Coffee With Your Congressman Matt Cartwright The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce government advocacy and affairs committee wants to share an upcoming opportunity for Chamber members to meet and discuss important issues with Congressman Cartwright. Congressman Cartwright will be at the Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069 on Monday, July 10, from 3:30-5:00 PM. Enjoy coffee and contribute to the discussion with your local community. AddressAbington Memorial VFW Post 7069402 Winola RoadClarks Summit, PA 18411
Marywood Students to Participate in Global Business Plan Competition Five students from Marywood University’s School of Business and Global Innovation have been selected to participate in the X-Culture Global Business Week in Lublin, Poland, from July 12-19, 2023. X-Culture is an international business plan competition in which students compete on teams composed of other students from around the world on real-life projects, set up by companies seeking to enter international markets. Each year more than 10,000 students participate in X-culture from over 400 institutions around the world. The top 150 students are invited to participate in the X-culture international symposium annually. The following Marywood University students have been invited for participation: Michael Romano, Maywood, N.J., a junior business management major; Daniel Gomez, Miami, Fla., a sophomore sports management major; Gabrielle Trosh, Newfoundland, Pa., a junior financial planning in business management major; Joel DeCarli, Archbald, Pa., a junior business management major, and Madison Guelho, Stroudsburg, Pa., a junior business management/health services administration major. Dr. Chris Speicher, their professor on this project and the Executive Director of Marywood’s School of Business and Global Innovation, said, “These students are our rock stars! They stand out in any situation, and they will be wonderful ambassadors for Marywood while in Poland, participating in this symposium and business plan competition.” For more information about Marywood’s School of Business and Global and its programs, go to marywood.edu/academics/business.
All About Function to Host Education Workshop Lori A. Radisnki will be hosting a Menstrual Education Workshop at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Please see flyer for details.
University of Scranton Adds Prestigious School to “3-3” Law Program The University of Scranton and Seton Hall University School of Law have signed a direct admissions agreement that will allow Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible for admission to the prestigious law school after just three years at Scranton. The agreement will take effect beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year. The agreement, commonly referred to as a “3-3 program,” will allow Scranton students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree, or a master of legal studies (M.L.S.) degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in six, rather than seven years. After completion of their junior year at Scranton, the agreement allows eligible J.D. students to earn up to 30 credits – and M.L.S. students to earn up to 18 credits – for their bachelor’s degree requirements, during the first year at Seton Hall Law. Approved first-year law courses would count toward both the student’s law degree and his or her bachelor’s degree at Scranton. To be eligible for the 3-3 J.D. direct admission program with Seton Hall Law, students must have completed three years of coursework and have earned a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.63 at the time of matriculation to law school and have scored at or above 161 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), in addition to meeting other required recommendations, character and fitness requirements, and remaining in good academic and discipline standing through matriculation at Scranton. To be eligible for the 3-3 M.L.S. direct admission program with Seton Hall Law, students must have completed three and one-half years of coursework and have earned a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 at the time of matriculation to law school, in addition to meeting other character and fitness requirements, while remaining in good academic and discipline standing through matriculation at Scranton. Scranton has a Pre-Law Advisory Program that helps students navigate the law school application process throughout their undergraduate years. The program also offers assistance to Scranton alumni who wish to apply to law school. The University offers a concentration in legal studies. Scranton also has 3-3 program agreements with Boston College Law School, Duquesne University School of Law, Penn State Law and Villanova School of Law. In the past four years, more than 130 Scranton graduates have received acceptance into more than 50 law schools throughout the United States, including to some of the country’s most prestigious law schools. For more information, visit Scranton’s pre-law webpage, or contact Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., pre-law advisor and professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, at 570-941-5814 or matthew.meyer@scranton.edu.
