The wanna-be’s walk, run, jump into the ‘tank’ and present their pizzazz.  The SHARKS begin the drill, how many have you sold, what is your market, how much does it cost you to make, is there a patent pending and how much money of your own have you invested.  Their answers have everything to do with whether or not they will get a deal.

How about you?  Are you SHARK STRONG or SHARK WEAK?  Can you answer the questions above and would these SHARKS be interested in your biz?  What’s your pizzazz, your WOW factor?

A a small business owner recently said to me, “business is so slow.”  I offered suggestions, he had little response.  Summer is approaching, the SHARKS are ready to attack, if your biz is SHARK WEAK you may want to consider a jump into the SHARK TANK

Take more time to network, get out of the office

Hold events at your biz – bring people in

Hold customer appreciation days – give something away

Promote your pizzaz, up your marketing 50%

Join a “Mastermind Group”  for idea sharing and problem solving

BTW, Lori Greiner, QVC, recently paid $150,000 for 65% stake in ReadeRest, a magnetic reading-glasses holder.  The end of the story is 3.5 million in sales on QVC and climbing.

This wanna-be entrepreneur is now SHARK STRONG, how about you?

Carol serves as a featured writer for the Home News and the Lehigh Valley Chamber Blog.

Carol is an accomplished professional speaker, coach and educational consultant specializing in innovative leadership, outrageous fundraising, million dollar marketing, and building organizational alliances throughout the country.  Carol’s creative  leadership with bullet proof ideas for recruiting MORE MEMBERS, MORE MONEY AND TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com

 610-442-4545 tellkids@aol.com

  Like me on  Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches!  Carol S. Ritter, Immediate Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia

The Nazareth Business Council (NBC) hosted a packed house business spotlight on Wednesday May 15^thto launch the new name and brand for Rice & Beans formerly known as the Internet Cafe in Nazareth.  Guests included newly appointed Mayor Carl Strye, Jr., NBC President Paul Luongo, NBC Vice President Megan van Ravenswaay, Hispanic Chamber Leader Alvaro Diaz, Executive Vice President of Regional Chambers Marlyn Kissner, Sandy Gaspar, Catholic Charities, Gale Hodavance, Jangle, Steven Blume ESSA, and Monica McCandless from Meals on Wheels.

Paul Luongo, NBC President, Maria Cortes, Owner of Rice and Beans, Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye, Jr. and Marlyn Kissner, Executive Vice President, The Chamber.

Owners Marco & Marie served a wide variety of fabulous Puerto Rican, Peruvian and Mexican Cuisine including Roasted Pork with Marco’s secret spicy green sauce.  Guests were under the patio enjoying the sounds of salsa music…a wonderful restaurant to add to your dining list!   http://ricenbeansnazareth.com/

Sign up for the next NBC event on Thursday May 30, 2013 NBC will host Grow Your Business with Social Media with a strong focus and hands-on training on Facebook® marketing at Moravian Hall Square at 7:30am -9:00am.  Seating is limited.

To register for the event contact Marlyn at marlynk@lehighvalleychamber.org or call 610-751-4932.

About the Chamber: The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to serve as the voice for business by continuously improving the economic climate and creating growth opportunities for the Greater Lehigh Valley region. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises.  With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000 individuals, The Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.

No injuries were reported. The construction crew has resumed work on the project as of 9:15 a.m. The piece of equipment that was hit was no longer in service.

Dauphin County WCO Mike Doherty and Lancaster County WCO John Veylupek remove a captured contaminated Canada goose gosling from a net. Credit: Joe Kosack/PGC Photo.

HARRISBURG – The fuel tanker explosion that has closed a stretch of Interstate 81 near Harrisburg also caused about 2,000 gallons of spilled diesel fuel to flow into a nearby wetlands, prompting a rapid response to contain and clean up the spill, and rescue affected wildlife.

Efforts continue today at Wildwood Lake Sanctuary, which lies just northwest of the interchange where the tanker overturned and caught fire.

Fuel spilled at the crash site May 9 traveled through a storm drain to Paxton Creek and into the Wildwood marsh, an important habitat for wildlife and plants, including state endangered species of each.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission responded to the marsh just before noon on Thursday, after a man who had been hiking through Wildwood Park called to report the spill. Field officers with the commission paddled their way around the lake and were able to rescue about a dozen fuel-coated ducklings and goslings from the marsh.

