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.
The Scranton Plan hosts annual Summer Festival The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, alongside its business development marketing division, The Scranton Plan, recently hosted its annual Summer Festival at The Country Club of Scranton on July 13th. Summer Festival, sponsored by Lackawanna County, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, UGI Utilities, Inc., Quandel Construction Group, Inc., Colwell-Naegele Associates, Inc., Leeward Construction, Inc., GPI, KSG Engineers and Mac Sign Systems, welcomed nearly 80 attendees, including real estate professionals, site selectors and consultants. “Summer Festival allows us to engage directly with professionals who influence business location decisions,” said Kira Loomis, Business Development Specialist at The Chamber. “Bringing them into our community helps showcase what makes northeastern Pennsylvania a strong choice for investment.” This annual event highlights the region’s prime location, resources and business climate, all aimed at driving long-term economic success.
ShopRite of Daleville hosts ribbon cutting for new EVgo station ShopRite of Daleville hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce to debut its new EVgo electric vehicle charging station on Tuesday, July 14. Community members joined ShopRite representatives and employees for the ceremony. The new station has four charging stalls, including one high-power charger that’s capable of charging two vehicles at the same time. ShopRite representatives say this new addition will help provide convenient, reliable access to power for electric vehicle drivers throughout the community.
Cornerstone Caregiving celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting Cornerstone Caregiving has opened its facility at 1310 Church Street in Moscow and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 10. The Cornerstone team also hosted an open house event after the ceremony, where community members were able to tour the facility and learn more about the compassionate care the center provides. Cornerstone provides round-the-clock in-home services for senior citizens.
Ribbon cutting for World Cup Scranton The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 6, 2026 for World Cup Scranton’s new location at the historic Watres Armory on Adams Avenue in Scranton. Chamber staff and influencers joined community members to congratulate the all-star competitive cheer organization and fitness center.
