companies participate in Restaurant Week to boost business
28
PBJ REGISTER
Deeds
Carbon County
Kidder Township South
Norma Villalobos to Norman Jung, $338,500.
Thomas Wisniewski to James Sykes, $460,000.
Lansford Borough
BJ&H Sales to Preeti Corporation, $500,000.
Palmerton Borough
Kal-Tac Inc to Stacy Herbert, $310,000.
Penn Forest Township
William Savarese to ACT Management, $330,000.
Monroe County
Barrett Township
Buck Hill Luxury Homes LP/Anderko Land Management to James and Mayson Price, $648,260.
Chestnuthill Township
Norman and Brenda Sisco to Paul and Joann, Mastronardi, $310,000.
PGJ Holdings Inc to Rainmaker Capital of Mount
Effort LLC, $2,525,000.
Peter and Annette Vandebrook to Marek and Emilia
Ringwelski, $324,800.
Vincent Corrao and Kristie Auclair to RWN
Property Management LLC, $395,000. Robert and
Dorinda Daley to Jesse Harris Project Kick Boxercise, $690,000.
Coolbaugh Township
William and Susan Myer to 3 LAS Company Inc.,
$900,000.
Bruce and Joyce Doyle to Alfred and Rene Kohan,
$420,000.
Marilyn and Reno Menichelli to Thomas McCann
and Lori Tierney, $493,333.
Rosegas Inc. to Kevin and Patricia McWilliams,
$300,000.
East Stroudsburg Borough
LTS Development LLC to Jose Perez and Wanda
Plaza, $329,800.
Hamilton Township
Cheryl Deutsch to Bradford and Pamela Cole,
$310,000.
Jackson Township
LTS Development LLC to Jeffrey and Tanya Chambers, $400,800.
Middle Smithfield Township
Edward and Diane Pazden to Vera Lee, $365,000.
Toll PA IV to Michael Janicki, $354,553.
Paul and Jennifer Valenti to Charles and Faye
James, $430,000.
Toll PA IX to Jeremy and Jennifer Pastuszek,
$499,000.
LTS Development LLC to Angel and Maria Santana, $423,300.
Toll PA IV to Steven and Carol Zigman, $320,485.
Pocono Township
Four Seasons at Camelback to Christopher and Raffaela Skeehan, $380,759.
SJH Realty Associates to Wesley and Stacey
Wojtanowicz, $350,000.
Pocono Village Associates to Thomas and Suzette
Scipio, $1,030,000.
Robert and Tricia Papile to Baba I Inc., $750,000.
Polk Township
Robert and Tracy Serfass to Ray and Stephanie
Mitchell, $325,900.
Ross Township
George and Sandra Roosevelt to Christopher and
Shelley Honor, $335,000.
Smithfield Township
Michael Hopkins to Stephen and Victoria Ambos,
$351,500.
Stroudsburg Borough
Lorenzo Formato and John Martin to Monroe
County, $826,000.
Lake Street Acquisition Corporation to Zhengs
Lucky Inc., $1,550,000.
Stroud Township
LTS Development LLC to Steve and Holly Manswell, $350,000.
NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Theresa and Michael
Andreano, $464,270.
LTS Development LLC to Russell and Mary Jo
Bonadonna, $474,600.
NVR Inc./Ryan Homes to Courtney and Monica
Dent, $342,915.
NVR Inc./Ryan Homes to Andrew and Cianie
Brome, $358, 131.
LTS Development LLC to Vere and June Pilgrim,
$426,800.
Salvatore and Jane Ceraldi to Margaret Sulaiman,
$330,000.
Lake Street Acquisition Corporation to Zhengs
Lucky Inc., $1,550,000.
David and Renee Barbetti to Michael and Kelly
Rafferty, $336,000.
Tobyhanna Township
Robert and Christine Martella to Steven and Alissa
Silverberg, $325,000.
Klaus and Angela Rohr to Charles Barbee and Annu
Warikoo, $331,500.
Pinecrest Lake Homes LLC to 74 Wild Pines LLC,
$465,000.
Matthew and Colleen Witt to Eric and Tracy Frary,
$310,000.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
David and Beth Ann Rossitto to Vito and Patricia
manieri, $350,000.
Dingman Township
Donald Bray and Robert Canty to Stephen and
Heather Hamilton, $312,000. David Lathan to
Patricia Rusinak-Rodriguez, $345,050. Lawrence
and Elizabeth McLaughlin to Elizabeth Herman, $390,000. Susan King to Jeffrey Monteith,
$350,000. Milford Realty Building Associates to
Harold and Susan Urmston, $324,900. Milford
Realty Building Associates LP to Adrianne Giusti,
$525,000. Jesse Tashlik to Larisa Voloshina,
$360,000.
Greene Township
Joseph and Kathleen Hartman to Peter and Lisa
Kotsos, $350,000.
Lackawaxen Township
Joseph and Cecelia to Slavko and Linda Dunic,
$455,000. Douglas and Dina Tucker to Fred and
Cecilia Bauries, $425,000. Andrew and Lori Stern
to John and Josephine DeStefano, $615,000.
Matamoras Borough
Luna Blue Real Estate Inc. to Voltron Electric Inc.,
$325,000.
Milford Township
