Hazleton LaunchBox aims to strengthen community ties with 'Walk the Block' event

A group of people in the waiting area of a pharmacy talking and laughing.

Members of the Hazleton LaunchBox and Penn State Hazleton visited businesses near the LaunchBox as part of its "Walk the Block" event. Pictured from left are: Penn State Hazleton Director of Student Services and Engagement Tracy Garnick, Hazleton LaunchBox Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator William Andahazy, Hazleton LaunchBox Entrepreneurship Facilitator Fermin Diaz, Hazle Drugs owner Bill Spear, and Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright.

Credit: Penn State
October 14, 2022

HAZLETON, Pa. — With the aim of connecting with local business owners and further strengthening its relationships within the community, employees of the Hazleton LaunchBox supported by Pasco L. Schiavo, Esq. and Penn State Hazleton recently visited businesses in downtown Hazleton during its "Walk the Block" event.

Held in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, the walk featured businesses near the LaunchBox, including many that were Latino owned or had received no-cost resources or services from the LaunchBox.

Another "Walk the Block" is planned for Thursday, Oct. 20.

Hazleton LaunchBox Walk the Block
Man and woman laughing during conversation inside a pharmacy waiting area.

Hazle Drugs owner Bill Spear shares a laugh with Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright during a visit for the Hazleton LaunchBox's "Walk the Block" event.

Credit: Penn State
Group of people gathered inside a business speaking with its owner.

Members of the Hazleton LaunchBox, Penn State Hazleton Campus Council, and Penn State Hazleton Hispanic Heritage Month Planning Group speak with M&J Mattress and Furniture Corp. owner Blendy Henriquez during the LaunchBox's "Walk the Block" event. 

Credit: Penn State
Business owner speaking with male and female Penn State Hazleton employees inside business.

Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright (left) and Hazleton LaunchBox Entrepreneurship Facilitator Fermin Diaz (center) hear from Blendy Henriquez (right) about her business, M&J Mattress and Furniture Corp., in Hazleton.

Credit: Penn State
Grocery store owner speaking to group of people gathered inside store.

Hazleton Food Supermarket owner Jose Lopez talks about his grocery store business to members of Penn State Hazleton and the Hazleton LaunchBox during the LaunchBox's community-driven "Walk the Block" event.

Credit: Penn State
Three people smiling and walking together across a downtown street.

Penn State Hazleton Director of Enrollment Management and Student Aid Aaron Mattern, Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright, and Hazleton LaunchBox Entrepreneurship Facilitator Fermin Diaz make their way through Hazleton during the LaunchBox's "Walk the Block" event.

Credit: Penn State
Female talking to two business owners from across the counter.

La Tia Empanada owners Joanna Concepcion (left) and Maria Rodriguez (center) discuss their business with Penn State Hazleton Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright.

Credit: Penn State