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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Downtown Wilkes-Barre, Corporate Center at East Mountain & Highland Park Mo Devlin photo E2

Good for work, Good for play. when you add it all up, downtown wilkes-Barre simply makes Good Business sense.

Learn more at: www.downtownwiLkes-barre.org 80916062 E3

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 3

Penn’s Northeast

Working togetherSouthport to attract quality employers 30 ULSTER TIOGA Vestal Center Conklin DELAWARE Lindley Waverly 17

By John Augustine Sayre East Branch

29 230 President/CEO Penn’s Northeast Athens Hallstead Gillett 191 Hancock Susquehanna Depot MAINE Roscoe 17 Montréal 370 VERMONT Augusta SUSQUEHANNA Livingston Manor Montpelier 97 Portland 187 171 NEW 223 NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S East Smithfield 267 PITTSTON — For HAMPSHIRE NEW YORK 14 Concord Lakewood BUSINESS PARK LEGEND Lake Como 706 NEW YORK Montrose 370 SULLIVAN many years our com- Boston 219 191 LACKAWANNA COUNTY: Orson Mansfield MASSACHUSETTS Liberty 5. Benton Park BRADFORD 247 Toronto Albany 52 Troy Syracuse Providence South 6. Business ParkTIOGA at Carbondale Yards Montrose 670 munities have tried to Hartford 217 Lookout 706 East Troy R.I. Callicoon CONNECTICUT Woodbourne 7. CLIDCO Industrial Park Bu alo WAYNE Brooklyn 8. Scott Technology Park* Towanda Stevensville Pleasant 55 92 Mount attract companies to 371 9. Ivy Industrial Park 14 Camptown 29 374 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 10. PEI Power Park NewPowell York Rileyville South Fallsburg PENNSYLVANIA 171 Damascus their11. Jessup/Valley backyard. View/Achbald BusinessOften Park* Newark 211 Springville 371 Blossburg Cleveland Trenton 11 12. Shady Lane Business Park Philadelphia Arnot 247 97 times13. Dickson this City Industrial was Park done as HarrisburgLeroy 191 Canton OHIO NEW JERSEY Forest City 170 Monticello 374 63 14. Mid-Valley Industrial Park 206 106 670 Dover 15. Abington Executive Park Pittsburgh MARYLAND Susquehanna River 92 247 individual cities or coun- Baltimore 6 DELAWARE 16. Keystone Industrial Park 6 Beach Lake 17 Washington, D.C. 107 Narrowsburg 202 7 6 17. Keyser Valley Industrial Park 5 ties. Waymart 55 92 652 18. Stau er Industrial Park WEST VIRGINIA 154 LACKAWANNA201 Carbondale Honesdale VIRGINIA S. Abington Scott 19. Rocky Glen Industrial Park Factoryville Twp. 199 107 6 407 Twp. 20.Today, South Scranton Penn’s Industrial Park North- 14 Charleston Richmond 87 11 Dalton 197 Jermyn 8 296 Tunkhannock 61 White Mills Masthope Eldred 92 9 632 42 209 21. W. W. Scranton Oce Park at Montage 247 347 Archbald 22. Sta ord Avenue Business Park Palmyra 590 east works with our Ralston BUS. Twp. Clarks Summit 6 10 66 191 307 23. Glenmaura Corporate Center* Mildred WYOMING 29 15 194 13 Blakely 6 Barryville Otisville partners24. Old Forge Industrial and Park members 12 191 Hawley Shohola 190 347 11 Lake Ariel Uswick 25. Covington Industrial Park* 27 196 97 Pond Eddy PENNSYLVANIA 26 16 14 590 26. Marvine Properties 292 17 188 Throop Lakeville 507 Noxen Dunmore 247 65 590 Greeley to bring all of the assets Laporte 187 348 402 27. MEYA Park* 92 Scranton 1 Arlington Tafton 8 739 65. Mount Pleasant Corporate Center* Barbours 87 Harveys 18 2 Hamlin LYCOMINGLackawanna County Taylor Paupack 6 184 Blooming Lake 590 L. Wallenpaupack Blooming Grove 20 22 434 66. Archbald Business Park* Trout Run 24 24/4 64 Grove Twp. of these communitiesLuzerne County Old Forge 390 Port Jervis Exeter 19 21 PNC Field 62 Matamoras Lords Valley 53 Twp. 180 182 307 Harveys 32 23 435 690 30 LUZERNE COUNTY: SULLIVAN Lake Moosic 26 Monroe County 29 34 33 Duryea Snö 17 34 Sonestown 415 20 46 West Avoca Mountain/ 1. Salem Industrial Estates Toyota Pavillion Sterling Sterling together to improve our Pittston at Montage 22 Moscow Pittston Twp. Pike County 118 Dallas Mountain Greentown Exeter 178 196 191 28. CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park West* Warrensville 11 Dupont 37 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 690 220 309 Wyoming International 20 Milford 487 118 Mohegan Sun Pittston Wayne County West Wyoming 28 36 115 Airport at Pocono Downs Newfoundland S 29. CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park East Phase II* Covington 23 31 175 Twp. N 30 502 Twp. I PROMISED 29 quality of life and bring Forty 35 A LAND 30. CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park East* 118 Sweet Valley Fort Plains 315 Jenkins 25 T Edwardsville Angels PIKE 739 Twp. N 390 31. CenterPoint Commerce & Trade Park South* Kingston Plains South 209 Mohegan Sun 507 USterling 447 Montoursville 487 Arena 170 Twp. good jobs to Northeast- 29 Wilkes-Barre 38 32. York Avenue Industrial Park Williamsport 239 O423 118 39 La Anna Porters Hughesville Plymouth Gouldsboro SUSSEX Hanover 168 M Lake 33. Duryea KOZ Industrial Park* LUZERNE 11 Twp. South 13 206 Ashley Skytop Dingmans Ferry ern34. BarnumPennsylvania. Industrial Park Williamsport Muncy 42 165 O Sussex 42A 41 N 35. Quackenbush Industrial Park Nanticoke Sugar Notch 164 239 105 Tobyhanna 196 Bear 191 Canadensis 115 Creek O Army Depot 402 36. O'Hara Industrial Park Tobyhanna 254 Mountain Top 8 487 C Coolbaugh 239 37. Grimes Industrial Park Montgomery Susquehanna River Rice Twp. Cresco Hamburg Twp. Fairview 54 Delaware River Nuangola 159 O 423 Mocanaqua Twp. 55 38. The Corporate Center at East Mountain* 115 Mount 390 Tamiment 43 A E R P Pocono A 254 Elimsport Salem N Crandon Lakes A lot to the table 53 940 IO 39. Diamond Corporate Park Twp. T EA R Franklin 42 447 EC Wright Pocono Summit R L 41. Hanover Industrial Estates* COLUMBIA 309 Twp. Mt. Airy A 3 N 437 Casino and Resort IO Bushkill AT 11 N Blakeslee Tobyhanna Pocono Pocono 314 AP 42.• Hanover A talent Crossings* pipeline Watsontown PPL Susquehanna G Briar Creek 940 Lake Steam Electric Plant Twp. Manor ER Twp. 155 58 AT 293 191 W Ogdensburg 42A.South Valley* 93 715 RE 1 284 A 95 Scotrun AW White Haven 274 EL ≥ 487 Briar Creek 277 D 43. Crestwood Industrial Park* MONTOUR 239 262 Toll Pocono 151/260 298 209 Newton fueled by 19 different Borough 44 273 903 International Long Pond 241 Raceway Camelback/ Tannersville 44. CAN DO Corporate Center* Berwick 256 Butler Camelbeach 299 BUS. Marshalls 236 Twp. 940 The Crossings Ski Shawnee Mi‹inville 242 534 115 209 Creek 45. Valmont Industrial Park* 232 611 Milton 56 93 Bartonsville higher education insti- 339 Freeland East Stroudsburg 308 46. Humboldt Industrial Park Northwest* 303 Bloomsburg MONROE 302 304 310 309 305 145 Delaware Water Gap 47. Humboldt Industrial Park North* Conyngham 940 CARBON 57 307 94 UNION 487 33 45 306 Stroudsburg tutions48. Humboldt thatIndustrial Parktogether West* Danville Hazle West Hazleton NEW JERSEY Lewisburg Hazleton 51 715 BUS. 191 49. Humboldt Industrial Park* Catawissa 339 Twp. 47 534 209 46 143 50. Humboldt Industrial Park East* Riverside 42 50 50A 424 Weatherly Columbia Hopatcong account for over 40,000 11 141 93 Mi‹inburg 49 48 50A.Humboldt Station* 924 Brodheadsville River 209 33 Stanhope 51. Hazleton Commerce Center Northumberland 52 903 Saylorsburg 15 undergraduate52. McAdoo Industrial Park* and grad- 138 McAdoo Lehigh Roseto WARREN Jim Thorpe Pen Argyl Dover Hackettstown MONROE COUNTY: Shamokin Dam Nesquehoning Bangor 46 Sunbury 42 uate college students. 924 339 54 53. Pocono Mountains Corporate Center South* 61 309 70 Wind Gap 72 134 Lehighton Shenandoah Lansford 54. Pocono Mountains Corporate Center West* Mahanoy 191 Belvidere City 54 Coaldale 611 MORRIS 55.• Pocono Ample Mountains opportunitiesCorporate Center East* 131 Palmerton 57 Middleburg 443 Selinsgrove Trevorton Mount Frackville Tamaqua Chester 510 56. Crowe Industrial Park Shamokin Carmel 74 NORTHAMPTON 225 57. Butler Industrial Park 124 for creative partnerships Washington Mendham 58. New Ventures Commercial Park* 147 Slatington 513 SCHUYLKILL Walnutport Nazareth 33 57 SCHUYLKILL COUNTY: 145 Morristown NHP with NEPA’s colleges, NORTHUMBERLAND 67 Saint Clair Bath Califon 67. Highridge Industrial Park* SNYDER 125 New Philadelphia Bernardsville 69 309 McClure Phillipsburg universities,68. Pine Grove Industrial Park*and RichfieldK-12 Minersville LEHIGH Northampton Pottsville Easton 69. Saint Clair Industrial Park* 209 High Bridge 70. TIDE Industrial Park Coplay 71 Alpha Orwigsburg Catasauqua 512 educational71. Delano Industrial Park systems. Susquehanna R. Tremont Cressona 73 Lebanon McAlisterville Clinton 72. Mahanoy Business Park Schuylkill Bethlehem Haven Allentown SOMERSET 73. Deer Lake Industrial Park* 225 • A labor force Tower Fountain Hill 74. Frackville Industrial Park* Williamstown City 31 Liverpool Somerville Mi‹intown Hellertown WAYNE COUNTY: 147 68 Milford renowned for its produc- Lykens 61. Palmyra Business Park Hamburg Elizabethville Pine Grove Emmaus Millersburg Frenchtown 62. Howe Industrial Park 611 Manville tivity.63. Vision 2000 Industrial Park* Kutztown Coopersburg Macungie Flemington 64. Sterling Business Park* Shoemakersville Topton Newport *Detailed• SuperbBusiness Park Map Available proximity Bethel DAUPHIN LEBANON Richlandtown

Fleetwood Quakertown HUNTERDON to New York City, New Leesport Regional economic vision nia – but we had to start tem from the ground up. spawned 20 start-up the Innovation Center England and other major In the late 1990s, we from scratch. companies that have at Wilkes-Barre, search- markets. realized that the ground So, we created a new Today: created 175 jobs, while engine-marketing firm • A location adjoining • A regional network Pepperjam, grew from the world’s second-larg- was giving way under series of partnerships a one-time SEC anchor a 2-person start-up to a est natural gas resource. the manufacturing and – between competing of nine incubators pro- tenant, TMG, has global company which • A low cost of doing production jobs dominat- colleges and universities, vides vital support to the become Lackawanna today employs more than business, combined with ing our community. We between rival communi- region’s entrepreneurs County’s largest office a marvelous quality of had to figure out how to ties, between industry and early-stage firms. employer with more than 120 people in Downtown life built around immedi- foster the growth of the and academia – and we • One of the region’s 1,200 workers. Wilkes-Barre. ate access to the great knowledge economy in began to build a regional incubators, the Scranton • Similarly, one of • A series of coordi- outdoors. Northeastern Pennsylva- entrepreneurial ecosys- Enterprise Center has the original tenants of See EMPLOYERS | 5 E4

PAGE 4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Penn’s Northeast reinventing NEPA’s economic strategy PITTSTON — North- here to retain strong technical tion sector. Partnership, which uses Pennsylvania. We offer a eastern Pennsylvania build better talent. From 2013 to 2015, industry-specific com- dramatically lower cost is comprised of seven lives for We’ve already built 315 new tech jobs mittees, educator in the of living compared to counties with a total themselves the human capital pipe- were added within the workplace forums; an similarly large and mid- population of 1,028,926. and their line — today, more than Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/ annual high school prin- sized cities in other parts The region’s urban families. 40,000 graduate and Hazleton metro area, cipals’ forum; employer- of the country. center is the Scranton/ Now, our undergraduate students representing a compound driven curriculum coun- In 2015, the Economic Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton John newest are enrolled at our 19 average growth rate of sel; and coordination of Policy Institute reported Metropolitan Statistical Augustine residents area colleges and univer- 9.4 percent from 2013 to regular student visits to that the cost of living Area, with a population Guest are mov- sities. 2015. work-sites and industry in the Scranton/Wilkes- of 558,166. Columnist ing here Our seven counties In order to enhance expert lectures in class- Barre/Hazleton metro Our region is increas- because have a total labor force the technical skills of rooms to facilitate career area was approximately ingly diverse: North- Northeast- of 494,900, with 3.2 per- our region’s existing awareness, internships, 95 percent of the U.S. eastern Pennsylvania’s ern Pennsylvania offers cent of all jobs within the workforce Northeastern and apprenticeships average. minority population has them the same opportu- region (11,239 people) Pennsylvania has estab- for hundreds of area Housing prices com- grown from 5.9 percent nities today. employed in the profes- lished several workforce students and dozens of prise a large portion of of the total in 2000 to We’re confident that, sional, scientific, and development programs. employers. those cost savings; in almost 15 percent today. with the right employ- technical services sector, One example is “Skills August 2017, Zillow Many of our residents ment mix, Northeastern and another 6,388 people in Scranton,” the Greater We off affordability reported that the MSA’s are descended from Pennsylvania has the (1.8 percent of total) Scranton Chamber’s Your dollar goes much immigrants who came ability to attract and working in the informa- Business Education further in Northeastern See STRATEGY | 5 RCN TELECOM SERVICES, LLC LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER IN 2019 THEN CONSIDER JOINING OUR TEAM! GREAT CAREER, GREAT BENEFITS, GREAT WORK ENVIRONMENT RCN is conveniently located on Baltimore Drive in the Corporate Center at East Mountain with plenty of free parking. We continue to grow because of our dedication and success in providing bundled telecommunications services at a great value along with the best customer care in the industry. We employ hard-working, action oriented team members and are continually looking to recruit exceptional talent. We are currently recruiting for Customer Care Advocates to start in February 2019. To view a complete listing of our career opportunities and to apply on line, visit our website at

