NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12 December 2015

The Board of Directors and staff of the SBCC wish you, your families and staff a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

As we wrap up 2015 with our Annual Slate Belt Toy Drive on December 8th and our Holiday Celebration Dinner on the 16th, the directors and staff wish to thank all of our hosts, sponsors, members and speakers for supporting the chamber. Looking back, the success of the Scholarship Golf Tournament and Awards Banquet are just two reminders of what an organization can do to promote the community and at the same time provide a good time for everyone. The Annual Christmas party held for the less fortunate children of the area is another wonderful event. The Santa’s Elves committee do a great job all year long, but it could not have been done without the donations of area businesses and their support. As we enter 2016, we are looking forward to the many opportunities that are available to everyone in the Slate Belt area. The Chamber is planning many opportunities to meet your fellow business associates and share in the wealth of information that only an organization such as our chamber can provide. Remember to support our members as they support our community. Thank you to all the area businesses who attended the many grand opening, anniversary, and ribbon cutting celebrations, mixers, seminars and events held throughout 2015. Showcase your business by signing up to be a sponsor or host for a 2016 mixer, luncheon, breakfast or seminar. Why not show off your business?

Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce 2016 Membership Opportunities Advertising Opportunities Members Non Members Monthly Newsletter Flyer (electronic version) $25.00 n/a Newsletter Ad/business card size 3 mths $25.00 n/a Newsletter Sponsorship (company logo) $200.00 annually n/a Press Releases (first come first serve) FREE n/a Web page banner ads $75, $35, $25, & $15 per month n/a Membership Directory Listing FREE n/a E-Mail blasts (monthly) FREE n/a Membership Directory Ads 1/8 page ad $55 n/a

¼ page ad $80 ½ page ad $105 n/a

Full page ad $130 n/a Centerfold $255 n/a Back Cover $205 n/a Inside cover, front & back $155 n/a Membership directory listing FREE n/a Printed address labels $25 n/a Other Advertising/Exposure Opportunities: Brochures & Business Cards displayed in the office FREE n/a Press releases FREE n/a Slate Belt Gift Certificate Program FREE n/a New Member Welcome Packets FREE n/a Member to Members Discounts FREE n/a Referrals through the chamber FREE n/a Membership Listing on Web Site FREE n/a Community Guide Magazine Listing FREE n/a Networking Opportunities Business Luncheon, Breakfast, & Mixers Business Seminars Award Dinners

Scholarship Golf Tournament Assistance Business Resource Packets Small Business Administration Programs Entrepreneur Guide- Starting & Growing a Business in Pennsylvania Small Business Development monthly programs Model Policies & Forms for PA Employers PA Human Resources Manual Healthcare Insurance Energy Savings Solutions Reminder: The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce “Slate Belt Gift Certificate” program is underway all year long. The certificate entitles the bearer to shop at any participating merchant throughout the Slate Belt. Due to the success of this program generating local spending, it is the hope of the Chamber that you will add your business to the list of available merchants. Current participants: Avon, B-EB Highway Storage Village, Bangor Chiropractic, Bangor Hardware, Baskets by Design, Bray’s News Agency, Broadway Pub/Colonial, Chocolates on Broadway, Dally Amusement Co., Duke’s Sporting Goods, Elite Gourmet Catering, Escapades Travel, Heard’s Meat Market, Franklin Hills Winery, J. DeFranco & Daughters, Main St. Market, Merchants Bank, Miller’s Paint & Wallpaper, Multi Care Plus, Special Events by Merry Maid, Clearview Travel, Detzi’s Tavern, Giordano’s Pizza House, PA Bagel & Deli, H & R Block, Kellys Ice Cream, Five Points Inn & Deli, Ginder Greenhouse & Garden Ctr., Horn’s Outdoor Center, Teresa’s Restaurant, J C Bloom Designs, Hilltop Sales & Service, Little Creek BBQ, Sal’s Pizza, Jimmeze’s Jewelry, Just the Touch Hair Designs, Tolino Vineyards and The New You Hair Salon. Congratulations to Recovery Revolution and Realty Executives on your 10th year in business anniversary!!!

