DIMECO, INC. Declares Cash Dividend On March 23, 2023, The Board of Directors of Dimeco, Inc. (OTCQX: DIMC) declared a dividend of $.38 per share for the first quarter of 2023, which represents a dividend yield of 4.05% based on the closing stock price of $37.50. The dividend is payable on April 27, 2023, to shareholders of record on April 6, 2023. This dividend is an increase of $0.02 per share, or 5.56% over the dividend declared for the same period 2022. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich, stated, “Our shareholders’ investment is the foundation for the sustained growth of Dimeco, Inc. The increased dividend is our way to show that we value their continued support and commitment.”
Johnson College Announces New Associate Degree Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new two-year Aviation Technology associate degree program scheduled to begin with the Fall 2023 semester. The Aviation Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, and necessary safety application in aviation technology. Through a partnership with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, students will complete air frame and power plant instruction in a lab located at the airport, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This opportunity will provide students with a very unique and hands-on learning experience in industry. The program will provide students with the knowledge and skills outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Mechanics Airman Certification Standard (ACS) in preparation for the FAA licensure exam for general, airframe, and powerplant knowledge. “The aviation technology industry expects rapid-paced growth within the next decade,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College’s President and CEO. “Johnson College is prepared to meet that demand by offering our students hands-on experience and training on campus and at in-field labs, giving them an advantage to succeed in this in-demand industry. Students within this program will be prepared for careers in the aviation technology industry as aircraft mechanics, airframe mechanics, aviation technicians, aircraft specialists, and similar roles. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation technology field has a 6% growth potential through 2031. Graduates have the opportunity to earn a median annual income of up to $65,550. “We’re excited to have this new partnership with Johnson College”, said Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., AVP Executive Director. “This new degree program will greatly benefit the aviation industry, and we support Johnson College in its efforts to meet the demand in these fields in the world of aviation.” Johnson College has received a three-year Advanced Technological Education grant for $307,706 from the National Science Foundation to support the Aviation Technology program. For more information about or to enroll in this program, please contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
WVIA’s Employee Accepted into Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy Vicki Austin, Senior Director of Grants and Education at WVIA, has been accepted into the Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy will bring leaders from across NEPA together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects relating to workforce development. Through this acceptance, Vicki will become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining Fellows from fourteen (14) previous Academies in eleven cities in the US and Canada. “I’m looking forward to contributing my time, in collaboration with other leaders, to the growth of our local workforce ecosystem,” said Vicki Austin. “This gives each of us the opportunity to jointly respond to a regional need while strengthening partnerships across communities.” The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs. To learn more about the Northeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Leadership Academy, please visit https://safdn.org.
Keystone Mission uses Grant Funds In June 2022, Keystone Mission received an $18,500 grant through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Spring 2022 Community Needs grant cycle. The funds were used for the operation of the Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty and for expanding programmings such as the Go Green Team and Pathfinders Program.
Moses Taylor Foundation Welcomes Program Officer Lisa Savero-Mooney has joined Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as its Program Officer. In this role, she will direct and oversee Moses Taylor Foundation’s community needs responsive grantmaking portfolio within the Foundation’s 11-county service area. Grantmaking priority areas under Savero-Mooney’s direction will include primary healthcare, mental health and behavioral health, dental care and oral health, healthcare workforce, and human services. Savero-Mooney will also provide support as needed to the Foundation’s capacity building, supporting school-based health, and reducing older adult isolation initiatives. Savero-Mooney built her career in the nonprofit, health, and human services sectors. Most recently, she served as Scranton Primary Health Care Center’s Compliance Director, lending her expertise to mission-focused quality and continuous improvement initiatives. Before joining Scranton Primary, Savero-Mooney spent nine years at United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties, establishing strong professional relationships with community partners and the regional community. As United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties’ Director of Education, Savero-Mooney was directly responsible for every aspect of the organization’s education work, including its Success By 6 community-wide initiative and the development of robust collaboratives and campaigns. “As a native of Northeastern PA, Lisa is deeply committed to this community. Her career has focused on strengthening and enhancing the quality of life for all, particularly the most underserved. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to Moses Taylor Foundation, and I’m excited for her to continue expanding her professional impact as part of our team,” said Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. Savero-Mooney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services Administration from the University of Scranton. She assumed her responsibilities at Moses Taylor Foundation on March 20, 2023.
