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.
NBT Bank Offers Tips to Avoid Fraud October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in keeping with this year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” NBT Bank security experts are offering tips on how people can protect themselves from fraud. “Bad actors and scammers are constantly evolving their technology and tactics to access our personal information,” said NBT Bank Senior Director of Information Security Terra Carnrike-Granata. “Even simple steps like monitoring your accounts and changing passwords regularly can protect your information and help you and your loved ones avoid falling victim to fraud.” NBT recommends employing the following tactics to help keep personal information and accounts secure. Secure your devices: Stay on top of software updates that help protect your system from vulnerabilities, and use trusted, reputable spyware and virus protection software. Log out after each online banking session. Whether on a mobile device or in a web browser, take the extra precaution of logging out of your banking session and browser to ensure your account information is not easily accessed if your device is compromised. When not using your computer, consider turning it off. You’ll keep your computer off the internet, denying scammers and hackers a chance to get in. Secure your accounts: Avoid using personal information, such as birthdays, phone numbers, or children’s or pet’s names, as passwords. Passwords aren’t enough. Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security. Never share your passwords. And remember that NBT Bank, like other banks and financial institutions, will never ask you for your digital credentials. Use different passwords for each account. Monitor account activity: Checking your account activity frequently can help to detect fraud earlier. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, contact your bank immediately. Regularly check your credit report. Banks and credit cards offer access to your credit rating, through the major credit rating agencies including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Those reports can help you identify any suspect activity. NBT bank offers information about a number of common scams and how to identify and avoid them in its online Fraud Information Center
Leadership Lackawanna Hosts Second Annual “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Piano Fundraiser Leadership Lackawanna, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce community leadership and professional development affiliate will host “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, October 18, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station in downtown Scranton. The event will occur outside under the heated trainshed and feature live entertainment, courtesy of the national “Howl At The Moon” dueling pianos group. Attendees are invited to sing, dance, and howl as versatile and talented musicians perform their favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop, and today’s dance hits on pianos and more in a high-energy show! The event will also feature basket raffles, a selfie station, games, food, fun, and more. Lauren Rusen, board member and events committee chair, shares, “For the second year, we will hold this event at the Radisson because it allows more people to enjoy this fantastic night of dancing, singing, and supporting a great cause! The space is perfect for this kind of event. Guests can come for the music, stay for the opportunity to win amazing prizes, and dance the night away.” All proceeds from the event will support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of enhancing the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania—as well as supporting community service projects conducted by Leadership Lackawanna participants. Tickets are available online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com and at the door. To learn more about Leadership Lackawanna, please visit www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Seeks Finance Director The Greater Scranton YMCA seeks a Finance Director to support its mission as a leading nonprofit organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role involves overseeing financial matters, investments, human resources, and information systems, while providing strategic direction for YMCA operations. The Finance Director will also act as a community convener to address critical social issues. Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Monitors monthly financial operations, prepares analysis and reports, and gives guidance to executive and operating staff. Works closely with operations staff on issues that affect financial outcome. Secures and allocates program or project resources so that strategic objectives can be achieved. Prepares specific recommendations. Reviews, updates, and/or develops internal control systems for the YMCA and oversees internalaudits which check for compliance on a variety of policies and standards. Provides recommendations for improvement. Manages the staff and oversees the operations of the accounting/finance, information systems and other assigned departments. Oversees and certifies the annual audit and meets periodically with the outside auditors to maintain communications and keep them informed of changes in the YMCA. Ensures that current accounting standards and legal requirements are met. Actively engages the board in challenging conversations and decision making to advance the Y’s impact. Works directly with assigned committee(s) of the board (e.g., Finance, Insurance, Investment, Audit) to build volunteer relationships, develop policies, monitor their implementation and meet the related needs of the board. Anticipates trends and their implications on the future of the organization. Manages investments, under the direction of the Investment Committee, and within the risk tolerance expressed by the Board via the asset allocation policy. Develops performance indicators and measurement systems for tracking strategic plan objectives. Evaluates current business models and leads efforts to modify or redesign business modelswhere necessary. Oversees preparation of reports to United Way, YMCA of the USA and governmental agencies. Oversees preparation of tax returns including IRS Form 990. Oversees the development of the annual operating budget, including all branch budgets. Guides the organization to make tough choices about what to stop, start, and continue. Works closely with operations staff to ensure that branch budgets are well-planned, realistic, and prepared in a timely manner. Establishes, maintains and/or monitors all banking and financing relationships. Maintains all necessary records and accounting reports and records all transactions on a timely basis. Maintains good working relationships with auditors, bankers, investment counselors, attorneys and other professional advisors. Other duties as assigned. LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Critical Thinking & Decision Making Fiscal Management Program/Project Management Volunteerism QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent; MBA, CPA or CMA preferred. YMCA Organizational Leader certification or willingness to obtain. Five or more years of substantive experience in accounting and fiscal management. Knowledge and understanding of general business matters required including budget development, financial reporting, cash management, business taxes, banking and debt financing instruments. Knowledge of computer systems, including experience with system selection, new system implementation and project management. Personal computer skills required. Experience with investment management and asset allocation preferred. Experience in effectively managing a staff team. Previous experience with voluntary/nonprofit organizations preferred. