Natalie O’Hara – Empower Conference Speaker

Natalie O’Hara is the president of D&O Enterprises, a construction company that has been family owned for three generations. In her tole, she brings the experience she received at Turner Construction Co., a large international firm, where she acted as field engineer and cost engineer on projects ranging in size between $11MM and $108MM. Natalie also has extensive project coordination, estimating, and management experience from her role at PACE/CM, Inc.

Some of her more prominent projects include:

  • NET Credit Union Olyphant Branch Renovation, Olyphant, PA
  • Pediatric Dental Specialists Office Renovation, Clarks Summit, PA
  • Ricketts Glen State Park Development, Fairmont, PA
  • Tobyhanna State Park Rehabilitation of Day Use Area, Tobyhanna, PA
  • Lackawanna County Courthouse Renovations, Scranton, PA
  • Scranton Police Headquarters, Scranton, PA
  • Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, Scranton, PA
  • Allied Services Personal Care Facility (Allied Terrace), Scranton, PA

Natalie graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University in 1993 and has completed the Engineer-in-Training certificate program.

Elizabeth Graham – Empower Conference Speaker

Elizabeth “Liz” Graham is chief operating officer and co-owner of Riggs Asset Management Company, Inc. Riggs is one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s largest independent investment advisory firms building and preserving wealth for families and institutions for more than 30 years. Ms. Graham works with individuals and families to manage their investments as well as serve as a financial sounding board during periods of transition from selling a business to retirement or career change to death or divorce.  Devoted to her clients, she endeavors to help clients understand the financial dynamics at play in the investment markets and bring a strategic and common-sense approach to growing their wealth.   

With a passion for giving back to the community, Ms. Graham is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry, the first woman to Chair that Board in the Organization’s 135-year history. She has served as Chair of the Boards of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce; The Diamond City Partnership; and The Nuangola Lake Association and the Bear Creek Association.   In June 2009, Ms. Graham was recognized by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce with the ATHENA Award.  This award is given out once a year to the woman who has made significant contributions to the business and local community.  In March 2009, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Business Journal recognized her as one of the “Top 25 Women in Business” and in 2001 that same publication recognized her as one of the “Top 20 Executives Under 40.”  In 2003, she co-founded Circle 200 a by-invitation only forum for senior executive women in Northeastern Pennsylvania where she continues to serve as an Advisor and Member of its Board.  Today, Circle 200 counts more than 100 women leaders in its membership.  In 2021, Ms. Graham was asked to help develop Fork Over Love, a non-profit organization geared toward providing financial support to restaurants hit hard by the pandemic and providing food to those dealing with food insecurity.  In five months, Fork Over Love has reinvested more than $80,000 into local restaurants and provided more than 8,000 meals to families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ms. Graham speaks regularly on topics centered around finance and leadership.

Carla Romo – Empower Conference Keynote Speaker

Carla is a speaker, author, co-host of The Love Fix, and certified life coach. She helps people push through their BS (blind sides) so they can thrive in all aspects of their life. Basically, she’s your cheerleader, here to watch win at any stage in life.

She’s watched clients get married, change careers, get over their ex/heartbreak, start a business, fall in love, and follow their life’s purpose. Nothing is off limits – from debunking the fear of “never finding love again” to switching to a career path you’ve been itching for. Anything that has to do with pushing past B.S. (AKA your sneaky inner voice)…she’s your girl!

At age 24, Carla hit rock bottom when she found herself in another toxic codependent relationship and in a cycle of burnout from her career in TV. But, this time, she got up and learned how to break free from codependency and get out of burnout. Inspired by her own self-growth journey, Carla took lemons and made the best damn lemonade she ever tasted.

Today, Carla coaches clients one-on-one or in groups via phone or video call and leads highly sought-after in person/virtual talks and workshops worldwide. You may have seen her featured in collaboration with Milwaukee Bucks, BRAVO, Verizon, Cosmopolitan, Bumble, Simon Business School, Lifetime, Nissan, as well as the high-rated iTunes Podcasts.

Carla is here to let you know that the most important relationship you will ever have is with your damn self – so it’s time you push past BS (blind sides) stopping you.

Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter – Empower Conference Speaker

Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., champions the practice of cultural competency both in her role at Marywood University and as a member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Board of Directors.

Holding the core belief that all patients should be treated with dignity, Dr. Richards-Palmiter aims to instill these values in young learners as director of diversity at Marywood University. Her office promotes diversity awareness on campus by helping to integrate diversity into the curriculum, actively recruiting diverse students and faculty, and hosting clubs and organizations that support these ideals. In addition, Dr. Richards-Palmiter serves as a lecturer in the administration and leadership program.

