Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc. celebrated its 70th anniversary during the 2026 Annual Dinner on Tuesday, June 9th, at Capriotti’s Palazzo in McAdoo Industrial Park, located in Banks Township. The evening brought together business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and stakeholders to highlight another year of partnership and growth across Greater Hazleton.
As part of the evening’s program, CAN DO Board Chair John E. Schwear Jr. reflected on the organization’s 70-year history and the partnerships of which have contributed to its long-term success.
“None of this happens because of one person or one project. It happens because our board, our partners, and staff continue showing up for this community year after year,” said Schwear. “That spirit has carried CAN DO for seven decades, and I believe it will continue carrying this organization forward for many years to come.”
CAN DO President and CEO Joseph Lettiere provided an update on the organization’s activities and accomplishments throughout the fiscal year, highlighting ongoing site development projects, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurial programs, and strategic partnerships that continue to strengthen the regional economy.
“The opportunities before us are significant as we continue to see interest from industries looking to invest, employers seeking to expand, entrepreneurs pursuing new ideas, and educational partners working to strengthen our workforce pipeline.” Lettiere said. “Meeting those opportunities will require the same planning, collaboration, and commitment that have define CAN DO for the last seventy years.”
The evening also included recognition of several individuals and organizations for their contributions to CAN DO and the Greater Hazleton Area.
CAN DO recognized the graduating seniors of the Student Action Committee (SAC), a group of local high school students who serve in a non-voting capacity on the CAN DO Board of Directors while participating in leadership development, community engagement, and volunteer initiatives throughout Greater Hazleton. Seniors honored during the event included Student Chair McKenna Gerhard of Weatherly Area High School; Ariamdalys Ramos Alvarez and Mia Harmonosky of Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences; Ava Genetti and Sharan Parikh of MMI Preparatory School; and Isabella Lenker of Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy.
The 2026 Partner of the Year Award was presented to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in recognition of its continued partnership and support of economic development initiatives throughout the Greater Hazleton Area. Through funding programs, technical assistance, and collaborative project support, DCED has helped advance infrastructure improvements, site development initiatives, and business expansion projects that support long-term economic growth throughout the Greater Hazleton Area. Brian Eckert, Director of Site Development, was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of the agency.
The annual CAN DO Chair Award was presented to E. Thomas Sandrock in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the organization and the Greater Hazleton Area. Sandrock served as Chair of the CAN DO Board from 2007 to 2009, a period during which the organization was recognized as the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association’s Large Agency of the Year. Throughout his years of service on the Board of Directors, Sandrock contributed his leadership and expertise to numerous initiatives that have supported CAN DO’s mission and continues to serve on the organization’s Executive and Governance Committees.
The success of the 2026 Annual Dinner was made possible through the generous support of CAN DO’s sponsors. Sponsors included Barry Isett & Associates, 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, Johnson College, Lehigh Valley Health Network – part of Jefferson Health, Leib Well Drilling, The Luzerne Foundation, Luzerne County Community College – Hazleton Center, Meiser & Earl, Mericle Commercial Real Estate, Mid Penn Bank, NEPA Manufacturers & Employers Association, Northpoint Development, OneGroup, Penntex Construction, Penn State Hazleton, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Posture Interactive, PPL, Reading & Northern Railroad, Residence Inn by Marriott – Hazleton, UGI, West Hazleton Lions Club, and Whitaker Investment Group.
About CAN DO
CAN DO, Inc. is Greater Hazleton’s certified economic development organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Hazleton Area through the creation and retention of a full range of employment opportunities. Since 1956, CAN DO has played a leading role in advancing economic growth and investment throughout the region.
Today, CAN DO supports businesses, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and community partners through real estate development, business financing, entrepreneurial assistance, workforce development initiatives, and strategic community investments.
Through the development and management of four business and industrial parks, CAN DO has helped attract more than 30,000 jobs to the region while continuing to advance projects and programs that strengthen the area’s long-term economic competitiveness.
For more information, visit hazletoncando.com.
