I Need A Speaker Offers Six-week Public Speaking Workshop Registration is open for a six-week public speaking course offered by I Need A Speaker, an online connection hub for speakers and the people who want to book them. This in-person course will meet Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning on April 2, 2024 at Urban Co-Works, 116 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA. “This course will help individuals develop their public speaking skills and serve as a refresher for those who have existing skills,” explained I Need A Speaker founder Tricia Richards-Service, PhD, who serves as instructor. Participants will learn how to: · Choose, narrow, and refine your topic · Write a central statement of purpose · Analyze your audience · Gather supporting materials · Outline an impactful speech · Develop an effective delivery style · Get started in the public speaking business. The course fee is $397. For details and registration, email info@ineedaspeaker.com. Registration closes March 27, 2024.
WVIA Recognized for Impact with Six Prestigious PAB Awards WVIA, Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s public media station, is honored to announce it has received six awards from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (PAB) for its outstanding work in 2023. These prestigious honors recognize WVIA’s commitment to delivering essential local news, informative programs, and captivating arts and entertainment content for our region. “These awards represent so much more than success for WVIA. They acknowledge the important role we play in informing, educating, and entertaining our neighbors, and inspire us to continue delivering essential public media that strengthens our region.” said WVIA Chief Content Officer, Ben Payavis II. “We are deeply grateful for the continued trust, support, and encouragement from our communities, and look forward to building upon this success in years to come.” The PAB Awards represent the pinnacle of broadcasting excellence in the state, judged by a panel of industry professionals. WVIA’s six recognitions span a variety of categories, reflecting its commitment to serving audiences across various interests and representing all facets of its communities. Outstanding Use of Digital Media WVIA presents PIZZA!, Digital Short-Form Documentary Series ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers, Documentary Launch Mind Over Matter, Season Recap Outstanding Feature Story/Report The Hooded Graves of Catawissa, VIA Short Take Conversation group in Scranton Helps refugees from around the world, WVIA News story Outstanding Television Documentary ROAR: The Story of the Southern Columbia Football Tigers, Documentary In addition to these awards, WVIA’s impact extends far beyond broadcast. In 2023, the station reached over 2 million viewers and 1 million listeners, provided educational resources to thousands of students, and hosted community events that engaged residents across the region. “These awards are a reflection of the countless hours, late nights, and passionate hearts poured into every story we tell,” stated WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “We do this together, for our communities.” Winners were announced online on Friday, February 9th, and a luncheon will be held at The Harrisburg Hilton on Friday April 26th, 2024, at noon, where winners will receive their awards.
FNCB Bank Donates $15,000 to the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced grants totaling $15,000 through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance (NAP-SPP) and EITC programs to the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA to be used for childcare and other services in the community. Including the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA donation, FNCB Bank has made NAP-SPP commitments to seven different community projects in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The support of the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.
Episode Six: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The 155th Chamber Annual Dinner, featuring keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo and presented by PNC Bank, is on Wednesday, March 27, at the Scranton Cultural Center. Purchase your tickets today. Read the March Momentum online today! The Chamber’s Small Business Lending affiliate, MetroAction, provides one-on-one counseling services and small business loans ranging from $2,500 to $100,000. MetroAction is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Complete the Survey The survey will take less than one minute to complete. Let the Chamber know your thoughts about the new “All Things Chamber” video series. Click the button below to access the survey today. SURVEY Event Update The March 19 Capitol Conversations with Secretary Nancy Walker is postponed until further notice. The Chamber staff apologizes for the inconvenience. More details will come on a new date. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Chamber Hosts Lackawanna County Commissioners On Thursday, February 29, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted Lackawanna County Commissioners Chris Chermak, Bill Gaughan, and Matt McGloin at a breakfast meet and greet. The County Commissioners interacted with Chamber and affiliate organizations’ board members. Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, Jerry Musheno, chair of the board for The Chamber, and Vince Galko, chair of the Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee for The Chamber, provided remarks to guests and welcomed County Commissioners. The county commissioners gave short salutations and spoke on the County’s and The Chamber’s strong connection in attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses to Lackawanna County.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Open Second Early Learning Center In April 2024, the Greater Scranton YMCA will open its second Early Learning Center. The 6,300 square foot center is located at 1015 Underwood Road in Olyphant and is licensed to serve up to 125 children ages zero through five. The need for child care services in our community is great. Enrollment in the Greater Scranton YMCA’s early childhood education programs has grown from 209 in January, 2023 to 244 children in January, 2024. These children are enrolled in full and partial day early childhood education programs, as well as before and after school care. Of the 244 children enrolled, 92 are receiving financial assistance. The department is at maximum capacity, with a waitlist full at 150 kids. While the YMCA has begun its early childhood education expansion project to renovate the second floor of its facility in Dunmore to create three new classrooms, a need for services still exists. This year, YMCA leaders signed a lease for an additional facility located in Olyphant. The YMCA is renovating the facility, updating eight classrooms and adding outdoor play equipment. “As always, the Greater Scranton YMCA will adapt its programs and services to meet the needs of our community,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “The opening of our second Early Learning Center will allow our YMCA to make a substantial impact on the great need for childcare services in our community.” The Early Learning Center in Olyphant is estimated to open on April 2 9, 2024. For familiesinterested in enrolling their child(ren) and for more information, contact Tressa Parker, Education Director at the Greater Scranton YMCA, at tparker@gsymca.org.
