2026 Workforce Summit Announces Keynote Speakers Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf The Chamber’s workforce development division, Skills in Scranton, has announced that Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf will serve as keynote speakers for the 2026 Workforce Summit, set for Thursday, March 19, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel. Ryan Leckey, Ryan Leckey Media Kimberlee Greenleaf, Audacy Pennsylvania The Workforce Summit, presented by Lackawanna County, runs from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM and brings together regional employers, educators, and job seekers for a full day of connection and opportunity-building. This year’s theme, “Bridging Talent to Opportunity,” focuses on strengthening workforce pipelines by creating direct engagement between area businesses and the next generation of talent, including high school seniors, college seniors, and established professionals seeking a career change. “We are thrilled to have two dynamic, engaging keynote speakers who truly embody what the Workforce Summit is about,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at The Chamber. “Ryan Leckey and Kimberlee Greenleaf bring passion, credibility, and real-world perspective that will energize the room and inspire attendees to envision their future and take action toward meaningful careers.” Leckey is an Emmy Award–winning marketer, former television personality, and nationally sought-after speaker who leads Ryan Leckey Media, a full-service marketing and production agency based in Jessup. His work helps organizations across the country increase visibility through data-backed strategy and storytelling. After more than two decades in live morning television, including his role as the face of Leckey LIVE on WNEP-TV, Leckey continues to spotlight leadership, innovation, and community impact through digital platforms and broadcasting partnerships. He also founded Ryan’s Run, which raised nearly $5 million for children and adults with disabilities at Allied Services, demonstrating the power of purpose-driven leadership. Leckey holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership & Administrative Studies from Marywood University, with research focused on digital influence and modern communication behavior, experience that aligns directly with workforce engagement in today’s attention economy. Greenleaf, a senior account manager at Audacy Pennsylvania, brings nearly four decades of workforce experience and a career built on adaptability and relationship-driven success. She represents leading audio brands in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre market, including WKRZ, FROGGY 101, La Mega, and WILK Newsradio. A self-described “late bloomer,” Greenleaf entered the workforce directly after high school, building her career through determination, communication skills, and real-world business acumen, an example of success beyond a traditional path. Since relocating to northeast Pennsylvania at age 45, she has become a trusted marketing strategist known for designing multi-platform, audience-driven solutions that deliver measurable results across industries. Her integrity, resilience, and commitment to helping businesses grow have made her one of the region’s most respected marketing and workforce-minded professionals. The 2026 Workforce Summit invites employers to take an active role in shaping the region’s future workforce by engaging directly with students, soon-to-be graduates, and professionals ready for new opportunities. By connecting talent with industry needs, the summit supports Skills in Scranton’s mission to strengthen career pathways and create long-term economic growth throughout Lackawanna County.
Jeannine Luby Announces Recipients of The Humor Therapy Fund Grant Jeannine Luby is pleased to announce the 2025 grant recipients of The Humor Therapy Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation (for 2026 programming). Recipients are Volunteers in Medicine, an organization that offers a range of free services from dental care to counseling and much more, and The Lake Foundation, whose goal is to strengthen mental health literacy in NEPA through education and advocacy. Volunteers in Medicine, a past recipient of a Humor Therapy Fund grant over seven years ago, will build upon their humor tool kit that is integrated into counseling sessions with clients for healing and lightheartedness. The Lake Foundation is planning an improv workshop with Electric City Improv to help local youth heal through connection and creativity. Noelle Bonitatis, VIM’s behavioral health manager and Kelly Ranieli, VIM’s executive director posed with fund advisor Jeannine Luby to celebrate their recent grant; Luby also met with Jeffrey Lake and his son Harrison, along with Jacob Torba, philanthropy associate at Scranton Area Community Foundation for the Lake Foundation check presentation. Luby worked with the Scranton Area Community Foundation in 2005 to create the donor-advised Humor Therapy Fund that serves to promote healing through humor and laughter in our region. Learn more about the Fund here: https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1138
