WBRE 28 & WYOU 22 Appoint Accomplished Journalist and News Executive to News Director

WBRE 28 and WYOU 22 announced today that Paul Gourley has been named News Director of 28/22 News serving Wilkes-Barre / Scranton, PA (DMA 58). In his new role, Gourley will oversee the 28/22 News team of award-winning journalists and digital news platforms. Gourley will assume his new role immediately and report to Andrew Wyatt, Vice President and General Manager of WBRE-TV28.

“Paul Gourley is an excellent addition to the 28/22 newsroom. It is an honor to have someone with his talent and experience lead our award-winning news team. His passion for the community and ability to tell impactful stories is not only a tremendous addition to our newsroom but to all of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” says Andrew Wyatt, Vice President and General Manager of WBRE-TV.

Gourley is an Emmy-Award-winning producer who spent time as a police officer before starting his journalism career more than 20 years ago. He has worked in many newsrooms across the country including the legendary WAGA-TV/FOX 5 in Atlanta GA where he was an executive producer and most recently WJLA-TV/ABC 7 in the Washington D.C. Metro Area where he was the Assistant News Director.

Commenting on his new role, Paul Gourley said,  “I’m very excited to be joining the WBRE/WYOU family.  It is a privilege to lead a truly local team who has the “home field advantage”. This is a crucial time for journalists across the country and Eyewitness News is perfectly positioned to bring valuable life-saving information to the public, hold the powerful to account, be a voice for those who don’t feel like anyone is listening, and spotlight important issues to each neighborhood. Northeast Pennsylvania will be a focal point as we head into the 2024 presidential election, and will likely help decide who will lead this nation. 28/22 News will play a pivotal role in giving voters important information to make informed decisions. Journalism is a great business to be in and I’m eager to get started.”

NEPIRC Announces Manufacturing Day Event Keynote Speaker

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) announces its upcoming Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit & Expo, scheduled for Friday, October 4 at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino & Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre. This annual event celebrates the vibrant manufacturing industry in our region and provides valuable insights and networking opportunities for businesses and professionals.

This year, NEPIRC welcomes Chris Czarnik as the event’s keynote speaker. Czarnik is a renowned author, coach, trainer and subject matter expert on talent recruiting, engagement and retention in today’s dynamic manufacturing environment. With diverse career experience, including roles as a former military officer, human resource manager, career services manager and job search advisor, Czarnik brings unparalleled expertise to the table.

Over the past two decades, Czarnik has dedicated his career to understanding why individuals join and depart organizations. His insights have empowered thousands of job seekers to identify organizations and roles that align with their aspirations and values. His acclaimed book, “Winning the War for Talent,” has become a cornerstone resource for over 3,500 organizations nationwide.

“We are thrilled to have Chris Czarnik as our keynote speaker for this year’s Manufacturing Day event,” said Eric Esoda, NEPIRC’s president & CEO. “His wealth of experience and profound insights into talent recruitment and retention will undoubtedly provide immense value to attendees, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of workforce management.”

Manufacturing Day serves as an essential platform for businesses to connect, learn and collaborate. In addition to Czarnik’s keynote address, the event will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities to foster growth and innovation within the manufacturing sector.

NEPIRC is actively seeking business sponsors to support this significant event. By becoming a sponsor, organizations will gain exposure to a diverse audience of industry professionals and decision-makers while demonstrating their commitment to driving manufacturing excellence in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Manufacturing Day sponsorships are open to all businesses and organizations – not just manufacturers. Sponsors include businesses that assist and support manufacturers or would like to acquire manufacturing sector clients, colleges with advanced manufacturing or robotics programs, economic development organizations, etc.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register for Manufacturing Day, visit www.NEPIRC.com or contact Chelsey Coslett, manager of marketing & stakeholder engagement, at Chelsey@NEPIRC.com.

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Resident Physician to Present Study

Bad news for night owls: Sleeping less than seven hours a night could increase the risk of developing high blood pressure over time, according to a new study by an Internal Medicine resident physician at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education.

The study found that sleeping less than seven hours increased the risk of developing high blood pressure by 7%, and sleeping less than five hours increased the risk by 11%. Dr. Aayushi Sood, a third-year Internal Medicine resident physician in Scranton, Pennsylvania, worked primarily with Dr. Kaveh Hosseini, a cardiologist in Iran, and Dr. Rahul Gupta, an interventional cardiology fellow in Allentown, Pennsylvania, along with doctors in England and the United States, on the study, which took about five months to complete. The research team will present the findings at the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 73rd Annual Scientific Session & Expo in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 6-8.

