Local leader elected to industry board Robert F. Durkin elected to board of directors for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Robert F. Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been elected to serve on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an Alexandria, Va.-based association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce. Members of ACCE’s board of directors represent more than 50 organizations, including many of the world’s largest and most influential regional chambers of commerce. “We are pleased to welcome Bob Durkin to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Durkin’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to optimize our industry’s opportunities and leverage the ever-growing momentum for innovation, catalytic leadership, and economic vitality within our communities.” Durkin has served as president of The Chamber since 2013. In his role as president, Durkin oversees planning, finances, staffing, and programming of The Chamber and its affiliate organizations: Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE), Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), IGNITE, The Scranton Plan, MetroAction, Leadership Lackawanna, and Skills in Scranton. Durkin served as president of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute; founding executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority; vice president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce ( 1988–1993); and has worked in various capacities in the nonprofit and regional government arenas. Durkin is a graduate of Penn State University and has undertaken advanced studies at the Institute for Public Administration at Penn State University and completed studies at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management at the University of Delaware. He is a member of the ACCE Major Cities Roundtable, Penn State Scranton Advisory Board, the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development Advisory Board, board member and Treasurer of the Regional Foundation LLC.; board member of the Neighborhood Development Trust, Board member of The Arc of NEPA, and is active in regional Challenger (Special Needs) sports.. The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, and develops benchmarking studies, in addition to providing other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact in their communities. About ACCE Established in 1914, ACCE is an association of over 9,000 chamber professionals from 1,300 chambers of commerce throughout the United States, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas and a host of international markets. The combined membership of ACCE chambers is close to one million businesses. Chamber leaders look to ACCE for best practices, networks, and new ideas that will help them advance the interests of their communities. ACCE recommends successful programs and strategies, and identifies trends, partners, and business models that show promise. For more information, visit www.ACCE.org. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s business, economy, leadership, workforce, and quality of life by offering programs and services that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about The Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.
Episode Twenty-Four: All Things Chamber at The Honesdale National Bank Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-Three: All Things Chamber in Clarks Summit Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-Two: All Things Chamber is at The Green Ridge Club Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Twenty-One: All Things Chamber is at Scranton Counseling Don’t Miss the Update Do you have an exciting offer, discount or deal you’d like to extend to fellow members? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to the 1,500+ Chamber members and their 70k+ employees! Want to offer 20% off a service, 10% off their first order, give them a free consultation? Tell us more and we’ll tell everyone! Submit your Bonus Benefit by July 26th! Chamber Day presents a great opportunity for you and your employees to enjoy discounted admission to Montage Mountain Waterpark. Members can purchase $15 tickets which includes all water attractions ($10.99-$14.99 savings off regular one-day admission ticket) Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
Episode Nineteen: All Things Chamber is “on the road!” Don’t Miss the Update Host the Chamber to film an “All Things Chamber” episode this summer. Contact Ryan Buchanan to schedule your business film date. Contact Ryan at rbuchanan@scrantonchamber.com. Momentum Magazine is expanding! Submit a to be included as a Fresh Face feature (for members who joined less than a year), the Small Business Spotlight (members who joined two years or longer), or the “Ask the Expert” column, an opportunity for members to talk about their area of expertise. Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
A United Front: County and Chamber Work Together to Expand Business and Workforce Development in the Region Scranton, PA–June 7, 2024— Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announced a strategic partnership focused on business and workforce development at a press conference on Wednesday, June 12. Held at The Chamber, County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin, and Chris Chermak, along with Chamber President Bob Durkin, presented The Chamber will primarily be managing business development, marketing, and lead management for Lackawanna County. These efforts will be in collaboration with the County’s Planning and Economic Development Office. The strong united front will allow a streamlined process, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure a coordinated approach to economic development. The Chamber’s Board Chair, Attorney Jerry Musheno, commented, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to attract, sustain, and grow business and jobs in northeastern Pennsylvania. By leveraging our combined resources and expertise, we will create a thriving economic environment for our community.” In the multi-year plan presented at the press conference, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan emphasized the pledge of $495,000 to enhance economic development and entrepreneurship in the county. Over three years, the County will provide a total of $75,000 to support the program and administrative management at the Carbondale Technology Transfer Center (CTTC). The CTTC is an entrepreneur and light-industrial incubation program. The Chamber entered a management agreement with the CTTC board of directors over a year ago. “The County and The Chamber have been partners on many projects throughout the years. What we are doing today is solidifying and formalizing the economic and workforce partnership for the future. Building on years of success at The Chamber and committing County resources to support small businesses—which are the economic engine of Lackawanna County,” shared Commissioner Bill Gaughan. In addition, the County has allotted $420,000 to fund three additional cohorts of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty—the 10-week entrepreneur training program for tech-based, for-profit ideation businesses. The County has funded two cohorts that graduated 15 entrepreneurs in conjunction with The Chamber, INGITE, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA, and tecBRIDGE. “This collaboration aims to attract new businesses, support the expansion of existing ones, create job opportunities, and further bolster entrepreneurial support. We will focus on key industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, energy, technology, and bio/life sciences, aligning with Pennsylvania’s economic development strategic plan. Additionally, we are committed to providing entrepreneurs with the resources and support networks they need to succeed in Lackawanna County, enhancing opportunities for companies in light industrial and kitchen incubation,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber.
