University of Scranton Rated Among Best Values in U.S.

Spring 2022 photo shoot by Nathan Cox

Money magazine gave The University of Scranton its second highest star rating in its selection of the 2023 “Best Colleges in America” based on value. The University of Scranton received a four and one-half star rating based on the magazine’s analysis of dozens of data points to evaluate affordability and student outcomes.

Just 34 colleges in the nation received Money’s highest rating of five-stars, which included many the nation’s ivy league and near-ivy league schools. Scranton was among 189 schools in America to receive the second-highest, four and one-half star rating, which included highly-regarded Jesuit schools like Boston College and the College of the Holy Cross and prestigious schools in Pennsylvania such as Carnegie Mellon University and Villanova University.

Money rated less than 800 colleges in the nation with two and one-half to five stars. Colleges not included in its listing failed to meet Money’s initial screening requirements, such as having at lease 500 in-person undergraduate students or 150 full-time faculty members, having sufficient data to analyze, and other criteria. According to Money magazine, “the most common reason colleges don’t make the cut is that their six-year graduation rate is too low.”

The factors Money used in assessing the value of the education provided by colleges included an analysis of the schools’ quality (30 percent) and affordability (40 percent) and the outcomes of graduates (30 percent).

The factors Money analyzed to determine a college’s “academic quality” included the six-year graduation rate, the standardized test scores of incoming students, the student-faculty ratio, financial stability and the graduation rate of Pell Grant recipients, among other factors. The analysis also included “value” assessments that looked at a school’s predicted graduation rates based on the academic and economic profile of its student body versus its actual graduation rates.

The criteria used to assess “affordability” included an estimate of the “net price of a degree,” which assessed tuition, the time it takes for students to graduate, and the school’s average financial aid offered to students. The “affordability” criteria also looked at student debt, student loan default rates, and student loan default rates adjusted for the economic and academic profile of a school’s student body, in addition to other factors.

The factors Money used to assess “outcomes” included the average salaries of students ten years after enrollment based on data from U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard as well as salaries of graduates adjusted by major. In addition to other factors, the “outcomes” criteria looked at socio-economic mobility data from Think tank Third Way that measures a college’s share of students from low- and moderate-income backgrounds as well as the cost and payoff of a degree for those students.

Money’s 2023 “Best Colleges in America” rating was published online July 12.

This is the eighth consecutive year that Money included Scranton in its published list of America’s best values in college education.

Crystal President Named Queens Power Leader

The success and growing prestige and influence of Crystal Window & Door Systems and its top executives continue to be recognized by the press and public.  Recently, Steve Chen, President of Crystal Windows, was included by City & State New York Magazine in its notable Queens Power 100 List for 2023.  The list, published in the magazine’s May 22, 2023, print and online editions, highlights the top 100 movers and shakers in the New York City Borough of Queens.  Queens is home to almost 50,000 businesses and 2.4 million people, making it the fourth largest city in America if ranked separately.

In selecting Chen for the auspicious list, City & State editors noted the size of the company’s Queens workforce, product compliance with new aggressive energy codes, and the company’s community, philanthropic, and educational support.  Crystal’s headquarters and production facility in Queens employs 350 workers, with 99% residing in New York City or State, and 98% are minorities.  Crystal supports many local educational, art, and charitable institutions and programs such as the Queens Museum, Queens Theatre in the Park, and Queens Library Foundation.  The company recently established a $1.1 million endowment for Queens College School of the Arts for art exhibits and scholarship programs.

“At Crystal Windows, we are always focused on doing what’s best for our customers, our employees, and our community,” said Steve Chen.  “It is very rewarding to see these corporate values recognized.”

City & State New York, a weekly publication, is the leading political and public policy publication for New York City and New York State.  The annual Queens Power 100 List includes numerous elected officials, key government agency heads, major non-profit and advocacy group leaders, and a select group of business leaders based in Queens.

Geisinger Recognized as Top Employer by Military Organizations

Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system was recognized by Military Times on its 2022 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2023 Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction designation by VIQTORY.

This is the fourth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized with a Military Friendly® Employer designation, however, this is the first time the system has received the gold distinction.

Both honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment and efforts to building programs and opportunities for military veterans. 

The Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction signifies that an employer is setting the example for veteran and service member inclusivity with their programs and initiatives.

