PIDA Announces Updated Interest Rates The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) has announced updated interest rate options for loan applications submitted through December 31, 2024. Who can participate in this loan program? A variety of different industry sectors are eligible for PIDA financing including manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, research and development, hospitality, defense conversion, recycling, construction, child day-care, retail and service, export, and computer-related service enterprises. These rates apply to various financing options, including real estate, equipment, and energy efficiency projects. For traditional real estate loans, borrowers can choose between a fixed rate of 4.75% for up to 15 years or a lower initial rate of 3.75% for seven years, which resets afterward. Additionally, loans with a 10-year term and 20-year amortization offer similar rate structures, including a fixed rate of 4.75% or an initial 3.75% for five years with a reset option. PIDA also offers competitive rates for other loan categories. Equipment loans under the PIDA-MELF program carry a 4.75% fixed rate for the full term, while working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit have the same fixed rate for a 12-month period. Businesses pursuing pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects benefit from a significantly lower fixed rate of 2.00% for the loan’s duration, encouraging sustainable business practices. These rate options provide valuable financing solutions for businesses across Pennsylvania looking to expand or improve operations. For more information on PIDA loans or to apply, contact AJ Cimahosky or Lexie Langan in the business development office. AJ Cimahosky: ajcimahosky@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 137 Lexie Langan: llangan@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 136
Indraloka’s ThanksLiving: Celebrate Compassion and Community! One of NEPA’s most popular autumn events — ThanksLiving — will be held at Indraloka in Dalton, PA, on Saturday, November 2nd. Kicking off at 11 am, the festivities include live music by The Hot Club of Scranton, fine dining catered by Parlor City Vegan, sanctuary tour, auctions, raffles and more. The highlight of the day is the Feast for the Birds, when the sanctuary’s flocks of turkeys, chickens and ducks — surrounded by hay bales where children and adults of all ages perch — enjoy a banquet of their favorite foods. Indraloka’s biggest fundraising event, ThanksLiving is made possible by longtime sponsor Toyota of Scranton and host WBRE/WYOU TV’s Paola Giangiacomo and Lucy Noland, award winning broadcast journalist, co-founder and author at Archimedes’ Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes ThanksLiving will also feature the first public appearance of Loni the Lamb, who will be the guest star on a spring episode The Wizard of Paws, streaming on Disney+. The show follows prosthetics pioneer and founder of Bionic Pets, Derrick Campana, as he customizes adaptive devices for mobility-challenged animals. Guests at ThanksLiving, which is in its 12th year, can wander the sanctuary, where staff and volunteers will be on hand to introduce visitors to many of the beloved animals. Children and adults will meet and hear the stories of animals who have overcome incredible odds to live thriving, happy, love-filled lives. This uplifting day is meant to bring joy and inspiration to everyone, especially those who might be struggling during these difficult times. “Times are challenging for many of us right now. We need reasons to celebrate. And, we need to see that it’s possible to feel joy in our circumstances.” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri says. “Sometimes it’s easier to get that message from animals. Seeing Loni running around in his wheelchair, grazing with his sheep friends, Mongo, the turkey who is sight-impaired, elderly Eddie Traffic, the pig who rescued himself from a truck bound for the slaughter facility, can help us accept our own vulnerabilities and differences.” ThanksLiving is also an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania amid the spectacular autumn colors. Surrounded by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka’s 100 acres of pastures offer a bucolic setting a mere 20 minutes from downtown Scranton. Home to nearly 200 farm animals of all species, Indraloka rescues, rehabilitates and provides lifelong love and care for animals saved from the most desperate circumstances. Year-round events offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy peace and kindness with beloved, gentle animals. Newly launched programs include “Indraloka Heals,” a transformative therapeutic model to transcend trauma, including the Resilience Series, which is a suite of services that support educators, families, and those healing from traumatic events to develop resilience and tools for dealing with difficult circumstances. ThanksLiving has limited seating and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please call Robin Olson at 858-335-8571 or email her at robin@indraloka.org. