Penn State Scranton Celebrates Ribbon Cutting on New Facilities Penn State Scranton held an official ribbon-cutting for its newly renovated Library Building and Nursing Suite on Wednesday, October 2. The $13.1 million project, completed this summer, included major changes to both the library and nursing suite spaces and represents a significant commitment by Penn State to education and research, community engagement and nursing education. Penn State Scranton held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated Library Building and Nursing Suite on Oct. 2. Keynote speakers at the event included Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Dean Laurie Badzek; Director for Undergraduate Nursing Education at Penn State Scranton Justina Malinak; Northeast Regional Chancellor Elizabeth J. Wright; Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses and Executive Chancellor Margo Dellicarpini; Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications Faye A. Chadwell; and retired Penn State Scranton Chancellor Marwan Wafa. Credit: Jason Farmer Photography Chancellor Elizabeth Wright, regional chancellor for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre presided over the event, along with keynote speakers Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses Margo Dellicarpini; Laurie Badzek, dean of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State; Faye A. Chadwell, dean, University Libraries and Scholarly Communications; retired Penn State Scranton Chancellor Marwan Wafa; Justina Malinek, DNP, director for undergraduate nursing education at Penn State Scranton/Asst. Teaching Professor of Nursing; and Jemya Wilson, a senior nursing major and president of the Student Nurses Association at Scranton. “I couldn’t help but think about the significant transformation that has occurred over the last decade in terms of what individuals have come to expect and need from our libraries,” Dellicarpini said. “But the libraries’ importance in supporting student success and faculty scholarship and research remains unchanged. They still fulfill that quiet study space need, but now provide many opportunities for collaboration, study groups and scholarly activities.” She also highlighted improvements made to the Nursing Suite and nursing students’ commitment to the campus. “I want to also take a moment to recognize the significance of the nursing program and the investment the University has made in support of its success here at Penn State Scranton. Program enrollment is strong, but equally impressive is the community engagement efforts that nursing faculty and students have embraced, such as hosting children’s health fairs, partnering with community organizations to run clothing drives for those in need, offering trainings for first responders, school nurses, and visiting nurse associations, hosting vaccination clinics and the list goes on.” Badzek talked of the commitment Penn State has made to its nursing degree program not only at Scranton, but across the Commonwealth, by investing in the nursing programs and facility improvements at several other campuses and pointed to Penn State’s 98 percent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which is significantly higher than the 89 percent national average. “The renovations in our nursing department are a game-changer for our education and future careers,” said Jemya Wilson, fourth-year nursing student and president of the Student Nurses Association (SNA) at Scranton. The enhanced simulation experiences, recording capabilities, realistic supply rooms, and collaborative spaces all work together to create a comprehensive learning environment. We are being equipped not only with the knowledge we need but also the practical skills and confidence to excel in the workforce.” “Renovated spaces such as the building you’re in today demonstrate our sustained commitment to meeting students where they are and to helping them to thrive as they strive to meet their personal, educational and professional goals,” Wright said. She also credited Wafa for his vision and work to make the project a reality. Wafa thanked all the campus staff and individuals who personally worked on the project, and the library staff as well, saying that in his experiences, “the library is truly the heart of the campus”. Chadwell had actually visited the campus in July when the project was nearing completion, but still had a lot of details to work out and expressed her appreciation for all of the library staffers at the campus who worked at maintaining library services despite having a much smaller place to do it. (During the construction phase, the library had set up in a classroom in the Dawson Building). She also acknowledged Wafa for his vision and commitment to transforming these spaces, and making them more student-centered, which helps promote student success by providing robust student engagement opportunities. The 20,800-square-foot Library Building, constructed in 1970, serves between 250 to 400 students per day, and, in an average semester, students check out and use its textbook reserves over 1,000 times. Students, staff and faculty can also access resources across Penn State’s entire library system through the campus library. The Nursing Suite was established on the ground floor of the building in 1991 when the campus began offering associate nursing degrees. When the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing was added in 1995, the area was expanded to include classroom, meeting, and lab spaces, as well as faculty offices. The renovation created new entrances on the building’s north and south sides and a lobby inside the library’s main entrance. New amenities include an instructional computer classroom, maker space, with a 3-D printer and Cricut machine, computer/printer/scanner area, and anime/graphic novel and best-selling/leisure reading collections. There are also display areas and a variety of private, group and gathering spaces for students to fit a variety of study needs. The Nursing Suite also has a lobby inside its enhanced ADA accessible entrance, expanded patient simulator and technology labs with computerized patient simulators for a variety of specialty areas, a nurses’ station, conference room, small meeting rooms and learning spaces, as well as new faculty offices. The new Library will serve as a vital resource for Penn State Scranton students, faculty, employees and the surrounding community, providing access to a wealth of knowledge and information, with the new nursing facilities providing cutting edge educational opportunities for future nurses and the regional medical community. And, in just the first few weeks of classes, students in the campus’ nursing program have expressed great enthusiasm and engagement with the newly renovated space. “With the newly renovated nursing/library building, the nursing community is grateful for the opportunity to continue our dedicated work in preparing the future, next generation of nurses. Infusing nurses into the local community is vital for both public health and the nursing workforce,” Malinak said.
