Join the Chamber’s IGNITE Entrepreneurship team for a unique, on-site experience! You will engage with local entrepreneurs who are developing technology, products, and services at the forefront of their industries. You’ll learn how to enhance your networking and relationship development skills, source high quality information for program development and marketing purposes, as well as the foundational knowledge necessary to start a business.

An intern in the economic development department of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will apply their classroom-learned skillset in a real-life business incubation setting working with the IGNITE Program Manager, Director of Facilities and Asset Management, and a portfolio of 21 active entrepreneurs in the technology space.

Learn more about us at www.scrantonchamber.com

Students of all years and majors are welcome and encouraged to apply by Monday, May 16, 2022

• Summer 2022, 10 week internship, flexible start date
• In-person internship at the IGNITE Business Incubator located within the Scranton Enterprise Center in downtown Scranton, PA
• Opportunity to work up to 5 hours a day, not to exceed 20 hours a week, within weekday business hours
• $10.00/hour
• All necessary tools and equipment provided!
• For-credit optional*

*Requirement: Students are required to check with their college/university career development office to find out if any guidelines, must be followed and/or requirements must be met for the internship (health & safety, academic or other), by the student and/or the small business host.

Qualifications:

• Strong verbal communication skills
• Energy, passion, and enthusiasm to intern and learn in a business setting
• Desire to engage with others
• Foundational knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Students of all years and majors are welcome and encouraged to apply

Project Description:

• Engage with the IGNITE program clients and alumni through in person meetings, interviews, emails, and phone calls to develop professional relationships and rapport.
• Research and gather key information about the current and past clients of the IGNITE Entrepreneurship Program and catalog the information into a spreadsheet.
• Assist the IGNITE Program Manager with curating content from the research catalog to promote the clients, the program and the community.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned, including ideas generated by the intern based on their personal interests and course of study.

Apply at app.smallbusinessinternships.com by 5/16/2022

Stop by the new Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City for our Community Open House! Take a tour of the facility before it opens to get a sneak peek of the great care Lehigh Valley Health Network is bringing to the Scranton region. The event will also include Papa’s Grill Food Truck, light refreshments, giveaway items and a performance by Lynnette’s Twirlerettes.

WHEN: Saturday, May 14, noon-2 p.m.
WHERE: 330 Main Street Dickson City, PA 18519

Geisinger Health Board of Directors Chair John C. Bravman, Ph.D.,is among this year’s class of Modern Healthcare’s Excellence in Governance award honorees. The Excellence in Governance program recognizes influential individuals who serve on a board of directors for a healthcare organization and foster advancement in culture, mission and performance.

Dr. Bravman, president of Bucknell University since 2010, was appointed to the Geisinger Health Board of Directors in September 2012. He was appointed chairman of the board in December 2016 and also chairs the Emergency Action Committee. He serves as a member of the Geisinger Family, Audit and Compliance, Finance, Governance and Quality committees of the board, and also serves on the Board of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

“I am honored to serve Geisinger and our communities through my service on the board,” said Dr. Bravman. “This recognition is meaningful because it acknowledges the commitment of Geisinger’s entire board, its leaders and employees in putting patients first and contributing to healthier, more vibrant communities.”

This year’s honorees are profiled in the April 18 issue of MH magazine and online at Modernhealthcare.com/awards/excellence-governance-2022.

“Geisinger is very fortunate to have an active, engaged and dedicated board,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., Geisinger president and CEO. “I’m grateful for the experience, leadership and invaluable perspectives John brings to our system as we strive to make better health easier for the communities we serve. I congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Each director in the class exemplifies the qualities of excellence in governance: loyalty and service, strategic and innovative vision, and commitment to fostering the values of accountability, diversity, equity and sustainability.

“We are thrilled to launch the rebranded Excellence in Governance awards program with such an esteemed group of honorees,” said Fawn Lopez, publisher of Modern Healthcare. “They are invaluable assets to the organizations and communities they serve and to the advancement of healthcare. We congratulate and thank them for their leadership and dedication.”

When Marywood University honors Sister Gail Cabral, IHM, Ph.D. for a lifetime of service to Marywood and the community, the work and dedication of her colleagues and friends will be evident in the special celebration. Event co-chairs Mary Anne Fedrick, Ph.D., a retired Marywood dean, and Maria Gogal, a Marywood trustee, both longtime friends of Sister Gail, are working to ensure the success of Marywood University’s Ninth Annual Community Leadership Celebration, set for Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 5:30 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the University’s campus.

Dr. Fedrick retired as the Dean of Marywood’s Reap College of Education and Human Development in 2013. Her distinguished Marywood career spanned nearly 30 years and included leadership positions in the library, admissions, academic affairs, and enrollment management, prior to her service as an academic dean. She received a bachelor of arts degree in education from Marywood, later adding a master of science in library science and a master of arts in counseling, also from Marywood. Dr. Fedrick earned her Ph.D. in higher education from the Pennsylvania State University. While at Marywood, she was a member of countless university committees and boards of professional associations, often serving in leadership roles. Upon retirement, she earned the Sister M. Denis Donegan Award for Distinguished Service from the Marywood Alumni Association. Dr. Fedrick’s post-retirement activities have focused primarily on service to educational and cultural organizations, including NativityMiguel School of Scranton, Fricchione Center Advisory Group, Fine Arts Fiesta, McGlynn Learning Center, Pennsylvania Library Association, and Marywood and Penn State alumni groups, among others.

