NewsFlash June 2010 - Pike County Chamber of Commerce

June 2010
THE PIKE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(570) 296-8700 • Fax: (570) 296-3921
www.pikechamber.com • e-mail: [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR NEWSLETTER IS TEMPORARILY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
Pike Businesses Minds Captured
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce held their 2010 Signature Event on Thursday, May 20th at the beautiful
Woodloch Pines Resort. The #1 best selling business author on Amazon, Tony Rubleski, presented the keynote
presentation to a room packed with local business people hanging onto his every word. In addition to the
dinner, an in-depth workshop was held the next morning at the Hampton Inn in Matamoras.
Here’s what local business people are saying about the event:
“One of our new Marketing Consultants attended the Signature event with me. She is already applying the
insight she gained to her daily sales activities and finding it successful.” Matthew
Dorcas - Local Sales Manager for Bold Gold Media Group.
“Fresh and revitalized approaches and ideas are the wrappers needed to maintain
the edge and stand out as a yellow tulip in today’s changing world. Rubleski is
on his game and on our side.” Carol Markwalter - Pike County Dispatch
“Attending the Signature Event was worth every penny and more! Tony
Rubleski delivered a dynamic presentation on how to bring more sales and customers through the door, and just
as important, how to maintain customer base by implementing proven, common sense techniques. Taking
advantage of the many and varied programs the Pike County Chamber offers is essential to optimally running a
business.” Mary Ann Butler from the Times herald-Record
“What a great opportunity this was for small businesses to gain new marketing ideas that would set them apart
from their competition”, said Ed Nikles, President of Ed Nikles Custom Builder.
“Tony’s message was relevant to all business learning how to strive ahead in
this new economy,” said Pike Chamber CEO, Danielle Jordan. “He explained
that everyone is a sales person, whether it is in your job description or not.”
“Without the support of sponsorships this event could not have happened”,
said Jordan. “These local business sponsors are to be commended for helping
other businesses by sponsoring educational programming.” Major sponsors for
this event were the Dime Bank, Ed Nikles Custom Builder, Pike Light and
Power and the Wayne Bank. Supporting sponsors were the Woodloch Pines Resort, PennStar Bank, and Bon
Secours Heath System. Media sponsors are the Bold Gold Media Group, Best Western and the Pike County
Dispatch.
For more information on future Pike Chamber events and educational seminars visit
www.pikechamber.com.
The Death of Patience in the Internet Age By Tony Rubleski
We live in an age of "instant everything" brought upon by rapid changes in both communications and
innovation. When the Internet burst on the public scene back in the mid-1990's I wonder if any of us could've
imagined or even fathomed the changes it would bring to our lives and how we go about each day in the
newly interconnected world.
I'm often amused when meeting with people to discuss the marketing and promotion of their business or
organization as to how impatient people many of them are when it comes to setting up a marketing strategy
and following it. Often times, like an impatient child in a store that wants the shiny new toy right now, far
too many adults in various organizations of all shapes and sizes want what I describe as the sixty second
answer to a ten-year problem.
So why is the problem epidemic with most organizations when it comes to
improving their marketing and sales? It's not an easy question to answer, but let me
quickly share with you three reasons why I think the sixty second answer to a tenyear marketing problem still rears its ugly head in today's economy. I'll also
conclude with a possible solution, if you take action, to help overcome it.
#1. We're addicted to digital. In an age of instant information and Google,
we've come to expect answers to problems to magically appear with a five-minute
online search. Not only has this spoiled us, but I also believe it has made critical thinking difficult for many
people to consider and accomplish. The Internet is like a digital pacifier for many and makes it easy and
seductive to skip the step of asking tough questions and doing a better job of research.
#2. Shorter and shorter attention spans. This is a real problem. In a sped up world, full of digital
entertainment and massive distraction, people now tune out much faster and move on to something else if it
appears boring, or challenges their thinking. This challenge to attention, focus, and patience often produces
boredom and mental frustration for many when it comes to research, asking great questions and carrying out
a plan that involves a longer time window of say weeks, months, or years. Tony side-note: If you're still
reading this, thanks for staying with me and ignoring your vibrating cell phone, email ping, and the pop up
advertisement that might be lurking on this web page.