Moses Taylor Foundation Welcomes New Finance Director Emily Clifford, CPA, has joined Moses Taylor Foundation, a private foundation with a mission to improve the health of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, as its Finance Director. Over the past decade, Clifford honed her skillset as a Certified Public Accountant at MMQ & Associates, P.C., working closely with many of the area’s nonprofits. She earned a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wilkes University’s Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. “In addition to more than a decade of experience serving local nonprofits with audit and tax services, Emily is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania with deep community roots. As Finance Director, she is responsible for managing and implementing all aspects of the Foundation’s accounting and investment functions. I am confident she will provide the leadership and expertise necessary to continue to advance our mission,” said Danielle Breslin, President and CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation. Clifford will also support the Foundation’s payroll/human resources, grants management, and activities related to previous hospital system business. She assumed her responsibilities in late August 2024.
Misericordia University Announces Seven Faculty Promotions Misericordia University (MU) announces the promotion of the following seven faculty members from the rank of non-tenured assistant professor to non-tenured associate professor: Laurie Brogan, PT, DPT; Gina Capitano, Ed.D.,R.T. (R)(ARRT); Lori Charney, OTD, OTR/L, CAS, CLA; Nicole Evanosky, PT, DPT; Dawn Evans, OTD, OTR/L; Heather Fritz, PT, DPT, and Sheryl E. Goss, MS, R.T. (R)(S) (ARRT), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RVS, FSDMS. Laurie Brogan, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy and a certified exercise expert for aging adults who is beginning her 11th year instructing full-time in the physical therapy department. Brogan teaches “Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy,” “Clinical Skills,” and a professional issues course that focuses on business and leadership in physical therapy. Brogan earned an Associate of Science Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant at Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from College Misericordia and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Misericordia University. Brogan has served at MU as secretary of the Academic Policies Committee and as a member of the Faculty and Student Research Committee. She co-chaired the Interprofessional Education Taskforce. She co-authored three peer-reviewed articles between 2019 and 2023 and completed six peer-reviewed presentations since 2020, most of which focused on interprofessional education and clinical decision making. She co-authored the textbook Professionalism in the Practice of Physical Therapy–A Case-Based Approach (McGraw Hill 2024). She serves her profession and community as a member of the National Senior Games Association and American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Geriatrics National Taskforce; she volunteers weekly at Allied Services Hospice Center and serves as church council member and vacation bible school group leader at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Gina Capitano, Ed.D.,R.T. (R)(ARRT), is the chair of Misericordia University’s Medical Imaging Department and a full-time faculty member of that department. Her primary responsibilities include program administration as well as teaching “Medical Terminology,” “Introduction to Medical Imaging,” “Radiographic Image Production with a Concentration in Digital Imaging,” and “Radiation Biology and Protection.” She also serves as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Capitano earned her master’s degree in education from Misericordia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiography from College Misericordia. She earned her Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University. Between 2019 and 2021, she presented “Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety,” as part of the NECPA-IPEC Faculty Professional Development Series and the webinar “Leading Your Imaging Team from Dysfunctional to Accountable.” She co-authored the peer-reviewed journal article, “Student Perceptions of Interprofessional Socialization through Acute Care Simulation.” She also presented “Zoom…Broadening Perspective Through A Collaborative Team Approach” at the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists’ (PSRT) annual conference. Capitano serves as a professional mentor to participants of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Student Leadership Development Program. Lori Charney, OTD, OTR/L, CAS, CLA, is the chair of Misericordia University’s Occupational Therapy Department and program director of the Entry-Level OTD program. Charney received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from College Misericordia. She later obtained a post professional master’s degree in OT and a clinical doctorate at MU. Her doctoral capstone was the development of a sensory/social summer camp for students with autism which included a research component to determine the effectiveness of pairing sensory activities and social skills instruction to improve social participation. Charney presented this research project, several student research projects and various community programs that she has developed at the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) conference and many other national and international conferences in Ireland, France, and Canada. Charney teaches “Program Development and Grant Writing,” “Community-Based Practice,” “Occupations in Autism Spectrum Disorder,” “Designing Implementing and Evaluating Quality Programs,” “School-Based Practice,” and “Vision Rehabilitation.” She is also a doctoral capstone mentor. Charney is an advanced mentored clinician