By Roger DuPuis | WVIA News
Lots of places are famous for their piping hot pizza. Hazleton's hometown specialty is actually preferred cold.
The deli-style square pies, boxed or available as single cuts wrapped in cellophane and sold in corner stores, are a tradition in and around the city.
While living in Tennessee, Andrew Baranko longed for that taste of home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his sisters developed a recipe and began selling the pies around Nashville.
Word started to spread — in Tennessee, and back in Pennsylvania.
"We were doing pop-ups and farmers markets down there. We had some visitors from our hometown come and try it and they're like, 'you've got to bring this back to Hazleton,'" Baranko said.
Read more ...
In its first round of awards, more than 650 small businesses based in Luzerne County received $3.3 Million through the Luzerne County Small Business Sustainability Grant program. This program is made possible through Luzerne County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funding. Administered for Luzerne County by the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Greater Hazleton and Greater Wyoming Valley Chambers of Commerce, the program has received over 1300 applications to date.
Second round applications are still under review and the final round of the Luzerne County Small Business Sustainability Grant Program will remain open until June 7, 2024, or until all funding is allocated. Applications processed in this final round will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis until all remaining funds are exhausted.
Eligible businesses can still apply online at www.luzernecountyready.org.
Read more ...
The Greater Hazleton Chamber is seeking nominations for the 2024 Athena International Award. You can nominate a female that currently works at a business that is a member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. The prestigious award program is happening for the 36th time in our area, thanks to the sponsorship of Lehigh Valley Hospital. Tammy Torres, Lehigh Valley President, noted, “ We are proud to celebrate our fourth year of our partnership with the Hazleton Chamber to continue the recognition of female leaders making a difference in their professions and the Greater Hazleton area.” Applications need to be into the Chamber office by 5 p.m. on April 26.
Read more ...
The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce has announced plans are well underway for their 132nd Anniversary and Executive Business Exposition, which is taking place on Thursday, May 16th at Capriotti’s, One Banks Avenue in McAdoo.
This is the Chamber’s largest event of the year. The presenting sponsor for this year’s event is once again, PPL.
In order to provide the opportunity for all Chamber members to take part in event, plenty of options are available, whether it is attending with a reservation, participating in the expo or as an event sponsor.
The event will kick off at 5 pm with a short program, recognizing the Chamber’s outgoing Board of Directors and Chair, and then, honoring the Athena Businesswoman of the Year. The Athena Businesswoman of the Year award is sponsored by Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton. After the short program, which will take place in the Capella at Capriotti’s, attendees will then move to the main banquet facility for the Executive Business Exposition. The expo portion of the event will include hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, a 5-station meal and a cash bar. The Expo provides Chamber member businesses and attendees with an informal way to combine the social benefits of the evening, with the opportunity to see some of the goods and services available through local business.
Read more ...