Condron Media Partners with Sweda Advertising to merge into Condron Sweda Advertising

Sweda Advertising, established in 2004, and Condron Media, a 29-year-old firm, have combined forces to form Condron Sweda Advertising. The two firms have generated over $100 Million in collective client billings to date. The combined entity, Condron Sweda Advertising, boasts a deep in-house roster of 12 skilled, experienced team members comprised of Account Executives/Brand Managers, Media Planners, Content Writers, Graphic Designers, Audio/Video Producers/Directors, Public Relations Strategists, Print Managers, and Digital/Web Specialists offering 60 impactful advertising, marketing, and public relations services to clients.

Action Lift, Inc. Awarded Prestigious Crown Pioneer Award

Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, recently announced the James F. Dicke Pioneer Award for 2022, along with the Summit and Ascent Award winners. 

Action Lift, Inc. in Pittston, PA, earned the prestigious Pioneer Award as Crown’s top-performing independent dealer in North America. This is the second year in a row that Action Lift has received this honor. In addition to the Pioneer Award, the company was awarded the Summit Award, which signifies the best overall Crown dealer within the same market size.

“We are thrilled to be named the Pioneer Award winner in addition to the Summit Award. I am very proud of the entire team at Action Lift. If it weren’t for their hard work and dedication, we wouldn’t have seen this level of success.” said Joe Mikiewicz, General Manager of Action Lift, Inc.

William F. Medico, President of Action Lift, added, “We are proud to represent Crown Equipment in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our outstanding team went above and beyond to reach our sales goals while delivering exceptional customer service in the process.” This recognition marks Action Lift’s fourth Pioneer Award and its’ twenty-third Summit Award for outstanding sales and customer satisfaction as a Crown Equipment dealer. 

Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Recognition

The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently received reaccreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations everywhere. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Scranton Area Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity, and accountability as it carries out its mission.”

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. With over 500 community foundations accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

“This is critically important to our donors,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us to help carry out their legacy. They are counting on us to steward the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards accreditation says all of our practices are of top quality and ethical standards, and worthy of our donor’s trust.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation; transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families; building the capacity of nonprofit organizations; advancing various causes in animal welfare; and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  


The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the reaccreditation validates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.

“Our National Standards reaccreditation is a significant accomplishment,” said Barbara O’Hara, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s board chair. “When people trust the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up a charitable gift annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking, and administration.”

National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. With nearly $90 million in assets under management and more than 300 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $6 million in grants and scholarships in 2022. The Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954. The Foundation leads various initiatives including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.

The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and is responsible for the quality, value, and integrity of compliance with National Standards. For more information on the National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org.

Quandel Enterprises Names New Chief Risk Officer

Effective March 13, 2023, Quandel Enterprises has named Jerome Urban chief risk officer for the entire Quandel Enterprises family of companies. As chief risk officer, he will work closely with Quandel Enterprise’s executive team and board of directors to innovate, implement, and strengthen our risk management initiatives in response to the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry.

Urban previously served as the president and chief executive officer for Performance Construction Company, a Quandel Enterprises company. He began with the team in 2006 when he started his career in construction as an estimator. Since that time, he has served as an assistant project manager, project manager, project executive, and vice president of operations.

“We are confident that Jerome will bring value and insight into this new role that enables our continued success,” says Greg Quandel, president and chief executive of Quandel Enterprises. Urban is known among his peers to be a team-builder with a keen understanding of the construction business. His focus on enhancing the firm’s clients’ experience through innovation, continuous improvement, and commitment to excellence and exceptional service has made him an integral member of Quandel’s leadership team.

The Wright Center’s Dr. Pancholy receives Designation

The fellows of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) has named Dr. Samir B. Pancholy, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, a Master of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (MSCAI) – a designation held by fewer than 100 interventional cardiologists worldwide.

The MSCAI designation recognizes physicians who have demonstrated excellence in interventional cardiology and a commitment to the highest levels of clinical care, innovation, publications, and teaching.

SCAI was founded in 1978 with a mission to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality of patient care. SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. The society has more than 4,500 members, according to SCAI.

Dr. Pancholy has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts in reputed international journals, has published several practice-changing randomized controlled trials, and has developed multiple procedural techniques to increase the safety and efficacy of the procedure of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based intervention. His research and educational programs in the area of transradial access (catheterization from the artery in the wrist) have been credited with the widespread adoption of the technique in the U.S. and worldwide.

He also invented several devices that make cardiovascular procedures safer, more effective, comfortable, and cost-effective. Dr. Pancholy holds more than 70 patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark office.

SCAI will recognize Dr. Pancholy at the SCAI Scientific Sessions in Phoenix, Arizona, in May. The conference brings together the international interventional cardiology community to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise.

“Dr. Pancholy richly deserves this prestigious honor from SCAI,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, the Designated Institutional Official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “He shares his expertise with our fellows who travel from around the world to learn from him. He has improved access and quality of cardiac care for countless people thanks to the 37 fellows who have graduated from our fellowship program since 2009.”

He also serves as the director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Veterans Administration Center, Wilkes-Barre, and as a professor of medicine at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton.

