EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
Episode Fourteen: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scranton are participating in NEPA Gives, a 24-hour online giving extravaganza. Learn how to give to support both organization’s work in the community today. MetroAction, the small business lending affiliate of The Chamber, provides one-on-one counseling services and loans between $2,500-$100,000. Learn more about how MetroAction can support your business today. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Thirteen: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program is accepting applications. The final day to apply is April 30. Apply today! Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
The Chamber is Gearing Up for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its ninth year of EMPOWER, presented by Geisinger, on Thursday, April 25, at Kalahari Resort & Convention. EMPOWER is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. It is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. The 2024 conference theme is “purpose.” It will feature dynamic keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, as well as special appearances from the mayor of Scranton, Paige G. Cognetti, Honorable State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, and the Honorable State Senator Rosemary Brown. Dr. Hazzouri is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and founder of Hazzouri Psychology, a full-service psychology practice in downtown Scranton. Patrice D. Banks is the founder of Girls Auto Clinic, which provides automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services, and is a platform for Banks to educate and empower women through their cars. Attendees will engage with 44 regional speakers through invaluable breakout sessions and have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. Breakout session presenters include: Lori Moran, The University of Scranton; Kathryn Bondi, Posture Interactive; Dr. Andrea DiMattia and Dr. Michelle Schmude, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Bethany Staples and Brittany Watt, Market Share Consulting; Dr. Carrie Demers, PureRejuv Wellness Center at the Himalayan Institute; Jennifer Lutsey, Children’s Service Center; Shane Powers, NeighborWorks of Northeastern PA; Jenna Urban, Urban Mac Media; Dr. Elizabeth Carter, AAPPEAL, LLC; Dr. Katie Desiderio, Moravian University; Olivia Eaddy, Prudential; Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Eric Acosta, Wilkes University; Nicole Strauser, Prudential; Shanie Mohamed, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce; Bella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Black Scranton Project; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Mandie Hendricks, Janney Montgomery Scott; Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, I Need A Speaker; PA State Senator Rosemary Brown; Marie Beggin, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Chelsey Coslett, NEPIRC; Stephanie Mihal, MMQ & Associates; Dr. Sarah Wodder, Scranton Counseling Center; Jennifer Davis, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.; Patricia Cummings, Patricia O Cummings Therapy, LLC; Christie Estadt, Body Blueprint PTC; Dr. Barbara Plucknett, The Body Blueprint Demystified; and Brianna Strunk, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. For a second year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor a teen program at EMPOWER. The program is a unique opportunity specifically curated for teen attendees (ages 16-18) designed to enhance personal and professional development. The Teen Program is in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna and Leadership Northeast. Over 800 attendees will appear at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, on April 25. Tickets are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com.
Episode Twelve: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update Join the SBA (small business administration) and other regional business development organizations for the Lender Roundtable on May 16. Did You Know? The next network mixer is Tuesday, May 14, at the Dick’s House of Sport for the Breakfast Business Card Exchange. Register today. Final call for EMPOWER tickets. Friday, April 19 is the last day to purchase tickets for the conference next week. The Chamber is hiring a visual content creator intern to join the Marketing and Communications division. Apply today by send your resume and interest to rbuchanan@Scrantonchamber.com. Momentum Magazine Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Now Hiring! New Summer Internship Opportunity at The Chamber The Chamber’s Marketing and Communications division is hiring a visual content creator intern for the summer. Please see the job description below. Overview: Join our team as a Visual Content Creator Intern and gain hands-on experience in capturing captivating videos and photos of diverse businesses. Your creative eye and technical skills will contribute to upcoming marketing campaigns, showcasing the essence and offerings of various enterprises. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of visual storytelling and marketing. Responsibilities: Collaborate with the communications team to understand campaign objectives and business requirements. Conduct pre-shoot research to familiarize yourself with the businesses and their unique characteristics. Capture high-quality video footage and images that highlight the key aspects of each business, including products, services, and ambiance. Ensure all visual content aligns with brand guidelines and campaign themes. Edit video footage and photos to create engaging content suitable for various marketing channels, including social media, websites, and promotional materials. Assist in the organization and maintenance of digital assets, including file management and metadata tagging. Collaborate with stakeholders to incorporate feedback and iterate on content until it meets quality standards. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in visual storytelling and content creation. Requirements: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to photography, videography, visual arts, marketing, or a related field. Proficiency in using DSLR cameras, video equipment, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro). Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for composition, lighting, and visual aesthetics. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Demonstrated creativity and ability to think outside the box to produce compelling visual content. Ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. A passion for storytelling and a desire to learn and grow in the field of visual content creation. Duration: This is a summer intern position, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules. Requirements: Must have reliable transportation. How to Apply: Please submit your resume, outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience to Ryan Buchanan at rbuchanan@scrantonchamber.com. Apply by Friday, May 3, 2024.
