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 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
Scranton Area Community Foundation Receives National Re-Accreditation The Scranton Area Community Foundation has officially been re-accredited under the Community Foundations National Standards®, the nation’s highest standards for philanthropic excellence. This distinction affirms the Foundation’s continued commitment to transparency, integrity, accountability, and effective stewardship of charitable resources. Community Foundations National Standards® establish rigorous legal, ethical, and operational benchmarks for community foundations nationwide. “Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a comprehensive and demanding process,” said Susie Nelson, Board Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This re-accreditation is a significant achievement and demonstrates the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s strong commitment to quality, transparency, and accountability in carrying out its mission.” The accreditation process requires community foundations to document and regularly review policies and practices related to donor services, investments, grantmaking, governance, and administration. More than 500 community foundations nationwide have achieved this designation, which serves as an important assurance to donors, nonprofit partners, and professional advisors. “This re-accreditation is critically important to our donors and our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “When individuals and families choose to establish a charitable fund or leave a legacy gift, they are placing a high level of trust in us. National Standards® re-accreditation confirms that we are honoring that trust with strong governance, sound financial management, and a deep commitment to donor intent.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership. The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania by supporting a wide range of causes, including education, health and human services, arts and culture, animal welfare, workforce development, and community leadership. The Foundation offers a variety of charitable giving options, including donor-advised funds, designated funds, scholarship funds, field-of-interest funds, and unrestricted funds that address the region’s most pressing needs. In addition to affirming philanthropic services for donors, National Standards® accreditation validates the Foundation’s grantmaking practices and financial oversight for the nonprofit community it serves. “Strong grantmaking requires the same discipline and care as sound investing,” said David J. Price, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “This re-accreditation assures our community that the Foundation operates with rigor, fairness, and long-term vision as we steward charitable resources.” Community Foundations National Standards® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. The National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and oversees the quality, value, and integrity of the accreditation process. More information is available at www.cfstandards.org. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments, and community leadership, the Scranton Area Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about—now and for generations to come.
The Greenridge Club Hosts Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Event After the mesmerizing success of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, the doors have opened once more, inviting you to step deeper into the shadows of Poe’s most harrowing tales. Step into a night of literary horror as you explore the dark worlds of Edgar Allan Poe once more. Prepare for an immersive experience that will transport you into the chilling tales of The Cask of Amontillado, Annabel Lee, The Pit and the Pendulum, and The Fall of the House of Usher, each brought to life with eerie detail. As you delve into these chilling tales, savor four expertly crafted cocktails, each paired to enhance the haunting atmosphere of the story it accompanies. With every sip, feel the spine-tingling essence of Poe’s masterpieces seep into your soul. A night of gothic elegance and macabre delight awaits those brave enough to attend. Experience an even more chilling night of storytelling and spirits in this next chapter of the Speakeasy series in Scranton! Highlights✨ Step into the world of Edgar Allan Poe in this 4-part chilling cocktail experience🍸 Sip on delicious themed cocktails, each expertly crafted and paired with each tale😱 Hear Edgar Allan Poe’s work reimagined, as told by the Poe Historians📚 No need to have seen the original Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy to enjoy the thrilling Chapter Two!General Info📅 Dates and times: select your date & time directly in the ticket selector⏳ Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes📍 Location: The Green Ridge Club👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID♿ Accessibility: the venue is ADA compliant❓ Please consult the FAQs of this experience here
Scranton Fringe Putting Down Roots in Scranton For 10 years, Scranton Fringe has been nomadic — activating spaces across the city, transforming storefronts, theaters, and parks into stages for bold work. Now, we have a home. But why does that matter so much? The Sanctuary Theater at 1735 North Main Avenue is more than a venue. It’s proof that Scranton Fringe isn’t just visiting—we’re staying. The beautiful former church sat waiting for a new purpose. Now it has one: rehearsals, workshops, performances, community gatherings, and creative risk-taking. Old bones. New Life. Permanent presence. We’re still activating dozens of spaces during the Festival (Oct 1–10) and year-round. But now we have an anchor. A place artists can count on. A space that says: this is where bold work lives in Scranton. Our first show at The Sanctuary Theater: The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, opening April 9. Tickets at ScrantonFringe.org.