Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hosts PennDOT Officials for Capitol Conversations Series Elected officials, along with business and community leaders, gathered at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce on June 19, for another Capitol Conversation series, featuring a transportation and infrastructure update from the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll and PennDOT District 4 Executive Jonathan Eboli, P.E. Secretary Carroll addressed transportation funding challenges and their impact on PennDOT projects, including the addition of third lanes along spans of Interstate 81 the status of proposed Scranton-N.Y. passenger rail service, and the proposed Scranton Beltway projects. District Executive Eboli and Secretary Carroll gave updates on upcoming infrastructure investments throughout Lackawanna County, including improvements to Keystone Industrial Park Road, bridge preservation work on the North Scranton Expressway, the rehabilitation of Cedar Avenue and Spruce Street, and a future bridge replacement project on West Lackawanna Avenue. The officials also highlighted Operation Yellow Jacket, a partnership between PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police aimed at improving work zone safety. Recent legislation and speed cameras have helped reduce speeding in work zones, but he noted continued efforts are needed to protect workers. Capitol Conversations is an informational series sponsored by The Chamber under the Government Affairs Committee. The sessions feature elected and appointed officials speaking with Chamber leaders and members on topics of importance to the business community.
Leadership Lackawanna Recognizes 2026 Core Program Graduates at Celebration of Leadership Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, hosted its 2026 Celebration of Leadership event, which honored participants in Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The event was held at Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, and included business networking, an end-of-year review and video, and raffles, along with the presentation of certificates to graduates. Graduates of the program were recognized for their commitment throughout 10 months of leadership development, learning, and participation in one of four class projects. A highlight of the program, class projects in collaboration with Countryside Conservancy, Friendship House, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the Greater Scranton YMCA were commended during the ceremony. Working with Countryside Conservancy, members of the Core class assisted in renovating part of the conservancy’s outdoor space by building a new bridge, clearing vegetation, installing signage, and creating a picnic area. Another group partnered with Friendship House to renovate a classroom within the Autism Center, repainting and redesigning the space to create a more welcoming environment. Core participants also collaborated with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to modernize the organization’s Angel’s Attic facility, which provides food and clothing to neighbors in need. In partnership with the Greater Scranton YMCA, members of the class also helped launch the “Foundations for the Future Project,” an initiative focused on improving the YMCA’s recreational and learning spaces. Read more about the 2026 Core Program Class Projects. Leadership Lackawanna extends thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Core Program including designBLD, Penn East Federal Credit Union, PPL Electric Utilities, Quandel Construction Group, Inc., Maximus Foundation, Geisinger, Times Shamrock Communications, PNC Bank, Center City Print, Friendship House, and Golden Technologies. Leadership Lackawanna also recognizes the graduates of its 2026 Core Program for their commitment throughout the 10-month leadership experience. 2026 Core Program Graduates Amanda Friday – Peoples Security Bank & Trust Amanda Lyn Brown – Penn East Federal Credit Union Anthony Salva, LCSW – Integrative Mind and Body Services Brittani Pulse – Nunzi’s Advertising Christopher M. Pahoski – Benco Dental Courtney Rittenhouse – Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Daneece A. Jones – Greater Scranton YMCA Deanna Smith – AAA North Penn Diana Latsko – Maximus Federal Services Douglas A. Hein – Scranton Counseling Center Eric Eiden – Lackawanna College Haley Houck – Fidelity Bank Jason Carpenter – designBLD John Conte lll – The Honesdale National Bank John P Joyce – Lackawanna County Jose Santiago de los Rios – Tuxedo by Sarno Joshua Cole Howells – Allied Services Julianna Cardillo – Penn State (Scranton) Linda Beck – United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Madison Theobald – Penn East Federal Credit Union Maria Day – Penn State (Scranton) Mateo Arroyopabon – The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company Matt Coolbaugh – Quandel Construction Group, Inc. Pete Gentile – City of Scranton Sarah Bauman – Montage Mountain Resorts Walter Kosak – Plaskolite
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Spirit of Hope Celebration Raises $37,000 The Spirit of Hope Celebration Board of Ambassadors presented the Cancer Institute with a $37,072 check from their 2025 Spirit of Hope event. “On behalf of the Ambassadors who truly exhibit the ‘Spirit of Hope’ we are pleased to present you with these funds to help individuals receive early detection and free screenings,” said Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Board of Ambassadors. The Board of Ambassadors, a group of community volunteers, hosted the thirteenth annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November 2025 at Mohegan Pennsylvania. More than 300 people were in attendance. The event featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction. John “Slick” Baum was the Tribute to Courage Honoree. Proceeds from the event benefited the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings.
