CAN DO, Inc. recognized tenants throughout its business and industrial parks for their commitment to property maintenance and beautification during the 19th Annual Curb Appeal Awards on Thursday, September 17th, at the Residence Inn by Marriott Hazleton in Humboldt Station.
The annual event recognize businesses that contribute to the appearance of CAN DO’s parks through first impressions, landscaping, visual appeal, grounds maintenance, property improvements, ongoing upkeep, overall site safety, and creative features. This year’s properties were evaluated by Curb Appeal judges Dr. Sherri Homanko, Jim Dino, and Jeff Mason Jr., who considered the overall appearance and maintenance of each property.
“Each year, we see businesses make a continued effort to maintain properties that reflect positively on their employees, visitors, and the surrounding business community,” Homanko said. “It is rewarding to recognize the work that goes into these properties and the businesses that continue to make their appearance a priority.”
PFNonwovens, located in Humboldt Industrial Park, earned this year’s ‘Overall Winner’ award. Judges recognized PFNonwovens for the overall condition, maintenance, and beautification of its property, including well-maintained roadways and parking areas, landscaping surrounding the building, and consistently maintained entrance signs. Trees, bushes, fresh mulch, and rock-scaped hills along the roadway contribute to the property’s appearance, while American flags displayed along the fencing recognize America’s 250th anniversary. Landscaping for the property was provided by Nause Landscaping. The award was accepted by PFNonwovens’ Purchasing & Logistics Administrator, Maureen Brown.
“We are honored to receive this award. At our facility, we believe that maintaining a clean, attractive, and welcoming environment reflects the pride we take in our work, our employees, and our community,” Brown said. “The care we put into our landscaping and property beautification is an extension of our commitment to excellence in everything we do. This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose dedication helps create a workplace that we are proud to call home each day.”
The judges also recognized businesses in several additional categories based on improvements, new development, location, and number of employees. Dunkin’ in Humboldt Station received the ‘Most Improved’ award. Although the business opened in January 2026, judges noted the significant improvement to the property from its previous use, including a clean, well-maintained lot and landscaping provided by Vito’s Lawn Care and Landscaping surrounding the entrance and exit signs. The award was accepted by Dunkin’s District Manager, James Bruck and General Manager, Jodie Jones.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Hazleton received the ‘Best New Industry’ award, which recognizes industries operation for less than five years that demonstrate a strong commitment to beautification. The property, also located in Humboldt Station, completed construction in May 2026 and was recognized for its landscaping, completed by Bova Property Maintenance. Judges highlighted both the front and rear upkeep of the property, including areas designed to create welcoming spaces for guests. The award was accepted by Home2 Suites’ General Manager, Rose Portillo.
This year’s ‘Honorable Mention’ award was presented to Gonnella Frozen Products in Humboldt Industrial Park with landscaping provided by Walko Landscaping and Nursery. Judges highlighted landscaping around the front of the building, healthy and well-maintained plants, neatly trimmed bushes, and an outdoor seating area for employees.
“Maintaining a property at a high level is an ongoing effort, and that consistency stood out throughout the judging process this year,” Dino said. “Many of these businesses continue to set a strong example through the attention they give their properties year after year.”
Additional awards were presented based on location and number of employees:
- CAN DO Corporate Center: Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities Academy, with landscaping and maintenance by the HASD Maintenance Staff
- McAdoo Industrial Park: Capriotti’s, with landscaping by its in-house staff
- Valmont Industrial Park, Under 100 Employees: Johns Manville, with landscaping by Steve’s Lawn Care and Landscaping
- Valmont Industrial Park, 100+ Employees: EAM-Mosca Corporation, with landscaping by Steve’s Lawn Care and Landscaping
- Humboldt Industrial Park, Under 100 Employees: Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, with landscaping and maintenance by Meadowbrook Landscape Management.
- Humboldt Industrial Park, 100–200 Employees: United States Cold Storage, with landscaping by J & S Landscaping
- Humboldt Industrial Park, 200+ Employees: Michaels Distribution Center, with landscaping by Y & E Landscaping Co., Inc.
- Humboldt Station: Lehigh Valley Health Network – a part of Jefferson Health, with landscaping by Vito’s Lawn Care and Landscaping
“As a first-time judge, I appreciated the opportunity to see the properties throughout CAN DO’s parks and the work that goes into maintaining them,” Mason said. “When businesses consistently take care of their grounds and facilities, that effort contributes to the overall appearance of the parks and creates a positive impression of the business community as a whole.”
CAN DO also recognized the sponsors whose support contributed to the success of this year’s Curb Appeal Awards and Industry Mixer, including Residence Inn by Marriott Hazleton and Lehigh Valley Health Network – a part of Jefferson Health; Platinum Sponsor Keystone Roof Solutions, LLC; Gold Sponsor J & S Landscaping; and door prize and event sponsors Best Cigar Pub & Prices, The Carver’s Reserve, Eddie’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC, Kulaga Excavating, Meadow Container, Meadowbrook Landscape Management, MMI Preparatory School, Nause Landscaping Company, NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association, Planutis Lawn and Landscaping, Sand Springs Country Club, Steve’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Vito’s Lawn Care & Landscaping, Walko Landscaping & Nursery, and Wanick Construction, Inc.
For more information about the Curb Appeal Awards or participation in future events, contact CAN DO Marketing Communications Specialist Miguel Polanco at mpolanco@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN DO
CAN DO, Inc. is Greater Hazleton’s certified economic development organization, working to improve the quality of life in the Greater Hazleton Area through the creation and retention of employment opportunities. Since 1956, CAN DO has advanced economic growth through real estate development and the management of four business and industrial parks while providing business financing, entrepreneurial support, workforce development initiatives, and other resources that promote economic activity throughout the region.
For more information, visit hazletoncando.com.
