The NEPA Philharmonic Kicks Off Summer with Independence Day Celebrations and Community Events The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-26 Season, Presented by PNC, with a lineup of summer festivities, Independence Day celebrations, and three nights of music under the stars on July 3-5, 2025. With full-orchestra fireworks performances, patriotic favorites, community education and wellness events, and chamber music in the great outdoors, the NEPA Philharmonic presents outdoor large-ensemble concerts in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre on July 3rd and 4th; an outdoor chamber music concert at Harmony in the Woods in Hawley on July 5th; and community programs in Scranton, Peckville, and Carbondale. On Thursday, July 3, 7:30 PM, the full NEPA Philharmonic returns to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton for a free concert as part of the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular. The performance – led by guest conductor Jeffrey Spenner, Assistant Director of the U.S. Coast Guard Band – features the full orchestra for the first time since 2019, with an array of patriotic classics capped by a fireworks display. For more details, visit https://www.scrantasticspectacular.com/. “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s performance at our annual Scrantastic Spectacular on July 3rd,” says Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. “Their vibrant orchestra will bring patriotic spirit to Courthouse Square, uniting our community in a joyful Independence Day celebration. We’re proud to support their artistry and look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and fireworks.” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan also notes, “The Scrantastic Spectacular always is a great event and it will be even more so this year, with the full Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic bringing its extraordinarily talented musicians to the perfect setting of Courthouse Square. I can’t think of a better way for the whole community to come together to celebrate the nation’s 249th anniversary.” The celebration continues Friday, July 4, 9:00 AM, with the 12th Annual Yoga on the Roof atop the Marketplace at Steamtown’s parking garage. The NEPA Philharmonic string trio joins Jaya Yoga Clarks Summit for a unique sunrise yoga session with live music, highlighting powerful connections between arts and wellness. Registration is $20, online at www.nepaphil.org/tickets or at the door; proceeds benefit NEPA Philharmonic community and education programs. Maximum Zen Bakery of Clarks Summit provides light breakfast. On July 4, 8:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass and Percussion Ensemble return with guest conductor Paul Bryan to Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Kirby Park. This free, festive event features music, food, games, and another evening of lighting up the sky with fireworks. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass also presents two all-ages educational events: Once Upon an Orchestra at Valley Community Library in Peckville on Thursday, July 3, 10:00 AM and Meet the Instruments outside at Memorial Park in Carbondale on Saturday, July 5, 11:00 AM. Once Upon an Orchestra blends music and storytelling, bringing to life Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora with a brass trio performing 1920s-style jazz, while Meet the Instruments features instrument demonstrations and short musical excerpts with brass quintet. Both events are free; registration for the July 3 library event is at https://lclshome.org/event/once-upon-an-orchestra/. The weekend concludes as the NEPA Philharmonic expands the Stoppini Chamber Series with a special concert in partnership with Harmony in the Woods, a premier outdoor performance venue in Hawley, PA. On Saturday, July 5, 6:00 PM, the NEPA Philharmonic Brass Quintet takes center stage with “Americana Brass in the Woods”. The performance will feature a dynamic mix of New Orleans jazz, lively ragtime, and classic film scores, alongside timeless works from Gershwin, Ellington, Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and more. Tickets ($50 for adults, $25 for children) are available at www.harmonyinthewoods.org. The Scrantastic Spectacular is sponsored in part by Lehigh Valley Health Network, Scranton Tomorrow, The Lackawanna County Commissioners, The City of Scranton, and Audacy Pennsylvania. Additional support for the NEPA Philharmonic at Scrantastic Spectacular is provided by PNC, Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law PC, Fidelity, Geisinger, and Xfinity. Once Upon an Orchestra is presented by the Lackawanna County Library System. The NEPA Philharmonic Brass at Wilkes-Barre’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July is presented by the City of Wilkes-Barre. Americana Brass is presented by Harmony in the Woods, with additional support for the Philharmonic from PNC and the Stoppini Foundation. In case of inclement weather, the July 3rd, 7:30PM Scrantastic Spectacular concert will go on as scheduled, with a rain location at Scranton High School; rain location announcements will be provided by Lackawanna County on the event website. The rain location for the July 5th, 11AM Meet the Instruments event in Carbondale will be at the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the NEPA Philharmonic’s summer programs and the upcoming 2025–2026 Season, Presented by PNC, visit nepaphil.org, or call (570) 270-4444.
