Celebration of Leadership Honors Exemplary Graduating Class Leadership Lackawanna will host its annual Celebration of Leadership on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM. This milestone event will honor Leadership Lackawanna’s 43-year history of developing visionary leaders, fostering excellence, and creating lasting impact throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Most importantly, the celebration will recognize and honor the graduates of the 2026 Core Program. Community members, alumni, business leaders, and supporters are invited to attend and join in the celebration. Over the past 10 months, participants in this year’s Core Program completed several community service projects benefiting nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Scranton region. Projects included bridge construction and outdoor enhancements for Countryside Conservancy, the “A Room to Grow” classroom renovation for Friendship House Autism Center, modernization efforts at United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Angel Attic, and the launch of significant outdoor improvements at the Greater Scranton YMCA. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class, the event will feature business networking opportunities, an end-of-year program review and video presentation, basket raffles, and recognition of the many individuals and organizations that make Leadership Lackawanna’s mission possible. All are welcome to attend and celebrate another year of leadership, service, and community impact. Tickets for this event are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com Leadership Lackawanna extends thanks to the sponsors of the 2026 Core program: designBLD, Penn East Federal Credit Union, Quandel Construction, Maximus Foundation, Geisinger, Times Shamrock Communications, PNC Bank, Center City Print, Friendship House, Golden Technologies, and PPL Electric. Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna’s 2026 Core Program include: Amanda Friday – Peoples Security Bank Amanda Lyn Brown – Penn East Federal Credit Union Anthony Salva, LCSW – Integrative Mind and Body Services Brittani Pulse – Nunzi’s Advertising Christopher M. Pahoski – Benco Dental Courtney Rittenhouse – Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Daneece A. Jones – Greater Scranton YMCA Deanna Smith – AAA North Penn Diana Latsko – Maximus Federal Services Douglas A. Hein – Scranton Counseling Center Eric Eiden – Lackawanna College Haley Houck – Fidelity Bank Jason Carpenter – designBLD John Conte lll – The Honesdale National Bank John P Joyce – Lackawanna County Jose Santiago de los Rios – Tuxedo by Sarno Joshua Cole Howells – Allied Services Julianna Cardillo – Penn State University (Scranton) Linda Beck – United Neighborhood Centers Madison Theobald – Penn East Federal Credit Union Maria Day – Penn State University (Scranton) Mateo Arroyopabon – Procter & Gamble Matt Coolbaugh – Quandel Construction Group LLC Pete Gentile – City of Scranton Sarah Bauman – Montage Mountain Resorts Walter Kosak – Plaskolite
Leadership Lackawanna Awards Abington Heights Student with TLT’s Senior Scholarship Leadership Lackawanna, the professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is excited to award this year’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) Senior Scholarship to candidate Lauren Bartell. “It has been a privilege to work with Lauren Bartell during her time in the program,” states Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Watching Lauren’s personal and professional growth throughout the program has been incredibly rewarding, and she has made a lasting impression on both her peers and our organization. Lauren has demonstrated all the qualities of an outstanding leader and will no doubt accomplish great things in the next steps of her education and career.” A part of TLT’s 2025–26 class, Bartell is a dedicated learner and a worthy recipient for this award. After her upcoming graduation from Abington Heights High School, Bartell will take her talents to the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Tomorrows Leaders Today fosters young business professionals who are sure to become leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the help and generosity of over 2,600 Leadership Lackawanna alumni, this scholarship and additional funding initiatives continue to sustain and strengthen our six programs. The Senior Scholarship is awarded annually to an alumnus of the program who showcases exemplary leadership skills to support their school and community. Leadership Lackawanna is a 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit organization in northeastern Pennsylvania dedicated to community leadership and professional development. Its five programs enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders, enabling them to better serve in our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Established in 1982, Leadership Lackawanna has graduated more than 2,700 community leaders. For more information, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Two Summer Interns The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the addition of two summer interns, Katherine Barnansky and Tessa Pollack, who will support organizational initiatives through its Business and Leadership development division this summer. Katherine Barnansky Tessa Pollack Barnansky will serve as The Chamber’s business development Intern. In this role, she will assist with business outreach, workforce development initiatives, marketing projects, research, and communications efforts that support economic growth throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a degree in Supply Chain Management at Penn State University. Pollack will return to The Chamber for a second internship. This summer, she will support the Leadership Development division, Leadership Lackawanna, by assisting with marketing and communications initiatives, social media management, and program coordination. She previously served as a communications intern in the summer of 2025, and is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing at West Virginia University. “We are thrilled to welcome Tessa back to The Chamber and Leadership Lackawanna,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Her prior experience with our organization