December 2007 - poconobusinessjournal.com
Transcription
December 2007 - poconobusinessjournal.com
www.pbjonline.com POCONO Regional Business News & Resources Pocono Business Journal Seven Bridge Road, RR# 5 Box 5198 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 www.pbjonline.com POCONO Regional Business News & Resources Reflections and Projections THIS MONTH • Affordable Housing ....................................p. 1 • Transportation Update ..............................p. 17 • Business Goals 2008................................... p. 16 • County-by-County Project Update........... p. 3 • Tourism Outlook . ...................................p. 15 • Professional Profile: Wall Street West, Synchrium ..........................................p. 12 • Playing Santa...........................................p. 21 • Op-Ed: PA Chamber: Holiday Wish List for Economic Development . ......................p. 4 • PBJ Columnists: Ask SCORE...............................................p. 7 HR Toolbox...............................................p. 4 In the Commercial Zone..........................p. 5 Leadership Pike.......................................p. 6 Leadership Tips........................................p. 7 Regional Healthcare Report..................p. 10 Sustainable is Attainable.........................p. 5 United Way..............................................p. 9 December 2007, Vol. 3, Issue 12 What American Dream? How zooming home prices affect Pocono businesses QUOTE “PA is missing direct train service to and from the New York City area which leads some companies to opt for other sites, including north Jersey.” – Full story on Page 14 OBSERVE 1 2 4 25 26 31 Rosa Parks Day National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day First Night of Chanukah Christmas Kwanzaa New Years Eve QUESTION How many people live per square mile in Monroe County? See PMCC Business Magazine ad for the answer on page 10. www.pbjonline.com Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal - Jim Grogan, Vice President, SunGard Joe Mackey, president of East Stroudsburg’s Target Homes, says, “A small ranch with a basement, central heat and A/C and a garage for about $150K is a nonexistent entity now, but it’s not impossible if we can resolve the government’s interference with the free market of real estate. We need to remove the unnecessary government roadblocks to affordable homes, not subsidize or regulate it into existence.” By Maureen Sangiorgio When Chef Andrew Moore became manager of the Stone Bar Inn restaurant in Snydersville, he felt all his hard work was finally paying off. “It’s every chef’s dream to run his own place,” says Moore. “I’d worked for so many years at various country clubs, resorts, and restaurants that I had a loyal clientele that followed me to the Stone Bar.” Needless to say, business was brisk. However, as the years went by, Moore noticed a drop in customers. “I’ve seen cycles in the housing industry that directly affect my business,” notes Moore. “Whenever there’s a housing boom, my business drops off by about twenty percent. New homeowners have a lot of expenses. They have to buy furniture, do some landscaping, and they don’t have a lot of disposable income. Many of the new homeowners I speak to in my dining room say they are in their home for about four or five years before they can afford to go out to a nice restaurant for dinner.” Moore also points to the changing face of the average Pocono neighborhood. “Today, most new homeowners are opting for huge, mansion-style homes with high mortgages,” he notes. “In order to pay for those high mortgages, both people have to work long hours, and they’re too tired to go out to dinner. I also see a lot of commuters moving into the area now from New York and New Jersey. They don’t get home until eight or nine at night. By that time, it’s too late, and they’re too tired to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant.” One Size Does Not Fit All In the year 2000, a typical single-family home in the Poconos sold for about $110,000. This year, that same home sells for about $200,000, or nearly twice as much. “The trend of increasing home prices in the area has been surreal,” says Cheryl Houseman, director of the Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors. “We’ve never seen anything like it.” see AMERICAN DREAM page 8 Professional Profile - Subprime Storm May Soak Wall Street West page 12 2 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS www.pbjonline.com POCONO ARTICLES Regional Business News & Resources Twin Willow Publishing Company Pocono Business Journal 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 Tracey McTernan Kathy Ruff Maureen Sangiorgio CONTRIBUTORS Michael Baxter Chris Grape-Garvey Richard J. Henley Sylvia Lafair Victoria Mavis Lesley Smith Craig Todd Marcy Turkington Peter Wulfhorst EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Danielle Eberhardt COPY EDITOR Joan Groff PHOTOGRAPHERS Perry Hebard Kelly Strunk Al Zagofsky Affordable Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.1 Transportation Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.17 Business Goals 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.16 County-by-County Project Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.3 Tourism Outlook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.15 Professional Profile: Wall Street West, Synchrium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.12-14 Playing Santa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p.21 DEPARTMENTS • Business Briefs – Who’s Who/What’s What. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 18-19 • Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 24 • Columnists Ask SCORE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7 HR Toolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4 In The Commercial Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5 Leadership Pike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 6 Leadership Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 7 Residential Healthcare Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 10 Sustainable is Attainable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 5 United Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 9 • Editorial – PA Chamber: Holiday Wish List for Economic Development. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4 • Focus List – Cleaning Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 20 • Register – Deeds, Mortgage Transactions and New Corporations/Fictitious Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 22-23 Advertisers Index Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. . . . . . 6 ESSA Bank & Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SUBSCRIPTION FORM If you would like to guarantee receiving the Pocono Business Journal monthly, please mail subscription form along with check made payable to: Pocono Business Journal Seven Bridge Road RR#5 Box 5198 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209 East Stroudsburg University of PA. . . . . . . . . . . 8 First Impression Career Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Business Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . 10 HR For Hire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Name:_______________________________ Michael Baxter & Associates Title:_ _______________________________ SALES Pennstar Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Address:_ ____________________________ PRODUCTION/DESIGN Jason Trump Pocono Commuter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 City:________________________________ [email protected] 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 As 2007 comes to a close, it’s human nature to reflect and project. That is exactly what the PBJ staff has attempted to provide the reader for this issue. Area professionals share some of their business goals for the New Year and local stores showcase ideas for affordable holiday gifts. A full update on regional transportation, an exclusive interview with the new executive director of PMVB, county-bycounty update and transportation recap await the eager reader. But the real story this month is shared between the front page and the center spread. The Commercial Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Company:____________________________ Pocono B2B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Phone:_______________________________ Pocono Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Pocono Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 RGB Custom Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 State:________________________________ Zip:_________________________________ ____ 1 year (12 issues): $30.00 ____ 2 years (24 issues): $60.00 Sherman Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 TN Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Viamedia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Woodloch Resort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 thread tying the two together is the increasingly familiar term, ‘subprime mortgage.’ As the Wall Street West story began to unfold for writer Ken Clark, PNC Bank issued its quarterly economic outlook report. PNC Bank used major economic indicators to paint a picture of how small business owners have - so far been experiencing less stress than their larger corporate counterparts, and small and medium businesses share a more stable outlook for the six months ahead than Wall Street. That’s the good news. But on the housing side, the “worst housing market since the Great Depression,” according to PNC senior economist Robert Dye, is affecting small and big business alike. “It’s impacting on everything from real estate to title transfer to hardware store appliances and manufacturing. We don’t expect that to turn around anytime soon. Maybe well into the second half of 2008.” PNC issues its next economic report in April 2008. Thank you for choosing Pocono Business Journal Not exactly a pretty picture and not consistent with the recent commercial growth evidenced in 2007. My guess is that most businesses look to next year with cautious optimism. Lastly, everyone at Pocono Business Journal wants to wish everyone a great holiday and a prosperous New Year. Marynell K. Strunk Publisher/Editor Contact me at [email protected] 3 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS County-by-County Economic Development Update By Kathy Ruff As the population continues to grow throughout the Pocono region, economic development entities here continue to work on projects to attract business and industry to complement that growth. Local development experts share a brief sampling of activities promoted in 2007 and a preview into what lies ahead for 2008. CARBON COUNTY: Carbon County expects its slow but steady growth in almost every major sector including health care, tourism, manufacturing and retail throughout the past few years to continue throughout 2008. “The Split Rock indoor water park project will be creating new jobs,” says Toni Artuso, executive director of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation, Jim Thorpe. “That should be completed maybe the third quarter of 2008.” The county recently attracted Hydra-Tech, an immersible pump manufacturer from New Jersey, to Nesquehoning and worked with a 5,000 square foot expansion for Palmerton’s Architectural Polymers, a polyurethane mold manufacturer for the concrete industry. “We are trying to attract all types of businesses in Carbon County,” says Artuso. “We definitely want to increase the standard of living for our residents, but we would like more high-paying jobs for our residents so they do not have to travel outside of the county.” Those jobs may appear as county planners pursue work to develop the Packerton Yards Industrial Park in Mahoning Township. In 2007, the county razed a controversial building on the lot and began moving forward with the project. “Right now, we’ve been pursuing a public grade crossing over the existing railroad tracks,” says Fred Osifat, director of the Carbon County Office of Planning & Development, Jim Thorpe. “We have to get that cleared to obtain the public grade crossing. Once that is accomplished, it will get into the site design, not just building lots but also your infrastructure, sewer, water, gas and the whole ball of wax.” Osifat anticipates movement on the approval by the middle of 2008. In the meantime, the county will pursue marketing the property, especially to businesses that may require rail service. Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe has plans for expansion to relieve congestion and improve upon several areas of the complex. The 9,500 square foot expansion includes three phases, all of which are expected to be completed by March. Penn’s Peak has also begun work on a new parking lot able to hold over 300 additional vehicles and a pole building to house company vehicles and store concert and banquet equipment. MONROE COUNTY: In Monroe County, Johnson & Johnson will soon complete construction of a 1.37 million square foot warehouse distribution facility, including 30,000 square feet of office space, for its consumer products in Pocono Mountain Corporate Center West, Coolbaugh Township. “They are starting to take product into the building and things are slowly getting together there. They should be going full-tilt in a reasonably short period of time,” says Charles Leonard, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation, Tobyhanna. Other projects in the county for 2007 included the July opening of a new manufacturing facility for Swiftwater’s sanofi Pasteur. For 2008, the company continues to work on other expansion projects. “They are renovating the old flu manufacturing area,” says Leonard, “and construction of a new sewage system for the plant.” In addition to the expansion of existing businesses, Leonard expects to attract new sectors and growth to the county. “It’s likely that we will have some new logistics employers announced over the next two years because that’s such a significant portion of the marketplace right now,” says Leonard. “Based on some of the contacts we have had, I think we will see some manufacturing growth. We anticipate that retail will continue to grow so long as our population continues to grow.” Leonard also sees potential growth in the financial services sector as the Wall Street West initiative continues. “We have a couple of hills to climb before we land a significant employer in that area, but we think it’s coming,” he says. “I have a sense that it probably will be 2009 until we get significant employment out of this effort, maybe a little later.” Expansion plans for Mt. Airy Lodge, Pennsylvania’s first standalone casino which had its Grand Opening in October, include a new spa and nightclub for 2008. PIKE COUNTY: Pike County plans to pursue marketing efforts to promote the area’s economic development projects – including Blooming Grove’s Pike County Business Park situated minutes from Interstate 84 – in regional, national and international markets. “We have signed an exclusive listing for our business park with NAI Mertz of Pennsylvania out of WilkesBarre, marketing the whole park or parcels,” says Rachel Hendricks, vice president and deputy director for economic development with the Pike County Industrial Development Corporation, Milford. “The park has roads, sewer infrastructure and stormwater. There are 21 lots with 320 developable acres in all.” Hendricks hopes the county’s offerings will attract businesses seeking sites for back office locations, light manufacturing, warehousing and financial service centers. “At this point, what we are looking to do is leverage resources from a private developer to take the property further in the process,” says Hendricks. Over the next six months, PIDCO expects to undergo organizational and strategic planning strategies to better define future projects to promote economic development throughout the county. WAYNE COUNTY: Work on Wayne County’s Sterling Business Park, a 252-acre economic development project located off Interstate 84, will continue through 2008. “The park is approved for manufacturing, light industry, professional office and warehouse distribution,” says Mary Beth Wood, executive director of the Wayne Economic Development Corporation, Honesdale. “PennDOT is currently reviewing our highway occupancy permit, and we are working on our permit for the design of the wastewater treatment plant that will serve the park.” Wood expects construction, infrastructure development and marketing of the project to begin during the first quarter of 2008. Other economic development projects in the county include restoration of rail lines from Honesdale to Lackawaxen, creation of a regional sewer authority in central Wayne County and, in the longer term, plans to develop a proposed ethanol plant in the Honesdale area. “Repairing that rail line will open up the freight and passenger service along that line,” says Wood. “This will open the line up for the commercial use again,” including use for the proposed ethanol plant. Driven By Excellence The Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center’s reputation as the regional leader for advanced cancer care continues to grow. The Center is rated in the top 1% in the country for patient satisfaction, and our partnership with Varian Systems, the world’s leading radiation therapy equipment company, makes us one of the most technologically advanced cancer centers available. In addition, our clinical affiliation with the nationally recognized Jefferson Cancer Network gives us access to the latest research and treatment options to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. When seeking a cancer center with a national reputation for excellence, the Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center is the right choice for exceptional cancer care close to home. www.pmchealthsystem.org 4 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 EDITORIAL Holiday Wish List: Good Jobs, Vibrant Communities, Healthy Business Climate PA Chamber of Commerce Lesley Smith While excited kids of all ages are working on their perfect holiday wish lists, the Pennsylvania business community knows what it takes to provide good jobs that offer meaningful professions to our graduates and that create vibrant communities: a healthy business climate. They don’t need to check their list twice to find out about the ongoing struggle to operate their businesses here and to remain competitive: 1. Make Business Taxes Competitive Positive business tax reductions were included in the 200607 state budget. At that time, the cap on net operating losses was raised from $2 million to $3 million, or 12.5 percent of taxable income, whichever is greater, and the sales factor for Corporate Net Income tax apportionment was increased from 60% to 70%. While successfully preventing nearly $1.2 billion in proposed new and/or expanded taxes on job creators was the focus this budget cycle, it’s time to build on recent reforms by eliminating the NOL cap and establishing a 100% sales factor. This would level the playing field for cyclical companies; ensure that new businesses are able to survive and continue to grow; and no longer penalize companies for increasing investments in capital and the hiring of employees. 2. Restore Balance To Legal System An unbalanced legal system discourages investment in research and development; restricts or prevents the introduction of new products; leads to higher prices for consumer goods and services; and stunts economic growth and job creation. Lawsuit abuse reforms such as modifying the legal doctrine of joint and several liability, providing protection for innocent sellers, and implementing a statute of repose for product liability actions, among others, are critical steps toward improving Pennsylvania’s job climate and ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have a balanced, commonsense legal system working for them. 3. Reform Unemployment Compensation System In terms of the overall cost of its UC system, the Commonwealth consistently ranks worse than its competitor states in many areas. Because the number of individuals who are unemployed and receiving benefits on a long-term basis is not decreasing, employers and claimants continue to realize increased taxes in order to fund the UC system. Changes are needed to Pennsylvania’s UC law to bring these costs in line with other states and ensure predictability and consistency for employers, while offering fairness for Pennsylvanians. 4. Ensure Affordability, Accessibility of Health Care According to the PA Chamber’s 17th annual Economic Survey, 80% of respondents said healthcare costs are a major deterrent to business growth and job creation. Effectively solving the Commonwealth’s healthcare crisis will mean accomplishing this goal without making things worse for all parties that have a vested interest in an effective solution. In order to create a more cost-effective system that ensures access to quality and affordable healthcare, lawmakers should consider options that would enable greater competition among private health-care providers; focus on consumer-driven health care; and control the cost-drivers of health care, including coverage mandates and lawsuit abuse. 5. Establish Sound Environmental Policy Pennsylvania and the federal government should work towards implementing truly comprehensive energy and environmental policies, avoiding regulatory schemes at the state level (i.e. the state-specific mercury rule) that do nothing for human health or the environment while adding costs for consumers and threatening jobs and job creation. Examining Roles Within The Organization Help You Plan for 2008 HR Toolbox Victoria Mavis www.pbjonline.com/blog For most employers, December is a busy time; it marks a time to plan for the coming year. But what should employers consider? All business owners and employers should conduct a business review that evaluates the changes the business encountered over the past year and how those changes may affect how you conduct business and your human resource needs for the coming year. But planning strategies are as unique as the business itself, and can change depending on the lifecycle and circumstances of the business. A new business owner might need to consider how to add its first employee in anticipation of increased sales. And he or she might have to hire two or three more employees the next year with the introduction of additional products and a projection of doubling sales. But if sales have declined due to market conditions, an employer might then need to evaluate how to downsize and adjust employee responsibilities to compensate for business lost. Loss of business can happen in unpredictable circumstances. Take for example a company which recently learned that a school district intends to invoke its right of eminent domain for expansion purposes - a move that would force the company to relocate its business. This business owner’s planning not only requires the company to look at repercussions on its entire operations but also at its human resources component. In this case, since the business partially relied on walk-in traffic, it must consider whether it will continue to sell the same product line if the new location does not offer good walk-in opportunities. In addition to the infrastructure planning, the employer may need to revamp its travel allotments for sales people, reassign duties and recruit new personnel to replace those not choosing to remain with the company. Another example would be if a company hires a general administrative person with a variety of duties and a transition now requires a full-time bookkeeper. Will the employee feel uncomfortable in that new role? Or what about a sales person whose job focused primarily on inside calls and servicing existing clients, who can feel ill-prepared to get new accounts and make cold calls? In such cases, an employer should consider which employees will be needed to perform new tasks. Recognize that roles can change and can be part of your plan for transferring knowledge or additional training. No matter what your business situation, it remains critical to plan and budget for training and professional development to ensure your company maintains a competitive edge in 2008. Consider performing an annual review to assess your human resource needs and financial risks as they exist today. Human resource assessments can enlighten you on potential compliance issues and problems areas, and can assist in reducing financial and legal exposure as you plan for the New Year. Victoria Mavis is the President/CEO of Core People Resources, LLC, a Web-based human resources expert system designed to help small employers reduce the risk of financial exposure associated with employment issues. The company is located in Wind Gap. Vickie has over 17 years of experience and her expertise is in providing businesses with practical and affordable approaches to their ‘people’ problems through the use of Internet technology. Email [email protected] or visit www.corepeopleresources.com. | PBJ READER’S RESOURCE http://www.futurist.com Futurist.com brings you current and timely ideas of what the global community will look like in 2008 and beyond. For business, it offers articles on such topics as Future Challenges for CEOs, Eliminating Future Shock, and more, providing a glimpse of what we can expect in the workplace and in the world of business. Futurist offers a blog, Web and in-person presentations, and recommends books and other resources to help you meet the upcoming challenges in business. Debbie Burke Lesley Smith is the director of communications for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the state’s largest broad-based business association, with a membership representing more than 50 percent of the private workforce. More information is available on the Chamber’s Web site at www.pachamber.org. New Features New Corporations/Fictitious Names Find out who’s NEW in biz with our newest addition to the PBJ Register: New Corporations/ Fictitious Names on page 23 of this issue Legislative Roundup What YOUR legislators are saying that affect YOUR business in Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties, starting in the January edition New Distribution Check out our Web site at www.pbjonline.com and click on “Newsroom/PBJ News” for our distribution points throughout Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties PLUS new columnists and contributors for 2008 providing more coverage on healthcare, manufacturing, economic development, Leadership programs, and Chamber of Commerce news Corrections/Additions Due to a printing error, the second item in the Business Lawyer column which had been omitted should have read: “Second, try to consider a conviction in the context of the overall merits of the applicant. Inflexible rules not only may result in potential claims under the criminal records law, but might also result in the loss of a potentially good employee.” 