Inspiring Success Stories from Around the Region ...

Lackawanna County's Cynthia Cox, Entrepreneur
Cindy Cox, a graduate of Marywood University, initially thought she would have to leave the area to find profitable employment in her field of communications. In 1996, she decided to venture out on her own while pursuing a master's degree at Scranton University. Cindy began her own business called "Revenue Results," which focuses on creating comprehensive marketing plans and implementing them on behalf of her clients. Cindy's interests aren't just focused on business...she is involved with various community organizations, married and the mother of two children!
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Welcome Back Jennifer Salukas!
Jennifer Salukas, a 26-year-old professional engineer, pursued her dream to study engineering at Drexel University. Jennifer gained practical experience with firms such as Merck Pharmaceuticals and the Philadelphia Electric Company. She received several job offers elsewhere but chose to move back home. "I knew Schuylkill County is where I wanted to be," she said. "I saw the improvements being made by civil engineers in other areas, so I decided I wanted to make these improvements back home in Schuylkill County." Jennifer is currently employed by Alfred Benesch & Co. as a civil engineer.
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Luzerne County's Sean Patrick Shamany
Sean Patrick Shamany, the 25-year-old president of the Hazleton Area School Board, encourages others in his community to do their best. "I have always dreamed of one day providing a service to my community," he said, "a community which I have grown to love." Sean received a finance degree from the University of Scranton in 1998. During his summers as an intern at Vibra-Tech Engineers, Inc., the Chief Financial Officer was impressed with his drive and hard work. Upon graduation, Sean was immediately offered a full-time position as assistant to the CFO.
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Pike County is Proud of Alison Fehringer
You'll find Alison Fehringer, 22, teaching English to juniors and seniors at Wallenpaupack High School - her alma mater. Alison received a degree in theatre and secondary education from DeSales University in 2002. Born on Long Island, NY, Alison and her family relocated to Hawley, PA, in 1989. As a third grader, Alison says she didn't realize the benefits of leaving a big city, but now experiences the benefits everyday. "Pike County just works for me - a wonderful education, friendly people, beautiful scenery, and, of course, a great school district in which to work."
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Introducing Wayne County's Very Own Dr. Cathy Sakak, DMD
Coming from a small community in Wayne County, a family of hard-working parents plus eleven brothers and sisters nurtured Dr. Cathy Salak's determination to receive a solid education, find out about life in metropolitan areas - and then move back home to offer her specialized services to the community. Dr. Salak received degrees from Wilkes University, the University of Scranton, and Temple University School of Dentistry. So why would a woman who attended such prestigious schools and the recipient of numerous awards decide to return to Wayne County? "I had the opportunity to stay in Philadelphia, but it's different there," Dr. Salak said. "Here at home, I can still walk at night and not worry. I don't need to lock my car all the time, plus I wanted to help people with basic dentistry."
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Meet Carbon County's Kevin Silliman
Kevin Silliman, 32, a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School in Palmerton, is busy climbing the ladder at Pencor's Corporate Telecommunications. Married with three daughters, after serving in the Navy, Kevin began his career in 1992 as a Telephone Unit Person. In 1998, he was promoted to Key Systems/PBX Supervisor and by 2001 was named Manager of Pencor's Corporate Telecommunications. "It's a great feeling growing up in a community like Carbon County," Kevin remarked, "and I really feel that I am positively contributing to the county's growth."
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Monroe County Introduces Donna Sokolowski
Donna Sokolowski, a 1999 graduate of the University of Scranton, worked with emotionally and mentally challenged children before accepting a Career Counseling position with the Monroe County CareerLink. Donna returned to Monroe County because "it's home." "I grew up here and now I feel like I'm giving something back," she said. Pleasant people, a very enjoyable environment and community growth are just a few reasons Donna is staying in Monroe County.

Monroe County's
Student Entrepreneur
It's official. Jeffrey LaTulippe is an entrepreneur. Mark Sincavage, president of SIDE Corporation and NFIB/PA Leadership Council Chairman presented LaTulippe with the NFIB/Thomas and Fay Sincavage Free Enterprise Scholars Award, a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by NFIB Education Foundation for Monroe County students who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and initiative.

"My parents were active small-business owners here in Monroe County and this scholarship will be a continuation of their dedication to the community," said Sincavage, a local small-business owner who funded the scholarship in his parents' names. "Having been raised here by two parents who cared so much about where they lived, I wanted to find a way to give back to this area."

The $1,000 non-renewable scholarship may be used to attend any accredited two- or four-year university/college, community college or vocational/technical institute. LaTulippe, the son of Girard and Debra LaTulippe, expects to attend University of Pennsylvania this fall, majoring in Economics and International Studies.

"As America's foremost organization for entrepreneurs, NFIB is proud to present Jeffrey with the Free Enterprise Scholars Award," said Susan Ridge, executive director of the NFIB Education Foundation. "Many students have a dream of owning and operating their own business. We want to reward that entrepreneurial spirit and encourage them to believe in their dreams and themselves.

"Small business is the foundation of a strong and viable economy, and education plays a significant role in developing successful men and women. Our members recognize the need to support those men and women who have the potential to become the next generation of small business owners."

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