Xpand

Xpand: Professional Skills That Actually Move Your Career Forward

The Chamber’s Xpand series, presented by Peoples Security Bank, is a professional development experience for young  professionals who want to get better at what matters most at work: understanding their strengths, communicating with confidence, and building relationships that open doors.

This three-part series is designed to be practical, interactive, and immediately useful. Each session stands alone, but together they create a clear progression—from self-awareness, to communication, to real-world application.

Pricing:
• $100 per session
• $250 for all 3-sessions

Reminder: If your employer is a Chamber member, you are a Chamber member. This program is for you.

Session 1:

Unlock Your Strengths with CliftonStrengths

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Presenter: Nicole Morristell, Gallup certified Strengths coach and Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna

This session is about understanding what you are naturally good at – your skills and strengths – and how to use them to be most effective at your job!  Participants will complete the CliftonStrengths Talent Assessment and then:

• Identify their top strengths and what they actually mean in a workplace setting
• Learn how to lean into strengths instead of trying to “fix” weaknesses
• Understand how their strengths impact communication, teamwork, and leadership
• Walk away with practical strategies they can apply immediately in their role

Bottom line: You will leave with language and confidence to talk about your leadership styles, skills and strengths—and use it more effectively.

Session 2:

Master the Talk: Confident Communication & Strategic Networking

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Scranton Enterprise Center

Presenter: Emily Pettinato, Workforce Development Specialist, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

 

This is not a “how to work a room” lecture. It’s a hands-on communication and networking experience.

Participants will learn how to:

• Start and sustain conversations without feeling awkward or forced
• Use the TALK framework (Topics, Asking, Levity, Kindness) to create natural, memorable interactions
• Communicate with confidence in meetings, events, and everyday workplace moments
• Network with intention—online and in person—without feeling salesy

Bottom line: You’ll stop overthinking conversations and start making stronger professional connections.

Session 3:

The Professional Table: Networking, Conversation, and Confidence

 

Thursday, May 7, 2026

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

AV Restaurant

Presenter: Stephanie Decker

 

This final session is where everything comes together in a real-world setting.

Participants will:

• Practice networking in a social environment (yes, including cocktails and conversation)
• Learn how to confidently enter, exit, and navigate professional conversations
• Participate in a guided, three-course dinner led by a professional instructor
• Learn modern dining and professional etiquette that applies to business meals, client dinners, and events

Bottom line: You’ll leave knowing how to carry yourself with confidence in any professional setting without feeling stiff or out of place.