The Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at the 157th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the region’s business community at its 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The evening recognized the recipients of the 2026 Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), ATHENA Leadership, and Milestone Awards, honoring outstanding achievement, leadership, and community impact across northeastern Pennsylvania “The Annual Dinner is a time-honored tradition for The Chamber and our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s award recipients truly reflect the strength, innovation, and community spirit that define northeastern Pennsylvania. We are proud to recognize these businesses and leaders whose work continues to move our region forward.” The 2026 SAGE Business of the Year, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, was presented to Basalyga Hospitality. A leader in food, beverage, and entertainment, Basalyga Hospitality continues to create dynamic dining, nightlife, and hospitality experiences throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Its diverse portfolio of eight properties reflects a commitment to revitalization, innovation, and exceptional service. The 2026 SAGE Small Business of the Year, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, was awarded to Everything Natural. Since its founding in 1985, the business has grown into a community-centered health and wellness destination, offering nutritious meals, fitness programming, and educational opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to community support. The 2026 SAGE Community Involvement Excellence, sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, CHOP works to eliminate childhood hunger, currently serving approximately 45,000 children across Pennsylvania. The 2026 SAGE People’s Choice, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. All SAGE and Milestone recipients were eligible to win the SAGE People’s Choice. Annual Dinner attendees participated in real-time voting to select the winner. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, CPA, LLC, was presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Cadden has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, the arts, and the advancement of women through financial education and leadership development. Milestone Awards The Chamber also recognized businesses and nonprofit organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in five-year increments. These honorees represent the strength, longevity, and continued growth of the region’s economic and nonprofit sectors. Milestone recipients include: A. Pickett Construction Automated Lifestyles Ballet Theatre of Scranton Blu Elefante Events Community Bank Crystal Window & Door Systems PA Damage Control, Inc. EHEALTH WELLNESS & FITNESS STUDIO, LLC Golden Technologies Groove Brewing Home Health Care Professionals & Hospice – HHCP La Festa Italiana Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Nibbles and Bits Northeast Regional Cancer Institute PA Advocates Inc Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Pulman Interiors Quest Studio Scranton Jazz Festival Serving Seniors Inc. The Dime Bank The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education TRAVELWORLD United Sports Academy United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Wayne Bank WRC, Inc. (formerly Women’s Resource Center) WVIA
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Hosts Dolly Parton Breakfast Join us for a breakfast straight from the pages of a fairytale… meet beloved characters, make lasting memories, and ignite a lifelong love of reading! APRIL 25, 2026 AT 10:00 AM HOLIDAY INN SCRANTON EAST-DUNMORE 200 TIGUE STREET, DUNMORE PA 18512
Electric City Improv Inspired Murder Mystery Show Electric City Improv’s Office-inspired murder mystery returns Saturday, March 28th. Part mystery, part comedy, this immersive event features ECI Mainstage improvisers as Michael, Dwight, and other office favorites. Everyone is a suspect, so trust no one. Be sure to get tickets in advance; this event does sell out. BYOB permitted. Doors 7:00 PM | Show 7:30 PM Electric City Improv 227 Lackawanna Ave. Scranton Tickets: https://www.theelectriccityimprov.com/murder-mystery
Ficcos Coffee Run Club Saturday Morning Run Club is officially a thing! Starting this week 3/7, meet us at the shop every Saturday at 8 AM for a group run and post-run coffee. All paces welcome. Bring a pal, and make a new one too.
Northeast Pennsylvania Youth for Christ Annual Banquet Get ready for a night of comedy and connection! This year’s Annual YFC Banquet features the hilarious 321 Improv. Arrive early at 5:00 PM to bid on amazing items in our Silent Auction. Dinner and the main event will follow from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Come celebrate with us and help make a difference in the lives of local youth. If you would like to be an event sponsor please go to nepayfc.com/banquet for sponsorship opportunities or call Zack Ortman @ 727-255-3775
The Scranton Plan Hosts Economic Networking Event at Montage Mountain Resorts The Scranton Plan, the business development marketing division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lackawanna County, hosted an economic development networking event at Montage Mountain Resorts on February 26. The event highlighted northeastern Pennsylvania’s exceptional quality of life and the region’s growing opportunities for long-term economic development, business attraction, and expansion. The event gathered real estate brokers, business leaders, and representatives from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With a full day of skiing and a dinner reception, attendees gained insights into Lackawanna County’s workforce initiatives, strategic infrastructure, and overall business environment, while also enjoying meaningful networking and a firsthand look at the region. During the reception, the business community discussed The Scranton Plan 3.0, a new five-year strategy that aims to expand workforce development efforts, respond to the evolving needs of local businesses, and ensure the region’s workforce remains prepared for the future. “By bringing together real estate professionals, business leaders, and governmental partners, we were able to highlight not only the development opportunities available today but also The Chamber’s long-term economic strategy,” said Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development at The Chamber. For more information about business development opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.scrantonplan.com.
SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER ANNOUNCES JAKE HOOT, SEASON 17 WINNER OF “THE VOICE” ON JUNE 28 Jake Hoot, best known as Season 17 winner of “The Voice,” will perform at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 28 at 7:00 PM. Jake has graced iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful voice and undeniable gift for storytelling. In addition to his cross-country tour, Jake Hoot will also be featured as part of NBC’s “The Voice: Battle of Champions,” which airs on February 23. Jake Hoot is a country music storyteller who doesn’t just sing country music – he lives it. His performance in Season 17 of the Knockout Rounds singing “Cover Me Up” brought tears of joy to the audience and judges! He was born in Texas and raised between the Dominican Republic and Tennessee, and his music embodies a life steeped in faith, family and authenticity. Blending heartfelt lyrics with classic country roots, Jake brings songs to life – from tender ballads to powerful anthems – forging a genuine connection with listeners wherever he goes. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $39.00 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Tickets will be available for purchase on February 20 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
The Greenridge Club Hosts Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Event After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Scranton! Highlights✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians📚 No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two!General Info📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes📍 Location: The Green Ridge Club👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID♿ Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here
Scranton Fringe Putting Down Roots in Scranton For 10 years, Scranton Fringe has been nomadic — activating spaces across the city, transforming storefronts, theaters, and parks into stages for bold work. Now, we have a home. But why does that matter so much? The Sanctuary Theater at 1735 North Main Avenue is more than a venue. It’s proof that Scranton Fringe isn’t just visiting—we’re staying. The beautiful former church sat waiting for a new purpose. Now it has one: rehearsals, workshops, performances, community gatherings, and creative risk-taking. Old bones. New Life. Permanent presence. We’re still activating dozens of spaces during the Festival (Oct 1–10) and year-round. But now we have an anchor. A place artists can count on. A space that says: this is where bold work lives in Scranton. Our first show at The Sanctuary Theater: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, opening April 9. Tickets at ScrantonFringe.org.