The Chamber and The Steel Supply Company Broker a Deal in Valley View Business Park The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), announces the sale of 2.67 acres in the Valley View Business Park to The Steel Supply Company, Inc. The Steel Supply Company produces components, supplies, and services that are critical to the structural steel fabrication industry. The company will manufacture and distribute industrial steel fabrication products from its new location in Jessup, Pennsylvania. Back Row (L-R): Amy Luyster, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; AJ Cimahosky, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Javier Pazmino, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Willie Obeid, The Steel Supply Company, Inc.; Front Row (L-R): Bob Durkin, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Matt Obeid, The Steel Supply Company; and Heather Kubic Skapyak, GPI “We are excited about this new facility and the opportunities it affords the company for manufacturing, fabricating, and new product line development, shared Barbara Obeid, president of The Steel Supply Company. The area offers an impressive combination of facilities, access to shipping lanes, and a capable labor force. The assistance provided in locating the property and guiding the process by the energetic people at The Chamber has been invaluable. We look forward to working with the Chamber in bringing this project to fruition.” “SLIBCO and The Chamber leadership are thrilled to see this project come to fruition. The Steel Supply Company is committed to driving the workforce in Lackawanna County and falls right in line with the targeted industry sectors we desire to see grow in the area. Manufacturing has always been a part of our story here, and projects like these will allow that to continue,” shared AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber through its business development division, SLIBCO, and its business development marketing program, The Scranton Plan, are committed to attracting, sustaining, and growing business and the workforce in targeted industries. These industries include advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, technology, energy, and life sciences. “In choosing a new site in Jessup to manufacture and distribute components, The Steel Supply Co. clearly recognizes some of Lackawanna County’s business-development advantages,” said Commissioner Bill Gaughan. He adds, “Our location and transportation infrastructure put major markets within easy reach, and our workforce ensures high-quality products. We welcome the Steel Supply Co. not only as a great addition to the county’s industrial base, but as further proof that Lackawanna County is open for business.” For information regarding this property or additional real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.thescrantonplan.com.
Lackawanna County Literacy Committee Holds Book Drive The Lackawanna County Literacy Committee is launching a book drive to collect used books that will be distributed to families in Scranton. Books will be collected in bins across Lackawanna County. At this time, the Lackawanna County Literacy Committee is looking for businesses that would be interested in placing collection bins in their place of business. Bins will be provided and delivered at collection locations at no cost. Interested businesses should contact Patricia Hein at pdakhein@comcast.net or Sandie Lamanna at sslamanna@aol.com for additional information.
Skills in Scranton Awarded Business Education Partnership Grant to Expand Career Video Library Skills in Scranton, the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces it has been awarded a Business Education Partnership Grant from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board. The grant supports the creation of five additional career pathways videos that spotlight high-demand trades in Lackawanna County, which include carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding. These new videos join Skills in Scranton’s expanding resource library at skillsinscranton.com. The resource library introduces job seekers to high-demand careers in the community. Skills in Scranton partners with school districts and higher education institutions in Lackawanna County to integrate the resource library into classrooms—giving students valuable insights and real-world connections to in-demand careers. “We are thrilled to expand our resource library with support from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board,” shared Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “These career pathway videos are a critical tool in our mission to equip students with career knowledge and exposure to local opportunities that align with their interests and the needs of our region.” Virginia Turano, executive director of Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “The Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board is pleased to collaborate with The Chamber and its division, Skills in Scranton, to promote career pathways initiatives for students in Lackawanna County. And I applaud the expansion of this new and exciting tool supporting student knowledge, growth, and development.” The grant represents a significant step forward in fostering career readiness and workforce alignment in Lackawanna County. Skills in Scranton’s video library provides an enriched selection of career insights for students, job seekers, and educators, guiding them toward fulfilling careers essential to the region. Each videos offers an in-depth view of the professions, the required training, and the many job opportunities available in Lackawanna County.
DCED Visits Lackawanna County for Tour and Overview of Chamber Business Development Efforts The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its business development division, Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), welcomed representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a comprehensive site visit showcasing the region’s business, economic, and workforce development efforts. “This visit was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the innovative businesses and strategic initiatives that are driving growth in Lackawanna County,” said AJ Cimahosky, business development specialist. “We’re grateful for the partnership of DCED and the Governor in helping to attract, sustain, and grow the thriving economic and workforce landscape.” DCED officials toured available commercial real estate opportunities in Lackawanna County. Committed to working hand-in-hand with the Governor’s economic development team, The Chamber and SLIBCO are strategically targeting high-priority industries, such as advanced manufacturing, beverage and food service, bio and life sciences, and technology—resulting in the development of the business and workforce landscape of the region.
