Donate Non-Perishable Food to United Neighborhood Centers

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange at Urban Co-Works on Wednesday, February 21. Chamber members networked, toured the facility, and ate great food. The Chamber and Urban Co-Works partnered to collect non-perishable food items from Chamber members to support the United Neighborhood Center pantry. Chamber members are encouraged to continue supporting UNC by donating directly to the organization.

Through collected efforts of The Chamber and members like FNCB Bank, UNC was gifted non-perishable food items to stock their pantry. You and your business can continue to support UNC and other nonprofit members in the greater Scranton community by donating directly to them. Search for fellow members and see how you can help them.

Episode Four: All Things Chamber

Don’t Miss the Update

Workforce Summit and Career Fair set for April 4 – Students, job seekers, and business professionals are invited to attend. You could start and grow your career at the Workforce Summit.

February’s Momentum Magazine hit the streets! 60+ Chamber members have been included in the publication. Read the latest edition, and let us know if you want to be included.

“Did you know?” Chamber members have several benefits at their disposal. You can reserve the Executive Conference Room or the Chamber Board Room for meetings. Contact Tina to learn more.

Upcoming Chamber Events

EVENT PAGE

The Chamber Announces Land Sale by SLIBCO to PNK Group

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, through its business development affiliate, Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), is pleased to announce the sale of 88.73 acres of prime industrial land in Jessup and Archbald, to PNK Group, with the intent to develop industrial facilities totaling 765,000 square feet.

PNK Group, an investor with expertise in financing, development, engineering, and construction, has identified northeastern Pennsylvania as a strategic location for its latest investment. Recognizing the region’s proximity to major markets and its exceptional labor force, PNK Group seized the opportunity to acquire these parcels of land to implement its industrial development projects.

This transaction highlights the region’s appeal to prominent investors seeking to capitalize on its economic and workforce potential and The Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic growth and attracting investment to the area.

“The acquisition of prime industrial land in Jessup and Archbald marks a significant step forward for our expansion efforts in northeastern Pennsylvania. We are excited to bring our expertise in financing, development, engineering, and construction to this strategic location. This investment underscores our confidence in the region’s economic prospects and our commitment to driving growth and innovation. We look forward to bringing our industrial development projects to fruition and contribute to the continued success of the local economy” shared Mark Stiles from PNK Group.

PNK Group specializes in constructing multipurpose industrial buildings for large-unit blocks, leveraging their expertise to create state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of modern industries. With this acquisition, PNK Group aims to enhance the region’s industrial infrastructure while creating opportunities for job growth and economic advancement.

Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber shares, “The PNK Group has a reputation for high quality developments that attract a balance of industry types to their facilities. This perspective fits well into the commitment of the Chamber and SLIBCO to diversify our economy in Lackawanna County and our region.”

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is committed to facilitating further business development initiatives and fostering partnerships that drive prosperity and innovation in Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

For more information regarding the sale to PNK Group or on The Chamber’s business development affiliate, SLIBCO, please contact Bruce Reddock, director of business development, at breddock@scrantonchamber.com or (570) 342–7711 ext. 136.

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.

Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO)

Scranton-Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, develops multi-tenant buildings and industrial and office parks in northeastern Pennsylvania. SLIBCO also owns and manages two technology incubator facilities to start-up and expand small businesses. For more information, visit www.SLIBCO.com.

Episode Three: All Things Chamber

Don’t Miss the Update

The Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange has been postponed until Wednesday, February 21. The event is taking place at Urban Co-Works, and don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items to donate to United Neighborhood Centers

Submit Your News to The Chamber! Every Thursday is a dedicated eBlast sharing upcoming events, news, and milestones from the Chamber membership. Be included in next Thursday’s eBlast. Send news to Editor@ScrantonChamber.com.

New Location? Anniversary? or New Business? The Chamber and its team of Chamber Influencers will hold a ribbon cutting for your business. Contact Tina to get on the Chamber calendar for your ribbon cutting.

Upcoming Chamber Events

EVENT PAGE

2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Deborah Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director for PNC Institutional Asset Management®, as the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient.

The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals, and leadership skills. Kolsovsky embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly.

For 34 years, Kolsovsky has made significant strides as a leader, mentor, and strategic partner at PNC and in the greater Scranton community. As the Northeast regional director, Kolsovsky leads teams in Boston, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Pennsylvania; one-third of PNC’s Institutional business revenue is generated under her direction. She provided the solution to build out PNC’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer. A champion for women in the workplace, she has hired and mentored several who now hold leadership positions throughout the financial institution.

“I can think of no more deserving recipient of this prestigious award than Debbie Kolsovsky,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Her accomplishments in the professional arena are only matched by her long and rich history of community service throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Congratulations Debbie!”