Companies earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,000 organizations participated in the 2023 Military Friendly® survey.

Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for applicants, new hire retention, employee turnover and promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.

For the Best for Vets recognition, Military Times evaluates the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families when looking for an employer. Recruitment and employment practices, along with retention and support programs were given the most weight in scoring and final rankings.

“Our military veterans have done so much for us. That’s why we’re committed to providing care options and career opportunities to them in their local communities,” said Kim Drumgo, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Geisinger. “We know that employing talented and dedicated people, like those from our veteran community, helps us make better health easier for our members and patients — including more than 48,000 veteran patients.”

Geisinger employs more than 800 veterans and active-duty service members throughout the system. As part of its commitment to the military and its veterans, Geisinger offers a paid military leave benefit, which allows service members employed by Geisinger to be paid for time at annual trainings, encampments and drills. It also is part of a military fellowship program that eases the transition of active-duty service members looking to move into a civilian career.

To learn more about Geisinger’s veteran programs and career opportunities, visit jobs.geisinger.org/veterans.

Tobyhanna’s Latest Employees of the Quarter

Although many different things go into running a world class business, at the end of the day, it is the people that matter the most. That is why every three months, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) chooses two employees to be named their Employees of the Quarter (EoQ).

On a depot of about 3,500 people, there are many great candidates to choose from. This quarter, Shana Fields of the Production Management Directorate and Raymond Loewenthal of the C4ISR Directorate have been selected as the junior and senior honorees respectively.

Fields currently serves as a secretary and has been a member of Team Tobyhanna for about six and a half years. During her time at TYAD, she has provided high levels of service and support at both branch and division levels. She is responsible for maintaining communication with all 70 divisional personnel members across both the C4ISR Integration & Fabrication Division and Avionics & Sensors Division. She has been credited for her exceptional accuracy when tracking personnel pay and leave, managing government travel and purchase requirements, and ensuring requests are processed through the approval chain to meet required time and documentation suspense.

Chief of the C4ISR Integration and Fabrication Program Management Division, Mike Monroe, lauded Fields for her drive and professionalism.

“Shana’s service has consistently epitomized initiative, professionalism, endurance, competence, efficiency and accuracy,” said Monroe. “Those attributes, combined with her infectious, positive attitude have made her a leader within the division that all personnel come to for advice, clarity and support.”

Fields is also known for trying to find new, efficient ways to achieve her work. Despite having to manage many different tasks, she has maintained a “Six Sigma” reputation for her remarkable accuracy, meaning she has the skills to find, fix and finalize efficiencies to save time and money and improve our nation’s ready forces at the best value. This laser focus is directly credited for the division’s seamless record in meeting suspense dates on all tasks and correspondence.

Monroe said that Fields’ selflessness is one of her most admirable qualities.

“Shana is known for her willingness to take on further work and responsibility,” said Monroe. “Her attitude and work ethic consistently bring great credit upon herself and are recognized across the organization as someone who always puts her fellow employees, and the mission to support the Warfighter, ahead of herself.”

Fields said that receiving this honor only solidifies the appreciation she has felt ever since she started at TYAD.

“One great thing about my job is that I have never felt unappreciated,” said Fields. “It feels great to receive this honor. I feel as though it reinforces the acknowledgement I have received here for a while.”

Known for his ability to take initiative and work diligently, Loewenthal is an Electronics Mechanic and has been a member of Team Tobyhanna for 18 years. When his team recently experienced a failure to the MSS AN/TRC-194 terminal that prevented them from performing final testing and inspection of assets, Loewenthal sprang into action and was able to determine the failed component, work with engineers to find a replacement, and work proactively with his teammates to install it. His hard work and ingenuity restored the terminal to full mission capable status.

Chief of the MILSATCOM Branch, Christian Cognigni, commended Loewenthal for not only setting a great example for his teammates, but also living the Army Values.

“Mr. Loewenthal set a great example for new employees and seasoned co-workers alike. His actions demonstrate taking ownership of his workload, identifying priorities, good problem solving skills and excellent communications skills. He also displayed initiative, focus, diligence and attention to his assigned duties,” said Cognigni. “His example in this effort reinforces the Army Values and has been recognized by other departments within the TYAD organization.”

