CAN DO held its 18th Annual Curb Appeal Awards on Thursday, September 25, at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Humboldt Station. The annual event honors tenants across CAN DO’s business and industrial parks for their dedication to enhancing their properties through exceptional landscaping, grounds maintenance, and general curb appeal.
Judged by Dr. Sherri Homanko and Jim Dino, the Curb Appeal Awards recognize businesses that demonstrate pride in their properties and a commitment to maintaining an attractive environment for employees, visitors, and the surrounding community. Properties were evaluated on first impressions, landscaping appeal, safety and cleanliness, and overall creativity.
“Every year, it’s inspiring to see how much care and creativity our local industries put into their properties,” said Homanko. “These businesses understand that well-maintained grounds aren’t just about appearances – they help foster a safer, more welcoming environment for employees and visitors alike. It’s clear that the winners take great pride in setting a standard of excellence that strengthens our entire community.”
This year’s top honor, the ‘Overall Winner’ across all four of CAN DO’s business and industrial parks, was awarded to EAM-Mosca Corp., who’s lush plantings, vibrant flowers, and inviting employee spaces continue to set a high standard within the Valmont Industrial Park. This recognition, which marks the company’s 8th Curb Appeal award, ties to its newly renovated building at 525 Jaycee Drive. The facility was completed in 2024 as part of EAM-Mosca’s $20.6 million strategic initiative to expand its footprint in Pennsylvania. Landscaping was provided by Steve’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, and the award was accepted by Jan Wessel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Chris Van Blargen, Operations Manager; and Henry Nork, Facility Manager.
“We’re truly honored to be recognized by CAN DO again,” Wessel said. “There is great value in creating and offering an inviting workplace environment. We take great pride in our property because we believe it not only reflects the values of our company, but it also serves as a place of pride for all team members and contributes to the profile of both the industrial park and the broader community we find ourselves in.”
Two new award categories were also introduced this year. Niagara Bottling, located in Humboldt Industrial Park, received the inaugural ‘Best New Industry’ award, which recognizes industries operating for less than five years that demonstrate a strong commitment to beautification. Their property, landscaped by Meadowbrook Landscape Management, was recognized for its clean, vibrant design and officially opened in 2022. Jared Benshoff, Plant Engineer Manager, accepted the award.
The ‘Most Improved’ award, recognizing the greatest year-over-year progress, was presented to NORPEL, also located in Humboldt Industrial Park and landscaped by Meadowbrook Landscape Management. The company located to Humboldt in 2022 and has steadily improved their curb appeal ever since. The award was accepted by NORPEL’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Tyler Snyder.
This year’s ‘Honorable Mention’ award went to Impackt Packaging, with landscaping by Four Diamond Lawncare, Inc. Impackt purchased the building at 150 Jaycee Drive in West Hazleton in 2023. Since then, the company has invested in its curb appeal by installing a new sign near their entrance and consistently maintaining a clean, well-groomed lawn. The award was accepted by Impackt’s General Manager, Thomas Rabenold.
In addition to top awards across all parks, honors were also given to several industries based on size and location.
They include:
Humboldt Industrial Park, Under 100 Employees – Service Electric Cablevision with landscaping by Eddie’s Lawn and Landscaping; Humboldt Industrial Park, 100–200 Employees – United States Cold Storage with landscaping by J & S Landscaping; Humboldt Industrial Park, Over 200 Employees – PFNonwovens LLC with landscaping by Nause Landscaping; Humboldt Station – Residence Inn by Marriott with landscaping by Walko’s Landscape & Nursery; McAdoo Industrial Park – Capriotti’s Catering with landscaping by its in-house staff; CAN DO Corporate Center – Best Cigar Pub/Best Cigar Prices with landscaping by Steve’s Lawn Care & Landscaping; Valmont Industrial Park, Under 100 Employees – Muzo with landscaping by Lombardo’s Lawn Care Inc.; and Valmont Industrial Park, Over 100 Employees – Amcor Flexibles, Hazleton with landscaping by J & S Landscaping.
“We’d like to congratulate this year’s winners and thank them for their commitment to maintaining clean, beautiful, and inviting properties,” said Dino. “These efforts help elevate the overall appearance of our industrial parks and make a positive impression on everyone who lives, works, or visits here.”
CAN DO President & CEO Joseph Lettiere added, “The Curb Appeal awards give us an opportunity each year to confirm our belief that our industrial and business parks are home to premier industries with Class A facilities. Their pride of place not only benefits their employees but also enhances the business community as a whole. We’re proud to recognize their commitment to maintaining their properties, as well as the hard work and dedication of the local landscaping firms who service them.”
Special thanks were extended to the event’s sponsors, including Residence Inn by Marriott Hazleton, Lehigh Valley Health Network – Station Circle, platinum sponsor – Keystone Roof Solutions LLC, gold sponsor – J & S Landscaping, and T. Verrastro Beer Distributors. Door prize and award sponsors were Best Cigar Pub & Prices, Bognet, Inc., Carver’s Reserve, Eddie’s Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC, Meadowbrook Landscape Management, Michael’s Lawn Care Inc., MMI Preparatory School, NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association, Planutis Lawn and Landscaping, Sand Springs Country Club, Steve’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, and Walko Landscaping & Nursery. Their continued support makes this celebration possible.
For more information about the Curb Appeal Awards or to learn how your company can participate next year, please contact Miguel Polanco, Marketing Communications Specialist, at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com or 570-455-1508.
