The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces Two New Staff Members The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Emilie Gebert and Elena Kiernan to its staff team, further strengthening the organization’s workforce development and administrative operations. Emilie Gebert (on the left in the photo) joins The Chamber as workforce & leadership assistant. In this role, she supports Leadership Lackawanna, Skills in Scranton, and The Scranton Plan through administrative coordination, event support, and program operations that strengthen workforce development and community leadership across the region. Gebert brings nearly two decades of experience in customer relations, sales leadership, team development, and operational management through her career in the telecommunications industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. Outside of her role at The Chamber, Gebert serves as Assistant Director of the Montage Ski Patrol, where she helps oversee volunteer coordination and guest safety operations. Elena Kiernan (on the right in the photo) joins The Chamber as a front desk receptionist, serving as the first point of contact for members, visitors, tenants, and guests while supporting daily office operations across the organization. Kiernan has more than 15 years of experience in administrative support, customer service, event coordination, and office management. Her professional background includes positions within the travel and hospitality, legal, and finance industries, where she coordinated meetings and events, managed executive schedules, and provided administrative support in fast-paced corporate environments. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and completed additional coursework through New York University. “The addition of Emilie and Elena further strengthens our team and enhances the support we provide to our members, programs, and regional initiatives,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Their experience, professionalism, and commitment to service will be valuable assets to The Chamber and the community we serve.”
EMPOWER 2026 Draws More Than 900 Attendees as Jodi Kantor Headlines Transformational Day of Leadership More than 900 professionals from across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond gathered Thursday, April 30, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger; a premier annual event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate leaders at every stage of their journey. Headlined by nationally recognized journalist and author Jodi Kantor, the conference delivered a powerful and forward-thinking program centered on leadership, growth, and action. Kantor, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting at The New York Times, brought a compelling message to the EMPOWER stage, drawing from her latest book, How to Start. Her keynote challenged attendees to rethink how meaningful change begins, encouraging individuals to take initiative, embrace uncertainty, and lead with purpose in their professional and personal lives. The day began with an energizing breakfast keynote from Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national bestselling author, who set the tone for the experience with a message focused on resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership. Her remarks encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal and professional paths, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the power of leading with clarity and confidence in times of change. Throughout the day, EMPOWER offered a dynamic and immersive experience featuring more than 45 regional speakers across breakout sessions, panel discussions, and moderated conversations. Attendees engaged with nearly 40 small businesses in the vendor marketplace and participated in wellness-focused programming, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, led by nine presenters, creating opportunities for both personal and professional development. EMPOWER featured several immersive experiences designed to inspire and engage attendees throughout the day. The Dream Tree, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College, invited participants to write down and display their aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder that their goals are within reach. New for 2026, Johnson College sponsored the Leadership Lounge, a space where attendees could recharge both personally and professionally while enjoying fresh popcorn and convenient device charging. Fidelity Bank also sponsored a dynamic Content Studio, giving attendees the opportunity to step in, strike a pose, and showcase the power of you. The next generation of leaders was also a central focus, with more than 80 high school students taking part in the EMPOWER TEEN Program, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The experience provided students with early exposure to leadership development, mentorship, and career exploration. Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the impact of the event on the region’s workforce and leadership pipeline. “I am pleased that the Empower Program continues to resonate with business professionals and students across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. I think this speaks to the quality and value of the programming that addresses the interests of participants at all levels of professional development. I also want to acknowledge and thank our many sponsors and partners who make this program a success, year after year,” Durkin said. EMPOWER continues to grow as a cornerstone leadership event for the region, bringing together individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds to share ideas, build connections, and drive momentum forward. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host the next EMPOWER conference on April 22, 2027. Check out the 2026 EMPOWER Conference photos at this link.
AssetLink Global Acquired by Geoforce Geoforce, a leader in rugged asset intelligence solutions, announced the acquisition of AssetLink Global, a 2022 graduate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s entrepreneurship program, IGNITE. AssetLink is an electronic product development company specializing in low-voltage, battery-operated devices, and is an anchor tenant at The TekRidge Center. AssetLink CEO David J. Goldstein highlighted the strategic alignment between the two corporations. “Geoforce gives AssetLink the scale and resources to expand our impact without compromising what makes our solutions trusted in the public sector,” said Goldstein. “Together, we can accelerate innovation while continuing to support the mission-critical programs our customers rely on.” Since its inception, AssetLink has grown into a global leader in the next generation of cloud Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Its solutions have supported companies of all sizes, including those in the agriculture, heavy equipment and mining, oil and gas, maritime, and transportation sectors. With AssetLink, Geoforce, which is based in Plano, Texas, expands into new asset categories and deployment models, reinforcing its focus on complex industries where reliability is non-negotiable. “For AssetLink, this is about accelerating what we can build to help our customers,” said James Maclean, CEO at Geoforce. “By combining AssetLink’s engineering talent and intellectual property with that of Geoforce, we are positioned to move faster, experiment more boldly, and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of both industrial and government customers.” While Geoforce is based in Texas, AssetLink will remain in Jessup, meaning that all of the local jobs they have created will remain in Lackawanna County. AssetLink Global is the latest in a string of success stories that can be traced back to IGNITE. “The goal of the IGNITE program is to provide budding entrepreneurs with the resources needed to take their businesses from idea to reality,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “David Goldstein has embraced this concept, adding the intelligence and drive of his team, and is realizing the dream of business success.” The IGNITE Program serves to grow businesses and create jobs by fostering entrepreneurs and their companies in northeastern Pennsylvania through education, counseling, networking, and mentorship support. The program has created approximately 580 jobs, raised $5 million in capital, and graduated 57 companies. “We’re so excited that AssetLink was acquired. We love to see the success of our companies that have graduated from the IGNITE program,” said Mary McDermott, IGNITE program manager. “[The acquisition] shows the success of AssetLink Global, and the success of our community in NEPA and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.”