Hospice Of The Sacred Heart Receives Check From 4th Annual “Night To Remember” Fundraiser On April 29th, 2026, the 4th Annual “Night to Remember” was held at the Back Mountain Brewing Company in Dallas in honor of Tracy Gototweski. It was an evening full of laughter, love and memories with family and friends. Due to the generosity of those who came out to remember Tracy, $4,210 was raised to support patients of Hospice of the Sacred Heart and their families. The donation was made in Tracy’s honor, knowing that the hard work and dedication of the hospice staff is appreciated by all of the lives they touch. Pictured front row l to r: Lisa Kramer, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit Social Worker, Diane Baldi, RN, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart and Ann Rish. Back row l to r: Bridgett Gallagher, Inpatient Unit Coordinator, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dave Gototweski, Sherry Cross and Kelly Noreika, RN, BSN, Director of Inpatient Services, Hospice of the Sacred Heart
Allied Services Vocational Programs Offer Employment Opportunities Allied Services continues to empower individuals with disabilities through its Vocational Services Division, which provides specialized training and employment opportunities designed to help participants achieve greater independence and long-term career success. Since 1959, Allied Services has helped individuals develop workplace skills through vocational training, supported employment, community employment, and janitorial training programs. Participants receive hands-on instruction, earn competitive wages, and build the skills needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment in a variety of industries. The organization also partners with businesses throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania to connect employers with a trained and reliable workforce while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through these partnerships, participants gain valuable job experience, increased confidence, and greater independence. Individuals interested in learning more about Allied Services’ vocational and employment programs, including available workshops and training opportunities, are encouraged to visit Vocational Services Program Information or contact Allied Services for additional information.
Crystal Windows Launches New Architectural Window Line Award-winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems again expands its high-end window offerings with the introduction of the new aluminum outswing projected Series 8700 windows. Available in casement, awning, and fixed styles, these new architectural windows excel in thermal performance and comply with the latest stringent energy code requirements of New York City and other jurisdictions. With a 3-¼” jamb depth, the Crystal Series 8700 windows are suitable for both new construction and replacement applications involving mid-rise, high-rise, multi-family, office, hospitality, or institutional properties. “The slim sightline contemporary geometry of the Series 8700 windows represents the best in modern, sophisticated, environmentally sustainable window styling,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and R&D Manager. “While European-inspired in design, the Crystal Series 8700 is proudly manufactured in America, with American materials, and by skilled American workers.” The Series 8700 aluminum windows feature state-of-the-art polyamide strut thermal break technology, delivering enhanced energy efficiency. Strength for the windows is improved through the use of heavy-duty extrusions and corner-keyed frames. Visually, the minimal sightlines – 2’ for fixed and 2-15⁄16” for operable windows – maximize vision glass, daylighting, and aesthetic appeal. As such, the new Series 8700 line represents a step up in thermal efficiency, structural performance, and sightlines from the current Crystal Series 8500 window line. Test ratings for the Series 8700 windows are outstanding, with structural ratings of AW-PG100 for the outswing casement and fixed styles, and AW-PG85 for the awning style. With appropriate insulated glass packages, low U-values of 0.18 for the fixed style and 0.29 for operable styles can be achieved. These values surpass the requirements of New York City and other municipal and state energy codes. Additionally, using laminated glass options, the window line can attain acoustic performance ratings of STC 42 and OITC 34. All three of the Crystal Series 8700 window styles come standard with 1” double glass insulated glass units (IGUs). A 1-¼” IGU option is available, as are triple glass, monolithic, and bird-deterring glass options. Low-E glass and argon gas are also available. To achieve any desired design and complement a wide variety of façade materials, all the Crystal Series 8700 windows are finished in an array of standard and custom color sustainable powder coat paint, to AAMA 2604 (standard) or