Cancer Institute Announces New Board Member

The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors appointed James Pettinato, RN-HP, MHSA to the Board of Directors.  

James Pettinato, RN-HP, MHSA, is the Chief Executive Officer at Wayne Memorial Hospital. He was previously the Director of Patient Care Services at Wayne Memorial before taking over in January 2022 as the Chief Executive Officer. 

James has a Master’s in Health Services Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Marywood University. He started his career as an EMS captain and from there held positions as Director of Clinical Management, Registered Nurse- Intensive Care Unit, Case Manager- Associate Director of Professional Services/IV Program Manager, Critical Care Nurse Manager, Head Nurse II, and Director of Critical Care for a variety of healthcare organizations. James has experience on the administrative side of health care as well as firsthand experience collaborating with patients as a registered nurse at the bedside. 

Johnson College News

Johnson College $5 Million Comprehensive Capital Campaign for Campus Enhancements

Johnson College publicly launched its new, $5 million comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” during a community kickoff event on Wednesday, June 8, where it revealed plans for major campus-wide projects.

The “Innovation at Work” campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for growth and success: the construction of a new gateway building, which will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom space; the expansion of Woolworth Hall which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships.

A crucial catalyst for the “Innovation at Work” campaign is a $1 million contribution from Ideal T. Saldi, a Johnson College alum from the class of 1949, and his wife, Frances Saldi, alongside other funders who have invested in the College. The Saldis’ gift, announced in April before the college community, is the largest gift from a Johnson College alum to date and will have a lasting impact on the school, and its students. To honor this gift, the new, state-of-the-art gateway building will be named Ideal Saldi Hall.

“At the heart of this campaign is our students. It is focused on helping them be successful,” President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard said. “We strive to carry forward Orlando S. Johnson’s vision of providing a trade school to the region where young men and women can learn useful trades that will enable them to make an honorable living and become contributing members of society.”

As the world of technology continues to change rapidly, Johnson College must change with it. The College’s facilities must remain in sync with industry as new technologies, emerging fields of study, and more sophisticated equipment modernize how the world does business. 

Dave Boniello, president of Simplex Homes, Johnson College Alum from the class of 1984, former Johnson College Chair of the Board of Directors, and chair of the “Innovation at Work” Capital Campaign, announced that during the campaign’s silent phase, the College has already raised 75% of its $5 million-dollar goal thanks to loyal and generous donors from the community. After noting his personal pledge to support the campaign, Boniello asked the Johnson College community to join him in participating in the school’s most comprehensive capital campaign thus far.

“If you have an opportunity to support Johnson College and its students, through the “Innovation at Work” campaign, your gift will have a tremendous and lasting impact on our students, employers, and the region. Together, We Work!” said Boniello.  

For more information about Johnson College’s comprehensive, 5-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” visit Johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Johnson College Enrolling Students in OBDII Emissions Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education department is enrolling students into its next OBDII Emissions Training. The class will be held on the Johnson College campus in Scranton on Monday, June 27, Tuesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The class fee to be paid to Johnson College is $180, and a study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal. For more details, visit Johnson.edu/continuingeducation, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Team Enrolling Students in Two Different Welding Classes

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in a Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate MIG Welding starting June 21, 2022, and Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Stick Welding beginning June 30, 2022. Both classes will be held on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuingeducation/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. 

Both classes will teach the basics of the major welding processes and then focus on either Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick).

Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution in Support of STEM Outreach and Industry Fast Track Programs

Recently, Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Pride Mobility in support of the College’s STEM Outreach and Industry Fast Track Programs.

Pride Mobility’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach and Industry Fast Track programs.

Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused, hands-on technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.

Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College.

Women’s Resource Center to Host Great Chefs

After two very long years, Great Chefs is returning “in person” and will be held on July 20th at Constantino’s Catering in Clarks Summit. This special dessert edition of Great Chefs will be emceed by WNEP-TV 16’s Jackie Lewandowski. Attendees will enjoy a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres, raffles, music – and of course – dessert tastings!

Funds raised at Great Chefs support the WRC Safe Housing Program. The Program prioritizes emergency housing options for adults and children who are in immediate danger, are in a potentially lethal situation due to intimate partner violence, and/or are homeless due to that violence.

