MetroAction hosted more than 200 business leaders at its Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center this afternoon.  Awards were presented to recognize the dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by small businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania.

This year’s event featured the presentation of six awards, including a new addition for 2010- the Volunteer of the Year. Award winners included:

Small Business of the Year: Springbrook Kennels

New and Emerging Small Business of the Year: Scranton Urgent Care

Virtual Small Business of the Year: Michael Straub Photography, Inc.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year:   Michelle Bersch, owner of Design Done Right

Small Business Advocate: Amy Clegg, owner, Express Employment Professionals

Volunteer of the Year: Raymond Ceccotti, senior vice president, Honesdale National Bank, Vice president, MetroAction’s Board of Directors,
Co-Chair, MetroAction’s Loan Review Committee

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, not just in northeastern Pennsylvania but throughout the country,” said MetroAction president, Natalie O’Hara. “It is entrepreneurs who are designing our newest technologies, improving how we work and how we live, employing the most people, and who are contributing to and reinvesting in our communities.  Small businesses are our future, and this award brings that to light.”

In all, numerous companies were nominated in each category. Criteria upon which the nominees were judged included performance, growth, innovation, creativity, competitiveness, community involvement and more. The Small Business Awards Luncheon is a program of MetroAction, which exists to assist our small businesses in their growth, development and success and to recognize achievements and contributions of area entrepreneurs.

The luncheon also featured a keynote address by Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord.  “Most leaders know that small businesses are the backbone of Pennsylvania communities,” notes McCord.  “They are good neighbors, good investments, and good employers.  My objective as State Treasurer is to increase the economic security and prosperity of all Pennsylvanians.  And one of the smartest ways to do that is to invest in our small businesses.  The Pennsylvania Treasury is now developing several programs targeting start ups and entrepreneurs, including a Women & Money Project and a Micro-Lending Investment Initiative.  It is a pleasure for me to address the Chamber and the Scranton businesses community today as we honor the award winners and celebrate their accomplishments.”

MetroAction, in partnership with program partners and award sponsors, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank and Bank of America, offer sincere congratulations to each award recipient and are pleased to recognize these business owners and advocates for their hard work and dedication.

Photo Caption:
Front Row (L-R): Young Entrepreneur Award Recipient: Michelle Bersch, Design Done Right; Small Business Advocate Award Recipient: Amy Clegg, Express Employment Professionals; Small Business of the Year Award Recipients: Brenda and Michael Williamson, Springbrook Kennel; New and Emerging Small Business Award Recipient, Melissa Chisock, Scranton Urgent Care; Award Sponsor, Dan Santanielleo, Executive Vice President and COO, Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank.

Back Row (L-R): Award Sponsor, Michael McCarty, Business Banker, Bank of America; Natalie O’Hara, President, MetroAction; Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient: Ray Ceccotti, Honesdale National Bank; Virtual Small Business Award Recipient: Michael Straub, Michael Straub Photography, Inc.; Austin Burke, President, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Downtown Scranton is experiencing a boost in activity thanks to the efforts of the Main Street Scranton program. To learn more about how this national program is impacting the growth and successes of the local downtown community MetroAction interviewed Lisa Sauder of Scranton Tomorrow’s Main Street program to find out more about the program that has the community so excited. (more…)

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host a “prop drop” for NBC’s “The Office,” on  Tuesday, July 14, 2009.   Company representatives can drop off any items they would like to possibly appear on the show between 10:00 am – 1:00pm at the Chamber.

Requirements

• items must be in triplicate (3 identical items)
• items cannot exceed fifty (50) pounds
• items should not be folded, dented, torn or tarnished
• company representative dropping-off items must be authorized to sign a release form for each item to possibly appear on the show
• company representative MUST also bring two (2) business cards

The show, which prides itself on remaining authentic to its setting, will begin filming its sixth season shortly. Producers are specifically looking for items to appear on desks and walls- coffee mugs, ink pens and miscellaneous fun promotional items from regional, privately-owned businesses. No phone calls please.

Hope to see you there!

On January 14, 2009 at 8:30 A.M. the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and MetroAction will host William Bujalos, director of the MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MAATAC). Mr. Bujalos will discuss how the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) can help manufacturing firms regain profitable growth lost due to the negative impact of import competition.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act (TAA) program provides funding to manufacturing firms to share the cost of hiring a third party consultant to strengthen its operations and sharpen its competitiveness in the global economy.

Topics to be discussed at this informative session:
COMPETITIVENESS
– What is it anyway?
– How do you measure and track?
– How do you know when you have achieved it?

THE TAA PROGRAM
– History
– Program specifics
– Eligibility requirements
– Uses of funds

THE RESULTS
– Case studies
– Outcomes

Although this event is free, please confirm your attendance by contacting Kristine Augustine at 570-342-7711 or through the Chamber’s website.