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.
The Chamber Announces Newly Elected Board Officers Attorney Musheno Takes New Leadership Role at The Chamber as Board Chair The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces newly elected officers to its board. Board Chair: Jerome (Jerry) Musheno, Esq., R.Ph.; Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect: Marianne Gilmartin, Esq., Stevens & Lee; Immediate Past Chair: Deborah Kolsovsky, PNC Bank; Vice-Chairs: Ryan Flynn, Audacy; Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D, Marywood University; and Dr. Marwan Wafa, Penn State Scranton; Secretary, Tim Kelly, Esq., Needle Law; and Treasurer, Kathy Pearage, Tri-Star Academy Jerry Musheno, Esq., R.Ph. Bob Durkin Dr. Marwan Wafa Marianne Gilmartin, Esq. Ryan Flynn Tim Kelly, Esq. Deborah Kolsovsky Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D Kathy Pearage 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.
The Chamber Celebrates its 154th Annual Dinner Keynote Speaker Harold Ford Jr used the Chamber’s mission statement to make a connection with personal, professional, and community relationships The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce held its 154th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, on Thursday, May 24, at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center in downtown Scranton. With over 400 in attendance, special guests included U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak, and Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti. The Keynote Speaker was former Congressman, television personality, Executive Vice President, and Regional President of New York City for PNC Bank, Harold Ford, Jr. The Chamber’s President, Bob Durkin, stated, “The Chamber Annual Dinner was a chance to celebrate the hard work of so many volunteers, partners, and public officials who lent their support to the business community of northeastern Pennsylvania over this past year. And we were equally pleased to have had a guest of the stature of Harold Ford sharing his experiences and thoughts on the important economic and political issues of the day.” The event included a networking dinner followed by the Chamber program where newly elected board chair, Attorney Jerry Musheno offered remarks and honored former board chair, Deborah Kolsovsky. Kolsovsky has been a part of The Chamber community since 2012 and held numerous leadership roles within the board and chamber affiliates. She is the executive vice president at PNC Bank and has been a forward thinker in her leadership to The Chamber over the years. Attorney Musheno began his duties as board chair this May. Special remarks were given by Dr. Julie Byerley from Geisinger, followed by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. Durkin presented a year-in-review presentation, which displayed The Chamber, its partners, and volunteers’ success over the last year. A few notable points are that The Chamber has a membership of 1,500 plus businesses and organizations; 2300 attendees to all its events; $43 million in community investment; eight graduates from the first TechCelerator program in Lackawanna County; $1.2 million deployed through loans to small businesses; 100 high school students in attendance at the Workforce Summit; and $68,000 community investment through Leadership Lackawanna. Following the year in review, Durkin highlighted two Chamber employees retiring in 2023: Karen Durkin, a chamber operations assistant who has served the organization for 17 years, and Virginia Goodrich, an executive assistant who has served the organization for 58 years this June. Goodrich is reportedly the longest-serving employee of a chamber of commerce in the United States. Pete Danchak, northeast PA regional president of PNC Bank, offered remarks and introduced Harold Ford Jr, the keynote speaker. Following opening remarks, Ford. was joined by Durkin on the stage for a line of questions and answers about the current political climate, the debt ceiling, banking, and the federal reserve, and the idea of attracting, sustaining, and growing personally, professionally, and as a community. Chamber board chair Musheno concluded the evening with remarks in anticipation of another successful year in 2023-2024. “With programming planned out, the volunteers and staff of The Chamber are ready to make an even greater impact as we work to attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania,” says Attorney Jerry Musheno, board chair of The Chamber. View the online photo album from the 154th Annual Dinner. Photo from Left to Right: Pete Danchak, Harold Ford, Jr, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, and Bob Durkin 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.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2023 Leadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated the graduation of 42 high school students from its teen program, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), which is graciously sponsored by NBT Bank. Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month TLT program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in financial literacy, health care, STEAM, philanthropy, crime and corrections, non-profit organizations, and community service. Throughout the program, students were engaged in various sessions facilitated by local organizations serving the greater Scranton area. In addition to invaluable lessons in the program focus areas, students were given the unique opportunity to engage with business leaders and network with students from 14 local schools. Their program culminated with the allocation of $15,000 in grant money from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to three deserving local nonprofits selected by the students. In addition, each student completed five service hours dedicated to helping 14 local nonprofit organizations. The 2023 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduates : Adrian Agnello, Western Wayne HSRiley Aquilino, Valley View HSBrittain Banull, West Scranton HSBraden Beecham, Riverside HSBrooke Beemer, Abington Heights HSBrooke Bilski, Holy Cross HSKatherine Boykin, Abington Heights HSCaden Brennan, Carbondale Area HSJocelyn Brown, Carbondale Area HSDinello Capalongo, West Scranton HSRhayni Carroll, Western Wayne HSMegan Cosklo, Carbondale Area HSElizabeth Cummings, Old Forge HSHaylee Czyzyk, Commonwealth Charter AcademyKate Evans, West Scranton HSNatalie Fuller, Valley View HSRoger Getts, Scranton PrepMadeline Herold, Abington Heights HSAndrew Houseknecht, Commonwealth Charter AcademyDane Huggler, Abington Heights HSMae Kaufman, Mid Valley Secondary CentAlexandra King, Scranton HSGeanna Kirchner, Dunmore HSCorrina Maldonado, West Scranton HSOdin Marrow, Commonwealth Charter AcademyPatricia McAndrew, Lakeland Jr/Sr HSBrian McCormack, Scranton HSNatalie Micknick, Lakeland HSMason Miluszusky, Carbondale Area HSConnor Peters, Valley View HSMason Peters, Valley View HSJulia Possanza, Lakeland Jr/Sr HSGrace Rodriguez, Scranton HSEmily Romanowski, Western Wayne HSCarolena Ryon, Lackawanna Trail HSParis Santee, West Scranton HSEmily Stefani, West Scranton HSGavin Walsh, Scranton PrepEthan Warring, Scranton HSAlexa B. Williams, Riverside HSMary Zabielski, Valley View HSYingqi (Angela) Zeng, Abington Heights HS Leadership Lackawanna’s TLT Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County and its surrounding areas, as well as all charter and technical schools and homeschool students. Learn more online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.org. Photo: Front L-R; Riley Aquilino; Madeline Herold; Elizabeth Cummings; Mae Kaufman; Brooke Bilski; Alexa Willliams; Natalie Fuller; Corrina Maldonado; Angela Zeng; Jocelyn Brown; Emily Romanowski; Paris Santee; Grace Rodriguez; Brooke Beemer; Kate Evans; Second Row L-R: Odin Marrow; Caden Brennan; Braden Beecham; Rhanyni Carroll Emily Stefani; Carolena Ryon; Julia Possanza; Geanna Kirchner; Patricia McAndrew; Haylee Czyzyk; Megan Cosklo; Gavin Walsh; Back Row L-R: Dane Huggler; Adrian Agnello; Mary Zabielski; Mason Peters; Connor Peters; Brittain Banull; Roger Getts; Dinello Capaolongo; Mason Miluszusky; Katherine Boykin; Brian McCormick; Alex King; Natalie Micknick; Not Pictured: Ethan Warring; Andrew Houseknecht 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 is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its 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 to better serve in 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.
40 Years of Graduating Community Leaders in the Greater Scranton Region Leadership Lackawanna, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community leadership and professional development, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated its 40th class at a “Celebration of Leadership” luncheon ceremony at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Over 375 people attended this milestone event which included the premier of a historical video that told the story of the organization’s history, the impact of Leadership Lackawanna community service projects, and an overview of the five projects completed by this year’s CORE program participants. A PowerPoint presentation covering achievements from this program year and the presentation of certificates to graduates was also a major highlight. The Celebration of Leadership was only possible due to the generous support of our sponsors: 25-8 StudiosAllied ServicesBenco DentalCenter City PrintCommunity Bank, NAFNCB BankGeisingerGertrude HawkHawk Family FoundationHighmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldHilton Scranton & Conference CenterIron Tree DataLackawanna CollegeLackawanna CountyMaximus FoundationNBT BankPenn East Federal Credit UnionPeople’s Security Bank & Trust CompanyPNC BankPPLScranton Area Community FoundationThe AZEk CompanyThe Honesdale National BankThe Wright CenterTimes Shamrock Communications Front row, left to right: Tressa Parker, Greater Scranton YMCA; Joy Hubshman, United Neighborhoods Centers of NEPA; Nicole Paolicelli, Penn State Scranton; Taylor Carito, Benco Dental; Alyssa McQuillan, NBT Bank; Jasu Acharya, Community Bank NA; Jennifer Aglialoro, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA; Kristin Bender, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Alissa Weiss, The Honesdale National Bank; Karla Perks, Empower Retirement; Jessica Mislinski, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA; Middle row: Alexandria Alliah Small, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; James Warren, Warren Construction; Kyle Peter Gattuso, PNC Bank; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Ariana Argust, Allied Services; Carmelo Rivera, El Coqui Construction LLC; Patrick J. Ruane, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Joel Perkins, Penn State Scranton; Brianna M. Larose, Procter & Gamble; Jennifer Thomas, FNCB Bank; Anthony P. Portanova, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Back row: Hannah Gaul, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Joseph Cholko, Sordoni Construction; Sarah E. Sorrells, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Thomas Chairge, Jr., Prudential Retirement; Rebecca Cerra, Lackawanna College; Theodore Kowalick, FNCB Bank; Gerard N. Walsh, The Azek Company – Vycom; Caleb Hicks, Northeast PA Youth for Christ; Paul DePrimo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Zachary Morgart-Filipski, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center; Kristin Armstrong, NBT Bank; Absent from photo: Andrew Kirby, Montage Mountain Resorts and Paul J. Ballard, Ph.D., Marywood University 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 Lackawanna Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its 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 to better serve in 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.
