Olympic Gold Medalist to provide Keynote Address at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes will provide the lunch keynote at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience. Dominique Dawes is the first African American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal. She is the owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies. The first academy opened in July 2020 during the global pandemic, and the second location opened in 2023. Dominique Dawes, lunch keynote speaker Christina Butler, breakfast keynote speaker Dawes holds minority ownership in the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. Alongside Drew Brees, she served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration. Recently, Dawes collaborated with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as Executive Producer of the Peacock docuseries “Golden,” which follows USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. Marking its 10th year, the 2025 conference theme is “DREAM BIG!” and will be held on April 24 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. Presented by Geisinger, EMPOWER is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. In addition to Dawes, the breakfast keynote address will be provided by Christina Butler, a communications and presentation skills professional, and 44 regional speakers will present in breakout sessions. Attendees will also have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. It is anticipated that the conference will host 1,000 attendees in 2025. For a third year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor EMPOWER TEEN, a specialized track for students currently enrolled in high school and between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. The program empowers and enhances students’ personal and professional development. Tickets are available through April 1, 2025.
The Chamber and The Steel Supply Company Broker a Deal in Valley View Business Park The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), announces the sale of 2.67 acres in the Valley View Business Park to The Steel Supply Company, Inc. The Steel Supply Company produces components, supplies, and services that are critical to the structural steel fabrication industry. The company will manufacture and distribute industrial steel fabrication products from its new location in Jessup, Pennsylvania. Back Row (L-R): Amy Luyster, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; AJ Cimahosky, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Javier Pazmino, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Willie Obeid, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Front Row (L-R): Bob Durkin, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Matt Obeid, The Steel Supply Company; and Heather Kubic Skapyak, GPI “We are excited about this new facility and the opportunities it affords the company for manufacturing, fabricating, and new product line development, shared Barbara Obeid, president of The Steel Supply Company. The area offers an impressive combination of facilities, access to shipping lanes, and a capable labor force. The assistance provided in locating the property and guiding the process by the energetic people at The Chamber has been invaluable. We look forward to working with the Chamber in bringing this project to fruition.” “SLIBCO and The Chamber leadership are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. The Steel Supply Company is committed to driving the workforce in Lackawanna County and falls right in line with the targeted industry sectors we desire to see grow in the area. Manufacturing has always been a part of our story here, and projects like these will allow that to continue,” shared AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber through its business development division, SLIBCO, and its business development marketing program, The Scranton Plan, are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing business and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. “In choosing a new site in Jessup to manufacture and distribute components, The Steel Supply Co. clearly recognizes some of Lackawanna County’s business-development advantages,” said Commissioner Bill Gaughan. He adds, “Our location and transportation infrastructure put major markets within easy reach, and our workforce ensures high-quality products. We welcome the Steel Supply Co. not only as a great addition to the county’s industrial base, but as further proof that Lackawanna County is open for business.” For information regarding this property or additional real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.thescrantonplan.com.
The Chamber AcceleratesAction by Celebrating International Women’s Day and Presents the ATHENA Award The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted more than 200 attendees at its annual International Women’s Day Celebration, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, and presented the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award to Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Marianne Gilmartin, vice chair/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Robert Durkin, president, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Donna Barbetti, Michael A. Barbetti LLC CPA; Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, FACP, FAAP, president and chief executive officer, The Wright Center for Community Health and Graduate Education; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Deb Kolsovsky, executive vice president and regional director, PNC Bank. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition, and she remains a healer at heart. Kate Bryant, president and chief executive officer, The Honesdale National Bank; Elizabeth Nagy, vice president, director of marketing, sales, and online banking, The Honesdale National Bank; Katie Desiderio, Ph.D., MBA, principal partner in learning, Proximal Development, LLC; Marianne Gilmartin, vice chir/chair-elect, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Mari Potis, director of membership and events, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Dr. Katie Desiderio provided the keynote address. Dr. Desiderio is a tenured professor of management at Moravian University and the principal partner of Proximal Development, LLC. In Dr. Desiderio’s keynote, she inspired the audience to define their stories in six words by going on a journey of exploring who they are and who around them helps them achieve that dream version of themselves. “Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of women who shape our community,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The presentation of the Athena Award is a testament to the exceptional leaders who inspire us all to dream bigger, reach higher, and break barriers. It is an honor to recognize these remarkable women, whose achievements remind us that the power of leadership knows no bounds.”
Skills in Scranton Awarded Community Needs Grant To Expand Career Pathways Resources Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This funding will support the expansion and promotion of career pathways resources, providing invaluable tools to students, educators, and job seekers across northeastern Pennsylvania. The Community Needs Grant will enable Skills in Scranton to enhance its existing programs aimed at addressing the region’s workforce challenges. These efforts include expanding the Career Pathways Curriculum Guide and increasing the availability of the career pathways video resources that connect students and job seekers with high-priority occupations in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and business services. “This grant is a significant step forward in our mission to connect students, educators, and job seekers with the resources they need to thrive,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “By expanding our career pathways initiatives, we are equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities necessary for success in a dynamic workforce.” Through this grant, Skills in Scranton will also increase outreach efforts, ensuring that its career pathways resources reach a broader audience. The expanded programming will focus on equipping students and educators with actionable insights into local career opportunities and supporting businesses in building connections with emerging talent. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Community Needs Grants aim to address critical community challenges and create impactful solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents.
