Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Thrives Initiative to Host Workforce Barriers Summit The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its NEPA Thrives initiative, invites Northeastern Pennsylvania employers to the Workforce Barriers Summit: Addressing Obstacles to Recruitment and Retention on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Think Tank in Wilkes-Barre. As a leading philanthropic organization in the region, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is committed to fostering systemic change and addressing the critical challenges that hinder economic growth and community well-being. This Summit exemplifies the Foundation’s dedication to creating collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit will convene human resources professionals, executives, and managers to explore and address the most pressing workforce issues impacting our region. In light of the ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, the Summit underscores the Foundation’s leadership in identifying and implementing effective strategies to meet these urgent needs. The event builds on the momentum generated in April 2024, when Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker highlighted four significant workforce barriers—transportation, affordable housing, childcare, and broadband access—during a Capital Conservation session hosted by The Scranton Chamber of Commerce. These systemic challenges directly affect employers’ ability to maintain robust recruitment pipelines and secure long-term growth for their organizations and communities. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Anchors for Equity Initiative, in partnership with The Institute, has been addressing workforce challenges since September 2023 by focusing on populations with specific needs, such as ESL workers, individuals with prior convictions, and those requiring soft skills training or industry certifications. These efforts align closely with the Summit’s goal of identifying actionable solutions to workforce barriers. By exploring how anchor institutions—such as universities, hospitals, and large employers—can contribute to workforce sustainability, this initiative highlights the importance of collective action, a key theme of the Summit. Insights from these ongoing discussions will serve as a valuable foundation for identifying strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, and economic development across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit aims to: Enhance collaboration between employers and community organizations. Identify existing gaps in workforce development resources. Foster collective action to address barriers and drive impactful change. Attendees will benefit from engaging discussions and actionable insights on transportation, childcare solutions, employer partnerships, state and local resources, and K-12 career development. These sessions will not only offer practical tools but also inspire innovative approaches to enhance economic development and community resilience in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we believe that addressing workforce barriers is essential to building a thriving Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This Summit reflects our commitment to uniting stakeholders and creating opportunities that support sustainable economic growth and improve quality of life for all across the region.” Join the Scranton Area Community Foundation in this critical effort to strengthen our community and empower our workforce. For more information or to register for the Workforce Barriers Summit, please email Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at koren@safdn.org.
Pennsylvania Treasurer, Looks to the Future of the Commonwealth Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today began her second term leading the Pennsylvania Treasury Department as she took the Oath of Office during a ceremony at The Forum Auditorium. “Pennsylvania’s potential is unlimited,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Our future will be even brighter than our past. And I can’t wait to lead Treasury in the bright days, months and years ahead.” Treasurer Garrity was sworn into office by the Honorable Maureen Beirne, President Judge of Bradford County, who was joined by the treasurer’s brother-in-law, the Honorable Christopher P. Baker, Justice of the Supreme Court of New York. Today’s inaugural ceremony included remarks from Governor Josh Shapiro; invocations representing Christianity, Judaism and Islam; the presentation and retiring of the colors by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry; “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” performed by talented students from CASA Charter School in Harrisburg; and a recessional by the Quaker City String Band. The ceremony was hosted by Rep. Tina Pickett, Treasurer Garrity’s representative in the state House, and also featured remarks from Treasurer Garrity’s husband Dan Gizzi; Treasurer Garrity’s niece Jackie Howard; Hugh Allen, who served as Treasurer Garrity’s first chief of staff; and Jeff Bartos, President of ESB Holdings. “It’s the start of a new year, the start of a new term for Pennsylvania’s three row officers, and the start of a new legislative session,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We must put aside past disagreements, embrace this moment of opportunity, and find common ground. We cannot grow by division. We can – and will – grow by working together to make Pennsylvania a leader among states, and to make Pennsylvania a place where our next generation can succeed and prosper.” Recognizing her staff at Treasury, she remarked on the job of the Department and its importance to every Pennsylvanian: “My team at Treasury is second to none. They work tirelessly on behalf of the taxpayers, and I want to thank them for their dedication to public service.” She added, “We help Pennsylvanians save for education and disability-related expenses. We reconnect people with money they forgot about or never knew they had. We return precious military medals to the brave Veterans who earned them, or to their families who sacrificed so much for our country. When it comes down to it, Treasury is about people. It’s about service. It’s about public trust.” Under Treasurer Garrity’s leadership, Treasury has returned record amounts of unclaimed property including hundreds of military decorations to Veterans and their families, reduced fees multiple times for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and PA ABLE, and helped the PA 529 Investment Plan be recognized as a top 529 plan in the nation for two consecutive years. The state’s Rainy Day Fund saw unprecedented growth with her dedication to working with the General Assembly and two Governors to build the state’s reserves and her decision to implement a new investment strategy. Treasurer Garrity remains committed to increasing government transparency, cutting waste and fees, returning more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners, and making education affordable for Pennsylvanians. Treasurer Garrity is a former businesswoman and retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel who has served the Commonwealth as Treasurer since January 19, 2021.
