Leadership Lackawanna recognizes 2026 Executive Program Class The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s nonprofit leadership development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is recognizing those who participated in its 2026 Executive Program. The six-week Executive Program helps public and private sector administrators and professionals become more engaged in the community by broadening their social networks and their knowledge of the greater Scranton area. Participants meet key business and community leaders during weekly sessions and receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history, cultural affairs, civic groups, amenities and more. “It has truly been a pleasure getting to know and work alongside this incredible group,” said Nikki Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna. “One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing firsthand the impact this program can have, not only on participants’ professional growth and careers, but also on their connections to our community.” The 2026 Executive Program Class is as follows: Chris Bohinski, WBRE/WYOU Amanda M. Caleb, Geisinger College of Health Sciences Marissa Calvey, Geisinger Community Medical Center Isabella Ceccoli-Capoccia, Meals on Wheels of NEPA Paul J. DePrimo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Clark R. Gartwait, Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Scouting America Carlyle Hicks, Keystone College Alan Holbrook, Noble Biomaterials Menah Pratt, PhD, JD, Penn State Christopher Lazor, Scranton School District Meghan Moore, Big Bass Lake Community Association, Inc Alissa Phillips, Geisinger Community Medical Center Justin Shaffern, Fidelity Bank Nicole Shumosic, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Megan Stevens, National Park Service – Steamtown NHS Mary-Pat Ward, NeighborWorks NEPA
Seven Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna Programs Now in Executive Program Seven graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s Core or Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 programs are continuing their professional development as participants in the nonprofit’s Executive Program, demonstrating how leadership growth can extend well beyond graduation. Representing organizations across the region, the returning alumni are building on their earlier experiences while expanding their networks and strengthening their understanding of the greater Scranton community. “I am excited to share that several participants in this year’s Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program are alumni of one of our other leadership programs. This is a wonderful reflection of leadership growth and advancement and is exactly what we strive to achieve as an organization,” said Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “We are proud to provide opportunities for individuals to continue building their leadership skills, expanding their networks, and deepening their connection to our community throughout their leadership journey.” The Executive Program connects executive-level professionals with key business and community leaders through six weekly sessions at locations throughout the community. Participants explore Lackawanna County’s history, economic and political structures, cultural offerings and community resources while developing relationships that support greater community involvement. The seven returning alumni include: Alissa M. Phillips, Geisinger Community Medical Center Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, winter 2026 graduate “Participating in Leadership Lackawanna 2.0 was a transformative experience that challenged me to think differently, broadened my understanding of our community, and helped me grow as a leader,” said Alissa Phillips, Winter 2026 Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Graduate. “The relationships and lessons I gained continue to influence my work today. I am honored to continue that leadership journey through the Executive Program, and look forward to the ongoing growth that comes from engaging with such a talented and diverse group of leaders.” Paul DePrimo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Core Program, Class of 2023 “I’m truly grateful to be part of this year’s Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program,” said Paul DePrimo, 2023 Core Program Graduate. “Since graduating from the Core Program in 2023, I’ve gained a greater appreciation for all that Lackawanna County has to offer and built meaningful connections. I’ve enjoyed learning from others’ leadership styles, communication skills, approach to project progression and dedication to excellence. I welcome challenges, connections and opportunities for growth, and Leadership Lackawanna has given me exactly that.” Nicole Shumosic, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Core Program, Class of 2016 “When I participated in Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program in 2015–2016, my team worked on a project to build a butterfly garden for children visiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA,” said Nicole Shumosic, 2016 Core Program Graduate. “I was especially excited about the project because the organization’s mission was one I had always felt strongly connected to. My role within the group focused on fundraising and public relations, so it feels especially full circle that, a decade later, I now serve as the organization’s Director of Engagement & Development, leading many of those same efforts. Beyond the professional experience, the program gave me valuable connections and friendships that I still maintain today. Returning for the Executive Program is an opportunity to continue growing as a leader, build new relationships, and further strengthen my impact in the community.” Bella Capoccia, Meals on Wheels of