Urban Co-Works Expands Out of State Urban Co-Works, a premier coworking space provider, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location at 98 Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This expansion marks the third location for Urban Co-Works, which began in 2017 in Schenectady, NY, and opened its second location in downtown Scranton, PA, in 2023. “Holyoke is a vibrant city with a growing community of professionals and entrepreneurs in need of flexible, collaborative spaces to work and thrive,” said Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works. “Our team is excited to bring the Urban Co-Works experience to Massachusetts. We look forward to contributing to the city’s economic development and offering a space that inspires creativity and connection.” The new Holyoke facility offers a state-of-the-art coworking environment featuring 55 private offices, three meeting rooms, an expansive event area with a fully equipped kitchen, and a coworking section with 20 workstations. Members will enjoy 24/7 access with a keyless entry system, free onsite parking, printing services, and complimentary beverages including coffee and tea. Conveniently located near some of Holyoke’s best shopping and dining options, the space is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Goronkin shared his vision for the new location: “Our goal is to create an environment in Holyoke that mirrors the success we’ve had in Schenectady and Scranton. We want to be a hub for business development, networking, and professional events. Urban Co-Works has always been about building strong communities, and we’re excited to bring that mission to Holyoke.” Ned Barowski, owner of the building at 98 Lower Westfield Road, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Urban Co-Works to our space. Their presence will foster a vibrant professional community in the region, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll have on Holyoke’s business ecosystem.”
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards Grant to Scranton Counseling Center Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $10,000 Fall 2024 Community Needs Grant to Scranton Counseling Center to help with their Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit Scranton Counseling Center has been awarded a $10,000 Community Needs grant by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in support of the Center’s Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Unit (CRSU). The CRSU is a 24-hour walk-in facility for people experiencing crises but who don’t need the level of support an inpatient psychiatric hospital provides. Trained crisis counselors connect them with services & resources to help them succeed in the community. The facility has 8 beds & offers a less restrictive option for managing individuals who are going through a crisis and provides assessment of crisis needs and supervision 24-hours a day up to 3 days. Scranton Counseling Center is extremely grateful for the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s continued belief in our programs. Pictured L to R: Cathy Fitzpatrick, SACF Director of Grants and Scholarships; Melanie Galli, SCC CRSU Coordinator; Doug Hein, SCC Directors of Development; and Laura Ducceschi, SACF President and CEO.
Outreach Hosts Early Childhood Community Meeting On March 4th, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, members of the Scranton School District board and staff, Maternal & Family Health Services (MFHS), the United Way, Children’s Issues in a Changing World, and other key regional stakeholders came together for a valuable discussion on building school readiness, promoting parental involvement, and improving the coordination of services for children throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event was held at the Allied Services Luger Scranton Rehab Center on Morgan Highway. The more than 50 attendees explored topics such as early identification, engaging parents, transitions between birth to 3 and 3 to 5, and transitions between 3 to 5 and kindergarten. Outreach President/CEO Lori Chaffers (L), Scranton School District Assistant Superintendent Al O’Donnell, and John F. Kennedy Elementary School Principal Nora Phillips (R) opened the meeting by discussing the critical needs of our community’s youngest members. Following the opening remarks, attendees were divided into four discussion groups, each tackling a different topic of interest. Staff members of the Scranton School District and Outreach facilitated the groups, helping guide the conversation. By the end of the discussions, the group determined the next steps, including discussing the possibility of creating a nonprofit index for Lackawanna County and increasing opportunities for parental engagement. This was the first in a series of discussions regarding early childhood in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Outreach and the Scranton School District have not announced a date for the next meeting.
