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!
2024 SAGE People’s Choice Voting Opens The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently announced that voting is now open for the 2024 People’s Choice SAGE Award, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust. The SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence, honors outstanding local businesses and nonprofits for their talent, creativity, and innovation. All SAGE finalists are eligible to win the People’s Choice Award. The community is encouraged to vote for their favorite SAGE Award finalist from October 14–18. Vote at this LINK. The three finalists with the most votes received will be announced at the 15th Annual Chamber Gala on Friday, November 1, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards, and nearly 40 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists. The People’s Choice nominees are: Blu Elefante Events Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley CHOP Out Hunger Condron Sweda Advertising Fit AF Nutrition Geisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Indraloka JHA Companies Kailin of Earth Wellness Studio L.R. Costanzo Co., Inc. Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Market Share Consulting Mount Airy Casino Resort Naked Toffee Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Pelican’s SnoBalls Saint Joseph’s Center Scranton Jazz Festival Showcase Ski Shack The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Center for Community Health Tobyhanna Army Depot
Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2024–25 Core Program Class The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2024–25 met on Thursday, September 12, for their first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics held at PLASKOLITE in Scranton. Leadership Lackawanna strives to enhance emerging and established leaders’ skills, connections, and knowledge, strengthening our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Core Program Class participants: Amy Fotta, Marywood University Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc. Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College Jordan Fritz, Johnson College Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a Division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc. Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union Kyle Linko, CTCLC Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank Mallory Coyne, United Concordia Mariam Abugri, P&G Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania Michael Kohut, Benco Dental Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions Nicole A. Morristell, executive director, shares, “I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past and I look forward to seeing how they will utilize the leadership skills they acquire over the next ten months.” In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program, participants gain direct and indirect leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton region, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus can include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live, work or play in Lackawanna County. ATTACHED PHOTO: FRONT Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc.; Amy Fotta, Marywood University; Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria; Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust; Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank; Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising; Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health; Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union MIDDLE Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton; Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania; Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance; Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services; Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union; John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc.; Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank BACK Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College; Jordan Fritz, Johnson College; Kyle Linko, CTCLC; Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts; Mallory Coyne, United Concordia; Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education; Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions; Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank; Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications; Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Michael Kohut, Benco Dental; Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Mariam Abugri, P&G; Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey. Key event highlights include: 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals. Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths. Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success. Who Should Attend: High school students preparing for employment after graduation. College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers. Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers. Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network. The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities. For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Hosts Second Annual “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Piano Fundraiser Leadership Lackawanna, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce community leadership and professional development affiliate will host “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, October 18, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station in downtown Scranton. The event will occur outside under the heated trainshed and feature live entertainment, courtesy of the national “Howl At The Moon” dueling pianos group. Attendees are invited to sing, dance, and howl as versatile and talented musicians perform their favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop, and today’s dance hits on pianos and more in a high-energy show! The event will also feature basket raffles, a selfie station, games, food, fun, and more. Lauren Rusen, board member and events committee chair, shares, “For the second year, we will hold this event at the Radisson because it allows more people to enjoy this fantastic night of dancing, singing, and supporting a great cause! The space is perfect for this kind of event. Guests can come for the music, stay for the opportunity to win amazing prizes, and dance the night away.” All proceeds from the event will support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of enhancing the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania—as well as supporting community service projects conducted by Leadership Lackawanna participants. Tickets are available online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com and at the door. To learn more about Leadership Lackawanna, please visit www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
The Chamber Announces the 2024 SAGE Awards Finalists The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists for the 2024 SAGE Awards, the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence. The SAGE Awards honor outstanding local businesses and nonprofits for their talent, creativity, and innovation. The winners will be announced on Friday, November 1, at The Chamber Gala, presented by Verizon, a black-tie optional event that will be held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania. More than 80 applications were received for this year’s awards, and nearly 40 community leaders and professionals volunteered to review applications and select finalists. The Chamber is proud to honor businesses and nonprofits that are making valuable contributions to the region and contributing to our overall quality of life. The finalists, in each category, are: Business of the Year Fit AF Nutrition Mount Airy Casino Resort Northeast Title & Tag, Inc. Community Involvement Excellence Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield The Wright Center for Community Health Tobyhanna Army Depot Customer Service Excellence Geisinger/Geisinger Community Medical Center Lewith & Freeman Real Estate Market Share Consulting Marketing and Communications Excellence Condron Sweda Advertising Market Share Consulting The Honesdale National Bank New and Emerging Business of the Year Kailin of Earth Wellness Studio Pelican’s SnoBalls Showcase Nonprofit Organization of the Year CHOP Out Hunger Indraloka The Wright Center for Community Health Products and Services Excellence L.R. Costanzo, Inc. Scranton Jazz Festival Ski Shack Small Business of the Year Blu Elefante Events Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Naked Toffee Workplace Excellence Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley JHA Companies Saint Joseph’s Center 2024 SAGE Milestone Award Recipients The Member Milestone Award recognizes businesses and nonprofits celebrating an anniversary in 5-year increments. Each business and nonprofit will be recognized and presented with a certificate. Black Scranton Project Bread Basket of NEPA Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA CHOP Out Hunger Coal Creative G.R. Noto Electrical Construction, Inc. Gino J Merli Veterans Center Happenings Magazine hc architects Marley’s Mission Naked Toffee SEEDs of Hope SkyZone Pittston St. Mary’s Villa Campus Tuxedo by Sarno Additionally, all award finalists can also win the People’s Choice Award, where the winner will be chosen by a community wide online vote, available on www.scrantonchamber.com from Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18.
