Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2025–26 Core Program Class Leadership Lackawanna, the region’s premier community leadership and professional development organization, proudly announces the members of its 2025–26 Core Program class. For over 40 years, Leadership Lackawanna has been cultivating dedicated, informed, and engaged leaders committed to improving the quality of life and future of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Core Program, Leadership Lackawanna’s flagship initiative, provides participants with an immersive experience designed to enhance personal leadership skills, expand professional networks, and deepen understanding of the issues, opportunities, and challenges facing Lackawanna County. Through interactive sessions, site visits, and community-focused projects, participants gain firsthand experience of how collaborative leadership works. “I’m so excited to kick off this year’s Core Program with such a passionate and talented group of professionals,” said Nikki Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “The class is eager to learn, ready to lead, and truly committed to making a difference in our community. It’s going to be an incredible year!” This year’s class represents a wide range of industries and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and talent of Lackawanna County’s workforce. Over the next 10 months, participants will engage in sessions on government, economic development, healthcare, education, and more, while collaborating on a hands-on community service project that directly benefits a local nonprofit. The 2025-2026 Core Class includes: Mateo Arroyopabon, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company Linda Beck, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Amanda Brown, Penn East Federal Credit Union Julianna Cardillo, Penn State Scranton Jason Carpenter, designBLD John Conte III, The Honesdale National Bank Matthew Coolbaugh, Quandel Construction Group, Inc. Maria Day, Penn State Scranton Jose Santiago de los Rios, Tuxedo by Sarno Eric Eiden, Lackawanna College Amanda Friday, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. Peter Gentile, City of Scranton Douglas Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Haley Houck, Fidelity Bank Joshua Howells, Allied Services Daneece Jones, Greater Scranton YMCA John Joyce, Lackawanna County Walter Kosak, Plaskolite Pennsylvania Diana Latsko, Maximus Federal Services Chris Pahoski, Benco Dental Brittani Pulse, Nunzi’s Advertising, Inc. Courtney Rittenhouse, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA Anthony Salva, Integrative Mind and Body Services Deanna Smith, AAA North Penn Madison Theobald, Penn East Federal Credit Union Sarah Weisenfluh, Montage Mountain Resorts Now in its 43rd year, Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program continues its legacy of developing leaders who are not only successful in their professional lives but also deeply committed to civic engagement. Alumni of the program can be found in leadership positions across business, government, education, and nonprofit sectors throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about Leadership Lackawanna and the Core Program, visit leadershiplackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Zamarie Navarro as Membership and Community Relations Manager The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the appointment of Zamarie Navarro as its new membership and community relations manager. Navarro brings over 20 years of professional experience as an educator, CEO, and community advocate, with a proven record of fostering growth through education, outreach, and organizational leadership. Her extensive background in bilingual communication, instruction, and business management positions her to build strong connections among Chamber members, local organizations, and the broader business community. Kristine Augustine, vice president of membership and marketing, expressed excitement about Navarro joining The Chamber: “We are delighted to welcome Zamarie Navarro to The Chamber as our new Membership and Community Relations Manager. Navarro offers more than two decades of leadership, education, and community engagement experience. Her expertise and passion for empowering others will strengthen our outreach efforts and deepen our ties within the community. We look forward to the positive impact she will make as we continue to serve and support our members across the region.” Navarro shared her enthusiasm and anticipation, saying, “I’m thrilled to join The Chamber! I’m excited to connect with such a passionate and inspiring team, and I look forward to helping our members and community grow together.” In her new role as membership and community relations manager, Navarro will support member recruitment and retention, coordinate Chamber events and outreach efforts, and strengthen community relationships that increase the value of membership. Navarro will also represent the Chamber at community events and collaborate with regional partners to boost visibility and engagement. Before joining the Chamber, Navarro was CEO of ZGA One Stop Multiservice LLC, where she provided business support, interpreter services, and community resources. She also continues her role as an English as a Second Language Instructor at Marywood University, developing curriculum and empowering non-native English speakers through education. A certified bilingual educator and interpreter, Navarro holds various credentials, including Dual Language and ESL endorsements, Interpreter Certification (Spanish/English), and certificates in Rigor and Relevance. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusive communication and collaboration across diverse communities.