Dr. Fedrick noted, “Sr. Gail Cabral has been involved in so many areas of Marywood and the wider psychology and educational world for so many years. Her gentle, inquisitive, and caring style have touched the hearts and minds of students, faculty, and friends. She truly deserves to be celebrated for all her accomplishments.”

A Marywood trustee, Ms. Gogal, of Lebanon, N.J., is the Director, Oncology Global Expert Input and Medical Education in Global Medical Affairs, for Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J. She joined Merck after graduating from Marywood University in 2004, and has been promoted within the organization in various leadership roles since then. Ms. Gogal holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial/organizational psychology, with a minor in business, from Marywood, as well as a master of science in jurisprudence in health, science, and technology law, from Seton Hall University of Law, Newark, N.J. A Marywood trustee since 2015, she serves on the University Advancement Committee and the Committee on Trustees. Ms. Gogal does volunteer work for several nonprofit organizations, including the Development Committee for the Women’s Health and Counseling Center at Zufall Health Center, Feed My Starving Children, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, America’s Grow A Row, and sponsoring a child in El Salvador through Compassion International.

Citing Sister Gail’s distinguished record of service, Ms. Gogal observed, “After over a half-century as a cornerstone of the Marywood mission, we are celebrating the legacy of this incredible woman. I urge everyone, especially those who have learned from, worked with, or been touched by Sister Gail’s life and work, to join us at this festive gathering, at which we will pay tribute to her and also support Marywood students, which, by the way, is the best tribute we can give to Sister Gail.”

The Community Leadership Celebration, Marywood’s signature fundraiser, provides special support to Marywood students and honors individuals in the community who exemplify Marywood’s core values in leadership and service to others. Sister Gail, a licensed psychologist, who is retiring after 52 years as a Marywood psychology faculty member, will receive the University’s Lead On Award, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to education, to service, and to the common good. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the President’s Innovation Fund, which supports Marywood students through initiatives that enhance the academic experience in the IHM tradition.

Tickets and event sponsorships are available now. Please visit marywood.edu/support/clc or call (570) 348-6238 for more details about honoring Sister Gail Cabral, IHM at Marywood University’s Community Leadership Celebration on May 5.

Northeast Pennsylvania packs a whole lot into one corner of the state. From hiking trails and breathtaking vistas to ski slopes and water parks, to craft breweries and eateries dishing out local flavor…and the list goes on and on! That’s the idea behind #570Day taking place on
Saturday, May 7, 2022.

#570Day is a campaign to spread positivity, and local pride and celebrate the “570” area. #570Day will highlight local businesses, restaurants, attractions, nature, and more located in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area code every year on May 7th! The day aims to spread positivity, local pride, and celebrate the people and places within the 570 area code.

How to get involved:

Being a part of #570Day is easy! On May 7, 2022, we encourage people, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and organizations across Northeast Pennsylvania to use #570Day on social media to show what they love about living in the area. Post pictures, videos, and stories that highlight the natural beauty, businesses, and people who make the 570 area so great. From your Friday night pizza place, thanking a special teacher, highlighting your favorite park, or sharing the best music venue… #570Day is the time to let the good in this area shine! With so much in Northeastern PA and so many stories to tell, we hope this initiative will continue to grow as it’s celebrated yearly
on May 7th.

Follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/570Day, for updates as the day gets closer, and on May 7th watch #570Day on social media to see all the great things in Northeast Pennsylvania!

Meals on Wheels of NEPA is excited to announce the expansion of the leadership team!

The Production Manager is a full-time employee that supports the day-to-day production of the Agency. The Production Manager will work closely with the management team to provide leadership to the Agency, develop and implement new production processes, support special/catering events, and maintain high-quality daily production. This position reports directly to the Director of Production and Executive Director.

The right candidate:

• Thrives in fast-paced work environment
• Self-motivated with the ability to lead a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to identify improvement opportunities
• Ability to work accurately under pressure
• Flexible and a team player

Click here to read the full job description: https://scrantonchamber.mcjobboard.net/jobs/71856

Please email a cover letter, resume, and references with the subject line “Production Manager” to mealsonwheels@mownepa.org.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity today warned Pennsylvanians that scammers are using text messages to target potential unclaimed property claimants. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department never reaches out to people in regard to any program, including unclaimed property, via unsolicited text messages.

“We have to constantly be on guard against scammers,” Garrity said. “I urge anyone who receives a phishing message about unclaimed property to ignore it and promptly delete it. Do not click on any links, and do not respond to these messages. If you have any concerns, reach out to my office. We’ll be very happy to help.”

Treasury’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property can be reached by email at tupmail@patreasury.gov or toll-free at 800-222-2046.