www.rcn.com/careers 80913794 E5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 5

and 476 meet, accessing sylvania’s Wilkes-Barre/ al economic output. land, and a robust trans- Pocono trails and ski Strategy 80 million consumers Scranton International However, we also portation and telecom- slopes; dozens of golf within an overnight Airport (located midway have plenty of room to munication infrastruc- courses; and everything From page 4 drive. between Wilkes-Barre grow — the three urban- ture with the capacity to from kayaking to rock • 55 percent of the and Scranton) is served ized counties along the support growth. climbing to the North- median home value was approximately 351,000 by American, Delta, and region’s Interstate 81 We offer a unique com- eastern United States’ $118,500, compared to workers within North- United Airlines, with corridor are home to bination — we adjoin the best fly fishing is right $201,900 in the United eastern Pennsylvania’s daily direct flights to 300,000 fewer residents Northeast megalopolis, here - making us the States as a whole. Zil- seven counties travel Atlanta, Charlotte, Chi- than at their peak. but we’re just far enough Mid-Atlantic’s mountain low’s research states that fewer than 10 miles to cago, Detroit, Newark, Put another way, our away not to be subject playground. home prices in the MSA work each day. and Philadelphia. region’s urban centers to our neighbors’ threat The region boasts a appreciated by 5 percent • Another 22 percent And the region has currently possess the profile, overcrowded wonderful array of pro- during the last year, com- commute between 10 easy access to Phila- infrastructure to accom- highways, and extreme tected natural assets: pared to 6.9 percent in and 24 miles. delphia International modate a population housing prices. 54,536 acres of State the US as a whole. • The remaining 23 Airport and Newark twice the number that’s Parks and 85,239 acres percent commute greater International Airport here today. We offer superb quality of of State Forest land, We offer access than 25 miles on a daily — both airports are less life in a high-quality place 4,700 miles of rivers and Northeastern Pennsyl- basis. In fact, the average than two hours away, and We offer resiliency/ Northeastern Pennsyl- streams, and 75 square vania is only a two-hour NEPA resident spends both offer daily direct sustainability vania offers a wealth of miles of lakes and ponds. drive from both New only 21 minutes commut- flights to San Francisco, Northeastern Penn- walkable neighborhoods, Our lakes, ski areas, York City and Philadel- ing to work. New York, Seattle, and sylvania is a resilient beautiful historic build- and resorts draw thou- phia. We’re within 600 Additionally, our Washington, DC. and sustainable region. ings, cultural institu- sands of visitors seeking miles of 50 percent of region’s highway network We’re a place with a very tions, parks, and sporting less-rustic vacations. the nation’s population provides easy access to We offer productivity low risk of disruption opportunities that enrich Others choose wilder- and 80 percent of the the substantial employ- Northeastern Penn- from natural disaster — the lives of our region’s ness-oriented pursuits, U.S. population can ment pools in the adjoin- sylvania possesses real whether it’s earthquakes, residents. such as hunting, fishing, be reached within two ing New York/New Jer- economic strength — the tornadoes, hurricanes, Our remarkably low hiking, biking, rafting, days or less. We are the sey, Greater Philadelphia, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/ droughts, or rising cost of living is com- snowmobiling, cross- Northeast’s interstate Lehigh Valley, and Bing- Hazleton metropolitan oceans. We possess an bined with an amazing country skiing, and other hub — the place where hamton metro areas. area alone represents abundance of fresh water, quality of life: beautiful Interstates 80, 81, 84, Northeastern Penn- $23,068,000,000 in annu- a surplus of available lakes, rivers, and forests; See STRATEGY | 6

• Our county partners program, launched in 2005, Employers – Lackawanna, Luzerne, serves hundreds of students Schuylkill, Monroe, Pike and in Pre-K through eighth grade From page 3 Wayne – work together to mar- from ten different school dis- ket the assets of our region. tricts in Carbon, Schuylkill, nated initiatives – entrepre- • The region’s businesses and Luzerne Counties, using neurship institutes for high can now utilize a regional a project-based STEAM school and college students, Intellectual Asset Inventory (Science, Technology, Engi- business plan competitions, Database - a comprehensive neering, Arts and Math) cur- tech meet-ups, a regional angel inventory of personnel and riculum to kindle excitement network – have given local equipment available for their about learning. entrepreneurs the start they use – to obtain assistance from • The NEPA Regional Bio- needed. the region’s colleges and uni- science Initiative (RBI) has • We’ve established multiple versities. united the region’s, private, direct internship relationships • A system now exists to educational, and public sectors between local colleges and evaluate, support, and promote around a targeted economic local employers, amounting to the intellectual property gener- development strategy, focused Times Leader File Photo hundreds of intern placements ated by the region’s colleges on the expansion of the John Augustine, president and CEO of Penn’s Northeast, discusses a bid to bring each year. and universities. region’s existing bio-science Amazon headquarters to Northeastern Pennsylvania. • Nearly $1.3 million in • Penn’s Northeast has more and healthcare sectors, and Innovation Grants have been than 50 members across our 6 built upon the creation of the strong anchor institutions, our through economic and entre- provided to the region’s col- counties, including all of the Geisinger Commonwealth abundant historic architecture preneurial development, and leges and universities to con- major utilities - partnering to School of Medicine. and unparalleled access to the to ensure that our residents’ duct collaborative research and make our region a great place Today, we’re building on all natural landscape — in order hard work will result in better development on behalf of local to live, work and play. of the assets of our region — to support the ongoing efforts lives for themselves and their businesses. • The SHINE after-school our intact social capital, our to strengthen our communities families. E6

PAGE 6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Driving millions in growth easy as ABCs WILKES-BARRE — and to live. The Sidhu School of Business; The Through the combined efforts result is that we Institute of Public Policy and About the Chamber of our ABCs — Academia, have developed Economic Research; Invent Founded in 1769, Greater Wilkes-Barre is rich in history and Business and Community — a a varied, vibrant Penn State; the THINK Cen- initiative. coalition of community and and more ter; and the McGowan School More than 200 years ago, the Wyoming Valley was on the frontier business leaders have created stable economy of Business at King’s. All of of history during the American Revolution. One-hundred years ago, an environment that is driv- through a diver- these along with the Dia- anthracite mining created an economic boom that resonated in the ing millions of dollars in new Wico sification of mond City Partnership, Ben area and the nation, giving Wilkes-Barre its nickname – the Diamond capital investment and creat- van Genderen industrial seg- Franklin Technology Partners City. Today, the region is noteworthy for its business and economic diversity across multiple industry segments including healthcare, ing thousands of new jobs for Guest ments and the and CareerLink have rallied NEPA and the Greater Wilkes- size and scope together to make our down- manufacturing, high-tech, logistics, distribution, defense and Columnist transportation. Barre region. of our local busi- town an Innovation Center of Central to its infrastructure is an array of higher-education We have added millions of nesses. Excellence. institutions drawing over 50,000 college students to the area. Home square feet of business space Diversification is creating We also have strong legacy to a collection of year round recreation and entertainment venues, it to our inventory to both grow centers of excellence. The businesses with companies like is an appealing destination for both visitors and locals alike. legacy businesses and attract downtown is becoming a Berkshire Hathaway Guard, Skiing, golfing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, new businesses. And in turn, strong innovation hub utiliz- Benco Dental, Borton Lawson, biking, arena sports / entertainment and casino gaming are just a we are seeing growth in jobs ing the intellectual capital of Colours, Intermetro, Martz, few highlights. The region is home to the AAA affiliate of the New and in wages to our labor our colleges and universities McCarthy Tire, Medico, Mer- York Yankees, the AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, harness force. and pairing it with the strong icle, Mountain Productions, racing at Pocono Downs, and NASCAR and Indy racing at Pocono Our present unemployment nascent entrepreneurial young Pride Mobility and Trion inter- International Raceway. Natural resources abound, including a rate is at an all-time low. It professionals that want to spersed through the Wyoming multitude of parks, trails, trout streams, lakes, rivers and forests. The area has a rich history, a dynamic business environment is down more than five basis make the downtown their cho- Valley. Berkshire Hathaway and unique cultural attractions that make it a destination point, an points in five years. That’s cut sen place of business. In turn Guard, which recently commit- innovation center of excellence and a wide-ranging economy. These more than half from the 11 we have powered our entrepre- ted to a new downtown head- qualities, along with its location at the hub of major interstates, percent highs we saw in 2013 neurs by incubating innovation quarters at 39 Public Square, make the Wilkes-Barre area a unique place to live, work, and raise a to the 4.5 percent we are see- through Wilkes Barre Connect; has doubled its revenues while family. ing today in Luzerne County. Wilkes University’s Allan P. increasing its local workforce It is fueled by a broad range of Kirby Enterprise Center, Small by 25 percent. close to 50,000 professionals domestic product. It is also the businesses who find this area Business Development Cen- Our biggest industry sector and represents 14 percent to be a great place to work ter, Family Business Alliance, is health care which employs of the region’s total gross See growth | 8

(the Scranton/Wilkes- tion efforts, reviving startling. For example, — it holds more than human capital, its wealth Strategy Barre Rail Riders, the once-dormant down- during the past five two-dozen different tech of educational institu- Triple-A affiliate of towns with new eco- years, the number of start-ups, and it’s home tions, its unparalleled From page 5 the New York Yankees, nomic activity. Today, young college graduates to one-third of all the location, and its existing plays at PNC Field in downtown revitalization residing in Downtown information-sector jobs low-impact recreational infrastructure represent Moosic); and profes- is transforming the Wilkes-Barre has dou- in the metro area. enormous latent value. activities. Just in the sional minor-league region’s largest cities, bled, while 32 percent four Pocono Mountain We’ve already begun the hockey (home ice for as Carbondale, Hazle- of wage-earning Down- We offer a chance job of unlocking that counties alone, visitation the Wilkes-Barre Scran- ton, Pittston, Pottsville, town residents now walk to reinvent a region value. translates to more than ton Penguins, the AHL Scranton, and Wilkes- to work — compared We believe that grow- Let Penn’s Northeast 9.1 million overnight affiliate of the Pitts- Barre are working to to 3 percent in Luzerne ing existing companies be your easy button for trips and 15.9 million burgh Penguins, is the create downtowns that County as a whole. and locating new quality economic development day trips annually. Mohegan Sun Arena in are points of pride for The relationship employers can serve as in Northeastern PA. Visit For fans of spectator Wilkes-Barre). their communities, with between healthy, walk- a catalyst for the next www.pennsnortheast. sports, NEPA offers NEPA communities new activity centers and able mixed-use neighbor- phase of Northeastern com to see how we can NASCAR racing at the Pennsylvania’s economic such as Jim Thorpe and amenities that attract hoods and the growth of help your company. Pocono International Stroudsburg helped to workers, residents, and the knowledge economy reinvention. Raceway; professional pioneer Pennsylvania’s visitors. has been embraced in As a purely economic John L Augustine III is President/ minor-league baseball Main Street revitaliza- The results have been Wilkes-Barre’s center city proposition, our region’s CEO at Penn’s Northeast. E7

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PAGE 8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

Growth

From page 6 fastest growing segment with a plus-1.2 percent year over year rate of growth. The health care industries and their associated occupations are expected to account for a large share of new jobs projected through 2023. And our col- leges and universities are responding in kind with programs and gradu- ates geared toward this growth. The growth of the East Mountain Cor- porate Center, anchored by Geisinger’s large health care and hospi- tal complex, is a great example of the magni- tude of the health care sector. AllOne Health, Commonwealth Health, and Highmark add to the vibrancy of our central city. In Highland Park, we have seen exponential growth with Allied Ser- vices on Mundy Street, and in Kingston, Erwine Times Leader file photo Home Health and Hos- Students at Wilkes University’s Sidhu School of Business pice anchors the commu- have become increasingly close to 600 manufac- Our region and our re-tooled and re-branded at a critical juncture in nity. All of these clearly important to our growth turing establishments economy are no longer NEPA with new ideas which the right kinds of illustrate the strong and initiatives. contributing 13 percent dependent as it had been to delivery and sustain investment in businesses, growing presence of More than 6,000 new of the total regional GDP on a single major employ- economic development. job growth, workforce, diverse health care seg- jobs have been created at $3 billion toward the er. Over 100 years ago, It took ingenuity to turn entrepreneurialism and ments in our community, in the last 5 years, and region’s $23.3 billion in it was the coal industry. mine scarred wastelands community improvement fueled by higher paying there are development GDP. Along with logis- More recently, it was the into industrial parks that are placing us at the fore- jobs for our professional plans in the works tics and manufacturing, large garment, shoe and are home to over 500 front, making us nation- labor force and a stron- for 3,000 more. With our transportation grid tobacco industries. businesses and 25,000 ally recognized, and ger community presence employment of close to attracts retail and with Today we are much people that contribute setting a self-sustaining, in the valley. 30,000 workers, it is the 30,469 retail employees more diversified and an annuity tax base of vibrant course of success- Our transportation second largest occupa- contributing 7 percent much more resilient to $15 million dollars to our ful realization and a new value proposition with tion group in our area of the region’s total the ebbs and flows of schools, townships and era of growth. access to the major high- and the highest concen- GDP. Highland Park the economy. Making county. And with our col- Revitalizing the Wilkes way grids and transpor- tration of employment with the Arena Hub major changes in our leges and universities, we Barre and NEPA area tation corridors makes compared to the national is interspersed with region’s economy did are incubating innovation holds infinite potential for our area a critical logis- average with a location national, regional and not come easily. It has and driving tech services real improvement, growth tics hub. With the rise of quotient of 2.04. local brands, restaurants been a 50-year journey into an innovation center and sustainability. e-commerce, the trans- The transportation and boutiques attracting made with long range of excellence. portation and warehous- corridor also attracts shoppers and diners from vision and imagination Today, Wilkes-Barre Wico van Genderen is President/ ing and logistics sector CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre manufacturing, with across the state. represented today in a and Northeastern PA are Chamber of Commerce. E9

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PAGE 10 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Newman: Downtown WB is regional economic engine

