Skills in Scranton Awarded Community Needs Grant To Expand Career Pathways Resources Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This funding will support the expansion and promotion of career pathways resources, providing invaluable tools to students, educators, and job seekers across northeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Needs Grant will enable Skills in Scranton to enhance its existing programs aimed at addressing the region’s workforce challenges. These efforts include expanding the Career Pathways Curriculum Guide and increasing the availability of the career pathways video resources that connect students and job seekers with high-priority occupations in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and business services. “This grant is a significant step forward in our mission to connect students, educators, and job seekers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By expanding our career pathways initiatives, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities necessary for success in a dynamic workforce.” Through this grant, Skills in Scranton will also increase outreach efforts, ensuring that its career pathways resources reach a broader audience. The expanded programming will focus on equipping students and educators with actionable insights into local career opportunities and supporting businesses in building connections with emerging talent. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grants aim to address critical community challenges and create impactful solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.
2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, is the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition and remains a healer at heart. “It is a true privilege to recognize Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak as the 2025 Athena Award recipient,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Her relentless commitment to her patients, hands-on leadership style, and deep dedication to the community set her apart as an exceptional individual. We are proud to honor Dr. Thomas-Hemak for the profound and lasting impact she has made on both healthcare and our community. Congratulations, Dr. Thomas-Hemak!” In the community, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is actively involved in multiple organizations, countless committees, nonprofit boards and workgroups aimed at benefiting the community, generating efficiencies in healthcare delivery, and promoting primary healthcare workforce development, both regionally and nationally. Additionally, she is a founding board member of the Scranton-based Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas-Hemak promotes the advancement of women by leading boldly and strategically, fostering inclusive opportunities and career advancement, and mentoring opportunities for female leaders to pursue meaningful, transformative careers in health care. The ATHENA Award will be presented to Dr. Thomas-Hemak at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, on Friday, March 7. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank.
The 2025 Workforce Summit Features Ryan Leckey and Marc Gonzalez in March Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces the upcoming 2025 Workforce Summit, set to take place on Thursday, March 20, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. This premier event is designed to empower students, job seekers, and business professionals with invaluable opportunities to connect, develop, and grow in their careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. The 2025 Workforce Summit will feature a robust lineup of activities aimed at fostering connections and career advancement, such as meeting with employers with available positions, professional development sessions like mock interviews and assistance in writing a resume, and featured presentations from Ryan Leckey, CEO and founder of Ryan Leckey Media, and Marc Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of Site2. The Workforce Summit is tailored for high school students preparing for life after graduation, college students exploring career opportunities and seeking employer connections, job seekers eager to advance or change their careers, and business professionals looking to enhance their skills and hire for their open positions. Don’t Miss This FREE Opportunity: Join us on March 20 to Develop. Educate. and Network. Whether you’re a student charting your future or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, the 2025 Workforce Summit is the perfect place to prepare for what’s next. Learn more online at ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna, Opportunities to Support the Core in the Community all Month Long Starting February 1 | Support the Core Class Project to assist Griffin Pond Animal Shelter This Weekend: February 2 | Support the Core Class Project to restore the Carbondale Train Station. Next Weekend: February 8 | Support the Core Class Project to assist the Scranton Counseling Center. February 14 | Support the Core Class Project to Renovate Imagine NEPA Performing Arts Backstage
Skills in Scranton Hosted Annual State of the Workforce Event Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted its annual State of the Workforce event in partnership with The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. This signature virtual event welcomed educators and Chamber member businesses to explore critical workforce trends and opportunities shaping the region. The presentation provided key insights into the region’s evolving job market, spotlighting top employers and industries hiring for in-demand careers. Attendees gained valuable information about workforce data, labor force participation, and skills gaps, all designed to support efforts to address challenges and enhance regional economic development. “The State of the Workforce event is an invaluable tool for educators and businesses alike,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “This data empowers participants to better understand our regional workforce landscape and use this knowledge to address challenges, inform classroom instruction, and drive strategic decision-making.” To access the 2025 State of the Workforce presentation, visit SkillsinScranton.com or contact Emily Pettinato at EPettinato@ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Announces Applications Open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Program Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is a virtual eight-week course that provides advanced leaders with all the fundamentals of leadership but at a 2.0 level! Topics may include prioritizing purpose, reframing, humility, running effective meetings, generational differences, and workplace diversity. Applications close on February 3, 2025. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is open to anyone who desires to advance their personal and professional growth. Apply online at LeadershipLackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 156th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 156th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 26, 2025, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This signature event is set to bring together the region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and programs from the past year. This year’s Annual Dinner will feature keynote speaker, author, and workforce strategist, Gregory Offner. Offner is the founding partner of the Global Performance Institute, a boutique consulting firm supporting organizations and executives seeking to get the most out of their workforce. He previously held leadership roles in the outsourced services and risk management industries, developing future leaders and advising some of the most recognizable names in business. In this keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement found in a piano bar and then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations who’ve applied these principles to business with phenomenal results. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Offner’s keynote address will equip businesses with valuable insights to address current workforce challenges. “We always look for an Annual Dinner keynote speaker who provides insight into the compelling issues facing our business community. As the nature of our workforce is evolving, Gregory Offner brings a thought-provoking perspective to address these key workforce issues,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets for the 156th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $15,000 Grant from Robert H. Spitz Foundation to Advance Career Awareness Programs Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support Skills in Scranton’s efforts to enhance career awareness programs and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and the business community. These initiatives aim to empower students and job seekers with a deeper understanding of diverse career pathways and equip them to navigate the evolving workforce landscape. “Business leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania recognize that workforce development is critical to the economic future of our region and the long-term success of our youth,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission to foster career awareness and build a robust talent pipeline. It allows us to connect with students and job seekers, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed career decisions.” Skills in Scranton has developed a sector-based, industry-driven approach to address skills shortages, cultivate talent pipelines, and create meaningful career pathways. By engaging leading industry sectors, the organization continues to build opportunities that support the region’s workforce and economic growth. “Supporting initiatives that connect education to workforce development is important to the Robert H. Spitz Foundation,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are proud to support Skills in Scranton to empower students and job seekers with tools to build meaningful careers, while strengthening the economic future of our region.” For more information about Skills in Scranton and its initiatives, please visit skillsinscranton.com.
Nominations for the 2025 ATHENA Award are Open! APPLY HERE The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants and will be presented at the Chamber’s International Women’s Day breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The event will be held at The Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on Friday, March 7, 2025. Nominations must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, January 17. Apply online at www.ScrantonChamber.com/athena-award
Skills in Scranton Awarded Business Education Partnership Grant to Expand Career Video Library Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces it has been awarded a Business Education Partnership Grant from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board. The grant supports the creation of five additional career pathways videos that spotlight high-demand trades in Lackawanna County, which include carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. These new videos join Skills in Scranton’s expanding resource library at skillsinscranton.com. The resource library introduces job seekers to high-demand careers in the community. Skills in Scranton partners with school districts and higher education institutions in Lackawanna County to integrate the resource library into classrooms—giving students valuable insights and real-world connections to in-demand careers. “We are thrilled to expand our resource library with support from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board,” shared Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “These career pathway videos are a critical tool in our mission to equip students with career knowledge and exposure to local opportunities that align with their interests and the needs of our region.” Virginia Turano, executive director of Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “The Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board is pleased to collaborate with The Chamber and its division, Skills in Scranton, to promote career pathways initiatives for students in Lackawanna County. And I applaud the expansion of this new and exciting tool supporting student knowledge, growth, and development.” The grant represents a significant step forward in fostering career readiness and workforce alignment in Lackawanna County. Skills in Scranton’s video library provides an enriched selection of career insights for students, job seekers, and educators, guiding them toward fulfilling careers essential to the region. Each videos offers an in-depth view of the professions, the required training, and the many job opportunities available in Lackawanna County.
