The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Zamarie Navarro as Membership and Community Relations Manager The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce leadership is pleased to announce the appointment of Zamarie Navarro as its new membership and community relations manager. Navarro brings over 20 years of professional experience as an educator, CEO, and community advocate, with a proven record of fostering growth through education, outreach, and organizational leadership. Her extensive background in bilingual communication, instruction, and business management positions her to build strong connections among Chamber members, local organizations, and the broader business community. Kristine Augustine, vice president of membership and marketing, expressed excitement about Navarro joining The Chamber: “We are delighted to welcome Zamarie Navarro to The Chamber as our new Membership and Community Relations Manager. Navarro offers more than two decades of leadership, education, and community engagement experience. Her expertise and passion for empowering others will strengthen our outreach efforts and deepen our ties within the community. We look forward to the positive impact she will make as we continue to serve and support our members across the region.” Navarro shared her enthusiasm and anticipation, saying, “I’m thrilled to join The Chamber! I’m excited to connect with such a passionate and inspiring team, and I look forward to helping our members and community grow together.” In her new role as membership and community relations manager, Navarro will support member recruitment and retention, coordinate Chamber events and outreach efforts, and strengthen community relationships that increase the value of membership. Navarro will also represent the Chamber at community events and collaborate with regional partners to boost visibility and engagement. Before joining the Chamber, Navarro was CEO of ZGA One Stop Multiservice LLC, where she provided business support, interpreter services, and community resources. She also continues her role as an English as a Second Language Instructor at Marywood University, developing curriculum and empowering non-native English speakers through education. A certified bilingual educator and interpreter, Navarro holds various credentials, including Dual Language and ESL endorsements, Interpreter Certification (Spanish/English), and certificates in Rigor and Relevance. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusive communication and collaboration across diverse communities.
Chamber Plays Key Role in PEDA Conference Success The 2025 Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) Fall Conference took place October 22–24 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It gathered economic development professionals, developers, government and business leaders from across the state to explore best practices, policy trends, and collaborative strategies. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Lackawanna County, served as Platinum Sponsors and assisted PEDA in planning the three-day conference. Chamber staff also took active roles as speakers and moderators — including Bob Durkin, Amy Luyster, AJ Cimahosky, Emily Pettinato, and Mary McDermott. Sessions focused on regional priorities like the industrial and office real estate market, downtown redevelopment, tourism, workforce development, entrepreneurship; and topics such as Amtrak and the growing presence of data centers. The conference also featured a keynote address by local developer Donald J. Rinaldi, highlighting the Lace Village project. This marked the first time that Scranton hosted this statewide conference. Link to Momentum Article: https://indd.adobe.com/view/834f7798-c4d7-4a69-84c4-20872226049a
Amy Bezek Photography Offers Halloween Pet Photos 🐾 Halloween Pet Photo Fundraiser for Blue Chip Farm! 🎃 Amy Bezek Photography will be volunteering photography services to help raise funds for Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge! The community is invited to a fun-filled afternoon at Three Dog Bakery in Kingston on Sunday, October 26th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The event will feature a pet costume competition and adorable Halloween-themed photo sessions — the perfect way to capture each furry friend’s spooky spirit! 👻 📸 $15 for one photo📸 $20 for two photos All proceeds will benefit Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge. Everyone (and their fur babies!) is welcome to join for a great cause! 💙🐶🐾
Geisinger Health Plan Announces Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026 Seniors have until Dec. 7 to sign up for a plan that helps fill coverage gaps Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, which includes benefits for members featuring premiums starting as low as $0 per month. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and goes through Dec. 7. During this seven-week window, eligible seniors can evaluate and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the upcoming year. Medicare Advantage plans help older adults fill health care gaps that traditional Medicare does not cover, such as vision, dental, prescription benefits and long-term care. “Health care should be at the top of everyone’s mind — especially for seniors,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “Now is the time for older adults to review their Medicare coverage for 2026. Everyone’s health and health care needs look different, which is why Geisinger Gold offers a variety of plans that fill the gaps people might have in their current coverage. People can live healthier lives when they have access to the extra services and programs that make managing their health simpler and more affordable.” Geisinger Gold offers access to a comprehensive care network with more than 30,000 doctors, 180 hospitals and 3,000 pharmacies. It also includes perks like wellness programs, prescription discounts, financial assistance and Silver Circle membership, a free program designed for men and women 55+ that promotes physical, emotional and social well-being. Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.
