Author: PMEDC

The government differs from the private sector in numerous ways. Tax dollars fund the Government in supporting contracts while private sector contracts are usually privately funded by an individual or a board. The risks are different as well so one must be able to accurately and confidently market and execute strategic game plans. This course will explain the various differences between the two and how to efficiently navigate the private sector marketplace.

Session Format:

8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Registration, Informal Networking and Session Set-Up
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Presentation & Q&A
11:00 AM to 11:15 AM Program Wrap-up

To register online for the March 22nd Workshop in East Stroudsburg, please click HERE

Download the Workshop Flyer

For more information, please call the NEPA Alliance PTAC at 866-758-1929 or 570-655-5581.

Online registration will close on March 21, 2016.

Weiler Corporation, a leading provider of power brushes, abrasives and maintenance products for surface conditioning, announced today the acquisition of SWATYCOMETd.o.o. (SWATYCOMET), one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of bonded abrasives. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of SWATYCOMET substantially expands Weiler’s global reach into the bonded abrasives segment. It will enable Weiler to offer a comprehensive solution to the welding, metalworking and general industrial markets. Through the transaction, Weiler adds a broad range of cut-off and grinding wheels and technical fabrics to serve industrial markets.

SWATYCOMET, headquartered in Maribor, Slovenia, dates back to 1879 and has a long tradition of providing high quality abrasive products. Its products are distinguished by safety, high durability and cost efficiencies that provide customers productivity and lower operating costs.

Additionally, SWATYCOMET has made recent significant investments in customer-driven innovations that will expand the share of SWATYCOMET products for the most demanding grinding and cutting applications.

“With this acquisition, we are joining two great companies and brands, both of us with proud histories that are now coming together to offer increased value to our customers around the world. It has been a pleasure to get to know some of the members of the SWATYCOMET team during the sale process and I am excited to have them join the Weiler team. The complementary nature of our products, geographies and company cultures makes this a great fit. Additionally, Weiler customers will see immediate benefit as we expand our TigerTM brand into the bonded abrasive category,” said Chris Weiler, CEO, Weiler Corporation.

Temperatures have finally dropped and the snowmaking has resumed in the Pocono Mountains. By the end of this week, all seven of the region’s ski areas will be open for business. For the most up-to-date information on opening dates and snow conditions, visit the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s Snow Conditions page.

“I think guests to the Pocono Mountains will be pleasantly surprised now that Mother Nature cast a cold spell upon us,” said Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB). “From snowmaking and learning programs to lodging and dining options, the region’s ski areas have more to offer than ever before.”

The Pennsylvania Ski Area Association has reported what’s new for the 2016 ski season:

Alpine Mountain Resort in the heart of the Pocono Mountains has taken another step to make the weekend a lively affair when the skis and boards come off, and it’s time for après ski relaxation. Construction is complete on the Yuengling Bar and Grill. A new outdoor deck has been planted on the second floor of the lodge for those sunny days and there are new locker rooms with greater storage space. On the mountain, all Lift Towers have been refinished, snowmaking equipment has been upgraded and brand new fan guns have been added.

Big Boulder joins the snow blast movement with its own wizardry. New SMIfan guns will boost the ride and slide experience on parks and trails. For the tubing crowd, the way to the top will be enhanced with a new 600’ magic carpet to ease the way up before the thrill of the ride down. Winter buffs will also glide into newly refurbished lodges and have an enhanced choice of rental equipment.

