January 9th, 2012
Scranton Tomorrow and MetroAction have recently released the results of the 2011 NEPACU Survey. This survey represents college students from eight educational institutions in Lackawanna County.
Executive Summary
Survey presentation
Appendix
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December 28th, 2011
Kelly Oppelt and Amanda Kuhn have known each other since elementary school and were reunited several years ago while working at a Monroe County publication and creative services firm. After being temporarily laid off, the compatible duo decided to combine their knowledge and experience to launch Smart Blonde Creative – an agency dedicated to providing affordable design services to small businesses and individuals in the Poconos.
The business partners believe their familiarity with the design needs and creative demands of local clientele will provide an untapped opportunity to harvest success. “However, we knew applying for a loan to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies would be our biggest challenge,” says Oppelt who was referred to MetroAction by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.
“The staff at MetroAction really helped us understand the entire loan application process,” observes Kuhn after the pair obtained a $15,000 small business loan. To keep overhead expenses down, Smart Blonde is operating as a home-based business, an additional benefit to Kuhn, a new parent.
Smart Blonde Creative has recently been a recipient of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC funding.
Tags: MetroAction, small business financing, Smart Blonde Creative, University of Scranton SBDC
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December 6th, 2011
The Dale Carnegie Course: Skills For Success program will power you to move far beyond your comfort zone as you stretch for and attain ambitious new goals.
It will help to:
• Build Greater Self-Confidence
• Strengthen People Skills
• Enhance Communication Skills
• Develop Leadership Skills Reduce Stress and Improve our Attitude
Come join us on Tuesday, December 13th for a FREE session of the course at the Hampton Inn Hotel at Montage Mountain in Scranton from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. This event will be begin on December 13, 2011 and continue every Tuesday evening for eight weeks.
Call Rich Scott to register at (570)510-6980. Seating is limited.
Tags: Dale Carnegie, Hampton Inn at Montage Mountain, leadership skills
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November 28th, 2011
Join us this week for First Friday in downtown Scranton! For a map and a full list of venues, visit http://firstfridayscranton.com.
First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses around Downtown Scranton. Paintings, photography, sculpture, music, performance art…you never know what you’ll find at First Friday in Scranton.

Support local artists and businesses and mingle with your Northeastern Pennsylvania neighbors, all in a casual atmosphere. Hope to see you there!
Tags: art walk, First Friday, scranton
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November 21st, 2011
Local food, beverage and hospitality industry businesses in Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Carbon, Schuylkill and Wyoming counties are eligible to apply for scholarships to MetroAction’s Small Business Institute or Marketing Mastery programs. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: food and beverage small business training, hospitality small business training, MetroAction, Sam Adams Brewing the Dream program, small business training scholarships
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November 21st, 2011
The Civic Ballet Company of Scranton and a property located at 312-314 North Washington Avenue recently received funding through the Main Street Scranton Façade Program. MetroAction has partnered with Scranton Tomorrow to help local businesses make improvements to the exterior of their properties through this program. The program provides grant and loan funds to local businesses making façade improvements to their business. Read the rest of this entry »
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November 21st, 2011
Luzerne County businesses affected by Tropical Storm Lee and/or Hurricane Irene can now apply for low interest loans to assist with flood recovery. On November 10, 2011, the Commonwealth Finance Authority approved $4 million in funding to be used to develop the Luzerne County Flood Recovery Loan Fund. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Flood Recovery Loan Fund, low interest loans, Luzerne County, MetroAction
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November 17th, 2011
Michael Bird had a perennial dream. In June 2000, he began working summers at Wilmot Nursery and Landscaping in Lake Ariel. Founded in 1985, the nursery was considered the area’s premiere source for landscaping, hardscaping and gardening needs and Bird wanted to be a part of its success. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Lake Ariel, MetroAction, Michael Bird, small business financing, small business loans, Wilmot Nursery and Landscaping
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November 7th, 2011
With Veteran’s Day approaching, I thought it would be nice to post an article that I recently read about — 6 Ways Small Business Owners Can Celebrate Veterans Day.
Leave a comment and let us know what you’re doing to celebrate Veterans Day.
Tags: veterans day
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November 1st, 2011
Join us this week for First Friday in downtown Scranton! For a map and a full list of venues, visit http://firstfridayscranton.com.
First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses around Downtown Scranton. Paintings, photography, sculpture, music, performance art…you never know what you’ll find at First Friday in Scranton.

Support local artists and businesses and mingle with your Northeastern Pennsylvania neighbors, all in a casual atmosphere. Hope to see you there!
Tags: art walk, First Friday, scranton
Posted in MetroAction | No Comments »