If life is about working hard and playing hard, the scales seem to be tipped a bit towards the former here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Not that we don't like to have fun — but much of what makes Northeastern Pennsylvania so vital and progressive is due to the quality and dedication of our diverse workforce.

Both employers and employees of Northeastern Pennsylvania realize that today's global economy demands a new kind of workforce — one with a high-tech focus, ready to adapt to the ever-changing workplace of the 21st century.

With a commitment to hard work, a willingness to evolve and adapt to new technologies and an extraordinary amount of pride in a "job well done" - well, it's no wonder our laborers enjoy a national reputation that's second to none.

For detailed information, visit The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance home page.

•  Diverse labor force of over 500,000.
•  Average of 10 applications for every job opening.
•  Turnover rates of less than 5%.
•  Absenteeism rates of less than 5%.
•  Grants available for reimbursement of trainee and trainer costs.
•  24 institutions of higher learning, many offering business and technical degrees to better serve the region.

Download a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that details the largest companies located in the Penn's Northeast area and their employee union status (updated 12/19/2004). This spreadsheet includes three charts listing companies in the following fields:

•  Manufacturing and Assembly Companies
•  Distribution and Logistics Companies
•  Largest Office Employers