To mark the 15th anniversary of its Curb Appeal Awards, CAN DO is revising the awards categories and adding new judging criteria to the competition.
The Curb Appeal Awards are presented each fall to tenants across CAN DO's five business and industrial parks who dedicate time and attention to beautifying their properties through landscaping and grounds maintenance.
Curb Appeal judges Sherri Homanko, PHARM D., Keri Nork, and James Dino will be circulating the parks to evaluate facilities beginning in July. In addition to being judged on First Impressions, Landscaping & Appeal, and Safety & Cleanliness, the new category of Creativity was added this year.
CAN DO, Inc. recently appointed Nico Makuta as its Business Financing Specialist.
In his role, Makuta will manage the planning, procurement, and administration of project driven grants and loans for the organization; assist businesses in the community to identify and procure financing opportunities; act as a liaison to employers through outreach to ensure Greater Hazleton’s continued economic development efforts; and coordinate with CAN BE to assist small businesses and start-ups with financing options and growth opportunities.
CAN DO President & CEO Joseph Lettiere said, “Nico will be a great asset for our CAN DO team. His enthusiasm for the community and interest in the mission of the organization stood out during our initial interview. That passion to make a difference, as well as Nico’s experience working directly with people and managing their needs, will play an integral role in CAN DO's continued efforts to assist businesses with obtaining the financing they need in order to create or retain high-quality, family-sustaining jobs in Greater Hazleton.”
CAN BE Innovation Center tenant, Ranek Technologies, as well as three Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences (HAAS) students were recently honored during the 20th annual tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition award ceremony held at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre.