Last fall was an exciting one for our East Coast Division, as the team cemented its footing in Pennsylvania’s Pocono region by joining the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce and Mid-Atlantic Better Business Bureau. Since making the move from Erie to East Stroudsburg in August, the team’s been working hard to establish a strong community presence in its new home. Events like the 2015 Day of Caring, Rotary Club of the Stroudsburgs meetings and the opportunity to supply a space in which Stroudsburg Area High School sophomores could build an awesome homecoming float have provided fun ways in which to reach out and get to know our new friends and neighbors. Becoming a part of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-Atlantic BBB put a cap on the transition to East Stroudsburg in exciting fashion.

Ribbon Cutting with the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce

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Since 1910, the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce has been “the voice of business” for many of the businesses that help form the backbone of Monroe County. Now in its 105th year of existence, the GPCC tallies greater than 1800 members among its numbers, with members serving on one or more of the 27 committees and task forces that work to promote business in the area. Being a member offers a host of benefits, such as marketing, advertising and networking opportunities, but the ability to be connected to other area businesses and leaders is likely the most valuable of them all.

Josh-Smith-Gary-Alt-Ribbon Cutting

While the move to East Stroudsburg was made in August, our new location had yet to be formally christened as of early November. Specifically, our new warehouse was in need of a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the long-held tradition used to signify the official opening of a business location. On November 18, WPRP team members Josh Smith, Linda Anlauf, Jackie Marchisin, Stephanie Thompson, Rich Wyckoff and Dale Lockard met with members of the GPCC, including President/CEO Bob Phillips, Board Member Vinny Bianchi and Executive Assistant Miriam Conway. District Director to State Senator Mario Scavello, Kristine Bush, as well as Gary Alt of Frailey Insurance were also in attendance. Friend of WPRP Charlie Cahn of Community Partners in Recycling was also present to show his support for the official ribbon cutting. Josh Smith said about the event, “We’re so excited to be part of the BBB and CoC and so happy to have had a chance to show off our new quick ship facility that everyone has worked so hard together to make happen.” Linda Anlauf said, “It was a pleasure meeting our Chamber of Commerce members for the ribbon cutting ceremony. They provided such a warm welcome into our community, as well as insight into the many resources available to us.” A fun time was had by all, and we’re grateful to the GPCC for helping make it happen!

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Joining the Mid-Atlantic BBB

The WPRP East Coast Division had long been part of the Better Business Bureau, but the transition to East Stroudsburg prompted the move to the Mid-Atlantic BBB, which covers Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and parts of Virginia. Together with our new membership in the GPCC, joining the Mid-Atlantic BBB presents an exciting opportunity to quickly become involved in the region’s thriving business community.

If you’re a part of the East Stroudsburg or Pocono region business community, we’d love to connect with you. You can find us on Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, or send us an email at [email protected]