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Contributes More Than $1.5 Million to Local Educational Organizations Through the PA EITC Program Through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) contributed $1,572,581.46 in 2025 to support educational organizations across its service footprint. The EITC Program allows businesses to support education by directing a portion of their state tax obligations to a qualified Scholarship Organization, Educational Improvement Organization, and/or a Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization. PSBT’s EITC contributions helped fund scholarship programs, classroom materials, educational supplies, school grants, and specialized academic initiatives designed to expand access to quality education. In total, 110 organizations benefitted from these funds, including private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges and universities, and other nonprofit partners serving students and families throughout the Bank’s Pennsylvania footprint. Since 2015, PSBT has contributed more than $8.6 million through the EITC program. This sustained investment reflects the Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves by helping create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed. “It is important to us to invest in education because strong schools help build strong communities,” said Jeffrey Drobins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer. “The EITC Program allows us to make meaningful investments that support students today while helping to strengthen our communities for the future.” The EITC Program plays a critical role in expanding educational opportunities across Pennsylvania by encouraging private-sector support for innovative and impactful programs. PSBT remains committed to participating in initiatives that promote access to education and long-term community development. Attached photo: Representatives from Peoples Security Bank & Trust (PSBT) and Pennsylvania private schools, scholarship organizations, pre-kindergarten programs, school districts, colleges, and universities recently gathered at PSBT’s Corporate Center in Moosic, PA., to celebrate the Bank’s 2025 contributions of more than $1.5 Million through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Launches a Young Professionals Program The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the launch of its new Young Professionals (YP) Program, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, an initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of business and community leaders throughout the greater Scranton region. The program will officially kick off on Wednesday, February 25, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Madame Jenny’s at the Bittenbender, 126 Franklin Avenue, Scranton. The event will bring together emerging leaders from a wide range of industries and careers for an evening focused on connection, professional growth, and community engagement. The YP Program was developed to provide a platform for individuals under 40 to create meaningful opportunities early in their careers, new to the region, or seeking to expand their professional networks. Through structured professional development programs, networking events, mentorship opportunities, and volunteer initiatives, the YP Program aims to strengthen both individual career paths and the broader regional workforce. At the kick-off event, those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn more about the vision and goals of the program, connect with fellow young professionals, and gain insight into the year ahead. “This new initiative reflects our commitment to fostering long-term leadership and economic vitality in our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “By bringing young professionals together and providing avenues for meaningful engagement, we are investing in the future of our business community.” The Chamber encourages young professionals across the region to gather friends and colleagues and register to attend. The kick-off event marks the beginning of a dynamic year of programming designed to support career advancement, build lasting relationships, and deepen community involvement. For more information or to register, visit scrantonchamber.com or contact The Chamber.
Johnson College Awarded Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant to Support RISE Students Johnson College has been awarded a $199,675 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to support students enrolled in manufacturing programs through the College’s Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE) initiative. The grant program’s mission is to work collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills missing from entry-level applicants for existing or near-future open positions, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities related to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. The funding will provide tuition assistance and critical wraparound support services for up to 15 RISE students pursuing manufacturing-focused education at Johnson College. Supported programs include Mechatronics Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Welding Technology, and Welding Fabrication and Manufacturing Technology. RISE, launched in 2021, is a workforce development program designed to help individuals gain technical training while receiving additional supports that remove barriers to education. The program primarily serves low-income students seeking sustainable career pathways and upward economic mobility. By addressing challenges such as transportation, childcare, and access to essential resources, RISE empowers students to focus on their education and long-term success. Grant-supported students will engage directly with regional manufacturing employers through industry-focused activities, including Lunch and Learn events held on the Johnson College campuses in Scranton and Hazle Township. These experiences build on the College’s strong industry partnerships, many led by alumni, and ensure that students explore career pathways, strengthen professional and soft skills, and receive an education aligned with current workforce needs. Community partners play an essential role in supporting RISE students throughout their educational journey. United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) provides coaching, ESL services, and assistance with barrier removal, while PA CareerLink supports workforce training through WIOA funding. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) helps coordinate manufacturer visits and industry presentations. Manufacturing partners committed to the project include McGregor Industries, Power Rail, and Pride Mobility. Since its inception, RISE has supported 75 students across four cohorts, helping participants overcome obstacles and gain the skills needed for family-sustaining careers. With support from the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant, Johnson College will continue to expand access to education while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information about RISE, visit neparise.org. This program is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development’s Manufacturing Training to Career Grant program.
Misericordia University Offers New Major Misericordia University is excited to offer a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, designed to prepare students for careers in one of today’s fastest-growing and most innovative fields. This interdisciplinary program combines technology, data, and problem-solving to help students develop the skills needed to analyze complex systems, create intelligent solutions, and adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape. Students will gain hands-on experience while exploring the ethical, practical, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence across industries. To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence, visit:https://www.misericordia.edu/artificial-intelligence