Dr. Richards-Palmiter joined The Wright Center board to ensure the organization fulfills its mission of delivering healthcare that meets the unique social, cultural and linguistic needs of the community it serves.

A South Abington Twp. resident, Dr. Richards-Palmiter is also committed to mentoring those in underrepresented groups within the community. She works with the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Jr. Commission as well as the local 4-H Club.

PA Department of Health Mask Order Reflects Latest CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals

Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam announced that the commonwealth’s mask order reflects the announcement made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier today.

On March 16, 2021, the SOH amended the commonwealth’s mask order by adding language directing to the CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people allow for no face coverings. That means that today’s CDC guidelines automatically go into effect in Pennsylvania. Masking requirement will still be in place as otherwise provided under the CDC guidance and for unvaccinated individuals until 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

“Today’s guidance from the CDC affects only people who are fully vaccinated” Acting Secretary Beam said. “This is another incentive to get the vaccine that is now easily and conveniently available. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over 18 are fully vaccinated, we can completely lift the masking order.”

The CDC today provided guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals will still need to follow guidance at workplaces and local businesses.

For more information on the CDC guidance,
visit here.

People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, also known as Vaccine Finder. Individuals also can text their zip code to GETVAX (438829) for English, or VACUNA (822862) for Spanish and receive three possible vaccination sites in their area.

Applications Now Open for 3 Leadership Lackawanna Programs

Leadership Lackawanna, the premier community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for three of its programs.

Leadership U with Penn State Scranton

  • For Lackawanna County High School Seniors (Apply as a Junior)
  • Application Deadline May 7
  • Collegiate Level Course on Community Engagement, Financial Literacy, and More. Earn 3 College Credits!
  • In-Person Program Begins June 30
APPLY

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

  • For Lackawanna County High School Juniors (Apply as Sophomores)
  • Application Deadline May 7
  • Leadership program to gain real-world experiences in the areas of philanthropy, non-profit organizations and community service
  • Program Begins October 2021
APPLY

Core Program

  • For Lackawanna County Professionals
  • Application Deadline June 30
  • Areas of focus include leadership, interpersonal communications, equity, community development, project management, history and more
  • Program Begins September 2021
APPLY

SBA Announces Application Opening for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, 2021, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. 

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023. 

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

  • Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 9 a.m. EDT.
  • Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]

Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar:

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts not more than $50,000.

For more information, visit sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at sba.gov/restaurantes.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Tomorrow, April 20

Lackawanna County is holding a COVID-19 vaccine clinic tomorrow, April 20, at Montage Mountain from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sign up below.

UPDATE as of 8:00 p.m. 4/19/21 –
No appointment necessary. Clinic is first come, first served.

Process information:

  • After completing this form, you will be added to our waiting list.
    • Please note, select “Medicap Olyphant” as the pharmacy location on the form, even though this clinic will be at Montage Mountain. Directions and more information will be provided upon confirmation.
  • The system will automatically send invitations (via text) to the phone number provided.
  • You can then select an appointment time that works best for you.
  • A phone that can receive texts, as well as internet service, will be required to confirm an appointment.
  • For HIPAA compliance, patients will need to enter the birth date provided on the form to access the scheduling.

You may also call 211 to sign up via the phone.

SIGN UP

What to Know About the Restaurant Revitalization Fund from the SBA

1. Get the program details

Get the program details such as eligibility, funding amount, allowable use of funds and more. If you haven’t already, sign up for RRF email updates.

All info about RRF

2. How to prepare

Currently, SBA is not accepting applications for RRF. However, you can prepare your application by reviewing the sample application, program guide and cross-program eligibility chart on SBA COVID-19 relief options. You will be able to apply through SBA-recognized Point of Sale Restaurant Partners or directly via SBA in a forthcoming online application portal. Registration with SAM.gov is not required. DUNS or CAGE identifiers are also not required.

Prepare now

3. When to apply

The official application launch date will be announced shortly. Ahead of the application launch and over the next two weeks, the SBA will establish a seven-day pilot period for the RRF application portal and conduct extensive outreach and training on how to apply, application requirements and where to apply. Participants in this pilot will be randomly selected from existing PPP borrowers in priority groups for RRF and will not receive funds until the application portal is open to the public.  

Following the pilot, the application portal will be opened to the public. For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications. 

Learn more