NEPIRC Archives - The Greater Scranton Chamber

NEPIRC Receives Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award

IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.

Communities greatly benefit when talented people with vision, creativity and intelligence stay in the region, which is why it’s important to educate Northern Pennsylvania’s young people about opportunities that enable them to build a successful life close to home. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is providing that valuable information in award-winning fashion through its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program that was recently honored.

NEPIRC was presented with a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver that took place in September. The award was bestowed specifically for NEPIRC’s work in the Talent Pipeline Development and Retention category.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field. Dream Team Ambassadors are manufacturing associates who speak enthusiastically to young people and educators about their career journeys through in-school presentations, Career Day booths and Career Fair attendance.

Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who attended the conference to accept the award, said, “It is an honor for NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program to be recognized internationally for excellence in economic development, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the execution of our program’s objectives. I am incredibly proud of our Dream Team Ambassadors who share their passion and career journeys with students to inspire them to consider rewarding careers in manufacturing, contributing to the success of this initiative.”

Several NEPIRC representatives and Dream Team Ambassadors attended the conference in Denver to accept this prestigious award and had the opportunity to meet with PA Department of Community and Economic Development representatives.

“NEPIRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program. This award highlights NEPIRC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to NEPIRC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”

The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program consists of 26 unique categories showcasing transformative projects that have profoundly impacted communities, regions and nations. Award winners are recognized in-person at its annual conference and throughout the year via IEDC’s communication channels. All organizations, big or small, in rural, urban or suburban communities, U.S.-based or international, are eligible and encouraged to participate in this competitive program.

NEPIRC Promotes Professional Development Training for Manufacturers

Browse NEPIRC’s training catalog to find your next professional development training program

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) offers world-class professional development training for manufacturers delivered by manufacturing experts. NEPIRC’s training courses and workshops provide new skills, fresh insights and networking opportunities that can help manufacturers meet everyday challenges and achieve long-term goals. Browse NEPIRC’s Training Catalog to learn more about the training programs NEPIRC offers and see which ones are upcoming. You can also easily register for a program directly through the Catalog. Questions? Email Info@NEPIRC.com.

https://nepirc.com/wp-content/uploads/24-25-NEPIRC-Training-Catalog.pdf

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day: Connect, Learn, Collaborate!

The audience gained knowledge on topics ranging from AI to medical marijuana’s impact on the workplace to how to attract and retain a talented workforce.

There was not one winner last Friday at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre Twp.; there were hundreds, because the 2024 Manufacturing Best Practices Summit and Expo—the region’s largest manufacturing trade show and networking event—brought together more than 100 manufacturers and industry advocates exhibiting their products and services, along with nearly 500 eventgoers to learn from world-class speakers and one another.

Chris Czarnik, Award-Winning Author & Subject Matter Expert shared with the audience the importance of working hard to attract and retain talented employees.

Organized by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), this event provided an opportunity for manufacturers from an 11-county region to gather to learn, collaborate and forge new partnerships with other manufacturers, while also hearing from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics including: effectively using the power of AI, navigating safety concerns and policies around medical marijuana, unlocking leadership potential with emotional intelligence coaching, and learning the best practices to attract and retain talented employees—to name a few.

“There are so many long-term gains from this one-day event. Manufacturers learn from one another and from the speakers we choose specifically with their needs in mind. Our hope is that attendees take what they’ve learned today and apply it to their businesses for the benefit of their employees, operational processes, and customers. When they succeed, our region shines,” said Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s Manager of Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement.

NEPIRC President and CEO Eric Joseph Esoda welcomed nearly 500 attendees to the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo.

Manufacturing Day offered a host of valuable breakout sessions and panel discussions, such as “Building High Performance Compensation Systems: How to Get Your Team Rowing in the Same Direction,” with Mike Pickreign, Tech 42, breakout session sponsor; a Cybersecurity & CMMC panel discussion with moderator Kara Smith, NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator, panel discussion sponsor; industry-specific sessions presented by NEPIRC’s subject matter experts, and the event closed with The Wall Street Journal bestselling co-authors Katie Desiderio, Ph.D. and Michael Frino, Ph.D. who presented “Becoming a Be Keeper,” a discussion on resiliency, grit, and determination in the workplace among constant change.