In the community, Kolsovsky is the immediate past chair of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the executive and DEI committees. She is the senior vice chair of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counites; a vice chair for The Wright Center for Community Health; a board member for Johnson College and Geisinger Northeast; and a Circle 200 member. Kolsovsky is active with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, taking opportunities to turn girls into young women.

The ATHENA Award will be presented to Kolsovsky at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast on Friday, March 8. This event is sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank and will be in partnership with Dress for Success Lackawanna. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ScrantonChamber.com.

The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient.

The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank.

PHOTO: Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Donna Barbetti; Deborah Kolsovsky, ATHENA Award recipient; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Kristine Augustine, Vice President of Membership and Marketing, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Episode Two: All Things Chamber

Don’t Miss these Deadlines

The Chamber 155th Annual Dinner is on Wednesday, March 27, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Hear a special message from keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo.

Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange — Join The Chamber on “Fat Tuesday” and bring a non-perishable food item to donate to benefit the United Neighborhood Center.

New Member Welcome Lunch — New Members are invited to attend a free luncheon at The Chamber. Register today!

Upcoming Chamber Events

EVENT PAGE

Byron Transitions to Executive Assistant Position

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Amanda Byron’s transition to Executive Assistant to the President.

As the executive assistant, Byron will serve as a liaison to The Chamber and its various affiliate boards and committees. She will also be responsible for board management, communications, and reporting requirements.

Byron originally joined The Chamber as the board and office administrator, where she acted as the point of contact between The Chamber and its affiliate organizations, Skills in Scranton and Leadership Lackawanna. Her transition to executive assistant will allow her to use her communicative skills to assist Durkin with the progression of The Chamber’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.

“Amanda brings a unique perspective to this important position in Chamber operations. I am looking forward to the changes she will bring based on her background and experience,” says Durkin.

Byron graduated from Lackawanna College where she received an associate degree in paralegal studies. She has worked as a customer care office manager, an insurance customer service representative, and as a paralegal for multiple law firms, including her most recent position as a litigation paralegal. 

Luyster Promoted to Vice President of Business and Workforce Development at The Chamber

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership has announced the promotion of Amy S. Luyster to Vice President of Business and Workforce Development. With 25 years of service to The Chamber and its members, Luyster brings to the position a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and goals.

In her new role, Luyster will oversee the Business and Workforce Development affiliates: the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), The Scranton Plan, the IGNITE program, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna.

“Amy has played a crucial role in advancing the region’s business, economic, and workforce growth. This promotion reflects her exemplary contributions to The Chamber’s commitment to fostering a thriving business community,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of Wilkes University, Luyster holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in business marketing. In addition, she is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at Villanova University; the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program at The Kania School of Management, The University of Scranton; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program; and The Economic Development in Pennsylvania course, accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

During her tenure at The Chamber, Luyster has directed economic and industrial development marketing under The Scranton Plan; workforce development through Skills in Scranton; Legislative affairs under the Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee; and provided organizational and program direction as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team.

The key responsibilities of Luyster’s new role will be to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of Lackawanna County’s business, workforce, and leadership assets and liabilities. Using her experience, Luyster will leverage this knowledge to identify opportunities to address challenges in the local business landscape. Luyster will establish and implement business development strategies that align with the Chamber’s mission, goals, and objectives. This includes fostering collaborations with and among SLIBCO, The Scranton Plan, the IGNITE program, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna in concert with Chamber membership, communications, and lending operations to promote economic development and workforce growth in the greater Scranton region.

“I am thankful and excited for this expanded role and eager to lead initiatives that drive business and workforce development in Lackawanna County, said Luyster. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to achieve continued success and make a lasting impact in our community.”

TechCelerator Participants Showcase Businesses at Closing Presentations

After completing their ten-week cohort in the TechCelerator at Lackawanna County program, participants from seven technology start-ups recently shared valuable insights into their business plans. The pitches were presented to an audience of local funders, coordinators, dignitaries, and supporters at Penn State Scranton’s state-of-the-art Engineering Building on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. In recognition of their efforts, each participating business was awarded up to $10,000 from Lackawanna County to fuel their future business growth.

The seven showcased start-ups: I Need A Speaker, The Brain Trust, Washboard, NEPA Lifestyle, RentChexx, STAIPUT, and KX Arms unveiled upcoming products and services spanning a speaker connection hub, local destination discovery platform, property management solutions, and on-demand laundry services.

Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber, expressed his satisfaction, sharing, “Collaborating with other sponsors for the TechCelerator program has expanded our initiatives to support and nurture local entrepreneurs through our Ignite program, seamlessly transitioning these emerging firms into our robust business development incubator sites.” Ken Okrepkie, regional manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, added, “The Lackawanna County TechCelerator program, designed to assist early adapting entrepreneurs in shaping their ideas into viable businesses, has undeniably been a success.”

The TechCelerator Program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, IGNITE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and tecBRIDGE.