Robert and Diane Ladwig to Lexieric LLC,
$365,000.
Westfall Township
Thomas Bartolomeo to AR Real Estate Holdings,
$1,000,000.
Wayne County
Berlin Township
Theresa Herbig to John and Anne Marie Brooks,
$340,000.
Buckingham Township
Joseph and Deborah Visceglia to Jerry Whitson,
$1,050,000. Delaware River Presentation Company
to LC Fins Inc., $2,185,000. Fred and Jane Studer
to William and Margaret Allen, $480,000.
Cherry Ridge Township
Anthony and Daria Ricci to Herman and Song
Tilley, $435,000.
Damascus Township
Milda Sebris to Nineleaf, $450,000.
Dreher Township
Jeff and Consuela Monteith to John and Maria
Timpano, $307,000.
Hawley Borough
Richard and James Teeter to Richard Teeter,
$500,000.
Lake Township
James and Shirley McAllister to John and Deborah
Vanvugt, $580,000.
Lehigh Township
George and Carole Bell to Lowell and Lynn Jacobs,
$680,000.
Manchester Township
William and Krystyna Iwaskow to Robert Frank,
$305,000. Harry and Roberta Ault to Paul and
Diane Day, $475,000.
Paupack Township
Ricky and Suzanne Smethers to Eugene and Donna
Chrinian, $799,900. Cheryl and Eric Enge to Pits
Peak, $1,150,000. Rachel Giordano and John DeSilvia to Manuel and Dawn Delahoz, $375,000.
Salem Township
Fowler Oil Co Inc. to RAP Hamlin LP, $850,000.
Hugh and Joanne Kelley to Timothy and Annette
Mezick, $450,000.
Texas Township
EKG Partnership to Geisenger Clinic, $1,146,500.
Mortgages
Carbon County
East Penn Township
James George, MERS, $300,000.
Lansford Borough
Preeti Corporation, First National Community
Bank, $350,000.
Lehigh Township
John Sweeney, MERS, $308,000.
Lehighton Borough
Balbir Singh, PNC Bank, $695,000.
Nesquehoning Borough
John Williams, Financial Freedom Senior Funding
Corporation, $458,499.
John Williams, Housing and Urban Development,
$458,499.
Palmerton Borough
Stacy Herbert, MERS, $307,570.
Penn Forest Township
Howard Brecht, Mauch Chunk Trust Company,
$332,000.
Stephen Wagner, Wells Fargo Bank, $338,000.
Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Penn Forest, Neff’s National Bank, $300,000.
Monroe County
Barrett Township
James and Mayson Price, Bank of America,
$400,000.
Chestnuthill Township
Joseph and Mary Cedor, M&T Bank, $300,240.
Joseph and Mary Cedor, Housing and Urban Development, $300,240.
Tamara Telesh, Bank of America, $300,240.
Tamara Telesh, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240.
Rainmaker Capital of Mount Effort LLC, Sussex
Bank, $2,200,000.
RWN Property Management, Preferred Capital
Bidco Inc., $385,500.
Jesse Harris Project Kick Boxercise Inc., Tall
Bridge Asset Backed Fund LP, $670,000.
Rainmaker Capital of Mount Effort LLC, JPM
Exchange Corporation, $1,599,281.
Coolbaugh Township
3 LAS Company Inc., Wayne Bank, $650,000.
Alfred and Rene Kohan, JP Morgan Chase Bank,
$378,000.
Lora and Carl Johnson, Countrywide Bank,
$300,000.
Lora and Carl Johnson, Housing and Urban Development, $300,000.
Thomas McCann and Lori Tierney, PHH Mortgage
Services, $387,800.
William and Karen Babcock, ESSA Bank,
$375,000.
Robert and Linda Maynard, MERS/First Residential
Bank, $358,000.
Jose Perez and Wanda Plaza, HSBC Mortgage,
$312,800.
Buff Nauman Inc., Penn Security Bank, $720,000.
MJB of Bayshore LLC, Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, $$650,000.
Spring Hill Realty Company PA LP, QNB Bank,
$2,000,000.
East Stroudsburg Borough
East Brown Street Associates/Michael Spence,
Citizens Bank, $2,000,000.
Hamilton Township
W Hall and Denise Barker, PHH Mortgage Services, $360,000.
Jeffery and Patricia Richardson, Countrywide Bank,
$372,600.
Roger and Lynn Rakus, MERS/Countrywide,
$324,700.
James and Cheryl Jencarelli, ESSA Bank, $385,000.
Robert Nebel, Preferred Capital Bidco Inc.,
$385,500
Nicole Nebel, Preferred Capital Bidco Inc.,
$385,500.
James and Christine Wilson, Wells Fargo Bank,
$340,000.
John and Kathy Grande, Wachovia Bank, $461,250.
Daniel and Elba Solomon, PNC Bank, $414,000.
Glen and Elizabeth Pembleton, People First Credit
Union, $364,000.
Jackson Township
Adolfo and Iris Rodriguez, Citicorp Trust,
$376,151.
Pawel and Ewa Borkowska, ESSA Bank & Trust,
$300,000.
Jeffrey and Tanya Chambers, HSBC Corporation,
$380,700.
Christian and Jennifer Fornataro, Wayne Bank,
$500,000.