Schedule:
5:30 pm – Passed Hors D’oeuvres / Raffle Baskets / Music / Cash Bar
7:00 pm – Program
7:30 pm – Dessert Tastings & Coffee
8:00 pm – Basket Winners Announcement
Thank you to our Media Partners: WNEP-TV 16 & Lamar Advertising

To get tickets visit https://wrcnepa.org/great-chefs-2022/ or call (570) 346-4460 ext. 143.

Drucker & Scaccetti Merges with Armanino

Armanino LLP, one of the 20 largest accounting and business consulting firms in the U.S., announced that the partners and employees of Philadelphia-based tax firm Drucker & Scaccetti will join Armanino effective July 1, 2022. Drucker & Scaccetti will carry the Armanino LLP name and will be adding its downtown Philadelphia and Scranton, Pennsylvania offices to Armanino as the firm continues to expand its presence nationally and on the East Coast. Armanino opened its New York office in 2021 and this expansion represents a commitment to continue investment across the country.

“Drucker & Scaccetti has its finger on the pulse of the market, understands the importance of being ahead of trends and has a 30-year track record of bringing strategy to all their engagements, demonstrating both the curiosity and tenacity anyone would want from an accounting partner,” said Matt Armanino, CEO of Armanino LLP. “They share our values when it comes to putting clients and people first and finding the best solutions to help organizations, making them the perfect fit to expand Armanino’s presence into the region.”

Complementing Drucker & Scaccetti’s extensive tax consulting services, Armanino brings a plethora of specialty tax practices, including state and local tax, use tax, R&D tax credits, international tax and more. Clients will also have access to Armanino’s robust audit and risk assurance services that includes everything from financial statements and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance audits to SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, data privacy and cybersecurity.

“Since our founding, we’ve prided ourselves on our passionate advocacy on behalf of our clients, and they are who inspire us to constantly ask how we can find better ways to do things and bring forward the best solutions,” said Geoffrey Mesko, partner and board chair at Drucker & Scaccetti. “Armanino shares our drive and vision and has the capabilities to help us best serve our clients with a comprehensive suite of services backed by deep industry knowledge and a focus on client goals.”

With the addition of Armanino’s wide-ranging capabilities in consulting, Drucker & Scaccetti clients will have access to a new range of transformative capabilities and software addressing business challenges ranging from outsourced accounting to digital transformation.

“Whether we’re helping a client with accounting, human resources or CFO-specific challenges, or whether we’re helping them evolve their technology systems and software, we want to take that journey together with clients and bring them more power and depth. That’s why we’re excited about what Armanino means for us and for the businesses we serve,” said Rosalind Sutch, chief growth officer and partner at Drucker & Scaccetti.

Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the combination, commented: “Armanino is one of the country’s most admired and respected firms. Their innovation, technology, passion for client excellence, leadership, talent and culture are the ‘gold standard’ that other firms try to emulate. Drucker & Scaccetti is known as Philadelphia’s ‘go-to’ firm when it comes to sophisticated high net worth tax clients and owner operated businesses. They have become a ‘melting pot’ for young, entrepreneurial talent and are known in the marketplace for the brilliant tax and business advice they provide to their clients, making them a perfect fit to help drive Armanino’s continued national expansion.”

Armanino’s strong growth is anchored in its pursuit of expanded solutions, technology focus and specialized expertise. The firm has been listed on Inside Public Accounting’s Best of the Best Managed Firms list for 19 out of the last 20 years and is regularly featured in best places to work lists. Armanino is a Certified B Corporation®, committed to balancing people and purpose with profits and helping other organizations do the same.

This transaction is scheduled to close on July 1, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

Executive and Director Promotions at NDC Asset Management

NDC Asset Management has been providing high quality real estate and property management services to a wide variety of clients for over 50 years and takes immense pride in its long-term business relationships. NDC Asset Management also takes extraordinary pride in the NDC team and strives to acknowledge staff commitment, by promoting within the company whenever possible. NDC believes that by enabling staff growth opportunities within the company, it further strengthens relationships inside and outside the company.

NDC Asset Management is happy to announce the following promotions across our multi-state management portfolio, effective May 1, 2022.

Amongst these changes, we would like to formally announce and congratulate Bill Cramer, Vice President, Northern Division on nearly 15 years of service with NDC Asset Management. However, it is not a farewell as Bill will continue his tenure with NDC Asset Management focusing on business development, operating efficiencies and continuing to play a key role as a Vice President supporting management operations in our northern portfolio.