Episode Eleven: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is a few short weeks away. 46 regional speakers, 800 attendees, 40 vendors, and one seat for you. Purchase your tickets by April 19. Did You Know? The Chamber has numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year. You and your business can volunteer to work the Chamber’s Membership Campaign on May 7 and 8. Contact Mari Potis to sign up because you could “Sail Away” with awesome prizes. Momentum Magazine Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Fourth Annual Workforce Summit and Carrer Fair Landed Success The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development affiliate, Skills in Scranton, hosted the SKILLS 2024: Workforce Summit & Career Fair. The event was held at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel and served as a platform for connecting high school students, job seekers, and regional employers, facilitating invaluable networking opportunities and fostering career development and pathways education. Lackawanna County was the main event sponsor. The SKILLS 2024 event hosted more than 100 high school seniors looking for employment upon graduation, career pathways exploration, and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Additionally, the Summit drew numerous job seekers from across the region, all seeking employment opportunities, with the 50 regional employers in attendance. Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes shared, “The Workforce Summit and Career Fair is a great resource for high school students. I heard one student say, “I didn’t know this…” and it was in reference to a student talking with an employer about their career options.” “We were pleased to have been able to add unique elements to this year’s Workforce Summit. Public employment resources, access to regional workforce data, and connections to students from area high schools added to the core components of the job fair, with over 50 local employers on hand,” shared Robert Durkin, president of The Chamber. Throughout the day, attendees had the chance to interact with representatives from a diverse array of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and more. Employers showcased their organizations, shared information about available job opportunities, and engaged in meaningful conversations with prospective candidates. The SKILLS 2024: Workforce Summit & Career Fair not only provided attendees with a platform to connect and network but also featured informative sessions on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and professional development. Keynote speaker Teri Ooms, president and CEO of The Institute, paved the way for attendees and employers to learn about the status of the workforce. Identify pros and cons; Ooms shared the research The Institute has done to evaluate top-priority careers and the shortage of workers vs. employers. As the event concluded, both employers and attendees expressed enthusiasm about the connections made and the opportunities presented. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Skills in Scranton look forward to building on this success and continuing to support workforce development initiatives in the region.
Episode Ten: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The Spring Business Card Exchange is on Wednesday, April 4, at Kost Tire on Route 6 in Eynon. Register to attend and come network with Chamber members. Did You Know? Chamber members can benefit from having their business or organization promoted through Chamber marketing channels for FREE. Submit your news to editor@ScrantonChamber.com to be included in the Member eBlast and Momentum Magazine. Momentum Magazine Check out April’s Momentum Magazine. Now available online. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Chamber Goes “All In” on AI at the 155th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce held its 155th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, on Wednesday, March 27, at the Scranton Cultural Center in downtown Scranton. Over 450 people attended, including Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin. Shawn Kanungo, a disruption strategist, bestselling author, and former innovation expert for Deloitte, was the keynote speaker. The event included a networking dinner followed by the Chamber program where board chair, Attorney Jerry Musheno offered remarks and had a little fun with generative AI. The Chamber, along with the help of member Posture Interactive, developed AI photos and videos for the night’s entertainment. Members submitted prompts that generated photos. The Chamber’s President, Bob Durkin, stated, “The Chamber is blessed to have such strong support from our regional business community. The Annual Dinner is an occasion to salute all of our members and celebrate the efforts of our literally hundreds of volunteer leaders over this past year.” Pete Danchak, northeast PA regional president of PNC Bank, offered remarks and introduced Shawn Kanungo, the keynote speaker. Kanungo is a world-renowned generative AI expert who gave an inspiring keynote on AI’s power in businesses. Kanungo delivered a riveting challenge to the audience on AI and its power of influence on the world. AI can be a useful tool to help advance small businesses that don’t have the manpower but use the tool wrong, and the intent of AI can have a negative impact. Kanungo’s work with corporations has shaped their trajectory as they harness AI’s power to advance operations and lay a foundation of mining through data, creating social campaigns, and more. His presentation gave Chamber members a perspective on AI for their businesses and paved a path for future discussions. The incoming board chair, Attorney Marianne Gilmartin, concluded the evening with remarks and looked to the upcoming 2024–25 program year. The Chamber’s success stems from its members and their growing businesses.
