Calendar of Events

Provided by Pocono Business Journal

November 5

Fall Tax Seminar, State Revenue Department, Woodlands Inn And Resort, Wilkes-Barre, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $135. Call Margaret Petty at (570) 408-4460 for more information

Developing And Retaining Diverse Talent in PA, TechQuest PA, 9 a.m. – noon, TechQuest headquarters in Harrisburg. Call (717) 635-2108 for more

Ben Franklin Venture Idol Scranton, Venture Capital Fair, Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $30. Call Al Philpotts at (610) 758-6668 for more information.

Solar Energy Project Funding Application Deadline, 4 p.m. Up to $7 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be available through the Green Energy Works! Solar program. For guidelines visit www.recovery.pa.gov; for application visit www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. Call (717) 783-8411 for more information.

November 6

Nurses Impact on Quality, University of Scranton Center for Professional Training and Development, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $75. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information.

Connecting: Reading and Knowing People, Center for Professional Training and Development/Management Leadership, University of Scranton, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information.

From Piles to Files, University of Scranton Small Business Developments Center and Sane Spaces, Scranton, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Application Deadline, 4:00 p.m. A total of $7 million is available for innovative, advanced fuel and vehicle technology projects. For an application visit www.depweb.state.pa.us or call (717) 783-8411 for more information.

November 10

Your Business and Marcellus Shale, Part 5 (Your Business Working With Others), Wayne County Park Street Complex, Honesdale, 8-9:30 a.m. Cost: $20. Pre-registration is required. Call Dave Messersmith at (570) 253-5970 ext 4110 for more information.

Marketing on a Tight Budget, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Lake Wallenpaupack, 8-10 a.m. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

Business LINK Seminar: Change for Good, MetroAction, Penn State Worthington Scranton, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Cost: $30. Call (570) 341-0270 for more information.

November 11

The First Step: Starting Your Business, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna, 10 a.m. – noon. Cost: $10. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

November 12

Milford Business Council meeting, The Lumberyard Café, Milford, 6:30 p.m. Call (570) 296-8700 for more information.

November 13

The First Step: Starting Your Business, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna, 10 a.m. – noon. Cost: $10. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

The Second Step: Developing Your Business Plan, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Coolbaugh Township, Tobyhanna, 2-4  p.m. Cost: $10. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

November 19

Greater Honesdale Partnership Meeting, Community Room, Visitor Centre, Honesdale, 7:30 a.m. Call (570)253-5492 or e-mail ghp@visithonesdalepa.com for more information.

TEA Open House, Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Office, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Participate in an informal assembly to exchange ideas in an open forum. Call (570) 296 – 8700 for more information.

Marketing on a Tight Budget, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, PNC Bank, East Stroudsburg, 10 a.m. – noon. Cost: $10. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

November 20

Wayne Economic Development Corporation Innovator of the Year Award Luncheon, The Settlers Inn, Hawley. Call (570) 253-5334 for more information.

November 24

The First Step: Starting Your Business, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Pike County Economic Development Office, Milford, 9-11 a.m. Cost: $10. Call (570) 296-7332 for more information.

Capitol Chat

Compiled by Kaitlin Johnstone

For Pocono Business Journal

The Senate approved legislation designed to aid Pennsylvania’s ailing municipal pension plans, according to Senator Pat Browne (R-16), author of an amendment that expanded the bill to include communities across the Commonwealth. House Bill 1828, as initially approved by the House of Representatives, only addressed the pension crisis facing Philadelphia. Senator Browne amended the legislation when it came before the Senate Finance Committee, of which he is the Chairman, to expand the scope of the municipal pension relief to include all municipalities based on their level of funding for their individual programs.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the Department of Energy is providing more than $101 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to expand weatherization assistance programs in Pennsylvania.  These funds, along with additional funds to be disbursed after the state meets certain Recovery Act milestones, will help to weatherize more than 29,000 homes, cutting energy costs for low-income families that need it, reducing pollution, and creating green jobs across the state.

As part of efforts to practice conservation, rangers in Pennsylvania’s state parks are now using lead-free ammunition for training and practice. John Norbeck, director of the Bureau of State Parks, explained that lead bullets can be a source of soil and groundwater contamination, and that out of concern for the state’s natural resources, the switch should be made to lead-free. The casings for the new bullets selected by the bureau are made from recycled brass, the bullet is compressed copper and it has a lead-free primer.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger presented a check for $1 million to help finance a project testing new technology designed to capture a minimum of 95 percent of the carbon dioxide (CO2) from a coal-fired test plant at CONSOL Energy’s Research and Development Division south of Pittsburgh.