Misericordia University Launches Center for Workforce Development Misericordia University is proud to announce the launch of the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions, housed within the College of Business. This newly established center is dedicated to strengthening the local, regional, and globally connected workforce by equipping businesses and professionals with tailored educational programs, workforce training, and talent development solutions that address evolving industry needs.As industries face evolving challenges in talent recruitment, employee retention, and skill development, Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions will serve as a strategic partner, bridging the gap between higher education and workforce needs. Through innovative training programs, credit-bearing degree programs, professional certifications, customized corporate learning opportunities, and career development initiatives, the center will equip individuals and organizations with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving job market.“The establishment of this center reflects Misericordia University’s commitment to lifelong learning and workforce innovation,” said Jim Pierson, Dean of the College of Business at Misericordia University. “By leveraging our academic expertise and industry partnerships, we aim to provide employers and professionals with the resources necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape.” The center will offer: Workforce and Talent Solutions: A commitment to equipping the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond with the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to meet evolving employer needs. The center will ensure that businesses have access to a well-prepared talent pool, ready to contribute to organizational success in an increasingly competitive and interconnected economy. Business Partnerships: Collaboration with employers, professional associations, government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders to develop talent pipelines that strengthen the workforce locally, regionally, and beyond. Comprehensive Credentials: Credentialing opportunities (certificates, micro-credentials, badges, continuing education units, and credit-bearing degree & certificate programs) in high-demand fields to enhance career advancement and long-term professional growth. Career Support: The center will provide front-end and back-end career counseling and ongoing career support throughout the entire career lifecycle, ensuring individuals have the guidance, resources, and strategies needed to navigate career transitions, advance in their fields, and achieve long-term professional success. Customized Workforce Training: Tailored programs designed to address specific industry needs, from leadership development to technical skills training. Core sectors will include business, business healthcare, business technology & analytics, and human development skills. Through these initiatives, the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions seeks to position Misericordia University as a local, regional, and broader community hub for workforce education and business collaboration.For more information about the Center for Workforce Development and Talent Solutions and upcoming programs, please visit www.misericordia.edu/workforcedevelopment or contact Paul Nardone, Director at pnardone@misericordia.edu or 570-674-8130.
The Chamber Hosts Congressman Rob Bresnahan for Capitol Conversations The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Congressman Rob Bresnahan for the first 2025 session of Capitol Conversations—a series designed to foster open dialogue between business leaders and government officials. The event provided a platform to discuss key issues impacting northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy, workforce, and business landscape. Congressman Bresnahan, moderated by Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber, addressed several pressing topics, including workforce development, housing, childcare, and the challenges facing small businesses. On tariffs, Bresnahan noted that while business owners are adaptable, sudden tariff hikes place undue strain on Americans. He advocated for incremental increases instead of abrupt policy changes. When discussing the housing market, he pointed out how tariffs on supplies influence interest rates and the overall cost of building materials. He called for a stronger push for domestic production and noted that tariffs remain an executive order, not a congressional action. Bresnahan also addressed the ongoing workforce challenges at Tobyhanna Army Depot. He stressed Tobyhanna’s importance as an economic driver, with local companies playing a critical role in its operations. The conversation also covered the Small Business Administration (SBA). Congressman Bresnahan urged the SBA to improve its outreach efforts and more effectively distribute funding to small businesses, recognizing their significant contribution to the region’s economy. Childcare was another focal point, and the congressman emphasized its connection to workforce development. He discussed the difficulty of finding qualified staff and the need for increased support to help families afford services. Tourism, a vital industry for the region, was also discussed. Bresnahan acknowledged the sector’s ongoing workforce challenges and stressed the need for improved self-promotion to combat negative self-perception. “The Capitol Conversations series offers a unique opportunity for our members to connect one-on-one with our elected officials,” shared Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “We thank Congressman Bresnahan for his openness to listening to and discussing these issues critical to our business community.” The Chamber’s Capitol Conversations series will continue to bring policymakers and business leaders together, fostering meaningful dialogue and driving advocacy efforts that support economic growth in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Strzelec Named Top 25 Women in Business Honoree by NEPA Business Journal The leadership of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jennifer Strzelec, program coordinator for its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, has been selected as an honoree for the prestigious Top 25 Women in Business by the NEPA Business Journal. The NEPA Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement, and professional success throughout the region. As program coordinator, Strzelec plays a vital role in advancing Leadership Lackawanna’s mission to cultivate community leadership and foster professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania. She primarily supports the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program, a seven-month initiative designed for high school juniors. In this capacity, Strzelec oversees recruitment, marketing, evaluations, and administrative operations. Her leadership ensures that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the essential skills and knowledge they need. In addition to managing TLT, Strzelec runs Leadership Lackawanna’s collegiate initiatives and alumni engagement, fostering a lifelong network of leadership and community involvement. Strzelec brings a diverse background to her role. She previously gained valuable experience as a preschool aide in Mt. Cobb and at the YMCA in King George, Virginia. Her commitment to service extends beyond education, as she is a veteran of the United States Army, where she served in the avionics division at both Fort Hood, Texas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “This honor is a true reflection of her talent and hard work, and I’m very proud to see her recognized. Indeed, it is a testament to her dedication, not only to Leadership Lackawanna but to our community,” shared Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna.