Loewenthal’s efforts benefitted TYAD in both the near and long term. Not only was the MSS AN/TRC-194 Satellite Terminal restored to full operational status in a timely manner, but the attention brought to this failing part has ensured no down time will be incurred if it is a problem again in the future.

Cognigni said that he appreciates Loewenthal’s willingness to do something that is outside of his usual responsibilities.

“This entire effort was outside his ‘comfort zone,’” said Cognigni. “Ray needed a degree of courage to take on this responsibility for us and we appreciate him stepping up.”

Loewenthal has also been selected as the CECOM Employee of the Quarter. He said that he appreciates being recognized for his hard work.

“It feels great to have received this honor,” said Loewenthal. “Although I have had a long career, it takes time to earn great things so I couldn’t be happier that the work has paid off.”

Tobyhanna Performance Awards Highlight Character Traits of Extraordinary People

A successful organization needs both creative and agile leaders, common traits among award winners setting the standard for others to follow.

Panels of judges chose five individuals to receive Tobyhanna Army Depot Employee of the Quarter awards. One award winner was subsequently named the Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, and C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) employee of the quarter.

Robert Hagenbaugh earned the command- and depot-level awards for actions taken while working as an electronics technician in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Site Installation and SATCOM Engineering Branch. 

Co-workers use words like loyalty, duty, respect and integrity to describe Hagenbaugh.  In addition, they maintain he guards his teammates jealously, recognizes them regularly and never seeks recognition for himself, according to the nomination package.

“It is truly a great honor and privilege to receive these performance awards,” Hagenbaugh said. “I don’t consider these awards as an individual award, but more of a group award knowing that our team is succeeding and moving in the right direction.”

Hagenbaugh spends a great deal of time traveling the world with his team, providing life cycle engineering and sustainment support for technical control facilities, mission command facilities, strategic command centers and home station mission command centers.  His depot career began 20 years ago. 

“Tobyhanna is involved in this mission because of Bob’s superior high level communication with site and program office personnel, in addition to a word of mouth reputation spreading throughout the Army of the depot’s ability to support these missions,” said former branch chief Shawn Smith. “Bob’s work ethic and tireless dedication to duty, team and mission set the standard and is contagious within the branch.”

Jeremy Kuzmiak and Hagenbaugh were selected Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Employees of the Quarter, for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, junior and senior categories, respectively.

Kuzmiak is a firefighter recognized for work accomplished while assigned to the Installation Services Directorate’s Fire and Emergency Services Branch.

The depot fire department recently completed a process known as Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover (CRASOC). The result is a comprehensive report that provides an assessment of risk as well as sets baseline and benchmark performance goals for the organization.

“Kuzmiak surpassed expectations analyzing and updating more than 100 pages of information well ahead of the deadline,” said Daryl Gebhardt, fire chief. “He volunteered to take on this massive project while still performing his regular duties.”

Kuzmiak was able to compose the report using skills he learned during a fire department analytics class. That, combined with years of additional training and hands-on experience helped the firefighter break down emergency response operations to show areas where the fire department excels or needs improvement.

Officials noted the 14-year Tobyhanna veteran also shares knowledge gleaned from authoring the CRASOC with his co-workers, according to Gebhardt.

“This award means a great deal to me and I want to thank all the people who helped me along the way,” Kuzmiak said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Robert Knecht, Joseph Twardowski and Steven Warner were selected Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Employees of the Quarter for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, supervisor, senior and junior categories, respectively.  

Knecht’s performance as the Systems Integration and Support Directorate’s Welding Branch chief set him apart from his peers. He leads a group of skilled artisans who perform duties here and at multiple temporary duty locations around the world. His responsibilities include managing a robust welding mission by maintaining effective processes and procedures in the shop, tracking training requirements for employees, and providing necessary equipment and supplies to meet customer requirements.

“Robert keeps track of all welding certifications held by shop personnel making sure they are current for AS audit readiness and that Tobyhanna is up to industry standards,” said Hiram Gillyard, Integration Support Division chief. “He also encourages team members to find ways to cut costs by streamlining processes.”

Motivated by unwavering determination and dedication, Knecht keeps a positive mindset no matter what is going on around him, according to Gillyard. 

“This award means the world to me having been recognized for the efforts of dedication and commitment to the organization and the warfighter,” Knecht said. “Teamwork is the key to my success. Working together as a team enables us to learn from one another while working toward a common goal.”