#3. Pressure to perform quickly. The amount of input bombarding each of us on a daily basis is
staggering. While technology has sped up, most of us haven't. We try to multitask, but frankly this is often a
"safe" excuse for trying our best to keep up with everyone else. Yes, email and instant access are supposed to
be tools, however, for many people they are a destroyer of focus and productivity. The illusion of looking
and acting busy is epidemic and common with many. Unfortunately, they rarely stop to step back, think, and
wonder why they feel the need to rush and hurry franticly throughout the day. This is like going back in time
and telling a master artist like Leonardo Da'Vinci that he needs to pick up the pace and paint the Sistine
Chapel in seven days.
So, what's my advice to help deal with the three challenges just described? While it may not be the sexiest
suggestion, I strongly recommend creating a one, three and five year marketing plan on paper and doing your
level best to stick with it once it has been debated, researched, thought out and put into action. Yes, you can
build in a few contingency points and allow for new opportunities to be added in, but be careful to limit the
amount of tinkering or else you risk having to start over with the entire process.
Many a company will start out with the best plans and then three months into it change course completely or
abandon the plan altogether. This is dangerous and often wastes valuable time, energy, resources, and at the
same time sabotages morale and trust within the ranks. A pattern of flightiness and inconsistency takes over
by senior management and the whole situation turns from bad to worse in a hurry.
Yes, the skeptic says, "Well what if the market changes?" Yes, a valid point. However, I firmly believe that
if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail. It's imperative to act on your plan in a proactive fashion versus
being reactive and hesitant. Based on the economic picture and the people I consult and speak with, a huge
number of firms, big and small, have been clearly reactionary during the recession. Their lack of a solid plan
is painfully obvious.
Until next time, keep Capturing Minds and profits!
~Tony Rubleski ~
In Memory of Gerry Hansen
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce respectfully remembers a great man and
1995 President of the Chamber Board. Gerry was passionate about Pike County and
the betterment of this beautiful community and its people. We will miss him!
Anyone wishing to remember Gerry may do so by making a contribution in his memory
to the Pike County Humane Society. Checks may be mailed to the shelter at
P.O. Box 255, Milford, PA 18337.
Dingmans Bridge Inspection
The Dingmans Bridge will have one-lane traffic for two weeks this June, when
the annual bridge inspection is performed. There will be brief traffic delays
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Monday June 7 through Friday June 1
1, and again from Monday June 14 through Friday June 18. For the safety of
the workers and motorists on the bridge, please observe flagger commands
and posted speed limits in the work zone. Drivers who do not heed traffic
directives may be reported to state police by the work zone flaggers. Please
take a moment to review the following safety tips:
· Slow down as you approach the work zone.
· Expect to come to a complete stop before proceeding.
· Give your full attention to the flaggers and workers as you travel through the
work zone.
Please be patient during the brief delays this June. The annual bridge inspection is an integral part of the proactive
maintenance program adhered to by the Dingmans Choice and Delaware Bridge Company.
www.dingmansbridge.com.
Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley will be hosting vendor booth including Food and Raffles
at the Port Jervis Soap Box Derby- Sussex Street, Port Jervis
Date: June 13, 2010 Time: all day!
For more information call 570-296-3447.
The Delaware River March for Babies
Held at Firefly Field in Matamoras, PA
September 26, 2010
This hometown walking event will be one of 42 in the state raising vital funds to help the March of Dimes save babies. Biondo
Investment Advisors will be a presenting sponsor.
For more information on being a sponsor or to walk, please call 570-296-5525.
Black Bear Film Festival Fundraiser
“Party with the Stars”
Tom Quick Inn on July 17th.
For more information call 570-409-0909.
Pike County Health Fund 2010 Duck Derby
June 12, 2010 - 10:00am - Noon
Please help support the Pike County Health Fund by purchasing a Duck!
Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for a ―six quack‖ participants will be assigned a numbered duck(s) based on
their ticket number(s).
Ducks will be released into the Sawkill Creek at The Muir House Restaurant & Inn and race to the finish line at the
Casa De Fabarno Bridge ~
Duck Fest Celebration at The American Legion, Milford, Pa – Live Broadcast of race on big screen TV, food, face
painting, balloon man, farmers market and more!!!
The first 3 ducks to cross the finish line will win: 1st Prize $500.00, 2nd Prize $250.00 & 3rd Prize $100.00. Winner
Need Not Be Present. Any questions please contact Dawn Sullivan at 973-579-8309 or [email protected].