Dr. Pancholy is board-certified in internal medicine, with additional certifications in cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, and transplant cardiology. He earned his medical degree from B.J. Medical College in India, and completed his residency at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. Dr. Pancholy completed fellowships in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases at the Medical College of Pennsylvania Hospital and Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education offers Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Internal Medicine, Regional Family Medicine, National Family Medicine, and Psychiatry residency programs and fellowships in Cardiovascular Disease, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics.

For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.866.3017.

Local Partnership Program, NEPA RISE Now Accepting Applicants

NEPA RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment is currently accepting applications for their third cohort, set to begin in July of 2023. Interested applicants must be 18 years of age or older, reside within either Lackawanna or Luzerne Counties and currently have a Household Income within 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. Eligibility will be confirmed after an applicant applies online at RISENEPA.org. Interviews will be scheduled now through June 2023, and the program will begin in July 2023.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake Event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania is proud to announce the return of the popular Bowl for Kids’ Sake event.  The fundraising event resumes after a pandemic hiatus for the first time since 2019.  Executive Director Michelle Hamilton says, “We’re excited to bring back Bowl for Kids’ Sake this year.  This event has a 40-year history of not only raising funds for the organization, but bringing together the community in support of critical one-one-one mentoring relationships for children in need.”

Bowling this year will take place in three locations this April.  April 15th at Faxon Lanes in Williamsport, April 15th at Skylanes Bowling Center in East Stroudsburg, and April 29th at Chacko’s Family Bowling Center in Wilkes-Barre.  For the first time, a bowl on your own option will be available for teams to bowl anytime throughout the month of April in Wilkes Barre.  Hamilton adds that, “The pandemic has taught us that the world can be more flexible when it needs to be.  We wanted to give our loyal supporters the opportunity to help support the event even if they cannot make the designated bowl day, or want to bowl at a time that’s convenient to them.”

Area bowlers are asked to form teams, and register by visiting bbbsnepa.org.  We also encourage area businesses to participate either in terms of gathering bowling teams, and sponsorships for the event.  All proceeds raised will benefit critical one-on-one mentoring relationships for children right here in our community through Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEPA.  Any individual bowler who raises $50 or more, will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and will be entered into a raffle for a brand-new PS 5 Sony play station.  Additional prizes will be offered, along with some fun twists as we throw it back to the 1980s in honor of the 40th anniversary of this event.  Please visit our website at www.bbbsnepa.org  or social media pages for additional updates.

Since its inception in 1974, Big Brothers Big Sisters has strived to provide high quality mentoring services to the children and families of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Keystone College to Offer ServSafe Class

Keystone College will offer a ServSafe manager certification class on Wednesday, April 26 from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. at 120 College Avenue, Factoryville.

The training will cover topics involving food-borne illnesses and health risks that commercial food service establishments must learn in order to provide safe food for customers.

ServSafe, a nationally recognized certification program for safe food handling practices, meets Pennsylvania regulations and is accredited by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. For more information contact Brenda Lidy, 570-657-0248, or brenda.lidy@keystone.edu.

Mohegan Pennsylvania Brings Back Party on the Patio

Calling all tribute band fans! Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Party on the Patio is back and better than ever. The popular, free summer concert series kicks off Thursday, June 1st, and every Thursday through September 14th guests can gather at the Outdoor Concert Venue for a party like no other, hosted by DJ Tommy from The River 105.

This year’s lineup has been extended to 16 weeks of live tribute bands, and Completely Unchained (a tribute to Van Halen), Fooz Fighters (a tribute to the Foo Fighters), Idol Kings (a tribute to Journey/REO Speedwagon), and Country Legends (a tribute to Keith Urban and Garth Brooks) make their summer debut. Local fan favorites Philadelphia Freedom (a tribute to Elton John), Bon Poison (a tribute to Bon Jovi and Poison) and Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentleman (a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan) are just a few bands set to rock the stage. Doors open at 6:30pm and shows starts at 7:30pm. There is no cover for Party on the Patio. After the show, keep the party going with DJ Tommy at Breakers!

After dancing up an appetite, guests can stop by the Mohegan Pennsylvania food tent for freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs or visit a delectable local food truck each week. Coors Light, Blue Moon, Patio Punch and a variety of seltzer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

Featured bands for Party on the Patio, hosted by The River 105 are as follows:

6/1/23:            Stayin Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees

6/8/23:            Completely Unchained, a tribute to Van Halen

6/15/23:          Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC

6/22/23:          Fooz Fighters, a tribute to the Foo Fighters

6/29/23:          Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John

7/6/23:            Best of the Eagles, a tribute to the Eagles

7/13/23:          Black Dog, a tribute to Led Zeppelin

7/20/23:          Idol Kings, a tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon

7/27/23:          Red NOT Chili Peppers, a tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers

8/3/23:            Who’s Bad, a tribute to Michael Jackson

8/10/23:          Rubix Kube, a tribute to the 80s

8/17/23:          Country Legends, a tribute to Keith Urban and Garth Brooks

8/24/23:          Full Moon Fever, a tribute to Tom Petty

8/31/23:          Tusk, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac

9/7/23:            Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentleman Present An Evening Of Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan

9/14/23:          Bon Poison, a tribute to Bon Jovi & Poison

*Lineup subject to change

For more details on the tribute bands and a full list of food truck participants, visit moheganpa.com/potp.

All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. Additionally, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted. Wristbands issued for Party on the Patio are not valid for the gaming floor. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.