By Bill O’Boyle with more than 11,300 corporate headquarters [email protected] daytime employees,” through the purchase Newman said. “That’s 10 of the office tower at 39 WILKES-BARRE — percent of all the jobs in Public Square. As a center of commerce, Luzerne County. In fact, A decade ago, Guard Downtown Wilkes-Barre there are more jobs in employed around 250 packs an awful lot into Downtown’s 20 blocks people in the downtown, a compact package, and than in the Crestwood Newman said. Today, at the center is the new and Dallas School Dis- they’ve more than dou- home of Berkshire Hatha- tricts combined.” bled their workforce, and way Guard at 39 Public Newman said half of by the end of 2019, New- Square. the downtown’s jobs are man said the company Larry Newman, execu- in office-using businesses will employ more than tive director at the Dia- like finance, insurance 700 people in Downtown mond City Partnership, and professional servic- Wilkes-Barre. said Downtown Wilkes- es. And, the center city Newman said Berk- Barre is a regional eco- office market got a big shire Hathaway Guard nomic engine. boost last October, when stands in good company “It’s actually NEPA’s Berkshire Hathaway — many of the region’s largest concentrated Guard Insurance Compa- Times Leader | File Photo employment center, See ENGINE | 11 Public Square is the site for Farmers Markets every Monday during the summer, attracting large nies elected to expand its crowds.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 11

is the uniqueness of Engine Downtown’s housing product — Newman said From page 11 loft apartments with high ceilings and huge win- most significant busi- dows, and historic town- nesses, such as AllOne houses offer incredible Health, Chubb Agribusi- character and detail. ness, Highmark Blue “None of this is a coin- Cross and Lackawanna cidence,” Newman said. Insurance — also call “As we have continued downtown home. to improve downtown’s “Downtown isn’t only public environment, build about big businesses,” upon its fundamental Newman said. “It’s also assets, and enhance its a regional center of walkability, amenities, start-up activity. Today, and diversity of use, it one-third of all the infor- has become ever more mation-sector jobs in our attractive as a residential metropolitan area are option for the region’s situated in Downtown millennials — and as a Wilkes-Barre.” business location for their For example, Newman employers.” said the former Wool- Newman explained worth’s now houses a that it’s all part of a business incubator — a larger vision for Down- space called the THINK town Wilkes-Barre — a Center — which func- Times Leader | File Photo vision crafted by the tions as the Wyoming The property spanning from Franklin’s to Dunkin Donuts in Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square is the new home of Berkshire Hathaway-The Guard. community and imple- Valley’s entrepreneurial mented by the Diamond during the past five hub, and the corporate kes University book-end- dents are now enrolled the past decade, and City Partnership (DCP), years. According to US offices of the search ed the central business between King’s and Wil- Downtown Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre’s nonprofit Census data, the percent- engine marketing firm district, you rarely saw kes, Newman said. has become the region’s downtown management age of young college Pepperjam. Just down college students around “That figure — and the restaurant row, featuring organization. graduates living in the the street, Wilkes Univer- Public Square. Then, total number of college cuisines from around the DCP’s work-plan, downtown is now higher sity’s Enterprise Center King’s and Wilkes chose students in downtown — world.” funded by downtown than it is statewide. houses another nine to collaborate, bringing is only going to continue And, Newman said, property owners and So, why are people start-ups. a shared Barnes & Noble to grow,” Newman said. downtown has become businesses through the paying top dollar to live In fact, Newman said bookstore to South Main Downtown is a region- a place to live — in fact, Downtown Wilkes-Barre downtown? One big rea- downtown is home to Street.” al center for arts, dining, it’s becoming the region’s Business Improvement son Newman cited is that more than two-dozen Today, Newman said and entertainment. Its walk-to-everything neigh- District, provides the it provides them with a different tech start-ups, King’s College’s health cultural anchor, the F.M. borhood of choice. center city with a full walkable, mixed-use, live- companies like Edify sciences programs Kirby Center for the Per- • 200 new market-rate range of place manage- work, college-anchored Universal, LSEO, Mobin- adjoin Public Square, forming Arts, has been lofts and apartments ment, marketing, and neighborhood — some- iti, PlanGuru, Revere, and King’s is rehabilitat- averaging a show every have been developed development services thing that’s sought after Special Guest App, and ing the historic Spring three days. in eight rehabilitated — sidewalk cleaning to by a growing segment of more — all supported Brook Water Company “In fact, last month, buildings during the past beautification, planning the residential market. by our entrepreneurial building to house the it was ranked No. 75 in six years, representing to promotions, security “It’s not really surpris- ecosystem and bolstered college’s new civil and the nation in Pollstar’s almost $20 million in to business recruitment. ing to learn that, accord- by the downtown’s Key- mechanical engineering annual ranking of the- new private investment. Newman said that ing to Census data, 32 stone Innovation Zone programs. Wilkes Univer- ater venue ticket sales,” • Even better, another investment has gener- percent of wage-earning designation. sity has transformed the Newman said. “Over on 30 units are currently ated good returns — in downtown residents “Downtown is the second block of South Northampton Street, under construction, with addition to the successes walk to work — com- region’s college neighbor- Main Street with a new Wilkes-Barre Movies more in the pipeline. noted earlier, 2018 pared to 8 percent of city hood,” Newman said. business school, a new 14 attracts hundreds of The result, Newman marked Downtown Wil- residents and 3 percent “It’s a relatively new role home for the Sordoni thousands of patrons said, is that the number kes-Barre’s 12th consecu- of county residents,” — 15 years ago, even Art Gallery, and student each year. The number of young college gradu- tive year of net increases though the campuses of housing. of downtown dining ates living in Downtown Newman said. King’s College and Wil- More than 7,800 stu- options has doubled over Wilkes-Barre has doubled Another big reason See ENGINE | 12 E12

PAGE 12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

Engine Downtown WB’s walkability an advantage From page 11 in downtown storefront WILKES-BARRE — So, how does Down- nies or in other industries. occupancy — with a AllOne Health. Berkshire town Wilkes-Barre rank net gain of 47 occupied Hathaway Guard Insur- on Walk Score? The • To be closer to custom- storefronts during that ance, Coal Creative, answer is that our center ers and business partners: period. Comitz La, Highmark city boasts a Walk Score Streamlining the process for The City of Wilkes- Blue Cross, LSEO, of 90 — placing it in the employees who take in-person Mobiniti, PA Cyber, Pep- “Walkers Paradise” cat- meetings with clients and part- Barre had expected to end 2017 with a year-end perjam, PlanGuru, Roth Larry egory reserved for those ners downtown. deficit, Newman said. Insurance, Special Guest Newman neighborhoods where Instead, he said the city App, The Times Leader. Guest “daily errands do not • To centralize operations: ended the year in the What do these busi- Columnist require a car.” A central downtown loca- nesses — large and small Why are smart cor- tion, because of its proximity black — in large part — have in common? porate decision-makers to everything, was a natural because of an increase All of them recently chose to increasingly choosing walk- choice for many companies in earned income tax locate or expand their opera- able center-city locations? The when consolidating multiple revenue that’s due, almost tions in Downtown Wilkes- Cushman & Wakefield report locations, particularly if those Times Leader file photo entirely, to the growth of Downtown Wilkes-Barre boasts a Walk market-rate housing in Barre. cited six basic reasons: locations were spread out over Score of 90 on a scale of 1 to 100. That’s no accident. Neither a single region. the downtown. is the continuing growth in • To attract and retain tal- Osterhout, the YMCA, the F.M. And, respondents to Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s ros- ented workers: As companies • To support triple-bottom Kirby Center for the Perform- DCP’s 2018 Perception ter of start-up companies. compete for new hires and the line business outcomes: For ing Arts, and more. & Use Survey over- Both circumstances reflect best talent, being located in a many companies, investing in • Immediate access to the whelmingly believe that a larger national trend, docu- vibrant neighborhood is consid- a city’s center was an opportu- human and academic resources the downtown is cleaner, mented in a recent report by ered a crucial selling point. The nity for good corporate citizen- of King’s College, Wilkes Uni- safer, more vibrant, and global real estate advisers Cush- businesses in our study report ship and a way to use their siz- versity, and LCCC’s Wilkes- headed in the right direc- man & Wakefield, titled Core that current and potential able investing power for good. Barre Center. tion. Values: Why American Compa- employees want neighborhoods Some reported that triple- • All manner of private and “Downtown Wilkes- nies are Moving Downtown. with restaurants, cafes, cultural bottom line business practices public meeting and conference Barre’s future looks The report, which studied institutions, entertainment and came with the ancillary benefit venues. good, but center city’s the locational decisions of nightlife as well as easy access of making them more attractive • An expanding menu of stakeholders aren’t going nearly 500 different companies by public transportation. as an employer. downtown residential options, to rest on their laurels,” across the United States, found The reasons above help to ranging from loft apartments to Newman said. “There’s that an increasing number of • To build brand iden- explain why so many busi- historic townhouses. more to come — from office-using businesses are spe- tity and company culture: nesses, large and small, are • An endless supply of all of the pending develop- cifically choosing walkability as A downtown location projects choosing to grow in Downtown those opportunities for infor- ment of the 2-acre former a basic site-selection amenity. innovation, connectedness, Wilkes-Barre. mal networking – from Farmers Hotel Sterling site, to the Driven by employee demand uniqueness and allows compa- After all, downtowners ben- Market to the sandwich line at phased rehabilitation of and business value, they are nies to literally be at the center efit from the following ameni- Circles - that make it easier for Public Square. “moving to and investing in of things. For many companies, ties, all within a five-minute people to take care of business. Newman says that walkable downtown locations moving downtown was a way walk of the office: Does that sound attractive? Downtown Wilkes-Barre where people want to both live to set themselves apart from • A full range of retailers If so, maybe it’s time to join a is more than a business and work.” their competitors and to inspire and personal services – from national trend. Consider doing park — he calls it the The trend is clear from the their employees to live up to barbers to bankers, books business here in Downtown region’s walkable, college- report’s analysis of corporate related brand aspirations. to Boscov’s - for lunchtime Wilkes-Barre — the walk-to- anchored, live/work/shop everything neighborhood that, moves using data from “WalkS- errands. economic hub. As a place, with more than 11,000 daytime core.com,” — which ranks • To support creative col- • A global smorgasbord of Newman said it’s funda- employees, is already North- addresses for walkability on laboration: Many companies dining options, encompassing mental to the region’s eastern Pennsylvania’s largest a 1-to-100 scale. The average chose locations in dynamic, cre- more than three dozen different brand and identity, and concentrated employment Walk Score of surveyed compa- ative, engaging neighborhoods restaurants. critical to Northeastern center. nies’ previous locations was 52; to help inspire their employees • A wide array of fitness, Pennsylvania’s future. the average Walk Score of the and encourage collaboration recreation, arts, culture, and Larry Newman, AICP, is the Executive “And, its comeback companies’ new locations is 88 among co-workers as well as entertainment choices — the Director of Diamond City Partnership, 4 story is still being writ- — a 32 percent increase. with employees at other compa- River Common, Movies 14, the Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. ten,” he said. E13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 13 A variety of incentives in Downtown WB By Bill O’Boyle Larry Newman, [email protected] “One of the features of the KIZ program executive is a saleable state business tax credit, director of WILKES-BARRE administered by the Pennsylvania Diamond City — Larry Newman, Partnership, Department of Community & Economic stands for executive director at the Development. In 2018, DCED awarded a portrait in Diamond City Partner- Wilkes-Barre’s ship — stewards of the more than $1.4 million in KIZ tax credits Public Square. city’s downtown — said to qualifying early-stage Luzerne County Downtown Wilkes- companies.” Barre’s businesses and Larry Newman investors are able to executive director of Diamond City Partnership benefit from a variety of place-based incentives. For example, Newman foster entrepreneurship education, with the spe- said Downtown Wilkes- in Pennsylvania, KIZs cific intention of creating Barre is designated as are geographically desig- an “innovation district.” a Keystone Innovation nated zones, established Newman said the KIZ Zone (KIZ) — part of in communities hosting program offers a range a statewide initiative to institutions of higher See INCENTIVES | 15 Times Leader | File Photo Small Business Loans • Loans up to $5.5 Million • As little as 10% Down • Up to 25 Year Terms • Below Market - Fixed Rates www.nepabfc.org 855-266-9021 Call NEPA BFC about your financial needs or visit our website today.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 15

opment,” Newman said. to reinvest their unreal- ed in a Qualified Oppor- Incentives “In 2018, DCED awarded Pennsylvania has a companion state historic ized capital gains into tunity Fund, increasing more than $1.4 million in preservation tax credit, which can also be Qualified Opportunity by 10 percent if held for From page 13 KIZ tax credits to quali- applied for in connection with qualified Funds that are dedicated at least 5 years, and an fying early-stage Luzerne to investing within QOZs additional 5 percent if of financial resources rehabilitation projects, and which can be County companies.” that have been desig- held for at least 7 years. and assistance to early- used in tandem with the federal HPTC. Newman said another nated by each state’s • A permanent exclu- stage start-up companies commonly used develop- governor.” sion of new capital gains located in Downtown ment incentive takes The core of Wilkes- if the investment is held Wilkes-Barre and work- is approved by the Penn- for the Federal govern- advantage of Downtown Barre’s downtown, New- for more than 10 years. ing in one of the follow- sylvania Historical and ment’s new place-based Wilkes-Barre’s remark- man said, extending NOTE: More infor- ing targeted industry sec- Museum Commission incentive — the Quali- able legacy of historic from South Street to mation about Qualified tors — Health care/Life (PHMC).” fied Opportunity Zone architecture. North Street, and from Opportunity Zones, Science; Nanotechnology Pennsylvania has a (QOZ) program. “It’s the Historic Pennsylvania Avenue to Historic Preservation and Advanced Manufac- companion state historic “Congress established Preservation Tax Credit the river, has been desig- Tax Credits, Keystone turing; Information Tech- preservation tax credit, the Qualified Opportuni- (HPTC), which provides nated as a QOZ by Gov. Innovation Zones, or nology and New Media; which can also be applied ty Zones program as part a 20 percent federal tax Tom Wolf. other incentives available Back Office/Finance; and for in connection with of the Tax Cuts and Jobs credit to taxpayers who There are three prima- in Downtown Wilkes- Homeland Security. qualified rehabilitation Act of 2017, in order complete the restoration ry benefits to investing Barre can be obtained by “One of the features projects, and which can to encourage long-term of a qualified historic in a QOZ: contacting the Diamond of the KIZ program is a be used in tandem with investments in targeted structure as an income • A temporary deferral City Partnership (www. saleable state business producing property,” the federal HPTC, New- urban and rural com- of capital gains invested downtownwilkes-barre. tax credit, administered Newman explained. man said. munities nationwide,” in an Qualified Opportu- org). by the Pennsylvania “All HPTC projects Most recently, New- Newman said. “The QOZ nity Fund through 2026. Department of Commu- must include a qualified man said Downtown Wil- program provides a tax • A step-up in basis Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 nity & Economic Devel- rehabilitation plan that kes-Barre was selected incentive for investors for capital gains reinvest- or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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PAGE 16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Revitalized train station area thrills business owners By Jennifer Learn-Andes service of copiers and In addition to work at “It’s been great having [email protected] printers; JTBillyboxes, the strip mall, Market our studio there,” Smith which officers packing Square has added a new said. A renovated strip mall and shipping, mailboxes road and lighting to The business offers art at the 6.36-acre down- and Penske truck rent- make it more inviting parties, youth activities, town Wilkes-Barre train als; and Color Junction, and accessible to custom- wine and paint parties station tract is now full which specializes in ers, Thomas said. and lessons. Walk-ins are and receiving positive graphic arts and adver- “It’s extremely well invited to paint on can- reviews from tenants. tising. lit. This work has vas or ceramics or partic- “It’s a very good site,” The complex has been really been the catalyst,” ipate in other crafts, she said Jeff Thomas, who markedly spruced up Thomas said of the busi- said, with hours posted leases a portion of the since Market Square ness activity at the strip at www.theartpartyplace. mall housing the Market Properties Development mall. com. Street Business Center. LLC purchased the Lauren Smith opened City Brokers Real Four businesses oper- site from the Luzerne The Art Party Place in Estate also has located in ate out of the center: County Redevelopment the mall in May, saying the strip mall, said busi- Gold Star Digital Docu- Authority for $1.2 mil- the building has “great ness representative and ment Services, a digital lion in 2016, Thomas curb appeal” and is in Realtor Greg Barrouk. print shop providing said. Market Square is an a high-traffic location The business concen- blueprints and litigation investment group led by at the corner of Wilkes- trates on commercial support; Business Office engineer and developer Barre Boulevard and and residential sales and Aimee Dilger file photo | Times Leader Systems, for sale and George Albert. Market Street. property management, John Orlando and Robert Zendarski work from a computer at Gold he said. Star Digital Document Services in the Market Street Business 125 Stewart Rd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 The remaining ten- Center. Phone: 570-821-6112 ants: Domino’s Pizza and comment for this story. tion costs. According to Fax: 570-821-6115 Salon Plus. [email protected] He said last June he was paperwork associated www.mybekins.com/wilkesbarre In addition to restor- “very close” to securing with the request, the ing the brick train station Residential | Office | Storage all tenants for the former work will include a new built in 1868, the $7.5 New Jersey Central train roof system, windows, Local | Long Distance | Logistics million to $8.5 million station, which also will electrical/plumbing/ project called for three house his office. HVAC systems, ADA- new structures housing Because it is a historic Bekins Is Expanding! eateries, a grocery store accessible bathrooms and structure with complex lighting. An observation Accepting Applications for the following: or other retail/commer- architectural features, the cial tenants, the devel- tower will be repaired, station renovation will • Drivers oper has said. and original finishes will cost about $1 million, or • Helpers However, Albert has be restored. $263 a square foot, he • Warehouse Associates said multiple lawsuits “The restoration will filed by Thom Greco has said, noting he could remove a central source Apply Online & We Will Schedule an have halted develop- build a new structure of blight, increase the ment plans, including at that amount but had tax basis of the overall get an instant Appointment! committed to saving the construction of a Burger tract, create 10 new structure for the com- BALLPARK King. Greco has said he permanent jobs, 20 con- munity. The station was ESTIMATE embraces development struction jobs, provide a added to the National but was forced to pur- critical improvement to Register of Historic sue litigation to protect the downtown gateway his existing lots in the Places in 1975. The status of the train and result in a promi- complex, which house nent project for the com- McDonald’s and Citizens project is unclear. Mar- request an munity,” the paperwork Bank — parcels he owns ket Square is seeking a IN-HOME $500,000 Local Share said. ESTIMATE with his company, TGRG LLP. Account grant funded Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at Albert could not imme- by gambling revenue 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @ 80903246 diately be reached for to help cover restora- TLJenLearnAndes. E17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 17