in sensory processing disorder from the Star Institute and is a certified autism specialist. She assists in the coordination of the integrated studies program at MU and is also the faculty advisor to the Cougars for Autism Awareness Club. Charney successfully completed the AOTA Academic Leadership Institute in 2023 to attain the credential of certified leader in academia. She also is an author of a chapter in the research textbook, Kielhofner’s Research in Occupational Therapy: Methods of Inquiry for Enhancing Practice. She has extensive experience in developing programs in the community and the public school system such as a district-wide sensory program, an assistive technology program, an outdoor sensory playground and a three-tier sensory program for Mohegan Sun Arena. Nicole Evanosky, PT, DPT, whois in her 12th year as a full-time faculty member at MU, has been the director of clinical education for the past 12 years and is responsible for the clinical education curriculum. Evanosky earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy and her doctor of physical therapy from Misericordia University. She has taught professional issues content as well as the course “Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy.” She continues to treat clinically with the geriatric population. She presented peer-reviewed research at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) this past spring. She also presented a peer-reviewed poster at the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Conference. Evanosky serves on the Clinical Education Committee and is an NTT representative to the University’s Faculty Senate. She is an active member of the Pocono Susquehanna Clinical Education Consortium. Dawn Evans, OTD, OTR/L, has been teaching at MU for 30 years and has served as the doctoral capstone coordinator since 2019. She currently teaches “Professional Behaviors Seminar,” “Occupations Seminar,” “Professional Writing Seminar,” “Psychosocial, Behavioral, and Interpersonal Processes Across the Lifespan” “Pre-fieldwork and Cultural Competence,” “Introduction to Doctoral Professionalism and Scholarship Seminar,” “Capstone Experience,” and “Geriatric Care Manager I.” Evans holds a doctor of occupational therapy degree, Master of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in psychology from Misericordia University. While teaching at Misericordia, Evans also practiced at Community Counseling in Wilkes-Barre, Farview State Hospital maximum security prison, local senior centers, day cares, and private practice in geriatrics. Evans held offices in the Greater NEPA American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and was board president of the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Evans has presented at numerous state and national occupational therapy conferences throughout her academic career. She is a member of the Editorial Review Board for the academic journal OT in Mental Health. In 2015, Evans founded the annual David Evans Color Run scholarship for Holy Redeemer High School students who attend MU. Heather Fritz, PT, DPT, in her 12th year teaching at MU, is the assistant director of clinical education and a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy. She earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Misericordia University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton. Fritz teaches “Neuromuscular PT 1,” “Professional Issues 4,” and “Integrated Clinical Experience.” Fritz had an article published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy in June of 2023 entitled “Vestibular Rehabilitation as an Early Intervention in Athletes Who Are Post-concussion: A Systematic Review.” She co-authored this article with Gabby Babula, Ed Warunek, Grace Nikolski, and Katie Cure. Fritz has presented six times at peer-reviewed conferences since joining MU. Fritz is an active member of the Rotary Club of Dallas and served on its board from 2020-2023; she became vice president in 2023. Previously she served as president of the Bloomsburg Rotary Club from 2016-2017 and the Danville Rotary Club from 2009-2010. She is also a Mercy Associate. Sheryl E. Goss, MS, R.T. (R)(S) (ARRT), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RVS, FSDMS, chair of the diagnostic medical sonography department has been teaching full time at MU for 23 years. Goss teaches courses in ultrasound physics and instrumentation, abdominal sonography, obstetrical sonography, vascular sonography and journal and case study. With over 40 years of professional experience, Goss has performed a variety of sonographic studies that included general sonography, vascular as well as adult and pediatric echocardiography and supervised a busy department for several years of her career. She initiated the sonography program in 2003 and continues to actively update curriculum to meet the needs of the employers. She remains actively involved in both local and national professional groups and professional accreditation organizations. Currently, Goss sits on the board of directors for the Joint Review Committee for Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) and as an advisor on the Pathways Pregnancy Center’s board of directors. She was a member of the National Education Curriculum Taskforce, the first curriculum designed to include all ultrasound specialties. She served as chair and editor-in-chief for the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s (SDMS) National Certification Examination Review series. Serving 10 years on the board of directors for the SDMS and its foundation in the roles of president and secretary allowed her to network with sonographers and healthcare professionals across the nation. In 2012, Goss earned Fellow status, the highest membership status awarded by the SDMS; in 2013 she was the recipient of the SDMS Distinguished Educator’s Award, and in 2018, she received the Joan P. Baker Award for contributions to the profession.