My Benefit Advisors: The Power of Upskilling and Professional Development in the Workplace In today’s fast paced and evolving workplace environment, employers face numerous challenges in their efforts to remain competitive and successful. One method of establishing an essential edge is through upskilling. Upskilling is a strategy that involves investing in the development of an employee’s skill and knowledge. And upskilling not only benefits employees by enhancing their professional growth but also proves to be an asset for employers by fostering a skilled, engaged, and more productive workforce. When a company is willing to invest in employee development, it shows genuine interest in growing people and helping them succeed…on the job and in life. By investing in upskilling programs, employers enable their workforce to stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology. As employees acquire new skills and knowledge, they become more adept at their roles and develop the necessary proficiency to handle new tools and cutting-edge systems. This adaptability translates into a more agile and future-proofed organization with increased productivity and efficiency among staff. Upskilling provides a way for employees to handle complex tasks with confidence and competence, leading to higher-quality outputs and better results for the organization. Upskilling can be a winning strategy, enriching the career prospects for employees while contributing to the long-term success and prosperity of the employer. Embracing upskilling as a fundamental aspect of talent management can position organizations for growth and excellence in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. Investing in your employees helps attract and retain quality talent and further shows your employees you are interested in their professional and personal well-being. A competitive employee benefits portfolio is another way to invest in your employees. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
Misericordia University Hosts Doctor of Physical Therapy Hooding Ceremony Misericordia University recently celebrated the achievements of its newest Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates during the annual Hooding Ceremony held on campus. The event marked a significant milestone for the graduates, signifying the culmination of years of rigorous academic and clinical training. Misericordia University’s DPT program, known for its commitment to excellence in education and clinical practice, continues to prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 DPT graduates as they embark on their journeys to make a difference in their communities! To learn more about the program, click here. Names and hometowns of graduates: Jillian Rogers, Denville, NJ; Andrea Carlson, Newton, NJ; Tara Sweeney, Jessup, PA; Matthew Myers, Hughesville, PA; Kaylee Sturans, Fredericksburg, VA; Eric Jeffies, Nanticoke, PA; Shannon Williams, Hellertown, PA; Brianna McPeak, Warrington, PA; Brianna Fox, Laurel, NY; Zoee Farr, Vestal, NY; Katrina Redline, Dallas, PA; Nicholas Toronzi, White Haven, PA; Micaela Fasolino, Poughkeepsie, NY; Sean Burg, New Castle, DE; Zackary Jayne, Towanda, PA; Matthew McCaffery, Simpson, PA; Katelyn Butczynski, Nanticoke, PA; Shelby Brittain, Milford, PA; Jacqueline Stack, Mahopac, NY; Samantha Lubin, Doylestown, PA; Ashlynn Fitzgerald, Dallas, PA; Brandon Istvan, Dover, NJ; Spencer Sundeberg, Lynbrook, NY; Thomas Vaccaro, Montrose, PA; Justin Occhipinti, Dunmore, PA; Devin Dougherty, Shavertown, PA; Kristen McCloskey, Lumberton, NJ; Alexa Wagner, Elmira, NY; Cheril Parmar, Scranton, PA; Kaden Martell, Canton, PA; John Kelley, Levittown, PA; Kyle Romanofski, Swoyersville, PA; Alexandrea Steele, Nanticoke, PA; Alanna O’Malley, Mays Landing, NJ; Zachary Johnson, Nanticoke, PA; Jason Winters, Palmer, PA; Jarod Cipriano, Scranton, PA; Wayne VanNewkirk, Honeoye Falls, NY; Dane Frantz, Lehighton, PA; Tyler German, Allentown, PA;
