Assistant Teaching Professor of Business James Wilkerson, who also serves as the program coordinator for the business and project and supply chain management programs at Penn State Scranton, was recently asked to assist United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) with conducting an employee engagement survey.

Rick Pisasik, human resources director at UNC, was looking for a survey partner from a local university and reached out to Wilkerson, who has conducted a number of surveys like this over the course of his career. 

“In my academic life, I developed survey expertise while conducting my dissertation work with several companies and getting educated in psychometrics and test design,” Wilkerson said. “In my corporate life, I conducted such surveys both as a human resource director and as an organizational assessment consultant for a firm serving the North American insurance industry.” 

When asked why UNC decided to conduct this survey now, Pisasik stated that there were several factors that went into their decision. 

“Several factors were in play, including how COVID may or may not have influenced employee engagement, and that we have not conducted a survey in four years,” Pisasik said. “We are really just trying to feel the pulse of employee attitudes and engagement.” 

Wilkerson went on to say that ensuring anonymity in a survey like this is of the utmost importance, which is one of the reasons why he says that companies and agencies tap local universities to conduct these types of surveys. 

“Employees tend to appreciate the independence that an outside surveyor conveys,” Wilkerson said. “Certainly, the company could pay hefty fees to have commercial consulting firms do it, but if a competent university researcher or department can do it for free as part of campus outreach to the business and nonprofit communities, why not go that way?” 

When asked how the survey would be carried out, Wilkerson said that it is “being done in an online format, mostly with scaled-response items that employees can quickly click through, but also with a few open-ended questions that employees can use to express more detailed or different concerns than are reflected in the scaled survey items.” 

To add to this, Pisasik went into detail about the types of questions UNC employees were asked in this survey. 

“Forty-five questions with a scale of six factor ratings from ‘Strongly Disagree’ to ‘Strongly Agree,’ along with three open-ended questions, were asked,” Pisasik said. “Questions are grouped by categories such as satisfaction with your job/UNC, alignment questions relating to the work we do at UNC, questions relating to how your supervisor is doing, and future orientation questions relating to how they see future employment at UNC.” 

Wilkerson said that the internet has created an era in which people are heavily surveyed by politicians, companies, etc. As such, in terms of his response rate, he states that the higher the response rate, the better. 

“In research projects, survey response rates as low as 25% are common. Employee opinion surveys usually generate higher response rates of 50% to 80%, and I once had a Canadian insurance firm client that pegged over 90%,” Wilkerson said. “Getting more than a 50% response rate to an employee opinion survey would seem to be a minimum target for having a valid basis to interpret data and, more importantly, to craft organizational adjustments to address any problems revealed.” 

When asked what UNC, which has under 100 employees, hopes to gain from the survey, Pisasik said that the survey’s objective is to gain a better understanding of the connection employees have towards the place they work and the factors that influence it. 

The survey presents our employees with a forum to express their thoughts on our practices, our strengths, and our weaknesses,” Pisasik said. “The results will be used to identify what we are doing well and what we need to work on.” 

The survey concluded with an 86.5% response rate from UNC employees, which Wilkerson says is a “very strong response rate that lends credibility to inferences management may draw as they consider ways to improve UNC NEPA in response to the survey.” 

An innovative prototyping area is helping improve downstream operations at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

The Systems Integration and Support (SIS) Directorate recently created the Preproduction & Development Branch, responsible for onboarding and developing comprehensive processes for new cable workloads. Alongside a variety of depot stakeholders, branch personnel conduct initial production runs, prototypes, and/or engineering design models, guiding the project through completed first article testing (FAT). Once the FAT is completed, the workload is transitioned to the appropriate SIS cable shop for final production through the program’s lifecycle.

The new Branch was created out of a need for increased organizational cohesion and efficiency, according to Kelvin Spencer.

“SIS makes hundreds of different kinds of cables and harnesses. Creating a single point for developing workload sets our entire team up for success from day one.” Spencer leads the Electronics Fabrication Division in SIS.

Branch leadership explained the distinction between the traditional depot maintenance process and the novel preproduction activities within their shop.

“Our specialized team, the first of its kind at Tobyhanna, focuses on consistency and accuracy in the development of technical data, documentation, and internal shop processes.  Like private industry, we take more time at the beginning of the process to ensure we can give the warfighter the best product possible at a competitive cost,” said Supervisory Electronics Mechanic Jesse Tutino, a former soldier who brings a wealth of practical experience to the position.

Stakeholders who have utilized the Branch’s new work processes gave the experience rave reviews.

“The Nett Warrior mission has worked with the Preproduction & Development Branch for several new cable missions. The benefits of this process include specialized experience, dedicated quality support, and new equipment. It has also offered us a new set of eyes during the process of preparing workload to be rolled out to full rate production,” said Thomas Sweeney, the project manager for the Nett Warrior program. Sweeney works in the Production Management Directorate.