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee: Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day. Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace. Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of your skill and experience. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need. Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health. Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 12% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans. Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO, and holidays. Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications. Inclusive Environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring all employees feel valued. Salary: $65,000.00 – 75,000
Misericordia Welcomes New Faculty for 2024-2025 Academic Year Misericordia University announces the addition of new faculty members for the 2024-25 academic year. In the College of Health Sciences and Education, Kimberly Conaboy, DNP, and Daniel J. Satterfield, DNP, have each been appointed assistant professor in the nursing program, while Gail Hoover, DNP, and Xinzhi Chen, Ph.D., were each appointed assistant professor in the nursing program at the Pittsburgh campus. Amy Flaherty, MSPAS, and Justine Samanas, MSPAS, have each been appointed assistant professor of physician assistant studies. Amanda Benbow, MSW, was appointed assistant professor of social work; Amanda Salak, OTD, was appointed assistant professor of occupational therapy; Kearston T. Healy, MS, was appointed assistant professor of speech-language pathology, and Alana Carusotto, DPT, was appointed assistant professor of physical therapy. The College of Business made the following appointments: James Ricardo, MS, as instructor of sport management; Michelle R. Conway, MBA, as instructor of management and entrepreneurship, and Greta M. Keiper-Blake, DBA, as assistant professor of marketing. The College of Arts and Sciences appointed Stacy M. Wittrock, MA, assistant professor of criminology; Joshua Carey, Ph.D. as assistant professor of mathematics; Kriszta Sajber, Ph.D., as assistant professor of philosophy; Matthew P. Thornburg, Ph.D. associate professor of political science (formerly government, law, and national security), Mary Jane Brundage, Ph.D. as assistant professor of physics and Peter Nelson, Ph.D. was appointed visiting assistant professor of psychology.
The Honesdale National Bank Announces New VP Marlie Martines Promoted to VP, Chief Risk Officer Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., President, and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank, announced Marlie Martines has been promoted to VP, Chief Risk Officer. In making the announcement Sheridan stated, “Marlie has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in risk management, effectively contributing to our organization’s success and stability.” He continued, “As she steps into the role of Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, I am confident that her vision will greatly enhance our risk strategies and help us effectively navigate the evolving financial landscape.” As VP, Chief Risk Officer, Martines will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across all aspects of the bank. She is a graduate of Forest City Regional High School and has received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s in Public Administration from West Chester University. Currently residing in Vandling, PA, she brings over 12 years of experience in the finance sector, specializing in risk management and compliance. In commenting on her new role at the bank, Martines noted, “Whether it is through our normal banking services or the donations and service hours of our employees, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride to be able to see the direct impact the bank has within our community.” Outside of the Bank, she is a volunteer for the Brian M Sheare Memorial Fund, as well as a Hero for St. Jude Children’s Resource Hospital. Additionally, she enjoys running, reading, home renovating, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Resident Appointed as AMA Delegate Dr. Urvashi “Urvi” Pandit, a resident physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency Program, was appointed to represent the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) as a delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) Medical Resident Section. Dr. Pandit, who is completing the third and final year of her residency at Unity Health Care in Washington, D.C., will serve in this role through Sept. 30, 2025. During that time, she will work with members of the AAFP staff and attend the AMA Interim Meeting in November in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and the annual meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in June in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Pandit was inspired to apply for the position after attending the AMA Annual Meeting in June 2024 as a resident representative of the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, where she now also serves as co-chair of the Early Career Physicians Section. “I look forward to serving as the collective voice of family medicine residents and advocating for the specialty in this new role,” she said. “I am applying for a postgraduate fellowship in health policy and plan to use my training in a teaching health center and public health and research, and my experiences at the AMA to help inform any future work I may do in the graduate medical education space and, more broadly, in advocating for primary care.” Her appointment was recommended by the AAFP Commission on Education and confirmed by the Board of Directors. AAFP’s mission is to improve the health of patients, families, and communities by serving members’ needs with professionalism and creativity. “The faculty and I are very proud of Dr. Pandit for stepping into a national leadership role to represent family medicine and her resident colleagues at the American Medical Association,” said Dr. Lawrence LeBeau, program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency Program. “It’s another great example of how our residents are fulfilling the mission of The Wright Center and our National Family Medicine Residency Program by being strong advocates for their profession and the communities they serve.”
