living lackawanna Freckles & Frills Gets Fee Waiver Check be in the know lackawannacounty.org

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1 Spring 2013 living lackawanna Official Newsletter and Report to Lackawanna County Taxpayers A B C D E Lackawanna County Establishes SBA Fee Waiver Program On November 28, 2012, the Lackawanna County Commissioners Corey D. O Brien, Jim Wansacz and Patrick O Malley initiated the Small Business Administration (SBA) Fee Waiver Program, which has promoted economic development, spurred local growth, and encouraged the private sector to create family-sustaining jobs in the community. The County allocated funds from its $1.25 million economic development budget line item for the SBA program to assist in the projects of qualified businesses working with a qualified lender. This type of program has worked well here in the past, explained Commissioner Jim Wansacz. The community witnessed a jump in SBA loan transactions when the waiver was offered nationally. It helped to create jobs, diversify our economy and generate revenue for the community-at-large. This is a good way to spur private sector growth for the area. We have to get people back to work, said Commissioner Corey D. O Brien. The waiver program would be beneficial to businesses looking to expand or set-up operations in Lackawanna County. It s also a great way to diversify our economy and increase private sector job growth. This is good business and that s why we have launched this program aimed at helping our community and residents. We want to help businesses prosper because if they do, everyone 6 benefits. We need jobs here, and while this is a small step, it s a start towards building our community and getting new opportunities here, stated Commissioner Patrick M. O Malley. The general guidelines for the waiver program are simple. A business must: be approved by the SBA; be approved by a local lending institution; deploy 100% of the SBA loan proceedings in Lackawanna County; and meet the SBA 7(a) Loan Program job requirements and all other SBA and lending institution stipulations. (Generally, a business must create or retain one job for every $65,000 guaranteed by the SBA. Small manufacturers must create or retain a ratio of one job for every $100,000.) In order for a business to participate in the program, the firm s qualified lender must submit an application at least (15) days prior to the loan closing along with a corporate resolution agreeing to the terms and conditions of the program, an approved business plan, and SBA loan documents. All of the materials are directed to SBA Fee Waiver Program Coordinator Mary Liz Donato in the County s Economic Development Department. Once the vetting and approval process is complete, a check from the County for the fees is provided to the qualified lender to be held in escrow until the closing of the loan. As part of the process, the County requests a progress report and financial and/or performance audit. Freckles & Frills Gets Fee Waiver Check Freckles & Frills Early Learning Center was the first recipient of the Lackawanna County SBA fee waiver program. The business received a $12,054 check from the Lackawanna County Commissioners for its project, which involved the purchase and renovation of a South Scranton building and the creation of three new jobs. The four-star day care/learning center has 127 students and coordinates an after school program. L-R, Christopher J. Cawley, Managing Director of the Northeastern Economic Development Company of Pennsylvania-CDC, Inc.; Commissioner Corey D. O Brien; Daniel Aguirre, Administrative Manager of Freckles and Frills; Elizabeth Keiper, Freckles and Frills owner; Commissioner Jim Wansacz; and George Kelly, Director of Economic Development for Lackawanna County. 7 8 A B C D E F G H I be in the know lackawannacounty.org

2 Commissioners Message Lackawanna County Government is moving in the right direction. Corey D. O Brien Jim Wansacz Patrick M. O Malley We have been working hard to continue the progress started in 2008 by changing the way Lackawanna County government operates. We often have spirited debates, and we ve found that three opinions are better than only one or two opinions. It hasn t been easy, but doing the right thing never is. We continue to provide much needed assistance to those seniors, children and residents with special needs who access human services; veterans who need help applying for benefits; and local artists and residents who enjoy our vast and improving county park system. With respect to veterans alone, we have increased benefits received by veterans and their families by a record-setting $2.4 million. Improving the quality of life for Lackawanna County residents continues to be a top priority. That is why we have expanded the county park system to include a new park, Covington Park, to service North Pocono and improved Aylesworth Park in Archbald/Jermyn. and Merli-Sarnoski Park have also seen significant improvements over the last several years. From fishing derbies to summer camps, our county park system offers something for everyone. Making county government smaller and more efficient for Lackawanna County