American Water Charitable Foundation Announces State Strategic Impact Grants The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water, announced today that the Foundation awarded State Strategic Impact Grants to 15 organizations across the Commonwealth, totaling $215,000 in funding. “The Chester County Food Bank is incredibly grateful for Pennsylvania American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said CCFB CEO Andrea Youndt. “Through their generosity, more children in Chester County have access to the healthy food they need to thrive, especially over weekends and school breaks. Pennsylvania American Water is committed to our community, and we look forward our continued partnership with them.” The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the Foundation’s 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint. “Collaboration is key to truly making a positive change in the communities we call home,” said Thom Chiomento, Pennsylvania American Water vice president of business development, government and external affairs. “We’re proud to partner with nonprofits across Pennsylvania that are dedicated to continuing such important work. It’s an honor to assist them in those efforts with this financial support from the American Water Charitable Foundation.” Below is a list of the grantees from across Pennsylvania, along with details on their respective projects and award amounts: Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, Cumberland County – Preserve and protect lands and natural resources in south central Pennsylvania region ($10,000) Chester County Food Bank, Chester County – Provide nutritious food for weekend meals and snacks for students throughout Chester County ($20,000) Commission on Economic Opportunity, Luzerne County – Support efforts of the Weinberg Regional Food Bank that coordinates a charitable food system in northeast Pennsylvania ($20,000) Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company, Butler County – Provide onsite treatment and assistance to individuals impacted by recent events ($5,000) Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department, Berks County – Enhance fire protection and emergency services ($10,000) Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County – Support 43rd annual KDKA Turkey Fund that provides a holiday meal for those in the region facing food insecurity ($20,000) Indiana County Community Action Program, Indiana County – Assist in fighting hunger throughout Indiana County ($10,000) Local Government Academy, Allegheny County – Facilitate a non-partisan education program on the roles of municipal staff and elected officials ($20,000) Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania, Dauphin County – Address food insecurity for communities throughout Pennsylvania, providing approximately 45,000 meals to those in need (Click here to view video about donation) ($10,000) NEPA Youth Shelter, Lackawanna County – Support the conversion of an existing warehouse into a teen safe space ($20,000) North Strabane Township Fire Department, Washington County – Underwrite the purchase a portable digital flow meter and 10 back pressure increasers for training and increased service accuracy ($10,000) Watersheds of South Pittsburgh, Allegheny County – Establish a cohort of citizens and residents to advise the Saw Mill Run Task Force ($20,000) York County Food Bank, York County – Support the goal of fighting food insecurity throughout York County ($10,000) York County Veterans Outreach, York County – Provide housing and utility assistance to local veterans facing financial challenges ($25,000) Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Pennsylvania American Water to help support organizations that provide critical resources and programs throughout Pennsylvania. The State Strategic Impact Grant program underscores our commitment to strengthen communities served by American Water.” Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation here, and review Pennsylvania American Water’s 2023 Community Impact Report summarizing the company’s outreach efforts.
TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty Cohort 3 Showcases Innovative Startups During Final Presentations The latest cohort of TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty celebrated their entrepreneurial journey with a final presentation event held at Marywood University on Wednesday, December 11. Surrounded by local funders, dignitaries, family, and friends, the participants demonstrated the progress of their innovative business ventures developed during the 10-week program. TechCelerator @LackawannaCounty, operated by The Greater Scranton Chamber entrepreneurship and incubator program, IGNITE, in partnership with Lackawanna County, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and tecBRIDGE aims to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lackawanna County by empowering tech-based startups with the tools and support needed to succeed. “You are pioneers,” Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan told the entrepreneurs. “By daring to bring your ideas to life, you are not only shaping your own futures but also the future of our community. Your hard work, creativity, and determination embody the entrepreneurial spirit that will drive Lackawanna County forward in the years to come.” Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber, echoed this sentiment, “TechCelerator is a perfect example of what can happen when public and private interests come together. Under this program, the concerted efforts of the Lackawanna County Commissioners, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, tecBRIDGE, and The Chamber have now given a total of 23 individuals and business partners the opportunity to pursue their dreams of business ownership.” This third cohort featured a diverse group of entrepreneurs, each with a unique vision to address real-world challenges: Don McGowan, The Cusp Club John George, CrasherConnect Eric Farrell, EZ Fantasy Sports Veronica LaRocque, Grow with L.E.A.R.N. LLC Fred Aebli, GetMeCoding.com Justin Byrd, SelfServeMenu.com Joel DeCarli, Apex Innovations Bill Booth, trasectory The program provided participants with access to expert mentors, business development resources, and networking opportunities to refine their business plans and pitches. The event culminated in powerful presentations that highlighted each entrepreneur’s vision and progress. The Greater Scranton Chamber and The County are committed to supporting two more cohorts of entrepreneurs who dream of owning and operating their own businesses in the region.
