chamberconnect - Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

May 2016
June 2016
Greater Hazleton’s Business Connection
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
RT 6pm
3
4
Dwtwn 8 am
5
Red Carpet
Breakfast
Mixer
8
9
10
15
Board 4 pm
WN 8 am
16
17
22
23
11
12
Ambs 8 am
Funfest 6:30 pm
Seminar
18
19
Dtwn OL 8am
CP 8:15 am
Dinner/
Expo
24
25
Women’s
Lunch
Academic
Banquet
26
6
7
14
SBDC
20
21
COG 8am
27
1
First
Friday
13
28
5
12
19
6
7
8
RT 6pm
Dwtwn 8 am
Mixer
30
31
closed
CA 8 am
HR
Seminar
First
Friday
9
Open
House
10
4
11
SBDC
13
14
15
16
17
Board 4 pm
WN 8 am
Legislative
Day
Red Carpet
Breakfast
COG 8 am
20
21
22
23
24
CP 8:15 am
26
3
chamber connect
Funfest
6:30pm
27
28
18
25
New Member
Gathering
IT Expo
29
2
29
30
CA 8 am
*Italicized font indicates committee meetings
Do you have a community event you would like to add to our online calendar? If so email information to [email protected]
Contact Us
p(570) 455 -1509
f (570) 450 -2013
Citiscape
20 W. Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
Chamber Staff
Mary R. Malone
President
[email protected]
Leann Fallabel
Vice President of Marketing
[email protected]
Linda Mantush
Marketing Assistant
[email protected]
Daniel Guydish
Membership Director
[email protected]
Nancy Zolota
Bookkeeper
[email protected]
Julie Ferry
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Affiliates
• g.h.a. Civic Partnership
• Mt. Council of Governments
• Leadership Hazleton
• Downtown Hazleton Alliance
for Progress
Follow Us
hazletonchamber.org
May/June 2016 Vol. 18 No. 3
Chamber Elects Donna Barna Chair
and Welcomes New Directors and Officers
Donna Barna was elected as the volunteer Chair of the Board of the Greater
Hazleton Chamber of Commerce at a reorganization meeting of the organization
in early April. Allen Wagner will serve as Immediate Past Chairman and Mary R.
Malone will serve as President of the organization.
Ms. Barna, the President of Billig-Helmes Insurance, is the 5th generation of a
family-owned insurance agency operating in the Hazleton Area since 1902. She
serves as a director on the CAN DO Board, Hazleton Public Library and both
Hazleton Rotary Club and Foundation to name a few. Donna was elected to the
Chamber Board in 2012, and has been Vice Chair, leading the activities of the
Community Awareness Committee since 2014. She has been very active in the successful development and
growth of Women’s Networking committee as well.
Joining Barna and Ms. Malone are new board members and officers who will begin their terms May 1st. Vice
Chairs include Terry Malloy, Landmark Community Bank; Cathy Kutchi, Carmen’s Bakery & Deli/Carmen’s
Country Inn; Dr. Gary Lawler, Penn State Hazleton; and Carla Thaller, Susquehanna Associates Management
Inc. Ross Valenti, Keystone Job Corps Center will serve as Secretary and John Patton, Standard Speaker, will
serve as Treasurer.
Elected to the Board of Directors were E.J. Butkiewicz, Jr., Berger Family Dealerships; Bob Caccese, Bemis
Company, Inc; Alexis C. Falvello Esquire, Falvello Law; De Ann Miller, Hawk Mt. Labs Inc; and Andrew Piskel,
Fierro Funeral Service. Other prominent business men and women currently serving on the Chamber board are;
Gary Danish, Video by UVP; Pastor Jim DeRamus, Apostolic Faith Church; John Fletcher, Lehigh Valley Health
Network Hazleton; Ken Gottstein, Gottstein Contracting Corp.; George Hludzik, Esq, Slusser Law Firm; Barry
Jais, WYLN TV 35; Florie McNelis, PPL Electric Utilities; Eugenio Sosa, Lewith & Freeman Real Estate; William L.
Spear, Hazle Drugs Inc. and Pat Verrastro, T. Verrastro Beer Distributor.
Staff members, in addition to Ms. Malone include: Leann Fallabel, Vice President of Marketing, Daniel Guydish,
Membership Director, Julie Ferry, Administrative Assistant/Funfest Public Relations Coordinator, Linda Mantush,
Marketing Assistant, and Nancy Zolota, Bookkeeper. The Chamber also houses four affiliate non-profit
organizations including Leadership Hazleton; Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership, Robert Skulsky, Executive
Director; Mountain Council of Governments, Dan Guydish, Executive Director; and Downtown Hazleton Alliance
for Progress, Krista Schneider, Executive Director.
The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce is the area’s oldest and largest business advocacy organization.
Originally formed in 1892 as the Hazleton Board of Trade, the organization will celebrate its 124th year of service
to the business community at its Annual Dinner at Sand Springs Country Club on May 19th. To attend the event,
contact Linda Mantush at the Chamber office at 455-1509 or via email at [email protected].
Seated from left to right: Elizabeth
Maguschak Esq., McNees, Wallace &
Nurick, Past Chair; Carla Thaller, Vice
Chair, from Suquehanna Associates
Management, Inc; Donna Barna, Board
Chair from Billig-Helmes Insurance and
Mary R. Malone, Chamber President.
