The Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at the 157th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the region’s business community at its 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The evening recognized the recipients of the 2026 Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), ATHENA Leadership, and Milestone Awards, honoring outstanding achievement, leadership, and community impact across northeastern Pennsylvania “The Annual Dinner is a time-honored tradition for The Chamber and our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s award recipients truly reflect the strength, innovation, and community spirit that define northeastern Pennsylvania. We are proud to recognize these businesses and leaders whose work continues to move our region forward.” The 2026 SAGE Business of the Year, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, was presented to Basalyga Hospitality. A leader in food, beverage, and entertainment, Basalyga Hospitality continues to create dynamic dining, nightlife, and hospitality experiences throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Its diverse portfolio of eight properties reflects a commitment to revitalization, innovation, and exceptional service. The 2026 SAGE Small Business of the Year, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, was awarded to Everything Natural. Since its founding in 1985, the business has grown into a community-centered health and wellness destination, offering nutritious meals, fitness programming, and educational opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to community support. The 2026 SAGE Community Involvement Excellence, sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, CHOP works to eliminate childhood hunger, currently serving approximately 45,000 children across Pennsylvania. The 2026 SAGE People’s Choice, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. All SAGE and Milestone recipients were eligible to win the SAGE People’s Choice. Annual Dinner attendees participated in real-time voting to select the winner. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, CPA, LLC, was presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Cadden has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, the arts, and the advancement of women through financial education and leadership development. Milestone Awards The Chamber also recognized businesses and nonprofit organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in five-year increments. These honorees represent the strength, longevity, and continued growth of the region’s economic and nonprofit sectors. Milestone recipients include: A. Pickett Construction Automated Lifestyles Ballet Theatre of Scranton Blu Elefante Events Community Bank Crystal Window & Door Systems PA Damage Control, Inc. EHEALTH WELLNESS & FITNESS STUDIO, LLC Golden Technologies Groove Brewing Home Health Care Professionals & Hospice – HHCP La Festa Italiana Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Nibbles and Bits Northeast Regional Cancer Institute PA Advocates Inc Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Pulman Interiors Quest Studio Scranton Jazz Festival Serving Seniors Inc. The Dime Bank The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education TRAVELWORLD United Sports Academy United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Wayne Bank WRC, Inc. (formerly Women’s Resource Center) WVIA
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces 156th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces the 156th Chamber Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on March 26, 2025, 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 will feature keynote speaker, author, and workforce strategist, Gregory Offner. Offner is the founding partner of the Global Performance Institute, a boutique consulting firm supporting organizations and executives seeking to get the most out of their workforce. He previously held leadership roles in the outsourced services and risk management industries, developing future leaders and advising some of the most recognizable names in business. In this keynote, former dueling pianist and award-winning speaker Offner will demonstrate three principles of engagement found in a piano bar and then discuss the strategies and stories of organizations who’ve applied these principles to business with phenomenal results. As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, Offner’s keynote address will equip businesses with valuable insights to address current workforce challenges. “We always look for an Annual Dinner keynote speaker who provides insight into the compelling issues facing our business community. As the nature of our workforce is evolving, Gregory Offner brings a thought-provoking perspective to address these key workforce issues,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. To purchase tickets for the 156th Annual Dinner, visit www.ScrantonChamber.com.
The Salvation Army to Host Annual Dinner The Salvation Army of Scranton will be having their Annual Dinner Wednesday May 17th at the Radisson Honoring Chris DiMattio with the Distinguished Community Award. Robert (Bob) Durkin, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will be the main speaker. Mark Hiller of WBRE/WYOU will be Master of Ceremonies. Reservations can be made by calling the Salvation Army at 570-969-6399. Sponsorships and Ads can also be purchased.
