XPAND

XPAND: Professional Skills That Actually Move Your Career Forward

The Chamber’s XPAND series, presented by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, 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 AM–1:00 PM

The 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 AM–1:00 PM

Scranton Enterprise Center, 201 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

Presenter: Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, The 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 | 5:30–7:30 PM

AV Restaurant & Lounge, 320 Penn Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

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.