Leadership Lackawanna Invites Regional Nonprofit Organizations to Submit Project LOIs The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce community leadership and professional development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, invites greater Scranton regional nonprofit organizations to submit a Service Project Letter of Intent (LOI) as the first step in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the 2023-24 Core class community service project. The Leadership Lackawanna organization will select multiple projects for the incoming class to work on throughout the program year (October 2023—June 2024). For nonprofit organizations and community groups, this invitation to submit an LOI presents an opportunity to use the services of a talented team of professionals. The group can help you with a project you have had in mind but lack the human resources to accomplish. At the same time, you can expose a group of established and emerging leaders to your organization’s mission and goals. This is a mutually beneficial experience for your agency and these emerging professionals. Projects must have a reasonable scope and budget and cannot include capital campaigns, rebranding/branding/marketing campaigns, or raising large sums of money. For more information on submitting a LOI to Leadership Lackawanna, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com. Questions may be directed to Leadership Lackawanna Executive Director Nicole Morristell at (570) 342–7711 or nmorristell@scrantonchamber.com. The deadline to submit a LOI is August 18, 2023. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe 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. About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
Morristell Receives 2023 Change Maker Award On Thursday, June 15, Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna received the 2023 Change Makers Awards presented by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented at Light up the Valley, held at Public Square Park in Wilkes-Barre. Morristell and 40 community influencers were recognized for their outstanding efforts to make NEPA a brighter place. Through her efforts, Morristell impacts the community by being an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion; volunteerism and innovation—improving the quality of life in the greater Scranton region. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe 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. About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
Chamber Employee Appointed to Board of National Leadership Organization Denton, TEXAS—The Association of Leadership Programs (ALP), a national organization located in Texas and supporting the growth and development of Community Leadership Programs, recently announced that Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna in Scranton, PA was appointed as Treasurer to serve a one-year term. With over 300 members, ALP is THE connection source for community leadership programs throughout the US, and even has a small presence internationally with memberships coming from Germany and Canada. The ALP mission is to enhance the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. The association believes true, organic community leadership involves looking at situations, opportunities, or challenges through the lens of the whole community, and pursuing a course that builds the well-being of all. ALP membership is open to leadership organizations/programs, whether based in a chamber of commerce, university, government or similar entity, or as an independent (non-profit) organization. In this role, Morristell will be responsible for providing financial oversight of the organization, making periodic financial reports to the board of directors and presenting a full financial report at the annual meeting. “Leadership Lackawanna has been actively involved with ALP for 10 years and I fully believe in their mission and work. As an already active board member and ambassador for the state of Pennsylvania, I was happy to expand my involvement with this worthwhile national organization. Leadership Lackawanna has benefitting so much from ALP membership – essentially I give them full credit for helping us create our 2 ½ day orientation program, Welcome Scranton! Personally, ALP allows me to interact with fellow community leadership professionals who are doing the same exact work as me – but in their own respective communities! It’s such an amazing network of leaders who are fully dedicated to growing and improving their communities through the work of leadership programs. Serving as ALP treasurer is a real win-win experience for Leadership Lackawanna since this role helps to elevate our status – yes, we are a nonprofit from Scranton, PA – but now we are on the same level playing field as our counterparts from around the Unites States like Orlando, FL, Austin, Texas, San Francisco, CA and Bend, OR.,” commented Nicole Morristell. Nicole Morristell is the executive director of Leadership Lackawanna, the non-profit Chamber affiliate dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership Lackawanna consists of a 10-month core program, a five-week executive program, a seven-month youth program, a 2 day community exploration program called Welcome Scranton!, a collegiate program, and an 8-week online fundamentals 2.0 program. Before joining the Leadership staff in 2008, Morristell worked for the local Girl Scout organization, where she served in a number of positions over the years, including marketing and community outreach specialist, public relations director, and special events manager. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and is actively involved with Supporters of Camp Archbald, where she serves as President, Abington Christian Academy’s Parent Advisory Board, LCBC Church Kids Ministry, Countryside Conservancy, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Pictured: Lura Hammond, Executive Director of ALP, and Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Leadership’s six programs: Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton!—enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them better to serve our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,600 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com. About the Association of Leadership ProgramsThe Association of Leadership Programs serves over 275 community leadership programs across the United States and beyond. The association strives to enhance the wellbeing of all communities through the work of community leadership programs. Founded in 2010, the mission of ALP is to strengthen the effectiveness of leadership programs and professionals. Authentic and organic community leadership development requires taking a critical look at situations, opportunities, and challenges our communities face through the lens of the entire community and pursuing a course that enhances the wellbeing of all. About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe 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.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2023 Leadership Lackawanna, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated the graduation of 42 high school students from its teen program, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT), which is graciously sponsored by NBT Bank. Leadership Lackawanna’s seven-month TLT program develops the leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills of high school juniors and provides real-world experiences in financial literacy, health care, STEAM, philanthropy, crime and corrections, non-profit organizations, and community service. Throughout the program, students were engaged in various sessions facilitated by local organizations serving the greater Scranton area. In addition to invaluable lessons in the program focus areas, students were given the unique opportunity to engage with business leaders and network with students from 14 local schools. Their program culminated with the allocation of $15,000 in grant money from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to three deserving local nonprofits selected by the students. In addition, each student completed five service hours dedicated to helping 14 local nonprofit organizations. The 2023 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today graduates : Adrian Agnello, Western Wayne HSRiley Aquilino, Valley View HSBrittain Banull, West Scranton HSBraden Beecham, Riverside HSBrooke Beemer, Abington Heights HSBrooke Bilski, Holy Cross HSKatherine Boykin, Abington Heights HSCaden Brennan, Carbondale Area HSJocelyn Brown, Carbondale Area HSDinello Capalongo, West Scranton HSRhayni Carroll, Western Wayne HSMegan Cosklo, Carbondale Area HSElizabeth Cummings, Old Forge HSHaylee Czyzyk, Commonwealth Charter AcademyKate Evans, West Scranton HSNatalie Fuller, Valley View HSRoger Getts, Scranton PrepMadeline Herold, Abington Heights HSAndrew Houseknecht, Commonwealth Charter AcademyDane Huggler, Abington Heights HSMae Kaufman, Mid Valley Secondary CentAlexandra King, Scranton HSGeanna Kirchner, Dunmore HSCorrina Maldonado, West Scranton HSOdin Marrow, Commonwealth Charter AcademyPatricia McAndrew, Lakeland Jr/Sr HSBrian McCormack, Scranton HSNatalie Micknick, Lakeland HSMason Miluszusky, Carbondale Area HSConnor Peters, Valley View HSMason Peters, Valley View HSJulia Possanza, Lakeland Jr/Sr HSGrace Rodriguez, Scranton HSEmily Romanowski, Western Wayne HSCarolena Ryon, Lackawanna Trail HSParis Santee, West Scranton HSEmily Stefani, West Scranton HSGavin Walsh, Scranton PrepEthan Warring, Scranton HSAlexa B. Williams, Riverside HSMary Zabielski, Valley View HSYingqi (Angela) Zeng, Abington Heights HS Leadership Lackawanna’s TLT Program accepts applications from sophomores who attend high school in Lackawanna County and its surrounding areas, as well as all charter and technical schools and homeschool students. Learn more online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.org. Photo: Front L-R; Riley Aquilino; Madeline Herold; Elizabeth Cummings; Mae Kaufman; Brooke Bilski; Alexa Willliams; Natalie Fuller; Corrina Maldonado; Angela Zeng; Jocelyn Brown; Emily Romanowski; Paris Santee; Grace Rodriguez; Brooke Beemer; Kate Evans; Second Row L-R: Odin Marrow; Caden Brennan; Braden Beecham; Rhanyni Carroll Emily Stefani; Carolena Ryon; Julia Possanza; Geanna Kirchner; Patricia McAndrew; Haylee Czyzyk; Megan Cosklo; Gavin Walsh; Back Row L-R: Dane Huggler; Adrian Agnello; Mary Zabielski; Mason Peters; Connor Peters; Brittain Banull; Roger Getts; Dinello Capaolongo; Mason Miluszusky; Katherine Boykin; Brian McCormick; Alex King; Natalie Micknick; Not Pictured: Ethan Warring; Andrew Houseknecht About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe 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. About Leadership LackawannaLeadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its six programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
