October 2006 - poconobusinessjournal.com

Transcription

Pocono Business Journal
Seven Bridge Road, RR# 5 Box 5198
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
Regional Business News & Resources
THIS MONTH
• Amber Alert at Crossroads.................. page 9
• Bizzy Award Winners......................... page 16
• Matzel vs. DeNaples Update .............. page 8
• Quandel Gets ESU Contract.............. page 17
• Status on Slayton Property............... page 11
• Op-Ed:
EIT Collection System....................... page 4
• PBJ Columnist:
The Business Coach’s Corner............ page 4
The Business Lawyer......................... page 3
The Tax Facts..................................... page 7
October 2006, Vol. 2, Issue 10
|
50 cents
Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups
What Lures the Entrepreneur?
QUOTE
“Entrepreneurs are simply
those who understand that
there is little difference
between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn
both to their advantage.”
OBSERVE
2
9
16
26-22
31
Yom Kippur
Columbus Day
National Boss’s Day
National Business
Women’s Week
Halloween
QUESTION
What is fair market rent in
2006 for a two-bedroom apartment in Monroe County?
See PMCC Business Magazine ad
for the answer on page 10.
please recycle this paper
www.pbjonline.com
Photo Credit: Perry Hebard
— Victor Kiam
Seated in their office, Michael P. Moynihan and Brian Pedone, CTO have developed software that sniffs out plagiarized documents. Their initial
goal is to be able to place this software at every university and then continue marketing it at the high school and elementary levels.
By Ken Clark
If necessity is the mother of invention, then frustration
must be the father of the entrepreneur. Inventors invent things
to improve the status quo. Entrepreneurs, invent -- or reinvent
-- themselves in order to escape the status quo. It’s an exercise
that usually involves a frightening leap of faith.
There are many reasons an individual may set out on this
path. The entrepreneur develops a dream, embraces it, and
jumps. The Poconos are full of entrepreneurs, daring to seek
freedom, whatever the cost.
Todd Brown made the leap from a well-paying job as senior
vice president for the Chubb Institute where, over the years, he
expanded the corporation’s computer oriented training program
from one school to eleven, with more than 10,000 students.
Now he sells what a recent online survey called “the best coffee
in the Poconos” from The Coffee Rush, a tiny kiosk of his own
design and construction on Route 209 in Marshalls Creek. He
describes it as “the drive-thru gourmet café,” and in addition to
coffee, he sells all the culinary goodies that go with it.
“It was scary; absolutely. The idea of now reaching into
your own pocket, especially after being in a corporate setting!
But I wasn’t comfortable with the ethics and the morals of the
capitalist business society that we have,” he said of his plunge
to independence. “I’m not anywhere near where I was, financially, before I got out of corporate America, but I’m working
on it and I’m loving it.”
The Coffee Rush is not a franchise, though Brown doesn’t
dismiss the thought of one day turning it into one of his own. He laid
out the design for the miniature coffee bar with masking tape on the
floor of his garage, then leased a location and built it from the ground
up. He said the secret of his robust coffee lies in the purchase of
gourmet beans and the meticulous brewing process he uses on everything from decaf, latte and cappuccino to the “hammerhead,” which
comes fortified with a shot of espresso and packs enough caffeine to
have kept Rip Van Winkle awake.
“We grind every pot from whole bean,” Brown said. “It’s ground
fresh just before it goes in. Most people come in every day, an sometimes twice a day. Customer service is critical.”
Brown isn’t the only one out to change the status quo. Allison
Moore, who now turns out elaborately embroidered baby clothes and
blankets from the basement of her home in Shohola, knew she had
to leave her 10-year career as a low-paid, stressed-out social worker
when her second child was born.
Embroidery, which she said had been more of a passion than a
hobby in years past, seemed a natural alternative.
“I have always been interested in fabric and I did a lot of quilting
projects, then got into cross-stitching names and ribbon embroidery
and making elaborate designs,” she said. “I was making presents for
friends and family members who were having babies and they kept
saying, ‘You should sell this stuff.’”
Moore, however, couldn’t figure out how to turn out by hand the
volume of work necessary to make a profit. Then a friend suggested
see LURES page 8
Professional Profile - Significa Real Estate Solutions
page 12
2
Pocono Business Journal | October 2006
MONTHLY MISSIVE
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
Twin Willow Publishing Company
Seven Bridge Road
RR#5 Box 5198
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209
570.421.0100 | fax 570.421.0404
www.pbjonline.com
PUBLISHER / EDITOR
Marynell Strunk
REPORTERS
Ken Clark
Carolyn Darnell
Robin Gaffney
Kathy Ruff
CONTRIBUTORS
Holly Corcoran
Tom Ford
Richard Munson
Lesley Smith
Uncovering and learning about our growing entrepreneurial culture in the Pocono region was
extremely exciting from several standpoints. In addition to becoming an expanding population,
start-up businesses in the region are turning out to be a real force by providing jobs and significantly
contributing to the economy. I also find it intriguing to find out how a business can be built with just
a notion and some elbow grease.
As the staff at Pocono Business Journal compiled the stories for this issue it became clear that
the region has developed an atmosphere that supports small business start-ups. In recent years countless programs have become available for the person who wants to grow his or her budding idea into
a profitable business. The list is long and runs the gamut from seminars, loans and grant programs to
venture capitalist and business accelerators. This kind of variety never existed ten or even five years
ago, particularly to the scope that it does today.
As always, Pocono Business Journal remains focused on providing you with a variety of regional business news and regular monthly features. If you have story suggestions or business news,
please contact us to share your thoughts and events so we can continue to provide readers with a
newspaper that will inform, inquire and inspire.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Perry Hebard
Marynell K. Strunk
Publisher/Editor
Contact me at [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
ARTICLES
Danielle Eberhardt
Robin Gaffney
COPY EDITOR
Deborah Schiffer
• Building a Business with Network Marketing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
• Giving Start-ups a Jump Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
• Is the Entrepreneurial Life for You? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• Testing a Business Idea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SALES
Phyllis M. Hilkert
• Significa Real Estate Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13
PRODUCTION/DESIGN
Jason Trump
• Business Briefs - Who’s Who/What’s What. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
• Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
• Columnists
The Business Coach’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Business Lawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Tax Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
• Editorial: PA Chamber – EIT Collection System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Focus List – Commercial Banking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
• HR Tip of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
• Reader’s Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Register – Deeds and Mortgage Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
DEPARTMENTS
CIRCULATION
Robin Gaffney
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 $25 per year or $50 for two years.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Pocono Business
Journal, RR#5 Box 5198, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
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Advertisers Index
1031 Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ASSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Associated Libraries of Monroe County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
C & M Homes, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Community Bank & Trust. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Computer Troubleshooters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ESSA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ESU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
First National Community Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Howell’s Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Journal Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
JTdesigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
LTS Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Michael Baxter & Associates Commercial Real Estate. . . . . . . 12
Nassau Broadcasting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Pocono Mountains Business Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sherman Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Summit Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Strunk-Albert Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
RGB Home Builders, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Target Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
TN Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3
NEWS
Is the Entrepreneurial Life for You?
By Kathy Ruff
Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Take this quiz to find out. Give yourself a score of 0 to 5, with 0 being ‘No,’ 3 being ‘Somewhat’ and 5 being ‘Yes.’
1. Are you a self-starter, self-motivated and independent? ____
2. Are you disciplined, organized and in control? ____
3. Do you take responsibility for your successes and failures? ____
4. Does your family support your ideas for a business? ____
5. Do you learn from your mistakes and take steps to prevent them in the future? ____
6. Are you creative? ____
7. Do you have a realistic outlook? ____
8. Do you have the ability to analytically solve problems? ____
9. Do you thrive on accomplishment and achievement? ____
10. Are you flexible or can you adapt to change quickly? ____
11. Can you handle stress well? ____
12. Are you a risk-taker? ____
13. Can you remain aware of your finances, such as current bank balances and money expected to come in and go out? ____
14. Are you in relatively good health and physically resilient with a high level of continued
energy? ____
15. Are you willing to sacrifice a steady paycheck, days off and benefits? ____
16. Are you willing to invest 12 to 16 hours per day working your business? ____
17. Are you willing to re-mortgage your home and spend your savings? ____
18. Are you passionate and confident about doing what you want to do? ____
19. Do you face obstacles and difficulties with confidence, diligence and creativity? ____
20. Can you make decisions and act quickly? ____
Tally your score and check the results on page 6.
PRESENCE_redefined
strategic consulting
website development
e-commerce solutions
search engine marketing
branding and identity design
www.jtdesigns.com | 570 426 1476
Answering Common Legal Questions for Start-Up Businesses
The
Business Lawyer
Tom Ford
www.pbjonline.com/blog
This issue of the Pocono Business Journal is all
about business start-ups. This month I will address some
of the common questions we get about starting a new
business. But, please don’t substitute this column for
seeking the advice of a good business lawyer. You are
going to put a great deal of time and expense into building your business. Make it worthwhile by making sure
that the business is set up properly based on your desires
and intentions. While we have only the space for the
briefest of looks at the most common start-up issues, the
Pocono Business Journal has arranged for you to receive
a copy of our article, “Selecting an Entity in Pennsylvania.” (This article is available by e-mail only. Send an
e-mail to me with “PBJ- Selecting Entity” in the subject
line and we’ll get it out to you.)
What is a DBA? “DBA” means “doing business as.” You might also hear it referred to as a “trade
name” or “fictitious name.” The DBA can represent a
corporation, a sole proprietorship, and a partnership. In
most cases, the DBA name needs to be registered with
the Pennsylvania Corporation Bureau. As with other
business names, however, keep in mind that registering
the name in that way does not give your business name
trademark protections. Pennsylvania also permits numerous DBAs with the same or similar names to be filed.
Should I incorporate in Delaware? Prospective
Pennsylvania business owners enjoy a full array of entity
forms from which to select for their enterprise. Pennsylvania has essentially adopted the available uniform
statutory frameworks for most forms of business and has
steadily modernized its treatment of business forms. In
most cases, Pennsylvania businesses have more flexibility
in their formations and operations than those in many
sister states. For small and closely-held businesses owned
by Pennsylvanians and doing business in the Commonwealth, there is scant reason to ever consider formation in
Delaware, Nevada or any other state. In fact, Pennsylvania law is more favorable to the owner of a closely-held
business than is the law of Delaware or Nevada. Unless
you are starting a multi-national banking corporation,
there isn’t any reason to consider Delaware.
Will a corporation protect me from liability?
There are two major reasons for doing business in the
corporate form – tax and liability. A correctly formed and
maintained corporation or Limited Liability Company
will protect your personal assets from creditors of the corporation. However, you still need to follow the corporate
rules and formalities. At a minimum, you need to have
the required corporate meetings, separate accounts for the
business, and avoid paying personal debts with business
funds. Your business lawyer and accountant will provide
you with more detailed guidance. But if the protection
of the corporate form is important to you, you’ll need to
strictly follow those formalities – even if you are a singleperson corporation. There may be just one or two people
in the company, but in order to be treated like a corporation, you must act like one. Your attorney can give you
more details.
What will be the tax effect of incorporating? On
the tax side, a properly organized corporation can actually
leave you with more money in your pocket on the same
income than would a sole proprietorship. You can elect
to be taxed as a corporation (called C-Corp) or as a partnership (S-Corp). Being taxed as a corporation means
that the business is itself a separate tax-paying entity and
will pay income tax on its profits. Dividends paid to you
as a shareholder will them go on your personal income
tax form as investment income. Some call this “double
taxation.” This is an issue to be carefully considered
with your business accountant as, depending on circumstances, there may be tax advantages to being a C-Corp.
What is an LLC? An “LLC” is a “Limited Liability
Company”. It has been available in Pennsylvania since
the mid-90s. It offers many of the tax and liability benefits of a corporation, but without as many legally-mandated “corporate formalities.” Some view it as a more
flexible form of business entity. Because it is relatively
new, however, there are some gray areas. Review these
issues with your attorney and accountant to determine if
any of those gray areas affect you.
How do I protect my business name? As mentioned before, merely filing as a business entity does not
give you trademark protections – this means that someone could stop you from using the business name that
you have selected and filed. You business lawyer will
need to do several types of searches, including trademark
searches, to determine if the desired name is available.
This has only skimmed the surface of the issues
which you’ll need to cover with your business lawyer
and accountant as you start up your new enterprise. Feel
free to ask other questions about this topic on the PBJ
Blog.
Tom Ford is a principle at Smithford Business Lawyers,
LLC, with offices in Stroudsburg and Wilkes-Barre. You
can reach him at 800-728-1406, by e-mail at tff@sfalaw.
com and read his blog at www.pbjonline.com/blog.
4
EDITORIAL
Unified EIT Collection System
would ease Burden on Employers
By Lesley Smith
Pennsylvania’s complex and fragmented Earned
Income Tax collection system places a tremendous
burden on employers, who potentially must deal with
a multitude of different withholding rules for the
municipalities in which their employees live. Its inefficiency results in more than $100 million in lost tax
revenues annually.
In addition, a 2004 report by the state Department
of Community and Economic Development found
that the current system would prove inadequate as
a vehicle for property tax reform, as a shift is made
away from school property taxes to income taxes.
For these reasons, the PA Chamber has been
working with DCED for the past year and a half on
consolidated collections at the county level, and for
years has advocated centralized tax collection at the
state level.
The Department of Community and Economic
Development recently provided the PA Chamber with
its most recent plan, and is working with key partners
on draft legislation. DCED hopes to incorporate some
aspects of its proposed changes into bills (House Bill
1427 and Senate Bill 292) currently pending in the
General Assembly. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, the proposal
received its first legislative review at a Senate Finance
Committee hearing, and an information session with
House and Senate lawmakers –which the Chamber,
along with DCED and the Pennsylvania Institute of
Certified Public Accountants will host is scheduled
for Oct. 3.
Countywide collection would be a vast improvement over the current system, and would lessen the
burden of EIT withholding on employers by reducing
the number of tax collectors from 560 to 66; simplifying the system; creating uniform withholding rules;
and standardizing forms and reports. Under DCED’s
plan, all taxes collected on and after Jan. 1, 2009
would by collected by new countywide collectors.
Thirteen Pennsylvania counties have already
consolidated collections at the county level, and a
countywide system is a near reality in an additional
24 counties.
Moving toward a unified Earned Income Tax collection system is a positive change for Pennsylvania’s
business climate, making it easier for employers to do
business. The PA Chamber will focus on finalizing a
countywide collection system as part of its fall legislative agenda.
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.
Are you an Entrepreneur...or Self-Employed?
The Business
Coach’s Corner
Richard Munson
Dictionary.com defines an entrepreneur as “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a
business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.”
We also commonly think of an entrepreneur as
someone who is successful, wealthy, innovative, and
industrious, and also as a promoter and businessman.
Often we leave the confines of the corporate world
or other secure employment to strike out on our own
with fresh ideas, the zeal to do “it” differently and
better, to not work for a tyrannical boss, and finally to
seek our riches under our own control.
The old adage for leaving the employ of others
for entrepreneurship is “getting out of prison…” and
the thinking is “Some people don’t know they are in
prison until they get out.”
The entrepreneur’s dream is an efficient company that virtually runs itself and is a “money making
machine.” His or her time, according to this fantasy,
is now mostly spent on leisurely pursuits such as golf,
sporting events, shopping, and boating; and work time
is spent reviewing the company’s excellent results,
meetings with the management team, and pursuing
other worthwhile investments for a continuous stream
of cash.
However, after the excitement of beginning your
own venture starts to fade, many business owners
find out that they are really just self-employed. They
are the company’s hardest working and most valued
employee. They work the most hours. They open up
early and close late. And when computed on dollars
earned and hours worked, they are often the lowest
paid employee of the company. They bear the bulk of
the technical knowledge of the company. In the end,
they are the only ones who can be relied on to “get the
job done.”
Does this sound all too familiar?
Successful entrepreneurs, fortunately, are not born;
they’re “made.” It is the result of hard, smart, work.
Creating a successful business is a six step process (to
be covered in a future column). It also requires excellence in three key areas: operations, sales and marketing, and finance. If any one area is ignored the business
will suffer.
Businesses never plan to fail, however many fail
to plan. Thankfully, to our benefit, resources to assist
businesses abound in our region.
Bradley Sugars, founder of Action-International
and internationally renowned businessman, has often
said: “The only difference from you today and you in
five years is the books you read and the people you
meet.”
Remember to hold on to your entrepreneurial
dreams. They can be reality if you work smart enough
and want them bad enough. After all, America (and
northeast Pennsylvania) is the land of opportunity.
Richard Munson, Business Coach, Action-International. Munson works with businesses in northeastern
Pennsylvania to improve their success and achieve
their goals. Action-International is the world’s #1 business coaching team. You can contact Richard Munson
at www.pbjonline.com/blog.
©Copley News Service. Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.
PBJ READER’S RESOURCE
www.startupjournal.com
The Wall Street Journal’s Center For Entrepreneurs features articles as resources for
would-be businesses and start-ups alike.
Columnists and writers offer advice and
musings on “how to,” franchising, financing, e-commerce and running a business,
among other areas. Also found at the site
are a business
toolkit and links
to other members
of the Dow Jones
Network.
James Radenhausen
PBJ BLOG
“Blogging for
Business”
Talk about business
online with PBJ
columnists.
www.pbjonline.com
5
EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
66 Analomink Street, East Stroudsburg
A member of the
Pennsylvania State
System of Higher
Education
701 Main Street, Stroudsburg
Business Accelerator
Operated by the ESU Center for Research & Economic Development
Business Accelerator laboratory
Promoting Entrepreneurship, Economic Development
and Academic Opportunities
The East Stroudsburg University Business Accelerator:
� Opened in 2001 to encourage economic growth and entrepreneurial endeavors
� Provides start-ups with business support services, faculty expertise and interns
Right Reason Technologies
and ESU received a
$496,750 grant from the
U.S. Department of
Education to develop the
Virtual Education Academy
for homebound students.
� Hosts high-tech companies:
� BackboneSecurity, a nationally recognized computer security company
� Right Reason Technologies, a web-based training solutions
� NADIG Staircases, German advanced manufacturing company
� SDR Pharmaceuticals, biotech, drug research and development
� Grad Techs, LLC., detects illegitimate use of intellectual property
� FD Software Enterprises, software for identifying potential terrorist attacks
At left, ESU alumnus and
graduate student Marc
Kurtz, lead engineer in
developing
BackboneSecurity’s
Ribcage®
� Created over 60 new “family-sustaining” jobs with average salaries of
$47,000+
2005 President Dillman
honored as Pocono
Mountains Chamber of
Commerce Business
Person of the Year
2004 BackboneSecurity
recognized as Regional
Entrepreneur of the Year
� Located in the Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ)
� $5M expansion project under way, supported by $2.5M from the
Commonwealth and $1.275M in federal funding
Mary Frances Postupack, Chief Operating Officer
[email protected];
Patricia Campbell, Director of Grant Development
[email protected];
Nick DeMatteo, Director of Workforce Development
[email protected];
Brad Klein, Director of the Business Accelerator and
Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone
[email protected];
Ingrid Sidlosky, Administrative Assistant;
570-422-7920 (office), 570-422-7951 (fax).
www3.esu.edu/CFRED/index.asp
A proud member of...
2005 Right Reason
Technologies recognized
as Regional
Entrepreneur of the Year
� Occupies three locations: 701 Main Street, Stroudsburg; 66 Analomink Street
and 434 Normal Street in East Stroudsburg
ESU Center for Research and Economic Development
BackboneSecurity, named Company
of the Year by the International
Association of
University
Research
Parks
Recognized
Regionally and
Internationally
ESU President
Robert Dillman
received the 2004
Special
Recognition Award
for innovative
efforts in
economic
development. from
the Ben Franklin
Technology Partners
of NEPA.
Featured in LE MOCI,
the business development
magazine of the French
Ministry of Finance
6
NEWS
ENTREPRENURIAL LIFE ... cont. from page 3
“Being an entrepreneur is very different than collecting a paycheck,” says Brad Klein, director of the Pocono
Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone and Business Accelerator at the University of East Stroudsburg’s Center
for Research and Economic Development. “It’s important that entrepreneurs are comfortable with a certain
level of risk. They can’t be risk averse. I also believe
they need to have the ability to cast a vision to get other
people excited about their venture and rally support
around them. Persistence is also a pretty big attribute
that would be required of entrepreneurs.”
Startup entrepreneurs initially believe they can do it all on their own but
soon realize being a jack-of-all-trades
is not enough.
“Being able to cast a vision and
support it is important because nobody
can create a company completely on
their own,” says Klein. “You require
partnerships and relationships from all
aspects of the business.”
A burning desire and the persistence to carry on represent qualities
inherent to most entrepreneurs. But
desire, guts and persistence don’t guarantee success.
“Self-employment is not for everybody,” says Keith Yurgosky, manager
of Internet business at the University
of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center. “You have to be a certain
type of person to make it work, a jackof-all-trades.”
That type of person demonstrates
a variety of universal traits that create
the foundation for being a successful
entrepreneur, including organization
and business sense.
“You need to be able to prioritize
things, get them done in a timely manner,” says Yurgosky. “Otherwise, you
RESULTS
0-49: Have you taken your civil
service exam yet? At this point in
your life, it appears you may not
be cut out to work on your own.
You might be better off working
for someone else for now.
50-69: You may be lacking some
of the qualities, attitudes or proper
support to be an entrepreneur. You
may want to stick with a mid-level
managerial position. But if you
have the determination to work,
develop your skills or involve a
partner who complements your
skills, you may be able to do it.
70-84: You are capable of making a business succeed. With a
little homework and coaching
from business professionals such
as the Small Business Development Center, you can learn how to
strengthen your weaknesses and
make it happen.
85-100: Start designing your business
cards and filing for your federal
employer identification number.
You are most likely to be successful in business. You have the
basic attitudes and characteristics
required to be a successful startup
entrepreneur with a long-term
survival rate.
fall behind.”
Prioritizing the mechanics of selling and billing must
complement providing the product or service to maintain
business continuity.
“Seventy-five percent of businesses that go bankrupt
do it with a positive profit and loss statement,” says Yurgosky. “It’s just they don’t collect the money that they
bill out.”
Successful entrepreneurs also have a strong grasp on
the realities of their finances, knowing that cash flow is
critical and profit doesn’t guarantee survival. But those
attributes are only the tip of the iceberg.
“They have to be willing to get their hands dirty,
jump into any area,” says Yurgosky. “You can never say,
‘That’s not my job.’”
They may not have to physically do everything themselves, but they have to know their limitations and find
prompt, creative solutions to offset their weaknesses and
manage problems and difficulties as they arise despite
the long hours usually required.
“It’s not a 9-to-5 job,” says Yurgosky. “If you go to
people who give you advice, when they give advice,
look at that to see how that works for your business.”
Do you have what it takes? Check your score from
the quiz from page 3.
7
NEWS
Energy Tax Credits and Deductions for Businesses
The Tax Facts
Holly R. Corcoran
On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the
Energy Tax Incentive Act of 2005 which provides an
estimated $14.5 billion in tax savings for businesses
and individuals who implement various energy efficient
measures. Although the law was enacted a year ago,
most of the provisions did not become effective until
2006.
Tax credits are attractive tax saving measures
designed to reduce tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For
home builders there is a new energy efficient home
credit of $2,000 or $1,000 for qualified home construction. The home must be built in the United States, must
have been “substantially completed” after the August 5,
2005 enactment date and must be acquired by a person
for use as a residence in 2006 or 2007. These credits are
slated to expire in 2008. The credit is available as a general business credit and reduces the contractor’s basis in
the home by the amount of the credit.
In order to be deemed “energy efficient” and
eligible for the $2,000 credit, the home must have an expected 50% reduction in heating and cooling costs than
a similar residence constructed under the International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the building
“envelope” component (i.e., exterior windows, doors,
duct work, etc.) must comprise 20% of the 50% reduction. The $1,000 credit applies to manufactured homes
with a 30% energy reduction or those which meet the
guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Another tax savings opportunity is a deduction
available for costs of energy efficient commercial building construction that is placed in service in 2006 or
2007. The deduction could be up to $1.80 per square
foot for a building that reduces energy in the heating,
lighting, cooling, ventilation and hot water supply functions of the structure. The energy reduction must be
over 50% in comparison to similar structures following
standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America.
Individuals are eligible for a credit of up to 10% of
qualifying energy-saving home improvements made during 2006 and 2007. Although this credit is available to
the homeowner, it is beneficial for home-improvement
builders to be aware of these provisions in order to help
homeowners qualify for the credit. There is also a separate credit for the purchase of energy-saving equipment
such as solar water heating and other items installed in
the residence during 2006 and 2007.
A well publicized credit resulting from the Energy
Tax Incentive Act involves the purchase of qualified hybrid, fuel cell, advanced burn diesel and other alternative
power vehicles. The credit varies based upon the rated
fuel efficiency and weight class of the auto. This credit
is available for both businesses and individuals.
There are more than 25 other credits and deductions
available to businesses and individuals for energy saving
purchases, industry specific incentives and alternative
fuel solutions. Overall, credits are more attractive than
deductions. Business owners who feel they may qualify
for these credits or deductions should consult with their
accountant before year-end to ensure all requirements
have been met to allow for the highest tax savings.
Holly R. Corcoran, CPA is the president of Holly R.
Corcoran, CPA, Inc providing quality, professional accounting and tax services for businesses and individuals
since 1991. For more information on the services provided by her firm and personnel bios, please visit www.
hrcorcorancpa.com. You can also contact her at www.
pbjonline.com/blog.
PBJ BLOG
“Blogging for
Business”
Talk about business
online with PBJ
columnists.
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Call Us at 570-854-0355
or e-mail [email protected]
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Abraham Lincoln
8
NEWS
LURES ... cont. from page 1
that she look into the purchase of an embroidery machine,
a device she never had heard of until that moment.
“Three days later, I went shopping and tossed one in my
car,” she said.
“The rest, I guess, is history. As a social worker, I found
myself working until I made myself sick. It just didn’t
make me happy and I wanted to be home with my kids.
I’m busier now than I want to be. I think of BabyOBaby as
my third child. Unlike my two boys, it’s something I can
control.”
“There appears to be a culture of entrepreneurialism
in northeast PA,” explains Karen Ostroskie, Entrepreneurial Network Coordinator for NEPA Alliance in Pittson.
“People are looking at the region as a vibrant, growing area
and there is focus on entrepreneurship. We are starting to
rely on entrepreneurship for job growth.”
Ostroskie cites a study from the mid ‘90s that shows
the region supporting 22 percent of the population with
small business ventures compared to the rest of the country
that supports only 12 to 14 percent of the population.
Another force propelling the entrepreneur forward is
the need to create or the lack of feeling stifled.
A passion for chocolate and frustration at not having free creative reign at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate
Factory she managed for three years is what drove Teresa
Ruth Greene to join forces with her mother, Linda Berry, to
open Greene-Berry’s Gourmet Apples and Fine Chocolates
on Milford Road in East Stroudsburg. In a minimalist approach to marketing, her whole inventory consists of nothing but huge Granny Smith apples, elaborately decorated
with chocolate and caramel, and a vast array of truffles and
clusters.
“You will not find a truffle like this in the area,” she
said. “The center is what’s called a ganache center, which
is very heavy whipped cream. It’s not gritty. Most things
you try with soft chocolate either are gritty or they have a
medicine taste. My chocolates do not.”
Greene’s three-year stint at the Rocky Mountain franchise allowed her to do what she most loves, but left her
frustrated by restrictions on her personal creativity.
“The Rocky Mountain franchise that I ran was a beautiful franchise, but you really can’t broaden anything outside
of what they tell you to carry,” she said. “I was talking to
my mother, a registered nurse looking to retire, and I said,
‘Gosh -- I really want to do this myself,’ so we decided to
do it together: her retirement; my beginning.”
Deborah Holmes’ beginning, as far as her dream is
concerned, came 19 years ago when she learned the art
of stage hypnotism from Robert Johnson, an instructor
certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists. She started
practicing it among friends and became so popular that she
soon was booking the act for parties and resorts.
“I get volunteer members of the audience into a hypnotic state from which I can take them and go into different
acts,” she said.
Holmes currently works as a Realtor for the Keller Williams agency in Stroudsburg, but she has decided that her
stage hypnosis act is what she really wants to do, full time.
“That’s my goal,” she said. “To do that I really need
to get myself an agent. Meanwhile, I’m working in real
estate. I’m also a subcontractor for the Stroudsburg school
district. I drive special needs children in my own car. I’ve
been doing that for 20 years and I love it. I’m never going
to give that up.”
Like Holmes, Joyce Debastiani and her husband, Dean,
knew what they wanted to do from the beginning. They
met at Penn State University, fell in love, got married and
returned to Joyce’s roots in Honesdale and Keen Lake
where she grew up. For them, careers in corporate America
were never on the table.
Today, Joyce Debastiani owns and operates Wallflower,
a store carrying both a top line of women’s clothing and
an eclectic inventory of furniture. Her husband is building
a lodge at Keen Lake near the camping and cottage resort
owned for more than 50 years by her family.
“My husband is doing this completely by himself,” she
said of the lodge on which he still is working. “He helped
me with my dream of 21 years at Wallflower, so it was his
turn. What he’s building up there is amazing. He’s very
talented. He’s my trump card.”
Then there is recent ESU graduate Brian Pedone and
current ESU student Michael Moynahan. At 23, they have
developed a new computer software application called
“Integlit” (for “integrity in literature“). It is capable of
scanning thousands of documents, from school compositions and tests to leading lights of the literary world and, by
detecting linguistic patterns, flag any act of plagiarism to
bring down an academic cheater.
“We’re trying to get it into every university in the
United States, then go down into the high schools, then to
the middle schools,” Pedone said.
ESU was so impressed with their innovation that it
took them aboard the university’s Business Accelerator Program, giving them rent-free office space for one
year and allowing them to test the software through key
departments, campus wide. While Integlit gets firmly
established, Pedone continues to work as a programmer for
Aetna Health Systems, but that may be his only taste of the
corporate culture.
“I like to do my own thing,” Pedone said. “It’s hard, it’s
risky, but with risk comes great success.”
Inventing a better way, a new way or creating their own
way, entrepreneurs are a committed bunch that continue to
make the business community in the Pocono region vital
and diverse.
Small Businesses (0 -19 employees) by County
County
1998
2004
Carbon
995
1050
Monroe
2865
3200
Pike
646
782
Wayne
1328
1444
Source: US Census Bureau - County Business Patterns
Matzel vs. DeNaples: Waiting for the Winner
By Ken Clark
Dennis Gomes, the high-profile gaming industry
executive now joining Greg Matzel in his bid to convert
Pocono Manor into a “destination resort and casino”
says he expects Matzel to be the winner when the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awards two Category 2
slot machine licenses which allow installation of up to
5,000 machines.
A scant 10 miles away, Dunmore businessman Louis
DeNaples is busy rebuilding the once lush but long defunct Mount Airy Lodge, for which he, too, has applied
for a slots license. A DeNaples spokesman said DeNaples has the best project of all currently under consideration, and that “he hopes the gaming board takes that
into consideration when they make their final decision.”
The battle for gaming in the Poconos pits giant
against giant where developers are concerned, but if
Matzel wins, he will outspend DeNaples by a fourto-one margin in development of their respective slot
machine casino proposals.
Matzel, the Ocean, New Jersey, developer who
bought Pocono Manor in December, says his projected
$1.4 billion investment will bring to the region first year
revenues of $358.6 million and generate up to 4,000 new
jobs.
If DeNaples wins, he plans to spend $360 million on
a 200-room luxury slots casino hotel where Mount Airy
once stood. Pete Peterson, of the Philadelphia public relations firm Bellvue Communications, which represents
DeNaples, said the disparity in price between the two
proposed gambling venues is irrelevant.
“One of the things that Mr. DeNaples has always
said he wanted to do was build a resort casino that
complemented the region and not compete with area
businesses,” he said. “He could have easily have done a
large scale project that had hundreds of shops, but that
would be drawing business away from the existing business community and he doesn’t want to do that.”
Gomes, the investigator who broke the back of organized crime in the casinos of Las Vegas before moving on to keep the mob out of the New Jersey gaming
industry, said he will become Chief Executive Officer
of Pocono Manor, with an eye to “expansion into other
areas” if Matzel wins. He considers Matzel’s bid a clear
front-runner, despite some community protest of the
massive project.