Using information from 16 studies conducted between January 2000 and May 2023, Dr. Sood and her fellow researchers evaluated hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, in more than 1 million people who were above the age of 18 years from six countries without any prior history of hypertension over a follow-up duration of 2.4 to 18 years. Several potential confounding factors could contribute to the link between less sleep and higher blood pressure, including lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and psychological stressors. Those factors were not explicitly adjusted for in the study and could influence both sleep patterns and blood pressure, Dr. Sood said.

“So often, not getting enough sleep is something we take lightly,” Dr. Sood said. “It’s something you should talk to your doctor about because it can affect your health.”

Dr. Sood said more study is needed to understand the link between sleep and hypertension, and she is interested in pursuing further research.

“There are a lot of different theories attached to this research topic,” she said. “It could be that the lack of sleep is stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. If you do not sleep enough, your body could be stressed, which can also make your blood pressure go up.”

The native of Punjab, Northwest India, earned her medical degree from Washington University of Health & Science in San Pedro Town, Belize, in December 2019. After returning home to assist her parents, who are both physicians, in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to the United States in July 2021 to begin her Internal Medicine Residency at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

This isn’t the first time she’s worked with other doctors across the world on medical research.

“I believe that if you want to make a difference, you have to bring minds from all over the world together,” Dr. Sood said. “Everyone’s mind works differently, and each idea can bloom into something new.”

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is one of the nation’s largest HRSA-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortiums, with about 250 physicians in training. The Wright Center offers ACGME-accredited residencies in family medicine, internal medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and psychiatry, as well as fellowships in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics.

 For information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.

PennDOT Seeking High School Students for Young Ambassadors Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting 10th -12th grade students to help keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.

The program, now in its third year, builds community stewards and civic leaders by empowering young Pennsylvanians to become ambassadors in their community for a shared vision of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania. Applicants should be passionate about the environment and committed to restoring and protecting Pennsylvania’s ecological landscape through volunteerism and leadership.

Ambassadors will train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to prepare them to be be difference-makers in their communities by building their leadership and problem-solving skills.

“Pennsylvania needs leaders. Like many other crises that require long-term change, we’re looking to the youngest of us to help lead environmental sustainability into the future,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m heartened to see the attention and diligence of the next generation of Pennsylvania’s environmental caretakers”

“It has been enlightening to work with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures through our Young Ambassador program. They each bring their own experiences and aspirations that have helped shape the program. We know the students of today hold the key to a sustainable future and we’re excited to work with and guide this new group of Young Ambassadors to implement change in their communities and the Commonwealth. We’re grateful to continue to partner with PennDOT to provide even more opportuntites for students to develop necessary skills for them to succeed,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Chosen candidates will commit to serve as an Ambassador from September 2024 through May 2025 and represent and uphold the mission and values of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.  

Other responsibilities include:  

  • attending 6 mandatory virtual education sessions; 
  • conducting a community assessment and creating a summary presentation; 
  • organizing and participating in at least one community cleanup event through pick up Pennsylvania and conducting one community education event or activity.

There will also be non-mandatory education sessions from a variety of topics.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will provide education and training to program participants on such topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and related public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing. The program will provide networking opportunities to not only build a sense of community within the program but also to promote professional development of the individual students. In addition, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has partnered with Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania funded by the NiSource Charitable Foundation to provide Job Shadow Days to select Ambassadors.

The Young Ambassadors program was recommended in the commonwealth’s Litter Action Plan announced by the Governor’s Office in November 2021 and is funded by PennDOT.

Applications are being accepted April 1 through June 10. Students will be chosen through a competitive application process. Students interested in applying should visit keeppabeautiful.org and choose Programs, Education then Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania or contact Kylie McCutcheon at 724-836-4121 x114 or kmccutcheon@keeppabeautiful.org.

Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under “Regional Offices.” Information about the state’s infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Cooper’s Restaurant Creates Positive Impact with Keystone Mission

Cooper’s Seafood House presented Keystone Mission with a check for $1,735 after a successful fundraiser with the restaurant.
Through individual and business support, Keystone Mission was overwhelmed by the turnout of the fundraiser held at Cooper’s Restaurant in Scranton.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner locally with those who care about what we care about – providing help and hope to those who need it in our area,” says Jillian Mirro, Communications & Marketing Manager.

