Elan Gardens Receives $3,000 from Scranton Area Community Foundation for PPE

Bobbie O’Donnell is pictured above at Nay Aug Park, receiving a check for $3,000 from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. In photo (left to right:) Jerome Musheno, R.Ph, Esq., Board Memer, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors; David Price, Secretary, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors; Kenneth Okrepkie, Chair, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors; Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded $3000 to Elan Gardens, a non-profit senior living organization located in Clarks Summit. The 2021 Critical Needs Emergency Grant funds were used to purchase the necessary personal protective equipment for staff to combat COVID-19. The mission of Elan Gardens is to offer a supportive residential environment dedicated to maintaining each individual’s strengths, abilities, and autonomy while providing the resources to further enhance the quality of their lives. The well-being of residents is a top priority. Staff has worked tirelessly to protect residents from the virus, which can develop into severe illness in elderly individuals. Thankfully, Elan has remained successful in their efforts. To date, all residents remain untouched by COVID-19.

FNCB Bank Announces Expansion Into Equipment Financing

Executive Vice President, Equipment Sales Officer Gary P. Cook

FNCB Bank announced it’s recently-launched 1st Equipment Finance, a new equipment financing solution offered by the Bank, which is based in its Exeter, PA location.

1st Equipment Finance provides equipment financing solutions, including leasing alternatives, for business customers, vendors, manufacturers and municipalities and is led by Executive Vice President, Equipment Sales Officer, Gary P. Cook, a four-decade industry veteran.

“Our seasoned sales and management team has over 150 years combined experience in equipment financing with vendors, commercial customers and municipalities across the United States,” said Cook. “We look forward to leveraging this experience to expand the Bank’s portfolio locally and across the country.”

Today’s announcement builds on FNCB’s long-history of strategic initiatives to serve the needs of the business community and grow market share.

“Our strong commercial banking legacy uniquely positions FNCB Bank to not only compete, but thrive in the equipment financing sector,” said Gerard Champi, FNCB Bank President and CEO. “This will not only allow the Bank to grow but will also provide our commercial clients expanded options they need to grow in a competitive business environment.”

To learn more about 1st Equipment Finance, visit www.fncb.com/equipment

Coal Creative Names First Chief Creative Officer

Samuel O’Connell will serve as Coal Creative’s first chief creative officer, the agency announced today.

The veteran storyteller, one of the full-service marketing agency’s first employees, will now set and advance the company’s creative agenda. That means he ensures every project meets an exceptional standard of excellence, and that the team continues to push the limits of creative innovation.

“As a creative agency, we needed someone in this role to bring together all of our departments under one cohesive creative vision,” Coal Creative Chief Executive Officer Holly K. Pilcavage said. “Sam understands where the industry is headed and knows how to turn brilliant concepts into campaigns that work.”

O’Connell, 30, whose most recent title was creative director, worked to build out Coal Creative’s award-winning video production team. His promotion comes amid stunning grow that the agency. With 13 full-time employees, expanding operations and more complex assignments, O’Connell will synchronize teams behind video, design and web projects to ensure continuity and effectiveness.

He started his career at age 15 designing ads for a local magazine and has produced several short and feature-length films, including the award-winning “blackhole.”

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week: Creating our next great workforce!

As your partner in supporting local business, we know how difficult it is to find and keep great employees. Many of our young people lack the knowledge and skills you need, or they leave to pursue opportunities because they simply don’t know about the great local jobs available right here, right now. That’s why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). PFEW is a youth development program like no other. It teaches high school students about business and our American free enterprise system and helps them develop job ready skills like leadership, communication, work ethic, finance, marketing and more that prepare them for great careers right here at home.

Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW holds multiple week-long summer sessions for rising high school juniors and seniors on the campuses of Lycoming College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

PFEW made a triumphant return to in-person learning in 2021, educating 1,139 students statewide. This summer, they plan to welcome 1,600 eager students to Williamsport for the 43rd year of this award-winning program. Students attend on a fully tax-deductible $625 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization or individual. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I encourage you to provide PFEW sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions.

FFEE offers two other impactful programs that prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The Stock Market GameTM (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become great employees. All Foundation programs are singularly focused on promoting the ideals of business and the American free enterprise system and preparing our young people to become great business and community leaders. To learn more about PFEW or their other educational programs, please visit the Foundation’s website, www.pfew.org, or contact Scott Lee, vice president of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.

WVIA Announces New Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

WVIA Announces Kristen Mackrell Clark as New Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for northeastern and central Pennsylvania, has announced Kristen Mackrell Clark Esq. as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel.

Kristen comes to WVIA from Myers, Brier, & Kelly, LLP where she served as an attorney representing educational institutions and non-profit organizations. While there she focused on helping clients with corporate governance, business planning, tax planning, and individual and corporate tax audits.

