November 2006 - poconobusinessjournal.com
Transcription
November 2006 - poconobusinessjournal.com
Pocono Business Journal Seven Bridge Road, RR# 5 Box 5198 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 CELEBRATING ONE YEAR www.pbjonline.com POCONO Regional Business News & Resources • Blue Mountain Health Systems Gets New CEO .................................. page 8 • Businesses Can Create Healthy Communities .................................. page 16 • Country Junction Fire........................ page 11 • Field of Dreams Catches Eye of Wall Street . ................................ page 18 • Leadership Pocono Kick-off ............... page 6 • Penn’s Northeast Festival................... page 8 • Philanthropy Award Winners............. page 17 • Op-Ed: Cover All Kids................................... page 4 • PBJ Columnist: Marketing Momentum...................... page 9 Regional Healthcare Report........... page 10 Residential Real Estate Quarterly..... page 7 QUOTE “To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” — William Londen OBSERVE National Rose Month 1 7 15 17 23 Family Literacy Day Election Day America Recycles Day Take a Hike Day Thanksgiving Day QUESTION As of 2005, which industry in Monroe County employs the most workers? See PMCC Business Magazine ad for the answer on page 10. please recycle this paper www.pbjonline.com | 50 cents Healthcare GROWING PAINS Challenges Faced by Regional Healthcare Providers Photo Credit: Submitted by Pocono Medical Center/David Coulter THIS MONTH November 2006, Vol. 2, Issue 11 Proud to be a part of the new ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute, this team is equipped to combat the leading killer in America; heart disease. The addition of the catheterization lab makes Pocono Medical Center the only facility to offer diagnostic services in the region. The ‘catheterization team’ above is; (left to right) Tom Gaylets, RN, BSN, manager; Eileen Nah; John Polishan, RN; Paul Perchansky, RT, (R), (CI) (VI); Andrew Lefever, RCIS; Linda Porter, RN. The center is opening in three phases. Phase One began in May 2006 with diagnostic cardiac catheterizations. Phase Two will add cardiac angioplasties to the service line and Phase Three, scheduled to open this winter, will allow surgeons to perform coronary bypass surgery and valve replacement surgery. By Kathy Ruff The health care climate in Pennsylvania’s hospitals mirrors that across the nation with continual volatility and growth in costs and concerns about stable access to care. The Pocono Mountains are no exception. But they also face the added challenge of providing care for a continually growing population as well as an annual tourism base of nearly 8 million people. “Wayne Memorial Hospital is the only hospital in Wayne County, and a major resource for communities in Pike County and nearby Sullivan County in New York,” says David Hoff, CEO of Wayne Memorial Health System. “The population of our service area all along the Upper Delaware region is exploding. By some estimates, it could expand by as much as 30 percent to 50 percent in the next decade.” Those predictions led to the hospital’s decision to invest $22 million to improve its facility and services to meet the expected health care needs of that population. Projects undertaken to expand services and offerings to its rural population base included opening an in-patient rehabilitation unit, wound care clinic and sleep lab, as well as purchasing a CT scanner to offer new cardiac imaging services. “The population is growing at the same time the health care landscape is changing radically,” says Lisa Champeau, spokeswoman for Wayne Memorial Health System. “In Pennsylvania, we have probably one of the most critical malpractice insurance crises in the country. That means that it’s very difficult to recruit and retain physicians.” To meet these challenges, WMHS purchased a picture archiving communication system, which is hardware that allows physicians to see, for example, a radiology scan almost as soon as it happens. “Our board of directors, which is all volunteer, said we can either fold up and die, let some big system take us over, or do what needs to be done,” says Champeau. “They dug in their heels and built a brand-new emergency room that can accommodate three times our previous patient load in a brand new building. We also expanded our dental clinic for young children, particularly those without insurance.” Wayne Memorial met the financial challenges created by its see GROWING PAINS page 8 Professional Profile - Brain Gym Program Designed for Aging Workforce page 12 2 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 MONTHLY MISSIVE www.pbjonline.com POCONO Regional Business News & Resources Twin Willow Publishing Company REPORTERS Ken Clark Robin Gaffney Kathy Ruff There’s a daunting statistic that well over 50 percent of new businesses fail within the first year of existence. So…for those of you who have been paying attention, this month is Pocono Business Journal’s one year anniversary. Pocono Business Journal has defied the odds and is moving at a determined and diligent pace into an amazing second year. We have some great plans for 2007 that will not disappoint our readers. As for this one-year anniversary issue, healthcare proved, not surprisingly, to be an overwhelmingly popular topic to wrap our minds around. So first off, we chose to focus on the growth of the area and the challenges faced by our local hospitals. Workplace wellness, another trendy and current topic, is discussed along with tips to help you balance work and physical fitness. It is also exciting and appropriate to introduce a new monthly column, Report on Regional Heathcare, with this issue. Our columnist, Richard J. Henley, FACHE, FHFMA, President and CEO of Pocono Medical Center and Pocono Health System, will be providing his insights on healthcare issues and how they relate to the business community. Readers, next month we’ll be introducing another column that will, once again, guarantee to inform, inquire and inspire. Lastly, I want to thank the talented staff, the quality advertisers and loyal readers for a fantastic first year. CONTRIBUTORS Richard Henley Heidi Hewlett Dominick Sacci Lesley Smith Pocono Business Journal Seven Bridge Road RR#5 Box 5198 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209 570.421.0100 | fax 570.421.0404 www.pbjonline.com PUBLISHER / EDITOR Marynell Strunk PHOTOGRAPHER Lynne Bookey Marynell K. Strunk Publisher/Editor Contact me at [email protected] EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS TABLE OF CONTENTS COPY EDITOR Deborah Schiffer • Healthy Employees Keep Your Profits in Good Shape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 • Status Report on Regional Hospitals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 • Professional Survey Question: What can employees do at the workplace to stay physically fit?. . . . . . . 15 SALES Phyllis M. Hilkert • Brain Gym Designed for Aging Workforce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13 Danielle Eberhardt Robin Gaffney ARTICLES PROFESSIONAL PROFILE DEPARTMENTS PRODUCTION/DESIGN Jason Trump 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 $30 per year or $60 for two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Pocono Business Journal, RR#5 Box 5198, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 • Business Briefs - Who’s Who/What’s What. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 • Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 • Columnists Marketing Momentum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Regional Heathcare Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Residential Real Estate Quarterly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 • Editorial: PA Chamber of Commerce: Cover All Kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Focus List – Medical Supply Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 • HR Tip of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 • Reader’s Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Register – Deeds and Mortgage Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23 please recycle this paper SUBSCRIPTION FORM If you would like to guarantee receiving the Pocono Business Journal monthly, please mail subscription form along with check made payable to: Pocono Business Journal Seven Bridge Road RR#5 Box 5198 East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-9209 Name:___________________________Title:____________________________ Company:________________________________________________________ Address:_ __________________________________ Phone:________________ City:___________________________ State:_____________ Zip:_ __________ ____ 1 year (12 issues): $30.00 ____ 2 years (24 issues): $60.00 Thank you for choosing Pocono Business Journal Advertisers Index ASSI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Associated Libraries of Monroe County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 C & M Homes, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ESU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 For Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Geisinger Health System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Howell’s Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Journal Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 JTdesigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Liberty Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 LTS Builders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Michael Baxter & Associates Commercial Real Estate. . . . . . . . . 12 Nassau Broadcasting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 PenTeleData . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Pocono Medical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Pocono Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Pocono Mountains Business Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 RGB Home Builders, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sherman Theater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Summit Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Strunk-Albert Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Target Select. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 TN Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Wayne Memorial Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Status Report on Regional Hospitals By Kathy Ruff Hospitals located in the Poconos have undertaken changes to cope with a growing population and a changing health care industry in order to stay vibrant and react to the needs of the community: Honesdale’s Wayne Memorial Health System embarked upon a $22 million capital expansion project in 2004. Since that time, it has completed a brand new $10 million threestory building that houses an emergency department that can handle three times the patient load as the former one, an in-patient rehabilitation unit, a sleep laboratory and a wound care clinic. The hospital’s improvements also include the purchase of a WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL new MRI machine and a state- of-the-art 64-slice CT Scanner, which will allow expanded offerings into specialized cardiac imaging services and speed up procedure times. Wayne Memorial Health System expanded its youth dental clinic and opened the Pike County Medical Center in Lords Valley in 2004. WMHS broke ground in August for a new primary medical care facility in Waymart expected to open in February 2007. In October, Wayne Memorial Hospital launched its tobacco-free campus initiative. In the past year, the hospital received over $634,000 in federal grants for patient safety, emergency preparedness and rural healthcare outreach, $320,000 for patient safety initiatives and health care access projects from private foundations and more than $11,000 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for a medical advocacy program for victims of domestic violence. In the past few years, the hospital was cited for excellence by Solucient, a health care quality group; and it was rated as one of the best in the nation for general surgery by Healthgrades in 2006. East Stroudsburg’s Pocono Medical Center added a new 100,000 square foot fourstory wing at a price tag of $53 million. The centerpiece of the wing, the ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute, is an inpatient heart care treatment center with two cardiac catheterization labs, two cardiovascular operating suites and cardiovas cular recovery care and telem POCONO MEDICAL CENTER etry units. The additions en able PMC to treat an estimated 1,500 patients a year who previously had to travel to other facilities for those services. One cardiac catherization lab opened in May with a second lab scheduled to open this month. The center will begin performing angioplasty, valve repair and replacement and open-heart surgery in the near future. PMC’s expansion project includes the new Mattioli Emergency Center, which opened earlier this year. Enhancements in the emergency center include two general radiology rooms onsite and implementation of a wireless, electronic patient record system that includes bedside registration and allows a physician to access and review patient records from anywhere instantaneously. “Our strategic plan also includes consideration of a Women’s Health Center. Local developer Larry Simon and his wife, Monica have offered a generous donation. This is one alternative that will be considered. We are too early in the process to comment further,” says a spokesperson for PMC. Certifications/designations: PMC’s Emergency Department recently was named a “User of the Year” by Picis, a software company that designed its IBEX wireless patient safety and tracking system. PMC placed second nationally out of 180 hospitals. Pocono’s Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center received designation as a Comprehensive Community Center, accreditation from the American College of Surgeons, and re-accreditation by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. see STATUS REPORT ... on page 19 Skilled Physicians ADVANCED HEART CARE State-of-the-art heart care has arrived at Pocono Medical Center. At the new ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute, we take your healthcare to heart. Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations are now performed in our new, world-class facility, with angioplasty and other interventional cardiac procedures, including openheart surgery, coming this winter. Our team of experienced cardiologists, utilizing the latest technology available, obtain the most accurate and detailed images of the heart possible. Our combination of physician expertise, a world-class facility and the most advanced technology is a clear indication that Pocono Medical Center is the right choice for cardiac care. www.poconohealthsystem.org 4 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 EDITORIAL ‘Cover All Kids’ a Concern for Business By Lesley Smith The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, along with other business groups, recently participated in a series of stakeholder meetings regarding the Governor’s proposed “Cover All Kids” insurance program, which would use state and federal dollars in an attempt to provide affordable, comprehensive health care coverage for uninsured children. The 2006-07 state budget includes $4.4 million in state funds and $10.2 million in federal funds to cover the first-year costs of the program. Cover All Kids would assist parents of children whose combined family income exceeds the income eligibility limits of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, yet cannot afford to purchase insurance for their children. Of concern to Pennsylvania employers is language recently proposed by the administration that would make it make it an unfair labor practice for an employer to refer an individual employee or an employee’s dependent to the newly created program. The proposed language also would make it an unfair labor practice if an employer alters his contribution to the employee’s health care or modifies the employee’s health care plan and that employee’s dependent subsequently enrolls in coverage under the new program. The proposal could prohibit an employer from merely switching health care plans, adjusting existing health care coverage to allow for greater employee flexibility, or sharing costs with employees in an attempt to maintain some semblance of coverage for employees. It also does not address a scenario in which an employee voluntarily opts to drop coverage. This overly-broad, punitive language demonstrates a lack of understanding of the current private marketplace in Pennsylvania and the pressures that employers are increasingly finding themselves under in our health care system. While the issue was discussed during the stakeholder process, only one party in the dialogue suggested using the language which mirrors a California plan. The suggestion to penalize employers was met with opposition by the business community. While there are legitimate issues surrounding the program, one of them being that of healthcare “dumping,” the business community encourages more forthright dialogue on the best approach to addressing these concerns. However, the PA Chamber and business groups involved in the stakeholder process do not support the unfair labor practice legislation as proposed by the Governor. 