The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps. Brought Christmas to Nearly 700 Children 140 Years of Hope in Scranton: A Community Rallies to Feed Families and Carry the Mission Forward For nearly a century and a half, The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps has stood alongside neighbors in need—responding to hardship with compassion, dignity, and unwavering service. As the organization approaches 140 years of ministry in Scranton, that mission was powerfully on display on December 18, 2025, when 300 local families received Christmas Dinner boxes, ensuring that hope—and a warm holiday meal—were on the table. Families experiencing food insecurity registered both online and by phone, and on distribution day the event unfolded as a smooth, welcoming drive-through. Each box—filled with the essentials for a Christmas dinner—was made possible by a generous donation that allowed turkeys to be purchased specifically for this outreach. Behind the scenes, the operation was a true community effort. More than two dozen volunteers came together from Walmart, Lakeland High School, and the wider community to assemble and pack boxes donated by local partners, unload turkeys, greet families with warmth, and carefully load meals into vehicles. The entire effort was coordinated by Steve Oaten, Property Manager, who also faithfully serves as Food Pantry Coordinator—ensuring that no detail was overlooked and every family was treated with care. “The Salvation Army was founded on the principle of ‘soup, soap, and salvation,’” Oaten shared. “We are blessed to continue that mission by providing Christmas dinner boxes for our neighbors in need.” The impact of the day drew the attention of WNEP News 16, who joined the distribution and spoke with Captain Neil Childs, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps. Captain Childs highlighted a growing and concerning reality: families seeking help for the first time, and seniors on fixed incomes whose resources no longer stretch far enough to meet basic needs. “These are our neighbors,” Childs said. “And the need is increasing.” That growing need is felt well beyond the holidays. The Salvation Army Scranton operates a ChoiceFood Pantry every Tuesday by appointment for food-insecure households within its current service area. Families are able to schedule appointments every two months as needed, allowing them to select food that best meets their household’s needs while preserving dignity and choice. As demand continues to rise, The Salvation Army Scranton is facing a critical challenge. The Choice Food Pantry is currently housed in the Corps’ gymnasium, a space that has reached its limits. The Corps is now seeking to relocate the pantry to a larger, fully accessible space near its current location at 500 S. Washington Avenue, Scranton. Making this move possible will require funding support from the community. Relocating the pantry would not only improve access and efficiency for families seeking food assistance—it would also free the gymnasium for additional community programming, expanding opportunities for youth activities, support groups, and neighborhood engagement. Since 1885, The Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps has served the community without discrimination, meeting human need wherever it exists. As Scranton looks toward the next chapter of this 140-year legacy, the mission remains steadfast—but the path forward depends on collective support. Now is the time for the community to rally. Through financial support, partnerships, advocacy, and volunteerism, individuals and organizations can help ensure The Salvation Army Scranton continues to meet rising needs with compassion and dignity. Together, we can honor 140 years of service—and invest in the future—so that hope, help, and healing remain available to every neighbor who walks through The Salvation Army’s doors.
The Wright Center for Community Health Opens New On-site Pharmacy The Wright Center for Community Health will expand access to essential health services in Luzerne County with the opening of a new on-site pharmacy at its community health center in Wilkes-Barre. The 1,400-square-foot pharmacy, located at 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, will be open to patients of The Wright Center as well as members of the surrounding communities. The pharmacy provides convenient access to prescription medications and pharmacist support as part of The Wright Center’s integrated, whole-person primary and preventive health services delivery model. The pharmacy will open in mid-March and serve the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Operations will be led by three licensed pharmacists. Most common prescriptions can be filled while customers wait, while some specialty medications may require 24 hours’ notice. “The opening of our Wilkes-Barre pharmacy reflects The Wright Center’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to the health services our communities need and deserve,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer. “Several pharmacies around the region have closed over the past few years, so we’re excited to offer this service to our communities, whether they are Wright Center patients or obtain medical care elsewhere.” The pharmacy operates alongside a newly opened 1,400-square-foot laboratory for routine testing, further enhancing the services available at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre. Together, the pharmacy and laboratory help reduce barriers to care for patients who might otherwise struggle to access these resources, Dr. Sheth said. Plans call for the Wilkes-Barre pharmacy to also deliver patient prescriptions to Wright Center locations in Lackawanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Patients will eventually be able to pick up prescriptions at the community health centers most convenient for them. The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, recently received a Pride of Place Award from the Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in recognition of its transformation from a former office building into a health care destination. The community health center offers affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and laboratory services conveniently located in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre. The location is accessible to patients who rely on public transportation and is within walking distance of many of the city’s high-rise apartments. The renovation was made possible by $4 million in state grants awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The Wright Center for Community Health accepts all insurance plans and offers a sliding-fee discount program to help ensure whole-person primary and preventive health services are affordable for everyone. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-491-0126.
Archbald Borough and Neighborhood Association Hosts Archbald Winter Carnival Archbald Neighborhood Association will be holding an Archbald Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 7th from 1 pm to 3 pm in and around Archbald’s Borough Building at 400 Church Street in partnership with Archbald Borough. Immerse yourself in the enchanting sights, sounds, and the delights of the season as we transform Archbald’s Borough Building and High School Plaza Park into a winter wonderland of festive fun to celebrate Archbald’s 150th anniversary. This is a kid friendly event. There is fun for the whole family! There will be free s’mores, hotdogs, and popcorn, fire pits, drone demos with Archbald Police Department, Touch a Truck with the Eynon Sturges Hose Company, kid friendly craft, family friendly winter games in the park with prizes, desserts from Queen of Tarts Desserts, hot chocolate, coffee, and soup from Ginger’s Pies, BBQ from Smoked and Sauced food truck, winter story time led by the Valley Community Library, free hair tinsel by Mandy with Holiday Hair, and more! Contact Kayleigh at 570-351-1086 with any questions or if you would like to be involved.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents “Battle of the Bands” The NEPA Philharmonic is excited to present its inaugural Battle of the Bands, presented by ROCK107, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino’s Keystone Grand Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre. This groundbreaking, dynamic, live-judged music competition showcases eight talented local bands across a wide range of styles, from jazz fusion to country and heavy metal to pop rock, with cash prizes and a chance for one band to perform with the Philharmonic. Tickets, $29 general admission, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling the NEPA Philharmonic Box Office at (570) 270-4444. Over 40 talented bands from across Northeastern Pennsylvania applied to compete, with eight finalists selected to take the stage: So Much Hope, Buried.; Gracie Jane Sinclair & The Band; Chasing Ashlee; Tori V & The Karma; The Sorters; Rogue Chimp; One Revived; and the Jay Orrell Band. These bands will compete in the live-judged event for their chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize and perform with the NEPA Philharmonic in their 2026-2027 season. A $1,000 runner up prize and a $1,000 audience choice prize will also be awarded, giving audience members an opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favorite band. John Popko, host at Rock107 and Fuzz 96.1, will be the emcee for the event. The event will be judged by a panel comprised of the following individuals: Mélisse Brunet — Music Director, NEPA Philharmonic Chason Goldschmitz — Executive Director, NEPA Philharmonic Ruotao Mao — Concertmaster, NEPA Philharmonic Kait — Co-Host of the Prospector Show, Rock107 Jennifer Ducharme — Director of Events, Mohegan PA Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski — Pennsylvania State Representative, 121st District Rick Hoffenberg — Co-Director, Marywood University School of Visual & Performing Arts “NEPA has been blessed with incredible musicians for decades,” says Pennsylvania State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski (121st District), a judge for the event. “I congratulate our NEPA Philharmonic organization for creating this momentous opportunity for our very talented NEPA musicians. The financial prizes for this competition are truly substantial for the winners. But the once in a lifetime performance opportunity with our NEPA Philharmonic orchestra is priceless. I can’t wait to hear all the bands, and then to hear the winning band perform with our incredible NEPA Philharmonic orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!” “Local music is what keeps communities strong,” added Kait, event judge and ROCK107 host. “Local bands are the heartbeat of a town. I’m looking forward to putting my finger on the pulse of it all.” John Popko, emcee and ROCK107 host, says: “I’m honored to serve as emcee for this event and help spotlight the incredible talent that NEPA has to offer. I’ve always believed our local music scene stands toe-to-toe with any in the country. I’m very familiar with the artists competing in this Battle of the Bands, having featured nearly all of them on my local radio show, The Popko Project Radio Experience, which airs Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. on Fuzz 96.1 (a sister station of Rock 107). It’s truly a pleasure to share their music on the air, and I hope everyone in attendance leaves with a renewed