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Wilkes-Barre Businesses GOING SOUTH! |
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The statement can be shared by small business owners, and home-based business owners in Wilkes-Barre, “How can I continue to make my business successful against increasing competition, a declining population and concerns about the neighborhood”?
“I wasn’t going to ignore disturbing trends, and knew there was a need to make the Wilkes-Barre area and beyond, aware there are excellent businesses and business owners in South Wilkes-Barre.” stated Dr. Brian O’Donnell, an Optometrist who lives and practices in South Wilkes-Barre. Dr. O’Donnell grew up in Wilkes-Barre, is a life long resident and now business owner in the city’s Southern end. “Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding areas are wonderful places to raise children, own a business, and stay involved in the community. South Wilkes-Barre in particular, is a great community that is fortunate to have businesses that are only found in this part of the city, but we need to make others familiar with what we have to offer”. O’Donnell continued, “We are not without our issues and in an attempt to address these concerns, many years ago Rick Gazenski and I sought to form a business group that could express business and social concerns to the City Administration along with highlighting that Wilkes-Barre businesses exist and extend beyond the boundaries of Center City”.
Crime, social issues, decreasing population, are leading to a changing reputation of South Wilkes-Barre. “You know, it’s so hard to convince clients that it’s safe to come into my office”, shared Rick Gazenski, partner of Hoban and Associates Insurance on Carey Avenue. “My wife who’s a realtor, has a very tough time showing homes in South Wilkes-Barre because prospective home buyers only know the reputation of South Wilkes-Barre from the newspapers and are afraid to move here. These people have no idea what a wonderful area South Wilkes-Barre is even with
the occasional crime. No town is immune to crime problems, and the city is doing the best they can with the police force”, added Gazenski.
Gazenski and O’Donnell were frustrated with the lack of action from business owners in South Wilkes-Barre. Both men are very supportive of the revitalization of the downtown area, and the decision by both Wilkes University and Kings College to make the area a “college town”. Both men decided to put their frustration into action and created the, South Wilkes-Barre Business Alliance (SWBBA).
The SWBBA was formed earlier this year and has grown to over 25 members, all who own businesses in South Wilkes-Barre. The initial meeting of the group was overwhelmingly successful because of the number of people who attended. “We had a true spectrum of businesses from home based, to doctors, and large corporations interested in the revitalization of South Wilkes-Barre and to grab the attention of many business and political leaders that We are open for business in South Wilkes-Barre”, O’Donnell stated. The group recently held elections of officers for the next twelve months, with Rick Gazenski and his wife Pat, sharing responsibilities as Co-Presidents. Pat Gazenski remarked, “We want to continue to grow the SWBBA and make the slogan, “Movement for Improvement” a mantra for the business owners and residents of South Wilkes-Barre.”
The SWBBA is a non-profit/non political group of over 25 business owners (and growing) in South Wilkes-Barre, dedicated to promoting, networking, and empowering local businesses and its citizens to become interested and active in the area for a better community. The SWBBA continues to encourage local businesses in South Wilkes-Barre to become active leaders in the community. Apathy and a sense that nothing can be done, are not part of SWBBA’s attitude. The first sponsored event of the SWBBA was a “meet the candidates night” held in April, prior to the May primary. The event was extremely successful and drew all city council candidates in District A, both Mayoral candidates, and well over 100 citizens. The members of the SWBBA knew they were onto something. “Wow, what a turn out for the candidate night”, Rick Gazenski excitedly stated. Compared to the only other Meet the Candidate Night in the city of Wilkes-Barre, the SWBBA felt their event was a tremendous success.
The SWBBA is a non-partisan organization committed to making Wilkes-Barre a better place to own a business and raise a family. The group plans various activities in the area that will reflect the passion and concern the business owners have to continue making South Wilkes-Barre their home for business or residing. Rick Gazenski concluded, “It’s not who you stand with but rather what you stand for that makes any community thrive”.
Working with the city is a goal the group hopes to accomplish, but the SWBBA knows they have to show something worthwhile and valuable to the community, proving itself not only to city leaders, but all residents of South Wilkes-Barre. The success of this group will depend on the interest, concern, and passion of all the business owners and residents.
For more information on the SWBBA contact Rick Gazenski at 570-823-0711. |
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