The Chamber and CAN DO Host Greater Philadelphia Business Development Event The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of community and business leaders on a business development industry tour to The Scranton Plan and the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliates of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CAN DO, Inc, of Greater Hazleton, recently hosted a business development broker mixer in the Greater Philadelphia region to strengthen relationships with commercial and industrial real estate professionals and advance business development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event brought together brokers and economic development leaders to highlight current and emerging development opportunities across the region, including available building and land sites, workforce assets, infrastructure, and competitive business environment. The mixer provided an informal setting for meaningful dialogue focused on business attraction, expansion, and long-term regional growth. “Engaging brokers in key markets like Greater Philadelphia is a critical component of our development and marketing strategy,” said Amy Luyster, Vice President of Business and Workforce Development, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Their market insight and professional networks help ensure Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania remains visible and competitive as companies consider new locations.” “The Greater Hazleton area is an integral part of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial market,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, CAN DO, Inc. “By working collaboratively with partners like The Scranton Plan and SLIBCO, we are able to present a regionally aligned picture of available sites, infrastructure, workforce strengths, and long-term value to companies considering expansion or relocation through engagement with strategic audiences such as Greater Philadelphia.” The mixer opened the door for The Chamber and CAN DO to advance follow-up site tours, generate new prospect referrals, and deepen ongoing partnerships with brokers and regional stakeholders. To learn more about business development opportunities, available sites, and economic development support services in Lackawanna County and the Greater Hazleton area, visit www.scrantonplan.com or www.hazletoncando.com.
The Chamber Leads Delegation of Key Business Leaders to Explore Data Centers in Virginia The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of community and business leaders on a business development industry tour to northern Virginia to explore communities that have integrated data center development into their local economies. The visit gave participants firsthand insights into how data centers impact job creation, infrastructure, community investment, and responsible land use and sustainability. The tour included meetings with local officials, economic development professionals, and industry representatives who have experienced the opportunities and challenges of data center expansion. “This visit is part of our ongoing effort to understand this emerging industry and the potential impact on our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “By studying benchmark communities that have effectively managed data center development, we hope to gather lessons and best practices to inform strategic planning, workforce readiness initiatives, and investment policies, ensuring that community leaders in Lackawanna County are well prepared for the challenges of this emerging industry.”
Greenlight Expands Across NEPA; Partners with Blakely Borough Greenlight Networks (“Greenlight”), a leading fiber-to-the-home internet service provider, and latest emerging player in Pennsylvania, is accelerating its investment and network buildout across Northeastern Pennsylvania. On the heels of the acquisition of Loop Internet last month, Greenlight today announced several new expansions within the Northeast Pennsylvania region including the Boroughs of Blakely and Throop – bringing residents, businesses, and municipalities the fast, reliable internet they need. The company is pleased to share that Blakely Borough has signed a municipal agreement with Greenlight, securing high-speed fiber connectivity for eight community buildings, including the Borough Office, DPW Garage, Electrical Switchgear Station, Blakely Hose Co. No. 2, Wilson Fire. Co. No. 1, Blakely Borough Community Ambulance, and both the Blakely Borough Community Center and the Blakely Borough Recreation Complex. “Reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is essential infrastructure for our community,” said Christopher Paone, Borough Manager of Blakely. “By partnering with Greenlight, we are ensuring not only our residents but also our municipal operations and emergency services are equipped with the best connectivity available for the needs of today, tomorrow, and beyond.” “The continued expansion of Greenlight Networks’ fiber is a big plus for our regional community,” said Bob Durkin, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “With increased remote work and schooling, and the advances in AI., high-speed, reliable internet is no longer just a convenience—it’s a necessity for families, businesses, and economic competitiveness. We are excited to see this type of investment by Greenlight Networks, here in northeastern Pennsylvania.” Greenlight’s regional expansion is progressing rapidly, with thousands of homes and businesses already connected or under construction throughout Lackawanna County. In Blakely, residents can expect construction to begin in early 2026, with more areas to be announced in the coming months. The company is also accelerating its investment and network buildout across the Scranton market following the acquisition of Loop Internet. Over the past several months, service has become available in multiple new neighborhoods across West and South Scranton, the company has also continued its momentum across Kingston, Wilkes-Barre, and Mountain Top, further strengthening Greenlight’s regional footprint across Luzerne County. “Northeastern Pennsylvania is an exciting place for us to grow, as we continue to partner with communities that welcome competition and are eager for better internet options,” said Mark Murphy, CEO of Greenlight Networks. “Residents and businesses alike want more choice and Greenlight is ready to deliver with the speed and reliability of our fiber network. We are proud of our national recognition as a top Internet service provider for value, reliability, speed and service and excited to further expand access to enhanced connectivity across this region.” Click here for more information.
