NEW: NEPA Small Business Resource Guide

Posted on January 1, 2025 by The Dunmorean

Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, and John Augustine, President/CEO of Penn’s Northeast are shown with the guide, as well as the guide’s cover, symbolizing the strong collaboration among local economic leaders.

Penn’s Northeast, in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA and the Willary Foundation, is proud to announce the release of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Small Business & Entrepreneur Resource Guide. This comprehensive guide is designed to serve as an essential tool for startups, established businesses, and entrepreneurs looking to thrive in the region.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, scaling up an existing business, or considering relocating to Northeastern Pennsylvania, this guide provides invaluable insights and resources specifically tailored for local entrepreneurs and enterprises. Inside, readers will find key information on funding opportunities, business development programs, networking contacts, and much more.

Key Highlights Include:

Resources for securing funding and investment.
Guidance on business expansion and workforce development.
Connections to local networks and mentors to help accelerate growth.
Insights into the region’s unique economic opportunities.

John L. Augustine, President/CEO of Penn’s Northeast, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Penn’s Northeast is proud to have partnered with Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the Willary Foundation to produce the area’s first complete resource guide for small businesses and entrepreneurs. This guide really is a one-stop shop for providing the assistance businesses need to be successful.”

Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, highlighted the strength of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: “Our region boasts a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes a series of business incubators, capital investment in technology companies, and economic development professionals poised to support turning ideas into companies that create jobs and wealth for Northeastern Pennsylvania. At Ben Franklin Technology Partners NEPA, in addition to investing money in technology companies, we are proud to leverage our relationships with hundreds of consulting resources to solve the challenges that come with building businesses.”

William Scranton, Chairman of the Willary Foundation, added, “Supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses is essential for the growth and prosperity of Northeastern Pennsylvania. This guide offers the resources and guidance needed to help innovators and business owners thrive in our unique region. The Willary Foundation is committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and we believe this resource guide will be a game-changer for those seeking to build and grow businesses here.”

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Small Business & Entrepreneur Resource Guide is available for download at:https://pennsnortheast.com/workforce#our-programs

For more information or for a printed copy, please contact:

Penn’s Northeast
1.800.317.1313
info@pennsnortheast.com
www.pennsnortheast.com

Cemetery Chronicles: Frederick Hannah

Posted on January 1, 2025 by The Dunmorean

The Dunmore Cemetery is the final resting place of many who served their country in our nation’s conflicts in all branches of service. Block One is the final resting place of one who served in a unique manner.

Frederick Hannah, son of Attorney Hugh and Elizabeth Hindman Hannah was born April 9, 1885. Educated in Scranton schools, Hannah also attended the elite Mercersburg Academy from which he graduated in 1907. After working locally in real estate, Hannah became General Superintendent with Unity Coal and Coke in Berwinsdale, Clearfield County, PA.

Prior to the United States entering World War I, an ambulance corps of American civilian volunteers was formed in France. Many of its members were college students or those who did not meet the requirements of the United States Military.

With the onset of World War I, Hannah, like many others, wanted to join France in its fight against Germany and did so before the United States officially entered the conflict.

From June 1917 to September 1918, three draft registrations were held. Due to age restrictions Frederick Hannah was ineligible for all of them. By the time of the third draft, through a local Presbyterian church offering to pay for travel expenses, Hannah had already found his way to France. Using his own funds for travel, he joined the American Field Service in July 1917.

Known to his comrades as “Shorty,” Hannah was a member of Section Seventeen of the Field Service. Reports from his comrades and sister who received regular letters from him, revealed him to be a man who never discussed his personal matters, never felt he was doing anything more than his duty, and no matter what conditions were, would never leave a soldier on the field.

For his service with the Ambulance Corps, Hannah was recommended for and received the Croix de Guerre, a French military honor bestowed for bravery.

On the evening of September 20, 1918, Frederick Hannah was killed during the German bombing at Deuxnouds-aux Bois north of St. Mihiel in France. Following his death, his body was interred at Souilly, Meuse. In July 1921, his remains were repatriated to the Hannah family plot in the Dunmore Cemetery.

Three memorial plaques honoring Frederick Hannah’s service can be found in Scranton noting his service. His name appears on the World War I Memorial at the Memorial Grove at Nay Aug Park, on a plaque commemorating World War I veterans in the Bell Tower of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and in the lobby of Lackawanna College, formerly Scranton Central High School where Hannah attended high school.

In addition to the local memorials, Hannah’s mother participated in the National Honor Roll Memorial Trees program sponsored by the American Forestry Association. A tree was registered in Frederick Hannah’s name commemorating his wartime service, but the location and status of that today are unknown.

Badyrka helps lead Holy Cross to strong start

Posted on January 1, 2025 by The Dunmorean

By Steve Svetovich

The Holy Cross Crusaders won four of its first five basketball games this season and one of the big reasons is sophomore center/forward Adam Badyrka.

Poised and confident, Adam scored 20 points in each of the first two games this season and has been consistently in double figures in scoring. He also averages about eight rebounds per contest.

Son of Daniel and Johanna Badyrka, Adam last season averaged over 10 points per game for the Crusaders. This season he is averaging over 17 points per contest.

His brother Peyton Badyrka, now 21 and a senior at Penn State, was an All Region kicker at Dunmore.

Adam, always a hard worker, attributes his and the team’s strong improvement to the coaching staff.

“The coaching staff as well as teammates push us in practice. We have come together as a team. We bought into it. My coaches and teammates make me better.”

Adam talked about what it takes to excel at the forward and center positions. “It really depends on how the game is going,” he said. “You get rebounds, post, and transition. Some games you need to score more. You drive to the basket, kick and find your open teammates. You score when you have the right shot.”

The sophomore scholar-athlete has a highly impressive 4.1 grade point average at Holy Cross. He is a member of the chess club. His best academic subject is math.

Adam also is an excellent soccer player. He was a second team all-star as a striker for the Holy Cross soccer team.

Mult- talented, he is also a member of the Holy Cross golf team and plans to be on the track and field team this season.

Adam said he is not sure where he will attend college yet, but would like to study radiology. He would also like to play college basketball. His dream college is the University of Tennessee.

“My goal right now,” he said, “is to help this team get back to the state title game. Only this time we want to win it. We have a solid team and can win it all. That’s the goal.”

Adam has high praise for Holy Cross basketball coach Al Callejas Jr., and his assistant Corey Joyce.

“Coach Callejas has made a big impact on me,” he said. “He is a phenomenal coach. He built up my game. He has a high basketball IQ. He is very hard on us when he needs to be. He tells us we need to realize our mistakes.

“He also teaches us discipline and the human side of things. It’s kind of like learning life lessons.

“Corey Joyce has a lot of energy. I learn a lot from him too. He’s a really cool guy too.”

Personable and outgoing, Adam gives a lot of credit to his parents.

“My parents taught me discipline,” he said. “They told me to hold my emotions. They tell me not to worry about being better than everyone else. Just be kind to people.”

The sophomore stalwart said he loves listening to music in his spare time and saw John Fogerty in concert at Bethel Woods last summer. “He was great. I definitely want to go see him again. He was amazing.”

Adam said he is thoroughly enjoying his experience at Holy Cross.

“It has been nothing but perfection,” he said. “The school has shown nothing but kindness and love to me. I especially appreciate it coming from a public school. I have made lots of friends here. The teachers and faculty are great. The education is great. It’s just been a great experience and good choice for me so far.”