| South Wilkes-Barre Business Alliance |
| Written by Kevin Greenberg | ||||||
 How can I continue to make my business successful against increasing competition, a declining population, and concerns about the neighborhood? This question can be asked by small and home-based business owners throughout the United States. But to the residents of Luzerne County, nowhere is this of more concern than in Wilkes-Barre. “I wasn’t going to ignore disturbing trends. I knew there was a need to make the Wilkes-Barre area and beyond aware there are excellent businesses and business owners in South Wilkes-Barre,” said Dr. Brian O’Donnell, an optometrist who lives and practices in South Wilkes-Barre. A Wilkes-Barre native and lifelong resident, O’Donnell owns a business in the city’s Southern end. “Wilkes-Barre and its surrounding areas are wonderful places to raise children, own a business, and stay involved in the community. South Wilkes-Barre, in particular, is a great community, but we need to make others familiar with what we have to offer,” said O’Donnell. “We are not without our issues. To address these concerns, Rick Gazenski and I sought to form a business group that could express business and social concerns to the city administration along with highlighting that Wilkes-Barre businesses exist and extend beyond the boundaries of Center City.” Crime, social issues, and decreasing community members are leading to a changing reputation of South Wilkes-Barre. “You know, it’s so hard to convince clients that it’s safe to come into my office,” said Rick Gazenski, partner of Hoban and Associates Insurance on Carey Avenue. “My wife, who’s a realtor, has a very tough time showing homes in South Wilkes-Barre because prospective home buyers only know the reputation of South Wilkes-Barre from the newspapers and are afraid to move here. These people have no idea what a wonderful area South Wilkes-Barre is—even with the occasional crime. No town is immune to crime problems, and the city is doing the best they can with the police force.” O’Donnell and Gazenski support the revitalization of the downtown area and the decision by both Wilkes University and King’s College to make the area a “college town.” But their frustration with the lack of action from business owners in South Wilkes-Barre led them to create the South Wilkes-Barre Business Alliance (SWBBA). The SWBBA is a non-profit/ non-political group of more than 25 business owners dedicated to promoting, networking, and empowering local businesses and its citizens to become interested and active in the area for a better community. Apathy and a sense that nothing can be done are not part of SWBBA’s attitude. The group’s initial meeting was overwhelmingly successful and well-attended. “We had a true spectrum of businesses, from home-based to doctors and large corporations interested in the revitalization of South Wilkes-Barre,” said O’Donnell. “We want to continue to grow the SWBBA and make the slogan, ‘Movement for Improvement’ a mantra for the business owners and residents of South Wilkes-Barre,” said Pat Gazenski, Rick’s wife and president. Pat was elected president for the next 12 months. The SWBBA held a “Meet the Candidates Night” in April, prior to the primary election and in October prior to the general election. The successful events drew city council candidates in District A, mayoral candidates, and well over 100 citizens. The members of the SWBBA knew they were onto something. “Wow, what a turnout!,” said Rick. The group plans various activities in the area that reflect the passion and concern the business owners have to continue making South Wilkes-Barre their home for business or residing. “It’s not who you stand with but rather what you stand for that makes any community thrive,” said Rick. Working with the city is a goal the group hopes to accomplish, but the SWBBA knows it has to show something worthwhile and valuable to the community, proving itself not only to city leaders, but to all residents of South Wilkes-Barre. The success of the SWBBA will depend on the interest, concern, and passion of all the business owners and residents. For more information or to join the SWBBA, visit www.swbba.org or contact Rick Gazenski at 570-823-0711 Bookmark with:
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