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.
The Chamber Welcomes Langan, Business Development Specialist The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is excited to announce the hiring of Lexie Langan as a new business development specialist. In her role, Lagan will leverage her extensive sales, marketing, and real estate background to drive business development growth within Lackawanna County. A graduate of The University of Scranton, Lagan brings a wealth of experience to her role. With experience selling office supplies to business development within the engineering and construction sectors, Langan has explored the rapidly evolving field of SaaS software and field marketing across the greater Scranton and Pocono region. Langan began in her role at The Chamber in August. She will work primarily in the Chamber’s business development affiliate, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan program to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs contributing to local prosperity and workforce development. “We are delighted to welcome Lexie Langan to our business development team,” said Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “With her experience in marketing and business development, Langan will be instrumental in driving our mission to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in Lackawanna County. Her expertise and strategic insight will strengthen our business development initiatives, and we look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring to our team.” Outside of The Chamber, Langan is a dedicated aunt to her favorite niece and nephew, Hazel and Hammond. She loves exploring new cities, indulging in unique culinary experiences, and immersing herself in the magic of Disney World.
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
Indraloka’s ThanksLiving: Celebrate Compassion and Community! One of NEPA’s most popular autumn events — ThanksLiving — will be held at Indraloka in Dalton, PA, on Saturday, November 2nd. Kicking off at 11 am, the festivities include live music by The Hot Club of Scranton, fine dining catered by Parlor City Vegan, sanctuary tour, auctions, raffles and more. The highlight of the day is the Feast for the Birds, when the sanctuary’s flocks of turkeys, chickens and ducks — surrounded by hay bales where children and adults of all ages perch — enjoy a banquet of their favorite foods. Indraloka’s biggest fundraising event, ThanksLiving is made possible by longtime sponsor Toyota of Scranton and host WBRE/WYOU TV’s Paola Giangiacomo and Lucy Noland, award winning broadcast journalist, co-founder and author at Archimedes’ Printing Shoppe & Sundry Goodes ThanksLiving will also feature the first public appearance of Loni the Lamb, who will be the guest star on a spring episode The Wizard of Paws, streaming on Disney+. The show follows prosthetics pioneer and founder of Bionic Pets, Derrick Campana, as he customizes adaptive devices for mobility-challenged animals. Guests at ThanksLiving, which is in its 12th year, can wander the sanctuary, where staff and volunteers will be on hand to introduce visitors to many of the beloved animals. Children and adults will meet and hear the stories of animals who have overcome incredible odds to live thriving, happy, love-filled lives. This uplifting day is meant to bring joy and inspiration to everyone, especially those who might be struggling during these difficult times. “Times are challenging for many of us right now. We need reasons to celebrate. And, we need to see that it’s possible to feel joy in our circumstances.” Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri says. “Sometimes it’s easier to get that message from animals. Seeing Loni running around in his wheelchair, grazing with his sheep friends, Mongo, the turkey who is sight-impaired, elderly Eddie Traffic, the pig who rescued himself from a truck bound for the slaughter facility, can help us accept our own vulnerabilities and differences.” ThanksLiving is also an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania amid the spectacular autumn colors. Surrounded by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka’s 100 acres of pastures offer a bucolic setting a mere 20 minutes from downtown Scranton. Home to nearly 200 farm animals of all species, Indraloka rescues, rehabilitates and provides lifelong love and care for animals saved from the most desperate circumstances. Year-round events offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy peace and kindness with beloved, gentle animals. Newly launched programs include “Indraloka Heals,” a transformative therapeutic model to transcend trauma, including the Resilience Series, which is a suite of services that support educators, families, and those healing from traumatic events to develop resilience and tools for dealing with difficult circumstances. ThanksLiving has limited seating and sponsorship opportunities. For more information, please call Robin Olson at 858-335-8571 or email her at robin@indraloka.org. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews. Members of the press are invited to ThanksLiving. Call for more information.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Annual Turkey Trot Event benefits Friends of the Poor. Registration now open for 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton Nov. 3 Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students will host its 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton on Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will also feature a Tiny Trot, including crafts, games, face painting and relay races, for children ages 13 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Poor, a nonprofit whose mission is to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all. Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. in the main lobby of Geisinger Commonwealth’s Medical Sciences Building at 525 Pine St. in Scranton. The 5K and 10K runs and the Tiny Trot all begin at 8 a.m. Routes begin and end at the school’s Medical Sciences Building on Pine Street. Online registration is open and will close Friday, Nov. 1. For participants ages 14 and older, registration is $30 for the 5K run/walk and $40 for the 10K. For those age 13 and younger, Tiny Trot registration is free, but a donation of two canned goods on race day is appreciated. To register: runsignup.com/gcsomturkeytrot
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!
