My Benefit Advisors: The Power of Upskilling and Professional Development in the Workplace In today’s fast paced and evolving workplace environment, employers face numerous challenges in their efforts to remain competitive and successful. One method of establishing an essential edge is through upskilling. Upskilling is a strategy that involves investing in the development of an employee’s skill and knowledge. And upskilling not only benefits employees by enhancing their professional growth but also proves to be an asset for employers by fostering a skilled, engaged, and more productive workforce. When a company is willing to invest in employee development, it shows genuine interest in growing people and helping them succeed…on the job and in life. By investing in upskilling programs, employers enable their workforce to stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology. As employees acquire new skills and knowledge, they become more adept at their roles and develop the necessary proficiency to handle new tools and cutting-edge systems. This adaptability translates into a more agile and future-proofed organization with increased productivity and efficiency among staff. Upskilling provides a way for employees to handle complex tasks with confidence and competence, leading to higher-quality outputs and better results for the organization. Upskilling can be a winning strategy, enriching the career prospects for employees while contributing to the long-term success and prosperity of the employer. Embracing upskilling as a fundamental aspect of talent management can position organizations for growth and excellence in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment. Investing in your employees helps attract and retain quality talent and further shows your employees you are interested in their professional and personal well-being. A competitive employee benefits portfolio is another way to invest in your employees. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
I NEED A SPEAKER OFFERS SPECIAL PRICING ON WORKSHOPS Get the Most Value from Your Training and Development Budget I Need A Speaker is offering public speaking training at a special price during December 2024 and January 2025. “Many companies have unused training funds at the end of the calendar year. Using that money to schedule one or two training sessions will benefit individuals on public-facing teams, such as sales, marketing, customer service, or related departments,” said Autumn Bohner, marketing communications manager for I Need A Speaker. The special rate of $3,800 includes one day with six hours of training, a workbook, and lunch for participants. Workshops will be taught by Tricia Richards-Service, PhD, who has taught public presentation for more than 20 years. She is the founder and president of I Need A Speaker, a global online platform for qualified speakers at all price points. This offer is valid for on- or off-site workshops for up to 12 people. Off-site workshops are available at your choice of two pre-selected venues: one in Wilkes-Barre, and one in Scranton. To be eligible, clients must book the workshops for dates in January 2025. A travel fee will be applied for clients who are more than 75 miles from Scranton, PA. “Professional development is a great way to motivate and reward employees,” said Bohner. “What a wonderful, practical way to end one year or begin another.” For more information or to book your training date, email info@ineedaspeaker.com.
Skills in Scranton Set to Host the 2025 Workforce Summit Skills in Scranton, the workforce development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the 2025 Workforce Summit. The event will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in downtown Scranton from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event goes beyond a typical career fair, offering a full day of networking, professional development, and career exploration for individuals eager to advance their career journey. Key event highlights include: 50 Employers: Attendees can meet leading employers, explore job opportunities, and find a career path that fits their goals. Professional Development Sessions: Throughout the day, participants can engage in workshops focused on resume building, interview techniques, and navigating various career paths. Keynote Presentation by Ryan Leckey: Renowned media personality and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media will present the keynote, “Building Your Personal Brand and Breaking Barriers: Trusting Your Instincts to Forge Your Own Path.” Leckey will inspire both students and business leaders with his personal journey, offering insights on standing out in the digital world, embracing authenticity, and achieving career success. Who Should Attend: High school students preparing for employment after graduation. College students exploring career opportunities and looking to connect with regional employers. Job seekers of all ages seeking to advance their careers. Business professionals interested in professional development and expanding their network. The 2025 Workforce Summit is designed for anyone looking to educate, develop, and network to take the next step in their career. Whether you are entering the workforce, seeking a career change, or looking to grow professionally, this event offers valuable resources and opportunities. For more information to secure an employer booth and event sponsorship for the 2025 Workforce Summit, visit ScrantonChamber.