Innovation is alive and well at Blue Mountain. The learning experience takes a new twist for new and young skiers and riders. Beginning this season, a pair of ski school programs starts right in the rental shop where first timers and upwardly mobile learners will be paired up with their instructors to take the guess-work and stress out of everything from selecting equipment, to stepping into boards and skis and then taking those first steps on the snow. And what snow it will be. Fifty brand new, low energy snow guns have been added to an already impressive arsenal. The Blue Mountain snowmaking system is now over 50% automated. The latest in technology reads the temperature, gauges mountain conditions and cranks out the powder where it will do the most good. Blue Mountain fans are also looking forward to a 40th anniversary next season that will be celebrated with the opening of a 40th trail! This season watch for the naming contest and get in on the fun. And to keep the fun rolling during those evening hours, Blue Mountain will be offering a special “Ski, Ride and Dine” package that includes lift tickets and dinner. Responding to trends indicating smaller groups are now hitting the trails, clusters of 6 to 10 friends rather than the traditional 15 can now take advantage of group discount pricing.

Camelback Mountain is bursting with expansion. It’s a world class game changer for riders and sliders in population-rich New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The doors have opened on Camelback Lodge, a 163 million dollar “ski-in-ski-out” hotel that has been crafted around the largest indoor waterpark in the Northeast. Camelback visitors this year will find 453 suites for destination accommodations, seven pools and 13 water slides in the naturally lit “Aquatopia”. Trail’s End Pub & Grille is the cool spot to be with its outdoor bar and patio, ski-in, ski-out service and warming fire pits, but there are additional bars and restaurants indoors as well as throughout the ski resort’s many guest lodges. On the slopes, learning programs have been expanded to maintain the mountain’s reputation as a leader in converting beginners to lifetime ski and ride enthusiasts. The snow tubing park is the largest in the nation with 42 chutes and two magic carpet lifts.

A new full service restaurant is on the menu for the new season at JACK FROSTMountain. In winter sports tradition, burgers and flatbreads will top the menu items – finger food that’s perfect for that laid back lunch between runs or while relaxing after the lifts close with a nibble, a toddy and some acoustic music to keep the action alive. On the mountain, it’s back to ramping up the snow with an expanded arsenal of hi-tech SMI fan guns to keep the powder inventory growing. Also look for an expanded stock of new high-performance gear in the rental shop.

At Shawnee Mountain the most popular black diamond slope is getting a major snowmaking boost. Two new SMI Super PoleCat tower mounted snow machines have been planted on “Lower Tomahawk”. Electrically powered, the Super PoleCat is a high-performance, big throw snow machine that is energy efficient and fully automated. Mounted on towers high along the edge of the trail, the radio controlled and oscillating Super PoleCats are expected to quickly and efficiently cover and keep covered, Tomahawk’s steep headwall with a dependable, deep base of machine made snow. To massage the snow into a dynamic skiing and riding surface, Shawnee will unleash a new Piston Bully 400 Free Groomer to put challenge or ballroom conditions on the hill. As part of a multi-year program to modernize its massive ski and snowboard rental shop, Shawnee Mountain has purchased 300 new Elan Exar E-rise skis and 300 new Flow and Rossignol snowboards. The Shawnee Rental Facility is now able to outfit over 4,000 skiers and riders, making it one of the largest rental shops in the country.

In addition to seven major ski areas, the Pocono Mountains offers endless ways to enjoy the winter months including snowtubing, ice skating, snow shoeing, dog sledding, tobogganing runs, sleigh rides and cross-country skiing. For Pocono Mountains ski area and winter information including conditions, rates, directions, ski and stay packages and more, visit PoconoSki.com

About the Pocono Mountains | Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow PoconoTourism on Facebook and Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania, striving to promote, educate and attract visitors to the beautiful Pocono Mountains. Additionally, the Bureau aims to keep its’ members abreast to the latest in regulation, changes in the industry and business development in the Pocono Mountains.

(East Stroudsburg) – Pocono Health System (PHS) and Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) today announced they have signed an agreement for a full-asset merger, pending regulatory approvals.

The PHS Board of Directors and LVHN Board of Trustees authorized the agreement separate meetings this month.
The two organizations announced in May 2015 they had signed a letter of intent to merge subject to due diligence, the negotiation of definitive transaction documents, and approval from regulators. Pending completion of regulatory approvals, the parties expect the proposed merger to take effect in the first half of 2016.

