2024 Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program Leadership Lackawanna is proud to announce the 2024 graduates of its Executive Program. Leadership Lackawanna’s six-week Executive Program, sponsored by Comcast Business, deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton region, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. It accepts applications from professionals in an executive-level (director or higher) position with extensive industry experience and demonstrated career progression. “Our mission at Leadership Lackawanna is to enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of our participants,” said Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “I’m confident the 16 individuals in this year’s Executive Level Program gained valuable insight into our mission and that they forged lasting connections that will strengthen them, both personally and professionally. It is my sincere hope that they will take these benefits and use them to positively impact the community!” This year, participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. Sessions were held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks at various locations in the greater Scranton community, including cocktails and dinner. The 2024 Executive Program graduates include: Jen Azarowicz, Plaskolite Dana Bilotta, Tobyhanna Army Depot Bonnie Carone, Geisinger Community Medical Center Nick Coleman, Geisinger Health Sarah Effertz, Blu Elefante Events Kyle Gattuso, PNC Bank Maggie Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation Doug Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Kristin Hudspeth, PeoplePro Advisors Alexandra Kusoffsky, Alleima Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Al O’Donnell, Scranton School District Adam Ropati, The Dime Bank Frank K. Sweeney, Scranton Rent All Corp Ruth Turkington, Fidelity Bank Aimee Wechsler, The Wright Center for Community Health
EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted its November EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon at The Greenridge Club in Scranton. Lisa Lori, president of Marywood University, presented on the topic of Dream Big. Dress for Success Lackawanna executive director gave special remarks at the luncheon. Register for the January EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon at ScrantonChamber.com.
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. “This year, we are proud to welcome these 67 remarkable teens into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re hopeful they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gain over the next seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders,” shared Jen Strzelec, program coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students will engage in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Addison Daiute Aidan Tinney Andrew McDonald Anthony Betti Audrey Agnello Ava Roberto Ava Strzelec Ava Wisnosky Benjamin Reese Benjamin Kulikowski Brendan Korty Charlie Stampien Emily Atonal Emily Grover Emily Loomis Emma Guse Emmelia Rucks Gabriella Dennis Gabrielle Jordan Gavin Roberts Gianna Vachino Grace Bennett Isabelle O’Brien Jaiden Trunzo James Prislupski Joseph Griffin Joshua Cuck Julia Noto Kate Peters Kathryn Apolinario Kathryn O’Hora Katie Gutekunst Kaylyn Davis Kelsey Smith Kevin Vincent Khloe Mistishin Kiera Crowell Kiley Williams Krithika Krishnan Lauren Bartell Lindsey Bartell Luke Warring Madeleine Mackarey Madelyn Battaglia Madison Hallock Madison Smith Maryn Kukuchka Matther Kirchner Mia Peregrim Molly Carter Molly Banik Mya Cesarini Natalia Ghirelli Natalie Talluto Natalie Puckett Nathan Beecham Nmesoma Udoye Nora Crambo Olive O’Rourke Olivia Lawler Olivia Lach Raphael Thomas Ryan DeMarco Sona Hanumali Timmy Fogley William Murphy Wyatt Barucky
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!