Middle Smithfield Township
James and Barbara Hart, MERS/Everbank,
$340,000.
Fuhai Li and Hong Hu, MERS/Amtrust, $417,000.
Charles and Faye James, MERS/Flagstar Bank,
$$408,500.
HRP Corporation, Textron Financial, $20,773,170.
Angel and Maria Santana, JP Morgan Chase Bank,
$338,300.
Muhammad and Rubina Azam, 2004-0000191 LLC,
$355,000.
Victor and Sarah Gialanella, Wells Fargo Bank,
$368,000.
George and Nurys Sabando, Countrywide bank,
$$376,412.
HRP Corporation, Textron Financial, $20,773,170.
Michael Janicki, MERS/Primelending, $319,050.
Mount Pocono Borough
Patricia Martz, Countrywide Bank, $300,240.
Patricia Martz, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240.
Jeff Greene, First Regional Bank, $779,000.
Paradise Township
Marvin and Melissa Hodges, MERS/Gateway Funding, $402,161.
Charles Poalillo, MERS/Countrywide Bank,
$342,500.
Pocono Township
Zhengs Lucky Inc. and Bi Xian Lin, Wayne Bank,
$1,360,000.
SBN II LLC, Northeastern Economic Development
Company of PA – CDC, $418,000.
Leonard and Jennifer Perroots, MERS/Nationwide
Advantage Mortgage Company, $319,000.
Thomas and Suzette Scipio, Merchants National
Bank, $430,000.
Barley Creek Associates, Penn Security Bank,
$550,000.
Baba I Inc., ESSA Bank, $731,250.
Julius and Victoria Kollar, MERS/First Horizon,
$380,000.
Polk Township
Sunil and Lopa Patel, MERS/Countrywide Bank,
$332,707.
Ross Township
Herbert and Raula Stecker, MERS/Integrated Financial, $315,000.
Smithfield Township
Stephen and Victoria Ambos, MERS/Suntrust
Mortgage, $351,500.
LTS Development LLC, First National Community
Bank, $320,000.
Chester and Sally Pugliese, MERS/First Horizon
Home Loans, $311,000.
Susan Mirkovic, MERS/Amtrust, $332,500.
PBPC Properties, PNC Bank, $1,480,000.
Stroud Township
Vere and June Pilgrim, HSBC Mortgage, $376,800.
Stanley Boluch, Generation Mortgage, $300,240.
Stanley Boluch, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240.
Michael and Kelly Rafferty, PNC Mortgage,
$311,000.
Richard and La Keisha Price, Countrywide Bank,
$321,000.
Steve and Holly Manswell, National City Bank/
Mortgage, $332,500.
Cheryl White, MERS/Amtrust, $335,000.
Russell and Mary Jo Bonadonna, GMAC Mortgage,
$450,780.
Otis Pearson, Countrywide Bank, $373,500.
PR Management LLC, Intervest National Bank,
$1,500,000.
Francesco and Maria Albanese, MERS/Nationwide,
$364,500.
Courtney and Monica Dent, MERS/NVB Mortgage,
$325,769.
Cianie and Andrew Brome, MERS/Taylor Bean and
Whitaker, $340,200.
Stroudsburg Borough
Zhengs Lucky Inc., Wayne Bank, $1,360,000.
Tobyhanna Township
Kenneth and Mary Anne Robinson, Wells Fargo
bank, $349,916.
Frederick and Stacey Frankel, ESSA Bank & Trust,
$364,100.
74 Wild Pines LLC, QNB Bank, $372,000.
Ross and Elizabeth Engelman, Walter Financial
Inc., $350,000.
Alexander Holtzman, Nova Savings Bank,
$2,680,000.
Alexander Holtzman, Nova Savings Bank,
$2,680,000.
Joseph Giacalone, PennStar Bank, $640,000.
Sean, Bridget, Matthew and Susan McNally,
MERS/Penn West, $304,000.
Tunkhannock Township
Jeffrey and Bennie Brennan, First National Bank of
Palmerton, $940,000.
Falcon Crest Homes, Commerce Bank, $2,000,000.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
Lori and Robert Rossier, Alliant Credit Union,
$396,000.
Diego and Teresa Lodico, Bank of America,
$300,000.
Chad and Nancy Goetz, MERS/Quicken Loans Inc.,
$374,250.
Delaware Township
James Brengel, Lakeland Bank, $311,000.
Dingman Township
Elizabeth Herman, MERS/Coldwell Banker,
$312,000.
Jeffrey Monteith, MERS/USAA Federal Savings
Bank, $361,550.
George and Vicki Andersen, MERS/Quicken Loans,
$370,000.
Vannatta Realty and Builders, Sussex Bank,
$360,000.
Michael and Jillian Murray, MERS/Suburban Federal Savings, $608,000.
Robert Martin and Leigh Marshall, MERS/Wachovia Bank, $300,000.
Brad Neiswender, Citizens Bank, $312,000.
Adrianne Giusti, MERS/GMAC Mortgage,
$417,000.
Larisa Voloshina, MERS/Wall Street Mortgage
Bankers Ltd., $288,000.
Greene Township
Judy and Jake Haff, JP Morgan Chase Bank,
$323,023.
Alfred and Deana Ostroski, MERS/Wachovia
Mortgage, $382,000.
Lackawaxen Township
Slavko and Linda Dunic, ESSA Bank and Trust,
$355,000.
Christopher and Kristine Seebach, Christopher
Seebach, $337,250.