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews. Members of the press are invited to ThanksLiving. Call for more information.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Annual Turkey Trot Event benefits Friends of the Poor. Registration now open for 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton Nov. 3 Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students will host its 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton on Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will also feature a Tiny Trot, including crafts, games, face painting and relay races, for children ages 13 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Poor, a nonprofit whose mission is to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. in the main lobby of Geisinger Commonwealth’s Medical Sciences Building at 525 Pine St. in Scranton. The 5K and 10K runs and the Tiny Trot all begin at 8 a.m. Routes begin and end at the school’s Medical Sciences Building on Pine Street. Online registration is open and will close Friday, Nov. 1. For participants ages 14 and older, registration is $30 for the 5K run/walk and $40 for the 10K. For those age 13 and younger, Tiny Trot registration is free, but a donation of two canned goods on race day is appreciated. To register: runsignup.com/gcsomturkeytrot
Showcase’s Dave Yeager Speaks at StartUp Lehigh Valley The 6th annual StartUp Lehigh Valley, a Shark Tank-style competition, took place at Lehigh University, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Northampton County. This exciting event celebrated local talent and innovation, with thousands of dollars at stake for aspiring entrepreneurs. Among the notable participants was Showcase, a standout company within the Ben Franklin Northeast portfolio. Led by Dave Yeager, Showcase captivated the audience with a compelling vision for enhancing user experiences through innovative technology. Their presentation demonstrated not only a keen understanding of market needs but also the potential for significant impact within the industry. The evening featured a variety of pitches, but Showcase’s commitment to innovation truly shone through. Their participation highlighted the robust support system for entrepreneurs in the region, underscoring the importance of collaboration and creativity in driving business success. George Awad, a current Lehigh student, stole the spotlight by winning the coveted $20,000 grand prize for his venture, Aroi Mango, which brings a taste of Thailand to the Lehigh Valley. Awad’s success was bolstered by the supportive atmosphere created by events like this, which Showcase embodies through its mission to foster innovation. Another impressive winner was Nadia Alicia, who took home $5,000 for her Spanish Immersion TV idea, a virtual daycare aimed at helping young children become bilingual. Her enthusiasm mirrored the energy of the event, which brought together a diverse array of entrepreneurial minds. Lehigh University Provost Nathan Urban remarked on the caliber of ideas presented, stating, “We saw really innovative, interesting, new companies. A lot of enthusiasm. A great crowd.” Jill Forrest, Director of Academic Outreach, noted the diverse pool of participants spanning industries from fashion and food to biomedical and artificial intelligence. Co-hosted by Bo Koltnow, the event concluded with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of entrepreneurship in the Lehigh Valley. With a total of $33,000 in prizes available, the competition not only rewarded individual achievements but also reinforced the collaborative spirit that Showcase and other local businesses exemplify. As organizers look ahead to next year’s competition, they encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to prepare and submit their applications. Interested participants should record and submit a video showcasing their prototypes or products, setting the stage for another exciting showcase of innovation. The StartUp Lehigh Valley competition continues to be a beacon of support for local entrepreneurs, and Showcase stands as a prime example of the creativity and ambition driving Pennsylvania’s business community forward!
