The Chamber and CAN DO Host Greater Philadelphia Business Development Event The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of community and business leaders on a business development industry tour to The Scranton Plan and the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliates of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CAN DO, Inc, of Greater Hazleton, recently hosted a business development broker mixer in the Greater Philadelphia region to strengthen relationships with commercial and industrial real estate professionals and advance business development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event brought together brokers and economic development leaders to highlight current and emerging development opportunities across the region, including available building and land sites, workforce assets, infrastructure, and competitive business environment. The mixer provided an informal setting for meaningful dialogue focused on business attraction, expansion, and long-term regional growth. “Engaging brokers in key markets like Greater Philadelphia is a critical component of our development and marketing strategy,” said Amy Luyster, Vice President of Business and Workforce Development, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Their market insight and professional networks help ensure Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania remains visible and competitive as companies consider new locations.” “The Greater Hazleton area is an integral part of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial market,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, CAN DO, Inc. “By working collaboratively with partners like The Scranton Plan and SLIBCO, we are able to present a regionally aligned picture of available sites, infrastructure, workforce strengths, and long-term value to companies considering expansion or relocation through engagement with strategic audiences such as Greater Philadelphia.” The mixer opened the door for The Chamber and CAN DO to advance follow-up site tours, generate new prospect referrals, and deepen ongoing partnerships with brokers and regional stakeholders. To learn more about business development opportunities, available sites, and economic development support services in Lackawanna County and the Greater Hazleton area, visit www.scrantonplan.com or www.hazletoncando.com.
Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community. The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources. With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year. Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country. Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Wright Center’s Dr. Decker Named ACP Fellow Dr. Mary Louise Decker, the infectious diseases medical director at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been accepted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Decker, a board-certified infectious disease physician, leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/HEP C Clinic. Dr. Decker is accepting new adult patients at our community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases. ACP fellows are a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, and research. More than 31,000 physicians have earned this mark of distinction since 1975, according to the ACP. Dr. Decker may now use the letters “FACP” after her name in recognition of this honor. This is not Dr. Decker’s first fellowship. In 2022, she was one of 175 physicians worldwide elected as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in infectious diseases, conferred on those who have demonstrated professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. The largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States, ACP has more than 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org. The Wright Center, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services at its growing network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information about its integrated medical, dental, mental and behavioral health, addiction and recovery, and Ryan White HIV services, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Equestrian House: Winter Dates Are Filling Fast ❄️ Winter has officially arrived in the Pocono Mountains—and there’s no better place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season than Equestrian House. Whether planning a ski adventure, a cozy winter retreat, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Equestrian House’s homes offer the space, comfort, and convenience guests are looking for. If thinking about a winter escape, now is the perfect time. Weekend and holiday slots go quickly—secure a stay before they’re gone. Click here for more information. ❄️ Why Guests Love Staying With Equestrian House This Winter ✔ Minutes from top ski resorts — including Elk Mountain✔ Warm, spacious, and fully furnished homes✔ Peaceful woodland setting with modern amenities✔ Perfect for couples, families, and group getaways✔ Consistently rated 5-stars for comfort and service After a day on the slopes, guests can come home to a cozy space where they can unwind, cook their favorites in a fully equipped kitchen, or curl up and enjoy the quiet winter scenery.
My Benefit Advisor: Why Employees Miss Their Benefits—and How Employers Help For many mid-sized employers, one of the most overlooked challenges in their benefits strategy is also one of the most costly: employees simply don’t understand their benefits. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of employees feel confident selecting or using their health plan. For smaller and mid-sized organizations where every dollar of premium matters, benefits confusion can directly translate into higher claims, lower engagement, and diminished ROI. The root problem is not a lack of benefits options, but a lack of clarity. Employees are overwhelmed by insurance jargon, complex plan structures, and enrollment materials that feel more like legal documents than decision-making tools. As a result, many default to the same plan every year without evaluating alternatives that might save them (and the company) money. The path forward starts with implication and education. Mid-sized employers can make a significant impact by redesigning communication around how people actually learn. This includes using plain-language explanations, visual comparisons, and short videos that break down key concepts like deductibles, HSAs, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks. Digital decision-support tools can help employees model costs in real time, so they can see the financial impact of their choices…not just read about it. Equally important is year-round communication. Benefits literacy shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Quarterly micro-topics, such as preventive care reminders, urgent care vs. ER guidance, and HSA contributions strategies, keep employees engaged and avoid costly misuse of the plan. Finally, personalized guidance can make a measurable difference. Offering short “benefits coaching sessions” during open enrollment or making HR and brokers available for talk-throughs helps employees feel supported, not overwhelmed. When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare decisions, help control claim costs, and feel more valued. For mid-sized employers, improving benefits literacy is one of the most effective, and low-cost ways to strengthen retention, culture, and financial performance. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Equestrian House: A Creative Refuge Sometimes, one simply needs to step outside of their own thoughts—and a mountain retreat is an ideal place to begin. Set on 100 private acres, the log cabin, cottages, and suites are surrounded by woods, walking trails, and a scenic pond—a setting where, one might say, Thoreau would have felt at home any time of the year. The landscape gently encourages reflection and imagination, whether meditating along a forest trail, journaling at sunrise, sitting by the water, resting by a fire, or clearing the mind with a game on the tennis or basketball courts. Guests are invited to gather a small group of kindred spirits who inspire one another. The lodgings, thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, offer ample space for shared meals, late-night conversations, and individual pursuits—writing, painting, composing, meditating, or simply focusing on personal well-being. This is a place to shape a truly personal creative or spiritual retreat. Though remote enough to feel deeply peaceful, the property is still within a half-hour drive of several small towns known for their local arts scenes. A week in the North Poconos offers a chance to rediscover what fresh air can do for new ideas. Click here for additional information.