A number of employees applauded Twardowski for accomplishments while serving as the C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) Directorate’s Secure Communications Branch chief.

The individuals who nominated the work leader describe him as someone who goes above and beyond to support the mission. Twardowski is the first person to step up when something needs doing, they wrote on the submission form. Coworkers also noted that the team looks up to the branch chief, saying he sets the example.

Twardowski is responsible for making sure the cost center has everything it needs to meet the monthly production schedules. For instance, he verifies assets are inducted in a timely manner, determines and order parts for individual jobs, schedules employee training, and ensures deadlines are met on time and within budget.

“The team I work with is always doing what they need to do to meet customer expectations,” Twardowski said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. My success is measured by the successes of those around me.”

 Warner distinguished himself while working as a firefighter in the Risk Management Division. It was his idea to develop a program to mentor new employees as they adjust and learn new processes and policies in Tobyhanna’s Fire and Emergency Services Branch.  

“Steven is an informal leader and mentor among his peers due to his vast knowledge of Tobyhanna and his experience as a firefighter and paramedic,” Gebhardt said. “This program provides peer-to-peer support and mentoring as the employee gains the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively execute their duties in the most productive manner.”

Warner’s journey of self-improvement consists of activities that develop a person’s capabilities and potential — personally and professionally.  According to his coworkers, the fire captain continuously demonstrates a high degree of knowledge, professionalism and personal courage.

“Steven places the needs of his peers before those of himself and strives to make the department the best through his continued selfless service and contributions to the team,” Gebhardt said.

The new mentoring program ensures that all new employees will get all the pertinent information to be successful at Tobyhanna.

“Throughout my career, I’ve learned that having a strong team helps everyone,” Warner said.  “I wanted to make sure that all team members were being trained the same and all areas were being covered so I developed a new employee guide, then assigned senior firefighters to each new hire guide them through the process.”  

Recognizing employees for a job well done links to a TOBY2028 objective — Invest in our People. The objective centers on developing an agile and innovative workforce dedicated to providing the best value to the warfighter. The quarterly awards program identifies and rewards junior-, senior- and supervisor-level employees who, in the performance of their assigned duties, have established a pattern of excellence. Nominations can be submitted by co-workers, who work with the nominee, directly or indirectly, with a minimum of at least four nominators or by an employee’s supervisor.

Winners receive a special parking space for the quarter, On-The-Spot Award and plaque. Winning packages are forwarded to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) to compete in their respective categories.

Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.

Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.

Munley Law Attorneys Recognized By Super Lawyers

Munley Law is pleased to announce that 8 of its lawyers have been included in the 2022 edition of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Only 5% of attorneys in the United States are selected to Super Lawyers.

To be included in Super Lawyers, an attorney must be nominated by his/her peers, or identified by the Super Lawyers research department; lawyers cannot nominate themselves nor can they pay to be recognized on the list. Nominated attorneys are subjected to a thorough evaluation and selection
process.

Munley Law would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to the 2022 Pennsylvania Super
Lawyers list:
● Marion Munley
● Daniel W. Munley
● Caroline Munley
● J. Christopher Munley
● Robert W. Munley, III
● John M. Mulcahey
● Melinda C. Ghilardi

Marion Munley was also selected for the Top 100 2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Top 50
2022 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists.

Katie Nealon was named to the 2022 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, which recognizes 2.5% of
American lawyers who have been practicing for ten years or less.

Tobyhanna Employees Recognized for Earning Certification

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) employees who achieve the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) accreditation are now being publicly recognized for their accomplishment.

CET status can be achieved at a few levels, the first being the Associate Level, then the Journeyman Level, Senior Level and finally, the Master Level. Once certification at any level has been obtained, yearly renewal is required in order to ensure technicians are keeping up with advances in technology.

The CET initiative is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028, particularly the Invest in Our People, Shaping the Future and C5ISR Readiness lines of effort.

Employees who achieve any level of certification will be honored with their name and photo on a plaque displayed near the C4ISR Directorate Office. The effort is designed to ensure employees are receiving the recognition they deserve for putting in the hard work required to pursue the certification.

Electronics worker Adam Zuroski is among recent recipients of the certification. He said he thinks it is great that TYAD is recognizing those who have been obtaining the CET certification which will benefit the depot’s customers.