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. PBJ READER’S RESOURCE www.welcoa.org The Wellness Council of America If you’ve ever thought of implementing a workplace wellness program at your business this Web site will prove to be a good place to start and a valuable tool. Your first click should be on ‘Well Workplace’ and start reviewing the free resources for incentive campaigns, PowerPoint presentations and return on investment data. You also have the option of becoming a member, gain valuable benefits, and access to reproducible health bulletins, audio seminars and several newsletters. WELCOA can also provide a training and consulting team to further assist business executives develop an effective wellness program. Have something to say ??? Send Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Remember to include your contact information. Liberty Rings Through with Quality, Choice & Value. ©Copley News Service. Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com. please recycle this paper James Radenhausen PBJ BLOG “Blogging for Business” Whether it’s a year ‘round dream home or that vacation get-away, there has never been a better time to talk to Liberty Homes. For over 27 years, Liberty has been building more than just great homes in the beautiful Poconos...they’ve been Building Trust. See the award-winning homes and the four season communities close to skiing, rafting, hiking, great schools and easy access to I-476, I-80, I-380, Rt. 33 & I-78. See the award winning homes today! Talk about business online with PBJ columnists. www.libertyhomesPA.com 866-4 YOUR HOME Office - Rt. 940, Pocono Lake In The Beautiful Poconos www.pbjonline.com/blog Correction: In the October 2006 issue, Pocono Business Journal listed two Bizzy Award winners incorrectly. The correct information is; Best Small Business was awarded to Access Office Technologies and Best Medium Size Business was awarded to Elevations Health Club. Pocono Business Journal apologizes for this error. www.pbjonline.com Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 5 6 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Leadership Pocono Kicks Off with Retreat at Stoney Acres By Leadership Pocono Media Committee The Leadership Pocono Program facilitated by the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce presents a unique opportunity for select individuals to learn about leadership and community involvement. The program exposes future leaders to influential individuals from some major Pocono businesses, who share their business insight as well as their commitment to the community. The Leadership Program began with orientation on August 23rd and presentations by Glenn Watt, president and CEO of Backbone Security, and Daisy Gallagher, president and CEO of Gallagher & Gallagher. The speakers discussed their backgrounds and shared how they came to become business leaders, Kevin Yurko addding that the primary characteristic of a true leader is one who gives back to the community. The next session was a weekend retreat at Stoney Acres. Gene Dickison, financial advisor with Valley National Financial Advisors and host of the television and radio show “More Than Money with Gene Dickison,” used his natural charisma and enthusiasm to set the upbeat tone of the weekend. The next day started with a variety of challenges, teaching us to work together in difficult situations and achieving goals we had just received. In the afternoon, the staff at Stoney Acres led us up Dennis Jeter trees and down “zip cords” and had us leaping through the air on the ropes course. By the end of the two-day retreat we were amazed at what we accomplished as a team and everyone is excited about the months ahead. “I am proud of the work that we have begun to do in the community to support businesses and non-profits. In the one month we have worked together, we’ve already supported the United Way and Packs for Backs and we’re currently working with the Sherman Theater on two concerts - Arlo Guthrie and Schooner Fare. Both also benefit the United Way of Monroe County,” said Kevin Yurko, a financial advisor for Smith Barney in Stroudsburg. “My goals for the future include becoming a strong leader in my personal, community and business life, said Dennis Jeter president and CEO of A Sound Strategy, Inc. in Stroudsburg. “Leadership Pocono has already proved itself to be the catalyst to making this happen.” Prior to owning his own company, Jeter was the director of special projects and touring for Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpet player Wynton Marsalis. Leadership Pocono will cover its next meeting in the December issue of Pocono Business Journal. It will focus on leadership skills, styles, and philosophies. “Leadership Pocono,” written by the Leadership Pocono Media Committee, will be a monthly contribution that will chronicle the progress of Leadership Pocono Class of 2006/2007. The members of the Leadership Pocono Media Committee include Marianne Chester, Nicole Foleno, Jennifer Hall, Julius Kollar and Kevin Yurko. 7 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Third Quarter Reflects the Start of a Market Correction Residential Real Estate Quarterly Dominick J. Sacci www.pbjonline.com/blog When a real estate market is on the upswing, the third quarter is always the busiest time of the year. It has always been referred to as our ‘selling season.’ This is the time of the year that the winter/spring inventory of homes listed typically sell and the buyer activity is at an annual high. It seems that behind every family looking for a home is another family looking to do the same. It also sets up the end of the year with sales, and Realtors® have to start marketing for homes to sell, because inventory is sold out. Real estate is cyclical, and the scenario previously explained would not describe the third quarter of 2006. The Pocono market began to quietly transition out of its boom in late fall 2005; the number of homes on the market actually began to increase when they typically would decline. The slowdown continued through this past July, and for the first time the closed year-to-date sales dropped from the previous year. Through August, the average sales price of homes dropped from July’s all time high of $206,111, and closed at $189,219. While this was a 9% decrease, Realtors® were not concerned with one ‘off month’ and thus looked to September’s numbers. Although the average sales price bumped up to $200,004, a 5% increase, it would appear that this is the beginning of the value correction. Overpriced homes didn’t sell in the ‘selling season’ and are just sitting, for the time being. There are aggressive price reductions and commission bonuses in the MLS system, as sellers try to attract buyers from what’s left of the already shrunken pool. Even with all of that being said, the three most important things in real estate are, location, location, location, and there couldn’t be a better location than the Poconos. While you watch the national coverage of bubbles bursting, foreclosure increases, and dead markets, ask yourself, “How does this apply to the Pocono market?” The home values, while off from the 14% the area has grown accustomed to each year for the last four years, are still up 8.4% YTD. As inventory increases and values adjust, regional real estate will be able to accommodate buyers that were priced right out of the market. At this moment we are experiencing a transition into a ‘new’ market: new to the Poconos as we have not yet seen this phenomenon. The last cycle in the mid- eighties was controlled by a vacation market, and the last five years has been driven by primary housing. In addition the market does not solely depend on local factors and 65% of our area’s real estate business comes from New York and New Jersey. While buyers are quicker to realize the adjustment, sellers are holding onto a market that isn’t available anymore. In closing, values will drop then stabilize. Homes will take longer to sell, but they will sell. Sellers will accept the market that we are in and buyers will keep moving to the Poconos. Then in four to six years we’ll catch the next cycle. In my next column I will report on the year end statistics, which will paint a more accurate picture of our regional residential real estate market after one year of data. Dominick J. Sacci is Vice President and General Manager for Wilkins & Associates Real Estate, Inc. Mr. Sacci has been tracking market statistics for the last four years. Market data was compiled from the Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors MLS system. Readers can discuss the residential real estate market with Mr. Sacci at www.pbjonline.com/blog. PBJ BLOG “Blogging for Business” Talk about business online with PBJ columnists. www.pbjonline.com/blog Cable Television Advertising YOUR MESSAGE can reach over 52,000 households in Monroe County on these Cable Networks: Oldest flower shop in the Poconos Since 1936 5% Discount on any flower order For in house sales only. Expires: Dec. 31, 2006 (570) 421-4290 | (570) 839-3811 | www.howellsflowers.net Ê*ÀiÃà L i 7 Ê ` > Ê ` i - iiÌÊ *, / љň Й̜Ɏʜз˙ ǪѠљŐʜǪзίΒǪȸͩʜ ͩͩљňЙίɎʜззљ@ίͩίЙ ͩίЙзљǪΒɳљ҇ Ϝ҃̚̚ѯљŝϱίѠљ@ί љίΒљ9ίѠ̉љňЙʜззʜз ڙǪ̜ͩǪȸͩʜ UÊ," 1,-ÊUÊ9,-ÊUÊ/ /UÊÊ-/1,-ÊUÊ//,UÊ 7-**,-ÊUÊ*,",-ÊUÊ 1- ЙίљǪљȸ҇з̜ΒʜззљɎǪЙɳљѠίљǪљ ɎίϱͩʜѠʜљΒʜڠзϱǪϱʜЙљʹљڠʜљɎǪΒ ɳίљѠ̉ʜљ͕ίȸљ˜ίЙљ˜ǪЙљͩʜззљίΒʜڮϼ >Ê/ÊÀii £nää{{ÎäÎÇÇ Call Us at 570-854-0355 or e-mail [email protected] “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln 8 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS expansion by hiring a grant writer, whose mission is to secure funding for preventive and in-house patient services as well as patient safety initiatives. The financial challenges caused by the growing aging population is a challenge being faced by Carbon County’s Blue Mountain Health Care System. “The population is aging up,” says Mark Gregson, Blue Mountain’s interim CEO. “There is an ongoing need for access to hospital and health care resources because those are the folks who use health care services more. With the aging up, there is going to be more demand on resources. We are now focused on addressing the services that we’ll need in the community.” To accomplish the goal, Blue Mountain plans to offer a variety of elder care programs at its Palmerton campus including a geriatric psychiatric program. “In Palmerton, we are introducing an elder health program,” says Gregson. “There is a growing population base in this area causing an increased need for elder health programs, and part of the focus is a geriatric psych program. We believe there is a higher concentration of seniors here including those who need these types of programs.” Contact PBJ for Ad Rates. www.pbjonline.com e-mail: [email protected] POCONO www.pbjonline.com Regional Business News & Resources The program would provide short-stay visits to help seniors with acute psychiatric and dementia-type ailments. The program would complement its two adult day care centers at Palmerton and Brodheadsville. “We are looking at expanding several other outpatient services and programs,” says Gregson. “The future of the health care system is to make services available out in the community and on an outpatient basis, beyond the acute care inpatient programs.” For the inpatient population, Blue Mountain recently began offering a hospitalist service to provide dedicated on-site physicians to care for inpatients. “A model that’s increasing around the country with great value and success is to have physicians who basically take care of inpatients full time,” says Gregson. “We are also working with the medical staff to recruit specialists and physicians to areas where we have collectively identified the need.” Keeping up with the needs of a burgeoning population is a challenge also evident in Monroe County, the secondfastest growing county in the state. Once a small community hospital in the Poconos, East Stroudsburg’s Pocono Medical Center has transformed over the past decade to meet the real and expected demands resulting from the continued population growth in the area. “The continued extraordinary population growth in Pocono Medical Center’s service area has created great opportunity,” says Richard J. Henley, PMC’s president and CEO. “The medical center has embraced the challenges with new programs such as the ESSA Heart and Vascular Institute.” The institute represents one part of center’s most recent $53 million expansion project that includes a new 100,000 square-foot wing. “We have also faced an increase in the number of under- and uninsured members of our community,” says Henley. “Pocono Medical Center remains committed to serving all those in need of health services and will continue our role as a partner to find unique and creative solutions to ensure services for those whose health coverage, or lack of it, reduces or eliminates many care options.” The hospital credits Henley’s visionary leadership with meeting these challenges by, for example, the implementation of PMC’s patient safety initiative using state-of-the-art technology designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of patient care, as well as other revolutionary technologies and programs. New CEO for Blue Mountain Health System By Kathy Ruff Carbon County’s Blue Mountain Health System recently appointed Andrew E. Harris as its chief executive officer. Harris brings over 25 years of health care experience to Blue Mountain including being CEO at Philadelphia’s Warminster Hospital, Elkins Park Hospital and Mercy Community Hospital. He also served as corporate officer of Mercy Health System, focusing on increasing admissions and expanding outpatient services. His expertise includes hospital turnarounds, medical staff development, contract negotiating, ambulatory care program development, surgery centers and facility and construction management. Harris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Master of Science degree in Health Service Administration from Wagner College, Staten Island, New York. Blue Mountain Health System is a partnership between Palmerton Hospital and Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital and provides a continuum of care with a full range of comprehensive health care services. Photo Credit: Submitted by Blue Mountain Health System GROWING PAINS ... cont. from page 1 Andrew E. Harris Penn’s Northeast Annual Festival Aims to Attract Business By Ken Clark More than 100 real estate brokers, corporate executives and developers from New York and New Jersey turned out for Penn Northeast’s Fall Festival, held recently at Skytop Lodge. There, they were wined and dined in a sales campaign Penn’s Northeast President Jim Cummings hopes will bring many of them back to stay. “Each year, the event gets bigger and bigger,” Cummings said. “There has been a noticeable increase in the number of developers who attend this event and then invest in our region, and that is a really good sign.” Penn’s Northeast, a non-profit economic development organization representing Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, is charged with recruiting new business and industry to northeastern Pennsylvania. Cummings declined to name business entities showing genuine interest in moving operations to the area after a day of golf, skeet- shooting and fishing before an evening banquet and awards ceremony, but he did say that as ever, manufacturers led the potential business parade. “Of companies that have contacted us that we’ve actually spoken to, which would be in the vicinity of 250 since March 2003, 48 percent have been manufacturers,” he said. “About 35 percent have been logistics and 17 percent have been office or commercial, with a small uptick in office activity.” Cummings said inquiries in the logistics category have included retailers looking for “big box” sites. “The average size sought is 450,000 square feet, and 31 of them need in excess of half a million square feet,” he said. “There is no specific trend among manufacturers. They range from food processing and pharmaceuticals to electronics and metal fabricating, and it’s from all different parts of the country.” Cummings said once a corporation becomes genuinely interested in locating a facility in the region, the work to close the deal really begins. Surveys define three prime selling points in persuading a business to locate in any area: proximity to major interstate highways, availability of skilled workers and operating costs. But even when all of those criteria are met, other factors, not the least of which are environmental concerns, must be considered. “One other factor is, ‘How long will it take me to get my permits, construct a building and make the move, because time is money?’” Cummings said. “The longer it takes to develop a project that meets all the environmentally sensitive criteria, the less likely it is that you’re going to win the project because the executives are going to say, ‘That’s going to take too long; that’s going to cost too much; I’m going to go somewhere else.’ “It’s a matter of balancing economic development with environmental concerns with smart growth and trying to find a way to get them to work together so that you get a quality product in the end, developed in a timely manner. That’s the kind of win-win situation we’re looking for.” 9 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 What About Branding? Marketing Momentum Heidi Hewlett www.pbjonline.com/blog It is a pretty recognizable brand name. Originally it was “Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web” but we settled on “Yahoo”. Jerry Yang, Co-founder of Yahoo! Inc. When it comes to branding, it may be most important to remember that the consumer ultimately determines the meaning of your brand. A brand is a name, design, slogan, visual cue or color scheme associated with the goods or services of a seller. Collectively these items are considered the “brand elements.” In planning your brand strategy, you must choose your brand elements wisely. Just as Jerry Yang of Yahoo! realized, the shorter the name, the better. You want to make it memorable, meaningful and likeable. In an effort to manage the perceptions of consumers, companies begin the branding process by teaching the consumer “who” the product is, “what” the product does and “why” they should care. Since branding is all about creating differences, if consumers don’t perceive a difference in the product category, the branding process was not successful. Take a look at this list of the top 10 out of the Top 100 Global Brands as reported by Business Week and mentally audit your personal NEWS brand knowledge (thoughts, feelings, beliefs and so on) associated with that brand. 1. Coca Cola 2. Microsoft 3. IBM 4. GE 5. Intel 6. Nokia 7. Toyota 8. Disney 9. McDonald’s 10. Mercedes-Benz US US US US US Netherlands Japan US US Germany Even the 100th brand on the list, Levis, probably evokes some strong associations. As evidenced by that top 10 list, the branding process can involve millions of marketing and advertising dollars. But what about the small, emerging company working on a shoestring budget? Luckily, the basic tenets apply to everyone and with the goal of “creating differences,” consumer education can be achieved by all. The Harvard Business Review (2000) published some of the attributes shared by the world’s strongest brands. - the brand excels at delivering the benefits consumers desire - the brand stays relevant - the brand is consistent - the brand is properly positioned With the increase in marketing communication channels and the narrowing of customer segments, the traditional advertising agency model of branding has diminished. In its place we find an emphasis on build- ing the customer experience not only in service industries but in product businesses with plans such as “after market service,” “support” and “customer solutions.” This emphasis on customer experience also spotlights the often overlooked issue of the important role that internal employees play in the branding strategy. Not only must you create perceived differences in the minds of your potential customers, you must also convince your employees of the brand’s promise. Consistent delivery of the brand promise by the employees and the company as a whole works to strengthen the brand and create differences within the product category. Regardless of the size or nature of your business, branding will come into play. In order to stay on the path to success, keep in mind that the perceptions of the consumer are most important, not your vision of what the brand will provide to the consumer. Conversely, your vision of what the brand will provide (brand promise) must be delivered to the customer on a regular basis in order to reinforce the value of your brand. Learn a valuable lesson from the infamously failed brands of New Coke, Crystal Pepsi and Cracker Jack cereal. Take the time to review your target market, brand elements, brand promise and delivery system. Heidi Hewlett is the owner of BladeHewlett Marketing & Development. BladeHewlett offers outsourced marketing services to companies without a full-time marketing staff and especially small to medium size businesses. Heidi invites readers to discuss business concerns with her at www.pbjonline.com/blog. please recycle this paper 10 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS PA Healthcare Provider Retention Program Extended Through 2007 Regional Healthcare Report By Richard J. Henley, FACHE, FHFMA As President and CEO of Pocono Medical Center, I share the responsibility of ensuring the highest quality healthcare for all residents in our area. Healthcare is a unique business, and through this monthly column I will explore various aspects of the healthcare industry. And, healthcare is a part of every business that exists through healthcare benefits, having a healthy and able workforce, and helping care for employees’ loved ones. In any industry, it is the skill, dedication and hard work of the employees that makes an organization thrive. Ours is a world of ever-changing technology and electronic systems, but those tools are only as good as those who are able to use them. Nationwide, there is a shortage of physicians in all specialty areas. At Pocono, one of our top priorities is recruiting and retaining a medical staff that is up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques and cutting edge medical technol- ogy. Currently, we have more than 200 highly skilled physicians in 35 specialties. Our Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center was one of the first 50 in the world to use Image-Guided Radiation Therapy, the newest and best cancer treatment available. Our new catheterization labs have the latest equipment that improves image clarity dramatically, while reducing the dose of radiation by 40 percent. Our new operating suites are designed with newly designed lighting and imaging systems that create the optimal environment for specific procedures. The addition of these leading-edge technologies is setting us apart as a regional leader in healthcare, so we also must meet the challenge of having the best physicians and staff to use these treatments to their fullest potential. Due to a shortage of specialists, we face intense competition when recruiting physicians. And recruiting physicians to Pennsylvania is even more difficult because of the state’s higher medical malpractice premiums and decreased reimbursements. Resident physicians in high-risk fields cite malpractice costs three times more often than any other factor in the decision to leave Pennsylvania to practice elsewhere. As a result, some hospitals are forced to curtail or stop providing certain healthcare services, adversely impacting Pennsylvanians’ access to medical care. Among the solutions to address the medical liability issue in Pennsylvania is the implementation of the Health Care Provider Retention Program (Mcare abatement). Under the abatement, high-risk specialists (orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, certified nurse midwives, OB/GYNs among others) have 100 percent of their Mcare payment abated. All other physicians receive 50 percent abatement. In 2005, nursing homes became eligible to receive 50 percent abatement. Funding for this program is from the tax on cigarettes and a surcharge on moving traffic violations. This results in about $224 million annually that is available to fund the program. These funds are deposited in a special account known as the Health Care Provider Retention Account. The program was established for 2003 and 2004, and was later extended through 2006. The program was set to expire December 31, but as of October 18, the House and Senate both passed legislation that extends Mcare abatement through 2007. The bill also expands the definition of an emergency physician to encompass more physicians who are eligible to receive 100 percent abatement. It is now pending approval by Governor Rendell. With the help of this recent reevaluation of legislation, Pennsylvania is making strides toward becoming a more attractive place for physicians to practice; however, we still have much room for improvement. Richard J. Henley, FACHE, FHFMA is the president and CEO of Pocono Medical Center and Pocono Health System. He has more than 25 years experience in heathcare executive leadership, strategic planning, and operations and finance. Henley also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations 11 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Landmark Retailer Deals with Devastating Fire HR Tip of the Month By Kathy Ruff They may be down but they are not out. On Oct. 3, a fire leveled Carbon County’s Country Junction. A 170,000 square-foot structure that, until the fire was billed as the “World’s Largest General Store.” Estimated capital and inventory losses may exceed $10 million. Although no one was hurt and most of the petting zoo animals survived, the fire killed animals located in the pet store. Co-owner James Everett’s entrepreneurial spirit is confirmed with his resilience to immediately begin picking up the pieces and move forward. Tents were pitched to begin the reopening process, and employees were shuffled to make sure the month-long Great Pocono Pumpkin Festival, with its haunted house, hayrides, pumpkin patch and carnival, continues. None of the company’s nearly 200 people who worked at the Towamensing Township facility were laid off. Everett repositioned all of the facility’s employees to its four other stores located in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Wind Gap and Quakertown. The company also owns a warehouse about a mile away from the burned site. “We are going to be making Wind Gap our flagship store for a year or two until we rebuild,” says Everett. “I am repositioning employees to other stores because most of our customers live within 40 minutes of the other stores.” Country Junction evolved in 1997 from the roots of The Service Team, a company that began installing insulation in 1984. As customers sought additional products and services, the store transformed into an allinclusive home center with everything from hardware and lawn and garden supplies to a food court, furniture and other home décor items, gifts and pets. www.pbjonline.com POCONO Regional Business News & Resources We want to hear from you. Tell Pocono Business Journal about your business. Send press releases and story ideas to [email protected] Experts know employees’ mental and physical health can decrease their work performance, sour their attitudes and compromise attendance – ingredients that can cast a negative shadow over your business operations and profitability. Creating a healthy work environment requires more than putting apples in the vending machines. For example, if employees are upset about something going on in the company, their jobs or their personal lives, and the issue remains unresolved, emotional and mental baggage can detract from their performance and eventually affect their physical health. For a nominal fee each year, employers can offer confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to their employees to give them access to professionals who can help them cope with those issues. Start now to have healthier employees – and a healthier bottom line by looking into an EAP. Success Expansions Seminars Promotions Growth PBJ Nov New Ideas 2006 10/13/06 www.corepeopleresouces.com 11:55 AM Page 1 An LTS Perspective… on Health Walking and Talking A famous author once quipped that “everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Sometimes, it seems the same could be said about the need to ensure quality health care for all American workers. At LTS, we’ve long encouraged preventive health with a free employee Fitness Center and regular health-andfitness events for our employees and their families. We’ve helped our people get into everything from yoga to circuit training to heart-healthy Salsa dancing. And recently, we decided to undertake a new exercise of our own: to stand up and “walk the talk” — providing fully paid health insurance benefits for every LTS employee, starting on their first day. Announced at a company-wide breakfast meeting — along with an expanded vacation policy — the news energized the LTS team more than a year’s worth of Pilates classes. And as they rose to a standing ovation, one thing became clear: that “walking the talk” can truly do the heart good. 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 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 PROFESSIONAL PROFILE Brain Gym Program Designed for Aging Workforce By Ken Clark First, you find that your glasses and car keys are missing, though you had both when you walked through the door 15 minutes ago. Next, you find yourself peering into the refrigerator without a clue as to what you were looking for when you opened it. Then, you’re alarmed to realize that your vocabulary is dwindling down toward total inarticulation and you have to check the newspaper to be sure what day of the week it is. By now, your spouse is seething with frustration, people are mad at you for all the appointments you’ve missed and you seriously are considering asking your doctor for an Alzheimer’s test, except … you keep forgetting to do it. Memory loss: the natural progression of old age, right? “Wrong,” says Bruce Harding, owner and manager of Twin Cedars Assisted Living in Shohola. Harding is using a state-of-the-art shield against looming dementia called the Brain Fitness Program from Posit Science, a California company whose neuroscientists have developed a video game designed to restore lost memory and fading cognitive skills over a 40-day period of play, five days a week for up to an hour and a half a day. “What Posit Science and brain scientists around the world are telling us is that mental confusion and senility are not normal aging processes,” Harding said as he prepared to demonstrate the program in which he has enrolled several of his elderly residents. “It’s a lack of exercise, the same as with the body. “If I don’t walk every day more than I need to, then my legs are going to get weaker,” he said. “I have seen older people who could just barely get along on a walker come in here and sit on a recumbent stepper and work out. One guy went from using a walker to using a cane to striding down the halls independently. “On the mental side, I have seen people so dull and discouraged that they weren’t even reading. After taking the course, they get back up to where they started reading books again and talking and thinking about what’s going on and remembering where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing.” Here is how the brain gym works: The person working out (it can be called nothing else) sits before a computer screen, dons a headset and attempts to follow an increasingly difficult string of commands, starting with what Harding calls “the smallest piece of speech,” which is the ability to determine the inflected difference between a rising and a descending tone. As each tone is played, slowly at first, then more rapidly, the subject uses the computer mouse to click an up or down arrow. From simple inflection, the program takes the subject through increasingly complex exercises, ranging from discernment of “confusable pairs” of words, such as “Bo” and “Do,” through a sequential memory workout, involving the order in which words are arranged. Groupings start at four and work up to 20 or 30, at which point the brain is doing the equivalent of jumping jacks on the gym floor. Each successful call is rewarded with a cheerful chime, while each miss draws a derisive gong. “Continuous repetition of the basic foundations of speech helps the brain actually rebuild For your Commercial Property needs, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Call Us First 100% Commercial 100% of the Time By listing & selling only commercial real estate, Michael Baxter and Associates is helping entrepreneurs and investors identify opportunities & start 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. (570) 620-1900 2.4 acres near Route 196/611/940 intersection, Mount Pocono Airport, Pocono Mountian Industrial Park and Corporate Park. Lot size allows for plenty of parking. Site plan sketches available. Ref #1201B Successful antique business established for 28 years! 