Olympic Gold Medalist to provide Keynote Address at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes will provide the lunch keynote at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience. Dominique Dawes is the first African American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal. She is the owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies. The first academy opened in July 2020 during the global pandemic, and the second location opened in 2023. Dominique Dawes, lunch keynote speaker Christina Butler, breakfast keynote speaker Dawes holds minority ownership in the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. Alongside Drew Brees, she served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration. Recently, Dawes collaborated with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as Executive Producer of the Peacock docuseries “Golden,” which follows USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. Marking its 10th year, the 2025 conference theme is “DREAM BIG!” and will be held on April 24 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. Presented by Geisinger, EMPOWER is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. In addition to Dawes, the breakfast keynote address will be provided by Christina Butler, a communications and presentation skills professional, and 44 regional speakers will present in breakout sessions. Attendees will also have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. It is anticipated that the conference will host 1,000 attendees in 2025. For a third year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor EMPOWER TEEN, a specialized track for students currently enrolled in high school and between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. The program empowers and enhances students’ personal and professional development. Tickets are available through April 1, 2025.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Enhances Mission Readiness with Training The fate of future missions could rest on the skills honed at Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) last week, where Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PA ARNG) soldiers underwent training essential to the Department of Defense’s strategic objectives, provided by the civilians who keep them safe. Lead IT Specialist for the Tactical Network Engineering Branch Daniel Harnden guided Staff Sgt. Joshua Kleese of the 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment and Staff Sgt. Cody Everitt of PA ARNG Field Maintenance Shop #27 through an intensive training session on the AN/TTC-64Dv3 Command Post Node (CPN) focused on unlocking protocols and performing crucial software updates to strengthen the system. This collaborative training effort between TYAD and the Army National Guard highlights their shared commitment to ensuring personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for effective field operations, ultimately strengthening mission readiness and capabilities. A CPN is a mobile communications system that provides secure voice, video, and data capabilities to military units in the field. It enables units to maintain real-time communication and situational awareness, ensuring seamless coordination and decision-making during missions. CPNs are critical for establishing tactical command posts as they allow deployed units to stay connected to higher headquarters and other operational elements, even in remote or challenging environments. The need for training was realized when the 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment sent their CSN to PA ARNG Field Maintenance Shop #27 for repair, but found they didn’t have the capability necessary to solve the issue. That is where TYAD came in. After a conversation with TYAD, it was discovered that existing depot personnel had the skills required to teach a troubleshooting course. Thus, a brand-new capability for TYAD was born. From Feb. 24-27, Staff Sgt. Kleese and Staff Sgt. Everitt gained invaluable hands-on experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing, which will directly enhance their ability to maintain and operate their CPN in future missions. Harnden said coming to TYAD for training provides value to the warfighter in more ways than one. “Here we have a main maintenance unit for the Pennsylvania National Guard getting depot maintenance understanding of how to approach different equipment that comes in from guard units and you have a representative of the unit who owns the equipment that can take that back to his unit,” said Harnden. “It is twofold as the equipment is getting looked at and repaired and the soldier now has experience he can bring back to his unit.” Harnden emphasized that training opportunities such as these are important for warfighters as sometimes issues arise in a moment’s notice and due to the complexity of military systems, troubleshooting notes aren’t always readily available. “Trainings like this provide the opportunity for soldiers to see the stuff that is not in their books,” said Harnden. “This represents a real-world problem where a soldier may be thinking ‘This is broken. How do I approach this? How do I make this compatible in the field? I don’t have this in my books.’ Here at TYAD, they can be hands-on and take this knowledge back with them.” Staff Sgt. Kleese spoke highly of the training he received at TYAD, stressing the positive impact it will have on warfighter and mission readiness. “This training is going to help with the overall mission readiness of our unit as we’re gaining knowledge on how to fix the equipment after it gets troubleshooted at our level and we can’t figure it out,” said Staff Sgt. Kleese. “Getting that firsthand knowledge at the unit level is going to be imperative for troubleshooting in the field. Now, we have the highest level of troubleshooting knowledge we can get and we couldn’t get that anywhere else but here [at Tobyhanna].” Logistics Management Specialist Jessica Rollyson coordinated getting the soldiers to Tobyhanna. She said the ability to work together with the National Guard benefits both them and TYAD. “Collaboration is a key component of the training. Soldiers working closely with TYAD’s highly skilled technicians allows them to learn troubleshooting and repair techniques as well as familiarize themselves with the systems in real-time,” said Rollyson. “It’s a unique opportunity to enhance the synergy between those who maintain the systems and those who use them in the field, creating a more agile and well-prepared force overall.” While on-post, Staff Sgt. Kleese and Staff Sgt. Everitt were also given the opportunity to assist in maintaining a spectrum analyzer at TYAD’s U.S. Army High Tech Regional Training Site and to support TYAD’s Engineering and Cyber Technology Center by utilizing and building a Phone Box Exchange RedCom for testing, further expanding their technical expertise. The depot averages about 640 soldier training hours per year. TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.