“I think it is fantastic. I really appreciate the support from my supervisors and all of my peers,” said Zuroski. “Being able to say we have certified technicians working on customer assets will be great for Tobyhanna.”

Electronics Mechanic Leader Brian Kohn is another recent recipient of the CET certification. He said he believes becoming certified has made him more prepared for his professional future.

“I believe earning this certification has prepared me for the work that is to come,” said Kohn.

Obtaining a CET certification has proven to be a great benefit to TYAD. As more employees earn it, work becomes more efficient, customer satisfaction increases and it gives the depot a competitive edge against competitors.

Depot officials state that employees receive a significant benefit from earning the certification as well as it keeps them up-to-date on current best practices in the industry and proves their commitment to the warfighter, who is the most important beneficiary. As employee confidence and commitment increases, warfighter satisfaction increases.

Chief of the Avionics Division John Stochla said he believes those who choose to pursue a CET Certification will be set up for success today and into the future.

“I believe education improves development on a personal level. [The CET program] is very good for refreshing people’s expertise and this is one step in our progression that will keep our development high,’ said Stochla. “I feel we are putting people in a position to be successful.”

Stochla explained that employees pursuing the CET certification will receive extensive preparation to ensure they are confident in the subject matter. Some preparation methods include supervisory coaching, a study guide, a week-long refresher course and the ability to take the exam whenever the employee is ready within a two year span.

Division Operations Manager Jeffery O’Neill said he believes earning the CET certification adds even more capabilities to TYAD’s already talented workforce.

“Certified Electronics Technician certifications provide proof of your knowledge in the electronics field,” said O’Neill. “We all need to challenge ourselves periodically, I would encourage anyone who is interested in additional information on the CET to reach out to your directorate POCs.”

Zuroski said although passing the exam was tough and required a lot of studying, it is very attainable to those who put in the effort.

“I enjoy challenges, so obtaining the CET certification really gave me something to work for,” said Zuroski. “Passing it definitely gave me a lot of personal gratification.”

Kohn echoed Zuroski’s sentiments, emphasizing that earning the certification is worth it and that people shouldn’t be deterred by the work.

“You’re never going to become a jedi if you don’t pick up your lightsaber,” said Kohn. “You have to know the book to pass the test, but earning the certification is very attainable.”

Employees interested in obtaining the CET self-paced study guide can reach out to the Employee Development Division at X56492. The guide is published by Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) and falls in- line with the computerized exam. For further information regarding the certification, employees can visit the ETA-I website at https://www.eta-i.org/.

Geisinger Supply Chain Receives Top 25 Recognition From Gartner

Geisinger has ranked 16th among the Gartner Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for 2021. The Gartner Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 identifies, celebrates and profiles health systems that demonstrated excellence in supply chain management over the past year. This year’s ranking included looking at a system’s ability to effectively navigate the post-pandemic landscape. This recognition includes influence from Geisinger’s quality outcomes, as well as its financial performance.

“The issues facing supply chains have been prominent in the media lately. Multiple factors, like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have affected how a supply chain functions. This is a significant recognition that Geisinger previously received in 2014,” says Kate Polczynski, vice president of enterprise supply chain services. “To be included in a listing with other prominent leaders within the healthcare supply chain community, especially during a pandemic crisis, is a testament to the dedication and impactful work of our Geisinger teams.”

Managing Geisinger’s supply chain is complex, leveraging talented teammates, effective processes and technology-driven decision-making to anticipate, plan for and execute in support of Geisinger.  

“I see inclusion in Gartner’s Top 25 as a recognition for all of Geisinger,” says Polczynski. “We’ve worked hard to build an integrated supply chain that partners and collaborates with our internal customers to ensure supply chain decisions are made with patient outcomes, quality and cost in mind. Working together, we have built a supply chain that is a leader in the healthcare industry, delivering precision execution to support the Geisinger family in caring for our patients and the community we are so fortunate to serve.”

Settlers Hospitality Receives Local, State and National Honors

Leadership. Excellence. Heritage. Settlers Hospitality is honored to receive a number or recent recognitions from industry peers and community organizations. These distinctions were bestowed on multiple businesses in a variety of categories demonstrating Settlers Hospitality’s strong commitment to its core values across all of its holdings.