“The legislation Pennsylvania passed enabling gaming was not designed to cannibalize the income of Pennsylvania residents, but to bring income into the state,”
he said. “The very nature of our project is to create a
destination resort. Mount Airy is basically a warehouse
for slots and under that definition you’re not going to
attract people from outside the state.”
Peterson said DeNaples is confident that his proposed development can serve equally well as an out-ofstate draw, without rousing the sort of grassroots protests
that have stalked Matzel’s project.
“He could have developed a hotel with many more
rooms, but he wanted people who are interested in gaming to get other hotels and resorts in the region, not just
his resort, so it benefits other businesses throughout the
Poconos,” Peterson said.
Both applications have drawn fire from critics who
contend that the very act of bringing gaming into the
Poconos will bring a rising tide of crime as well. The
man who beat the mob in Nevada and New Jersey takes
the question seriously.
“If the state allows organized crime to infiltrate in
any manner in its casinos, it’s going to be a disaster for
the entire gaming industry because investor confidence
will be gone,” Gomes said. “The moment they let politics in, they’re going to be opening a can of worms that
could destroy this gaming experiment.”
In all, five applicants are in competition for the Category 2 licenses, statewide. The Gaming Control Board is
expected to announce the winners in December or early
next year.
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
is growing ...
More pages
More articles
More interest
More to come....
www.pbjonline.com
9
NEWS
Crossroads Sign Offers Amber Alert to Community
By Marynell Strunk
Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal
State representatives, county commissioners and law enforcement officials
along with a cross section of the business
community were present to dedicate the
new CrossRoads digital billboard and
pay tribute to Harry Robidoux, former
Monroe County emergency coordinator
and catalyst for the Amber Alert system
in the area.
The billboard that flanks Route 80
between the Bartonsville and Tannersville exits and visible from Route 80,
Route 611 and Route 33 will complete
the efforts to establish Monroe County’s
first Amber Alert system.
“This effort will safeguard the children who live here as well as the ones
that are visiting,” says Jim Ertle, CEO of
Crossroads Mall Corporation.
The Amber Alert, spearheaded by the
First Row: Donna Asure, chairperson, Monroe
County Board of Commissioners; Rep. Mario
Scavello (176th district); James Ertle, CEO of
CrossRoads Mall Corp.; Rep. John Siptroth,
(189th district); Robert Nothstein, vice-chairperson, Monroe County Board of Commisioners;
Jeff Strunk, deputy director, Monroe County
Control Center.
Second Row: Sgt. Chris Wagner, Pocono Mtn.
Regional Police; Officer Jack Manuel, Pocono
Twp. Police; Trooper Jamie Sgarlat, PA State
Police; Sgt. Dave Ace, Stroud Regional Police.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,
is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement
agencies, broadcasters, and transportation agencies to
alert the public with an urgent bulletin when a child is
missing with the purpose of organizing an entire community to search and recover the child.
According to the PA Department of Transportation and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission over 166,000 vehicles will be able to view
the digital sign on an average day.
“It’s the only one in Monroe County and it’s
definitely an asset to citizens and visitors,” says Jeff
Strunk, deputy director for Monroe County Control
Center. “It is a great way to get the word out about
abducted persons, emergency and traffic alerts or
other emergencies like a major fire with smoke obstruction.”
The digital sign is just a small component of the
plans Ertle has for this intersection of infrastructure.
Currently the development of the Crossroads Mall
has secured tenants with national familiarity. Kohls
is scheduled to open October 2006 with Lowe’s,
Pennstar Bank, Red Robin, Long Horn Steakhouse
and Chili’s opening soon after. The complete construction project is anticipated to generate 2500 jobs
at the completion of all phases. In addition, Ertle has
secured over $6 million in private and state funds to
improve the existing Route 80 ramps and expand portions of Route 611 to five or six lanes in the corridor
serving the Crossroads Mall. Road construction is
scheduled for October 2007.
10
NEWS
WEDCO Executive
Director Ends Tenure
HONESDALE—Wayne Economic Development Corporation Board
of Directors reluctantly accepted
the resignation of Executive Director Robert J. Suhosky effective
Nov. 4, 2006. Though giving up
his full time employment with
WEDCO, Mr. Suhosky has agreed
to accept a position as WEDCO’s
full time “consultant” on the
Sterling Business Park project,
Robert J. Suhosky
reconstruction of the Stourbridge Line railroad trestle in Hawley, and development of
Ideal Steel’s facility at Palmyra Business Park.
“The last eight years have been very successful for WEDCO and for me personally. I have worked with some of the
finest people that I have ever known, including staff, members
of the Board, and regional organizations,”says Suhosky.
Mr. Suhosky was hired as Executive Director on March
1, 1998. Since then, WEDCO has been involved in a number of significant projects, including the construction of USP
Canaan Township, purchase of Palmyra Business Park and its
designation as a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone, and
the transition of the Fourth Street plant from Moore Business
Forms to DSFI. WEDCO also facilitated Home Depot’s move
to Wayne County, recruited Ideal Steel Supply Corp., and assisted with the expansion of Gross Brothers Printing into the
former Northeastern Graphics building.
“Speaking on behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we
are sad to see Bob leave,” stated WEDCO President Alfred J.
Howell. “His tenure has been one of leadership and professionalism, and his actions have brought growth both to our
organization and to the county. Membership in WEDCO has
tripled since he came on board, and employment in Wayne
County increased 38%.”
Verizon Wireless Activates New
Cell Sites in East Stroudsburg
EAST STROUDSBURG—Verizon Wireless has activated three new cell sites in East Stroudsburg,
increasing network coverage and capacity in the town and portions of Monroe County.
The network enhancements enable more Verizon Wireless customers to use their wireless phones
to make calls, send and receive email and text, picture and video messages, and download games and
ringtones.
The new cell sites improve network coverage and increase capacity in the following areas:
• East Stroudsburg;
• North Stroudsburg;
• Along U.S. Business Route 209 northeast from State Route 191 to State Route 447;
• Along U.S. Route 209 northeast from East Stroudsburg to the Pike County line;
• Along U.S. Interstate 80 southeast from East Stroudsburg to the town of Delaware Water Gap;
• From Delaware Water Gap north to Buttermilk Falls;
These recent enhancements in Monroe County are part of Verizon Wireless’ continuous effort to
increase capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Pennsylvania and
across the country. Verizon Wireless has invested $30 billion in the last six years—$5 billion on average every year since the company was formed—to increase the coverage and capacity of its national
network and to add new services. More than $81 million of this investment was spent in Pennsylvania
in the first half of 2006.
Have something to say ???
Send Letters to the Editor at [email protected].
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11
NEWS
Status on Slayton Properties
By Ken Clark
Briland LLC, a real estate investment consortium, has
finalized the purchase of three properties formerly owned
by jailed Brodheadsville builder Dennis Slayton. Commercial real estate broker Michael Baxter was awarded
receivership of the properties after Slayton was indicted on
52 counts of theft stemming from work paid for but never
delivered to several of his clients.
Baxter said 39 acres on Route 611 was sold to Briland
for $1,250,500, and that Slayton’s former 6,000 square foot
office building at the intersection of Routes 115 and 209
went for $465,500.
Slayton’s holdings also included a home and two
adjacent lots, which Baxter, who deals only in commercial
properties, turned over to Realtor Cris Primrose of Remax
of the Poconos. She sold the house for $561,000 and the
lots for $125,000 and $89,000, respectively.
“We took a very innovative approach to the marketing of this because of all the complexities involved in the
receivership,” Baxter said of the sale. “We did a sealed bid
process and were very pleased that we got the prices and
conditions of the sale that we did because they
were pretty much sold as is.”
Robert Felins of F&F Paving in Bartonsville is one of three partners in Briland LLC.
Other partners in the venture include Eugene
Musso of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Robert
Lynch of Manhattan. Felins said the group will
proceed with plans to develop a townhouse
project on the 39 acre plot off 611, but that it is
too early to go into specifics.
“There’s preliminary approval for 30 townhouses on the back piece (of the property) and
the front piece, which is on Rt. 611, is going to
be developed into six acres, commercial,” he
said. “It’s too early to say what stores will be
there because there are wetland studies that have
to be done and environmental issues. Another
factor is the sewer line coming up 611 eventually. It will depend on that schedule too.”
Felins said the office building is now being
renovated and will soon be up for lease.
www.pbjonline.com
POCONO
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Tell Pocono Business Journal about your business.
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HR Tip of the Month
Success
Expansions
Seminars
The entrepreneurial spirit creates novel and
innovative products, services and approaches in the
marketplace, changing the way we do business.
Unfortunately, that spirit sometimes fails to
recognize a fundamental tool that may threaten a
company’s long-term success and even survival -overseeing its human resource functions. How?
• Not adequately considering the needs of employees can create disgruntled employees.
• Disgruntled employees tend to lack loyalty, motivation and productivity, potential factors that can
produce unnecessary problems.
• Employee turnover and lawsuits generally result
from unresolved or unrecognized problems in the
workplace. Protect your business by managing
your HR functions. After all, people represent one
of your most important resources.
Promotions
Growth
PBJ Oct
New Ideas
2006
9/12/06
12:14 PM
www.corepeopleresouces.com
Page 1
An LTS Perspective
On Starting Up...
...and Growing Up
There’s a wonderful ad on TV these days,
in which the executives of a worldwide
corporation strive to be more like “those
guys” in the start-up across the street. The
feeling is wistful, like grown-ups recalling
their youth: Remember when we were
energetic and inspired? When we moved
fast and learned something new every day?
When our creativity was boundless, and
the future was ours?
Businesses often start with that kind of
entrepreneurial energy, but lose it as they
grow up. They don’t have to.
In 30 years, LTS has grown from an
entrepreneurial endeavor into a thriving
corporation. And we continue to promote
the combination of spirited vision and
smart execution that got us here, with
initiatives to educate, to empower, and to
energize every member of the LTS team.
Because an entrepreneur may be driven by
a “fire in the belly” — but the ability to
ignite an entire organization is what turns
a start-up into a success story.
Building a better tomorrow… today.
P.O. Box 160
Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA 18356
(570) 424-5372
Part of a series of LTS perspectives on topics of interest to the business community
12
Significa Real Estate Solutions
By Kathy Ruff
Unexpected health problems…divorce…job
relocation – what do they have in common?
If you own real estate, the chaos created by
such life circumstances can cause fear, embarrassment and uncertainty and threaten your short- and
long-term financial stability.
A group of innovative entrepreneurs are aware
of the need to help people facing such life-changing circumstances and are offering assistance.
“We recognize there is a crisis and an opportunity concerning foreclosures in the area,” says
Tai A. DeSa, chief information officer for Significa
Real Estate Solutions, Gilbert, Monroe County. “In
Monroe and Pike counties, we have foreclosures
and real estate fraud. What that created is a number
of motivated sellers of property who have difficulty
selling through the conventional means of listing
with a Realtor.”
Significa provides help for what it considers a
large underserved segment of the real estate market.
“There are a number of properties that must be
sold immediately based upon the situation of the
homeowner or which are in such poor condition
that the conventional retail buyers would not buy
those properties,” says DeSa. “There is an increasing number of properties where the homeowners
owe more than what the house is worth, and no real
estate agent can sell such a property.”
For example, an East Stroudsburg couple
faced challenges when a propane tank exploded
and made the home uninhabitable and difficult to
sell. Significa came to the rescue and purchased the
house at a price sought by the couple.
“We specialize in helping people solve difficult
real estate problems,” says DeSa. “We find creative
solutions for homeowners who face foreclosures,
divorce, sudden job relocation, death of a loved
one and any other adverse situation involving real
estate. The most positive thing (for us) is helping a
distressed homeowner avoid foreclosure.”
Significa’s distinctive business model excels at
providing stakeholders with innovative solutions to
buy, sell and invest in real estate.
“We are trying to create a business system
for real estate investing,” says DeSa. “We want to
create a McDonalds-type system where we identify
the processes involved in real estate investment,
automate the process and train people to handle
specific tasks in the process. We have created a system that each person aligns with their unique role
to handle a segment of that process. That allows us
to handle a lot more properties than any one person
can handle on their own.”
The process starts with the company’s founders, five local entrepreneurs who pooled their
individual talents to offer solutions to the rampant
foreclosures and other real estate dilemmas faced
by many people in the Poconos.
“Over time we learned to trust each other and
we realized that each of us brought certain skills to
the table that the others did not,” says DeSa. “Our
greatest challenge is recognizing what each of us is
good at. We thought, okay, the five of us together
can do a lot more than if we were to operate on
our own. The whole is greater than the sum of the
parts.”
The founders parlayed their unique talents into
positions within the company where they could
best flourish, whether in public relations, negotiation or administration.
Significa’s philosophies on specialized diversity extend into other aspects of its business model,
including how it purchases properties.
“This is an investment business. We want to
buy property at a discount or with favorable finance
terms,” says DeSa. “We renovate the property and
sell it or sell the property in a wholesale situation to
say a handyman or rehabber. In some cases, we pay
all cash for a property, very quick and simple, as is
the closing. In other cases, the seller of the property
provides the financing for us, and yet other cases
we will obtain either private investor funding or
mortgage funding to acquire and renovate a property.”
The company also has built local partnerships
with real estate agents, title companies, contractors and other specialists as part of its overall talent
management strategies.
The Sign of a Growing Business Community!
By listing & selling only commercial real estate, Michael
Baxter and Associates is helping entrepreneurs and investors
identify opportunities & start up
businesses that are revitalizing
our community.
If you are ready to open a business or looking to get the most
out of your commercial real estate investment, call the commercial specialists at Michael
Baxter and Associates.
Great location for your warehouse needs. Located on busy
Route 940 just past the Fed Ex
Shipping Center. Property has
easy access to interstate 380.
Ref # 1194B4B
13.2 commercial acres in Wayne
County. Four prime retail sites
with high visibility locations.
The highest and best use would
be either a hotel or restaurant.
Ref # 1190
Brodheadsville, Rt. 209 - Established candy & ice cream
shop. Many inclusions, owner
will train! *Owner is a PA licensed realtor.*
Ref # 1111
Operating sports arena on 16.5
acres. 5,698 sf main building
and 76,000 sf air structure.
Turnkey business opportunity.
Includes business/real estate.
Ref # 1208
Commercially zoned and immaculately maintained four
bedroom residence in Mt. Pocono. Featuring lg. open rms,
an enclosed porch & fireplace.
Ref # 1240
3,200 sf office building in New
Ventures Commercial Park.
Just off I-80 Blakeslee exit.
Building is at the entrance of
the Park. Excellent condition.
Ref # 0975
Live a dream and open a B&B
in the country! Bldg. is Situated on 16 acres with a 1 +/acre pond! Many features including fireplace & jacuzzi.
Ref # 1217
Successful antique business
established 28 years. Includes
4,095 sf building magnificently
maintained. On Rt. 611, in close
proximity to proposed casinos.
Ref # 1239
Strong 6 unit100%
investment
prop- Time
100% Commercial
of the
erty in super location. Many
interior renovations & garage.
Rental income makes this a
must see for any investor.
Ref # 1001
11.57 Acres on Route 390 in
Mountainhome. Lots of road
frontage and exposure on
Route 390 with a small lake
property.
Ref # 1231
13
The five founders of Significa Real Estate Solutions at the corporate office in Gilbert are Michael Price, John Hom, Ezio Pavone, Tai DeSa and Michael Knaus. These five principals
found an opportunity among the many obstacles people can face when owning real estate.
“We try to put money in a lot of different
people’s pockets,” says DeSa. “In so doing, for us
providing them with business, in turn they refer
business to us. It’s a win-win.”
DeSa also attributes part of the business’ success to its diversified marketing strategies.
“We try to use a multi-touch system where we
market in many different arenas – billboard advertising, newspaper ads, direct mail, promotional
brochures left at real estate professional offices,
real estate agents, attorneys, appraisers and so on,”
says DeSa. “Significa has membership in several
chapters of Business Network International (BNI),
a professional referral organization.”
Those strategies also include creating an online
presence and offering Spanish-speaking staff to
expand its exposure, which has resulted in a high
number of calls from distressed sellers in damaged
properties and foreclosure situations in Luzerne
County.
“Luzerne County real estate has largely gone
stagnant for a number of years,” says DeSa. “Our
analysis shows that it reached a bottom probably
one to two years ago and is at the beginning of a
gradual increase in real estate values. We believe
that there is a need in Luzerne for our services.”
Significa’s future growth may include opening
a title company and a real estate agency.
