WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY --From record employment in the Poconos to new eateries in Luzerne County --it's all part of the monthly business report with consumer reporter Jeff Chirico.

RECORD EMPLOYMENT IN POCONOS

The month of June brought record-breaking employment. The Tobyhanna Army Depot hired its 5,000th worker. That's an all- time high. The increase is due to military action overseas. The Depot is the region's largest employer and officials expect to hire another 800 by the end of the year.

CROSS VALLEY FCU IS GROWING

 In Luzerne County, Cross Valley Federal Credit Union is growing. In June, the company broke ground on another branch on Wyoming Avenue in Forty Fort. Officials say it will be the sixth location and should open in the Fall.

AMBULANCE COMPANIES MERGE In Lackawanna County two ambulance companies are becoming one. Lackawanna Ambulance of Peckville announced it plans to acquire the local operations of Network Ambulance. The company name will remain Lackawanna Ambulance and will still operate out of the Peckville and Scranton stations.

BIZ PARK GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS In Lackawanna County, our News Alliance Partner the Scranton Times reports the Archbald Business Park is gearing up for it's first tenant. Daron Northeast plans to build a 75 -thousand square foot plant to make architectural landscaping stone. The plant would employ 50 people but still needs borough approval.

NEW EATS IN W-B In Wilkes-Barre, a couple new places to eat. Quizno's Sub Shop opened at Northampton and Main Streets It’s another eatery for the downtown. And at 819 North Washington Street a family eatery called Big Daddy's is serving what it calls a Pennsylvania twist on a Chicago standard. The smoke- free restaurant features slow-roasted beef, wings, chili dogs and more.

If you know of business news happening, Let Chirico Know. Call Chirico at 570-706-7429 or email him at www.pahomepage.com .