Cook Books For Sale
The Women In Business Committee of the Chamber, with the contributions from other women & local
chefs, have put together a cookbook called “The Melting Pot”. $10.00 each can get you this wonderful
cookbook and find out some of the secret recipes that your friends & neighbors have prepared. It makes a
great gift for anyone! To get a copy, stop by Chamber office in Milford or order on the website.
Hot Crab Dip submitted by Linda Johnson from Milford, PA
1 ½ C Crab Meat
2 TB Prepared Mustard
3 Pkgs. Cream Cheese
¼ C White Wine
½ C Mayo
Combine all ingredients in a double boiler. Heat & stir constantly until all
ingredients are thoroughly blended. Serve hot with your favorite crackers.
Enjoy!
Pocono Medical Center Announces New Support Groups
New Alzheimer’s Support Group
Every third Tuesday from 5-6p.m.
Pocono Medical Center
FREE admission. 570-476-3740
www.poconomedicalcenter.org
New Amputee Support Group
Second Saturday of each month
2-3p.m. at Pocono Medical Center
FREE admission. Call Amy at 570-588-3027.
Milford Music Festival 2010
The Milford Business Council is pleased to announce the dates for Milford Music Festival: July 30th-August 1st. As a
presenting sponsor of the 2010 festival, The Laurel Villa will host a wine and cheese fundraiser on Sunday June 6th
from 2-4PM. Hudson Valley singer songwriter Sarah Morr will perform during this special afternoon event and the
summer‘s festival performance schedule will be announced. Advance tickets are $25 and are available at The Craft
Show store at 120 E. Harford St in Milford. Call 570-296-5662 for more information. The Laurel Villa is located at 210
2nd St in Milford.
2010‘s Milford Music Festival will feature Friday night performances in various Milford restaurants
and free music at more than 20 venues in town throughout the weekend. On Saturday and
Sunday, Milford shopkeepers will host its annual Sidewalk Shopping Festival along Broad and
Harford streets, at the historic Upper Mill, and Old Lumberyard Shops.
For more information regarding Milford Music Festival and related events, please visit
www.milfordpa.us or call Adrienne at 570-296-2661.
The Tom Quick Inn Re-opens their doors for the United Way
On July 24th, 2010 The new management team of the historic Tom Quick Inn located in Milford will partner with JAngelo Event Planners to present ―Moishel N‘ Camille‘s Wedding Reception‖, an audaciously imaginative, interactive
adult theater experience full of hilarious fun with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Pike County. The festivities
will begin at 1:00 with a theatrical wedding performance at the Ann Street Park in Milford. The ―Wedding‖ performance
will allow you to be immersed in the antics of the actors in a Gentile and Jewish Wedding Ceremony. The Wedding in
the park is a free venue and all are welcome to attend. There will be raffles and concessions available for purchase.
The Wedding reception will be held from 5pm-8pm at the Tom Quick Inn. The admission is 30.00 at the door and 25.00
pre-event. The admission price includes hors d‘oeuvres, pasta bar, and salad bar and potato martini bar. And yes,
there will be wedding cake by Elli-gant Cakes! Tickets will be limited, so please buy
your tickets early.
The unforgettable Mistress of Ceremonies ―Sugar‖, mother of the groom, will greet
all guests at the door. ―SO darrrrrrrrlings, come and join us for a fun time and feel gorgeous about helping our
neighbors. Bring a friend or two even!‖ said ―Sugar‖ Mother of the Groom. Remember to get your raffle ticket for the
amazing door prize!
―We are very grateful to J-Angelo Event Planning, The Tom Quick Inn, Elli.gant Cakes, DJ FLOW and all the
performers who have generously offered to donate their services to this event for the United Way of Pike County and
its efforts to bring hope where needed in our community. This is a fun way to assist the United Way of Pike County in
continuing our local efforts to help alleviate hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse right where we live. Please
join us for this fun event.‖ stated Catherine Capasso, United Way Executive Director.
The Reception is July 24th at the beautiful Tom Quick Inn in Milford from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Please bring a wedding gift
of non-perishable food items to be donated to the local food pantries. Tickets are $30 at the door or can be purchased
ahead for $25 by calling Catherine Capasso at 296-9980. Donations of any size are always welcomed. If you are
interested in donating ―your‖ special talent to this event, please feel free to contact J-Angelo at 570-686-9873 or
www.j-angelo.com.