“Keystone Mission thanks Cooper’s Restaurant for their kindness and generosity. These funds will aid us in making a greater impact on the lives of individuals we serve in the various communities, beginning in Scranton. We look forward to working with Cooper’s again,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.

The money raised will support the organization’s ongoing programs, beginning with our Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty.

Mohegan Pennsylvania Features Party on the Patio Kentucky Derby Party

With the 150th Kentucky Derby taking place on Saturday, May 4th, Mohegan Pennsylvania is set to host a Kentucky Derby Party like never before! Beginning at 2:00pm, this annual event will provide guests with an opportunity to indulge in delicious bites, try various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, participate in a Hat Revue for a chance to win up to a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card and join in on a promotion where guests can win up to $1,000 in free wagers. Additionally, a special edition of Party on the Patio will take place after the race! There is no cover for the Kentucky Derby Party and Party on the Patio.

The Kentucky Derby Party will feature Coors Light, Blue Moon, a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can also enjoy the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, the Mint Julep, with an opportunity to upgrade to a specialty 150th Anniversary Kentucky Derby glass while supplies last. Those looking to grab a quick bite can head over to the Burger Bus and Eat Up Now food trucks where a variety of mouthwatering options will be available. Guests can stop by the Best Cigar Pub booth where a live cigar roller will be in action and a selection of cigars will be available for purchase. Additionally, guests can relax and listen to acoustic music by Ken Norton from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.

Throughout the day, the Spa Sapphire team will be set up in the racing lobby and assisting guests with Derby Day essentials. Additionally, guests can explore Spa Sapphire’s exquisite five-star services and plan a day of luxurious self-care.

The Hat Revue is back, and guests have an opportunity to compete for lucrative prizes! Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the racing lobby. Top prizes include a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to the “Best Couple” or “Group Themed Hats”. Winners of the “Most Classic Derby Hat” and “Most Creative Hat” categories will each receive a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, divine dining choices and incredible shopping selections across the property.

Beginning at 10:00am on Friday, May 3rd, Mohegan Pennsylvania will accept advanced Kentucky Derby wagers in Simulcast and tellers will be available to assist. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, May 4th, Simulcast will be self-service but guests can place wagers with tellers at the upper-level Pacer’s Clubhouse betting windows. No live harness racing meets are scheduled for May 4th but Simulcast wagering will be available for all tracks with live meets including Churchill Downs throughout the day. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers at the indoor Simulcast location.

Mohegan Pennsylvania is holding a promotion where guests who wager $100 or more with a teller on any race will receive one entry for every $100 wagered. Guests must place these entries into one of the 20 boxes located in the racing lobby based on who they think will win the Kentucky Derby. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. At the conclusion of the race, four winners will be selected out of the corresponding boxes of the official top four finishers. The selected first-place box winner will receive $1,000 in free wagers valid for Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 18th. Second – fourth place winners will receive $500, $250 and $100 in free wagers, respectively.

Immediately following the end of the Kentucky Derby broadcast, The River 105 and 103.5’s DJ Tommy will take the stage to emcee Party on the Patio. This special edition Party on the Patio will take place from 7:30pm – 10:00pm and will feature Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John. Mohegan Pennsylvania recently announced that this year’s Party on the Patio will feature a record-breaking 22 weeks of shows. For more information, visit moheganpa.com/potp.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to access the Kentucky Derby Party and Party on the Patio. Additionally, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted. Wristbands issued for the event are not valid for the gaming floor. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.

Marywood Community Leadership Celebration to Spotlight President and Alumna

Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood’s President, who will retire on June 30, will be recognized with a special spotlight at Marywood University’s 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the University’s campus. The event also will honor community leader and Marywood alumna Mary Ellen McDonough.

As Marywood’s 12th President, Sister Mary has guided Marywood University for the past eight years with her collaborative leadership and bold vision, devoting her life to promoting Marywood’s mission and core values. During her presidential tenure, Sister Mary made strides in the scholarly life of the university by restructuring and streamlining the Colleges, adding or expanding several signature academic programs, and establishing the Offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Global Education. During her eight years, Marywood has welcomed national retail partnerships to Marywood, including Starbucks, the popular Gear Shop, Apple, and Amazon stores.

Additionally, Marywood’s endowment has nearly doubled and maintained a fiscally responsible status under her leadership, even during universally challenging financial times in higher education. To further strengthen Marywood’s future, Sister Mary is presently bringing the University’s $30 million comprehensive campaign to its conclusion. This campaign is designed to fund new construction and academic spaces on campus, provide scholarships for students, and enhance the student experience.