residents remains an important priority. We have worked hard to instill this philosophy in the county government s culture. We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce spending and improve the delivery of services. As an example, we have been a part of reducing the county workforce by 37% and reducing county expenditures by almost $37 million ($13 million since January of 2012). To continue driving savings in county government, we instituted a plan that produced the first-ever on-time audit, made directors accountable for their budgets, significantly reduced expenses, and asked people to do more with less. We have renegotiated or ended county office leases, saving nearly $140,000 a year. These savings were generated by making our office space more efficient and grouping departments into space where offices already existed. This was all done to further solidify our financial standing in the face of costly federal and state mandates and funding cuts. Everyone has a responsibility to pay their fair share in taxes. That is why we have aggressively pursued delinquent taxpayers to ensure that they are paying their fair share, like the rest of us. Since launching judicial sales, we have collected almost $9.4 million and put over 510 properties back on the tax rolls. Most of the funds that we collect are returned to your local school district and municipality to offset their expenses in delivering local services. In addition, we have been frugal investors of your money. Since taking office, we understand that our county will only be as strong as our private sector employment base. While Lackawanna County has not taken an active role in job creation in the past, we felt that we had no alternative as high unemployment continues to plague the region. That is why we launched a new economic development department in Lackawanna County and provided this department with the tools to help reverse the region s unemployment trends over time. We instituted an SBA Fee Waiver Program to foster small business development by eliminating the high fees associated with low-interest SBA loans. Our Information Technology department has developed and is now implementing - a Countywide Wireless Network System. The cost of this budget-neutral project is offset by the savings of replacing the current system. Once completed, the Wireless project will improve communication between emergency service personnel and dramatically reduce initial and ongoing technology infrastructure expenses facing new and growing local businesses. Not only are we improving our technological infrastructure, but our physical infrastructure as well. By restoring our aging roads and bridges, we are encouraging commerce, attracting new employers and helping existing small businesses grow. We are also proud to have turned minor league baseball from a drain on county taxpayers to generating millions of dollars in economic spinoff. We now enjoy a new state-of-the-art ballpark for residents to enjoy at no local taxpayer expense. From employing over 500 temporary local construction workers to 27 full-time, private sector jobs with the team, Lackawanna County is a better place for having baseball in the community. While we continue to face difficult challenges, we are working hard together to encourage private sector job creation, improve the quality of life for all residents and provide services that you have come to enjoy and expect. Thank you for your continued support in making Lackawanna County a better place for all of our children and grandchildren for generations to come.

3 Newly Renovated PNC Field - The Community s Crown Jewel PLAY BALL!! When those words were uttered on April 4, 2013, it was music to everyone s ears. Baseball is back in Northeastern Pennsylvania and in a big way. And, it is better and more beautiful than ever. PNC Field underwent a $43 million makeover that features all of the bells, whistles and ultra-modern amenities that every fan can only dream about. For a year-and-a-half, baseball in our community was nonexistent, a distant memory. The former Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees called several cities in upstate New York their home. Back here, the Lackawanna County Commissioners, the New York Yankees, Mandalay, the Lackawanna County Stadium Authority, attorneys and other groups huddled over a prolonged period of time to examine various options, financing plans, maintenance agreements, administration, construction schedules, fan relations, and a host of other considerations that met everyone s needs and budgets. It was a tedious process. No baseball in 2013 was an option that no one wanted. In the end, everyone s commitment to baseball, the fans and the area served as the guiding force. The Commissioners, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the New York Yankees, the Stadium Authority, and the SWB RailRiders all stepped-up and made the project happen, much to the delight of the fans and the community. What resulted from this true community partnership was an agreement to keep baseball here for the next years and a magnificent facility the crown jewel of minor league baseball. The park, with a capacity of 