Episode Seventeen: All Things Chamber

Don’t Miss the Update

The Chamber’s annual membership officially ends on Thursday, May 30. If you know of a business that is not a member of The Chamber, have them head over to www.JoinTheScrantonChamber.com to learn how they can save up to 30% off their first year.
Did You Know? As part of your online portal, you can see the number of referrals to your business from The Chamber. Head over to ScrantonChamber.com, and on the top bar, click “Member Login”. Once you are logged in, click on “Additional Resources” and then “Referal Report.”

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Crystal Pennsylvania Receives a Visit from US Congressman Cartwright

Crystal Window & Door Systems recently welcomed US Congressman Matthew Cartwright of Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District to tour its northeast Pennsylvania production facility, located north of Scranton in Benton Township.  As a business constituent in Congressman Cartwright’s district, Crystal was pleased to have the Representative meet its dedicated workforce in Pennsylvania and see its products and manufacturing equipment.

“Crystal was delighted that Congressman Cartwright could visit our facility in Benton Township and see firsthand the fabrication of our quality window and door products made by our skilled employees,” said Thomas Chen, Chairman.  “Our team was proud to describe the window manufacturing and insulated glass assembly processes and answer his questions.”

Crystal recently added several vinyl product lines to the roster of products fabricated at its northeast Pennsylvania factory, as well as expanded insulated glass unit assembly, including triple-pane units.  The company also invested in several pieces of new equipment to accommodate these additional products and future planned products.

During the visit with Congressman Cartwright, Crystal presented its general plans for further development on the property with additional production and warehouse space.  Crystal’s Pennsylvania facility is currently a 336,000-ft2 building on a 226-acre site adjacent to Highway 81.  Additional warehouse and production space will be needed as the company further integrates operations with Crystal’s New York factory and continues to add product lines to meet future demand.

“I am glad that Congressman Cartwright and his team learned more about Crystal and our plans to continue to grow in northeast Pennsylvania,” said Chen.  “We are proud to be part of the vibrant manufacturing community here in this district, and the understanding and support of elected officials is very important.”

Mohegan Pennsylvania Hosts Howie Mandel this October

At Mohegan Pennsylvania on Friday, October 18th, distinguished comedian, current America’s Got Talent judge and former Deal or No Deal host, Howie Mandel, is set to bring his talents to the Keystone Grand Ballroom. Doors for this can’t-miss performance open at 6:30pm and the laughs begin at 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 24th at 10:00am via TicketMaster. Tickets can also be purchased with Momentum Dollars and all other forms of payment at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Box Office located at the Hotel Front Desk, subject to availability.

Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series ​America’s Got Talent, where he has served as a judge for eleven seasons. He recently finished production on his new documentary ​Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me. Other recent projects include judging NBC’s ​America’s Got Talent: The Champions, CNBC’s ​Deal or No Deal, where he served as executive producer and host, and Nat Geo Wild’s ​Animals Doing Things, where he co-hosted with his son, Alex. He also executive produced the Quibi series ​Kirby Jenner. In 2019, he released his first solo special in 20 years, ​Howie Mandel Presents Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club.

Mandel has done countless comedy specials both on cable and network television. He has also hosted his own syndicated talk show, The Howie Mandel Show, and is a mainstay on the talk show circuit. He continues to perform as many as 200 standup comedy shows each year throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This is an all-ages show. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are 21+ including the hotel, casino floor, and most restaurants. All attendees under 21 must be accompanied by an adult, enter via the hotel and convention center entrance, and proceed directly to the Keystone Grand Ballroom.

Golden Awarded Five Scooter Categories in Fourth Consecutive Contract

Golden Technologies is excited to announce they have been awarded their fourth consecutive, five-year contract since 2003 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to supply mobility products. Golden proudly provides power scooters across the VA nationwide to enhance the quality of life for Veterans and allow them the freedom of movement and independence they so deserve. This significant partnership ensures continued quality products for America’s Veterans with Golden’s commitment as they celebrate 40 years in business next year.

Golden submitted scooters in five categories and was awarded the contract for all five. The VA will continue to provide veterans with Golden’s popular Companion GC240 Mid-Size 3-wheel and GC340 Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Additional products new to the VA contract include the Companion GC440 Full-Size 4-wheel and the newly launched GC540 Heavy-Duty 3-wheel scooters – now fully representing the entire Companion Series product offering. The compact portable BuzzAround HD 4-wheel scooter rounds out the fifth category.

“We are ecstatic and incredibly honored to have been awarded the contract to continue providing top-of-the-line power mobility scooters to our Veterans and introduce even more exceptional models in additional categories with this new commitment from the VA,” said Rich Golden, CEO of Golden Technologies. “The Golden brand is associated with quality, innovation, and compassion, focused on supplying home medical equipment that changes lives. It is profoundly humbling to provide our amazing Veterans with power scooters to access critical medical care and accomplish necessary tasks in home and community environments that are so important as they gain more independence in their daily life,” he added.

“I am extremely proud and grateful that Golden Technologies was awarded the Nationwide Scooter Contracts by the VA. For the past 21 years, the continuous effort and determination of the entire Golden team – from our VA Customer Service, VA Technical Service, Production, Research & Development, and Shipping departments have demonstrated our dedication and commitment to the Department of Veterans Affairs and our nation’s Veterans,” said Donna Payer, VA National Account Director. She added, “We are all very proud of our awards and are excited to continue our strong working relationship with our VA Medical Centers.”

Golden was awarded their first nationwide scooter contract by the VA in 2003 for Mid-Size 3-wheel and Full-Size 3-wheel scooters. Scooters awarded to the new contract will begin shipping on May 20th. The period of performance for the contract will end in May 2029. Visit www.goldentech.com for more information.