For Sale or Lease 827 Sans Souci Parkway 225,000± SF Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18706 AVAILABLE PROPERTIndustrialIES Building 60 Public Square AVAILABLE FOR LEASE • 4,500 square feet to 11,500 square feet of office space available for lease Approximate Property Boundary 60 • Rare opportunity for large block PUBLIC of Class A space in 70,000-square- SQUARE RARE OPPORTUNITY foot building located in the heart of 50,000 SF OF WILKES-BARRE, PA CLASS A OFFICE SPACE Wilkes-Barre’s Center City. • 10,000 square foot floorplates • Building signage available • Tenant only fitness center on site • Adjacent to two universities • Adjacent to public parking garage 28.79± Acre Site • Within walking distance to

numerous hotels, restaurants, and For more information: Dave Weaver, SIOR Vice President shops. Steve Cole, SIOR Vice President +1 570 406 7428 • [email protected] +1 570 578 8296 • [email protected] Colliers International 827 Sans Souci Parkway John Susanin • 225,000 square feet og industrial space on 28.79 acres for sale or lease [email protected] • Former Air Products & Chemicals Building 610.684.1860 • Located in close proximity to major transportation routes I80, I81, Rte. 309 • Rail Served by The Norfolk Southern rail line • The main fabrication facility and extensive yard area on the north, east, and west sides of the facility are fenced NAI Mertz of PA Steve Cole [email protected] 570.578.8296

15 15 Public Square Public Square 200 Technology • 74,354 square feet of office Offering Summary Drive space available for sale. • High profile multi-tenant office and retail asset Colliers International, as exclusive agent of the Seller, is pleased to offer for sale to qualified investors the • 247,726 to 1,023,000 square feet • Premiere location at the heart • 74,548 square feet, six stories, 85% occupied office and retail building located at 15 Public Square in of newly constructed industrial of Wilkes-Barre’s Center City • Landmark presence with significant frontage on Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The asking price is Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square $3,600,000 which is approximately $48 per square • High profile multi-tenant office foot and an 8.5% cap rate on projected 2018 net space available for lease • Adjoins two parking garages offering 679 operating income at current occupancy. • Close to I-81, I-476 and PA Route and retail asset spaces, and is one block from the 752-car Why buy? Office rents in Northeastern Pennsylvania Intermodal parking facility and bus hub 315 • Landmark presence with continue to climb while vacancy is at the lowest in significant frontage on Wilkes- • Two blocks to the Susquehanna River recent history. The vacancy rate for Class A and B • Located in CenterPoint Common, County Courthouse and City Hall, office space in Northeastern Pennsylvania at the end Barre’s Public Square midway between the Kings College and Wilkes of 2018’s first quarter decreased to 6.2 percent from Commerce & Trade Park East, University campuses 6.3 percent at the end of the previous quarter. • Adjoins two parking garages Absorption was flat due to low leasing volume. The Jenkins Township • Has the attributes so important to the millennial weighted average asking rent for Class A space • Real estate taxes on offering 679 spaces labor force: prime location in resurgent Center increased to $19.20-per-square-foot, full service. Class • One block from the 752-car City convenient to highways, bus routes, B rents increased by almost one-percent to $18.85, full improvements are 100 percent dining, shopping, new luxury residential, service. Also, no new office construction is planned in Intermodal parking facility and office, government services, health care, Center City Wilkes-Barre. Further, the proliferation of abated for 10 years (LERTA) academic institutions, cultural attractions and new apartment and condo developments in Center City bus hub entertainment venues adds to 15 Public Square’s appeal to the millennial • Mericle Commercial Real Estate office labor force. Vital Data • High Walk Score© of 85 Services • Two blocks to the Building Area 74,548 RSF (+/-) The Property has an ‘A’ location, is well maintained, # Floors Six Bob Besecker Susquehanna River Common, recognized for its distinctive modern design, has a County Courthouse and City strong track record of high occupancy, and is located Year Built / Renovated 1976 / Continuously [email protected] in a newly established federal opportunity zone that Site Area 0.74 Acres (+/-) Zoning C-3 Commercial, Central Hall, midway between the Kings CONTACT provides significant tax incentives. 570.825.1100 Inspections will be arranged by appointment only with Title Fee Simple the Owner’s Exclusive Agents: Occupancy 85 % College and WilkesUniversity COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL Offered Price $3,600,000 / $48 per RSF campuses Jeff Algatt John Susanin Ten Penn Center Senior Vice President Senior Vice President 1801 Market Street, Suite 500 Cap Rate 8.5% Investment Services Office Division Philadelphia, PA 19103 1 DIRECT +1 610 557 0180 DIRECT +1 610 684 1860 • High Walk Score© of 85 +1 215 925 4600 Cash-on-Cash 10.8% EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected] DSCR 1 1.72 www.colliers.com Colliers International Debt Yield 1 12.1% John Susanin 15 PUBLIC SQUARE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Materials contained in this Investment Offering are confidential, furnished solely for the purpose of considering the “AS IS” acquisition of 15 Public Square, Scranton, PA described herein and are not to be used for any other purpose or to be made available to any other person without the express written 1 consent of Colliers International and Owner. No representations, expressed or implied are made as to the foregoing matters by Owner, Owner’s property management/ leasing agent, see debt assumptions on Page 24 of the OM [email protected] Colliers or any of their officers, employees, affiliates and/or agents. 610.684.1860 15 PUBLIC SQUARE | WILKES BARRE, PA 49 E18

PAGE 18 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR LEASE

+/- 50,559 SF Industrial Space on 2.23 IDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE Acres Industrial Land FOR SALE OR LEASE 55 Thayer Ave. URBAN SALES or SERVICE • +/- 50,559 squaer feet industrial space on 2.23 acres industrial +/- 57,200 SF Industrial Space on land for sale or lease BUILDING FOR SALE • HVAC Heat and A/C in Offices. +/- 10 Acres Land • Gas fired ceiling unit heat in warehouse/mfg spaces. Zoned I-1 General Industrial District • Public water, sewer, gas and electricity ADDRESSHinerfeld Commercial Real Estate55 Thayer Street, Wilkes Barre, PA (LUZERNE COUNTY) PROPERTYJohn Cognetti 2.23 Acres improved with +/- 50,559 SF of industrial space (45,969 SF warehouse/mfg [email protected] space, 4,590 SF office/finished space) . 2 buildings. REDUCED570.207.4100 ZONING M-1 Light Industrial

ADDRESS 411 (a.k.a. “555”) Country Club Road, Dallas Twp, PA (LUZERNE COUNTY) PIN 73-H9SW3-033-001-000, 73-H9SW3-033-01A-000, and 73-H9SW3-033-002-000. PROPERTY +/-10 Acres (2 parcels. Parcel 1 := 7.17 Acres, Parcel 2 = 3.00 Acres ) TAXES 2015 $23,324 IMPROVEMENT +/- 57,276 SF (office = 3276 SF, whse = 18,000 SF, mfg/whse/r&d = 36,000 SF)) ZONING I-1 General Industrial District HVAC Heat and A/C in Offices. Gas fired ceiling unit heat in warehouse/mfg spaces. PIN(S) /DEED 10-D8-00A-34A, 10-D8-00A-34E / DB 3008 - Pg. 273361 & DB 3008- Pg. 273367 SPRINKLERS None. TAXES Approximately $27,000 per year. (Assessment: $1,449,200) ELECTRIC 800 A (Building 1), 200 A (Building 2) HVAC Heat (electric) and A/C in Offices, Mfg./Whse/R&D. Gas fired forced air heat in whse. ROOF Rubber EPDM over wood/steel deck. SPRINKLERS Yes, with outdoor water tank. ELECTRIC 3 phase – (1) 2500 kVA, (1) 1500 kVA CEILINGS +/- 13 to +/- 16 feet ROOF Rubber EPDM and/or standing seam metal roofing ACCESS DOORS (8) ground level entry O.H. doors. CEILINGS 23’ in production, 24-26’ in warehouse (1) Dock door ACCESS DOORS (2) ground level entry O.H. door. / (2) Dock door w/levelor system 206 Carey Ave. PARKING Approximately 60 parking spaces, paved. PARKING15,554 SF total building areaGravel in Automobile lot and dealership paved parking building pad. OTHER: Recycling compactor available. UTILITIES• Ideal for auotomile sales, servicePublic and water, repair sewer, uses gas and electricity . • Good candidate for neighborhood service and retail uses UTILITIES Water = PAWC , Sewer = DAMA, Gas = UGI, Electric = PP&L. LIST• Gas heat PRICE and electric thru-wallSALE air conditioning: $895,000 systems.00 LIST PRICE SALE : $2,100,000 LEASE: $3.25 PSF NNN • Heavy206 duty electrical Carey service Avenue, • On-site parking and fenced-inLEASE: yard areas $3.25 PSF NNN Wilkes-Barre,• Heavily populated neighborhood Pennsylvania Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate John Cognetti • [email protected] dealership building 570.207.4100 • 15,554 square feet total building area • Ideal for auotomile sales, service and repair uses

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PAGE 20 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES 15 South Franklin St. Offering15 SOUTH FRANKLIN Summary STREET • 50,000 square feet of office/multifamily apartment for sale to qualified investors for • Outstanding conversion opportunity • One block to the Susquehanna River Common and full or partial conversion from office space • Landmark 50,000 square foot, ten-story office Public Square building • Midway between Kings College and Wilkes toresidential living or a boutique hotel. • Includes an adjoining off-street, gated, 71-space University • Includes an adjoining off-street, gated, surface parking lot • The site has a high Walkability Score© of 85 71-space surface parking lot • Adjacent to successful apartment conversions at • Adjacent to successful apartment conversions the neighboring PNC and Citizens Bank buildings at the neighboring PNC and Citizens Bank

Colliers International, as exclusive agent of the Seller, is double loaded corridor layout, and flexibility to deliver buildings pleased to offer for sale to qualified investors the office floors for residential conversion creates significant • One block to the Susquehanna River Common building located at 15 South Franklin Street in Wil- potential to capture the unmet demand for additional kes-Barre, Pennsylvania for full or partial conversion units. and Public Square from office space to a variety of alternate uses such as: The building can be made available for conversion upon • The site has a high Walkability Score© of 85 • Market rate rental • Boutique Hotel M&T Bank’s departure in the summer of 2019 and upon • Midway between King’s College and Wilkes apartments • Conventional Offices the law firm vacating in the spring of 2020. • Residential for smaller sized University condominiums tenants 2017’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also established Opportu- Colliers International • Student housing • Flexible coworking nity Zones offering tax incentives for investing in a “qualified investment zone.” 15 South Franklin and its • Extended stay suites office spaces (e.g., John Susanin WeWork, Regus, etc.) 71-space gated, private parking lot are located within such a zone. Tax incentives include the temporary [email protected] This is an outstanding opportunity for the astute investor deferral of inclusion in gross income for capital gains 610.684.1860 to capitalize on the success of Wilkes-Barre’s continuing reinvested in a qualified opportunity fund and the perma- Vital Data Center City residential resurgence. The Property’s archi- nent exclusion of capital gains from the sale or exchange Offering Price $2,500,000 tectural distinction, “A” location, and private parking, its of an investment in the qualified opportunity fund. Address 15 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 panoramic river and city views, extensive window line, (Luzerne County) Building Area 50,000 square feet (+/-) CONTACT Inspections will be arranged by appointment only with the COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL # Floors 10 plus basement Owner’s Exclusive Agents: Ten Penn Center Parking Off-street, gated, 71-space surface lot Jeff Algatt John Susanin 1801 Market Street, Suite 500 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Senior Vice President Senior Vice President Year Built/Renovated circa 1920 / Continuously Investment Services Office Division +1 215 925 4600 DIRECT +1 610 557 0180 DIRECT +1 610 684 1860 Site Area 0.74 acres (+/-) EMAIL [email protected] EMAIL [email protected] www.colliers.com Zoning C-3 Commercial, Central 15 South Franklin Street | EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Materials contained in this Investment Offering are confidential, furnished solely for the purpose of considering the Title Fee Simple* “AS IS” acquisition of 15 South Franklin Street, Wilkes Barre, PA described herein and are not to be used for any other purpose or to be made available to any other person without the express written consent of Colliers International and Owner. No representations, expressed or implied are made as to the foregoing matters by Owner, Owner’s property man- *except for a 0.13-acre parcel of the parking lot which is controlled by agement/ leasing agent, Colliers or any of their officers, employees, affiliates and/or agents. Ownership through an assignable License agreement from St. Stephen’s CONFIDENTIAL OFFERING MEMORANDUM | COLLIERS INTERNATIONAL

800 Schecter Drive • +/- 4000 square feet of bank office HIGH VISIBILITY AT I-81 on 1.67 acres • Commercial high visibility from I-81 WILKES BARRE PA • Strong traffic counts. • Located on Schecter Drive near hotels and foodservice • ¼ mile from SuperWalMart & Mohegan Sun Arena, etc. • Former Credit Union branch. • Quality construction, very good condition. Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate John Cognetti [email protected] 570.207.4100

800 Schecter Drive Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

• +/- 4000 SF Bank Office on 1.67 Acres • Commercial High Visibility from I-81 • Strong traffic counts. • Located on Schecter Drive near hotels and foodservice • ¼ mile from SuperWalMart & Mohegan Sun Arena, etc. • Former Credit Union branch. • Quality construction, very good condition. E21

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• Supply Chain Management Certificate Program • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with SAP® Certification • ASCM (previously APICS) Certified Production Inventory Management • ASCM (previously APICS) Certified Supply Chain and Professional • Project Management Certificate Program • AutoCAD: Levels 1, 2, and 3 • Introduction to Business Management Certificate Program • Introduction to Corporate Communication Certificate Program Don’t Wait...Contact Us Today! Call: 570-675-9253 Email: [email protected] Visit: wilkesbarre.psu.edu/ce You Are The Center of Everything We Do Let Penn State Wilkes-Barre Be Your Corporate Training Provider! E22

Downtown Wilkes-Barre is Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest concentrated employment center.