4,095 square foot historical building with original woodwork. Located on busy Route 611 in close proximity to proposed casino locations. Ref #1239 www.BaxCommercial.com A Pocono Landmark! This 130 acre property features 32 buildings including a 150 seat restaurant with lake view dining, a candy store with kitchen and multiple gift shops. Imagine the possibilities! Ref #1161 Well established carpet business for over 20 years. Sale includes 2 story commercial building completely remodeled in 2004. Owner will train. 2nd floor office space leased for additional income. Ref #1244 Commercial, corner acreage on busy Route 209 in fast-growing area. Existing house being sold ‘as is.’ Property sold for land. This 2.5 acre parcel was sub-divided from the larger parcel. Ref #1251 13 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 Above, Bruce Harding, owner and manager of Twin Cedars Assisted Living in Shohola, is using a state-of-the-art shield against looming dementia called the Brain Fitness Program from Posit Science, a California company whose neuroscientists have developed a video game designed to restore lost memory and fading cognitive skills. The program has proved to improve cognitive skills and is a great tool to keep an aging workforce at top-level productivity. the pathways to increase the memory, cognition and quite often speech,” Harding said. “It’s a form of psychofeedback, just like biofeedback in the treatment of physical trauma. It really focuses your mind.” Now, a screen appears on which human figures are aligned before a row of buildings. Using the mouse to drag the images, the person playing the game is given such commands as, “Move the boy in the blue shorts to the market and move the tall policeman to the hospital.” As before, these commands become increasingly complex as the pace picks up until the subject playing the game is in a real cognitive sprint. Meanwhile, throughout the program, a series of dazzling computer graphics flows across the screen at the successful conclusion of each segment, giving the player a warm sense of accomplishment. In the final exercise, the cyber narrator tells a story, illustrated on screen, then poses a series of questions about what the player has just heard. The questions that follow each plot twist come fast and furious, forcing the memory to respond. “The brain is actually making new neural pathways,” Harding said of the series. “I’ve seen actual memory improvement (among his subjects). It comes out in following instruc- tions. It comes out in conversations around the dinner table and with their families. Families have actually commented, ‘Mom was telling me about the program the other day.’ Well, that means Mom was in the program and remembers what she was doing and is now telling her family about it.” “Our brains actually seem to atrophy when they’re not challenged,” Harding said. “Our brains were built to be challenged by new material, but in our educational system and in our society, we tend to get through college and go to work, then function on what we know. In this program, we build the neurons to get us to think sharper and quicker and to catch the sounds and ideas quicker. Our brain has to get speeded up. “I run into a lot of people who, by the time they’re in their 80s, are just sitting on the sofa watching TV. They’re no longer going out to meetings with their friends. They’ve stopped driving. They aren’t really eating well and there are some physical things wrong with their bodies, so the mind becomes vague. After they’ve taken the course, they can follow instructions and take care of themselves. Now they’re making real decisions about their lives.” As proprietor of an assisted living home, Harding is working with an aged population, but Posit Science’s Brain Fitness Program isn’t Photo Credit: Lynne Bookey PROFESSIONAL PROFILE exclusively for the elderly. Peggy Jara, Director of Communications for Posit Science, said their researchers have concluded that the brain exercises improve mental performance at any age and that cognitive gains achieved endure even after training ends. “When you look at the ages of the workforce in the next 20 years, consider what would happen if you could keep and harness all the experience, wisdom and pattern recognition of an older worker with the brain speed of a younger worker,” she said. “Wow -- what a win!” “One of the things we’ve talked about doing here ideally is finding a company that has a reputation for having an older work force and donating it to them to do it for eight weeks to see if their employees are more productive afterwards,” Jara said. “We think there is a huge opportunity here because, as you know, the workforce is aging.” Individuals can buy the program for home use for $395, through the Posit Science Website, www.positscience.com. please recycle this paper If you would like Pocono Business Journal to profile your company, please contact us at 421-0100 or [email protected]. 14 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Healthy Employees Keep Your Profits in Good Shape By Ken Clark It’s axiomatic in business today that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and since high productivity is the pathway to fiscal success, companies increasingly are working to keep their employees in shape. Throughout the Poconos, major corporations are providing on-site wellness programs for their workers, or subcontracting the services of outside agencies ranging from conventional fitness approaches to such alternative practices as massage therapy, Reike and acupuncture. Though not directly involved in on-site fitness programs, Shelba Sheffner, executive director of the East Central Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center in Lehighton, praises the trend. “I’m certainly aware that there is a big move toward employers recognizing that it’s in their best interests to keep their workforce healthy in a variety of ways -- not just physically, but emotionally as well,” she said. “Most jobs these days don’t involve any kind of physical activity, so that’s a growing trend and a growing need. It’s an important point because we’re seeing rates of Type 2 diabetes and obesity in children going up and that’s only going to get worse because kids sit in school, the parents sit at desk jobs and many times on weekends, they all just transfer that into sitting in front of the TV or the computer.” The mission of Sheffner’s agency is to work for access to health care, “especially for the rural and underserved population.” To that end, her team actively recruits future health care workers in schools all the way from kindergarten through high school, trying to steer students into careers in the field. Meanwhile, across the Poconos, employers are trying to steer their own employees into the gyms and fitness programs they sponsor. Such unrelated entities as ESSA Bank, Sanofi Pasteur, LTS Builders and the Tobyhanna Army Depot all have state-of-the-art gymnasia, with accompanying programs for good health and fitness. “We certainly promote and encourage good health for all of our employees and family members,” said Tom Grayuski, vice president of human resources at ESSA. “We have a fitness center with all the treadmills and machines and it’s free of charge to employees and their immediate families. We also run Wednesday night aerobics and yoga classes and we do smoking cessation classes. In addition, we give a subscription to Prevention magazine to every employee. It promotes wellness, so they all get that on a monthly basis.” Health concerns are a natural for Sanofi Pasteur, the nation’s largest manufacturer of vaccines. Public Relations executive Ellen Schindler said in addition to free vaccinations, Sanofi Pasteur workers have access to a fully equipped gym as well as walking trails through the firm’s extensive campus. “We also, through a subcontractor, have a health center on site where employees can go for a number of health related issues,” she said. “Vaccines are all about prevention. This is simply an extension of that.” The company also holds an annual health fair, featuring massage therapy, screenings for cholesterol and nutritional counseling. Jan Farole, former fitness trainer and member of LTS Builders’ fitness committee, said the company put in its first gym eight years ago, then increased its size and sophistication as the workforce grew from 80 employees to more than 250. “It has a free weight area for those who like to work out the old fashioned way, and it has a select-aweight area with the same machines that a rehab place would have,” she said. “Then we have a cardio area which has four treadmills, two lifecycles, a stepper and a brand new Pilates machine. The new workout craze is Pilates.” She said LTS also sponsors a fitness week twice a year, with massage therapy and motivational speakers. The gym is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. Tobyhanna Army Depot boasts three gyms -- one featuring a full array of workout equipment in the Mack Field House and two satellite facilities in the industrial operations area. In addition, the staff is offered health screenings for thyroid, body fat and carotid artery problems which, according to Public Affairs Officer Kevin Toolan, “actually enabled an employee to identify an early stage cancer.” He said the Depot also has a worker conditioning program designed to improve the physical capabilities of workers performing tasks involving work-related musculoskeletal risk factors. “Once at-risk jobs are identified through ergonomic worksite analysis, employees are referred to participation in the program,” he said. The program involves two hour-long sessions per week for one to six weeks during which the employee learns proper lifting techniques, back injury prevention, stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises. Healing and preventive medicine also go handin-hand at the Pocono Medical Center. Not only do all staff members get all immunizations required by law, but the hospital actively pursues smoking cessation programs, nutrition and weight loss. Anthony Matrisciano, Community Relations Coordinator, said this year, 38 teams from the center participated in the Shape Up PA program. “The program called for groups of friends, coworkers and relatives to form teams and participate in fun activities to help reach their goals,” he said. “One team received the gold medal for overall weight loss in the state of Pennsylvania.” Even companies that lack space for on-site fitness centers still provide services for their employees. Commercial Real Estate broker Michael Baxter calls in a massage therapist for his staff before every monthly sales meeting. “I’ve been doing this since the day we opened our doors eight years ago,” he said. “I bring in a massage therapist and she does a 15-minute chair massage for every person in the office. I consider it stress management. The people love it here. It’s just another little perk we give our employees and agents.” Not all therapies are so mainstream and not all subcontractors are on a company’s payroll. Most, in fact, routinely are called in to supply services and, like Jason Cronan, owner of Four Corners Health and Fitness Center on Stroudsburg’s Main Street, are eager to comply. Cronan is an emergency medical technician certified as a stress conditioning coach and health fitness instructor with the American College of Sports Medicine. He holds a Master’s degree from ESU in exercise science and runs a staff of specialists in reflexology, acupuncture, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. He said he soon will add hypnotherapy, aroma therapy, cranial spatial therapy, sports medicine and a host of other holistic approaches to his roster, which is available to any company wishing to bring them in for on-site wellness programs. Cronan said the deviation from conventional medical treatment now is well accepted, even within the allopathic medical community. “There are a lot of MDs now changing over to homeopathic medicine,” Cronan said. “It has limited side effects, and where there are side effects, they’re very mild.” Another alternative treatment center serving as an outside subcontractor to health programs is Wellspring Holistic Center, also on Stroudsburg’s Main Street. “We do retreats, depending on what someone might want,” said acupuncturist, nutritional counselor and yoga instructor Louise Bowman. “We can put together a retreat at the work site, or we could find a place with a nice setting if they really want a nice getaway for their employees. We would procure a place where they could come and spend a whole day.” Even Eva Berend, practitioner of the 2,500-yearold Chinese science of acupuncture, has one outside client. She said Liztek Jewelers, on Crystal Street in East Stroudsburg, frequently sends employees to her for treatment. Berend said the World Health Organization has listed some 75 ailments approved for treatment by acupuncture, among them, allergies, anxiety, back pain, chronic headaches, asthma and carpal tunnel syndrome. Berend, who has practiced in East Stroudsburg for a decade, said acceptance of the ancient art has been a long time coming, but that now, some insurance companies, notably in California and New Jersey, finally are starting to cover it. “There are still a couple of southern states in which you can go to jail for practicing acupuncture because they say it’s voodoo,” Berend said. “There has been a lot of energy spent by the medical associations to keep us down, too. They’re against it, they say, to protect the public because you cannot do the double blind test. For me, if something works and somebody comes in here and tells me they feel better after this treatment, that’s proof enough.” Employers interested in on-site wellness programs for their workers can refer to Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s 16page “tool kit” offering advice on setting up health fairs and promoting health programs to employees. This blueprint for fitness and preventive medicine also deals with such workplace afflictions as asthma, osteoporosis, diabetes, depression, heart disease, and smoking. A direct link to the site is: www.bcnepa.com/PDF/HealthyWorkforce/ Hlth_Toolkit_1-05.pdf. PRESENCE_redefined strategic consulting website development e-commerce solutions search engine marketing branding and identity design www.jtdesigns.com | 570 426 1476 15 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 PROFESSIONAL SURVEY QUESTION What can employees do at work to stay physically fit? By Ken Clark In a world plagued by obesity, hypertension and diabetes -- all the consequences of the sedentary lifestyle -- we know we should join a health club, or run or walk every day. Most of us, however, would complain, “There is no time.” So what is the average working man or woman, sitting in a cubicle or in front of a computer screen for eight to ten hours a day, to do to maintain some measure of activity while on the job? The question was put to several experts at health and fitness clubs across the Poconos. Here are their answers: Rob Bishop, General Manager of Elevations in Scotrun: “The key for someone like that is to try to get activity interspersed throughout the day. If you don’t have an hour set aside, say at 6 p.m., to go into your exercise routine, you need to take advantage of smaller chunks of time throughout the day. In the morning, if you have 10 or 15 minutes, go for a walk. If, during lunch break, you have another 10 or 15 minutes, get up and do something active. If you can do that two or three times throughout the day, it would accumulate 20, 30 or even 40 minutes of exercise. It’s trying to be activity focused, rather than thinking of it as just another hour of exercise.” Bob Thuemmel, Manager of Butterfly in Palmerton: “The best advice I could give anyone would be to do some kind of aerobic or isometric exercise. If you have a desk where you have a side board, as most