Emily Pettinato Selected for ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Fellowship for Talent Development, a prestigious six-month program that empowers chamber professionals to strengthen their communities’ workforce pipelines. The fellowship, hosted by ACCE, brings together chamber leaders from across the country to address pressing workforce challenges. Over the six months, fellows engage in monthly webinars, participate in an in-person convening, and collaborate with national peers to design a regional action plan. The program blends national best practices with local strategies to help chambers connect businesses, educators, and job seekers, ensuring long-term economic growth. Emily Pettinato expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “The 2025–2026 ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development will provide strategies to strengthen The Chamber’s work in connecting businesses, educators, and job seekers while supporting talent pipeline development.” As part of her role, Pettinato develops and manages workforce development initiatives that strengthen business education partnerships and promote career pathway awareness. She leads key programs such as Educator in the Workplace, Career Pathways Resources, the annual Workforce Summit, and the Small Business Internship Fund, which connect educators, employers, and students to enhance career readiness and regional talent pipeline development. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, emphasized the significance of Pettinato’s selection: “Being selected for the Fellowship is a recognition of Emily’s leadership and commitment to workforce development. The skills and insights she gains will directly enhance Skills in Scranton programming and our work to support employers, strengthen partnerships, and prepare students and job seekers for long-term success in our region.” The ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development is a nationally recognized initiative that equips chamber professionals with innovative approaches to workforce development. More details about the program can be found on ACCE’s website: ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Names Mary McDermott IGNITE Program Manager The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is proud to announce the promotion of Mary McDermott to IGNITE Program Manager. IGNITE is The Chamber’s flagship entrepreneurship and business incubator program, dedicated to growing businesses and creating jobs in Lackawanna County. Mary McDermott, IGNITE Program Manager Mary McDermott, who began her journey with IGNITE as an intern in 2022, brings a wealth of experience in program development, grant writing, and entrepreneurial support to her new role. “IGNITE has always held a special place in my heart. Starting as an intern and now stepping into the role of Program Manager feels like a full-circle moment. I’m honored to continue supporting our clients and helping the program grow and thrive,” said McDermott. As the IGNITE Program Manager, McDermott will oversee all aspects of IGNITE, including programmatic management, mentorship development, funding strategies, marketing initiatives, and special events. She will also provide direct business and technical support to IGNITE clients, offering resources such as business plan development, workforce connections, and funding opportunities. McDermott is a graduate of Penn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing in 2022. Since joining The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, she has advanced through key roles, including workforce & leadership assistant and IGNITE Program Specialist & Grant Writer, gaining extensive experience in program coordination, client relations, and entrepreneurial development. Aaron Whitney, director of facilities and asset management, expressed enthusiasm, saying with confidence: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mary as the new Manager of the Chamber’s IGNITE Program. Her passion for supporting local entrepreneurs and helping ideas grow will bring fresh energy and momentum to our community. With her leadership, we’re looking forward to new opportunities, stronger connections, and an even greater impact from the IGNITE Program as we continue to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship right here in Lackawanna County.” IGNITE Program plays a critical role in fostering innovation and economic development by offering entrepreneurs access to education, networking, and mentorship. Under McDermott’s leadership, the program will continue to strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by optimizing resources and creating pathways for business growth.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hosts Successful EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business Left to right: Brian Reese, Reese Networking; Ken Berry, ResideSync; Alex Molfetas, ResideSynch; Marc Gonzalez, Site2; Louis Aponte, OneTech360; Dr. Stephanie Gresh, Penn State University; Paul Ascenzi, Light to Dark Analytics; Liam Neville, Neville AI Partners; Dr. Will Ramey, Shared Leadership; Fred Reck, InnoTek; Joey Zarcone, Posture Interactive; Mari Potis, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce brought together regional business leaders, small business owners, innovators, and community members on Monday, October 6, at Mohegan Pennsylvania for the inaugural EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business. Attendees participated in a half-day program, which featured hands-on learning labs, expert-led sessions, and concluded with a networking reception. The summit was designed to help businesses of all sizes understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in practical, impactful ways—saving time, boosting efficiency, and fueling growth. “The future of small business is intelligent,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Monday’s EDGE Summit gave our community the opportunity to explore AI in a way that was approachable, actionable, and immediately valuable for business owners and their teams.” The summit concluded with a dynamic networking event, giving attendees the chance to continue discussions and build partnerships that will strengthen the region’s business community. The EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business is part of The Chamber’s ongoing commitment to provide forward-thinking resources that support local businesses and ensure their long-term success. For more information on upcoming programs and events, visit www.scrantonchamber.com
