“Lunch With Leaders” Scranton YP welcomed State Rep. Kyle Mullins as principal speaker for its “Lunch with Leaders” event at Marywood University.
Member Welcome Lunch The Chamber hosted a Member Welcome Lunch, where more than 50 members had the opportunity to discover how their membership could help their businesses.
International Women’s Day The Chamber hosted an International Women’s Day celebration at Glenmaura National Golf Club.
Business Breakfast Briefing The Chamber, in partnership with McNees, Wallace and Nurick, hosted a Business Breakfast Briefing on I-9 compliance.
April 2019 President’s Message “Making Your Business Grow!” The mission of the Chamber is very simple—to attract, sustain, and grow business. For the moment I would like to focus on the word “grow.” When we speak of growing business, we generally focus on the entrepreneurial environment, namely working with and encouraging start-up and emerging businesses. In that regard we provide a variety of services, such as networking among fellow Chamber members, incubator space in our Scranton Enterprise and TekRidge Centers, educational programs and access to funding and technical assistance, just to name a few. The entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region is strong, particularly with respect to emerging firms in the technology sector. Our outstanding regional higher education institutions are hotbeds of young, intelligent, and creative minds that have the potential to launch the next Google, Amazon, or Apple. In this issue of Momentum, we spotlight the new e-sports program at Lackawanna College. Could this group of tech-savvy students include the next entrepreneurial superstar who will grow the must-have technology of the future? If so, your Chamber will be there to help them grow.
Edwards Business Systems Named an Elite Dealer by ENX Magazine Edwards Business Systems (EBS) of Pennsylvania has been named one of the country’s 2018 Elite Dealers by ENX Magazine. The award is presented annually by the publication to the top office equipment dealers in the U.S. The 130-strong 2018 Elite Dealers were selected based on numerous criteria, including growth initiatives, innovative marketing programs, outstanding customer service, charitable contributions to the community, progressive workplace cultures and adaptability to an ever-changing market. “We would like to congratulate our 2018 Elite Dealers, who continue to thrive and grow in a highly-competitive marketplace. Even as the needs of their clients continue to evolve, these dealers blend many 21st century tools and tactics with old-fashioned customer service—backed by a loyal workforce—to ensure successful outcomes,” said Susan Neimes, managing editor of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week In Imaging. Erik Cagle, editorial director of ENX Magazine added, “The strength and vitality of this group is a testament to their core values. It seems that every year, as the industry continues to consolidate, our roster of Elite Dealers continues to grow by leaps and bounds. There are many fascinating success stories to be told, and they can be found in our December issue.” Edwards Business Systems has been named an Elite Dealer for the last 19 years. Proud of their achievement, Ray Fuentes, President of Edwards Business Systems said, “Our company has continually been at the forefront of developing cost effective, efficient, quality solutions for our client’s document management needs. It’s not just about equipment and software; it is about knowledge, service and fast forward solutions.” Mr. Fuentes continued, “This award could only have been possible through the commitment of our team. Our employees continually strive to deliver the best in quality, technical support and dedication to our clients.” This year’s Elite Dealer honorees encompass dealerships with revenues of less than $5 million a year to those with revenues of more than $50 million. Elite Dealers are the entrepreneurs, innovators, top sellers, and celebrated members of the communities in which they work and provide office technology, software, and services to businesses and organizations of all sizes. Top dealers also do a terrific job of donating time, talent and money to their local and national charitable organizations and causes, have a nurturing work culture, treat their employees well, and offer innovative marketing programs. Edwards Business Systems has been in business since 1954 and is one of the countries’ largest independently owned Office Equipment Dealers, recognized by all of the vendors for excellence in sales and service. EBS and its sister company Virginia Business Systems (VBS),with over 180 employees, are in their third generation of management and ownership, continuing the family commitment of meeting and exceeding the needs of their clients. Edwards Business Systems, headquartered in Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley, has offices in West Reading, Middleton (serving Lancaster, York and Harrisburg), Scranton (serving Wilkes-Barre and the Pocono Region), Lewisburg and Pottstown, PA. Virginia Business Systems is headquartered in Richmond and serves Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Roanoke, New River Valley, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Shenandoah Valley and Hampton Roads.
