Bringing Back Business
Scranton ’ s Green Ridge section undergoes renaissance
For many people , any discussion about Scranton ’ s Green Ridge section immediately invokes images of pristine homes and tree-lined streets — not a city business hub .
The newly re-established Green Ridge Neighborhood Association seeks to change that perception .
“ If we all work together , we can do something amazing ,” said Maggie Calpin , owner of Nibbles and Bits and president of the Green Ridge Business Association . “ Small business is coming back and it is better than ever . We are all small businesses in the same community so why not work together ?”
The Green Ridge Business Association was originally established in the 1970s , but members eventually drifted over the years . Believing that there is strength in numbers , Calpin and other business owners in and around Green Ridge Corners decided to bring the group back in mid-2016 .
“ It has been amazing because all generations , established and younger
businesses , are showing up to our meetings and they are all excited ,” Calpin said . “ The businesses have been hungry for this and they wanted a change . Passion is very contagious — if you talk about something that excites you , usually other people get excited , too . I think that ’ s what happened here , the excitement was contagious .”
The excitement from the Green Ridgebased businesses has been palpable through events like the inaugural Green Ridge Fall Festival in October , which welcomed more than 1,000 people to the neighborhood . Other 2016 community events included a Small Business Saturday celebration and a Christmas tree lighting . Additional proposed events for 2017 include an Easter egg hunt and a community barbecue .
“ As a new business , I knew it was important to partner with established and seasoned businesses in my area ,” said Jennifer Cuellar of Changes Luxury Consignment , who is also the secretary of the Green Ridge Business Association .
“ The more I met with our community and learned more about Green Ridge , the more I realized that this revival is bigger than us . We have an opportunity to create memories and be a part of history , to make a difference to the people who support us .”
The Green Ridge Business Association is also partnering with nearby Robert Morris Elementary School as a way to encourage business interaction with students . Calpin encourages anyone who hasn ’ t yet visited the neighborhood ’ s businesses to come and experience the eclectic mix of stores not found elsewhere .
‘ There ’ s something for everyone here in Green Ridge , we have it all ,” she said . “ You could spend a day here and really enjoy it . We ’ re all happy to be a part of this community . We ’ re proud that we brought Green Ridge back to life .”
6 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce