A United Front: County and Chamber Work Together to Expand Business and Workforce Development in the Region

Scranton, PA–June 7, 2024— Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced a strategic partnership focused on business and workforce development at a press conference on Wednesday, June 12.

Held at The Chamber, County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin, and Chris Chermak, along with Chamber President Bob Durkin, presented The Chamber will primarily be managing business development, marketing, and lead management for Lackawanna County. These efforts will be in collaboration with the County’s Planning and Economic Development Office. The strong united front will allow a streamlined process, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure a coordinated approach to economic development.

The Chamber’s Board Chair, Attorney Jerry Musheno, commented, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to attract, sustain, and grow business and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania. By leveraging our combined resources and expertise, we will create a thriving economic environment for our community.”

In the multi-year plan presented at the press conference, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan emphasized the pledge of $495,000 to enhance economic development and entrepreneurship in the county. Over three years, the County will provide a total of $75,000 to support the program and administrative management at the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center (CTTC). The CTTC is an entrepreneur and light-industrial incubation program. The Chamber entered a management agreement with the CTTC board of directors over a year ago.

“The County and The Chamber have been partners on many projects throughout the years. What we are doing today is solidifying and formalizing the economic and workforce partnership for the future. Building on years of success at The Chamber and committing County resources to support small businesses—which are the economic engine of Lackawanna County,” shared Commissioner Bill Gaughan.

In addition, the County has allotted $420,000 to fund three additional cohorts of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty—the 10-week entrepreneur training program for tech-based, for-profit ideation businesses. The County has funded two cohorts that graduated 15 entrepreneurs in conjunction with The Chamber, INGITE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, and tecBRIDGE.

“This collaboration aims to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing ones, create job opportunities, and further bolster entrepreneurial support. We will focus on key industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, energy, technology, and bio/life sciences, aligning with Pennsylvania’s economic development strategic plan. Additionally, we are committed to providing entrepreneurs with the resources and support networks they need to succeed in Lackawanna County, enhancing opportunities for companies in light industrial and kitchen incubation,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber.