Bridging Talent to Opportunity: 2026 Workforce Summit Drives Momentum for the Next Generation Workforce The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, hosted the 2026 Workforce Summit, presented by Lackawanna County, which brought together a dynamic cross-section of our regional workforce ecosystem on Thursday, March 19, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. Bringing together employers, trade unions, job seekers, educators, and high school students (275+ students, 10 public school districts, and CTCLC) in one space is no small feat, and the impact of that collaboration was clear throughout the event. The energy, engagement, and meaningful connections made are a testament to the thoughtful planning and hard work behind the scenes. Nearly 50 vendors were on-site, representing a wide range of industries including banking, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, the skilled trades, and more—providing attendees with direct access to career pathways, resources, and real-world insight into today’s evolving workforce landscape. Attendees gained valuable insights from keynote presenters Ryan Leckey, founder and CEO of Ryan Leckey Media, and Kimberlee Greenleaf, senior account executive from Audacy Pennsylvania, who delivered compelling perspectives on communication, media, and workforce engagement based on their own personal journeys. Emily Pettinto, workforce development specialist, shares, “What makes this event meaningful is that students aren’t just learning about careers, they are having real conversations with employers who are actively hiring. That level of access helps them ask better questions, make connections, and leave with a clearer understanding of what comes next.” From hands-on interactions to meaningful dialogue, the Summit reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening the workforce pipeline and creating opportunity across our region.
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
Keynote Speakers Announced for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the keynote speakers for this year’s EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger. The annual conference is a full-day event dedicated to elevating leadership, strengthening organizations, and driving meaningful impact across the region. Opening the conference as the Breakfast Keynote Speaker, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, is Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, assistant vice president and professor at Moravian University and founder of Proximal Development. Dr. Desiderio is an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national best-selling author of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer. With more than two decades of experience in leadership development and change management, she equips leaders with practical strategies to unlock measurable and sustainable growth at every level of an organization. Serving as the Lunch Keynote Speaker, sponsored by PNC Bank, is Jodi Kantor, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist with The New York Times and best-selling author. Kantor’s reporting has uncovered critical issues surrounding power, law, gender, technology, and culture, work that has led to meaningful change across industries and institutions. She and her colleagues were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for their groundbreaking investigation into decades of alleged abuse by Harvey Weinstein, reporting that sparked a global reckoning and reshaped standards worldwide. In April 2026, Kantor will release her newest book, How to Start: Discovering Your Life’s Work, offering inspired wisdom and practical strategies to help individuals at every stage of their careers advance and reimagine their professional paths. Beyond its keynote presentations, EMPOWER will feature an impressive lineup of regional breakout and panel speakers representing diverse industries and leadership journeys. Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide actionable insights for today’s evolving workplace. EMPOWER continues to serve as a cornerstone leadership event for the greater Scranton region, bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, emerging leaders, and community stakeholders for a day of connection and growth. To view the full speaker roster, explore the conference agenda, and register, visit the conference website.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Hosts Dolly Parton Breakfast Join us for a breakfast straight from the pages of a fairytale… meet beloved characters, make lasting memories, and ignite a lifelong love of reading! APRIL 25, 2026 AT 10:00 AM HOLIDAY INN SCRANTON EAST-DUNMORE 200 TIGUE STREET, DUNMORE PA 18512
Electric City Improv Inspired Murder Mystery Show Electric City Improv’s Office-inspired murder mystery returns Saturday, March 28th. Part mystery, part comedy, this immersive event features ECI Mainstage improvisers as Michael, Dwight, and other office favorites. Everyone is a suspect, so trust no one. Be sure to get tickets in advance; this event does sell out. BYOB permitted. Doors 7:00 PM | Show 7:30 PM Electric City Improv 227 Lackawanna Ave. Scranton Tickets: https://www.theelectriccityimprov.com/murder-mystery
Ficcos Coffee Run Club Saturday Morning Run Club is officially a thing! Starting this week 3/7, meet us at the shop every Saturday at 8 AM for a group run and post-run coffee. All paces welcome. Bring a pal, and make a new one too.
Northeast Pennsylvania Youth for Christ Annual Banquet Get ready for a night of comedy and connection! This year’s Annual YFC Banquet features the hilarious 321 Improv. Arrive early at 5:00 PM to bid on amazing items in our Silent Auction. Dinner and the main event will follow from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Come celebrate with us and help make a difference in the lives of local youth. If you would like to be an event sponsor please go to nepayfc.com/banquet for sponsorship opportunities or call Zack Ortman @ 727-255-3775
Onvo Brings the Madness to March with a Bracket-Style Road Trip Showdown Month-long mobile app promotion turns fan-favorite snacks and beverages into head-to-head matchups, driving engagement, excitement, and next-day scores for guests. Onvo, a convenience and travel plaza chain with 41 locations across Pennsylvania and upstate New York, is bringing tournament energy to its stores with a month-long bracket-style promotion powered by the Onvo Rewards mobile app. Designed to spark engagement and reward loyal guests, the campaign transforms the excitement of bracket season into interactive snack and beverage showdowns—culminating in free offers for winning products. “At Onvo, we’re always looking for ways to create energy and excitement around everyday moments,” says Harman Aulakh, Vice President of Marketing at Onvo. “This time of the year is all about friendly competition and fan participation. By bringing that format into our app, we’re giving guests a fun, interactive reason to engage with our brand, while creating a true slam dunk deal for the consumers.” Running from March 2 through March 27, the promotion features eight popular products seeded into four initial head-to-head matchups During the weeks of the promotion, two snacks or beverages will go face-to-face in bracket-style voting within the Onvo app and across social media channels. Categories range from snacks to energy drinks, candy bars, and even hot versus iced coffee. After each round of voting, the winning item will be offered free the following day through a limited-time in-app coupon, while the other item’s bracket will be busted. Launched in April 2025 on the Rovertown platform, the Onvo Rewards app has quickly become the centerpiece of the company’s customer engagement strategy. In its first year, the app has amplified the value of Onvo Rewards, expanded promotional flexibility, and created new opportunities for brand partners to collaborate on targeted, measurable promotions directly within the app. Recently, a vendor-funded in-app promotion for a leading snack brand resulted in a 15% increase in sales of that product across participating locations, demonstrating the power of targeted digital engagement at scale. “Our app has fundamentally changed how we connect with guests and partners,” adds Aulakh. “It allows us to move quickly, test creative concepts including this bracket-style campaign, and deliver measurable results. Promotions like this showcase how digital engagement can translate directly into momentum at the store level.”