do, push one knee against one side and hold it. You can do any number of stomach presses and flexing muscles in various parts of your body, using isometric leveraging wherever you can. You can do golf exercises where you just turn in place and hold the stretch. You can turn your neck from side to side while making faces. That’s good for your skin and neck muscles.” Will Jusino, Fitness Director at Pocmont Fitness Center in Bushkill: “One of the biggest mistakes is the tendency to snack all day, so I would say watch what you eat when you’re at work. Cutting back on snacks is one of the best things you could possibly do. If you’re on the second or third floor, take the steps instead of the elevator. During lunch, if you get an hour or so you want to walk as much as possible. Short of having an exercise regimen, you have to avoid the negative side, which is eating. Some people can eat anything they want, as much as they want, as long as they exercise, but if they don’t exercise, they really have got to watch what they’re eating.” Ryan Van Noy, Fitness Director at the YMCA in Stroudsburg: If you work in a building with a big parking lot, park at the furthest spot away from the building so that you get a brisk walk in the morning and in the afternoon just walking back to your car. Sitting at your desk, you probably could get away with using a Thera-band. Essentially, it’s a big rubber band, and you can get a total body workout with it. During breaks you can stand up and hold it down at your side and do bicep curls. You can sit on the band and do shoulder presses up above your head.. You can do tricep extensions behind your back. It’s an extremely effective tool, especially for a situation like this.” Beth Marx, owner of Kole’s Aerobic and Fitness Center in Honesdale: “What is recommended is to get 30 min- utes or more of moderate to intense activity all days of the week. To do this (while in the office) one should purchase a pedometer and try to accumulate about 10,000 steps a day. There are several ways to do that. One would be, instead of taking escalators, make sure you take the stairs. When you have to talk to someone in the office, instead of calling them, walk over to them. When you park, park as far away from the building as you can so that you get a good walk into that. Take a brisk walk during the day -- at lunchtime or after dinner or before work. And what’s more important is make sure what you bring to eat is healthy and low-fat.” Mary Ann Ruby, owner and Fitness Director at Bodies in Balance Fitness Center in Milford: “Take stretching breaks. Stand to extend your spine in sort of a back bend. Stretch and roll your shoulders, then work your back muscles in a runner’s stretch. Take frequent breaks. Get up and walk around -- take five minutes outside or get a crew together at lunch time and walk. Also, make sure that you’re well hydrated and that your food choices are healthy. Reducing stress in your life also is a pathway to wellness, and for many people, a half hour of breathing or meditation or a yoga class can go a long way too.” 16 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS Businesses Called to Contribute to Healthy Communities By Robin Gaffney Pocono Healthy Communities Alliance (PHCA) recently held its Annual Report to the Community Breakfast Event at the Best Western Pocono Inn in Stroudsburg. PHCA is a community-planning organization with a focus on health and human services programs and system changes that support residents as they strive to improve their quality of life. There are five main areas that PHCA provides assistance with: children’s early care and education; health; housing; information and referral; and transportation. Guest speaker Elizabeth Hersh, Executive Director of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, told the audience that “a healthy community provides people with a variety of choices and places to live, and businesses have to support housing qualities.” She added, “Homes should be within reach of every community member.” The most successful and healthy communities, she believes, are those where the market provides a variety of options, including single family homes, low cost homes, and rentals. Hersh maintains that the houses being built in the community do not match the local incomes. When incomes do not match housing costs, many working people find themselves with long commutes, taking them away from their families. An engaged leadership in the community, she concluded, will result in a healthier environment. Eve Wenger, Executive Director for PCHA, cites four components of a good alliance to achieve a healthy community. These include staff, board, committee, and those who fund. Wenger states, “In order to have stability in the workforce, you must have a healthy community.” Businesses can help produce a healthy community with donations and event sponsorbe sensitive and supportive of their employee’s needs, ships, demonstrating their support of the individuals such as finding proper child care and providing adin the community. Proper health care and other social equate health coverage. More critically, it is important service issues impact businesses on a daily basis. for businesses to think about the cost of not providChildcare, health, housing and transportation are ining health coverage and what that is costing their terrelated, a fact that business would be well advised employees. “Businesses should join forces to support to take note of. Wenger believes, for example, if you certain fundamental requirement standards that we all have an unhealthy child, it will affect your perforagree upon to constitute a healthy community,” states mance at work; also, employees might leave their Wenger. One suggestion she proposed is for busijobs if they are under-insured. nesses to co-sponsor a housing summit in the com Economic development issues also play an immunity. With community involvement, it is possible portant role in attaining a healthy community. Even to tie together growth and economic development for when there are new employment opportunities, some a healthy community. individuals cannot afford to live where the businesses are located and need to move outside the community. Everything from road conditions to the weather to the cost of gasoline can affect the choice of wheth er or not to take a job that requires commuting. According to Wenger, Po cono Mountain School District reports close to a hundred employees a year leaving their school district jobs due to housing issues, where employees are unable to afford the housing in those communities or they live too far that the extensive commuting is a turnoff. Providing the community with low cost housing and subsidies so employees can live closer is just one solution to a healthy community. Wenger believes businesses should ENJOY THE WEEKEND SATURDAY APPO I N T M E N T S AVA I L A B L E Get connected to a Geisinger doctor—even on a Saturday. Geisinger Medical Group–Mt. Pocono is conveniently located off route 940 and has office hours 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and until 8 pm weekdays. Get in, get out- then, get on with your weekend. Now that’s peace of mind. For more information, or to learn about scheduling same-day and Saturday appointments, call 570.839.3633 today. Most major insurances accepted. 21 Commerce Cour t, Mt. Pocono REDEFINING BOUNDARIES SM 17 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS First Annual Philanthropy Award Winners Announced By Marynell Strunk The following winners were selected based on exhibited outstanding philanthropic generosity. • Outstanding Corporation: sanofi pasteur was nominated by YMCA and United Way of Monroe County. • Outstanding Foundation: ESSA Bank and Trust was nominated by YMCA, Devereux Pocono Center and Salvation Army. • Outstanding Philanthropist: Lester Abeloff was nominated by Pocono Health Foundation. please recycle this paper Photo Credit: Submitted by Wayne County Chamber of Commerce The Monroe County National Philanthropy Day Committee recently announced the winners for the first annual Philanthropy Awards. The committee formed by representatives from The Salvations Army, Pocono Health Foundation, United Way of Monroe County, Pocono Healthy Community Alliance and a certified fund raising executive began meeting in the Spring of 2006 to organize the first event of its kind in the Poconos. “These award ceremonies are present throughout the nation. We would be remiss if we didn’t honor our own outstanding philanthropists,” says Marianne Heeter, CFRE and committee person. After receiving numerous nominations, three judges; Robert Philips, President/CEO, Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Robert Uguccioni, Executive Director, Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau and Mary Frances Postupack, COO, ESU Center for Research and Economic Development went through the applications to match those nominated with awards. The award winners will be honored at an awards ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th, 2006 at 6:00pm at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. Honorees, their guests, area agencies, corporations and individuals are invited to attend the event. A table of eight can be purchased for $300.00. Individuals are $50.00 per person. Please Contact Marianne Heeter (at 992-7992 OR 242-3603) for reservations and further information. Businesses Honored for 50 Plus Years of Chamber Membership Seated L to R – Kent Brown- Senior Editor of Highlights For Children, Fred Stanton and Dave Stanton – Owners of Stanton Office Equipment Company, Inc. and Tom Fasshauer – Owner of Art’s For Him Standing L to R – Gary Beilman – CEO of the Dime Bank & Committee Co-Chair, Annetta DeYoung- Wayne County Chamber Executive Director, Sal G iglio- Owl Chrysler Jeep, Inc & President of Wayne County Chamber and Dan CardManager of Waste Management & Committee Co-Chair Honesdale - The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce recently held the Sixth Annual Half-Century Member Award Recognition Banquet at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant with the social hour sponsored by Dime Bank. The evening honored businesses that have been members of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce for 50 years or more. The honorees this year are; Art’s For Him, a men’s apparel store, Highlights for Children, a nationally recognized children’s publication and Stanton Office Equipment Company, office supply retailer. All of these businesses are located in Honesdale. "A Leader In Staffing" Your Best Solution For A Qualified Workforce OFFICE, MANUFACTURING, HOSPITALITY, SKILLED LABOR, WAREHOUSE, GENERAL LABOR, MAINTENANCE Competitive rates, skill testing, 24/7 service, on-site coordinators, background checks, substance testing, payroll services. FREE Consultation 429B N. Courtland St., E. Stroudsburg, PA 18301 P: 570.424.1800 · F:570.424.3732 E: [email protected] · www.poconopersonnel.com November 6, 7:30 pm www.shermantheater.com 570.420.2808 18 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 NEWS By Marynell Strunk Photo Credit: Submitted by PRBC If you build it, they will come…..and for many firms from the New York City financial district the Penn Regional Business Center (PRBC) in Monroe County is the project that is piquing their interest to consider locating their back-up facilities as part of the Wall Street West initiative. In the case of PRBC, the building isn’t even built and there is already a commitment of a first tenant. Although no details could be divulged, the power team behind this project is confident that more will follow. ect makes sense. Simon stated to the Wall Street guests that PRBC is a specific solution to a specific problem. Motivated by the continued threat of terrorist attacks, the federal government and the securities industry has strongly suggested back-up facilities for the country’s financial hub, citing prime criteria including being outside the ‘blast zone’ of 50 miles from New York City, but less than 125 miles to ensure synchronous data transmission via fiber optic; having direct, dual fiber optic cable; being on a separate watershed than NYC; and a different power grid with dual back-up. Thus far, the PRBC is the only project uniquely qualified in all these respects. “Some 30,000 workers commute daily from this area. They spend four hours a day in the car. Let’s take them off that concrete highway,” says Simon as he touted the vast pool of qualified workers. “Most impressive. It was well thought out,” says Steve Giuca, vice president for Global Technology and Infrastructure for Merrill Lynch & Company. Giuca was also impressed with the concentration on relocating people and families to the area. Simon stated his vision for PRBC is more than just a box to store data. It’ll Larry Simon speaking at a press conference about Wall Street West and the Penn Regional Business Center outside the Shawnee Inn. Standing to his left is Dennis Yablonsky, Secretary of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development; and at the other side of Mr. Simon are at left, Rep. John Siptroth and at right, US Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski. Over 24 Wall Street executives were transported by helicopter in mid-October for a day-long briefing at Shawnee Inn and Conference Center. The group included representatives from Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Prudential Financial, State Farm and more Fortune 500 firms to address the issue and solution of maintaining business continuity in the event of any future disruptions to the American financial center. “We can’t control the disaster, but we can control the recovery,” says Larry Simon, founder of LTS Builders and future landlord of PRBC. Simon initiated conversations among federal, state and local government to get this project the attention and funding it needs and pave a smooth road for the development which could be the largest public/private commercial project in the history of Pennsylvania. If the project continues to move forward the total price tag is estimated at $2.5 billion. Currently phase one is in the final stages of approval and is scheduled to have a tenant or tenants in place in June 2008 with over 2000 jobs created by the completion of this phase. “This will certainly be a boon to the local economy,” says State Representative John Siptroth. “Both East Stroudsburg Area School district and Smithfield Township are projected to receive $1.9 billion in tax revenue based on earned income and property taxes.” “The project has the potential to have a very positive impact on the township. It will raise taxes [revenues] for the township and the East Stroudsburg Area School District, and some jobs for local residents,” says Vince DellaFera, vice-chairperson for Smithfield Township Supervisors. To Simon and his supporters this proj- Photo Credit: Marynell Strunk Field of Dreams Catches Eye of Wall Streeters The architectural model of Penn Regional Business Center was on display at the day-long information session for Wall Street guests. This new complex will host numerous amenities: on-site fitness center, day-care center, on-site banking and conference facilities. provide a great view from the office window, a shorter commute and a 12,000 square foot daycare facility for employees to enhance their quality of life. In addition to the anticipation of the growth, the design team has also been formulating plans for a ‘walkable village’ in Smithfield Township with a footprint of 1300 acres or two square miles. Simon stated his plans to donate 45 acres for a new school within the East Stroudsburg Area School district, property for a new ambulance center and additional donations towards a women’s center intended for the Pocono Medical Center. “It’s about life attributes, not just data,” says Simon. PRBC will be constructed on Route 209 a few yards south of the LTS Corporate Complex. Additional properties have also been secured for further expansion of PRBC on Route 447 and further up Route 209 in Marshalls Creek. 19 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 FOCUS LIST MEDICAL SUPPLY COMPANIES Business Name Address Phone Web site / Email Contact Name Air Products/Young’s Medical Equipment 7400 Route 611, Suite 200 Stroud Commons Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-5900 www.airproductshealthcare.com Larry Perry, Manager Easy Access Medical Supply 2 Columbia Dr. Jay Park Marshalls Creek, PA 18335 570-223-6044 www.foryourhealthmed.com Melissa Driscoll, Manager Figliomeni Home Health Care 64 Fallbrook St. Carbondale, PA 18407 570-282-1402 [email protected] Mary Nicolosi, Manager For Your Health Medical Supply 2 Columbia Dr. Jay Park Marshalls Creek, PA 18335 570-223-4191 www.foryourhealthmed.com Tone Hellstrom, Manager Keystone Medical Equipment 422 Center St. Jim Thorpe. PA 18229 800-351-5600 www.keystonemedicalequipment.com Jennifer Fayash, Co-Manager Northeast Medical Equipment 101 Main St. Honesdale, PA 18431 570-253-7700 www.stephenspharmacy.com Tina Augello, Manager Total Home Health Care 437 Main St. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-1110 www.poconosbest.com/Eldercare.htm Neil, Manager Wayne Health Services 600 Maple Ave. Honesdale, PA 18431 570-253-6770 www.wmh.com Barrie Latzko, Manager Disclaimer: The companies listed above are located in the four counties that serve the Pocono region; Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne. If you know of a company that offers this product or service and was not included on the list, please contact Pocono Business Journal to be included in future Focus Lists. STATUS REPORT ... cont. from page 3 PALMERTON HOSPITAL Blue Mountain Health System, a partnership between Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital and Palmerton Hospital, continues its transition into one entity. The hospitals merged July 1, 2004 and have undergone an overall assessment to develop an imple- mentation plan and strategy to move forward. Blue Mountain anticipates realizing between $7 and $11 million in benefits as a result of its operational improvements that included consolidating its obstetrics unit, sharing best practices, modifying its purchasing and billing processes and other efficiency measures designed to consolidate and expand its resources. Earlier this year, Blue Mountain discontinued its traditional behavioral health service offerings as part of its reorganization plan. BMHS expects to invest $1.5 million to open a geriatric psychiatric program at its Palmerton campus by next July and expand its offerings with other elder health care programs. BMHS plans to offer other outpatient services and programs to expand its market beyond acute care inpatient services and enhance its medical professional network to enlarge its pool of primary care physicians and specialists. This fall, Blue Mountain began a voluntary hospitalist service with dedicated physicians that exclu- GNADEN HUETTEN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL sively care for the inpatient population. Blue Mountain’s Next Step acute inpatient rehabilitation center received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities this year for its stroke specialty program. 20 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 BUSINESS BRIEFS WHO’s WHO BROAD DiCINDIO HAY MICKENS OTT SHRADERD VANNEMAN Broad - The Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS (PMAR) named Timme Broad of Saylorsburg, REALTOR of the Year during their recent annual dinner. Broad is an agent with Century 21 Harvest Real Estate in Brodheadsville, Licensed in 1987, she specializes in home, land and horse farm sales. Mickens - Coldwell Banker Commercial Phyllis Rubin Real Estate in Stroudsburg has named Teresa A. Cuomo Mickens of Sciota to its team of commercial real estate experts. Mickens grew up in East Providence, R.I., and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Rhode Island. prehensive Real Estate Management company, which provides services and resources to developers, planned communities, resorts, municipalities, lending institutions and marketing/sales concerns for over 10,000 families in the Carbon, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Lackawanna County area. DiCindio - CENTURY 21 Select Group is pleased to announce that Gloria DiCindio has joined the team of professional REALTORS in CENTURY 21’s Moscow Office. Gloria completed her real estate training at the University of Scranton in 2004. She is a member of the National Association of REALTORS, Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS, the Pike/Wayne Association of REALTORS and the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS. Miller - In an article titled “The Worst is Yet to Come” author Molly Brennan quoted Scott Miller’s tips on financial forecasting and budgeting for a disaster contingency fund. Scott A. Miller, CPA, CFE, a shareholder of John J. Riley, Inc. shared with Ms. Brennan his financial recommendations for associations’ preparedness when it comes to natural disaster in the September/October Issue of CAI’s Magazine for Community Association Leaders, Common Ground, the Disaster Issue. Scott A. Miller, CPA, CFE is both a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Schrader - Bill Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp., is pleased to announce that Jeffrey R. Schrader joined Wayne Bank as Vice President and Regional Manager for all of Wayne Bank’s Monroe County Offices. Jeff will be primarily located in the new Tannersville office when it is opens later this year. Jeff is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree in Accounting and is also a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Banking School. Jeff has over 30 years of retail bank experience in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ott- James H. Ott, CMCA®, PCAM®, Principal of Appletree Management Group, Inc., AAMC has earned the designation of Large Scale Manager (LSM) Certification through Community Associations Institute, Alexandria, VA. Jim is also the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Eagle Lake Community Association and President of E.L.C.A. Development Corp. He earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration and graduated from North Carolina State University Revenue and Maintenance Management Schools. The Appletree Management Group, Inc., AAMC, is a com- Vanneman - Maureen Vanneman of East Stroudsburg has successfully completed the course to become an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), announces Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc. Vice President/ General Manager Dominick J. Sacci. Originally from Baltimore, Md., Vanneman graduated from Loyola Weekend College for Women in Baltimore with a B.S. in Information Systems Technology. Before joining Wilkins & Associates last August, Maureen was a Senior Vice President/ Senior Project Manager at Bank of America, where she worked for 23 years. Hay - Beverly A. Hay, of BOBHAY.COM REALTORS® in Stroudsburg, has been named a recipient of a 2006 Pennsylvania REALTORS® Education Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is applied to the cost of tuition for designated courses offered by the Pennsylvania REALTORS® Institute and other REALTOR® schools. Recipients of the scholarships are chosen on the basis of business accomplishments, REALTOR® activities, community involvement, and career goals. Kieselat - Susan Kieselat has joined the Dingmans Ferry office of Wilkins & Associates Real Estate Inc., announces Vice President/General Manager Dominick J. Sacci. Originally from Pompton Plains, NJ, Kieselat has lived in the Poconos for seven years and is a 2005 graduate of Pocono Real Estate Academy. WHAT’s WHAT The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded “Excellent” Accreditation to First Priority Health. This is the eighth consecutive year Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s managed care organization has received this distinction by the premier managed care oversight organization in the United States. The Excellent Accreditation status is based on the results of the HEDIS® (for clinical outcomes) and CAHPS® (for member satisfaction) surveys. FPH particularly was notable in key areas supporting community health, including childhood and adolescent immunizations, breast cancer screening, diabetic management and follow-up for behavioral health issues. The Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS (PMAR) installed board officers and new directors to its board of directors during the annual Installation and Past President’s Dinner held Thursday, October 5 at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn. Newly installed directors of the board are Arthur Jenkins of Patt, White GMAC Real Estate in Stroudsburg; Patti Hein and John Franc, both with Keller Williams Realty in Stroudsburg; and David Montgomery, Jr., owner and broker of David Montgomery Real Estate in East Stroudsburg. Each will serve two years. Elected officers of the PMAR board were also installed October 5. Veronica Brockelman, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Phyllis Rubin Real Estate in Stroudsburg, was re-elected as president; Eileen Chaladoff, an agent with Prudential Associates also in Stroudsburg was re-elected as vice president; Cristina Primrose, associate broker with RE/MAX of the Poconos in Sciota, was named treasurer; and Barbara G. Samet, broker/owner of Barbara Samet Real Estate in Stroudsburg, was named secretary. Resorts USA Inc. (RUSA), a recognized provider of vacation and leisure experiences in the Pocono Mountains, donated new Dell Desktop Computers to seventeen employees and their families for use in their homes. The winning families picked them up in time for the new school year. Along with the computer, families were also provided with a Training Service, purchased from Dell, to teach them how to use the computers. The program, “Computers for Kids,” was introduced in May in the company’s employee newsletter. To be eligible, the applicant had to be a Resorts USA employee with a child or children in grades kindergarten to 12. All 17 employee applicants and their families were rewarded with a Dell desktop computer. Tobyhanna Army Depot celebrated its Shingo Prize during a Sept. 26 ceremony. The Depot is the recipient of the bronze level of the 2006 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing (Public Sector). The Shingo recognizes private and public sector organizations that have successfully applied Lean Six Sigma techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of their operations. Tobyhanna was recognized for achieving a 31 percent reduction in repair cycle time and a 25 percent reduction in repair costs on the Air Force’s primary air defense radar system, the AN/TPS-75. The plaque was presented to Depot Commander Col. Ron Alberto by Robert Katulka, director of the Productivity Improvement and Innovation Directorate, the lead organization for the Depot’s Lean Six Sigma efforts. Frank Zardecki, deputy commander, opened the ceremony by thanking those involved in establishing Lean at Tobyhanna. Tobyhanna Army Depot has earned the 2006 Best Manufacturing Practices Excellence Award. Larry Halbig, chairman of the Best Manufacturing Practices survey team, recently presented the award, noting that 61 percent of Tobyhanna’s processes were certified as best practices. The Best Manufacturing Practices Center of Excellence (BMPCOE) is part of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research. The Center works with the University of Maryland and the Department of Commerce to help companies by identifying, researching, and promoting exceptional manufacturing practices, methods, and procedures. Please send all press releases for consideration to [email protected] Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 21 CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 1 LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01-8:31 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. November 1, 3 and 8 Practical Desktop Publishing Using QuarkXpress 6, Level I, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $295. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 1, 8, 15 and 22 MS Excel Level III, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $180. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 1 Career Exploration and Assessment, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink. state.pa.us. November 1 Maximizing Health Savings Accounts Opportunities, NAIFA-Poconos (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). For more information call (570) 595-9640 or (570) 722-3291 or email Richard@ insurancedevelopment.com. November 2 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. November 2 Why Should I Hire You?, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.; and Microsoft Word Basics, 2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 2, 9, and 16 MS Access Level III, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $150. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 2, 7, 9 and 14 Learn To Use Your Computer, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $150. Call (570) 9417582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 2, 9 and 16 Flash 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $295. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton. edu/cce.an. November 3 BNI (Business Network International), The Shawnee Inn, Shawnee-onDelaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., breakfast. Fee $10. Contact Mike Gillenkirk, Kitchen Tune-Up, (570) 619-8228. November 3 Employer Website Assistance, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink. state.pa.us. November 5 - November 19 Food Service Sanitation, Northampton Community College, Sundays, 12 Noon - 5:30 p.m., Sundays. Cost: $120. Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Includes instruction in the safe preparation, storing, serving, and reheating of food; how to train employees. Participants will take the certification test during the last class. Call (877) 543-0998 or visit www.northampton.edu. November 6 Computer Basics, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 6 - November 16 Access Level 1, Northampton Community College, Fountain Court, Bartonsville, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cost: $132. Call (877) 543-0998 or (610) 861-4550. November 7 and 9 MS Excel Level I, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $165 (includes lunch). Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 7 Job Search Attitude and Barriers Assessment, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 7, 14, 21 and 28 Quickbooks, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $165. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www. scranton.edu/cce.an. November 8 LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01-8:31 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. November 8 Realtors Workshop, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Pike County Conservation District Education Building, Route 402, Blooming Grove. Geared for the Real Estate professional; provides information on the value of conservation practices, the basics of environmental regulations and permitting requirements, liabilities of non-compliance and the programs and resources available to landowners. Call (570) 226-8220 to register or email [email protected]. November 8 Resumes and Cover Letters, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County November CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink. state.pa.us. November 9 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. November 9 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. November 9 - February 22, 2007 Planning and Maintaining an MS Window Server 2003 Network Infrastructure, Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $1,755. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www. scranton.edu/cce.an. November 10 BNI (Business Network International), The Shawnee Inn, Shawnee-onDelaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., breakfast. Fee $10. Contact Mike Gillenkirk, Kitchen Tune-Up, (570) 619-8228. November 12 - December 3 Internet Basics, Northampton Community College, Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Cost: $132. Call (877) 543-0998 or (610) 861-4550. November 13 Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Business Card Exchange, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Caesar’s Palace, Marshalls Creek. 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. November 13, 15, 20 and 22 MS Excel Level I, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The University of Scranton, Center for Continuing Education. Fee: $150. Call (570) 941-7582 or visit www.scranton.edu/cce.an. November 14 Job Applications, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 14 Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business, 12:00 Noon. Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Topic: Makeover: From Dull to Dazzling, Sponsored by Hair Alternatives, Cate Jewelry and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Cost: $13 Chamber members in advance, $16 non-members and walk-ins. Call (570) 421-4433. November 14 Cash, Customers, & Ads that Sell, Stroudsburg Action Coaching Team, Stroudsburg. Cost: $79.95.Provides information on marketing and advertising your most valuable business investment. Call (570) 992-2442. November 15 LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01-8:31 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. November 15 Networking Breakfast, 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Carbon County Chamber of Commerce, at Blue Ridge Country Club. Speaker” Carlos Ojeda, Jr. Topic: Small Business Development. Call (610) 379-5000. November 15 Healthcare Employer Symposium, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink. state.pa.us. November 15 Board Meeting, NAIFA-Poconos (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). For more information call (570) 595-9640 or 570-7223291 or email [email protected]. November 15 Before the next flood: Actions your community can take, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Delaware Valley High School, Matamoras. Presentations by local, regional and federal agencies followed by question and answer panel discussions. Discussions will focus on local and county hazard plans, flood plain mapping efforts, model flood plain development ordinances and programs to guide new development. Contact Michele Ulmer, Education Coordinator, Pike County Conservation District, (570) 226-8220, or email [email protected]. November 16 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. November 16 Business Resource Information Session, 8:00 a.m., Eastern Monroe Public Library, Route 611, Stroudsburg. Introduction to Morningstar.com Library Edition, which provides tools for stock and mutual fund investors. Analyst reports on many stocks and mutual funds are also available. Participants should be familiar with the Internet. Call (570) 421-0800 ext. 39 to register. November 16 Healthcare Career Training Opportunities, 9:00 a.m. -12 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 16 A Quick Look at QuickBooks, 12 Noon - 2:00 p.m. University of Scranton, Brennan Hall, Room 509. Cost: $35 per person without lunch or $45 per person bag lunch included. Call MetroAction, Inc. at (570) 342-7711 or Gretchen Kukuchka at The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (570) 941-7588, or register online at www.metroaction. org or www.scrantonsbdc.com. November 17 BNI (Business Network International), The Shawnee Inn, Shawneeon-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., breakfast. Fee $10. Contact Mike Gillenkirk, Kitchen Tune-Up, (570) 619-8228. November 17 Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce, Monthly Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Best Western Pocono Inn, Stroudsburg. Sponsor: Unity Bank, Special Program Visiting Nurse, Hospice of Monroe County. Advance registration $10 Chamber members, $14 non-members. At the door, $12 Chamber members, $18 non-members. Call (570) 421-4433. November 17 Resume Critique (by appointment only), 9:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www. pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 18 QuickBooks Introduction Seminar, Northampton Community College, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $121. Call (877) 543-0998 or (610) 861-4550. November 20 Computer Basics, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 21 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. November 22 LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01-8:31 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) 4261676. November 22 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. November 23 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. November 24 BNI (Business Network International), The Shawnee Inn, Shawneeon-Delaware, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., breakfast. Fee $10. Contact Mike Gillenkirk, Kitchen Tune-Up, (570) 619-8228. November 28 The First-Second Step Combo: Learn the Steps Needed to Start Your Own Business. The First Step: How to Start Your Business, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 Noon; The Second Step: How to Develop Your Business Plan, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fee: First Step, $10; Second Step, free of charge. Topics for First Step include registration, licenses, business structure, taxation, research tools, and more. Recommended for all start-ups seeking a consultation with our center, and is the preliminary portion of our educational series. The Second Step covers developing a business plan, including layout, content, facts and figures of the business plan. Recommended for those who wish to continue with consultations and apply for financing. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call (800) 829-7232 or visit www.scrantonsbdc.com. November 28 Job Applications, 11:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. November 29 LeTip of Stroudsburg, 7:01-8:31 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) 4261676. November 29 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. November 30 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. November 30 - December 21 Food Service Sanitation, Northampton Community College, Thursdays, 8:00 a.m. - 12 Noon. Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem. Includes instruction in the safe preparation, storing, serving, and reheating of food; how to train employees. Participants will take the certification test during the last class. Call (877) 543-0998 or visit www. northampton.edu. November 30 E-Resumes, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Monroe County CareerLink, Tannersville. Call (570) 620-2850 or visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us. If you would like to have your business event listed in the PBJ Calendar of Events, please submit information to [email protected]. 22 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 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 (September 2006 - Over $250,000) Carbon County East Penn Township James Schleicher to Duane Schleicher, $285,000. Kidder Township South William Spellacy to Camillo Deprato, $305,000. Michael Giuliani to Frank Markley, $322,850. Mahoning Township Donald Fahringer to Arthur Linko, $256,700. Grace Rudelitch to St Lukes of Bethlehem, $375,000. Norman Frantz to St Lukes of Bethlehem, $375,000. Palmerton Borough Premier Equity Pittsburgh to John Stange III, $1,425,000. Premier Equity Pittsburgh to John Stange III, $875,000. Cristobal Jimenez to Darren Wenner, $275,000. Penn Forest Township Falcon Crest Homes to Roberto Grandini, $267,800. US Bank NA to Barbara Nisley, $261,000. Towamensing Township Ronald Stubbs to Prateek Patnaik, $350,000. Richard Fraley to Carol Miller, $405,000. Sandra Canavesio to Michael Greehy, $387,000. Monroe County Barrett Township Stewart and Gloria Martin to Odyssey International Corp, $290,000. Joan Taylor and Nancy Hayden to Corey and Jonne Smith, $280,800. Langhorne 1 Property Partners to Jaguar Real Estate, $367,500. Chestnuthill Township Jason and Valerie Szulborski to Ricardo Pereya, $269,900. Anthony Jacondino to Kara and Lynn LaTorre, $279,000. Adalberto and Olga Ramirez to Pasquale and Paula Oliva, $300,000. Kathryn Robinson to James Matthews, $301,000. Linda and John Carper to Jason Miller, $267,500. Arthur and Katherine Albertson to Christine Marie Coleman, $342,500. Dixon and Kari Strayer to Douglas Strunz, $310,000. Louis and Theresa Apostolopoulos to Timothy Subotkowski and Lori Kale, $323,000. L&P Homes Inc to Jacinto Rodriguez and Sarah Klein, $280,000. Coolbaugh Township Allen and Nancy Geiwitz to Robert and Theresa Blum, $420,000. Karen Root to Leslaw Sarzynski, $263,374. Joan Hyman to Marion Kelly, $265,000. Edgar and Elisabeth Toro to Fareeda Cook, $259,900. David and Emma Wengerd to Peter Woelfle, $289,000. Elizabeth Li to Stephen Hydeck, $255,000. East Stroudsburg Borough Nikolaos and Mary Ann Menegatos to B&Fs LLC, $270,000. Leonard and Tracy Sturmak to Pocono Medical Center, $359,000. Eldred Township Edward and Eloise Boyce to Mark Johnson, $275,000. Blue Mountain Manor to Steven J Inc, $450,000. Hamilton Township Bank of NY to Steve and Kristy Griffith, $335,000. Pamela Radick to Randi Troescher, $282,000. Howard and Leah Fritz to Christopher Cameron, $325,000. Jackson Township Keith Dunn to George and Margaret Sproul, $320,000. Big Pocono Development Company to Four Seasons at Camelback, $625,396. Winston and Yvonne Smith to Geovanny and Gladys Barreno, $287,000. Middle Smithfield Township LTS Development to Manuel and Lilibeth Brana, $443,800. Toll PA IV to Sphia Spence, $443,115. Toll PA IV to Joseph Saracco, $333,635. Yvette and Radames Perez to Gregorio Hernandez, $270,300. Toll PA IV to Anita Burch, $339,813. Toll PA IV to Gayle Paulsen, $312,286. William and Sonya Rake to Toll PA IX, $1,290,000. Delroy and Kristeen Farquharson to Ronald McTighe, $255,000. LTS Development to Francisco and Dolores Santana, $375,500. NVR Inc to Charles Strunck, $581,950. Toll PA IV to Guillermo and Lucena Marquez, $401,996. Geffrey and Beverly Kerwin to Pawel and Edyta Maciejew- ski, $290,000. Ronald and Virginia Melhorn to Eviarna Toussaint, $288,250. Toll PA IV to Chad and Alexis Wilkinson, $526,035. Last Frontier Inc to Edlyn and April Jones, $349,900. Toll PA III to Vivekananda Ramana, $660,642. Toll PA IV to Newton and Norma Gabbidon, $531,244. LTS Development to Michael and Lillian Farrell, $399,800. LTS Development LLC to Jeremy McDermott, $364,800. Charles and Lisa Hale to Marjory Scott, $415,000. Toll PA IV to Darren and Olivia Johnson, $506,490. Toll PA IV to Philip and Regina Mingle, $369,475. Richs Promise LLC to J D Eckman Inc, $450,000. Wiliam and Shirley Koller to Edna Schoenberger, $290,000. Toll PA IV to Luis and Stella Anzola, $300,059. C&M Homes at CCP to Charles Seecharan, $408,700. LTS Development LLC to Jason and Kelly Jensen, $384,700. Toll PA IV to Vikas and Archana Kapoor, $284,686. LTS Development to Marius and Marivi Acosta, $411,800. LTS Development to Lerar McLain, $403,800. LTS Development to Lloyd and Aldith Brown, $397,800. Toll PA IV to Mekia Siraj, $369,537. Mount Pocono Borough Michael and Gina Spero to David and Rebekah Crosby, $265,000. Progressive Construction to Elizabeth Wiggins, $441,000. Paradise Township Yang Shik and Sea Young Kim Yi to M&M Realty Partners, $1,600,000. Pocono Township Jimmy Schlier and William Wittkop to James Ertle and Robert Furino, $600,000. Future Century Inc to Michael Berardi Revocable Trust, $335,000. William and Lucia Buro to Maximiliano and Kelly Concepcion, $363,000. Jimmy Schlier to Bridge Associates of Tannersville, $400,000. Carolyn Yetter to Sullivan Trail Park of Pocono Township, $495,000. Youssef and Olivia Homsi to Paul and Cassia Nelson, $441,500. John and Margaret Giacolone to Edwin Poole, $354,900. Julius and Deborah Vaughn to Mohamed Alli, $278,000. Polk Township Lawrence Keiper to Duarte and Maria Alexandre, $313,000. Dwight and Sharon Redline to Jeremiah and Doris Brokaw, $337,500. Peter and Janet DiGavero to Joseph and Lucille Borruso, $265,000. Penn Pro Builders Inc to Herbert Ortiz and Gladys Gaton, $344,800. Price Township David and Emma Wengerd to Anthony and Rita Serrano, $260,000. Ross Township Kevin and Kathy Respass to Eisler Family Trust, $464,000. James, Gaele, Kenneth and Joanne Barthold to Todd Detrick, $460,000. Kramer & Jackett Enterprises to Greenhouse Enterprises, $810,000. eric and Merissa Stohr to Gene and Kelly Hillyer, $302,000. John and Marianne Turner to Noel Lamberty and Sandrine Laurent, $330,000. Smithfield Township Isat and Marija Ukaj to Deborah Ehling, $370,000. Robert Whalen Jr. and Linda DeJesus to Daniel Reyes, $299,900. Wanda Phillips to Reynoldson Joseph and Jacqueline Pilgrim, $295,000. All Seasons East Stroudsburg to DBOB Stroudsburg, $4,465,000. Stroudstor LP to DBOB Stroudstor, $3,400,000. Frankstor LP to DBOB Frankstor, $2,382,500. Kim Drayton to Khemchandra and Chandrakala Ramhulas, $280,000. Charles Halada to Natividad Sierra, $269,900. Stroud Township Meadow Run Builders to Mahrose and Bernadette Bolis, $409,000. Victor and Deborah Golat to Alan and Makya Jackson, $271,000. Shirley Gutierrez to Paul Pemberton, $325,000. Martin and Doris Setzer to Frank and Susan Ruggerio, $257,500. Henry and Melissa Delsoin to Francisco Justiniano, $252,350. Dennis and Judith Douds to Ahmad and Antonella Ahmadi, $260,000. BML at Mountainview to CDF Investments, $288,878. CDF Investments to George Jordan, $359,900. LTS Development LLC to Enrique Diaz and Erica and Christopher Lyden, $421,945. Fred Olmsted to Jacinda Brumant, $269,900. LTS Development to Betty Adekoje, $406,800. Khaled and Hoda Soliman to Jeffrey and Ermelinda Bascomb, $283,250. Tunkhannock Township Coral Rock Investments to Gwendolyn Roberts, $255,000. Donna Quante to Robert and Deborah McArthur, $280,000. Tomasz Jaroszczyk to Miriam Weston, $252,350. Pike County Blooming Grove Township Elizabeth Lee to Kenneth Wilson, $350,000. David Marshall to Thomas and Karen Horoszewski, $270,000. Children’s Palace Day Care to John Fisher, $353,500. Delaware Township Eli and Lorraine Candelario to Kevin and Karen Willis, $337,500. Joseph and Marilyn Grabowski to Martin Leutgeb, $250,000. Dingman Township Steven Ovens to James and Mary Pacifico, $252,000. Vannatta Realty and Builders to James Busse, $250,000. Jose and Toni Matias to Richard and Janine Freer, $265,000. Jack and Jennifer Frey to Robert and Brenda Schick, $388,000. Isaac Raz to Jean Frison, $250,000. Eugene Figurella to James and Sandra Titcomb, $310,000. Kerry Irwin to Joseph and Cara McGinnis, $265,000. NP Dodge Jr. to Donald and Roberta Breder, $330,000. David Iverson to Linda Wall, $253,000. Sunnylands Inc to Leila Cunningham, $287,000. Lance Cormier to Lorie Guerrera, $255,000. Greene Township Hamilton Moore, Jr. to Janina Maciurzynski, $292,500. Lackawaxen Township Richard and Margaret Baffa to Charles and Leanne Cipolla, $487,450. Stephen and Isabelle Skira to Gerard and Rosemary Connelly, $277,500. Harry and Kristin Montauredes to Susan and Joseph DeVita, $260,000. Pasquale and Nancy Gaeta to Robert and Karen Rich, $255,000. E-Builders iNc to James and Joy Patire, $332,850. Lehman Township Evelyn and Sandrine Laurent to Marc and Robin Deveaux, $330,000. Kenneth and Erin Polakowski to Thomas and Grezel Campbell, $265,500. Kalian at Poconos to Dominika Wierzbowzka, $275,814. Matamoras Borough Badhiar Corp to Alvaro Farace, $268,000. Milford Borough Edward and Judith Anchel to Letita Fonda, $337,000. Palmyra Township Theresa and Robert Silvetz to Harold and Donna Hagen, $500,000. Nemanie Village to John and Mary Curley, $550,000. Wallace Askins to Stevens Irrevocable Trust, $643,500. Jack and eddi Gorman to Peter and Kathleen Daniti, $269,000. Michael and Christine Newman to Cartus Financial Corporation, $260,000. Cartus Financial Corporation to James and Susan Mowatt, $260,000. Else and Volker Hildebrandt to Michael Southerton, $250,0000. John and Diane Gibbons to Vincent and Nancy Valentino, $550,000. Linda and Allan Jones to Donna Pittenger, $490,000. Paupack Township Marie DiCanto to Gerald and Carmela Resnick, $335,000. Leon and Barbara Borsack to Jane Miller, $340,000. Robert and Florence Maurer to Scott and Erlinda Lemly, $325,000. Laurence and Constance Cranch to John and Abby Packer, $798,060. John and Ann Gilleran to Frank and Emma Grace Carillo, $300,000. David Dulay Inc to Big D Management Associates, $370,000. Vincent and Margaret Morelli to Frederick and Kathryn Showers, $475,000. George and Heather McCurdy to Joseph and Dorothy Valeriano, $445,000. Preston Township Eric and Lourdes Schaffroth to Andrew and Denise Clibanoff, $288,000. Salem Township Charles and Ruth Mackenzie to John and Constance McTigue, $576,000. Thomas and Audrey Riggle to John Davis, $700,000. Texas Township Paul and Patricia Klinkiewicz to Christopher and Anita Decker, $310,000. Waymart Borough Frank Sargent to Presque Isle Harbor Water Co, $325,000. MORTGAGES (September 2006 – Over $250,000) Carbon County East Penn Township Duane Schleicher, Neffs National Bank, $285,000. Franklin Township Lon Day, MERS, 419,000. Joseph Connaughton, $285,000. Kidder Township South Donald Palmucci, Indymac Bank, $262,000. Richard Murphy, Wachovia Bank, $252,761. Larry Maddy, Mauch Chunk Trust Co, $375,000. Frank Markley, MERS, $306,700. Lausanne Township Gary Yewdall, Keystone Nazareth Bank & Trust, $300,000. Lehighton Borough Gwen Thomas, Mauch Chunk Trust Co, $930,000. Bruce Rehrig, Jim Thorpe National Bank, $415,000. Richard Miller, M&T Trust Co, $1,100,000. Shohola Township Heike Dubacher to Robert and Tara Ann Hommel, $339,000. En Swaa Inc to Anthony Farula, $385,000. Lower Towamensing Township P&H Georges Inc, 1st National Bank of