Lackawanna College’s President Recognized Lackawanna College’s President and Chief Innovation Officer, Jill Murray, Ph.D., ranked 37 in City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Higher Education Power 100. Dr. Murray became Lackawanna College’s first female president, previously serving as its executive vice president from 2012 to 2020. Under her leadership, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company Magazine for its Level Up program, which compresses the bachelor’s degree timeline. Dr. Murray’s professional training initiatives include the Center for Technology Innovation, offering STEM degree programs such as Robotics & Integrated Technologies, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and corporate training coming fall 2023. She also collaborated with Dallas Shaw to bring Blitzen to the Scranton area, a holiday pop-up bar in the on-campus student-run restaurant that provided culinary students with real-world experience. “We are so proud to have Jill be recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s educational leaders,” Chairperson of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees, Joyce Van Schooneveld said. “Jill has helped grow Lackawanna College into a great place to receive an education and having her be recognized for her hard work is inspiring.” The City & State’s Higher Education Power 100 recognizes Pennsylvania’s most influential academic leaders focusing on making a difference on and off campus. Through their experience and innovative programs, the leaders recognized in this list demonstrate why Pennsylvania continues to be a national focal point in higher education. Dr. Murray ranked with other local leaders in our area including Reverend Joseph Marina of the University of Scranton, Reverend Thomas Looney of Kings College, Dr. Jonathan Green of Susquehanna University and Sister Mary Persico of Marywood University.
Wayne Bank Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (NASDAQ Global Market – NWFL) and its subsidiary Wayne Bank, announced that the Board of Directors has declared a $0.29 per share quarterly cash dividend payable May 1, 2023, to shareholders of record as of April 14, 2023. The $0.29 per share represents an increase of 3.6% over the cash dividend declared in the first quarter of 2022. Mr. Donnelly commented, “The Board is extremely pleased to provide our shareholders with this quarterly cash dividend. It reflects the Company’s financial strength and strong capital position which has contributed to our solid performance.” Norwood Financial Corp, through its subsidiary, Wayne Bank operates fourteen offices in Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had total assets of $2.047 billion, loans outstanding of $1.474 billion, total deposits of $1.728 billion and total stockholders’ equity of $167.1 million. The Company’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL”. Forward-Looking Statements. The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements. We caution that such statements may be subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and therefore readers should not place undue reliance on any forward looking statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to pay or increase cash dividends in the future, the continued financial strength, solid performance and strong capital position of the Company, changes in federal and state laws, changes in the absolute and relative levels of interest rates, the risks and uncertainty posed by, and the effect and impact of, the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and the Company’s results of operation and financial condition, the ability to control costs and expenses, demand for real estate, costs associated with cybercrime, general economic conditions and the effectiveness of governmental responses thereto. Norwood Financial Corp does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
NET Credit Union Promotes Employees NET Credit Union makes career moves with multiple employee promotions. Scranton, PA March 13, 2023 – Mary Rapach has been promoted to Director of Member Experience. In this roll, Mary will manage Branch Operations, the Member Service Center, and corporate training. Mary has over 20 years of diversified banking experience and her goal is to unite all of our front line member experiences with consistent sales and service standards. Phil Zvirblis has been promoted to Branch Operations Manager. In this roll, Phil will manage all branch operations. Phil has nearly 10 years of banking and credit union experience and has lead our branches in serving our members. Sean Thorpe has been promoted to Scranton Branch Manager. Sean has over 13 years of banking experience and knowledge. Sean has been an asset to NET for over 6 years and has been a cornerstone of our lending department. Jessica Tonkin has been promoted to Olyphant Branch Manager. Jessica has dedicated 14 years to NET and has worked in many departments throughout the years. Jessica has been essential in the development and training of our branch staff. Christina Dehaba has been hired as Taylor Branch Manager. Christina brings with her over 20 years of lending and management experience. Jean Seifert has been promoted to Scranton Assistant Branch Manager. Jean has served as a key member of the NET team for nearly 27 years. Jean has excelled at training new employees, while overseeing all facets of the teller line, and has demonstrated relationship building skills with both employees and members. Devon Hessmiller has been promoted to Olyphant Assistant Branch Manager. Devon has been an asset to NET for 15 years. Devon has excelled at learning new processes in the branch and has been integral in the running of the branch with the implementation of new software and training new tellers. Jessica Hernandez has been promoted to Taylor Assistant Branch Manager. Jessica has been with NET since 2017 and has been member-centric in her roles in collections and lending. Jessica also brings with her years of experience in business development. Jessica Fashouer has been promoted to Member Service Center Supervisor. Jessica has been with NET Credit Union for 15 years. With the knowledge and skills she has accumulated during that time, she is an invaluable part of the creation and development of the Member Service Center.
