Sordoni Construction Announces New President Todd Ward joins Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. as President on October 21, 2024. Todd worked for 2 years at Hitt Contracting and spent the last 24+ years with Hess Construction, a family-owned commercial contractor located in the Baltimore Washington Metropolitan Region. He began his career at Hess as a project engineer where he quickly demonstrated his technical expertise and leadership skills. Over the years, he took on increasing levels of responsibility, ultimately earning the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. His journey reflects his dedication, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the construction industry. When asked why he chose to join the Sordoni team, he responded that “It was Sordoni’s rich history of innovation and commitment to excellence. It is very inspiring to be part of a legacy that has made a significant impact in the industry for over a century.” “On behalf of the Board of Directors we’re thrilled to have Todd Ward join the Sordoni team.” said Bill Sordoni, Chairman of the Board. “His background, experience and leadership style are the perfect fit for our business both now and as we move into the future. We look forward to supporting Todd and our incredible team in this next chapter of the Sordoni story.”
The Honesdale National Bank Welcomes New Mortgage Advisor Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced MariBeth Valada has joined HNB as a Mortgage Advisor. In making the statement, Sheridan noted, “We are excited to welcome MariBeth, who brings a diverse background and a strong commitment to building relationships with clients in Luzerne County.” He continued, “Her passion for customer satisfaction and community engagement aligns perfectly with HNB’s mission, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our team and our clients.” Currently residing in Laflin, PA, she brings a diverse background to HNB, including roles as a Property Manager and Administrative Assistant. She also held a New York State Real Estate Agent license and was a New York State Notary Public and currently obtaining her PA license. In this role, she is responsible for working with borrowers and helping them through the loan process from pre-qualification to closing. She will actively network with local real estate companies, realtors, attorneys, and others to establish positive working relationships. Additionally, she will participate in local events to market and expand the HNB brand in Luzerne County. In describing her recent move to HNB, Valada said, “I am excited to be working for an established organization that is deeply committed to both customer and employee satisfaction. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that prioritizes building strong relationships with clients while also fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture. I look forward to contributing to this positive environment and helping to further the organization’s mission in the community.”Top of Form In her free time, she enjoys traveling; practicing yoga and Pilates; walking Carmine, her beagle mix; and spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She also loves going out and supporting all the great local restaurants, savoring the diverse culinary experiences in her area.
NRCI Names Tribute to Courage Honoree The Board of Ambassadors will honor Peter J Danchak as the 2024 Tribute to Courage Honoree at their upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration set for Friday, November 15, 2024, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Peter J. Danchak is the Regional President of the Northeast PA region of PNC Bank. Danchak joined PNC Bank in 1984 and has held various positions of responsibility in Corporate Banking. He was named Regional President of the Northeast PA Market of PNC Bank in January 2001. Active in the community, Danchak currently serves as Chairman of AllOne Charities Foundation and Co-Chair of the Scranton Plan. He serves on the Board of Directors of AllOne Foundation, the Highmark Regional Advisory Board and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. In October of 2020, he was appointed to the Early Learning Investment Commission Emeritus Advisory Council. He also previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the ARC of Northeastern Pennsylvania Foundation, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Luzerne Foundation, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, King’s College, Keystone College, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber Board of Commerce and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. He served on the Board of Trustees of Marywood University, Scranton Preparatory School and the University of Scranton Kania School of Management. Danchak also was the co-chair of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission for 10 years. Danchak received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Scranton and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree from them in 2018. Seated: Dino Campitelli, Amanda Marchegiani, Karen Saunders, Leo Vergnetti, Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors Chair, Laura Toole, and Vanessa Vergnetti Thomas, Standing: Joe Ferguson, Jim Gorman, Vince Scarpetta, Pat Sicilio, Nick Colangelo. Ph.D, Nevin Gerber, Matt Beynon, Tammy Saunders, Mark Mesko, Maria Donahue, Angela Rempe Jones and Marta Gomes, Absent from photo: Clarence Baltrusaitis, Tom Blaskiewicz, Jim & Susan Brady, Brigitte Baum, Richard P. Conaboy, Edward Cosgrove, Bill Davis, Tom DePietro, Mary Erwine, Julie Eisenman, Traci Fosnot, Greg Gagorik, Meghan Gagorik, JoAnn Romano Hallesky, John Heil, Jennifer Heil, Kristie Hynoski, Charles C. Jefferson, Robin Long, John Mack, Linda Marino-Brooks, Joe Mattioli, IV, Brian McQuestion, Philip Medico, Dan Meuser, Dana D’Angelo Morris, David Nape, Christopher Peters, MD, Vito Pizzo, Casey Quinn, William F. Rinaldi, John P. Rodgers, Esq., Vince Scarpetta, P. Richard Scheller, Frank Sepko, Dr. Steven J. Syzdlowski, Joe Van Wie, Tony Vergnetti, Patty Vergnetti, Sonya Eddings, and Atty. Charles J. Volpe. The Board of Ambassadors is a group of individuals and business leaders in northeast Pennsylvania who have come together to raise funds & awareness to fight cancer in the local community through their support and promotion of a gala event. The Spirit of Hope Celebration benefits the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the upcoming Spirit of Hope Celebration, please call the Cancer Institute at (570) 904-8808 or visit www.spiritofhopecelebration.org.
