The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceWelcomes Miranda Kane as Finance Assistant The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Miranda Kane has joined its Finance Department as Finance Assistant, supporting the financial management of The Chamber and its affiliated divisions. In this role, Kane will assist with accounts payable and receivable, maintain accurate financial records, reconcile bank and investment accounts, process payments, and support month-end and year-end reporting. “Miranda brings a strong blend of technical skill, accounting knowledge, and practical experience to our finance team,” said James Coleman, vice president of internal operations at The Chamber. “Her background in tax preparation, financial reporting, and data management—combined with her strong attention to detail—will enhance our financial operations and support the long-term success of our affiliated organizations.” Kane shared her excitement about joining The Chamber, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that plays such a vital role in the region’s economic growth. I look forward to supporting the finance team and continuing to expand my skills in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.” Before joining The Chamber, Kane worked as a staff accountant at Herbein + Company, Inc., preparing tax returns, analyzing financial data, and supporting compilation and review processes. Her earlier experience includes an accounts receivable internship with Axiom Product Administration and management roles at two agricultural businesses, where she handled bookkeeping, sales transactions, and operational duties. Kane received a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and an associate’s degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Kyle Walsh as Staff Accountant The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Walsh as its new staff accountant, supporting the financial operations of The Chamber and its divisions. In this role, Walsh will maintain accounting records, prepare journal entries and reconciliations, review accounts payable and receivable, and assist with financial reporting, annual audits, and budget development. He will work closely with the vice president of internal administration to ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls across all financial procedures. “We are excited to welcome Kyle to our finance team,” said James Coleman, vice president of internal administration at The Chamber. “His strong academic background, practical accounting experience, and commitment to accuracy will strengthen our financial operations and support our continued organizational growth. Kyle’s professionalism, analytical ability, and dedication to learning make him an excellent addition to the Chamber.” Walsh shared his appreciation for joining The Chamber, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a meaningful impact on our community. I look forward to applying my accounting experience, expanding my skill set, and contributing to the Chamber’s mission.” Walsh brings hands-on experience in tax preparation, auditing, and client communication through previous roles at Liberty Tax and McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates. His background includes preparing individual tax returns, performing account reconciliations, updating financial statements, and supporting accountants and partners during tax season. Walsh holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Juliette Meyers as Program and Events Coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliette Meyers as the new program and events coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna, the Chamber’s community leadership and professional development division. In this role, Meyers will assist in the coordination of Leadership Lackawanna’s signature programs—Tomorrow’s Leaders Today and Leadership Collegiate—as well as alumni engagement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community events. She will also collaborate with regional partners and program participants to support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of developing informed, committed, and engaged leaders throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We are delighted to welcome Juliette to our team,” said Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Her unique background in art therapy, education, and program management brings a creative and compassionate approach to this position. Juliette’s experience working with diverse groups—and her passion for today’s youth—will allow her to thrive as our new Program and Events Coordinator.” Meyers expressed her enthusiasm for joining The Chamber, saying, “I’m honored to become part of an organization so deeply committed to leadership development and community impact. I look forward to helping cultivate experiences that inspire collaboration, creativity, and service across our region.” Prior to joining The Chamber, Meyers worked as manager of Art Therapy Integration Services at The Wright Center, where she implemented innovative art therapy programs across clinical settings. Her background also includes roles as art coordinator at Winfield Children’s House in Maine and transition coordinator at The Opportunity Alliance, where she supported young adults in a transitional housing setting develop life skills. Meyers earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marywood University.
The Chamber Announces the 2026 Scranton Business Awards The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that applications are now open for its annual Scranton Business Awards, which include the SAGE Awards (the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence), the ATHENA Leadership Award, and the Milestone Awards. New for 2026, the SAGE Awards will be presented at The Chamber’s 157th Annual Dinner. The awards recognize members of the local business community who demonstrate strong and consistent efforts through talent, creativity, leadership, and innovation. All applicants must be current Chamber members in good standing. The SAGE Award categories include Business of the Year, Community Involvement Excellence, and Small Business of the Year. All SAGE Award finalists will automatically be entered into the People’s Choice Award category. In addition, The Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, demonstrated meaningful community service, and actively supported women in attaining professional goals and leadership skills. The Milestone Awards will be presented to businesses that are celebrating anniversaries in five-year increments. They will be honored with Milestone Awards in recognition of their longevity, leadership, and continued impact within the community. All Awards will be presented at The Chamber’s 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, January 23, 2026, at midnight. For more information and to access applications, visit scrantonchamber.com.
Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community. The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources. With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year. Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country. Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Wright Center’s Dr. Decker Named ACP Fellow Dr. Mary Louise Decker, the infectious diseases medical director at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been accepted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Decker, a board-certified infectious disease physician, leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/HEP C Clinic. Dr. Decker is accepting new adult patients at our community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases. ACP fellows are a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, and research. More than 31,000 physicians have earned this mark of distinction since 1975, according to the ACP. Dr. Decker may now use the letters “FACP” after her name in recognition of this honor. This is not Dr. Decker’s first fellowship. In 2022, she was one of 175 physicians worldwide elected as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in infectious diseases, conferred on those who have demonstrated professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. The largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States, ACP has more than 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org. The Wright Center, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services at its growing network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information about its integrated medical, dental, mental and behavioral health, addiction and recovery, and Ryan White HIV services, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Equestrian House: Winter Dates Are Filling Fast ❄️ Winter has officially arrived in the Pocono Mountains—and there’s no better place to relax, recharge, and enjoy the season than Equestrian House. Whether planning a ski adventure, a cozy winter retreat, or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Equestrian House’s homes offer the space, comfort, and convenience guests are looking for. If thinking about a winter escape, now is the perfect time. Weekend and holiday slots go quickly—secure a stay before they’re gone. Click here for more information. ❄️ Why Guests Love Staying With Equestrian House This Winter ✔ Minutes from top ski resorts — including Elk Mountain✔ Warm, spacious, and fully furnished homes✔ Peaceful woodland setting with modern amenities✔ Perfect for couples, families, and group getaways✔ Consistently rated 5-stars for comfort and service After a day on the slopes, guests can come home to a cozy space where they can unwind, cook their favorites in a fully equipped kitchen, or curl up and enjoy the quiet winter scenery.
My Benefit Advisor: Why Employees Miss Their Benefits—and How Employers Help For many mid-sized employers, one of the most overlooked challenges in their benefits strategy is also one of the most costly: employees simply don’t understand their benefits. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of employees feel confident selecting or using their health plan. For smaller and mid-sized organizations where every dollar of premium matters, benefits confusion can directly translate into higher claims, lower engagement, and diminished ROI. The root problem is not a lack of benefits options, but a lack of clarity. Employees are overwhelmed by insurance jargon, complex plan structures, and enrollment materials that feel more like legal documents than decision-making tools. As a result, many default to the same plan every year without evaluating alternatives that might save them (and the company) money. The path forward starts with implication and education. Mid-sized employers can make a significant impact by redesigning communication around how people actually learn. This includes using plain-language explanations, visual comparisons, and short videos that break down key concepts like deductibles, HSAs, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks. Digital decision-support tools can help employees model costs in real time, so they can see the financial impact of their choices…not just read about it. Equally important is year-round communication. Benefits literacy shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Quarterly micro-topics, such as preventive care reminders, urgent care vs. ER guidance, and HSA contributions strategies, keep employees engaged and avoid costly misuse of the plan. Finally, personalized guidance can make a measurable difference. Offering short “benefits coaching sessions” during open enrollment or making HR and brokers available for talk-throughs helps employees feel supported, not overwhelmed. When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare decisions, help control claim costs, and feel more valued. For mid-sized employers, improving benefits literacy is one of the most effective, and low-cost ways to strengthen retention, culture, and financial performance. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Equestrian House: A Creative Refuge Sometimes, one simply needs to step outside of their own thoughts—and a mountain retreat is an ideal place to begin. Set on 100 private acres, the log cabin, cottages, and suites are surrounded by woods, walking trails, and a scenic pond—a setting where, one might say, Thoreau would have felt at home any time of the year. The landscape gently encourages reflection and imagination, whether meditating along a forest trail, journaling at sunrise, sitting by the water, resting by a fire, or clearing the mind with a game on the tennis or basketball courts. Guests are invited to gather a small group of kindred spirits who inspire one another. The lodgings, thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, offer ample space for shared meals, late-night conversations, and individual pursuits—writing, painting, composing, meditating, or simply focusing on personal well-being. This is a place to shape a truly personal creative or spiritual retreat. Though remote enough to feel deeply peaceful, the property is still within a half-hour drive of several small towns known for their local arts scenes. A week in the North Poconos offers a chance to rediscover what fresh air can do for new ideas. Click here for additional information.
PA Treasurer Garrity Announces Expanded Access to PA ABLE Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that starting Jan. 1, 2026, Pennsylvanians with a disability that started prior to the age of 46 will be eligible to save through the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program. Prior to this coming expansion, participation in the program was limited to those whose disability occurred prior to the age of 26. PA ABLE accounts provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities, and their families, the opportunity to save money tax-free without impacting important benefits. Thanks to the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, ABLE accounts will now be accessible to six million more Americans, including one million Veterans. “This significant expansion of eligibility to save with PA ABLE will usher in an era of greater financial independence and security for more of our friends and family members living with disabilities,” Treasurer Garrity said. “By broadening access to PA ABLE, we are helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to flourish – a vision that was unattainable before ABLE programs.” In 2014, federal legislation authorized states to establish ABLE programs, with Pennsylvania opening its first PA ABLE account in 2017 following the passage of legislation championed by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Since then, the program has grown to become the fifth largest program in the country with over 11,500 accounts and more than $180 million saved. PA ABLE offers a variety of investment options including a checking account where contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also free from state and federal taxes. Qualified expenses include a wide range of items such as rent, healthcare, groceries, assistive technology, vehicle modifications and much more. Up to $19,000 in contributions to a PA ABLE account can be deducted from Pennsylvania income taxes annually. PA ABLE assets are also exempt from state inheritance tax. New this year, anyone can contribute to a loved one’s PA ABLE account by purchasing an online gift card to be redeemed into an account, or making a gift directly through the Ugift platform with a code shared by the account owner. To learn more visit paable.gov/gift. “PA ABLE accounts have already made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I encourage everyone to explore how this financial tool can provide security and stability for themselves or their loved ones” Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times. She was a strong advocate for the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, and the inaugural chair of the ABLE Savings Plans Network which works to strengthen ABLE programs on a national level. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