NEPIRC Board of Directors member and Dream Team ambassador Kate Logan, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, took part in the panel discussion, “Refueling the Talent Pipeline: Sparking Careers in Manufacturing.”

Kate Logan, NEPIRC board of directors’ member and NEPIRC Dream Team ambassador, who is the quality systems manager at Noble Biomaterials Inc. in Scranton, was part of a panel discussion featuring members of NEPIRC’s Dream Team. The panelists addressed misperceptions people may have when they think about manufacturing.

She said, “Manufacturing may have the stereotype as a dark, dirty, dangerous career path to some, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Typical facilities are bright, clean, and safety is always at the forefront of our day-to-day operations.”

Logan went on to discuss other benefits of careers in manufacturing, such as educational opportunities, compensation and potential career advancement.

“I hope to help inspire the next generation by sharing insights about manufacturing industries, discussing diversity of roles available, tuition reimbursement and highlighting the importance of skilled workers in NEPA,” Logan added.

Thanks to sponsor Lackawanna College Continuing Education, a group of nearly 70 students from Lackawanna County Career Technology Center, Mountain View, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre Area high schools listened to the panel discussion, explored the exhibits and gained insight from representatives at Lackawanna College who spoke to them about necessary skills for job placement.

Keynote speaker Chris Czarnik, coach, trainer, author and subject matter expert, imparted knowledge from his 20 years of research on talent recruiting, engagement and retention to empower listeners with information to secure a talented workforce.

NEPIRC delivered on its promise to connect manufacturers and provide education to help them further succeed.

Ashley Machine & Tool, located in West Wyoming, was a sponsor of Manufacturing Day with the following employees on hand: Ronald Wellington, Jacob Boedeker, Zachary Mulhern and Michael Merryman. Mulhern, who is the materials manager at Ashley Machine & Tool, and is a member of NEPIRC’s Dream Team, participated in the panel discussion along with Logan.

Materials Manager at Ashley Machine & Tool Co. Zachary J. Mulhern said, “It is impossible to put a dollar figure on the valuable knowledge gained from Manufacturing Day. Not only did it enable our company to reach local colleges and universities to help create a talent pipeline for the workforce, it also allowed us to meet vendors within our region. We have gained an abundance of knowledge on machine practices, employee engagement, and so much more!”

While the event is helping companies operationally, it is also having an impact on individual growth.

Mulhern said, “This event not only has helped better automate our company, but it has given me insight into being a better leader.”

In addition, Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to show that the gender gap is closing in the manufacturing sector with more women taking on leadership roles.

Logan said, “We are vice presidents, we are managers, we are supervisors, we are boards of directors’ members, and we are leaders. In a historically male-dominated field, women are breaking stereotypes and bringing fresh perspectives to the table which is why female senior management positions have risen to 29 percent (as of 2019). Seeing a broader talent pool in manufacturing shows that companies encourage inclusivity. I am proud to be part of it!”

For more information on the 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit and Expo, visit the NEPIRC website, www.nepirc.com.

NEPIRC Event to Address AI, Medical Marijuana, and Talent Retention

Will AI replace employees? How will medical marijuana impact the safety of a workforce? How do you attract and retain the most skilled and talented people at an organization? These are just a few of the questions that area manufacturing leaders will find the answers to at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center’s (NEPIRC) 2024 Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit & Expo this year.

The event takes place on Friday, Oct. 4 at Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre Twp. from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Manufacturing Day is an opportunity for all area manufacturers, businesses that provide services to manufacturers and individuals who want to learn more about northeastern Pennsylvania’s growing manufacturing sector to gather together under one roof at the region’s most impactful manufacturing networking event,” said Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s manager of marketing & stakeholder engagement. “We look forward to this year’s event being the largest in its history, both with the number of exhibitors and the number of attendees. We are very excited about all that we have planned for this year’s Manufacturing Day!”

While this event is geared toward manufacturers and advocates of manufacturing, educators, students and curious community members are welcome to attend as there will be a great deal of valuable information shared.

Registration, breakfast and networking take place from 7:30 to 8:50 a.m., followed by welcoming remarks Eric Joseph Esoda, NEPIRC president & CEO, and Chelsey Coslett Traver.