10,000, is a fan-friendly, family oriented, amenity-filled operation that will have something for everyone to enjoy. This entire project was paid for by State grants, proceeds from the sale of the team and future lease payments guaranteed by the SWB Yankees LLC. No local tax dollars were required. The project was on a fast-track since its groundbreaking on May 1, Demolition was completed on June 22 and steel was erected between August 6-October 15. Then, workers went full-throttle to enclose the structure and begin various inside work, while also simultaneously handling exterior tasks. The facility has 18 suites, two party decks (one on each base-side), and a spacious Club Level. There are 30 unique points of sale along with carts throughout the park. Family fun is a huge part of the new park. A kid s area in centerfield features a bounce house shaped like CHAMP, an inflatable slide, a pitch machine, and a variety of other games as well. The Budweiser RailHouse Bar is in right field. Any fan, 21 and older, can go to the bar portion or utilize the seating in front of it. The Kost Tire Party Pavilion in left field can be reserved for group outings. Along with the sumptuous food options, team store, safety amenities, kids fun areas and general relaxation, there are giveaways plenty of giveaways. Several local corporations are sponsoring a variety of free gifts that will be handed-out at the gate to fans of all ages along with several specialty nights and activities. The RailRiders have also scheduled daily promotions: $1 hot dogs on Mondays; Two-For- Tuesdays ticket deal; Kids eat free on Wednesdays; $1 beer and Pepsi products on Thirsty Thursdays; Postgame Fireworks on Fridays; Giveaway Night is on Saturdays; and Family Fun on Sundays with autographs and family activities. The new park, the amenities, the giveaways and promotions, and the new fan-friendly atmosphere all equal a Hall of Fame lineup that is tough to beat. Economic Impact of the project Over 500 tradesmen were on the job and approximately 200,000 hours of work went into the project. Team full-time staff grew from 12 to 27. Legends Hospitality has nearly 400 part-time employees. Economic Impact of the Project is $47 million annually. Visit for the latest news. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

4 Summer Fun Abounds Lackawanna County has a variety of activities planned through our Arts and Culture Department for this Summer! Our noon-time concerts will be taking place June 7th through September 6th from Noon until 1p.m. on the Linden Street side of Courthouse Square. It s a perfect opportunity to come out and enjoy some great music and entertainment on your lunch hour. And don t forget about the Saturday Night Concerts, July 6th-27th, on the North Washington Avenue side of Courthouse Square. Bring your lawn chairs for a fun filled evening of local entertainment. Lackawanna County also has a great program for kids called Art in the Park. Children can enjoy a variety of visual and performing art sessions that take place from 10a.m. until Noon on Tuesdays throughout the month of July at our Lackawanna County Parks. Dates are; July 9th at Merli-Sarnoski, Greenfield Township; July 16th at Covington Park, Covington Township; July 23rd at Aylesworth Park, Archbald; and July 30th at McDade Park, Scranton. Bring the kids to one or all of the parks, free of charge! Our ARTS Engage! Program is an innovative initiative that provides high quality art instruction, support and mentorship for at-risk children and youth through the partnership of local arts organizations, social service agencies, professional artists, volunteers, local colleges and universities, peer mentors and other organizations. The objective is to help children and youth develop self esteem, positive social skills and artistic skills. This year s ARTS Engage Day will take place Thursday, August 1 from 10a.m. - 1p.m. at the Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff Street, on the grounds of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Lackawanna County Works With Local Businesses On Successful Children s Bike Safety Fair The Lackawanna County Commissioners would like to express their gratitude to the area businesses that partnered with them to offer a Bike Safety Fair for over 150 children in late April at. The event included: bike safety checks, a bike rodeo, hot dogs and drinks, helmet giveaways, fingerprinting by the District Attorney s Office, a bike raffle and, of course, fun. The Commissioners extend their appreciation to the following partners: Kost Tire & Auto Service, Cedar Bike & Paddle, Gerrity s Supermarkets, Fidelity Bank, PNC, FNCB, Penn Security Bank and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. Parks & Recreation Events Women s Basketball League Thursdays beginning in May Gymnastics Clinics United Sports Academy - June 6, 13, 20, 27 4p.m. - 5:30p.m. (Thurs) - July 10, 17, 24, 31 9:30a.m. - 11a.m. (Wed) - August 5, 12, 19, 26 9:30a.m. - 11a.m. (Mon) Bocce Tournament Saturday, June 8 Youth Tennis Clinics For locations visit June 10 thru August 9 Tournament August 10 Fishing Derby Merli-Sarnoski Park October 5 11a.m. - 1p.m. Summer Basketball Clinics June & July 8-11, 9:30a.m. - Noon (Ages 7-10) July :30a.m. - Noon (Ages 11-14) Junior Summer Golf Clinic Scott Greens Golf Club June 21, 28 & July 5, 12 - Boys & Girls ages :30a.m. - 11:30a.m. - T-Golf ages 4-7 9:30a.m. - 10:45a.m. Youth Soccer Clinics Merli-Sarnoski Park June July Covington Park July 29-Aug 1 For information on these events or on any County Park, please call (570)