For more information about the United Way of Pike County or any of its events, visit www.unitedwaypike.org or call
570 296-9980.

For the past several years, ChamberChoice has partnered with Smart Business Network (SBN) to publish a
monthly employee benefits-related article. These articles have covered a variety of topics, such as Workplace
Wellness, Life Insurance, Non-Traditional Benefits, Benefit Trends, and
Enhancing Communication within the Workplace, which have allowed them
to serve as both a marketing and educational tool.
In addition to our print marketing efforts, ChamberChoice has
partnered with SBN yet again to increase exposure to the program via the
web. While print publication will always be a valued resource for information, SBN and ChamberChoice (like everyone
else) has realized the internet is the wave of the future. To address the online media craze, SBN has created an online
component which has already been featuring our monthly articles. SBN‘s website will also have the ability to display 3minute, informative video clips. ChamberChoice will be featured on 3-4 video clips during the months of May, June,
and July.
Our May video clips have been completed and are housed on the SBN website. To see one or all of the videos, simply
click on the following topic(s) of interest:
Choosing an Advisor: When shopping for an employee benefits advisor, focus on three areas: strategy, service
and execution.
Healthcare Reform – Tax Exemption and Grandfathered Plans: How will healthcare reform affect you, your
company and your employees?
Hidden Paycheck: Ways employers can cut healthcare costs and help employees uncover their hidden paycheck.
We will continue to share the completed video clips over the remaining two months. If you have any suggestions on
topics we should cover, please let us know. Visit www.chamberchoice.com.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The annual Chicken BBQ will be held at the Blooming Grove Volunteer Fire
Department hall on Route 739, 1 mile north of I-84 on Sunday, June 27
from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The Volunteers are there in rain, sleet, snow, ice and heat to rush to your
aid. We now need your assistance to help purchase much needed equipment and
supplies. Thank you again for your support.
For further information please call 570-775-7355.
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PPL Corporation Supports the United Way of Pike County and the Community
On May 27th Paul Canevari, Community Relations Manager of the Pennsylvania Power and Light Corporation,
presented a check in the amount of $3200.00 to the United Way
Pike County. With the 2010 fundraising campaign well underway, this generous contribution will help the United Way
come one step closer to realizing their goal!
―We are very grateful to the PPL Corporation and Paul Canevari for generous donation and for their continued support
of the community and the United Way of Pike County. Because of the current economic climate, many of our friends
and neighbors are facing financial hardship and are reaching out for help. PPL‘s donation and other donations allow us
to give local human service agencies the vital resources they need to help our friends and neighbors in need.‖ stated
John Gilpin, UWPC Vice President and Pike County Treasurer.
―The PPL Corporation has been a very generous supporter of the United Way of Pike County for many years. We are
very fortunate to have generous donors like PPL that allow us to carry on the United Way mission, which is to alleviate
homelessness and hunger and to enrich the lives of others. I am proud to be part of a community and organization that
looks out for the health and well being of others.‖ stated Catherine Capasso, Executive Director of the United Way of
Pike County.
PPL Corporation is headquartered in Allentown, PA, and provides electricity to 1.5 million customers in central and
eastern Pennsylvania. For more information about PPL, please visit their website at www.pplweb.com. For more
information regarding the United Way of Pike County you can contact Catherine Capasso, Executive Director at 570296-9980 or visit their web site at www.unitedwaypike.org, or call toll free 888-306-6963.
National Trails Day
On Saturday, June 5, at 10AM, there will be a dedication ceremony at the newly
designated Cliff Park Trails System. Guided hikes along the trails to the Cliffs,
Hackers Falls and Milford Knob will be provided following the dedication.
This historic system of trails was acquired by the National Park Service in 2003
along with the Cliff Park Inn & Golf Course property. For over 100 years visitors
have used these trails to access unique views of the area from several outlooks
along the cliffs. The National Park staff has been working for several years to
identify these trails so hikers can get to the overlooks, waterfalls and trailheads
while protecting scenic, natural and cultural resources of the park.
The Cliff Park system includes approximately 10 miles from three trailheads. The
trailheads are the Cliff Park Trailhead, Hackers Trailhead near the lower parking of
Raymondskill Falls, Milford Knob Trailhead near the National Park Service North
Contact Station off of US 209. Come celebrate the dedication of this special trail
system.
