NEPIRC Receives Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession. Communities greatly benefit when talented people with vision, creativity and intelligence stay in the region, which is why it’s important to educate Northern Pennsylvania’s young people about opportunities that enable them to build a successful life close to home. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is providing that valuable information in award-winning fashion through its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program that was recently honored. NEPIRC was presented with a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver that took place in September. The award was bestowed specifically for NEPIRC’s work in the Talent Pipeline Development and Retention category. NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field. Dream Team Ambassadors are manufacturing associates who speak enthusiastically to young people and educators about their career journeys through in-school presentations, Career Day booths and Career Fair attendance. Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who attended the conference to accept the award, said, “It is an honor for NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program to be recognized internationally for excellence in economic development, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the execution of our program’s objectives. I am incredibly proud of our Dream Team Ambassadors who share their passion and career journeys with students to inspire them to consider rewarding careers in manufacturing, contributing to the success of this initiative.” Several NEPIRC representatives and Dream Team Ambassadors attended the conference in Denver to accept this prestigious award and had the opportunity to meet with PA Department of Community and Economic Development representatives. “NEPIRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program. This award highlights NEPIRC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to NEPIRC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.” The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program consists of 26 unique categories showcasing transformative projects that have profoundly impacted communities, regions and nations. Award winners are recognized in-person at its annual conference and throughout the year via IEDC’s communication channels. All organizations, big or small, in rural, urban or suburban communities, U.S.-based or international, are eligible and encouraged to participate in this competitive program.
Fidelity Bank Presents Wilkes-Barre Volunteers with Grant Fidelity Bank is pleased to share Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) has won the $10,000 Fidelity Bank IMPACT grant. VIM competed with two other area nonprofit finalists, all with the goal of securing grant funding to support their ongoing initiatives. Although all the finalists demonstrated their ability to deliver vital services to Wilkes-Barre residents, VIM secured the most community votes, determining them the winner. Ruth Turkington, EVP, Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Fidelity Bank was on hand at the bank’s Wilkes-Barre branch to present a $10,000 check to VIM. She stated, “On behalf of all of us here at Fidelity Bank, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Winning this grant clearly indicates that the services Wilkes-Barre Volunteers in Medicine provides closely aligns with our goal of providing support and value to the communities we serve.” Volunteers in Medicine is a community-based nonprofit organization who offers a wide range of services at no cost, including primary medical care, dental services, diagnostic testing, and counseling. These services are offered to the working, uninsured, and underinsured populations in NEPA. The clinic’s comprehensive care addresses the needs of residents, some of whom are non-English speaking, by providing vital interpretation services. The IMPACT Grant funds will be used to support this interpretation program, which is essential for effective communication and treatment planning. More details and complete rules for the IMPACT grant can be found online at www.bankatfidelity.com/impact.
Don’t Miss the Fun this Halloween! Activities Indraloka’s Halloween Party October 24th from 5 to 7 PM 336 Oak Drive, Dalton, PA American Cancer Society’s Monster Dash 5K October 26th starting at 9 AM 3 W Olive Street, Scranton, PA Halloween Magic Show with Mr. Magico October 26th at 1 PM 300 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA Dave & Boo-sters October 31st from 4 to 7 PM 6000 Shoppes Boulevard, Moosic, PA Trunk or Treat: Oakwood Terrace October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 400 Gleason Drive, Moosic, PA LCBC October 30th starting at 6PM 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 21+ E’s Halloween Paint & Sip October 26th from 5 to 7 PM 500 Mill Street, Dunmore, PA Haunt at the Hive October 31st from 8:30 to 11:30 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day: Connect, Learn, Collaborate! The audience gained knowledge on topics ranging from AI to medical marijuana’s impact on the workplace to how to attract and retain a talented workforce. There was not one winner last Friday at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre Twp.; there were hundreds, because the 2024 Manufacturing Best Practices Summit and Expo—the region’s largest manufacturing trade show and networking event—brought together more than 100 manufacturers and industry advocates exhibiting their products and services, along with nearly 500 eventgoers to learn from world-class speakers and one another. Chris Czarnik, Award-Winning Author & Subject Matter Expert