University of Scranton Graduates Win Scholarships University of Scranton class of 2023 graduate Elise Westhafer, Reinholds, and class of 2022 graduate Isaiah Livelsberger, Hanover, have been awarded 2023-2024 Fulbright Student Scholarships, the premier international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Competitive, merit-based scholarships allow recipients to spend a year conducting research or teaching abroad. Westhafer received a Fulbright Award to Slovenia where she will conduct research focusing on neurotransmitters in the aging brain at the University of Ljubljana. Livelsberger, received a Fulbright Award to Guatemala where he will study judicial reform in Guatemala by carrying out research at the Rafael Landívar University and at the Association for Research and Social Studies in Guatemala City. “The Fulbright awards will give both exceptional graduates the ability to pursue research they are passionate about with world-class experts in their fields,” said Kara Kofira Bishop, University of Scranton Fulbright Program adviser. “An ardent researcher, Elise will work with Dr. Nina Vardjan, a member of the medical faculty at the Institute of Pathophysiology at the University of Ljubljana, to study brain metabolism and neuronal function to gain a better understanding of age-related decline. Zealous in pursuit of social justice, Isaiah will work with Professor Byron Morales of the Jesuit-run Rafael Landívar University, and Pablo Hurtado of the Association for Research and Social Studies to analyze how judicial institutions in Guatemala were impacted by the recently-retired International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.” According to Bishop, the Fulbright program awards grants based on the recipients’ records of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. This year’s awards continue Scranton’s decades of success with the Fulbright program. Since 1972, a total of 129 University students have been awarded Fulbrights.
Johnson College to Host Open House Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Chamber Affiliate Receives Award for Economic Development Accomplishments in the Region The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce economic development affiliate, Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), received the Mid-Sized Community EDO Award from Business Facilities for its economic development accomplishments in northeastern Pennsylvania. Business Facilities is a full-service media brand specializing in the site selection marketplace, and it has been recognized as “the leading source of intelligence on corporate expansion and relocation since 1968,” as stated by the magazine’s website. The award SLIBCO received was given to mid-size economic development organizations whose region’s population is between 100,000–500,000. Outlining The Chamber and SLIBCOs accomplishments: 15 business parks totaling over 3,000 acres. Of the 3,000 acres, less than 1,000 acres are left undeveloped. The organizations developed an internal incentive program for developers within the business parks to work towards the attraction of advanced industries like energy production, advanced manufacturing, and food and beverage production. The latest accomplishment of The Chamber and SLIBCO was a bridged partnership to conserve 250+ acres of land for conservation in Lackawanna County. SLIBCO worked with the Lackawanna Valley Conservancy, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the PA Game Commission. The conservation organization intends to create multiple outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and outdoor educational elements. The Chamber and its affiliates are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania. SLIBCO is one of eight affiliates through The Chamber that seeks to develop the community through access to capital, leadership and professional development, workforce, entrepreneurship, and more. About Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO)Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, develops multi-tenant buildings and industrial and office parks in northeastern Pennsylvania. SLIBCO also owns and manages two technology incubator facilities to start-up and expand small businesses. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
FNCB Bank Announces Staff Promotions FNCB, locally-based since 1910, announced several staff promotions. Christina Baker, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Christina Baker has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where she is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. Miss Baker joined FNCB Bank in July 2021, where she was Personal Banker III and most recently Community Office Manager. Prior to joining the bank, she gained experience as a Universal Banker with Mellon Bank, and as a Head Teller, Retail Branch Assistant, and Loan Officer at Community Bank NA. She is a graduate of North Pocono High School and has completed Leadership Lackawanna’s Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 program. She resides in Elmhurst Township with her husband Christopher, daughter Victoria, and son Ean. Debra Burnett, Banking Officer, Human Resources Generalist Debra Burnett has been promoted to Banking Officer, Human Resources Generalist where she is responsible for coordinating the internal and external staffing process to identify, evaluate, and on-board qualified candidates. Miss Burnett joined FNCB in 2017 and most recently was a Human Resources Generalist. Prior to joining the bank, she worked for Gentex Corporation and Keystone College. She is a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School and Keystone College with an associate degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. She resides in Carbondale with her husband Richard, and has two children, Nicole and Richard. Michael Darter, Assistant Vice President, Community Office Manager Michael Darter has been promoted to Assistant Vice President where he is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. Mr. Darter joined FNCB Bank in 2021, and most recently served as Community Office Manager. Prior to joining the bank, he gained twenty years of management experience in mortgage banking and retail banking with different companies including Santander, Citizens Bank, CitiBank (CitiFinancial), First NLC Financial, and Ameriquest Mortgage. He is a graduate of Freeport High School (NY). He resides in Drums with his son Jacob. Paula Kashuba, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Paula Kashuba has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where she is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. In her time with FNCB Bank, she has worked in Customer Care, served as a Customer Service Representative, a Personal Banker, Assistant Community Office Manager, Community Office Manager, and most recently Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II. Christopher Moshinskie, Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II Christopher Moshinskie has been promoted to Banking Officer, Community Office Manager II where he is responsible for strengthening existing relationships and creating new relationships to grow the Bank’s deposits and loans to increase branch profitability, all while delivering world class customer service. In his time with FNCB Bank, Mr. Moshinskie has been an Assistant Community Office Manager, Community Office Manager I, and most recently Community Office Manager II. Prior to joining FNCB, he was a Licensed Banker at Citizens Bank. He is a graduate of Bay Shore High School (NY) and the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was awarded a certification in the Foundations in Leadership Program, provided through FNCB. As an active member of the community, he is an assistant coach within the Jessup Youth Sports Association. He resides in Jessup with his wife, Danielle, and children Gianna, Alivia, Logan, and Dominic.
