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
CHOP Hosts Feeding the Future Dinner Join CHOP Out Hunger for our Feeding the Future Dinner on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Constantino’s, Clarks Summit, an inspiring evening dedicated to ending childhood hunger across Pennsylvania. This special night will honor community leader Ty Holmes for his outstanding dedication and service to our region. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, networking, and a heartfelt program featuring stories of impact. The evening will also include a raffle and learn how to support our Weekend Backpack Program, In-School Pantries, and Pop-Up Pantries, helping ensure every child has enough to eat. Learn More
Let’s CHOP Out Hunger for Kids this Holiday Season Help Us Feed 45,000 Children Weekly! Volunteer at CHOP Out Hunger’s New Scranton Warehouse Join us in our mission to end child hunger across Pennsylvania! CHOP Out Hunger relies on dedicated volunteers to help provide nutritious meals to 45,000 kids in need each week. Ways to Make a Difference:Packing Support: Assemble weekend backpack bags for childrenPop-Up Pantries: Help distribute fresh food to familiesOffice Assistance: Aid with administrative tasksYour time and effort give children the fuel they need to thrive. Become part of our movement to create a hunger-free future. Sign up here.
Child Hunger Outreach Program Hosts Pasta Dinner Fundraiser CHOP Out Hunger will host a special Pasta Dinner Fundraiser. For $15, you can enjoy a meal prepared by Pettinato’s Restaurant, including pasta with a meatball, salad, bread & butter, and dessert. Convenient and ready to enjoy at your leisure! But that’s not all—each meal purchased provides a meal to a child in need. All proceeds from this event will go directly towards funding CHOP Out Hunger’s vital programs that support children, seniors, and families facing food insecurity in our community. Get your tickets today and make a real difference!