5 Uniting Talent with Opportunity We have been working hard to get the residents of Lackawanna County back to work and get our economy on the right track. Following through with our promise, we have put together the Lackawanna County sponsored Job Fair. The Job Fair will be held on Thursday, June 13th, from 1p.m. - 6p.m. at PNC Field. We have identified vendors who are in search of talented individuals from Northeastern Pennsylvania to fill over 1,000 available positions. There are jobs available for all experience levels and skills sets. During the event, there will be staff on hand from Pennsylvania CareerLink to help residents with resume preparations. Many companies will be conducting on-the-spot interviews and hiring. Come with your resume and be prepared to interview! The Lackawanna County Commissioners are Partnering with Local Businesses and Higher Education Institutions on a New Collaborative Small Business Internship Initiative Job Creation In an effort to keep our best and brightest here in Lackawanna County, a new internship initiative has been launched to bring college students and small businesses together. Local businesses will be offering internship opportunities to area students by partnering business owners with colleges and universities. This will be a pilot program that begins in Scranton with the future hope of expanding it to all of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Developed by the Lackawanna County Commissioners, The University of Scranton s Small Business Development Center, The University of Scranton s Office of Community Relations, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the City of Scranton and Scranton Tomorrow, this initiative is a step forward to ending the Brain Drain in our area.

6 Commissioners Office 200 Adams Avenue, 6th Floor Scranton, PA Upcoming Events County Parks Have Something for Everyone Inclusive Boundless Playground Olympic-sized swimming pool with bath house Children s fishing pond stocked several times a year Basketball and tennis courts Softball field Two pavilions Picnic areas with charcoal grills Two-mile cross country running course and hiking trail system Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour Complex with concession stand and gift shop Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and gift shop Cancer Memorial Garden Bocce courts Multipurpose field for soccer and lacrosse Free sports equipment use Large, open fields for Frisbee or cross country skiing Covington Park Inclusive Boundless Playground Little League Field Pavilion Baseball & Soccer Fields Lake trail Merli-Sarnoski Park 35-acre lake stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Two pavilions Large handicapped accessible fishing pier Beautiful sandy beach with bath houses, and swimming area with seasonal lifeguards Boat launch (electric motors only) 15 miles of hiking, mountain bike and nature trails Picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills Two playground areas with basketball and volleyball courts Regulation soccer fields Lackawanna County Sheriff s Department horse stables Aylesworth Park Four-acre lake with beach, swimming area and seasonal lifeguards Fishing in lake stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Playing fields Inclusive Boundless Playground Pavilion Lake trail Numerous hiking trails Picnic tables and grills Boys AAU Basketball...May 31-June 2 Field of Dreams Game...June 2, 1p.m., PNC Field Arts on Fire Fundraiser.June 7, 8p.m. - 11p.m., Scranton Iron Furnaces Arts on Fire Festival...June 8 & 9, Scranton Iron Furnaces Lackawanna County Job Fair...June 13, 1p.m. - 6p.m., PNC Field Girls AAU Basketball...June Scrantastic Spectacular...July 3, Courthouse Square Art in the Park... July 9, Merli-Sarnoski Park... July 16, Covington Park... July 23, Aylesworth Park... July 30, Arts on the Square...July 27, Noon - 8p.m., Courthouse Square 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament... August 2-4, Downtown Scranton Jazz Festival...August 3 & 4 La Festa Italiana...August 31- September 2, Courthouse Square Lackawanna County Attractions Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Scranton Open Daily 10am-3pm April 1st - November 30th Closed Easter & Thanksgiving Electric City Trolley Museum & Station Cliff St. on the grounds of Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton Open Daily 9am-5pm April 1st - December 31st Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year s Day Lackawanna County Visitors Center and Whistle Stop Shoppe 99 Glenmaura National Boulevard, Scranton WELCOME x5 Open Daily 9:30am-4:30pm For more information on area attractions, hotels and restaurants, please visit or call WELCOME This newsletter is paid for by the Hotel Room Rental Tax. be in the know lackawannacounty.org