Standing from left to right: Allen
Wagner, Immediate Past Board Chair
from Wagner & John LLC; Bob Caccese Director from Bemis Company,
Inc; EJ Butkiewicz, Jr, Director from
Berger Family Dealerships; Andrew Piskel, Director, from Fierro Funeral Service; John Patton, Treasurer from
Standard Speaker; and Dr. Gary Lawler, Vice Chair from Penn State-Hazleton. Missing from the photo: Ross
Valenti, Secretary from Keystone Job Corps Center; Board Vice Chairs Terry Malloy of Landmark Community
Bank and Cathy Kutchi of Carmen’s Bakery & Deli/Carmen’s Country Inn; and Alexis C. Falvello Esquire of
Falvello Law.
hazletonchamber.org
Return Service Requested
Citiscape
20 W. Broad Street
Hazleton, PA 18201-6418
Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
hazleton, pa
permit no. 68
paid
U.s. postage
“Presorted standard”
Deadline Approaching to Participate in our
124th Annual Dinner & Business Exposition
Be part of the Chamber’s LARGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!
This exclusive business-to-business opportunity hosts well over 300 of the top business professionals
from throughout Greater Hazleton!
Sand Springs Country Club, Drums ~ Thursday, May 19th
~ Business to Business Exposition from 5 to 7 pm, full dinner and program immediately follows ~
~Take part in our Expo Decorating Contest, winners will be those who integrate our event theme the best~
~ Attendees enjoy hors d’ oeuvres, sponsored by DBi Services, & cash bar with drink specials ~
~ Photo booth pictures taken with our “special guest” courtesy of Skuba Entertainment ~
~ Unveiling of the 2016/2017 Greater Hazleton Image Magazine AND Brand New Chamber Website ~
~ Visit every “Port of Call Booth” & return the completed “boarding pass”, sponsored by UGI, for a chance to win $100 cash prize ~
~ Incoming and Outgoing Chair & Board of Directors will be recognized ~
~ Athena Business Woman of the Year will be honored, sponsored by Berger Family Dealerships ~
~ Favors at each place setting, sponsored by Arc Electric AND van Hoekelen Greenhouses Inc centerpiece giveaway (sponsorship available) ~
See upcoming events section of this newsletter for additional details!
Chamber Cruise Into Membership Campaign 2016 Winners Announced
The 2016 “Cruise Into Membership” drive yielded 20 new passengers for the Greater Hazleton Chamber
of Commerce. We would like to thank the Chamber Board, Ambassadors and our Membership Director, Dan
Guydish, for the work to spread the news that MEMBERSHIP MATTERS!
We would also like to thank our “excursion” sponsors who made the membership investment richer by the
prizes they offered. Any new business who joined the Chamber between January 18th & February 26th had
a chance to win one of 16 special “post cruise excursion” prizes!
AND THE WINNERS ARE….
One month of The Socializer, from SSPTV, a specialty designed campaign for your business to take advantage of social media through Facebook and
Twitter ($750 value) - Best Western Inn & Suites
WYLN TV 35 commercial production (spot to be used exclusively on WYLN) and one month, 2 nights per week free of Late Edition Commercial Package ($450 value) - Studio 93 Salon
One month of The Printmark Group Time and Temperature sign ($250 value) - Humboldt Beer Depot
3 Winners—Standard Speaker, 10 column inch black and white or color ad at ½ price ($252 value) - Brandon’s Forever Home, ba multimedia and
Business Venture Capital Corporation
3 Winners—Panorama Community Magazine, ½ page ad ($275 value) - The Family Business Alliance, Solospaceman Photo Studios, Inc and 426
Beltway Commons
3 Winners—Poder Latino, ½ page color ad in monthly magazine ($140 value) - Hazleton Auto Mall, Rovnack Auto Sales and Aaron’s
2 Winners of Chamber Women Networking Luncheon pass ($18 value) - The Good Hive, Complete Business Solutions
DATE
Thursday, June 2nd
TIME
7:45 am to 1 pm
LOCATION
Luzerne County
Community College
Hazleton Campus
100 W. Broad St, Hazleton
COST
$60 members
$75 non members
includes materials,
continental breakfast & lunch
WORKFORCE
RESOURCES
Sponsorship Opportunities
Continental Breakfast $250
Lunch $250
Table Sponsors $99
Each sponsorship includes
one seminar attendee
Contact Leann if interested
DATE
Thursday, June 9th
TIME
4:30 ribbon cutting
4:30 to 6:30 open house
LOCATION
IMKO Workforce Solutions
588 Susquehanna Blvd
Hazle Township
Downtown Hazleton Farmers Market Accepting Vendor Applications
The Downtown Hazleton Farmer’s Market is operated by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce
with the support of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress. The market takes place every
Friday from 10 am 2 pm, mid-July through early September. If you are interested in participating as
a vendor, contact Mary in our office for more information. Vendors must send in a vendor application
form (with proof of insurance) and city business license application. All applications are available on
our homepage.
DATE
Thursday, June 23rd
TIME
5 pm to 7 pm
COST
Free to attend!
Follow Us
PENDING APPROVAL FOR 3.75 HRCI CEU’s
Update on Human Resource Laws presented by McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
National Labor Relations Board: It’s not
your father’s NLRB presented by Rosenn,
Jenkins & Greenwald
OR
Filling in the Compliance Puzzle: Benefits
Update presented by ChamberChoice
Myers-Briggs, (MBTI) Personality Assessment
presented by Lehigh Valley Hospital
Hazleton
OR
Controlling Workers Comp Claims through
Root Cause Analysis
presented by Zee Medical
KEYNOTE SPEAKER, Samantha A. Newman, Program & Walk Coordinator for Help
STOP the Silence, a suicide prevention and
support program based out of the Catholic
Social Services - Greater Hazleton office.