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Launches Applications for 2024-25 Executive Program July 29, 2024— Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for the Executive Program. The six-week Executive Program deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton area, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. Participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. The Executive Program accepts applications from advanced-level professionals with a tenured career path and extensive leadership experience. Applicants must live, work, or play in Lackawanna County. Sessions are held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks starting Monday, September 23. The sessions are held at various locations and include cocktails and dinner. Applications are now open and will be accepted through August 31. To learn more about the Executive and all other Leadership Lackawanna programs, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
Maria Conigliaro Traino Offering ELEVATE Program Maria Conigliaro Traino, a Certified NeuroCoach™ and the owner of Inspired Studio, is offering ELEVATE, the region’s first personal and professional development program for entrepreneurs and rising star employees based on the science of neuro coaching. ELEVATE is an 18-week personal and professional development group program that combines self-study with live group Zoom calls. “As a neuro coach, I help business professionals design a life they love and achieve the success they seek by leveraging the power of brain-science. My ELEVATE program will nurture, develop and improve participants’ emotional intelligence, confidence, work-life balance, resilience and performance by defining and clearing limiting beliefs and redesigning a customized success-based mindset,” said Traino. The ELEVATE program offers two tracks: one for entrepreneurs and business owners who are seeking deeper fulfillment in their work and personal life. “Many of my clients love the idea of personal development and have tried working with coaches before yet haven’t been able to truly implement the changes and therefore didn’t grow into their fullest potential,” she said. The other track is for companies interested in helping employees feel fulfilled, productive, appreciated and ignited in the work they do. “Companies are always investing in traditional training for their top employees, including leadership training, finance and operations. These types of training programs are important, but focus on improving the business, not the employee. The ELEVATE program will change the way these rising stars approach their work and life — increasing their job satisfaction and performance that is mutually beneficial to the employee and the company,” said Traino. Utilizing small group settings, individuals enrolled in the ELEVATE virtual program have the opportunity to work alongside other high achievers, build their network and learn from their peers. The sessions will be a mix of self-study, along with live bi-weekly Zoom calls held during the typical midday lunch hour, training videos and email support. The Employee Cohort track will meet via Zoom sessions at noon EST while the Entrepreneur Cohort track will meet via Zoom at 1 p.m. The Zoom sessions will be held every other Wednesday. The 18-week program begins on January 3. Enrollment is limited to the first 20 individuals in each track. Participants who enroll by December 15 will receive a complimentary 45 minute one-on-one coaching session to use prior to or within one month after the completion of the course. The cost of the program is $2,000 per person. To learn more, visit mariatraino.com/elevate or email hello@mariatraino.com.
Scranton Launchbox Career and Development Programs AutoCAD Training Level 1: January 17 – February 9, 2023 Level 2: February 21 – March 2, 2023 Tues/Thurs evenings 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm Basic Grant Writing Thursdays, January 19 – February 23, 2023 10:45 am – Noon Cultural Diversity in the Workplace Thursdays, March 9 – March 30, 2023 6 pm – 8 pm NEW! Fundamentals of Fundraising Thursdays, January 19 – February 23, 2023 9 am – 10:15 am Leadership Essential Workshops Thursdays, 9 am – Noon Meeting Supervisory Responsibilities 1/19/23 Leading Others 2/2/23 Interviewing and Selecting Employees 2/9/23 Building a Positive Work Climate 2/16/23 Professional Engineer Exam Review PE Civil Review Tuesdays, February 28 – June 13, 2023 6 pm – 9 pm Spanish in the Workplace Level 1: April 25 – June 27, 2023 Level 2: April 27 – June 22, 2023 Tues/Thurs evenings 5:30 pm -7:45 pm Industry Focused Courses