PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals

The PennDOT Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced today that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through October 31.

The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation, and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT-owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on October 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website, www.P3.pa.gov. 

The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time.

The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will occur in April 2023. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit www.P3.pa.gov.

Artworks Gallery To Host Art Exhibit

Join us at ArtWorks Gallery and Studio on the First Friday, October 7th, from 5-9 pm for Jessica Maietta: Synergy. Maietta is an artist based in Northeastern Pennsylvania who creates two-dimensional works using various mixed media techniques.

About her work, the artist states, “mixed media enables me to channel my subconscious mind and discover personal truths. Some of my art is non-archival, mirroring the ever-changing impermanence of life. Everything has a beginning, an end, and the now. I create my own pictorial language using symbols. My pieces reflect personal views of human life in relation to time, space, nature, and spirituality. The symbols I use are universal, allowing variable interpretations. Being aware of these alternative dimensions elevates me from being a robotic gear in the clock of life.”

In addition to her work, Maietta is an accomplished tattoo artist in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Join us in celebrating Jessica’s work for the entire month of October. Beyond First Friday, the gallery is open to the public 8 am – 4 pm M-F. Masks required.

Geisinger To Host Dinners for Local Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Geisinger Healthplex State College will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are being provided at no cost to participants. Anyone interested should make a reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Geisinger will again serve this dinner as a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served more than 2,300 meals.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the event at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, where it originated before expanding to other Geisinger facilities. This year’s event will grow from nine locations to 11.

Veterans may contact their preferred location to register themselves and one guest for the meal. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now.

Locations are:

Pittston Township

Scranton

Wilkes-Barre

Bloomsburg

Danville

Jersey Shore

Lewistown

Mifflintown

Muncy

Shamokin

State College

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda
  • To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/statecollege or call 814-272-5032.
  • Meals will be served at this location from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Fidelity Bank Promotes Annamarie Rittle

Daniel J. Santaniello, President & CEO, Fidelity Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of AnnaMaria Rittle to Vice President, Regional Retail Sales Manager of the Lehigh Valley Region of Fidelity Bank.

Rittle brings more than 27 years of community banking experience to her new role at Fidelity Bank, where she oversees Branch Administration sales functions. She develops, implements, and achieves annual goals and objectives for the Retail Banking Division, and ensures the department meets all regulatory and operating requirements.

Rittle holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. As an active member of the community, she is the treasurer of Easton Business Association and a member of the Easton Area Chamber of Commerce Programming Committee. She also volunteers at multiple community events through her affiliation with Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP).

The University of Scranton Events

The University of Scranton Open House Dates Set

The University of Scranton, a nationally recognized Jesuit university in northeast Pennsylvania, will host two Open House events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 23, and Sunday, Nov. 6.

“Best 388 Colleges,” “Best Buys in College Education,” “America’s Best Colleges,” “A Focus on Student Success,” “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” “Best Catholic Colleges” – these are just a few of the ways that the nation’s leading college rankings and guidebooks consistently refer to The University of Scranton. For 29 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Master’s Universities in the North. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list “Best Colleges” for 21 consecutive years and in its ranking of the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 7) for six years, among other rankings.

At the Open House, participants can learn about Scranton’s 69 undergraduate majors, meet with faculty, students, admissions counselors and financial aid representatives. Student-led campus tours will be conducted throughout the day and will include residence halls, dining halls, computer labs, science labs and academic facilities.

In addition, representatives of student organizations, athletic teams and Scranton’s programs of excellence, such as the undergraduate Honors Program, Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Magis Honors Program in STEM, Business Honors Program and Business Leadership Honors Program, will also be available.

Regional Business Leaders Encouraged to Complete Survey

Business leaders in select counties in Northeast Pennsylvania are being asked to complete an online regional workforce survey that is being conducted in support of Project PROGRESS, a collaborative program that advocates for people in recovery by seeking to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder and connecting them with family-sustaining employment and educational opportunities.