The Honesdale National Bank Offers Relief to Federal Government Employees As the impact Federal Government Shutdown is felt within our local communities, The Honesdale National Bank is offering relief with a special loan program for affected government employees. “HNB is committed to our role as a resource and support system, particularly during times of uncertainty,” said Kate Bryant, President and CEO of The Honesdale National Bank. “Our team is readily accessible and equipped with resources to assist in navigating financial needs and unknowns to keep everyone moving forward.” Employees of the Federal Government, who are current HNB customers, experiencing financial difficulty due to the gap in their income are encouraged to contact their local HNB Office or loan officer to learn about the options available to them through HNB’s Federal Government Shutdown Relief Loan and other supporting resources. “HNB doesn’t want to see our customers struggle due to circumstances that extend far beyond their control,” said Bryant. “Whether its seeking assistance on paying bills, meeting loan obligations, or assessing financial options, we encourage you to reach out to our team for support.” For more information, visit your local HNB office, call us at 800-HNB-9515, or visit www.hnbbank.bank/relief.
Johnson College Scranton To Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
The NEPA Philharmonic Extends Mélisse Brunet and Presents Mozart’s Requiem The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic continues its (Candle)LIT Festival with candlelit performances of Mozart’s Requiem in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton on October 23 and 24, as the orchestra celebrates and proudly announces that Music Director Mélisse Brunet has extended her contract through June 2029, cementing her leadership and vision through the 2028-29 season. Maestra Brunet leads the orchestra and the Marywood University Concert Choir on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00pm at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, and Friday, October 24 at 7:00pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton, bringing repeat Philharmonic classical concerts to both cities for the first time in nearly a decade. This is the second concert program of the Philharmonic’s (Candle)LIT Festival, illuminating concerts from October 18 through December 6 with hundreds of electric candles in intimate settings. Preceding the Requiem on these short, no-intermission concerts will be Chorale for Strings by the late Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets, who died at the beginning of the current Russo-Ukrainian War. The concerts are presented in memory of the late John F. Magagna, a long-time Philharmonic supporter. The 2025–26 season also celebrates Brunet’s tenth anniversary with the orchestra—a decade during which she has significantly raised the Philharmonic’s artistic profile. “After 10 years working for the organization, from Apprentice Conductor to Music Director, I’m absolutely elated to stay for another 3 years in our community that I love so much,” says Brunet. “It is a true joy to work with our outstanding and stellar musicians, and it is my hope that everyone can come to one of our concerts this season. Our new Executive Director, our staff, and our entire Board of Directors are working relentlessly and with great passion to bring music to everyone, from all horizons of life. Thank you all for your support and love, and I look forward to seeing you at the hall!” “Mélisse Brunet has the rare ability to make world-class artistry feel personal—one moment she’s commanding the orchestra and the next she’s kneeling beside schoolchildren,” says Adam Thalenfeld, NEPA Philharmonic Board President. “This is the exact spirit we want for our orchestra, and for this community. She pushes our musicians to perform at their highest level while reminding us that music is meant to be shared, not guarded. The Board of Directors and I could not be more thrilled to have her at the helm for another three years as we grow our education programs, expand our audiences, and continue to prove that great symphonic music belongs to and should be enjoyed by everyone.” “The Board and Staff of the Philharmonic are thrilled by Maestra Brunet’s continued role as our Music Director,” says Chason Goldschmitz, NEPA Philharmonic Executive Director. “Philharmonic concerts are growing, educational programs are expanding, and new community projects are on the horizon, all driven by her creative, imaginative, and devoted artistic leadership and transformative programming. Working with Mélisse is an absolute joy and privilege, and her artistry and vision is one we are incredibly fortunate to have for our orchestra and for the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.” The Mozart Requiem concerts hold a special significance to the Philharmonic, honoring both the continued leadership of Maestra Brunet and the philanthropic legacy of long-time supporter John F. Magagna, in two unforgettable evenings of light, music, and celebration. As the next concerts under Brunet’s