Chamber Spotlight on Members
April 2008

DO YOU HAVE “NEWSWORTHY” INFORMATION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE IN THIS PUBLICATION? IF SO, EMAIL IT TO lfallabel@hazletonchamber.org

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is seeking 105 men and women to volunteer for a 7 day residential program on a college campus where high school students operate imaginary “companies” under the guiding hands of business volunteers called “Company Advisors”. PFEW teaches the youth of PA about the wonders of our private enterprise system and also about the issues facing all PA businesses. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information; contact Karen Mustane, at karen@pfew.org or (814) 833-9576.

The American Cancer Society honored 30-year sponsors at the 30th Annual Telethon held at the Laurel Mall. The Gans and Moisey families where recognized for their groundbreaking work in launching the telethon 30 years ago and for broadcasting the annual event. Other Chamber member businesses recognized included Leader Data Processing, Standard Speaker, Jake Kislan and Metallo’s Formalwear.

Penn State Hazleton took 3rd place at the 36th annual Penn State Dance Marathon, more commonly referred to as THON by raising over $35,000. All money raised goes to helping families of the children with cancer.

DeAngelo Brothers, Inc. is the 2008 American Cancer Society’s major Flower of Hope sponsor.

The Standard Speaker recently congratulated Hazleton Area High School athlete Nate Eachus with the Standard Speaker Person of the Year award.

W. Scott Lynett will step down as publisher of the Standard Speaker and Citizens Voice on January 1, 2009, to become a chief executive officer of Times-Shamrock Communications, the Scranton-based company. Daniel P. Haggerty will replace Scott Lynett.

Thomas G. Hood will replace retiring MMI Preparatory School President William A. Shergalis on August 3rd. Hood has been vice president and disciplinarian at the school since July 2006. He will be the 10th President of MMI.

Hazleton Area administrator Clarence John will be taking over as Hazleton Area High School principal next school year.

Dr. Rowena de Jesus of Life Expression Chiropractic Center presented a check for $700 to the Helping Hands Society. The money was collected from recent winter activities and Doctors with a Heart Day.

McCann School of Business & Technology Hazleton Campus recently sponsored a Bring a Friend Event, where students at the campus invited friends to follow them through their schedule of day or night classes. The event gave the community an opportunity to have a real life experience at a business and technical school.

The Therapy Department of Mountain City Nursing & Rehabilitation Center recently won Rehab Department of the Year award. They were chosen for their outstanding achievements exhibited in all around department excellence. Mountain City is 1 of 9 Extendicare facilities located in the Central PA Region.

The Greater Hazleton Association of Realtors invites everyone to join them for a meeting dinner buffet with special guest speakers, State Representative Todd Eachus and Attorney Bob Powell who will have a presentation and Q&A on the proposed Cargo Airport. Thursday, April 10th, 5pm, Ramada Inn in Hazleton. For ticket information contact the GHAR office at 454-2211 or email ghar@epix.net.

Borton-Lawson was awarded The Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for the Pine Street Neighborhood. Governor Edward G. Rendell recognized 9 PA businesses and organizations who adopted environmentally friendly practices and technologies who are working to revitalize communities, reduce pollution and educate the public on the benefits of being good stewards of the state’s natural resources. For more information visit http://www.borton-lawson.com/pine_street.html.

Beauty Flower Poem has raised $200 since the local American Cancer Society telethon by selling raffle tickets for a relief sculpture featuring floral relief fragments from the recent ceiling restoration in the historic Markle Building valued at $1200. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling Jo-Ann at the ACS at 459-1212.

IMR, an information management provider, was awarded the Diamond Partner Award at the recent Team Onbase conference. The Diamond Partner Award recognizes Enterprise Content Management companies for their superior technical support to customers. IMR was recognized for their commitment to customer care exemplified by the company’s investment in training, certification and responding to customer issues in a timely, efficient and professional manner.

During the last weekend of June, the 5 Volunteer Fire Companies of Hazleton will host the 105th Annual Convention of the Six-County Firemen’s Association of the State of PA. On Saturday, June 28th at 2 pm a grand parade will be held through the City of Hazleton beginning at Diamond and Cedar Streets and continuing west on Diamond Avenue to Vine Street to Broad Street, East on Broad Street back to Cedar Street. Everyone is welcome. They are also soliciting advertisements for the convention book and sponsorships and players for their golf tournament. For more information contact John Floyd, Sr. at 454-3241 or John Niles at 459-2595.

UDS Independent Living Services is hosting a free workshop for family caregivers entitled Caregiving Made Less Stressful on April 10th from 1 to 4 pm at Most Precious Blood Church in Hazleton. State Representative Todd Eachus will be included in the panel. Call Jillian Stone at 484-464-3332 to RSVP.

MetroAction announced its April business training programs for start-up and expanding business owners which include topics such as Child Care MicroGrant Help Session, How to Prosper in the New Energy Future, Are Employee Stock Ownership Programs an Option for your Business and Making Sense of Your Dollars and Cents. For additional information on these and other MetroAction programs call 342-7711 or visit www.MetroAction.org.