AAMA 2605 (upgrade) criteria. Other finishes are also available. In addition, the window’s polyamide strut thermal break readily facilitates two-tone (different interior and exterior) color schemes. “Crystal offers many functionality and safety options for this new product line across all styles,” said Leung. “For example, units can be specified with opening limit devices, ADA compliant hardware, and between-the-glass grids, with a simulated divided light grid option to be introduced soon.” The Crystal Series 8700 windows are compatible with the company’s full range of panning, receptors, subsills, and other installation accessories. To further facilitate installations, a 1.5” face fin (aka casement fin) frame is an option. Combinations of Series 8700 windows can be assembled using internal impost mullions and the common master frame option. Larger groupings or more complex arrangements of units can be combined using mullions, either factory- or field-assembled at the jobsite. “The new Crystal Series 8700 window line was designed to provide architects and developers with versatile, stylish fenestration for today’s luxury properties,” said Leung. “Going beyond current codes, this window series offers energy and structural performance for long-term viability. It is a great choice for projects across the country.”
NEPIRC Announces New Board Members : NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, welcomed six newly-elected board members with a shared commitment to supporting the growth and success of the manufacturing industry. NEPIRC’s new board members include: · Matthew Gabriel, InterMetro Industries · Michael Novosel, ON Semiconductor · Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, Noble Biomaterials, Inc. · Justin D. Price, USHydrations · Jaime Ryan, CPA, PNC Financial Services · Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM, InterMetro Industries Matthew Gabriel, Product Manager at InterMetro Industries, has been with the company for 13 years. He leads the strategic planning and execution of multiple product platforms manufactured in Pennsylvania, overseeing new product development, market research, product positioning, profitability, and key elements of the manufacturing value chain. Gabriel is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a member of the Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2025. He has worked in the manufacturing industry for two decades. Michael Novosel, Quality Engineering Manager at ON Semiconductor, has been with the company for 30 years. His deep experience in manufacturing includes quality strategy, process and product quality assurance, audit compliance and preventive and corrective action management. In addition to his professional leadership, Novasel is actively involved in workforce development initiatives, chairing ON Semiconductor’s Job Shadowing Program and participating in the company’s Mountain Top Site University Relations team. He is a longtime youth basketball and baseball coach. Quinn O’Donnell, CPA, is the Assistant Corporate Controller at Noble Biomaterials, Inc. She has spent eight years of her career in the manufacturing industry, and, in her current role, oversees critical financial operations to support organizational planning and performance. O’Donnell is an active member of the Junior League of Scranton. Justin D. Price is the Director of Operations at US Hydrations. He is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve with 14 years of military service. Following five years of Active Duty across several assignments, he returned to the civilian world and held roles at Sanofi Pasteur and Amcor Rigid Packaging before joining USHydrations. Price has completed extensive military and emergency response training, including Airborne School and Hazardous Materials Technician certification, and currently serves as a Small Group Leader with the 3rd Chemical Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is a decorated military leader and recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal. Price holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Keystone College with minors in chemistry and mathematics. He is an active NEPIRC Dream Team volunteer, working to drive and expand awareness about manufacturing careers and opportunities. Jaime Ryan, CPA, is Vice President, Community Development Banking at PNC Financial Services. In this role, which he has held for the past eight years, he manages loans and investments designed to generate meaningful regional impact and strengthen low- to moderate-income communities. He is actively involved in regional nonprofit and economic development leadership, serving as a board member and Treasurer for NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, WRC (formerly Women’s Resource Center) and Penn’s Northeast. He is a Certified Public Accountant. Joseph W. Simkulak, CPA, CPIM has served InterMetro Industries’ Chief Financial Officer for