baton, (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem will showcase the Marywood University Concert Choir, prepared by choral director Rick Hoffenberg; organist Mark Laubach; and rising-star guest soloists Jessica Leigh, Inayah Raheem, Dylon Crain, and Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Artist Sunghoon Han. Audiences can expect a deeply moving journey through Mozart’s final masterpiece, blending drama and profound introspection. The 2025-26 Philharmonic season is presented by PNC, and the Requiem concerts are presented as part of the Thalenfeld Symphony Series. (Candle)LIT Mozart’s Requiem is additionally sponsored by Paul & Adrienne Horger and JPMorgan Chase. Tickets are available at nepaphil.org or via the Philharmonic box office at (570) 270-4444.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Brittany Pagnotti Recognized The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations & Communications, has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services and has also been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International. The CAP® designation provides advanced training in philanthropic planning, charitable gift techniques, and legacy strategies, preparing professionals to help donors align their charitable goals with estate and financial planning objectives. By earning this designation, Pagnotti joins a distinguished group of professionals worldwide who are uniquely equipped to help individuals and families create meaningful and lasting impact through philanthropy. The CFRE credential is the only globally recognized, accredited certification for fundraising professionals and reflects a high standard of ethics, knowledge, and leadership in fundraising. Pagnotti has held the CFRE certification since 2020 and continues to demonstrate her dedication to advancing ethical, effective philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “These accomplishments reflect Brittany’s ongoing commitment to excellence and to the Foundation’s mission of responsibly stewarding resources and inspiring transformative philanthropy to build a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Her expertise enhances our ability to serve donors, advisors, and community partners in achieving meaningful charitable impact.” Brittany Pagnotti, MBA, CAP®, CFRE, has been with the Scranton Area Community Foundation since 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations & Communications. In this role, she leads philanthropic communications, donor stewardship, and strategic initiatives that inspire charitable giving across Northeastern Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit communications and development. Her leadership supports the Foundation’s mission to responsibly steward resources and build a stronger, more vibrant community through philanthropy.
Emily Pettinato Selected for ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist, has been selected for the 2025–2026 Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Fellowship for Talent Development, a prestigious six-month program that empowers chamber professionals to strengthen their communities’ workforce pipelines. The fellowship, hosted by ACCE, brings together chamber leaders from across the country to address pressing workforce challenges. Over the six months, fellows engage in monthly webinars, participate in an in-person convening, and collaborate with national peers to design a regional action plan. The program blends national best practices with local strategies to help chambers connect businesses, educators, and job seekers, ensuring long-term economic growth. Emily Pettinato expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity: “The 2025–2026 ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development will provide strategies to strengthen The Chamber’s work in connecting businesses, educators, and job seekers while supporting talent pipeline development.” As part of her role, Pettinato develops and manages workforce development initiatives that strengthen business education partnerships and promote career pathway awareness. She leads key programs such as Educator in the Workplace, Career Pathways Resources, the annual Workforce Summit, and the Small Business Internship Fund, which connect educators, employers, and students to enhance career readiness and regional talent pipeline development. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, emphasized the significance of Pettinato’s selection: “Being selected for the Fellowship is a recognition of Emily’s leadership and commitment to workforce development. The skills and insights she gains will directly enhance Skills in Scranton programming and our work to support employers, strengthen partnerships, and prepare students and job seekers for long-term success in our region.” The ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development is a nationally recognized initiative that equips chamber professionals with innovative approaches to workforce development. More details about the program can be found on ACCE’s website: ACCE Fellowship for Talent Development