Prime cable shop leadership agrees that the new Branch is making Tobyhanna better.

“This new process benefits our mission by developing documentation and identifying proper materials needed long before production starts. The Preproduction & Development team also finds and resolves issues before fabrication production orders hit the shop floor for full rate production – allowing us to start production quickly with no delays,” said Eugene Golembeski, chief of SIS’s Shelter Harness Branch.

Tutino says he has high hopes for his Branch’s mission.

“This process has already improved quality and I believe it will create synergy through our cable missions in the future.”

The creation of the Preproduction & Development Branch is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028 – specifically the C5ISR Readiness and Shape the Future lines of effort. The plan aims to posture the depot for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.

William W. Davis, Jr. has retired from the Board of Directors of Norwood Financial Corp (the “Company”) and it’s wholly owned subsidiary Wayne Bank effective as of the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on Meeting on April 26, 2022. Mr. Davis is expected to be appointed as Director Emeritus following his resignation from the Boards.

After a 60-year banking career he and his wife Jessie want to spend more time going to their grandchildren’s sporting events, dance recitals and other events.

Bill started his career in 1962 working at Northeastern Bank of PA, each summer while attending college.  Upon graduation he joined Northeastern Bank as a Management Trainee.  The first 18 months he worked in every department in the Bank.  His first assignment was Assistant Manager of the Abington Branch.  A few years after he was asked to join the Trust Department where he worked for 7 years, rising to Vice President in charge of Trust Administration.  At that point, United Penn Bank approached him to start their operation in Lackawanna County.  After a brief 14-month period he rejoined Northeastern Bank as their Regional Vice President in charge of their multi-branch operations in Lackawanna County.  A few years later he was asked to join the Commercial Loan Department.  After 5 years he was promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of the Corporate Banking Division of the Bank.  Shortly thereafter, PNC acquired Northeastern Bank and Directors of Third National Bank of Scranton approached him to become President of the Bank.  At age 38 he accepted their offer and 13 years later he became Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer.  When the Third was acquired by CoreStates he was offered a position with them and stayed for two years.  He then was approached in 1996 by Directors of Wayne Bank to become President and CEO.  It was a perfect fit.  He truly enjoyed working with his successor, Lew Critelli who has his ultimate admiration and respect.  He retired from executive management on December 31, 2009 and remained on the Board of Directors ultimately becoming Chairman of the Board.  Upon his retirement from the Board he will be named Director Emeritus.

Bill said, “It’s been a wonderful, exciting career.  But I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all the Directors I worked under, all the great employees I had the privilege of working with and most importantly, all the customers who supported all the Banks with which I have been associated!”

Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, which operates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and sixteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York.  The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today joined the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Pennsylvania organ donation organizations Donate Life PA, Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) and Gift of Life Donor Program in spreading the message that driver’s license and identification card holders can easily help another person live a fuller, longer life by registering as an organ donor. 

“Potential donors considering adding the organ donor designation to their driver’s license or identification card do not have to wait for their renewal notices to take action,” said PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula. “Making the decision today to become an organ donor can potentially lead to saving a life.”

April is known nationally as Donate Life Month. Additionally, today marks National Donate Life Blue & Green Day. During this special observance, the public is encouraged to wear blue and green – the recognized colors of organ donation organizations – to engage in sharing the donate life message and promoting the importance of registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Many Pennsylvanians have answered the call to become organ donors, helping the Pennsylvania organ donation organizations reach a major milestone this year. Nearly 50 percent of current driver’s license and identification card holders are registered organ donors – that’s more than five million Pennsylvanians. Currently, more than 7,000 Pennsylvanians await organ transplants.

“Registering as an organ donor gives an opportunity to save lives – one individual can save up to eight Pennsylvanians,” said Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Cindy Findley while at the awareness event. “Every 10 minutes, someone is told they need a life-saving transplant. The department continues to encourage Pennsylvanians to register to be a donor and be aware of the impact organ donors can make on someone’s life.”

To add the organ donor designation to an existing driver’s license or identification card today, visit www.dmv.pa.gov and select the “Become an organ donor in 30 seconds” icon in the middle of the page. Once the designation is added, individuals will receive a designation card that they must carry with them to affirm organ donor status until they renew or replace their driver’s license or identification card. There is no charge for adding the designation to your driver’s license or identification card.

“Registering as a donor is an impactful action and may impact others in ways we do not know,” said Priscilla Glusko of Dauphin County, whose son was an organ and tissue donor. “The person who received one of my son’s donations continues to live their life to the fullest and impact humanity in many ways.”

