Bioscience boom sought for NEPA
A regional effort to attract biosciences in Northeast Pennsylvania kicked off last week, boosted by $492,000 of state grant money and big dreams of high-paying jobs. The biosciences sector includes agricultural feeds and chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratories and other industries that apply biological sciences.
Snö Mountain has $24M in debt
As Snö Mountain faces more than $24 million in debt, a bankruptcy judge last week ordered a sale next year of the financially depleted recreation complex. Investors do not believe a sale will happen. The Scranton skiing facility is expected to open this winter and is selling season passes.
More time on 7-digit dialing
The Public Utility Commission extended the period during which seven-digit dialing will be accepted from three to six months as the region served by the 570 area code prepares to add a 272 area code next fall. After that, all calls will require 10-digit dialing.
Dickson cinema sold to Regal
Regal Entertainment Group has begun rebranding Great Escape Theater in Dickson City. The largest movie theater operator in the country bought the theater and two dozen others in a $91 million deal.
Banshee may be closed for good
Landmark Scranton restaurant the Banshee appears closed for the time being, and perhaps permanently. Owners initially said they were closing the pub temporarily for vacation. But after more than six weeks, the bar/restaurant still hasn't opened.
W-B welcomes new restaurant
Bottlenecks Saloon and Eatery opened in downtown Wilkes-Barre in space next to Barnes & Noble formerly occupied by Wendy's. It will employ about 20 people.
McCarthy Tire acquires N.Y. firm
McCarthy Tire Service Co., a fourth generation family-owned business headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, announced it has acquired Main Tire Exchange Inc. of New York. With the acquisition, McCarthy Tire now operates 43 service centers in seven states.
Jobless rate down nationally
Employers added 146,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate dipped to 7.7 percent, a four-year low, from 7.9 percent in October. Economists cautioned that this bit of seeming good news was the result of a shrinking labor force, rather than the addition of jobs.