Regional business update, March 2, 2021 | News

Cooperative program

termed a win-win

MAR LIN — The Schuylkill Technology Center, with schools at Mar Lin and Frackville, highlighted in a release the STC Cooperative Education Program, which has been “particularly beneficial” in helping to fill the local need for technical or skilled trade positions.

STC officials said many organizations are currently challenged with finding qualified employees to meet their needs and noted that STC “receives multiple calls each week from companies looking to recruit from a student body for available openings.”

In the Cooperative Education Program, high school students, typically seniors, “earn STC credits while working in paid positions within industry, applying the skills they gained in their STC program … to real-world scenarios,” according to the release.

Participating students must provide their own transportation to the employment site, must obtain work papers if they are under age 18 and the employer must consent to obtaining clearances and background checks, according to the release.

Shannon Brennan, director of the Schuylkill Technology Centers, said in the release that the number students participating in a cooperative education experience is increasing but not by enough to fill the need.

The tide is changing, she continued, but at a slower pace than industry needs, resulting in opportunities for student-based programs such as STC’s.

STC’s local industry partners, which include Mettam Bros., Walco, Bob Weaver Chevrolet and Momma Millies Bakery, is expanding, this year including Reck Teck in Tremont and Schuylkill Energy of Shenandoah.

Companies interested in more information about the STC program should email T.J. Fitzpatrick, cooperative education coordinator, at [email protected]. or call 570-544-4748, ext. 3900.

For more information about the programs and services available at STC, go online to www.stcenters.org or contact Stacey Minahan, assistant director, at [email protected] or Chris Groody, assistant director, at [email protected].

Sherry Dental in DSI spotlight

SHENANDOAH — The latest Business Spotlight feature in the DSI Herald, the newsletter of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., is Sherry Dental, 10 S. Bowers St.

The dental practice opened its doors in 2018 by a young dentist, Dr. Sasha Sherry, who told DSI the idea that “father knows best” was partly behind the decision to open in Shenandoah.

She said her father, Dr. Ronald Sherry, also a dentist, has a talent for finding areas in communities that could benefit from dental services, adding that many area dentists are getting ready to retire and will soon close their practices.

“We are here to meet the needs of the community,” she said. “The people in this community are awesome and I enjoy meeting so many new people.”

Sherry Dental, she said, offers a variety of comprehensive dental services including emergency appointments, regular checkups, smile makeovers and dentures. Dr. Sasha Sherry also has advanced training in making specialized oral appliances to treat snoring and sleep apnea and featuring the latest technology and equipment to make patient care and comfort a priority.

Learn more about Sherry Dental call 570-462-4200 or go to its website at sherrydental.com.

Ribbon cutting in Saint Clair

SAINT CLAIR — A ribbon-cutting and opening celebration is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday for Sunoco Saint Clair, 61 S. Second St., according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flyer forwarded by Samantha Chivinski.

The event will mark the expansion and renovation of the site.

Activities will include a raffle with three winners and prizes of a TV or kitchen electronics. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome at the free community event; however, masks will be required and all CDC safety guidelines will be in effect regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

To register, which is required, go online to www.schuylkillchamber.com or call 570-622-1942.

MAEA planning for installation

POTTSVILLE — The Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association will have its annual installation of officers at noon March 9 with the site to be announced.

Officers include Joseph Aldcowski, Diaz Manufacturing LLC, chairman; Randy Kalce, EMD Performance Materials, first vice chairman; Mike Narcavage, Southwestern Energy, second vice chairman; Chris Dende, Mrs. T’s Pierogies, secretary; Karen Kenderdine, Mid Penn Bank, treasurer; attorney Alvin Marshall, Marshall, Bohorad, Thornburg, Price and Campion PC.

During the event, MAEA will also announce the Human Resources Professional of the Year and recognize graduates for completion of the MAEA certificate series.

To register, call the MAEA’s Pottsville office at 570-622-0992 or email Joan at [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available. For more information, email Darlene J. Robbins, MAEA president, at drob[email protected] or go to the MAEA website at www.nepamaea.com.

Kielbasi Fest set for May 22

SHENANDOAH — The 13th Shenandoah Kielbasi Festival is set for May 22, and Susan Williams, the new executive director of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc., has forwarded flyers urging people to vote for the event in the Republican-Herald’s Readers’ Choice 2021 promotion.

Williams said in the flyer that the festival “made the cut” for Readers’ Choice and urged people to “please vote today.” The deadline for voting is March 12.

She also said vendors interested in participating in the 2021 festival should call the DSI office, 116 N. Main St., at 570-462-2060 or email her at [email protected].

MAEA offers myriad trainings

POTTSVILLE — The locally based Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association offers myriad training and other sessions for regional employers.

To register for programs, or for more information about programs and pricing, call 570-622-0992 or email Christine Robbins at [email protected]. More information also is available at www.nepmaea.com.

The MAEA 2021 training catalog is available online at https://nepamaea.com/training-and-development/training-catalog. Darlene J. Robbins is the MAEA president, who can be reached by calling the aforementioned phone number or via email to [email protected].

Chambers continue cooperation theme

MAHANOY CITY — Cooperation with the Greater Shenandoah Area Chamber of Commerce was part of the discussion during a Feb. 24 meeting of directors of the Mahanoy Area Chamber of Commerce held at The Village Inn, Centre Street.

Dr. Sasha Sherry, a local dentist with an office at Centre and Bowers streets, Shenandoah, and representing the Shenandoah chamber, attended the Mahanoy session and updated Mahanoy directors about happenings by their Shenandoah counterparts.

According to a release from the Mahanoy group, directors discussed several joint program ideas and noted that members of both organizations are looking forward to working together.

The Mahanoy directors also discussed the group’s annual Mother’s Day program and dinner, which were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 dinner has a tentative date of May 13 and directors indicated they are hopeful to again be able to honor mothers.

The dinner will be held at Mahanoy City Elks Lodge 695, open to mothers 70 and older. It will include a meal, entertainment, flowers and recognition for mothers 90 and older.

The Mahanoy chamber will host a Cares Act Phase Four informational webinar at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the borough hall. All are welcome to attend. A representative from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce will conduct the presentation virtually, for about 45 minutes. The purpose is to explain Economic Relief Act programs. For those uncomfortable meeting in person, the webinar will be available through the Microsoft Teams Act.

Yuengling touts FLIGHT 12-oz. cans

POTTSVILLE — D.G. Yuengling & Son Inc., billed as America’s Oldest Brewery, has announced the rollout of FLIGHT by Yuengling in 12-ounce cans throughout its 22-state footprint.

According to a press release, the rollout is in time for the one-year anniversary of FLIGHT’S initial launch in 12-ounce clear bottles.

FLIGHT by Yuengling, referred to in the release as the next generation of light beer, was developed as an upscale, light beer to bring better taste even to the low-cal beer category. The beer is described as “crisp and easy-to-drink.”

FLIGHT in 12-ounce cans is supported by American professional soccer star Rose Lavelle and award-winning country singer Lauren Alaina as part of Yuengling’s Raise the Bar campaign, which “is built off the brewery’s foundation of hard work, passion and pride,” according to the release.

Fans should tune into Lauren and Rose’s social channels to get updates on personal appearances and performances, fan meet & greets, special promotions and sweepstakes.

FLIGHT is now available in 12-ounce bottles as well as 16- and 12-ounce cans.