“This agreement takes us one step closer to realizing this merger,” said President and CEO of Pocono Health System Jeff Snyder, FACHE, FHFMA,. “It will bring continued growth and expansion in health care services for Poconos residents, providing them greater access to the highest-quality clinical care, the most sophisticated technology and advanced health records systems, and the largest and most experienced physician network in the area.”

Pocono Health Systems announced in 2014 that it would develop Pocono Medical Center West in Pocono Township. According to the terms in the agreement, LVHN and PHS anticipate developing that facility as a “hospital of the future,” incorporating the highest level of clinical competence. The merged entity will also create ambulatory health centers, develop and grow essential clinical services, recruit primary care physicians and increase access to specialists. In addition, LVHN is committed to providing more integrated care to the Pocono region through population health management, which includes sharing a common electronic medical records system.

LVHN’s president and CEO Brian Nester, DO, MBA, FACOEP, said, “Pocono Health System is a highly-valued community hospital that cares deeply for the Pocono region. We at Lehigh Valley Health Network, commend the leadership of Pocono Health System for their exceptional oversight of this vital community asset. We applaud their accomplishments and look forward to making a great system of care even better for our communities.”

The decision to merge builds upon a historical affiliation between the two organizations. Past partnerships between the two enabled the creation of a Trauma Center, provision of professional services in Radiation Oncology and Interventional Radiology, and collaboration to provide services for the Monroe County Community Safety Program.

Pocono Medical Center (PMC) became an accredited Trauma Center in November 2008 with Lehigh Valley Health Network serving as the Level I Trauma partner. An agreement with LVHN to provide Interventional Radiology services commenced shortly thereafter. Most recently, an agreement was reached to have LVHN provide the professional services in Radiation Oncology at the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center beginning in March 2015. Also in 2015, Pocono Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital at Lehigh Valley Hospital announced a partnership with the Monroe County Community Safety Program to educate and provide services in matters that include child car seat safety, distracted driving and accident prevention.

Washington DC- October 28, 2015 – Pocono Medical Center ranked as a High Performing Hospital for both heart failure and heart bypass surgery and has been recognized as one of the best hospitals for 2015-16 in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report. The annual U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 26th year, recognize hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients.

“This kind of national recognition validates the high quality of care that is provided by our highly-skilled and committed physicians, care-givers and staff on a daily basis,” said Jeff Snyder, President and CEO of Pocono Medical Center. “We are honored to be recognized among the best hospitals in Pennsylvania, but more importantly, to be known and trusted by our community in meeting our mission to provide excellent care close to home.”

For 2015-16, U.S. News evaluated hospitals in 16 adult specialties and ranked the top 50 in most of the specialties. Less than 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for Best Hospitals 2015-16 were nationally ranked in even one specialty.

“A Best Hospital has demonstrated expertise in treating the most challenging patients,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “A hospital that emerged from our analysis as one of the best has much to be proud of.”

In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals that perform nearly at the level of their nationally ranked peers in one or more specialties, as well as hospitals that excel in multiple common procedures and conditions.

U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition or extra risk because of age or multiple health problems. Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, adequacy of nurse staffing and other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.

The specialty rankings and data were produced for U.S. News by RTIInternational, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, N.C. U.S. News used the same data, as well as the new Best Hospitals for Common Care ratings, first published in May, to produce the state and metro rankings.

The rankings are freely available and will appear in the U.S. News Best Hospitals 2016 guidebook.

(Wilkes-Barre) Many companies today are looking to “buy American” and identify local- or regionally-based suppliers in place of overseas outlets. Yet, they are dogged by the question of how to locate and identify those suppliers.

NEPIRC, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, is bringing Northeastern Pennsylvania companies together to help them achieve their goal.

NEPIRC is hosting a free Pennsylvania Supply Chain Forum on Tuesday, November 10, at the Holiday Inn Wilkes-Barre, East Mountain. The half-day event begins with an 8 a.m. continental breakfast and a Keynote Presentation by Dr. Steve Brady titled The Importance of Supply Chain Collaboration.

Following the keynote, NEPIRC Executive Director Eric Esoda and his team will offer a brief primer on the event’s operating structure and participating buyers will be directed to their free booths.

There, they will meet in speed dating-style 15-minute sessions with prospective Pennsylvania-based suppliers in the hopes of matching Pennsylvania companies with local suppliers.

“NEPIRC is a terrific partner for our regional manufacturers,” says PMEDCExecutive Director Chuck Leonard. “The partnerships sure to be created during this forum are certain to improve our regional economy.”

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. You can click here to register.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Defense Transition Partnership

Capability Statement Workshop 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

September 23, 2015
Best Western Genetti Hotel & Conference Center
77 E. Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701

September 24, 2015
Genetti Ballrooms at Best Western Hazelton Inn & Suites
1345 N. Church Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202

Click here to download an event flyer.

Overview

A Capability Statement is a critical tool for contracting. Many times it is asked for by government agencies and prime contractors. It is a door opener to new agencies, proof of your qualifications, and past performance. A great Capability Statement can set you apart from your competition. Attend this interactive class to learn how and when to use a Capability Statement, and how to create your own.

Speaker Bio

Gloria Larkin, President of TargetGov, is a nationally-recognized government contracting marketing and business development expert. She has been interviewed on MSNBC, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USAToday, INC Magazine, Entrepreneur Start-ups Magazine, and Government Executive magazine. Ms. Larkin is the author of: “The Basic Guide to Government Contracting”; and, “The Veterans Business Guide: How to Build a Successful Government Contracting Business”, now in its fourth printing.

Agenda

8:30 AM to 9:00 AM Registration and Networking
9:00 AM to 11:15 AM Presentation & Questions and Answers
11:15 AM to 11:30 AM Wrap-up – Book Signing

Registration will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The workshop will start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
There is no cost to attend this event, but space will be limited.

To register online for the September 23rd Workshop in Wilkes-Barre, please click HERE

To register online for the September 24th Workshop in Hazle Township, please click HERE

For more information, please call the NEPA Alliance PTAC at 866-758-1929 or 570-655-5581.

Online registration will close on September 21, 2015.

Funded by: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA)

A coalition of economic development organizations from Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau have unveiled the 2016 edition of Pocono Mountains Economic Development, a print and digital marketing program that promotes the region’s attributes and advantages for business investment and as a place to work and live.

The print publication, whose targeted distribution includes site location professionals and executive decision-makers in key industry sectors, features dynamic photography, graphics and content that highlight the Pocono Mountains region’s diverse economy, proximity to major markets in New York and Philadelphia, and lifestyle advantages that help make it a magnet for highly skilled and educated talent.

Articles focus on the the region’s major industry sectors including life science and advanced manufacturing that leverage the presence of companies such as Sanofi Pasteur, whose vaccine production facilities in the region date to the 1897. The region also is home to the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which specializes in the fabrication of military hardware used by all four branches of the armed services, and a roster of technologically driven manufacturers including fire and rescue equipment maker KME Kovatch.

The publication also details the region’s network of resources that support entrepreneurial growth, such as the East Stroudsburg University Business Accelerator, and the standout workforce development programs that bring together business, industry and higher education partners.

A key feature of the Pocono Mountains region is its lifestyle amenities, including spectacular natural attractions, access to high-quality health care and a full range of arts, culture and entertainment.

The companion website BusinessClimate.com/pocono-mountains includes exclusive content such as additional photography and information on major employers in the region. A digital version of the magazine optimized for iPads, tablets and other mobile devices is also available on the site and includes tools to allow easy sharing of content.