NEPA Core Program, Class of 2024 “Leadership Lackawanna and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce are integral organizations that help to create true leaders in NEPA. As someone who has participated in the CORE program, I am thrilled to participate in the Executive Leadership program,” said Bella Capoccia, 2024 Core Program Graduate. “CORE fine-tuned some of the skills I already had, while introducing me to the ones I didn’t, and I know the Executive Leadership program will do the same. These organizations and programs help shape the future of our area, and I am looking forward to seeing the good that comes from them!” Carlyle Hicks, Keystone College Core Program, Class of 2018 “I had recently moved to NEPA in August of 2016, and I knew very little of the area,” said Carlyle Hicks, 2018 Core Program Graduate. “Participating in Leadership Lackawanna provided me a great opportunity to explore the area, experience its wide culture and grow closer to the community. Through Leadership Lackawanna, I was able to expand my leadership skills, which helped me in my role at Keystone College and allowed me to rise from a Director to Assistant Vice President. Now in this new role, I thought it was important to participate again in Leadership Lackawanna, but this time at the executive level.” Justin Shaffern, Fidelity Bank Core Program, Class of 2014 “Twelve years ago, I joined Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program as a member of the Class of 2014. What began as an opportunity to learn more about our community quickly became one of the most impactful experiences of my professional career,” sad Justin Shaffern, 2014 Core ProgramGraduate. “As my career has progressed and I have taken on greater leadership responsibilities, I have come to appreciate even more the foundation that Leadership Lackawanna helped establish. Leadership Lackawanna has been a meaningful part of my career development, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my involvement through the Executive Program.” Meghan Moore, Big Bass Lake Leadership Fundamentals 2.0, Class of 2026 “Participating in the Leadership 2.0 Program gave me the confidence, tools, and perspective to continue growing as a leader,” said Meghan Moore, 2006 Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Graduate. “I’m excited to build on that foundation through the Executive Program, strengthen my connections with other community leaders, and apply what I learn to better support my organization and community.” Leadership Lackawanna offers multiple opportunities for emerging and established leaders to develop their skills. Its 10-month Core Program combines leadership, interpersonal and managerial skill development with an exploration of regional issues and hands-on projects benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 provides eight weeks of online learning and interactive discussions focused on topics including communication, leadership identity, workplace differences and managing change. The alumni’s participation reflects Leadership Lackawanna’s commitment to supporting continued growth as individuals take on new responsibilities in their workplaces and communities.
Robert H. Spitz Foundation Awards Skills in Scranton $20,000 Grant to Advance Career Awareness Programs Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support career awareness and workforce development initiatives throughout Lackawanna County. Funding will support the coordination and creation of workforce development programming, including the development and implementation of community-wide career pathways resources and the Educator in the Workplace (EIW) program. “Early exposure to careers and meaningful connections between educators and local employers are critical to building a strong future workforce,” said Emily Pettinato, Workforce Development Manager at The Chamber. “This investment from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation allows Skills in Scranton to continue expanding opportunities that help students understand the careers available in their own communities while giving educators a stronger understanding of the skills and experiences employers need.” Educator in the Workplace is a flagship program of Skills in Scranton that connects local educators with businesses and industry professionals through hands-on workplace experiences. The program helps educators better understand current workforce needs and incorporate real-world career connections into the classroom. EIW is recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education as a best practice for career readiness and talent pipeline development. The grant will also support the continued development of community-wide career pathways resources designed to help students, educators and families explore local career opportunities, employers, education and training options, and the pathways that connect education to employment. Through these efforts, Skills in Scranton works to strengthen connections among students, educators and employers, helping young people make informed decisions about their futures while supporting the talent needs of Lackawanna County employers.
Chamber hosts New Member Welcome Breakfast Two dozen new members attended The Chamber’s annual New Member Welcome Breakfast on Thursday, October 8. This year’s breakfast was held at the new Fidelity Bank building at 507 Linden Street in Scranton. Attendees were able to network with Chamber staff and other new members, while learning how to get the most value out of their memberships. Chamber President Bob Durkin and Director of Membership and Events Mari Potis explained what The Chamber and its divisions do, as well as The Chamber’s advocacy work and advertising opportunities. Attendees were also able to swap business cards with one another as they made new professional connections.