In moments such as an unprecedented global pandemic, Sister Mary supported the entire community of faculty, staff, and students with strength and confidence. Her engagement, both in the public arena and on campus among the students, are two highlights of her presidency. She has represented Marywood well locally, nationally, and even internationally, but when asked, Sister Mary notes that the best part of the job was interacting with the wonderful people who are our students.

The CLC is Marywood’s signature fundraiser, providing special support to Marywood students and honoring individuals in the community who exemplify Marywood’s core values in leadership and service to others. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit campus improvements as part of the EMPOWER Campaign.

To join Marywood University in recognizing Sister Mary Persico, IHM, and in honoring Mary Ellen McDonough at the 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration on May 2, please visit marywood.edu/clc for ticket and sponsorship information, or call (570) 348-6238.

Episode Twelve: All Things Chamber

Don’t Miss the Update

Join the SBA (small business administration) and other regional business development organizations for the Lender Roundtable on May 16.
Did You Know? The next network mixer is Tuesday, May 14, at the Dick’s House of Sport for the Breakfast Business Card Exchange. Register today.

Final call for EMPOWER tickets. Friday, April 19 is the last day to purchase tickets for the conference next week.

The Chamber is hiring a visual content creator intern to join the Marketing and Communications division. Apply today by send your resume and interest to rbuchanan@Scrantonchamber.com.

Momentum Magazine

Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online.

Upcoming Chamber Events

EVENT PAGE
MEMBER BENEFITS

Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $2,000 Grant to Leadership Lackawanna

Leadership Lackawanna, an affiliate organization to The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and a local nonprofit organization dedicated to community leadership and professional development, announces the support from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its Welcome Scranton! program. In correlation with the Foundation’s Spring Grants cycle, Leadership Lackawanna received a $2,000 Community Needs Grant.

The grant funds will be directly used in the support and delivery of Welcome Scranton!, a 2 ½ day program designed to give participants a quick, but thorough, understanding of Scranton and Lackawanna County, along with a revitalized sense of putting leadership into action. enrollment is open to everyone, from newcomers to area natives, from entry-level employees to executives.

“Participating in Welcome Scranton gave me an insider look at so many unique places in and around Scranton. I learned more in 2 and a half days than in the 7 years I’ve lived here, and I connected with some wonderful people along the way! We’re so grateful that thanks to this grant, we’ll be able to continue to offer this one-of-a-kind program.”

The benefits of the program encompass exploring our area’s hidden gems, enhancing your network of personal and professional connections, hearing inspirational stories from our business community, and gaining exposure to local leaders, issues and service and leadership opportunities.

Applications are now being accepted for Welcome Scranton! which begins May 23rd. Interested parties should apply online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com by May 2.

Now Hiring! New Summer Internship Opportunity at The Chamber

The Chamber’s Marketing and Communications division is hiring a visual content creator intern for the summer. Please see the job description below.

Overview: Join our team as a Visual Content Creator Intern and gain hands-on experience in capturing captivating videos and photos of diverse businesses. Your creative eye and technical skills will contribute to upcoming marketing campaigns, showcasing the essence and offerings of various enterprises. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of visual storytelling and marketing.

Responsibilities:

  1. Collaborate with the communications team to understand campaign objectives and business requirements.
  2. Conduct pre-shoot research to familiarize yourself with the businesses and their unique characteristics.
  3. Capture high-quality video footage and images that highlight the key aspects of each business, including products, services, and ambiance.
  4. Ensure all visual content aligns with brand guidelines and campaign themes.
  5. Edit video footage and photos to create engaging content suitable for various marketing channels, including social media, websites, and promotional materials.
  6. Assist in the organization and maintenance of digital assets, including file management and metadata tagging.
  7. Collaborate with stakeholders to incorporate feedback and iterate on content until it meets quality standards.
  8. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in visual storytelling and content creation.

Requirements:

  1. Currently enrolled in a degree program related to photography, videography, visual arts, marketing, or a related field.
  2. Proficiency in using DSLR cameras, video equipment, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro).
  3. Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for composition, lighting, and visual aesthetics.
  4. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  5. Demonstrated creativity and ability to think outside the box to produce compelling visual content.
  6. Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  7. A passion for storytelling and a desire to learn and grow in the field of visual content creation.

Duration: This is a summer intern position, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules.

Requirements:  Must have reliable transportation.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience to Ryan Buchanan at rbuchanan@scrantonchamber.com. Apply by Friday, May 3, 2024.