John and Justine DeStefano, MERS/USAA Federal
Savings Bank, $417,000.
Matamoras Borough
Voltron Electric Inc., Dime Bank, $325,000.
Milford Borough
First States Investors HFS LP to Gramercy Investment Trust, $75,000,000.
Hotel Fauchere LLC, Dime Bank, $800,000.
Milford Township
Robert and Maureen Babcock, MERS/Countrywide,
$304,000.
Gerard and Mary Kreischer, MERS/Grand Bank
NA, $443,555.
Palmyra Township
Robin Battiato, Dime Bank, $1,400,000.
Kurt Spiegel, Wachovia Bank, $303,237.
29
PBJ REGISTER
Paul and Susan Jennings, Wayne Bank, $409,500.
William and Suzanne Goble, Dime Bank, $463,000.
Shohola Township
Omar and Sian Brown, Bank of America, $417,000.
Westfall Township
Thomas Bartolomeo, United Central Bank,
$1,000,000.
Robert Carpenter, Citizens Bank of PA, $300,000.
Wayne County
Berlin Township
Scott and Alice Pratcshler, Honesdale National
Bank, $378,000.
Camp Hachshara of New York Inc., Dime Bank,
$1,500,000.
Buckingham Township
William and Margaret Allen, Agchoice Farm Credit,
$380,000.
Damascus Township
Scott and Alice Pratcshler, Honesdale National
Bank, $378,000.
Georges and Dany Forgeois, JP Morgan Chase
Bank, $350,000.
Dyberry Township
Timothy and Heather Meagher, Honesdale National
Bank, $367,500.
Hawley Borough
Richard Alvin Teeter, Dime Bank, $495,000.
Honesdale Borough
D&D Property Management II, Honesdale National
Bank, $575,000.
Lake Township
William Shoemaker and Candace Popik, Pennstar
Bank, $300,000.
Bruce Brooks, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240.
Bruce Brooks, World Alliance Financial Corp,
$300,240.
Lebanon Township
D&D Property Management II, Honesdale National
Bank, $575,000.
Manchester Township
Paul and Diane Day, Dime Bank, $500,000. Paul
and Diane Day, Dime Bank, $500,000.
Paupack Township
Eugene and Donna Chrinian, ESSA Bank & Trust,
$599,925.
Brian Wiele and Clare Conlin, Wells Fargo Bank,
$417,000.
Thomas and Sandra McGeehan, M&T Trust Company, $500,000.
Gerald and Trudy Kobylski, MERS, $300,000.
Tazz Inc., Dime Bank, $390,000.
Robert and Cecelia Bucko, Wachovia Mortgage,
$415,000.
Andrew Bartels, MERS, $417,000.
Manuel and Dawn Delahoz, MERS, $300,000.
Joseph and Denise Grippaldi, JP Morgan Chase
Bank, $407,281.
Grzegorz and Sophia Kida, MERS, $378,000.
Prompton Borough
Kip and Andrea Odell, Dime Bank, $400,000.
Salem Township
Gary and Jacqueline Kopesky, First National Community Bank, $450,000.
RAP Hamlin LP, Pennstar Bank, $4,976,218.
New Corporations /
Fictitious Names
Carbon County
Antenna Engineering Group, antenna design and
consulting, 650 Behrens Road, Jim Thorpe, Walter
Schulz.
Bennett Lehighton Dodge, automobile dealership,
619 Iron Street, Lehighton, Joseph Bennett/BennettPalmerton Pre-owned, Inc.
Canuso Software Design LLC, 735 Green Street,
Lehighton.
Coast to Coast Leasing LLC, auto dealership, 500C
Bridge Street, Weissport.
Coral Cutters, marine aquarium livestock, equipment, maintenance service and internet sales, 1360
Indian Mountain Lakes, Albrightsville, Steven C
Ryder.
Dadd Electric, LLC, electrical services, 26 Wintergreen Lane, Jim Thorpe.
DVDGRAFX Limited Liability Company, web
development and multi media, 101 Pawnee Trail PO
Box 195, Albrightsville.
East Coast Dental Services Provider, Inc., dental
crowns, dentures, 609 Estates Drive/PO Box 433,
Lake Harmony.
Homeside Collection, retail sales, 280 Mahoning
Heights Road, Lehighton, Seirena Maria Confer.
Jason Pantella DBA L&MD Mobile Service, mobile
service for light and medium duty vehicle repairs,
259 North 11th Street, Lehighton.
Lifetime Services, LLC, home improvements, 527
White St, Bowmanstown.
Lucky Pug’s Dog Treats, homemade dog treats
-toys, 425 North 3rd Street, Lehighton, Karri Ann
Schreppel.
Open Gate Excavating, excavating/systems installation, 1227 Ben Salem Road, Lehighton.
Pocono Weddings & Events Photography, digital
photography, 43 Miller Way/PO Box 813, Albrightsville, John Stoj.
RCA Enterprises LLC, selling automotive products
online, 113 Franklin Avenue, Palmerton.
Regional EMS and Critical Care, Inc., ambulance
service, 700 North First St. PO Box 191, Lehighton.
S & D Realty Investments, LLC, real estate, 308
Spruce Street, Lehighton.
Slide Down a Rainbow, Inc., beer distributor, 66
