The Chamber and CAN DO Host Greater Philadelphia Business Development Event The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of community and business leaders on a business development industry tour to The Scranton Plan and the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliates of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CAN DO, Inc, of Greater Hazleton, recently hosted a business development broker mixer in the Greater Philadelphia region to strengthen relationships with commercial and industrial real estate professionals and advance business development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event brought together brokers and economic development leaders to highlight current and emerging development opportunities across the region, including available building and land sites, workforce assets, infrastructure, and competitive business environment. The mixer provided an informal setting for meaningful dialogue focused on business attraction, expansion, and long-term regional growth. “Engaging brokers in key markets like Greater Philadelphia is a critical component of our development and marketing strategy,” said Amy Luyster, Vice President of Business and Workforce Development, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Their market insight and professional networks help ensure Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania remains visible and competitive as companies consider new locations.” “The Greater Hazleton area is an integral part of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial market,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, CAN DO, Inc. “By working collaboratively with partners like The Scranton Plan and SLIBCO, we are able to present a regionally aligned picture of available sites, infrastructure, workforce strengths, and long-term value to companies considering expansion or relocation through engagement with strategic audiences such as Greater Philadelphia.” The mixer opened the door for The Chamber and CAN DO to advance follow-up site tours, generate new prospect referrals, and deepen ongoing partnerships with brokers and regional stakeholders. To learn more about business development opportunities, available sites, and economic development support services in Lackawanna County and the Greater Hazleton area, visit www.scrantonplan.com or www.hazletoncando.com.
Chamber Plays Key Role in PEDA Conference Success The 2025 Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) Fall Conference took place October 22–24 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It gathered economic development professionals, developers, government and business leaders from across the state to explore best practices, policy trends, and collaborative strategies. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County, served as Platinum Sponsors and assisted PEDA in planning the three-day conference. Chamber staff also took active roles as speakers and moderators — including Bob Durkin, Amy Luyster, AJ Cimahosky, Emily Pettinato, and Mary McDermott. Sessions focused on regional priorities like the industrial and office real estate market, downtown redevelopment, tourism, workforce development, entrepreneurship; and topics such as Amtrak and the growing presence of data centers. The conference also featured a keynote address by local developer Donald J. Rinaldi, highlighting the Lace Village project. This marked the first time that Scranton hosted this statewide conference. Link to Momentum Article: https://indd.adobe.com/view/834f7798-c4d7-4a69-84c4-20872226049a
Governor Josh Shapiro Announces PA SITES Funding Governor Josh Shapiro announced more than $39 million in state funding through the PA SITES (Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) Program, supporting 11 projects across Pennsylvania aimed at preparing industrial and business sites for future growth. The PA SITES program is part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year economic development strategy and focuses on creating shovel-ready locations by funding essential infrastructure such as grading, utilities, and roadway access. The initiative is designed to attract new employers, encourage private investment, and create good-paying jobs. “Pennsylvania has the workforce and the potential to compete with any state,” said Governor Shapiro. “Through PA SITES, we’re investing in the sites and infrastructure that make it easier for companies to build and hire right here in our communities.” Lackawanna County: Century Development Associates LLC will receive $6 million to prepare a 230-acre former coal mine site in Mayfield and Archbald Boroughs. The project will include grading, utilities, and roadwork to make the property development-ready, with total site preparation costs estimated at $52 million and up to $100 million in total future investment. This project is expected to support hundreds of construction jobs during site preparation and create up to 1,000 long-term jobs once the property is fully developed with industrial tenants. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce team members Amy Luyster, A.J. Cimahosky, and Emily Pettinato attended the event in support of furthering economic development and the PA SITES program in Lackawanna County.
SLIBCO Construction Project Notice NOTICE TO BID Sealed proposals for the TekRidge Expansion project located at 50 Alberigi Drive, Jessup, PA., will be received by Aaron Whitney, Director of Facilities and Asset Management for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, until August 7, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. prevailing local time. Bids will be open publicly at 2:05 P.M. in The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s executive conference room, 222 Mulberry Street, Scranton Pa 18503. The work includes a renovation of approximately 10,200 square feet of area within the building as well as the installation of (2) EV charging stations. The Work under the above Contract(s) shall be completed within 122 consecutive calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. Work shall commence on September 1, 2025, and be substantially complete by December 31, 2025. It is the responsibility of the Contractor(s) to supply the necessary manpower, materials, and equipment to complete all Work in accordance with the above time schedule and the Lump Sum Price shall be based on the Contractor manning the Work to meet this schedule. Contract Documents issued by hc architects are available via email by efischetti@hc-architects.com: All bidders are to be registered with hc architects. A Proposal Guarantee in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the Bid must accompany each bid in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. The above general outline of the principal features does not in any way limit the responsibility of the Contractor to perform all Work and furnish all labor, materials and equipment required by the Contract Documents. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Bidders must be prepared to submit a sworn performance record and a sworn financial statement, upon written request of the Owner, after the bids have been opened. Bidders are hereby notified that the proposed Work will be subject to the provisions, duties, obligations, and penalties of the Davis-Bacon Wage Rate Act. The successful bidder will be required to file a Stipulation Against Mechanic’s Lien prior to commencing work. Questions can be submitted via email to efischetti@hc-architects.com
Luyster Named Trailblazer in Economic & Workforce Development by the City & State Pennsylvania Please join us in congratulating Amy Luyster, vice president of business & workforce development, on being named one of the Trailblazers in Economic & Workforce Development by the City & State Pennsylvania! Luyster leads initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines, connect education with employer needs, and support business growth in Lackawanna County. Her impact can be seen across our region—from helping startups launch to supporting major expansions. Congratulations, Amy, on receiving this honor!