2024-25 Educator in the Workplace Announces New Cohort The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development affiliate, Skill in Scranton, announces the 2024-25 Educator in the Workplace (EIW) cohort. Designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, EIW fosters collaboration between educators, school leadership, and officials to local businesses to enhance classroom instruction, student learning, and workforce readiness. The cohort welcomes a diverse group of participants, including K–12 educators, school counselors, administrators, adult program teachers, school board directors, superintendents, and principals from across northeastern Pennsylvania. Cohort participants are as follows: Bonnie Baker, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lisa Bath, Abington Heights School District Joanne Beauvais, Merakey Education Center Gena Bensinger, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 William Buza, Mid Valley School District Amy Capman, Mid Valley School District Jessica Capwell, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Brian Carey, Scranton School District Tara Carey, Scranton School District Mary Kate Culkin, Scranton School District Arianne DelSordo, Old Forge School District Kaylee Dunning, Carbondale Area School District Terri Erdmann, Forest City Regional School District William Freeman, Lakeland School District Dalyana Gillette, Scranton School District Nanine Gramigna, Scranton School District Andrea Gross, Scranton School District Lynn Harding, Scranton School District Jennifer Herman, Scranton School District Ryan Hnat, Scranton School District Maria Hurst, Scranton School District Jessica Judge, Scranton School District Jane Kabuiku, SCI Waymart Christine Kallinger-Allen, Abington Heights School District Stephanie Klinkel, Scranton School District Samantha Krenitsky, Scranton School District Shannon Kuchak, Lackawanna Trail School District Melissa Lavelle, Old Forge School District Christopher Lazor, Riverside School District Buford Lively, Northeast Intermediate Unit 19 Emily Lutz, Scranton School District Laurie Marino, Valley View School District Katie McCarthy, Scranton School District Christine Menichini, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Marie Merkel, Scranton School District Sandy Morahan, Forest City Regional School District Landon Morey, Montrose Area School District Janelle Nestrick, Scranton School District Jessica Norris, Scranton School District Kathleen Nycz, Old Forge School District Carm Perri, Carbondale Area School District Cynthia Petrucci, Scranton School District Amy Petty, Abington Heights School District Gabrielle Pidgeon, Carbondale Area School District Sheri Ransom, Mountain View School District John Ray, Scranton School District Kayla Record, S.E.E.D. Planning Group Kerri Ruddy Archer, Scranton School District Kylene Sautner, Scranton School District Bernadette Schumacher, Mid Valley School District Renee Vigil, Forest City Regional School District Shauna Williams, Blue Ridge School District Tim Wolff, Scranton School District Marc Wyandt, Lakeland School District The Chamber and Skills in Scranton leadership congratulates each member of the cohort and looks forward to their positive impact on the community’s education landscape. The educators will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders, gaining firsthand knowledge to inspire and prepare their students for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
The Third TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort Selects Eight Participants The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna County, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA are proud to announce the start of the third cohort and participants of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty. “The mission of The Chamber is to attract, sustain, and grow business in our region. TechCelerator @Lackawanna is a perfect example of how together with Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. We are providing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to nurture the growth of small businesses in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. In another round of competitive application process, eight new participants were chosen. All eight were selected for their unique for-profit, tech-based business ideas, commitment to completing the 10-week program, and creating a company and jobs based in Lackawanna County. The eight participants are Don McGowan and Arena-X; John George and CrasherCon; Eric Farrell and EZ Fantasy Sports; Veronica LaRocque and Grow With L.E.A.R.N LLC; Fred Aebli and IT Corps, Inc.; Justin Byrd and Machi-System, LLC DBA SelfServeMenu.com; Joel DeCarli and The Job Box; and Bill Booth and Treasectory. “TechCelerator is a great way to help keep our local talent at home,” Commissioner Matt McGloin added. “We welcome and commend the latest group of prospective entrepreneurs to the program, knowing that their ideas and energy will help to expand and diversify the economy, and inspire others to follow their lead.” The third cohort starts on Wednesday, October 2, at the Chamber’s TekRidge Center in the Jessup Small Business Park. Participants will walk away with solid networking skills and a foundational understanding of finances, marketing, business strategy, and more. Those who successfully meet the requirements will be eligible for up to $10,000 on select start-up reimbursement of business expenses, which will assist the participants in launching their venture.
