The Greater Scranton Chamber Announces Two New Additions to Its Team The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the hire of Kira Loomis as business development specialist and Lindsay May as workforce and leadership assistant. Kira Loomis, business development specialist Lindsay May, leadership and workforce assistant In her new capacity, Loomis will support the Chamber’s business development divisions: The Scranton Plan and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO). Her responsibilities encompass site selection marketing, business recruitment and expansion, and client engagement, in addition to assisting in the coordination of community-facing events aimed at fostering investment and employment opportunities in Lackawanna County. Loomis brings with her experience in marketing, communications, and community engagement. Her most recent position was as marketing and community outreach coordinator at the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC), where she managed prominent events, spearheaded workforce awareness initiatives, and oversaw marketing strategies, both digital and print. A native of Scranton, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Media and Journalism with a specialization in Public Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. As Workforce and Leadership Assistant, May will provide administrative and programmatic support for two of the Chamber’s divisions: Leadership Lackawanna and Skills in Scranton—while also assisting with daily operations and office management across the organization. May brings expertise in client support, operations, and team leadership across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Her recent role was as Customer Specialist at DealerOn, where she managed high-level customer inquiries and website operations. Her previous positions at Benco Dental and Uline further demonstrate her skills in relationship management, training, and sales support. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Kutztown University. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming both Kira Loomis and Lindsay May to our team,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development. “Their impressive skills and experience, complemented by a genuine passion for our mission and the communities we serve, will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our business and workforce development initiatives.” The Chamber leadership is delighted to welcome Loomis and May and anticipates their valuable contributions toward advancing the organization’s mission to support local enterprises and fortify communities throughout the region.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Extend Application Deadline The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County announce that applications for a fourth cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty are extended to August 29, 2025. The program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, and The Chamber, in collaboration with tecBRIDGE as the program administrator. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a 10-week, in-person experience in which participants can access mentors, educational resources, and subject matter experts on business formation strategies, customer discovery, marketing, financial planning, and risk management. The goal of the ten weeks is to build, share, and pitch their early-stage start-ups. Previous TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty programs have helped 23 entrepreneurs gain traction toward achieving their American dreams. In this fourth cohort, eight more can experience the same resources and excitement. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty is a competitive application process. Residents of Lackawanna County with tech, for-profit business, or early start-up ideas are encouraged to apply. Participants who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a $10,000 reimbursable grant towards select start-up costs. To apply, visit ScrantonChamber.com and look for TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty under events. Applications close on Friday, August 29.
The Greater Scranton Chamber LaunchesEDGE Summit: AI for Small Business The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business—an interactive half-day event designed to help local businesses understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that save time, boost efficiency, and spark growth. The EDGE Summit will take place on Monday, October 6, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. The EDGE Summit is open to businesses of all sizes and industries—no tech background required. Whether you’re a small business owner, an employee who wants to work smarter, or part of a growing team, this event will give you practical tools you can start using right away. “The future of small business is intelligent,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The EDGE Summit is about giving our business community the knowledge and confidence to use AI as a tool for growth, efficiency, and long-term success.” The EDGE Summit will show you exactly how to put AI to work in your business. Sessions will include hands-on learning labs, practical takeaways, and provide valuable connections with local experts. The EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business is more than a tech event — it’s an investment in your business’s future and your team’s professional growth. Registration is now open at ScrantonChamber.com. Reserve your spot and take the first step toward putting AI to work for you.
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
The Chamber Board Advocates for WVIA’s Impact As you are certainly aware, the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This effort would zero out funds already approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years. This is significant to all of us in northeastern Pennsylvania as our public broadcasting station, WVIA, receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year—roughly 20% of its overall budget. If this funding is cut, WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce or eliminate important television and radio programs and resources, and emergency broadcasting services. Perhaps most notable, they would have to re-examine the allocation of resources currently invested in local news. Over the past few years, WVIA has grown its new division in both mediums—providing a valuable additional local perspective on issues and topics of interest to our communities. Further, WVIA long-form news programming allows the station to drill deeper on many subjects of local import, serving the public in both civic and economic realms. WVIA has delivered relevant, in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio, and digital platforms. On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, we ask you to reject this proposed action, and send a signal of your support of WVIA—an invaluable regional asset.