“These team members have been a key part of our successes, and we are happy to have them step into these well-deserved positions.” – Ronald J. Allen, CEO & Principal.

Jason Bartz, Executive Vice President, has been named President. As President of NDC Asset Management, Jason brings over 17+ years of commercial real estate development, construction, brokerage, and management experience to the organization. Jason also serves as Vice President of Development for NDC Construction Company located in Bradenton, Florida. Jason earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of South Florida and an MBA from Florida State University. Jason is a Florida licensed Real Estate Broker and a LEED Accredited Professional.

As President, Jason will oversee the daily operations of NDC Asset Management with a staff of over 300 employees located in five states: Florida, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia. Jason previously oversaw the management of over 380,000 square feet of retail, professional and medical office space has also brokered over $30,000,000 in sales and leases in professional/medical office buildings and vacant property in the Florida Region.

Rick Elwood, Vice President, Southern Division, has been named Senior Vice President of Operations. As Senior Vice President of Operations, Rick manages the day-to-day management operations of NDC Asset Management with a staff of over 300 employees located in five states: Florida, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Virginia. Rick is a graduate of Florida State University and joined NDCAM in 2004 as a Regional Manager. Rick has over 30 years of property management experience.

Rick has been providing direct operating oversight of the Southern Division since 2008, in addition to being responsible for the company’s growth throughout our Southern Division. During this time, NDC’s Southern Region has grown successfully from 11 properties in Florida to more than 60 properties across three states. The growth under Rick’s direction has included new construction, rehabs, and existing assets, with a vast assortment of programs that include LIHTC, Section 8, Rural Development, Public Housing, Blended Occupancy, Market Rate Housing, and RAD.

James Allen, Regional Property Manager, has been named Vice President, Director of Operations, Florida. James is responsible for the management and oversight of our Florida Region, in addition to client relationships, and new business opportunities. Prior to his current role, James served as a Regional Property Manager for NDC Asset Management since 2019 overseeing a portfolio that included LIHTC, Section 8 and RAD/PBRA properties as well as 394,000+ square feet of commercial office, medical, and retail space in the Bradenton and Sarasota markets.

James earned a B.S. in Finance from Marshall University in addition to being a licensed Real Estate agent in the state of Florida.

Kris McDonough, Regional Property Manager, has been named Vice President, Director of Operations, Western Pennsylvania. Kris is responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations of NDC Asset Management’s portfolio in Western Pennsylvania. Kris joined NDC Asset Management in July 2018 and serving as a Regional Property Manager. As Regional Property Manager, Kris oversaw a portfolio of LIHTC, Section 8 and Market Rate properties in Western Pennsylvania along with 120,000+ square feet of commercial retail and office space.

A graduate of Ohio University, and prior to joining NDC, Kris worked in professional and collegiate sports for eight years, managing sales, business development, and marketing with WME/IMG out of Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition to his managed portfolio, Kris is responsible new business and partnerships, corporate quality and efficiencies, and national vendor relations. Kris currently serves as the Vice President and Executive Committee Board Member of AAMP (Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh).

Allison Hendrick, Regional Property Manager, has been named Director of Operations, Eastern Pennsylvania. Allison is responsible for the oversight and management of the daily operations of NDC Asset Management’s Eastern Pennsylvania portfolio. Allison joined NDC in 2005, previously serving as a Regional Property Manager out of our State College office with a variety of Tax Credit and Conventional residential communities.

Prior to joining NDC, Allison spent ten years in the banking industry working in collections and management. variety of Tax Credit and Conventional Residential Communities.

Kay Jordan, Regional Property Manager, has been named Director of Operations, Louisiana/Mississippi. Kay is responsible for the oversight and regional management of NDC Asset Management’s portfolio in Louisiana and Mississippi. Kay began her career in property management in 2004 and joined the NDC team in 2012. During her tenure, she served as a Compliance Specialist and has extensive experience in new management acquisitions with blended occupancy lease-ups.

Most recently, Kay served as a Regional Property Manager in Louisiana. Her diverse portfolio consisting of Conventional, Tax Credit, HOME, Permanent Supportive Housing, RAD-PBV, Public Housing and Project-Based Section 8.