Wilbur Street, Weatherly.
Spectrum Wireless, cellular service, 3312 Mahoning
Drive West, Lehighton, Jesse Berchick.
SRJ Realty, LLC, real estate investments, 43 West
Ludlow Street, Suite 1, Summit Hill.
St. Michael’s Medical, LLC, sales and rentals of
durable medical equipment, 215 South First Street,
Lehighton.
TW Services, industrial mechanics, 132 Sekani
Trail, Albrightsville, David Tyler Wallace.
Monroe County
A Bug’s Life, Inc., pest control and home inspection, HCR 1, Box 48 (Route 715), Brodheadsville.
A1 Carpet Cleaners, carpet cleaning, F119 Route
209, Brodheadsville, A1 Home and Building
Inspections, LLC.
A1 Home & Building Remediation, mold cleaning
and remediation, F119 Route 209, Brodheadsville,
A1 Home & Building Inspections, LLC.
Ace of Spades Landscaping & Snowplowing, Inc.,
landscaping/snow plowing, 106 Birch Acres, East
Stroudsburg.
AimSafe Inc., workplace safety and health, RR 1
Box 205 Wilke Road, Tannersville.
Allentown Holdings, LLC, hold real estate, 28
Rockledge Estates, Cresco.
Alltimate Designs, wedding, event planning, 603
Milford Commons, East Stroudsburg, Michelle
Dodoo.
Americajoblink Corporation, peer job referrals, 4
Shepherd Lane, Swiftwater.
ASCO International Trading, Inc., 818 Thomas
Street, Stroudsburg.
Astraia Security Alliance LLC, security services,
consultation & installation, 6144 Monomonock
Road, Mountainhome.
B L Travel, cruise consultant, 282 Mary St, East
Stroudsburg, Barbara Lewis.
BABA I, Inc., RR 1 Box 512 Route 611, Tannersville.
Best Advertising Limited Liability Company, RR4
Box 2980, Saylorsburg.
Beverage Technical Services-Consulting & Design,
consulting & design related to beverage business,
136 Blue Mountain Lake, East Stroudsburg, David
Dwight Alexander.
Blades Away Lawn Care, LLC, 8 Wooded Acres
Drive, Stroudsburg.
Blossoming Figs Psychological Services, LLC, psychological services and consultations, 800 Arthur
Avenue, Twin Lakes Estates, East Stroudsburg.
Bus Stop Eat N Run, LLC, 1 Maplewood Court
Martz Bus Terminal, East Stroudsburg.
C & S Brothers, Inc., sign company, 549 Pocono
Boulevard, Mount Pocono.
Cabinetry & Stone Depot, LLC, 13 Manor Drive,
East Stroudsburg.
CH Paul Consulting, LLC, management consulting
services, 7370 Ventnor Drive, Tobyhanna.
Charles F Groves Consulting, LLC, IT consulting,
HC 1 BOX 387, Sciota.
Cpudirect Networks, LLC, internet service provider,
41 Lang Mountain Drive, Effort.
Creek Side Bingo, bingo, Creek Road, Marshall’s
Creek, Clyde Frelds and Denise Lacaillade.
Crime Scene Clean-Up, cleaning services,
HC 87 Box 785B/Route 940, Pocono Lake,
AASceneClean, LLC.
DiscoTix LLC, 9528 Jasmine Drive, Tobyhanna.
Eastern Pennsylvania Horse Expo, horse trade
shows, 9 Muffin Lane, Blakeslee, NEPA Marketing
Group, Inc./Bill and Noelle Vander Brink.
Equipment & Earthworks Management, LLC, 2701
Hamilton Drive, East Stroudsburg.
FAD Enterprises, LLC, 275D Laurel Drive, Tobyhanna.
Felletter’s The Chop Shop, retail auto parts, HC87
Box 730 Route 940 Unimart Plaza, Pocono Lake.
Fresh Ideas Consulting, computer consulting, repair
and web design, 450-B Shook Avenue, Stroudsburg,
Chris Gralski and George Green.
Frosting, specialty cakes and baked goods, RR
1 Box 285 Winter Hill Road, Effort, Melinda
Jorgensen.
G.B.Unique Express, LLC, transport, 8579 Marshall
Creek Road RR 8, East Stroudsburg.
Gifts-n-Novelties, LLC, crafts, 224 Blue Mountain
Lake, East Stroudsburg.
Glorybonline.com, sale of Christian shirts, HC 1
Box 341, Brodheadsville, GloryB, Inc.
Healy HVAC LLC, 292 Glade Drive/856 Sycamore
Lane, Long Pond.
Hello Memories, sales of scrapbooks and supplies, 2183 Spruce Cabin, Mountainhome, Susan
Whitmer.
High Class Enterprises, LLC, landscaping, 20
Thunderbird Terrace, Stroudsburg.
Ideal Systems USA, Inc., Construction, 859 White
Street, Stroudsburg.
Intoxication, audio recording and production, 1919
Mountain Road/Box 1325, Blakeslee, Anthony
Zangara.
J & B Floor Maintenance LLC, 4165 Brook Court,
Tobyhanna.
J & M Team Green Cleaning Service, commercial
cleaning, 7 Stephanie Way, Stroudsburg, John A
Demeo.
JIC Import LLC, import produce perishable and
non-perishable items from Jamaica, 110 Blue
Mountain Lake, East Stroudsburg.
Joe Ayvazov Electric, electric, 309 Albert Road,