LCBC to Host Free Trunk or Treat Join for a FREE night out for the whole family! Wear your best non-scary costume and stroll through an amazing lineup of themed trunks, collecting safely-packaged treats at each stop. While enjoying the festivities, indulge in free hot dogs and hot chocolate. This is an event not to be missed! Located at 933 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, Scranton, PA 18508 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6pm.
Indraloka Tackles Alarming Burnout Among Mental Health Professionals Burnout among mental health professionals in the United States is alarmingly high, affecting the well-being of those tasked with supporting our most vulnerable populations. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 62 studies found that approximately 40% of mental health professionals experience significant emotional exhaustion, 22% suffer from depersonalization, and 19% report low levels of personal accomplishment (O’Connor et al, 2018). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with a pooled prevalence of burnout among medical staff, including mental health professionals, at 43.6% (Zhu, et al, 2023). This crisis in well-being directly impacts the quality of care provided to those in need. Guidance counselors helping children and teens navigate post-pandemic classrooms face greater challenges than ever. Counselors often have heavy caseloads that require balancing administrative tasks, meetings, parental participation, and one-on-one counseling with tight schedules. High school students turn to counselors for college and career guidance and help with managing personal crises. Diversity among the student population demands that counselors have extraordinary cultural sensitivity. On top of that, educators are dealing with a growing number of students who have anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Counselors need help and specialized training. Indraloka’s “Resilient Counselors Mastery Series,” a six-week program designed to empower public school guidance counselors to build personal resources and resilience to take on the additional challenges of their jobs, launched this summer in partnership with the Scranton School District through the Scranton Area Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Community Leadership. The program combines onsite retreats, virtual sessions, and holistic health practices that build resilience, foster wellbeing, and enhance leadership skills. Grounded in cutting-edge research on recovering from vicarious trauma and building resilience, Indraloka’s Resilient Counselor’s Mastery Series has already demonstrated success, with participants reporting significant gains in their professional and personal well-being through the scientifically validated PROQuol (Professional Quality of Life Indicator—a well-established and validated tool): 12.8% increase in Compassion Satisfaction 8% reduction in Burnout 6% decrease in Compassion Fatigue “Every day, these dedicated counselors pour their heart and care into guiding our children, and we are proud to stand alongside them in this essential endeavor. The Resilient Counselors Mastery Series is a testament to the deep commitment of the Scranton School District, and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Community Leadership of the Scranton Area Foundation, to fostering a supportive and trauma-informed environment for our students,” said Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD. “Their investment in this initiative underscores the critical importance of equipping our guidance counselors with the tools and resilience they need to continue their vital work.” Although everyone is facing their own set of circumstances, one thing is certain — everyone today is dealing with trauma on some level. Understanding how trauma manifests and how to build resilience to it through trauma-informed practices helps counselors serve students better while taking care of themselves too. Counselors often give of themselves to their own detriment. It’s part of the personality of those who devote their lives to helping others. But giving from an empty cup can leave counselors critically depleted and cause a host of physical, mental, and emotional stresses. The Resilient Counselors Mastery Series helps counselors create self-care practices that rebuild their internal resources. To launch the program, Dr. Lahiri facilitated a five-hour retreat at the sanctuary and introduced participants to trauma-informed care principles and resilience-building techniques. They spent time relaxing with Indraloka’s rescued gentle farm animals and used journaling and interactive activities to promote empathy and relaxation. A qigong session demonstrated slow, mindful movement that helps restore energy and alleviate difficult emotions. “The animal sanctuary offers a welcoming space to relax and rejuvenate. Though many of us are familiar with the concepts of resiliency, self-care, and trauma-informed practices, Indra presents them in a novel way, through the lens of animal rescue and care farming,” enthused Elizabeth Hemphill, Supervisor of Mental Health Programs for the Scranton School District. “Meeting the animals and hearing their stories facilitated dialogue about the numerous ways we can care for ourselves and each other. Indra is a thoughtful and engaging presenter. She created the opportunity for us to explore new forms of self-care that we are excited to share with our colleagues and students.” Indraloka emphasizes a holistic approach to building resilience. Led by Dr. Lahiri, an organizational psychologist who has been studying trauma-informed practices for well over a decade, the program incorporates long-established practices with the latest science on overcoming trauma. The result is participants feel empowered to confidently face challenges while learning to build support systems they can rely on. Instead of feeling depleted by the demands of their jobs, they know they have the tools to deal with difficult situations. The “Resilient Counselors Mastery Series” is part of Indraloka Connects: Insight to Action, a groundbreaking consulting service designed to foster resilience, inclusion, and trauma-informed excellence in organizations. Indraloka offers employers unique experiences, including access to our sanctuary, team-building workshops with rescued animals, and a six-month leadership mastery program. Our services also include cultural transformation audits, resilient leader roundtables, and the creation of resilience councils to guide lasting, positive change. In addition to “Indraloka Connects” and the “Resilient Counselors Mastery Series,” Indraloka provides other much-needed help to the community. The NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic at Indraloka offers low-cost veterinary services to income-qualified households and low-cost neutering and spaying to all households. The clinic also offers low-cost veterinary services to other area rescues and shelters that are members of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. What started as a one-person sanctuary that primarily rescued horses on a small farm in Bucks County, PA, has turned into a sanctuary that cares for more than 200 animals of 15 different species, with thousands of annual visitors. Indraloka hosts children’s day camps, music, art, and reading programs, public tours and events, and workshops throughout the year. The new mental health care programming will help create a healthier community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Dr. Lahiri is available for interviews.