Inspired by Nature Classical Music Concert - FREE & OPEN to the public
Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, PA
Saturday, June 5, 2010 - 5:30 pm
570-296-9630
Classical Music by the Black Bear Conservatory of Music of Hawley, PA
Enjoy the sounds and the view from our tented pavilion. Co-sponsored by the US Forest Service &
Grey Towers Heritage Association.
New Aroma’s in Milford
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the grand
opening of Scentchips, located in the Lumberyard Shops in Milford, PA.
―Recently, when I was looking for a new venture, I visited the Scentchips home
store in San Antonio, Texas. I was very impressed with the product and thought it
would be great fun to offer Scentchips in my hometown,‖ said Leah Meola, the
new owner of the home fragrance store.
The Milford store is one of the first stores of its kind to open on the east coast.
Scentchips is the original of the scented wax chips and there are 48 individual
scents which can be mixed into custom blends, with the most popular mixtures
pre-packaged. In addition, many different style burners such as electric, plug-ins
and those used with tea lights are available.
A personalized scentchips blend makes for a thoughtful gift or housewarming present. Stop in today and make your
world smell better! Contact Leah at 570-409-6787.
Transportation With A Smile
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Pike County Taxi,
which is based in Dingmans Ferry, PA. Pike County Taxi is a family run business with over 35 years of experience in
the ground transportation industry.
―Previously I owned a high end limousine transportation service in New York City‖,
said Rocco Traverso, Pike County Taxi owner. ―We recognize that it is very
important to provide superior customer assistance with friendly and helpful drivers,
clean cars and prompt service. Our business philosophy is to provide limousine
service at taxi cab rates.‖
Pike County Taxi provides safe and reliable transportation on a short trip to the
grocery store or a reserved trip to the airport. Their coverage area includes all of
Pike and Wayne Counties with continuous service 24 hours a day and 7 days of the
week. For convenience, most major credit cards and debit cards are also accepted.
For more information or to schedule transportation service call 570-828-2222.
LIVE MUSIC IN BAR LOUIS AT HOTEL FAUCHERE
Tuesday evenings 7-10pm
6/1/10
THE ROUSTABOUTS
6/8/10
THE GYPSY JAZZ QUINTET
6/15/10
THE ROUSTABOUTS
6/22/10
THE GYPSY JAZZ QUINTET
6/29/10
THE ROUSTABOUTS
For more information call 570-409-1212.
Pike Safe Kids to Hold Baby Safety Baby Shower
Are you a new or expectant mom looking to learn about the hidden dangers in your home that could potentially cause
injuries to your child? The Safe Kids Coalition is pleased to announce that they will be hosting their second Baby
Safety Baby Shower. The purpose of this event is to educate both new and expectant mothers on the hidden dangers
in their home. Every year there are thousands of emergency room visits by parents with young children due to an
injury that has happened in the home. Safe Kids has the goal of educating the public on each of these hidden dangers
and the many others that surround our children today.
The Baby Safety Shower will take place at the First Presbyterian Church in Milford on Saturday, June 5, 2010. The
event time slot is 11am -2pm. A light lunch and beverages will be provided as well.
The Safe Kids Coalition of Pike County has been hard at work gathering new baby safety items, baby items, car seats
and more which will be raffled off free of charge to those attending. This non profit agency has received generous
donations from the companies of Graco, Dorel Juvenile Group, Safety 1 st, Safe Kids Worldwide and many other
generous sponsors both locally and nationwide. For more information or to register for this event please contact Jill
Gamboni or Kristyna Hulcher at 570-296-3447.
Junior Achievement Graduation
Congratulations to Meghan Schultz of the Delaware Valley high School and
Penelope Jordan of the Wallenpaupack High School
for completing the Pike County Junior Achievement
Program!
Photos taken by Jessica Cohen.
Nursing Excellence Award Winners are Announced
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually May 6-12 throughout the United States. The American
Nurses Association (ANA) chose ―Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow‖ as the theme for
this year. Pocono Medical Center (PMC) held its annual Nursing Excellence Award Celebration
today.
PMC thanked their nearly 500 nurses for delivering compassionate care and for attaining such
outstanding achievements as the 2010 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence
Award™, which ranks PMC in the top 5% in the country for outstanding clinical outcomes. At the
Nursing Excellence Award Celebration, Paulette Nish, Vice President of Patient Care Services and
Chief Nursing Officer at PMC, also recognized the 2010 recipients of the prestigious PMC Nursing
Excellence Awards. Kathleen Dyson, RN, BSN, CV Telemetry, and Maryanne Ilch, RN, BSN,
Pediatrics, were presented with the award.