and strong communications background make her a valuable addition to the team as we continue to grow and strengthen our programming. Additionally, we are excited to welcome Katherine to our team and look forward to the perspective and enthusiasm she will bring to our business development efforts.” For more information about The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Lackawanna, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces Two New Staff Members The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Emilie Gebert and Elena Kiernan to its staff team, further strengthening the organization’s workforce development and administrative operations. Emilie Gebert (on the left in the photo) joins The Chamber as workforce & leadership assistant. In this role, she supports Leadership Lackawanna, Skills in Scranton, and The Scranton Plan through administrative coordination, event support, and program operations that strengthen workforce development and community leadership across the region. Gebert brings nearly two decades of experience in customer relations, sales leadership, team development, and operational management through her career in the telecommunications industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. Outside of her role at The Chamber, Gebert serves as Assistant Director of the Montage Ski Patrol, where she helps oversee volunteer coordination and guest safety operations. Elena Kiernan (on the right in the photo) joins The Chamber as a front desk receptionist, serving as the first point of contact for members, visitors, tenants, and guests while supporting daily office operations across the organization. Kiernan has more than 15 years of experience in administrative support, customer service, event coordination, and office management. Her professional background includes positions within the travel and hospitality, legal, and finance industries, where she coordinated meetings and events, managed executive schedules, and provided administrative support in fast-paced corporate environments. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and completed additional coursework through New York University. “The addition of Emilie and Elena further strengthens our team and enhances the support we provide to our members, programs, and regional initiatives,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Their experience, professionalism, and commitment to service will be valuable assets to The Chamber and the community we serve.”
EMPOWER 2026 Draws More Than 900 Attendees as Jodi Kantor Headlines Transformational Day of Leadership More than 900 professionals from across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond gathered Thursday, April 30, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger; a premier annual event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate leaders at every stage of their journey. Headlined by nationally recognized journalist and author Jodi Kantor, the conference delivered a powerful and forward-thinking program centered on leadership, growth, and action. Kantor, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting at The New York Times, brought a compelling message to the EMPOWER stage, drawing from her latest book, How to Start. Her keynote challenged attendees to rethink how meaningful change begins, encouraging individuals to take initiative, embrace uncertainty, and lead with purpose in their professional and personal lives. The day began with an energizing breakfast keynote from Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national bestselling author, who set the tone for the experience with a message focused on resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership. Her remarks encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal and professional paths, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the power of leading with clarity and confidence in times of change. Throughout the day, EMPOWER offered a dynamic and immersive experience featuring more than 45 regional speakers across breakout sessions, panel discussions, and moderated conversations. Attendees engaged with nearly 40 small businesses in the vendor marketplace and participated in wellness-focused programming, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, led by nine presenters, creating opportunities for both personal and professional development. EMPOWER featured several immersive experiences designed to inspire and engage attendees throughout the day. The Dream Tree, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College, invited participants to write down and display their aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder that their goals are within reach. New for 2026, Johnson College sponsored the Leadership Lounge, a space where attendees could recharge both personally and professionally while enjoying fresh popcorn and convenient device charging. Fidelity Bank also sponsored a dynamic Content Studio, giving attendees the opportunity to step in, strike a pose, and showcase the power of you. The next generation of leaders was also a central focus, with more than 80 high school students taking part in the EMPOWER TEEN Program, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The experience provided students with early exposure to leadership development, mentorship, and career exploration. Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the impact of the event on the region’s workforce and leadership pipeline. “I am pleased that the Empower Program continues to resonate with business professionals and students across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. I think this speaks to the quality and value of the programming that addresses the interests of participants at all levels of professional development. I also want to acknowledge and thank our many sponsors and partners who make this program a success, year after year,” Durkin said. EMPOWER continues to grow as a cornerstone leadership event for the region, bringing together individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds to share ideas, build connections, and drive momentum forward. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host the next EMPOWER conference on April 22, 2027. Check out the 2026 EMPOWER Conference photos at this link.