shared with the audience the importance of working hard to attract and retain talented employees. Organized by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), this event provided an opportunity for manufacturers from an 11-county region to gather to learn, collaborate and forge new partnerships with other manufacturers, while also hearing from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics including: effectively using the power of AI, navigating safety concerns and policies around medical marijuana, unlocking leadership potential with emotional intelligence coaching, and learning the best practices to attract and retain talented employees—to name a few. “There are so many long-term gains from this one-day event. Manufacturers learn from one another and from the speakers we choose specifically with their needs in mind. Our hope is that attendees take what they’ve learned today and apply it to their businesses for the benefit of their employees, operational processes, and customers. When they succeed, our region shines,” said Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s Manager of Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement. NEPIRC President and CEO Eric Joseph Esoda welcomed nearly 500 attendees to the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo. Manufacturing Day offered a host of valuable breakout sessions and panel discussions, such as “Building High Performance Compensation Systems: How to Get Your Team Rowing in the Same Direction,” with Mike Pickreign, Tech 42, breakout session sponsor; a Cybersecurity & CMMC panel discussion with moderator Kara Smith, NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator, panel discussion sponsor; industry-specific sessions presented by NEPIRC’s subject matter experts, and the event closed with The Wall Street Journal bestselling co-authors Katie Desiderio, Ph.D. and Michael Frino, Ph.D. who presented “Becoming a Be Keeper,” a discussion on resiliency, grit, and determination in the workplace among constant change. NEPIRC Board of Directors member and Dream Team ambassador Kate Logan, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, took part in the panel discussion, “Refueling the Talent Pipeline: Sparking Careers in Manufacturing.” Kate Logan, NEPIRC board of directors’ member and NEPIRC Dream Team ambassador, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, was part of a panel discussion featuring members of NEPIRC’s Dream Team. The panelists addressed misperceptions people may have when they think about manufacturing. She said, “Manufacturing may have the stereotype as a dark, dirty, dangerous career path to some, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Typical facilities are bright, clean, and safety is always at the forefront of our day-to-day operations.” Logan went on to discuss other benefits of careers in manufacturing, such as educational opportunities, compensation and potential career advancement. “I hope to help inspire the next generation by sharing insights about manufacturing industries, discussing diversity of roles available, tuition reimbursement and highlighting the importance of skilled workers in NEPA,” Logan added. Thanks to sponsor Lackawanna College Continuing Education, a group of nearly 70 students from Lackawanna County Career Technology Center, Mountain View, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre Area high schools listened to the panel discussion, explored the exhibits and gained insight from representatives at Lackawanna College who spoke to them about necessary skills for job placement. Keynote speaker Chris Czarnik, coach, trainer, author and subject matter expert, imparted knowledge from his 20 years of research on talent recruiting, engagement and retention to empower listeners with information to secure a talented workforce. NEPIRC delivered on its promise to connect manufacturers and provide education to help them further succeed. Ashley Machine & Tool, located in West Wyoming, was a sponsor of Manufacturing Day with the following employees on hand: Ronald Wellington, Jacob Boedeker, Zachary Mulhern and Michael Merryman. Mulhern, who is the materials manager at Ashley Machine & Tool, and is a member of NEPIRC’s Dream Team, participated in the panel discussion along with Logan. Materials Manager at Ashley Machine & Tool Co. Zachary J. Mulhern said, “It is impossible to put a dollar figure on the valuable knowledge gained from Manufacturing Day. Not only did it enable our company to reach local colleges and universities to help create a talent pipeline for the workforce, it also allowed us to meet vendors within our region. We have gained an abundance of knowledge on machine practices, employee engagement, and so much more!” While the event is helping companies operationally, it is also having an impact on individual growth. Mulhern said, “This event not only has helped better automate our company, but it has given me insight into being a better leader.” In addition, Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to show that the gender gap is closing in the manufacturing sector with more women taking on leadership roles. Logan said, “We are vice presidents, we are managers, we are supervisors, we are boards of directors’ members, and we are leaders. In a historically male-dominated field, women are breaking stereotypes and bringing fresh perspectives to the table which is why female senior management positions have risen to 29 percent (as of 2019). Seeing a broader talent pool in manufacturing shows that companies encourage inclusivity. I am proud to be part of it!” For more information on the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo, visit the NEPIRC website, www.nepirc.com.