5 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 EDITORIAL If History Repeats Itself, Let’s Learn the Lessons Sustainable is Attainable Craig Todd www.pbjonline.com/blog The natural systems and processes that sustain us, in every sense of the word, are much like the components found under the hoods of our cars. Having just graduated from college in the 1970’s, I knew what was under the hood and I thought I knew everything there was to know about the workings of our environment. The dynamics of our environment are changing and becoming far more complex as we become a greater part of the equation. Try to imagine a few hundred years ago before settlers came to Pennsylvania. The landscape was predominantly forested, dominated by a rich diversity of fauna and flora with trees five feet in diameter. It was said a squirrel could climb a tree in Philadelphia and travel via the canopy to Pittsburgh without touching the ground. In the early 1800’s, passenger pigeons, a close relative of the mourning dove, numbered in the billions. One migrating flock was documented as being a mile wide and 240 miles long, and took four hours to fly by. It was estimated that the flock numbered two billion birds. By 1910, they were extinct primarily due to market hunting. By the early 1900’s, buffalo, mountain lions, wolves, beavers, elk, moose, deer, waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons and turkey were either gone or almost gone. A change was definitely in order. Government, the private sector and the public’s recognition of reality resulted in change through education, science and the enactment of policies and regulations that stemmed the loss of important wildlife resources. They also provided for habitat and species management that resulted in the recovery of many of the species lost. In the post-World War II era, our behaviors and government policies impacted our environment in much more dramatic ways. Industry spewed untreated discharges into rivers and streams. The solution to pollution was dilution and we were living better through chemistry. Rivers on fire, undrinkable water and unfishable lakes and streams were the norm in many parts of the country. Again, change was called for. Again, through joint efforts of government, the private sector and the public, the degradation of resources was stemmed. Now that we are approaching 2010 it looks like another paradigm shift is in order. Current growth patterns, population increases, consumptive behaviors, complex pollutants, and carbon emissions all make problem-solving, and the discussions that get us there, much more challenging. The U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) is an emerging group that is stepping up to meet the challenge of global warming. This organization recognizes that our actions have an impact on the collective whole. USCAP seeks to effect significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through public policy. Locally, we should be encouraging discussion and participation. Synergy, among the private and public sectors and academia, is necessary for a successful and meaningful paradigm shift. Inclusion, not exclusion; a collective approach to environmental protection; and economic growth governed by principles of sustainability and a shared future are all good ways to start the process. We did it in the early 1900’s and again post-World War II. It’s time to do it again. Craig Todd is the district manager for the Monroe County Conservation District. Todd shares this column with his colleagues from Pike and Carbon counties to discuss environmental issues and how they relate to business development in the region. Readers can reach Todd at [email protected]. The Glass in the Poconos is Half Full In The Commercial Zone Michael Baxter www.pbjonline.com/blog You can’t read the newspaper or watch television these days without hearing about how the national economy is experiencing a “slump.” The challenges faced by consumers in 2007 have most people wondering what 2008 will bring and I hear questions every day regarding the recovery of the housing market, the concern that we are headed into a recession, continued commercial development and the future of interest rates. Well, count me as one of those people who is completely optimistic about the future of our area. I have always believed that the Pocono Mountains are very unique. We live in a beautiful, popular vacation destination which is close enough to New York and Philadelphia to attract businesses and residents who are willing to commute to enjoy our exceptional quality of life. Interstates 80 and 380 make our area a gateway for millions. We have been fortunate to have experienced a longer than usual boom market. In my opinion, what we are experiencing now isn’t a slump as some would believe, but a natural course of a real estate market “correction.” We have enjoyed a market that appreciated for more than twice as long as the traditional real estate cycle! It had to level off eventually and, although it doesn’t feel like it right now, it is healthier careers elsewhere. in the long run that it did. All these strides have resulted in a much more Our proximity to New York and Philadelphia and diverse economy for our region. We no longer have to the lifestyle offered in the Pocono Mountains have depend solely on the resort industry and now have a helped to spur economic development. The Wal-Mart full “four season” economy. This has caused a funDistribution Center, the Johnson and Johnson project damental shift in the socio-economics of our region, and most recently the opening of the Mt. Airy Casino bringing more affluent and experienced consumers to Resort are examples of companies which bring signifiour area. I believe this provides cause for optimism cant job growth to our area. The forward progress of as we look forward to a prosperous 2008 and demonthe Wall Street West initiative could potentially bring strates why the Pocono Mountain’s glass is “half full”. even more, higher paying, white collar jobs to our area. With these additions to the Pocono Mountain economMichael J. Baxter, CCIM is the Broker/Owner of ic base comes the need for continued commercial retail Michael Baxter and Associates located in Tannersville. development, which in turn adds yet more retail jobs. You can BLOG him at www.pbjonline.com/blog. Because of my position as a commercial real estate broker, I know that even more large projects are on the horizon. The public may not hear about them right away because it sometimes takes years of careful negotiation and regulatory work on the part of љňЙ̜Ɏʜз˙ economic development profesǪѠљŐʜǪзίΒǪȸͩʜ ͩͩљňЙίɎʜззљ@ίͩίЙ љǪΒɳљ҇ sionals, municipal officials, ̚ѯљŝϱίѠљ@ίͩίЙз Βљ9ίѠ̉љňЙʜззʜз ҃̚ Ϝ and corporate site developڙǪ̜ͩǪȸͩʜљί ment managers to bring these UÊ," 1,-ÊUÊ9,-ÊUÊ/ /projects to fruition but they are UÊÊ-/1,-ÊUÊ//,on the way. UÊ 7-**,-ÊUÊ*,",-ÊUÊ 1 Add to this the signifiЙίљǪљȸ҇з̜ΒʜззљɎǪЙɳљѠίљǪљ cant upcoming growth at East ɎίϱͩʜѠʜљΒʜڠзϱǪϱʜЙљʹљڠʜљɎǪΒ Stroudsburg University and ɳίљѠ̉ʜљ͕ίȸљ˜ίЙљ˜ǪЙљͩʜззљίΒʜڮϼ Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus. Such expansions will surely entice the graduates of these institutions to remain in the area instead of looking for jobs and iLÊ*ÀiÃà Ê7 ` Ê> ` i ÌÊ - ii *, / >Ê/ÊÀii £nää{{ÎäÎÇÇ 6 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Leadership Pike Graduates Second Class of “Smarties” Peter Wulfhorst The 2nd Class of Leadership Pike convened its graduation recently. The class of 2007 started its journey in April with a session on Understanding Leadership, when the students described the characteristics of an individual who that they considered a leader, and examined their personal leadership philosophy. The monthly sessions continued with team building activities at the Pocono Environmental Education Center, followed by Managing Conflicts, Communication Skills and Meeting Management. As part of the program, the students were asked to work on a group project that would benefit the citizens of Pike County. They chose to develop a pamphlet for new residents of Pike County. The pamphlet, “Living in Pike County for Smarties, Almost everything you need to know about living in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Pike County!” was created to assist new residents in adjusting to the uniqueness of Pike County. The graduation ceremony recognized organizations that contributed funds for scholarships to assist some students in the program. The current class has representatives from local Realtors, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, Wallenpaupack School District, Wachovia Bank, Newton Memorial Hospital, an abstract company, Early Care and Childhood Coalition of Pike County and the Boathouse Restaurant. The graduates look forward to discovering how the skills learned at Leadership Pike have prepared them for future leadership roles in our community. The program has provided the groundwork by giving individuals the opportunity to develop and sharpen leadership skills, a chance to network with existing and future leaders and to learn about Pike County’s assets, and introduced participants to the major issues and challenges facing the county. The next Leadership Pike class is scheduled to start in 2008. For more information on Leadership Pike, please contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension at 570296-3400. Peter Wulfhorst AICP is an Economic & Community Development Educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension in Pike County and is on the Leadership Pike steering committee. He can be reached at 570-296-3400 or ptw3@ psu.edu. Leadership Pike recently graduated its second class at a ceremony held at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort in Hawley. Graduates and facilitators included, from left, speaker Kim Coon, Mary Stanley, Jody Canfield, Jim Simpson, Christine Scrofano, Peter Wulfhorst (Penn State Cooperative Extension, Pike County), Laura Santelli, Lynn Dennis, Keith Gunuskey, Joann Featherman, Rep. John Siptroth (D, 189), Dana Wojciechowski and John Drake (Northampton Community College). Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Leadership Pike 5 i h W [ o & ' d _ o j EX[i_ Or helping to prevent it, now. What if you could help your employees better predict future health problems today…so they can take control of their health and lower health care costs tomorrow? You can, with Blue Health SolutionsSM. Our unique combination of personalized services, programs, and support identifies and helps at-risk employees in advance. So, your employees get and stay healthier—as does your company’s bottom line. Best of all, Blue Health Solutions is available as an added value to members* of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Visit www.bcnepa.com or call 888-768-2020. Because it’s time for a revolution in health care. *BlueCare® Security and BlueCare® Senior plan members are not eligible to participate in Blue Health Solutions. 7 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Creating Excitement at Work for 2008 Leadership Tips for Today’s Leaders Sylvia Lafair, Ph.D. www.pbjonline.com/blog As we reflect on the past year, one of the big questions being asked over and over is: what do people need to be happy at work? Research indicates that it’s truly more than just getting fatter paychecks. In fact, it really is the other way around. Employee satisfaction influences the bottom line so there is more money for higher salaries. The old mantra of “show me the money” stands on a fragile foundation. Creating an environment where people are inspired to express their creativity and potential wins every time. We human beings are programmed to explore new ideas and become our best possible selves. So often people are whispering to each other about their boredom on the job; the lack of challenge; and all this while complaining they are overworked. Anyone who has ever been in the flow of forging a new path, be it on the shop floor, the marketing arena, or the sales territory knows the feeling of contentment for a job well done. In today’s workplace, there is more opportunity for personal contribution than ever before. It means showing up and speaking up. The work place of old is gone. No more command and control. In most companies employees have the opportunity to express their needs and desires, without penalty or reprisal. Being happy at work doesn’t mean walking around with a silly grin and nodding, “have a good day” to everyone you see. It means being acknowledged and appreciated. It means acknowledging and appreciating others. It means finding ways to work through the annoyances, hurts and disappointments together. It means celebrating successes, from the smallest to the largest. Being happy at work is a two way street. Leaders who create an environment of openness invite participation and feedback. And employees who participate fully and enthusiastically offer solutions and innovation. Everyone wins. Yes, there are always challenges at work. Yes, change can be scary and yes, we are finally at a place as we end 2007 to show the younger generation that work is where we continue to grow, to learn about ourselves, to have fun and to develop a shared sense of community. Sylvia Lafair, Ph.D. is the President of Creative Energy Options, Inc. and the developer of Total Leadership Connections™, an innovative leadership forum. She is an executive coach and consultant to family firms and global corporations. She is presently writing a book, “The Gotcha Game: Helping Leaders Decode Office Politics”™. For more information or comments email [email protected] or call (570) 636-3858 Smooth Out Your Seasonal Sales Bumps If you operate a seasonal business and are starting to wonder if the uneven revenue streams and stress-filled crunch times are worth all the hassle, take heart. Millions of small businesses post the bulk of their annual sales during a short season or cycle. For many retailers the holidays are boom time. Fitness centers soar in January and sag with the summer exodus. Some businesses sell more when the weather warms, the tax or wedding season arrives or tourists travel. Others thrive on cold or times when kids are in school. No matter what type of seasonal business it is, the common thread is the need to succeed in a short time. Issues such as cash flow, burnout and seasonal help are magnified. To help smooth the bumps it will be important to create a tight budget and stick to it throughout the year. Create a special cash reserve account for use only in leaner months. Set money aside whenever you can. Creating a cash flow forecast will help you identify patterns and see what you are up against. Include a worst-case plan to anticipate any nasty shocks. Operating a seasonal business also requires that you plan and use your time more efficiently than other business owners. Some periods may call for only 25-hour workweeks, while others go far beyond that. To make sure everything gets done and also avoid burnout, you’ll need to schedule your time carefully. Put slower times to good use by updating your Web site, catching up on maintenance, strengthen- ing customer relationships or writing marketing plans. You may want to employ only a small corps of permanent workers and use temps or interns to fill in. Consider offering off-season sales or rates, and look for ways to generate revenue during quieter periods. CAPlines seasonal lines of credit are SBA-guaranteed short-term loans that help small businesses survive the ups and downs of sales due to seasonal changes. To qualify, your business must have established a definite pattern of seasonal activity. You’ll find complete details and information on these credit lines in the Special Purpose Loan Programs section at www.sba.gov/financing. Contact PBJ for Ad Rates. www.pbjonline.com e-mail: [email protected] POCONO www.pbjonline.com Regional Business News & Resources For more ideas on growing your business, contact SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” at (800) 634-0245/ locally at (570) 421-4433. SCORE is a nonprofit organization of more than 11,000 volunteer business counselors who provide “Serving You and the Needs of Your Employees” free, confidential business counseling and low Time spent dealing with employee issues, is the biggest part of any Manager’s fee training workshops to day. HR FOR HIRE, Inc. can provide experienced and knowledgeable HR Professionals, who can handle your people issues, and develop systems, so you can small business owners. concentrate on growing your business, and we can do it in a cost effective manner. Online counseling services are also available at Some of the services HR FOR HIRE, Inc. can provide: www.score.org. For • Management Consultation • Substance Abuse Programs information regarding • HR Compliance Audits • Unemployment Compensation AskSCORE contact David • Employee Issue Resolution • Workers Compensation Issues Richmond at (570) 424• Supervisory Training • Candidate Assessment Tools 9401. • Recruitment and Staffing • Outplacement Services HR FOR HIRE, INC. • Compensation Programs • Coaching and Counseling www.hrforhire.com | Phone: 484-281-3216 | Cell: 610-597-7426 | Fax: 484-281-3227 8 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS AMERICAN DREAM... cont. from page 1 Granted, high home prices are great for a Realtor’s commission or a builder’s bottom line, but it can make buying a new home out of reach for those employed at the lower end of the pay scale. “A lack of affordable housing makes it difficult for certain businesses to attract low to middle wage positions,” notes Houseman. “The Poconos are known as a resort community, and you need wait staff and cleaning personnel to keep them up and running. Where are these people going to live?” “We would like to see more multiple-family units built in the area, but it’s not likely to happen anytime soon,” says Chuck Leonard, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation. “Builders are stymied at the local level. Whenever builders approach city councils and zoning commissions to begin the process, the public comes out in force to try and block their efforts.” According to Leonard, clusters of large, single-family homes are the preferred living style here. “A lot of local residents don’t want rows of townhouses, condominiums, or apartment buildings anywhere near them. But we feel they have a negative perception of multiple-family housing. It’s been a real struggle to construct affordable housing,” he says. ments impose a school impact fee on builders to cover the cost of these new schools.” According to Eisenberg, sometimes, these fees are so high, some builders are discouraged from building homes in an area, and take their business elsewhere. “When a builder decides to pull out of developing in an area, that has a ripple effect on local business,” notes Eisenberg. “Now, the local lumberyard and hardware stores lose out, not to mention appraisers, lawyers, and all the people involved in building a new home.” Eisenberg also noted that school impact fees are eventually passed on to the home buyer, who now has less disposable income to spend on local businesses. “If a new home owner has a high mortgage, he’s not going to spend his spare time treating his family to a fun night out. He just might pick up a pizza on his way home from work.” Pocono Builders Association President Robert Brown agrees. “As new housing prices go up, we feel the pain of a new homeowner because we live and work in the Poconos also,” notes Brown. “Something needs to be done to curtail the skyrocketing school taxes. If they keep going up, we’re not going to be as attractive to people who want to move into the area.” “We are willing to do our part and pay a reasonable impact fee, such as several thousand dollars,” notes Brown. “But we feel higher fees are excessive. For every thousand dollars a builder must pay in impact fees, hundreds of potential home buyers are knocked out of the market. That fee must be passed on in the price of that home, making it out of reach for some buyers.” Brown said they also are exploring other avenues that would share the burden. “We are currently working on a proposal that would result in incentives for builders to construct more dense clusters of homes, such as fifty-five plus communities. That way, there are more residents per square mile paying school taxes.” across the nation lately, and the Poconos are no exception. The number of foreclosures in Monroe County jumped from 120 in 1990 to 925 foreclosures in 2002, which is a whopping 700% increase over twelve years. Many new homeowners experienced problems with inflated appraisals and mortgage servicing. Some were also victims of subprime mortgage deals, where borrowers with less-thanperfect credit get mortgages riddled with hidden fees and high interest rates. “Some of these subprime lenders practiced deceptive marketing, strapping homeowners with a high mortgage regardless of their ability to repay,” notes Houseman. “A good rule of thumb is to make sure you limit your housing payment to no more than thirty percent of your income. For example, in order to afford a $200,000 home, you should earn an income of at least $70,000 per year.” So how do foreclosures affect local biz? “It’s fairly well documented that as foreclosures are driving people out of their homes, you’re getting into a situation where they can’t afford to live locally,” says Leonard. “When people are struggling to keep their homes, they do not spend at local businesses.” Help Is On the Way In response to abusive mortgage lending practices, Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D, 11) recently introduced H.R. 3837 to help protect consumers (Kanjorski is chairSchool Impact Fee Woes man of the House Financial Services Capital Markets, Currently, Pocono builders do not have