WA Recently Hosted a Successful Regional FBLA Workshop   
   Wyoming Area recently hosted the Region 16 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Leadership Workshop at the Secondary Center. There were 285 students in attendance from Coughlin, Dallas, GAR, Hazleton, Pittston Area, and Wyoming Valley West. Hazleton had the strongest contingency with 113 students total. Sixteen advisors were also in attendance accompanying their prospective schools. 
   The goal of the workshop was for students to meet with area businessmen and women to promote and foster the idea that businesses and business owners are alive and doing well in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The interaction of FBLA members and the presenters reinforced the business community's role in guiding our young people toward viable careers in business and industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
   Twenty-two presenters were on hand to give insight into the business world. Those presenting were: representatives from Wilkes University; Tennille Bocchiaro and Lorraine Marancik, Lia Sophia; Atty. Matthew T. Rogers, Rosen, Jenkins, and Greenwald; Sue Whitesell, Financial Consult, Janney Montgomery and Scott; Bill Balavage, CPA, Balavage McNulty & Co.; Dr. Nicole Linskey-Ferentino, Advanced Chiropractic Clinic; Dr. Anthony Mussari and Kitch Loftus-Mussari, Producer/Owners, Windsor Park Stories; Bernadette Rushmer, Director, Insalaco Center for Career Development, Misericordia 
University; James Roberts, Marketing Communications, Misericordia University; Mike Trudnak, Director, Corportate Sponsorship, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees; Robert Soper, President/CEO, Mohegn Sun at Pocono Downs; David M. Payne, Jr., Vice President, PNC Foundation; Capt. Cliff Morales, PA Army National Guard.
   A Regional Leadership Conference will be held at Luzerne County Community College on January 5, 2009 were students will be tested on their competitive events. Winners will be announced at the end of the program and the top finishers will attend States in Hershey the end of March. Those placing a States will attend nationals in June in Anaheim, California.
    WA FBLA officers are: Linda Schartzer, president; Linnae Homza, vice president; Joey Marrone, secretary; Sadie Smiles, treasurer; Hope Dixon, historian; Bridget Rogan, reporter; and Carmella Argento, adviser.
    WA FBLA would like to thank Mr. Bernardi, district superintendent, as well as Angelo Schifano, assistant principal; Jason Jones, network specialist; Tony Callaio, public relations; and David Amico, supervisor buildings/grounds on assisting the night of the workshop.