The amount of unclaimed property currently safeguarded by Treasury totals more than $4 billion. Anyone can search the online database at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property any time to see if they have property waiting, and – if so – start the claim process online.

“About one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed some of the more than $4 billion in unclaimed property waiting at Treasury,” Garrity said. “We’re always working to return as much as possible to the rightful owners. The average claim is about $1,500, which can really make a difference in someone’s life, whether they need it to pay their bills today or want to save for the future.”

FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, has announced a $20,000 donation to the West Side Career and Technology Center that will be used to fund equipment for the metals lab, cosmetology kits and competition field trips.

West Side Career and Technology Center, located in the Pringle section of Kingston, offers technological training for students in the Northwest Area, Wyoming Area, Wyoming Valley West, Lake Lehman Area and Dallas Area School Districts. In addition, students in Greater Nanticoke Area, Hanover Area, Wilkes-Barre Area, Pittston Area, Crestwood and Old Forge School Districts may also be eligible to attend. The programs at West Side CTC allow students the option of continuing with post-secondary education or entering the work force directly after graduation.

“The administration and instructors at West Side CTC do an amazing job of preparing their students for a wide variety of technical careers,” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Vice President, Marketing Manager. “We are happy to support their efforts with funds for the machine tooling technology and cosmetology programs.”

The support of the West Side CTC is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.

In conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop, Johnson College is hosting a CNC Machining Open House on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Don’s Machine Shop, located at 100 Elm Street, West Pittston. To register for this Open House, visit https://johnson.edu/cnc-machining-open-house/ or contact Johnson College’s Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Representatives from Don’s Machine Shop and Johnson College’s Continuing Education team will detail what students will learn when they enroll in the 20-Week, 510-Hour CNC Machining Course offered at Don’s Machine Shop Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. starting June 20, 2022. The night will also include discussions about the machining industry, connections to Johnson College’s career services team, and financial assistance for those who qualify. 

Assistant Teaching Professor of Business James Wilkerson, who also serves as the program coordinator for the business and project and supply chain management programs at Penn State Scranton, was recently asked to assist United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (UNC) with conducting an employee engagement survey.

Rick Pisasik, human resources director at UNC, was looking for a survey partner from a local university and reached out to Wilkerson, who has conducted a number of surveys like this over the course of his career. 

“In my academic life, I developed survey expertise while conducting my dissertation work with several companies and getting educated in psychometrics and test design,” Wilkerson said. “In my corporate life, I conducted such surveys both as a human resource director and as an organizational assessment consultant for a firm serving the North American insurance industry.” 

When asked why UNC decided to conduct this survey now, Pisasik stated that there were several factors that went into their decision. 

“Several factors were in play, including how COVID may or may not have influenced employee engagement, and that we have not conducted a survey in four years,” Pisasik said. “We are really just trying to feel the pulse of employee attitudes and engagement.” 

Wilkerson went on to say that ensuring anonymity in a survey like this is of the utmost importance, which is one of the reasons why he says that companies and agencies tap local universities to conduct these types of surveys. 

“Employees tend to appreciate the independence that an outside surveyor conveys,” Wilkerson said. “Certainly, the company could pay hefty fees to have commercial consulting firms do it, but if a competent university researcher or department can do it for free as part of campus outreach to the business and nonprofit communities, why not go that way?” 

When asked how the survey would be carried out, Wilkerson said that it is “being done in an online format, mostly with scaled-response items that employees can quickly click through, but also with a few open-ended questions that employees can use to express more detailed or different concerns than are reflected in the scaled survey items.” 

To add to this, Pisasik went into detail about the types of questions UNC employees were asked in this survey. 

“Forty-five questions with a scale of six factor ratings from ‘Strongly Disagree’ to ‘Strongly Agree,’ along with three open-ended questions, were asked,” Pisasik said. “Questions are grouped by categories such as satisfaction with your job/UNC, alignment questions relating to the work we do at UNC, questions relating to how your supervisor is doing, and future orientation questions relating to how they see future employment at UNC.” 

Wilkerson said that the internet has created an era in which people are heavily surveyed by politicians, companies, etc. As such, in terms of his response rate, he states that the higher the response rate, the better. 

“In research projects, survey response rates as low as 25% are common. Employee opinion surveys usually generate higher response rates of 50% to 80%, and I once had a Canadian insurance firm client that pegged over 90%,” Wilkerson said. “Getting more than a 50% response rate to an employee opinion survey would seem to be a minimum target for having a valid basis to interpret data and, more importantly, to craft organizational adjustments to address any problems revealed.” 

When asked what UNC, which has under 100 employees, hopes to gain from the survey, Pisasik said that the survey’s objective is to gain a better understanding of the connection employees have towards the place they work and the factors that influence it. 

The survey presents our employees with a forum to express their thoughts on our practices, our strengths, and our weaknesses,” Pisasik said. “The results will be used to identify what we are doing well and what we need to work on.” 

The survey concluded with an 86.5% response rate from UNC employees, which Wilkerson says is a “very strong response rate that lends credibility to inferences management may draw as they consider ways to improve UNC NEPA in response to the survey.”