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
Chamber Celebrates the Dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way Local leaders, community members, and honored guests gathered on Friday to celebrate the official dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way—two roadways that now mark the entrances to the newly developed Archbald Business Park to honor of Austin J. Burke and Virginia Goodrich. Burke served as the president of The Chamber from 1975 to 2013. During his tenure, The Chamber and its development arms were recognized nationally for their sustained responses to a wide range of community needs. Chamber affiliates, Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE) and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) reclaimed thousands of acres of mine-scarred land for productive reuse as industrial, office, and technology parks—including Valley View Business Park. In addition, LIFE and SLIBCO financed and constructed more than 350 buildings that continue to employ thousands in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County. “The Valley View Business Park was developed to create job opportunities for our neighbors and for the region. These projects always require sustained efforts among many partners. I’m grateful to have been a part of this splendid undertaking. I’m also humbled and delighted that the Chamber and Archbald Borough are honoring Virginia Goodrich and me for the parts we played,” shared Austin J. Burke. Goodrich, former executive secretary to the president of The Chamber from 1965 to 2023, spent nearly 60 years assisting the region’s economic and business growth. Her devotion to community development was evident in her work at The Chamber and in the organizations in which she volunteered. “I am truly honored to be recognized by The Chamber and [Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company] SLIBCO with the designation of Goodrich Way. My sincere thanks to the officers and board of directors of SLIBCO for this very personal and meaningful tribute,” expressed Virginia Goodrich. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the formal unveiling of the newly dedicated roads, commemorating Burke and Goodrich’s leadership, service, and enduring impact in attracting, sustaining, and growing jobs and community investment throughout Lackawanna County. “The dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way marks a significant milestone for our community and stands as a testament to the lasting impact of two leaders who shaped the future of our business landscape,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “These roadways now serve as enduring tributes to their contributions to the continued growth and success of the economy in northeastern Pennsylvania.” The Chamber, along with its business development division and program, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan, extends its gratitude to all who attended and helped make this day a memorable tribute to two individuals whose influence will be felt for generations to come. View the Photo Album online.
Nearly 900 Attend EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience Nearly 900 women from northeastern Pennsylvania gathered for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, a premier women’s leadership event hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and presented by Geisinger. The day-long program at Kalahari Convention Centers and Resort brought together professionals, students, and changemakers for inspiration, connection, and growth. This year’s event featured two keynote speakers, 44 regional leaders, and 90 high school students—making it one of the most impactful EMPOWER programs. The day started with a breakfast keynote speaker, Christina Butler, an executive communication coach, whose presentation was sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Butler energized the crowd with a session focused on clear, concise, and confident communication. She encouraged attendees to eliminate filler phrases and distractions from their language and instead focus on their “why” and “how” to deliver messages that resonate with purpose and poise. Dominique Dawes, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing gymnast, headlined the afternoon session as the lunch keynote speaker, with support from PNC Bank. Dawes inspired the audience with stories from her athletic and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over ego. “Leave your ego at the door,” she urged attendees. “Greatness is not achieved alone—it’s about what we accomplish together.” In addition to the powerful keynotes, the event included breakout sessions led by 44 regional speakers representing healthcare, education, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The sessions covered topics from leadership strategies and mental wellness to business innovation. “The energy in the room was electric,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “EMPOWER continues to grow in reach and impact every year, and this event truly highlighted the strength and potential of women leaders in our region.” EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, is part of The Chamber’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful programming that supports women in leadership and professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Leadership Lackawanna Alumni Volunteer Opportunity Calling all Alumni! We’d love for you to join us as we revisit the Core Program 2023–2024 Parker Street Landing project. ICYMI, this project incorporated a picnic area, sensory garden, raised flower beds, interpretive signage, and an educational space at Parker Street Trailhead in the Greenridge section of Scranton. We ask that you bring your own gardening supplies. If you’d also like to BYO flowers, herbs, and soil, or seed packets for the seed library, that would be greatly appreciated! Date: Saturday, May 10th at 10 a.m. Location: Parker Street Landing, 12 E. Parker Street, Scranton, PA 18508 RSVP to Jen at jstrzelec@scrantonchamber.com by Friday, May 9th Hope to see you there!
The Chamber Welcomes New Finance Manager, Betsy Hartshorn The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Betsy Hartshorn as its new Finance Manager. Hartshorn brings more than two decades of experience in accounting and financial management, with a strong background in nonprofit finance, grant management, and strategic budgeting. In her new role, Hartshorn will oversee financial operations across The Chamber and its divisions: Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE), Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), The Scranton Plan and IGNITE Program, MetroAction, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna, ensuring fiscal integrity, efficiency, and compliance. She will work closely with Chamber leadership to implement innovative financial strategies and enhance operational effectiveness. “On behalf of The Chamber, I am pleased that Betsy Hartshorn has become part of our team, shared Jim Coleman, vice president of internal administration. Betsy’s vast experience will certainly have a significant impact within the finance department as we look forward to implementing new initiatives!” Prior to joining The Chamber, Hartshorn served as finance manager for the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), where she managed complex budgets spanning multiple countries, oversaw grant funding, and ensured regulatory compliance. She also held key financial roles at Marywood University, where she gained extensive experience in financial reporting, budget preparation, and administrative operations. A Certified Public Accountant, Hartshorn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Marywood University, graduating magna cum laude. She is dedicated to financial excellence and looks forward to bringing her leadership and expertise to the Chamber. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is the region’s premier business membership organization, committed to fostering economic growth, workforce development, and community prosperity. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the Chamber continues to support businesses of all sizes throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.