Settlers Hospitality CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was named Business Person of the Year by The Chamber of the Northern Poconos in its 2021 Community Awards. Each year The Chamber salutes outstanding business leaders in appreciation for their enhancement of the region as a great place to live and work. “I’m honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” says Justin Genzlinger. “After an unprecedented year of challenges, it’s especially meaningful to me to be named Business Person of the Year. Weathering the uncertainties of COVID-19 was no easy task, but I think we’ve come out of it stronger as a company and even more connected as a community.”

Historic preservation was a founding principle of Settlers Hospitality. That commitment remains steadfast today with four heritage properties among its collection of hotels. Therefore, it was a privilege to be selected as a finalist in the 2021 Historic Hotels Awards of Excellence in seven categories! The program recognizes and celebrates the finest historic hotels and hoteliers from across the United States and around the world. To be chosen as a finalist among hundreds of nominees represents the pinnacle of this very select group. Historic Hotels of America (HHA) bestowed its highest honor on Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger. During the recent awards ceremony and gala in Kohler, WI the couple was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each year HHA recognizes individuals whose lifelong passion has resulted in the preservation and celebration of the history and stories of a legendary historic hotel. The Genzlingers were honored for their 40-plus year career in the hospitality industry and an enduring legacy of historic preservation that has transformed the Lake Region of the Pocono Mountains.

Settlers Hospitality was also chosen as a finalist in multiple categories including a nod for Best Social Media for The Settlers Inn, Sustainability Champion for Ledges Hotel, Best Small Historic Inn for The Sayre Mansion and Best Historic Resort for Silver Birches. Additionally, CEO/Owner Justin Genzlinger was nominated for Historic Hotelier of the Year and Founders Jeanne and Grant Genzlinger were also nominees for Steward of History and Historic Preservation.

Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale, PA was recently honored with the 2020 Heritage Tourism Award from the PA Route 6 Alliance. Each year the organization honors one group, organization or project from the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor that promotes economic development and stimulates tourism while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor. Nominees hail from throughout the Keystone State, from Pike County in the east to Erie County in the West. Hotel Anthracite celebrates Carbondale’s rich coal mining past in its name, décor and historical exhibits.

When the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced its list of 2021 SAGE Award nominees, The Settlers Inn was delighted to be included. The annual event recognizes the outstanding efforts, talent, creativity and innovation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Settlers Inn was singled out as a finalist for the 2021 Impact Award- People and Culture. The category acknowledges a business or organization that has gone above and beyond in response to the COVID-19 crisis to ensure the well-being of its employees.

“We are truly honored by each and every recognition,” states Genzlinger. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole staff. The awards are an excellent opportunity to showcase the efforts of everyone at Settlers Hospitality.”

Chamber Announces Fall 2021 SAGE Awards Finalists

Today, we announced the finalists for the Fall 2021 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 12 at the Chamber Gala, a black-tie optional event held safely at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center and presented by Fidelity Bank.

More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards and 50 community leaders and professionals volunteered 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 finalists, in each category, are:

BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• Pioneer Construction Company Inc.
• Posture Interactive
• Scranton Area Community Foundation

BEST PRACTICES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Center City Print
• Hilton Scranton & Conference Center
• theKIMMY

BEST PRACTICES IN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
• Fidelity Bank
• Horizon Dental Care
• The Honesdale National Bank

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• FNCB Bank
• Golden Technologies
• Posture Interactive

HOMETOWN STAR
• Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA
• Scranton Jazz Festival
• Scranton Tomorrow

IMPACT: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Friends of the Poor
• NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania
• The University of Scranton

IMPACT: PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• Golden Technologies
• Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania, PC
• The Settlers Inn

IMPACT: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
• Friends of the Poor
• Montage Mountain Resorts
• One Point, Inc.

NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• CTB Studio
• Epic Revenue Consultants
• Reed Advisory Group

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
• Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA
• Miller-Keystone Blood Center
• Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• Center City Print
• Noteology
• Quest Studio

Congrats to all finalists!! The recipient of each award will be announced on Friday, November 12 at the Chamber Gala, a black-tie optional event held safely at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

In addition, all award finalists can also win the People’s Choice Award, where the winner will be chosen by a community wide online vote on our website from Monday, November 1 through Friday, November 5.