Misericordia University Announces Distinguished Speaker Series Join us for an engaging workshop featuring the latest research and clinical updates on Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All sections of this workshop will follow specific cases in childhood apraxia of speech and autism throughout the day to provide real life illustrations of concepts presented. Age ranges covered will include preschool through adolescence.For more information and Registration please visit https://www.misericordia.edu/speech-language-pathology/distinguished-speaker-series
Lexington Entertainment Announces January Performance Schedule Jan. 23 King’s College and the Anthracite Heritage Foundation, Public Program: The Annual Msgr. John J. Curran Lecture; Speaker: Anne Flaherty, The Kehoe Foundation, St. Leonard, MD; John Kehoe: “Molly Maguire” or Hibernian Pacifist?; Moderator: Thomas Mackaman, King’s College; Venue: Burke Auditorium, King’s College (133 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA); Time: 7 – 8:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 23 Anthracite Heritage Foundation, Book Award for 2025; Presenter: Bob Wolensky, King’s College; Recipient: Anne Flaherty, Kehoe Foundation (for The Passion of John Kehoe and the Myth of the “Molly Maguires,” Hibernian Press, 2023); Venue: Burke Auditorium, King’s College; Time: immediately preceding the Annual Curran Lecture (see above). Jan. 24 Two Screenings of “The Knox Mine Disaster” documentary with an introduction by the filmmaker, David Brocca;Venue: The Scranton Arts Haus Theatre (301 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA); Screening Times: 6:20 pm and 8 pm; Purchase tickets at Knox Mine Disaster Facebook Page ($10); Refreshments (including dinner) will be available for purchase. Jan. 25 Eckley Miners Village (PHMC), In-person Public Program; Moderator: Bode Morin, Administrator; Speaker: Justin Emershaw, Atlantic CarbonInc., The Hazleton Shaft Colliery: Dethroning Hazleton’s Industrial Era; Venue: Eckley Miners Village (2 Eckley Main St., Weatherly, PA;Time: 2 — 3:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 25 Underground Miners, Public Program: Free Guided Tours of the Brooks Mine;Tour Guides: Mark Izak, Scott Kerkowski, and Chris Murley; Venue:Brooks Mine (Nay Aug Park, Scranton, PA); Time: 3:45 pm – 5 pm. Jan. 26 Lackawanna Historical Society, Public Program: Artistic Expressions in Anthracite; Host: Mary Ann Moran-Savakinus, LHS; Moderator: Philip Mosley, Emeritus, Penn State-Scranton; Speakers: Charles Petrillo, Wilkes-Barre (Film); Chester Kulesa, Scranton (Photography); Richard Stanislaus, Scranton (Art); Venue: Catlin House, LHS (232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA); Time: 2 – 3:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 26 National Museum of Industrial History, Public Program:Moderator: Mike Piersa,Historian,NMIH; Speaker: Dane Rhys, Visual Journalist, A Visit to the Last Operating Anthracite Mine in Wales; Venue: NMIH (602 E. 2nd St., Bethlehem, PA); Time: 1 – 2:30 pm. Jan. 29 Reading Anthracite Company; Moderator: Eric Bella, Mining Engineer; Speaker: Mike Szilagyi, AICP; The Schuylkill Navigation Canal System; Venue: Alvernia University–Pottsville Towne Campus (500 Progress Ave., Pottsville, PA); Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 30 Luzerne County Historical Society, Public Program:Speaker: Mark Riccetti, Director of Operations and Programs, LCHS; Jacob Cist (1782-1825), Pennsylvania Anthracite Pioneer; Venue:LCHS Museum (69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA); Time: 7 – 8:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 30 A Lehigh Engineering Public Program: Moderator: Eric Bella, Mining Engineer; Speaker: Nick Zmijewski,Industrial Archives & Library; In Search of the Wanamie Colliery: A Journey Through the Lens of Michael A. Eagleson; Venue: Alvernia University–Pottsville Towne Campus (500 Progress Ave., Pottsville, PA); Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Refreshments.