Downtown is both the center of one of the nation’s 75 largest metropolitan areas, and the civic heart of the Wyoming Valley. Make it Yours!

OFFICE MARKET: The largest of Downtown’s tech businesses is the E-commerce marketing company Approximately 11,300 people work in Pepperjam. Currently employing 120 people Downtown Wilkes-Barre. in its South Main Street corporate o ces. 46% of downtown employment is in The Wilkes Enterprise Center, a university- o ce-using industries: The Finance, Insurance, a liated business incubator, houses another Real Estate sector, professional and business services, or the information sector. nine startup businesses. Education and Healthcare account In 2010, 46% of downtown employees for another 27% of total downtown earned at least $40,000 per year; by 2015, employment. that percentage had increased to 55% of the downtown workforce. (Source: US Census LEHD) More than two-dozen di erent startups, and one-third of all the information-sector jobs RESIDENTIAL MARKET: in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton metropolitan 1,200 Housing Units area, are situated in 3,500 Residents Downtown Wilkes-Barre. MAINE EDUCATION ENROLLMENT: King’s College: 2,300 Wilkes University: 5,545 TORONTO NEWW YORK BOSTON

CLEVELAND 80 NYC PENNSYLVANIA 81 Attracting Quality Employers to Northeastern PA! OHIO PHILADELPHIA pennsnortheast.com 1.800.317.1313

WASHINGTON D.C. E23

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE PAGE 23

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

150 Mundy St. 100-149 Patriot (Allied Services medical Drive campus) • Several available spaces, • 403,000 to 527,000 square • Easy access from Interstate feet of newly constructed 81 and other major local industrial space available for conduits lease • Clean, well-lighted, well • Close to I-81, I-476 and PA designed medical office Route 315 space • Located in CenterPoint • Easy access and generous Commerce & Trade Park East, parking available. Jenkins Township • Multiple lavatories, exam • Real estate taxes on rooms with sinks, nurses improvements are 100% station, doctors offices, abated for 10 years (LERTA) patient areas, etc. Mericle Commercial Real • Set up for fully functioning Estate Services medical office Bob Besecker Hinerfeld Commercial Real [email protected] Estate 570.825.1100 John Cognetti [email protected] 570.207.4100

150Energy Mundy Street, to Wilkes-Barre, do more Pennsylvania D Clean, well lighted, well designed Medical Office space. D Easy access and generous parking available. D Multiple lavatories, exam rooms with sinks, nursesSupporting station, doctors offices, jobs patient and areas, economic etc. growth. D Set up for fully functioning medical office Everyday, more than a half million people count on UGI to Several available spaces located in the Alliedsupply Services the medical energy theycampus need at at150 home Mundy and at work. At UGI, our Street, Wilkes Barre. This medical only campuscommitment has ample to theparking, communities high accessibility, we serve doesn’t stop where and a professional atmosphere. Well maintainedour gas facilities lines end. anchored In fact, bywe’re Allied helping Services to foster economic Rehab group. Facility has full service propertydevelopment manager on by site bringing aswell naturalas security gas to new commercial services and a host of other benefits. and industrial parks. Because where natural goes, a stronger seconomy follows. Very easy access from Rte 81 and other major local conduits. Immediate to Wyoming Valley Mall zone.

Contact: Griff Keefer, BOMA [email protected] www.ugi.com/business 1-800-276-2722 80915898 E24 E25 E26

PAGE 26 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 East Mountain offers tenants ideal location By Bill O’Boyle [email protected]

PLAINS TWP. — The real estate mantra goes “location, location, location,” and the East Mountain Corporate Center provides the per- fect location for its ten- ants. James A. Cummings, Vice President Marketing, Mericle Commer- Cummings cial Real Estate Services, said the East Moun- tain Corporate Center, located along Route 115 in Plains Township, near Wilkes-Barre, is just 10 minutes from Downtown Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre’s major suburban shopping areas can be reached in just five minutes. The park is just one mile from Exit 170A of I-81 and four miles from Exit 105 of Mericle Development headquarters in the East Mountain Corporate Center. I-476. within 30 miles of the rate Center does very “When you add in the ent to world-class facili- by the Wilkes-Barre Cummings said the park and there are 17 well by this standard. park’s quick access to ties,” he said. “Com- Chamber years ago.) park can accommodate college campuses with It largely comes down I-81 and I-476, its reliable panies that consider However, to the average companies needing as approximately 51,000 to drive time and close power and telecom ser- moving into the park person, SSA is in East little as 2,000 square enrolled students within to 240,000 people live vice, and its close prox- feel a sense of security Mountain Corporate feet to as much as an hour’s drive. within a 25 minute com- imity to the area’s labor knowing that after much Center. 100,000 square feet. “The anticipated ease mute to the park. There pool, you can see why it deliberation, Geisinger Therefore, including Some of the park ten- with which companies aren’t many parks in is home to thousands of chose this location as its the SSA building (but ants include Mericle’s are able to recruit a Northeastern Pennsylva- jobs,” Cummings said. main hub in Northeast- not the hospital or the corporate headquarters, talented workforce, nia that can top that.” ern Pennsylvania.” small buildings directly Borton Lawson, Bank of especially during this Cummings said the Geisinger presence Cummings said tech- America Merrill Lynch, across the street from time of low national and park meets the needs of Cummings said Geis- nically, the large Social the hospital on East Geisinger Wyoming Val- local unemployment those office and health- inger’s strong presence Security Administration Mountain Boulevard), ley Healthcare, Social rates, plays a critical care companies that has enhanced the park’s Call Center (282,000 Cummings said there are Security Administration, role in their ultimate prefer Class A space in reputation as a good sq. ft.) is not located in 12 office buildings in the and RCN. site selection decision,” a suburban setting with place to do business. “the park.” (The park Cummings said more Cummings said. “The abundant, on-site park- “Geisinger has is defined as the exact park totaling 676,000 than 736,000 people live East Mountain Corpo- ing. brought world-class tal- boundaries as developed See LOCATION | 29 E27

COLOUR YOUR WORLD FROM: Colours Inc.

Founded in 1986, by Wilkes-Barre native, Tim Evans, Colours, Inc. began Additionally, Colours has built an industry leading Tech Team that helps with just one location and three people in Wilkes-Barre and now serves over customers, staff and vendors regarding current products, as well as new 32 locations in five states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, products entering the market. Maryland and West Virginia. With industry standards changing rapidly with new laws and regulations, Offering the finest in automotive paint, body shop supplies and equipment Colours, Inc. understands the importance of keeping our customers informed to the collision, fleet and manufacturing industries, commitment to quality, on all the latest standards, compliances, regulations and new technology. coupled with the utmost in service has made Colours, Inc. one of the most progressive and fastest growing automotive paint distributors in the United As an exclusive PPG Platinum Distributor, Colours, Inc. provides customers States and one of the most accomplished distributors of PPG. with state-of-the-art training, local market knowledge, new products and Employing over 300 people and boasting over 30 locations including additionally hosts an annual summit meeting which brings together suppliers 2 distribution centers, Colours, Inc. recently has moved into their new and customers to share products, industry news, training and certifications headquarters, training center and distribution center located in Hanover from top industry leaders. Township consisting of over 40,000 square feet. Looking ahead, Colours is striving to maintain its exceptional customer Colours, Inc. services independent body shops, car dealerships, service service and its relationships with suppliers. Continuing to focus on training, centers, and, essentially anyone that uses automotive paint and supplies in technology and commitment to our employees and customers, Colours will the Mid-Atlantic region for more than 30 years. continue to foster company growth and development. “Going above normal service and delivery for our customers and our ability “Colours business continues to grow, and with it the demand for increased to adapt is what sets us apart,” Ali Mahalak, CFO. Colours, Inc. is constantly working to improve customer service and distribution and fulfillment operations. Our new Pennsylvania facility will be experience. From focusing on enhancing company processes with our a key factor in the growth of Colours, Inc., and we are pleased to be able to Business Development Team to hosting open houses and providing access to keep investing resources and creating jobs in NEPA and beyond,” Tim Evans, expert-led industry training seminars. President and CEO of Colours, Inc.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 29

Location

From page 26 square feet. • Mericle developed seven of those buildings totaling 288,000 square feet. • There is room in the park to construct eight buildings totaling 346,000 square feet. • Mericle estimates that 3,400 people work in the 12 existing office buildings.

About Mericle Development • Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services is a privately-owned, full-service, commercial real estate development and brokerage company headquartered in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, near Wilkes-Barre. • Founded in 1985 by Wilkes-Barre native Rob- ert Mericle, Mericle has become one of the most accomplished developers of industrial, flex, office, in the buildings we’ve surveyors, plumbers, and medical space on developed in Northeast- carpenters, certified Pennsylvania’s I-78/I-81 ern Pennsylvania. public accountants, legal Corridor. • Mericle uses a counsel, leasing and • Altogether, Mericle “vertically integrated marketing professionals, has developed more than master-builder” struc- licensed brokers, prop- 22 million square feet ture, which allows the erty managers, and more. of industrial, flex, and developer to cut out the • Mericle does all office space in North- profit centers that often of the site work for eastern Pennsylvania, drive up costs and slow projects, often prepar- most of it on speculation. down jobs. That virtu- ing sites in advance. That’s enough square ally guarantees that Many heavy equipment feet to cover 383 football Mericle will finish your operators use dozens of fields. project on time and on Mericle-owned pieces to • Today, Mericle owns budget. In fact, in more build roads, install utili- and maintains close to than 30 years, Mericle ties, clear, grade, and 15 million square feet has never missed a cli- compact the parcels, and of space. Their in-house ent’s occupancy dead- secure all of the neces- Property Management line. sary permits and approv- • Mericle’s in-house Department is available als long before you show 24-7 to make sure your team includes licensed interest. space stays in tip-top architects and electri- shape at all times. cians, land planners, Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 • 14,500 people work professional engineers, or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. An aerial photo of the 12 buildings in the Mericle Development East Mountain Corporate Center. E30

PAGE 30 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 DiscoverNEPA showcasing region’s quality of life By Bill O’Boyle Jim Cummings, certificates to local res- [email protected] Mericle’s Vice President “In today’s economy, skilled workers know taurants and other busi- Marketing, said to date, that they are part of a small supply trying to nesses. PLAINS TWP. — Mericle has published fill a large demand. Where do skilled workers “In today’s economy, Mericle Development information about more live? In many respects, anywhere they want skilled workers know Corporation is taking than 2,000 regional to. Their scarcity gives them flexibility when that they are part of a big steps to help North- amenities on discov- small supply trying to eastern Pennsylvania’s stay in the region — to ernepa.com and has deciding what community is right for them. fill a large demand,” quality of life stand out promote local quality listed more than 2,600 That’s where quality of life, the 4th highest said DiscoverNEPA when companies are of life assets and com- events on the site’s cal- ranked factor in the Area Development Executive Director considering moving or munities, to recruit endar. survey comes in.” Mary Kolessar. “Where expanding here. talented individuals to Cummings said Dis- Mary Kolessar do skilled workers In 2018, Mericle the region, and to assist coverNEPA’s digital DiscoverNEPA Executive Director live? In many respects, launched DiscoverNE- local non-profits by cul- marketing team pro- anywhere they want PA® — a 10-county tivating awareness and duced approximately DiscoverNEPA lowers and regularly to. Their scarcity gives initiative whose mission volunteerism; branding 100 videos in 2018 that already has more than runs contests on social them flexibility when is “to encourage North- the region as one of the together have been 26,000 Facebook fol- media with giveaways deciding what commu- eastern Pennsylvania’s nation’s best places to viewed close to 625,000 lowers and more than that have included gym nity is right for them. best and brightest to live.” times. 8,600 Instagram fol- memberships and gift See QUALITY | 31

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 31

skilled workers,” Koles- said. “We also invite the ings in the East Moun- building or site. “highway access” was Quality sar said. area’s 18 colleges and tain Corporate Center Recently, the national rated the most impor- Kolessar said Mericle universities to use Dis- totaling 288,000 square business publication tant factor, while “labor From page 30 created DiscoverNEPA coverNEPA to convince feet and has plans to Area Development costs” ranked 2nd and to show this region’s prospective students eventually develop as Magazine surveyed “availability of skilled That’s where quality best and brightest that — our future workforce many as eight more hundreds of corporate labor” ranked 3rd. How- of life, the 4th highest Northeastern Pennsyl- — to be educated here buildings in the park. executives from around ever, in a surprise to ranked factor in the vania’s quality of life and stay here upon their Mericle markets the the country who are many, “quality of life” Area Development sur- does compare favor- graduation.” virtues of its available actively engaged in site was rated the 4th most vey comes in.” ably with the Austins Cummings said Mer- sites and buildings to selection for their com- important factor out of Kolessar said many and the Madisons, that icle Commercial Real a wide audience of cor- panies. The executives 28, with more than 87 skilled workers, espe- you can do just about Estate Services has pro- porate decision makers, were given a list of 28 percent of the execu- cially millennials, are everything here, and vided commercial space commercial real estate factors that are typically tives listing it as being drawn to those commu- that they should choose to several hundred brokers, site selection considered when com- either important or very nities known as great NEPA as the place to companies since 1985 consultants, and eco- panies are considering important to their site places to live. start and grow their and more than 14,500 nomic development offi- opening new facilities. selection decision. “Communities such as careers. people work in the 22 cials, Cummings said. The executives then If interested in learn- Austin, San Diego, Seat- “We hope our ten- million square feet of However, he said rated each factor’s ing more, visit Discov- tle, Raleigh-Durham, ants and other area industrial, office, flex, when companies are importance to their erNEPA.com and to and Madison, often businesses will use Dis- and medical space the going through the site business and the ratings follow the initiative on show up on best places coverNEPA as a tool to company has developed selection process, more were averaged by the Facebook, Instagram, to live surveys, giving recruit talented people in Northeastern Penn- factors come into play magazine. and Twitter. them a decided advan- and their families to sylvania. Mericle has than just the availabil- Not surprisingly, tage when it comes to this region,” Kolessar constructed seven build- ity of a certain type of Cummings said that Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 retaining and recruiting or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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PAGE 32 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Geisinger’s economic impact estimated at $12.7B By Bill O’Boyle [email protected]