“As time passes, we have ambitions to open up
businesses in the real estate industry; but right now,
we don’t have specific plans beyond the title company and the real estate office,” says DeSa. “Our
plan is to start in the Poconos. Monroe County is
where we consider the best place to put the initial
offices.”
The Pocono-based company expects to break
$9 million in revenues in its first year of operation,
a testament to the prevalence of and opportunities
with such underserved markets.
“Business is not just about dollars and cents,”
says DeSa. “It’s about discovering a need in a community and meeting that need. It’s about creating
a win-win situation where everyone involved is
happy with the outcome.”
Company
Significa Real Estate Solutions
Address:
P.O. Box 650, Gilbert, PA 18331; Intersection of Gilbert Road
& Route 209, First National Bank of Palmerton Building
Phone/Fax:
610-681-8247 or 866-94-WEBUY
Fax: 484-214-0030
Web Site:
www.significacorp.com
Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Operations Began:
January 3, 2006
Principals:
Ezio Pavone, President/CEO; Michael R. Knaus, Chief Operating Officer; Tai A. DeSa, Chief Information Officer; John C.
Hom, Chief Technology Officer; and Michael D. Price, Chief
Financial Officer
Clients:
Property owners, accredited real estate investors and rehabbers.
Estimated annual
revenue:
$9 million
Employees:
10 employees plus 5 founders
If you would like Pocono Business Journal to profile your company,
please contact us at 421-0100 or [email protected].
Photo Credit: Perry Hebard
14
NEWS
Building a Business with Network Marketing
By Ken Clark
Had Charles Ponzi, the infamous Boston conman in the 1920s, been smarter than he thought he
was, he might have recognized the honest business
possibilities of the pyramid scheme he perfected.
Then he might have become a millionaire instead
of a jail bird. As it was, he did 10 years for bilking
thousands of investors out of $6 million -- a staggering fortune at the time -- and left his name as a
stain to plague some of the fastest-growing legitimate businesses of today.
The structure created by Ponzi to defraud
opened a huge field of opportunity for honest entrepreneurs who operate as independent team- building consultants within companies offering a wide
variety of goods and services. It’s called network or
multi-level marketing now, and it is rapidly expanding through the American economy.
“The pyramid scheme!” said Lisa Lake, rolling
her eyes in mock horror at mention of the dreaded
phrase. “Pyramid schemes are illegal, but people
do bring them up. Think of corporate America. You
have a president, a CEO at the top, then the vice
presidents, then marketing, sales and manufacturing people. That’s a pyramid. At Arbonne, we like
to flip it and turn it into an upside down pyramid
where everybody starts at the same level.”
Lake is an independent consultant for Arbonne
International, which sells an array of cosmetic and
skin-care products based on organic botanicals.
But she does more than just display and sell her
products to women at arranged house parties. Like
others in the networking business, Lake actively recruits other women as consultants, trains them and
adds to her own commission a small percentage of
what they sell. They, in return, assemble their own
teams and receive commissions on sales by that
team. As the system spreads progressively along
the “downline,” income can increase exponentially
for everybody involved. Arbonne claims that commissions for those willing to put in the hard work
of selling and recruiting can potentially range from
$75 a month all the way up to more than $31,000 a
month for those rising to the top of the tree.
Pyramid schemes are, of course, illegal because
they generate no actual wealth. They essentially
consist of money being passed from hand to hand,
after the fashion of a chain letter, with most or all
of it winding up in the pocket of the grifter who
started the chain in the first place. The rest of the
“investors” wind up swindled. Network marketing, though structured like a pyramid, deals in
real inventory and teaches participants to leverage
their time the way a real estate investor leverages
money. The investor uses “other people’s money”
-- usually the bank’s. The network marketer uses
other people’s time.
In defense of the system, multi-level marketing consultant Michael L. Sheffield of Sheffield
Resource Network in Tempe, Arizona, quotes J.
Paul Getty, one of America’s first billionaires, as
saying’ “I would rather make 1% on the efforts of
100 people than 100% on my own efforts.
“This very basic concept is the cornerstone of
network marketing,” Sheffield wrote in a recent
Internet column.
Lisa Lake was recruited to the system by a
friend who introduced her to Arbonne products last
year. Now she is quitting her full-time job to make
a full-time career of Arbonne.
“The personal growth I have experienced in the
past year has been incredible,” she said. “The passion you feel and share about Arbonne with everyone is exhilarating. The products sell themselves.
My goals get bigger as I grow with this company
and they get bigger with every new person I meet.”
Stroudsburg artist Barbara Haggett has always
loved fun and games, so when SimplyFun came
on the scene with a huge array of board games, it
seemed like a natural fit.
“As an artist, I started putting together workshops where adults use crayons and paper and I
have them do some really cute activities,” Haggett
said. “They have some ‘Aha’ moments and say,
‘Oh yeah, I didn’t think of it from that perspective.’
My mission was to get adults to remember that
life is supposed to be fun and remind them to take
some time out and color outside the lines. Their
(Arbonne’s) mission statement is to probe memories using interface interaction through play.”
Haggett became a sales representative for
SimplyFun, which she said is only two years old,
and now she arranges “game nights” at the homes
of potential customers where they play a variety
of games in the SimplyFun catalogue and usually
wind up buying them.
“Recruitment is not really required,” Haggett
said of the downline team she is building. “I can
just do the business and the house parties, but
financially, it is more lucrative if you do get other
people because then you make more of a percentage.”
Steven T. Carter, regional manager in Stroudsburg for Metro Public Adjustment, sells service, not
product. Hence, he has no physical inventory, but
network marketing works equally well for him.
Metro’s mission is to stand as an advocate
between a homeowner and the homeowner’s insur-
ance company to make sure any damage claim is
adequately processed and paid in full.
“We go into homes free of charge and explain
the insurance policy to the homeowner,” Carter
said. “This is important because people have no
clue what their policy is all about.”
Carter said most people don’t realize that any
damage, from a scratch on a hardwood floor to
bleach spilled on wall-to-wall carpeting, is covered
by their policy as long as the event was “sudden
and accidental.” As a result, when such accidents
happen, they don’t even file a claim. He said fear
that if a claim is filed, the policy either will be
cancelled or its premium raised, also tends to stifle
action.
“That’s true on automobile insurance, but not
homeowners’ insurance,” Carter said. “It cannot
be raised for a claim, nor can you be dropped for
a claim. That’s state law.” Carter said without the
advocacy of his group, some insurance companies
will go to absurd lengths to avoid paying a claim.
“If you call the insurance company and say, ‘a
tree fell on my house; is it covered?’ the answer is
no because you’re calling about the tree and you
didn’t say anything about damage. There are all
kinds of different ways around things.”
Like all network marketers, Metro urges its
consultants to recruit their own teams so that in
addition to commissions from successful defense
settlements, they also will earn a percentage of
their recruits’ commissions. Metro’s fee to the
homeowner is a contingency of 35% of settlement.
The consultant handling the case gets 20% of that,
based on a $5,000 claim.
Network marketing is not new to the American
scene. Amway pioneered it amid controversy and
a Federal Trade Commission investigation some
30 years ago, and it has been sustained in ongoing
legitimacy by such familiar products as Mary Kay
cosmetics and Tupperware. The FTC, however,
remains leery of the recruiting aspect, warning
would-be participants to research the track record
of any network marketing company they are thinking of joining.
A recent FTC bulletin warns entrepreneurs to
“avoid any plan that includes commissions for
recruiting additional distributors (because) it may
be an illegal pyramid,” and to “beware of plans that
ask new distributors to purchase expensive inventory.” For all the official reservations, however,
new endeavors keep coming on line, free of investigation or censure, proving once again that Charles
Ponzi didn’t have to steal the money he might have
earned with much less effort.
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15
NEWS
Giving Start-ups a Jump Start
EAST STROUDSBURG - East Stroudsburg University seized an enormous opportunity to impact
regional economic development and to serve the
business community by creating the Center for
Research and Economic Development. The nonprofit, 501(c) 3 corporation serves as the principal
economic development and research extension of
the university and is dedicated to entrepreneurial
initiatives, sponsored research
and workforce training. The
Mission of the Center is to create
regional wealth through entrepreneurial initiatives, research, and
workforce training. The Center
is responsible for the: Business
Accelerator Program, Workforce
Training, Applied Research,
Grants, and Contracts, and the
Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone. Business Accelerator
The Business Accelerator
opened in December 2001 to build
a more diversified business base,
increase high-tech, family-sustaining jobs, and to create regional
wealth. A total of six high-tech
start-up companies are participating in the program. The Business
Accelerator is currently expanding its facilities and building a
Computer Security Research
Center which will house business
accelerator space, R&D facilities,
anchor tenant space and offices.
The expansion is supported by:
$2.5M Redevelopment Assistance
Capital Program (RACP); $1.2M
from the Economic Development Administration (EDA); and
$75,000 from the Appalachian
Regional Commission (ARC).
Pocono Mountains Keystone
Innovation Zone
The Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) includes a 2 mile radius around the
ESU campus and Pocono Moun-
Contact
PBJ
for
Ad Rates.
www.pbjonline.com
e-mail: [email protected]
POCONO
www.pbjonline.com
tains Corporate Center East in Mount Pocono.
KIZs are geographically designated zones that are
established in communities that host institutions
of higher education. These zones are designed to
foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities by aligning the combined resources of educational institutions, private businesses, business
support organizations, commercial lending institu-
tions, venture capital networks, angel investors,
and foundations. The KIZ program is funded by
the PA Department of Community and Economic
Development. For more information, contact Brad
Klein, Director, Business Accelerator and Pocono
Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone at 570-4227920.
16
NEWS
By Carolyn Darnell
You’re finally ready to start your very own widget
business. You’ve never made a widget, and you’re not
really sure how it works, but you know everybody
needs one, and would pay you lots of money for one…
after all, your friends and family said so.
“I’ve encountered many people who think they
have the perfect idea for a business,” said Kenneth Higbie, chair of the Monroe chapter of SCORE
– Counselors to America’s Small Businesses. “They
feel in their heart that an idea is good,” he said, “but
in six months the business is closed and they’ve lost
a lot of money.” This, he said, is usually because they
have no experience, there is no market for what they
are selling, or they just haven’t thought it through well
enough.
“Eighty to ninety percent of new businesses fail
within the first couple of years,” Higbie said. “Many
people feel the pot at the end of the rainbow is easily
achieved, but often they are likely to spend a lot of
money on something that is not profitable.”
A nationwide non-profit agency, SCORE is comprised of current and retired business professionals
who provide counseling services to new and prospective entrepreneurs. “We try to educate them on what
they need to know, so if they do decide to move forward, they have a better chance of being successful,”
Higbie said.
“The key in starting a business is research,” said
Bill Skinner, owner and president of Stroudsburg
Action International, a group of business coaches and
counselors that work with business owners to help
them achieve their business goals. “If a business is
needed in an area, the market will be available to support it. If not, it won’t succeed, regardless of how good
the idea is.”
Determining if your market will support your
business requires research. Who else in your area sells
what you sell? Find out through the phone book, the
public library, or even your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau. Some information
can also be found at various county offices.
Once you locate your competition, determine if
these businesses have done well. “If businesses similar
to yours don’t do well, it isn’t smart for you to open
such a business,” Skinner said. “If there are businesses
like yours and they have done well, you next have to
determine what makes you better than they are. Is there
enough need to support another business like yours?”
When Jim and Carol Rutledge of Tyler Hill decided to start a trophy and awards business from their
home almost 15 years ago, they had discovered a need
in their community and set out to meet it.
“I had been coaching Little League for many years
and when I became president of the league I had to
order trophies for the players,” said Jim Rutledge,
owner of J and C Awards Plus. “I had to go 30 miles
Glitz, Glamour and Grandeur First Bizzy Awards is a Winner
away to Scranton to get trophies. So I decided to start
investigating what it would cost to start my own trophy
business.”
Rutledge said he started by visiting local sports
shops to see if they were interested in promoting his
trophies. He spoke to individuals involved with various local sports programs and determined there was a
definite need for his product.
“So we bought our first machine, and then our
first order came in, and I guess it just snowballed from
there.” Rutledge said his business has increased nearly
six-fold from the time of start-up. They had an addition
put on their home to house the business, and they now
operate three machines.
Rutledge and his wife had concerns when they
were contemplating their idea. “We bought our equipment new, so I calculated what I could resell the equipment for if the business didn’t work,” he said. “I tried
to determine how much money I would lose. I guess
that’s the gamble you take.”
Bill Skinner said it comes down to how big a risk
you are willing to absorb. “Do you have the time and
the money to waste if it doesn’t work?” he asked.
“Remember just because you think your idea is great
doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work. Success requires
a good idea, a solid business plan, solid financial
backing, a vision and a goal. To boil it down: do your
homework.” he suggests. “The more research you do
the better decision you will make.”
See Page 18 for
story and the full
list of winners
Seated: Gina Bertucci, Fernwood Hotel and Resort; Barry Klein, Elevations Health Club; Jody Low, Adams Outdoor; Ezio Pavone, Significa Real Estate Solutions; Malcolm Bonawitz, Malcolms Haircutters. Standing: Rob Howell, Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort; Joseph Lalli, The Frameworkers.com; Vickie Mavis, Core People Resources; Jim Becker, Access Office Technologies;
Jamie Keener, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic.
Photo Credit: Pocono Business Journal
Testing a Business Idea
17
NEWS
Quandel Group Awarded ESU Contract
By Ken Clark
East Stroudsburg University’s plans for a new
124,000-square foot Science and Technology
Center moved a step closer to fruition late in August with the awarding of contracts totaling $35
million to one East Stroudsburg and three Scranton bidders. The Center, which will be the largest
building on the campus and the first constructed
since 1979, is expected to open to students and
faculty in the spring of 2008.
The prime contractor for the project is the
Quandel Group’s Scranton construction division.
Project manager Mark Salak said the Harrisburgbased firm’s contract is for “roughly $22 million.”
Other service contracts went to Lombardo and
Lipe of East Stroudsburg at $5 million for electrical work, and to Scranton firms Power Engineering, $6 million for heating, and A.J. Demor, $2
million for plumbing.
The new Science and Technology Center will
house computer sciences, chemistry, industrial
physics and biology. Its three wings, all constructed of brick, will contain classrooms, laboratories
and faculty offices with what the Quandel Group
calls “multiple interaction zones to encourage increased collaboration among students and faculty
members.” The building, to be constructed at the
intersection of Ransberry and Normal Streets, also
will contain a 200-seat auditorium for events and
symposia and its construction will add a 150space parking lot to alleviate parking congestion
on the crowded campus.
Richard Staneski, ESU’s Vice President of
Finance and Administration, said about half the
money for the project will come from the state,
with the remainder to be raised by the university’s
capital campaign.
“The campaign involves gift-giving by members of the public, alumni, friends of the university
and corporations,” he said. “A wide variety of
people have come to the table to participate in this
very important project.”
Staneski said the center will greatly relieve
crowded conditions that currently plague the university.
“The center certainly has the potential of supporting growth because it will produce a lot of
new faculty offices and teaching spaces that we
don’t currently have. It’s also going to allow us
to look at spaces that we have not been able to
use very efficiently in the past,” he said. “When
I first came here eight years ago, one of my first
tasks was to do a new campus master plan for the
university. What we learned in that master plan
was that we were 44,000 square feet short in terms
of research, classroom and laboratory space. This
building is really meant to address a lot of that
need.
“To put it in perspective, our largest building
right now is Stroud Hall, at 107,000 square feet.”
4th Annual Regionalism
Award Winner
PITTSTON – Established in memory of John J. Luciani, former NEPA Board Chairperson, the John J. Luciani Regionalism Award’s motto encourages “Branching Out to Seven Counties, Keeping Roots in Northeast
PA.” Projects must be regional in nature within NEPA’s
service area of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties. The projects
selected demonstrate a positive regional impact, bring
communities together and address an important need or
opportunity.
Nancy Luciani, Anna Cervenak, NEPA Alliance
Board Member and Ernie Preate, Jr., NEPA Alliance
Board Chairman recently presented the 4th annual
award in memory of Nancy’s late husband, John to
Robert Durkin, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. For
nearly 15 years, the Cancer Institute has been providing
cancer education and research services, in a collaborative atmosphere that has greatly benefited healthcare
professionals, public health organizations, businesses,
governmental entities and most of all, the citizens of our
region. Further, this organization has successfully overcome historical political barriers to maximize the impact
of these services throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Durkin stated that he is proud to receive this regionalism award in honor of John Luciani.