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Graduation The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. The ceremony took place at the Green Ridge Club in Scranton. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. Program Coordinator, Jen Strzelec states:“We are proud to congratulate the 67 remarkable teens of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re confident they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gained over the last seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders”. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students engaged in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Audrey Agnello, Western Wayne High School Kathryn Apolinario, Holy Cross High School Emily Atonal, Scranton High School Molly Banik, Mid Valley Secondary Center Lauren Bartell, Abington Heights High School Lindsey Bartell, Abington Heights High School Wyatt Barucky, Forest City Regional High School Madelyn Battaglia, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Nathan Beecham, Riverside Jr/Sr High School Grace Bennett, Abington Heights High School Anthony Betti, Mid Valley Secondary Center Molly Carter, Valley View High SchoolMya Cesarini, Valley View High School Nora Crambo, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolKiera Crowell, Abington Heights High School Joshua Cuck, Scranton Preparatory School Addison Daiute, Valley View High SchoolKaylyn Davis, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Ryan DeMarco, Old Forge High School Gabriella Dennis, Scranton Preparatory School Timothy Fogley, Abington Heights High School Natalia Ghirelli, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolJoseph Griffin, Commonwealth Charter Academy Emily Grover, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emma Guse, North Pocono High SchoolKatie Gutekunst, North Pocono High School Madison Hallock, Valley View High School Sona Hanumali, Abington Heights High School Gabrielle Jordan, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Matthew Kirchner, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolBrendan Korty, Forest City Regional High School Krithika Krishnan, Dunmore Jr/Sr High School Maryn Kukuchka, Tunkhannock Area High School Benjamin Kulikowski, Riverside Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lach, Lakeland Jr/Sr High SchoolOlivia Lawler, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Emily Loomis, Valley View High SchoolMadeleine Mackarey, Scranton Preparatory School Andrew McDonald, Abington Heights High School Khloe Mistishin, Western Wayne High School William Murphy, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School Julia Noto, Dunmore Jr/Sr High SchoolIsabelle O’Brien, Scranton High School Kathryn O’Hora, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Olive O’Rourke, Abington Heights High School Mia Peregrim, Old Forge High SchoolKate Peters, Abington Heights High School James Prislupski, Holy Cross High School Natalie Puckett, Triboro Christian Academy Benjamin Reese, Abington Heights High School Ava Roberto, Scranton High SchoolGavin Roberts, Lakeland Jr/Sr High School Emmelia Rucks, Commonwealth Charter Academy Madison Smith, Abington Heights High School Kelsey Smith, North Pocono High SchoolCharlie Stampien, Abington Heights High School Ava Strzelec, North Pocono High SchoolNatalie Talluto, Mid Valley Secondary Center Raphael Thomas, Scranton Preparatory School Aidan Tinney, Mid Valley Secondary CenterJaiden Trunzo, Lackawanna Trail Jr/Sr High School Nmesoma Udoye, Scranton High SchoolGianna Vachino, Abington Heights High School Kevin Vincent Jr., Holy Cross High School Luke Warring, Scranton High SchoolKiley Williams, Riverside Jr/ Sr High School Ava Wisnosky, Tunkhannock Area High School
Penn State Football Head Coach to Visit Local Area Join Penn State football student-athletes, coaches and lettermen for evening of autographs, dinner and fun in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Held at the Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter, the event will provide Penn State fans in the region with opportunities to meet James Franklin as well as their favorite current and former Nittany Lions all while supporting the team’s NIL fund. Where: Fox Hill Country Club (454 Tunkhannock Ave, Exeter, PA 18643)When: June 6, 6–9PM Join Penn State football coaches, lettermen and current student-athletes for an autograph signing and reception benefitting the program’s NIL fund. The event will start with student-athlete autograph signing and continue with a Q & A session, auction, drink tastings and more! Each attendee may bring one outside item to be signed. Materials for autographs will be provided. A ticket also includes appetizers, drinks and open bar.
McCarthy Group Florists Announces Newest Acquisition McCarthy Group Florists, headquartered In Lackawanna County since 1952, announces the acquisition of Flowers by Edith in Lakeland FL as of May 15, 2024. Flowers by Edith began 90 years ago, and remains an iconic brand in central Florida. Kevin McCarthy, president of McCarthy Flowers, reports all current team members will be retained, and business will continue as normal in Flowers by Edith’s existing downtown Lakeland location. This latest addition brings McCarthy Flowers national store count to 33, and full time staff to over 600.