The Chamber and SLIBCO Announces Successful Land Sale to N&N Drilling

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the closing of a land transaction within the Valley View Business Park. Lot 14B, totaling 3.76 acres of prime industrial land, has been acquired by N&N Drilling, a prominent local business headquartered in Jessup, PA. The sale was facilitated by Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the Chamber’s business development affiliate.

N&N Drilling, founded in 1967, has been a cornerstone of northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial landscape for over five decades. Specializing in the manufacturing of drilling supplies, the company has garnered a reputation for precision, innovation, and reliability in serving diverse industrial sectors.

This strategic acquisition by N&N Drilling represents a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the economic vitality of the region. By expanding its footprint within the Valley View Business Park, N&N Drilling is poised to enhance its operational capabilities, pursue new opportunities, and contribute further to the growth and prosperity of the local community.

“N&N Drilling Supply is pleased to announce the acquisition of land in the Valley View Business Park. This expansion allows us to increase our production capacity, explore new product development opportunities, and ultimately create more jobs in the region. We’re also delighted to welcome the third generation of our family into the business. Having Marco, Gary III., and Juliano join our team over the past year is a testament to the generations of hard work and dedication that have built this company for over 58 years,” shared Greg Nieto.

“We’re excited for the fresh ideas and perspectives they’ll bring, and we’re confident they’ll help us continue to thrive for many years to come right here in Northeastern PA and beyond. We’re excited for the future and look forward to being a part of the continued growth of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations to both SLIBCO and N&N Drilling on the successful completion of this transaction. This sale exemplifies the Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic development, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating strategic partnerships that benefit businesses and residents alike.

For more information about SLIBCO and opportunities within the Valley View Business Park, please visit www.SLIBCO.com.

Marywood University Celebrates 106th Annual Commencement Ceremony

More than 800 students were part of Marywood University’s 106th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Casey Plaza, in Wilkes-Barre Twp.

Marywood University’s two colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, conferred degrees on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who hail from 24 states and 7 countries.

Business, social work, and physician assistant studies were the top graduate level degree granting programs. Architecture, business, and nursing were the top undergraduate level degree granting programs.

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University’s 12th President, who will retire on June 30, served as keynote speaker, bidding a fond farewell to the Class of 2024, the final graduating class of her eight-year presidential tenure.

Prior to her address, Sister Mary received a citation recognizing the many accomplishments of her presidency. Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Chair of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, shared that the Board recently granted Sister Mary the lifetime title of President Emerita, effective upon her retirement. Sister Kathleen praised Sister Mary’s leadership and vision, and expressed, “During the course of her presidency, Sister Mary has called upon her innate gifts of authenticity, compassion, courage, collaborative leadership, and bold vision, navigating both unprecedented challenges and outstanding accomplishments, always leading with hope, tenacity, and joy.”

In her opening comments, Sister Mary teased that the Class of 2024 was not treated to a famous speaker who could have imparted the generic words of wisdom typically offered by those chosen to give such addresses, noting that she instead represented many people who know the graduates personally, the same people who prepared them for this moment. She chose the musical production, Merrily We Roll Along, to reflect upon the choices that are presented at milestone moments of our lives, and her keynote address culminated with the song “Our Time” from the musical.

Sister Mary observed, “Commencement is a time to draw upon the skills you have learned to be leaders in the workforce, to value the friendships you have formed during your university years, and to rely on the values you were taught to guide you in your life choices.”

The Wright’s Center Ryan White Clinic Presenting the Annual Pridefest Parade

The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic will be the presenting sponsor for the Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance’s annual Pridefest Parade and Celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, June 23. The parade begins at noon, with the celebration to follow on Public Square until 4 p.m.

The Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families who are LGBTQ+ while working to advance fairness and equality. The Rainbow Alliance envisions a future where all people in the region can live openly and free from fear, and where individuals, organizations, and businesses work collaboratively to build an equal, inclusive community.

The formation for the parade begins at 11 a.m., near East South and South Main streets, two blocks off Public Square. The program includes more than 75 vendors, drag performances, and more. For more information, go to RainbowAlliance.org/Pridefest.

For almost 25 years, The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White HIV Clinic has been providing comprehensive whole-person primary health and support services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including integrated primary care, medication assistance, case management, mental health, and other support services. The Ryan White Clinic offers services at The Wright Center for Community Health locations in Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., and Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., and serves Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and Monroe counties.

Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest

Visitors to the Settlers Hospitality 8th Annual Wally Wine Fest, May 31-June 2, at the Waterfront at Silver Birches can soak in all the festivities lakeside. For the first time, the event will feature indoor and outdoor activities including two stages with live music. Wally Wine Fest draws thousands of attendees over three days to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented as well as varietals grown and produced in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Holding Wally Wine Fest this time of year allows us to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces at Silver Birches,” explains Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “We’ll have a tent on the lakeside lawn with wine samplings and vendors to shop.”

Claude Briere, sommelier for Settlers Hospitality, personally selects each wine. Briere is a renowned wine expert who travels the globe as a consultant and lecturer advising on wine selections, pairings and service. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each.

Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Art on the Edge, which features home/wine décor. Grain to Glory will showcase its handcrafted wooden American flags. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well as boat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. On Friday, May 31, The Settlers Inn hosts a Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner featuring pairings with the finest flavors of the season in a five-course meal. The Settlers Inn will also offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a prix fixe brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will present a special Cali Wine Tasting Dinner menu all weekend long featuring dishes such as grilled octopus and poached pheasant paired with fine Napa Valley wines. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $50 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Spring Has Sprung Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn on May 31. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com