Geisinger Raises $10 Million for Maternal Care The Geisinger Health Foundation has reached an ambitious $10 million fundraising goal for its Beyond the Bricks Campaign supporting maternal and pediatric care across the Geisinger system. The announcement was made at the Geisinger Beyond the Bricks Campaign Ball and was met with celebration and gratitude from attendees, including donors, community leaders, and healthcare advocates who have rallied together to support this initiative. “Tonight is a testament to the power of community and our shared belief in a healthier future for all,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, chief philanthropy officer of Geisinger Health Foundation. “Reaching our $10 million goal wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our supporters, partners and staff. These funds will make sure we can continue to provide exceptional care to mothers, children and families throughout the region we serve.” The ball, held on the Geisinger campus in Danville, was a celebration of Geisinger’s long- standing commitment to excellence in healthcare. Several key projects have already been launched thanks to contributions from the community, including Geisinger Medical Center’s bridge clinic, which links emergency department patients in crisis with immediate psychiatric and follow up behavioral health care, and Free2BMom, a program that helps mothers with substance use disorders. Guests at the gala enjoyed entertainment, remarks from campaign leaders and presentations showcasing the impact of the Beyond the Bricks Campaign, which is helping to expand behavioral healthcare for young patients, protect children and promote research and innovation that benefits women and children.
Geisinger to Host Dinners to Honor Local Military Veterans Drive-through event to take place at 11 locations To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Geisinger Healthplex State College location will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Geisinger will provide these dinners at a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served about 2,900 meals. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now. Veterans can make a reservation for themselves and one guest by visiting go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner2024 or calling 570-293-7200. The deadline to register is Friday, Nov. 1. Locations are: Bloomsburg: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St. (main entrance) Danville: Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Danville, 35 Justin Drive, Building 2 Jersey Shore: Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St. Lewistown: Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave. (third-floor entrance) Mifflintown: Geisinger Family Health Associates Mifflintown, 27 CJEMS Lane Muncy: Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220 Highway Pittston: Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, 1201 Oak St. Scranton: Nay Aug Park, 500 Arthur Ave. Shamokin: Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township State College: Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda Wilkes-Barre: Behind Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, at 50 Roosevelt Terrace
Chamber Hosts 8th Congressional Candidates for Private Forum The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted a private forum on Monday, October 14, featuring 8th Congressional Candidates Congressman Matt Cartwright and Rob Bresnahan. This exclusive event allowed candidates to network with Chamber members and representatives from regional Chambers of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureaus. “We are pleased that the candidates for the 8th Congressional District recognized the importance of addressing the questions and concerns of our members. And we are proud to once again team with our fellow regional Chambers and Visitors Bureaus to speak with a unified voice on behalf of the business community of northeastern Pennsylvania,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. The forum, structured to foster engagement, allowed attendees to hear directly from the candidates on various business, economic, childcare, affordable housing and healthcare, and workforce topics that impact northeastern Pennsylvania. Moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, the questions asked of the candidates were geared towards legislative priorities submitted by Chamber members. In partnership with the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, The Chamber collaborated with the Pocono Television Network to film and distribute the 8th Congressional Forum to media outlets across the region. The Chamber and its leadership are committed to facilitating important dialogues between the business community and local government, ensuring that the voices of area businesses are heard and represented in legislative matters. Regional Chambers of Commerce that participated in the 8th Congressional Forum: Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce; the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce; the Chamber of the Northern Poconos; and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. Watch the 8th Congressional forum online here!