Morning break-out sessions that take place from 9:30-10:15 a.m. include:

“Refueling the Talent Pipeline: Sparking Careers in Manufacturing,” a
panel discussion featuring ambassadors from NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team
“Effectively Using the Power of AI in Manufacturing,” with Mark Morgis, NEPIRC continuous improvement specialist
“Medical Marijuana and the Workplace: Navigating Safety Concerns and Policies,” with Brian Matyjevich, NEPIRC OSHA-authorized outreach trainer; Marni Sherrill, SHRM-CP, senior human resources business partner, Volumetric Building Companies
“Navigating Environmental and Energy Excellence: An Overview of ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 in Manufacturing,” with Ray Kryeski, NEPIRC manufacturing and industrial engineering specialist, and
“Unlocking Leadership Potential with Emotional Intelligence Coaching,” with
Leo Gilroy, NEPIRC director of leadership and organizational development.

After a break for networking, a panel discussion and breakout session will take place on:

“Building High Performance Compensation Systems: How to Get Your Team Rowing in the Same Direction,” with Mike Pickreign, Tech 42, breakout session sponsor, and
“Cybersecurity & CMMC Panel Discussion,” with moderator: Kara Smith, NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator, panel discussion sponsor; and panelists: Marc Gonzalez, Site 2 and Zane Patalive, Real IT Care.

Lunch will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. and feature keynote speaker Chris Czarnik, author of Winning the War for Talent. He will share knowledge from his 20 years of experience learning what attracts people to organizations and why they leave. Czarnik is an author, coach, trainer, and subject matter expert on talent recruiting, engagement and retention in today’s environment. His career includes experience as a former military officer, human resource manager, career services manager and job search advisor.

After the lunch keynote, event attendees can continue connecting with other manufacturing professionals and visit the nearly 100 manufacturers and businesses that will have exhibit booths and product demonstrations

Afternoon speakers Katie Desiderio, Ph.D. and Michael Frino, Ph.D. will present “Becoming a Be Keeper” at 2:10 p.m. The Wall Street Journal bestselling co-authors will discuss resiliency, grit, and determination in the workplace among constant change. Closing remarks Eric and Chelsey will follow.

Tickets start at only $50 and can be purchased at www.NEPIRCMFGDAY.com. Tickets provide access to two morning breakout sessions of ticket holder’s choosing, the exhibitor hall, keynote presentation, afternoon breakout session and all meals and refreshments.

NEPIRC would like to acknowledge top-level sponsors of this year’s event that include Gold Sponsor: Tech42, APEX Accelerator Sponsor: APEX Accelerator at NEPA Alliance,

Student/Faculty Sponsor: Lackawanna College Continuing Education, Welcome Reception Sponsor: Scranton Printing Co., and Silver Sponsors: Ashley Machine & Tool, Mitsubishi Chemical Group and SIMONA.

For a complete list of sponsors and partners, visit www.NEPIRCMFGDAY.com.

For more information or to purchase tickets, email Chelsey Coslett-Traver, NEPIRC’s manager of marketing & stakeholder engagement, at Chelsey@NEPIRC.com or visit NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Day webpage at www.NEPIRCMFGDAY.com.

NEPIRC Receives Grant to Serve Underserved Schools

NEPIRC Secures Significant Grant from the Luzerne Foundation to Expand its Dream Team Program

Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant grant aimed at enhancing and expanding its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, which serves to bridge the gap between students in northeastern, northern and north central PA and manufacturing careers.

From right to left: Eric Joseph Esoda, president & CEO, NEPIRC; Jenelle Osborne, talent stream coordinator, NEPIRC; and David Pedri, president and CEO, The Luzerne Foundation

NEPIRC was awarded a three-year, $30,000/year grant from The Luzerne Foundation’s Pasco L. Schiavo Fund, marking NEPIRC’s first philanthropic foundation grant. This substantial investment underscores the regional and statewide impact of the Dream Team program.

