THE HISTORY OF POWER
POWER! is an informal group whose mission is to promote the region as a vital and pleasurable place to live, work and play. POWER! was founded in 2000 by the Great Valley Technology Alliance in response to the continual loss of Northeastern PA's greatest asset..."its youth". POWER! was built as a support network to enhance the ability to attract and retain the knowledge and talent necessary to build a better economic future.
POWER! originated as three chapters among Northeast PA including Hazleton, Wilkes Barre and Scranton. In 2009 the Hazleton Chamber merged with the Wilkes Barre Chapter to become Luzerne County POWER! In March of 2012 several forward-thinking individuals within our community realized that if we want to continue our mission, which is to make Greater Hazleton thrive along with the rest of NEPA we need to re-establish what was once Hazleton P.O.W.E.R.
In 2012, Hazleton P.O.W.E.R. became an official committee of The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, which is a non-profit organization under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The organization, funded primarily through the support of individual member businesses, was formed as the Hazleton Board of Trade in 1892 for the purpose of advancing the commercial, professional, industrial, civic and general interests of the Greater Hazleton Area.
As of July 2013, Hazleton P.O.W.E.R., restructured to form a non-profit status.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lauren Sanzi, DC
Executive Director
Dr. Lauren is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, and as a local entrepreneur, opened her practice, Sanzi Chiropractic, P.C., in Hazle Township.
She and her partner Jeremy, along with their pup Jade, live locally and are some of the driving forces behind one of POWER’s largest events, the Hazleton Area Children’s Festival, which is held annually at Hazle Township Community Park.
Matthew Price
Assistant Director
Matt was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration / Marketing from Northwood University. He currently resides in Drums with his wife, three kids, two dogs and is the Cell Manager for Laundry and Processing at Henkel here in West Hazleton.
Matt spent 19 years in the Automotive Industry holding various roles including Industrial Engineer, Production Planner, Production Supervisor and Manufacturing Manager. Matt and his wife also owned and operated a Camper Rental Business in Michigan for 6 years and enjoy the entrepreneurial world. In past careers Matt has been known as the “Director of Extra Curricular Activities” and is excited to be a part of the Hazleton POWER Team!
Jessica Thorne
Secretary
Jessica is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania where she received dual degrees in Accounting and Finance. She currently resides in Sugarloaf and works as an Accountant at First Keystone Community Bank.
Jessica enjoys reading, yoga and hiking near waterfalls. She is excited to be a part of bringing unity to the area with Hazleton POWER!
Christine Quinn
Treasurer
Christine is a graduate of Wilkes University, where she studied Business Accounting and Management. She recently took the CPA Exam, and works as operations manager for the Tap at Humboldt Beer Depot.
Greg Kurtz, Jr.
Board Member
Greg Kurtz, Jr. received his Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He is a Pennsylvania certified Building Code Official and has multiple ICC/PA UCC certifications which include Residential Building Inspector, Residential Electrical Inspector, Residential Mechanical Inspector, Residential Plumbing Inspector and Commercial Building inspector. He currently works for Barry Isett & Associates, Inc.
Greg is an entrepreneur with experience starting multiple small businesses and owning rental properties. He currently resides in Drums PA and looks forward to working with Hazleton POWER to network and promote social wellness. Greg’s role in POWER is affectionately referred to as our “Facilitator of Fun,” as he heads up our mixers, socials, and recreational activities.
Jocelyn Sterenchock
Board Member/Advisor
Jocelyn is a former POWER! Executive Director and serves on the board in an advisory role. A graduate of Central Pennsylvania College, she serves as Director of Economic Development at CAN DO, Inc.
Jocelyn and her wife Megan reside in Drums with their pups, very little Mac and very big (and still growing!) Dee.