Don’t Miss the Fun this Halloween! Activities Indraloka’s Halloween Party October 24th from 5 to 7 PM 336 Oak Drive, Dalton, PA American Cancer Society’s Monster Dash 5K October 26th starting at 9 AM 3 W Olive Street, Scranton, PA Halloween Magic Show with Mr. Magico October 26th at 1 PM 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA Dave & Boo-sters October 31st from 4 to 7 PM 6000 Shoppes Boulevard, Moosic, PA Trunk or Treat: Oakwood Terrace October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 400 Gleason Drive, Moosic, PA LCBC October 30th starting at 6PM 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 21+ E’s Halloween Paint & Sip October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 500 Mill Street, Dunmore, PA Haunt at the Hive October 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Quandel’s Performance Construction Names Vance Martin as President Vance Martin was recently named president of Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises, LLC company. As president, Martin is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and developing its corporate strategy. He will work closely with the Quandel Enterprises, LLC executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience in executive roles within the construction industry, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to Performance Construction Company. His expertise lies in the areas of structural concrete and water/wastewater treatment facilities, positioning him as a key asset in leading the company towards a successful future. “Vance’s leadership and extensive expertise in the construction industry make him an outstanding choice to lead Performance Construction Company into the future,” says Gregory Quandel, Chief Executive of Quandel Enterprises, LLC. “His proven ability to innovate and drive operational success aligns perfectly with our vision of growth and excellence. We are confident that under his guidance, the company will continue to thrive and exceed the expectations of our clients in an ever-evolving industry.” All of us at Performance are excited about Vance joining the team and helping to maximize our project performance and driving the growth in our structural and water/wastewater treatment markets,” said Eric Eichenberg, vice president of Performance Construction Company. “His demonstrated leadership and operational success, will be crucial in guiding our team to meet the needs of our customers in this rapidly evolving market.”
Geisinger – Is Your Medicine Cabinet Fully Stocked? Stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials means you’ll be ready to tackle any cut, sprain or illness. Have you checked out your medicine cabinet lately? You might expect to find bandages, and maybe some Tylenol® or cold medicine. Or is it lacking a few essentials because someone used them up or tossed them out? Staying fully stocked is smart. If you have the right supplies in your medicine cabinet, you can treat everything from headaches to bee stings. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet Before you hit the store to stock up on first aid supplies, peek at what you have. Start by taking everything out of your medicine cabinet. Set aside any expired or unused prescriptions. Then make a list of what you’re keeping and note the expiration dates. Tape the list to the inside of the cabinet door so you can see it anytime. If you prefer a digital copy, use your phone or digital assistant to keep a list. When you replace something, scratch out the old expiration date and write in the new one so you’ll know when it’s time for a replacement. After documenting your inventory, make a second list — this one of the medicine and first aid supplies you need. Then stock up! What to keep in your medicine cabinet Not sure where to start? Some useful over-the-counter medications to keep on hand can include: Pain relievers Eye drops Decongestants Cough drops Antacids Aloe vera Hydrocortisone cream Antibiotic cream Personal medications prescribed by your doctor, like an EpiPen® It’s also good to have tools on hand that can help with everything from removing ticks to patching up cuts and scrapes. Injuries and illness are hard to predict so stocking up on a few things can help keep you prepared for the unexpected. Keep your medicine cabinet supplied with: Assorted bandages, including gauze Thermometer Cotton balls and cotton swabs Tweezers Nail clippers Rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Safety pins Scissors Have an infant at home? Don’t forget about baby nail clippers, diaper cream and other baby-safe tools. Storing medicine at home Once you have everything you need in your medicine cabinet, set the rest of your household up for success. If you have young children, keep medications and tools like scissors out of their reach, and consider keeping prescriptions for things like pain medicine hidden so they’re not accessible to others. While medicine cabinet supplies are great for treating minor illness and injuries, major cuts or allergic reactions may require a call to your doctor or even a trip to urgent care or the ER. But with a properly stocked medicine cabinet, you’ll be able to patch up the minor injuries of the day without leaving home. Disposing of expired medicine Have unused or expired medicine you want to get rid of? Drop them in a secure medication disposal box like Geisinger’s Medication Take Back Program. Getting rid of unwanted medicine is easy. Just find a location near you and drop them in. If you can’t get to a medication drop box, follow these easy steps to properly dispose of your medicine: Remove the prescription label or use a marker to obscure your name and address on the label. (This helps keep your personal info safe.) Mix medications with cat litter, dirt or coffee grounds to make them unappetizing. Put the mixture in a sealed bag with a little bit of water to make the medication unusable and throw it away. Remember: When you’re getting rid of medicine, don’t flush it down the toilet. It can contaminate local waterways. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice visit geisigner.org/balance.