Wayne Bank Supports Honesdale Communities That Care Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has supported the Honesdale Communities That Care with a donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. This contribution is part of an ongoing commitment to support their continued efforts to foster positive development and well-being for youth and families in the Honesdale area. Dean LoPalo, Executive Director, Honesdale Communities That Care, accepted a check in the amount of $10,000 from Wayne Bank President and CEO, Jim Donnelly. “We believe that investing in our communities is a critical part of our mission as a community bank,” stated Mr. Donnelly. “Honesdale Communities That Care has been making a positive impact in our community for many years and we’re thrilled to support their initiatives that help guide young people towards brighter futures.” Honesdale Communities That Care is an after-school program that develops and implements strategies which encourage healthy behavior and productive interaction among children and all members of the community. They provide a safe environment where students develop positive social skills while playing and interacting with their peers. Exercise, fresh air, crafts, and games are all part of the after-school fun. Professional staff provide academic assistance after school to help with homework completion, and community partners including Highlights for Children, Wayne County YMCA, Greater Carbondale YMCA, The Wayne Memorial Health System, and Lacawac Sanctuary, help to provide enriching activities for the children to participate in. The gift was made possible as a result of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
NAMI Collaborates with Walking Club for Mental Health Awareness NAMI Northeast Region PA ended the observance of Mental Illness Awareness Week by collaborating with the Connell Park Walking Club in Scranton last week. Owen Dougherty, NAMI volunteer and former board member, pictured on the left, spoke to walk participants about his mental health and the resources NAMI offers to help and provide hope in the form of support groups, educational programs and advocacy. He was joined by NAMI board member Mike Joyce who also participated in the walk around the park that day. NAMI held a series of “walk-and-talk” events throughout the summer to educate and raise awareness about mental illness and to connect members of the community in green spaces that are shown to be good for the health of our minds and bodies. It was the perfect collaboration to partner with Scranton’s Connell Park Walking Club to do a walk-and-talk in October at the end of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Visit NAMINEPA.org for information on support group meetings for individuals with mental illness, family members of loved ones with mental illness and for women experiencing struggles with their maternal mental health; if you would like to host a mental health first aid training or other education program at your workplace or organization, email info@naminepa.org or call 570-342-1047.
SLIBCO Granted $75,000 for Stauffer Industrial Park Signage Enhancements The Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, leadership is pleased to announce the receipt of a $75,000 grant. This funding, provided through a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) investment and with the support of State Representative Jim Haddock of the 118th district, will update signage across the Stauffer Industrial Park, enhancing visibility and navigation within one of the area’s most vital business parks. “The signs will be an excellent addition to tackle the directional challenges tenants and visitors face in the Stauffer Industrial Park,” shared Frank DeAngelo, Taylor Borough representative. State Representative Jim Haddock shares, “As State Representative, I am glad to help deliver this DCED funding to support this worthwhile project in my district. Proper signage is a huge part of developing and supporting business growth in the Stauffer Industrial Park. It is always fantastic to work with Taylor Borough and The Chamber—we are all so glad to see this vital project taking off soon.” Stauffer Industrial Park, one of the 15 business parks developed by SLIBCO and The Chamber throughout Lackawanna County, has long been a hub of economic activity, hosting a range of logistical industries that contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, adds, “The investment in upgrading signage in Stauffer Industrial Park will have an economic impact by enhancing the park’s accessibility and appeal while prioritizing safety for workers, visitors, and drivers. This initiative will help attract new and expanding companies, improve navigation, and demonstrate our commitment to making Stauffer Industrial Park a premier destination for successful business development.” The signage updates at Stauffer Industrial Park underscore SLIBCO and The Chamber’s mission to create and maintain vibrant business environments that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs across Lackawanna County. By investing in infrastructure improvements, SLIBCO and The Chamber continue to strengthen the foundation for economic growth and enhance the experience of tenants and visitors within these business parks.
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
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!
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.
