I Need A Speaker Presents Free Webinar with Dr. Roger Firestien The most revolutionary ideas often emerge from unexpected connections. On November 15, Dr. Roger Firestien, a global expert in creative problem-solving, is hosting a free live webinar designed to help participants unlock the power of these connections and spark creativity that drives innovation. In just one hour, attendees will learn practical, proven techniques for deliberately making these creative connections, turning ordinary ideas into extraordinary innovations that outpace the competition. Dr. Firestien’s methods have helped over 600 organizations worldwide enhance their creative capabilities, with his work featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and INC. Key webinar takeaways include: Learn how to spark creativity on demand to drive innovation Discover how unexpected connections can lead to groundbreaking ideas Walk away with 100 actionable ideas to enhance events, meetings, and classes Participate in a live problem-solving session to generate real-world solutions Answer the question: Can bathtubs really fly? Co-sponsored by I Need A Speaker, this session is ideal for event planners, business leaders, and anyone interested in creating more engaging, meaningful experiences—whether in-person or virtual. As an added bonus, all attendees will receive a list of the creative ideas generated during the session, providing a treasure trove of actionable insights to use immediately.
NEPA Alliance to Host Export Training Webinars NEPA Alliance is offering the following export training webinars in December and January. There is no fee to register. The webinars will be presented by Mr. Bob Imbriani, Vice President-International Services, Team Worldwide. Please feel free to share this information with your clients and contact Debbie Langan (dlangan@nepa-alliance.org or 570-891-4645) if you have any questions or require additional information. Incoterms 2020 In Practice Tuesday, December 12, 2023 10:00 – 11:00 amIncoterms® (“INternational COmmercial TERMS”) are a set of 11 internationally recognized rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers. Incoterms specify who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, documentation, customs clearance, and other logistical activities. You may know of Incoterms 2020, but do you know how to apply them in an actual transaction? Many programs present the definitions but only provide a few, if any, ways to apply them. This program will provide not only an understanding of the definitions but also actual examples of using them to your advantage in Purchase Orders, Sales Agreements, and even letters of credit. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0OuD6xdbR1qa4nNOpXjA0Q Choosing the Correct Payment Option for Your Exports Wednesday, January 10, 2024 10:00 – 11:00 am In a global marketplace, exporters need to offer their customers attractive sales terms supported by the appropriate payment methods. Understand the payment process so you can choose correctly. For most companies, it’s important to get paid for their exports. Of course, most companies would prefer payment up-front, before goods are shipped. However, the realities of making a sale—particularly when you are competing against other potential suppliers—mean you need to choose a payment option that minimizes your risk while accommodating the needs of the buyer and maximizing the competitiveness of your products. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z4j5NWgMQnqkgEdTig8Meg
The University of Scranton April Events Through Apr. 14 Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Apr. 1 9 a.m. Regional National History Day Competition for junior and senior high school students. The DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com. Apr. 2 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Mikaela Bennett, voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Apr. 4 7 p.m. Performance: “From Music Score To Life On Stage” book by Gene Terruso, co-produced with the University Players and The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Apr. 14 4:30 p.m.Environmental Art Show opening event – Artist Talk with Stéphanie Williams. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu. Apr. 14-25 Environmental Art Show. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu. Apr. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with guest baritone/bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Apr. 17 5:30 p.m. The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities Lecture: “The Regeneration Revolution: Working at the Nexus of Food, Climate, and Culture” presented by Nicole Negowetti, managing director of the Plant Based Foods Institute and vice president of Policy & Food Systems at the Plant Based Foods Association. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. Apr. 18 11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentation and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu. Apr. 20 8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu. Apr. 20 4 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Where Does Wealth Come From?” presented by Sandra Black, Ph.D., Columbia University. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email john.ruddy@scranton.edu. Apr. 20 5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu. Apr. 20-22 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Performance: “Curtains” presented by The University of Scranton Liva Arts Company. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu. Apr. 21 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Stories Heal the World” presented by Colum McCann, author of seven novels and three collections of stories, recipient of many international honors including the National Book Award and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Collegiate Hall, Redington Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Apr. 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. Apr. 24 through May 5 Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. Apr. 26 noon. Celebration of Student Scholars. Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6353 or email phillip.swank@scranton.edu. Apr. 27 4:15 p.m. Math Integration Bee. Calculus-based high school math competition. