Coffee With Your Congressman Matt Cartwright The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce government advocacy and affairs committee wants to share an upcoming opportunity for Chamber members to meet and discuss important issues with Congressman Cartwright. Congressman Cartwright will be at the Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069 on Monday, July 10, from 3:30-5:00 PM. Enjoy coffee and contribute to the discussion with your local community. AddressAbington Memorial VFW Post 7069402 Winola RoadClarks Summit, PA 18411
Chamber Affiliate Receives Award for Economic Development Accomplishments in the Region The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce economic development affiliate, Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), received the Mid-Sized Community EDO Award from Business Facilities for its economic development accomplishments in northeastern Pennsylvania. Business Facilities is a full-service media brand specializing in the site selection marketplace, and it has been recognized as “the leading source of intelligence on corporate expansion and relocation since 1968,” as stated by the magazine’s website. The award SLIBCO received was given to mid-size economic development organizations whose region’s population is between 100,000–500,000. Outlining The Chamber and SLIBCOs accomplishments: 15 business parks totaling over 3,000 acres. Of the 3,000 acres, less than 1,000 acres are left undeveloped. The organizations developed an internal incentive program for developers within the business parks to work towards the attraction of advanced industries like energy production, advanced manufacturing, and food and beverage production. The latest accomplishment of The Chamber and SLIBCO was a bridged partnership to conserve 250+ acres of land for conservation in Lackawanna County. SLIBCO worked with the Lackawanna Valley Conservancy, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the PA Game Commission. The conservation organization intends to create multiple outdoor recreational opportunities, including mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and outdoor educational elements. The Chamber and its affiliates are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania. SLIBCO is one of eight affiliates through The Chamber that seeks to develop the community through access to capital, leadership and professional development, workforce, entrepreneurship, and more. About Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO)Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, develops multi-tenant buildings and industrial and office parks in northeastern Pennsylvania. SLIBCO also owns and manages two technology incubator facilities to start-up and expand small businesses. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
The Chamber Hosts Summer Business Card Exchange The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the region’s premier business organization, hosted its Summer Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, June 28, at High Tines Archery & Outdoors in Dunmore. The 66 attendees enjoyed a unique opportunity to network with Chamber members, a chance to win door prizes, and experience the event business host, High Tines, indoor archery range. High Tines Archery & Outdoors owner Greg Gondella Jr. shared, “Networking is the name of the game for me… I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for the connections I made through the years”. Business card exchanges allow Chamber members and partners to network, meet new faces, and expand their professional and personal networks. If you want to join The Chamber’s strong community of leaders, please visit www.scrantonchamber.com or call (570) 342–7711 for more information. Attached photo (from left to right): Kristine Augustine, vice president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Ryan Buchanan, director of marketing and communications, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Greg Gondella Jr., owner, High Tines Archery & Outdoors; Maria Gondella, owner, High Tines Archery & Outdoors; Molly Morgan, communication intern, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Noah Leety, communication intern, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about The Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Commonwealth of PA Holds Community Meeting to Discuss the Region’s Access to the Internet The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s government affairs and advocacy committee is committed to representing and being a voice for the business community to the local, state, and federal legislators. A priority for The Chamber’s government committee is access to broadband internet across the Wyoming Valley for its residents and businesses. On Tuesday, July 11, at 11 a.m., The PA Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is holding a community meeting to hear from the general public’s experience with internet access. The community meeting will be at the Lackawanna County Center for Public Safety in Jessup, PA. Sign-up!
Morristell Receives 2023 Change Maker Award On Thursday, June 15, Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna received the 2023 Change Makers Awards presented by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at Light up the Valley, held at Public Square Park in Wilkes-Barre. Morristell and 40 community influencers were recognized for their outstanding efforts to make NEPA a brighter place. Through her efforts, Morristell impacts the community by being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; volunteerism and innovation—improving the quality of life in the greater Scranton region. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com. About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Chamber to Host Summer Business Card Exchange The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host its Summer Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, June 28, from 5–7 p.m. at High Tines Archery at 116 Monahan Ave., Dunmore. High Tines is a family-run archery pro shop and shooting range with owners who have over 20 years of experience in the archery and outdoor industry. While immersed in a unique outdoors-themed setting, members of The Chamber can make new connections, expand their professional network, and enjoy complimentary beverages and lite snacks. Members who attend the event can enter their business cards to win a door prize. Register for the June 28 Business Card Exchange by visiting https://www.scrantonchamber.com/events/business-card-exchange-at-high-tines-archery/. Professional networking often serves as a foundation for a successful business, which is why The Chamber regularly opens such opportunities to its members. If you want to join this strong community of leaders, please visit www.scrantonchamber.com or call (570) 342–7711 for more information. About The High Tines Archery and OutdoorsHigh Tines Archery is a family-owned and operated pro shop and indoor archery range. The owners, Greg and Maria, along with their children and family members, work closely with customers to provide individual attention to each person that walks through the door. Greg, with 20+ years in the archery and outdoors industry, and Maria, with 20+ years as an educator in secondary schools, use their knowledge and skills to provide adults and children with enjoyable and informative experiences. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Chambers of Commerce Host Waterpark Event for Member Businesses Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and seven regional chamber partners are hosting a day at the Montage Mountain Waterpark for member businesses sponsored by Montage Mountain. On June 23, member businesses and employees can enjoy a day at the local waterpark. The event starts at 11 a.m.; tickets are $15 per person, and children under the age of two are free admission. The ticket includes all water attractions and other dry attractions. *Zip Rider is NOT included in The Chamber Day admission package. Chamber member businesses and employees can purchase tickets online at www.ScrantonChamber.com up through June 23. Tickets must be purchased and paid for in advance, with no exceptions. Participating Chambers of Commerce are the Back Mountain Chamber, The Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Hazelton Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. If you want to become a member of The Chamber and receive more benefits like this, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com. About Montage Mountain ResortsMontage Mountain Resorts opened to the public in 1984. Located in Northeast Pennsylvania just 5 minutes off Interstate 81, it is convenient and among the best in the East. Easily accessible from major cities like New York City & Philadelphia (just 2-hours) and around one hour from Allentown & Binghamton. You can catch i476, i84, i380, and i81 within 10 minutes of the resort. Offering Daily Admission, Season Memberships, Group Trips, Private Rentals, Events and more, there’s no other park to pick for summer fun. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Chamber Employee Appointed to Board of National Leadership Organization Denton, TEXAS—The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), a national organization located in Texas and supporting the growth and development of Community Leadership Programs, recently announced that Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna in Scranton, PA was appointed as Treasurer to serve a one-year term. With over 300 members, ALP is THE connection source for community leadership programs throughout the US, and even has a small presence internationally with memberships coming from Germany and Canada. The ALP mission is to enhance the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. The association believes true, organic community leadership involves looking at situations, opportunities, or challenges through the lens of the whole community, and pursuing a course that builds the well-being of all. ALP membership is open to leadership organizations/programs, whether based in a chamber of commerce, university, government or similar entity, or as an independent (non-profit) organization. In this role, Morristell will be responsible for providing financial oversight of the organization, making periodic financial reports to the board of directors and presenting a full financial report at the annual meeting. “Leadership Lackawanna has been actively involved with ALP for 10 years and I fully believe in their mission and work. As an already active board member and ambassador for the state of Pennsylvania, I was happy to expand my involvement with this worthwhile national organization. Leadership Lackawanna has benefitting so much from ALP membership – essentially I give them full credit for helping us create our 2 ½ day orientation program, Welcome Scranton! Personally, ALP allows me to interact with fellow community leadership professionals who are doing the same exact work as me – but in their own respective communities! It’s such an amazing network of leaders who are fully dedicated to growing and improving their communities through the work of leadership programs. Serving as ALP treasurer is a real win-win experience for Leadership Lackawanna since this role helps to elevate our status – yes, we are a nonprofit from Scranton, PA – but now we are on the same level playing field as our counterparts from around the Unites States like Orlando, FL, Austin, Texas, San Francisco, CA and Bend, OR.,” commented Nicole Morristell. Nicole Morristell is the executive director of Leadership Lackawanna, the non-profit Chamber affiliate dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership Lackawanna consists of a 10-month core program, a five-week executive program, a seven-month youth program, a 2 day community exploration program called Welcome Scranton!, a collegiate program, and an 8-week online fundamentals 2.0 program. Before joining the Leadership staff in 2008, Morristell worked for the local Girl Scout organization, where she served in a number of positions over the years, including marketing and community outreach specialist, public relations director, and special events manager. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and is actively involved with Supporters of Camp Archbald, where she serves as President, Abington Christian Academy’s Parent Advisory Board, LCBC Church Kids Ministry, Countryside Conservancy, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Pictured: Lura Hammond, Executive Director of ALP, and Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,600 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com. About the Association of Leadership ProgramsThe Association of Leadership Programs serves over 275 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the wellbeing of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the wellbeing of all. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
The Chamber Announces New and Re-Elected Board of Directors The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s newly elected board members are Michael Curran, Moses Taylor Hospital & Regional Hospital of Scranton; Jose de los Rios, Procter & Gamble; Julie Eisenman, WNEP; Elizabeth Nagy, The Honesdale National Bank; and Abe Salam, Epic Revenue Consultants. Michael Curran Julie Eisenman Elizabeth Nagy The Chamber announces the re-election of the following members of the board of directors: Laura Gillette-Mills, Hemmler+Camayd Architects; Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College; Eric Pusey, R.Ph., CDE, Better Health Pharmacy & Wellness; Kristen Shemanski, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; and Frank Suraci, Bedrock Technology. Laura Gillette-Mills Jill Murray, Ph.D. Eric Pusey, R.Ph., CDE Kristen Shemanski Frank Suraci About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
ChamberChoice Business Insurance Program Declares Dividend Chambers of Commerce Service Corporation (CCSC) is pleased to announce that Penn National Insurance has declared a 3% dividend for the ChamberChoice Business Insurance program. Members, who placed their insurance coverage with Penn National Insurance during the 2021/2022 program year and remained active chamber members and policyholders through the end of the program year, will receive a dividend check during the month of June. This year’s dividend totaled over $640 thousand. Over the past 11 years, Penn National Insurance has returned an average of 6% in dividends each year, and an aggregate total of $12.9 million to the business community. The ChamberChoice Business Insurance program is just one of many benefits that CCSC offers its member Chambers. The partnership between Penn National Insurance and CCSC was designed to provide a value-added membership benefit that would help Chambers attract and retain members. An important aspect of this group insurance program is preventing loss and controlling claims costs. Because dividends are based on the group’s collective loss experience, a business that may have had a significant loss may still be eligible to receive a dividend. The program is sold exclusively through local, independent agents who can offer chamber members a variety of coverages and pricing on property and casualty insurance, including businessowners, commercial auto, property, general liability, inland marine and workers’ compensation. Dividends are paid on all of these coverages. In addition, through safety consulting, Penn National Insurance and local independent insurance agencies encourage member businesses to develop safety practices to substantially reduce or eliminate workplace injuries.