“The timeliness of the response and coordinated efforts with Wildwood Park personnel, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, and USDA Wildlife Service’s personnel was critical to assessing the situation, beginning wildlife recovery operations and mitigating additional wildlife impacts,” said Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe.

The commission’s rescue efforts resumed today.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, as part of the Game Commission’s wildlife-protection response, has set up a propane-powered air cannon that creates intermittent blasts of sound in an attempt to deter wildlife from entering the contaminated portion of the wetland.

Daniel Brauning, a bird expert with the commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, said timing is critical in rescues of waterfowl that become immersed in fuel.

“The sooner you are able to rescue them, the better their chances of survival,” said Brauning, who heads up the commission’s Wildlife Diversity division.

Rich Palmer, the director of the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Protection, said the public also can help in the effort by reporting to the commission any wild birds or mammals that appear to be coated with oil.

Reporting sightings could increase  any contaminated animal’s chance of survival, and will allow the commission to better assess how many animals were affected by the spill, Palmer said.

Wildwood Park at this time of year is used regularly by feeding great egrets and black-crowned night-herons, both of which are state endangered species. Great egrets were seen Thursday at Wildwood during the initial cleanup and rescue efforts.

The Game Commission in coming days and weeks will monitor closely how these important species fare at Wildwood.

Wildwood has the largest concentration in Pennsylvania of American lotus, a state endangered plant. Its dominance in the Wildwood’s emergent wetlands makes it an unusual ecosystem within the state.

Additionally, Wildwood is home to substantial numbers of muskrats and waterfowl. Nesters there include mallards, wood ducks and Canada geese, while everything from northern shovelers, blue-winged teal and common snipe stop over during migration. Other nesters include American woodcock and yellow warblers.

Owned and managed by Dauphin County, Wildwood also is home to white-tailed deer, mink, eastern coyotes, red foxes and raccoons.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said today the spill was quickly contained in the lake and that cleanup efforts are continuing.

Anyone sighting wildlife believed to be affected by the spill can contact the Game Commission’s southeast regional office at 610-926-3136.

Nazareth,PA:

Founded in 1993, The Pennharmonics are among the finest examples of contemporary collegiate a cappella singing. The ensemble began as a pick-up group for those staying in State College over the summer and then remained together during the academicyear. Originallya“fun”group on campus for friendship, fellowship and music making, the ensemble has evolved into one of the premier groups in the Penn State a cappella scene. Often creating their own arrangements or writing original compositions, the group experiments in vocal percussion, complex textures and driving rhythms, and also incorporates movement and choreography in their performance. They have numerous times competed in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, and have twice taken first place in quarter-final and semi-final competitions. Additionally,members of the Pennharmonics have garnered 14 awards, including Best Soloist, Best Choreography, Best Vocal Percussion, and Best Arrangement. To their credit, The Pennharmonics have released eight albums.

Former members of the Pennharmonics have succeeded in their various walks of life. Members pursuing musical careers have become Broadway stars, performed in internationally-renowned opera and music festivals, have become YouTube sensations, and havestartedbothprofessionalandcommunityacappellagroups. CurrentlytwoNazareth Area High School alums, Kerry Brunner and Jilian Keller, are members of the Pennharmonics.

The concert is open to the public and a freewill offering will be received. For more information, call (610) 759-3090 or visit www.stjohnsnaz.org.

Our buddy Andy Weaver of Nazareth was honored by throwing out the first pitch of the Nazareth – Easton baseball game Tuesday night. The Blue Eagles secured a win, 6-5.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH —>   The Weave throws first pitch

Friendship Tree ribbon cutting included Jocelyn Wedge, Carol Bear Heckman, Kelly Drust, Sharon Davis, Council President Robert Fields, Kristen Pittman, Borough Manager Tom Petrucci and Mayor Donald Wunderler.

By: Alice Wanamaker

Open for just over two months, The Friendship Tree Thrift store in Bath celebrated their official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday.  The event, hosted by the Bath Business & Community Partnership kicked off the final Thursday event throughout the borough.  The Friendship Tree Thrift & Consignment store is located in the historic Edgar A. Graver building at 107 North Chestnut Street, built in 1905.

