Fidelity Bank Employee Completes Advanced Banking School

Jill M. Valentini, VP, Regional Retail Sales Manager at Fidelity Bank, recently completed coursework at the 2024 Pennsylvania Bankers Association (PA Bankers) Advanced School of Banking, on July 29, 2024.

Valentini has been with Fidelity Bank for 17 years. Her career is a true success story within the branch banking network. She started at Fidelity as a Teller Services Supervisor and has continued to rise through the branch network as an Assistant Branch Manager and most recently the Retail Branch Manager of Fidelity’s largest office in Dunmore, Pa. Her responsibilities include leading the Retail team to continued success and providing her knowledge and guidance to the managers and branch bankers in the continuous enhancement of the client experience. 

Jill attended Penn State University and has completed numerous continuing educational courses with the American Institute of Banking, as well as the Pennsylvania American Bankers Association. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program and sat on Leadership Lackawanna’s Board of Directors as Chair. She was a Board Member of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and currently sits on the Board of Dress for Success Lackawanna, along with the Chamber’s affiliate, Metro Actions Board.  She is current chair of the Chambers Membership Committee, and Women’s Network Luncheon Committee. 

PA Bankers’ Advanced School of Banking is a three-year program that teaches financial services knowledge and skills and paves the road for participants to become leaders at any level within their organization. The curriculum provides a greater understanding of the multiple banking disciplines and how those disciplines work together within the bank. It is analogous to 200-, 300- and 400-level college course study. 

Army leaders visit Tobyhanna, praise opportunities for future growth

Army Materiel Command leaders reported for duty at Tobyhanna Army Depot this week, seeing firsthand how the depot is leading the organic industrial base with cutting-edge modernization initiatives, new workload opportunities and innovative approaches to organization development.

Army Materiel Command Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander Lt. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan and U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. James D. Turinetti IV visited TYAD to personally experience the DOD’s premier provider of logistics and readiness to the joint warfighter.

TYAD Commander Col. James L. Crocker led the leaders on an extensive tour of the depot’s state-of-the-art facilities where they observed Tobyhanna’s resilient workforce in action and heard plans for future innovation, building upon the $1 billion already invested in Tobyhanna’s facilities.

To meet the ever-changing demands of the modern force, TYAD continues to embrace new innovations and technologies. Collaboration with our counterparts at AMC and CECOM is vital as the depot is experiencing immense growth in missions like radar, microelectronics, satellite communications, and cable fabrication.

Mohan underscored the OIB’s substantial impact on the DOD.

“The expeditionary capability of the OIB is extremely powerful,” he said. “We are deeply intwined in the efforts of the Army, as we penetrate to the most tactical level.”

Mohan’s visit to TYAD’s Engineering Analysis and Solutions Lab demonstrated the organization’s emerging organic microelectronics capabilities, a cornerstone of depot modernization efforts. As the Army focuses on more sophisticated and compact electronic systems, the ability to tackle this crucial workload in-house mitigates supply chain risks and reduces reliance on foreign adversaries.

Crocker touted TYAD’s new process to repair the KGV-310B card for the Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical Terminal. Depot artisans can repair the card for just $5,000 and within a few days, resulting in a $4.7 million cost savings for the Army and increased readiness for warfighters worldwide.

The tour also highlighted Tobyhanna’s radar mission, where plans are underway to expand the organization’s already vast radar campus. The 320,000 square foot range leverages TYAD’s unique geographical location in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and boasts near and far field-testing ranges and multiple radomes for year-round testing that are free from 5G interference — rivaling the facilities of original equipment manufacturers across the private sector and setting a new standard for excellence in logistics and support.

The upcoming modernization project will invest nearly $60 million into depot facilities, expanding precision radar testing capacity and increasing capabilities for essential equipment used by warfighters across the DOD. This significant investment in infrastructure aims to bolster Tobyhanna’s ability to accommodate increasing demands for radar maintenance for joint warfighters, according to Crocker.

“TYAD is postured to support additional sustainment, overhaul, testing, and integration of radars across the military services — and our radar campus modernization will take our already incredible facilities to new heights,” he said.

