Support Wilkes-Barre Metro
Donate Today
Make a donation today to help preserve our history, underwrite quality economic development, help embrace and create art and architecture, and preserve our history!
Save Mr. Peanut
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation stopped the demolition of the former corporate headquarters of Planters Peanuts and now wants to preserve the history!
WBWE 97.5 FM
The money you donate today will help underwrite the operations of the non-profit radio station on the FM channel 97.5 using a low power FM license awarded by the FCC to benefit the community covering Wilkes Barre, PA.
Latest News and Updates
2025 PA Polkafest Coming to Keystone Ballroom- Mohegan PA!
Get ready for an electrifying evening of music, dancing, and cultural celebration as the 2025 Pennsylvania Polkafest makes its grand return! Presented by Mrs. T’s Pierogies and The Times Leader, this year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, taking place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Keystone Grand Ballroom. Sponsored by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, the festival will feature world-class performances from 18-time GRAMMY Award winner and Polka King, Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra, along with the GRAMMY-nominated Polka Family Band. Whether you’re a lifelong polka fan or a newcomer looking for a night of fun, this is the can’t-miss event of the season!
Tickets are on sale now, with reserved table seating available for $30 per person and general admission open table seating at $20 in advance or $25 at the door. You can purchase tickets online at www.ticketsalesnow.com, in person at Gallery of Sound, Wilkes-Barre (cash only), or by calling 570-550-6410 for assistance. Can’t attend in person? Service Electric Cable TV will be recording the event for a special broadcast! Don’t miss out on Northeast PA’s ultimate Polka celebration—gather your family and friends and get ready to dance the night awa
Save The Date-Celebrating the Life of Bill Kelly!
Join us for a heartfelt evening as we celebrate the life and legacy of Bill Kelly, a cherished musician from Wyoming Valley whose talent and passion left a lasting impact on the music world. Best known as the frontman of The Buoys, Bill’s unforgettable voice helped propel their 1971 hit, “Timothy,” to #17 on the U.S. Billboard charts. His remarkable career took him from the local stages of Northeast Pennsylvania to the grand spotlight of Madison Square Garden, even sharing the stage on tour with Queen. As a songwriter, singer, and performer, Bill’s contributions to rock music remain an essential part of history, and this special night is dedicated to celebrating his extraordinary journey.
Mark your calendars for April 13th, 2025, at Genetti’s in Wilkes-Barre from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Friends, fans, and fellow musicians will come together to honor Bill’s memory through music, stories, and tributes to his incredible career. Sponsored by the Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation, this event will feature live performances, special guests, and more exciting announcements to come. Stay tuned for ticket details and additional updates—let’s gather to remember a true local legend and the music he left behind.
On Location: Revisited films bring back memories of iconic NEPA places
Thom Greco (CEO of WB METRO), Former Managing Partner at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a premier nightlife destination in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His collaboration with the Kornfeld family and contributions to the nightclub’s development, alongside lighting legend Eric Brown, helped establish The Woodlands as the “Studio 54 of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The forthcoming film “On Location: Revisited: The 25th Hour: Reflections From a Mirror Ball” highlights Greco’s influence and the venue’s legacy, underscoring its impact on the regional entertainment scene
Read Full Article Now at Times Leader: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1665820/on-location-revisited-films-bring-back-memories-of-iconic-nepa-places
Wilkes-Barre Metro Film Office Leading Expansion of Industry in NEPA!
Wilkes-Scarre Weekend 2025
Get ready for the spookiest event of the year! “Wilkes-Scarre” Weekend is set to be the hottest Halloween celebration in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA. Enjoy family events, costume contests, ghost tours, and hottest nightlife! Highlights include the spectacular Halloween Parties, and annual Zombie Crawl! Dates, sponsors and specific events for 2025 already planned!
WILKES BARRE METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 501 (C) 3
Wilkes Barre Metropolitan Development Corporation (Wilkes Barre Metro) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit recognized and registered with the IRS with all donations being tax deductible in accordance with your accountant.
Wilkes Barre Metro undertakes voluntary endeavors to create economic growth, to host events for the community celebrating the legacy of individuals, to embrace historic influencers and to preserve the historic architecture of our area.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s executive board oversees endeavors that are supported by advisory boards that have direct oversight for certain areas of our mission.
A Low Power FM radio license was granted a construction permit and Wilkes Barre Metro was recognized by the FCC as a worthy community non-profit to award such a license. WBWE LPFM was put on the air located at 97.5 FM for the Wilkes Barre community. The radio station also celebrates the inventor of radio by Wilkes Barre’s own, Father Joseph Murgas.
Wilkes Barre Metro’s Film Office works with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other statewide film offices to help promote the growth and jobs created in the film industry working directly with major producers and studios from Hollywood to New York City and also assists many smaller film producers. Wilkes Barre has deep roots in the movie industry. The Mankiewicz family – pioneers in the Hollywood movie industry as screenwriters and producers have a family connection to Wilkes Barre – especially Joseph L. Mankiwicz being born in Wilkes Barre. Jack Palance, a Hollywood favorite, was born, raised and maintained a home in the Wilkes Barre area. Lyman H. Howe a pioneer in movie production maintained his studios and mansion on Riverside Drive in Wilkes Barre.
Projects like Planters Peanuts have been sustained by Wilkes Barre Metro’s perseverance, interest and endeavors for preserving the historic significance of Mario Peruzzi and Amedeo Obici – owners and founders of Planters Peanut and Chocolate Company. Wilkes Barre Meto continues to look for support for obtaining ownership of the original corporate offices of Planters Peanuts on South Main Street to create a museum and contribute a landmark to help tourism.
Other projects that Wilkes Barre Metro has continued to promote and will continue to pursue investment and growth in an advanced digital broadband network with fiber optics including the network support of a data center on the core twenty block grid within the City of Wilkes Barre through abandoned city steam pipes, manholes, and central office. Additionally, the unique location of a Wilkes Barre Metro building is located directly above flooded abandoned coal mines make a feedstock for Rare Earth Elements while clarifying Acid Mine Drainage.
With the Covid pandemic, WB Metro has taken the lead in educating and training various segments of the economy to preserve jobs and helping our area as well technically supporting on a national level with the rollout of CovidSafe(TM) training and certifications with Ready Training Online – view more on COVIDSAFE.US.