PLAINS TWP. — The impact of Geisinger on Northeastern Pennsyl- vania’s economy is more than significant. To give you an idea of the size of Geisinger’s regional footprint, con- sider this: • Number of buildings — 412 • Number of employ- ees — 31,539 • Number of buildings in Luzerne County — 53 • Number of employ- ees in Luzerne County — 4,383. According to Aly- sha Davis, Geisinger’s Media Relations Man- ager, Geisinger spends approximately $2.5 bil- lion annually in salaries, wages and medical and retirement benefits for its employees. In the past year, Davis said Geisinger invested more than $40 million in its employees through merit increases, tuition Submitted Photo reimbursement and Geisinger’s Orthopaedics Center is seen at 1175 East Mountain Blvd. in Plains Township. employee recognition healthcare.” $386 million. our role not only as a include: Therapy, Occupational programs. Davis added that the With expansion at healthcare provider, but • East Mountain Spe- Therapy. “Geisinger continues Pennsylvania-based GWV, the addition of also as a major employer cialty Clinic, 1155 East • Geisinger Outpatient to invest in facilities, health system leverages GCMC and the Geisinger and driver of the local Mountain Blvd., 41,134 Specialty Center, 675 services and pro- an estimated $12.7 bil- Commonwealth School economy,” said Ron Beer, sq. ft., Women’s Health, Baltimore Drive, 40,495 grams to benefit the lion annual positive of Medicine, Geisinger chief administrative offi- Reproductive Endocri- sq. ft., Ophthalmology, people of Northeastern Optometry, Cardiac Pennsylvania,”said impact on the economy. employs more than 7,140 cer of Geisinger North- nology, Dermatology and Of that, the annual posi- people in its northeast east. “It is gratifying that MOHS Surgery, Podiatry, Rehabilitation, Ornish Anthony Aquilina, Lifestyle Medicine pro- D.O., president of Geis- tive economic impact region and is recruit- the work we do and the CareWorks Convenient provided by Geisinger ing even more as Geis- investments we make to Care, Pre-Surgery Cen- gram, Endocrinology, inger Northeast. “We Rheumatology, Labora- are focused on providing Wyoming Valley Medical inger South Wilkes-Barre take care of patients also ter, Laboratory, Radiol- Center (GWV) in Wilkes- reopened its emergency create a significant bene- ogy. tory, Bone Densitometry, a wide range of profes- Plastic Surgery, Infec- Barre is $776 million, department and GCMC fit to our area’s economic • Orthopaedics Cen- sional and compassionate tious Disease, Oral and and Geisinger Com- brings back maternity well-being.” ter, 1175 East Mountain medical services locally Maxillofacial Surgery, so patients do not have munity Medical Center services, Davis said. Other Geisinger sites Blvd., 24,517 sq. ft., to leave the area for their (GCMC) in Scranton is “We take seriously in Luzerne County Orthopaedics, Physical See GEISINGER | 34 E33

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PAGE 34 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

Submitted Photo Geisinger Wyoming Valley Outpatient Specialty Center, 675 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre.

lion multi-specialty clinic in December Geisinger 2018. The 20,800-square-foot clinic at 560 Pierce St. enhances patient care From page 32 with a 50-person team supporting these services include: Gastroenterology, GI Nutrition, Bariat- • family medicine for adult and ric Surgery. pediatric patients • Memory and Cognition Center and • a Careworks walk-in clinic Office Spaces, 620 Baltimore Drive, • medication therapy management 18,252 sq. ft., Memory and Cognition (MTM) Center. • laboratory • Geisinger Health Plan, Center- • radiology Point Commerce and Trade Park near • nutrition Pittston — Geisinger Health Plan • case/care management. worked with CenterPoint’s developer, It boasts 26 exam rooms and two Mericle Commercial Real Estate Ser- treatment rooms. Staff includes physi- vices, to tailor a new, three-story, cians, advanced practitioners, a clinical 79,000-square-foot facility to our pharmacist, a licensed clinical social requirements at CenterPoint Com- worker, community health assistant Providing staffing, recruiting, merce and Trade Park near Pittston. and teaching faculty for family medi- This includes: cine residents. payroll and benefits since 1978. • Customized collaborative floor “The rebirth of our South Wilkes- plan and building systems. Barre campus is a great example of • A work space filled with natural OneSource Staffing Solutions – Wilkes-Barre our efforts to provide care close to light and outfitted with modern ame- home,” said Dan Landesberg, admin- nities, such as broadband service. istrative director at Geisinger South 570-825-2105 Multiple telecommunications compa- Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Wyoming nies have deployed fiber connectivity Valley Medical Center. “We’ve opened OneSource HR Solutions throughout CenterPoint. a new emergency department, as well • In addition to being close to as expanded both inpatient and outpa- major highways connecting Luzerne 570-970-1234 tient services, to provide convenient and Lackawanna counties, the site access to care for residents of the south is served by public transportation OneSource Benefit Solutions Wilkes-Barre and surrounding com- with plans for a walking trail for munity.” 570-474-0915 employees to utilize to maintain and enhance their overall wellness. Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @ www.onesourcehrsolutions.com • Geisinger Medical Group, Kings- TLBillOBoyle. 80903916 ton — Geisinger opened an $8.5 mil- E35

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 35 Arena Hub Plaza offers strong lineup of retail stores By Bill O’Boyle es the qual- [email protected] ity of life, employ- WILKES-BARRE ment, and TWP. — When Barnes economic and Noble reopens its impact,” main store in the Arena Tamburro Hub Plaza, the comeback Tamburro said. “It from last June’s tornado serves as will be complete. one of the prominent Robert Tamburro, retail properties in the Trustee/General Man- region, giving area resi- ager of TFP Limited, dents a variety of shop- owner of the property, ping options all within a said his family has been convenient location.” blessed with the oppor- Despite the changing tunity to develop and retail landscape, Tam- manage the Arena Hub burro believes the center project over the last 20 will continue to be the years. go-to place for shopping “We have been very and dining. fortunate to have “Northeast Pennsyl- attracted and maintained vania is located in an a great lineup of tenants important and strategic over the years,” Tam- part of our nation,” Tam- burro said. burro said. “Contrary to Tamburro said in some in our community today’s “omni- channel who have a pessimistic retail world” — retail- viewpoint, I believe there ers selling products and are ample real estate and services through physical business opportunities in stores, on line, and other the region. We will con- methods, all at the same 62 acres and anchored leading retailers includ- Tamburro noted that Arena Hub Plaza tinue to invest and seek time — the tenant lineup by Lowe’s Improvement ing: Ulta, Five Below, Arena Hub is located was initially developed new opportunities in the is critical to a shopping Warehouse. Michaels, Dick’s Sport- along the Mundy Street/ between 1998-2001 with region as a locally owned center’s success property. Due to its size, tenant ing Goods, TJ Maxx, Highland Boulevard expansions in 2003, and operated business.” “It’s like a baseball roster, and layout, the Carter’s, Osh Kosh retail corridor, northeast 2008-2009 Tamburro said he and team,” Tamburro said. “If property is known as a B’gosh, Staples, Best Pennsylvania’s dominant Tamburro’s Plains his company are excited you have a strong lineup power center, Tamburro Buy, Shoe Dept., Banana retail area. He said Arena Township-based TFP by the opportunity to of tenants (stores people said. The International Republic Factory Store, Hub is accessible via Limited, a company elevate the region. want to visit that sell Council of Shopping Old Navy, Bed Bath Interstate 81 Exit 168. founded and initially led “I believe our region products and services Centers categorizes a & Beyond, PetSmart, In addition to the Wyo- by northeast Pennsylva- has improved in many people want to buy) that power center as a “Spe- Barnes & Noble, Eddie ming Valley Mall located nia entrepreneur, Robert ways since King Coal complement each other, cialized Purpose Center” Bauer Outlet, Mens across the street, Arena L. Tambur. His son, Rob- was dethroned by oil you will be successful. If that features “category- Wearhouse, Avenue, Pier Hub enjoys direct access ert Tamburro operates shortly after World War you do not have a strong dominant anchors, 1 Imports, Olive Garden to Urban Edge’s 319,080 the company today. II,” Tamburro said. lineup, your success will including discount Restaurant and Outback square foot Wilkes-Barre The plaza stores “However, there is still be limited.” department stores, off Steakhouse. Township Commons that employ an estimated a long road ahead. That The Arena Hub Plaza price stores, wholesale To the best of the own- is anchored by Target. 1,000 people, Tamburro prospect of making prog- off of Mundy Street is clubs, with only a few er’s knowledge, Arena It is also located across said. ress here, in our back- an approximate 438,344 small tenants.” Hub Plaza is the largest the street from PREIT’s “The Arena Hub Plaza yard, is exciting to me square foot shopping Arena Hub features open air center in North- 910,000 square foot Wyo- is important to the center covering about some of the industry’s east Pennsylvania. ming Valley Mall. region because it enhanc- See LINEUP | 36 E36

PAGE 36 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

Crest LP, owner of Lineup the property, proposes to redevelop the site From page 34 as a mix-use center, NEPA Alliance: Economic impact featuring retail and and my family.” entertainment uses. • Other notable proj- Multi-family housing, ects owned by Tambur lodging, restaurants, family entities: of arena continues to grow and medical buildings • Blue Ridge Trail may also be part of this Golf Club, Dorrance project. The project By Bill O’Boyle Township, a 27-hole will commence once [email protected] championship golf highway improvements WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The course. are constructed in the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey • Marketplace, a area generally located Plaza serves as a major economic 13,000 square foot around the intersection engine for Luzerne County and strip center located at of Pennsylvania Route the surrounding counties, draw- 1189 Route 315, Plains 309 and Mundy Street. ing more than 360,000 visitors Township, anchored by • Richland 315, and residents annually. Bayada. a Class A, four-story In 2015, the Northeastern • Mundy Street office building, to be Pennsylvania Alliance released Square, a 12,000 located in the Richland its Economic Impact Study of square foot strip center 315 development. The the SMG-managed Mohegan Sun featuring Chipotle, building construction Arena at Casey Plaza and impact Five Guys, Mattress package is currently has kept increasing since. Firm, and Vitamin out to bid. “The Arena has an estimated Shoppe. • Thirty-one acres impact of over $60 million and • Richland 315, a of industrial land in supports 1,100 jobs,” said Steven Aimee Dilger | Times Leader File Photo mix-use project featur- the Grimes Industrial N. Zaricki, Research & Informa- Ed Harry, the former arena board president, unveils the new logo for the Mohegan Sun ing Dunkin Donuts, Park, Dupont Borough tion Manager at NEPA Alliance. Areana during a recent press conference. FNCB Bank, a retail and Pittston Town- “Having a recreational asset, visitation in 2013 showed the fol- graduation of a friend or family space (currently listed ship. The developer such as the Arena, helps support lowing results: member,” Sipe said. “As we just for lease), and a future proposes to prepare the regional economy, while also • Total estimated output or had our fastest sellout ever on 54,000 square foot building parcels that assisting us in attracting new economic activity of $62.6 mil- record with Kenny Chesney, we Class A office building. could accommodate businesses to the area.” lion. move into 2019 in a strong posi- • RLT Properties, up to 258,000 square According to the study con- • Total estimated employment tion to continue to break records LP, a mix-use building feet of new warehouse/ ducted in 2015 by Zaricki and supported of 1,141 jobs, which and make NEPA a great place for featuring AC Fitness, flex buildings. Initial NEPA Alliance, the economic are either full-time of part-time. entertainment.” Isabella Restaurant phases of construction impact analysis, which was • The total estimated labor The NEPA Alliance was con- and Bar, and 10,000 are projected to com- developed by using IMPLAN®, income was $22.6 million. tracted by the Luzerne County square feet of Class A mence in 2020. consisted of several distinct sce- • Total estimated taxes of $9.9 Convention Center Authority, the office space in Plains — The Preserve at narios including: million, which consists of an governing body of the Mohegan Township. Blue Ridge, a proposed • The overall impact of the estimated $5.0 million in federal Sun Arena, in May of 2014 to • Future/Proposed Planned Residential operations of the Arena, which taxes and an estimated $4.9 mil- conduct the study on behalf of the Tambur family projects: Development (PRD) includes the impact from visitors lion in state and local taxes. Authority. • Valley Crest Com- featuring 134 single- traveling from outside the impact Brian R Sipe, SMG General “The Mohegan Sun Arena mons, a 62-acre parcel family homes and twin region. Manager at the Arena, said in at Casey Plaza has made a sig- generally located at units that will gener- • The impact from the con- the 20 years the venue has been nificant impact on our regional the intersection of ally surround the Blue struction and operations of the open, not only has the Arena Hub economy and community,” said Pennsylvania Route Ridge Trail Golf Club. newly proposed concourse expan- Plaza succeeded, but various res- LCCCA Board Chairwoman 309 and Interstate Development will sion including two new conces- taurants and an increasing num- Donna Cupinski. “We are proud 81 Exit 170 A&B in begin if and when the sions areas and full service bar, ber of hotels have proven that the to have teamed with the NEPA Plains Township. The project is approved by which opened in 2016. Arena has been a large economic Alliance in developing this parcel is zoned MU the applicable court of • The negative impact that contributor to the region. comprehensive study. We are (Mixed Use) generally jurisdiction. permitting residen- would be evident if the Arena did “Hundreds of thousands of confident the Arena will continue people come to our venue every its positive impact for years to tial and commercial Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 not exist. development. Valley or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. • The impact of operation and year for WBS Penguins Hockey, a concert, a family show or a See ARENA | 38 E37

UPCOMING MANUFACTURING SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION TRAINING ISO 9001:2015 Training Internal Auditor Training - NEPIRC Training Facility - 75 Young Street, Hanover Township, PA. Dates: Monday & Tuesday, February 18 & 19, 2019 Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm $800 per person What is ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Training? This course provides an understanding of auditing quality management systems. Participants will learn about auditor conduct and the different roles of an auditor, including how to structure and plan an effective audit, and how to evaluate and communicate audit findings.This course is ideal for companies with internal auditors who are in need of continued education and for companies with newly-promoted leaders responsible for ISO compliance and internal audits.

Pre-Requisite: Familiarity with the ISO 9001:2008 standard is suggested but not necessary. If you already are an auditor, your knowl- edge of the audit process will be expanded.