With this grant, NEPIRC’s Dream Team will expand school and student outreach throughout Luzerne County, primarily in the Hazleton and Weatherly areas. NEPIRC’s Dream Team will recruit Spanish-speaking ambassadors, work within underserved communities and host engagements for underserved populations in the Hispanic/Latino community. The grant will also allow the Dream Team program to create Dream Team presentations, videos and career awareness materials in Spanish.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant. “Pasco Schiavo was a man who always gave individuals a chance who wanted to work hard and better their communities,” said David Pedri, president and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation. “The Luzerne Foundation is honored to partner with NEPIRC and its Dream Team to keep Pasco’s legacy of generosity alive by helping the next generation achieve success,” continued Pedri.

NEPIRC Receives Community Needs Grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that it is a first-time recipient of a $10,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SAF) to support NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team efforts in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. NEPIRC’s Dream Team program is focused on bridging the gap between education and careers in the manufacturing sector. The Dream Team initiative raises awareness of career options in advanced manufacturing amongst high school students by bringing young manufacturing professionals into the classroom to talk to students about their career journeys and how their careers have positively impacted their lives by highlighting real-life experiences. Dream Team Ambassadors are eager to share their stories with students throughout the city of Scranton and in the surrounding areas of Lackawanna County.

“With this grant, NEPIRC is poised to further empower students and strengthen the manufacturing workforce, fostering economic growth and opportunity throughout Lackawanna County. I’m deeply grateful to Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who oversees the Dream Team program; our Dream Team Ambassadors, and the manufacturers they represent, for the outstanding work they have done to promote careers in manufacturing and to help us secure important grants like this one from the Scranton Area Community Foundation,” President & CEO of NEPIRC Eric Joseph Esoda said.

NEPIRC Announces Key Staff Promotion and New Hire

Eric Joseph Esoda, president and CEO of NEPIRC, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jenelle Osborne and the hiring of Ashley Tice to further enhance NEPIRC’s commitment to workforce development and business advisory services for manufacturers throughout the region.

Osborne, who previously served as NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Dream Team project coordinator, has been promoted to full-time status as the company’s manufacturing talent stream coordinator. This position, which is new to NEPIRC, will advance the organization’s current manufacturing talent pipeline activities. Her responsibilities will include expanding NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program, publishing and promoting NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Education Guide, and incorporating job application functionality to NEPIRC’s online Manufacturing Jobs Board.

Osborne’s passion for making a positive impact on the region’s manufacturing sector and her dedication to promoting the abundance of career opportunities in manufacturing align perfectly with NEPIRC’s mission.

Speaking about her new role, Osborne expressed her enthusiasm for connecting manufacturers with the regional talent pools and enhancing the image of manufacturing in the region.

“I am passionate about working with schools, manufacturers and economic development partners to have a positive impact on our manufacturing sector’s top concern, which is the attraction and retention of quality talent. Through the success and expansion of NEPIRC’s Dream Team program and the implementation of NEPIRC’s other initiatives, including its Manufacturing Education Guide and Jobs Board, I am excited to be a catalyst that connects manufacturers in our region to current and future talent pools,” said Osborne.

Osborne’s promotion reflects NEPIRC’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce and supporting the growth of the manufacturing industry in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ashley Tice joins NEPIRC as the new Northern Tier business advisor. With a background in the natural gas industry working in the areas of safety and field sales, Tice will play a crucial role in providing guidance and support to businesses in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier region. Her expertise will be invaluable in helping businesses navigate challenges, identify growth opportunities and maximize their potential in a competitive market landscape.

“Although I come to this role with a background in the natural gas industry, I find manufacturing fascinating, especially seeing all of the products that are made locally. I am eager to learn and grow under NEPIRC’s leadership while helping manufacturers throughout the Northern Tier expand their workforce and address other operational challenges,” said Tice.

Esoda expressed his confidence in both Osborne and Tice, stating, “We are thrilled to have Jenelle take on this new role and are confident that her leadership will drive continued success in our workforce development initiatives for our manufacturing partners. Additionally, we warmly welcome Ashley to the NEPIRC team and look forward to her contributions to supporting manufacturers across the Northern Tier region.”

These strategic staff changes underscore NEPIRC’s commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation and prosperity throughout its service area.

For more information about NEPIRC and its services, please visit www.NEPIRC.com.