Pocono Mountains Economic Development is published annually by Journal Communications and supported by business, industry, academic, economic development, tourism and other organizations in Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

BusinessClimate.com, a Journal Communications brand, is a national website that provides site location professionals, corporate real estate specialists professionals and business decision-makers with detailed information on the economies and quality of life in select communities and regions across the country.

(East Stroudsburg) The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) awarded Pocono Mountains Industries (PMI) a $500,000, 15-year loan on behalf of Harmony Labels, Inc, a manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels for personal care products. The project is expected to create 39 new jobs.

“The Pocono Mountains are becoming a magnet for small- and medium-sized manufacturers,” says Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Chuck Leonard.

“We are pleased to be able to support any manufacturing expansion projects along with our Northeast PA PREP partner, the Northeastern PA Alliance (NEPA) who also provided funding for the project. We work closely with our partners to package programs together and assist our client base in getting the assistance they need,” added Leonard.

Harmony Labels will use the PIDA/PMI loan to acquire and renovate an existing 13,790-square-foot building in East Stroudsburg Borough. An additional $400,000, five year loan at 3.25 percent, was awarded for the purchase of new machinery and equipment.

The project will include repairs to the roof, electrical system, manufacturing floors and renovations to warehouse and office spaces. Total project cost is projected to be $2,500,000 and will create 39 new jobs.

Most Wired Hospitals Focus on Security and Patient Engagement

(East Stroudsburg) Health data security and patient engagement are top priorities for the nation’s hospitals. It is with those qualities in mind that Pocono Medical Center was named as one of the most improved hospital systems in the country, according to results of the 17th annual HealthCare’s Most Wired™ survey, released in early July by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME).

“Pocono Medical Center is excited to be recognized as a leader in health IT for continuously investing in new opportunities to improve care coordination, access to care, quality, and outcomes through technology,” states Ferd Feola, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Pocono Medical Center.

The survey and benchmarking study, produced in partnership with CHIMEand sponsored by VMware, is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology (IT) use and adoption among hospitals nationwide. More than 741 participants, representing more than 2,213 hospitals, were surveyed. The survey examined how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based healthcare in the areas of infrastructure, business and administrative management, quality and safety, and clinical integration.

“With the rising number of patient data breaches and cybersecurity attacks threatening the healthcare industry, protecting patient health information is a top priority for hospital customers,” said Frank Nydam, Senior Director of Healthcare at VMware. “Coupled with the incredible technology innovation taking place today, healthcare organizations need to have security as a foundational component of their mobility, cloud and networking strategy and incorporated into the very fabric of the organization”

As hospitals and health systems begin to transition away from volume-based care to more integrated, value-based care delivery, hospitals are utilizing IT to better facilitate information exchange across the care settings. This includes greater alignment between hospitals and physicians. According to the survey, the physician portal is a key factor in strengthening physician-hospital alignment.“We commend and congratulate this year’s Most Wired hospitals and their CIOs for improving care delivery and outcomes in our nation’s hospitals through their creative and revolutionary uses of technology,” said CHIME CEO and President Russell P. Branzell, FCHIME CHCIO. “These Most Wired organizations represent excellence in IT leadership on the frontlines of healthcare transformation.”

“Congratulations to our nation’s Most Wired hospitals for harnessing the potential of information technology to improve quality care and patient safety and lower health care costs,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the AHA. “At the forefront of the field, these hospitals are setting the bar for protection of patient data through discerning security measures.”

The survey, conducted between Jan. 15 and March 15, 2015, is published annually by Health & Hospitals Network. Respondents completed 741 surveys, representing more than 39 percent of all U.S. hospitals. Last October, the AHA/Health Forum and CHIME announced the formation of a Most Wired partnership to enhance collaboration between the two organizations in the development and sustainability of the survey, and to collectively help meet the growing demand for useful data on health IT integration.

Detailed results of the survey and study can be found in the July issue of H&HN. For a full list of winners visit HHNMag.com.