to pay school Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises impact fees. However, many builders across the country Subcommittee.) Recently, it received unanimous approval are required by local government to pay these fees in to incorporate the bill as an amendment into H.R. 3915, order to defray the costs of new schools. Many industry the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of insiders feel it’s just a matter of time. 2007. H.R. 3915 was then adopted in the House by a vote “As families move into a community, you have to of 291 to 127. Another bill, HB 2033, requires brokers and provide educational services to accommodate those new bankers to obtain written consent from a consumer before children,” explains Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, senior econoan offer of credit could be extended in the consumer’s mist with the National Association of Home Builders in name; it also increases penalties for violations. HB 2033 is Washington, D.C. “In order to provide quality education, currently before the House Commerce Committee. A Word About Foreclosures you have to keep classroom size as small as possible. So Studies by Pennsylvania officials have determined There has been an epidemic of foreclosures sweeping eventually, you have to build new schools. Local governthat many of the foreclosures in Monroe County affected homes with inflated property values. For example, one family purchased a home for slightly more than $150,000 and moved from Brooklyn to the Poconos. Fourteen months later when they decided to sell their house, the same property was appraised at just $77,000. H.R. 3915 promises to enhance appraisal quality and oversight, improve mortgage servicing, and require escrows for certain mortgage loans. Also, last July, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency launched a loan program that helps homeowners with deceptive loans switch to a traditional 30year fixed mortgage at competitive interest rates. Called Refinance to an Affordable Loan, or REAL, the program combines 100 percent financing with flexible credit underwriting. For a list of participating lenders by county, call 800-822-1174 or go to www.phfa.org. HUD offers free or very low-cost housing counseling. For more information, call Students earning a graduate degree at East Stroudsburg University 800-569-4287. The National Association of Mortgage Professionals operates a free are among the most qualified, best educated candidates for today’s job market. mortgage helpline at 888-680-6267. Change Your Life and Your Future with a Graduate Degree from ESU Learn more about ESU’s 21 master’s degree programs and 22 post-baccalaureate certification programs including the master’s degrees in management and leadership and public health. Over 150 paid graduate assistantships available for students in graduate programs. Call ESU’s Graduate Studies Office at 570-422-3536 or 866-837-6130 or apply online at www.esu.edu. EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education www.esu.edu Housing Starts So how do the Poconos stack up compared to the rest of the state on new home construction? Check out these stats of single-family building permits issued so far this year: Monroe County had 611 permits, and Pike County had 500 permits, ranking them in the top twelve counties in the state (out of a possible 66) Carbon County had 315 permits, ranking it in the top twenty Wayne County had 52 permits Source: Pennsylvania Builders Association 9 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Area United Ways in the Home Stretch to Reach Goals By Chris Grape-Garvey What do the area’s United Ways have in common? They are all trying to make their goals by the end of the year. With two of the state’s fastest growing counties in the Poconos, it’s no wonder that the area’s health and human service needs keep growing. In Carbon County, the 2007 goal is $70,000. “We are halfway there,” said Donna Lennon, vice president of the campaign and an officer on the board of directors. Carbon County United Way held its first celebrity roast at the end of November at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony, with Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein as the “roastee.” Split Rock Resort sponsored the event, along with Keystone Nazareth Bank and Trust and Jim Thorpe National Bank. To get involved with the campaign or volunteering, call the Carbon County Action Committee at (610) 377-6400. In Wayne County, the goal is $50,000, up from 2006’s goal of $42,000. Although Wayne’s United Way is a division of Lackawanna County’s United Way, all the money raised in Wayne County stays in Wayne County. As of mid-November, money raised for the campaign was at the halfway point. Dime Bank, Wayne Bank, and Weis Markets are among the businesses which support the campaign. Donors who give in Wayne County have the chance to win a Caribbean cruise; employees can qualify for as little as $1.50 each pay period. For more information call (570) 343-1267. The United Way in Pike County is looking to raise $175,000, which represents $25,000 more than last year. A sign hanging across Hartford Street in Milford advertises the goal, and the goal thermometer is located in the Rite Aid parking lot. United Way of Pike County has also been collecting coats for those in need this winter. Wachovia Bank is accepting coats at its five local branches, and the donated items will be taken to Bushkill Outreach Center for distribution. For more information, visit www.unitedwaypike.org or call (570) 296-9980. This is the second year the United Way of Monroe County (with its 2007 campaign goal of $1,225,000) has joined the “Commuters Care” coat drive, which is being held with the assistance of Pocono Commuter, Inc. and Martz Trailways. Coats are being dropped off at Martz locations in Mount Pocono, Delaware Water Gap, and East Stroudsburg. [Also, see the Calendar of Events in this issue about a United Way event on December 13 at Sycamore Grille.] For more information on the United Way of Monroe County, visit www. unitedwaymonroe.org or call (570) 629-5657. Chris Grape-Garvey is the community outreach and special events director for United Way of Monroe County. Two Great Locations to Serve you Better! (570) 424-1800 (570) 839-3838 Temporary and Permanent Staffing & Employment Solutions OFFICE, MANUFACTURING, HOSPITALITY, SKILLED LABOR, WAREHOUSE, GENERAL LABOR, MAINTENANCE No job too big or small! We offer competitive rates, skill testing, 24/7 service and background checks. For more information, please visit www.poconopersonnel.com NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! our NEW Bartonsville Office 6 convenient locations in Monroe County: Bartonsville H East Stroudsburg H Marshalls Creek Mountainhome H Mount Pocono H Tannersville Located at: OUR NEW BANK BRANCH IS NO SMALL CHANGE. Stop by and present this ad at our new location and receive a *FREE Gold Presidential Dollar! *While supplies last. 100 Crossroads Mall, Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 ph 570 420 4579 Lobby Hours: 9-5 Monday thru Thursday H 9-6 Friday H 9-2 Saturday H 10-2 Sunday Drive-up Hours: 8:30-5 Monday thru Thursday H 8:30-6 Friday H 9-2 Saturday H 10-2 Sunday Pennstar Bank Bartonsville Office 100 Crossroads Mall, Route 611 Bartonsville, PA 18321 570.420.4579 MEMBER FDIC H�Pennstar Bank is a division of NBT Bank, N.A. 866 4STAR PA H pennstarbank.com 10 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Reflecting on the Philanthropy of Others Regional Healthcare Report Richard J. Henley, FACHE, FHFMA At our annual Public Board Meeting held this past October, Pocono Medical Center had the privilege of sharing some of our truly remarkable achievements with the community. Successfully launching a Heart & Vascular Institute, being named a “Top 100 Performance Improvement Hospital” and attaining patient satisfaction scores within the top 1% nationwide were just a few of the highlights presented at the meeting. While we are extremely proud of our accomplishments, we realize that none of this would be possible without the many members of the community and the PMC family who have supported our organization. Our gratitude is especially heartfelt during this time of year, when thanksgiving and reflection are the hallmarks of the season. Looking back on our organization’s nearly 100-year history, it is humbling to know that so many individuals had the faith and determination to make Pocono Medical Center the hospital it is today: a progressive, excellence-driven organization that continues to provide high-quality patient care. Since 1906, when a group of local physicians came together to open the area’s first hospital, which eventually became the General Hospital and, later, Pocono Medical Center, philanthropy has been the lifeblood of our organization. Over the years, countless men and women have continued to devote their time, energy and talents towards enhancing the healthcare services for their community. From the committed members of our Hospital Auxiliary, who spend time away from their families to plan various hospital fundraisers, to the generous donors throughout our community who support these events, PMC is fortunate to have so many caring and committed friends. Today, our interdependent relationship with the community is stronger than ever. The nearly 350 individuals who recently attended our annual Gala, which raised over $80,000 for the development of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at PMC, exemplify the strong philanthropic spirit that continues to nourish our organization. The true foundation of PMC has been, and continues to be, the people who support us. The volunteers who comprise our Board of Directors, for instance, play an increasingly active role in advancing our hospital. I encourage you to give the ultimate gift this holiday season: the gift of better health. Whether this means scheduling that long-overdue check-up with your physician, encouraging your employees to make healthier choices or donating your time or gifts toward a cause for better healthcare, every effort toward building a healthier future is a worthwhile effort. Richard J. Henley, FACHE, FHFMA is the president and CEO of Pocono Medical Center and Pocono Health System. He has more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, executive leadership, strategic planning, and operations and finance. Henley also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. www.pbjonline.com How do you bring joy to your workforce? Plan your next meeting at WOODLOCH RESORT 800.453.8263 AN AWARD-WINNING RESORT & CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE Nestled in the Northeast Pocono Mountains Lake Region www. W O O D L O C H .com 11 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 Innovators in our Midst By Debbie Burke In a small African village in Togo, population 5000, midwives have recently been able to discard their flashlights in favor of more traditional lighting in order to deliver babies, thanks to Pennsylvania inventor Guy Lestician. The East Stroudsburg resident has sent over 25 of his fluorescent lights (powered by batteries that are charged by the sun) to the village, powering their medical clinics. And now for the first time, those facilities can store antibiotics and anti-venom with this gift of electricity. Back at home in Monroe County, Lestician’s company, DMI Manufacturing Inc., produces the EBU (Energy Bank Unit), a new technological innovation that conservatively saves at least 11% on electricity bills. By utilizing a “power factor correction” (timing the incoming peak amperage and voltage in a beneficial way to the user), Lestician says the device – which comes in various models from household to large industrial application – takes 2 years or less to pay for itself. According to his partner and Chief Financial Officer Steven Whitcomb, the power companies in Pennsylvania “will have to spend $12 billion to pay for new capacity.” The EBU greatly reduces the resources needed, thereby presenting DMI not as a competitor but as welcome relief to the overburdened power companies struggling to fill a growing need. Rep. John Siptroth (D, 189) recently held a press conference to announce a new partnership between DMI Manufac- turing and Burnley Workshop in Stroudsburg. Burnley’s consumers (staff) will start assembling about 20 EBUs per week; after a month this will be increased to 40. Says Richard Petersen, executive director at Burnley, “This match-up is fantastic. It allows a non-profit organization to partner and collaborate with a profit-making company, fulfilling two missions. The first is to provide employment for adults with disabilities. The second benefit is being part of a company that will help address our country’s energy needs.” Rep. Siptroth added: “I encourage municipalities, state government offices and schools to give this technology their full consideration…I’ve seen far too many manufacturing jobs leave us for foreign soils. I’m proud to help with a product with a label that says ‘Made in Monroe County, Pa.’ ” The EBU is now sold and distributed by Stroudsburg-based Friedman Electric, which also does the installation. As DMI expands its distribution network, the devices will be available in other markets. Those markets are expected to show significant interest in the DMI offering at the Electric West trade show coming to Las Vegas at the end of February. It will be hard to miss DMI, as the company will be strategically located on the convention floor -- immediately in front of General Electric. “We built our business on a platform that was extremely strong, seven generations over 166 years,” says Jay Montgomery (right), owner of Calkins Creamery and recipient, with Emily Montgomery, of the WEDCO 2007 Innovator of the Year award. The Honesdale-based business is using new technology involving stainless steel pipes to improve and enhance the cheese-making process. At left is David Hoff, CEO, Wayne Memorial Health System. SkillsUSA Comes to the Poconos Photo Credit: Provided by SkillsUSA At the recent ribbon cutting announcing the new partnership between Burnley Workshop and DMI Marketing were, from left: Rep. John Siptroth (D, 189); Daniel J. Desmond, Dep. Secy. for the PA Department of Environmental Protection; Burnley’s Executive Director Richard Peterson; Guy Lestician (DMI); Burnley Workshop Board President William McCabe; and DMI’s CFO Steven Whitcomb. Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal To Light a Village NEWS Students from the SkillsUSA Council who hail from the region’s vocational-technical high schools recently participated in a mock networking event at Caesars Brookdale in Scotrun. Besides exchanging business cards, students also shared their career hopes and dreams. John Tice, in the Computer Repair and Security at Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville, said, “I love this. I go in the lab and play around.” 12 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Subprime Storm May Soak Wall Street West By Ken Clark In 1996, then Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan issued his now famous warning of “irrational exuberance” on the part of a financial community embroiled in a roaring bull market on Wall Street. Now, eleven years later, some financial analysts say that term legitimately might be applied to Wall Street West as a dark sea change, driven by winds of the growing subprime mortgage storm, sweeps over a project so confidently launched over two years ago. Boosters of Wall Street West said major banks and brokerages, urged to establish back office operations to replicate data and guarantee business continuity in the event of another terrorist attack, soon would establish such operations in Northeastern Pennsylvania -- specifically, in the Poconos. Jobs would be created, proponents claimed; tax revenues would soar and a new prosperity would bless the region. With Wall Street East in turmoil, however, Steven Levine, chairman of Mountainhome’s The Hoot Group, a consultancy specializing in credit and global margin problems, says none of that is likely to happen now for a long time. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season! COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Michael Baxter & Associates is Northeast Pennsylvania’s only independent real estate agency dealing exclusively in commercial and investment property. Our combination of experience and leading-edge expertise is unmatched throughout the Poconos. If you are interested in selling or buying commercial and investment property, call us first! “It’s getting worse, not better,” Levine said. “This [subprime] problem isn’t going to go away this year. It’s going to go on into 2009 or 2010.” Levine said as billion-dollar losses pile up for such financial giants as Citicorp, Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, they are closing their mortgage divisions and laying off “thousands of people” in the face of what the Associated Press reports as “more than $500 billion of potentially worthless paper” on their once-prosperous balance sheets. “They have no choice; they’re boxed in,” Levine said. “Coming here is not even on their minds right now.” Raymond Holland, vice chairman of Triad Securities Corp. in New York City agrees, but says many of the biggest players on Wall Street already have established back office operations as far away as Florida and California and have no intention of relocating to Northeastern Pennsylvania anyway. “Moving back office operations is no small task,” he said. “It’s a big deal to move that many people -- to move computers and set up systems and get rid of the space you’re occupying now. Is it something that could work? Yes, it could work, intellectually, but you’d have the issue of moving people and hiring more people. What does a firm like Merrill Lynch have to gain?” And what about the Securities and Exchange Commission’s recommendations that back offices be confined to a corridor no farther away from New York City than 125 miles? Holland, whose own firm has established a back office in San Francisco, said distance is not binding so long as data replication facilities are outside the blast zone of New York City in the event of nuclear attack. “The Bank of New York owns Pershing, which is a big clearing firm, and they’ve already moved over 200 people from New Jersey down to Tampa,” he said. “They obviously feel they can do a lot of back office processing from that location.” Holland did offer one ray of hope for Wall Street West, when and if the current subprime mortgage crisis abates. “If one major firm, like a Fidelity or a Merrill Lynch, made a move out here, then you would certainly attract more people,” he said. “It happened in Jersey. 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Dan Summa, president of SECCAS LLC (Secure Electronic Communication Compliance Archival Systems), the first - and so far only - New York City financial institution to announce establishment of a back office in the region, offers one more ray of hope. In the drive to court Wall Street firms for Wall Street West, he says “big” may be beautiful, but “small” may be smarter. Summa, who will soon open his back office in Scranton, runs a small firm with big clients for whom he manages the complex rules of statutory compliance, and while he says they eventually will be on their way west, the “little guys“ are going to get here first. “When I talked to the Wall Street West people, I said it’s good that you’re going elephant hunting, but you should also look at some of these smaller guys, because we can move quicker,” Summa said. “Big firms are thinking about it, but they have larger plans and it takes them more time to move. There are hundreds of small to mid-tier financial firms in the New York City area that are looking to back up their data. Quite frankly, we consider it just good business.” Following the 9-11 terrorist attack that brought down the World Trade Center, the U.S.A. Patriot Act mandated that banks and 13 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 brokerages on the eastern seaboard back their data, via fiber optic cable, and be able to continue the core business instantly in the event of another catastrophe. Accordingly, the SEC told all entities that feed and support the New York Stock Exchange to set up satellite operations outside the metropolitan target area. SEC guidelines specified that such operations should be located between 50 and 125 miles away from the world’s financial capital in an area with a watershed, a power grid and communications and transportation systems separate from those of New York City. Wall Street West, a state and federally funded program designed to develop and promote just such a system, was then formed, and a major drive to lure such economic powerhouses to the area was launched. The U.S. Labor Department issued a $15 million grant aimed at training a local workforce. Monroe County’s Larry Simon, who gave up his post as CEO of LTS Builders in Shawnee-on-Delaware to lead his new Synchrium Group, announced plans to construct a 300,000-square-foot office and data storage facility to accommodate them. That was over two years ago, and so far, though top secret negotiations with the major players still are assuredly continuing, no firms have yet signed up. Boosters Undismayed Jim Ryan is director of Outreach and Network Development for Wall Street West, an initiative that includes economic development forces like Ben Franklin Technology Partners in the Lehigh Valley. His primary mission is to publicize what Pennsylvania has to offer and lure Wall Street firms to office parks and facilities such as the one Synchrium is building. Ryan says the big firms are coming around in undisclosed negotiations, but he agrees with Summa that small- to mid-sized firms (only a few of which need the instant backup of data via fiber optic cable) are a rapidly developing viable market. “In eyeball-to-eyeball communications with some of these big premier companies -- and I’m not able to name them specifically for you because of confidentiality reasons -- are all very interested,” Ryan told Pocono Business Journal. “We’ve been able to show them a number of site availabilities within Monroe and Northampton Counties specifically for the synchronous data replication. But the other good thing is there are a lot of firms that do not need that data replication. They’re looking quite seriously at other locations: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and the Arcadia Business Park up in Monroe. There are a number of clients that have evinced interest.” Ryan said smaller firms with need to back up data, but not in the milliseconds required by brokerages and banks, include credit card companies, health care institutions and insurance agencies. He added that Summa, an enthusiastic supporter of Wall Street West, has introduced him to several major firms, as well as a number of small to mid-sized operations, all with an interest in northeastern Pennsylvania operations. It is the small firms that put the spotlight on a concept common in the Midwest, but as yet unheard of in the Poconos: the business condo. A New Approach According to the Hoot Group’s Levine, a condominium, built to order for a firm to purchase and own rather than rent, is ideal for the small operation because an owner can accelerate depreciation and shelter income under new tax laws. With proper zoning, says Levine, a company can use a condo to house not only office and data storage space, but also the people who will operate it. “These are high-priced working people who will come here and a lot of their income will spill over into the economy, especially when they bring their families here,” he said. Bob Starrett, associate broker for Michael Baxter Commercial Realty, already is working on the business condo concept, though he views it as having more appeal to doctors, dentists, lawyers and other professionals than to Wall Street. Still, Wall Street, too, may show interest once the facilities are on the market. “It’s essentially a function of need,” Starrett said. “Lease rates have gone up to around the $15 per square foot point. Mathematically, that simply makes it more possible to own the office than it does to rent. The condo concept means they can renovate and build out the building to their standards. They get exactly what they want and their accountants will love it because they get all the