Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans

Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive  through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are:

Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance)

Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2

Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St.

Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance)

Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane

Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway

Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St.

Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave.

Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township

State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda

Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace

Chamber Hosts 8th Congressional Candidates for Private Forum

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted a private forum on Monday, October 14, featuring 8th Congressional Candidates Congressman Matt Cartwright and Rob Bresnahan. This exclusive event allowed candidates to network with Chamber members and representatives from regional Chambers of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureaus.

“We are pleased that the candidates for the 8th Congressional District recognized the importance of addressing the questions and concerns of our members. And we are proud to once again team with our fellow regional Chambers and Visitors Bureaus to speak with a unified voice on behalf of the business community of northeastern Pennsylvania,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber.

The forum, structured to foster engagement, allowed attendees to hear directly from the candidates on various business, economic, childcare, affordable housing and healthcare, and workforce topics that impact northeastern Pennsylvania. Moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, the questions asked of the candidates were geared towards legislative priorities submitted by Chamber members. 

In partnership with the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, The Chamber collaborated with the Pocono Television Network to film and distribute the 8th Congressional Forum to media outlets across the region. The Chamber and its leadership are committed to facilitating important dialogues between the business community and local government, ensuring that the voices of area businesses are heard and represented in legislative matters.

Regional Chambers of Commerce that participated in the 8th Congressional Forum: Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber of the Northern Poconos; and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Watch the 8th Congressional forum online here!

2024 SAGE People’s Choice Voting Opens 

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently announced that voting is now open for the 2024 People’s Choice SAGE Award, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust.

The SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence, honors outstanding local businesses and nonprofits for their talent, creativity, and innovation.

All SAGE finalists are eligible to win the People’s Choice Award. The community is encouraged to vote for their favorite SAGE Award finalist from October 14–18. Vote at this LINK. The three finalists with the most votes received will be announced at the 15th Annual Chamber Gala on Friday, November 1, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. 

More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards, and nearly 40 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists.

The People’s Choice nominees are:

  1. Blu Elefante Events
  2. Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley
  3. CHOP Out Hunger
  4. Condron Sweda Advertising
  5. Fit AF Nutrition
  6. Geisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center
  7. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  8. Indraloka
  9. JHA Companies
  10. Kailin of Earth Wellness Studio
  11. L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc.
  12. Lewith & Freeman Real Estate
  13. Lynn Sandy’s Bakery
  14. Market Share Consulting
  15. Mount Airy Casino Resort
  16. Naked Toffee
  17. Northeast Title & Tag, Inc.
  18. Pelican’s SnoBalls
  19. Saint Joseph’s Center
  20. Scranton Jazz Festival
  21. Showcase
  22. Ski Shack
  23. The Honesdale National Bank
  24. The Wright Center for Community Health
  25. Tobyhanna Army Depot

Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2024–25 Core Program Class

The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2024–25 met on Thursday, September 12, for their first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics held at PLASKOLITE in Scranton. Leadership Lackawanna strives to enhance emerging and established leaders’ skills, connections, and knowledge, strengthening our communities, workplaces, and organizations.

Core Program Class participants:

  1. Amy Fotta, Marywood University
  2. Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  3. Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services
  4. Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
  5. Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising
  6. Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
  7. Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc.
  8. Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance
  9. Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union
  10. Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College
  11. Jordan Fritz, Johnson College
  12. Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a Division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust
  13. Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton
  14. Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank
  15. Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education
  16. Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria
  17. Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc.
  18. Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust
  19. Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education
  20. Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  21. Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy
  22. John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  23. Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts
  24. Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank
  25. Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
  26. Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union
  27. Kyle Linko, CTCLC
  28. Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank
  29. Mallory Coyne, United Concordia
  30. Mariam Abugri, P&G
  31. Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
  32. Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  33. Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  34. Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania 
  35. Michael Kohut, Benco Dental
  36. Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton
  37. Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications
  38. Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health
  39. Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA
  40. Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  41. Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot
  42. Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions

Nicole A. Morristell, executive director, shares, “I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past and I look forward to seeing how they will utilize the leadership skills they acquire over the next ten months.”

In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program, participants gain direct and indirect leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton region, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus can include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live, work or play in Lackawanna County.

ATTACHED PHOTO:

FRONT

Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc.; Amy Fotta, Marywood University; Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria; Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust; Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank; Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising; Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health; Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union


MIDDLE

Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton; Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania; Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance; Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services; Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union; John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc.; Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank


BACK

Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College; Jordan Fritz, Johnson College; Kyle Linko, CTCLC; Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts; Mallory Coyne, United Concordia; Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education; Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions; Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank; Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications; Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Michael Kohut, Benco Dental; Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Mariam Abugri, P&G; Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot

Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit

Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey.

Key event highlights include:

  • 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals.
  • Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths.
  • Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success.

Who Should Attend:

  • High school students preparing for employment after graduation.
  • College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers.
  • Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers.
  • Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network.

The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities.

