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.
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
