Get ready for AMEX Small Business Saturday on November 30! Shop Small, an initiative launched by American Express (AMEX), is dedicated to supporting local, small businesses that form the backbone of communities across the country. Each November, Shop Small culminates in Small Business Saturday, a day encouraging shoppers to choose local businesses for their holiday needs. By doing so, consumers directly boost their local economy, helping to create jobs, sustain neighborhoods, and maintain the vibrant character of their towns and cities. The Chamber is proud to champion small businesses, which make up 80% of its membership, most of them with fewer than 25 employees. These businesses are the heartbeat of our organization, providing unique products, personalized services, and driving innovation across various industries in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Chamber remains committed to supporting members’ growth through resources, networking opportunities, and initiatives like Shop Small. This November, we encourage everyone to shop local and support Chamber members that contribute so much to our community. Provided by members is a list of deals and discounts that you can take part in this season. Search for Chamber members. Download AMEX Toolkit
Wallenpaupack Freshmen Visit Scranton Enterprise Center to Explore Entrepreneurship and Workforce Resources The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Wallenpaupack Area School District’s freshman class of 2028 to the Scranton Enterprise Center for an engaging day focused on business, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The visit introduced students to resources available in Lackawanna County, such as the IGNITE program and the Chamber’s Career Resource Video Library, aimed at supporting students interested in pursuing careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. During the visit, students learned about the resources and support available for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, gaining insights into potential career pathways. “This experience was a great way for students to learn about entrepreneurship and small businesses in our area as a potential career path,” said Maria Day, IGNITE Program Manager. The event highlighted the resources and programs designed to help students explore career and educational opportunities within Lackawanna County. Throughout the day, students were introduced to incubator businesses and other resources offered by the Chamber, providing them with valuable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and insights into the opportunities it can offer. Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Chamber, emphasized the importance of introducing young students to local workforce resources early on to foster a mindset of goal-setting and career exploration. The Chamber’s commitment to nurturing northeastern Pennsylvania’s future workforce includes initiatives that introduce students to career pathways and encourage proactive planning. Through programs like IGNITE and Skills in Scranton, the Chamber’s workforce development division, aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
The Chamber Celebrates Business and Economic Growth at the 2024 Chamber Gala featuring the SAGE Awards The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted its Chamber Gala on Friday, November 1, where they presented the 2024 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. This year’s event was held at Mohegan Pennsylvania, and was sponsored by Verizon. Chamber Board Chair Jerry Musheno opened the ceremony by thanking all finalists, award sponsors, and Gala sponsors for their dedication to the NEPA community. NoWhere Slow provided musical entertainment for the evening. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The Chamber received nearly 80 SAGE Award applications. A team of nearly 40 volunteers scored the applications. The top three scoring applications were named finalists. The Chamber congratulates all finalists and winners of the 2024 SAGE Awards. The winners in each category are: BUSINESS OF THE YEARMount Airy Casino Resort COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT EXCELLENCEThe Wright Center for Community Health CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCEGeisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCEMarket Share Consulting NEW AND EMERGING BUSINESS OF THE YEARPelican’s SnoBalls NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARCHOP Out Hunger PEOPLE’S CHOICENortheast Title & Tag, Inc. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES EXCELLENCESki Shack SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEARLynn Sandy’s Bakery WORKPLACE EXCELLENCEJHA Companies In addition, several businesses received Milestone Certificates recognizing their longevity and leadership in our community. They are: 5 Year Recipients Black Scranton Project CHOP Out Hunger Naked Toffee SEEDs of Hope 10 Year Recipients Coal Creative SkyZone Pittston 15 Year Recipient Marley’s Mission 20 Year Recipient Tri-Star Academy 25 Year Recipient Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA 30 Year Recipient Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center 40 Year Recipient Bread Basket of NEPA 45 Year Recipient hc architects 55 Year Recipients G.R. Noto Electrical Construction, Inc. Happenings Magazine 85 Year Recipient Tuxedo By Sarno 100 Year Recipient St. Mary’s Villa Campus
The Chamber Welcomes Langan, Business Development Specialist The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is excited to announce the hiring of Lexie Langan as a new business development specialist. In her role, Lagan will leverage her extensive sales, marketing, and real estate background to drive business development growth within Lackawanna County. A graduate of The University of Scranton, Lagan brings a wealth of experience to her role. With experience selling office supplies to business development within the engineering and construction sectors, Langan has explored the rapidly evolving field of SaaS software and field marketing across the greater Scranton and Pocono region. Langan began in her role at The Chamber in August. She will work primarily in the Chamber’s business development affiliate, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan program to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs contributing to local prosperity and workforce development. “We are delighted to welcome Lexie Langan to our business development team,” said Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “With her experience in marketing and business development, Langan will be instrumental in driving our mission to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in Lackawanna County. Her expertise and strategic insight will strengthen our business development initiatives, and we look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring to our team.” Outside of The Chamber, Langan is a dedicated aunt to her favorite niece and nephew, Hazel and Hammond. She loves exploring new cities, indulging in unique culinary experiences, and immersing herself in the magic of Disney World.