Pennsylvania American Water Promotes Water Saving Tips Pennsylvania American Water is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote water conservation and help provide savings to customers.Small drips from faucets and often-overlooked toilet tank leaks can add up quickly. Helping homeowners fix the drips to save money and water is the goal of the annual “Fix a Leak Week,” running March 20-26. Fix a Leak Week is a national campaign that helps raise awareness about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes. “Customers might barely notice a small drip at their faucet, but at the rate of one drip per second, it can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year — enough for more than 180 showers,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Jim Runzer. “Fortunately, most common leaks are easily detectable and correctable, which not only makes you a more environmentally conscious consumer, but also saves money on your monthly water and sewer bill.” According to the EPA, the average residence in the U.S. loses 10,000 gallons of water per year from seemingly minor leaks. With more than 110 million households in the U.S., this equates to more than one trillion gallons of water lost every year due to leaks in the home. Moreover, it is estimated that the average homeowner can reduce his or her water bills by 10 percent simply by addressing leaks. Runzer added, “As a water utility, we work every day to practice what we preach, which is why we invest millions in our pipes each year to reduce system leaks.” Pennsylvania American Water is committed to fixing leaks in its underground network of pipes by constantly replacing and upgrading its infrastructure. Over the past five years, the company has funded more than $2 billion in system upgrades and plans to invest $450 to $600 million annually over the next several years to continue providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to customers. To assist customers with at-home leak repairs and prevention, Pennsylvania American Water has helpful information including tips on finding and fixing common, and some not-so-common, indoor and outdoor water leaks along with downloadable leak detection kits, available in English and Spanish, through the company’s leak detection webpage. Pennsylvania American Water also offers these starter tips for detecting leaks: Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them.Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home up to 200 gallons of water per day.For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.Tighten connections on your showerheads if drips appear when the shower is off.Check your garden and lawn irrigation system for leaks.Consider installing water and energy-efficient appliances. The EPA reports that certified Energy Star washing machines use up to 35 percent less water per load. Water-saving shower heads, toilets and faucet aerators also help cut your water usage.
The Wright Center Names Christen Marante as Associate Vice President Christen Marante, BSN, RN, of Roaring Brook Township, has been hired as associate vice president of the Value-Based Performance Program at The Wright Center for Community Health. As a key member of the nonprofit enterprise’s Finance Department, Marante will focus on developing and maintaining excellent relations with payors, including commercial insurance carriers. This responsibility includes implementing pricing strategies and communicating payor participant requirements to The Wright Center’s clinicians and other stakeholders. Marante had previously worked at The Wright Center from 2019-21 as its Luzerne County practice manager. “We are delighted Christen will rejoin our organization and help us in an executive leadership role,” said Ron Daniels, chief financial officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “One area in which she will especially focus her attention is assisting in planning and rolling out alternative payment model strategies to strengthen our value proposition.” In 2022, Marante earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Penn State University. She is completing a master’s degree program in nurse executive leadership from Illinois-based Chamberlain University. Marante most recently worked as a nursing house supervisor for Commonwealth Health’s Moses Taylor Hospital and its Regional Hospital of Scranton. She assisted in directing day-to-day administrative and operational functions for the two hospitals’ 286-bed campus, providing guidance to more than 250 employees. In her early career, Marante devoted five years to clinical work, including a stint as a charge nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit of The Children’s Hospital at Palms West in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Since 2015, she has been president and owner/manager of Pristine Contours LLC, an aesthetic medical spa with locations in Greenacres, Florida, and the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019