Stroudsburg, Rossen and Zdravko Ayvazov.
Kitt e-Toys, cat stuff, 36 Bossardsville Road, Sciota,
IKC, LLC/Jessica and Theresa Johnson.
LMP Investments, LLC, 20 Brookeville Terrace, PO
Box 713, Mount Pocono.
LuvDemShuz.com, online shoe store, 5 Woodstock
Drive, Saylorsburg, Irene Lum Cheong.
Maryland’s Little World Daycare Company, daycare, 44 Glade Drive, Long Pond.
Mina Foods, Inc., food service, 712 Avenue C,
Stroudsburg.
Momma Carol’s Produce & Provisions, farmers
market, baked goods, crafts, Route 390, Paradise,
Rudy Haub and Carol Meinweiser.
Monroe County Real Estate.com, real estate, HC89
Box 105, Pocono Summit.
Mountain Taxi Inc., taxi cab company, 35 Pocono
Blvd, Mount Pocono.
Mountain View Sealcoating, sealing driveways and
parking lots, RR 1, Box 1944, Kunkletown, Jeffrey
Knappenberger.
O & A, Inc., construction, renovation, remodeling, 3
Cherry Canyon Drive, Stroudsburg.
Omni Safety Supply, Wholesale/retail sales, 730-16
Milford Rd, East Stroudsburg, Frank and Marsha
Monteforte.
Payless Mortgage Corporation of NEPA, mortgage
brokering, 939 Saw Creek Estates, Bushkill, Carl
Maurer.
Perfect PC Fix LLC, 17 Spruce Road, Blakeslee.
Pinewood Deli II, sandwich shop, 8 C 1 Box 8 C,
Gouldsboro, Edward Goetze.
Pocono Laser Center, laser treatments, 200 Stroud
Building Rte 611, Stroudsburg, Sudarshan K Singla.
Ralph Anthony Homes, LLC., construction of new
homes, R.R. #1 Box 565A, Canadensis.
RWN Property Management LLC, acquisition and
management of real estate, 314 Lakeshore Drive,
Sciota.
S.L. Management, Inc., property maintenance, 100
Henry Street, East Stroudsburg.
SAIF Capital Advisors, LLC, investment advisor to
a private investment company, 195 Blue Mountain
SAIF Capital Group, LLC, investment advisor to
a private investment company, 195 Blue Mountain
Salon E, full service hair salon, HC1 BOX 39 Learn
Road, Tannersville, Eleni Kotretsos.
Sanabil Capital Fund, LP, 195 Blue Mountain Lake,
East Stroudsburg, Saie Capital Group, LLC.
SantaCruz cleaning services LLC, 1512 Black Birch
Way, Tobyhanna.
Shiro Restaurant, Route 611, Swiftwater, 611 Pub,
Inc.
Simplex Property Services, property maintenance,
100 Henry Street, East Stroudsburg, S.L. Management, Inc.
Simplex Signs and Service, Inc., sign manufacturing, 100 Henry Street, East Stroudsburg.
SJB Auto, LLC, automotive services, 141 East
Brown Street, East Stroudsburg.
Slatebelt Lawn Care, Inc., lawn care, HC1 Box
2100, Tannersville.
State of the Art Entertainment, LLC, promotion, 20
Thunderbird Terrace, Stroudsburg.
Strausser’s Construction Company, home improvement, RR 3 Box 3324, Stroudsburg, Edward A
Strausser.
Tender Touch Spa, LLC, spa services, 9 Sportsmen
Drive, Cresco.
The Designer’s Emporium, retail merchandise sales,
Route 191 and Route 390 PO Box 345, Cresco,
Michael E Meier.
The Family Circle DCPS productions, drama,
comedy, poetry & singing, 266 Glade Drive, Long
Pond, Lorena Moton.
The Monteforte Group, Inc., retail sales, 730 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg.
The Sewing Room, sewing repairs, alterations,
570-D Greenview Drive, Brodheadsville, Joan
Hoffman.
Tobacco Stop, sell tobacco products, 8 Village
Center, East Stroudsburg, Payal Patel.
Toby Oil, Inc., fuel oil sales and delivery, 18 Fish
Hill Road, East Stroudsburg, Furino Fuels, Inc.
W5 Group LLC, construction, 674 Wilderness
Acres, East Stroudsburg.
Wahooish, graphic design freelance/poster designs,
2051 Twin Pine Road, Stroudsburg, Richard Lesh.
Wish I Had My Camera.com, photography, 7
Chatham Hill Road, Stroudsburg, John Vincent
Blancato.
WML Construction, carpentry, masonry, landscaping, Southeaston Belmont Pike/RR 5 Box 5687,
Saylorsburg, Willard Lobb.
Wyoming County Landowners, oil and gas lease
negotiation for landowner’s group, 33 Holly Forest
Road, Mount Pocono, Raynold W Wilson, Jr.
Pike County
“Ask Kerry” LLC, render personal services to
members of this community, 306 Rambling Way,
Milford.
Action Bikes & Outdoor, LLC, 102 Milford Landing, Suite 6, Milford.
Advantage Public Auctions, auction house, 1831
Route. 739, Dingmans Ferry, Brian and Mary Jo
Bush.
Affordable Gutters Incorporated, residential, commercial construction & repairs, 106 Dingmans Plaza
Suite 2, Dingmans Ferry.