The Wright Center Pediatrician Appointed to Statewide Board Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician and deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance (PSBHA) Board of Directors. The Philadelphia-based PSBHA advocates for school-based health centers by promoting the development of innovative, scalable care systems that address the key medical and academic challenges caused by limited access to high-quality health care and wellness education. Dr. Thomas, board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, provides care for infants, children, and adolescents at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn. She also leads The Wright Center’s School-Based Practice at West Scranton Intermediate School and is a physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program. “As a pediatrician and advocate for children’s health, I am honored to join the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance Board of Directors,” said Dr. Thomas, whose career spans over two decades. “School-based health centers are essential in addressing both medical and academic challenges faced by students who lack access to quality care. By offering comprehensive, accessible services, we not only support students’ physical and mental well-being but also enhance their ability to thrive academically. The growing need for these centers is clear, and I am excited to work with the PSBHA to champion innovative solutions that bring high-quality care directly to our schools where it is most needed.” She joins Robin Rosencrans, executive administrative assistant at The Wright Center, who serves as secretary on the PSBHA board of directors. Dr. Thomas is also co-leading the recent relaunch of Lackawanna County’s Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit national program that distributes books to children during their regular pediatric visits to promote early literacy and health through pediatric care. She earned her medical degree from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, and completed her pediatrics residency at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Before joining The Wright Center in 2021, she was an attending pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Dr. Thomas resides in Palmer Twp., Pennsylvania, with her husband, Dr. Mahesh Krishnamurthy.
The University of Scranton Awarded Seven-Figure Grant The University of Scranton receives seven-figure Appalachian Regional Commission grant for Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation Project. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $1,321,980 grant to The University of Scranton’s to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration, including with area small businesses, that will be created by the August 2025 opening of the nearly 90,000-square-foot Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall now under construction. The University of Scranton was awarded a $1,321,980 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project which is expected to involve 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration that will be created by the August 2025 opening of Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, now under construction. Seen here is a rendering of Weiss Hall. ARC announced awards of $68.2 million for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The awards, announced on Oct. 16, amount to ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative was launched in 2015. The projects funded impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Scranton is one of just 20 projects in Pennsylvania selected to receive ARC awards. Scranton received the seventh largest award in the Commonwealth. The ARC grant funding leverages the workforce development, applied research and community outreach opportunities that will be created in the four-story Weiss Hall, including the expanded and dedicated space for the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The new space furthers the development of SBDC programming and encourage new collaborations with academic departments housed in the new building. The ARC grant will support the development of the Small Business Ready program that builds on the success of the existing Small Business Development Center’s Internship Program. Small Business Ready involves the development of a specialized training program tailored to the unique needs of small business for student interns. The training program will address the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership and written and oral communication, which were identified by employers as often lacking in new hires. The program will also seek to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and nurture creativity and innovation among University students and provide practical training on business planning, management fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, marketing and social media strategies, accounting, and finance principles. SBDC consultants will develop the training program in collaboration with local small business owners, and the University’s career development staff and faculty. The program will leverage specialized equipment and technology that will be available in a 10,000-square-foot innovation hub on the first floor of Weiss Hall, which includes a virtual reality/augmented reality training laboratory. The ARC grant will also establish a networking program to facilitate more meaningful connections between students and small business owners and representatives. University students will take the lead in organizing and coordinating events and activities related to this initiative. In addition, the grant supports the development of initiatives for two of the University’s academic programs housed in Weiss Hall: the Psychology Department Experiential Learning and Outreach; and the Cybersecurity, Crime Analysis, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Education, Training and Outreach. The University anticipates 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants will be impacted through the ARC grant. The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Since 2015, ARC has invested $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties. Collectively, these investments are projected to support nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in growing industries.