Representatives Tour The Wright Center for Community Health Practice Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs toured The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice on Thursday, June 29 to highlight the Biden administration’s work to lower prescription drug costs for Americans and to explain how Medicaid beneficiaries can maintain their health care coverage amid post-public health emergency changes to renewal requirements. Melissa Herd, acting regional director and executive officer, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Region 3, HHS; Leah Suter, regional administrator, HRSA; and Robert McKenna, deputy regional administrator, HRSA, and Theresa Devine Kimak, public health advisor, HRSA, discussed the federal initiatives designed to protect health care access with Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, resident physicians, board members, and clinical care team representatives during a personal meeting and tour of the health care facility that provides oral, primary, preventive, and specialty care services to patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “The Wright Center is privileged to fulfill the delivery of its noble mission by working collaboratively with the United States Department of Health and Human Service and numerous like-minded community partners,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “Together we strive to ensure patients and families in our service area have inclusive access to high-quality, comprehensive, equitable, and affordable primary and preventive health services and a respected voice in the generation of our incumbent and future health care workforce. “Collectively, we are tirelessly working to bolster our national primary care and public health infrastructure to improve the health care and health of our country,” she added. “We are excited to host and celebrate our accomplishments as a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program service provider, and Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium with our national partners.” Thanks to President Joe Biden’s new lower-cost prescription drug law, part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the lives of people with Medicare are changing for the better. In addition to giving Medicare the ability to negotiate the cost of prescription drugs, highlights of the new law include a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription and free recommended preventative vaccines. With the federal public health emergency ending in May, it marked the discontinuation of Medicaid’s continuous coverage requirement. Medicaid users now must complete their annual renewal for health care coverage. Since May, more than 3,500 Pennsylvanians have been disenrolled because they failed to complete the renewal process. More are expected to lose coverage for the same reason during the year, according to HHS. The Wright Center for Community Health has been working to educate regional residents about the redetermination process for Medicaid coverage. The regional primary and preventive care provider has been distributing educational packets to patients, while community health workers also offer patients the personal attention they need to complete the renewal application process. “Medicaid is our Swiss army knife of health – we use it to address maternal health, homelessness, food insecurity, provide mental health support to young people in their schools, to help improve care and coordination for the formerly incarcerated, and more,” Herd said. Pennsylvania is one of 40 states to expand Medicaid, ensuring people across the state can access health care coverage. Had out-of-pocket costs for covered vaccines been eliminated in 2021, more than 177,459 Pennsylvanians who received vaccines under Part D would have saved almost $11 million or $60.43 per Medicare enrollee. And the $35 monthly insulin cap would have saved more than 80,197 state residents with Medicare an average of $543 on their insulin in 2020, according to HHS. Today, a record 92 million Americans rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, better known as CHIP, for their health care, including nearly 3.7 million in the commonwealth, according to HHS. The Wright Center for Community Health’s patient-centered medical home has nine locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, that serve more than 40,0000 unique patients annually and ensures everyone in the service area has access to integrated, high-quality, affordable health services, regardless of their insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. “The Wright Center for Community Health and its network of providers in Northeast Pennsylvania emphasize the importance of primary and preventive care for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, chief medical officer for The Wright Center for Community Health. “The federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP renewal requirements could potentially reduce access to health care for some patients. That’s why the Wright Center for Community Health offers a sliding-fee discount program based on family size and income. It ensures health care services are accessible and more equitable for everyone, he added.” For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Scranton Counseling Center Receives Donation Scranton Counseling Center recently received a $25,000 grant from The Margaret Briggs Foundation to help fund the Center’s blight remediation / parking lot construction capital project. From left: Kevin Rogers, The Margaret Briggs Foundation; Dr. Sarah Wodder, President and CEO, Scranton Counseling Center; and Douglas Hein, Director of Development, Scranton Counseling Center.