Congress passed the 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Act, with bipartisan support in both chambers. This legislation provides for $350 million in funding for dairy relief, giving aid to thousands of farmers nationwide who are struggling with historically low prices.

State Rep. Tom Caltagirone, (D-Berks) chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, announced the House of Representatives passed his legislation to generate revenue to fund the state court system, county district attorneys, and domestic violence programs. Caltagirone’s bill (H.B. 1861) would impose a temporary fee increase for all court filings in the state, with the exception of traffic fees, generating an estimated $112 million for salaries of the 67 district attorneys in each of the state’s counties, which the state is required to pay under statute, and various domestic violence programs.

Calendar of Events

Provided by Pocono Business Journal

October 5 – November 5

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, Manufacturers Resource Center, Cabela’s, Hamburg, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cost: $2595 (includes materials, breakfast, and lunch). Call Angie Bove at (610) 758-4588 for more information.

October 5 – January 21

Six Sigma Black Belt Program, Manufacturers Resource Center, Cabela’s, Hamburg, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 4 Week Program, Cost: $6500 (includes materials, Breakfast, and lunch). Call Angie Bove at (610) 758-4588 for more information.

October 6

THE Conference by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, The Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes Barre, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Includes marketing, HR, business management, finances, and executive management. Cost: $49 for nonprofits, $79 for Chamber members, $99 for non-members. Call (570) 823-2101 for more information.

Workshop for Small and Mid Sized Tax Exempt Organizations, Internal Revenue Service, Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, King of Prussia, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $45 (includes handbook and materials). Call (800) 521-3980 or (703) 579-1496 for more information or to register.

October 7

Workshop for Small and Mid Sized Tax Exempt Organizations, Internal Revenue Service, Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, King of Prussia, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $45 (includes handbook and materials). Call (800) 521-3980 or (703) 579-1496 for more information or to register.

October 8

ServSafe Food Safety Certification, sponsored by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Scranton, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Cost: $155. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

Workshop for Small and Mid Sized Tax Exempt Organizations, Internal Revenue Service, Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, King of Prussia, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $45 (includes handbook and materials). Call (800) 521-3980 or (703) 579-1496 for more information or to register.

Milford Business Council meeting, The Lumberyard Café, Milford, 6:30 p.m. Call (570) 296-8700 for more information.

October 9

Joint Chamber Breakfast with Our State Legislators, Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Resort, Tafton, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Call (570) 253-1960 for more information.

Performance Management, University of Scranton, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Cost: $95, includes materials and lunch. Call (570) 941-7582 for more information.

Home Sweet Home Business, sponsored by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Coolbaugh Township Community Services Center, Tobyhanna, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cost $10. Call (570) 941-7588 for more information.

October 10-11

Home Expo-Living in Northeast Pa, Wayne County Builders Association, Wallenpaupack High School, Hawley. Sat 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sun- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Call (570) 229-4941 for more information.

Cream Of The Crop, Women In Business 2009

By Tim Sohn

For Pocono Business Journal

The top ten Women in Business have been chosen for 2009! Here is the WIB winner who works in Pike County, and who made it to our Women in Business list for 2009. She is here because of her achievements, talents, and drive.

Annette Martin, Human Resources Manager, Clarion Safety Systems LLC, Milford

How long have you been in your current position?

Since 2004.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I actually wanted to be married and raise a family when I got out of school. It wasn’t until I re-entered the work force in 1985 that I knew I wanted to either work in finances or directly with people.

How did you get to your current position?

In October 2000, a mutual friend said that I needed to interview with Geoffrey Peckham. He hired me as office manager of Clarion. I was the seventh employee, and we were a tiny company. By 2004, Clarion increased its employee count from seven to 35. Since human resources was the area of my job responsibilities that I enjoyed the most, I chose to take on the role of human resources manager, and this year, I’ve also taken on project management.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

It can be very difficult at times to achieve. I always have to remind myself of my priorities in life. My family comes first. This is very easy to do when you work for someone who also places a high value on family.

What is the biggest issue facing women in the workplace today?

