Luyster Promoted to Vice President of Business and Workforce Development at The Chamber

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership has announced the promotion of Amy S. Luyster to Vice President of Business and Workforce Development. With 25 years of service to The Chamber and its members, Luyster brings to the position a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and goals.

In her new role, Luyster will oversee the Business and Workforce Development affiliates: the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Business Company (SLIBCO), The Scranton Plan, the IGNITE program, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna.

“Amy has played a crucial role in advancing the region’s business, economic, and workforce growth. This promotion reflects her exemplary contributions to The Chamber’s commitment to fostering a thriving business community,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

A graduate of Wilkes University, Luyster holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in business marketing. In addition, she is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at Villanova University; the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program at The Kania School of Management, The University of Scranton; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program; and The Economic Development in Pennsylvania course, accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

During her tenure at The Chamber, Luyster has directed economic and industrial development marketing under The Scranton Plan; workforce development through Skills in Scranton; Legislative affairs under the Government Affairs and Advocacy Committee; and provided organizational and program direction as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team.

The key responsibilities of Luyster’s new role will be to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of Lackawanna County’s business, workforce, and leadership assets and liabilities. Using her experience, Luyster will leverage this knowledge to identify opportunities to address challenges in the local business landscape. Luyster will establish and implement business development strategies that align with the Chamber’s mission, goals, and objectives. This includes fostering collaborations with and among SLIBCO, The Scranton Plan, the IGNITE program, Skills in Scranton, and Leadership Lackawanna in concert with Chamber membership, communications, and lending operations to promote economic development and workforce growth in the greater Scranton region.

“I am thankful and excited for this expanded role and eager to lead initiatives that drive business and workforce development in Lackawanna County, said Luyster. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to achieve continued success and make a lasting impact in our community.”

TechCelerator Participants Showcase Businesses at Closing Presentations

After completing their ten-week cohort in the TechCelerator at Lackawanna County program, participants from seven technology start-ups recently shared valuable insights into their business plans. The pitches were presented to an audience of local funders, coordinators, dignitaries, and supporters at Penn State Scranton’s state-of-the-art Engineering Building on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. In recognition of their efforts, each participating business was awarded up to $10,000 from Lackawanna County to fuel their future business growth.

The seven showcased start-ups: I Need A Speaker, The Brain Trust, Washboard, NEPA Lifestyle, RentChexx, STAIPUT, and KX Arms unveiled upcoming products and services spanning a speaker connection hub, local destination discovery platform, property management solutions, and on-demand laundry services.

Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber, expressed his satisfaction, sharing, “Collaborating with other sponsors for the TechCelerator program has expanded our initiatives to support and nurture local entrepreneurs through our Ignite program, seamlessly transitioning these emerging firms into our robust business development incubator sites.” Ken Okrepkie, regional manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, added, “The Lackawanna County TechCelerator program, designed to assist early adapting entrepreneurs in shaping their ideas into viable businesses, has undeniably been a success.”

The TechCelerator Program is a partnership between Lackawanna County, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, IGNITE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and tecBRIDGE.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 155th Chamber Annual Dinner

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 155th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 27, 2024, 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 features a distinguished keynote speaker, Shawn Kanungo. Renowned as a disruption strategist, bestselling author, and former innovation expert for Deloitte, Mr. Kanungo is set to captivate the audience with his profound insights into the ever-evolving landscape of creativity, business, and technology.

As The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce continues its commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the greater Scranton region, Kanungo’s expertise will undoubtedly inspire and empower attendees to navigate the challenges and opportunities of today’s dynamic business environment surrounding Artificial Intelligence.

“We always look for an Annual Dinner guest who reflects the compelling issues of the day, and this year looks is no exception. Shawn Kanungo brings a thought-provoking perspective to the rapidly emerging world of Artificial Intelligence – and will share how these dynamic changes will affect the business environments of our members,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

To purchase tickets for the 155th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com

Nominations for the 2024 ATHENA Award are Open!

Nominations for the 2024 ATHENA Awards are now open at www.ScrantonChamber.com/athena-award.

The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

The ATHENA Award is sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti LLC Certified Public Accountants and will be presented at the Chamber’s International Women’s Day breakfast, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The event will be held at The Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Nominations must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, January 19. Apply online at www.ScrantonChamber.com/athena-award

Be a Speaker at EMPOWER

Have you enjoyed Empower Women’s Leadership Conference?  Ever want to be on the stage sharing your story, your expertise, motivating others? This is your year and your opportunity! 

EMPOWER Women’s Leadership Conference is now EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience!  EMPOWER will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Kalahari Resorts, Mount Pocono. We are accepting submissions for “Breakout Room Speakers, Wellness Presenters & Instructors, Panelists and Panel Moderators” through January 12, 2024. The 2024 theme is “PURPOSE” (to be interpreted by Speakers/Presenters in their presentation).

EMPOWER 2024 consists of four (4) Breakout Room tracks:

1.) Professional Development
2.) Personal Development
3.) Leadership Development
4.) Panel Discussions (final topics/titles tbd):

***PANEL DISCUSSION TOPICS***
a.) Non-Traditional Industry Leaders
b.) Young Professionals: What To Do or Know
c.) Poise & Public Speaking
d.) Career Building

Breakout Room Speakers must prepare a 45 minute presentation inclusive of Q&A to typically includes a PowerPoint presentation.
Panelists offer their expertise on specific topics managed by the Panel Moderator.