The Institute, a nonprofit applied research and economic consulting organization, recently distributed the brief survey through the local chambers of commerce and other business organizations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties that are served by the Project Providing Recovery Opportunities for Growth, Education and Sustainable Success (Project PROGRESS) initiative.

Spearheaded by The Wright Center for Community Health, Project PROGRESS participating organizations include Luzerne County Community College, Northeast PA Area Health Education Center, The Institute and Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance.

Project PROGRESS helps employers meet their workforce needs while assisting prospective workers in securing and maintaining employment – an important recovery milestone. To accomplish its goals, The Institute is gathering data to educate program organizers on the need for substance use disorder education and support in the region. The short survey is part of the data-gathering process and will require less than 10 minutes to complete. It is entirely confidential. Employers requesting additional information will be referred to ProjectPROGRESSnepa.org.

Project PROGRESS is funded in part through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission along with financial support from several partner organizations. “The goal of the project is to reduce the impact of stigma related to recovery on employees, employers and the region. People who are committed to their recovery make excellent employees. Their work ethic and dedication to their employer are unmatched,” said Meaghan Ruddy, Ph.D., senior vice president of Academic Affairs, Enterprise Assessment and Advancement, and chief research and development officer for The Wright Center for Community Health.

In November 2020, Gov. Tom Wolf declared a state health emergency due to the opioid epidemic. From 2015 to 2018, 1,149 people died from opioid overdoses in the project’s six-county service area, according to OverdoseFreePA.

“A community’s capacity to create anything at the community level will in large part rely on the community’s understanding of a need and their commitment to creating solutions to meet that need. Leadership and innovative organizations in the six counties of focus for Project PROGRESS are painfully aware of the impact the opioid crisis is having on our friends and neighbors,” added Dr. Ruddy. 

For more information about Project PROGRESS, please go to ProjectPROGRESSnepa.org or email info@ProjectPROGRESSnepa.org or call 570-591-5136.

‘Pathways to PennDOT’ Conference

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it will host a one-day conference, Pathways to PennDOT, designed to connect small, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) with potential contracting opportunities at the department.

The conference will be held at the Best Western Premier Hotel and Conference Center Union Deposit at 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg on Tuesday, October 18. Doors open at 7:30 AM, and the conference will be held from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Registration is free.

“Small and diverse business are central to our communities, and our economy,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m thrilled to host this conference and to help facilitate connecting these critical businesses to opportunities with PennDOT.”

The conference is open to DBE firms, primes, contractors and industry leaders, and will cover such topics as DBE certification, the PennDOT prequalification process, branding strategies, and a panel discussion on best practices from current DBE’s, among other sessions. Additionally, firms can learn how to participate in PennDOT’s Mentor-Protégé program, which connects DBEs with prime contractors to gain and expand experience in the industry.

To learn more about Pathways to PennDOT or to register for the conference, visit PennDOT’s website. Pre-registration closes on October 7.

Borick Honored as Future Under 40 Award Winner

Michael D. Borick, Assistant Vice President – Accounting Supervisor, of The Dime Bank, was announced as a winner of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s (PA Bankers) Future Under 40 Awards.

The Future Under 40 Awards honor banking industry leaders, aged 40 and younger, who have made a tremendous impact in their institution, the community, and the industry.

As accounting supervisor, Michael is responsible for assisting in managing the finance department in accounting, regulatory and other related activities at The Dime Bank.  Michael is involved in local charities and volunteers at numerous bank sponsored events including local parades, United Way Day of Caring, Wayne County Christmas Bureau, among others.  Michael is currently enrolled in the PA Bankers Leadership Institute.  Michael has been with The Dime Bank since 2015. 

“Michael’s commitment to excellence, willingness to give his all and positive attitude is what sets him up for success.” said CFO, Jeffrey Roche.  “Michael is an ultimate team player and a key member of our officer group.”