New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular holidays in the world. As we usher out the old and ring in the new, it is a time of reflection and celebration. Many people use this time of year as an opportunity to take inventory. Resolution lists often include the things we’ve identified as needing improvement as we enter the New Year.
When reflecting on the past and looking to the future, it is also important to celebrate our successes – the wins we had that we often take for granted. Acknowledging our achievements, even in small ways, can boost confidence and help foster a sense of gratitude and happiness.
Focusing on the positive can also help give us the energy we need to keep the momentum going. The same philosophy can be applied to our region. It is a great time for Northeastern Pennsylvania. Recognizing and capitalizing on our strengths and celebrating our successes will be important to our future. And we have a lot to celebrate!
As a region we have weathered a few storms but things are changing for the better. Today, we possess many of the natural assets necessary to build a competitive, dynamic and diversified economy and quality of life.
The regional economy has seen growth and things are moving in the right direction. Companies are relocating here at record rates and competition for workers has helped drive up wages. John Augustine, president/CEO of Penn’s Northeast, has never seen so much activity. “More than ever, companies are looking to expand operations here. We should be proud that we live a region that has so much to offer when compared to other areas. We need to promote and celebrate what we have here.”
The improvements and development in our region’s downtowns are also on the top of our list of wins. The downtown hubs in both Luzerne and Lackawanna counties have seen tremendous growth over the past decade. Private developers have made major investments in housing and our downtowns once again offer a wide variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
The vast amount of diverse amenities our region boasts is also worthy of recognition. Seasonal activities, fairs and festivals, indoor and outdoor sporting activities, live music and theater, historical attractions, arts and cultural opportunities all contribute to the great quality of life here. Coupled with a low cost of living, affordable housing, and good schools it is no wonder that recent trends in tourism and housing suggest that people are visiting Northeastern Pennsylvania, relocating here, and investing in the region.
Charlie Kasko, the Director of Manufacturing at Simplex Homes firmly believes that things are looking bright. He says, “The housing market is one of the best leading indicators of a region’s growth and economic strength. Our numbers are showing real promise.”
Our many institutes of higher education are also producing big wins for our area. Luzerne and Lackawanna counties are home to 14 colleges and universities, a medical school, and graduate medical residency program. The educational and cultural opportunities, vibrancy and energy these institutes bring to our communities is unmistakable. We are fortunate to have all they contribute to our region.
Much of our strength as a region also lies in our rich history. “Our story is not only about mining and coal — it is about the traditions of natives who once called this place home, the stories of pioneers and immigrants and those who spoke out against slavery,” says Clark Switzer, a history teacher at Wyoming Seminary. “There were plenty of national and international leaders who were born in Wyoming Valley.”
Helen Keller once said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
Focusing on the sun shining on Northeastern Pennsylvania’s bright future will help give us the pride, confidence, and energy we can use to keep the momentum going and keep the wins coming in 2020 and beyond.