TYAD also showcased human capital initiatives such as its radar technology center. This bold new approach to readiness support consolidates military equipment by technology commonality, instead of by individual system — smashing organizational silos, evolving troubleshooting techniques and enabling floor personnel to expand their technical skill set across a variety of platforms. The radar technology center benefits others, as well. Support personnel are co-located, which increases collaboration, emboldens point-of-use problem-solving, and creates increased opportunities for relationship building. Warfighters and customers alike benefit from increased efficiencies all around.

Finally, Tobyhanna’s depot maintenance forward effort was briefed to Mohan and Turinetti. Expert depot forward support teams can deploy in just 24 hours to meet urgent DOD requirement such as on-site depot level maintenance, site surveys and assessments, system fielding, modification and upgrades. TYAD is executing missions in 30 countries, with 27 fixed locations across the world. These forward repair activities allow TYAD to play a key role the ability to support Army requirements around the globe using organic capability that optimize regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.

Before his departure, Mohan presided over an awards ceremony, presenting ceremonial coins to several members of the workforce. James Harris, Brandon Murnock, Michael Sherin and Ricky Saunders of the Production Engineering Directorate and Eric Silvi of the C4ISR Directorate were recognized for their exceptional contributions to microelectronics, radar and U.S. Armed Forces initiatives in the European theater.

The visit from senior leaders energized TYAD leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring C5ISR readiness on a global scale.

TYAD Deputy Commander Robert L Lantka emphasized the importance of Mohan and Turinetti’s visit.

“We appreciate the opportunity to highlight Tobyhanna’s distinctive capabilities and how they support Army, DOD, and partner nation readiness needs.”

Crocker enthusiastically agreed, noting that providing stellar service to the joint warfighter requires support from higher headquarters.

“As we progress with our holistic modernization efforts, the guidance and support of leaders like Lt. Gen. Mohan and Maj. Gen. Turinetti will be instrumental in Team Tobyhanna achieving our goals of being the best value for the joint warfighter,” he said.

Engagements with senior Army leaders are key to the success of TYAD’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035. The plan, which has four focus areas — Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications — aims to posture the depot to meet the future needs of the joint warfighter on a multidomain battlefield.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or C5ISR, systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

About 3,300 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.

Misericordia University Appoints New Board Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Misericordia University (MU) approved two new members during its June meeting.

Joining the board are Mary Griffin Cummings, Esq. (on the left) and Misericordia University alumnus Adam Grzech ’13 ‘17 (on the right).

Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Smith-Mileski, Ed.D., said, “During our centennial year, we are privileged to welcome two caring, compassionate leaders to our board of trustees. As a former Misericordia alumni association president and successful business executive, Adam is a strong supporter of our mission through his volunteer activities and philanthropy. Similarly, Mary’s legal expertise, recognized professional success, and leadership in various community activities in Northeast Pennsylvania greatly enrich our board culture as well.”

Cummings, who is executive vice president and general counsel at Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, has established herself as a leader in the legal and banking sectors. Her career has included positions at area organizations such as FNCB Bank, Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, and Wyoming Valley Health Care System.

She is a native of Towanda, PA who obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from The Pennsylvania State University and then pursued a Juris Doctor from the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, PA. She is a member of the Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Cummings’ legal expertise is matched only by her dedication to community service. She volunteered at the Catherine McAuley House and serves as chair of the board of trustees of the Catherine McAuley Center. She also sits on the board of trustees and the nominating and governance committee of the McGlynn Learning Center.

Cummings has been actively involved with the Sisters of Mercy and has received numerous accolades for her leadership and philanthropy, including the 2010 Mercy Woman of the Year and Women Making an Impact award from Dress For Success Lackawanna.

Cummings has a deep connection with Misericordia University that extends through her family, as she proudly acknowledges her aunt, the late Mary Ellen Griffin Landy, who is a distinguished alumna of the university. Cummings also delivered the commencement address at Misericordia University’s spring graduate ceremony in 2024 where she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Grzech serves as director of operations for Keystone Automotive. He has been with the organization for eight years holding various roles in multiple locations throughout the U.S. He enjoys the constant change of the supply chain environment as well as mentoring others.

Grzech, who resides in Novi, MI, with his wife Erin F. Grzech (Kain), a ’14 MU graduate, and their son John, is a native of Mountain Top and the son of John and Linda Grzech.