The Friendship Tree is a thrift and consignement boutique offering high quality, previsouly loved goods including housewares, clothing for the entire family, acceessories, books, jewelry, antiques and unique handmade items and much more. A portion of the proceeds from all sales are donated to Christ Church of Bath, including sales from consignement items. “We want to help the community by providing quality items at low cost,” said Jocelyn Wedge owner, “And giving back is also part of our core values, this is just one way we can help.”

The thrift store is open Monday, Thursday Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at any time and appointments are necessary for consignment items.

Promenading Models Autumn escorted by Tylar modeled the latest fashions available at The Friendship Tree

Final Thursday

Following the ribbon cutting, seven businesses, including The Friendship Tree were open late offering specials, free refreshments and live music.  The S. Seem Antiques & Artisans shop, where final thursday began back in August, hosted live music. They also offered 10% off to anyone wearing pink to celebrate the “Pink Full Moon” according to the farmer’s almanac.

Pretty in Pink! Dawn Eagle, Alyce Mae Webber and Jeanne Eagle.

The Friendship Tree offered 50% off and brought back history with promenading models who walked from shop to shop displaying clothing and accessories for sale at the thrift store.  The models also sported floral donated by Hayes Flowers who was open late and offering Thursday specials. Also open late were 5Points Barbara Shop, Bath Nails, Daily Grind, Hayes Flowers, Steckel House Antiques, and MyFitnessCourt who celebrated their grand opening last month. Visitors who stopped by got a sneak peak at the Red Wolf Bar & Grille located at the Historic Bath Hotel. The management at Red Wolf hopes to open the doors for business this Friday.

Businesses are encouraged to particpate in Final Thursday next month, Thrusday May 30th.   Final Thursday was started to encourage commerce in the borough, which typically ends at 5 or 6 p.m. For more information, contact Sharon Davis 610-973-4404.

Book Drive for Make-a-wish

All profits will benefit and assist Make-a-wish® Greater Pennsylvania, Pottsville regional office in helping to grant the wish of a local child.

Book donations are now being accepted now for the 7^th summer sale!

Please help by donating books and coming to shop – used, new, children, or adult – NO encyclopedia sets, text books or condensed version books. Bring book donations 143 1st St., Nazareth (Farmview Estates) before June 22^nd.  If the homeowners are not home, you are invited to leave donations on the front porch.

Save the date, this year’s book sale will be held on June 27 from 5-8 p.m. and June 28 & 29 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

By Alice Wanamaker

The historic Bath Hotel will reopen next Friday,  under new ownership, new management, and with a new name, The Red Wolf Bar & Grille. Owners Joe and Angelo Caizzo, along with General Manager Yuri Laubach, plan on opening on Friday May 10, pending final inspection from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

The Bath Hotel, a 186 year old building that was damaged in a 2005 fire, has been completed renovated over the past couple years by the Caizzo brothers. The renovation included several on site apartments. “It’s the era of corner bars and friendly atmospheres,” Joe said. “People want local watering holes and that is what we’re offering.”

Joe and Angelo Caizzo are well versed in the restaurant business, their family own and operate both Campus Pizza in Bethlehem and Anna Bellas on Rt. 512. Joe recalls working for their ‘Pop’ in the restaurants, which also helped to inspire the name of their new venture in Bath. “We wanted to honor Governor Wolf,” Joe explains while telling the story of the name’s origins. “We used to use the code word ‘Red Wolf’ when my dad would come around [the restaurants] as kids, that would get us scrubbing the counters and working hard.”

When The Red Wolf Bar & Grille opens, patrons will have menu options ranging from hot wings and fries to the a signature ‘Drunken’ Chicken Parm Sandwich.’ Lunch and dinner options will range from $5 – $15. The kitchen will use fresh local ingredients when available, according to the manager. The bar area features custom built shelving for liquor and glasses, inspired by the historic building’s stained glass windows, as well as an acid-washed concrete bar top. There will be booths for date-night dining and a billiard table.

