Scranton Celebrates Verizon’s Investment for High-Speed Internet The City of Scranton is celebrating the investment of tens of millions of dollars from Verizon over the next three years, at no project cost to the City. This project, which has already begun in sections of the City, will develop a ubiquitous network of fiber internet access to homes, providing the opportunity for all Scranton residents to subscribe to high-speed internet. “Access to fast, affordable internet service is critical to our success,” said Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti. “Broadband internet provides access to students’ schoolwork, offers remote working opportunities for our residents, and can help the City stand out in an ever-evolving digital age. We are thankful for Verizon’s investment in Scranton and that our residents in need will have access to cost-saving programs.” “Verizon is proud to be investing in the City of Scranton,” said Chris Flood, Atlantic North Market President, Verizon. “Wider availability of our best-in-class Fios internet will ensure that every resident has the opportunity to be connected whether it be for school, work or play.” Verizon was selected from four vendors in a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in October 2023. Per the agreement, the costs for the project will be borne by Verizon with no funding needed from the City. According to Verizon, millions of Americans still lack necessary access to broadband internet service, with many unable to afford it. To help Scranton close its existing digital divide, Verizon will construct a Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) network to reach all broadband serviceable locations in the City that are reasonably able to be served by a fiber-optic connection. Further, the contract requires that Verizon either participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, any successor program, or provide its own low-cost program to eligible low-income households in the City. Verizon currently offers cost-effective services for eligible customers through its Fios Forward program with service tiers costing up to $39.99. Other Fios Home Internet plans range between $24.99 and $89.99 per month. The agreement was unanimously approved by Scranton City Council in September
The Chamber Announces the 2024 SAGE Awards Finalists The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists for the 2024 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses and nonprofits for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 1, at The Chamber Gala, presented by Verizon, a black-tie optional event that will be held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania. More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards, and nearly 40 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists. The Chamber is proud to honor businesses and nonprofits that are making valuable contributions to the region and contributing to our overall quality of life. The finalists, in each category, are: Business of the Year Fit AF Nutrition Mount Airy Casino Resort Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Community Involvement Excellence Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield The Wright Center for Community Health Tobyhanna Army Depot Customer Service Excellence Geisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Market Share Consulting Marketing and Communications Excellence Condron Sweda Advertising Market Share Consulting The Honesdale National Bank New and Emerging Business of the Year Kailin of Earth Wellness Studio Pelican’s SnoBalls Showcase Nonprofit Organization of the Year CHOP Out Hunger Indraloka The Wright Center for Community Health Products and Services Excellence L.R. Costanzo, Inc. Scranton Jazz Festival Ski Shack Small Business of the Year Blu Elefante Events Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Naked Toffee Workplace Excellence Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley JHA Companies Saint Joseph’s Center 2024 SAGE Milestone Award Recipients The Member Milestone Award recognizes businesses and nonprofits celebrating an anniversary in 5-year increments. Each business and nonprofit will be recognized and presented with a certificate. Black Scranton Project Bread Basket of NEPA Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA CHOP Out Hunger Coal Creative G.R. Noto Electrical Construction, Inc. Gino J Merli Veterans Center Happenings Magazine hc architects Marley’s Mission Naked Toffee SEEDs of Hope SkyZone Pittston St. Mary’s Villa Campus Tuxedo by Sarno Additionally, all award finalists can also win the People’s Choice Award, where the winner will be chosen by a community wide online vote, available on www.scrantonchamber.com from Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18.