For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day: Connect, Learn, Collaborate!

The audience gained knowledge on topics ranging from AI to medical marijuana’s impact on the workplace to how to attract and retain a talented workforce.

There was not one winner last Friday at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre Twp.; there were hundreds, because the 2024 Manufacturing Best Practices Summit and Expo—the region’s largest manufacturing trade show and networking event—brought together more than 100 manufacturers and industry advocates exhibiting their products and services, along with nearly 500 eventgoers to learn from world-class speakers and one another.

Chris Czarnik, Award-Winning Author & Subject Matter Expert shared with the audience the importance of working hard to attract and retain talented employees.

Organized by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), this event provided an opportunity for manufacturers from an 11-county region to gather to learn, collaborate and forge new partnerships with other manufacturers, while also hearing from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics including: effectively using the power of AI, navigating safety concerns and policies around medical marijuana, unlocking leadership potential with emotional intelligence coaching, and learning the best practices to attract and retain talented employees—to name a few.

“There are so many long-term gains from this one-day event. Manufacturers learn from one another and from the speakers we choose specifically with their needs in mind. Our hope is that attendees take what they’ve learned today and apply it to their businesses for the benefit of their employees, operational processes, and customers. When they succeed, our region shines,” said Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s Manager of Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement.

NEPIRC President and CEO Eric Joseph Esoda welcomed nearly 500 attendees to the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo.

Manufacturing Day offered a host of valuable breakout sessions and panel discussions, such as “Building High Performance Compensation Systems: How to Get Your Team Rowing in the Same Direction,” with Mike Pickreign, Tech 42, breakout session sponsor; a Cybersecurity & CMMC panel discussion with moderator Kara Smith, NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator, panel discussion sponsor; industry-specific sessions presented by NEPIRC’s subject matter experts, and the event closed with The Wall Street Journal bestselling co-authors Katie Desiderio, Ph.D. and Michael Frino, Ph.D. who presented “Becoming a Be Keeper,” a discussion on resiliency, grit, and determination in the workplace among constant change.

NEPIRC Board of Directors member and Dream Team ambassador Kate Logan, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, took part in the panel discussion, “Refueling the Talent Pipeline: Sparking Careers in Manufacturing.”

Kate Logan, NEPIRC board of directors’ member and NEPIRC Dream Team ambassador, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, was part of a panel discussion featuring members of NEPIRC’s Dream Team. The panelists addressed misperceptions people may have when they think about manufacturing.

She said, “Manufacturing may have the stereotype as a dark, dirty, dangerous career path to some, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Typical facilities are bright, clean, and safety is always at the forefront of our day-to-day operations.”

Logan went on to discuss other benefits of careers in manufacturing, such as educational opportunities, compensation and potential career advancement.

“I hope to help inspire the next generation by sharing insights about manufacturing industries, discussing diversity of roles available, tuition reimbursement and highlighting the importance of skilled workers in NEPA,” Logan added.

Thanks to sponsor Lackawanna College Continuing Education, a group of nearly 70 students from Lackawanna County Career Technology Center, Mountain View, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre Area high schools listened to the panel discussion, explored the exhibits and gained insight from representatives at Lackawanna College who spoke to them about necessary skills for job placement. 

Keynote speaker Chris Czarnik, coach, trainer, author and subject matter expert, imparted knowledge from his 20 years of research on talent recruiting, engagement and retention to empower listeners with information to secure a talented workforce.

NEPIRC delivered on its promise to connect manufacturers and provide education to help them further succeed.

Ashley Machine & Tool, located in West Wyoming, was a sponsor of Manufacturing Day with the following employees on hand: Ronald Wellington, Jacob Boedeker, Zachary Mulhern and Michael Merryman. Mulhern, who is the materials manager at Ashley Machine & Tool, and is a member of NEPIRC’s Dream Team, participated in the panel discussion along with Logan.

Materials Manager at Ashley Machine & Tool Co. Zachary J. Mulhern said, “It is impossible to put a dollar figure on the valuable knowledge gained from Manufacturing Day. Not only did it enable our company to reach local colleges and universities to help create a talent pipeline for the workforce, it also allowed us to meet vendors within our region. We have gained an abundance of knowledge on machine practices, employee engagement, and so much more!”

While the event is helping companies operationally, it is also having an impact on individual growth.

Mulhern said, “This event not only has helped better automate our company, but it has given me insight into being a better leader.”

In addition, Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to show that the gender gap is closing in the manufacturing sector with more women taking on leadership roles.

Logan said, “We are vice presidents, we are managers, we are supervisors, we are boards of directors’ members, and we are leaders. In a historically male-dominated field, women are breaking stereotypes and bringing fresh perspectives to the table which is why female senior management positions have risen to 29 percent (as of 2019). Seeing a broader talent pool in manufacturing shows that companies encourage inclusivity. I am proud to be part of it!”

For more information on the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo, visit the NEPIRC website, www.nepirc.com.