Driver’s license and identification card holders, as well as registered vehicle owners, can also support organ donation programs by donating to the Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund at the time of application and/or renewal. Proceeds from the fund are used to educate and promote awareness of the organ donor program through non-profit organizations like CORE and the Gift of Life Donor Program. Pennsylvanians have generously donated more than $17.8 million to the fund to date.

Ron Gooden, a heart recipient from Allegheny County, summarized his feelings when it comes to others willing to change a life with their precious gifts. “Their legacy lives within me,” he said, “and that will always be respected and honored.”

As part of ongoing efforts to increase awareness of organ and tissue donation, video monitors featuring educational content are installed at 20 PennDOT photo license centers. For more information on organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania or to sign up to become an organ donor, please visit www.donatelifepa.org, www.core.org or www.donors1.org.

An open house program and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, April 24 marked the debut of The Wright Center for Community Health’s new North Pocono Practice in Lackawanna County’s Covington Township, marking another milestone in the organization’s development and introducing area residents to the clinic’s many primary care services.

The practice, which began serving patients Monday, April 25 is located at 260 Daleville Highway, Suite 103, in the North Pocono 502 Professional Plaza. It is open four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

To celebrate the clinic’s launch, The Wright Center invited the public to tour the facility and learn more about the expanding nonprofit health care organization that serves patients regardless of their income or insurance status.

Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, and other employees and board members snipped a ribbon during the celebratory event, which featured local officials and dignitaries. Attendees included Covington Township Police Chief Robert Bastek, Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni and Lackawanna County Solicitor Frank J. Ruggiero.

“The Wright Center is proud and privileged to be able to offer this resource to the North Pocono community, making our nondiscriminatory primary health services accessible close to home for residents of Covington Township, Moscow Borough and all of the communities within the North Pocono School District,” Thomas-Hemak said before the ribbon cutting. “The Wright Center’s commitment to reaching traditionally underserved populations and to being responsive to community needs is what brought us here today.”

The practice will treat patients of all ages. Its newly renovated clinical space includes six exam rooms, as well as a separate treatment area for sick visits – a space designated for caring for individuals coping with COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Located southeast of Scranton, the new clinic will allow The Wright Center to better assist patients who live in the territory served by the North Pocono School District, including the communities of Moscow Borough and Clifton, Covington, Elmhurst, Jefferson, Madison, Roaring Brook, Spring Brook and Thornhurst townships.

To make an appointment at the North Pocono Practice, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5150.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (CAC/NEPA) announces that the Annual Moonlight Walk/Run will be held at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, on Saturday May 7th, 2022.  This year the CAC/NEPA has partnered with AllOne Charities for this event presented by Geisinger. The event will offer a Kid’s Fun Run, as well as a 1.5-mile walk, 5K and 10K run! 

Awards will be presented to the Top 2 Male & Female Overall winners, the Top 2 Master Male & Female winners, the Top 2 Male & Female Finishers in each of the following age categories:  14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-59, and 60 and up. 

It is not too late to register for the Annual Moonlight Walk and Run.  Participants may pre-register online or register at the event.  Registration starts at 5:00 pm, the Kid’s Fun Run starts at 6:00 pm, the Walk start is set for 6:15 pm and Runner’s start will kick off at 7:00 pm.

For more information about the Annual Moonlight Walk and Run, please call 570-969-7313, or visit: https://cacnepa.org/moonlight-walk-run/. To directly register online, please visit:  https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Scranton/CACmoonlight5k10k.

“Our Northeast community never ceases to amaze me with its generosity when it comes to supporting the children who experienced abuse and neglect throughout the region. The Moonlight Walk/Run event has supported our mission and increased awareness of child abuse and neglect for over 16 years. I love the legacy of this event -it is strong proof of the dedication and commitment of our community to protecting children and giving them their best tomorrow. We are proud to announce that we will be back in person for the event this year.” said Marsha Pigga, CAC/NEPA Executive Director. 

Lori Chaffers, Executive Director, presented information about the services and programs Outreach delivers to the regional community at the UNICO Scranton meeting on April 12, 2022. Outreach is a non-profit organization serving thousands of people of all ages in northeastern Pennsylvania through a variety of programs supporting family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

Chaffers joined Outreach as the new Executive Director in January and she brings a wealth of experience in social services and advocacy to her new position, including a decade of service with Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services, where she fulfilled various roles. Most recently, she was the agency’s program director in the Office of Social Service Research and Development. Prior to that, she was a supervisor for its Independent Living Unit, an independent living coordinator, and a caseworker.

She holds a bachelor of social work degree from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and a master of social work degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Chaffers resides in Dickson City with her husband, Alexander (A.J.), and her two children, Angela, age 9, and Joseph, age 6.