Chamber Staff Member, Emily Pettinato, Completes National Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce congratulates Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, who has been recognized among 18 chamber professionals nationwide for successfully completing the 2025–2026 Fellowship for Talent Development through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation. The six-month fellowship equips chamber leaders with tools to address workforce challenges and strengthen regional talent pipelines. Participants gain a deeper understanding of their regional talent ecosystem and develop actionable solutions to support economic growth. “We are proud to recognize this exceptional group of chamber leaders for completing the Fellowship for Talent Development,” said ACCE President & CEO, Sheree Anne Kelly. “Through their work, they have moved beyond learning to action, developing strategies that address workforce challenges, strengthen regional talent pipelines, and drive long-term economic prosperity in their communities.” As part of the program, Pettinato developed a regional action plan focused on tackling critical workforce issues. Fellowship projects emphasized strengthening talent pipelines through improved systems alignment, increasing employer engagement, and building skills-based career pathways. “This experience gave me a stronger understanding of our community by developing a regional action plan focused on identifying workforce gaps and opportunities,” said Pettinato. “It also helped inspire new ideas to expand workforce programming and strengthen connections between businesses and education partners.” “As part of the Fellowship with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Emily has demonstrated strong leadership in turning workforce development strategy into action,” stated Amy Luyster, vice president, business and workforce development for The Chamber. “Her work directly advances The Scranton Plan 3.0 initiative by strengthening the alignment between employers, education partners, and workforce partners. This recognition reflects her commitment to building a more connected, skills-driven talent pipeline that supports long-term regional growth and opportunity.”
Bridging Talent to Opportunity: 2026 Workforce Summit Drives Momentum for the Next Generation Workforce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, hosted the 2026 Workforce Summit, presented by Lackawanna County, which brought together a dynamic cross-section of our regional workforce ecosystem on Thursday, March 19, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. Bringing together employers, trade unions, job seekers, educators, and high school students (275+ students, 10 public school districts, and CTCLC) in one space is no small feat, and the impact of that collaboration was clear throughout the event. The energy, engagement, and meaningful connections made are a testament to the thoughtful planning and hard work behind the scenes. Nearly 50 vendors were on-site, representing a wide range of industries including banking, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, the skilled trades, and more—providing attendees with direct access to career pathways, resources, and real-world insight into today’s evolving workforce landscape. Attendees gained valuable insights from keynote presenters Ryan Leckey, founder and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media, and Kimberlee Greenleaf, senior account executive from Audacy Pennsylvania, who delivered compelling perspectives on communication, media, and workforce engagement based on their own personal journeys. Emily Pettinto, workforce development specialist, shares, “What makes this event meaningful is that students aren’t just learning about careers, they are having real conversations with employers who are actively hiring. That level of access helps them ask better questions, make connections, and leave with a clearer understanding of what comes next.” From hands-on interactions to meaningful dialogue, the Summit reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening the workforce pipeline and creating opportunity across our region.
AssetLink Global Acquired by Geoforce Geoforce, a leader in rugged asset intelligence solutions, announced the acquisition of AssetLink Global, a 2022 graduate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s entrepreneurship program, IGNITE. AssetLink is an electronic product development company specializing in low-voltage, battery-operated devices, and is an anchor tenant at The TekRidge Center. AssetLink CEO David J. Goldstein highlighted the strategic alignment between the two corporations. “Geoforce gives AssetLink the scale and resources to expand our impact without compromising what makes our solutions trusted in the public sector,” said Goldstein. “Together, we can accelerate innovation while continuing to support the mission-critical programs our customers rely on.” Since its inception, AssetLink has grown into a global leader in the next generation of cloud Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Its solutions have supported companies of all sizes, including those in the agriculture, heavy equipment and mining, oil and gas, maritime, and transportation sectors. With AssetLink, Geoforce, which is based in Plano, Texas, expands into new asset categories and deployment models, reinforcing its focus on complex industries where reliability is non-negotiable. “For AssetLink, this is about accelerating what we can build to help our customers,” said James Maclean, CEO at Geoforce. “By combining AssetLink’s engineering talent and intellectual property with that of Geoforce, we are positioned to move faster, experiment more boldly, and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of both industrial and government customers.” While Geoforce is based in Texas, AssetLink will remain in Jessup, meaning that all of the local jobs they have created will remain in Lackawanna County. AssetLink Global is the latest in a string of success stories that can be traced back to IGNITE. “The goal of the IGNITE program is to provide budding entrepreneurs with the resources needed to take their businesses from idea to reality,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “David Goldstein has embraced this concept, adding the intelligence and drive of his team, and is realizing the dream of business success.” The IGNITE Program serves to grow businesses and create jobs by fostering entrepreneurs and their companies in northeastern Pennsylvania through education, counseling, networking, and mentorship support. The program has created approximately 580 jobs, raised $5 million in capital, and graduated 57 companies. “We’re so excited that AssetLink was acquired. We love to see the success of our companies that have graduated from the IGNITE program,” said Mary McDermott, IGNITE program manager. “[The acquisition] shows the success of AssetLink Global, and the success of our community in NEPA and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.”
The Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at the 157th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the region’s business community at its 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The evening recognized the recipients of the 2026 Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), ATHENA Leadership, and Milestone Awards, honoring outstanding achievement, leadership, and community impact across northeastern Pennsylvania “The Annual Dinner is a time-honored tradition for The Chamber and our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s award recipients truly reflect the strength, innovation, and community spirit that define northeastern Pennsylvania. We are proud to recognize these businesses and leaders whose work continues to move our region forward.” The 2026 SAGE Business of the Year, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, was presented to Basalyga Hospitality. A leader in food, beverage, and entertainment, Basalyga Hospitality continues to create dynamic dining, nightlife, and hospitality experiences throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Its diverse portfolio of eight properties reflects a commitment to revitalization, innovation, and exceptional service. The 2026 SAGE Small Business of the Year, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, was awarded to Everything Natural. Since its founding in 1985, the business has grown into a community-centered health and wellness destination, offering nutritious meals, fitness programming, and educational opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to community support. The 2026 SAGE Community Involvement Excellence, sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, CHOP works to eliminate childhood hunger, currently serving approximately 45,000 children across Pennsylvania. The 2026 SAGE People’s Choice, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. All SAGE and Milestone recipients were eligible to win the SAGE People’s Choice. Annual Dinner attendees participated in real-time voting to select the winner. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, CPA, LLC, was presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Cadden has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, the arts, and the advancement of women through financial education and leadership development. Milestone Awards The Chamber also recognized businesses and nonprofit organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in five-year increments. These honorees represent the strength, longevity, and continued growth of the region’s economic and nonprofit sectors. Milestone recipients include: A. Pickett Construction Automated Lifestyles Ballet Theatre of Scranton Blu Elefante Events Community Bank Crystal Window & Door Systems PA Damage Control, Inc. EHEALTH WELLNESS & FITNESS STUDIO, LLC Golden Technologies Groove Brewing Home Health Care Professionals & Hospice – HHCP La Festa Italiana Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Nibbles and Bits Northeast Regional Cancer Institute PA Advocates Inc Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Pulman Interiors Quest Studio Scranton Jazz Festival Serving Seniors Inc. The Dime Bank The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education TRAVELWORLD United Sports Academy United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Wayne Bank WRC, Inc. (formerly Women’s Resource Center) WVIA
Keynote Speakers Announced for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the keynote speakers for this year’s EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger. The annual conference is a full-day event dedicated to elevating leadership, strengthening organizations, and driving meaningful impact across the region. Opening the conference as the Breakfast Keynote Speaker, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, is Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, assistant vice president and professor at Moravian University and founder of Proximal Development. Dr. Desiderio is an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national best-selling author of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer. With more than two decades of experience in leadership development and change management, she equips leaders with practical strategies to unlock measurable and sustainable growth at every level of an organization. Serving as the Lunch Keynote Speaker, sponsored by PNC Bank, is Jodi Kantor, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist with The New York Times and best-selling author. Kantor’s reporting has uncovered critical issues surrounding power, law, gender, technology, and culture, work that has led to meaningful change across industries and institutions. She and her colleagues were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their groundbreaking investigation into decades of alleged abuse by Harvey Weinstein, reporting that sparked a global reckoning and reshaped standards worldwide. In April 2026, Kantor will release her newest book, How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work, offering inspired wisdom and practical strategies to help individuals at every stage of their careers advance and reimagine their professional paths. Beyond its keynote presentations, EMPOWER will feature an impressive lineup of regional breakout and panel speakers representing diverse industries and leadership journeys. Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide actionable insights for today’s evolving workplace. EMPOWER continues to serve as a cornerstone leadership event for the greater Scranton region, bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, and community stakeholders for a day of connection and growth. To view the full speaker roster, explore the conference agenda, and register, visit the conference website.