SBCC UPCOMING EVENTS 12/3: Realty Executives 10th Anniversary Celebration, 4-7 pm Ribbon Cutting 5 PM.

12/8: Slate Belt Toy’s for Children Luncheon @ Slater Conference Room, Bangor School District 12 PM, $15 pp 12/10: Networking Forum: Informational Updates in the Lehigh Valley, PDH Hours $75 pp

12/16: Annual SBCC Holiday Celebration Dinner, Turning Point Dining Room @ Kirkridge, 6 PM 2016 Events are being scheduled now, if you would like to host or sponsor an event contact the office.

New Member for November Mirror Mirror Hair Salon

Jenna Lancaster 106 West Main Street, Pen Argyl, PA 18072

610-654-4310 E-Mail: mirrormirrorsalon511@gmail.com

2016 Awards

Jim Gloria, Cassandra Miller, Donald Jones & Joe Angelini

SIGN UP YOUR BUSINESS TODAY! National Geographic and Groups in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania Launch Geotourism Project for Upper and Middle Delaware River Area Community-Based Initiative Will Identify and Promote Uniqueness of Area, Boost Tourism Organizations in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania rejoining with National Geographic Maps to launch a new Geotourism initiative to highlight the world-class natural and cultural attractions of the middle and upper Delaware River region. A community-based nomination process is being used to create a National Geographic interactive Map Guide titled “Scenic, Wild Delaware River,” which will be a travel guide to places in the region that are most respected and recommended by locals. This online Map Guide, which will be available in May 2016, will include Sussex and Warren counties in New Jersey; Delaware, Orange and Sullivan counties in New York; and Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Wayne counties in Pennsylvania. The area is anchored by two national parks — Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The project seeks to contribute to the economic health of the counties’ communities by promoting geotourism: tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. Beginning today, local residents, organizations and businesses are invited to nominate unique landmarks, attractions, activities, events, lodging and dining venues that define the region’s character and distinctive appeal for inclusion in the “Scenic, Wild Delaware River” Map Guide. Nominations can be made through Jan. 15, 2016, at DelawareRiver.natgeotourism.com. Public forums and presentations will be held in communities throughout the nine-county area to encourage nominations and local involvement. Times and locations are listed below. A locally based Geotourism Stewardship Council will oversee the Map Guide development process and will review nominations submitted for inclusion in the Map Guide. The Stewardship Council includes travel and tourism industry representatives; businesses owners; members of cultural, art and historical organizations; members of local Chambers of Commerce and economic development groups; conservation and recreation organizations; local public and private land managers; and other community leaders. “Our goal is to get nominations from local residents that identify the things we love best, the places and experiences that really define where we live and that we want to share with visitors,” said Geotourism Stewardship Council member Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau in Pennsylvania. “This could be anything from a beautiful hike to a business or event that offers a real local experience.” “This collaboration with National Geographic Maps will help those of us who live here better appreciate the splendor of our Delaware River and tell our own stories about it directly to potential travelers,” said Stewardship Council member Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president and CEO of New York’s Sullivan County Visitors Association. “This is a great opportunity to work together across state and county lines. We are all united by the river and by a common desire both to protect what’s special about where we live and to share it with visitors,” said Stewardship Council member Tammie A. Horsfield, president of the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey. “The National Geographic Maps Division is pleased to have the opportunity to spotlight this region and, in doing so, support and sustain it as one of the treasured natural places on the globe,” said James Dion, National Geographic Maps’ director of tourism programs. “The Map Guide website will celebrate the area’s abundant scenic, cultural and historical attributes from the unique vantage point of those who live there.” National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and National Geographic Maps are collaborating with the nine-county Geotourism Stewardship Council to implement the creation of the Map Guide. Initial funding for the middle and upper Delaware River Geotourism initiative is provided by a grant from the William Penn Foundation to NPCA. NPCA is the nonprofit, independent advocacy organization working to protect and enhance America’s national parks. National Geographic Maps has partnered with communities across the United States and the world to produce more than 20 Geotourism Map Guides, including for the Greater Yellowstone (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming), Crown of Continent (Montana, USA, British Columbia, Alberta, Canada), U.S. Gulf Coast States (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida), Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, and The Bahamas Family of Islands. National Geographic Maps was established as a division of the National Geographic Society in 1915 and has been producing maps for National Geographic magazine and other Society groups for 100 years. National Geographic Maps produces outdoor recreation mapping software, Trails Illustrated maps and software, globes, wall maps, travel maps and atlases. For more information on National Geographic Maps, visit www.natgeomaps.com. CONTACT: Sam Chiron, National Parks conservation Association, schiron@npca.org, 202-419-3712. Press Release: December 5th, 7 pm at Weona Park, The Luke William Hahn Foundation presents: Night of Light. Join them this holiday season as they remember those we have lost with a ceremonial candle lighting, inspirational speakers, and uplifting music. This non-denominational event is open to children and adults of all ages, and there is no cost to attend. Registration is not required but appreciated by email to lukehahnfoundation@gmail.com. Breakfast With Mr. & Mrs. Santa The Friends of the Bangor Public Library will hold their annual "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday, December 5th from 9 am - 12 pm at the Bee Hive, 187 Pennsylvania Ave., Bangor. Breakfast includes: pancakes, sausage, fruit, baked goods and drinks. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will greet the children and have a small gift for them. There will also be crafts and a photo booth. Tickets are on sale at the library: $5 for adults, $3 for children. Tickets will also be available at the door. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds benefit the library. For additional information contact: Karen Brewer @ 610-588-8615.

