Chamber Celebrates the Dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way

Local leaders, community members, and honored guests gathered on Friday to celebrate the official dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way—two roadways that now mark the entrances to the newly developed Archbald Business Park to honor of Austin J. Burke and Virginia Goodrich.

Burke served as the president of The Chamber from 1975 to 2013. During his tenure, The Chamber and its development arms were recognized nationally for their sustained responses to a wide range of community needs. Chamber affiliates, Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE) and Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO) reclaimed thousands of acres of mine-scarred land for productive reuse as industrial, office, and technology parks—including Valley View Business Park. In addition, LIFE and SLIBCO financed and constructed more than 350 buildings that continue to employ thousands in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County.

“The Valley View Business Park was developed to create job opportunities for our neighbors and for the region. These projects always require sustained efforts among many partners. I’m grateful to have been a part of this splendid undertaking. I’m also humbled and delighted that the Chamber and Archbald Borough are honoring Virginia Goodrich and me for the parts we played,” shared Austin J. Burke. 

Goodrich, former executive secretary to the president of The Chamber from 1965 to 2023, spent nearly 60 years assisting the region’s economic and business growth. Her devotion to community development was evident in her work at The Chamber and in the organizations in which she volunteered.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by The Chamber and [Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company] SLIBCO with the designation of Goodrich Way. My sincere thanks to the officers and board of directors of SLIBCO for this very personal and meaningful tribute,” expressed Virginia Goodrich.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the formal unveiling of the newly dedicated roads, commemorating Burke and Goodrich’s leadership, service, and enduring impact in attracting, sustaining, and growing jobs and community investment throughout Lackawanna County.

“The dedication of Burke Drive and Goodrich Way marks a significant milestone for our community and stands as a testament to the lasting impact of two leaders who shaped the future of our business landscape,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “These roadways now serve as enduring tributes to their contributions to the continued growth and success of the economy in northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The Chamber, along with its business development division and program, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan, extends its gratitude to all who attended and helped make this day a memorable tribute to two individuals whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

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