tax advantages of ownership.” see NYC WEIGHS IN page 14 Photo Credit: Perry Hebard PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Engineers drilled to test core samples at the site of Synchrium’s Penn Regional Business Center on Route 209 in Smithfield Township. Execs say Synchrium is seeking to qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Synchrium Digs for Tenant Commitment By Ken Clark Mark Twain complained that, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” These days, in the Poconos, that proposition arises in reverse. Here, nobody talks -- at least in public -- about candidates for Wall Street West, but apparently, those high-powered financial firms expected to populate the area with back office operations are doing a lot about it. It’s just that they’re doing it silently, well below the media radar. To date, not a single Wall Street bank or brokerage has signed up for space in the nearly 300,000-square-foot Penn Regional Business Center which the Synchrium Group is building for them off Seven Bridge Road in East Stroudsburg. But Donald DePete, Synchrium’s Chief Operating Officer, says that doesn’t mean the pot isn’t getting close to a boil. “The companies we’re talking to would be very uncomfortable (if they were identified) before the decision is made,” he told Pocono Business Journal. “They’re not going to let anyone know until a decision is made for a couple of reasons. One is that there are major financial implications and second of all, what if their people don’t want to be here? If you put it in the newspaper that we’re talking to XYZ Corporation, every employee would be calling human resources saying, ‘Are we moving out to the Poconos?’” That, of course, is exactly what promoters of Wall Street West hope will happen. And when it does, Larry Simon, the CEO of Synchrium, will be ready to offer them office and data storage space, wired with fiber optic cable, to set up the operation that will keep a Morgan Stanley or a Bear Stearns running without so much as a hiccup if central headquarters in New York are taken out by terrorism or a violent act of nature. Companies that opt to join Simon’s PBRC facility would be relocating data, administrative, trading and executive functions in constant synchronous communication with their home offices, making it possible for on-site personnel to instantly take over in the event of disruption. Simon estimates that once his proposed facility is up and running, it will support 1,300 jobs, with average salaries of $50,000 a year, generating up to $400 million a year in local revenue and $4 million annually for the county in resulting income taxes. Last month, Synchrium completed on-site drilling of core samples needed to test the stability (and check for aquifers) of the proposed complex. DePete, backed by John Coté, senior engineer of Langan Engineering, said construction will be done at no tax cost to the county or township and with maximum sensitivity to environmental issues. “We don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to testing from an environmental point of view,” DePete said. “Anything less would be irresponsible.” “Keep in mind that at the county level, and the state DEP level, they govern your preconstruction activities for maintaining whatever conservation efforts are in the proposed design,” Coté said. “They change your thinking because you have material selection and an energy management system, all geared toward reducing consumption. Ultimately, you come out with what is called a Class A office building.” According to Coté, water for PBRC will be piped into the site from Route 447 along Route 209, and both water and sewer lines will be completed at Synchrium’s cost. DePete added PRBC is working hard to qualify for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, the universally acknowledged standard for measuring a building’s environmental sustainability. But that coveted badge of honor is not the sole reason to strive for certification. DePete said LEED certification will allow him to prove to prospective clients that steps to protect the environment ultimately will come back to reflect favorably on their bottom line. “It gives me the opportunity to deal with some of the specifics on why it is good business to deal with these environmental conservationist enhancements,” he said. Meanwhile, the WIRED initiative, designed to fund the training of a workforce for Wall Street West, announced that the second round of applications for Innovation Investment grants of $1 million per year, for two years, is open. Would-be recipients must file by Dec. 31, 2007. In the first round for WIRED funds, the only Pocono recipient was Right Reason Technologies. The Wayne County Economic Development Corporation applied in the first round, but failed to make the cut. WEDCO Executive Director Mary Beth Wood said her agency will apply again. Grant recipients will be announced this coming February. (EDITOR’S NOTE: More information on WIRED follows in the January issue.) 14 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 PROFESSIONAL PROFILE - continued PA is “Attractive” NYC Weighs In NY Firms Staying Put “The safety of the citizens of the city is of paramount importance to the Bloomberg Administration. We obviously understand that, in our uncertain world, businesses need to plan for all eventualities. However, we continue to believe that New York City is and will be the world’s financial center and that the hundreds of thousands of industry jobs located here indicate that the private sector agrees with us and has sufficient confidence in our security measures.” David Doctoroff NYC Deputy Mayor for Economic Development “The city is always working to retain the corporate presence here. We think we’re a very broad, geographically diverse city with lots of resources to offer companies and it may be possible for many companies to locate their backup sites within the five boroughs. We have the resources available that nobody else has – emergency response services, energy and water – that we believe are second to none in the world. Anybody concerned about business continuity and redundancy is well-served to be located here.” Bruce Regal Sr. Counsel, NYC Law Department Many New York firms are at least considering such back-up locations, and northeastern Pennsylvania is an attractive possibility: it’s outside of the New York blast zone, but less than two hours’ drive from the city and close enough to allow for synchronous data transmission. Whether Wall Street West will live up to its name upon completion of the fiber network remains to be seen. But financial institutions should be aware of alternatives that may enable them to replace or supplement a back-up physical office. Ashley Evans Insurance Analyst, Celent LLC Boston, MA Client Base Exists, But PA Must Market Effectively “All the compliant large scale businesses under the SEC or adhering to Sarb-Ox (Sarbanes-Oxley) have already built, staffed, and populated their alternate sites as required. To lure a corporation from their billion dollar investments without a business justification doesn’t seem like a feasible plan. Having multiple firms in a single known location also introduces other concerns. These sites did not bring high-paying local jobs because companies opted to transfer their existing staff using the IRS relocation expense reimbursement. Any long-term employment generated within these new locations has resulted in low-paying cleaning and maintenance jobs. Could a site like this be successful? Possibly. The final answer depends on how it’s marketed. I see serious flaws in the general assumptions regarding the need for these types of facilities as planned. There is an obvious client base. Let’s just hope they target them before it’s too late.” Robert Temple Information Technology Consultant for NYC-based Securities Firms East Stroudsburg PA is Viable “SunGard has been in the business of helping organizations locally and around the world with their information availability strategies for nearly 30 years. Companies are attracted to Northeast Pennsylvania because of its close proximity to New York City, while also providing enough geographical distance to serve as a temporary worksite should employees need to recover the business remotely in case of a major disruption at home base. There are some challenges – for example, PA is missing direct train service to and from the New York City area – which leads some companies to opt for other sites, including north Jersey. However, Northeast Pennsylvania is certainly a viable option for many organizations based in New York that want to meet standard best practices for business continuity.” Jim Grogan Vice President, Consulting Product Development SunGard Availability Services Wayne, PA 9lj`e\jj@e J@>?K > ifn`e^k_\`ijgXZ\XeXdXq`e^j\m\e$]fc[ Xe[`eZi\Xj`e^k_\`ife\YXpkf]fli`jeËkk_\ fecpnXpk_Xk9i`XeN`efk]ifdEfik_\XjkJ`k\ :fekiXZkfij`j\ogXe[`e^_`jYlj`e\jj%K_\gifa\Zk [\m\cfgd\ekÔidÇn`k_YiXe[e\nhlXik\ij`e DXij_Xccj:i\\bÇi\Z\ekcp_XjXcjfkXb\efeX n`[\imXi`\kpf]afYj1\m\ipk_`e^]ifdk_\J_Xne\\ KXY\ieXZc\`eKfYp_XeeXkfXKlib\p?`cc`eKXe$ e\ijm`cc\%Fe\f]k_\`iY`^^\jkgifa\Zkjkf[Xk\`j]fi k_\>`icJZflkjf]Jflk_\Xjk\ieG\eejpcmXe`X#kf lg^iX[\k_\`i:Xdg?`[[\e=XccjnXk\iXe[j\n\i ZXgXY`c`k`\j% 9i`XeN`efk#GXike\i# Efik_\XjkJ`k\:fekiXZkfij Efik_\XjkJ`k\:fekiXZkfij1 J_fm\cYpJ_fm\c# 9l`c[`e^k_\GfZfefj I\jgfej`Ycp 9i`XeZlk_`jk\\k_`ek_\Ylj`e\jj`e(00'#n_`c\ jlZZ\jj]lccpn\Xi`e^k_i\\_Xkj\jk`dXkfi#gifa\Zk dXeX^\iXe[j`k\jlg\i`ek\e[\ek ]fiXdXafi L%J%j`k\nfibZfekiXZkfi%?`je\knfibf]ZfekXZkj Y\ZXd\k_\Zi`k`ZXc`e^i\[`\ek`ejkXik`e^Efik_\Xjk J`k\%=fik_\Ôijkj`odfek_j`eYlj`e\jj#_\jXpj# È8cc@[`[nXji\e\ndpfc[ZfekXZkj%É?\jlZZ\jj]lc$ cp^fk_`j]ffk`ek_\[ffik`d\Xe[X^X`eY\ZXlj\ f]_`ji\glkXk`feXjX^lpn_f^fkk_`e^j[fe\fe k`d\#XZZfi[`e^kfgcXe% Efkfecp`j9i`Xe_\cg`e^kfj_Xg\k_\Ylj`e\jj cXe[jZXg\_\i\`ek_\GfZfefj#Ylk_\ËjXcjf^`m\e k_\k_i`ccf]`Z\_fZb\pkf_`j_fd\kfne%@e)''(_\ iXek_\]fid\iGfZfef@Z\8i\eXXkJ_Xne\\@ee# Yi`e^`e^`efm\i)''pfle^_fZb\pgcXp\ij%ÈN\ `ekif[lZ\[k_\jgfikkfk_\GfZfefj#É_\i\ZXccj% Le]fikleXk\cp#Dfk_\iEXkli\_X[fk_\igcXej#Xe[ )''+Ëj?lii`ZXe\@mXeYifl^_kÕff[jk_Xk]fiZ\[ k_\]XZ`c`kpkfZcfj\% Efn#_\jXpj#_`j^i\Xk\jkk_i`cc`jj\\`e^_`jÕ\\k c\kk\i\[n`k_k_\nfi[jÈEfik_\XjkJ`k\ÉXe[ befn`e^k_Xk_\Xe[gXike\i:iX`^?\e[i`ZbjXi\ Yc\e[`e^i\jgfej`Yc\cXe[[\m\cfgd\ekn`k_ giXZk`ZXcZfejkilZk`fegiXZk`Z\j%N_Xkdfk`mXk\j _`d#_\jXpj#`jÈi\$`ekif[lZ`e^Zljkfd\ij\im`Z\kf Xe`e[ljkipk_Xk_Xjcfe^]fi^fkk\ek_\d\Xe`e^f] k_\nfi[%É È<JJ8 nXj m\ip gc\Xj\[ kf gifm`[\ 9i`Xe Xe[ :iX`^ n`k_ nfib`e^ ZXg`kXc kf XZhl`i\ e\n \hl`gd\ek Xe[gliZ_Xj\k_\`ie\n]XZ`c`kp`eDXij_Xccj:i\\b%Efik_\XjkJ`k\Yi`e^jgifm\egif]\jj`feXcjkfk_\kXYc\% K_\jXd\`jkil\f]<JJ8ËjZfdd\iZ`XccfXek\Xd#n`k_fm\i0'p\Xijf]Zfcc\Zk`m\c\e[`e^\og\i`\eZ\% :fd\kXcbkfljXYflkpfliYlj`e\jjYXeb`e^e\\[jÆn\Ëi\\X^\ikf_\cgpfljlZZ\\[%É Ç9`ccC\n`j#:fdd\iZ`XcCfXeF]ÔZ\i K_\i`^_knXpkfYXeb]fi pfliYlj`e\jj% Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 15 NEWS Photo Credit: Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Tourism Outlook: Changes at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Reflecting Back, An interview with Bob Uguccioni Bob Uguccioni is the former executive director of the PMVB, an organization he has headed since 1967. Pocono Business Journal: What are the top successes you are the most proud of that came out of your role at PMVB? Uguccioni: Promoting tourism in the four counties and keeping them together as a destination. We’ve passed some legislation, like the more money for tourism promo, and received more recognition for tourism in Harrisburg and even in Washington. I think there’s more of a realization and respect for the industry than when I first started. PBJ: As you look back on your experience, what do you see as the number one challenge facing PMVB now and into 2008? Uguccioni: It’s a question of staying the course. We have a rapidly growing area, and we have to have a better way to manage growth. We get diverted by events and by downturns in business, but we have to continue to promote the area for all businesses. PBJ: What is the biggest change that has occurred in PMVB’s recent history? Uguccioni: I think competition is so intense today. Years ago most people from New York and New Jersey would go to the Poconos, Atlantic City, Niagara Falls, and Lake George, but not Paris or Alaska. That was for very rich people. But that’s since changed. With the discretionary dollars that people have today at all levels of the economy, they are not limited to the Poconos. They can go to Hawaii and Europe. It’s a bigger world now. PBJ: What do you see as the business community’s biggest strengths or advantages that Mr. Wilgus will be able to utilize to help grow our economy? Uguccioni: We are fortunate to have many owner-operators who have lived here for many years; there is not a lot of absentee ownership. And so, when you are talking to the owners- the CEOs and the members of our board- you have the ability to get things done. That’s why the PMVB has been successful. PBJ: Any regrets? Photo Credit: Idaho Department of Commerce Uguccioni: Lots. Every day I think of things we could have done differently. It’s important to look back to evaluate the mistakes you made in the past, but it’s more important to look at what you do now. Projecting Ahead An interview with Carl Wilgus, Incoming Executive Director PMVB Carl Wilgus, who last month took the helm as the new executive director of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, said his decision to relocate here was made, in part, because the mountains and greenery of the Poconos reminded him of where he grew up in western Washington State. He comes to the Poconos from the Idaho Department of Commerce where he served as administrator since 1987. Pocono Business Journal: What successes are you the most proud of that came out of your role as administrator at the Idaho Dept. of Commerce? Wilgus: One, that state tourism has been funded by the lodging tax since 1982. With the exception of 2001, we have been able to grow that revenue pot every year, some years up 16% or 18%. The second thing is that over the past twenty years tourism has become acknowledged as the driver of Idaho’s economy. Tourism used to be the “Rodney Dangerfield” of economic development. Jobs have been created, and we’ve increased economic vitality. Also, we have paid attention to trends in the industry and adjusted our marketing programs by making our product offering customer-geared. Lastly, over twenty years, technology has changed dramatically, and we’ve done a good job of staying in tune with that. workforce opportunities, finding land, etc. Tourism isn’t just for the visitor but as much for the resident; maybe even more so. Our industry has a vital role and needs to be at the table in terms of economic issues. PBJ: What failures or shortcomings were the best lessons learned that you can apply going forward in your new position? Wilgus: Recreational offerings, for one. We are more sensitive to obesity, the importance of exercise, and other health issues. Also, being on top of environmental issues, with fresh air, clean water, and green spaces as opportunities to revitalize ourselves. Wilgus: In the late ’80s we initiated an international marketing program; we assumed incorrectly that based upon geography, the Asian market would be the easiest and best market for us. We spent three to four years in the Japanese market because they were buying real estate in the U.S. We basically spun our wheels and found that Europe would be a much stronger market for us. So, be careful of your assumptions, and do your due diligence. Also, we’ve attempted to do some co-op marketing programs with the private sector, but that wasn’t nearly as successful as it could have been. We thought it was a win for the state but it wasn’t for the local business owners themselves. We’ve backed off on this push in co-op marketing until we make sure it’s a win-win for everybody. PBJ: What are the top challenges that PMVB now faces? Wilgus: It’s premature to say. My first ninety days, I will be living at various properties throughout the four counties to understand the product more fully and learn about the communities. I’m going to be reaching out to find out what others think are the strengths and weaknesses we are facing. PBJ: How does the current mix of businesses in this region - from corporate entities and franchises to the many smaller entrepreneurial companies and “Mom and Pop” shops - factor into how you will market this region? Wilgus: We’ve found that tourism is increasingly becoming a niche market. When I grew up, your vacation was Mom and Dad and the kids in the back of a station wagon, and you saw the U.S.A. from the back windows. The issue of tourism marketing has changed. There is a variety of lodging now, and different groups will be drawn to different accommodations. There is an incredible amount of corporate business out there and re-energizing the product will help us gain a stronger foothold in the marketplace, but it will take some time. PBJ: How will PMVB’s successes directly affect business owners here who are not in the travel and tourism industry? Wilgus: An incoming tide floats all boats. If the tourism sector of your economy is strong, it will put more money in local banks, mean more business for accountants, and you grow the entire business community. If we can grow tourism, we can be a bigger player in growing economic development for the entire region. PBJ: What level of interaction do you plan to have with the economic development entities in the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne? Wilgus: I have a unique perspective being from the Department of Commerce. Tourism IS economic development. We have found one of the important ingredients for business relocation is related to lifestyle: PBJ: What are the top two things you will need to accomplish to make the Poconos even more of a magnet? PBJ: What influence will the Mt. Airy casino have upon enhancing this region’s appeal? Wilgus: Its appeal is in the fact that it provides an additional offering to the recreational inventory. It will bring its own people interested in gaming but also entertainment to those coming into the area. The challenge for PMVB will be how to get those coming for gaming alone to stay longer and learn about the area, enjoy it, and find out what else there is to do. PBJ: How do you think the new branding of PMVB itself, and by extension of the Pocono region, will strengthen economic development in 2008? Wilgus: I’m impressed by the time and effort to come up with their new brand and theme, “It’s Time for the Pocono Mountains.” I think it works very well. The issue is not what the brand is; it’s how well we execute the marketing of that brand. That falls on me and my staff. The second part is that branding is all about making a promise and delivering on that promise. Visitors need to get that recharging and renewal that we promise them as part of our message. We need to fulfill those expectations. The work has just begun. 16 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Business Goals, 2008 Regional professionals were asked about their business goals for the New Year. Here, they share their observations of the past year and their hopes for 2008. Jeannie Genzlinger Owner/Operator Settlers Inn Hawley “In the 20 years we’ve been in business, we’ve had growth every year. I know we’ll continue to grow based on our future event business for 2008. For the physical plant, I’m hoping to do some major landscaping and close our back porch by adding a roof or an awning. The largest goal is to maintain the great service and the staff. I want to focus on more staff education and training.” George Bushta Certified Public Accountant Stroudsburg “After 37 years in business, I feel it is time to slow down just a little bit. This year I intend to begin streamlining my practice and will limit my services to income tax preparation solely. Of course, I will continue my dedication to provide quality service to my clients by staying current with changing tax laws and codes. I will also continue to represent my clients before the IRS, if needed.” Jessica Goward Membership Director Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Stroudsburg “My main goal is to promote new membership development for the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce. We would also like to provide local businesses with the valuable tools necessary in becoming a successful, prosperous business by showing members how much of an asset we can be.” John Drury President Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Society, Inc. Jim Thorpe “Our goal is to maintain our present status so that we are able to continue using people from Rural Opportunities, Inc. in an attempt to save expenses. Another goal is to make more frequent use of our ballroom for weddings and events to generate more income. We want to be more proactive in consulting with potential renters and buyers about their plans and we want to increase the quality and diversity of some of the shopping in town.” Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Al Gallucci Owner Ductz Indoor Air Professionals East Stroudsburg “As the only professional air duct cleaning company in this area, we are anticipating extremely fast growth both in our company and in the field in general. In 2008, I hope to have a second truck and two more employees. Our business is 50% residential and 50% commercial. On the commercial side, we serve anybody who’s concerned about indoor air quality.” All photos courtesy of interviewees unless otherwise noted Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Richard W. Blake Customer Service Manager Patterson Kelly East Stroudsburg “2008 will be my last year with Patterson Kelly. I will be retiring after 37 years with the company. At PK my goal this year will be to finish up my work and to prepare for the day I will be turning my position over to a replacement. Personally, my goal for the coming year is to purchase a retirement home and to organize personal investments and pension plans to prepare for retirement.” Maria Hafler SkillsUSA Advisor Monroe Career and Technical Institute Bartonsville “My goal for the students is to allow them to network and develop the skills needed to meet future employers and to become productive and responsible citizens. I just want my students to be able to use the skills that they have learned here to allow them to reach all their personal goals. I want them to be able to go out an open their own business; to seize opportunities and take advantage of them.” Luke Ketterhagen Yoga Director Himalayan Institute Honesdale “We are going to be expanding our program to include lunchtime classes in stress management, yoga meditation and basic relaxation. We’re going to add a lot more weekend programming and workshops too. The biggest addition will be a yoga training teacher program which is going to start in the middle of next year. There’s no training in this area and we’re looking forward to getting into that market; hopefully people will expand their awareness of how great yoga and meditation are for life’s well-being.” Chuck Leonard Executive Director Pocono Mountain Economic Development Corporation Mt. Pocono “We will continue our work to attract and develop new businesses to our community and create new jobs and opportunities for Monroe County residents This includes targeting one more new business to the area and to continue moving forward on existing projects with Pocono Corporate Center East, Arcadia North Business Park and with the development of Wall Street West, in which we are deeply involved and are supplying necessary infrastructure information to make that a big reality.” Sal Maiolatesi Owner/Operator Maiolatesi Wine Cellars Hawley “To build a new winery, because mine just burned down. My business plan is to get back on my feet. We had thirty different wines. We’re probably going to cut that back a little in the first year; it’s probably going to be close to twenty varietals. We will have a partial inventory starting in July, then a bigger inventory come August and September. They’re all bottled by me, from grape to bottle. I’m most definitely coming back. This is all I know how to do.” Gail Tucker Executive Director Greater Honesdale Partnership “The Greater Honesdale Partnership’s goal for 2008 is to increase the volume of tourism to our town, enabling an even greater number of people to experience the wonderful stores, restaurants, and service providers the Greater Honesdale area has to offer. We plan to offer informative seminars that will help our businesses increase their sales. We will also double our efforts to make our streetscape more attractive, which in turn will make historic Honesdale an even nicer place to be.” VISIT US ONLINE @ www.pbjonline.com 17 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS The Better Road: Transportation Outlook for 2008 By Ken Clark On Aug. 1, a bridge collapsed in Minneapolis, plunging dozens of cars into the Mississippi River and killing 13 people. As events go, it was far less horrific than Hurricane Katrina or the raging wildfire sweeping across southern California, but it sent out a shock wave far more inclusive. Almost overnight, a whole nation awoke to the fact that our over-aged and over-stressed bridges and highways are crumbling beneath the very wheels of the automobiles that take us places and the 40-ton trucks that bring things to us. As though it was a new revelation, inspectors suddenly were swarming over and under bridges, probing cracks in the concrete and rust on the trusses, and fretting about pot-holed and washboarded highways from coast to coast. Politicians, meanwhile, demanding that something be done, loosened the purse strings and started advancing some very expensive proposals. Senators Arlen Spector and Bob Casey are pushing through Congress a $35.5 million federal grant to fund various transportation projects throughout the state, $2 million of which will pay for preliminary engineering on passenger rail service from Scranton to Hoboken where commuters can take a PATH train into Manhattan. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania State Legislature proposes to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road to pay for a massive infrastructure upgrade. Both projects have their critics, but Joe Brimmeier, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, defends the tolling of I-80 as the least painful solution to repair the battered highway and its bridges. “The transportation infrastructure has to be repaired, or it’s just going to continue to decay,” he said. “The alternatives are: raise the gasoline tax, raise the fees and registration, and raise the sales tax or even the income tax. There is a number of ways that it could have been funded, but the wave of the future is going to be tolling the roads. Let people who use the road pay for the road.” The legislature passed and Gov. Ed Rendell signed Act 44, authorizing tolling of the 300-mile stretch of highway from the New Jersey to the Ohio border in July, but approval by the Federal Highway Administration still must be obtained. Brimmeier declined to estimate what tolls will be or how much money might be raised in the course of the 50year lease of the highway from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He said all monies raised at a maximum of 10 toll booths will go for repair of I-80, and he denied reports that any surplus will go to fund mass transit projects. “That’s a complete fallacy,” he said. “We made it part of the lease agreement with PennDot that none of the tolls on I-80 can be used for mass transit. Unfortunately, we have a few elected officials who are fear-mongering their constituents, pitting parts of Pennsylvania against each other, and that’s just absolutely wrong.” Any surplus, after I-80 repairs, he said, will go to the repair of roads and bridges in the Poconos and other rural areas of the state. Mass transit rumors are not the only ones being whispered in the background of the tolling project. Others say truckers, unhappy with the increased costs they will have to pay to cross the state, may take back-country roads to avoid the toll booths, and that the booths, themselves, will cause major traffic jams as vehicles line up to pay. Brimmeier shot down both claims. “In the trucking industry, time is money,” he said, adding that the average trucker “won’t like it, but he’ll pay it because it’s the fastest way for him to get from Ohio to New Jersey.” Fortunately, he won’t be risking bridge collapse along the way. At a recent audio teleconference, state bridge inspector Susan K. Sprague said no bridges in the commonwealth are closed, and none are in critical condition. Bridge conditions in the Poconos range from poor to serious, but none are in danger of imminent failure. As to congestion, Brimmeier said tolls will be collected automatically by electronic detection, similar to the E-ZPass system used on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and that cash tolls will be collected at booths off the sides of the highway or at central islands isolated from the main traffic flow. But it is the passenger rail line along the Lackawanna cutoff through New Jersey that is generating the highest levels of controversy, not to mention price tags. The proposed line, with stops in Tobyhanna, Mount Pocono, East Stroudsburg and Delaware Water Gap, will cost an estimated $551 million and is expected to carry 6,000 commuters a day by 2030, at which time Monroe County’s population will have swollen to nearly 300,000. Larry Malski, Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania Northeast regional Rail Authority, said railroads, in decline for decades, are staging a comeback. “The big railroads are starting to make the money they need to start adding capacity,” he said. “For years, they’ve been abandoning trackage. They’ve finally turned a corner, and they’re actually starting to lay more track.” Malski said that while “all everyone wants to talk about is the passenger project,” a more important aspect is freight. “What we do is really for economic development,” he said. “Freight is doing very well. We’re very involved in bringing new industry into the area, and that’s picking up faster than we can keep track. A lot of industries are coming back to rail because of all the problems with highway transportation -- congestion and higher freight rates.” Still, passenger service remains the darling of its supporters. Pennsylvania Representative Paul E. Kanjorski (D-11) wants to take the project up a notch, to the level of a high-speed “Maglev bullet train” capable of achieving a speed of 320 mph, cutting the commute time from the Poconos to New York to 20 minutes. He said the project would cost a staggering $5 billion, but, in terms of moving people, it would be “the equivalent of a 36-lane highway.” Not all politicians are behind such a move. State Senator Bob Mellow (D-22) said he admires the highspeed train he recently saw in Taiwan, but that he doubts if the funding necessary to replicate it here ever will be forthcoming. In fact, he isn’t even sure the conventional Lackawanna project will see fruition. “I’m not convinced that we’ll ever see regular rail service between Scranton and New York City,” he told Pocono Business Journal. “It’s a project that’s going to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and New Jersey isn’t going to be there (as a supporting entity).” Malski shrugged off the forecast. “That’s his opinion, and obviously he’s a major player here,” he said. “But the people we’ve been working with in New Jersey are all strongly for it. New Jersey Transit, which is the operating entity over there, is saying they’re not sure where the money is going to come from. I don’t feel it’s a question of ‘if,’ it will be a question of ‘when.’ If you could guarantee the funding and the financing and all the other approvals we need, it could happen within five years, but that, very clearly, is the best case scenario.” Highways and railroads, however, are not the only transportation entities growing in the Poconos. Greg Christine, Chairman of the Monroe County Airport Authority, said the main runway at Mount Pocono’s airport is being extended to 4,500 feet to accommodate the large corporate jets company executives use to reach Johnson and Johnson, sanofi Pasteur and other entities in surrounding business parks. He said the airport also is being surveyed for establishment of a new instrument approach system that will make the facility “a precision airport.” 18 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 BUSINESS BRIEFS WHO’s WHO BOGART FRITSCHIE MARTIN Bogart - Caesars Pocono Resorts has announced the promotion of MaryLee Bogart to reservations supervisor. In her new position, Bogart will be responsible for evaluating reservation personnel and providing ongoing employee training to continuously enhance the booking process. Her daily responsibilities will also include developing educational programs and updating contacts at all four Caesars Pocono Resorts properties about departmental innovations and improvements. Bogart joined the Caesars Pocono Resorts Reservations Department in September 2005 as a reservations agent. Bush - MJ Bush, President of Advantage Abstract & Realty Services, has been elected vice-president of the Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley for the year beginning October 1st. Fritschie - Sharon Fritschie of Dingmans Ferry has successfully completed the course to become an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR). Fritschie works at the Dingmans office of Wilkins & Associates and joined the company four years ago. She completed the course at the Pocono Real Estate Academy and said the information she learned gives her an edge, especially in today’s market. Freeman – Douglas Freeman, a Realtor® with Realty World Becky Freeman and Associates, has been awarded the 2007 PREF Scholarship. Freeman is one of 15 award-winning recipients. He will use the scholarship money for designation courses offered by the Pennsylvania Realtors Institute and other Realtor® schools. Gamboni - Jill Gamboni, director of Child Care Information Services of Pike County, has been elected president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley for the year beginning October 1st. Gunderman - Dorie Gunderman, Realtor® for Wilkins & Associates, has been elected as club treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley for the year beginning October 1st. Keeley - Joseph Keeley recently held a press conference about his company, College Nannies & Tutors, Inc. He started the RIVERA SCROFANO company seven years ago, while still in college, as a way to supplement his income. College Nannies & Tutors is a staffing and placement firm that partners with local companies to provide work-life balance programs for their employees and specializes in providing educationally-focused child development specialists as nannies and tutors. Today, there are 55+ franchises throughout the U.S. including one in Tannersville. Kunz - Experienced Realtor Keith M. Kunz has joined the Tannersville office of Weichert, Realtors® - Acclaim. He offers a full range of real estate services with emphasis on commercial properties and land development. He serves clients in Monroe, Pike, Carbon and North Hampton Counties as a member of the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors®. Martin – Our House Publications, LLC, has announced the appointment of Thomas J. Martin to the newly created position of advertising director. Martin, who was most recently director of operations of Creative Structures, is responsible for securing advertising sponsors for the regional consumer title and for building and managing a sales team. Our House is a regional home and leisure consumer magazine targeting 10 counties along the Delaware Valley. Merlino – Annette Merlino has been named Branch Manager of the new Pennstar Bank in the Crossroads Mall on Route 611 in Bartonsville. She will work with Regional Manager Raymond Ceccotti and commercial lender Jeff Reimer to develop new business in the Bartonsville market. Rivera - Lindsay Rivera, an Administrative Assistant with NEPA Management Associates in Stroudsburg, was promoted from an Administrative Assistant to a Property Manager at Wilkins & Associates Real Estate in Stroudsburg. In her new position, she will be responsible for the long term rental division of NEPA Management Associates. Schramm - Catherine Schramm, Therapeutic Support Staff for Youth Advocate Program, was elected as club secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley for the year beginning October 1st. SURIANI SWINGLE WILGUS Scrofano - Christine Scrofano, vice-president and sales manager for Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, has been elected president of the Kiwanis Club of Delaware Valley for the year beginning October 1st. Suriani - Shannon Suriani, MS CCC SLP, has just been added to the staff of Riverside Rehabilitation Centers as a full time speech therapist. Suriani is responsible for evaluating and treating adult and pediatric patients with deficits in speech, articulation, language, voice, swallowing and cognition resulting from brain injuries, strokes, and other neurological and auditory processing disorders. Swingle - Sophia Swingle has joined the Mount Pocono office of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. A life-long resident of the Poconos, Swingle has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance and Management from Wilkes University. She worked in the banking industry for 29 years at Wachovia and PNC Banks, and as a Realtor® for the last seven years with Kathy Louis and ERA Anderson. She also served for three years in the United States Marine Corps, where she was honored as Marine of the Month. She has been active in Monroe County in the Builders’ Association, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Junior Achievement and The Pocono Summit Business and Professional Women’s Club, who named her Woman of the Year. Wilgus - The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has named Carl Wilgus, former Idaho state tourism director and assistant deputy director of the Idaho Department of Commerce, as PMVB’s executive director. Wilgus, a 33-year industry veteran, was appointed state tourism director for the Idaho Department of Commerce in 1987; under his guidance the staff nearly tripled, and he grew the annual budget by nearly four times. His accomplishments include overseeing international, cooperative, multi-state marketing efforts, expanding visitation from Europe, developing niche marketing efforts to promote the Idaho Golf Trail, enhancing culinary tourism and implementing geotourism initiatives. (See feature article in this issue.) WHAT’s WHAT The Duck Harbor Company, based in Equinunk, was named Pennsylvania’s Developer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Builders Association during the association’s inaugural Builders Gala at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. In selecting the Duck Harbor Company, judges applauded the company’s dedication to mixing natural elements into neighborhoods and focusing on maintaining the region’s natural beauty when creating developments. Judges also noted the company’s reputation for building safe neighborhoods that are planned around community involvement and open green space. In addition to being a PBA member, the Duck Harbor Company is a member of the Wayne County Builders Association. Thirty-eight universities including East Stroudsburg University and six other Pennsylvania State System (PASSHE) institutions participated in the 14th annual Compact for Faculty Diversity Institute in Arlington, Va. Representing East Stroudsburg University were Dr. Peter Hawkes, dean of arts and sciences; Dr. Kimberly Adams, assistant professor of political science; Dr. Alberto Cardelle, interim associate provost; and Dr. Sussie Eshun, associate professor of psychology. The primary aim of this institute is to increase the number of minority students who earn doctoral degrees and become college and university faculty. East Stroudsburg University honored employees for years of service, as follows: 40 Years of Service: Pauline Lance, cataloging library technician, Kemp Library. 35 Years of Service: Richard Amori, professor of computer science; Elzar Camper, Jr., professor of media communication and technology; Carolyn Gallagher, lithograph & press operator 2; Barbara Harrison, secretary, athletic training; Mamadou Kane, associate professor of economics; Suzanne Mueller, professor of physical education; George Thompson, Jr., professor of philosophy and religious studies; Valerie Widdoss-Novack, administrative assistant, admission office. 30 Years of Service: Joseph Ashcroft, distinguished professor of communication studies; Barbara Collins, professor of sociology; Patricia Graham, professor of intercultural and interdisciplinary learning; Charles Kagel, operations manager, University Store; Robert Miller, distinguished professor of music. 25 Years of Service: Wayne Colabaugh, maintenance repairman, facilities management; Madeline Constantine, program director, Stony Acres; James Duden, library assistant/interlibrary loan, Kemp Library; Joanne Eagleson, fiscal technician, payroll office; Deborah Fisher, library assistant/catalog clerk, Kemp Library; Felix Friedman, professor of computer science; Fred Gersbach, associate director of administration, administrative computing; Raymond Howey, semi skilled laborer, grounds and landscape; Dawn Y. Kohl, director, human resources management; Terry Miller, stock clerk, receiving and distribution center; John Terwilliger, assistant football coach. Others were honored for 10, 15, and 20 years of service, and retirees were also honored. Also, fourteen ESU faculty members and one administrator were honored at the university’s third annual University Authors Book Reception. The honorees and the titles of their books are: Dr. Susan Amirian, assistant professor of media communication and technology, Create Your Digital Portfolio: The Fast Track to Career Success; Co-authors Dr. Domenico Cavaiuolo, associate professor of special education and rehabilitation, and Dr. Daniel Steere, professor of special education and rehabilitation, Growing up: Transition to Adult Life for Students with Disabilities; Dr. Barbara Collins, professor of sociology, Crisis and Trauma: Developmental-Ecological Intervention; Dr. John Dublanica (pen name: John Stephens), adjunct professor of professional and secondary education, Rude Promenade; Dr. Gregory Dwyer, associate professor of movement studies and exercise science, ACSM’s Metabolic Calculations Handbook; Dr. Michael Gray, assistant professor of history, The Business of Captivity: Elmira and its Civil War Prison; Dr. T. Storm Heter, assistant professor of philosophy, Sartre’s Ethics of Engagement: Authenticity and Civic Virtue; Co-author Dr. Kenneth Mash, professor of political science, A Novel Approach to Politics: Introducing Political Science through Books, Movies, and Popular Culture; Dr. Robert McKenzie, professor of communication studies, Comparing Media from Around the World; Dr. Fred Misurella, professor of English, Lies to Live By: Stories; Co-author Dr. Stephanie Romano, associate professor of reading, a co-editor with Dick Heyler, Linda Reilly, and Diane Skiffington Dickson, The Oral History Project: Connecting Students to their Community, Grades 4-8; Co-authors Dr. Edith Miller, professor, academic enrichment and learning, and coordinator of disability services, and Dr. Julianne Albiero-Walton, professor, academic enrichment and learning, and disabilities specialist, UDL: Universal Design in Learning for Educators. This year’s administrative honoree is co-author Dr. Peter Hawkes, dean of the school of arts and sciences, for his book with John Desmund titled Adaptation: Studying Film and Literature. George Roberts Productions has moved into the Buff Nauman building at 745 Main Street in Stroudsburg. The offices are in Suite 204 and include space for TV production as well. The new telephone numbers for the company are (570) 424-8385, (570) 992-4842 and (800) 782-7710. 19 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 BUSINESS BRIEFS WHAT’s WHAT The Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce announced its 2007 Annual Award recipients: Businessperson of the YearJames Becker, Access Office Technologies, Inc.; Citizen of the Year- Grace Marks, office of Senator Patrick Browne; Humanitarian of the Year- Bruce Denlinger, Allstate Insurance; Frank Schoelch Community Commitment Award- Thomas & Camille Breslauer (retired); ATHENA Award- Denise Cebular (Penn Security Bank & Trust Co.); Chairman’s Award- Robert Uguccioni, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has been named to the 2007 Hot Firms List published annually in The Zweig Letter by Zweig White Information Services, a leading management consulting and research firm serving the architecture, engineering and construction industries. The Zweig Letter 2007 Hot Firm List is based solely on gross revenue for both fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2006, as verified by financial statements or income tax returns reviewed by third parties. The Inn at Pocono Manor has enhanced and increased its outdoor activity programs to include exciting new events and features for its guests and the public to enjoy throughout the year, adding ATV Rental Tours through specially designated trails on the 3000 acre resort. The Inn at Pocono Manor also proudly offers The Laurel Spa, one of the premiere spas in the Pocono Mountains, with over 8,500 square feet and state of the art spa equipment. A new archery range, basketball courts and children’s playground and picnic area are among The Inn’s new amenities. The Inn has also recently restored and signed three of its original historic hiking trails, which offer anything from an easy stroll to a two hour challenging hike over rough terrain, leading to beautiful hidden waterfalls. State Rep. Keith McCall and State Sen. Ray Musto were joined by Gov. Ed Rendell in October to announce that Lehighton borough will receive a $750,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Energy Development Authority to help build a hydroelectric power plant at the Beltzville Dam. The funding is part of a $10 million statewide initiative investing in alternative energy, with special emphasis on renewable energy sources based in the commonwealth. LTS Development LLC’s Mountain Manor project in Smithfield Township (Monroe County) has received preliminary recognition by the Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance (DVSGA), for its proposed 418-acre town center community. Mountain Manor is designed to have 857 homes and 400,000+ square feet of commercial space with a mix of restaurants, shops, business and medical offices. The development will also provide a new library, town hall and community center. LTS Development is currently in talks with the Monroe County Transit Authority to provide bus service to the site. The students of the Cosmetology Department of the Monroe Career & Technical Institute recently held a Mentoring Breakfast to help bridge the gap between industry and education. Mr. Leonard Piccini the Cosmetology Instructor organized the event, the seventh annual mentoring breakfast. Tripadvisor.com users recently ranked Mount Pocono in sixth place among the top ten hottest U.S. destinations for 2008. Tripadvisor users showed a strong interest in green destinations and the type of outdoor activities offered in the Pocono Mountains region. New York Style Women’s Clothing recently opened in the Mr. Z’s plaza in Marshalls Creek. Denise Hodges, owner, is a former employee of the New York City Police Department. The shop sells shoes, hand bags, jewelry, tops, dresses and suits. Pennstar Bank recently opened its sixth office in Monroe County. The new branch is located in the Crossroads Mall, Route 611, Bartonsville. The new office features 5 teller stations, 2 drive-up teller windows, four offices and a conference room. In addition, the office offers an expanded drive up area including a drive-up ATM and Night Depository. A handicapped accessible safe deposit viewing booth and teller area completes the office. The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority celebrated its receipt of the 5th Annual John J. Luciani Award for Regionalism at a recent board meeting with NEPA President Ernie Preate and Executive Director Jeffrey Box in attendance. The total contract price is $665,021.00 and includes the installation of a 700 ft. rail siding at Excel Storage Products, the installation of 5500 crossties on the Pocono Mainline, the installation of an eflex grade crossing surface at Hill Street in Archbald and surfacing, as well as bolt tightening of 13 miles