Grzech is a graduate of Crestwood High School who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from MU in ‘13 and a Master of Business Administration in ‘17. As an undergraduate student, he competed on the MU men’s swim team and later served as the graduate assistant for the swim team while earning his MBA.

A fan of auto racing, Grzech serves on the board of Waterford Hills Road Racing where he aims to grow the sport. He is a parishioner of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and a member of the MU Alumni Board –where he served as board president and an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees during that time.

In his free time, Grzech competes in auto racing through the Sports Car Club of America spec Miata Class; skis every chance he gets; and enjoys playing golf with his wife.

Fidelity Bank Announces Strong Mortgage Lending Results

Fidelity Bank is pleased to announce the release of its 2023 Mortgage Lending Market Share Summary, highlighting the remarkable achievements of the previous year in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties. Notably, Fidelity Bank secured the top position as the number one residential mortgage lender in Lackawanna County. 

While mentioning this accomplishment, President and CEO, Daniel J. Santaniello, stated, “When reflecting on our performance, I take pride in observing the growth and success we’ve achieved across the counties we serve.” He continued, “Our team has built strong relationships, consistently supports local communities, and has implemented effective strategies to achieve this milestone, benefiting our customers and driving progress.”

In Lackawanna County, Fidelity Bank captured 9.3% of the total volume for the year, reaching $47.5 million—outperforming the second-place competitor by $13.6 million, or 40%. This showcases Fidelity’s leadership in the local market, making it the only bank to rank among the top 5 overall.

Additionally, Fidelity Bank performed exceptionally well in Luzerne, Wyoming, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties, capturing 2.5% totaling $135.7 million and 587 units across all counties.

These achievements highlight Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service. The 2023 market share summary reflects the culmination of these efforts and serves as a catalyst for future success and growth. 

*Based on 2023 HMDA (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act) data.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Open Applications

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications are open for a third cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty this fall. The program is powered by Lackawanna County, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, The Chamber, and its affiliate program, IGNITE.

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups.

“We are proud to be partners in the TechCelerator project with the Chamber and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners because we understand that small businesses are the economic backbone of Lackawanna County,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said. “We also know that technology is dynamic, and that the world of technology-based start-ups is highly competitive. TechCelerator is a great tool for local entrepreneurs to learn what they need to know to compete, and to germinate their ideas.”

Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 15 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this third cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement

“We have continued to build a vibrant entrepreneurial infrastructure throughout Lackawanna County under the Chamber IGNITE program at the Scranton Enterprise Center, Jessup TekRidge Center, and the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center—in concert with a host of outstanding public and private sector partners who share the vision of growing new businesses with the talent we have right here in our region,” shared Bob Durkin.  

TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. All Lackawanna County residents with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply”-please include that start-up businesses registered in Lackawanna County are included, not just Lackawanna County residents.

To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Tuesday, September 10.

The Chamber Wraps Up 2023-24 Program of Work Year with Success

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the completion of its 2023-24 program of work year. To celebrate the achievements and efforts of The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, a new video has been produced. This compilation highlights the strides made in supporting our mission to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The video is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved and showcases the significant impact made over the past year. Alongside the video, an infographic has been shared, breaking down the key successes into easily digestible bullet points.

Download the infographic.

Scam Notice to Membership

Dear Chamber Members,

It has come to our attention that there is a fraudulent scheme targeting the Chamber membership. A company falsely claiming association with our organization is offering to sell the contact information of our members for financial gain. These scams are happening across the country to other Chambers. We take any unauthorized use of member information seriously. Rest assured, the Chamber has not authorized any such company to sell or distribute your contact details.

Below is an example of the scam email.

We strongly advise all members to exercise caution and vigilance when approached by any entity claiming to offer Chamber member contact information. Additionally, we encourage you to promptly report any suspicious activity or unauthorized solicitation to our Chamber office.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Broadway Theatre League Announces 2024-25 Show Lineup

Broadway Theatre League of NEPA is proud to announce the 24-25 Season at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, featuring three new hit musicals making their Scranton premieres and a magnificently macabre show for EVERY family!

