TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Open Applications The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications are open for a third cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty this fall. The program is powered by Lackawanna County, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, The Chamber, and its affiliate program, IGNITE. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. “We are proud to be partners in the TechCelerator project with the Chamber and the Ben Franklin Technology Partners because we understand that small businesses are the economic backbone of Lackawanna County,” Commissioner Bill Gaughan said. “We also know that technology is dynamic, and that the world of technology-based start-ups is highly competitive. TechCelerator is a great tool for local entrepreneurs to learn what they need to know to compete, and to germinate their ideas.” Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 15 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this third cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement “We have continued to build a vibrant entrepreneurial infrastructure throughout Lackawanna County under the Chamber IGNITE program at the Scranton Enterprise Center, Jessup TekRidge Center, and the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center—in concert with a host of outstanding public and private sector partners who share the vision of growing new businesses with the talent we have right here in our region,” shared Bob Durkin. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. All Lackawanna County residents with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply”-please include that start-up businesses registered in Lackawanna County are included, not just Lackawanna County residents. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Tuesday, September 10.
The Chamber Wraps Up 2023-24 Program of Work Year with Success The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the completion of its 2023-24 program of work year. To celebrate the achievements and efforts of The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, a new video has been produced. This compilation highlights the strides made in supporting our mission to attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania. The video is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved and showcases the significant impact made over the past year. Alongside the video, an infographic has been shared, breaking down the key successes into easily digestible bullet points. Download the infographic.
Scam Notice to Membership Dear Chamber Members, It has come to our attention that there is a fraudulent scheme targeting the Chamber membership. A company falsely claiming association with our organization is offering to sell the contact information of our members for financial gain. These scams are happening across the country to other Chambers. We take any unauthorized use of member information seriously. Rest assured, the Chamber has not authorized any such company to sell or distribute your contact details. Below is an example of the scam email. We strongly advise all members to exercise caution and vigilance when approached by any entity claiming to offer Chamber member contact information. Additionally, we encourage you to promptly report any suspicious activity or unauthorized solicitation to our Chamber office. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Leadership Lackawanna Launches Applications for 2024-25 Executive Program July 29, 2024— Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for the Executive Program. The six-week Executive Program deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton area, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. Participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. The Executive Program accepts applications from advanced-level professionals with a tenured career path and extensive leadership experience. Applicants must live, work, or play in Lackawanna County. Sessions are held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks starting Monday, September 23. The sessions are held at various locations and include cocktails and dinner. Applications are now open and will be accepted through August 31. To learn more about the Executive and all other Leadership Lackawanna programs, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
Episode Twenty-Six: All Things Chamber is Back at State Street in Clarks Summit Don’t Miss the Update Chamber Open House is Friday, September 6. We LOVE our members and want to show our appreciation for your support throughout the year. Join us as we come together with fellow members and enjoy a variety of lunch specialties from member businesses! We will be tenting our entire front parking lot and driveway to create comfortable space. Meet our Board or Directors, staff and network with fellow members. Swing by and let us thank you! Skills in Scranton’s Educator in the Workplace connects K-12 educators, administration, superintendents, school board members, and school counselors to businesses and industry leaders. Enrollment closes September 26. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-Five: All Things Chamber is at Lynn Sandy’s Bakery Don’t Miss the Update Are you a small business owner or aspiring business owner that identifies as: Minority, Women, LGBT, Disabled person, or Veteran owned? Unlock new opportunities for your business by becoming certified as a diverse business. Gain visibility and connect with major institutions while promoting diversity in commerce. Join us this summer to kickstart your journey towards certification with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Join us for this FREE networking –MEMBER ONLY– informational event. The afternoon will begin with a round-table introduction of all attendees and then offer a highlighted overview of Chamber programs and services delivered in a unique and informational format. Lunch will be served and networking will be encouraged. Seating is very limited, maximum two representatives per company please. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Local leader elected to industry board Robert F. Durkin elected to board of directors for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Robert F. Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an Alexandria, Va.-based association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce. Members of ACCE’s board of directors represent more than 50 organizations, including many of the world’s largest and most influential regional chambers of commerce. “We are pleased to welcome Bob Durkin to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Durkin’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to optimize our industry’s opportunities and leverage the ever-growing momentum for innovation, catalytic leadership, and economic vitality within our communities.” Durkin has served as president of The Chamber since 2013. In his role as president, Durkin oversees planning, finances, staffing, and programming of The Chamber and its affiliate organizations: Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE), Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), IGNITE, The Scranton Plan, MetroAction, Leadership Lackawanna, and Skills in Scranton. Durkin served as president of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute; founding executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority; vice president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce ( 1988–1993); and has worked in various capacities in the nonprofit and regional government arenas. Durkin is a graduate of Penn State University and has undertaken advanced studies at the Institute for Public Administration at Penn State University and completed studies at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Delaware. He is a member of the ACCE Major Cities Roundtable, Penn State Scranton Advisory Board, the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development Advisory Board, board member and Treasurer of the Regional Foundation LLC.; board member of the Neighborhood Development Trust, Board member of The Arc of NEPA, and is active in regional Challenger (Special Needs) sports.. The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, and develops benchmarking studies, in addition to providing other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact in their communities. About ACCE Established in 1914, ACCE is an association of over 9,000 chamber professionals from 1,300 chambers of commerce throughout the United States, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas and a host of international markets. The combined membership of ACCE chambers is close to one million businesses. Chamber leaders look to ACCE for best practices, networks, and new ideas that will help them advance the interests of their communities. ACCE recommends successful programs and strategies, and identifies trends, partners, and business models that show promise. For more information, visit www.ACCE.org. 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 business, economy, leadership, workforce, and quality of life by offering programs and services that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about The Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Episode Twenty-Four: All Things Chamber at The Honesdale National Bank Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-Three: All Things Chamber in Clarks Summit Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-Two: All Things Chamber is at The Green Ridge Club Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