Open House Celebration
An official ribbon cutting ceremony will
take place at 4:30 pm, and the open
house will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 pm!
Stop by, meet the owners and staff,
check out their new office space, learn
more about the services they provide to
the business community and enjoy some
hors d’ oeuvres & cocktails!
Annual New Member
Gathering
Who is invited? Chamber members & your
employees who have joined the Chamber
in the last year, any new employees to
an existing Chamber member business
OR anyone who would like to learn more
about joining the Chamber!
Network with your fellow members, meet
our Board of Directors, Ambassadors and
Staff! And most importantly, learn how to
take advantage of all the benefits of your
membership!
Enjoy hors ‘d oeuvres, beer & wine!
Doorprize drawing! And bring your
business cards, brochures, flyers or
giveaways to share on our business
resource table!
NOTE: All vendors selling pre-packaged or ready to eat foods are responsible for obtaining appropriate
licensing/registration with the PA Department of Agriculture (see link to licensing guidelines at right).
hazletonchamber.org
3 sessions (two of which are breakout sessions), keynote speaker, continental breakfast and lunch! This seminar is geared
toward small to medium sized business
owners and Human Resource Managers
DATE
Wednesday, June 8th
TIME
5 pm to 7 pm
LOCATION
Capriotti’s
One Banks Avenue
McAdoo
COST
Free to attend!
DATE
Wednesday, June 15th
TIME
Depart from Chamber 9 am
Leave Capitol at 3:30 pm
LOCATION
State Capitol
Harrisburg
TRANSPORTATION FEE
$45.00 per person
Networking Mixer
Have the opportunity to learn more
about Web.com and all the services and
opportunities the company offers to
Greater Hazleton! Attendees will enjoy
Capriotti’s beautiful, new outdoor patio
and bar area, as well as a delectable
selection of hors d’ oeuvres and a
complimentary beer or wine compliments
of Web.com, followed by
a cash bar!
Legislative Trip to
Harrisburg
Join the Chamber as we venture to
Harrisburg for an afternoon series
of meetings with elected officials
and representatives from the Wolf
Administration. Lunch will be provided.
This trip is coordinated through the
office of State Representative Tarah
Toohil.
DATE
Thursday, June 16th
Red Carpet Breakfast
TIME
7:45 am to 9 am
Guest speaker is State Senator John R.
Gordner providing a legislative update
on PA’s 27th District.
LOCATION
Tom’s Kitchen
656 State Route 93
Sugarloaf
COST
$20 members
$25 non members
COST
Free to attend!
LOCATION
Residence Inn by Marriott
1 Station Circle Drive
Hazle Township
2 Winners of Chamber Red Carpet Breakfast pass ($20 value) - Dekka Studios and Sand Springs Catering
11th Annual Human
Resource Seminar
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~ SAVE THE DATES ~
Thursday, July 14th - Rafting Trip & Networking Mixer at Whitewater Challengers
Friday, July 15th - Downtown Hazleton Farmers Market Opens
Tuesday, July 26th - Women’s Luncheon
Friday, August 5th - Downtown Hazleton Car Cruise-In
Wednesday, August 10th - Networking Mixer at Mystic Power Yoga
Thursday, August 18th - Golf Outing & On-Course Business Exposition
Thursday, September 8th - Schmooze a’ Palooza
Thursday, September 15th - Networking Mixer at Providence Place Retirement
Thursday, September 15th - Red Carpet Breakfast featuring Rep Toohil
Tuesday, September 27th - Women’s Luncheon
Thursday, October 6th - Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 16th - Tastes of Greater Hazleton
Thursday, October 27th - Business & Community Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, November 29th - Women’s Luncheon
hazletonchamber.org
Upcoming Chamber Events
DATE
Thursday, May 5th
TIME
7:45 am to 9 am
LOCATION
Bonanza Restaurant
574 Susquehanna Blvd
Hazle Township
Red Carpet Breakfast
Featuring guest speaker, State
Representative Jerry Mullery providing a
legislative update on the 119th district,
which includes parts of Luzerne County
consisting of Hazle Township (PART,
Districts 02, 03, 04 and 05) and the
Boroughs of Freeland, Jeddo, West
Hazleton and White Haven.
COST
$20 member
$25 non members
DATE
Thursday, May 5th
TIME
5 pm to 7 pm
LOCATION
Benigna’s Creek Vineyard
Laurel Mall, Hazleton
TIME
4 pm to 9 pm
First Fridays
Special events, including workshops, arts,
entertainment, kids activities & more!
There is something for everyone at First
Fridays in Downtown Hazleton!
LOCATION
Sand Springs Country Club
10 Clubhouse Drive, Drums
COST
Dinner $70 per person
Port of Call Booth $350
Regular Booth $250
Port of Call Non Profit $275
Regular Non Profit $175
DATE
Tuesday, May 24th
TIME
10 am to 2 pm
LOCATION
Sand Springs Country Club
10 Clubhouse Drive, Drums
Copies of the survey are now available. The cost of the printed survey is $75 for chamber members and $150 for nonmembers.
Attendees will enjoy samplings
from their large selection of wines!
Complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will
be provided and doorprize drawings
including two gift certificates will be
chanced off!