Recognition of the achievements you bring to the company. It’s tough sometimes to obtain. Women should avoid falling back on the idea that “just because we are women, well, that’s the way it is.” You just have to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and forge forward.

What makes a great “woman in business”?

Determination and hard work.

How does a woman succeed in this challenging economy?

Identify your obstacles, and then tackle them one by one.

Business Briefs

Provided by Pocono Business Journal

WHO’S WHO

Alexander—Lisa Alexander, a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Approved Professional (LEED AP), taught a class on Green Real Estate at the Pocono Mountain Association of Realtors office. Alexander will offer future courses on topics like alternative energy, building systems and healthy building products.

Ciuffreda—Kimberly Ciuffreda has been appointed as a Realtor® at Weichert, Realtors – Ruffino Real Estate.  The five-year real estate professional and member of the Pike/Wayne Board of Realtors will serve clients throughout Milford, Dingmans Ferry, Shohola and Matamoras.

Wilson—Bill Wilson has joined Weichert, Realtors – Ruffino Real Estate as a residential real estate specialist.  He is a member of the Dingman Township Building Appeals Board.

WHAT’S WHAT

LaAnna Chapel has just opened in La Anna, Pike County.  The Chapel offers services for weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, music and theatre events, art exhibits, and charitable events.

McDonalds of Westfall and Lords Valley supported Safe Haven of Pike County’s grant request to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Pennsylvania and Ronald McDonald House Charities Global. Safe Haven was able to purchase program materials which are being used to provide services to children in Pike County.

Milford Borough recently donated printed copies of the Milford Design guide, the Borough Code, historic district, zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, and the Milford Borough/Milford Township Comprehensive Plan to the Pike County Economic Development Authority for use by entrepreneurs and property owners in the community.

Calendar of Events

Submitted by the Pocono business Journal

EAST STROUDSBURG –

August 10-24

Troubleshooting Your PC, University of Scranton, Mondays, 9:00AM – 12:00 noon. Cost: $105. Call 570- 941-7582 for more information.

August 11

Who Killed the Customer? Sponsored by University of Scranton, Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, 9:00AM – 11:00AM. Call 570- 282-1690 for more information

TechQuest’s Increase Technology TAKE-RATE Committee, 10:00AM. Harrisburg location. Call 717-635-2172 for more information.

Forming a Worker’s Compensation Safety Committee, NEPIRC, Wilkes-Barre, 4:00PM – 5:30PM. Call Nancy Markovich at 570- 704-0003 for more information.

Gaining Ground in an Economic Slowdown, University of Scranton, 5:00PM. – 7:00PM. Cost: $10. Call 800-829-7232 for more information.

August 12

Get Off The Grid™ Wind and Solar Workshop, 6:00PM – 7:30PM, St. Rose Academy, 1300 Old Plank Road, Mayfield. Hosted by Green Field Energy Solutions.

Seating is limited and must be reserved in advance by calling Deana Kilmer at 570- 876- 0537 or email at energyworkshop@verizon.net.

The First Step: Starting Your Business, Sponsored by the University of Scranton, Coolbaugh Township Municipal Building, 10:00AM – 12:00 noon. Cost: $10. Call 570- 296-7332 for more information.

How To Write An Effective Letter of Intent, 6:00PM – 8:00PM, NEPA Alliance, Pittston. Call Paula Terpak at 570- 655-5581 or email pterpak@nepa-alliance.org for more information.

August 13

Blueprint for World Class Selling, NEPIRC, Wilkes-Barre, 8:00AM – 9:30AM. Cost: $15. Call Nancy Markovich at 570-704-0003 for more information.

Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Grow Your Business In The New Economy. 8:00AM – 4:30PM, held at University of Scranton, hosted by NEPA Alliance and Women Impacting Public Policy. Cost: $65. Call 415- 434-4314 or email jlalak@wipp.org for more information.

Milford Business Council meeting, The Lumberyard Café, Milford, 6:30PM. Call 570- 296-8700 for more information.

August 14

Registration deadline for Leadership Pike 2010. The program is a collaborative effort between the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Northampton County Community College, Delaware Valley School District, and United Way of Pike County. Program begins September 11. Call 570- 296-8700 for more information.

Performance Measurement for the Lean Enterprise, NEPIRC, Wilkes-Barre, 8:00AM.-4:00PM. Cost: $250. Call Nancy Markovich at 570- 704-0003 for more information.