Other finalists selected by the judges included,
Mr. Harry Robidoux, Former Monroe County Director
of Emergency Services & Chairman of the Northeast
Pennsylvania Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force.
Mr. Robidoux unexpectedly passed away on July 4,
2006; the Northeast Behavioral Healthcare Consortium
(NBHCC); Family Living Educators in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike & Wayne Counties,
Penn State Cooperative Extension and Wall Street West
Partners.
4HE)4$EPARTMENTFOR
3MALL"USINESS
C o m e S u p p o r t Yo u r L o c a l H i s to r i c T h e a te r !
524 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 - 570.420.2808 - www.shermantheater.com
Fa l l Fe a t u re d E ve n t s
The Capitol Steps
Musical Political Satire
Oct. 19 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35, $25
Capitol Steps brings their critically acclaimed
fast-moving combination of skits
and songs to the Sherman!
The Guthrie Family
Legacy Tour
Oct. 29 - 8 pm
Tickets: $45, $35
Join Arlo Guthrie and the
“first family”of American Folk
as they recreate the spirit of
Woody via songs, slides, photos
and archival recordings.
Rockapella
Don’t forget
to ask about
reservations at
the Backstage
Bistro!
Nov. 4 - Tickets: $35, $25
Fitzmaurice community
services celebrates 40
Years with the
undisputed kings of
contemporary
a cappella music.
Full Calendar at www.shermantheater.com
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)NSTALLATION3UPPORT
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-AINTENANCE
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RMCALLISTER COMPTROUBCOM
18
NEWS
Glitz, Glamour and Grandeur - First Bizzy Awards is a Winner ... cont. from page 16
By Marynell Strunk
Television cameras, bright lights, walking the red
carpet, tuxedos and evening gowns set the stage for the
The Bizzy Awards, recently held at Ceasars – Brookdale
on the Lake in Scotrun. This first-ever ‘Hollywood style’
business awards event for Pocono businesses, co-produced by George Roberts Productions and the Pocono
Mountain Chamber of Commerce, was developed to
provide a venue to recognize Pocono businesses and to
benefit the United Way of Monroe County.
“I am totally amazed at the enthusiasm here tonight
and among the applications and the response to the ballot. It just shows the Chamber that this event is something that was wanted and we always try to provide our
members with what they want,” says Robert Phillips,
President and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Chamber
of Commerce.
Starting with an idea back in December 2005,
George Roberts Productions and Pocono Mountains
Chamber of Commerce, worked jointly to develop a fun
business outing with the added excitement of generating some competition. By ballot time in the summer of
2006, there were 50 nominees and ten award categories
with all net proceeds benefiting the United Way of Monroe County.
“It definitely lived up to our expectations,” says
George Roberts from George Roberts Production. Roberts explained that the success of this event is the result
of the many businesses and individuals that donated
their time, effort and talent.
Event planners were pleased with the attendance of
150 and are already making strides to produce next years
Bizzy Awards.
If you were unable to attend the Bizzy Awards, you
can watch the rebroadcast on Blue Ridge Cable TV13,
Saturday, September 30 at 2:30 p.m. or Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m.
And the Winners Are ...
Best Business Logo – The Frameworkers.com
Best Business Web Site – Core People Resources
Best Business Card Design – Adams Outdoor
Best Business Marketing Campaign – Malcolms Haircutters
Best Business Curb Side Appeal - Herbert, Rowland & Grubic
Best Small Business – Elevations Health Club
Best Large Business – Resorts USA
Best New Business – Significa Real Estate Solutions
Best Overall Business – Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort
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we are committed to taking the time to get to
know you and your business so that we can
help you accomplish your goals.
A personal relationship is just one feature
that makes banking with FNCB easier.
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19
FOCUS LISTS
COMMERCIAL BANKING
Bank Name
Address
Phone
Web site
Commercial Loan Officer
Citizens Bank
814 Main St.
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-424-7197
www.citizensbank.com
Maria Arena
Community Bank and Trust
125 N. State St.
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
570-586-6876
www.combk.com
Marian Puzycki
Dime Bank
820 Church St.
Honesdale, PA 18431
570-253-1970
www.thedimebank.com
Frank Redington
ESSA Bank and Trust
200 Palmer St.
570-421-0531
www.essabank.com
Lisa Hutchins, William Lewis
First National Bank of Palmerton
4th St. & Lafayette Ave.
Palmerton, PA 18071
800-344-2274
www.fnbpalmerton.com
Tony Rosencrance
First National Community Bank
102 E. Drinker St.
Dunmore, PA 18512
570-346-7667
www.fncb.com
Tom Tulaney
First Star Savings Bank
418 W. Broad St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-691-2233
www.firststarbank.com
Berry Reifinger
Honesdale National Bank
733 Main St./P.O. Box 350
Honesdale, PA 18431
570-253-3355
www.hnbbank.com
Jim Jennings, Ron Sebastianelli
Jim Thorpe National Bank
12 Broadway/P.O. Box 209
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
570-325-3631
www.jtnb.com
Francis Wolman
Keystone Nazareth Bank and Trust
90 Highland Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18017
610-865-6539
www.knbt.com
Dependent upon loan amount
M&T Bank
900 N. 9th St.
570-421-6050
www.mandtbank.com
Elisa Rosario
North Penn Bank
216 Adams Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
570-344-6113
www.northpennbank.com
Tom Myrne
Penn Security Bank and Trust
150 N. Washington St.
Scranton, PA 18517
570-346-7741
www.pennsecurity.com
Jennifer Wohlgemuth
PennStar Bank
409 Lackawanna Ave., Suite 1
Scranton, PA 18503
570-343-8200
www.pennstarbank.com
Dave Brown, Tom Clark
Pocono Community Bank
559 main St.
570-424-9700
www.poconocommunitybank.com
Judith Rinehart
PNC Bank
201 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18501
570-961-7217
www.pnc.com
Mike Pacyna
Wachovia
400 Main St.
570-424-7903
www.wachovia.com
Donna Picciallo
Wayne Bank
717 Main St.
Honesdale, PA 18431
800-598-5002
www.waynebank.com
John Carmody
Disclaimer: The banks listed are the main branches that serve the Pocono region. If there is a bank that offers commerical banking services and was not included in this list, please
contact Pocono Business Journal to be included in future Focus Lists.
Correction: There was an error in the Transportation Focus List last month. The correct phone number and Web Site for the Pocono Mountains Municpal Airport is 570-839-0258
and www.mpoairport.com. Please update your file and we apologize for this error.
Did Your Dream Home Come With
A Nightmare of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?
Visit or call our Tannersville Office to see
how we can help you sleep easy again.
1.800.820.4642 or 619-6620
20
BUSINESS BRIEFS
WHO’s WHO
BILIANIS
BUDA
FREY
Amori/Benn: East Stroudsburg University’s Distinguished Professor Awards
for 2006 were presented to Dr. Allan N. Benn and Professor Richard D. Amori
at the annual Freshmen Convocation held on Tuesday, August 29 in the Abeloff Center for the Performing Arts. The awards are the highest faculty honor
and are presented to recognize outstanding contributions to the university in
the areas of teaching, scholarship, creative endeavor, and/or service to the
university or community. A member of the ESU faculty since 1985, Dr. Benn
earned a Ph.D. in 1983 and his master’s degree in 1976 at Case Western Reserve University. He received his undergraduate degree in 1974 from Mercer
University. Professor Amori holds two master’s degrees - one in mathematics
from Bucknell University and the other in computer science from the Courant
Institute of New York University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the
University of Scranton.Professor Amori has been a member of the ESU faculty
since 1972.
Ardendarski/Orecchio: Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resorts have announced the
hiring of two of the East Coast’s top terrain park designers to develop and
launch the resorts’ new Parks and Pipes program. Shawn Orecchio and Julian
Arendarski, formerly of the renowned ‘JibLab’ fabrication and park design
team, will be responsible for developing the Mid Atlantic’s most progressive
and innovative terrain park program to date. Shawn Orecchio brings over eight
years of terrain park design, snowcat operation, jib fabrication and brand development experience. Arendarski, a seasoned certified welder, fabricator and
expert snowcat operator, will utilize his diverse experience to lead ParkLogic’s
feature construction and grooming efforts.
Bilianis/Mikels: Spiros Bilianis, CCIM, and Susan Mikels, both of Stroudsburg, have been named Circle of Distinction members by the national offices
of Coldwell Banker Commercial, an honor bestowed upon the top-ranking producers among the more than 4,000 Coldwell Banker Commercial associates.
Both are commercial real estate experts with Coldwell Banker Commercial,
Phyllis Rubin Real Estate in Stroudsburg. Mikels earned bronze designation
for her achievement of nearly $260,000 in closed adjusted gross commission
income while Bilianis earned platinum designation for more than $500,000 in
closed adjusted gross commission income.
Buda: Clemleddy Construction of Hawley is pleased to announce the addition of Tony Buda to their office roster. Buda was hired as a senior estimator
and handles the estimating for every Clemleddy building project, including
new home construction, renovations and modular homes. He has 15 years of
estimating experience within the building industry and is a 1991 graduate of
Johnson College. Buda is active in both the Pike and Wayne County Builders
Associations.
Dittman: Recently Robert Dittman was named the Support Services branch
chief, Communications Security (COMSEC) Division, Communications
Systems Directorate at Tobyhanna Army Depot. As chief, he supervises 10
employees who provide administrative support to the COMSEC Division. His
LEWIS
LORIE
MELLUCCI
responsibilities include resolving budget shortages, planning for staffing needs,
providing technical advice on administrative matters, and technical operations
and administration of branch functions. Prior to his current position, Dittman
was an electronics mechanic supervisor for the same division. He began his
career at Tobyhanna in November 1978.
Houseman: The Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS (PMAR) introduced newly appointed Government Affairs Director of PMAR CherylAnn
Houseman to the local and legislative community and presented a $10,000
check to the United Way of Monroe County.
Frey: Tobyhanna Army Depot has recently named Franklin Frey chief of
the Surveillance Systems Division. The division is part of the Depot’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Directorate. As chief, he supervises
70 employees who repair, maintain and overhaul the AN/TPS-75 Air Defense
Radar. Frey sets work schedules, establishes standards, tracks progress and
quality of work performance, and assigns tasks. Prior to his current position,
Frey was an electronics mechanic supervisor for the Air Defense Radar
Components Branch in the same division. He began his career at Tobyhanna
in May 2000.
Kelly: Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. announces Same Kelley has
joined their Milford office. Kelley is licensed in Pennsylvania, New York and
New Jersey and was ranked 7th out of the 100 top agents in Pike County in
2004. A local resident with over 11 years of real estate experience, Kelley has
more than $50 million in real estate sales.
Lewis: William J. Lewis has joined ESSA Bank & Trust as a commercial loan
officer. He will be responsible for maintaining and expanding ESSA’s business
banking relationships and commercial loan portfolio. Previously, Lewis was
vice president of the commercial real estate group for Keystone Nazareth Bank
& Trust in Bethlehem. He is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania
with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Lorie: Anthony R. Lorie of East Stroudsburg has successfully completed the
course to become an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), announces
Thomas R. Wilkins, president of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. Lorie
has worked at Wilkins & Associates’ Park Avenue, Stroudsburg office since
1998, when the firm bought Barbara Samet Realty.
Melucci: Teresa Melucci was recently promoted to community office manager
of the Stroud Mall Office in Stroudsburg. Teresa had over 20 years of banking
experience when she joined Wayne Bank in 2000 as a teller in the Stroud Mall
Office. She was promoted to Head Teller in 2001, customer service representative in 2004 and assistant branch manager in 2005.
Nannery: Barbara Nannery of Winona Lakes has joined the Bushkill office of
Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. An August 2006 graduate of the Pocono
MIKELS
REINHARDT
SCHEFF
Real Estate Academy, Nannery is originally from Paramus, NJ and has lived in
the Poconos for nine months. Previously she was employed as office manager
at a law firm in New Jersey.
Pickarski/Wurster: Kathleen M. Pickarski has joined the Wilkens’ Stroudsburg office and Deborah A. Wurster has come on board at the West End office
of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. Educated in England, Pickarski
graduated from Scott-White Real Estate Institute and previously was employed
by Shawnee Holdings. Wurster is a January 2006 graduate of Robert Walker
Real Estate Academy. Before joining Wilkins & Associates, she was employed
as a loan originator at Countrywide Home Loans Inc. and as a Realtor specializing in new construction at Keane & Company Realtors in New Jersey.
Reinhardt: The directors of The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who take
pleasure in announcing the inclusion of James A. Rienhardt, Executive Director/CEO of The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), in the
forthcoming North American 2006-2007 Edition. The accomplishments and
achievements attained by James Rienhardt in the field of Wildlife Environmental Services with PEEC and the National Park Service warrants inclusion
into The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who. Jim began his environmental career
with the U.S. Department of Interior in 1974. Between 1974 and 2001, he
worked in several senior management positions at the Northeast Regional Offices in Philadelphia and Boston and at Gateway National Recreation Area in
New York City. The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who, a New York-based biographical publication, selects and distinguishes individuals throughout North
America who have attained a recognizable degree of success in their field of
endeavor and thereby contributing to the growth of their industry.
Scheff: Joseph Scheff is now chief of the Multiple Threat Systems Branch at
Tobyhanna Army Depot. The branch is part of the depot’s Command, Control
and Computer Systems/Avionics Directorate. As chief, he supervises 25 employees who repair and overhaul the AN/MST-T1(A) Multiple Threat Emitter
System. The system is an Air Force identify friend or foe, tracking and training simulator system that provides threat signals for training aircrews. Prior to
his current position, Scheff worked as an electronics worker in the Test Equipment Support Branch. He began his career at Tobyhanna in October 2005.
Simon: LTS Builders’ Founder and President Larry Simon was recently
honored at a luncheon hosted by East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
for his ongoing support of the university’s Fish and Wildlife Disease Research
Program. Simon recently donated a new pick-up truck that will significantly
enhance research capabilities for the ESU program. The new 2006 GMC
Sierra extended cab pick-up, valued at more than $16,000, will support student
research in microbiology and biological sciences. It will be used by ESU
students and faculty to conduct wildlife research projects that require traveling
to collection sites at remote locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
WHAT’s WHAT
903. This newly-formed council will focus on issues, concerns, programs and
projects of importance to the Penn Forest-Kidder Township areas of Carbon
County. Photo shows support from the CCCC board of directors.
BJ’S WHOLESALE
CARBON COUNTY
CHAMBER of COMMERCE
Appletree Management Group, Inc., AAMC, a Moscow-based community,
club and resort management company is pleased to announce the newest addition to their growing family of professionally-managed communities. The
River’s Edge Community is a 153-unit community located in the Milford area.
This Active Adult townhouse-style community has just broken ground and
there are several floor plans to choose from.
The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania has been selected as the Outstanding Foundation for 2006 by the Greater
Pocono Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). For
the past 15 years, AFP has honored the region’s outstanding individuals, corporations, and foundations for their contributions to the nonprofit sector of our
community. The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute nominated The Blue Ribbon Foundation for the AFP honors. Since 2002, The Blue Ribbon Foundation
has been helping community nonprofits improve the health status and wellness
of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.
The BJ’s Wholesale Club Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 grant to
Pocono Medical Center for the expansion of the Pocono Kids Dental Care
program at the Clementine Abeloff Community Health Center. Photo shows
BJ’s representatives awarding the grant.
Blocker Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha of Parryville made some
recent renovations, adding a new Community Room which is available for
public use, free of charge. The room is set up with tables and chairs in a modern classroom setting and is equipped with a DVD projector that can support
PowerPoint presentations.
The Budget Motel, located at Exit 308 on I-80 in East Stroudsburg,
begins a $1 million renovation, to include a complete new façade as part of the
change to their new name, Budget Inn and Suites. Long-time local owner
Barth Rubin expects completion by November 15. The renovation includes
upgraded deluxe accommodations and the addition of several suites to enhance
the property. An indoor swimming facility is planned for September 2007. The
Budget Motel has been family-owned since its inception in 1976. Barth Rubin
took over the business 11 years ago.
A PASSHE diversity and equity grant for $7,500 was awarded to Brad Klein,
director of ESU’s Business Accelerator and Keystone Innovation Zone
to further MY-IPO. The program provides opportunities for minority and
international students, staff and faculty to learn about entrepreneurship and the
importance of diversity in business and community leadership.