Firefighter Training Held at NET Credit Union’s New Location

Taylor Borough Fire and Rescue recently held a training session at NET Credit Union’s new location, 900 S. Main Street in Taylor, PA on Monday, April 26th, 2022. The new location is the former Via Appia.

Wesley Jones Jr., Rescue Captain with the Taylor Borough Fire Department, contacted NET to utilize the building before demolition begins.  The training was open to all local volunteer fire departments. Chinchilla Hose Company of South Abington Township, Greenwood Fire Resuce, Old Forge Fire Department and West Pittston Hose Company all joined the Taylor Fire Department. All participants practiced search and rescue and roof ventilation drills.

NET Credit Union plans to open their third branch location in Taylor sometime in 2023. NET Credit Union is currently working with architects, Hemmler and Camayd, on a plan. NET Credit Union is excited to be a part of the Taylor community and further this relationship with the fire department.

The Taylor Borough Fire and Rescue hosted an additional training session on Sunday, May 1st at NET Credit Union. The more trainings held, the safer our community will be. NET Credit Union appreciates all first responders and values their dedication to protect our communities.

Gerrity’s Increases Starting Rates

Gerrity’s Supermarkets is very proud to announce that they have raised the starting rates for all positions.  The family-owned business has also rolled out annual raises early for most existing employees.  As an added incentive, the company also continues to offer a new hire bonus of up to $500. 

According to Joe Fasula, Co-owner of Gerrity’s, the ongoing labor shortage continues to make it difficult to find and hire people.  “We know that our team is the reason for our success.  We want to reward the people who got us here and we want to find more people so we can make everyone’s job easier.  We recognize that the store with the best team is going to give the customer the best experience,” said Fasula.  

All full-time starting rates have moved to $14 per hour.  Skilled positions like butchers, cooks, cake decorators, and bakers start at $17, and butchers and cooks can go as high as $20 depending on experience.  On the job training is offered for all positions. Most part time positions start between $10 and $12 depending on position and availability.  The result of the rate adjustments is an increase in average hourly rate of 8% over 2021, and that was 10% higher than 2020. 

Fasula does not anticipate needing to increase prices as a result of this change.  “If it wasn’t for the higher sales that supermarkets have experienced over the past two years, we could never have been able to afford a wage increase like this.  We have more employees in our departments than most other stores because we make so many of our products from scratch.”

Knowles Insurance Announced Continued Family Participation

Matthew Knowles launched the fourth generation of his family’s participation in the insurance business when he recently joined Knowles Insurance, headquartered in downtown Scranton.

Matthew brings his large market, large client, cyber liability insurance experience to the agency as the firm’s cyber risk practice leader. He spent years in New York City specializing in complex cyber liability insurance programs for clients in the $100M – $5B revenue range. During his years with Willis Towers Watson, a multinational risk management, insurance brokerage, and advisory company, Matt managed the cyber insurance programs for numerous banks, private equity firms,
manufacturers, and health care organizations.

Over 30 years ago Robert J. Knowles, Jr. purchased the firm from the previous generation and has served as the agency’s principal since that time. “We’re delighted to have Matt return to northeastern Pennsylvania and bring his cyber liability experience to expand our agency’s expertise,” related Robert Knowles Jr. “And I’m equally proud to have Matt continue our history of providing a full range of insurance products and risk management solutions to our broad base of clients,” he continued.

Matt added, “This is an ideal time to join the company and offer enhanced cyber risk services to our business partners. This is a time when businesses throughout the country are challenged with technology risks in a digital environment and many business leaders are unsure where to look for guidance. We can assist them from both an insurance and risk management perspective. I am excited to join a company that continues to evolve and adapt in order to meet the needs of the market.”

Knowles Insurance is a full-service insurance firm serving corporations, organizations, and families throughout the 22 states from their corporate headquarters in northeastern Pennsylvania. The firm has provided a variety of specialized insurance services to businesses and individuals for almost 90 years.“We are fortunate to have a superior management team and devoted staff as we’ve grown the business over the last quarter century,” stated Robert Knowles, Jr. “Susan Kelly and Todd Zimmerman have been instrumental to our success during that time. With their dedication we have built a reputation on establishing long term relationships with our clients by reducing their total cost of insurance risk.”

The firm previously known as Knowles Associates has recently rebranded as Knowles Insurance with a new logo and signage for their corporate headquarters building.