TIME
11:30 am to 1 pm
LOCATION
Chamber Office
20 W. Broad Street
Downtown Hazleton
Advanced Social
Media Trips & Tricks
Bring your lunch....we’ll supply the
beverages and JOIN US! In this seminar
we’ll be covering: curating content; social
media management tools; creating content
at events; what apps can help you; the art
of not over-thinking and next steps!
COST
$10 members
$15 non members
COST
Free for everyone!
TIME
Expo 5 pm to 7 pm
Dinner Immediately Follows
Networking Mixer
Contact Linda Mantush, marketing assistant for the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce at the chamber office at
(570) 455-1509 or [email protected] with any questions.
Do You Want to Promote Your Business to Your Fellow Chamber Members?
LOCATION
Downtown Hazleton
DATE
Thursday, May 19th
Each year we publish a comprehensive survey of area wages and benefits. This has proven to be a beneficial negotiating tool for area industries.
COST
Free to attend
DATE
Thursday, May 12th
DATE
Friday, May 6th
Friday, June 3rd
2016/2017 Wage & Salary Survey Now Available
124th Annual Dinner &
Business Expo
Be part of the Chamber’s LARGEST EVENT
OF THE YEAR! This exclusive business-tobusiness opportunity hosts well over 300
of the top business professionals from
throughout Greater Hazleton! 37 spaces
available for the expo. Upgrade to a “Port
of Call Booth” and receive guaranteed expo
traffic (boarding pass must be marked
by you prior to attendee submitting their
entry); list of event attendees with contact
information; business will be featured
on the “Boarding Pass” provided to every
attendee; additional scrolling advertising
throughout the expo. See additional info
on page 1 of this newsletter.
Technology & Security
Expo
This event will cover tactics on how to
safeguard your business, empower your
employees and increase your companies
profits through technology and security.
DATE
Tuesday, May 24th
TIME
12 noon to 1 pm
LOCATION
Ovalon Restaurant
252 N. Wyoming Street
Hazleton
COST
$18 members
$25 non members
DATE
Wednesday, May 25th
TIME
6:30 pm
LOCATION
Capriotti’s
One Banks Avenue
McAdoo
COST
$25 per person
~ take advantage of these unique, exclusive, marketing opportunities ~
124th Annual Dinner – May 19th
Centerpiece Sponsor (only 1 available)- $500
• Company logo/info will appear on each fresh floral arrangement centerpiece at the dinner, which will be given away to one person at each table
• Recognition in program booklet distributed to each attendee
• Mention in media press releases and Chamber newsletter
• Verbal sponsorship recognition at the event
Program Ad (limited ads available) - $150
• Business card size ad in the program booklet distributed to each attendee
42nd Annual Academic Achievement Awards Banquet - May 25th
Women’s Luncheon
Guest speaker is Jeannine LesanteMazurkiwecz, Sam-Son Productions
Inc presenting on “Why Choose to
Socialize?. Learn the WHY of Social
Media and how to effectively use it for
your business. Lunch, 50/50 drawing
and doorprize drawings! Bring your
business cards, brochures, coupons
or giveaways
to share on
our “Business
Resource Table”.
Academic Achievement
Awards Banquet
We will be honoring the top academic
students graduating from Hazleton Area High
School, Immanuel Christian School, Marian
Catholic High School, MMI Preparatory School
and Weatherly Area High School.
Keynote speaker is Attorney Lorine Angelo
Ogurkis.
COST
Free to attend!
Patron Sponsor - $50
• Recognition in event program, verbal recognition at the event and recognition in press release(s)
11th Annual Human Resource Seminar – June 2nd
Continental Breakfast Sponsor (only 1 available) - $200
• Signage (provided by the Chamber) displayed throughout the continental breakfast
• Sponsorship mentioned in all press releases
• Verbal sponsorship recognition at the event
• Ad/company information in the seminar manual
• Table sponsorship included (optional)
• Admittance to seminar ($50 value)
Lunch Sponsor (only 1 available) - $200
• Signage (provided by the Chamber) displayed throughout lunch
• Sponsorship mentioned in all press releases
• Verbal sponsorship recognition at the event
• Ad/company information in the seminar manual
• Table sponsorship included (optional)
• Admittance to seminar ($50 value)
Table Sponsor (limited number available) - $99
• Display table located in the registration/break area for the entire event.
• Networking times are as follows: Registration/continental breakfast 7:30 to 8:15 am; Three 15 minute breaks and lunch from 11:45 to 12:15
• Ad/company information in the seminar manual
• Verbal sponsorship recognition at the event
• Admittance to the seminar ($50 value)
9th Annual Tastes of Greater Hazleton – October 16th
Event Sponsor - $250
• Signage (provided by the Chamber) displayed throughout the continental breakfast
• Sponsorship mentioned in all press releases and related event marketing
• Verbal sponsorship recognition at the event
• Ad/company information in the seminar manual
• Display table at the event (optional)
• Admittance to seminar ($50 value)
Contact Leann to secure a sponsorship!
hazletonchamber.org
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hazletonchamber.org
Please Welcome & Support Our Newest Members!