Ms. Dyson joined PMC as a nurse in CV Telemetry in 2007 after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. She previously worked in finance for another healthcare organization. Ms. Ilch
joined PMC in 1989 as a per diem float pool nurse and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Molloy
College in Rockville Centre, NY. She eventually joined the Pediatrics nursing staff.
Paulette Nish, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at PMC, explains the significance of
the award, stating, ―I would like to congratulate them for their commitment to our values of excellence, compassion,
integrity, respect, customer service, and collaboration. Their dedication to these values and patient care is part of the
reason why we are the New Face of Healthcare.‖
National Nurses Week
Baskets of goodies—fruits and cheese and other
delights—were delivered to Wayne Memorial Hospital
(WMH) nursing units on May 12th, the last day of
National Nurses‘ Week. It also happens to be the
birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern
nursing. The baskets were a gift from the head of nursing, Director of Patient Care Services James Pettinato, BSN,
MHSA, RN. They also happened to arrive in the middle of Hospital Week, and many nurses were happy to share—it‘s
in their nature! WMH has more than 200 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Pictured, the Operating
Room staff, bottom row, left to right: Peggy Nolan, RN; Ilene Abrahamsen, Surgical Tech (ST); Shawn Duffy, ST; Carol
Hannon, RN. Back row: Debbie Brooks, RN; Miaya King, ST; Laurel Howard, ST; Sandy French, RN; Sandra Flynn,
BSN, RN, CNOR, CRNFA; Robe DeLorenzo, RN; Virginia Fries, MS, RN, Head Nurse II.
Zimmermann Group Focuses on Home & Farm Restoration
The Marie Zimmermann Center for the Arts has reorganized under its former name, Friends of Marie Zimmermann, to focus
solely on the restoration of Marie’s Home & Farm in Delaware Township in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
The Marie & John Zimmermann Fund has provided for the yearlong restoring and caretaking talents of Glenn Sophie, know for his
fine work on the Metz Ice House. Glenn has now cleaned all 3 floors, and is ready, with the approval of Park management, to start
running plumbing and electric lines to them, and then close up walls and ceilings.
Funding for finishing the house will be sought outside the area through state and federal grants, and private foundations. Later,
after full restoration, sustaining Marie Zimmermann Home and Farm as a public venue with historical, educational, and
community purposes, will be sough through philanthropy.
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of Marie Zimmermann and/or a cleanup volunteer at the farm, call 570-296-6753 to get
added to the member solicitation going out soon. All monies raised through membership will be used solely for governance.
None of this would be possible without the energy and teamwork of the Board Officers: Bob Longcore, Tom Holmes, and Mary
Feisenberger.
PEEC Summer Day Camp
In the ideal world, all learning is fun, organic, and sparks a child‘s innate curiosity. In fact, that‘s the philosophy behind
all that we do at PEEC, especially when school children come here on day or overnight trips to learn about the
environment.
Kids will come from as far as New York City or as close as East Stroudsburg and they‘ll spend time hiking, asking
questions about the frogs they find in the pond, and thoroughly enjoying spending time in nature. All the while they will
learn about habitat, ecology, and the natural world around them. In the end, they‘ll go back home remembering the
PEEC experience for the rest of their lives.
But that experience doesn‘t have to end when the children return from a school trip. PEEC offers many programs to
entice a child‘s wonder about the outdoors and our best is easily the Summer Day Camp.
PEEC Summer Day Camp is an exciting, interesting, educational, and affordable experience for children from age‘s 3
to 10th grade. Registrations begin at $150 a week and are less for Friends of PEEC Members.
For more information, contact the Pocono Environmental Education Center at 570-828-2319 or [email protected]. Call
or e-mail for a registration form. Forms can also be downloaded directly from the website at www.peec.org and on-line
registration is available.
June Events at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC)
For Further Information: 570-828-2319 or www.peec.org
Streamside Stomp
June 12 – 10:00am-Noon
FREE
Explore the life and health of PEECs local stream.
Sunday for Singles
June 13 – 10:00am-Noon
FREE — Meet people and enjoy nature. We will hike PEEC trails and learn
about the flora and fauna.