PA Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded Access to PA ABLE Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a disability that started prior to the age of 46 will be eligible to save through the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program. Prior to this coming expansion, participation in the program was limited to those whose disability occurred prior to the age of 26. PA ABLE accounts provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, the opportunity to save money tax-free without impacting important benefits. Thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, ABLE accounts will now be accessible to six million more Americans, including one million Veterans. “This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “By broadening access to PA ABLE, we are helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to flourish – a vision that was unattainable before ABLE programs.” In 2014, federal legislation authorized states to establish ABLE programs, with Pennsylvania opening its first PA ABLE account in 2017 following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Since then, the program has grown to become the fifth largest program in the country with over 11,500 accounts and more than $180 million saved. PA ABLE offers a variety of investment options including a checking account where contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also free from state and federal taxes. Qualified expenses include a wide range of items such as rent, healthcare, groceries, assistive technology, vehicle modifications and much more. Up to $19,000 in contributions to a PA ABLE account can be deducted from Pennsylvania income taxes annually. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from state inheritance tax. New this year, anyone can contribute to a loved one’s PA ABLE account by purchasing an online gift card to be redeemed into an account, or making a gift directly through the Ugift platform with a code shared by the account owner. To learn more visit paable.gov/gift. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
Wright Center’s Dr. Walborn-Sterantino Presenting at January Tinnitus Meeting The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. At the January meeting, Dr. Erin Walborn-Sterantino, a licensed audiologist with nearly 30 years of clinical experience, certified in Tinnitus Management (CH–TM), will explore how the brain processes sound and stress, offering insight into the neural and emotional pathways that influence why tinnitus affects people differently. Attendees will also learn about a range of evidence-based treatment options, including sound therapy, cognitive and mindfulness-based approaches, and Lenire®, the first FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device for tinnitus. The session will highlight how these approaches can be personalized to support long-term habituation, reduce distress, and promote lasting relief. Recognizing that tinnitus affects people in deeply personal and varied ways — from mild annoyance to significant daily disruption — Dr. Walborn-Sterantino has dedicated her career to improving how patients are understood, supported, and treated. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic to national advocacy, professional education, and research advancement. She currently serves as secretary of the American Tinnitus Association, the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to improving the lives of individuals affected by tinnitus and funding innovative research to advance treatments and possible cures. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
Black Cow Cookies & Cream Announces Launch of Nitro Kombucha Black Cow Cookies & Cream is excited to announce a new collaboration and product launch at its downtown Scranton location. This week, the shop officially launched nitro kombucha on tap, featuring Blueberry Pomegranate kombucha from Good Juju Kombucha as its house flavor. Good Juju’s commitment to small-batch quality and thoughtful fermentation made them a natural fit for what Black Cow is building. To bring the concept to life, Black Cow partnered with Goblin Alchemy, who assisted in designing and fine-tuning the nitro system. The result is a smooth, creamy pour that elevates kombucha into a true draft experience—still a unique and rare offering in the region. This launch reflects Black Cow’s broader mission: Supporting independent producers Investing in quality over shortcuts Creating unique options that appeal to a wide audience, including families and health-conscious customers The response so far has been extremely positive, and Black Cow looks forward to continuing to introduce thoughtful, locally connected offerings to the downtown community.
Salt Barre Offering Weekly LED & Micro Facial Sessions The Salt Barre in Pittston is excited to offer weekly LED + Micro Facial sessions in partnership with Tree of Life Esthetics – a restorative, wellness-forward service designed to support both skin health and overall wellbeing. These facials use gentle LED light therapy to reduce inflammation, brighten the complexion, encourage cellular repair, and provide a deeply calming, meditative experience. Clients leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and recharged – inside and out. This offering is perfect for individuals looking to invest in health, longevity, stress reduction, and holistic self-care. One recent client shared: “I felt myself completely unwind from the moment the service began. The gentle LED light made the experience almost meditative, and my skin looked brighter and softer afterward. I left glowing on the outside and recharged on the inside.” Weekly Availability: Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays at The Salt Barre – Pittston Studio Who This Is For: • Community members seeking restorative wellness services • Professionals looking to reduce stress + support skin health • Anyone interested in LED light therapy and holistic self-care Click here for more information.