Prior to working for Myers, Brier, & Kelly, LLP, Clark worked as a Certified Public Accountant specializing in individual and corporate taxation. Kristen has been honored by her peers every year since 2018 as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star and in 2015, she was recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 Business Professional by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal.

She attained her Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, Master of Accountancy from the George Washington University, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a team member with such a unique combination of skills,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President, and CEO, “Hiring Kristen in this critical leadership role demonstrates our ability to once again attract top talent at WVIA who want to be a part of our exciting future.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the dynamic leadership team at WVIA,” Clark said. “I look forward to using my legal and accounting experience to serve in the dual role of Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel. Carla and her team are building something exciting at WVIA, and I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of strengthening this community treasure for our region.”

Boback Leads Hearing on Pennsylvania’s EMS Crisis

Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), majority chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, on Tuesday convened a public hearing to examine Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services (EMS) crisis.

The committee heard from stakeholder groups about the recruitment and retention of personnel, financial needs, billing constraints, hospital emergency room protocols, local government support initiatives and COVID-19 challenges to the EMS system.

“Due to their funding needs, manpower shortages and low reimbursement rates by government programs and insurers, Pennsylvania’s EMS system is in crisis,” said Boback. “We are learning what is at stake if things do not change and what the Legislature can do to improve the EMS system.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, there are about 1,300 licensed EMS agencies in the Commonwealth and over 40,000 certified EMS providers. The EMS system responded to nearly 2.5 million calls for service during 2021.

However, committee members heard how the system is failing and putting the lives of Pennsylvania residents at risk.

“Thanks to many factors, now exacerbated by the impact of COVID-19 on transport volume, costs, staffing and more, these financial struggles have become dire,” Donald DeReamus, Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania board member told them. “Our organizations and clinicians are on the brink, just months, weeks, or even days from insolvency.”

Recruitment and retention: Many EMTs are choosing to not renew their certification.  

“The number of EMTs that allow their certifications to expire and ultimately leave the profession continues to outpace those becoming certified,” said Aaron Rhone, Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services interim director.

Financial needs: EMS agencies need a universal sustainable funding mechanism.

“Reimbursement fails miserably in covering the cost of readiness as well as the cost of EMS operations,” said DeReamus. “Since 2002, after implementation of the Medicare Ambulance Fee Schedule, costs have risen 70% while reimbursement rates have risen only 27% during the same period.”

Billing constraints: Legislation is needed to provide local governments with the ability to increase fees.

“Amending the statute to allow three mills for EMS and removing the current barriers required to increase the allowable mills for EMS funding to be consistent with the fire service will greatly improve flexibility and provide municipalities with an additional tool to provide EMS services for their communities,” noted Anthony Deaven, Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute board member. 

Hospital emergency room protocols: Changes are needed to reduce wait times for EMS crews.

“EMTs and paramedics often wait in a hall with their ambulance patient for several hours until and emergency room charge nurse finally takes custody of the patient and releases the ambulance,” testified West Hempfield Township Manager Andrew Stern. “While the crew is being ‘held hostage,’ they are unavailable to respond to any other emergencies, even if more emergent than the current patient.”

Local government support initiatives: Senate Bill 698 would allow for the creation of countywide public safety authorities.

“Counties recognize and respect the need for local input and decision making and believe Senate Bill 698 protects that autonomy while more efficiently providing for our residents,” said Tioga County Commissioner Mark Hamilton. “To be clear, counties are not seeking to take over the responsibility for EMS.”

COVID-19 challenges: The pandemic has made recruitment and retention efforts more difficult.

“Since COVID-19 began, EMS workers have left the field to seek non-medical careers or employment in different areas of public service,” explained Gary Vinnacombe, West Grove Fire Company EMS manager.

Boback called the four-hour hearing “very informative,” and said the committee will be working on legislative solutions to the EMS crisis.

“It’s clear that our EMS services face multiple challenges that demand our attention and support more than ever,” she concluded.

A video recording of the hearing is available for viewing at www.RepBoback.com/video.

Johnson College’s next 285-Hour CNC Operator Training Course is Now Enrolling Students

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its next 285-hour Computer Numerical Control Operator training scheduled to run Mondays through Thursdays from April 25 to July 25, 2022, on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. The total cost of the 285-hour training is $4,200, and payment options are available. For more information or to register, visit Johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact Johnson College’s Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

This 285-hour Computer Numerical Control Operator certificate program is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand machining field. The training covers theory and hands-on practice of conventional and computer machining operations. The course also covers shop and machine safety, blueprint reading, measuring instrument care and use, as well as math.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Quandel Employee Named KCA’s Top Young Leader

Sarah Knehr, CHC, senior project manager with Harrisburg-based construction firm, Quandel Construction Group, was named Keystone Contractors Association’s Top Young Leader.