Lackawanna County and Chamber Hold Press Conference to Unveil Strategic Partnership Aimed at Expanding Business and Workforce Development Scranton, PA–June 11, 2024 — Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announce a joint press conference to be held at The Chamber on Wednesday, June 12, at 9 a.m. Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin, and Chris Chermak, in conjunction with the Chamber President Bob Durkin, will unveil a partnership on Wednesday, June 12, in which the partnership aims to expand the county’s business and workforce development through two strategic initiatives. “I am encouraged and proud to unveil this partnership between Lackawanna County and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. For far too long we have duplicated efforts, and with this partnership we can be stronger together and make greater impacts in our County in training our workforce, supporting our existing businesses, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurial growth here at home. It is our job to create opportunity for our residents and what better way than in collaboration with the Chamber due to their successful history. We look forward to working hard together and celebrating success moving forward”, said Commissioner Bill Gaughan At the press conference, the Commissioners and Chamber leadership will present a multi-year plan, and under the partnership, the Chamber will take on the primary role of managing business development, marketing and lead management for Lackawanna County. Lackawanna County will continue to work in tandem with the Chamber on all opportunities to support workforce training, small businesses and the growth of entrepreneurship within the county through both collaborative ideas and financial investments. In addition, working in collaboration with the Lackawanna County Planning and Economic Development department will allow both organizations to streamline processes, reduce duplication of efforts, and ensure a coordinated approach to economic development. “I am really excited about the initiatives unveiled here today, and the positive and collaborative relationship we have forged with the County Commissioners. This underscores our collective commitment to maximize the resources available to strengthen our regional economy, for the good of all the citizens of Lackawanna County”, said Chamber President Bob Durkin.
Episode Seventeen: All Things Chamber Don’t Miss the Update The Chamber’s annual membership officially ends on Thursday, May 30. If you know of a business that is not a member of The Chamber, have them head over to www.JoinTheScrantonChamber.com to learn how they can save up to 30% off their first year. Did You Know? As part of your online portal, you can see the number of referrals to your business from The Chamber. Head over to ScrantonChamber.com, and on the top bar, click “Member Login”. Once you are logged in, click on “Additional Resources” and then “Referal Report.” Upcoming Chamber Events EVENT PAGE MEMBER BENEFITS
The Chamber and SLIBCO Announces Successful Land Sale to N&N Drilling The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the closing of a land transaction within the Valley View Business Park. Lot 14B, totaling 3.76 acres of prime industrial land, has been acquired by N&N Drilling, a prominent local business headquartered in Jessup, PA. The sale was facilitated by Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the Chamber’s business development affiliate. N&N Drilling, founded in 1967, has been a cornerstone of northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial landscape for over five decades. Specializing in the manufacturing of drilling supplies, the company has garnered a reputation for precision, innovation, and reliability in serving diverse industrial sectors. This strategic acquisition by N&N Drilling represents a significant milestone not only for the company but also for the economic vitality of the region. By expanding its footprint within the Valley View Business Park, N&N Drilling is poised to enhance its operational capabilities, pursue new opportunities, and contribute further to the growth and prosperity of the local community. “N&N Drilling Supply is pleased to announce the acquisition of land in the Valley View Business Park. This expansion allows us to increase our production capacity, explore new product development opportunities, and ultimately create more jobs in the region. We’re also delighted to welcome the third generation of our family into the business. Having Marco, Gary III., and Juliano join our team over the past year is a testament to the generations of hard work and dedication that have built this company for over 58 years,” shared Greg Nieto. “We’re excited for the fresh ideas and perspectives they’ll bring, and we’re confident they’ll help us continue to thrive for many years to come right here in Northeastern PA and beyond. We’re excited for the future and look forward to being a part of the continued growth of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce extends its congratulations to both SLIBCO and N&N Drilling on the successful completion of this transaction. This sale exemplifies the Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic development, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating strategic partnerships that benefit businesses and residents alike. For more information about SLIBCO and opportunities within the Valley View Business Park, please visit www.SLIBCO.com.