Solstice Pack & Paddle
June 20 – 7:00-10:00pm
$10 — Celebrate the longest day of the year! Pack a snack, take a walk and
paddle a canoe while the sun goes down at Pickerel Pond.
Monuments of Nature:
Leaves of Trees-Tree ID
June 20 – 1:00– 4:00pm
$10/$5 Children 10 and Under
Identify tree using the leaves as well as other parts of the tree.
Great American Campout
June 25-26
$99 — Includes 1 night of lodging and 3 meals
Hike PEEC trails, get a course in orienteering, cook s‘mores over a campfire, and sleep in a canvas tent.
Call to Register.
Full Moon Drumming Workshop
June 26 – 6:00-10:00pm
$30 — Join Maxwell Kofi Donkor, master drummer, for a potluck dinner and an introductory drumming lesson. Then
take your new skills into the woods to drum with others under the full moon.
Call to Register
Music of the Night
June 27 – 8:00-10:00pm
FREE — ―There is never nothing going on.‖ (Dan Millman, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior). Even
in the blackness of night we can still find beautiful things. Come and listen to the chorus of night
creatures.
Why a cheap website design can be very expensive
submitted by Mike Virone of Core Web Presence
There are many people on the internet today presenting themselves as Web Designers capable of creating a Web
Presence for you at astronomically cheap prices.
While I agree, price points for web design needs to take smaller companies and budgets into account, a ―Cheap‖ web
design can be very costly.
Website design is far more than creating an impressive visual impact and top loading the website with bandwidth
draining flash, banners, rollovers and poorly optimized graphics.
True Web Design only begins at the visual impact.
Every word on your website needs to serve a purpose. A professional copywriter knows that first and foremost, your
content needs to inform your potential customers as to why you are the company they want to work with. This is how
you convert potential customers to active customers. In addition, this text needs to be professionally crafted in such a
way that search engines such as Google, Bing, MSN, Yahoo, etc. finds your website in puts it into the proper context.
Original, creative templates that set your website apart from the rest is another critical aspect of Web Design. A
professional web designer can create not only a template and site design with high visual impact, but one that serves
the primary goal of informing the customer of why your company is the best at what you do. A pretty website that has
poor and inelegant navigation, dead links and substandard copywriting is worse than no website at all. A Web Design
firm that doesn‘t take the effort to fully understand not only your business goals but your business model and purpose
can not and will not create the Web Presence you deserve.
Search Engine Optimization is both an art and a science. Understanding how the big search engines rank web sites
and keeping up with the constant changes in their analytics is critical to keeping you web site ranking higher than your
competition. A web site that cannot be found by your potential clients is just like not having a website at all.
While a top notch professional web design firm like Core Web Presence might cost you more initially, the end result of
having a visually stunning, Search Engine Optimized, user friendly and content rich website will pay for itself many
times over. Don‘t fall victim to attractive price points from non professional firms. Do your research, understand what
you are and are not paying for and insure that the design firm you choose understands what your goals are from
having a professional Web Presence.
Web Design is an art, and top quality Web Designers, Graphic Designers and Copywriters are prized possessions
who‘s value is set by the marketplace as higher than the average amateur designer. Only you can decide if your
business deserves the very best Web Presence. In the end, it is usually a simple decision.
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Recognizes Tourism Heroes at Tourism Achievement Awards
Luncheon
Last month, Pocono Mountains Tourism Achievement Award winners were honored by the Pocono Mountains Visitors
Bureau (PMVB) at a special luncheon, during the 16th Annual Pocono Mountains Tourism Day event at Mount Airy
Casino Resort, located in Mount Pocono.
Representatives of the local tourism industry gathered to recognize industry employees, along with member properties,
for strides in customer service and community involvement. Awards were given to individuals for Gold Pin Pocono
Mountains Brand Ambassadors, Brand Hero, Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year.
PMVB member properties were also presented with Community Service Awards, Green Award and Brand Champion
Award.
Congratulations to Brandon Gargan, Bill Hagen, Angela Heffer and Jasmine Hurt of Monroe Career & Technical
Institute for the Gold Pin Awards; Tracy Getz of Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts and Jeromy Wo of the Shawnee
Inn and Golf Resort for the Brand Hero Awards; Annetta DeYoung of the Stourbridge Line Rail Excursions for the
Lifetime Achievement Award; Laurie McEvoy of Woodloch Resort for the Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year
Award; Barley Creek Brewing Company and Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort for the Community Service Awards; The
French Manor Inn and Spa for the Green Award; and Split Rock Resort for the Brand Champion Award.