Community Impacts of Marcellus Shale Natural Gas, Penn State Cooperative Extension in Pike County, 1:00PM -  4:00PM. Held at Honesdale High School, 459 Terrace St, Honesdale. Covers economic, social and environmental impacts of drilling for gas in the Marcellus Shale.  Cost: Free. Pre-registration required by August 10. Call 570- 296-3400 for more information or to register.

The First Step: Starting Your Business, sponsored by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Scranton, 10:00AM – 12:00 noon. Cost: $10. Call 570- 941-7588 for more information.

The Second Step: Developing Your Business Plan, sponsored by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Scranton, 2:00 PM – 4:00PM. Cost: $10. Call 570- 941-7588 for more information.

Business Briefs

Contributed by Pocono Business Journal

WHAT’S WHAT

21st Century Restorations and Sales, Inc., an auto body shop in Dingmans Ferry, has converted to waterborne refinishing products, which reduce hazardous air emissions and improve worker health and safety.

After 10 years, Accurate Auto has re-opened at the same location as the former establishment known as Knights Auto in Milford, under the same ownership.

Davis R. Chant Realtors and Realtor Bill Cole will be hosting an event on behalf of the Safe Homes of Orange County Program (Newburgh, NY), a private, non-profit agency whose mission is to eliminate all forms of domestic violence through education, outreach and provision of comprehensive support services.

Dimeco, Inc., the parent holding company of The Dime Bank, has been nationally recognized as a top community bank in the June 2009 issue of U.S. Banker Magazine. Dimeco has been named number 20 in the top 200 community banks nationwide based on its return on equity ratio for the past three years.

Penn’s Northeast, a regional economic development marketing organization, held its annual meeting. At the event, Penn’s Northeast President Penny Cannella stressed the organization’s need to adapt its marketing efforts to meet the requirements of the ever changing business environment.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce recently awarded the Sidney L. Krawitz Scholarship to Hank Neurouter .This scholarship is awarded each year to a Delaware Valley High School senior who is going to further his/her education in a four-year program.

The Pike County Economic Development announced the selection of a new organizational logo, the next step in branding the organization.

The Pike County Public Library Board asked the Pike County Commissioners to place a referendum on the November 3, 2009 ballot for a dedicated library tax of $1 million. PCPL volunteers will host a series of community meetings in all Pike County municipalities to provide information and address residents’ questions.

The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) announced that the locally owned Green Feed Catering is now providing year-round food service operations for PEEC’s guests and visitors. Green Feed at PEEC is headed by local residents, Colleen Messing and LoriAnn Hines.

Scratch Studios recently designed a map identifying the location of medical facilities within, or within proximity to Pike County.  Maps are available through the Pike County Economic Development Authority office.

WHO’S WHO

Muto—Allan Muto, executive vice president and chief financial officer of ESSA Bank & Trust, received the Pillars of the Community Award. ESSA Bank & Trust is being honored for exemplary service in community investment across its marketplace. The bank is the only northeastern Pennsylvania institution to be so honored.

Siptroth—Rep. John Siptroth (D, 189) introduced a resolution to study the Poconos’ rapidly changing infrastructure needs. H.R. 350 would instruct the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of private communities on local governments and the commonwealth.

CEO of Pocono Medical Center Speaks at Business and Books

EAST STROUDSBURG – Pocono Business Journal’s (PBJ) columnist Kathleen A. Kuck, CEO of Pocono Medical Center, will present the PBJ Business and Books series at the Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg.  August’s topic, “Healthcare Reform: My Future, Your Future,” will be presented on Thursday, August 20, at 5:30PM. Ms. Kuck will cover the following topics:

• The healthcare crisis
• Industry trends
• Proposed reforms

Presented throughout 2009 by members of our local business community who are also PBJ columnists, future sessions will cover topics such as the arts, tourism, social services, and more.

Discussions will last no more than half an hour, followed by a question and answer period. They are open to the public and do not require prior registration. This event will be held in the board room on the first floor of the Eastern Monroe Public Library.

In the spirit of contributing to a positive environment for growth and economic development in the region, PBJ is using “Business and Books” as a venue to inform and educate members of our business community.

Pocono Business Journal is dedicated to reporting the economic news of the Pocono region and focuses exclusively on the business and industry environment unique to the area. Contact dburke@pbjonline.com with business events, press releases and comments or call 570- 421-0100.