Diakon Hospice St. John is holding their 15th Annual National Teleconference on Living With Grief Children and Adolescents, Wednesday, April 16th from 1 pm to 4:30 pm at the United Way of Greater Hazleton board room at 134 S. Wyoming Street in Hazleton. For additional information call Patti Washko Graaf at 459-6778.

Hazle Drugs recently launched their new website. Please visit www.hazledrugs.com.

Janine Reppert of Aaron North was recently honored as the 2008 SUITS award winner for Human Resources. The SUITS awards highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams who work within eight (8) service industry sectors in the Lehigh Valley (Northampton and Lehigh Counties).

Child care providers in Luzerne County are now eligible to apply for a $500 project grant through MetroAction’s Child Care MicroGrant program. MicroGrant applications must be received by 4 pm on April 25th. For more information or to request an application package contact Desiree Ranella at 342-7711 or dranella@metroaction.org.

Heritage Hill Senior Community will be hosting their 7th annual senior health fair at the Laurel Mall on Wednesday, April 16th from 9 am to 2 pm. For more information contact Lisa Marie at 427-4500.

Alcoa Kama Corporation was recently sold and purchased by the Rank Group. Their company name is now Reynolds Packaging Kama, Inc., part of Reynolds Food Packaging within the Reynolds Packaging Group.

Independent Living Services with locations in Hazleton, Tamaqua and Mahanoy City has been recently purchased by the UDS Foundation. The company name is now UDS Independent Living Services LLC.

Steps to a Healthier PA invites Luzerne County employers to a seminar entitled “Workplace Wellness 6 Month Challenge Breakfast” on Wednesday, April 16th at 7:45 am at the Holiday Inn on Kidder Street in Wilkes Barre. For more information or to RSVP contact Sharon Shea at Sharon.shea@stepspalc.org or call 408-1630.

Management at Mountain Speedway has recently announced that strict penalties for intentionally slowing the course of the racing program will be strongly enforced. All Mountain Speedway general, procedural and divisional rules are available on their website at www.mountainspeedway.com.

The Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National announced their 1st annual Italian-American Heritage festival. La Bell’Italia (Beautiful Italy) will be held on Saturday, May 24th at Hazle Township Community Park from 10 am to 6 pm. The public is welcome.

Creative Energy Options announced the promotion of Mary Jane Saras, LCSW, to the position of Vice President, Leadership Development. In addition, Patti Schuldenfrei has been named Director of Communications, and Lorraine Dachiel has been promoted to Director of The Country Place Retreat.

Manpower announced the addition of Martie Telepo to the Hazleton office as their new Branch Manager.

The United Way of Greater Hazleton reported that its 2008 campaign has netted the organization $905,750.

John J. DeFluri, director-logistic services for PPL will retire at the end of March and be succeeded by Roanne Heisner Tombasco.

Employees at Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse recently collected eyeglasses to be donated to the Hazleton Blind Association.

Members of Hazle Township Fire and Rescue and American Patient Transport Systems Inc. donated a defibrillator to the Laurel Mall.

The American Red Cross will be hosting the first Regional Hero’s Breakfast on June 6th. This breakfast provides an opportunity for local hometown heroes to be recognized on a regional level.

Chamber member businesses who were awarded for the 10th Annual Peoples Choice Awards presented by the Standard Speaker include Senapes Bakery, Best Bakery Pizza; Bonanza Steakhouse, Best Salad Bar; Ramada Inn, Best Brunch; Top of the 80’s, Best Gourmet Food and Best Seafood and Beltway Diner, Best Breakfast and Best Soup.

Apostolic Faith Church (affiliated with United Pentecostal Church Inter.) meets Sundays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 7 pm. Ministry and fellowship offered through men’s and ladies groups, exciting youth program, Sunday school for all ages, activities for singles, couples and seniors and free in-home bible studies. Materials offered through newly opened bookstore and hope for the chemically dependent through “Christian Intervention Program”. Apostolic Faith Church was established in 1919 and is located at 1 West Broad Street in West Hazleton. Pastor Jim DeRamus can be contacted at administration@afchurch.com or you can visit their website at www.afchurch.com.

At Big Apple Hair Salon you will get personal service in a fun atmosphere for all your hair needs. They will never rush you out and they love what they do! Big Apple Hair Salon was established in 2000 and is owned by Marie Natale. They are located at 400 West Hemlock Street in Hazleton. Phone 459-2638.

TJ Maxx Distribution Center is part of The TJX Companies, Inc. The TJX Companies, Inc., with $17 billion in revenues, is the world’s largest off-price retailer and not only includes TJ Maxx, but also Marshalls, HomeGoods, A.J. Wright and Bob’s in the U.S., Winners and HomeSense in Canada and TK Maxx in Europe. TJ Maxx Distribution Center in Pittston was established in 2002 and is located at 4000 Oldfield Blvd in Pittston. Contacts include Stacey Keefer who can be reached at 603-5842 or stacey_keefer@tjx.com or Karen Buckley who can be reached at 603-5811 or karen_buckley@tjx.com.

Vilma’s Hair Salon is a beauty salon which provides several services including hair color, haircuts, hair extensions utilizing 100% human hair and more. Vilma’s Hair Salon is owned by Leonardo Reyes and is located at 343 West Broad Street in Hazleton. Phone 459-0921 or email birmania1129@hotmail.com.