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Six Sigma Green Belt Training - NEPIRC Training Facility - 75 Young Street, Hanover Township, PA. Dates: Each Thursday, March 21 - April 18, 2019 (5 Sessions) Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm $1,695 per person What is Six Sigma? Six Sigma is a problem solving methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to greatly reduce the frequency of defect and errors within products and services. Six Sigma initiatives increase customer satisfaction and decrease operating costs by identifying, analyzing and eliminating variation within production, business administration and customer service processes. Typically, Six Sigma is implemented through targeted improvement projects that apply proven approaches to a specific production or administrative process. Most projects can be performed by qualified Six Sigma Green Belts, with Six Sigma Black Belts assisting as needed. More intensive projects may require the extensive experience typically held only by certified Six Sigma Black Belts or Master Black Belts. How is the Course Structured? This five-session course provides comprehensive coverage a variety of Six Sigma statistical tools and other Six Sigma concepts, roles and implementation approaches. Participants will learn how to identify, evaluate and conduct Six Sigma projects within their companies and will apply the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) process to a Six Sigma project that spans the length of the course. Participants will also be provided with Minitab statistical software for use during the course. At the onset of the course, each participant will be encouraged to identify and perform a small Six Sigma project within their workplace. Individuals accepting that challenge will be given additional one-on-one coaching time for help with their unique project. Requirements: Each participant is strongly encouraged to have a notebook-style computer for his/her own use during the class. NEPIRC has a limited number of notebook computers available for reservation on a first come-first served basis. Individuals using their own computer may purchase Minitab from NEPIRC (at cost) or load their own version of Minitab, provided that it is the latest release. Individuals wishing to purchase Minitab should contact NEPIRC for more information.

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PAGE 38 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

Arena Arena events Disney On Ice From page 36 Arenacross WWE Live come.” Monster Jam Sipe said SMG is Little Big Town proud to manage such a Harlem Globetrotters fantastic facility that not Mercy Me only brings great enter- Judas Priest tainment to the region, Kevin Hart but that also makes such PIAA Basketball District a significant financial 2 Championships impact on Northeastern PA Junior Wrestling Home and Garden Show Pennsylvania. NEPA Employment Expo ”We continue to show Marvel Universe Live the world that the Mohe- PA1 Call gan Sun Arena at Casey NEPA Synod Plaza is the definition of Times Leader | File Photo WWE Smackdown Live an excellent entertain- The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Trump Rallies ment venue,” Sipe said. Jehovahs Witnesses grams and valuable governments, general the American Hockey Manilow, Janet Jackson, Bull Riding About the North- services that best match businesses, profession- League made their The Eagles, AC/DC and eastern Pennsylvania Newsboys the needs of our partners als and citizens in each debut. Simon & Garfunkel. Jake Owen Alliance and add value to our of the seven counties Originally called the Sesame Street Live The Northeastern region. that the NEPA Alliance Northeastern Pennsyl- About SMG Big Church Night Out Pennsylvania Alliance The NEPA Alliance serves. vania Civic Arena, the Founded in 1977, SMG John Fogerty (NEPA Alliance) is a carries out its mission Jeffrey K. Box, facility became First provides management TSO regional multi-county within the counties of President & CEO of the Union Arena at Casey services to more than Lynyrd Skynyrd economic development Carbon, Lackawanna, NEPA Alliance, provides Plaza when First Union 240 public assembly facil- Paw Patrol Live agency providing leader- Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Toys for Tots Skate executive leadership Bank purchased the nam- ities including conven- Harlem Globetrotters ship, planning, expertise Schuylkill and Wayne, working with state and ing rights. The name tion and exhibition cen- and services to regional which have a total federal legislators to changed to Wachovia ters, arenas, stadiums, and local governments, population of 1,015,692 expand and explore Arena at Casey Plaza in theatres, performing arts Upcoming businesses, institutions people (according to opportunities that will be 2002 after a corporate centers, equestrian facili- Events and individuals through estimates provided by beneficial for northeast- merger. In January 2010, ties, science centers and Disney on Ice innovative and beneficial the U.S. Census Bureau, ern Pennsylvania. Downs Racing, LP pur- a variety of other venues. collaborations and part- Justin Moore July 1, 2014) and covers chased the naming rights With facilities across the Steve Martin/Martin nerships to enhance the 4,476 square miles. About the Mohegan Sun and changed the venue globe, SMG manages Short economic development The NEPA Alliance Arena at Casey Plaza name to Mohegan Sun more than 15 million Compassion and quality of life of the is one of seven regional Mohegan Sun Arena at Arena at Casey Plaza. square feet of exhibition International Roadshow area. agencies called Local Casey Plaza is owned by The arena’s primary space and more than 1.5 Tobymac The NEPA Alliance Development Districts the Luzerne County Con- tenant is the Wilkes- million sports and enter- Kenny Chesney (fastest was organized in 1964 (LDDs). LDDs help vention Center Author- Barre/Scranton Penguins tainment seats. As the arena sellout) by the private sector coordinate community ity, a government body hockey team, an Ameri- recognized global indus- Alabama with Charlie that saw the need for a and economic develop- appointed by Luzerne can Hockey League try leader, SMG provides Daniels Band regional approach to eco- ment activities in the County. affiliate of the National venue management, nomic and community Commonwealth of Penn- The arena is man- Hockey League Pitts- sales, marketing, event Superdome. SMG also development issues with- sylvania. aged by SMG, the world burgh Penguins. booking and program- offers food and beverage in the region. The NEPA The NEPA Alliance leader in entertainment With over 8,000 ming, construction and operations through its Alliance is now a public/ is guided by a fifty (50) and sports facilities man- permanent seats and a design consulting, and concessions and catering private sector partner- member Board of Direc- agement with catering capacity of nearly 10,000 pre-opening services for company SAVOR, cur- ship with representation tors, headed by Board and concessions services for concerts, the arena such landmark facilities rently serving more than from government and Chairperson, Mary Beth provided by SAVOR at has played host to some as McCormick Place & 140 accounts worldwide. non-governmental pri- Wood, of which 45 mem- Mohegan Sun Arena. of the biggest names in Soldier Field in Chicago, For more information vate sector organizations. bers have voting capa- The arena opened entertainment, including Moscone Convention visit www.smgworld.com. The goal of the NEPA bilities. Members of the on November 13, 1999 Elton John, Cher, Neil Center in San Francisco, Alliance is to provide Board of Directors rep- when the Wilkes-Barre/ Diamond, James Tay- Houston’s NRG Park Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 a quality menu of pro- resent industries, labor, Scranton Penguins of lor, Carole King, Barry and the Mercedes Benz or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. E39

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PAGE 40 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Miller’s Ale House opens; hires 93 employees By Bill O’Boyle known for its signature first Miller’s Ale House community it serves and [email protected] hand-breaded, boneless in 1988, in Jupiter, Fla., he said, “We will earn chicken Zingers, tossed as a local place to be our stripes by providing WILKES-BARRE in a choice of more than enjoyed by all walks of great food and service.” TWP. — The Nov. 26 15 sauces. The menu life. He said the Mill- Holden and his grand opening of Miller’s also features a wide vari- ers sold the business to employees showed Ale House was all about ety of appetizers, burgers Roark Capital of Atlanta, customers and guests the numbers — 48 beers and entrees, including Ga. around the remodeled on tap, 65 big-screen steaks and seafood. “We’re expanding our space. televisions and, most Ray Holden, president footprint from the Phila- “We’ve made a few significantly, 93 new and chief operating offi- delphia area across the changes,” We hope you employees. cer of Miller’s Ale House, state,” Holden said. “We like what we’ve done As customers filed in, Inc., that operates restau- searched for a good spot with the place.” the Greater Wilkes-Barre rants in 13 states. The to open in Northeastern Holden urged everyone Chamber of Commerce Times Leader | File Photo Wilkes-Barre Township Pennsylvania and we to spread the word about hosted a ribbon-cutting Bartender Amanda McCabe, of Ashley, helps guests behind the bar of Miller’s Ale House in Wilkes-Barre Township. Miller’s is the 90th for believe we found the the new place in town. ceremony Monday to the chain and its eighth right place in the right “Tell your family and 2310 Wilkes-Barre Town- Miller’s Ale House is welcome Miller’s to in Pennsylvania. community.” friends and tell them to ship Blvd., in the space a casual sports-themed Northeastern Pennsylva- Holden said Jack and Holden said Miller’s pass it along,” he said. formerly occupied by restaurant and bar nia. Miller’s is located at Claire Miller opened the likes to be a part of the Logan’s Roadhouse. with freshly made food, See Miller’s | 41

PROUD TO BE PART OF THE DIAMOND CITY E41

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 41 Miller’s Ensuring an even brighter economic future From page 40 “We want to earn your business.” By Joe Boylan tegic sessions, the CBI began its For 2019, Connect and CBI have set Holden said he’s been with Executive Director, Wilkes-Barre Connect transformation from a developer out to change that narrative by rolling Miller’s for 25 years and said the of bricks and mortar to developer out a new program called the Park Web- company is all about people. WILKES-BARRE — For of programs and initiatives. This site Initiative. “From our team members and decades, the Greater Wilkes-Barre switch allowed us as an organi- The initiative will deliver new managers to our customers,” Hold- Chamber of Business & Industry zation to go back to our roots websites for each park in the Greater en said. “If we have happy employ- (CBI), in addition to other non- of being a true advocate for the Wilkes-Barre footprint (including ees who provide great service, we profit economic development Joe business community. Highland and East Mountain), with a will have happy guests.” organizations in Northeastern Boylan This approach is now the core forward-facing approach to educate and Frank and Carole Long of Wyo- Pennsylvania, served as the pri- Guest mission of Wilkes-Barre Connect promote the businesses within the park. ming were sitting in a booth about mary real estate developer in the Columnist — the program in which we drive More importantly, the site will feature to try Miller’s meatloaf that was region. entrepreneurial and economic a tenant portal providing businesses to recommended by their server. This role was not only timely development in NEPA. Housed access a newly-developed on-demand “I was hoping to cut the ribbon,” as private investment was stagnant in in the CBI, Connect provides entrepre- platform. Frank Long joked as he waited for NEPA, but represented a much-needed neurs, start-ups, and existing businesses The platform will provide businesses his meal. “But looking around, I philosophical approach to develop and with the providers, resources and facili- with access to a variety of solutions love the environment here — the attract new industries and diversifying ties they need to grow in Northeastern in a streamlined, user-friendly, online TVs, the variety of beers on tap our local economy — learning from our Pennsylvania. process — allowing tenants to address and a nice, friendly staff. Plus, I missteps during the dominance of the Connect is fueled by its unique blend issues such as workforce, structuring love sports.” coal industry. of partners — Penn State (Wilkes- academic-industry partnerships, devel- The goal was simple — redefine Sitting in another booth nearby, Barre) University, Ben Franklin Tech- oping intern programs, and public fund- our economic engine while laying the Leigh Lahr of Hanover Township nology Partners, Diamond City Partner- ing initiatives at a click of a button. The groundwork for future private develop- was enjoying her fish and chips. ship, and Wilkes University (SBDC, Park Website Initiative will establish ment. “It’s really good,” she said. “I’ve Family Business Alliance, Institute for new pipelines between our job provid- This strategy proved to be sound, in seen Miller’s in Orlando, but never Public Policy & Economic Develop- ers and job seekers — strengthening the particular when reexamining develop- ment, and the Allan P. Kirby Center for went there. I decided to come over bond between the academic and busi- ment that had occurred during the past Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship). and give it a try for lunch. I’m glad ness community. two decades in the Highland Business Connect has established itself as a I did.” The initiative — which launches in Park, Arena Hub, East Mountain Cor- problem solver by understanding and Wilkes-Barre Township Mayor March 2019 — perfectly captures the porate Center and downtown Wilkes- adapting to trends and developing user- Carl Kuren and several township new direction of the CBI and Connect, Barre. friendly solutions. Connect effectively employees were in attendance to providing programs and initiatives to welcome the newest business to Our vision provided opportunities for provides on-demand services that are the Tambur family, Mericle Commercial customized to meet the needs of busi- help businesses flourish in Northeast- town. ern Pennsylvania. “It’s great that they decided to Development and others to execute and nesses. The approach acknowledges attract several key strategic investments and solves the age-old problem of eco- Now when we drive through High- come to our town,” Kuren said. land Park, East Mountain Corporate “They will be asset for us and they spanning multiple industries. The result nomic development organizations (and has been an influx of jobs and provided academic institutions) not being able to Center and Arena Hub, we don’t talk will do good here — it’s a great about what we’ve done — we talk about location.” a significant enhancement to the quality keep up with the speed in which private of life in our region. industry operates. where we are going. Anthony Rovet, regional vice The vision and dedication of past president for Miller’s, said the More importantly, both Tambur and As we turn the calendar to 2019, this Mericle, in particular, continue to invest strategic vision is needed more than Chamber officials laid the foundation hours will be Thursday, Friday and for the private sector to assume the role Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m,.; and and drive economic development in ever. Access to a ready and able work- Northeastern Pennsylvania, making our of developer. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 force continues to be the number one region attractive to large employers and issue facing our businesses — in par- It’s now time for the current Chamber a.m. to 12 a.m. retail outfits — and officially taking the ticular Highland Park, Arena Hub and team to protect that investment and Ahmad Ali, representing the developer role from the local economic the East Mountain Corporate Center. ensure an even brighter future by pro- Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of development providers. Businesses are struggling to identify viding current tenants and developers Commerce, provided the large pair With the role of developer now in our and capture talent locally — yet we with the resources they need to grow in of scissors to cut the ribbon. PROUD TO BE PART OF rear-view mirror, the CBI spent the last are surrounded by 14 higher education NEPA. “It’s always great to welcome a few years redefining the appropriate institutions graduating more and more new business to the area,” he said. role as a non-profit economic develop- students each year. We don’t have a lack Joseph A. Boylan is Executive Director of Wilkes-Barre Connect at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of THE DIAMOND CITY Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter ment organization. It was time for us to of talent — we have a lack of access to Business & Industry, Two Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. @TLBillOBoyle. pivot. After countless research and stra- the talent. He can be reached at [email protected]. E42

