First Keystone Community Bank, celebrating 160 years

First Keystone Community Bank opened its doors as First National Bank of Berwick in 1864 in its first home in a small brick building on East Front Street. FKCB has seen many changes over the past 160 years, from drive-up windows and ATMs to the most recent advances in digital banking. While there have been many advancements since 1864, one thing remains constant-the dedication and service to the local people and businesses in the communities.

Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, celebrating 160 years

The YMCA is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For 160 years, the YMCA has had a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Y’s impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good.

Misericordia University, celebrating 100 years

Misericordia University is a highly personal community of 2,200 students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative and hands-on learning and co-curricular activities by engaged faculty and staff. The university challenges students to excel academically, professionally, and socially. 

Wyoming Valley Children’s Association, celebrating 100 years

Wyoming Valley Children's Association provides the highest quality early childhood education to ensure the greatest developmental potential of ALL children in partnership with families, including therapeutic and support services as needed.This year, WVCA is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding. A century of service, 100 years of dedication to the Greater Wyoming Valley community serving more than 6,000 children and their families who needed them the most. Throughout the last century, WVCA has grown, changed, and evolved. Today, WVCA is committed to helping ALL children succeed... no matter their diagnosis, no matter their economic background, no matter their circumstances.

Scranton Area Community Foundation, celebrating 70 years 

Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial $1 million gift was the seed which has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community. Today, the Scranton Area Community Foundation holds and manages a variety of funds from individuals, organizations, and corporations that respond to community needs and opportunities with grants in such diverse fields as health, education, arts, environment, human services, and civic affairs.

Grasshopper Lawns, celebrating 60 years

For 60 years, our team at Grasshopper Lawns has been creating healthy, beautiful lawns for Pennsylvania residents. Their comprehensive services cover fertilization, weed control, aeration, seeding, and more. As a local company, their lawn care services in Scranton and the surrounding area put their customers’ unique needs at the forefront. 

Luzerne County Head Start, celebrating 60 years

Luzerne County Head Start, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for low-income children and families in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Their knowledgeable and caring staff accomplish their mission by providing early care and education for pregnant women and children from birth to five years old, emphasizing healthy outcomes and school readiness, promoting family self-sufficiency, and partnering with individuals, school districts, and our community.

Coccia Ford, celebrating 40 years

Coccia Ford is a franchised Ford and Lincoln dealership offering new and pre-owned vehicle sales, service, and accessories and collision repair services throughout Northeastern PA. Coccia Ford is a 20+ time Ford Motor Company President’s Award winning dealer for outstanding sales and customer service. Coccia is NEPA’s only locally owned and operated Ford dealer and is currently the largest Lincoln dealer in the state of PA. 

Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame, celebrating 40 years

The Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame endeavors to perpetuate the memory of local athletes, who have brought lasting fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their athletic achievements and community involvement. Eligible for such distinction are those individuals who have brought similar recognition to the state through their contributions to sports through general managerial, promotional, and other influential capacities.

Earth Conservancy, celebrating 30 years 

Founded in 1992, Earth Conservancy (EC) seeks to address the impacts of past anthracite coal mining in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Their work centers on the former holdings of the Blue Coal Corporation, which total nearly 16,500 acres. All of EC’s projects trace back to their overarching plan, one that seeks a more livable community now, and clears the way for positive, progressive change for future generations.

Metz Culinary Management and Environmental Services, celebrating 30 years

Metz Culinary Management and Environmental Services provides comprehensive dining and environmental/facilities services management to various industries, including higher education, K12 education, acute and non-acute healthcare, business & industry, airports, and entertainment/lifestyle venues in 20 states up and down the East Coast and west to Illinois. In addition, Metz owns and operates 8 T.G.I. Friday's in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Wilkes-Barre and Dickson City, and the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at Mohegan Pennsylvania. They employ over 8,000 team members company-wide, with nearly 500 in Luzerne County alone. 

Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, celebrating 25 years 

The arena opened on November 13, 1999 when the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League made their debut. The arena's primary tenants are the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League, affiliated with the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins. With over 8,000 permanent seats and a capacity of nearly 10,000 for concerts, the arena has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elton John, Cher, Neil Diamond, Janet Jackson, The Eagles, AC/DC and Simon & Garfunkel.

Make sure to join us for our Chamber Annual Dinner on November 14th to celebrate them and the rest of our honorees that night! Click here to register today!