Scranton Tomorrow Celebrates 15 Years of Revitalization

November 9, 2007 ñ Fifteen years ago, Scrantonís future was bleak. The population was declining. Most Downtown storefronts were empty. And developers looked elsewhere for opportunities. 

Today, the picture is quite different. There is a currently are master plans in development for the revitalization of Scrantonís South Side and for the redevelopment of the Lackawanna Riverfront in Downtown Scranton. And a unique and exciting project, Artspace Scranton, which will establish a live and work space for artists in the City, is currently in the site-selection phase.

Leading this effort is Scranton Tomorrow. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2007, Scranton Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing our city as the premier urban center of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today the organization plays a vital role in planning and managing critical economic development projects in our community.

Scranton Tomorrow has evolved over the years to adapt to its changing role in our progressive city. In its early days, the organization took a grassroots approach, inviting all interested residents of the Greater Scranton area to participate in a year-long visioning project. Hundreds of people from all walks of life came together and produced a blueprint for action: Forging the Future. Dedicated Scranton Tomorrow volunteers carried out the plan over the course of the next several years. 

Scranton Tomorrow is built on a strong community foundation, and is able to look forward to a bright future in large part because of its strong leadership in the past. The organization looks forward to another 15 years of growth, development, and working together for our community.

To mark itís 15th Anniversary, Scranton Tomorrow will be holding a Gala Event on Friday, November 16, 2007 at the Radisson Lackawanna Station. The event will also recognize and honor the organizationís past presidents: Msgr. Joseph Quinn, Barbara Sardella, Esq., Terrence Nealon, William Bender, Phil Condron, Glenn Pellino, and Carlon Preate, CPA.

The 15th Anniversary Planning Committee is pictured. Seated first row, left to right: Jennifer Battista, Bob Ballot, and Annette Palutis. Standing back row, left to right: Dee Hennemuth, Julie Ropoch, Rosemary Broderick, and Leslie Collins.

If you are interested in becoming involved with Scranton Tomorrow or attending its 15th Anniversary Gala event, please call Scranton Tomorrow at 570-963-7576.

###