NEPIRC Announces Manufacturing Day Event Keynote Speaker

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) announces its upcoming Manufacturing Day Best Practices Summit & Expo, scheduled for Friday, October 4 at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino & Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre. This annual event celebrates the vibrant manufacturing industry in our region and provides valuable insights and networking opportunities for businesses and professionals.

This year, NEPIRC welcomes Chris Czarnik as the event’s keynote speaker. Czarnik is a renowned author, coach, trainer and subject matter expert on talent recruiting, engagement and retention in today’s dynamic manufacturing environment. With diverse career experience, including roles as a former military officer, human resource manager, career services manager and job search advisor, Czarnik brings unparalleled expertise to the table.

Over the past two decades, Czarnik has dedicated his career to understanding why individuals join and depart organizations. His insights have empowered thousands of job seekers to identify organizations and roles that align with their aspirations and values. His acclaimed book, “Winning the War for Talent,” has become a cornerstone resource for over 3,500 organizations nationwide.

“We are thrilled to have Chris Czarnik as our keynote speaker for this year’s Manufacturing Day event,” said Eric Esoda, NEPIRC’s president & CEO. “His wealth of experience and profound insights into talent recruitment and retention will undoubtedly provide immense value to attendees, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of workforce management.”

Manufacturing Day serves as an essential platform for businesses to connect, learn and collaborate. In addition to Czarnik’s keynote address, the event will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities to foster growth and innovation within the manufacturing sector.

NEPIRC is actively seeking business sponsors to support this significant event. By becoming a sponsor, organizations will gain exposure to a diverse audience of industry professionals and decision-makers while demonstrating their commitment to driving manufacturing excellence in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Manufacturing Day sponsorships are open to all businesses and organizations – not just manufacturers. Sponsors include businesses that assist and support manufacturers or would like to acquire manufacturing sector clients, colleges with advanced manufacturing or robotics programs, economic development organizations, etc.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register for Manufacturing Day, visit www.NEPIRC.com or contact Chelsey Coslett, manager of marketing & stakeholder engagement, at Chelsey@NEPIRC.com.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Education Guide Promotes Advanced Manufacturing Curriculums

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) recently launched The Northeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Education Guide, a publication that promotes the abundance of certificate and degree programs available locally to students interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing. The guide complements the work being done by NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program.

The Manufacturing Education Guide will be distributed to high school students through NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team presentations in classrooms and at career fairs, as well as digitally through NEPIRC’s social media channels and website.

“We developed this guide to reinforce our message to high school students that so many of the everyday products they and their families use and have in their homes are manufactured right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. The guide is expected to reach thousands of students and their parents this school year, connecting students with great manufacturing career opportunities while promoting high-quality, affordable education from these institutions,” said Eric Joseph Esoda, NEPIRC’s president and CEO.

One of the colleges that participated in the guidebook is Lackawanna College, whose Continuing Education Department has been engaged with manufacturers from throughout the region for many years.

“We are always looking for ways to promote advanced manufacturing programs to teachers and students. NEPIRC partners with more than one thousand manufacturers in the region. By partnering with NEPIRC on the guide and other initiatives, we are in essence partnering with those thousand-plus manufacturers,” said Bill Schoen, director of continuing education at Lackawanna College.

Currently, the guide includes information for manufacturing career programs offered by Johnson College, Keystone College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, and The Pennsylvania College of Technology and invites additional institutions to participate by promoting their advanced manufacturing programs.

The guide also contains a list of 70 area manufacturers that offer tuition reimbursement to their employees and a direct link to NEPIRC’s Job Board featuring approximately 100 local manufacturers who are immediately hiring for various positions.

Susan Spry, associate vice president of academic affairs at Luzerne County Community College, immediately saw the value in participating in the guide.

“We’ve been a longtime partner with NEPIRC on multiple initiatives. We think The Manufacturing Education Guide and the Dream Team program are so impactful. The ambassadors speak with students, parents and teachers about the very high-tech activities they do in their work, inspiring students to consider careers in manufacturing, starting with programs of study like the ones we offer that prepare students for the manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Spry.

More details regarding NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Education Guide, and the Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program can be found on the NEPIRC Dream Team website, www.NEPIRCDreamTeam.com, or by emailing Dream Team Project Coordinator Jenelle Osborne, Jenelle@NEPIRC.com.