As long as he can remember, playing and working on the boats around Lake Wallenpaupack has been the biggest part of Kevin Trevor’s life.So when the time came to decide on a career path, he never considered pursuing anything other than what he loves doing.

Upon returning home from the Marine Mechanics Institute in Florida, Trevor discovered a nearby marina business had closed leaving hundreds of customers underserved. It was an ideal opportunity to put his education and experience to work so in 2009, the seeds were planted for New Wave in Recreation. Trevor’s parents, who have extensive industry experience, provided unconditional support and became his first two employees.

As the business blossomed, Trevor realized the current location was too small and moved into a larger facility. The entrepreneur also decided to look into MetroAction’s loan program for the financing he needed to sustain New Wave’s growth.

“The staff at MetroAction really understands the needs of small business owners, and shared my vision for New Wave’s continued success,” says Trevor, who borrowed $20,000 for working capital and inventory.

“I also attended MetroAction’s Small Business Institute where I learned about the importance of taking a step back from my day to day responsibilities and looking at the big picture of owning a business.”

With his dream of owning a marina business now a reality, the future looks promising for Trevor who recently became a franchisee of Boat U.S. offering fuel, repair, and towing discounts to members; the only one in the surrounding area.

For more information on MetroAction’s loans visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270.

Nominations for the 2nd Annual SAGE Awards- Scranton’s Awards for Growth and Excellence. Read the rest of this entry »

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!

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!

Scranton was recently named as the number one city in the “10 Best Places to Start Over” by MSN Real Estate, ranking high in everything from job prospects to affordable housing.  The report by MSN Real Estate and Local Market Monitor is yet another sign that Scranton’s economy is headed in the right direction.   Read the rest of this entry »

MetroAction is pleased to present the 2010-2011 Annual Report!  This year’s report, entitled Home Grown Success tells about the successes of small business owners who have overcome challenges and found help through the financing and training programs offered by MetroAction.  For over 30 years, MetroAction has remained committed to cultivating opportunities and supporting the growth of small businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania. Read the rest of this entry »

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!

Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave, you’ve undoubtedly heard the buzz about Twitter. But did you know Twitter can help your business?  Let MetroAction show you how!   Read the rest of this entry »

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!

A few years ago, colleagues Christine Kromko and Douglas Smith wanted to ensure they could keep working the jobs they loved.  So the longtime employees of Jake’s Carpet purchased the Hamlin landmark.  For them, the decision was simple “Jake’s is family owned and operated and always has been.  This is where we live, where we work, where we raise our families,” says Kromko.  Read the rest of this entry »