Educator in the Workplace Finishes 2023 Cohort Scranton, PA—Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, concluded the 2023 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) program on Thursday, May 4. The program was partially funded by the City of Scranton American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Non-Profit COVID Relief Grant and sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water and the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Twenty-six participants, including teachers, school counselors, principals, administrators, and school board directors, participated in the cohort, learning about Northeastern PA’s in-demand careers and industries. Various sessions included a State of the Workforce presentation, tour of the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, an in-depth look into manufacturing regionally, on-site business tours, presentations by CareerLink Lackawanna and a facilitated curriculum writing session. “The EIW program provides an opportunity for educators to learn from and network with community business leaders and peers from adjacent school districts,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Participants share best practices, career pathways resources and essential career skills that can be brought back to their districts and integrated into classroom instruction. The resources provided by the EIW program is supporting the development of a robust regional talent pipeline.” Throughout the 2023 EIW program, the participants have applied what was learned during the program integrating basic workforce skills into classroom instruction. Takeaway lessons included interviewing, resume writing, clocking into class to earn credit, and simulating real-time workplace practices. The Chamber and Skills in Scranton have begun preparations for next year’s EIW cohorts. For more information or to register for future EIW programs, contact Emily Pettinato at epettinato@scrantonchamber.com or visit www.SkillsinScranton.com. The 2023 Educator in the Workplace participants Include: Johanna Chorba, Scranton School DistrictThomas Murray, Scranton School DistrictHayley Miller, Scranton School DistrictLaurie Marino, Valley View School DistrictJohn Fox, Riverside School DistrictRichard Hensel, Scranton School DistrictKarlene Cicco, Scranton School DistrictBonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna CountySamantha Masco, Carbondale Area School DistrictLicia Olivetti, Carbondale Area School DistrictDalyana Gillette, Scranton School DistrictJohn Ray, Scranton School DistrictNanine Gramigna, Scranton School DistrictJessica Norris, Scranton School DistrictGabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School DistrictAmanda O’Brien, Scranton School DistrictCarrie Wittenbrader, Western Wayne School DistrictJessica Capwell, NEIU19Melinda Arcuri, Marywood University Adult Basic Literacy Education ProgramSandy Morahan, Forest City School DistrictTeri Erdmann, Forest City School DistrictKatelyn Phillips, Lakeland School DistrictLarry Pegula, Valley View School DistrictLori Kelley, Valley View School DistrictChristina Burak, Valley View School DistrictMary Swift, Scranton School District About Skills in Scranton Skills in Scranton, an affiliate organization of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, integrate workforce and economic development through collaborative partnerships, connecting industry and education to drive local economic prosperity. 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.
Former Congressman Keynote at 154th Annual Chamber Dinner Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced that the 154th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, will be held on Wednesday, May 24, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. The Annual Dinner celebrates the accomplishments of The Chamber’s past fiscal year and will feature a keynote presentation by Harold Ford, Jr, a former United States Congressman and executive vice president and regional president in New York with PNC Bank. Ford is the executive vice president and regional president of PNC Bank, New York. In this role, he is responsible for new business development and deepening relationships with clients and community organizations. Prior to being named to his current role in February 2023, Ford served as vice chairman of Corporate & Institutional Banking (C&IB) for PNC Bank. Serving as a Congressman for 10 years (1997–2007), he represented the people of Tennessee’s 9th congressional district. He was on the House Financial Services, Budget, and Education Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Tickets for the annual dinner are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The Chamber board of directors, staff, and membership looks forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished in the greater Scranton community. 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.
EMPOWER 2023 YouTube Playlist Watch all EMPOWER 2023 keynote, breakout, and panel sessions on The Chamber’s YouTube channel. Click on the button below to view all videos. WATCH