the past seven years. His three-decade-long career in the manufacturing industry includes senior leadership in finance and operations, as well as oversight of major software system implementations. Simkulak earned his Certified Public Accountant credential early in his professional career while employed at Arthur Andersen. He is actively involved in community and nonprofit leadership, serving as Treasurer of the Music Box Dinner Playhouse and as co-founder of the George Barilla Scholarship Fund. He has served on the advisory board for Penn State Wilkes-Barre and was one of the founding members of NEPIRC’s Executive Networking Group. Simkulak is a graduate of The University of Scranton with a degree in computer science. Zach Aciukewicz, Chair of NEPIRC’s Board of Directors and Director of Manufacturing & Operations Development at InterMetro Industries shared, “Our insightful and committed board members give back in a variety of ways, and we are grateful they choose to share their time and talents to strengthen NEPA’s manufacturing community. Their diverse perspectives in accounting, finance, operations, and quality will help us better empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with world-class assessment, performance evaluation, training, and consultative services to help them succeed.” NEPIRC’s newest board members were elected on December 12, 2025, with a term of service commencing on June 30, 2029.
Johnson College To Host Child And Babysitting Workshop Johnson College will host a Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) workshop on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Scranton campus. Registration is required, and interested participants can sign up online by visiting johnson.edu/workshops. The interactive workshop is designed for teenagers and young adults who are interested in starting a babysitting business or who have caregiving responsibilities for younger family members. The program equips participants with the essential skills needed to babysit safely and successfully. The curriculum covers fundamental business setup, strategies for working effectively with parents and children, and vital safety, caregiving, and first aid instructions. To engage young learners, the program utilizes a modern, magazine-format CABS guide and vlogger-style educational videos. The cost to attend the workshop is $50 per person. The session is part of the college’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop series.
Allied Services Appoints New Terrace Personal Care Facility Administrator Robert Fenner, LPN, PCHA, joined Allied Services in 2023 as Wellness Director and has played an instrumental role in strengthening the culture and daily operations of the personal care community. With nearly a decade of healthcare experience, Fenner is recognized for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to resident-centered care, and dedication to staff development. In 2025, he earned his Personal Care Home Administrator certification and currently serves as the organization’s Certified Medication Administration Trainer for Personal Care staff, helping expand education and clinical capabilities across the divisions. Under his leadership, Allied Terrace has continued to enhance its ability to support residents with increasing care needs while fostering a warm, welcoming environment for residents, families, and staff alike. Fenner actively participates in long-term care professional networking and continuing education opportunities, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth within the field. Outside of Allied Terrace, Fenner has been actively involved in fostering youth within the community, reflecting the same compassion and commitment to care that defines his leadership style.
Johnson College Receives Grant From Wayne County Community Foundation Johnson College received a $6,000 award during the Wayne County Community Foundation’s spring grant cycle to enable eligible Wayne County residents to enroll in the Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) program. The funding will support a Wayne County participant with tuition, technology, PPE/safety equipment, tools needed for success in their desired program of study, and a range of support services to reduce barriers to their education. RISE is a comprehensive workforce development program that serves residents across nine counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing access to technical training and vital support services. Counties include Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. The program is designed to eliminate barriers such as transportation, childcare, housing, and food insecurity that often prevent individuals from starting or completing their education. The program creates a clear pathway to family-sustaining careers and brighter futures for participants and their families while addressing critical workforce shortages in Northeast Pennsylvania.
