(February 6, 2007 - Wilkes-Barre, PA) Robert K. Mericle, President of Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, announced today that Stephen Barrouk, Past President/CEO of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, will be joining Mericle as Vice President of Business Development Services in the firm’s Brokerage Division. Barrouk led the Chamber for 18 years and previously spent 14 years in Pittsburgh doing economic development work.

Over the course of his career, Barrouk has helped hundreds of businesses to expand and acquire capital in Pennsylvania. He spearheaded the effort to build three new industrial parks in Greater Wilkes-Barre, expand two others, and redevelop three major landmarks in Downtown Wilkes-Barre: The Stegmaier Brewery, Pomeroy’s Department Store and Woolworth’s. The Northampton and Main (theater complex) Project was accomplished during his tenure. He is credited with conceiving the Arena Project and serving as the first Chairman of the Wachovia Arena. He was a founding Board member of the Great Valley Technology Alliance, Penn’s Northeast and the Diamond City Partnership.

In Pittsburgh, Barrouk was actively involved in the highly touted City’s Renaissance II and led Allegheny County’s attempts to revive the Mon Valley with the acquisitions and the redevelopment of the Duquesne and National USX Steel Mills. He has developed four Business Incubator Centers throughout his career, the latest being the Innovation Center @ Wilkes-Barre.

Barrouk currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NEPA Alliance, Earth Conservancy, Wyoming Valley United Way, Catholic Social Services and the Children’s Service Center. He also serves on the Board of Directors of 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania and was past Chair of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association. Barrouk is currently the Chairman of the King’s College Community Capital Campaign. He has received numerous distinguished service and leadership awards locally and statewide. 

Mericle stated that he is very pleased to have Barrouk join his company. “Steve’s broad experience in accomplishing difficult development projects and his extensive experience serving the business community will help us continue to grow. Steve’s leadership skills and talent in dealing with complex business transactions will help us to advance our position in the markets that we serve and to expand our position in other markets as well.”

Barrouk added that he is delighted to be able to continue his work with area businesses and serve this community through Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services