Laurie McEvoy – Outstanding Tourism Employee of the Year Award
As Marketing Director of Woodloch Resort, Laurie McEvoy was awarded Outstanding Tourism
Employee of the Year and a Gold Pin for providing exceptional service in attracting new guests to
Woodloch and the Pocono Mountains. In the past seven years, she has taken Woodloch from
relying on guest loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals to the world of internet marketing and sales, all
while maintaining the integrity of the family-owned property. Her enthusiasm, energy and passion
for the region were recently celebrated by PA Tourism & Lodging Association‘s Spirit of Hospitality
Awards as Department Manager of the Year. Congratulations Laurie!
Publisher Announces Opening of Sussex County Journal
The Milford Journal’s Publisher and Co-owner Amy Bridge announced today the
opening of a new lifestyle magazine: The Sussex County Journal.
―Sussex County will always be a part of the Milford Journal coverage area,‖ said Ms.
Bridge. ―With the Sussex County Journal, though, will come a greater New Jersey
focus and unique features.‖ she added.
The Milford Journal has been regularly distributed in eight counties in Pennsylvania,
New York and New Jersey. The Sussex County Journal will be solely distributed in
New Jersey, with heavy distribution in Sussex County, and at selected locations in
the counties of Warren, Morris and Somerset.
Ms. Bridge said the move will benefit advertisers and Sussex County businesses,
too.
―We‘re now offering our advertisers a longer reach, at very affordable rates. But we
truly hope to heighten awareness down the Route 15, 80 and 287 corridor about
activities in Sussex County, and to excite the folks in the Jersey ‗burbs to enjoy the
fun and sun up here in the country,‖ Bridge said.
Amy Bridge can be reached at [email protected] or 908-578-3138.
4th Annual Healthy Workplace Awards – Submit Your Nomination Now!
Pike County Chamber, ChamberChoice, and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, are
committed to promoting and encouraging healthy living. For example, medical studies confirm that your
weight has an impact on cholesterol, blood pressure, and much more. Offering a workplace wellness
program provides your employees with a solution to the nagging pressure of eating better and living
healthier lifestyles. A person is more likely to engage in wellness activities in a group setting such as the
workplace.
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To recognize local businesses who are dedicated to wellness, we are hosting our 4 Annual Healthy
Workplace Awards program. If you know a company offering wellness options to their employees,
including your own, nominate the company for the Wellness Initiative Award by completing the
attached form. Regional winners will be chosen in two categories – companies with 1 to 49
employees and companies with 50 or more employees. The nominees will be evaluated based on
their wellness program strengths, results, and creativity. The awards will be presented at an event
this fall. For more information on the nomination process or awards ceremony, please contact the
Pike County Chamber of Commerce at 570-296-8700.
Chamber Advocating on Bridge Issue
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce has taken a strong stance as the conduit for
the collective voice of local Pike County businesses near the Matamoras bridge
construction area. Danielle Jordan, CEO of the Pike Chamber, went door to door to
personally talk to every business located from the Delaware Valley High School up to
the bridge.
A comprehensive report titled “Business Status Update Report with regard to the Matamoras / Port Jervis
Bridge Construction” was created by Jordan to show the direct impact of the construction to these local area
businesses. With the information obtained from 44 area business owners or managers, the survey showed that
40 of these businesses expressed that since the construction began their businesses were being impacted, with
some claiming up to a 50% decrease in revenue.
The Chamber has sent a letter with the report attached to all of the PA local, state and federal Legislators
requesting their immediate assistance in finding a solution which is both safe for emergency personnel and
business conscious.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce stated that they are fully aware of the imperative construction that
must take place to maintain the safety of the bridge. In addition, the Chamber appreciates that complex
decisions have been made by Penn DOT regarding hours of operations and detoured traffic routes. The
Chamber affirmed that it is imperative to the economic strength of
the area that the construction traffic not cause a diversion to the area
or severely back up causing major traffic waits. In addition, the
Chamber advised that they have received numerous calls of concern
over the safety of the stopped traffic on Interstate 84 West, which is
a popular tractor trailer route.
“Reducing the ability to navigate in this area has discouraged
customers and tourists from visiting our region and our local
businesses,” Jordan concluded. “This issue has made the struggling
economic situation in this area of Pike County even more desperate.”