TekRidge Enterprise Center Celebrates Completion of Multimillion-Dollar Expansion The Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the completion of a multimillion-dollar expansion project at the TekRidge Enterprise Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Sept. 10. The project added new anchor-tenant space and collaborative workspace to the facility at 50 Alberigi Drive in Jessup. The celebration also recognized the expansion of Ryan Leckey Media and welcomed Martina Bacarella Architect as a new anchor tenant. “This expansion represents another important investment in the businesses and entrepreneurs driving northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “By providing modern, flexible space and connecting tenants with the resources of the Chamber, we are creating an environment where companies can establish roots, grow and create new opportunities in our region.” Funding support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program helped make the expansion possible. “The completion of this project strengthens the TekRidge Enterprise Center’s role as a center for innovation, collaboration and business growth,” said Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “We are grateful to the partners whose support helped bring this vision to life, and we look forward to seeing our tenants continue to thrive in the expanded facility.” The project reflects the ongoing work of SLIBCO and IGNITE, the Chamber’s entrepreneurial division, to attract, sustain and grow businesses and jobs throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Through business development resources, entrepreneurial programming and strategically located facilities, the organizations help companies at different stages of growth connect with the space, expertise and relationships they need to succeed.
Leadership Lackawanna accepting applications for Fall 2026 Executive Program cohort Leadership Lackawanna is accepting applications through Tuesday, September 8 for its Fall 2026 Executive Program cohort. The Executive Program is designed to assist professionals in becoming more engaged in the community, broadening their social network and increasing their overall knowledge of the greater Scranton area. Through weekly sessions, participants meet key business and community leaders and receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history, economic/political structures, cultural affairs, community events/activities, civic groups and recreational/leisure amenities. Sessions are conducted one evening per week, for six consecutive weeks, at various locations throughout the community. Each session is held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and includes cocktails and dinner. The program is open to public and private sector administrators/professionals in executive-level positions. Candidates must have industry experience that demonstrates a steady career progression. In addition, candidates must live, work or play in the greater Scranton area and should possess an interest in learning how Lackawanna County functions and a commitment to enhancing the area’s economy and quality of life. Learn more about the program and apply by clicking here.
Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
SBA offers relief to Pennsylvania small businesses and private nonprofits affected by severe storms The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania to offset economic losses caused by severe storms that occurred on July 4, 2026. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Governor Josh Shapiro on July 29, 2026. The declaration covers the Pennsylvania counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Wayne, as well as New Jersey counties of Sussex and Warren, which are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations — including faith‑based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills which could not be paid due to the disaster. “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.” The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofit organizations, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. Beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2026, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at an SBA Business Recovery Center in Monroe County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are welcome, and you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov. The hours of operation are listed below: MONROE COUNTY Business Recovery Center Schoonover Municipal Building 147 Municipal Dr. East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 Opens at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 4 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The center will close early at 4:40 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19 Closes permanently at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The filing deadline to return economic injury application is April 30, 2027.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hires Nicholas Emmett as Finance Manager The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas Emmett as its Finance Manager. In this role, Emmett will be responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial operations of The Chamber and its divisions. He will also coordinate the annual financial audit and assist in preparing the annual operating budget. “We’re excited to welcome Nick Emmett to our team as finance manager,” said James Coleman, Vice President of Internal Administration at The Chamber. “His expertise, attention to detail and collaborative approach will be tremendous assets as we continue to strengthen our financial operations and support the Chamber’s long-term goals.” Prior to The Chamber, Emmett worked for the Department of the Auditor General in Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he holds a Master’s Degree in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Forest Mills Fountain The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Forest Mills Fountain, a restored soda fountain location on Main Street in Forest City. Chamber and community members gathered to celebrate the shop, which serves old-fashioned sugar-cane sodas, ice cream floats, milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream. It’s located inside Sweet Tooth by Chocolate Creations.