AHEDD
Ms. Kathy Couch
108 North Centre Street, Pottsville PA 17901
P: (570) 622-9711 F: (570) 622-9716
[email protected]
AHEDD.org
The Family Business Alliance @ Wilkes University
Ms. Lanie Jordan
65 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre PA 18766
P: (570) 408-2120 F: (570) 408-4591
[email protected]
Wilkes.edu/FBA
Genco
Ms. Felicia Rick
61 Green Mountain Road, Hazle Township PA 18202
(570) 384-2301
[email protected]
Genco.com
ba multimedia
Mr. Blaise Arlotto
666 Pardeesville Road, Hazle Township PA 18202
(215) 605-4438
[email protected]
bamulti.com
The Good Hive
Ms. Adeline Zack
Mountain Top PA 18707
(570) 332-2932
[email protected]
Balas Distributing Co Inc
Mr. Jerome Balas and Mr. Jared Balas
14 Foster Avenue, Freeland PA 18224
P: (570) 636-3940 F: (570) 636-9840
[email protected]
BalasDistributing.com
Lavender Express Catering & Mobile Food Services
Ms. Joyce L. Gibson
246 Spring Mountain Drive, Zion Grove PA 17985
(570) 384-3791
[email protected]
LavendarExpressFood.com
Business Ventures Capital Corporation
Mr. Jesse A. Roldan
546 West Hamilton Street Suite 313, Allentown PA 18101
P: (610) 572-1712 F: (610) 572-1722
[email protected]
BusinessVenturesCapital.com
Rovnack Auto Sales
Mr. Kenneth Temborski
635 State Route 93, PO Box 1403, Conyngham PA 18219
P: (570) 788-4014 P: (570) 788-2294
Complete Business Service
Mr. Gino Cara
739 Airport Road, Suite 2, Hazle Township PA 18202
(570) 459-1500
[email protected]
Solospaceman Photo Studios Inc
Mr. Wayne Crawford Jefferson
107 St Angela Drive, Hazle Township PA 18202
(718) 738-7383
[email protected]
solospaceman.com
Happy Anniversary to these Chamber Members!
May 2016 Anniversaries
June 2016 Anniversaries
50 YEARS
Fairway Motors Inc.
25 YEARS
D’Angelo Dental
Visintainer Nursery
35 YEARS
Century 21 Bernstein Real Estate Co.
15 YEARS
Don E Bower Inc.
Heritage Hill Senior Center
Panorama Community Magazine
Vercusky Painting Inc.
30 YEARS
Citizen Publishing Co.
Mountain View Real Estate LLC
15 YEARS
Ameriprise Financial
RJD Engineering Inc.
Screen Print Plus
1 YEAR
3 Bobby D’s Inc.
Hazleton Eye Specialists
The Kristy Bag by CG LLC
Phoenix Rehabilitation & Health Services Inc.
~ SAVE THE DATE ~
2nd Annual Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, October 6th
10 YEARS
NBTY Inc.
Penn Lee Footwear
Advertise Your Business
With the Chamber
Newsletter Advertising
Provide us with 850 flyers, fold, stuff and mail
them along with this bi-monthly newsletter.
Marketing Investment $250
Contact Linda to secure your space
Now taking reservations for:
July/August Edition
September/October Edition
November/December Edition
5 YEARS
Weatherwood Nursing Home & Rehab Center
——————————————————-
1 YEAR
A & A Cartage
AT&T
BJ’s Pub & Eatery
The Law Offices of Joseph R Meiss, Esq.
PPW Entertainment LLC
Secure Staff Inc.
Steelcase Inc.
Suburban Propane
Showcase your company logo, information
& link to your website on our
NEW Chamber Homepage
Website Advertising
Marketing Investment
3 months $150
6 months $275
1 year $700
Contact Leann to secure your space
additional details to follow
hazletonchamber.org
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F
u
n
f
e
s Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress
t
&
A
f Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership
f
i
l
i
a
t
e
s
Funfest
The Poet’s Concert was a great kick off to our six-month countdown to Funfest 2016, which will take
place on September 10th and 11th. The unveiling of the our theme, “CommUNITY Superheroes” was
a success with the packed house at Genetti’s Catering. For the fourth year, Funfest thanks our
presenting sponsors Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs. The partnership and sponsorship investment
allows us to bring quality entertainment to our
community event for FREE. We are also thankful
for our continued partnership with The Luzerne
Foundation, which allows corporate sponsors
to have the benefit of a 501C-3 tax deductible
contribution. Other sponsorship opportunities,
the Corporate Float Contest and Craft and
Vendor applications are available by contacting
Julie at the Chamber Office or visit www.
hazletonchamber.org
The City of Hazleton has officially been awarded Keystone Community “Main Street”
designation, a five-year designation that will be in effect through February 2021. The
Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress has been designated as the administering organization responsible for implementing the revitalization program. Currently
there are only 20 formally designated “Main Street” communities in the Commonwealth (Hazleton now being one), and the only one in Luzerne County. Designation
as a Main Street community comes with several economic benefits. Among these
include priority consideration under several DCED programs, including the Keystone
Communities grant and loan programs, tax credit opportunities for private businesses that partner with the Alliance to invest in community and economic development programs via the Neighborhood Assistance Program,
and Enterprise Zone tax credits for private businesses that invest in redevelopment projects within the downtown district. For more
information about this designation contact Krista Schneider, Executive Director, at 570-455-1509.
The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails (GHRT) Committee enclosed the flyer advertising this year’s 13th annual
celebration of National Trails Day Hike & Bike event. Please let all your employees and associates know about
this very popular event on Saturday June 11th. This is one of the completely free events held every year with
a great picnic lunch consisting of hamburgers & hot dogs and other picnic foods. Post the flyer so everyone
can see it and if you need big posters call the GHACP and we will get them to you. This year’s challenge, as
with other years, is to get enough donations to cover the cost of the bike helmets we provide, free of charge,
to the children who need them and the funding to sponsor this event. Sponsorship letters are being sent out
shortly, so please consider donating something to keep this great positive event going in our community.
The Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails volunteer committee had our second annual Yard Sale at the GHRT
Parking lot on Saturday April 30th, which helped to raise funds, to pay for the liability insurance we must have to keep the trail opened to the
public each year. All proceeds went toward the annual insurance bill.
Benches and tables for the Hemlock Grove Picnic area, adjacent to the GHRT Parking lot, are up for adoption at this time. The picnic area will be
completed before the Annual Hike & Bike event and the new memorials will be p/o the opening prayers for the Hike & Bike Event. Call the GHACP
for more details.
Please let all your employers know that the GHACP Scholarship committee will be granting at least two $6,000 scholarships this year to students
pursuing degrees in Technical Fields. Since 2001 the GHACP has offered 29 Scholarships to students that agree to live and work in the Greater
Hazleton Area for at least three years after getting their degree or diploma. For more information about the scholarship program or any of the
items mentioned above contact Bob Skulsky Executive Director of the Partnership at 570-455-1509.
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DO YOU HAVE “NEWSWORTHY” INFORMATION TO INCLUDE IN THIS PUBLICATION? Email it to: [email protected]
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute News: Reps. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) and Rep. Maria Donatucci (D-Delaware/Philadelphia) held a press
conference to designate March 31, 2016, as C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day and to recognize March 2016 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in PA. The Spirit of Hope Celebration raised $54,342. The Mid Valley High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team hosted their Inaugural “Kicking for a Cause”
soccer game fundraiser in mid-October. This fundraiser raised $800 for the Judi H Rock On 5 event that benefits the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
FNCB News: FNCB donated $45,000 to the Scranton Preparatory School’s P.J.H.S Scholarship Fund, $500 to Honesdale Communities That Care, a $2,000 donation to
Marywood University for the Momentum Program and $1,000 to the Helping Hands Society of Hazleton through the PA Education Improvement Tax Credit program. FNCB
presented reps from Brandon’s Forever Home with a $1,000 donation raised through a bank wide “Jeans for a Cause” dress down day.
The Inaugural Holy Family Academy Golf Classic, coordinated by Making a Difference, will be held on Saturday, May 7th at Sand Springs Country Club. Proceeds of the
tournament will benefit the Greater Hazleton Catholic Youth Scholarship Fund. For information on sponsorships, or to register to play in the tournament, contact Mr. Kostic or
Mr. Bayzick at (570) 455-9431.
Help Stop The Silence, a Walk To Prevent Suicide, a program of Catholic Social Services, will be held on Sunday, May 1st at the Hazleton Area High School Gymnasium
beginning at 1 pm (registration at 12:00 noon). There is no cost to participate. For more info visit www.helpstopthesilence.org.
The PA Dept of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging PA business and community leaders to be better caretakers of the environment by offering incentives for the
purchase and use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. DEP’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program offers funding for innovative, advanced fuel and
vehicle technology projects for cleaner alternative transportation within the commonwealth. The AFIG Program will assist school districts, municipal authorities, nonprofits,
corporations, LLCs, and partnerships registered to do business in PA in offsetting the costs of implementing alternative fuel using transportation projects. DEP is offering
grants in the following project categories: Vehicle Retrofit or Purchase – To offset the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuel vehicles or retrofitting existing vehicles
to operate on alternative fuels; Alternative Fuel Refueling Infrastructure – To assist in the costs to purchase and install refueling equipment for fleet or home-based refueling;
Biofuel Use – To support a portion of the cost to purchase high content biofuels; Innovative Technology – To support research, training, development, and demonstration of
new alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. New this year, and in response to feedback from prior applicants, the AFIG program will remain open to receive applications throughout 2016. Applications will only be accepted online through the eGrants System.
Disaster Blaster, Inc. continues to support local non-profit organizations through their LikeLocal campaign and recently awarded Covington Independent Fire Company
with a check for $80, and Equines For Freedom a check for $263 to further the work they do for the community.
The residents of Eagle Rock Resort will hold the Firemen’s 11th Annual Golf Fund Raiser on July 11, 2016 at the resort. Proceeds from the event benefit the Hazle Township, Sheppton-Oneida and Nuremberg-Weston Fire Depts who respond to calls within the development. Sponsorships and foursomes are available for the tournament, and
donations of prizes are also being accepted. For more info contact: Penny Boyer at (267)-337-4931.
Sand Springs purchased Edgewood. The facility will undergo renovations and upgrades and will be renamed Edgewood by Sand Springs.
BB&T Bank donated $1,000 to the United Way of Greater Hazleton to provide pre-kindergarten scholarships to area children through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The Civil Air Patrol Hazleton Composite Squadron 203 recently awarded their squadron cadet of the year honor to Second Lt. Brandon Heim. Heim was given a citation by
the Air Force Association.
Pictured is US Congressman Lou Barletta and State
Senator John Yudichak, who cut the ribbon for a
celebration which took place at Maple Manor Elementary/
Middle School in Hazle Township to launch the SHINE
program in Greater Hazleton. SHINE, a program
Schools and Homes in Education (SHINE) is a
successful, nationally recognized after school program
that began in Carbon County under the leadership of
Lehigh Carbon Community College. The Luzerne County
SHINE Program at Wilkes University has successfully
replicated the SHINE model opening up 7 SHINE
Centers across Luzerne County. The program focuses on
project-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts, and Mathematics) activities for students in grades
1-8 along with a high school mentoring program and
encompasses a variety of STEM disciplines.
