Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce - Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Woman’s Networking Program Tuesday Open to All Women in Greater Hazleton

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Committee is holding their third woman’s networking luncheon program for 2022 Tuesday, May 24^th from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Brass Buckle in Conyngham. The event is being sponsored by The H&K Group and is open for any woman to attend.

The program will begin promptly at 12 noon and will include a buffet lunch. Our guest speaker will be Eileen Perchak, Executive Director for Mission Autism Clinics and she will present on Autism and Inclusivity in the Workplace.

Dooprize drawings including, a free lunch for the next program and the opportunity to give an introduction of your business at the event will be drawn. Women are encouraged to bring along promotional items, such as business cards, brochures, giveaways, etc. to display on our business resource table.

Additional luncheon programs for the remainder of the year have been set for Tuesdays, July 26^th, September 27^th; and November 29^th.

The cost to attend the luncheon program is $20.00 for Chamber members and $25.00 for non-Chamber members and the fee will be collected at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Empowerment Grant Fund. Reservations are required by registering online, contacting the Chamber office at 455-1509, or emailing .

Chamber and Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton announce the 2022 Athena Recipient

Miss Faberge aka Carol A. Zielinski, owner and operator of Faberge Follies Dance ’n' Tumble has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton.

Miss Faberge opened the doors to her studio located in downtown Hazleton 33 years ago. Her love of dance from a young age quickly translated to opening and operating the studio. She has been nationally published in Dance Teacher magazine and also expanded into a retail boutique, The Diva Dancewear Boutique which was opened for the ease of area creatives to find all that they needed locally. Always an innovator with a heart to match her skills, she is now working on an online presence “ The Faberge Way” to share her 33 years as a business owner, performer, and dancer with so many others.

Community service is a key component of the Athena Award. Miss Faberge's core philosophy is “ never to say no when asked” and she has generously shared her talents and special brand of enthusiasm with so many organizations in the Greater Hazleton area. Her studio has been front and center for Santa and Easter Bunny events, the Chamber annual meeting, Drums fall festival, American Cancer Society Ball, Valley Day, working with scouts on badge requirements, and the Philharmonic Sounds of the Season holiday show. She launched and coordinated “The Make Someone Happy” tour of all the senior centers and nursing homes. This tour welcomes not only dance students but anyone wanting to share their talents for the benefit of seniors in our area. Her spirit, creative passion and talents make each and every occurrence better for having her touch.

Chamber Networking Mixer Slated for Next Week

The Chamber’s first networking mixer for 2022 is taking place next week. The mixer will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center at Hazleton, which is located at 1077 N. Church Street inside the Church Hill Mall in Hazle Township. All Chamber members, their guests, employees, and co-workers, are invited to attend. There is no fee, however reservations are required.

Chamber members, employees, co-workers & guests are invited to enjoy a casual, after-hours event, networking with the business community of Greater Hazleton Chamber. Meet the team at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center and hear about all of the services they have to offer you, your business and employees. Enjoy an array of complimentary hors d' oeuvres, beer & wine.

Everyone is encouraged to bring along their business cards to distribute to their fellow Chamber members. And a doorprize drawing will also take place.

As stated, reservations are required. You may register on the online Chamber Calendar of Events at www.hazletonchamber.org, contact the Chamber office at 570.455.1509 or .

Pictured in the photo from Fyzical Therapy & Balance Center at Hazleton are Kathie and Ting Oh, Owners and Melissa Lomax, Physical Therapy Assistant.

Gov. Wolf Announces $4 million in Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act Funding for NEPA

Governor Tom Wolf has announced $4 million in Community Development Block Grant-CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding to support communities and their residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

NEPA Alliance through the Partnership for Regional Economic Performance (Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties) will be providing grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses and up to $15,000 for microenterprises (small businesses that employ few people) located in one of those 7 counties that have been severely impacted due to COVID-19. NEPA Alliance anticipates approximately 150 jobs will be retained or created.

Applications will be reviewed and granted on a first come, first served basis until funds are depleted. There is no cost to apply for this grant.

The University of Scranton and Wilkes University Small Business Development Centers are assisting with the application process by offering individual guidance. If you are not already working with an SBDC consultant, please register with the SBDC to receive services.