Haunt at the Hive Returns to Mohegan Pennsylvania Spooky Halloween party set to take over The Hive Taphouse and Embers Terrace on Thursday, October 31st WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 1, 2024) – Guests looking for Halloween plans can look no further than joining Mohegan Pennsylvania for Haunt at the Hive. On Thursday, October 31st at 8:00pm, The Hive Taphouse and Embers Terrace will be transformed into the best Halloween Party in Northeast Pennsylvania, featuring food & beverage specials, live entertainment and a spooky good time. All are welcome to dress in their best Halloween costume, and those who dare to be bold are encouraged to enter in the costume contest. There are three categories – “Scariest,” “Most Original” and “Couple or Group” – and the first-place winner in each category will win a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card! Costume photos will be taken upon registration, and winners will be announced at 11:00pm. From 8:00pm – 11:30pm, The Hive Taphouse and Embers Terrace will feature can’t-miss live entertainment. Over at The Hive Taphouse, Hoopla Band Lite will perform the best selection of music that promises to keep the good times rolling. The River 105 and 103.5’s DJ Tommy will be providing guests with an electric atmosphere over at Embers Terrace. All guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to attend Haunt at the Hive. Costumes are not required; masks and full-face paint are only allowed in the event spaces.
NEPIRC Receives Grant to Serve Underserved Schools NEPIRC Secures Significant Grant from the Luzerne Foundation to Expand its Dream Team Program Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant grant aimed at enhancing and expanding its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, which serves to bridge the gap between students in northeastern, northern and north central PA and manufacturing careers. From right to left: Eric Joseph Esoda, president & CEO, NEPIRC; Jenelle Osborne, talent stream coordinator, NEPIRC; and David Pedri, president and CEO, The Luzerne Foundation NEPIRC was awarded a three-year, $30,000/year grant from The Luzerne Foundation’s Pasco L. Schiavo Fund, marking NEPIRC’s first philanthropic foundation grant. This substantial investment underscores the regional and statewide impact of the Dream Team program. With this grant, NEPIRC’s Dream Team will expand school and student outreach throughout Luzerne County, primarily in the Hazleton and Weatherly areas. NEPIRC’s Dream Team will recruit Spanish-speaking ambassadors, work within underserved communities and host engagements for underserved populations in the Hispanic/Latino community. The grant will also allow the Dream Team program to create Dream Team presentations, videos and career awareness materials in Spanish. NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant. “Pasco Schiavo was a man who always gave individuals a chance who wanted to work hard and better their communities,” said David Pedri, president and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation. “The Luzerne Foundation is honored to partner with NEPIRC and its Dream Team to keep Pasco’s legacy of generosity alive by helping the next generation achieve success,” continued Pedri.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Provides New Service to Seamlessly Connect Passengers Customers departing from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) with American Airlines will soon have the ability to make connections through a third hub – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Effective August 6, 2024, new service linking AVP and PHL will be operated by luxury motorcoaches as part of American Airlines’ partnership with The Landline Company. The service will operate four (4) times daily in each direction, providing customers with a convenient way to start and end their travels. The service will have many of the features customers would expect from the first-class cabin of a regional jet, including in-seat power, WiFi, plentiful legroom and leather seats. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton customers connecting on American Airlines via PHL can clear security at AVP. American and Landline take customers directly to the tarmac of the “F” Concourse in PHL, allowing for easy, behind security connections to American’s global PHL network. Customers book trips on American and Landline just like any other connecting flight option by navigating to their preferred airline ticketing / reservation platform and selecting AVP as their origin. Here are the highlights: American Airlines is launching a new “tarmac-to-tarmac” luxury motorcoach service to its hub in PHL. The new service allows passengers to clear security at AVP, board a luxury motorcoach at one of AVP’s departure gates and arrive at a secure gate at PHL’s Terminal F. Customers will then disembark at the gate (without having to re-clear security), and walk to their next gate to continue their connecting flight. These luxury motorcoaches feature 35 premium leather seats in a 2 by 1 seating configuration and offer 36 inches of seat pitch, comparable to the premium cabin on a regional jet. Passengers also enjoy free WiFi and in-seat power at every seat. Additionally, customers can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles using these new connecting Landline “flights”. Bags are handled as with any flight: passengers check their luggage in with American Airlines on arrival, and the airport’s baggage handling system takes over from there. Check-in also works like any other American Airlines flight. American is launching the service with four (4) roundtrips per day, timed to connect with American flights out of PHL. To use the service, customers will book their flight through American Airlines’ website or mobile app, entering AVP as origin and selecting the destination (i.e. MIA) as the endpoint, just like a flight itinerary. Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., AVP’s Executive Director, said, “Many passengers choose AVP for the convenience and low-stress environment. Being able to start your trip from AVP and connect through Philadelphia alleviates some of the stress when starting your travel from a larger airport.” Joe Sottile, American Airlines Director of Domestic Network Planning, said, “We are pleased to expand our innovative partnership with Landline to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Complementing our existing service from AVP to both our Charlotte and Chicago hubs, this new service will enhance access to American’s global network, including convenient one-stop service via our Philadelphia hub to over 100 destinations in the U.S. and around the world.” “We are thrilled to expand our network to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton region, allowing American Airlines passengers to clear security at their local airport, closer to home, and connect through Philadelphia post security,” said Michael Sharer, Landline’s Northeast Operations Lead. “This service will provide a seamless, premium motorcoach connection to passengers with flights out of Philadelphia. Passengers can book their trips on AA.com by searching Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP) to their final destination.” Travelers arriving back in PHL will continue to board the luxury motorcoach airside and arrive nonstop directly at AVP. Checked baggage will be directly transferred between the motorcoaches and aircraft. American Airlines currently has three (3) daily roundtrip flights between AVP and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), as well as two (2) daily roundtrip flights between AVP and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Primo Hoagies’ Wilkes-Barre Locations to Host Costumer Appreciation Day PrimoHoagies, known for its gourmet hoagies with high-quality meats and cheeses piled high on fresh-baked seeded rolls, announced today the Wilkes-Barre Arena Hub, Dickson City, Edwardsville and Wilkes-Barre 309 locations are now under new ownership by local couple, Michael and Rachel Davis. To celebrate and thank their loyal customers, the Davis’ will host a Customer Appreciation Day at the following locations: Wilkes-Barre Arena Hub – Tuesday, February 13, 2024 395 Arena Hub Plaza 10am – 8pm Wilkes Barre, PA 18702 Dickson City – Tuesday, February 20, 2024 1945 Commerce Blvd & Rt 6 10am – 8pm Dickson City, PA 18519 Edwardsville – Tuesday, February 27, 2024 33B West Side Mall 10am – 8pm Edwardsville, PA 18704 On these specified days, PrimoHoagies will offer the first 100 customers* in line a free Primo Size Hoagie. Throughout the celebration, customers who enroll in the rewards program will enjoy Primo Size Hoagies for just $6.99. In addition to the Customer Appreciation Day festivities, PrimoHoagies is launching a “Golden Ticket” promotion that will run throughout the month of February. Ten golden tickets will be randomly placed within hoagies, and lucky customers who discover these golden tickets can redeem them at the Wilkes-Barre Arena Hub, Dickson City or Edwardsville locations for a $25 PrimoHoagies gift card. Using recipes passed down through the generations for its iconic hoagies, PrimoHoagies layers Thumann’s gourmet meats and cheeses, a secret blend of spices, and locally sourced, fresh vegetables onto award-winning, seeded rolls that are baked fresh throughout the day. The casual restaurant’s diverse menu features a wide variety of cold and hot hoagies, cheesesteaks, wraps, vegetarian options, sides, chips, drinks, cookies, desserts, and more. Michael and Rachel, high school sweethearts from Mountain Top, PA, have built a life centered around family. Married with two young children, Natalie and Nora, family is paramount to them. Coming from backgrounds of entrepreneurship, Rachel and Mike are experienced business owners. Rachel’s family owns Herron Electric, an electrical company in Mountain Top, while Mike’s family is the former owners of Two Jack’s Cycle, a motorcycle dealership in Wilkes-Barre. With a passion for business and a desire to continue their entrepreneurial journey, the Davis’ started looking for another venture, which they found in PrimoHoagies, a local brand they were already familiar with and admired for its quality. “We can’t wait to embark on this new chapter with PrimoHoagies, where family values meet business passion,” said Rachel. “Every sandwich carries not just flavor but a piece of our commitment to quality and community. We can’t wait to share our journey with the community and create lasting memories, one delicious bite at a time.” The Davis’ also bought the Wilkes-Barre 309 location which will be relocated to a brand new PrimoHoagies in Pittston, with plans to open in early summer. *To enjoy the Customer Appreciation Day Specials, customers are encouraged to join PrimoHoagies complimentary Rewards Program. By texting “Primo” to (484) 270-4000 or visiting the Rewards Program Page, customers can access exclusive offers and start saving on their favorite hoagies!