40 Years of Graduating Community Leaders in the Greater Scranton Region Leadership Lackawanna, a nonprofit organization dedicated to community leadership and professional development, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently graduated its 40th class at a “Celebration of Leadership” luncheon ceremony at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Over 375 people attended this milestone event which included the premier of a historical video that told the story of the organization’s history, the impact of Leadership Lackawanna community service projects, and an overview of the five projects completed by this year’s CORE program participants. A PowerPoint presentation covering achievements from this program year and the presentation of certificates to graduates was also a major highlight. The Celebration of Leadership was only possible due to the generous support of our sponsors: 25-8 StudiosAllied ServicesBenco DentalCenter City PrintCommunity Bank, NAFNCB BankGeisingerGertrude HawkHawk Family FoundationHighmark Blue Cross Blue ShieldHilton Scranton & Conference CenterIron Tree DataLackawanna CollegeLackawanna CountyMaximus FoundationNBT BankPenn East Federal Credit UnionPeople’s Security Bank & Trust CompanyPNC BankPPLScranton Area Community FoundationThe AZEk CompanyThe Honesdale National BankThe Wright CenterTimes Shamrock Communications Front row, left to right: Tressa Parker, Greater Scranton YMCA; Joy Hubshman, United Neighborhoods Centers of NEPA; Nicole Paolicelli, Penn State Scranton; Taylor Carito, Benco Dental; Alyssa McQuillan, NBT Bank; Jasu Acharya, Community Bank NA; Jennifer Aglialoro, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA; Kristin Bender, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Alissa Weiss, The Honesdale National Bank; Karla Perks, Empower Retirement; Jessica Mislinski, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA; Middle row: Alexandria Alliah Small, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; James Warren, Warren Construction; Kyle Peter Gattuso, PNC Bank; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Ariana Argust, Allied Services; Carmelo Rivera, El Coqui Construction LLC; Patrick J. Ruane, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Joel Perkins, Penn State Scranton; Brianna M. Larose, Procter & Gamble; Jennifer Thomas, FNCB Bank; Anthony P. Portanova, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Back row: Hannah Gaul, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Joseph Cholko, Sordoni Construction; Sarah E. Sorrells, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Thomas Chairge, Jr., Prudential Retirement; Rebecca Cerra, Lackawanna College; Theodore Kowalick, FNCB Bank; Gerard N. Walsh, The Azek Company – Vycom; Caleb Hicks, Northeast PA Youth for Christ; Paul DePrimo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Zachary Morgart-Filipski, Hilton Scranton & Conference Center; Kristin Armstrong, NBT Bank; Absent from photo: Andrew Kirby, Montage Mountain Resorts and Paul J. Ballard, Ph.D., Marywood University About The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceThe 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. About Leadership Lackawanna Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its six programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Leadership Collegiate, Core, Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Executive, and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has created more than 2,500 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Honesdale National Bank Foundation Makes Contribution to Leadership Lackawanna The Honesdale National Bank Foundation has recently made a $2,100 contribution to Leadership Lackawanna. The funds will be used to support their SimSoc Program. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “The Foundation is pleased to assist in creating leaders in our community” He then mentioned, “members of our area are supplied with an assortment of skillsets and qualities, and it is important to provide options to drive their opportunity for impact in today’s society.” SimSoc is a training program that cultivates an unlimited amount of skills such as communication, trust, problem-solving, empathy, decision-making, interpersonal feelings, and much more. This program will be implemented into their Core program to give participants experience and a better understanding of the complexity of our society. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation was established to further support the Bank’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the communities we serve. Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its six programs – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Core, Executive, Leadership Collegiate, Leadership Fundamentals, and Welcome Scranton! – enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. All program curriculum follows the format and standards of all other community leadership programs throughout the United States. Since its inception, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,400 community leaders. The Honesdale National Bank Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity established by The Honesdale National Bank to engage in community giving initiatives that foster the area’s growth and resources as it has remained committed to since its founding in 1836. The Foundation’s aims to fulfill that mission through initiatives that support the sustainability and strengthening of resources and programming that make local communities thrive and remain desirable places to live, work, and play. The mission will be upheld through the provision of funding for public charities, institutions, schools and other not-for-profit organizations throughout our local area. The Honesdale National Bank (HNB), established in 1836, is a subsidiary of Honat Bancorp, Inc. HNB holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. Photo Caption: Nikki Morristell, Leadership Lackawanna, Jill Robinson, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Alissa Weiss, Cash Management Officer at HNB, Andrew Pickett, The Miles Company, Jim Warren, Warren Construction, Gina Suydam, Leadership Wyoming.