appreciation for the musicians in our region. This is going to be fun!” Jennifer Ducharme, Battle of the Bands judge and Mohegan PA Director of Events, says: “Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to be part of this incredible celebration of music and artistry. Supporting the arts is an essential part of our commitment to the community, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.” The NEPA Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, the POPS series is presented by Dr. Seth & Carolyn Fisher, and Battle of the Bands is presented by ROCK107. Additional in-kind support is provided by Guitar Center through the use of their premium equipment. For more information about the Battle of the Bands or to purchase tickets, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.
SLIBCO and The Chamber Enhance Signage in Stauffer Industrial Park The Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the completion of a comprehensive signage improvement project inside Stauffer Industrial Park, made possible through a $75,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), with the support of State Representative Jim Haddock of the 118th District. The new signage enhances visibility, improves navigation, and addresses longstanding directional challenges for tenants and visitors within one of the region’s most vital business parks, strengthening the overall experience and functionality of the site. State Representative Jim Haddock shares, “Clear, directional signage may seem like a small detail, but it makes a real difference to customers. Infrastructure like this helps people navigate more efficiently, feel welcome, and supports our business community in industrial parks like Stauffer Park. Glad to have been able to secure grant money to make this investment possible.” Stauffer Industrial Park, one of the 15 business parks developed by SLIBCO and The Chamber throughout Lackawanna County, has long been a hub of economic activity, hosting a range of logistical industries that contribute to the region’s growth and prosperity. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, adds, “The completed signage upgrades at Stauffer Industrial Park are already making a positive economic impact by improving accessibility, enhancing safety for workers, visitors, and drivers, and elevating the park’s overall appeal. This investment strengthens navigation throughout the park, supports existing businesses, and reinforces our commitment to positioning Stauffer Industrial Park as a premier destination for new and expanding companies.” The signage updates at Stauffer Industrial Park underscore SLIBCO and The Chamber’s mission to create and maintain vibrant business environments that attract, sustain, and grow businesses and jobs across Lackawanna County. By investing in infrastructure improvements, SLIBCO and The Chamber continue to strengthen the foundation for economic growth and enhance the experience of tenants and visitors within these business parks.
Skills in Scranton Awarded $2,500 EITC Grant From PPL Electric Utilities The Skills in Scranton Business Education Partnership (Skills), the workforce development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a $2,500 Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant from PPL Electric Utilities. The funding supports Skills in Scranton’s work as an Education Improvement Organization (EIO), advancing career readiness and developing a regional talent pipeline. The funding will be used to support workforce development programming for K–12 students in Lackawanna County, expanding awareness of career pathways and strengthening connections between education and the business community. “Skills in Scranton is grateful to PPL Electric Utilities for the EITC support, which strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality career pathways programming for students across Lackawanna County,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist. Through The Chamber, Skills collaborates with educators, employers, and community partners to expose students to career opportunities in key industries, promote early career exploration, and support long-term economic development throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. PPL Electric Utilities’ support through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program reflects a shared commitment to education, workforce development, and community investment. The EITC Program enables businesses to support innovative educational initiatives that prepare individuals for meaningful careers while strengthening regional economies.
