Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc. celebrated its 69th anniversary during the 2025 Annual Dinner celebration on Tuesday, June 10th, at Capriotti’s Palazzo in McAdoo Industrial Park – located in Banks Township. The evening brought together community leaders, partners, and stakeholders to celebrate another year of growth, partnership, and impact in the Greater Hazleton Area.
The program highlighted major achievements throughout the fiscal year, including continued expansion in CAN DO’s industrial parks and the organization’s ongoing commitment to economic development, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure investment. Guests enjoyed an evening of networking, recognition, and celebration of the individuals and institutions whose contributions continue to shape Greater Hazleton’s success story.
Before the evening’s formal program began, CAN DO took a moment to honor the life and legacy of longtime board member and past Chair, Eugene Dougherty, who passed away earlier this year. Dougherty dedicated 55 years of service to the organization and served as Chair of the Board from 1991 to 1993, during which the nationally recognized CAN DO Corporate Center was completed.
Following the tribute, CAN DO President and CEO, Joseph Lettiere, provided updates on ongoing development, infrastructure improvements, and CAN DO’s commitment to supporting industry growth across Greater Hazleton. As part of the evening’s announcements, CAN DO also unveiled its newly redesigned website. The updated site features a cleaner design, improved navigation, full mobile responsiveness, and branding that better reflects the organization’s mission and services it offers to businesses, developers, and residents alike.
Lettiere also expressed his gratitude for the continued collaboration that fuels CAN DO’s mission.
“This year’s dinner not only celebrated our milestones but reminded us of the collective power of partnership,” he said. “The work we do is made possible by the incredible people and organizations who believe in Greater Hazleton’s potential and work every day to make that vision a reality.”
CAN DO also honored several outgoing board members and officers for their service to the organization. Longtime board member and Solicitor, Peter Fagan, Esq., was recognized for his 50+ years of service to the organization and named an Honorary Director of the CAN DO Board of Directors.
Outgoing Board Officer and Vice Chair of the Property and Finance Committees, Terry Malloy, was also celebrated for his dedicated service to the Board. CAN DO also acknowledged the graduating seniors of the Student Action Committee (SAC), a group of local high school students who volunteer their time in support of community development and engagement efforts. Seniors honored during the event included
FY2025 SAC Chair Alexander Composto and Hayden Schwabe, both of MMI Preparatory School; Javier Vazquez, Gabriella Bredbenner, and Johncarlos Peralta, all of Hazleton Area High School; Erica Boyle of Marian Catholic High School; Luke Palmieri of Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences; Shelli Selby of Immanuel Christian School; and Ava Sahaida of Weatherly Area High School.
The annual CAN DO Chair Award, presented each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding service to the organization and the Greater Hazleton community, was awarded to James Dino, whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact on CAN DO and its mission.
The 2025 Partner of the Year Award was presented to the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences (HAAS) in recognition of the school’s collaboration on key initiatives, including tecBRIDGE’s regional High School Business Plan Competition and other programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurial learning among students. HAAS continues to be an essential partner in shaping the region’s future workforce and supporting youth-driven economic development. Marie Ernst, Principal of HAAS, was in attendance to receive the award on the school’s behalf.
The success of the 2025 Annual Dinner was made possible, in part, through the generous support of CAN DO event’s sponsors. Sponsors included Biros Septic & Drain Cleaning, Brian Galada Electric, Champion Builders, Community Bank, DesignBLD, Entech Engineering, First National Bank, Geisinger, Hazleton Plumbing Heating & Supply, Janney, Montgomery & Scott, Leib Well Drilling, Lehigh Valley Health Network – Hazleton, Luzerne County Community College – Hazleton Center, Meiser & Earl, Mericle Commercial Real Estate, MidPenn Bank, , NEPA Manufactures and Employers Association, Northpoint Development, OneGroup, Penn State Hazleton, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, PPL Corporation, Posture Interactive, Reading & Northern Railroad, UGI, and Whitaker Investment Group.