The Greater Scranton Chamber LaunchesEDGE Summit: AI for Small Business The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business—an interactive half-day event designed to help local businesses understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in ways that save time, boost efficiency, and spark growth. The EDGE Summit will take place on Monday, October 6, at Mohegan Pennsylvania. The EDGE Summit is open to businesses of all sizes and industries—no tech background required. Whether you’re a small business owner, an employee who wants to work smarter, or part of a growing team, this event will give you practical tools you can start using right away. “The future of small business is intelligent,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “The EDGE Summit is about giving our business community the knowledge and confidence to use AI as a tool for growth, efficiency, and long-term success.” The EDGE Summit will show you exactly how to put AI to work in your business. Sessions will include hands-on learning labs, practical takeaways, and provide valuable connections with local experts. The EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business is more than a tech event — it’s an investment in your business’s future and your team’s professional growth. Registration is now open at ScrantonChamber.com. Reserve your spot and take the first step toward putting AI to work for you.
Kolmar Invests $60M in Lackawanna County The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division and business development marketing program, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), and The Scranton Plan announce the expansion of Kolmar within the Scott Technology Park, Scott Township. Kolmar, a leading contract manufacturer of innovative beauty, skincare, and personal care products, is proud to announce a $60M expansion of its campus in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly excited and proud to expand our footprint in Scott Township and take this next big step in growing our business in the United States, said Yong Chul (“Ben”) Hur, chief executive officer, Kolmar. This new facility isn’t just about growing our production capabilities—it’s about creating new opportunities, strengthening our community, and building the future of beauty manufacturing right here in northeast Pennsylvania.” President of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Bob Durkin, added, “The continued investment by Kolmar in Scott Township and Lackawanna County represents a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to long-term growth and innovation. As the developer of Scott Technology Park, The Chamber, through its business development division SLIBCO, is pleased to provide a setting that enables companies like Kolmar to expand, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to our regional economy.” This expansion includes 36 acres on which it has just completed the construction of a 200k sq ft building that will house its administrative offices, warehousing and state-of-the art production capabilities. This new construction lays the foundation for the Company’s ultimate goal of building a cosmetic industrial complex that will include introducing supply chain partners to northeast Pennsylvania. “Kolmar’s expansion perfectly illustrates Lackawanna County’s suitability for a wide range of industrial development,” shared Commissioner Bill Gaughan. “The county is an ideal location not just for manufacturing or logistics, but for corporate management and the entire spectrum of business operations. We thank Kolmar for its major expansion and investment, and especially for demonstrating that Lackawanna County works.” Through SLIBCO and The Scranton Plan, The Chamber is committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing businesses and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. Kolmar has been a dedicated member of its local community since 1993. This new facility will be the second Kolmar facility within the park, creating 280 additional jobs within the Scott Technology Park. The company commemorated the expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Scott Township Administrator Carl Ferraro shares, “Scott Township would like to congratulate Kolmar on completion of the first phase of their expansion. As one of the Township’s largest employers, their continued success is a benefit to all of Scott Township and its residents.”
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. View the Photo Album online.
Nearly 900 Attend EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience Nearly 900 women from northeastern Pennsylvania gathered for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, a premier women’s leadership event hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and presented by Geisinger. The day-long program at Kalahari Convention Centers and Resort brought together professionals, students, and changemakers for inspiration, connection, and growth. This year’s event featured two keynote speakers, 44 regional leaders, and 90 high school students—making it one of the most impactful EMPOWER programs. The day started with a breakfast keynote speaker, Christina Butler, an executive communication coach, whose presentation was sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Butler energized the crowd with a session focused on clear, concise, and confident communication. She encouraged attendees to eliminate filler phrases and distractions from their language and instead focus on their “why” and “how” to deliver messages that resonate with purpose and poise. Dominique Dawes, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing gymnast, headlined the afternoon session as the lunch keynote speaker, with support from PNC Bank. Dawes inspired the audience with stories from her athletic and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over ego. “Leave your ego at the door,” she urged attendees. “Greatness is not achieved alone—it’s about what we accomplish together.” In addition to the powerful keynotes, the event included breakout sessions led by 44 regional speakers representing healthcare, education, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The sessions covered topics from leadership strategies and mental wellness to business innovation. “The energy in the room was electric,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “EMPOWER continues to grow in reach and impact every year, and this event truly highlighted the strength and potential of women leaders in our region.” EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, is part of The Chamber’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful programming that supports women in leadership and professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania.