All About Image, embroidery of apparel, 125
Mountain Laurel Lane, Milford, George and Karen
Quinlan.
American Roller Skating & Sports Center, Inc.,
roller skating rink, 151 Reuben Bell Drive, Matamoras.
B and D Candle Creations, internet product sales,
150 Greeley Lake Road, Greeley, Bonnie Schlottmann.
Beacon Building and Development Inc., building
and contracting, 138 Big Bear Drive, Greentown.
Bloomin’ Baby Cake Boutique, homemade baby
gifts, online retail, 110 Spice Bush Lane, Milford,
Amy S Wright.
Breathe Well Products, sale of products for residential use, 204 Hillside Drive, Lords Valley, Lisa A
Davidsohn.
C Marine Services Inc, marine inspections, 345
Route 447, Newfoundland.
Cabel Associates, LLC, real estate, 2 Fox Run,
Tafton.
Creating Memories LLC, creating DVDs from jpeg
pictures, 103 Locust Drive, Milford.
Double Vision Xray, X-ray duplication, 610 Avenue
C, Matamoras, Bridget Tyler.
Down the Creek, LLC, restaurant-tavern, 664
Blooming Grove Road, Blooming Grove.
Eastern Arts Institute Inc., 105 Wheatfield Drive,
Lower Level, Milford.
Esquire Xray Copy Service, xray duplication, 610
Avenue C, Matamoras, Bridget Tyler.
GC & JC Associates, LLC, real estate, 2 Fox Run,
Tafton.
Henry for Higher, LLC, 100 Primrose Lane, Dingmans Ferry.
Iano Photo, photography, RR #1 Box 565 A,
Canadensis, Anthony Caggiano.
Ideal XRay, xray copying, 121 Decker Ln., Matamoras, Kelly J Hoehman.
In Line Striping, pavement striping and stenciling,
HC 1 Box 189, Paupack, Douglas Gumble.
Liam & Gavin Holdings LLC, own, operate &
finance real estate, 179 Firetower Road, Milford.
Northeast Property Investors Inc., property investment., 105 Bass Lane, Greentown.
Peerless Innovations, LLC, residential/commercial construction, 4110 Conashaugh Lake Drive,
Milford.
POSonThe.net LLC, 104 Valley Ct, Milford.
R & L Builders and Excavators, Inc., Building &
excavating, RR 2 Box 1190, Dingmans Ferry.
Real Estate Estimates and Repair Service, remodeling, maintenance and repair, 3402 Hemlock Farms,
Lords Valley, Sherry and Victor Longano.
Sane Spaces, professional organizing, 100 Snapdragon Court, Milford, Vanosdol-Block, Elizabeth
Cena.
TBGB LLC, consulting, 351 Fawn Lake Drive,
Hawley.
The Lotus Touch, therapeutic massage, 2662 Gold
Key Estates, Milford, Debra A Longo.
TLC Property Management Inc., property investment, 345 Route 447, Newfoundland.
Tristate MMA-BJJ of NEPA LLC, martial arts
school, 133 Hedgehollow Court, Greeley.
Wayne County
All Service Construction, LLC, construction services, 1066 Rosengrant Road, Lake Ariel.
Avani Mind, Body and Soul, LLC, wellness center,
1362 Cochecton Turnpike, Tyler Hill.
Bolla Organics Inc., 142 Kratz Road, Honesdale.
Buena Vista, LLC, owning and maintaining
roadways in Buena Vista Estates, 138 Rita Drive,
Newfoundland.
Candahills Inc., liquor license, operator, 67 Old
Main St, Honesdale.
Connections Magazine, regional periodical, 3305
Lake Ariel Highway, Honesdale, Deborah A Bailey.
D & D Property Management II, LLC, rental property management, 309 D Layton Road, Equinunk.
Eberlein Plumbing & Heating, plumbing & heating
repairs, installation, 81 Penn York Road, Starlight,
Steven Eberlein.
Electric Ed, electrical contractor, 189 Bob Black
Road, Lake Ariel, Edward Bodzio.
Elegante, LLC, real estate holding, 851 Main Street,
Honesdale.
Fertile, LLC, advertising, 214 Ninth Street, Honesdale.
Galilee Flower Farm LLC, on-site farm stand - sell
flower bouquets, potted plants, etc., 58 Baldwin Hill
Road, Damascus.
GT Capital, LLC, real estate investment, 921 Main
Street, Honesdale.
Guenther & Sons Enterprises, LLC, mfg. strings &
caps, Route 507 North, Box 803, Gouldsboro.
Indian Orchard Renewable Energy, LLC, ethanol
manufacturer, 58 Williams Valley Drive, Honesdale.
Little Treasures, internet/jewelry sales, 116 Hollisterville Hwy, Mocsco, Rhonda McCafferty and
Deborah L Sparks.
LTC-1 Associates, LLC, personal care facility management, 914 Church Street, Honesdale.
Maln Properties, LLC, real estate, 105 Firewood
Way, Hawley.
Nocella Poconos, LLC, real estate and real estate
holdings, 481 Woodlock Springs, Hawley.
PA Consulting, LLC, waste control consulting, 703
Lake Drive West, Gouldsboro.