2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP, the president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, is the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient. The ATHENA Award, sponsored locally by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants, honors an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Dr. Thomas-Hemak embodies these characteristics wholeheartedly. Dr. Thomas-Hemak joined The Wright Center in 2001, became president in 2007, and CEO in 2012. Concurrent with her responsibilities as an executive, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is also quintuple board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and nutrition and remains a healer at heart. “It is a true privilege to recognize Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak as the 2025 Athena Award recipient,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Her relentless commitment to her patients, hands-on leadership style, and deep dedication to the community set her apart as an exceptional individual. We are proud to honor Dr. Thomas-Hemak for the profound and lasting impact she has made on both healthcare and our community. Congratulations, Dr. Thomas-Hemak!” In the community, Dr. Thomas-Hemak is actively involved in multiple organizations, countless committees, nonprofit boards and workgroups aimed at benefiting the community, generating efficiencies in healthcare delivery, and promoting primary healthcare workforce development, both regionally and nationally. Additionally, she is a founding board member of the Scranton-based Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Thomas-Hemak promotes the advancement of women by leading boldly and strategically, fostering inclusive opportunities and career advancement, and mentoring opportunities for female leaders to pursue meaningful, transformative careers in health care. The ATHENA Award will be presented to Dr. Thomas-Hemak at The Chamber’s International Women’s Day Breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, on Friday, March 7. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ScrantonChamber.com. The ATHENA Award was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, and has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as in Canada, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. The ATHENA Award® Program is nationally underwritten by General Motors and National City Bank.
The 2025 Workforce Summit Features Ryan Leckey and Marc Gonzalez in March Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces the upcoming 2025 Workforce Summit, set to take place on Thursday, March 20, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. This premier event is designed to empower students, job seekers, and business professionals with invaluable opportunities to connect, develop, and grow in their careers in northeastern Pennsylvania. The 2025 Workforce Summit will feature a robust lineup of activities aimed at fostering connections and career advancement, such as meeting with employers with available positions, professional development sessions like mock interviews and assistance in writing a resume, and featured presentations from Ryan Leckey, CEO and founder of Ryan Leckey Media, and Marc Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder of Site2. The Workforce Summit is tailored for high school students preparing for life after graduation, college students exploring career opportunities and seeking employer connections, job seekers eager to advance or change their careers, and business professionals looking to enhance their skills and hire for their open positions. Don’t Miss This FREE Opportunity: Join us on March 20 to Develop. Educate. and Network. Whether you’re a student charting your future or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, the 2025 Workforce Summit is the perfect place to prepare for what’s next. Learn more online at ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna, Opportunities to Support the Core in the Community all Month Long Starting February 1 | Support the Core Class Project to assist Griffin Pond Animal Shelter This Weekend: February 2 | Support the Core Class Project to restore the Carbondale Train Station. Next Weekend: February 8 | Support the Core Class Project to assist the Scranton Counseling Center. February 14 | Support the Core Class Project to Renovate Imagine NEPA Performing Arts Backstage
Skills in Scranton Hosted Annual State of the Workforce Event Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, recently hosted its annual State of the Workforce event in partnership with The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. This signature virtual event welcomed educators and Chamber member businesses to explore critical workforce trends and opportunities shaping the region. The presentation provided key insights into the region’s evolving job market, spotlighting top employers and industries hiring for in-demand careers. Attendees gained valuable information about workforce data, labor force participation, and skills gaps, all designed to support efforts to address challenges and enhance regional economic development. “The State of the Workforce event is an invaluable tool for educators and businesses alike,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “This data empowers participants to better understand our regional workforce landscape and use this knowledge to address challenges, inform classroom instruction, and drive strategic decision-making.” To access the 2025 State of the Workforce presentation, visit SkillsinScranton.com or contact Emily Pettinato at EPettinato@ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Announces Applications Open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Program Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is a virtual eight-week course that provides advanced leaders with all the fundamentals of leadership but at a 2.0 level! Topics may include prioritizing purpose, reframing, humility, running effective meetings, generational differences, and workplace diversity. Applications close on February 3, 2025. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is open to anyone who desires to advance their personal and professional growth. Apply online at LeadershipLackawanna.com.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 156th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 156th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 26, 2025, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This signature event is set to bring together the region’s business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening to celebrate the accomplishments of our members and programs from the past year. This year’s Annual Dinner will feature keynote speaker, author, and workforce strategist, Gregory Offner. Offner is the founding partner of the Global Performance Institute, a boutique consulting firm supporting organizations and executives seeking to get the most out of their workforce. He previously held leadership roles in the outsourced services and risk management industries, developing future leaders and advising some of the most recognizable names in business. In this keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement found in a piano bar and then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations who’ve applied these principles to business with phenomenal results. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Offner’s keynote address will equip businesses with valuable insights to address current workforce challenges. “We always look for an Annual Dinner keynote speaker who provides insight into the compelling issues facing our business community. As the nature of our workforce is evolving, Gregory Offner brings a thought-provoking perspective to address these key workforce issues,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets for the 156th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com.