 We think our NEPA Audiences will love this upcoming season because it has something for everyone, according to Frank T. Blasi, Executive Director of Broadway Theatre League. He adds, “The Broadway Theatre League is thrilled that this is our 65th year of presenting National Broadway Tours in Scranton,, and we are coming off one of our greatest seasons.” Building on that momentum, this season will surely be great. The people of our area are big Broadway fans, and our loyal subscribers are our heart and soul. We welcome new subscribers to join our Broadway family. Purchasing season tickets is the most cost-effective way of seeing our shows; and, andon tickets come with many additional benefits.

This season begins with the electrifying, Tony-winning, smash-hit Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations and concludes with Tina Fey’s hilarious hit musical Mean Girls.  Experience “one of the most remarkable shows in musical history” (Washington Post) – the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen. Rounding out the season is a comical feast for every family, The Addams Family!

Beginning Monday, August 19th at 10AM, Season Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com, in person at the Broadway Theatre League (BTL) office (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA) or by calling the BTL office at 570-342-7784. BTL Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10AM – 5PM. Prices for this 4-Show season ticket package are $245, $285, and $335.

Season Ticket benefits include:

  • The Best Seats … Select your seats prior to shows going on sale
    • Same Great Seat … The same seat for each show
    • Value … over buying individual show tickets… Season Tickets save time & money!
    • Convenience … One order and you get tickets to all season shows
    • Payment plans … Flexible payment plan options available to space your purchase out over time.
    • Ticket Exchange … If you cannot attend a performance, you can exchange your tickets for another performance of the same show.
    • Guaranteed Nights Out … Season Tickets provide you the opportunity to pre-plan nights out
    • Free Ticket Insurance … Lose your tickets? No problem! We’ll replace them at no charge.
    • Extra Shows & Tickets … Season Ticket holders are the first to hear about any extra shows added throughout the season and receive advance purchase privileges

Ticket on sale dates for individual shows will be announced at a later time. Remember that BroadwayInScranton.com and ticketmaster.com are the only official online outlets to purchase tickets for Broadway In Scranton. Individual show tickets can also be purchased in person at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple Box Office. All shows and dates subject to change.

Photo credits: UK Cast of AIN’T TOO PROUD. Photo by Johan Persson; MEAN GIRLS: Pictured (L-R): Natalie Shaw (Cady Heron), Kristen Amanda Smith (Gretchen Wieners), Maya Petropoulos (Regina George), and Maryrose Brendel (Karen Smith) Photo by Jenny Anderson, 2023.   THE ADDAMS FAMILY Photo by Pamela Raith.

Slick Cyber Hosts Cybersecurity Education Seminar

Attention Business Owners and Managers!

We’re excited to invite you to our FREE Cybersecurity Summit on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre.

This exclusive event is designed to help you protect your business from cyber threats and stay ahead of the curve. Plus, enjoy a FREE lunch while you learn! 

Limited seating is available, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge.

🔒 Secure your spot today!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We hope to see you there!

#Cybersecurity #BusinessSecurity #CyberSummit #BusinessOwners #Managers #WilkesBarre #FreeLunch

2024 Cyber Security Summit Event – Slick Cyber Systems

Marywood University Graduate Student Creates Humor Therapy Fund

As a graduate student at Marywood University working toward a Master of Arts degree in Communication Arts in 2005, Jeannine Luby worked with the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF) to create the Humor Therapy Fund…a donor-advised fund to disperse annual grants to area nonprofits with a plan to promote therapeutic laughter and humor in the community. 

The recipient of this year’s Humor Therapy Fund grant–the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania–used the funding to bring the Pittsburgh duo of Josh Verbanets and Gab Bonesso from Pittsburgh to perform their “Josh and Gab Show” in July.  About 50 summer camp participants at the Club enjoyed the interactive musical comedy show. Kids danced to the original songs written and performed by Josh and Gab that highlighted common situations that kids encounter in which they can choose kindness and stand up to bullies. They also listened to Gab’s stories from childhood highlighting the importance of standing up for one another and shared their own ideas on kindness as well. 

Josh and Gab share their musical comedy program at school assemblies and community programs throughout Pennsylvania year-round. 

While in Scranton, Gab Bonesso took the opportunity to give back to the Fund that helped support her and Josh Verbanets.  She presented Jeannine with a $100 check for the Humor Therapy Fund. The money donated came from a portion of the sales of her recent stand-up comedy album “Tragicomedian.” 

(For more information on Josh and Gab: https://www.joshandgab.com/ )