PAGE 42 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 Report cites initiatives aimed at challenges, opportunities By Bill O’Boyle time-frame, the occupa- [email protected] tions with the projected fastest job growth in the WILKES-BARRE region are Healthcare — The Institute for Practitioners and Tech- Public Policy and Eco- nical Occupations (779 nomic Development has jobs) and Personal Care released its new Talent and Service Occupations Report as a workforce (705 jobs). development initiative From 2018 to 2023, to help address the chal- this industry is projected lenges and opportunities to be the fastest growing being sought as a region as well as have the high- in the coming decade. est expected demand. Teri Ooms, executive The forecast indicates director at The Institute, that the health care and said the report is impor- support assistance indus- tant because a region try in Luzerne and Lack- that has the ability to awanna Counties will provide a skilled work- have a demand for about force will be on top eco- 25,450 workers dur- nomically, as workforce ing the next five years. development is directly During this time-frame, linked to successful eco- employment is projected nomic development. to increase by 2,916 “The report highlights jobs, with about 11,072 the workforce needs workers anticipated to throughout multiple exit the workforce and industries along with another 11,462 workers wages, projections and Aimee Dilger | Times Leader File Photo transferring to other Teri Ooms, executive director of the Institute of Public Policy and Econnomic Development speaks during an informative session at the post-secondary awards industries. in this data profile of Think Center in Wilkes-Barre. leaving the workforce is Luzerne Counties. 256,077 people were Luzerne and Lackawa- Luzerne and Lackawan- Retail Trade higher than the number • In the past five employed across all the nna Counties, Health na counties,” Ooms said. Of the sectors in the of people who would be years, both counties industries in Luzerne Care and Social Assis- “The study provides region, retail trade is the entering the workforce combined have seen a and Lackawanna Coun- tance contributed the answers to questions fourth largest contributor (ages six to 15 years) to net employment growth ties. Over the last five largest portion to the regarding the education to the regional GDP and replace them. of more than 6,000 – an years, both regions have GDP in 2017. This sec- and talent demand and represents about seven • The labor force par- increase of 2.4 percent. experienced an increase tor represented about 14 supply in the two-county percent of the regions ticipation rate in Lacka- • The total number of 8,332 jobs, at an annu- percent of the region’s region.” total GDP. With 30,469 wanna and Luzerne of degrees awarded in al rate of +0.7 percent. total GDP. The region’s employees, it is the sec- Counties has consistent- both counties combined The top five employ- top industry by employ- Workforce Trends ond largest sector based ly remained lower than represents four percent ers are Health Care ment is the Health Care • As of 2017, both on number of workers. the rates in the rest of of all degrees awarded in and Social Assistance and Social Assistance, counties had a total In addition, the Sales the state and nation. the state. The most com- (46,639), Retail Trade employing 46,639 work- workforce of 262,714 and Related Occupations • The region’s higher monly-awarded diplomas (30,469), Manufacturing ers. Employment in this workers. In the next five group has 24,132 work- education infrastructure were bachelor degrees, (26,058), Transporta- sector is expected to be years, the population dis- ers, making it the third is an asset in addressing which also represents tion and Warehousing the fastest growing over tribution by age suggests largest occupation group workforce needs. In the four percent of all bach- (23,044), and Accommo- the next five years, with that both counties could after the Office and 2016- 2017 academic elor degrees awarded in dation and Food Services a +1.2 percent year-over- face a net deficit of near- Administrative Support year, a total of 7,747 Pennsylvania. (20,707). year rate of growth. This ly 9,390 workers. This is Occupations (41,735 degrees were awarded by translates to an increase because the total number workers), and Transpor- of workers (ages 55 to 15 colleges and universi- Employment Health Care of 2,916 jobs over this 64 years) who might be ties in Lackawanna and In 2017, a total of Of the sectors in period. Within the same See REPORT | 44 E43

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PAGE 44 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

manufacturing industry the Accommodation and the past five years, with this industry. The Heavy industry, with a total of Report in Luzerne and Lackawa- Food Services industry expected job growth and Civil Engineer- 738 employers. nna Counties will have a has been the fifth-largest in the next five years. ing Construction sub- A decrease in employ- From page 42 demand for over 11,000 employer in Luzerne This industry has added sector shows the highest ment is expected in the workers during the next and Lackawanna Coun- 1,779 jobs over the last growth among all other tation and Material Mov- finance and insurance five years. During this ties. In the next five five years, bringing the sub-sectors. This sub-sec- ing Occupations (28,569 industry. The projec- time-frame, about 4,839 years, this industry is total employment to tor reported an annual workers). tions reveal that 123 jobs workers are anticipated projected to be the third- 16,129 workers. On the growth of three percent could be lost in the next Despite the high to exit the workforce and largest employer with occupation level, Office in just five years, with number of workers, five years. This brings another 8,253 will trans- over 16,000 replacement and Administrative Sup- an expected growth rate the estimated total new this sector is faced with fer to other industries. It demand as of 2023. The port Occupations is the of 1.6 percent over the demand to 4,757 work- expected decrease in is crucial that both coun- top two industries in largest major occupa- next five. Building con- ers. About 1,867 workers employment. The fore- ties position themselves this regard are Health- tion group in the both struction has also shown cast shows that 753 jobs strategically in this fast- care and Social Assis- counties combined, a similar projection of are anticipated to exit could be lost in the next changing and advancing tance and Retail Trade. employing 41,697 work- 0.2 percent growth from the workforce, while five years. This brings sector. The regional sectors ers. From 2018 to 2023, 2018 to 2023. another 3,013 workers the estimated total new with the best job growth this occupation group is The construction could be transferring to demand to 19,319 work- Transportation, (or most moderate job projected to experience industry remains one of other industries. ers. About 8,867 workers Warehousing & Logistics losses) over the last five the highest separation the few industries with are anticipated to exit The transportation years are: Transporta- demand (occupation continual job growth. It Population the workforce, while and warehousing sector tion and Warehousing demand due to retire- is projected to be one According to the 2017 another 11,205 workers has become increasingly (+5,832 jobs), Adminis- ments and workers mov- of the fastest growing Census Bureau esti- will be transferring to important due to the rise trative and Support and ing from one occupation sectors, with an antici- mates, Lackawanna and other industries. in e-commerce. With an Waste Management and to another) of 22,703 pated five-year annual Luzerne Counties had increase of 5,832 jobs Remediation Services jobs. This followed by growth of 0.5 percent. a combined population Manufacturing over the last five years, (+1,861), and Accom- the Transportation and From 2018 to 2023, this of 528,104 people. This Based on its contribu- the transportation and modation and Food Ser- Material Moving Occu- industry is projected to makes the Scranton— tion to the region’s GDP, warehousing industry vices (+1,743). pations field (17,518). add about 248 jobs, with Wilkes-Barre—Hazleton, manufacturing is the has shown the best job Despite the estimated Over the next five about 1,941 workers PA Metro Area the 100th second largest economic growth in the region. decrease of 151 jobs, years, employment in exiting the workforce sector in Luzerne and largest metropolitan area As of the first quarter this industry is expected this sector is expected and another 3,463 work- in the United States, Lackawanna Counties. In of 2018, Transportation to have third highest to experience a rate of ers transferring to other 2017, this sector contrib- with total population of and Material Moving new demand in the +0.3 percent year-over- industries. As a result of 555,426 residents. uted close to $3 billion Occupations employed a region – after Health year rate of growth. This these changes, the indus- toward the region’s $23.3 total of 28,569 workers, Care and Sales. With translates to an increase try will experience a Population Change billion gross domestic making it the second projected increase in of 273 jobs over the demand for about 5,651 Since 2010, the nation- product – nearly 13 per- largest occupation group the number of new jobs, period. In both counties workers. cent of the total regional in Luzerne and Lackawa- about 7,389 workers combined, this industry wide population has con- GDP. This industry is nna Counties. exiting the workforce, will demand about 9,664 Finance and Insurance tinued to increase. The the third largest employ- Over the next five and another 9,300 workers. During this Between 2013 and the Commonwealth of Penn- er (25,058 workers) years, this industry is transferring to another time-frame, about 4,008 second quarter of 2018, sylvania has also shown after the Health Care projected to add 601 industry, the demand for workers are anticipated the finance and insur- population increases, and Social Assistance jobs, at an annual rate of workers in the accommo- to exit the workforce, ance industry experi- except in 2016. Over the (46,639), and the Retail 0.5 percent. In this time- dation and food services with another 5,383 work- enced an average annual years, Lackawanna and Trade (30,469). Over the frame, there will be a industry is estimated at ers transferring to other employment growth Luzerne Counties have next five years, employ- demand for about 12,951 over 16,500 workers in industries. rate of 0.8 percent. At shown some consistency ment in the manufactur- workers. This is as a the next five years. this rate, this industry in their total popula- ing sector is projected to result of the total num- Construction was the seventh fastest tions. However, both decrease by 1,999 jobs, ber of new jobs, antici- Administrative & Support Over the last five growing industry in the counties saw a com- at an annual rate of -1.6 pated exits of approxi- Services years, the construction last five years. The same bined population decline percent. mately 5,275 people, and The Administra- industry has been the growth rate was seen between 2012 and 2016. This sector is faced transfers of about 7,075 tive and Support Ser- fifth fastest growing sec- in the Manufacturing The population decline with some significant people. vices sub-sector of the tor in both counties com- and the Health Care and could be attributed disruptions, which could Administrative and Sup- bined, with an annual Social Assistance indus- to natural causes and create new opportunities Accommodation & Food port and Waste Manage- average growth rate of try. As of 2018, a total migration. or lead to a decrease in Service ment and Remediation 1.4 percent. As of 2018, number of 10,417 work- employment. The fore- With 20,707 workers Services sector has a total number of 10,891 ers are employed in the Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 cast indicates that the over the last five years, shown fast growth over workers are employed in finance and insurance or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle. E45

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PAGE 45 CAN DO helps companies grow, create jobs in NEPA Provided by CAN DO ity. If a business requires to creating and retaining machinery and equip- full-time jobs. For busi- HAZLETON — Com- ment, for example, CAN Need financing? nesses like SBC and SUS, panies throughout Great- DO will review the best PIDA loans can finance er Hazleton and southern financing options for the the expansion of facili- Luzerne County turn to project, complete the ties, the purchase of new CAN DO to develop busi- application process, and We’re helping businesses equipment or machinery, ness financing solutions. ensure funding is in place small and working capital. At CAN DO, busi- for the acquisition. and large to CAN DO is permitted to nesses meet with eco- GROW When Susquehanna complete PIDA loans for nomic development staff Brewing Company all of Luzerne County. to address their project (SBC) explored financ- Land and State It is through PIDA that and financing goals, map Machinery ing for machinery and building program Workforce many CAN DO clients out strategies, work with equipment, CAN DO was and acquisition loans and training secure financing for their state and regional part- there to help. Equipment projects. ners, and secure funding grants* SBC contributes to loans* grants* loans* In addition to its work to expand their opera- Pennsylvania’s distinc- with PIDA and NEPA tions. tion as the nation’s leader Alliance, CAN DO part- CAN DO facilitates in craft beer production. ners with organizations financing opportunities In 2017, SBC contacted like the Luzerne County that play a pivotal role CAN DO to discuss its Office of Community in shaping the future plans to expand its pro- Development and Metro- of businesses and duction operations. The industries, resulting in Action to help businesses craft brewer previously acquire land and building economic development worked with CAN DO on acquisition loans, work- benefits for the region. financing projects and, ing capital loans, machin- CAN DO’s expertise based on this experience, ery and equipment loans, and partnerships provide turned to the organiza- and job creation and assistance and resources tion’s economic develop- investment loans. to help companies grow ment staff to facilitate 570-455-1508 CAN DO recognizes and create additional financing opportunities www.hazletoncando.com jobs. From small, family- for additional machinery that financial assistance owned businesses to and equipment costs. plays an integral role in multi-national corpora- CAN DO packaged a the success of a project tions, CAN DO facilitates $190,000 Pennsylvania or growth of a business wide-ranging financing Industrial Develop- and that’s why it acts *LOANS AND GRANTS CONTINGENT UPON CAN DO is a DCED certified as a liaison between opportunities that allow ment Authority (PIDA) JOB CREATION AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS economic development organization industries to flourish, machinery and equip- businesses and service create and retain more ment loan, with a spe- project, which ultimately equipment, along with which in turn will result providers, working to jobs and spur continued cial 2.00% interest rate expanded its operations. working capital, for the in the creation and reten- tailor solutions to each economic development incentive on a 10-year Recently, Summit Util- company. tion of jobs. individual client. CAN in northeast Pennsylva- term. The PIDA loan was ity Structures (SUS) In November, the Through the Penn- DO’s economic develop- nia. matched by financing worked with CAN DO on PIDA board approved a sylvania Department of ment staff has decades of CAN DO staff meets from Northeastern Penn- a similar financing proj- $1,000,000 machinery Community and Eco- experience in identifying with business owners, sylvania Alliance (NEPA ect. The company, which and equipment loan, nomic Development, the appropriate compre- addressing their needs Alliance), based in produces tubular poles matched by $1,000,000 CAN DO is a Certified hensive financial resourc- and concerns, develop- Pittston, which approved for use in the utility in bank financing, with a Economic Develop- es that leverage federal, ing a game plan for a $200,000 loan at industry, turned to CAN 3.75% interest, 10-year ment Organization. As a state, regional and local financing opportunities, 2.00% on a 10-year term. DO in securing financing term. CAN DO also facil- CEDO, CAN DO works funding. engaging their network Through CAN DO’s part- as part of its relocation itated PIDA’s $100,000 with PIDA in providing For more information on CAN to carry out strategies, nerships and leadership, to Hazleton. CAN DO working capital line of low-interest loans and DO’s financing program, contact and completing projects SBC secured the fitting played a pivotal role in credit, which will assist lines of credit for eligible Charles McElwee III at 570-455- that turn ideas into real- package to complete its acquiring machinery and SUS with its relocation, businesses that commit 1508, ext. 2007. E46

PAGE 46 THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 PSU WB offers training for manufacturing, logistics industry Provided by PSU Wilkes-Barre workers already in war tunity for growth locally, Commerce. Fortunately, calendar local industry’s ability production to take over manufacturing compa- As the economy has year 2018 witnessed to achieve success in the Penn State Wilkes- more highly skilled jobs. nies face a major hurdle rebounded since the significant investment digital age. Barre has been serving Much of the success of when hiring employees 2008 financial crisis, the in the overall NEPA Your employees are the needs of our work- Penn State can be attrib- who have the necessary need for trained workers industrial system by local your most important force since 1916 when uted to the flexibility of skills to perform. Loom- is outstripping supply, organizations and educa- asset. We take pride in the Penn State Depart- its offerings, and adding ing retirement of Baby creating a daunting per- tors. being your corporate ment of Engineering and removing programs Boomers, and a skill gap sonnel shortage — with Penn State Wilkes- training partner by Extension was estab- as demand directed. for jobs using advanced no quick fix available. Barre continues to providing customized lished in Wilkes-Barre in According to the Insti- technologies add to this By locating in NEPA, respond to the needs of programs to meet the order to train engineers tute for Public Policy and problem. companies avoid urban our local manufacturing educational needs of our and improve mining Economic Development Per industry experts, America’s high costs for workforce by offering local workforce. methods and worker (2018), Luzerne and the skills and talent cri- utilities and labor, as well multiple Supply Chain safety. Lackawanna counties sis is here to stay, and as infrastructure conges- and Project Manage- Penn State Wilkes-Barre During and after World Continuing Education have a forecasted job workforce concerns are tion, and despite our fre- ment courses. Penn State Lehman, PA 18627 War II, the Pennsylvania demand in the local man- the number one issue quent complaints about Wilkes-Barre’s Continu- 570-675-9253 wbce@out- State College Wilkes- ufacturing workforce that voiced by virtually every road conditions, highway ing Education office reach.psu.edu wilkesbarre.psu. edu/ce/working-professionals/ Barre Technical School exceeds 16,500 skilled employer in a recent access to local distribu- can help your company manufacturing-logistics Center offered credit workers. survey conducted by the tion centers is among the invest in learning and level courses and trained With all of this oppor- Pennsylvania Chamber of best in the nation. development to grow our Energy to do more

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