The City of Scranton Reminder for Fourth Quarter Payroll Tax Entities conducting business within the City of Scranton are reminded that the due date to submit their fourth quarter tax return for the 2023 Payroll Preparation Tax is February 28, 2024. A person shall be deemed to be conducting business within the City if they engage, hire, employ, or contract with one or more individuals as employees, partners, or is self-employed and, in addition, does at least one of the following: Maintains a fixed place of business within the City; Owns or leases real property within the City for profit; Maintains a stock of tangible, personal property in the City for sale in the ordinary course of business; Conducts continuous solicitation within the City related to such business; or Utilizes the streets of the City in connection with the operation of such business (other than for the mere transportation from a site outside the City, through the City, to a destination outside the City.) Institutions who are exempt from the Payroll Preparation Tax as a result of their status as a nonprofit are required to file quarterly returns claiming their exemption. Returns submitted after February 28, 2024, will be subject to penalty and interest on the balances due. The Payroll Preparation Tax is a tax levied separately by both the Scranton School District and the City of Scranton. The 2023 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the Scranton School District is 0.7553 percent and the 2023 Payroll Preparation Tax rate for the City of Scranton is 0.2787 percent. The combined 2023 Payroll Preparation Tax rate is 1.034 percent. The City of Scranton and the Scranton School District have both appointed Berkheimer Tax Innovations, Inc. to administer the Payroll Preparation Tax on their behalf. Tax forms are available on Berkheimer’s website at hab-inc.com/pptforms. Additional information, including Frequently Asked Questions, can be found at scrantonpa.gov/payroll-prep-tax-information, https://www.scrsd.org/departments/business-office and hab-inc.com/ppt-faq. Please direct all questions regarding the Payroll Preparation Tax to Berkheimer by emailing ebpt@goberk.com or by calling (610) 599-3140.
Grey Towers National Historic Site to Offer Free Open House Please join us at Grey Towers Heritage Association National Historic Site on May 20, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 pm for our FREE Business Open House. This Business Open House is a time for local business owners and managers to experience what Grey Towers has to offer. Please tour our museum and grounds, ask questions and learn what your guests and customers will experience when they come to visit us. Learn about the programs and activities we offer. Discuss potential partnerships for promoting our local economy with Grey Towers Heritage Association representatives.Our mission, as stewards of Grey Towers NHS, we perpetuate the leadership and conservation legacy of Gifford Pinchot and the Pinchot family. We want the community and its business leaders to feel included and valued at Grey Towers. We are here to provide hospitable service across diverse audiences to those living or visiting Milford. We value collaborating with you and the community.Our address is 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA 18337. Any questions, please call (570) 296-9630 x3. We look forward to meeting you.Please RSVP to info@greytowers.org by May 6, 2024.
Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Appointed to ECAC The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia announced this week the appointment of Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, as one of four new members to its Economic and Community Advisory Council (ECAC).The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Economic and Community Advisory Council (ECAC) informs the Bank’s senior leadership of emerging trends, issues, and market conditions that impact monetary policy within the Third Federal Reserve District and across the country. The Council is comprised of members from both the private and public sectors throughout PA, NJ, and DE, and fosters greater integration to encourage economic growth.Ducceschi was asked to serve on the Council because of her deep understanding of issues impacting economic mobility, including community revitalization, workforce development, transportation, and housing, and her commitment to bringing together diverse groups and forging cross-sector partnerships to address regional challenges. Noted as of particular value to the Council is Ducceschi’s focus on developing responsive programs and using resources in innovative ways to advance inclusive growth across Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the knowledge she will bring on emerging trends in philanthropic giving and on a community foundation’s role in being a community catalyst. She will serve a three-year term. Ducceschi has been president and chief executive officer of the Scranton Area Community Foundation since 2012. She manages over 320 charitable funds and four foundations with more than $90 million in total assets. Ducceschi has also spearheaded many initiatives, including NEPA Moves with the Philadelphia Fed, NEPA Thrives, Women in Philanthropy, and NEPA Gives, a 24-hour regional giving day in northeastern Pennsylvania.There are 14 members of the Economic and Community Advisory Council. In addition to Ducceschi, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has also appointed Ken Kaiser, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Temple University; Jesse McCree, chief executive officer of SCPa Works; and Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, chief operating officer and cofounder of Mosaic Development Partners.A press release from The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates that they help formulate and implement monetary policy; supervise state member banks, bank holding companies, and savings and loan holding companies; and provide financial services to depository institutions and the federal government. It is one of the 12 regional Reserve Banks that, together with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., make up the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia serves eastern and central Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.For additional information on the ECAC, visit https://www.philadelphiafed.org/our-people/advisory-councils/ecac.
Broadway in Scranton Offers Leap Day Deals It’s an offer so good, it’s four years in the making! In honor of Leap Day, this Thursday, February 29th only, patrons can purchase select tickets for $29 to these two shows at Broadway in Scranton. This offer is valid on February 29th only and on select seats to the opening night performances of COME FROM AWAY (April 5th at 7:30PM) and PRETTY WOMAN (May 17th at 7:30PM). This offer is limited to 2 tickets per purchase. This promotion is subject to ticket availability and does not apply to previously purchased tickets. Patrons must use code LEAP to redeem this offer. Tickets may be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com and in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office (10AM – 5PM). COME FROM AWAY * Scranton Cultural Center April 5 – 7 Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers,“It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. (Show age recommendation: 10+) PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL * Scranton Cultural Center May 17 – 19 PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Now, 30 years later, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is “Big romance and big fun!” (Broadway.com). “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale,” says The Hollywood Reporter. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Are you ready to fall in love all over again? (Show age recommendation: 12+)