EAST STROUDSBURG
UNIVERSITY
Two degree programs in the department of Exercise Science at East Stroudsburg University were recently awarded initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The
bachelor of science degree in exercise science and the master’s degree in
clinical exercise physiology qualified for the maximum five year accreditation.
Additionally, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have both endorsed
the B.S. in the exercise science curriculum. Of the 450 similar undergraduate programs and 30 graduate programs offered across the country, ESU’s
programs in this field are among only five which have achieved accreditation
in the United States. They are also the only such programs in the Pennsylvania
State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to be awarded the CAAHEP
accreditation.
Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) received a $3,500 check from
Pencor Services Inc. during a presentation ceremony held at Jim Thorpe
Senior High School. LCCC will use the money to purchase microscopes for
use by students in the Carbon County area. The microscopes will be housed at
the high school.
Together Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) and Lehigh Valley
Community Broadcasters Association (LVCBA) have launched the college’s
newly formatted “Americana” or “American roots” radio station, 90.3 FM
WXLV. WXLV’s new playlist will include such nationally known artists as
Bob Dylan, Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Jackson Browne,
the Grateful Dead, Van Morrison and others. This past spring, the LVCBA and
its community public radio station, 88.1 FM WDIY, entered into an agreement
to provide management support to WXLV. Since then, WXLV has been rebroadcasting WDIY programming.
Established in memory of John J. Luciani, former NEPA Board Chairperson,
the John J. Luciani Regionalism Award’s motto encourages “Branching Out
to Seven Counties, Keeping Roots in Northeast PA.” Nancy Luciani, Anna
Cervenak, NEPA Alliance Board Member and Ernie Preate, Jr., NEPA Alliance
Board Chairman presented the 4th annual award in memory of Nancy’s late
husband John to Robert Durkin, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. For
nearly 15 years, the Cancer Institute has been providing cancer education and
research services, in a collaborative atmosphere that has greatly benefited
healthcare professionals, public health organizations, businesses, governmental
entities and most of all, the citizens of our region.
Penn-Kidder Area Council of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
recently held its inaugural meeting at Dom N Ali Steak & Seafood on Route
The Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport Authority in Mount Pocono
is anticipating a year of growth and expanding horizons for one of the
important county public assets critical to economic development. The recent
appointments of Dale McFarland, General Manager of Great Wolf Lodge;
Mayor Nancy Golowich of Mount Pocono; and Arthur Berry III, President of
Camelback fill out the Authority’s nine member panel. Other sitting members
include Chairman Karl M. Weiler; Vice-Chairman Joe Miller, Sr.; Secretary
George K. Strunk; Treasurer Greg Christine; Brad Teets; and Edwin R. Miller
II. The airport also has a stable and highly professional staff around which it
has developed a new diversified business model of multiple aviation-based
tenants.
A small group of Tobyhanna Army Depot employees turned to Toastmasters
International to help them improve their communication and leadership skills.
The program employs a series of exercises to help individuals learn how to
become capable speakers. Each new member receives a kit with a manual,
orientation materials and other information regarding skill improvement in
areas such as speech evaluation and the use of gestures. In addition, speeches
are assigned to help participants develop competency in areas including
organization, voice inflection and persuasiveness. Another segment known as
Table Topics teaches members how to think on their feet by delivering short
impromptu speeches.
America’s missile defense system got a boost from Tobyhanna Army
Depot’s ability to produce new satellite communications support systems. In
six months, engineers and technicians designed and integrated an Auxiliary
Communications Shelter (ACS) valued at about $5 million that supports the
homeland defense Ballistic Missile Defense System. The Missile Defense
National Team is fielding the FBX-T. When integrated into the Ballistic
Missile Defense System Network Interface, it provides forward-based sensor
capability for early acquisition, tracking and identification information of intercontinental and intermediate range ballistic missiles in support of homeland
and host nation defense. Tobyhanna Army Depot is the Defense Department’s
largest center for the repair, overhaul and fabrication of a wide variety of
electronics systems and components, from tactical field radios to the ground
terminals for the defense satellite communications network.
Wellspring Holistic Center, Stroudsburg, will soon celebrate its one year
anniversary of moving into The School of Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The Arts Center also houses Kathy Kroll Dance and Paper Theatre and Four
Corners Health and Fitness Center. With the recent addition, the Center has
created bigger space to connect businesses which offer a variety of art instruction.
Please send all press releases for
consideration to [email protected]
21
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 1
Registration Deadline for DEP-approved Operator Certification Examination,
Northampton Community College. Fee: $40. Contact Carol Frace at (610) 8615080.
October 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 13
Adobe Illustrator 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, Center for Continuing Education, University of Scranton. Fee: $275. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.
October 2 through 12
Word Level 1, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Northampton Community College, Bartonsville campus. Fee: $132. Participants complete lessons
and exercises on their own lab computer. Textbooks and all materials provided.
For more information please contact Teri Reagin at (610) 861-4550.
October 3
Successful Negotiations, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community College,
Center for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main Campus, 3835 Green
Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Workshop teaches the skills of negotiation and
techniques for team
negotiations, planning strategy and identifying goals and tactics for adversarial
negotiators. Contact Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 3
Job Applications, 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville.
Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
Serving Safe Food Certification Course, 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m., Tuesdays,
Northampton Community College, Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third
Street, Bethlehem. Call (610) 861-4111.
October 3 through November 28
Nurse Aide Training Program, Northampton Community College, 1900 Corporate
Center Drive East, Mt. Pocono. Cost: $600 tuition, $50 materials, $102 ARC test
fee. For more information call (610) 861-5064.
October 3 through December 19
Managing & Maintaining a MS Windows Server 2003 Environment, Tuesdays,
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Center for Continuing Education, University of Scranton.
Fee: $1,275. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.
October 4
LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m., Serengeti Restaurant at Howard
Johnson Hotel, Rt. 611 (I80 Exit 302), Bartonsville. Professional organization
dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service, whose purpose is the
exchange of business tips (referrals). Bring business cards. Contact Louise Bach
(570) 588-4113 or Carole Miller (570) 426-1676.
October 4
Starting and Managing a Small Business, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monroe Career
and Technical Institute, Bartonsville. Co-sponsored by ESSA Bank and Pocono
Mountains Chamber of Commerce. Seminar presented by SCORE – Counselors
to Americas Small Business. Registration fee $40 includes lunch and instructional
material. Call (570) 421-4433.
October 4
Career Exploration & Assessment, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 4
Asset Allocation - Putting Your Client’s Eggs in the Right Baskets, NAIFA-Poconos (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors), Stroudsburg.
Call (570) 595-9640 or (570) 722-3291 or by e-mail at [email protected].
October 5
BNI (Business Network International), Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Howard
Johnson, Rt. 611 & I-80 Exit 302B, Bartonsville. Contact Karen Sherrill, (570)
895-4242.
October 5
Facilitation: Helping Groups Succeed, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton
Community College, Center for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main
Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Group dynamics, tools
and techniques that encourage people to succeed. Contact Marlene Talaber at
(610) 861-5064.
October 5
Why Should I Hire You?, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9 and 16
MS Visual Basic.net Level I, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Center for Continuing
Education, University of Scranton. Fee: $672. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.
scranton.edu/cce.
October 6
BNI (Business Network International), Stroudsburg, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., breakfast. Fee $9. Sherman Theater, Contact Victoria Mavis, Core People Resources,
(610) 863-0329.
October 6, 13, 20 and 27
MS Access 2003 Level II, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Center for Continuing Education,
University of Scranton. Fee: $165. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.
edu/cce.
October 7, 14 and 21
Introduction to ArcGIS I Geographic Information Systems, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Last class 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.) The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $800 includes course materials/workbook and 90-day student
license. Fundamentals of GIS concepts, querying a GIS database, manipulating
tabular data, editing and attributing data. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit http://academic.scranton.edu/department/cce/arcGIS.html.
Geographic Information System Training (GIS), 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Center for
Continuing Education, University of Scranton. Fee: $800. Call (570) 941-7582 or
visit www.scranton.edu/cce.
Basic Computer Applications, Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon, Northampton Community College, Tannersville campus. Fee: $182. Participants complete lessons
For more information please contact Teri Reagin at (610) 861-4550.
Learn to Use Your Computer, 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, Center for Continuing
scranton.edu/cce.
October 10
5 Ways to Massive Profits, Stroudsburg Action Coaching Team, Scranton location.
Free 90-minute workshop covers the major methods of improving profits and other
keys to business success. For more information call (570) 992-2442.
October
October 10
Job Search Attitude & Barriers Assessment, 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monroe County
CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.
pa.us.
October 10
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business, 12:00 Noon, Sam
Snead’s Tavern, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Topic: Transforming Drab Rooms into
Dream Rooms. Sponsored by Mt. Airy. Cost $13 Chamber members in advance,
$16 non-members and walk-ins. Call (570) 421-4433.
October 11
LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m., Serengeti Restaurant at Howard Johnson Hotel, Rt. 611 (I80 Exit 302), Bartonsville. Professional organization dedicated
to the highest standards of competence and service, whose purpose is the exchange
of business tips (referrals). Bring business cards. Contact Louise Bach (570) 5884113 or Carole Miller (570) 426-1676.
Practices of Successful Leaders, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community
College, Center for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main Campus, 3835
Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Three-day workshop provides in-depth
exploration of the critical success factors of high performing leaders. Contact
Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 11
Résumés & Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 11
Bringing the World to Pennsylvania, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Woodlands Inn &
Resort, Wilkes-Barre. Hosted by NEPA Alliance. Cost: free. Event brings Pennsylvania Foreign Trade Advisors to the Commonwealth to meet with businesses
interested in developing international markets. The advisors provide business
assistance including product marketability assessment, market entry strategies, and
market research. Contact Michael Horvath, International Trade Manager at NEPA
Alliance, (570) 655-5581 or by e-mail [email protected].
October 12
BNI (Business Network International), Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Howard
Johnson, Rt. 611 & I-80 Exit 302B, Bartonsville. Contact Karen Sherrill, (570)
895-4242.
October 12
Salary Negotiation, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
Dreamweaver 8 Level I, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Center for Continuing Education,
edu/cce.
October 12
Fall Business Card Exchange, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, 5:00 p.m.
- 7:00p.m., Mount Haven, Milford. Door prizes, Bring business cards. Call (570)
296-8700.
October 13
(610) 863-0329.
October 13
Résumé Critique, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon, by appointment only. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 14
West End Business Exhibit, Western Pocono Community Library, Brodheadsville.
Sponsored by the Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce. Sponsorships available. Chamber members $25, non-members $50. Registration deadline October 1.
Call (570) 421-4433.
October 16
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Business Card Exchange, 5:00 p.m.
– 7:00 p.m., Pangea Restaurant, Scotrun. Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and networking. Advance registration $10 Chamber members, $20 non-members. At the
door, $15 Chamber members, $25 non-members. Call (570) 421-4433.
Excel Level 1, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Northampton Community College, Bartonsville campus. Fee: $132. Participants complete lessons
For more information please contact Teri Reagin at (610) 861-4550. Registration
deadline is one week prior to
the course start date.
Adobe InDesign CS 2 Level I, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Center for Continuing
scranton.edu/cce.
October 17 and 19
MS Excel 2003 Level I, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Center for Continuing Education,
University of Scranton. Fee: $165 includes lunch. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit
www.scranton.edu/cce.
Nurse Aide Training Program, Northampton Community College, 1900 Corporate
Center Drive East, Mt. Pocono. Cost: $600 tuition, $50 materials, $102 ARC test
fee. For more information call (610) 861-5064.
October 17
Job Applications, 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville.
October 18
Board Meeting, NAIFA-Poconos (National Association of Insurance and Financial
Advisors), Stroudsburg. Call (570) 595-9640 or (570) 722-3291 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
October 18
Annual Dinner, Carbon County Chamber of Commerce. For more information call
(610) 379-5000.
October 18
LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m., Serengeti Restaurant at Howard Johnson Hotel, Rt. 611 (I80 Exit 302), Bartonsville. Professional organization dedicated
to the highest standards of competence and service, whose purpose is the exchange
of business tips (referrals). Bring business cards. Contact Louise Bach (570) 5884113 or Carole Miller (570) 426-1676.
MS Publisher 2003, 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, Center for Continuing Education,
edu/cce.
October 18
Career Exploration & Assessment, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 19
BNI (Business Network International), Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Howard Johnson, Rt. 611 & I-80 Exit 302B, Bartonsville. Contact Karen Sherrill,
(570) 895-4242.
October 19
Making Effective Presentations, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community
Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Develop greater confidence and skills in
planning and delivering presentations of all types. Includes key elements for
success, techniques and tips for making an impact. Contact Marlene Talaber at
(610) 861-5064.
October 19
E-Résumés, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville.
Certification in Production and Inventory Management, CPIM/APIC: Basics
in Supply Chain Management, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays,
Center for Continuing Education, University of Scranton. Fee: $565; APIC
members $475. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.
October 20
(610) 863-0329.
October 20
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Monthly Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Best
Western Pocono Inn, Stroudsburg . Sponsor: Hannan Communications, special
program: Rebuilding Together Monroe County. Advance registration $8 Chamber
members, $12 non-members. At the door, $10 Chamber members, $16 non-members. Call (570) 421-4433.
October 20
Better Business Writing, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community College, Center for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main Campus, 3835
Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Develop techniques to get the results
you want from your memos, e-mail messages, letters, and proposals. Contact
Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 23
Computer Basics, 2:00 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570)
620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 24
Time Mastery, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community College, Center
for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond
Road, Bethlehem Township. Developing an individualized approach to mastering
time though four basic principles. Bring calendar and other personal planning
tools. Contact Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 24
Job Search Attitude & Barriers Assessment, 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monroe
County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.
state.pa.us.
October 25
LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01 a.m. - 8:31 a.m., Serengeti Restaurant at Howard
Johnson Hotel, Rt. 611 (I80 Exit 302), Bartonsville. Professional organization
dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service, whose purpose is
the exchange of business tips (referrals). Bring business cards. Contact Louise
Bach (570) 588-4113 or Carole Miller (570) 426-1676.
October 25
Interview Basics, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 26
BNI (Business Network International), Bartonsville, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Howard Johnson, Rt. 611 & I-80 Exit 302B, Bartonsville. Contact Karen Sherrill,
(570) 895-4242.
October 26
Introduction to Project Management, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community College, Center for Business and Industry, Gates Center on Main Campus,
3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Basics of project management,
exploring the phases of the project life cycle including Define, Plan, Execute,
Complete, Evaluate and Celebrate. Contact Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 26
Mock Interviews, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (must have attended the Interview Basics
Seminar). Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit
www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.
October 26
Lunch and Learn: E-Marketing for Small Business, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m., University of Scranton, Brennan Hall Room 509. Covers how to run a small business,
gaining a competitive edge for long-term success. Fee: $35 without lunch; $45
bag lunch included. Contact MetroAction, Inc. at (570) 342-7711 or register
online at www.metroaction.org. or The University of Scranton Small Business
Development Center (570) 941-7588.
October 27
(610) 863-0329.
October 27
Leading Organizational Change, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Northampton Community
Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Leading organizational change and the
organization’s ability to adapt. Contact Marlene Talaber at (610) 861-5064.
October 27
Résumé Critique, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon (by appointment only), Monroe County
CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.
pa.us.
October 30, November 1, 6 and 8
MS Word Level I, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Center for Continuing Education,
edu/cce.
If you would like to have your business event listed in the PBJ
Calendar of Events, please submit information to [email protected].
22
PBJ REGISTER
NEW CORPORATIONS
The Corporation Bureau at The Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, Department of State has informed the Pocono Business Journal that it is in
the process of revising the database access for this
information. Therefore New Incorporation listings will not be available until further notice.
FICTITIOUS NAMES
The Corporation Bureau at The Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, Department of State has informed the Pocono Business Journal that it is in
the process of revising the database access for this
information. Therefore New Incorporation listings
will not be available until further notice.
DEEDS
(August 2006 - Over $250,000)
Carbon County
East Penn Township
Michael Dobry to William McMichael, $260,000.
Kidder Township North
Robert Pudleiner to Peter Wanner, $325,000.
Kidder Township South
Vacation Charters Ltd to Vacation Charters Ltd,
$1,151,958.