Camp Freedom Awareness Walk Please join us at Camp Freedom on Sunday, April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. for an Awareness Walk. Camp Freedom is a nonprofit organization that provides healing through outdoor activities and adventures for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star Families. These activities remove individuals from clinical settings and into the healing environment of the outdoors. Proceeds from the Awareness Walk will go to aiding in the development and installation of trail marking and safe access to the 26 miles of trails. One trip to the camp could be what it takes to save someone’s life! This event will educate the general public on what Camp Freedom is doing for their community as well as give a preview of the new trail and sign markers that are being installed on the preserve by the Camp Freedom Project Team from Leadership Lackawanna Core Class. The Awareness Walk will feature light refreshments, entertainment from Froggy 101 and basket raffles. We hope to see you there!! Pre-registration is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Awareness Walk is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The First 100 people at the event will receive a free t-shirt. Children 12 and under register for free. Event will take place at 284 Number 7 Road Carbondale, PA US 18407.
Leadership U Applications Open Leadership Lackawanna, the Chamber’s premier community leadership and professional development affiliate, has opened applications for its Leadership U program – in partnership with Penn State Scranton. Leadership U is a three-credit college summer course for high school students called Effective Speech. Participants will gain leadership and community engagement skills in the areas of communication and public speaking. The course aims to provide participants with the confidence and expertise to engage in public speaking, use S.T.E.A.M. to empower students to take thoughtful risks, and use historical awareness and appreciation to provide an understanding of our region’s past, present, and future while developing financial literacy skills and college/career preparation. Leadership U applications are open to high school juniors and seniors, charter school, and homeschooled students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The cost of the program is $400. Limited scholarships are available. Deadline to apply is May 4. Leadership U is scheduled to be held in person at Penn State Scranton, every Wednesday from June 29 to August 10 from 1:00-3:15 p.m. Upon successful completion of Leadership U, participants receive three college credits to Penn State for a general education, 100 level class which are transferable to most institutions. Apply through May 4 at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com. APPLY
Applications Open for Leadership Collegiate Program APPLY Leadership Lackawanna, the premier community leadership and professional development affiliate of the Chamber, has opened applications for its Leadership Collegiate program. The program is open to students currently enrolled in a trade school, college, or university anywhere in the United States. The courses will be offered March 7 through April 18 and participants work on weekly course content at their own pace. There are six mandatory, one-hour Zoom meetings throughout the course. This 6-week virtual program, consisting of online modules, will provide current and aspiring leaders with an innovative and flexible online learning experience – complete with a variety of personal and professional development skills that are ideal for building a solid resume and honing leadership, interview, and career readiness skills. In addition, the opportunity to connect with students from around the state and build connections via a private LinkedIn group will be plentiful. This program is co-facilitated by Leadership Lackawanna executive director, Nicole Morristell and 68 Rising leadership consultant, Dr. Matthew Sowcik. Cost for Leadership Collegiate is $300 per person with payment plans and scholarships available. Applications close on February 25. Apply at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