Mary Malone, Chamber President and
Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat, honored
Tarone’s Market for 75 years in
business in the City of Hazleton.
Tarone’s Market is located at 819
Alter Street in Hazleton.
An official announcement was made by
the Laurel Mall management group, in
regards to TJ-Maxx opening a 21,000
sq. ft store in October 2016 or the
first quarter of 2017. It will be located
in the Kmart wing, in the former Deb
Store as well as the space where GNC
and the New York Department stores
are located. GNC and the New York
Department Store will relocate within
the Laurel Mall.
Pictured discussing the renderings is
Alan Retkinski, President of Lexington
Realty International. His associates
Eric Frankel, Vice President and Jeffrey
Bidnick were also present.
Independence Toyota made a $2,600 donation to the Hazleton Area Career center to go toward automotive equipment for the school.
Lackawanna College-Hazleton Center named April Harris-Snyder as the Center Director for that location.
For the second year in a row, The Wire Guys by Arc Electric has earned the service industry’s Angie’s list Super Service Award.
Hazleton POWER! is hosting the Pine Street Power! Ball Soccer Tournament beginning April 24th to raise funds for the downtown mural project. The event will run for six
weeks. For more info contact [email protected] or visit Luzerne County Pick-up “Soccer on Facebook.
Sam-Son Productions and SSPTV produced commercials and infomercials that started airing nationally this week with Lea Salonga, who sang the part of Jasmin in the
Disney movie “Aladdin” and appeared in other films and stage productions on Broadway and in London. SSPTV shot the spots for Double Diamond resorts during a day in
New York and edited them at the studios in Hazleton.
On April 4, 2016 after 21 years, The Hludzik Law Offices will be closing its doors and merging with the Slusser Law Firm. Janet Hall has been named the new Executive Director of the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Mountain Valley Golf Course will hold a Mother’s Day Brunch on Sun May 8th from 10 to 2. Cost is $17.95 Adults, $8.95 Kids. Call: 570-467-2242 x 3.
Butler Valley Manor is currently hiring for the following positions: 1 Full Time Nurse Aide 7a-3p, every other weekend,1 part time Nurse Aide 7a-3p, every other weekend
and 1 RN Supervisor 12 hour shift 7p -7a, every other weekend. For more info contact Eileen Lewis at 570-788-4175 [email protected].
The Cheese Store & More has a new website. Visit them online at www.cheesestorepa.com.
Join NEPIRC for Process Excellence and Innovation SUMMIT 2016 Friday, May 20th. Explore some of the latest trends affecting businesses and enhance your knowledge of
Continuous Improvement and Innovation. Build your own personalized agenda by choosing from a variety of sessions. Gain insights into the topics that personally impact you
the most while networking and sharing best practices with peers. For more info visit nepirc.com.
National Penn Bank was recently purchased by BB&T. Signage and account changes for clients are expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2016.
PPL Electric Utilities has made a $12,000 donation to Partners In Education through the Pennsylvania EITC program.
The Luzerne Foundation awarded $1,000 grants to seven area nonprofit organizations. Representatives from 33 nonprofit organizations each were given five minutes to speak
about their missions, needs, challenges and programming efforts during the Luzerne Foundation’s Nonprofit Forum.
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place for Expressions,
located in the Broad Street Business Exchange Building,
100 W. Broad Street in Downtown Hazleton. The boutique
sells clothes, shoes and accessories and they also provide
event planning services. Pictured in the photo from the left
is Dan Guydish, Greater Hazleton Chamber; Chris Pavlick,
representing State Rep Tarah Toohil; Krista Schneider,
Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress; Hazleton
Mayor Jeff Cusat; Maribel Chavez, owner, along with
her two children, husband and mother; Vincent Kundrik,
representing US Congressman Lou Barletta and Brad
Hurley, representing State Senator John Yudichak.
Keystone Job Corp’s newly-elected student government president, Richette Walton, had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta in his Washington D.C. office.
While in D.C., Walton also participated in a student leadership conference with other student leaders throughout the US.
SPOTLIGHT ON NEW MEMBERS
S.A.F.E., Inc. (Supporting Autism & Families Everywhere) was established in 1995. The organization is located at 275 Mundy St., Suite 201 in Wilkes-Barre. Contact is
George R. Shadie. Phone: 570-822-7259. Fax: 570-270-6994. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.autismsafe.org. Their membership is comprised of individuals with autism
spectrum disorders and those who love them. They provide support, info and programs, as well as opportunities for those living with ASD to overcome social barriers. Their goal
is to help people with autism live full and independent lives.
Business Ventures Capital Corp. was established in 2011. The office is located at 546 West Hamilton Street, Suite 313 in Allentown. Miguel Ortiz is the CEO, and Jesse Roldan
is the President. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.businessventurescaptial.com. Phone: 610-572-1212. Fax: 610-572-1722. Business Ventures Capital
Corp is a full brokerage firm offering a full array of merchant services, such as cash advance lending, factoring lending, SBA, credit card processing, ATM sales, ATM placement,
commercial lending & much more. Hablamos Español.
Solospaceman Photo Studios, Inc. was established in September 2003. The owner is Wayne Jefferson. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.solospaceman.com.
Mr. Jefferson hires life models for his art work.
The 20th Annual Greater Hazleton Job
Fair took place at the end of March at
Genetti’s Catering in Hazle Township. 66
businesses participated in the event and
several hundred job seekers attended.