The Wright Center Resident Physician Earns National Award for Advocacy Work A resident physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program received a national award for his advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Dr. Usman Rana accepted the National Association of Community Health Centers’ (NACHC) 2025 Elizabeth K. Cooke Advocacy MVP Award at the association’s Policy & Issues Forum held Feb. 5-8 in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes efforts to educate federal and state legislators about community health centers and to establish and expand grassroots advocacy efforts at health centers across the country. Dr. Rana, a 40-year-old resident physician from Pakistan, became interested in advocacy efforts after a federal policy change prevented him from completing his geriatrics fellowship at The Wright Center in 2022. Observing leadership’s efforts at The Wright Center to support him and other affected fellows inspired him deeply. While the fellowship path shifted, prompting Dr. Rana to join The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, the experience sparked his commitment to advocacy work. “I had no idea what was happening in Washington, D.C., or how it affected health care here in Scranton or across the country,” he said. “I realized that being a voice for your community, colleagues, and patients can work miracles.” For the past two years, Dr. Rana has been involved in The Wright Center’s Advocacy Team, first as a resident leader and now as the resident chief. In addition to educating his colleagues about issues, Dr. Rana has participated in several advocacy opportunities on Capitol Hill. He focuses on several topics, including the need for long-term reauthorization of the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, increased funding for community health centers like The Wright Center, and improved access to health care and prescription medication. In his nomination for the NACHC award, leaders at The Wright Center noted Dr. Rana’s remarkable efforts to continue building a culture of advocacy within the enterprise and the larger community. “Dr. Rana, The Wright Center’s chief resident of advocacy for public health priorities, is a remarkable physician servant leader in support of our work to enact policy change in our nation’s public health policies. In this role, he is a member of the advocacy committee of our governing board and works closely with The Wright Center’s Advocacy Team,” said Jennifer Walsh, Esq., senior vice president and chief legal and governance officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “His passion is helping to elevate the key role that physicians can play in helping to shape federal and state policies to better serve patients, their families, and the communities they serve.” While in Washington, D.C., to accept the NACHC award, Dr. Rana joined several other leaders from The Wright Center in meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill, including freshman U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, who took office in January. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th District, which includes Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike counties, as well as most of Luzerne and Monroe counties. Dr. Rana said sharing patient stories with U.S. Representative Bresnahan and other federal, state, and local leaders is an effective way to educate them on the role The Wright Center and other community health centers across the country play – not just in providing affordable, high-quality, nondiscriminatory, whole-person primary health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay, but also as educational powerhouses addressing the growing shortage of primary care physicians nationwide. “Sharing these stories creates an impact that can lead to positive change,” Dr. Rana said. “It’s something that I want to continue to do even after I graduate in June and begin providing medicine, hopefully here in the region.”
NET Donates AEDs to the Taylor Community NET Credit Union recently donated three AED’s to the Taylor Borough. An AED, Automated External Defibrillator, is a portable life-saving device to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This life saving device provides electrical shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm. The Taylor Police Department will keep the AED’s in their patrol cars. Hopefully, these devices will not have to be used, but if so, the department is prepared in case of emergency. “Being able to support our local communities is an honor. Budgets are tightening for everyone, and being able to donate some potentially life saving equipment without burdening taxpayers is a win for us all,” states Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO of NET Credit Union. NET Credit Union opened their Taylor Branch at 900 S Main Street in the summer of 2023. We encourage the community to become a member of our credit union. Because of our members, we are able to give back with donations like this. Pictured L to R: Clarence Baltrusaitis, NET CEO; Police Chief Brian Holland, Taylor Borough Police Department; Jessica Hernandez, NET Taylor Branch Manager; Loni Kavulich, Mayor of the Taylor Borough; Cindy Bellucci, Taylor Borough Manager; Jim Digwood, Taylor Borough Councilman; Ken Mickavicz, Taylor Borough Council President; Fran DeAngelo, Taylor Borough Council Vice President; Chuck McKeel, Taylor Borough Councilman.