Wilkes University Theatre Presents The Dining Room Wilkes University Theatre presents the sentimental comedy, The Dining Room. The performances will take place on April 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. with matinee performances on April 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. The production is at Wilkes’ Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, 239 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. The Dining Room features a series of vignettes and highlights a variety of characters as they go about their daily business. Each of the eighteen scenes, which range from the comic to the serious, explores the dynamic relationships of family life. Set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the action is comprised of interrelated scenes. Each story is focused on a different family, set in different time periods, each of which has in its possession the same dining room furniture set. The play is by A.R. Gurney. General admission is $10, $5 for students and seniors and free for all Wilkes students, faculty and staff with ID. Parking is available at the Henry Student Center along with handicapped accessible options. For more information, please call the box office at 570-408-4540.
RailRiders Copa de la Diversión Identity Announced The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce that for six games during the 2019 season they will be playing as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Vejigantes. This is the first year the RailRiders participating in Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión® (Fun Cup™) that now includes 72 teams across the country playing nearly 400 games under Latinx identities. “We could not be more excited to be involved in such an important and fun initiative with Minor League Baseball,” said Josh Olerud, the RailRiders President and General Manager. “We recognize how important it is to involve all Northeast Pennsylvania residents at PNC Field and we know that participating in the ‘Copa de la Diversion’ is a small first step in what will be a lasting effort to connect with our local Hispanic community.” The cornerstone of MiLB’s U.S. Hispanic/Latino fan engagement initiative, Copa de la Diversión established an innovative new platform authentically connecting MiLB teams with their diverse communities, embracing the culture and values that resonate with most Hispanics/Latinos nationwide. Teams participating take on new identities for select games during the course of the season, donning unique uniforms and altering their brand to pay tribute to this heritage. A “Vejigante” is a folkloric masked character, boasting roots from a wide spectrum of cultures. The eccentric jester-like Vejigante is often characterized during Carnival and other celebrations, engaging in mischievous and entertaining antics alike. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adopted the moniker to unite the region’s growing Latinx population. The RailRiders will reveal the Vejigantes uniforms as part of the Meet the RailRiders event April 2 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will host Copa de la Diversión games on June 9 (against the Syracuse Mets), June 22 (Durham Bulls), July 16 (Columbus Clippers), July 21 (Louisville Bats), August 4 (Lehigh Valley IronPigs) and on August 31 (Buffalo Bisons).These six games throughout the season will each be specifically themed, featuring matching live music and in-game entertainment: June 9: Interfaith Day July 21: Food Truck Festival June 22: Carnival August 4: Heritage Day July 16: Youth Baseball/Softball Night August 31: Scranton Latin Festival Plans also include a Luis Severino Bobblehead giveaway June 22, presented by Dickson City Hyundai and a Food Truck Festival featuring local food vendors showcasing their best dishes at PNC Field July 21. The day of the Scranton Latin Festival will cap the giveaway season with a Gary Sanchez bobblehead, presented by Geisinger. The former RailRider will be wearing a Vejigantes-themed catcher’s mask. The biggest fanfare of any of the games might be July 16 when Roberto Clemente’s No. 21 will be retired at PNC Field. That night, the first 500 children 12 and under will receive a commemorative Roberto Clemente replica t-shirt presented by La Tolteca. “The growth we’re seeing in team participation for Copa is outstanding,” said Kurt Hunzeker, Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Research for Minor League Baseball. “We like to say that you don’t attend a Minor League Baseball game, you feel it. To extend that feeling to a previously underserved fan base is remarkable.” The RailRiders’ 2019 Copa de la Diversión initiative is presented by La Tolteca. The RailRiders are just a few weeks away from Opening Day at PNC Field, April 11 against the Buffalo Bisons. For more information about tickets, visit www.swbrailriders.com and for more information regarding Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s involvement with Copa de la Diversión, visit www.swbrailriders.com/fans/copa.