2026 Workforce Summit Announced: Bridging Talent to Opportunity The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, is proud to announce the 2026 Workforce Summit, presented by Lackawanna County, to be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton. This year’s theme, Bridging Talent to Opportunity, highlights the Summit’s mission to connect job seekers of all ages and experiences with employers across northeast Pennsylvania. From high school and college seniors preparing to enter the workforce, to seasoned professionals considering a career change, the event provides a direct link to industries including manufacturing, human services, banking, healthcare, and many more. “As Vice Chair of Skills in Scranton and Superintendent of the Scranton School District, I find it imperative that we prepare all students for life after graduation,” shared Dr. Erin Keating. “This includes not only those pursuing postsecondary education or military service, but also those who plan to enter the workforce immediately after high school.” Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, adds, “The Workforce Summit connects businesses, educators, and job seekers, creating a one-stop shop where attendees can develop a resume, practice interviewing, and apply directly to jobs—leaving with real opportunities and clear pathways to future careers.” The Workforce Summit will feature dozens of regional employers, networking opportunities, and resources for job seekers. For businesses, it is a chance to connect directly with motivated candidates who are eager to explore careers that keep them here in NEPA. The event is open to all job seekers, students, and community members who want to explore career pathways, meet employers, and access professional development resources. Regional businesses are encouraged to register now for exhibitor booth space. An early-bird discounted rate is available through October 31, 2025, which also includes a free quarter-page ad in the official Summit booklet. For more information and to secure your spot, visit ScrantonChamber.com.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Launches Fourth Cohort to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in the County TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, an initiative powered by Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s entrepreneurship division IGNITE, has officially opened its fourth cohort to idea-stage, start-up, for-profit technology businesses. This 10-week business boot camp is designed to jump-start entrepreneurship in Lackawanna County by equipping local tech-based entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and training needed to advance their ventures. Participants will receive in-depth instruction in business modeling, customer discovery, financial planning, and investor readiness. At the conclusion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a reimbursable $10,000 grant to offset select start-up costs. The participants in the fourth cohort are: MillionMinds by Norman Zin Notea by Alexandria Small Optimust Intelligence by Luis Vazquez Stello by Jake Howells Sweeney Education Innovations by Dr. Terry Sweeney TechA11y by Brian Jagger VoiceBridge by Jonathan Lau Zach James Music (Zack Sprowls) “The partnership between Lackawanna County and Ben Franklin Technology Partners continues to be a powerful engine for innovation and entrepreneurship in our region,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “At The Chamber, our mission is to attract, sustain, and grow businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania—and the TechCelerator cohort does exactly that. By equipping emerging tech entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and funding they need, we’re laying the groundwork for the next generation of business success stories right here at home.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan: “With all the discussions about artificial intelligence and Lackawanna County being a potential site of data centers to sustain it, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace entrepreneurship in building the county’s, and the region’s economies. Lackawanna County is happy to participate in the innovative TechCelerator program, which supports that crucial entrepreneurship, gives prospective business leaders insight into growth and sustainability amid constant change, and helps to keep some our best talent home. Here’s to another successful year.” The TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty program has already helped launch multiple new ventures in the region, providing a proven framework for early-stage tech entrepreneurs to test ideas, build networks, and access resources that drive business success. At the conclusion of the program, participants and their businesses will give a formal presentation on the progress of their business.
Pennsylvania Economic Development Associationto Host Fall Conference in Scranton The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) will host its 2025 Fall Conference at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center from October 22–24, 2025, bringing together economic development professionals, industry leaders, and community stakeholders from across the Commonwealth. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County are proud to serve as the conference’s Platinum Sponsors. PEDA is the statewide association of local, state, corporate, and nonprofit economic development professionals. PEDA’s mission is to promote sound economic development policies, to provide leading-edge economic development education, and to nurture an effective statewide economic development network to foster economic growth throughout the Commonwealth. Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, expresses, “We are both pleased and honored that the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) has selected Scranton as host for this year’s conference. We are looking forward to showcasing some of our area’s most creative and successful economic development initiatives to many of the top professionals in the field, from across the Commonwealth.” This year’s event will feature several staff members from The Chamber as key speakers and moderators, including Bob Durkin, president; Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development; AJ Cimahosky, business development manager; Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist; and Maria Day, IGNITE program manager.Their participation will highlight regional perspectives on workforce, talent attraction, and business and economic strategies. Local real estate developer Donald J. Rinaldi, president, BEDA Construction, Inc., will be the Conference Keynote Speaker, providing an overview of the “Lace Village” development project. The Chamber leadership is excited to participate in PEDA alongside other strategic leaders from across the region and the state, including: Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, BIDA, CAN DO, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Lackawanna Transit System, KIZ Resources, LLC, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Penn’s Northeast, Pennsylvania American Water, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, Pennsylvania Tourism Office, PPL, and Team Pennsylvania. By hosting the PEDA Fall Conference in Scranton, the region will showcase its vibrant business community, forward-thinking leadership, and unique opportunities for collaboration with strategic leaders. For more information on the PEDA Fall Conference schedule or to register, visit www.peda.org.
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.