Palmerton, $400,000. Low-Car Commons LLC, Mauch Chunk Trust Co, $665,000. Westfall Township Linda and Larry Grossman to Michael Harris, $350,000. Greg Tonkin to Zoldan Family Ohio Limited Trust, $1,100,000. Gary and Patricia Haas to Arthur Thompson III, $301,600. Linda Wall to Michael and Linda Torborg, $320,000. Mahoning Township Marina Galkina, MERS, $413,250. Laura Moyer, 1st National Bank of Palmerton, $278,000. Warren Kromer, Mauch Chunk Trust Co, $388,000. Bruce Rehrig, Jim Thorpe National Bank, $415,000. Wayne County Berlin Township David Dulay Inc to Frank Mazotta III, $270,000. Robert and Lori Wall to Dennis and Susan Eisloeffel, $260,000. Buckingham Township Arthur and Sari Schwartz to Sarron and Joan Roy, $515,000. Damascus Township Debra Wander to Michael and Stephanie Lukan, $373,000. Steven Hodas to James Hine, $420,000. Richard Socher to Frank and Susan Sargent, $985,000. Stroudsburg Borough TM Builders Inc to Brendan Fitzpatrick, $304,220. Hugh Hodge to Eric Silverman, $310,000. Martin and Judith Cortez to Eric Rivera, $265,000. T&T LLC to Steven and Sharon Braithwaite, $265,900. R Clifford and Margaret Kelsey to Terry and Lois Binikos, $305,000. Anthony and Theresa Farda to CKR scott Street LP, $425,000. Dreher Township Robert and Beth Ann Taraba to Richard and Dawn Marie Tavalsky, $439,000. Edith Pearsall to Patricia Suave, $299,000. Tobyhanna Township Francis and Lucille Houston to Dennis and Mary Anne Boyer, $445,000. Alphonse Friscia to Jeffrey and Mitzi Joss, $285,000. Christopher and Anthony Nebbia to Patrick and Patricia Reilly, $355,500. Joseph Skrabak to Richard and Michiko Williams, $252,500. Walter and Marsha Melnik to Thomas and Susan Giachetti, $367,500. Eric Hanna to Witold and Konrad Bolkun, $320,000. Steven and Sandra Ladin to Mark and Carol Rodenhausen, $397,500. Paul and Anna May Snyder to Shen Dai and Xing Zhou, $329,000. Douglas and Sonia Bendt to John and Odalys Stefandis, $397,500. Lake Township Stuart and Antonia DeJonge to William and Susan Broadhurst, $350,000. Alexander and Susan Valcic to Stephen and Bernadette Haken, $360,000. Richard and Gina McDonnell to Diane Dugan, $350,000. Dyberry Township Adam Irwin to John Mulqueen, $350,000. Vincent and Susan Griffis to James Conway, $335,000. Lehigh Township Richard and Marilyn Andres to Kevin and Elizabeth O’Connor, $532,000. Kevin and Janice Stout to Wendy Abramowitz, $500,000. Palmyra Township Palmerton Borough John Stange III, North Penn Bank, $2,900,000. John Stange III, North Penn Bank, $2,900,000. Penn Forest Township Desantis Development Inc, Madison Bank, $300,000. Desantis Development Inc, Madison Bank, $300,000. Colleen Davidson, MERS, $278,000. Kevin McGrath, MERS, $410,000. Roseanne Logan, MERS, $300,000. Charles Quarles, MERS, $283,500. John Costa, MERS, $252,000. Towamensing Township Prateek Patnaik, MERS, $280,000. Scott Hillegass, Harleysville National Bank & Trust, $480,000. Carol Miller, MERS, $405,000. Charles Laviolette, MERS, $329,000. Monroe County Barrett Township Brian and Diane Murray, Community Bank & Trust, $414,298. Angele and Stanley Parker, Wachovia Bank, $339,545. Chestnuthill Township Ricardo Perega, MERS, $269,900. Angela Menza, Wells Fargo Bank, $300,240. Angela Menza, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $300,240. Khald and Nosheen Hayat, Village Capital and Investment, $415,000. Catherine Barone, MERS, $326,021. Kara and Lynn Latorre, MERS, $264,000. Pasquale and Paula Oliva, National City Bank, $285,000. Douglas Strunz, Wells Fargo Bank, $279,000. David and Lynette Quarismo, Susquehanna Patriot Bank, $1,541,800. Laura Couvertheir, MERS, $252,000. Michael and Diana Ferris, Wells Fargo Bank, $338,787. Robert Wines Jr. and Robert Wines Sr. and Diane Wines 23 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006 PBJ REGISTER and Robyn Wines, MERS, $448,000. Timothy Subutkowski and Lori Kale, MERS, $256,000. Joseph and Barbara Reed, MERS, $337,500. Ronald and Kathy Callahan, MERS, $251,000. Ronald and Brenda Russell, MERS, $264,000. Tyrone and Yolanda Kelly, MERS, $321,600. Coolbaugh Township Robert and Theresa Blum, MERS, $250,000. Andre Nanton, MERS, $273,600. Marion Kelly, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $251,750. 297 Getty Avenue Associates, Genworth Life Insurance, $1,500,000. Fareeda Cook, MERS, $259,900. Peter Woelfle, MERS, $285,000. Kenny and Marcia Shaw, MERS, $253,700. Claude Slue and Keitha Samms, MERS, $270,000. East Stroudsburg Borough Joel and Guinevere Nordmeyer, 1st National Bank of Palmerton, $315,000. Budget Motel, ESSA Bank & Trust, $500,000. Shannon and Luis Maldonado, MERS, $254,100. Mildred Baj, Wells Fargo Bank, $335,500. Hamilton Township Rocco and Angela Beard, MERS, $280,000. Richard Anderson, ESSA Bank & Trust, $250,000. Charles and Audrey DeHaven, All Pennsylvania Reverse Mortgage, $300,240. Charles and Audrey DeHaven, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $300,240. Steve and Kristy Griffith, MERS, $268,000. John Accetta and Jennifer Brody, Wayne Bank, $600,000. Michael and Maria Dempsey, MERS, $324,800. W. Peter Ahnert and Patricia Schiavore, Pocono Community Bank, $520,000. Ronald Rosario, MERS, $321,594. Christopher Cameron, MERS, $308,750. Jackson Township Kenneth and Sylvia Marohc, ABN Amro Mortgage Group, $325,000. Michael Faunce and Mary Jo Melon, Indymac Bank, $450,000. Kevin Mason and Ronneane Reeves-Mason, MERS, $271,500. Geovanny and Gladys Barreno, MERS, $287,000. Middle Smithfield Township Lilibeth and Manuel Brana, MERS, $399,300. McThaddeus Holden, National City Bank, $255,300. Raymond Williams, Wells Fargo Bank, $318,000. Sophia Spence, MERS, $354,450. Joseph Sarocco, MERS/TBI Mortgage, $250,200. Anita Barch, MERS, $271,850. Charles Strunck, MERS, $465,550. Guillermo and Lucena Marquez, ING Bank, $321,596. Amy and Chad Sensening, Wells Fargo Bank, $320,000. Pawel and Edyta Maciejewski, MERS, $261,000. Eviarna Toussaint, MERS, $259,425. Chad and Alexis Wilkinson, MERS, $417,000. Edlyn and April Jones, MERS, $279,920. Vivekananda Ramana, Wells Fargo Bank, $528,511. Norma and Newton Gabbidon, MERS, $424,995. Michael and Lillian Farrell, HSBC Mortgage, $359,800. Edwin Doerr Jr., Wachovia Bank, $250,000. Jeremy McDermott, HSBC Mortgage, $310,000. Michael and Elise Mereday, Beneficial Mortgage, $256,458. Darren Johnson and Vonrica Oliphant, Wells Fargo Bank, $270,000. Philip and Regina Mingle, Washington Mutual Bank, $295,580. Nelson Santiago and Milsa Nunez, MERS, $295,900. Thomas and Paula Mickens, MERS, $344,00. Ronald and Margaret Farrell, MERS, $256,500. Charles Seecharon, MERS, $326,900. Jason and Kelly Jensen, MERS, $365,400. Daniel and Joanne Culleny, MERS, $271,000. Marius and Marivi Acosta, MERS, $369,800. Robert and Deborah Hetu, Integrated Financial Group, $360,000. Lerar McLain and Sandra Thomas, MERS, $383,600. Veronica McNair, MERS, $255,000. Lloyd and Aldith Brown, HSBC Mortgage, $377,910. Mekia Siraj, MERS, $250,000. Mount Pocono Township Knob Crest Associates & Cobler Realty Advisors, PA Housing Finance Agency, $1,299,449. Knob Crest Associates & Cobler Realty Advisors, Monroe County, $284,099. Fazard and Mayra Mohammed, MERS, $265,000. Elizabeth Wiggins, MERS, $352,800. Paradise Township Crescent Lodge, Penn Security Bank & Trust, $500,000. Patricia Price, MERS, $374,000. Shaun Browne and Jillian Dedier-Browne, Yorktown Funding, $256,000. Pocono Township James Ertle and Robert Funno, Sussex Bank, $450,000. Maximiliano and Kelly Concepcion, Abacus Federal Savings Bank, $290,000. Bridge Associates of Tannersville, Community Bank & Trust, $320,000. Joseph Palmeroni, Wells Fargo Bank, $354,500. Christine Fisk, Financial Freedom Senior Funding/Indymac Bank, $300,000. Christine Fisk, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $300,000. Sullivan Trail Pack of Pocono Township/Valley 1031 Exchange, Team Capital Bank, $395,000. Dawn Buckmine, National City Bank, $353,200. Four Seasons at Camelback, 1st National Community Bank, $13,500,000. Four Seasons at Camelback, 1st National Community Bank, $1,000,000. Salvatore and Dierdre Funno, MERS, $600,000. Charles and Sonia Mann, MERS, $260,000. Robert and Esine Felins, MERS, $269,000. Edwin Poole, Wells Fargo Bank, $280,000. Stephen Moore and Bergette Richardson-Moore, Wells Fargo Bank, $280,250. Martinell Enterprises, Community Bank & Trust, $555,000. Kaur Realty, 1st National Bank of Berwick, $1,000,000. John and Sandra Somerville, MERS, $250,000. Polk Township Frederick and Sharon Merklin, MERS, $287,000. Paul and Joanne Mastronardi, MERS, $330,000. Herbert Ortiz and Gladys Gaton, MERS, $334,450. Michelle Barrow, MERS, $342,000. Daniel Martinell, Community Bank & Trust, $555,000. Price Township Anthony and Rita Serrano, MERS, $260,000. Carol Cousins, MERS, $294,500. Ross Township Paul and Diane DeBarry, 1st National Bank of Palmerton, $250,000. Olga Epshteyn and Santos Torres, Jr., ESSA Bank & Trust, $318,166. Thomas and Jessica Smith, Argent Mortgage, $324,000. Todd Detrick, ESSA Bank & Trust, $460,000. Anthony and Nancy Russo, MERS, $292,000. Greenhouse Enterprises, Community Bank & Trust, $600,000. Stephen and Kerri Shaneberger, MERS, $285,000. Noel Lanberty and Sandrine Laurent, MERS, $313,500. David Kline, MERS, $372,000. Smithfield Township Deborah Ehling, MERS, $296,000. Sbongiseni Duma, MERS, $407,298. Julie and Anthony Estorque, Prosperity Mortgage, $280,000. Peter and Marnie Gola, Wells Fargo Bank, $325,044. Reynoldson Joseph and Jacqueline Pilgrim, MERS, $295,000. Jomy Irofuala and Rebecca Perez-Irofuala, Wells Fargo Bank, $275,000. Zoldan Family Ohio Limited Partnership/Bruce Zoldan, National City Bank, $4,489,600. DBOB Stroudsstor, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital, $24,000,000. DBOB Stroudsstor, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Capital, $24,000,000. Barbara and Matthew Larkin, Wachovia Bank, $250,000. Keith McClain, MERS, $279,592. Natividad Sierra, MERS, $256,400. Stroud Township Mahrose and Bernadette Bolis, MERS, $327,200. Daniel and Ann Marie Carney, Midwest Bankers Group, $500,000. Donnell and Rone Safforld, Prosperity Mortgage, $285,000. Emmanuel Augustus and Grace Omiunu, MERS, $315,358. Edwin and Kimberly Sanchez, MERS, $350,000. Alan Jackson and Mayka Benitez-Jackson, MERS, $276,826. Paul Pemberton, Argent Mortgage, $292,500. Francisco Justiniano, MERS, $252,350. J. Edison and Jacqueline Adams, MERS, $380,000. Patrick and Louise Pugliese, MERS, $287,900. George Jordan, MERS, $287,900. Tibor and Ilona Szigethy, Washington Mutual Bank, $542,250. Enrique Diaz and Erica and Christopher Lyden, MERS, $337,556. Quanda Brown, National City Bank, $300,000. 1723 West Main Street/J&R Property Investment, Pocono Community Bank, $275,000. Robert and Jasmine Lagreca, MERS, $361,600. Cecil and Barbara Baccas, MERS, $400,000. Betty Adekoje, MERS, $366,100. Samuel and Suzanne Coursen, Bankunited, $333,000. Funding Corp, $251,000. Cummins Creek Contractors, Sussex Bank, $270,000. Cummins Creek Contractors, Sussex Bank, $270,000. Stroudsburg Borough Brendan Fitzpatrick, MERS, $273,775. Joseph and Mousa Khalil, National City Bank, $349,000. Peter Rutt, MERS, $270,800. Todd Detrick, ESSA Bank & Trust, $460,000. Eric Silverman, MERS, $279,000. Milford Borough Sean Strub, Dime Bank, $350,000. Tobyhanna Township Dennis and Mary Anne Boyer, MERS, $300,000. Frank and Elaine Carchione, Business Loan Center, $1,420,000. Patrick and Patricia Reilly and Helen Ferrara, MERS, $319,950. Pinecrest Lake Homes & Community Bank & Trust, Community Bank & Trust, $1,995,000. Pinecrest Lake Homes & Community Bank & Trust, Community Bank & Trust, $440,000. Pinecrest Lake Homes & Community Bank & Trust, Community Bank & Trust, $1,995,000. Michael and Jayne Klem, MERS, $350,000. Janet and Kenneth Johnston, MERS, $262,800. Brian Willis, National City Bank, $254,505. Andrew and Shirley Shelton, National City Bank, $282,695. Lisa Williams, National City Bank, $256,500. Sead and Margaret Dizdarevic, Penn Security Bank & Trust, $350,000. Mark and Carol Rodenhausen, CCO Mortgage, $298,100. Shen Dai and Xing Zhou, MERS, $256,000. Alfred Franzini, MERS, $250,000. Odalys and John Stefanidis, MERS, $318,000. Pike County Milford Township Michael and Dawn Celona, MERS, $369,000. Palmyra Township Timothy Brock, Sun National Bank, $450,000. Craig and Kathleen Smyth, Dime Bank, $300,000. Porter Township Laura and Daniel Nelson, MERS, $273,000. Shohola Township Robert and Tara Hommel, Indymac Bank, $271,200. Anthony and Claudia Farula, Wayne Bank, $550,000. Steven and Janice Hernandez, Indymac Bank, $292,000. Wayne County Bethany Borough Gary Good, Wells Fargo Financial, $279,524. DamascCus Township Michael and Stephanie Lukan, Citizens Savings Bank, $298,400. Dreher Township Dawn and Richard Tavalsky, MERS, $351,200. Blooming Grove Township Kenneth Wilson, MERS, $280,000. Igor Kropov, Countrywide Home Loans, $400,000. Franklin Doolittle, MERS, $298,000. John Fisher, Wayne Bank, $318,800. Thomas Kirby, Wells Fargo Bank, $255,000. Thomas Kirby, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, $255,000. Vincent Ball, Bank of America, $250,000. Louis Weissbart, HSBC Mortgage, $400,000. Barbara Moor, MERS, $311,000. Michael and Sheryl Ronan, MERS, $425,000. Guy and Jill Blessington, MERS, $320,000. Vincent and Debra Touhey, MERS, $279,300. Dyberry Township Gary Good, Wells Fargo Financial, $279,524. John Mulqueen, Honesdale National Bank, $290,000. Delaware Township Michael and Diane Cutaia, MERS, $287,847. Kevin and Karen Willis, CCO Mortgage, $269,500. Grigory and Svetlana Baranovsky, Citibank, $252,800. Lehigh Township Kevin and Elizabeth O’Connor, MERS, $332,000. Rajnarine Singh, Option One Mortgage, $320,000. Dingman Township Geraldine and William Buchanan, HSBC Mortgage, $287,200. Kerry and Dawn Irwin, CCO Mortgage, $266,150. Juan and Maria Hernandez, MERS, $255,000. Carmen Castellano, MERS, $278,000. Micahel and Theresa Sanitiago, HSBC Mortgage, $376,800. Gina and Eamon McHale, Wells Fargo Bank, $569,500. Richard Garby, Countrywide Home Loans, $329,200. Robert and Brenda Schick, National City Mortgage, $310,400. Kelvin and Eileen Guyadeen, MERS, $256,000. Donna Rufino, Wachovia Bank, $315,000. Gary and Janine Zinn, Washington Mutual, $276,000. John Friberg, MERS, $315,200. Lorie Guerrera, MERS, $251,060. Lackawaxen Township Magda and Sarwat Ezzeldin, PennStar Bank, $297,500. Joseph and Ann Marie Ball, Wachovia Bank, $279,600. Woodloch Spa Resort, Community Bank & Trust, $2,000,000. Hugh O’Connell, ESSA Bank & Trust, $405,000. Charles and Leanne Cipolla, ESSA Bank, $325,000. Lehman Township Nancy and Burt Lyn, Wells Fargo Bank, $251,000. Henry Bell, Countrywide home Loans, $314,800. Grezel and Thomas Campbell, MERS, $265,500. Dominika Wierzbowzka, Washington Mutual, $260,000. Edward and Margaret Ayala, First Residential Mortgage, $276,250. Luther Gales, Wells Fargo Bank, $283,290. Luis Gonzalez, Saxon Mortgage, $261,000. Matamoras Borough Kathleen and Aaron Churchill, Robar General Coming Next Month ... December 2006 Lake Township Sperry Homes, Alexander Construction Inc, $433,308. Sperry Homes, Equity Trust Co, $350,000. Dominick and Debra Mustascio, MERS, $370,900. Lebanon Township Michael Hardler, Cooper & Shein/Great Oak Lending Partners, $390,000. Palmyra Township Vincent, Josephine and Nancy Valentino, MERS, $350,000. Paupack Township Elizabeth Epright, Honesdale National Bank, $425,000. Russell and Joanne Hume, MERS, $500,000. Erlinda and Scott Lemly, JP Morgan Chase Bank, $292,500. Frank and Emma Grace Carillo, MERS, $255,000. Craig and Kathleen Smyth, Dime Bank, $300,000. Kathryn and Frederick Showers, Wells Fargo Bank, $380,000. Anthony and Claudia Farule, Wayne Bank, $550,000. Joseph and Dorothy Valeriano, Oak Mortgage Co, $345,000. Salem Township Sperry Homes, Equity Trust Co, $350,000. Cesar Pifano, MERS, $250,000. Daniel and Jane Trygar, Dime Bank, $575,000. Vincent and Sheila Mecca, 1st National Community Bank, $500,000. John Davis, Wells Fargo Bank, $300,000. Texas Township Christopher and Anita Decker, MERS, $278,000. Russell and Marie Palmer, Dime Bank, $9,356,083. MERS = Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Disclaimer: Deeds and mortgages recorded as accurately as possible adhering to the cover dates in the County Recorders office. POCONO www.pbjonline.com Regional Business News & Resources Reflections & Projections www.pbjonline.com • Regulation or Strangulation: Are local ordinances helping or hurting business? • How intelligent are Pocono developers about Smart Growth? • Recent Retail developments. • Status Report on Route 209 by-pass. • Professional Profile: Christmas tree from the Poconos is headed for the White House. 24 Pocono Business Journal | November 2006