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required. Visit https://www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/math/bee.shtml or email stacey.muir@scranton.edu. Apr. 27 5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu. Apr. 27 7 p.m. Schemel Forum with Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute at The University of Scranton Collaborative Program: “Only in America? Religion, State, and a Hasidic Town in Rural New York” presented by David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, UCLA. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. $15 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Apr. 27-30 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Theatrical performance of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” by The University of Scranton’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the English and Theatre Department as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu. Apr. 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The World after the Ukraine War” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russian expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, current CNN on-air contributor and professor, Georgetown University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Apr. 29-30 9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu. The University of Scranton to Host Webinar The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is proud to be hosting “Digital Skills for Everyday Tasks”, a Grow with Google webinar, on Tuesday, March 28 from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. Learn how to manage work and life tasks more effectively using Google tools. Whether you want to build a budget, create a meeting agenda or organize your priorities, these best practices will boost your productivity. This will be a mostly hands-on webinar showing you the products in action.The Webinar will go over Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and much more! Registration link:https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/30308Facebook event link:https://fb.me/e/2NwuqwYVr
UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program Are You Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level in 2023? Join UGI on Thursday, February 9, 2023, 9AM–9:45AM to learn more. As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to grow and expand your business. And the new year is a great time to start fresh and take advantage of new opportunities. One of the best ways to do this is by joining the UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program. With this program, BPI-certified contractors can offer energy efficiency services to homeowners and can earn up to $200 in rebates for completing home energy evaluations. Interested in joining the UGI Save Smart Home Energy Upgrades Program but still have questions? You’re in luck. UGI is hosting a webinar on February 9 from 9AM–9:45AM, where you can learn more about the program, its requirements and how to become a participating contractor. During the webinar, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with program representatives and get all your questions answered. Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights into the program and how it can help you boost your sales in 2023. Ready to start saving your customers even more energy and money? Sign up for the webinar today. Register Today!
PennDOT Invites Businesses To Prepare for Nevi Grant Program The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that resources are now available to help businesses and organizations to prepare in advance of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Notice of Funding Opportunity announcement, which is anticipated for late December/early January. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), PennDOT will receive and distribute $171.5 million in formula funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure over the next five years. The NEVI funding available for the first federal fiscal year is $25.4 million. NEVI grants will require the grantee to provide a minimum 20% match. “The NEVI program will help Pennsylvania build out its EV charging infrastructure,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “As this is a new program for Pennsylvania and the nation at large, we want to give our partners and businesses as much opportunity as possible to prepare for application submission to support our efforts of transparency and equity.” The NEVI grant funding supports the commonwealth and federal goal of expanding EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (list) and Interstate lookalikes. Pennsylvania has over 1,800 miles of AFCs. Per the guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to “build out” designated AFCs (no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. The NEVI Grant pre-announcement resources include information about applicant eligibility, eligible projects, and eligible and ineligible costs. In addition, PennDOT has created an interactive map identifying existing AFC-qualifying stations and has grouped interchanges based on priority through a gap analysis. An outline of the potential scoring criteria is also included listed in order of priority. Interested businesses and organizations are encouraged to review the ‘How to Get Ready’ section on PennDOT’s website for recommendations on how to prepare for the upcoming grant opening. PennDOT will host an informational webinar about the 2022 NEVI Grant Program on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 10 AM to noon. This webinar is intended for all audiences interested in applying for PennDOT NEVI grant program funds. This webinar will provide an overview of the PennDOT NEVI grant program, as well as information on eligibility, types of projects funded, how to apply, eligible and non-eligible costs, and application best practices. In addition, NEVI stakeholder sessions are being held around the state. These sessions will include a presentation portion, followed by an opportunity to network, and expand professional connections and partnerships. Interested parties can register for a session of interest on PennDOT’s “Learn About NEVI” webpage. To enhance traveler information for the growing number of EV drivers, the state’s traveler information system – 511PA – now also includes EV charging station locations as an option on its traffic map. Using data from the U.S. Department of Energy, the map shows locations across the state by connector type, including CCS, J1772, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and NEMA.