Tolino Vineyard upcoming events:

Sunday, December 6th 2-4pm: Create your Holiday Glass off with Erika. Relax, grab a glass and uncork your inner artist! $35.00 includes all supplies to paint your own holiday themed wine glass, a glass of wine to sip on while you paint and delicious snacks (hummus, fruit, cheese, etc) Tickets available at the winery, in person or over the phone.

Saturday, December 12, 6-9pm: Holiday Paint and Sip with Anna K (Canvas). Sip wine and channel your inner Van Gogh! The class will be instructed Anna Kaszupski (www.artbyannak.com). Everyone will paint a holiday scene on canvas. Tickets are $35 per person and include all art supplies, snacks.

Sunday, December 13th, 2-4pm: Kids Ornament Painting with Santa arriving in a helicopter For just $10.00 per child, kids paint a Christmas ornament that is then gift wrapped to take home as a present for Mom or Dad. Santa arrives in a helicopter at 3pm and will stay for pictures. Parents are encouraged to bring a small gift for their child to be handed out by Santa. Cookies and juice for the kids, and wine for sale for the adults.

Sunday, December 20th 2-4. Peanuts Christmas Special Soundtrack Live in the Tank Room Enjoy the entire score from the Peanuts Christmas Special in our tank room. Complimentary cookies will be available.

Families First Fundraiser to Benefit Families in Need for the Holidays at Detzi’s Tavern on Tuesday, December 1st, 4-9 pm. Mention to your server the Families First Fundraiser.

SBCC Officers & Directors

Steve Hurni, President Mary Marshall, 1st Vice President Jeff Ott, 2nd Vice President Fred Curcio, Secretary Rosemary Albert, Treasurer Nadine Moyer, Chairman One Year Directors Rosemary Albert, Mary Marshall, Jewel Williamson-Burns, Nadine Moyer, Joann Ginder, Chuck Niclaus, Jeff Ott, Adolph Marth Two Year Directors Paul Donovan, Jr., Lucy Flinn, Fred Curcio, Kim Armitage, Steve Hurni, Bryan Gault, Victor Rodite

DON’T’ FORGET TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: SLATEBELTCHAM BER

Gift Certificates are available at the SBCC office year round for many of our area businesses!

SBCC Mission Statement: To promote and enhance positive business activity and growth in the Slate Belt region with special emphasis on community involvement. SBCC, 187 Blue Valley Dr., Bangor, PA 18013 610.588.1000 info@slatebeltchamber.org www.slatebeltchamber.org

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Lucy W. Flinn