Wellness Studio Presenters/Instructors.  The Wellness Studio runs every 30 minutes. We are currently looking for Presenters/Instructors to offer 20 minute sessions covering “Mind, Body and Spirit”.  This an be a fitness class, mindfulness, meditation, nutrition counseling, etc.

If EMPOWER is for you and you’re ready to get on stage and share your expertise please complete this “Speaker Submission Form” by January 12, 2024 to be considered for EMPOWER. https://metroaction.wufoo.com/forms/2024-empower-speaker-submission-form/  (No calls or direct emails please.)

We look forward to reviewing your submission and seeing you at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience!

Skills in Scranton Receives Grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation

Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support facilitation of career awareness programs, facilitate collaboration between educational partners and the business community to empower students and job seekers to deepen their knowledge of diverse career pathways.

Business leaders across northeastern Pennsylvania have recognized that workforce development is critical to our economic future, and the long-term success of our youth. Skills in Scranton has established the framework for an industry-led, sector-based approach for addressing skills shortages, developing talent pipelines, and creating meaningful career pathways for a range of workers in these leading industry sectors

“This funding is instrumental in advancing our mission of fostering career awareness and developing a talent pipeline in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This grant will allow us to strengthen our efforts in connecting with students and job seekers to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to make informed career decisions.”

“Workforce development and career readiness are among the region’s most pressing needs, affecting regional employers and job seekers alike,” said Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “With its robust connection between education, training, and employment, the Business Education Partnership’s community-based approach is an important component in ensuring every individual has access to family-sustaining jobs, creating a thriving community. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation and the Scranton Area Community Foundation are proud to support this very important endeavor.”

Chamber Leadership Applauds the Future of Amtrak in Scranton

The leadership of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce applauds the decision announced today by the Federal Railroad Administration to move forward with establishing an Amtrak connection between the City of Scranton and New York City.

The Chamber and its affiliate organizations have been on record in support of this concept and pledged to work with federal, state, and local officials to establish this line to promote economic development along the corridors in Lackawanna and Monroe counties and all of northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The Amtrak service will add to the already vibrant network of transportation infrastructure that is critical to our regional economy. Furthermore, this action will continue solidifying growing regional connections for the workforce, business, and recreational purposes,” commented Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s leadership wants to acknowledge the vision and hard work of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, Congressman Matt Cartwright, Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, Governor Shapiro, the county commissioners and the Visitors Bureaus of Lackawanna and Monroe Counties, municipal officials along the corridor, and the myriad community-based supporters who together made this dream a reality.

READ ONLINE: Supporters celebrate federal planning money for Scranton to NYC passenger train | News | thetimes-tribune.com

Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Level Program Now Accepting Applications

Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Level Program.

Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Level Program is an 8-week virtual course providing advanced leaders with all the fundamentals of leadership – but at a 2.0 level! This innovative and flexible online learning experience begins on January 30, 2024, and ends on March 19, 2024. Participants work on weekly course content at their own pace. There are eight mandatory Zoom meetings: January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, and 19 (every Tuesday from 12-1 pm. Noble Biomaterials and FNCB Bank proudly sponsor LF 2.0.

The cost is $355 (Early Bird rate – ends 12/31/23) and $425. Tuition assistance and payment plans are available to all applicants.

Applications are due by January 16, 2024. Upon submitting the application, a confirmation will be sent.

Questions? Contact Nicole A. Morristell at 570-342-7711 or nmorristell@scrantonchamber.com.

APPLY
TOPICS INCLUDE

Weeks 1 & 2: A Leadership Primer

  • The Power of Perception
  • Addressing the H-Factor
  • Prioritizing Your Natural Leadership
  • Addressing the “Right” Goals
  • Action Orientation
  • Prioritizing Your Purpose
  • Addressing Your Leadership Brand

Week 3 & 4: Leadership Identity

  • Truly Utilizing Differences
  • The Myers Briggs Type Indicator in Action
  • The Power of Personality Leading Different Personalities
  • Understanding Others to Lead More Effectively
  • The Power of Generational Differences
  • Managing Workplace Diversity

Weeks 5 & 6: Leadership and Relationships

  • Appreciation as a Tool for Passion
  • Utilizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence
  • The Necessity of Effective Communication
  • Action Oriented Powerful Communication Practice
  • Addressing Conflict Management
  • Running an Effective Meeting
  • Growing as a Team

Weeks 7 & 8: Keys to Leadership

  • The Power of Environment and Culture
  • Utilizing Reframing to Address Opportunities
  • Reframing Recognition
  • The Power of Motivation, Goal Setting and Change
  • Producing Meaningful Change
  • Moving Forward and Continual Growth

Skills in Scranton Awarded 2023 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness Grant

Skills in Scranton announced today it was awarded a 2023 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness Grant, focusing on developing and promoting career pathway education resources and community outreach.

‘This grant will fuel Skills in Scranton’s mission to develop impactful career pathway educational resources, empowering individuals to explore diverse career opportunities and chart their own paths to success,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “We believe this grant will be instrumental in furthering our mission to develop a talent pipeline into our region’s leading industry sectors.”

The Workforces Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program.  The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is dedicated to engaging and investing in initiatives that improve the wellbeing of communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. We take pride in supporting American Water’s continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and reliable partner in the community.”
Learn more about our mission and community impact at www.skillsinscranton.com.