Panessa Services, attorneys, 14 Evergreen Dr., Lake
Ariel, Andrew Panessa.
Skynet Satellite Corporation, satellite services, RR
1 Box 672 Kimble’s Road, Hawley.
Speedy Wheels Transportation Corp, trucking
company, 412 Academy Street, Hawley.
The Lunchbox Cafe LLC, restaurant, 20 Shep’s
Court, Hawley.
The Rainetree Restaurant of South Sterling, full service restaurant, 570 Sterling Road, South Sterling,
Lisa A, Salvatore and Christopher Milgliore.
Toscany Stone Manor, LLC, motel and restaurant,
563 Carlton Rd, Tobyhanna.
Tristar Communications, magazine publishing,
3305 Lake Ariel Highway, Honesdale, Deborah A
Bailey.
W.S. Construction & Trucking, dump truck hauling,
71B Fallsdale Rd., Milanville, Wendell Smith.
Wolff Tech Landscaping Inc., landscaping, 134
Melissa Lane, Hawley.
Woodland Creek Contracting, carpentry work, PO
Box 21, 14 Lordville Road, Equinunk, Woodland
Creek Property and Development, Inc.
Woodland Creek Homes, sale of residential structures, 14 Lordville Road PO Box 21, Equinunk,
Woodland Creek Property and Development, Inc.
Woodland Creek Property and Development, Inc.,
carpentry, real estate, 14 Lordville Road/PO Box
21, Equinunk.
Woodland Creek Real Estate, real estate, 14 Lordville Road PO Box 21, Equinunk, Woodland Creek
Property and Development, Inc.
Zacisze Krola Inc., 182 Lake Quinn Road, South
Canaan.
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.
30
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Opportunities Ahead...
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31
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE
Pocono Office Commons
Coolbaugh township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania
N E W LY R E N O V AT E D B U I L D I N G
52 5 M A I N S T R E E T
DOWNTOWN STROUDSBURG
4700 SQUARE FOOT RETAIL, RESTAURANT, OFFICES
Includes mens & ladies handicap rest rooms.
NOW AVAILABLE FOR LEASE
- ALSO -
Occupancy Fall 2008
2000 SQUARE FOOT SECOND FLOOR OFFICE SPACE
Includes 2 executive offices,
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Location: Pocono Mountains Corporate Center East, Coolbaugh Township, Monroe
County, PA.
Building Type: Class A office: four, one-story, 40,000 total square feet; one, twostory, 24,000 total square feet.
Architectuaal features: Steel frame, with brick/stone exterior
Floor Sizes: Up to 12,000 rentable square feet (contiguous); suites available from
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HVAC: Multi-zone heat pump system with individual tenant controls and separate
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For more information
visit our website:
www.arcadiaproperties.net
or contact
Rob Boehing: 610.691.5700
ARCADIA
PROPERTIES, LLC
www.arcadiaproperties.net
For Info Call (570) 856-0376
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  
   
       
     
    
       
   
   
    
    
       
      
   
  
 
 
 
    
    
    
       
      
   




 
 
   
     
        
   
   

  
    
       
     
     
   
  
       
     
    
         
  
  
   
   
    
    
     
 



    
   
      
    
     
    
   
  
   
      
      
      
     
 
  
   
     
      
     
    
   

     
       
      
        
       
 
32
meet the new face of Heart Care
ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute
In my 31 years of nursing, I can honestly say that the care provided at Pocono Medical Center’s
ESSA Heart & Vascular Institute is the best I’ve ever seen. What sets PMC apart from others is the
continuity of care we provide. From admission to discharge, our heart patients are cared for by the
same nurses and physicians throughout their entire hospital stay. Our universal bed care model
brings the appropriate level of care to the patient. As a result, our patients receive a highly advanced
and individualized level of care, and they love our program for it. Having a comfortable environment
with familiar faces means a lot to them, and it means a lot to us. We know our patients won’t find
better care anywhere else. And, as a nurse, there’s nothing more gratifying than being able to say
that and believe it with all your heart.
www.pmchealthsystem.org
Meet Toni Dally, Cardiovascular Unit RN and the new face of heart care.