Scranton SBDC Webinars Gear Up for Financing: What Do I Need to Prepare? (Webinar) Wednesday, 9/21/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3ueM5mCM9 The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Session one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will help you evaluate: What knowledge you’ll needDecisions to considerHow timing and fit of loan to use come into play Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, planning for success should start early, and applying for capital requires documentation, often including financial projections and a business plan, and more. This session will also supply some insight into best practices on the financial side of your business and how the SBDC can help you.“What Do I Need to Prepare?” is the first in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778 The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)Thursday, 9/22/22 ● 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29703Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1XdWkJTD5 Have you always had a dream to start your own business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Attend our First Step Express webinar! A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at: Applications and licenses needed to start a business Different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)Business plan basicsFinancing optionsSBDC Services available as you start your business All pre-venture clients are encouraged to attend this course or a similar program, or complete pre-venture materials to prepare for the engagement, prior to being assigned to a consultant for one-on-one assistance. How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Really Work (Webinar)Tuesday, 9/27/22 ● 10:00 am – 11:00 am Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29706Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2UpvPQlck You have an idea for a new business but are wondering where to start. Is the idea worth pursuing? How can you tell if it is or isn’t? This session will get you thinking about your motivation for starting a business by walking you through simple steps that will help you determine if the idea is feasible. Steps covered will include: Considering Your Business Ideas (What type of business do you want to start?)Assess Your Resources (How much will this endeavor cost, both financially and in time spent?)Review Industry Regulations (Every industry has them!)Define Your Target Market (Who are you going to sell to? Hint – it’s not everyone!)Identify Your Competitive Advantage (What do you have to offer that your competitors don’t?)Write a Business Plan (Yes, it is important!) Gear Up for Financing: What Are My Funding Options? (Webinar)Wednesday, 9/28/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2c3AVgkPr The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Now that you know what to gather and work on and know what lenders are looking for, it’s time to take a look at what financing options are available to your small business. Session two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will go over some opportunities, such as: Your own fundsFriends and familyBanks or credit unionsMicroloansFinance companiesAnd more Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! “What Are My Funding Options?” is the second in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777 Making the World Your Market: Considerations for Going Global (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 9:00 am – 10:00 amRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29702Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2R63TyLFK The world seems to be getting smaller. Doing business internationally is one strategy for business growth. Is it right for your business? Before companies decide to expand to other markets, they need to analyze and test the viability of those markets and develop an internationalization strategy that will contribute to their growth. Going global opens up many new opportunities and potential markets, as well as some potential hurdles. Learn the why, where, what, when, and how to bring your company into the international arena and more with presenter Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant and SBA-Certified Export & Trade Counselor, Duquesne University SBDC. Additional presenters will include: Deborah Langan, Senior International Business Manager, NEPA AllianceJoe Burke, Avoca Strategies (Export Experiences and Examples)Nasim Sadr-Fala, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service PhiladelphiaEdward A. Schick, Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration There will also be time for questions and answers.The University of Scranton SBDC, Duquesne University SBDC, and the Pennsylvania SBDC are partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia and SBA Export Financing to bring you this Pennsylvania Regional Exporting Network event. 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Research (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29745Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Kh2ZodSW What is search engine optimization, or SEO? Often it’s about making slight modifications to terms used on your website to increase traffic from search engines like Google. Are you using vocabulary that is commonly known or too niche? Are you including your location? In this session, we will show you how to use the most effective keywords for your small business, how to use location-based terms to increase traffic, as well as some tools that will help you in this process. “Keyword Research” is part one in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Small Business Blogging (Webinar)Thursday, 10/13/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29746Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2fvan31u7 Why is blogging important to a small business? Search engines favor recent information, so regular blog updates increase the likelihood of your information being seen. We will discuss this blogging, how it can be done easily, and how to enrich your posts with keywords to get more traction. “Small Business Blogging” is part two in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Backlinking (Webinar)Thursday, 10/20/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29747Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3yA2rHRIT What is backlinking? A backlink is a link that is created when one website links to another, for instance when your Google profile links to your small business website. The more sites that link to your page give your website relevance in search engines. In this session, we will discuss creating your brand online and the benefit of using the same information on all profiles, from social media to chambers of commerce to sites like Google and Yelp. “Backlinking” is part three in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)Thursday, 10/27/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29749Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Sz4OOaGY You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business. “Measuring Results” is part four in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking
Broadband Funding Webinar Please join the Office of US Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and officials from the US Department of Agriculture and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for an educational conversation on available broadband funding opportunities for Pennsylvania communities. Any questions or concerns may be directed to elizabeth_kishbaugh@casey.senate.gov
