News and information about CAN DO for the community, investors, volunteers and board members.
W. Kevin O’Donnell has been synonymous with CAN DO for almost 50 years. His passion and commitment to the organization was unwavering as he dedicated his life to serving the community and making a difference in the lives of so many. Notably, Kevin’s mastery of economic development was unmatched as Kevin was highly respected throughout economic development circles, not just in Hazleton or Northeastern Pennsylvania, but across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a whole.
Kevin’s tenure with CAN DO spanned for more than four and a half decades. He joined the organization as the second hired employee in 1973 – serving as the Assistant Director - under then Executive Director Joseph Yenchko. During his initial year with the organization, Kevin led the development of the area’s first synthetic fuels plant, the CAN DO Coal Gasification Facility, in 1974. In 1984, Kevin was promoted to the position of Executive Director, a title that in 1995 was changed to President & CEO, until his retirement in 2020. Kevin was one of the incorporators of the CAN DO Community Foundation, and the driving force behind the formation of the CAN BE (Community Association for New Business Entrepreneurship) Innovation Center – which encourages entrepreneurship through the launch of new businesses within the Greater Hazleton Area.
Greater Hazleton CAN DO partnered with Johnson College to address the area’s growing educational, economic, and industrial needs. Together, they are spearheading plans to introduce the college’s first-ever satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, located in Hazleton’s Humboldt Industrial Park.
CAN DO staff members Evan McKenzie, Water Utility Specialist, and Daniel Bove, Wastewater Utility Specialist, recently passed their water and wastewater operator certification exams, which puts them on track to earn their Operator Certification within the coming months. To be eligible, McKenzie and Bove needed to meet all education requirements, pass the necessary examinations, and meet the operating experience requirements.
CAN DO announces the recent location of Crop One Holdings’ second U.S. Farm in Humboldt Industrial Park. Crop One is an industry leader in technology-driven indoor vertical farming that focuses primarily on the sustainable production of produce. This strategic location allows Crop One to reach up to 50 million consumers within a 200-mile radius across the tristate and Mid-Atlantic areas, including customers in New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The news comes as the company continues to see strong growth, following its announcement earlier this year about the opening of the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm in Dubai, with an output of three tons per day.
CAN DO invites members of the community to ring in the holiday season with the City of Hazleton and its partners for a combined Holiday Celebration on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at City Hall Block – 40 N. Church Street, from 4 to 9 PM.
CAN DO is collaborating with the Mayor’s Office, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP), Hazleton Parks and Recreation, and the Hazleton Public Library to bring ‘The City of Hazleton’s Holiday Celebration’ to life. This family-friendly event will be an evening full of holiday cheer for all Greater Hazleton Area community members and their families.
CAN DO’s Student Action Committee will hold its second annual CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2, at 4:30 p.m. in the park located at the corner of N. Broad and Laurel streets in Downtown Hazleton.
The event, which will take place during Downtown Hazleton First Friday, is open to the public and will begin with performances from the Olde Towne Carolers followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the tree. Keystone Ballet Academy will close the festivities around 6:00 p.m. with a dance performance from the Sugar Plum Fairy and ballet dancers – allowing plenty of time for community members to participate in Downtown Hazleton’s First Friday events.
Those in attendance can have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit Santa’s reindeer, as well as meet the Sugar Plum Fairy, who will be located within the Hub at 13-15 W. Broad Street.
CAN DO, Inc. has announced the recent promotion of two staff members: Raiana Nichols as Director of Utilities and Cody Wood as Director of Construction and Facilities.
The CAN DO Student Action Committee concluded its 18th Annual Operation: CAN DO drive with the delivery of dozens of donated items to the Freeland American Legion Post 473.
Operation: CAN DO, which kicked off in early October, is a joint effort between the Freeland American Legion Post 473 and CAN DO’s Student Action Committee to create care packages that will then be sent to brave military service members, with ties to Greater Hazleton, who will be serving away from home during the holidays. This year’s drive was led by committee members and special event co-chairs Lachlan Segedy, Marian High School Junior, Rebecca Boyle, Marian High School Senior, and John Schwear III, MMI Senior.
The CAN DO Student Action Committee is seeking support from businesses and individuals across Greater Hazleton as it plans the 18th annual Operation: CAN DO drive.
Operation: CAN DO is an effort, in conjunction with the Freeland American Legion Post 473, that has its Student Action Committee members create care packages to send to those brave military service members with ties to Greater Hazleton who will be serving abroad during the holidays. The Student Action Committee, who spearheads this annual program with assistance from the Freeland American Legion Post 473, kicked off this year’s campaign by sending letters to area schools and businesses requesting goods or monetary donations for the care packages. The committee is also seeking the names and contact information of service members who would like to receive a package.
CAN DO held its 15th annual Curb Appeal Awards Ceremony this past Thursday, September 22nd. The awards recognize tenants across its five business and industrial parks who dedicate time and attention to beautifying their property through landscaping and grounds maintenance.
At the event, co-chair and head judge of the Curb Appeal Awards, Sherri Homanko, announced American Eagle Outfitters as the overall winner during an industry mixer held at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Humboldt Station. For Curb Appeal judges Sherri Homanko, Pharm.D., Keri Nork, and James Dino, the entire American Eagle Outfitters facility embodied what it means to have Curb Appeal: pristine landscaping and beautiful flower displays (Vito’s Lawn Care), cohesive branding and signage throughout the property, an immaculately clean parking lot and entry space, and a stunning façade that elevates the building’s physical curb appeal.