Tiger Tank: Wyoming County Entrepreneur Challenge

02/07/2026

The application window for Tiger Tank: Wyoming County Entrepreneur Challenge is now open! The Challenge winner will receive $10,000 to fuel their business. Whether you have a fresh startup idea or an existing business looking to expand, we want to hear from you if your vision positively impacts Wyoming County.

Applications will be accepted through September 20th. Following the deadline, the event committee will select the top six finalists to pitch live at the Dietrich Theater on November 12th. Finalists will present their ideas in front of a live audience and a panel of successful local business leaders.

Visit www.tigertankwyco.com for event details and the event application.

Thank you to our event partners: Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce for their drive to build and expand local commerce and the Dietrich Theater for the amazing programs and events they have for all of us to enjoy.

Tiger Tank: Wyoming County Entrepreneurship Challenge — event info, panelists, sponsors, and applications.

02/06/2026

Panelist Post #5: Scott Stone, Founding Partner for Stone House Investment Management!

We are thrilled to introduce our final Tiger Tank panelist, Scott Stone, a founding partner of Stone House Investment Management! Scott brings a sharp analytical mind and decades of experience in navigating complex financial landscapes to our judging panel. Under his co-leadership, Stone House has expanded its regional presence, with multiple locations across the area and in Ohio and Missouri, all while maintaining a "client-first" philosophy that treats every investor like a neighbor. Scott’s blend of business integrity and deep appreciation for our local
way of life makes him the perfect mentor for our aspiring entrepreneurs!

While Scott is known for tackling tough financial challenges and creating solutions for his clients, his heart belongs to the Wyoming County outdoors. When he isn't at the office, you’ll
likely find him:

- Spending quality time with his wife, daughter and four dogs.
- Relaxing at his cabin along the Susquehanna River, enjoying the natural beauty of our region.

We are proud to have Stone House Investment Management as a partner for this year's challenge! Founded in 2004 and headquartered right here in Tunkhannock, Stone House was built on the mission of providing honest, fiduciary-level financial advice to the hardworking people of our region.

02/04/2026

Panel Post #4: Jim Rail, owner of Rail Roofing Group!

Jim Rail is the definition of a boots-on-the-ground leader. Known throughout the region for his common-sense approach and unwavering integrity, Jim has turned a local Tunkhannock business into a premier name in the roofing industry.

Under Jim’s leadership, Rail Roofing Company has become a staple for quality in Northeastern PA. Jim recently successfully expanded his operations into the Florida market, proving that Wyoming County business savvy can thrive anywhere from the Susquehanna to the Sunshine State.

Jim isn’t just a businessman; he’s a man of action and a dedicated father. When he’s not overseeing job sites or supporting his kids in their many endeavors, you might find him:

-In the Sky: An avid pilot who enjoys the freedom of flying his own plane.
-At the Gym: Bringing that same discipline and hard work to his weightlifting routine.

Jim’s journey from a local contractor to a multi-state business owner offers invaluable lessons for our entrepreneurs.

02/03/2026

Panelist Post #3: Lindsay Shalata, Owner of Shalatas Land Clearing!

We are so lucky and excited to have Lindsay join us as a panelist for this year's Tiger Tank! With her unique blend of business leadership and community dedication, she brings a wealth of experience to our entrepreneurial stage.

When she isn’t helping grow the family business at Shalatas Land Clearing, Lindsay is a dedicated leader in our local community and healthcare sectors. She currently serves as the Treasurer and Executive Director of the Wyoming County Healthcare Center and a valued Board Member of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.

As a Physician Assistant (PA-C) with a deep-rooted drive to provide a better future for our community, Lindsay knows exactly what it takes to balance professional excellence with local impact. She is a proud mother of two who enjoys spending quality time with her family, supporting her children’s extracurricular pursuits, and sharing activities during the year such as snowboarding and water sports.

Shalata’s Land Clearing was founded in 2011. This family-owned business has grown into a regional leader in Northeast Pennsylvania. Under the leadership of Justin and Lindsay Shalata, the company provides essential services including:
-Commercial & Residential Land Clearing
-Timber Management & Harvesting
-Right-of-Way Trimming
-Sustainable Byproducts (Topsoil, mulch, and wood chips)

Their commitment to safety, environmental regulations, and local employment makes them a true cornerstone of our regional economy.

02/02/2026

Panelist Post #2: Ben Robinson, Race Director for the Miller Mountain Trail Challenge !

Ben is a local entrepreneur who has started six businesses in the 10 years since graduating college. He was a 2023 "Top 20 Under 40" honoree by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal. Here are the other organizations he is involved in:

-Financial Advisor at Stone House Investment Management
-Vice President of the Wyoming County United Way
-Board Member of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
-Co-Race Director for the Jack Daniels Mile
-Founder & Board Member of The The Wyoming Valley Run
-Camp Counselor at the Distance Running at YMCA Camp Kresge

Ben is a former professional athlete for the brand HOKA, a Lock Haven University graduate, and a 2012 Tunkhannock Area graduate. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Jill, running in the mountains, and spending time at his cabin with friends.

02/01/2026

Panelist Post #1: Brian Burd of PS Bank!

Brian is Vice President of Commercial Lending with PS Bank and has 27 years of experience. He very much enjoys getting to know business owners and entrepreneurs. His career path has enabled him to build relationships with a diverse group of local business leaders across a broad range of industries in the region.

He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Wyoming County Chamber and the United Way and is on the Finance and Audit Committee for the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
Brian coached football for 12 years from the youth to high school levels in Tunkhannock and had two children who graduated from Tunkhannock High School. He's happily married to his wife Cristan, enjoys watching and playing various sports, and is a practicing martial artist.

01/30/2026

Before we post our 2026 panelists, I'd like to give a shout-out to our 2026 emcee for the event, Julie Piazza!

Julie is the owner and co-founder of Chippy White Table, an event rental company specializing in boutique-style decor for weddings, showers, parties, and other special celebrations.

Julie and her business, Chippy White Table, are also the winners of the 2015 "Chamber Challenge." The Chamber Challenge is the preceding and only other event like the Tiger Tank in Wyoming County. Chippy White Table has been a huge success since that time, so we are excited to have her back in 2026 to be our host!

Her interests include running and hiking in the woods, spending time outside with her fur daughters (June and Fern), traveling to the PNW to visit family, and exploring, crafting, and Taco Tuesdays with friends and family.

01/25/2026

We are so excited to finally announce a project we’ve been working on for the Wyoming County community - Tiger Tank: Wyoming County Entrepreneur Challenge!

Tiger Tank: Wyoming County Entrepreneurship Challenge is a business pitch competition that will be giving away $10,000 to the winning business pitch on November 12th. Whether you’re looking to launch a brand-new startup or expand your current local business, we want to hear from you!

We’ve also teamed up with some of the most influential business leaders in the county to serve as our event panel. If you want to grow your business and help Wyoming County thrive, check out the link below for more info and application details.

Learn more here: tigertankwyco.com

Attached is the initial press release sent out with all event details.

Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
Dietrich Theater