of track on the Pocono main. The Pocono Health Foundation held two holiday fundraisers to help make the season brighter for children and cancer patients: the annual holiday tree lighting with proceeds from the sale of light bulbs on the tree to benefit children’s programs in the community, and also a partnership with Finishing Touches Fine Jewelry to raise funds for the Dale and Francis Hughes Cancer Center. Pocono Medical Center announced that a Neonatology Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is being created so that mothers, and their newborns, can receive care. Liztech Jewelers of East Stroudsburg has designed a pin exclusively for the Auxiliary of the Pocono Medical Center to raise funds for the NICU. All proceeds from the sale of the pins will go towards the NICU. The custom handcrafted pin symbolizes Pocono Medical Center as the “Heart of the Community.” Pocono Medical Center and SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, the union representing approximately 500 service and maintenance employees at the hospital, announced an agreement on a three-year contract which extends through October 31, 2010. SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania is the state’s largest and fastest growing health care workers union, with over 20,000 members in hospitals, nursing homes, home care, and state health care facilities. The Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors® (PMAR) presented checks to five individuals running for area offices during “Meet the Candidates” night held recently for its membership. Recipients included Donna Asure and Robert Nothstein, both Republicans who ran for County Commissioner, $750 each; Steve Carey, Republican running for Smithfield Township Supervisor, $500; Russell Fisher, a Democrat running for Chestnuthill Township Supervisor, $200; and Jamie Keener, a Republican running for Tobyhanna Township Supervisor, $200. PMAR also supported Daryl Eppley, a Democrat who ran for Stroud Township Supervisor who does not accept campaign contributions. Also, PMAR has honored three individuals, Eileen Chaladoff, president elect of the board of the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS® and a REALTOR with Prudential Associates Real Estate; PMAR member Doug Freeman with Realty World Becky Freeman and Associates; and PMAR board member Patti Hein with Bobhay. com, with the PMAR Recognition Award for their commitment and work on Gulf Coast recovery efforts. This past August, the three traveled to the Gulf Coast as part of a National Association of Realtors® contingent to aid in recovery efforts. The past president of PMAR, Len Ferber, was on hand to share in the award and present a video. More than $463,000 was raised to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the BG US Challenge in October. The Pocono Mountains was the only host destination in the United States for the 2007 calendar year. The Pocono Mountains Convention & Visitors Bureau and partners, including hotels, state parks, retail outlets and other businesses made the event possible by hosting the fundraiser at various venues including Camelback, Skytop Lodge, The Inn at Pocono Manor, The Chateau Resort & Conference Center, Big Pocono State Park, Hickory Run State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is now offering Beautification Grants to qualified groups who are interested in improving their area’s curbside appeal. Grant awards have a maximum amount of $500 each. Qualified groups include chambers of commerce, civic clubs, community groups, Rotary and Lions clubs, youth groups and other nonprofit organizations located in the Pocono Mountains region of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties. Deadline for submission is December 7, 2007. The project must be completed and funds exhausted by June 30, 2008. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau held its Annual Report Dinner at the Ridgecrest facility at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg and announced its new board officers. Andy Forte, former president, will now assume the role of chairman of the board. Ed Mayotte, former vice president of the board, has been selected as the new president. Mayotte has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Since 1994, Mayotte has served as president and general manager of Skytop Lodge. The remaining board members continue in their positions, with Andy Worthington of Bushkill Group, Inc. and John Kiesendahl of Woodloch Pines as vice presidents and Barth Rubin of the Budget Inn & Suites as treasurer. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation recently presented a $5,000 Platinum Partnership check to CCCC. Such partnerships allow CCCC to continue its successful events, programs and projects. RGB Custom Builders has received one out of every five awards presented at the annual Pocono Builders Association’s 2007 Building Awards. Judged by building professionals from the Building Industry Association of Northeast Pennsylvania in Luzerne County, RGB Custom Builders’ 15 awards included first place recognition for quality of construction, overall architectural design, specialty rooms, specialty features, custom finishes and overall interior design. RGB award winning homes ranged in size from 2,067 square feet to 5,009 square feet. Since the inception of the Pocono Builders Association awards in 2002, RGB has received some 60 awards including several “Best in Show” honors. The Rock & Gem Heaven & The Tri-State Jewelry Exchange LLC have just opened their doors on 601 West Harford Street in Milford. The jewelry wholesale store buys, sells and repairs jewelry and offer rocks, minerals, crystals, sculptures and decorative items for sale. Sanofi Pasteur employees recently collected hundreds of items for families in need and donated them to Monroe County Head Start. The truckload of items included boots, food, clothing, and food/grocery gift certificates for Head Start families. The company also recently presented the record-breaking results of its 2007 United Way campaign at Stroudsburg’s Best Western Pocono Inn. Sanofi pasteur is consistently the largest contributor to the United Way of Monroe County’s campaign. Strunk-Albert Engineering of East Stroudsburg and Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. of Bartonsville have been chosen to design Northampton Community College’s new campus in Pocono Township. The two firms will work with MKSD Architects of Orefield in doing the engineering for the new campus. Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, ranked as one of the “Top 500” engineering firms in the country by the Engineering News-Record, will handle civil/site and environmental engineering. Strunk-Albert will provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, technology and security engineering. NCC hopes to be able to secure local and state approvals by next fall, to bid and select contractors and begin site work the following spring (2009), and to be ready to move to the new campus in the fall of 2010. The 71-acre tract of land on which Northampton Community College’s new campus will be situated is located in the geographic center of Monroe County, near both Route 715 and Route 80. Tick Tock’s, a restaurant in Honesdale, has just completed a new addition of 2000 square feet to accommodate the increase in Friday and Saturday evening customers. Tick Tock’s specializes in casual fine dining. Tobyhanna Army Depot was presented with the Shingo Gold Medallion (Public Sector) on Oct. 11 for dramatic improvements to the AN/TPQ-36 Antenna Transceiver Group mission. The presentation took place at a Shingo Prize ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Ronald Reagan National Airport. The Shingo Prize program recognizes private and public sector organizations that successfully apply Lean Six Sigma techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of their operations. It is regarded as the premier manufacturing award recognition program for North America. As part of the Shingo Prize mission and model, the Prize highlights the value of using Lean/world-class manufacturing practices to attain world-class status. Also, the Depot has announced that due to growing mission requirements, there are now openings for more than 350 personnel. The primary requirement is in electronics, with the depot seeking qualified personnel with associate degrees in electronics, related degrees or equivalent experience. The depot also has the need for personnel in industrial trades such as electricians, painters, painter helpers, electroplaters and sheet metal workers. Wayne Bank recently donated $30,000 to the Wayne County Community Foundation which will be used to support students in Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne, Forest City and Wallenpaupack Area School Districts. Wayne Bank has also donated $15,000 to Pike County Public Library. Reps. Mike Peifer (R-Wayne/Pike/Monroe) and Sandra Major (R- Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) announced that Wayne County was awarded a $46,598 recycling performance grant from the Department of Environmental Protection. The grant was made possible through the Recycling Performance Grant Program, which provides incentives to help communities increase the amount of materials recovered through recycling and promote economic growth through job creation and market expansion. Wayne Memorial Hospital will hold a ribbon cutting this month to introduce its newest site for outpatient services’ rehabilitation and laboratory, at the Route 6 Mall. The Dingmans Ferry Chili Cook-off at October’s Delaware Township Harvest Festival was sponsored by Wilkins & Associates Real Estate. Teams were comprised of local businesses. Winning chili entries came from Advantage Abstract & Realty Services, Rimby’s Restaurant, Yetter Insurance Team, Friends of Ileana, The NEPA Management Team and the Delaware Valley Ambulance Corps. The event was held at Camp Akenac in Dingmans Ferry. Please send all press releases for consideration to [email protected] 20 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 FOCUS LIST CLEANING SERVICES Company Address Phone/Fax Web site Years in Business # Employees Services Business Contact Aardvark Cleaning PO Box 525 Effort, PA 18330 (570) 629-8652 www.aardvarkcleaning.net 20 4 Offices, medical offices, dry carpet cleaning service, sanding, floor stripping Michael Sollitto Affordable Dumpsters, Inc 600 East Second Street Weatherly, PA 18255 (570) 427-4976 www.affordabledumpsters.com 5 3 Waster removal, estate clean-up, fire/water/mold damage clean-up, hauling Michael Sanfilippo Bio-Haz Solutions, Inc. 531 Seneca Road, Ste 2 Lehighton, PA 18235 (570) 386-5130 (570) 386-5132 www.bio-haz.com N/A N/A Medical waste removal David E. Henritzy (570) 251-8111 (570)251-9778 www.bulldogmaintenance.com 14 100+ Industrial and warehouse cleaning, carpet cleaning, marble and tile restoration, construction cleaning www.cleanforceone.net 18 N/A Carpet cleaning Rob & Sue Lyons General home and office cleaning, construction clean-up, before and after moving Ray Lintner Bulldog Maintenance 910 Maple Avenue Honesdale, PA 18431 Clean Force One RR1, Box 74A White Haven, PA 18661 (570) 443-8508 Clean Rite 515 Church Street Honesdale, PA 18431 (570) 253-2495 (570) 253-2495 23 3 Deborah Kleckner, Construction Clean-up 355 Peter Avenue Palmerton, PA 18071 (610) 377-2076 N/A N/A Ductz 208 Eagle Valley Mall Store #233 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 (570) 421-2930 (570) 504-5506 www.ductz.com Less than 1 year 3 Air duct cleaning and sanitizing, high-efficiency filtration Al Gallucci Integra-Clean PO Box 29 Sterling, PA 18462 (570) 992-1553 (570) 676-4775 N/A 15 2 Waterproofing, mold remediation, restoration, carpet and upholstery Michelle Apholz Kerry Clean P.O.Box 1527 Albrightsville, PA 18210 (570) 722-0885 (570) 722-0885 Service Master Cleaning Services 11 Eli Street East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 (570) 420-0223 Squeaky Clean HC 1 Box 1A19 Lackawaxen, PA 18435 (570) 685-5389 (570) 695-1075 www.kerryclean.com N/A N/A 10 Deb Kleckner N/A 5 Commercial, rental property, hot tub and spa maintenance, “green clean” Kerry or Angelo Dubravski Commercial office cleaning Jack Fossett Residential/commercial cleaning, specializing in new construction clean-up Warren Toder Disclaimer: If your company is located within Carbon, Monroe, Pike or Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and was not included in the listing, please contact Pocono Business Journal so we can include your company in future editions of this focus list. Employer-Assisted Housing Can Cement Worker Commitment Greater Pocono Chamber 2007 Annual Awards If every cloud has a silver lining, then it follows that every silver lining must have a cloud. Various experts in the field of affordable housing brought both concepts to Monroe County last month at a day-long housing summit at Shawnee Inn. Charles Buki, founder of czb Consulting, a Virginiabased organization which has surveyed housing trends in northeastern Pennsylvania, told about 150 developers, Realtors and community leaders in his opening address that both Monroe and Pike Counties already face problems for which neither is prepared to deal. “Households are losing ground,” he said. “The disparity between wages and home prices is growing. It is going to be a perfect storm.” Buki used the alpine village of Snowmass, Colorado, as an example of what he thinks the Poconos could become if steps to narrow the gap between the wages of service workers and home prices is not addressed. He said the village of 4,000 near Aspen saw wages averaging $20,000 per year in 1995 rise to only $23,000 today. Over the same period, average home prices exploded, from $390,000 to $1.1 million, effectively shutting out firefighters, policemen, waiters, teachers and other service people needed for community continuity. He said the same thing is happening in the Poconos as commuting home buyers of means from New York and New Jersey buy into the area, inflating prices and driving people of modest means out of the housing market. Buki urged adoption of zoning ordinances mandating that 15% of homes in new housing developments be priced within reach of residents of modest income. Throughout the day, workshops offered solutions ranging from establishment of community land trusts, to home ownership and rental assistance programs, to employer-assisted housing. Under the latter system, employers agree to pay closing costs and offer other financial assistance to employees buying homes if the employees agree to remain on the job for a given period of time. In return, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will make available below-market interest rates and financial counseling to any employee buying a home under the system. “If you help an employee buy a home he otherwise could not afford, that employee is yours forever,” said Dona Stewart, business development manager for PHFA, which is promoting the program. Photo Credit: Kelly Strunk By Ken Clark Shown are the winners of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce’s Frank Schoelch Community Commitment Award, Camille and Thomas Breslauer (retired). Other award winners included Businessperson of the Year, James Becker, Access Office Technologies, Inc.; Citizen of the Year, Grace Marks, Office of Senator Patrick Browne; Humanitarian of the Year, Bruce Delinger, Allstate Insurance; ATHENA Award, Denise Cebular, Penn Security Bank & Trust Co.; and Chairman’s Award, Robert Uguccioni, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. 21 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 NEWS Playing Santa on Short Notice Photo Credit: Al Zagofsky Business gifting- even when it’s done at the last minute- need not break the bank. For around $50 you can find something that’s right on-target; something comfortably appropriate, neither stodgy and bland nor too familiar. Some ideas for those who wish to say “thanks for a great year” to staff, clients, customers and colleagues… Happy shopping! Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal By Debbie Burke Photo Credit: Al Zagofsky Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Holiday Sparkle Wreath $45.99 Regina Farms Rt. 209/5181 Milford Road East Stroudsburg (570) 223-8358 European-Inspired Woman’s Knit Top $68 Marianne Monteleone Design 97 Broadway Jim Thorpe (570) 325-3540 Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Italian Extravaganza $50 Misc. Essentials IGA Shopping Center Route 6 and Route 590 Hawley (570) 226-8962 Umbrella Doll $45 Hawley Antique Center 318 Main Street Hawley (570) 226-8990 “Pike County...Naturally” Coverlet (proceeds benefit conservation education programs of the Pike Conservation District) $53 Pike County Conservation District 556 Route 402 Hawley (570) 226-8220 also: Carol Ann’s Linen Closet 317 Milford Street (570) 296-7703 Majolica Bead $60. Additional $5 for leather lanyard or $20 for a silver necklace Nic East Design 10 Flagstaff Road Jim Thorpe (570) 325-0216 Photo Credit: Players Row Music Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal Chocolate Overload $50 Greene-Berry’s 2035 Milford Road East Stroudsburg (570) 424-9400 Photo Credit: Pike County Conservation District Jim Shore Snowman Family $59.95 Milford Craft Show 120 East Hartford St. Milford (570) 296-5662 Polish Delicacies $50 Elizabeth’s Polish American Deli 215 Main Avenue Hawley (570) 226-2570 22 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 PBJ REGISTER Deeds Kidder Township North Richard Henry & Sons LLC to S&H Holding Co, $250,000. Fawley to James and Mary Burke, $265,000. Matzel Development at Greenwood to Mariano and Maria Ortiz, $291,700. Thomas and Sandra Reed to James and Deborah Radwanski, $300,000. James and Jean Waygood to Michael and Carolyn Tierney, $950,000. Jim Bidwell to Timothy and Linda Greim, $405,000. Matzel Development at Greenwood to Jose and Patricia Castillo, $312,537. Mary and Robert Baxter to Kush and Sunny LLC, $550,000. Michael Magro and Marjorie Wetherill to Michael and DOneen Stanek, $264,000. Kidder Township South Thomas P Carney Inc to Leonard Leto, $459,000. John Scully to Marjorie Cooper, $390,000. Brian Fox to MP Realty Inc, $275,000. Donald Childers to Morris Treadway, $266,000. Sean O’Connor to Michael Scott, $291,000. Etta Spielmann to Mehrnaz Vahid, $300,000. Tunkhannock Township David Wengerd to Norell and Bernice Robinson, $299,900. William and Denise Weiss to Faina Volis, $255,000. Helene Legros to Thomas Sawoe and Maria Celestino, $303,000. Michael Garafola to James Waiters, $310,000. Suk Hee and Blake Kim to Tunkhannock Township, $275,000. Carbon County Franklin Township Jacob Smith to Walter Waits, $260,000. Lower Towamensing Township Walter Beers to James White, $270,000. Penn Forest Township Larry Iaquinto to Ernest Eadeh, $660,000. Falcon Crest Homes Inc to Aleksandr Gershteyn, $285,000. Falcon Crest Homes Inc to Kaisha Williams, $463,792. Pike County Blooming Grove Township Sol Lorenzo to Thomas and Penny Schiffer, $605,000. Elizabeth II Inc to Terry Schoenmeier, $305,000. Diane Hiller to Edward and Janis Pfuhler, $314,000. Robert and Dolores Labarge to Sandra and Harry Krapsho, $350,000. Margaret McKiernan and Thomas O’Rourke to Saudeva Properties, $380,000. Towamensing Township Penn Pro Builders Inc. to Craig Fallon, $250,000. Penn Pro Builders Inc to Timothy Himmelwright, $260,000. Delaware Township James Gerichten to Janet Wexler, $333,000. Benjamin and Sharon Ahern to Harold and Josephine Hayes, $295,000. John and Caterina Falcone to Urica Edwards, $425,000. Barrett Township Vincent and Sharon Keegan to Stuart and Mary Yarbrough, $570,000. Dingman Township Anthony and Joann Mosca to Peter and Sandra Cossu, $312,500. Robert and Sandra Avery to Richard and Melissa Hillman, $380,000. Meadow Lake Partners to Andrew Meloi, $390,000. Mark and Debra Schoenbach to James and Kimberly Seul, $310,000. Michael Mein to Carol Stefanik, $315,000. CM Mechanical of Orange County to Edwin and Darlene Cortez, $290,000. Monroe County Chestnuthill Township Kevin and Maxine Scheller to Royal Investments, LLC, $525,000. John and Helen Vinck to Maria Inman, $280,000. James and Josephine Hall to Nazar ands Natalya Kulynych, $300,000. Josephine Kennedy to Robert and Agnes Benson, $279,900. Anthony and Leslie Novak to Andrew and Christine Smith, $252,500. Nicholais and Lori-Ann Konawalik to Robert Dekleine and Suzanne Gadomski, $259,000. John Beresch to Joshua and Jaime Fincke, $290,000. Franciszek Piwowarczyk to Alton Samuels, $265,000. Coolbaugh Township Stephen and Frances Podlesney to Patrick, Leah, James and Neena Tierney, $330,000. Arcadia North Associates No. 1 LLC to Arcadia North Land LLC, $14,000,000. Danny Kogan to Robert Moya, $299,000. Jacob and Michelle Rybner to Elizabeth Rivas, $264,995. Antonio and Leonora Andujar to Shawn Corcas, $305,000. Richard and Anne Alloway to Seth and Kim Miller, $460,000. Marc and Kathleen Osgoodby to Douglas and Lisa Bailey, $265,000. Delaware Water Gap Borough Wayne and Ruth MacWilliams to William and Leslie Nagy, $624,500. Ralph Bond and Carol Dorshimer to Philip and Carol Matheson, $275,000. East Stroudsburg Borough M Elizabeth Bergman to Eileen and Davis Bantz, $285,000. LTS Development LLC to Frank and Jan Urgo, $331,800. Eldred Township Jacqueline Mock to Eldred Township, $510,000. Hamilton Township Dennis and Susan Carroll to Robert and Karen Hosko, $433,000. John and Teresa Derosa to Pensco Trust Co/Andrew Brewer, $285,000. Jackson Township Sandra Christiansen to Elizabeth Davis, $285,000. James Lynch to Jackson Township, $1,051,538. Middle Smithfield Township NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Christopher and Tamara Swiney, $415,475. LTS Development LLC to Tyrone and Yolanda Robinson, $386,200. Gerardo Moreno to Anthony and Maryann Distasio, $325,000. Toll PA IV to Vincent and Teresa Foley, $283,115. Edward and Jennifer Domanski to Cartus Financial Corp, $500,000. Cartus Financial Corp to Gerardo Moreno, $410,000. Parkside Homes Inc to Paul and Heather Villanova, $308,000. NVR Inc/ Ryan Homes to Vasper and Patricia Phillips, $358,176. Heidemarie Hafner to Juliette Stephenson, $269,900. Toll PA IX to James and Carolyn Metaxas, $279,534. Robert and Angela Thomas to Cuiyu Li and Hong Zhang, $485,000. Stroudsburg Borough Barry Thomas to Leroy Chester, $450,000. LTS Development LLC to Charles and Indira Redhead, $539,900. BML at MOuntainview LLC to Barry Thomas, $360,000. Stroud Township LTS Development LLC to Kevin and Shaquila Castle, $372,760. James and Diana Bowers to Adalberto and Ann Marie Guerra, $370,000. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Orlando and Nicole Hernandez, $332,890. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Bennett Lipitz and Rosalie Folts, $415,398. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Roger and Lourdes Orellana, $426,060. Carl and Dotlin Kelly to Duy Hoai and Jennifer Le, $300,000. Citicorp Trust Bank FSB to Imam Elbadawy, $324,900. Steven and Marianne Fischer to RLR Property LLC, $290,000. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Brunildo Febles and Luisa Jaquez, $288,555. NVR Inc/Ryan Homes to Michael Martino, $338,855. Joseph Gerry to Joseph Colucci, $450,000. LTS Development LLC to Lalta and Mahendra Dhanantwari, $421,895. LTS Development LLC to Michael and Nazeela Jagdar, $368,800. Donna Ackerman to Keith Hinkle, $324,000. LTS Development LLC to Constantine Hart and Michelle Ann Adlam, $408,800. Tobyhanna Township Forrest and Eileen Glass to Steven Amend, $250,000. David Wengerd to Diana Honeghan, $269,900. Christian Charity Foundation to Joey Jacob, $250,000. Dariusz and Barbara Ziemrowski to Dominick and Elissa Dimeo, $320,000. Mary Anne Torino to Daniel and Karen Casey, $380,000. John and Heather Iacono to Christine Plywaczewski, $320,000. George and Eileen Beluch to Danny Benau and Reeva Golub, $725,000. Blue Ridge Real Estate Company to A&M Real Estate LLC, $750,000. John and Ann Penn Forest Township Anthony Elias, Citizens Bank, $288,000. Ernest Eadeh, MERS, $417,000. Aleksandr Gershteyn, MERS, $256,500. Vincent Conte, MERS, $293,335. Mary Nuttall, PNC Mortgage, $285,000. Mary Nuttall, Housing and Urban Development, $285,000. Penn Forest Entertainment LLC, Harleysville National Bank, $7,000,000. Evelyn Estates LLC, Harleysville National Bank, $7,000,000. Maury Road Properties LLC, Harleysville National Bank, $7,000,000. Towamensing Township Robert Drewes, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, $325,000. Sean Klotz, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, $510,000. Jack Green, New Tripoli Bank, $392,000. Monroe County Chestnuthill Township Maria Inman, Wells Fargo Bank, $252,000. Nazar and Natalya Kulynych, MERS/E-Loan Inc., $270,000. Petro Semenyuk, Wells Fargo Bank, $294,500. Daniel and Deidre Tichy, ESSA bank, $295,520. Thomas and Toyin Ajibola, MERS/HSBC Mortgage, $350,000. Robert Dekliene and Suzanne Gadomski, MERS/Citizens Community Bank, $259,000. Julia Mikhelzon, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $268,000. Samuel and Usha Ramnit, Keystone Nazareth bank 7 trust, $281,000. Anthony Holding and Elizabeth FrancoisHolding, Household Finance Consumer Discount Co., $276,058. Daniel and Solange Sanchez, MERS/Provident Funding, $252,000. Lehman Township Kalian at Poconos to Carlos and Liza Diaz, $270,000. Coolbaugh Township Patrick, Leah, Neena and James Tierney, MERS/Wachovia, $264,000. Arcadia North Land, Lasalle Bank, $7,425,000. Linda, Lisa and Gerard Griffith, MERS/Financial Equities, $272,000. Martin and Annie Muneshar, GMAC Mortgage, $274,550. Pocono PA GCC LP, Countrywide Commercial Real Estate Finance, $16,000,000. Robert Moya, National City Bank, $299,000. Marilyn Furtak, PNC Mortgage, $300,000. Marilyn Furtak, Housing and Urban Development, $300,000. Seth and Kim Miller, ABN Amro Mortgage, $368,000. Rosemary Llinas and Ana Cuesta, Household Finance Consumer Discount Co., $277,589. Matamoras Borough Mary and Andrew Abraczinskas to Joe Hakaj, $275,000. Milford Borough Schneider Limited Family Partnership to Community Building Projects, $538,950. John and Heather Dibble to Randolph and Socorro Bologna, $399,000. Palmyra Township Elizabeth II Inc to Terry Schoenmeier, $305,000. Peter Pasquale to George and Mary Harrigan, $290,000. William and Mary Ann Schmalzle to Donald and Helaine Brown, $433,000. Daniel and Paula Patriarcia, $375,000. Rudolph and Deborah Japchen to Anthony and Laura Lee Visco, $369,000. Charles and Janice Kinahan to Anthony Maula, $299,800. Paul E. and Gail S. Caruso to Steven and Rochelle Murtaugh, $480,000. Randi Borger to Kenneth and Brenda Kratz, $349,000. Patricia Paolucci to Jeanne Miller, $290,000. Shohola Township Patrice Tanaka to Gary and Megan Tubman, $395,000. Westfall Township Ronnie Lantz to Michael and Gretchen Irwin, $320,000. Delaware Highlands Properties to Joan Susen, $269,000. Judith Tsukroff to Laura and James Given, $260,000. Bernard Barnett to Sussex Bank, $325,000. Wayne County Damascus Township Robert and Monique Brownfield to Anna Zownir, $462,500. Smithfield Township LTS Development LLC to Alvin and Rose Zweifler, $314,900. John and Dawn Noto to Willis and Gail Reeves, $260,000. Charles and Elaine Osei to Donna Smith, $390,000. Lower Towamensing Township James White, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $270,000. Lackawaxen Township Thomas and Christina Salmon to Angelo and Joan Postiglione, $312,000. Henry and Betty Grundman to Michael and Deborah Parisa, $325,000. G Anderson Homes to Mark and Kathryn Dalton, $259,500. G Anderson Homes to Elizabeth and Shlomo Gross, $274,000. Aspen Homes North to Eric and Jennifer Trenaman, $535,000. James and Gerard Castro to Edward and Diane McClary, $339,000. John Blaine to Timothy Kowles, $324,000. Excell Homes Inc to Michael and Jeannie Remy, $300,000. Excell Homes Inc to Sergejs Olhovika, $255,000. Woodloch Pines Inc. to Aaron and Cindy Dobrinsky, $255,000. Paradise Township Jacks and Holly Lee to Charles and Michele Barzydlo, $389,000. Edward and Lori Battisfore to Joseph Cordero, $348,000. Ross Township John and Susan Stanjeski to Robert and Jean Duda, $375,000. William and Karen Yoost to Lawrence and Barbara Mahl, $280,500. Kathleen and Donald Letts to Joseph and Debra Yost, $269,000. Kidder Township South Joseph Maier, Mauch Chunk Trust Co, $417,000. Marjorie Cooper, MERS, $370,500.Michael Gray, MERS, $278,000. Beth Hurley, MERS, $256,500. S&H Holding Company, ESSA Bank & Trust, $250,000. James Allie, MERS, $296,000. Stephen Messina, Wachovia Bank, $386,000. Barrett Township Stuart and Mary Yarbrough, Wells Fargo Bank, $300,000. Wendell and Elizabeth Ehinger, Bank of America, $270,000. Innovations, Skylands Community Bank, $290,000. Thomas and Kathy Calcaterra, MERS/Fremont Investment, $275,000. Buckingham Township Kevin Schrader to TNTI Limited Partnership, $1,800,000. Polk Township Zabdiel Velez and Eileen Felix to Verdinia Grayson, $262,500. Kidder Township North Zalepa Custom Builders LLC, Sun National Bank, $360,170. Richard Dipasquale, MERS, $270,000. Kripa Motel Group LLC, PNC Bank NA, $3,300,000. Kripa Motel Group LLC, PNC Bank NA, $3,300,000. S Lachette LLC, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, $1,092,000. Greene Township Maple Properties Associates to Brenda Cabrera, $269,000. Scott and Rhonda McLaughlin to Prudential Relocation, $299,500. Thomas and Carol Stark to Kim Ruska, $350,000. Mount Pocono Borough QSM LLC to Jeff Greene, $1,038,847. Pocono Township Patricia and David Krauser to Malack Amenya and Janeth Mutai, $280,000. Harry Rimbey, Bank of America, $250,500. Harry Rimbey, Housing and Urban Development, $250,500. Dorothy Moser, Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corp, $300,000. Dorothy Moser, Housing and Urban Development, $300,000. Dyberry Township Honesdale to Glass Pond One, $1,400,000. Brian Oldham to Timothy and Deborah Cartmell, $607,500. Honesdale Borough All Tyme Inc. to Sunrise Terrace Management, $2,200,000. Robert and Alice Katz to John and Jennifer O’Reilly, $315,000. Lake Township Shawn and Holly Murphy to James and Michele Tickner, $250,000. Lebanon Township Gary and Marlene Hoffman to Joseph Giordano, $390,000. Joseph and Nancy Harcum to Michael and Marie Crocco, $425,000. Paupack Township Gregory and Barbara Farthing to Phyllis Swan, $520,000. Harry Ferguson to Mitchell and Sarah Wilson, $1,125,995. Barbara Hase to Nancy Dever, $700,000. Patricia Przywara to Mark and Cherylnn Tompkinson, $330,000. David and Agnes Balas to Ulrich Taglieber, $780,000. Bruce and Sharon Brinker to Noel and Halina Reinhart, $429,000. Preston Township Kevin Schrader to TNTI Limited Partnership, $1,800,000. Charles and Gertrude Dailey to John Tsimaras, $390,000. Salem Township Hamlin Shopping Plaza Inc to Hamlin Plaza, $2,300,000. Louis and Doris Steiner to Charles and Janice Kinahan, $290,000. David Hefferman to Viktor and Susanna Moroe, $350,000. South Canaan Township Walter Hauck to Philip, Robert and Patricia Meleo, $258,000. Rose and Kurt Moller to Canaan Bible Chapel, $250,000. Texas Township Kevin and Kellie McGinnis to Walter and Barbara Mihelic, $355,000. Mortgages Carbon County Franklin Township Lawrence Higgins, Quakertown National Bank, $580,000. Lighthouse Baptist Church of Lehighton, Jim Thorpe National Bank, $950,000. Jim Thorpe Borough East Stroudsburg Borough Washington Street Associates/William Viechnicki/Joseph Gaspari/ Thomas Kilareski, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, $250,000. Lawrence Zaccaro, Housing and Urban Development, $300,240. Lawrence Zaccaro, Hometown Security Mortgage, $300,240. Frank and Jan Urgo and Keith Hofferber, GMAC Mortgage, $251,800. Hamilton Township Gary Burkhart, Wachovia Bank, $400,000. Steve and Kristy Griffith, MERS/Lendingtree, $314,000. Jerome and Kathleen Hudson, MERS/Countrywide, $252,000. Robert and Karen Hosko, ESSA Bank, $346,000. Jackson Township Connie and Stephen Brooks, MERS/Suntrust Mortgage, $354,900. Douglas and Ursula Myers, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $296,000. Lamorris Cromartie, Bank of America, $277,000. Middle Smithfield Township Alan Glynn and Paula Fitzpatrick, Citizen’s Bank of PA, $395,250. Manfred-Adjin-Tettey, MERS/Countrywide, $336,800. Tamara and Christopher Swiney, MERS/Suntrust, $415,475. Tyrone and Yolanda Robinson, National City Bank, $347,580. Gerardo Prieto Moreno and Janna Gronrous-Prieto, Bank of America, $360,000. Paul and Heather Villanova, Picatinny Federal Credit Union, $292,600. Vasper and Patricia Phillips, MERS/NVR Mortgage, $286,450. Juliette Stephenson, Wells Fargo Bank, $255,500. James and Carolyn Metaxas, MERS/HSBC Mortgage, $417,000. Cuiyu Li and Hong Zhang, MERS/Countrywide, $363,750. Tracie and William Osborne, GMAC Mortgage, $264,955. James and Violet Tedesco, World Savings Bank, $300,000. Mount Pocono Township Tyrone and Ishoma John-Peters, MERS/Countrywide, $261,000. Paradise Township Joseph Cordero, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $278,400. Kent and Adrienne Cox, Wayne Bank, $350,000. Pocono Township Debra and James Raneri, Wachovia Bank, $250,000. Thomas and Beverly Cannon, MERS, $360,000. Kelly and William Wall, Wells Fargo Bank, $342,163. DE&S Properties, Citizens and Northern Bank, $600,000. Matzel Development at Pocono Township, Amboy National Bank, $11,521,750. Jeffrey Wert, Wachovia Bank, $630,000. Meadowbrook Holding, Lester Abeloff, $450,000. Reginald Brown, MERS/Precision Financial, $330,000. George and Jennifer Stapleton, Citicorp Trust, $269,880. Malack Amenya and Janeth Mutai, National City Bank, $266,000. Wayne and Colleen Forrester, MERS/Countrywide, $348,500. Hamilton Township properties, Community Bank and Trust, $1,092,000. Ransha Associates, ESSA Bank, $3,500,000. Beverly Briggs, National City Bank, $265,500. JP Ertle Development / Crossroads AMll Corp, Scott and Teresa Kramer, $300,000. Crossroads Mall Corp, Scott and Teresa Kramer, $300,000. DE&S Properties, Citizens and Northern Bank, $600,000. Sergie and Serena Kashefska, MERS/ Americas Wholesale Lender, $342,000. Van Wright and Winette Campbell Wright, Chase Bank, $250,000. Donnell and Angelina Grantham, MERS/Somerset Investors Corp, $293,250. Polk Township Christine and James Mwaikambo, MERS/Countrywide, $324,000. Price Township Barbara and Rafael Martinez, PNC Mortgage, $285,000. Barbara and Rafael Martinez, Housing and Urban Development, $285,000. Diane Nieves and Jorge, Daniel and Elizabeth Sarria, MERS/ Wilmington Finance, $263,700. Ross Township Ricky and Amelia Meixsell, MERS/Concord Mortgage, $290,700. Smithfield Township Alvin and Rose Zweifler, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $270,000. Andrew and Karen Johnson, MERS/Amtrust Bank, $270,000. Townhomes at Ivy Ridge, ESSA Bank, $400,000. Frank Riccobono, First National Community Bank, $450,000. Stroud Township Kevin and Shaquila Castle, GMAC Mortgage, $354,122. Joseph and Alourdes Jeanty, MERS/Quicken Loans, $334,375. Adalberto and Ann Marie Guerra, Prosperity Mortgage, $333,000. LTS Development, First National Community Bank, $4,000,000. Bennett Lipitz and Rosalie Folts, MERS/NVR Mortgage Finance, $280,000. Roger and Lourdes Orellana, Wells Fargo Bank, $340,848. Imam Elbadawy, MERS/Quicken Loans, $292,400. Israel Nieves and Charmaine Hamilton, American Financial Mortgage Corp., $281,500. Brunildo Febles and Luisa Jaquez, MERS/NVR Mortgage, $251,500. Michael Martino, MERS/NVR Mortgage, $271,050. Timothy Armstrong, MERS/Homecomings Financial Network, $277,600. Barry Thomas, MERS/Summit Home Mortgage, $288,000. Raied Sawalhi, MERS/Indymac Bank, $365,000. Christopher and Colleen Hoffman, Countrywide Bank, $261,760. Hari and Pamela Asthana, Bank of America, $276,800. Stanley and Laureen Mieziewski, MERS/Ditech, $266,000. Edward and Patricia Clause, Interim Capital, $443,367. Edward and Patricia Clause, Interim Capital, $443,367. Lalta and Mahendra Dhanantwari, MERS/Countrywide Bank, $331,863. Michael and Nazeela Jagdar, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $313,400. Keith Hinkle, Chase Bank, $275,400. Constantine Hart and Michelle Adlam, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $316,000. Stephan and Sandrine Belier, Wells Fargo Bank, $267,000. Stroudsburg Borough Robert and Dorothy Gonzalez, Washington Mutual Bank, $260,000. William and Judith Miller, PNC Bank NA, $475,000. David and Karen Schlorholtz, PNC Bank, $475,000. Leroy Chester, ESSA Bank, $360,000. Wesley and Stacey Wojtanowicz, PNC Bank NA, $250,694. Charles and Indira Redhead, JP Morgan Chase bank, $417,000. John Schnaitman, Pocono Community Bank, $1,200,000. 525 Main, Pocono Community Bank, $1,200,000. Tobyhanna Township Alfred Lutz, Landmark Community Bank, $300,000. Daniel and Karen Casey, MERS/HSBC Mortgage, $304,000. Marc Gresack, ESSA Bank, $315,000. Christine Plywaczewski, MERS/PHH Mortgage, $256,000. Danny Benau and Reeva Golub, PNC Mortgage, $417,000. David and Diane Carbone, MERS/Indymac Bank, $348,500. Howard and Samantha Wallace, ESSA Bank, $250,000. A&M Real Estate/ The Fountainhead Development Group, Wachovia Bank, $750,000. A&M Real Estate/ The Fountainhead Development Group, Wachovia Bank, $750,000. Mariano and Maria Ortiz, Wells Fargo Bank, $277,115. Stephen and Christine Nickles, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, $250,000. Lucas and Tara Bray, MERS/First Tennessee Bank, $357,000. Diane Lake and Dena Tromello, National City Bank, $256,000. Michael and Carolyn Tierney, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $417,000. Fam Bros Construction, Penn Security Bank and Trust, $500,000. Timothy and Linda Greim, Citadel Federal Credit Union, $324,000. Jose and Patricia Castillo, Wells Fargo Bank, $289,750. Kush and Sunny, M&T Trust, $360,000. Raul Torres, MERS/Amtrust, $278,000. John and Rosemary Brooks, MERS/First Tennessee Bank, $319,458. Tunkhannock Township Kelly and William Wall, Wells Fargo Financial, $342,163. Thomas Sawoe and Maria Celestino, MERS/Amnet Mortgage, $283,100. Carol Cooney, National City Bank, $282,130. James Waiters, MERS/Indymac Bank, $263,500. Pike County Blooming Grove Township Leonard and Adele Tuzman, Countrywide Bank, $290,000. Thomas and Penny Schiffer, Sol Lorenzo, $515,000. Freddie Smallwood, MERS/Countrywide, $261,870. Harry and Sandra Krapsho, Wells Fargo Bank, $280,000. Saudeva Properties, Dime Bank, $258,000 Delaware Township Thomas Zoschak, Pensco Trust Co, $263,000. Independence Drive Associates, Dime Bank, $325,000. Douglas and Penney Luhrs to Sydney and Ruth Fluck, $515,520. Janet Wexler, MERS/GMAC Mortgage, $266,400. Natalya and Igor Kalish, Bismark Mortgage, $250,000. Urica Edwards, MERS/First Horizon Home Loans, $403,550. Dingman Township Carol Stefanik, MERS/First Horizon, $303,738. James and Sabrina Roe, Countrywide Bank, $284,200. Edwin and Darlene Cortez, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $275,000. Andrew and Justine Jorgensen, MERS/USAA Federal Savings Bank, $372,000. John Mania, Sussexmortgage.com, $286,000. Peter and Sandra Cossu, Wells Fargo Bank, $296,875. Richard and Melissa Hillman, MERS/Weichert Financial, $300,000. Michael Bulger, MERS/Amerisave, $255,000. Vannatta Realty and Builders, Sussex Bank, $360,000. Andrew Meloi, MERS/Indymac, $370,500. Shenandoah and Kelly Seminuk, MERS/First Horizon Home Loans, $284,926. Evelyn Ruff, Housing and Urban Development, $442,500. Evelyn Ruff, Home Consultant Inc, $442,500. Lorraine King, 1st Mariner Bank, $283,500. Lorraine King, Housing and Urban Development, $283,500. Patrick and Kim Grillo, MERS/American Federal Mortgage, $263,000. Jorge Gallego, Bank of America, $289,750. Greene Township Paul and Anne Marie Winters, Honesdale National Bank, $253,000. Kim Ruska and Steven Warshawsky, $264,000. Lackawaxen Township Michael Parisa, Chase Bank USA, $260,000. Eric and Jennifer Trenaman, Wells Fargo Bank, $417,000. Cummins Creek Contractors, Sussex Bank, $1,200,000. Michael and Jeannie Remy, Wells Fargo Bank, $268,200. Gary and Roseanne Trobe, Chase Bank, $300,000. Vincent and Maria Pfeifer, $250,000. Lehman Township Nadesa and Loyola Tejada, ABN Amro Mortgage, $290,000. Edward and Janis Pfuhler, MERS/Quicken Loans, $275,000. Mill Pond Unit Owners Association, Communitybanks, $857,000. John and Marilyn Rivera, MERS/Countrywide, $269,990. Milford Borough Mark Copeland, Wells Fargo Bank, $285,000. Community Building Projects, Dime Bank, $1,596,000. Randolph and Socorro Bologna, MERS, $347,130. Cecilie Koch, Washington Mutual Bank, $301,500. Palmyra Township William Goodwin, Honesdale National Bank, $624,601. Peter and Charlotte Collaso, Financial Freedom Senior Funding, $475,500. Peter and Charlotte Collaso, Housing and Urban Development, $475,500. Donald and Helaine Brown, MERS/Merrill Lynch Credit Union, $346,400. George and Mary Kachmar, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $870,000. Steven and Rochelle Murtaugh, MERS/American Partners Bank, $300,000. Kenneth and Brenda Kratz, Wells Fargo Bank, $279,200. Doris and Leonard Baluta, Wells Fargo Bank, $391,500. Doris and Leonard Baluta, Housing and Urban Development, $391,500. Porter Township Barbara Moor, MERS/Equity One, $435,000. Shohola Township Norman and Anne Vergara, First Mariner Bank, $686,000. Gary and Megan Tubman, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $316,000. Francis and Karen Reome, Citicorp Trust Bank, $253,291. Nada Acevedo, MERS/Citimortgage, $284,000. Westfall Township 23 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 PBJ REGISTER Annie Taylor, Wells Fargo Bank, $560,800. Michael and Gretchen Irwin, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $288,000. Tristan LP, Dime Bank, $300,000. Wayne County Buckingham Township TNTI Limited Partnership, M&T Trust, $3,690,000. Cherry Ridge Township Stanley and Janice Kowalczyk, PNC Mortgage, $300,000. Stanley and Janice Kowalczyk, Housing and Urban Development, $300,000. John and Dina Lyons, MERS, $310,400. Damascus Township Douglas, Jesse and Karen Miller, Dime Bank, $304,000. Douglas and Karen Miller, Dime Bank, $304,000. Andre and Anna Zownir, Citizens Savings Bank, $260,000. Dreher Township Farid Jaber, MERS, $417,000. Robert Schwartz, Alycia Schwartz/ MERS, $278,000. Dyberry Township Timothy and Deborah Cartmell, Wayne Bank, $400,000. Honesdale Borough Sunrise Terrace Management, Mid Penn Bank, $2,200,000. Andrew and Christine Krompasky, Honesdale National Bank, $260,000. Lake Township Philip and Ann Eckel, Pennstar Bank, $250,000. Joseph and Ann Marie Hyer, Columbia Bank, $900,000. Lebanon Township Joseph and Karen Giordano, MERS, $305,000. Lehigh Township John McAndrew, Washington Mutual Bank, $306,200. Mount Pleasant Township Francesco Guastella, MERS, $325,000. Paupack Township Agnes and Edward Golo, PNC Mortgage, $300,240. Agnes and Edward Golo, Housing and Urban Development, $300,240. Phyllis Swan and Peter Horvat, LA Mortgage Services, $416,000. Dante and Marian Giammarco, MERS, $295,000. Sarah and Mitchell Wilson, MERS, $999,000. Mark and Cherylnn Tompkinson, MERS, $330,000. Mitchell and Sarah Wilson, Harry Ferguson, $378,750. Frank Harris, Home Consultant Inc., $270,000. Frank Harris, Housing and Urban Development, $270,000. Herbert and Robin Mitschele, MERS, $318,675. Preston Township TNTI Limited Partnership, M&T Trust, $3,690,000. John Tsimaras, Affinity Federal Credit Union, $312,000. Billie Prince and Penny Francis, Community Bank, $283,500. Salem Township Hamlin Plaza, Community Bank and Trust, $1,800,000. Amy McCloskey Tobin, MERS, $296,000. Susanna and Viktor Moroz, Bank of America, $280,000. Scott Township Gregory and Jalene Allen. Wayne Bank, $275,960. South Canaan Township Philip and Ann Eckel, Pennstar Bank, $250,000. Bruce and Karen Warninger, MERS, $300,000. Sterling Township John and Laura Pavlicek, MERS, $279,300. Texas Township Gary and Arlene Goodman, Dime Bank, $300,000. New Corporations / Fictitious Names Carbon County Pro-Shift Transmission & Notary, L L C RR1 189G Beaver Meadows, transmission repair CCM Therapy, 123 Grist Mill Rd, Weatherly, Cathleen Dezolt, occupational therapy TL Communications, Ltd., 37 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe EasyHandsFree LLC37 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe Peja, LLC201 North First Street, Lehighton, restaurant Dr Joseph McGinley, P C 856 Interchange Road, Lehighton, medical services ET Floor Coverings, LLC26 Wintergreen Lane Sunrise Ridge, Jim Thorpe, floor coverings Dadd Builders, LLC26 Wintergreen Lane Sunrise Ridge, Jim Thorpe, commercial & residential buildings DBA C&B Construction10 S Chestnut St, Tresckow, Craig Hittinger, roofing & siding Aqua Pure Well Pumps, 586 Stoney Mount Road, Albrightsville, Thomas Sullivan, installation & repair of well pumps J & C Safehaven, 68 Crazy Horse Trail, Albrightsville, group home for teens Bear Mountain Recreation, L P 1500 Rock Street, Lehighton Critter Sitter Services LLC, 1 Jonathan Point Drive Box 421, Albrightsville, pet sitting in your home Martz’s Excavating, LLC, 316 Knoll Drive, Lehighton, excavation and site preparation Appalachian Realty Group, LLC, 102 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, real estate investments Spectrum Installation Management, 22 Broad Mountain View Road, Jim Thorpe, install medical equipment Acme Assessment Corporation, 103 S 6th Street, Lehighton, home inspection services Mountain Menu, 727 Lincoln Avenue, Bowmanstown, restaurant, Charles Smith BitConductors Consulting Group, 1085 E. James Street, Lehighton, computer technology, Andrew Hodes Lucille M Richmond, Inc ,1004 Center Street, Jim Thorpe, real estate holding East Penn Resources, LLC, 2172 Blakeslee Blvd Drive, West Lehighton, driver brokering New Beginnings Bookstore Café, 179 Pawnee Trail, Albrightsville Koehler-Marvin Realty, LLC, 7395 Interchange Road, Lehighton, real estate BVM Properties, Inc , 5999 Quakake Road, Weatherly, operation of real estate Ascona USA, 1000 Tresckow Road, McAdoo, manufacturing and sales Pocono Mountains Virtual Services, 428 Mahoning Mountain Road, Lehighton, virtual assistance service, Stacy Lee Wisser Divine Connection Homes, Inc., 56 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, real estate Country Junction World, LLC, 6565 Interchange Road, Lehighton, virtual assistance Albright Homes, LLC, 85 Keats Lane, Albrightsville, real estate Three Points Quick Mart, One Industrial Complex, Nesquehoning, convenience and gas Favorite Fit for You, 429 Coal Street, Lehighton, Darlene Hughes and Michael Moyer, online retail business The Furry Tale Boutique, 79 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, Chrissha Kuehner, pet supplies National General Properties, Inc , 450 Interchange road, Lehighton, real estate Curious Kids Play & Learn Place, 304 Mahoning Street, Lehighton, day care center Monroe County Wellness Consultants International, 239 Sky Terrace, Effort, consulting Murray Hill Enterprise, 10 Fox Lane, East Stroudsburg, general consulting Arcadia North Industrial Park, 300 Community Drive, Tobyhanna, property management La Bela Rosa, 209 North, Marshalls Creek, Rosa Puma, restaurant Trekkie Transportation, 607 Bumble Bee Pass, Swift River, bus charter company Marantha Bible Chapel, 717 Avenue C, Stroudsburg, church Kukletown Pub, RD2 Box 494, Kunkletown, bar and hotel Mountain High Express, 42 Cobblewood Drive, Mount Pocono, Terry Geltmacher, trucking for hire Patriot Express, 105 Pin Oak Road, Stroudsburg, frozen food delivery RHW Rentals, 413 Route 940, Mount Pocono, real estate Dynamite Auto Wash LLC, 1 Castle Hill Manor, Henryville Milik Investments, LLC, 1 Sleepy Hollow Estates, E. Stroudsburg, real estate Almost Perfect, LLC, 192 Mutton Hollow Road, Stroudsburg, real estate acquisitions Rufwear, RR2 Box 2368, Saylorsburg, Jacqueline Chavez, buy/ sell pet products BDK Home Improvements, 528 High Point Court, E. Stroudsburg, Brian Garlick, home remodeling Pocono Event Music, 138 Penn Estates, E Stroudsburg, Judith Albano, music and entertainment Jomes Transportation Corporation, 34 Gabriel Estates, E. Stroudsburg Donkore, LLC, 14 George Drive, Blakeslee, real estate C Webb Holdings, LLC, 81 Glade Drive, Long Pond, real estate Scientific Adventures LLC, 443 Laurel Crescent, Tobyhanna, Children’s education EHKA Enterprises, LLC, 823 Resica Falls Road, E. Stroudsburg PC of the Pocono’s, 161 Leisure Lands, E Stroudsburg, John Hilton, computer service Tobyhanna Laundromat Company, Tobyhanna Shopping Plaza, Tobyhanna, Samuel Bamiro, dry cleaning B & C Landscaping and Construction, 516 N Courtland St, E Stroudsburg, Bruce Soto, landscaping Viva Markets Inc., 100 McConnell Street, Stroudsburg, convenience store Lambert Property Management, LLC, 1128 Dreher Avenue, Stroudsburg, rental apartments Vikruti Properties LLC, 100 McConnell St., Stroudsburg, real estate Facilities Management Solutions Company 1621 Donalds Road, Effort, Manuel Serrano Fundraising with Fragrance, 78 Shenandoah Trail, Effort RD Power