Lackawanna College Hosts Nunsense Play The smash-hit musical comedy Nunsense returns to Scranton at the People’s Security Theater on the campus of Lackawanna College. Our Cabaret Productions is partnering with Lackawanna in this professional theater fundraising event to support higher education in the region. The music and antics of the Little Sisters of Hoboken will entertain audiences on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Patrons can also enjoy pre-show dinner or brunch from St. Julia’s Kitchen before each show at 409 on Adams, the college’s student-run restaurant. Advanced reservations are required, $40 per person. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our cast and crew as we celebrate our company’s twentieth anniversary,” said John Baldino, general manager of Our Cabaret Productions and an assistant professor at Lackawanna. “The People’s Security Theater at Lackawanna College is a special gem in a city so rich in theater history and Nunsense is a gem of a show in the musical theater world. Bringing them together will be a tremendous experience for faculty, students, staff, supporter of the college, and theater-goers all over northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m also eager for my students and colleagues to meet Sr. Hubert.” The show will star Rob Misko as Rev. Mother and John Baldino as Sr. Mary Hubert with Laura Lockwood as Sr. Mary Leo, Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Amnesia, and Courtney Rosenkrans as Sr. Robert Anne. Nunsense is produced by Baldino and directed by Misko with tap choreography by Ballroom ONE Dance Company, Eynon. “I have had a love affair with Nunsense since I first saw the off-Broadway production in 1985,” said Misko, who directed the first non-Equity production of Nunsense in Carbondale and has performed as Rev. Mother more than 150 times. “And it’s always special to direct and perform in the show. To mount a Nunsense production alongside my closest friends in a space like the People’s Security Theater is a dream come true.” Book, music, and lyrics of Nunsense are written by Dan Goggin. The show is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, New York, New York. Tickets for the show, brunch, dinner, and a VIP meet-the-cast reception following the March 22 performance are on sale now at ourcabaret.com. About Nunsense Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of Grease. About Our Cabaret Productions Our Cabaret Productions is an ASCAP-licensed, non-Equity, professional theatrical production company based in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In operation since 2005, the company produces several incarnations of Dan Goggin’s Nunsense series as fundraising events and offers professional Christmas caroling for private parties, community festivals, and corporate events during the winter holiday season
I Need A Speaker CEO Appointed on Two International Committees Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, founder and president of I Need A Speaker, has been appointed to serve on two prestigious advisory committees for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the premier global organization for meeting and event professionals. Starting January 1, 2025, Dr. Richards-Service will serve on both MPI’s Event Program Review Advisory Board and Research Advisory Board. In these roles, she will help shape the future of the meetings and events industry through educational programming and research initiatives. As a member of the Event Program Review Advisory Board, Dr. Richards-Service will review and validate speaker proposals for MPI’s signature event, World Education Congress (WEC). She will also provide strategic input on topics, speakers, and educational formats for the organization’s programming. On the Research Advisory Board, she will contribute to MPI’s research initiatives focused on education, industry advocacy, and thought leadership. The role includes developing white papers and conducting analysis of the business events sector. “I’m excited to serve the organization in these international roles,” said Dr. Richards-Service. “I look forward to contributing my expertise in both public speaking and strategic leadership to advance MPI’s educational and research objectives.” Dr. Richards-Service brings more than 20 years of communication experience to these roles, having worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local non-profits. An accomplished international speaker herself, she has presented at conferences across North America and Europe, including Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Romania. She earned a Ph.D. in strategic leadership and business administration, a master’s degree in healthcare administration, and a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism. Through I Need A Speaker, she continues to advance the speaking industry by providing a global platform that connects speakers of all price points with event organizers while also offering public speaking training.
Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Upcoming Events Women in Distinction Celebrating those who lift others in our community Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s Women of Distinction Gala identifies five women of influence who serve as inspirational figures for girls and young women. These women are members of our local communities and represent the core values we instill in girls through Girl Scouts. Please join us on March 26, 2025, at the Harrisburg Hilton for our 2025 celebration. Discover more about the event. 2025 Embracing Ambition Conference Join us for a powerful day of inspiration at our Embracing Ambition Conference! The conference is centered around the book, “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead,” which shares the stories of twelve remarkable women leaders who have overcome challenges, broken down barriers, and paved new paths across various industries. Together, they reveal insights on addressing perception barriers, integrating personal identity with professional success, embracing new challenges, and leading with a visionary spirit. The authors, including Girl Scout in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s President and CEO, Janet Donovan, will bring these themes to life, offering invaluable advice and encouragement for women ready to make their mark. Attendees will leave motivated, empowered, and ready to turn their own ambitions into action. March 26, 2025 | Harrisburg Hilton | Harrisburg, Pa. Discover more about the event
Geisinger Wyoming Associate Chief Medical Officer Selected for Carol Emmott Fellowship Alison Brodginski, D.O., associate chief medical officer and associate chief quality officer of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, is among 24 women health leaders chosen by the Carol Emmott Foundation for its Fellowship Class of 2025. The flagship program of the Carol Emmott Foundation, the Carol Emmott Fellowship works to accelerate gender and racial equity in health care leadership by providing women leaders a platform for national visibility and a continuously growing network of peers, mentors and sponsors in the industry. “I am privileged to be part of this program, joining an inspiring cohort of talented and dedicated health care professionals,” said Dr. Brodginski. “The fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to collaborate and grow with exceptional leaders dedicated to advancing equity and innovation in health care.” The program equips participants with the necessary resources and connections to lead innovation and create equitable health care systems and governance. The Fellowship Class of 2025 comprises a remarkable group of health care leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to driving change within the industry and beyond. During the 14-month program, fellowship recipients are paired with hand-selected mentors who are nationally recognized senior executive leaders. Each fellow pursues an impact project, which they plan in coordination with their health organization, that promotes sponsorship opportunities and visibility within the organization. Fellows are also afforded opportunities to publish and present their work to the extensive foundation community. Fellows were nominated by senior executive leadership at their institutions and carefully selected through a competitive process focused on the inclusion of professionals with diverse backgrounds, expertise and experiences. The Class of 2025 represents a range of disciplines within health care, from clinical care to financial analysis, education, operations and strategy, bringing a comprehensive perspective to the cohort. Among Geisinger leaders who have participated in past Carol Emmott Fellowship Classes are: Cindy Sheridan, J.D., Geisinger’s associate chief legal officer of litigation services Karlyn Paglia, M.D., chief medical officer of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Andrea Wary, R.N., B.S.N., vice president of Geisinger’s Women and Children’s and Cancer institutes Sandra Culbertson, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Women and Children’s Institute Christa Lese Martin, Ph.D., Geisinger’s chief scientific officer Rachel Manotti, M.H.A., Geisinger’s associate chief strategy officer Denise Torres, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Surgery Institute
