Business digest

Bank donates to Wallenpaupack fireworks HAWLEY — The Dime Bank has donated $1,000 to help support the annual fireworks on Lake Wallenpaupack. The display is made possible entirely through donations and sponsorships. Adding a boost to the local economy, the fireworks draw thousands to the lake region restaurants, merchants, marinas, campgrounds and lodgings. This year the spectacular Independence Day fireworks display over Lake Wallenpaupack will be held on Sunday, July 4, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Parking will be available in the High School parking lots, and the bleachers will be open to spectators at approximately 7 p.m. Viewing the fireworks will still be available at the dike and by boat from the Lake, as well. For information about donating, contact the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce at 570-226-3191 or email visit@lakeregioncc.com . County’s bond rating hiked NEW YORK — Standard&Poor’s Ratings Services on Tuesday raised its underlying rating (SPUR) on Pike County’s general obligation (GO) debt to ‘A+’ from ‘A’ based on strong and sustained economic growth and diversification to the tax base. At the same time, Standard&Poor’s assigned it’s ‘A+’ rating to the county’s series 2010A and 2010B GO bonds. “The rating reflects our opinion of the county’s road and rail access to the diverse employment bases of northern New Jersey and New York City and a rapidly growing population, which we believe will translate into additional tax-base increases. Also supporting the rating is our view of the county’s good resident income and strong wealth levels,” an S&R summary stated. WEICHERT REALTORS: HOME SALES ON THE UPSWING Milford — Two of Anne Marie Bartlett’s listings went into contract in less than 30 days, according to Weichert Realtors - Ruffino Real Estate Realtor/Owner, Donna Ruffino. In addition, Broker Gayle Beach sold a Milford Borough home that was on the market less than 30 days, and Ruffino herself listed another Milford Borough home which sold in one week. “We find this very encouraging,” Ruffino said. “While I know our agents are working hard and harder, part of the truth may well be that people are losing their fears about selling—and pricing,” she said. “Time will tell, but it appears that things are looking up.” Weichert Realtors - Ruffino Realty is located at 406 W. Harford Street, call 570-296-7570. Siptroth’s green energy bill wins committee approval HARRISBURG — State Rep. John Siptroth’s bill that would encourage the state to test new green energy technologies so it can reduce energy consumption, save money and create new jobs was approved by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday. “This bill is a road map the state needs so it can test and use advanced green technologies,” said Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike. “I’m pleased by today’s action and I’m hoping for a quick vote by the House of Representatives to pass my bill.” House Bill 2601, which would create the Green Technology Implementation Act, spells out how the state can test technology that saves energy or promotes renewable energy technology and sets criteria that the technology must meet to be considered for testing and use by the state.