Sponsors for the event include the
Luzerne County
Careerlink at
Hazleton, the
Luzerne/Schuylkill
Pictured is the
Workforce Investment Board Inc and Job Gateway. Partners
winning ad for the
include the Standard Speaker, El Mensajero International, Poder
Standard Speaker
Latino, Panorama Community Magazine and Arc Electric.
“Create an Ad”
contest that was held
in cooperation with
Area School
Districts
DISCLAIMER: The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the content of this publication.
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Women’s Networking News
The 12th Annual Icebreaker Golf Outing,
sponsored by Geisinger, was held at the Valley
Country Club in Sugarloaf at the end of April.
Pictured in this photo is Chamber President,
Mary Malone, Pat Verrastro of T. Verrastro Beer
Distributor, Golf Chairman; and event sponsors
from Geisinger Conrad Schnitz and Lisa Makara.
Check out our July/August newsletter for the
tournament winners!
The Chamber hosted a Schmooze a’ Palooza
at Vesuvio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria.
Attendees had the opportunity to introduce
themselves, their business and services to the
group in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Those
member businesses in attendance included
Kelly Services, Brenner Recycling, ResCare
Workforce Services, National HVAC Service,
Trinity Staffing, The Seach Law Offices and the
Standard Speaker. The final Schmooze event
for 2016 will be held Thursday, September 8th.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Women’s Networking
committee events have been
in full swing. The first two
photos are from our 10th
Annual Ladies Night Out
event, which was sponsored
by Lehigh Valley Health
Network Hazleton and
hosted by Theodora’s
Restaurant. Participating
businesses included: Lehigh
Valley Hospital Network,
Mystic Power Yoga, Sophy
Jewelers, Comfort Keepers,
Elsen & Company Jewelers
LLC, McCann School of
Business & Technology
Massage Clinic, Bath Fitter,
Antonia’s Jewelry & Repair,
Studio 93, The Shop 2,
Heritage Hill Senior
Community, The Good Hive,
Expressions, CrossFIT Drums,
Pennsylvania Theatre of
Performing Arts, Sam’s Club,
Kelly Services, BB’s Boutique,
YMCA/YWCA of Hazleton and
TMI/Tamara Marie Intel/
Interiors!
2016 marks the 34th year the Chamber has coordinated the Great PA Cleanup for volunteer
groups throughout Greater Hazleton. Over 80 groups consisting of over 1,500 volunteers took
part in this one-day cleanup effort in late April. PennDOT supplies all volunteer with garbage
bags, safety vests and gloves and coupons for all volunteer are provided by Burger King at
Humboldt Station, Wendy’s, Bonanza Family Restaurant and Sonic along with candy provided
by Hershey. Pictured in photo seated left to right is Mayor Frank Schmidt, West Hazleton
Borough; Larry Schulenski and Corey Fogarty, West Hazleton Streets Department; John
Tunnessen, Mike Baran and Leo Delucca, Hazleton Department of Public Works. Standing
from left is Allen Whitenight, Penn DOT and Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat.
The third photo was from a
Women’s Networking mixer
which was sponsored by
CrossFIT Drums. It was a
fun evening of WOD (workout
of the day) and Wine!
Ladies took part in a light
workout, which was a great
introduction to CrossFIT and
then they enjoy some wine
and light snacks!
The Chamber coordinated several seminars over the last two months for members to take
advantage of. Pictured is an Introduction to Desktop QuickBooks session which was presented
by the SCORE Chapter of NEPA. NEPA SCORE in cooperation with Constant Contact
also presented Getting Started With Email Marketing, The Basics of Social Media and You’re
Social, Now What? Programs. The Family Business Alliance provided a session on the
services they provide. Real World IT Defense Training was provided by Innotek Computer
Consulting. And a First Steps in Starting a Business Workshop was provided by the Wilkes
University Small Business Development Center. The SBDC does provide this training
monthly in our office. Check out “SBDC” on the back page of this newsletter for the dates
they will be here in May and June.
What did LeeAnn Davidovich, Sales
Manager for the Standard Speaker have to
say about her experience attending
the event?
And the last photo was from
our Women’s Luncheon
which was held in March.
The event was sponsored by
Arc Electric and hosted by
BJ’s Pub & Eatery. Ayse K.
Mohyuddin MD, from Lehigh
Valley Health Network
Hazleton Endocrinology
presented on Women’s
Health & Wellness.
Mary Malone, Chamber
President provided a welcome
and introductions at State
Representative Tarah Toohil’s
Annual Farmers’ Breakfast
featuring guest speaker
Pennsylvania Secretary
of Agriculture, Russell C.
Redding.
National Penn Bank
sponsored a Chamber
mixer in late February. They
discussed their merger with
BB&T and also made a
check presentation to the
Downtown Hazleton Alliance
for Progress. Close to 90
member attended the event!
“LOVED IT!!
I have been to a lot of chamber events and this
was by far one of the best!!
GREAT one on one networking opportunity!!”
hazletonchamber.org
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Three Red Carpet Breakfast programs were held in recent months.
Top photo: State Senator John Yudichak was the guest speaker at
the Cinema Drafthouse, PPL sponsored.
Center photo: US Congressman Lou Barletta was the guest
speaker at Genetti Catering, Geisinger sponsored.
Bottom photo: Dave Pedri, Esquire, Luzerne County Acting
Manager was the guest speaker at
Theodora’s Restaurant, FNCB sponsored.
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