Penn Forest Township
Gregory Lopatovsky to Noel Faeldonia, $257,600.
John McGahan to John Howard, $256,000. Frank
Basile to Ali Capobianco, $280,900. Falcon Crest
Homes to David Mergel, $257,071. JMJ Development to Thomas Eckert, $295,000.
Monroe County
Barrett Township
Mary Jane and Walter Gallagher to Howard and
Donna Kellner, $287,500.
Chestnuthill Township
Jack Ginnett to Thomas and Joann Ferraro,
$319,000. Patricia and Robert Famoso to Kylwyn
Enterprises Inc, $700,000. Neil and Sheree
Covaleski to NP Dodge, Jr., $337,900. NP Dodge
Jr. to Joseph and Harriet Damico, $337,900.
James Hanley and Leslie Hurford-Hanley to
Wilner Cenexant and Willio Accilien, $296,000.
Maria and Antonio Nieves to Cheryl Simpson
and Kenneth Williams, $340,000. L&P Homes to
Kenneth and Brandi Collins, $285,000. Precision Built LLC to Francis and Marsha Anders,
$300,000. Dennis Slayton and Michael Baxter to
Briland Development, $465,500. Dominick and
Aura Lazzaro to John and Susan Scully, $299,900.
Bruce and Virginia Dunnan to Michael Clements,
$270,000. Robert and Claudia Serra to David and
Trisha Angell, $265,900. Thomas and Dorothy
Thornton to Md and Farida Nasir, $330,000. R.
William Bathold to Drewmar LLC, $360,000.
Coolbaugh Township
David and Emma Wengerd to Velma Whitaker,
$285,310. Christopher and Sarah-Ann Schofield
to Cartus Financial Corp, $250,000. Cartus
Financial Corp to Michael and Ana Stipkovich,
$250,000. Charles and Patricia Snyder to Thomas
and Kelly Masselle, $400,000.
East Stroudsburg Borough
Anthony and Ellen Drago to Victor and Iris Garcia, $358,000. Dino and Dee Ferra to Piotr and
Lucyna Bis, $325,000. Aniela Pawelek to Omar
and Leslie Fernandez, $269,860.
Hamilton Township
Theodore and Diane Suba to Sakile and Sydney
Mears, $295,000. Joseph and Gloria Sealey to
Waleed Damra, $350,000. Steven and Elizabeth
Paugh to Peter and Lisa Majoros, $357,000.
Louise Szeligowski to David and Lisa Cardwell,
$270,000. Edward and Catherine McCarthy to
David Kay and Sharon Phillips, $405,000. Sonya
James to Mark and Molly Nolan, $425,000.
Mmichael Baxter and Dennis Slayton to John and
Kathy Grando, $561,000. John Quinn to Good
Living Technologies, $350,000. Richard and
Janet Frey to Powell Office Park, $1,300,000.
Sean and Christian Campbell to Primacy Closing
Corp, $390,000. Primacy Closing Corp to Brian
Casteel and Teressa Tisdale, $390,000. Robert
and Susan Lee to John O’Leary, $255,000. Albert
and Marilyn Johns to Daniel Cashman and Denise
Dunkelberger, $330,000.
Jackson Township
Franklin and Tracy Yin Davis to Harry and Lynette Mobley, $254,000. Anthony and Carol Policelli to Chad and Angela Rupprecht, $252,000.
Thomas and Traci Franzone to Kevin and Pamela
Schroeder, $280,000. David and Paula Cooney
to George and Ana Ritchie, $285,000. Kafeel and
Ayesha Abbasi to Enrique and Rosanna Acosta,
$415,000. Michael and Vannessa Petrozzino to
Warren Planker, $285,000.
Middle Smithfield Township
Thomas and Doris Berrian to Emilio and Neida
Vargas, $275,000. Islande Limontas and Marsha
Cheese to David Pezzullo, $250,000. Toll PA
IV to Robert and Theresa Deprisco, $312,977.
LTS Development to Janice King, $394,500.
Toll PA III to Donald and Debra Ann Cole,
$589,527. Toll PA IV to Alfred and Christine
Fernandez, $546,175. Toll PA IV to Douglas
and Elisa Larson, $309,947. H Wayne Huffman
to Huffman Properties, $925,000. Toll PA III to
Denis and Nancy Gallagher, $557,882. Toll PA
III to Michael Armitage and Leimbriz Sundar,
$746,488. C&M Homes @ CCP to Aboulaye and
Pamela Fofana, $348,970. E. Winifred Portmess
to Paul and Patricia Schmid, $250,000. Toll PA III
to Chaste and Athanasie Abimana, $629,601. LTS
Development to Jacqueline Caudle, $365,400.
Ladislav and Petra Onhajzer to Clark and Tamara
Whaley, $323,000. LTS Development to Susie
and Luis Gonzalez, $398,800. Toll PA III to Anna
Monteforte, $690,544. LTS Development to Michael and Heidie Armstrong, $333,800. Mark and
Sarah Kelm to Sirva Relocation Credit, $266,000.
Sirva Relocation Credit to William and Monique
Marsh, $266,000. Toll PA III to Key Won and HoIm B Lim, $647,028.
Donna Allan to Norman and Elizabeth Wahner,
$380,000. Paul and Wanda Harrison to Yvette
Chambers and Roxana Reid, $455,000. John and
Lisa Ballard to Timothy Lyons and Alison Poe,
$316,000. George and Mary King to Anthony
and Diane Ferruzzi, $270,000. PM and Martha Snyder, Jr. to Clark Chandler and Roberta
Barnes, $500,000. Bruce and Susan Hoffman to
Steven and Joy Warren, $320,000. Milton and
Robert Rock to John and Lisa Ballard, $725,000.
Anton and Deborah Plescha to Joseph and Alicia
Baird Aristone, $282,900. Frank and Constance
Defranco to Diana Brotschul, $335,000. Teicher
Organization at Pinecrest Lake to Kathleen
Jaenicke, $289,900. Frank and Deborah Pakay to
Charles and Louise Rauch, $255,000. Francis and
Constance Delnero to Suzanne Sisolak, $346,000.
Philip and Carol Kozma to David and Mary
Kerr, $357,500. Earl and Joan Rice to Venugopal Gopalakrishnan and Gowri Veeraraghavan,
$335,900. Charles and Susan Steinberg to Daniel
Horan and John Ringwald, $300,000.
Mount Pocono Borough
Arthur and Laurie Johnsen to Milford Road
Investments, $500,000. Philip and Patricia Cianci
to Charles and Dawn Kollar, $257,700. Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corp to David Ta and Tuan
Do, $274,000. John and Karen Giambalvo to
Samir Yakoub, $298,700.
Tunkhannock Township
Matzel Development at Mt Terrace to Alejandra
and Juan Hurtado, $289,490. Peter and Dorothy
Arato to Ean Sutherland, $340,000.
Paradise Township
Robert and Geraldine Iorizzo to Charles and
Cecelia Neill, $285,000. Constantine and Ann
Gerfelder to Farm on the hill, $1,000,000. Stanley
and Pearl Rothman to George and Doris Nagle,
$449,900.
Pocono Township
James and Victoria Olizarowicz to Nicholas Omelczenko, $345,000. David and Jacqueline Martin
to Natividad Velez, $372,300. Ronald and Jenette
Sarajian to Robert and Bozenna Routh, $270,000.
Dennis Slayton and Michael Baxter to Briland
Development, $1,250,500. Jane Moore to George
and Jenifer Stapleton, $250,000.
Polk Township
Dean and Sharon Green to Christopher and Kristin Hedgelon, $329,900. Frank Dull to John and
Margherita Borsky, $265,000.
Price Township
Kal-Tac Inc to Teshwarlall Shewchand, $344,900.
Philip and Shirley Ricklefs to George and
Catherine Mogaka, $277,000. Clair and Cathleen
Halterman to John Sabino, $253,000.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
Kenneth and Dawn Thorn to Douglas and Nancy
Schaub, $410,000. Kevin Post to Michael and
Donna Loprieno, $350,000. Peter and Ellen Rigby
to Melvin and Judith Schwartz, $385,000. Miller
Custom Homes to Kurt and Ruth Burg, $469,000.
Jeffrey and Linda Kaplan to Lois and Jeannette
Iacano, $550,000. Miller Custom Homes Inc to
Virginia Tseperis and Henry Mager, $465,000.
Jeffrey Silva to Ted and Donna Bauchner,
$282,500. David and Natalie Slutsky, $275,000.
Delaware Township
Thomas Bosch to James Potter, $275,000. Ralph
and Bernice Rocha to Vladimir and Galina
Petrushin, $360,000. Marie Bonnamour to Brian
Murphy and Misty Rocker, $260,000. Patrick
Grillo to Jack and Allison DeGennaro, $292,000.
ABD Woodland Lakes to Keith Harris, $295,000.
Bargain Properties Inc/Marshalls Creek Homes
to Koottala and Gauri Ramaswamy, $250,000.
Mikhail and Irina Zolotarev to Arkady and Ludmila Basov, $355,000. Donna Capilli to Natalie
and Christopher Licata, $362,000.
Smithfield Township
Garfield and Lisa Gouldbourne to Francisco
Cadiz and Sandra Sevilla, $260,000. Karyn Israel
to Cesar Vargas and Maria Mercado, $453,200.
Martin and Kara Bartholomew to Chester and
Sally Pugliese, $410,000. John Jose to Samantha
and Frank Mauro, $271,666.
Dingman Township
R&R Little Enterprises to Patricia Ryan,
$263,304. Mario and Marie Fornoff to Walter
and Nicki Bajan, $364,000. Michael Deehan to
Michael and Susan Ciriello, $440,000. Gino and
Patricia Giordano to Timothy and Melissa Reilly,
$385,000. Edwin and Linda Ott to David and Maria Roeder, $257,500. Hunt Horizons to Milford
Arcadia LP, $429,000. Hunt Horizons to Milford
Arcadia LP, $1,750,000. John and Mary Reed to
Michael Phillips, $268,000. Gary and Debra Allen
to Kevin and Ruth Montgomery, $499,000. Paul
and Barbara Matrafailo Jr. to National Residential
Nominee Services, $308,000. National Residential Nominee Services to Joseph and Cathy
Malanio, $308,000. Cathy and Joseph Malanio to
Janette Welsh, $252,350. Pendulum Development
Co to Robert and Anne Rosiello, $375,000.
Stroudsburg Borough
Nationwide Reverse Exchange Services to
Gregory Hill, $1,006,992. Mill-Kerr Ltd to Barth
Rubin, $312,000. Leonard and Jacqueline Kelsey
to Robert and Ann Marie Zansitis, $399,000.
Ethel Lawler to Frank and Ann Gibson Family,
$287,000. Norman Fayne to Antonios Pippis and
Mihai Ionescu, $460,000. Desmond Conboy to
Jonathan Murphy, $351,500.
Lackawaxen Township
James and Chrisitna Guido to Paul and Kathleen
Buehler, $278,000. Robert and Dorothy Chapman
to James and Christina Guido, $513,000. Daniel
Pomerantz to John and Diane Lenze, $375,000.
Gladys Moger to Nick and Mary Boylan,
$490,000. Mary Oakes to Jeffrey Dembiak,
$430,000. Michael and Michelle Sarnelli to Hugh
O’Connell, $285,000.
Stroud Township
Stefan and Marianna Rakowski to Robert and
Kerri Fata, $342,000. Buff-Nauman Inc to Mario
and Michelle Dicola, $320,000. Brett and Jennifer
Gennarelli to Sarfraz Mir, $362,500. Larry and
Kimberly Robinson to Melisa Wentzler, $255,500.
Shawn Steesy and Sue Ramos to Stanislawa
Witek, $282,500. LTS Development to Kenneth
Mui, $418,800. Huken and Donna Samuels to
Nerick and Nicolina Hernandez, $270,000. James
Schmidt and Lisa Herren to Donald and Loriann
Mulvey, $386,000. Lonnard and Isabelle Blount
to Victor Deaza and Carmen Andujar, $305,000.
Donald and Loriann Mulvey to Rocco Giacobbe,
$585,000. James and Barbara Cressinger to Diego
Sandoval, $309,900. Bradley Ace to Christopher
and Stephanie O’Donnell, $325,000. Monroe
Beagle Club to Township of Stroud, $1,070,000.
Herbert and Jennifer Dougherty to Paul and Carolynn Molinaro, $395,000. LTS Developpment to
Jeffrey and Patricia Kashner, $410,605. Stanley
Adamczyk to Linda Roselli, $275,000.
Lehman Township
Kalian at Poconos to Emmanuel and Evelyn Castillo, $280,008. Tamiment to Teicher Organization
at Lehman’s Pointe, $15,000,000. Kalian at Poconos to Ioannis and Esperanza Dellis, $258,175.
Ross Township
Edward and Doris Carpenter to Pratima Roy,
$285,000. Steven and Sandra Boyer to Gilbert
Orama and Linda Doyle, $253,900. Fejzulah
and Rafeta Redzepagic to Robert and Donna
Albanese, $250,000. Harry and Brenda Delong to
Mary Fitzgerald, $298,900.
Tobyhanna Township
Grace Hydrusko to Blueberry Mountain Realty
Inc, $2,500,000. Robert and Mabel Selig to
Pennsylvania Glacial Till, $2,750,000. Thomas
and Ann Brugger to Jonathan and Mary Ann
Myers, $303,000. Simon Mosheshvili to Teresa
and Christopher Vaccaro, $274,900. William and
Matamoras Borough
Kathleen Retallick to George Riddle, $250,000.
Milford Borough
Steven Melnick to Rickan Inc, $300,000.
Milford Township
Deborah Gubiotti to Balwinder Singh, $700,000.
Robert and Eleanor Sweeney to Richard and
Carol Coscia, $265,000. Wayne and Eleanor
Wilfong to Peckham Property Holding Associates,
$680,000. Geoffrey and Colleen George to John
Pfaeffle, $325,000.
Palmyra Township
Hermann and Joan Grill to Michael Dugan,
$385,000.
Porter Township
Robert and Marian Giordano to Jeannette Warms,
$302,000.
Shohola Township
Eric and Laura Steifman to Andrew and Kathi
Hirsch, $405,000.
Westfall Township
Scott Fisher to Frank and Joanne Wojcik,
$345,000.
Wayne County
Buckingham Township
Louis and Frances Usefof to Steven Schwartz,
$545,000.
Damascus Township
Richard Alden to Ronald and Maryann Chamides,
$529,000. Melvin Ziegler to Grady Avant,
$380,000. Chong Lee to Robert and Danuta Wiegers, $1,300,000. Joseph and Diana Barriero to
Jason Holmes, $400,000.
Dreher Township
Tracy Burke to Russell Nasella, $298,480.
Dyberry Township
Matthew and Francine Ashley to John Ridd,
$389,000.
Honesdale Borough
Stephen Putzi to Hulich Partners, $385,000.
Lake Township
Pepper Family Farms Limited Partnership to
Joseph DiMartino, $310,000. Thomas Crawford
III to Michael and Judith Rosenbaum, $510,000.
Anthony and Frances Cerar to Harry and Eileen
Talalas, $305,000. Duane and Marcele Swingle to
John Szulwack, $330,000.
Mount Pleasant Township
Cecilia Reiter to Sean McCarthy, $390,000.
Palmyra Township
Marilyn Barger to David and Amy Wacker,
$520,000.
Paupack Township
Brian and Michele Pagano to James and Joanne
Dearlove, $579,900. Kyler Brown to Sophia
Sarantakos, $305,000. Robert Ables to Dilshad
Fakhruddin, $1,070,000. Edwin Standen to
Geffrey and Beverly Kerwin, $395,000. David
and Lisa Lewis to Fred and Cheryl Sorbello,
$585,000. Christopher Godlewski to Michael and
Larisa McGrath, $535,000.
Salem Township
Louis Sarro to Richard and Keri lyn Blaustein,
$415,000. William and Connie Karnish to Krzysztof and Marta Popczyk, $291,728.
MORTGAGES
(August 2006 – Over $250,000)
Carbon County
Bowmanstown Borough
Duane Schliecher, First National Bank of Palmerton, $700,000.
East Penn Township
Raymond Snyder, MERS, $400,000.
Franklin Township
Joseph Nieradka, MERS, $300,480. Saucon
Valley Holding Co, Keystone Nazareth Bank &
Trust, $288,000. Robert Cebollero, Wells Fargo
Bank, $560,000.
