Chamber Plays Key Role in PEDA Conference Success The 2025 Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) Fall Conference took place October 22–24 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It gathered economic development professionals, developers, government and business leaders from across the state to explore best practices, policy trends, and collaborative strategies. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County, served as Platinum Sponsors and assisted PEDA in planning the three-day conference. Chamber staff also took active roles as speakers and moderators — including Bob Durkin, Amy Luyster, AJ Cimahosky, Emily Pettinato, and Mary McDermott. Sessions focused on regional priorities like the industrial and office real estate market, downtown redevelopment, tourism, workforce development, entrepreneurship; and topics such as Amtrak and the growing presence of data centers. The conference also featured a keynote address by local developer Donald J. Rinaldi, highlighting the Lace Village project. This marked the first time that Scranton hosted this statewide conference. Link to Momentum Article: https://indd.adobe.com/view/834f7798-c4d7-4a69-84c4-20872226049a
Governor Josh Shapiro Announces PA SITES Funding Governor Josh Shapiro announced more than $39 million in state funding through the PA SITES (Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) Program, supporting 11 projects across Pennsylvania aimed at preparing industrial and business sites for future growth. The PA SITES program is part of the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year economic development strategy and focuses on creating shovel-ready locations by funding essential infrastructure such as grading, utilities, and roadway access. The initiative is designed to attract new employers, encourage private investment, and create good-paying jobs. “Pennsylvania has the workforce and the potential to compete with any state,” said Governor Shapiro. “Through PA SITES, we’re investing in the sites and infrastructure that make it easier for companies to build and hire right here in our communities.” Lackawanna County: Century Development Associates LLC will receive $6 million to prepare a 230-acre former coal mine site in Mayfield and Archbald Boroughs. The project will include grading, utilities, and roadwork to make the property development-ready, with total site preparation costs estimated at $52 million and up to $100 million in total future investment. This project is expected to support hundreds of construction jobs during site preparation and create up to 1,000 long-term jobs once the property is fully developed with industrial tenants. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce team members Amy Luyster, A.J. Cimahosky, and Emily Pettinato attended the event in support of furthering economic development and the PA SITES program in Lackawanna County.
Luyster Named Trailblazer in Economic & Workforce Development by the City & State Pennsylvania Please join us in congratulating Amy Luyster, vice president of business & workforce development, on being named one of the Trailblazers in Economic & Workforce Development by the City & State Pennsylvania! Luyster leads initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines, connect education with employer needs, and support business growth in Lackawanna County. Her impact can be seen across our region—from helping startups launch to supporting major expansions. Congratulations, Amy, on receiving this honor!
OneTech360 CEO Published in ChannelProNetwork OneTech360 CEO, Luis A. Aponte Jr., was recently published on ChannelProNetwork for his article, “Your Security-Minded Playbook to Retaining Recession-Minded Clients,” discussing current economic pressures tightening budgets, and how to prioritize client outreach to ensure they understand the demonstrable cost-benefit value your security services deliver. To read the article, click here.
New SLIBCO Board Members Named Don Brominski Jennifer Davis Joseph Ferretti Alyssa Golden Tom Johnson Bob Markowski Alana Roberts Heather Skapyak Justin Sulla SLIBCO (Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company) recently announced new directors and officers to its board. SLIBCO is the not-for-profit industrial development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. SLIBCO elected the following officers Jennifer Davis, Sordoni Construction Services, as president; Joseph Ferretti, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, as vice president; Alana Roberts, PPL Electric Utilities, as vice president; Don Brominski, UGI Utilities, as vice president; and Bob Markowski, Allied Services, as treasurer. Newly elected directors include Alyssa Golden, Golden Technologies; Tom Johnson, CANPACK; Heather Skapyak, Greenman-Pedersen (GPI); and Justin Sulla, Esq., Diamond K Incorporated.
Chamber Announces Two Promotions Aaron Whitney Bruce Reddock The Chamber is proud to announce the promotion of two of its employees, Aaron Whitney and Bruce Reddock, who will both expand their roles with the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the economic development affiliate of the Chamber. Aaron Whitney is now the director of facilities and asset management and is responsible for the administration of finances, design, and construction of SLIBCO real estate. Aaron will also manage all properties and utilities owned by SLIBCO, as well as manage the Chamber’s IGNITE entrepreneurship program. Bruce Reddock is now the director of economic development. In this role, Bruce will manage aspects of SLIBCO development activities, oversee relationships with private companies, real estate brokers and developers, local officials, economic development organizations and more, plus oversee all aspects of the site-selection process. Bruce also recently graduated as a fellow from the Industrial Asset Management Council’s Leadership Development Program.