The Bar & Grille will be open six days a week for lunch and dinner as well as for carry out food and beer purchases. Hours will be 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Sunday. They offer convenient parking in front as well as the large borough lot located on Northampton Street.

Hello and Welcome to a Mid April Sports update on local Nazareth High School Athletes!

This week we will look at Softball, Baseball, Tennis And Lacrosse!!

The Nazareth girls softball team is currently 8-5 On Tuesday April 16 Freedom came to the Nazareth area where Nazareth suffered a 8-4 lost.  On Friday April 22 The boys traveled to Bethlehem Catholic and suffered a 9-0 lost.  After a weekend off, they got back at it on Monday April 22 When Allen came to town and Nazareth won 12-1.  Today at 4pm and on Saturday April 27 they will host Stroudsburg at 11am in which is community day where Special fundraisers will be held. All proceeds will benefit The Miracle League of Northampton County. Any additional donations will be accepted that day and forwarded to the Miracle League. Checks made payable to Nazareth Softball Booster Club (NSBC) and earmarked The Miracle League are deductible for income tax purposes. Contact Lenore Hudak, NSBC President, at 610-217-3465 with any questions. Visit MiracleLeagueofNC.org for more information.  On Tuesday April 30 they host Easton at 4pm!!

The Nazareth Baseball Team is 5-8.  On Tuesday April 16 Freedom came to the Boro Park where Nazareth got a 1-0 win.  On Friday April 22 The Boys traveled to Bethlehem Catholic and suffered a 7-3 lost.  After a weekend off, they got back at it on Monday April 22 When Allen came to town and Nazareth won 6-3.  On Wednesday April 24 they will be at Central Catholic and then at Liberty High School at 4pm Friday April 26 and on Saturday April 27 they will host Stroudsburg at 11am.  On Tuesday April 30 they host Easton at 4pm where I (Myself) will be throwing the 1st pitch!!

The Nazareth Middle School Softball Team is off to a 9-1 Record!  On Wednesday April 17 they traveled to Broughal MS And won 12-1.  On Thursday April 18 they were supposed to host Allen but the weather postponed.  After a weekend off they were back home on Monday April 22 against Wilson and won by a 11-0 score!! On Thursday April 25 the girls will host Springhouse Middle School!

The Nazareth Boys Tennis Team is showing a good effort all year!  On Tuesday April 16 Parkland visit the HS Tennis Courts and beat Nazareth 7-0.  On Thursday April 18 the Boys were at Whitehall where they got a win!  On Saturday April 20 Nazareth went to Pocono Mountain East where they lost 6-1.  On Tuesday April 23 the boys will be at Northampton at 3:30pm. On Thursday  April 25 they will be at Bangor!

The Nazareth Girls Lacrosse Team is 8-4 as of April 23. On Tuesday April 16 the Girls were ar Freedom where they got a 23-7 win! On Thursday April 18 they had Parkland at home and got a 14-13 Overtime win over Parkland! On Saturday April 20 the Girls traveled to Saucon Valley where they pulled out a 14-7 win!  On Monday April 22 they were at Emmaus where they lost 11-7.  On Wednesday April 24 they will host Lberty at 7:30pm!!

Lastly, the Nazareth Boys Lacrosse Team is 9-3 as of April 23.  On Tuesday April 16 the boys traveled to Liberty and won 15-3.  On Thursday April 18 Freedom came to Andy Leh Stadium where Nazareth won 16-7.  On Saturday April 20 the boys Traveled to Moravian Academy and got a 12-4 win!!! On Thursday April 25 the boys will be at Freedom at 4pm and then on Saturday April 27 at 7pm at Southern Lehigh! Next Monday April 29 at home at 7:30pm against Moravian Academy!

Also, a little note here, You should all attend the Spring Musical that Nazareth High School is holding, ”Anything Goes” this will be the 2nd weekend of it! It will be at 7:30pm Friday night and 7:30pm Saturday night and at 2:00pm on Sunday Afternoon!!

Also, I Have a website that dedicated to every single Nazareth Sport Team, please ignore that it it says nazareth football in the URL Box, it really for all sports, trying to change that! The address is: http://nazarethfootball.tripod.com and Nazareth Football has their own at http://www.nazarethfootball.com as Michelle Sandone is the new Football Booster Club President!

See you next week!