Christmas Day Breakfast Planned at University of Scranton

The University of Scranton’s 11th annual Community Christmas Day Breakfast will take place Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the third-floor Fresh Food Company of the DeNaples Center on campus. The breakfast, organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice and Dining Services/ARAMARK, is offered free of charge to the elderly or those who are alone or in need as a gift to the community for the holiday season.

The University’s Dining Service/ARAMARK staff and volunteers from the University will prepare and serve the breakfast that will include eggs, sausage, pancakes, danish, juice and more.

Reservations are not needed to attend. Parking is available for the breakfast in the University’s parking pavilion on Mulberry Street. For additional information, call 570-941-7401.

Millennials Flocking to Scranton, Allentown

Where are millennials buying?

A larger share are choosing Pennsylvania cities to buy their homes, specifically in Scranton and Allentown. A realtor.com® report found that Scranton is third on the list of top U.S. cities for millennials, while Allentown is sixth. Both cities, along with the rest of the top 10 list, have homeownership rates of 47% of millennials aged 25 to 34, while the national average is just 43%.

Scranton was applauded for its affordability and it’s also in close proximity to several major metropolitan areas.

“It’s not surprising to hear that Scranton is high on the list for millennial buyers, and believe me, it’s not just fans of The Office who have recognized what we have to offer,” said Paul Marcks, president-election of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors®.

“Simply put, Scranton is a fun, progressive city that is very affordable and offering way more than possible in the past. Our revitalized downtown district has been booming with both converted loft apartments for rent and condos for sale. New restaurants are bringing modern and unique menus, and small businesses feature clothes, custom-made jewelry, handmade gifts and more. Graduate programs and a newer medical school are part of the attraction, and the city and vendors have recognized that and adapted quickly. There are grants available for homebuyers, businesses and, most recently, a 10-year tax abatement on the improvement value of any new building, both commercial and residential”, added Marcks.

Allentown is also an up-and-coming place for younger buyers.

“I think that the Allentown area offers so much in the way of social events and things are constantly going on. Downtown Allentown has had many enhancements; there are so many social things to do,” said Carl Billera, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® president. “It hits on so many fronts and it’s everything that a big city would offer without being a big city.”

Billera added that while inventory in Allentown is low, like in most areas of the country, prices are still reasonable. “Affordability is critical,” he said. “Taxes are not out of hand. I think there is a lot that Allentown offers.”

With lower interest rates, Billera said he has seen an uptick of millennial buyers in the area.

Chamber Member Small Business Saturday Offers

Small Business Saturday is on November 30! Here is a listing of special offers submitted to us by our members:

  • Bedrock Cloud Solutions: For Small Business Saturday, Bedrock Cloud Solutions is offering a free technology cost savings evaluation! Manage your business from virtually anywhere, any time and save on traditional technology costs with the cloud. Visit www.brcloudsol.com to get your free evaluation or call (570) 580-1124.
  • Building the Kingdom of God Religious Articles Store: Free Christmas Novena prayer card on Small Business Saturday, no purchase necessary.
  • FAB Travel Group: FAB Travel Group is offering an agency exclusive Hawaiian islands cruise from January 9-16, 2021 on the Norwegian PRide of America. Enjoy free beverages, a three-night specialty dining package, a 250 minute wi-fi package, a $50 shore excursion per port and $100 on-board credit per cabin. Call 1 (855) 5 FAB FUN or email information@fabtravelgroup.com for more information.
  • Lean Back Vapes: Lean Back Vapes is offering buy one, get one half off all juices and  20 percent off all mods, kits, tanks. Offer valid in store only.
  • Northern Light Espresso Bar and Café: For Small Business Saturday, Northern Light Espresso Bar and Café will be offering gift cards, custom gift baskets, café candles by Note Fragrances, Hay Straws, café note cards,  and products by The Sauce Snob all at 10 percent off regular prices.
  • SkyZone Pittston: On Friday, Nov. 29, SkyZone will offer an annual pass for all of 2020 for $99.99. The sale will begin at 9 a.m., and is limited to the first 99 people. Special hours for the day are as follows: open jump from noon to 10 p.m. and lock-in check in is at 11:30 p.m., with pickup at 6 a.m. On Saturday, Nov. 30, purchase any membership and get your first month for one penny. On Monday, Dec. 2, SkyZone’s online-only Cyber Monday offer includes a 10-jump pass for $49.99, passes are valid for one year. The day’s special hours are from noon to 5 p.m., jump all day for $20. For more information, visit https://www.skyzone.com/pittston.
  • The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple: Get 50 percent off select seats for “Love Letters” starring Barbara Eden and Barry Bostwick! Offer available IN PERSON ONLY at the Fidelity Bank Box Office — no code needed! Available hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the 8th Annual Buy Local Holiday Marketplace! Restrictions apply. Not valid on prior purchases or VIP tickets. Call (570) 344-1111 for more information.
  • Terra Preta Prime: Get a free $10 gift card with the purchase of a $50 gift card any time from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Thirteen Olives: Free giveaway to the first 50 customers. Store hours are from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • The Wandering Hen Café and Market: On Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, show your receipt that you bought local and get 20 percent off your meal. Also offering gift cards buy one, get one half off.
  • The Woodlands: Get a $20 Crescenzo’s gift card when you purchase a $50 Woodlands gift card.

 

 

 

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces SAGE Award Winners

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2019 SAGE Awards (Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence), which honor outstanding local businesses for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winner of each award category was publicly announced at The Chamber Gala at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

More than 100 applications were received. A group of volunteer community leaders and professionals teamed up to review applications and select finalists. The Chamber is proud to honor businesses that are making valuable contributions to the region and contributing to our overall quality of life.  The winners, in each category, are:

BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Northeastern Rehabilitation Associates

BEST PRACTICES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

Penn Foster

BEST PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Posture Interactive

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Woodloch Resort

FASTEST GROWING COMPANY

Bedrock Technology

HOMETOWN STAR

Scranton Fringe Festival, “Big Gay StorySlam”

NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

CaPAA of NEPA, LLC

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR

Discovery MI Preschool

PRIDE AND PROGRESS: EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Borough of Dunmore (Schautz Stadium)

PRIDE AND PROGRESS: INTERIOR RENOVATIONS

Penn State Scranton

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

United Sports Academy

PRIDE AND PROGRESS: NEW CONSTRUCTION

AAA North Penn and FNCB Bank (tie)

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Lavish Body & Home

Marywood University to Offer Free Art Portfolio Review Day

Marywood University’s Art Department will host a Free Art Portfolio Review Day on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for high school juniors and seniors, or others who wish to begin studying art at the undergraduate level. The event will take place in the Kresge Gallery, at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa.

Marywood University art professors will review work to help students build their portfolio prior to applying to college to study art. Seniors who have already applied to Marywood can use this day as an opportunity to fulfill the Art Department portfolio review requirements.

In addition to the portfolio review, during this event visitors are encouraged to attend private tours of Marywood’s art facilities, galleries, meet with current art students, and engage in an art activity. Light refreshments will be available.

For additional information or to register for Art Portfolio Day at Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu/artportfolioday, or call (570) 348-6278.