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Nurses Week: For Allison Brislin, helping is a way of life

Luzerne County restaurant inspections: April 29 to May 5

<p>It&#8217;s like the week before Christmas at The Institute.</p><p>Our research team is in full swing, wrapping up a year&#8217;s worth of research with a big bow to be presented at our annual Indicators event on Thursday.</p><p>It&#8217;s the most wonderful time of the year here, when the economic and quality of life data and trends important to the future of our region are about to be shared with the community. We are set to have a record number of regional leaders in attendance &#8211; from the government, business and the non-profit sectors.</p><p>I asked Andrew, our senior researcher, why the crowd continues to grow and with a proud smile, he said, &#8220;Because more people are understanding the importance of data in decision-making!&#8221;</p><p>And he is right &#8212; there is growing recognition about the importance of using data to make informed decisions.</p><p>Without accurate data or no data at all, we must just rely on our intellect, intuition, and instinct. All of these are important, but combined with the facts, we have a greater chance at being successful in whatever we are trying to accomplish.</p><p>Fifteen years ago, the higher education and business communities came together with the belief that good decisions for our region also begin with good data. The Institute was created to be a research and information hub to support informed decision-making and help raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life in our communities, and ultimately drive economic development.</p><p>On Thursday at Indicators, the data will help tell our region&#8217;s story &#8212; where we are making good progress and areas where additional attention may be required. The forum will identify the trends to watch &#8212; both positive and negative &#8212; which will help us understand and address some of our most challenging problems and where we can create opportunities for growth.</p><p>The Times Leader published an InNOVAtion section in the Sunday paper last week. It was so exciting to read, that I read it twice because it gave hope and encouragement that our region is moving in the right direction, supported by examples and facts (the data, if you will).</p><p>There is momentum to revitalize our downtown and we are hitting the mark on many of the 10.5 Signs of Civic Success cited in the column.</p><p>The economy is growing, there is much culture to enjoy, and our colleges and universities are thriving. The insert highlighted many people who are working hard- and succeeding &#8211; at building momentum to keep us moving forward.</p><p>Whether we are natives of this soil, transplants, or just passing through, we all have a vested interest in wanting our region to succeed. We can continue the momentum and bloom where we are planted &#8212; whether we are here forever or just for now. We can invest in our communities and maintain a positive outlook for our future. Let our words be encouraging when we talk about the Valley with a Heart, our home.</p><p>And there is enough positive data that indicates that good things happening here. We can&#8217;t wait to share it all at Indicators on Thursday - where instead of a holiday meal, we will plump up our guests with data and information and send them on their way ready to take on the world, one good decision at a time.</p><p>The Indicators Forum will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Plains Township. For more information or to access regional data for decision-making, visit institutepa.org.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Magnotta </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Susan-Magnotta.cmyk_.jpg</photo0><caption0>Magnotta </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Susan Magnotta</p><p>Institute Insights</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Susan Magnotta is Director of Community Outreach at The Institute. Her column appears every other Monday.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Indicators event set for Thursday