Knehr has served in the construction industry since 2010 and has been a valuable member of the Quandel team. She started as an assistant project manager with Quandel and worked diligently to advance her skillset through hard work and a commitment to succeed. In her current role as seniorproject manager, Knehr is responsible for the overall success of the project and is the point of contact for clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. As a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Knehr’s primary market sector focus is healthcare, where she has excelled with clients such as Geisinger Health System and UPMC.

“I am very excited to be recognized as one of the area’s top young leaders and to show case what women in construction can accomplish. It is my hope that more young people can be encouraged to pursue careers in construction and take on leadership roles,” stated Sarah.

One of the largest projects Sarah was a part of was the new $115 million UPMC Pinnacle – Memorial Hospital, in York, Pennsylvania, completed in 2019. She also managed the UPMC Children’s Hospital renovation at Harrisburg Campus, which received the Excellence in Construction award from Associated Builders and Contractor’s Keystone Chapter.

“Her skills in running efficient and timely projects have made her one of our top project managers, administering project management activities and working closely with our onsite staff specifically on our healthcare projects. Sarah’s leadership abilities have gained respect from many who she has interacted with over the years,” stated Eric Hellman, vice president of operations.

“Sarah’s technical competency and soft skills have made her a leader in our healthcare market. Her attention to detail, commitment to deadlines, and willingness to participate and contribute to project pursuits are commendable. Owners and team members alike know that when they ask something of her, it gets done. She embodies Quandel’s purpose to lead, make a difference, and build a better future,” added Mike Karcutskie, president of Quandel Construction Group, LLC.

Along with her project responsibility and client relationships, Knehr gives back to the construction industry and local community. She goes far beyond the performance of her project duties by remaining active in industry and community service efforts. Knehr participated in the ACE Mentor Program of America as a mentor and is now team leader because of the invaluable help and assistance she received from her own mentors while in high school. In addition to leading a team of students, she also helps organize the Dauphin County program of the ACE Mentor Program in Central PA. Continuing to excel as a woman in construction, Knehr was also one of the women spotlighted by the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania for National STEM Day where she was able to share first-hand her thoughts about her STEM Career.

PennDOT Announces Municipal Funding, Discusses Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Local Road and Bridge Needs

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) today discussed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) as well as local-governments’ road and bridge needs and investment options.

PennDOT has also committed $455.9 million in liquid fuels payments to help certified municipalities maintain their roads and bridges, approximately 1 percent more than last year.

“We have the fifth-largest state-maintained road system in the country, and the locally owned roadway network is even larger,” PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Planning Larry Shifflet said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s bridge funding will help with some local bridges, but we need to leverage all available state and local-funding solutions to help our municipalities.”

There are 120,596 miles of public roads in Pennsylvania. Some 2,560 municipalities manage an estimated 78,000 linear miles of roadway and more than 6,600 bridges longer than 20 feet.

“We appreciate that PennDOT recognizes that local government is an important partner of the transportation network in Pennsylvania, being responsible for 2/3 of the road miles in the Commonwealth,” said PSATS Executive Director David Sanko. “This liquid fuels distribution is an integral part of local funding, but by no means enough to cover the costs, of building and maintaining our portion of the network.”

In addition to identifying state transportation needs, Governor Tom Wolf’s Transportation Revenue Options Commission outlined that the unmet funding need on locally owned roads and bridges is estimated to be nearly $3.9 billion per year, growing to $5.1 billion annually by 2030. This is in addition to the dedicated local funding municipalities receive from PennDOT through previous legislation and approximately 13.5 percent of annual gas tax revenues.

While Pennsylvania will receive $1.6 billion in new bridge funds – with 15 percent committed to “off-system” local bridges – from the federal BIL, state and locally based solutions are needed. In addition to PennDOT’s annual liquid fuels distribution, grant opportunities, and the BIL benefits, local officials can act on options available to them.

For example, counties can implement a $5 fee for each vehicle registered to an address within the county and use the funds on locally owned infrastructure. To date, 27 counties have implemented this fee. From December 2015 through December 2021, $180.8 million has been collected and distributed to the respective counties.

Additionally, local governments and other eligible entities may apply for low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank which helps fund and accelerate transportation projects as well as spur economic development.

PennDOT’s annual liquid fuels distributions assist with municipalities’ highway and bridge-related expenses such as snow removal and road repaving. There are 73,141 miles owned by municipalities and eligible for liquid fuels. The formula for payments is based on a municipality’s population and miles of locally-owned roads.

Act 89 of 2013 made more funding available for locally owned roadways. Before the law, municipalities received $320.8 million in liquid fuels payments.

To be eligible for liquid fuels, a roadway must be formally adopted as a public street by the municipality, meet certain dimension requirements, and be able to safely accommodate vehicles driving at least 15 mph.

For the complete list of local payments, visit PennDOT’s Municipal Liquid Fuels Program page.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Waters-Trasatt or Alexis Campbell, 717-783-8800