Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce - Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Women’s Networking Committee Announces Applications Are Available for Women’s Empowerment Grant

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking committee is currently seeking applications for the nineth annual Women’s Empowerment Grant. This grant was established to encourage women to pursue training or education that will help them start or advance a career. The target of the grant is women who are: currently working and want to advance in their career through education or training; returning to the workforce; and/or seeking to change their current career path and pursue something more in line with their interests or passions. The grant is also intended to be available to those who would not necessarily have access to scholarships or grants. For this reason, graduating high school students will not be eligible to apply for the grant.

Chamber Launches Brand New Website to Better Serve Our Members

Chamber Homepage Keeping up the latest in internet technology, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce recently launched a newly designed website that is responsive for viewing on all of today’s devices, including popular tablets and smartphones.

The new site offers members and others updated information about Chamber and community events and a wealth of other information including membership, a directory of Chamber members and an online version of the Chamber’s most recent Image Book.

The new website was developed and designed by Precision Design, a Hazleton web design, marketing, advertising and public relations firm that has more than 20 years experience and more than 12 years representing the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.

Downtown Farmer’s Market Seeking New Vendors

The Downtown Hazleton Farmer's Market, soon to be kicking off its fifth year, is seeking new vendors to expand the diversity of market offerings. Previous year’s vendors have included Burger’s Farm, 2014 08 01 10.46.52 O’Hara’s Orchard, The Good Hive (honey and honey-made products), Paula’s Patisserie, the Butler Township Community Garden (Growing Markets program), and Atomic Hog Pit BBQ. Featured food trucks and non-profit and educational institutions, including the PSU Master Gardeners and McCann School of Business have also participated in the past, whether offering ice cream, gardening workshops, or even free chair massages.

“It would be great if we could add some additional vendors this year,” said Chamber President Mary Malone, especially jam, jellies, juices, or even food trucks. Artists and crafters are also welcome.” The Chamber of Commerce operates the market with the support of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress.

This year the market will again take place every Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, mid-July through early September. Vendor fees are only $50 for the season, which covers the city’s business license, plus whatever costs are associated with obtaining the vendor liability insurance. Vendors selling pre-packaged or ready to eat foods are also responsible for obtaining appropriate licensing/registration from the PA Department of Agriculture. Necessary forms and additional information can be found on the Alliance’s website

The market has been growing in popularity with local residents, downtown workers, and seniors who are eligible for Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers. This SFMNP was established in 2002 by the Federal and State Dept. of Agriculture to assist seniors in obtaining fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables and to increase sales and awareness of the farmers markets in the local area.

State Senator John R. Gornder to Speak at Chamber Red Carpet Breakfast

John Gordner Continuing with the chamber’s legislative series, Senator John R. Gordner will address the business community on Thursday, June 16th at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast program. The breakfast program is sponsored by BB&T, and will take place at Tom’s Kitchen, 656 State Route 93, Sugarloaf.

The program will begin at 7:45 a.m. and conclude at 9:00 a.m. A full breakfast will be served at the upcoming breakfast program for a $20 fee for chamber members and a $25 fee for non-chamber members. Those who would like to attend should contact the chamber office at 570-455-1509 or register online at hazletonchamber.org by Monday, June 13th.

The Red Carpet programs are conducted monthly by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce as a way of providing information to the local business community and offering new and expanded business networking opportunities.