SLIBCO Granted $75,000 for Stauffer Industrial Park Signage Enhancements The Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, leadership is pleased to announce the receipt of a $75,000 grant. This funding, provided through a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) investment and with the support of State Representative Jim Haddock of the 118th district, will update signage across the Stauffer Industrial Park, enhancing visibility and navigation within one of the area’s most vital business parks. “The signs will be an excellent addition to tackle the directional challenges tenants and visitors face in the Stauffer Industrial Park,” shared Frank DeAngelo, Taylor Borough representative. State Representative Jim Haddock shares, “As State Representative, I am glad to help deliver this DCED funding to support this worthwhile project in my district. Proper signage is a huge part of developing and supporting business growth in the Stauffer Industrial Park. It is always fantastic to work with Taylor Borough and The Chamber—we are all so glad to see this vital project taking off soon.” Stauffer Industrial Park, one of the 15 business parks developed by SLIBCO and The Chamber throughout Lackawanna County, has long been a hub of economic activity, hosting a range of logistical industries that contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, adds, “The investment in upgrading signage in Stauffer Industrial Park will have an economic impact by enhancing the park’s accessibility and appeal while prioritizing safety for workers, visitors, and drivers. This initiative will help attract new and expanding companies, improve navigation, and demonstrate our commitment to making Stauffer Industrial Park a premier destination for successful business development.” The signage updates at Stauffer Industrial Park underscore SLIBCO and The Chamber’s mission to create and maintain vibrant business environments that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs across Lackawanna County. By investing in infrastructure improvements, SLIBCO and The Chamber continue to strengthen the foundation for economic growth and enhance the experience of tenants and visitors within these business parks.
PIDA Announces Updated Interest Rates The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) has announced updated interest rate options for loan applications submitted through December 31, 2024. Who can participate in this loan program? A variety of different industry sectors are eligible for PIDA financing including manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, research and development, hospitality, defense conversion, recycling, construction, child day-care, retail and service, export, and computer-related service enterprises. These rates apply to various financing options, including real estate, equipment, and energy efficiency projects. For traditional real estate loans, borrowers can choose between a fixed rate of 4.75% for up to 15 years or a lower initial rate of 3.75% for seven years, which resets afterward. Additionally, loans with a 10-year term and 20-year amortization offer similar rate structures, including a fixed rate of 4.75% or an initial 3.75% for five years with a reset option. PIDA also offers competitive rates for other loan categories. Equipment loans under the PIDA-MELF program carry a 4.75% fixed rate for the full term, while working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit have the same fixed rate for a 12-month period. Businesses pursuing pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects benefit from a significantly lower fixed rate of 2.00% for the loan’s duration, encouraging sustainable business practices. These rate options provide valuable financing solutions for businesses across Pennsylvania looking to expand or improve operations. For more information on PIDA loans or to apply, contact AJ Cimahosky or Lexie Langan in the business development office. AJ Cimahosky: ajcimahosky@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 137 Lexie Langan: llangan@scrantonchamber.com | (570) 342–7711 ext. 136
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: Blu Elefante Events Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley CHOP Out Hunger Condron Sweda Advertising Fit AF Nutrition Geisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Indraloka JHA Companies Kailin of Earth Wellness Studio L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc. Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Market Share Consulting Mount Airy Casino Resort Naked Toffee Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Pelican’s SnoBalls Saint Joseph’s Center Scranton Jazz Festival Showcase Ski Shack The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Center for Community Health 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: Amy Fotta, Marywood University Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc. Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College Jordan Fritz, Johnson College Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a Division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc. Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union Kyle Linko, CTCLC Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank Mallory Coyne, United Concordia Mariam Abugri, P&G Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania Michael Kohut, Benco Dental Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot 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.