Jim Thorpe Borough
Michael Larock, Harleysville National Bank,
$421,000.
Kidder Township North
Peter Wanner, Robert Pudleiner, $260,000.
Lehigh Township
Bruce Thomas, MERS, $401,350.
Mahoning Township
Northland Development Corp, First National
Bank of Palmerton, $2,000,000. William Grant,
First National Bank of Palmerton, $1,150,000.
Packer Township
Henry Hinkle, MERS, $252,227.
Penn Forest Township
Michael Lutsch, MERS, $280,250. Evelyn Colon,
MERS, $256,000. Patricia Westbrock, Jim Thorpe
National Bank, $374,000. Wayne Westbrock, Jim
Thorpe National Bank, $374,000. Thomas Eckert,
MERS, $280,250.
Towamensing Township
Linda Trainer, Long Beach Mortgage Co,
$400,000.
Weissport Borough
Behavioral Health Associates, Wachovia Bank,
$900,000.
Monroe County
Barrett Township
Kematico Development, Provident Bank,
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PBJ REGISTER
$500,00. Daycott Hooke, First National Community Bank, $790,000.
Chestnuthill Township
Thomas and Joann Ferraro, MERS/Flagstar,
$255,200. Kylwyn Enterprises, Patricia Famoso,
$425,000. Keesha Williams and Kerry Gray, New
Century Mortgage, $290,000. Gilbert Ramos
and Margarita Manesis, MERS/Countrywide,
$267,750. Agnes Wane, ESSA Bank & Trust,
$283,765. Morris Hollis, MERS, $251,799.
Wilner Cenexant, MERS, $281,200. Timothy and
Martha Daughtry, MERS/Wilmington Finance,
$276,250. Cheryl Simpson and Kenneth Williams,
MERS/Countrywide, $323,000. Kenneth and
Brandi Collins, MERS/First Horizon, $256,500.
Charles Bergeron and Virginia Steckel, National
City Bank of Indiana, $306,000. Briland Development, Penn Security Bank & Trust, $1,300,000.
Charles and Lisa Cohan, MERS/Allied Mortgage,
$872,000. Arthur and Susan Mathious, MERS/
Lehman Brothers Bank, $267,000. Robert and
Laurel Lesnick, Wells Fargo Bank, $258,659.
Michael Cullen and Elba Luzart, MERS/National City Bank of Indiana, $301,000. Michael
Clements, ABN Amro Mortgage, $278,910. Md
and Farida Nasir, MERS/First Financial Equities,
$264,000. Rodney Raughley, First National Bank
of Palmerton, $401,500.
Coolbaugh Township
June and Tatunya Robles, HSBC Mortgage,
$262,900. Paul Acres, MERS/Countrywide,
$251,700. Jesus and Maria Gonzalez, MERS/
Countrywide, $270,845. Filemon and Aurea
Quiroz, HSBC Mortgage, $251,800. Thomas
and Kelly Masselle, MERS/Allied Mortgage,
$320,000.
East Stroudsburg Borough
Victor and Iris Garcia, JPMorgan Chase Bank,
$340,100. Piotr and Lucyna Bis, MERS/Americas
Wholesale Lender, $260,000. Omar and Leslie
Fernandez, Wells Fargo Bank, $256,350.
Eldred Township
Warren and Kathleen Scheer, MERS/National
Penn Mortgage, $360,000. Michael Lindner,
MERS/Indymac Bank, $255,200. Eugene and
Lisa Ackerman, Keystone Nazareth Bank and
Trust, $284,000.
Hamilton Township
Joseph Manda and Elysia Sorrenti-Manda, Beneficial Mortgage, $395,299. Waleed Damra, Wells
Fargo Bank, $280,000. Peter and Lisa Majoros,
MERS/Wachovia Mortgage, $285,600. David
and Lisa Cardwell, Pocono Community Bank,
$270,000. David and Lisa Cardwell, Pocono
Community Bank, $270,000. David Kay and
Sharon Phillips, Citizens Savings Bank, $364,500.
Kim Tracey-Wilkerson and James Gonzalez,
Aames Home Loan, $348,750. JP Ertle Development/Crossroads mall Corp, Wachovia Bank NA,
$665,802. Kathy and John Grando, MERS/First
Financial, $250,000. George Davalos, AFC First
Financial, $300,240. George Davalos, Housing
and Urban Development, $300,240. Ralph Groce
and Valerie Francis, MERS/Wachovia, $775,000.
Daniel Cashman and Denise Dunkelberger,
MERS/Lendingtree Loans, $264,000.
Jackson Township
Lamorris Cromartie, MERS/Countrywide,
$266,485. Clifford and Martha McDaniel, Wells
Fargo Bank, $300,240. Clifford and Martha
McDaniel, Housing and Urban Development,
$300,240. Lambert Duke, MERS/Countrywide,
$259,461. Enrique and Rosanna Acosta, MERS/
Coldwell Banker Mortgage, $255,000. Michael
and Gina Spero, MERS/Mortgage It, $377,800.
Ricardo and Aleen Garcia, MERS/Central Jersey
Bank, $260,000.
Middle Smithfield Township
David Pezzullo, MERS, $250,000. Ionel Albu,
MERS, $258,300. Janice King, MERS/Countrywide, $374,500. Donald and Debra Cole,
MERS/TBI, $456,000. William and Donna Steinman, Option One Mortgage, $333,200. Kattia and
Peter Vazquez, MERS/Countrywide, $250,600.
Huffman Properties, H. Wayne and Katherine
Huffman, $300,000. Denis and Nancy Gallagher,
MERS, $446,300. Michael Armitage and Leimbriz Sundar, Bank of America, $300,000. Chaste
and Athanasie Abimana, MERS, $503,650. Mark
Anger and Sandra Richards, MERS/New Century
Mortgage, $262,800. Rita and Steven Rodrigues,
MERS/Decision One, $274,500. Raymond Alvares and Evelyn Figueroa-Alvarez, Bankers First
Mortgage, $389,500. Charles Strunck, Washington Mutual Bank, $360,000. Jacqueline Caudle,
HSBC Mortgage, $292,300. Scott Kessler, Ralph
and Alice Muller, $600,000. Ana and Donald Rozzi, MERS, $380,000. Erick and Theresa Duncan,
Chase Bank, $255,000. PNR Hotel, Wayne Bank,
$750,000. Clark Whaley, MERS, $290,700. Susie
and Luis Gonzalez, HSBC Mortgage, $358,000.
Anna Monteforte, MERS, $552,400. Michale
and Heidie Armstrong, MERS/Countrywide,
$319,200. Charles and Diane Lusk, Bank of
America, $250,000.
Mount Pocono Township
Milford Road Investments, Public Savings Bank,
$487,500.
Paradise Township
Thomas and Robin Britton, Penn Security,
$250,000. Kevin and Kecia Anderson, National
City Bank, $312,300. George and Doris Nagle,
MERS/Weichert, $359,900.
Pocono Township
Lawrence Williams, MERS, $486,400. Natividad
Velez, MERS, $279,200. Robert Boland, Pennstar
Bank, $250,000. Delores Sharpe, HSBC Mortgage, $278,700. Richard and Katharine Rossiello,
PNC Bank, $360,000. Charles and Margaret
Teada, Financial Freedom Senior Funding/Indymac, $255,000. Charles and Margaret Teada,
Housing and Urban Development, $255,000. John
and Margaret Jones, MERS, $272,000. Briland
Development, Penn Security, $1,300,000. James
and Mary Burke, MERS, $272,800. Jeffrey and
Marianne Mansfield, M&T Trust, $250,000.
Leroy Mack and Elaine Lucy, MERS, $257,400.
Stephen and Sonia Forman, MERS/Home 123,
$385,000. Milton Flores and Cynthis ComachoFlores, Integrated Financial Corp, $365,400.
Polk Township
Deborah and Victor Golat, National City
Bank, $283,000. Meredith and Michael Knaus,
MERS, $320,000. Barry and Maxine Schaeffer,
First National Bank of Palmerton, $671,209.
Odena and Frank Mundus, National City Bank,
$369,317. Rodney Raughley, First National Bank
of Palmerton, $401,500. Dewey and Cathy Kerns,
MERS/FMF Capital, $285,000.
Price Township
Latonya Jackson, MERS, $266,497. Teshwarlall
Shew Chand, MERS, $272,000. George Mogaka,
MERS/Flagstar Bank, $277,000. Scott and
Susanna Silva, ESSA Bank and Trust, $322,900.
Raphael Charlemagne, MERS, $320,596. Edward
Nevarez, MERS/Countrywide, $284,134.
Ross Township
Pratima Roy, MERS, $256,500. Helen Mease,
MERS, $265,050. AJ Properties/ALE Industries,
First National Bank of Palmerton, $300,000.
Armando Garcia and Desiree Yosco, Option One
Mortgage, $400,000. Brian Reilly and Alyssa
Lopiano-Reilly, Keystone Nazareth Bank and
Trust, $470,000.
Smithfield Township
Robert and Diane McLaughlin, MERS, $369,000.
Willie and Nikita Holt, Wachovia Bank NA,
$327,240. Oscar Ferguson, MERS, $250,850. Cesar Vargas and Maria Mercado, MERS, $362,560.
Chester and Sally Pugliese, MERS, $287,000.
Christopher and Stacey Smilek, Pocono Community Bank, $342,900.
Pike County
Blooming Grove Township
Roberto Shapiro, MERS, $306,500. Glenn and
Mary Ann Strys, Liberty Savings Bank, $375,750.
Louis and Jeanette Iacono, MERS, $440,000.
Virginia Tseperis and Henry Mager, JP Morgan
Chase Bank, $310,000. Frank and Marie Alessi,
Decision One, $261,250.
Delaware Township
Stephen and Katherine Jones, Argent Mortgage,
$275,400. Salvatore Didino, Beneficial Mortgage,
$253,265. Joseph and Dawn Curley, MERS,
$463,000. James Potter, Sussex Mortgage,
$275,000. Brian Murphy and Misty Rocker, First
Horizon Home Loan, $257,962. Benjamin Minni,
MERS, $324,700. Arkady and Ludmila Basov,
MERS, $284,000. Natalie and Christopher Licata,
Mortgage Lenders Network, $289,600.
Dingman Township
Damian Santiago and Louise Owens, HSBC
Mortgage, $324,900. Providencia and Roger Colon, MERS, $265,200. Timothy and Melissa Reilly, Option One Mortgage, $346,500. Charles and
Linda Hunt Sarrica, Commerce Bank, $328,000.
Miguel and Karina Garcia, Countrywide Home
Loans, $255,000. Robert Papleo, BNY Mortgage,
$435,000. Robert Papleo, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $435,000. Arcadia
Milford, Hunt Horizons, $1,515,000. Eduardo
and Nicolasa Santos, First Mariner Mortgage,
$282,000. Eduardo and Nicolasa Santos,
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
$282,000. John and Patricia Cinatti, Wells Fargo
Bank, $1,000,000. Kevin and Ruth Montgomery,
Navy Federal Credit Union, $374,000. Peter
and Leonora Mango, MERS, $260,000. Joseph
and Karen Zappala, HSBC Mortgage, $365,400.
Erwin and Marcia Guberman, MERS, $369,900.
Arnold and Ilene Jacobowitz, HSBC Mortgage,
$368,800. Tyrone and Nellie Jackson, GMAC
Mortgage, $468,000. Simone Thomas, HSBC
Mortgage, $263,000. Robert and Cynthis Quail,
MERS, $360,000.
Greene Township
Cheryl Krawczyk, MERS, $279,000. Michael
Mercereau, Pennstar Bank, $500,000. Joseph
and Carol Ruggiero, Financial Freedom Senior
Funding, $375,000. Joseph and Carol Ruggiero,
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,
$375,000. Lou Ann Polewski, MERS/Novastar
Mortgage, $288,000.
Lackawaxen Township
Carlos and Ruby Cortes, MERS, $359,900.
Rocco and Michelle Chierchella, Wachovia
Bank, $267,650. William and Phyllis Adamo,
MERS, $515,000. Nicholas and Mary Boylan,
Taylor, Bean and Whitaker Mortgage, $343,000.
David and Amy Wacker, Citizens Savings Bank,
$270,000.
Lehman Township
Laverne Daley, HSBC Mortgage, $353,000.
Vincent and Blanche Gallo, MERS, $337,250.
Emmanuel and Evelyn Castillo, MERS, $264,100.
Teicher Organization at Lehmans Pointe, National
City Bank, $22,663,500. Teicher Organization at
Lehmans Pointe, National City Bank, $2,500,000.
George and Jessie Brown, AFC First Financial,
$357,000. George and Jessie Brown, Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development, $357,000.
Mark Thomas, MERS, $278,000. Marie Eugene
and Natalia Simon, MERS, $275,300.
Matamoras Borough
Louis and Christine Denella, Wachovia Bank NA,
$252,500.
Community Bank NA, $3,150,000. Milford Arcadia Group, Wachovia Bank, $1,250,000.
Palmyra Township
R&B Investors, Sussex Bank, $400,000. Howard
Mandel, MERS, $256,000. William and Carol
Brody, National City Bank, $257,500. Harold and
Donna Hagen, ESSA Bank, $400,000. Joseph
Rapine, Bryn Mawr Trust Co, $1,012,000. Herbert Mitschele IV, MERS, $343,800. Tanglwood
Lakes Country Club, Dime Bank, $450,000
Shohola Township
Timothy Hare and Marietta Taccad, Suuntrust
Mortgage, $345,500. Thomas and Joanne
Schmidt, MERS, $315,000. Samuel and Stacey
DeGroat, Option One Mortgage, $292,500. Andrew and Kathi Hirsch, MERS, $324,000.
Westfall Township
Geraldine and Jason Roeder, Wells Fargo Bank,
$315,000. Graham MacDonald, Financial
Freedom Senior Funding, $307,500. Graham
MacDonald, Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development, $307,500.
.
Wayne County
Berlin Township
David and Kristen Robinson, Citizens Savings
Bank, $290,000.
Buckingham Township
Steven Schwartz, PNC Mortgage, $408,750.
Canaan Township
Jamie and Laura Cottell, Honesdale National
Bank, $280,000.
Damascus Township
Grady Avant, Suntrust Mortgage, $360,000. Jason
Holmes, MERS, $380,000.
Dreher Township
Michael Seagraves, Dime Bank, $300,000.
Dyberry Township
John Ridd, L A Mortgage Services, $350,100.
Honesdale Borough
Hulich Partners, Honesdale National Bank,
$327,000. Meagher Professional Building Inc,
Honesdale National Bank, $1,300,000. Ashley
Realty Corp Inc, Wayne Bank, $600,000.
Lake Township
Frederick and Louise Vollmer, MERS, $280,500.
Dominick and Debra Mustascio, MERS,
$326,800. Michael and Judith Rosenbaum, ESSA
Bank & Trust, $408,000. Mildred and Dominick
Lucarelli, BNY Mortgage Co LLC, $258,000.
Mildred and Dominick Lucarelli, Housing &
Urban Development, $258,000.
Lehigh Township
Henri and Jacques Deutsch, First National Community Bank, $1,700,000. Tri-County Realty,
Community Bank/First Liberty Bank & Trust,
$289,600.
Mount Pleasant Township
Mary Lee Thompson, Agchoice Farm Credit,
$275,100. Kenneth and Lisa Kelly, Chase Bank
USA, $289,000.
Palmyra Township
Shook Family LLC, Dime Bank, $1,100,000.
Shook Partners, Dime Bank, $1,100,000. Shook
Family LLC, Dime Bank, $2,000,000. Shook
Partners, Dime Bank, $2,000,000. David and Amy
Wacker, Wells Fargo Bank, $250,000.
Milford Borough
Robert and Liora McCourtney, MERS, $250,000.
MERS = Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems
Milford Township
Balwinder Singh, Landmark Community Bank,
$560,000. Upper Delaware Valley Cancer Center,
Disclaimer: Deeds and mortgages recorded as accurately
as possible adhering to the cover dates in the County
Recorders office.
Coming Next Month ... November 2006
POCONO
www.pbjonline.com
Health Issue
www.pbjonline.com
• Growing Pains: How do hospitals cope as they develop?
• Project update on hospitals in the region
• On – site wellness programs and tips on maintaining health in the workplace.
• Professional Survey Question: How do you promote wellness in your company?
• Professional Profile: Area agency helps keep your brain in shape.
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