Systems, Inc., RR4 Box 4059, Saylorsburg, power generators Water Quality Specialists, Inc., RD2 Box 141, Kunkletown, plumbing and water conditioning Monroe County Family Health Center, 458 Oakwood Avenue, Stroudsburg Flying Carpet Xpress, LLC, 55 Pinehill Road, Mount Pocono, trucking G C Klingensmith HRConsulting, LLC, 3130 Coolbaugh Road, E Stroudsburg, human resources Mason Dixon Properties Group, LLC, PO Box L, Pocono Pines, property management Ebenezer 24hr Academy, 43 Bridge Street, Stroudsburg, Yvette Haughter and Donald Haughton, day care center Lawn Mowing & More, RR1 Box 1485, Saylorsburg, landscaping and tree removal Gryphon Entertainment Inc., 113 Blue Mountain Lake, E. Stroudsburg, general entertainment Beyers Appliance Repair, Inc., HC 1 Box 210, Bartonsville, appliance repair S&P Performance LLC, 500 N 5th St., Stroudsburg, auto shop ISCSS, Rt. 940 East, Blakeslee, marketing services Palumbo’s Pizza, 3rd and McConnell Street, Stroudsburg, pizza/ restaurant The Stroud Agency Inc., 804 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg Quality Family Restaurant Inc., 1 Washington Street, E. Stroudsburg, restaurant Rags off the Rack LLC, 208 Eagle Valley Mall, E. Stroudsburg, Coming Next Month ... January 2008 retail clothing Liberty Homes Realty, LLC, Rt. 940 East, Pocono Lake, real estate Kopernik Construction Co., HC 89 Box 383, Pocono Summit, Jaroslaw Lausz, drywall/sheetrock Friends and Family Collection, 516 Oak Street, East Stroudsburg, Kerrie Curtis, web-based retail ISIHL, Inc., 1172 W Main Street, Stroudsburg, real estate Pocono Women, RD6 Box 6437A, Stroudsburg, Gertrude Lear, Information and referral services Rengabhashyam, LLC, 251 Big Ridge Drive, E. Stroudsburg, medical practice Al-Vin’s Old Fashioned Country Kettle Corn, 22 Morningside Avenue, Stroudsburg, Alessandra Schiavone Saxscape Mouthpieces, 3248 Penn Estates, E. Stroudsburg, Keneth Barry Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, 233 Hollow Road, E. Stroudsburg Jena Communications, 125 Stokes Avenue, Stroudsburg, Ralph Matergia, retail business specializing New Horizon Abstract, Inc., 1 Rake Street, E. Stroudsburg, title insurance Jam Video, 4012 Manor Drive, Stroudsburg, Matthew Arnold, freelance video production Window Envy LLC, 109 Shawnee Valley, E. Stroudsburg, window cleaning Deano Designs LLC, HC 87 Box 169Y-1, Pocono Lake, construction RJA Real Estate, LLC, 195 Northview Circle, E. Stroudsburg Jasniewicz, Inc., RR4 Box 1471, Kunkletown, furniture and woodworking Pocono Occupational Therapy, PC, 116 Blue Mountain Lake, E. Stroudsburg, home care Ultimate Flooring Concepts, Inc., 564 Greenview Drive, Broadheadsville, installing carpets Summer Glen Partners, LP, HC 1 Box 2337, Tannersville Lots 4 Less, LLC, 3126 Emerald Boulevard, Long Pond, real estate High Priestess Touring LLC, RR5 Box 5062, Stroudsburg, entertainment High Priestess Melodies LLC RR5 Box 5062, Stroudsburg, entertainment services A & J Auto Parts & Cars Inc , HC 1 Box 104, Swiftwater, auto sales Golden Eagle Deli, LLC, 348 N 9th Street, Stroudsburg, deli Forever Yoga Studio, 55D Lower Ridge View Circle, E. Stroudsburg, Catherine Kincaid St. Michael’s Security Detectors, Inc , Miller Drive, Pocono Pines, security devices Golf Strategies LLC, 1 Clubhouse Lane, Blakeslee, golf course management Perryman Keglovits Foundation, Inc., 35 3 Point Garden Road, E. Stroudsburg Competitive Arms & Jewelry LLC, 910 Sherwood Forest Road, Stroudsburg, sporting goods and jewelry K & S Building Solutions, LLC, 302 Barrys Road, Effort Redco Group Development, LLC, 26 Alpine Lake, Henryville, real estate Coldwell Banker, Commercial Pennco Real Estate, 1250 N 9th Street, Stroudsburg, Spiros Bilianis, commercial real estate El Shaddai Church of Excellence International Ministry Healing & Deliverance, Inc., 6637 Country Place Drive, Tobyhanna, church Rainmaker Capital of Chestnuthill, LLC, HC 89 Box 105, Pocono Summit, real estate Everything Natural.com, 2370 Nelson Drive, Effort, Sandra Selesky, skin care and perfume Tie Dye Connection, 3447 Wild Cherry Lane, E. Stroudsburg, Michael Rapino, online retail Trinity Star Mortgage Services, RR5 Box 5147A, Kunkletown, Eastlyn and Talibah George, purchase, new construction P & L Marketing, LLC, 2/2103/21 Iroquois, Pocono Lake Jay Effross Memorial Foundation, 209 Oxford Circle, Stroudsburg, scholarships Significa II LP, First National Bank of Palmerton, Gilbert Pike County Family Smile Center, Inc., 201 W. Harford St , Milford, Dental Office Arbitration and Mediation Global Services, LLC, 104 W. High Street, Milford, Consulting and alternative dispute resolution services Gebco Productions, 109 Yellow Wood Drive, Milford, Christopher Gebbia, Music producer AM Global, 135 William Penn Drive, Milford, general consulting Key Handyman Services, 302 Ranchlands, Bushkill, residential handyman services The Kids Mailbox Club, 1823 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, Kimberly Ciuffreda and Kathleen Curry, mailing service for children L&G Brothers, LLC, 179 Firetower Road, Milford, real estate Nextronic, 107 Fern Road, Dingmans Ferry, Craig Nystrom, construction Clean Cut Lawn and Snow Services, LLC, HC 1 Box 308, Paupack, lawn maintenance and snow removal Stage It! 1200 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, Birgitta Durfee, home staging Lakeview Plaza and Deli, LLC, 1757 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, food services Dingman’s Ferry Plaza, LLC, 1757 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, real estate holdings Everything but the Horse, LLC, 611 Broad Street, Milford Chuff and Kosierowski, PC, 400 Broad Street, Milford, law A-Counseling Center, 1821 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, clinical services Colton Properties, Inc., 112 E. Harford Street, Milford, real estate Brooks Partners, 112 E. Harford Street, Milford, Colton Properties, Inc. Nick Knack Productions, 1215 Route 507, Greentown, Nick Burriesci, event production J&W Collections, Inc., 122 Chippy Cole Road, Milford, debt recovery Cuono, LLC, 2686 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, IT Consultation and sales High Point Tile & Grout Restoration LLC, 103 Overbrook Run Road, Milford Mauro & Michelson Lock and Key, 206 Pennsylvania Avenue, Matamoras, Karen Mauro Just Digging, Inc., 3053 Hemlock Farms, Lords Valley, construction, excavation Epic Design and Construction, 107 Candlewick Way, Lackawaxen, construction Futuristic Productions, LLC, 130 Nelson Road, Milford Heroes World, Inc., 115 Mill Street, Milford, comics, cards, collectibles Davis Lakefront Properties, LP, HC 1 Box 312, Paupack Eniluap LLC, 134 Saw Creek Estates, Bushkill, real estate Stone Ridge Athletic Scouting, LLC, 104 Stone Ridge Lane, Milford marketing student athletes Delaware-Hudson Collegiate Sports of America, 104 Stone Ridge Lane, Milford, marketing student athletes The Rock and Gem Heaven, 601 W. Harford Street, Milford, Margaret Lynes, wholesale and retail sales Morgan Grays Handsome Style, Inc., 201 W. Harford Street, Suite 102, Milford Morgan Grays Inc., 201 W Harford Street, Suite 102, Milford CNB Homes, LLC, 296 Sawmill Road, Greentown, real estate D&J Transport LLC, 100 Hartman hill Road, Milford, towing Polaris Solutions Inc., 127 High Ridge Road, Dingmans Ferry, consulting Madhudas, Inc., 1757 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, retail store Carben Mattison Foundation, Inc., 977 Milford Road, Dingmans Ferry, assisting with medical expenses Wayne County Four Star Country Corners Inc., 1571 Legedale Rd, Lake Ariel, real estate Alta Vista Advertising and Mapping, LLC, 123 Charles Street, White Mills, advertising and historic maps Rodz Garage, LLC, 615 Purdytown Turnpike, Lakeville, vehicle repairs Ideal Floors & More, LLC1551, The Hideout, Lake Ariel, install flooring, cabinets, doors and windows Sky Lake, LLC147, Sky Lake Rd, Tyler Hill, property mgmt. Bauer Hall Designs, 75 Spry Road, Honesdale, Jennifer Hawran, needlework Landmark Trucking, Inc., 30 Weed St., Lakewood Briar Construction Corporation, 30 Weed St., Lakewood Freedom from Calls Answering Service, Inc., 13 Sunset Ave., Honesdale, answering service DJ Pete’s Instant Replay Used Music & DJ Service, 153 Welwood Avenue,Suite 1, Hawley, Kathleen Riera, sales of used music Timberdoodles, LLC1 A Pine Tree Drive, Gouldsboro, Internet marketing Avoy Heights, LLC253 Goose Pond Road, Lake Ariel, real estate Terrapin Station Properties, LLC, 1114 Texas Palmyra Hwy Suite 130, Honesdale, real estate investments Magikal Elements, LLC25 Milky Way, Hawley, sell gifts, jewelry, handcrafted items Cianna Medical, Inc., 42 Boathouse Rd., Suite 125, Lake Ariel The Travel Booth, 186 Oak Hill Road, Hawley, Dmitry Dukhan, reservation services Helping Hand Financial Services, 96 Swamp Brook Road, Hawley, Eileen Ertel, personal & small business financial services Girlfriendz, 540 Main St., Honesdale, Shirley Pecko and Kathy Woodyshek, retail sale of jewelry & gift baskets Buzz Construction, LLC112 Milanville Rd., Beach Lake, building A & E Commercial Building Services, LLC17 Davis Rd, Waymart, Commercial cleaning, property maintenance Citrus Graphix, 1503 The Hideout 4128 Chestnut Hill Drive Lake Ariel, Doina Dekenipp, graphic design Louis & Co. Entourage LLC, RT 6 Plaza, Honesdale, hair salon Billmaren, LLC26 Sunny Point Road, Lakeville, rental property A Dozen Secrets, 25 Indian Rocks, Lake Ariel, Kelly and Matthew Menard, band/music Jabale, LLC1327 Roosevelt Highway, Bldg. B, Waymart, design and sell kitchen cabinets & countertops Lake Region Tile, LLC469 Welwood Avenue, Hawley, tile sales Cherry Ridge Realty Holding, LLC328 Wanoka Road, Honesdale, real estate Service World Concepts2882 Hemlock Farms Hawley, Irly Shimon, custom product development Next Logistics, 21 Shady Lane Lake Ariel, Timo Czilinger, transportation, logistics, trucking All Pocono Realty Inc., 104 Trout Terrace, Newfoundland, real estate Professional Emergency Care, P C601 Park Street, Honesdale Jukebox Classics & Vintage Slot Machines, LLC, 210 Main Avenue Hawley, vintage slot machines, jukeboxes & antiques Rileyville Community Association, 359 Gager Road Honesdale, meeting place for Rileyville residents Cycle Insurance Agency, Inc., 1114 Texas Hwy. Ste. 110, Honesdale, insurance agency, sale of retail insurance products Cycle Insurance Agency, PA 1114 Texas Hwy. Ste. 110, Honesdale, insurance agency, sale of real estate insurance products Above All Contracting, LLC804 Elm Court Hawley, home improvements Hillside Executive Suites, LLC61 Commercial Street, Honesdale, commercial real estate development Sun Distributor of Pa., 210 Shortcut Rd., Lakeville, sale of recreational vehicles & equipment Delaware River Press, 511 Niles Pond Rd., Honesdale, Dale Laszig, creates & sells literature, including books Crescent Moon Antiques, 51 Moosic Lakes, Sunset Drive, Lake Ariel, Elisa D’Ascenzio, antiques Adventure Staffing, LLC1258, Purdytown Turnpike, Lakeville 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. POCONO www.pbjonline.com Regional Business News & Resources Education and Workforce Training www.pbjonline.com • Workforce Training: Training available to local employers to sharpen a competitive workforce • WIRED Update: Grants to help businesses prepare for future tech jobs from Wall Street West • School District Roundup: How vocational/technical schools respond to employers’ needs • Leadership Programs: Leadership program graduates throughout the Pocono region strengthen their business community • Professional Profile: Lehigh Carbon Community College gets students ready to work 24 Pocono Business Journal | December 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 3 CEO Excellence Development Series (new online seminars), Achieve Business Solutions with The Alternative Board. CEO Skills for small business owners. The interactive workshop series covers 6 Keys to Success, Marketing Basics, Beyond eMyth, 7 Critical Mistakes Business Owners Make, Sales Traps and How to Avoid Them, Managing for Success, People Power. For more information visit the events calendar at www.AchieveNextLevel. com or email [email protected] or call 866-4268073. First time attendees participate for free. Interview Basics, 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m., Salary Negotiation, 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 4 Intro to CareerLink Services 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m., Mock Interviews, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 p.m., Website Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 5 Career Exploration, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 5, 12, 19, 26 BNI Milford, 7:00 a.m., Mount Haven Resort, 123 Log Tavern Rd., Milford. Call (570) 296-7176 for more information. December 6 LeTip Weekly Meeting J.R.’s Grill @ Budget Inn & Suites (I80 Exit 308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty of business cards. LeTip is a professional business leads exchange group that becomes your sales force. Only one category is permitted in each chapter. Call Louise at (570) 588-4113 or email ruonpar@verizon. net for more information. Pesticide Applicator Certification Examination, Monroe County Cooperative Extension office, 724 Phillips St, Suite 201, Stroudsburg, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To register, call the Monroe County Penn State Cooperative Extension office at (570) 421-6430; for questions concerning the exam, call Chris Santore at the PA Dept. of Agriculture at (570) 836-2181. Website Enrollment, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds. state.pa.us for more information. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s Annual Holiday Dinner, Executive Conference Center at Skytop Lodge, Skytop, Cocktails 6:00 p.m.; dinner 7:30 p.m. Live musical entertainment by Soulbusters at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $45. includes tax and gratuities. Event also serves as a retirement dinner for PMVB Executive Director, Robert Uguccioni. Call Nicole Krieger at the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau at (570) 421-5791 for more information. Holiday Makeover, For Women by Women, held at The Apple Tree Boutique, Main Street, Stroudsburg, 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Learn how to accessorize your daytime office wear and go directly to a holiday party after work during this busy holiday season. Networking, nibbles and wine. FWBW’s Pocono Women will be there to meet you with a special holiday drawing of discounts, prizes and more. RSVP to [email protected] by December 4. December 6, 13, 20 and 27 BNI Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Howard Johnson’s, Route 611, Bartonsville. Call (570) 237-5869 for more information. December 7 BusinessRICH Business Success Academy, ActionCOACH, registration and networking; 7:30 a.m.; Business Academy 101 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Intensive business course that covers sales, selling techniques, marketing, systems, team building, priority management. Location to be announced. Fee: $595. includes textbooks and all workshop material. Previous attendees and clients can save $100 when they register. Call (570) 517-7100 or e-mail [email protected] for more information and to pre-register. December 7, 14, 21, and 28 BNI Shawnee-on-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Inn at Shawnee, River Road, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Call (570) 420-8656 for more information. December 10 Resumes & Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. cwds.state.pa.us for more information. Business Card Exchange/Holiday Mixer, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, held at Alaska Pete’s, Marshalls Creek, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost in advance: $10 Chamber members, $20 non-members; cost at the door: $15 Chamber members, $25 nonmembers. Call (570) 421-4433 for more information. December December 11 How to Run an Effective Meeting, PP&L Learning Center, Hawley, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Seminar, sponsored by the Wayne County Builders Association, provides instruction on running meetings effectively, developing agendas, using parliamentary procedures, stimulating meaningful discussions, and controlling disruptive behavior. Cost: $20 for members of the Wayne County Builders Association; $25.00 for non profit associations; $35 for non-members of WCBA. Cost includes light breakfast and booklet on Parliamentary Procedure and How to Run Effective Meetings Guide. Contact the Wayne County Builders Association at (570) 226-4941 or e-mail [email protected]. Successful Supervisor Workshop, Manufacturers Resource Center, 125 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem. Cost: $149. includes continental breakfast and lunch. Course covers transitioning from employee to manager, building a high-performance team, coaching and counseling, and creative problem-solving. Call (610) 758-5581 or email [email protected] for more information. Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Website Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Women in Business luncheon, 12:00 noon, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawneeon-Delaware. Annual Holiday Luncheon, sponsored by Connie Roberts of George Roberts Productions. Cost: $15 Chamber members, $20 non-members and walk-ins. Call (570) 421-4433 for more information. December 12 Setup Reduction, 8:00 am. – 12:00 noon, Manufacturers Resource Center, 125 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem. Cost: $225. includes refreshments and materials. Learn how companies have achieved 75% reduction or better in changeover, often with little or no investments. Seminar based on Dr. Shingo’s Single Minute Exchange of Die System of Setup Reduction. Participants are asked to bring a videotape of an actual setup. Call Angie Bove at (610) 758-4588 for more information. Find a Job You’ll Love!, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. cwds.state.pa.us for more information. Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party, location to be determined. Cocktail Hour (cash bar) begins at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m. Call CCCC (610) 379-5000 for more information. December 12 and 13 Train-the-Trainer Forklift Training, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), held at Action Lift/ Medico Industries, 1500 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre. Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., includes lunch. Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Fee: $795. Call (570) 819-8966 for more information. December 13 LeTip Weekly Meeting J.R.’s Grill @ Budget Inn & Suites (I80 Exit 308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty of business cards. LeTip is a professional business leads exchange group that becomes your sales force. Only one category is permitted in each chapter. Call Louise at (570) 588-4113 or email [email protected] for more information. Setup Reduction, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Inc. (NEPIRC), 75 Young Street, Hanover Industrial Estates, Wilkes-Barre. Registration at 7:30 a.m. with Continental Breakfast; course 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $225. includes refreshments and lunch. Call (570) 819-8966 for more information. Member Success Program, BNI Pennsylvania/New Jersey, held at Abilities, 264 Route 31, Washington, N.J., 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Cost: $5. Call Steve Gambino at (908) 995-8860 for more information. Holiday Celebration, United Way Monroe County, at Sycamore Grille, Delaware Water Gap, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Santa Servers include Bob Matthews of WSBG, Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool and Robert Phillips, CEO of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce. The evening includes food, a silent auction and live music by Chris London. Proceeds and tips will be donated to the United Way of Monroe County. Call (570) 629-5657 for more information. December 14 GrowthCLUB: 90 Day Massive Action Planning Session, ActionCOACH, registration 7:30 a.m.; workshop, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Location to be announced. Your chance to step out of the business and get focused, with instruction on how to map out a winning game plan for the next 90 days. Fee: $299.95. Call (570) 517-7100 or e-mail [email protected] for more information and to pre-register. 2008 Planning Meeting, Achieve Business Solutions, The Alternative Board, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tri-Co Federal Credit Union, Augusta, NJ. Includes continental breakfast, economic review, impact, and outlook; developing your SWOTS and goal setting, lunch, best practices, sales team accountability, marketing plan development. Call (973) 940-2020 or email btheobald@ tab-nwjerseypoconos.com for more information. Negotiation Techniques, Center for Professional Training and Development, The University of Scranton, O’Hara Hall, 1st Floor, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Fee: $95. fee includes materials & lunch. This workshop provides an appropriate and effective model for negotiation skills, examines phases of the negotiation process and identifies techniques and specific skills. After development of an appropriate model and understanding, case applications and exercise are used to further evaluate skills and techniques. Call (570) 941-7582 to register. Computer Basics, 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 for more information. Negotiation Techniques, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., University of Scranton Center for Professional Training and Development, O’Hara Hall. Cost: $95. Workshop provides effective model for negotiation skills, examines phases of negotiation process and identification techniques. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information. December 17 CEO Excellence Development Series (new online seminars), Achieve Business Solutions with The Alternative Board. CEO Skills for small business owners. The interactive workshop series covers 6 Keys to Success, Marketing Basics, Beyond eMyth, 7 Critical Mistakes Business Owners Make, Sales Traps and How to Avoid Them, Managing for Success, People Power. For more information visit the events calendar at www.AchieveNextLevel. com or email [email protected] or call 866-4268073. First time attendees participate for free. One-on-One Résumé Writing Assistance, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (must attend “Résumé & Cover Letters Class). Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 18 Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Interview Basics, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m., Salary Negotiation, 1:30 p.m.2:00 p.m., Website Enrollment, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December19th 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 for more information. December 20 LeTip Weekly Meeting, J.R.’s Grill @ Budget Inn & Suites (I80 Exit 308), East Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. to 8:31 a.m. Cost: free. Bring plenty of business cards. LeTip is a professional business leads exchange group that becomes your sales force. Only one category is permitted in each chapter. Call Louise at (570) 5884113 or email [email protected] for more information. Résumés and Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 21 Monthly Breakfast, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, Best Western Pocono Inn, Stroudsburg, 7:30 a.m. Sponsored by CareWorks Convenient Healthcare, Special Program by Kiwanis Club of the Stroudsburgs. Cost in advance: $10. Chamber members, $14. non-members in advance. Cost at the door: $12. Chamber members, $18. non-members. Call (570) 421-4433 for more information. Résumé Critique, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds. state.pa.us for more information. December 24 and 31 Computerized O’Net Assessments, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.cwds.state.pa.us for more information. December 27 Intro to CareerLink Services, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Held at the PA CareerLink in Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. cwds.state.pa.us for more information. If you would like to have your business event listed in the PBJ Calendar of Events, please submit information to [email protected].