and Credentials APICS/ASCM Certification Prep Program CPIM – Part 2 January 19 – March 25, 2023 Thursdays 6 pm – 8 pm/Saturdays 8 am – 10 am Registration Deadline: January 6, 2023 Personal Care Home Training Accelerted PCHA 100 hr. Training – 4 Weekends January 20 – February 11, 2023 or April 14 – May 6, 2023 PCHA 100 hr. Training – 7 weeks January 17 – March 2, 2023 Tuesdays/Thursdays 8 am – 5:30 pm 15-hour Assisted Living Administrator Training Friday, February 24 & Saturday, February 25, 2023 8 am – 4:30 pm SHRM CP/SCP™ Learning System Course February 2 – April 27, 2023 Thursdays, 6 pm – 9 pm SHRM Essentials of Human Resources May 4 – May 25, 2023 Thursdays, 6 pm – 9 pm REAL ESTATE CLASSES Real Estate Fundamentals Mondays, 6 pm – 9 pm January 30 – April 3, 2023 Real Estate Practice Wednesdays 6 pm – 9 pm February 1 – April 12, 2023 then classes continue on: Mondays and Wednesdays 6 pm – 9 pm – April 17, April 19, April 24, and April 26, 2023 Certificate Programs “Non-Credit” NEW! Essentials in Strategic Leadership Integrated Digital Marketing Logistics and Operations Management Project Management Certificate Program NEW! Six Sigma Black Belt Certification NEW! Workforce and Career Development Certificate Youth Programs SAT TEST PREP January 11, 2023 – February 22, 2023 Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (5:30 – 7:00 Verbal; 7:00 – 8:30 Math)
Apply for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Our affiliate Leadership Lackawanna is hosting Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 — an 8-week virtual course that will provide advanced leaders with an innovative and flexible online learning experience – complete with a variety of personal and professional development skills. The program begins February 14, 2022 and ends April 8, 2022. Participants can work on weekly course content at their own pace. There are eight mandatory Zoom meetings: February 15 and 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 (every Tuesday from 12-1 p.m.). APPLY NOW
Leadership Lackawanna Mix, Mingle and Jingle Ugly Sweater Party Basket raffle tickets will be on sale – 5 for $10 and 10 for $15.
Keystone College Professional Development Institute Calendar of Events Effective Remote PresentationsOnlineJanuary 14, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50Learn public speaking techniques in the remote landscape of business today. The program explores best practices for organized remarks and presentations that will engage and impact your audience. Providing Exceptional Customer Service in the Remote WorkplaceOnlineJanuary 27, 2021 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Fee: $50This program will examine some of the basics that your organization should be asking of your service employees to make a positive difference with your customers. A series of valuable team relationship programs are offered on Fridays in January. The content will lead a participant through effective communication, maximizing collaboration, and creating an environment of accountability in the virtual workplace environment. Participants can enroll in a single program of interest or receive a 10% discount for enrolling in the series of three programs. From the links below, you will be able to choose one, two, or all three courses. Building Trust and CommunicationOnlineJanuary 15, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50In this one-hour program, participants will learn best practices to foster an environment of transparent communication, build trust, along with actionable skills for working through difficult conversations. This program is ideal for management of all levels, from those well practiced to the newest hire. Improving Team Relationships in a Virtual Environment (1)OnlineEnroll in 1, 2, or 3 programs best suited to you or your team’s professional development needs.There is a 10% discount when you register for all 3 programs at the same time. Engage your team! Collaboration (2)OnlineJanuary 22, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50The need for collaboration in 2020 and beyond is real and has been a buzz in different industry settings. In this one-hour program, participants will discuss the pitfalls and ways to build a collaborative environment in a safe way. Creating Accountability in a Virtual Environment (3)OnlineJanuary 29, 2021 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.Fee: $50 This one-hour program will provide attendees with 5 actionable keys to creating and maintaining an environment of accountability in the new remote work environment. Discover tools to foster an environment of collaboration and ensure team success. Moving Projects Forward in a Remote Environment OnlineFebruary 11 and 18, 2021 – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.Fee: $100Learn best practices on managing remote project team members and guiding them as they move your projects forward. Register today by visiting www.keystone.edu/pdi or by contacting 570-945-8621 or pdi@keystone.edu. Course dates and times may be subject to change due to availability.