The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce AnnouncesNew IGNITE Program Specialist & Grant Writer The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Sam Zavada as its new IGNITE Program specialist & grant writer. In this role, Zavada supports the daily operations of the Chamber’s IGNITE Program by providing entrepreneurs with business support, providing event coordination, and resource development by securing local, state, federal, and private funding. “We are excited to welcome Sam Zavada to our team,” said Mary McDermott, IGNITE Program manager at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “His background in journalism, content development, and community engagement—combined with strong research and writing skills—brings tremendous value to the IGNITE Program and our grant development efforts. We look forward to the energy, creativity, and dedication he will bring as we continue to support entrepreneurs and drive regional economic growth.” Zavada shared his enthusiasm for joining The Chamber, stating, “It’s an honor to be joining The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, an organization that has a long history of helping businesses and entrepreneurs thrive in our area. As someone who cares deeply about the economic and cultural well-being of northeastern Pennsylvania, I am committed to The Chamber’s mission to create a more vibrant business community.” Prior to joining The Chamber, Zavada worked as a reporter for the Times Leader, writing daily stories, interviewing community members, providing photography, and supporting multimedia initiatives. He previously served as a content marketing specialist with LSEO, an advertising assistant with the Times Leader, and a copy editor and news clerk with the Standard-Speaker. His early experience includes a media relations internship with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he assisted with press materials, game recaps, and communications outreach. Zavada received a bachelor’s degree from King’s College.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of CommerceWelcomes Miranda Kane as Finance Assistant The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Miranda Kane has joined its Finance Department as Finance Assistant, supporting the financial management of The Chamber and its affiliated divisions. In this role, Kane will assist with accounts payable and receivable, maintain accurate financial records, reconcile bank and investment accounts, process payments, and support month-end and year-end reporting. “Miranda brings a strong blend of technical skill, accounting knowledge, and practical experience to our finance team,” said James Coleman, vice president of internal operations at The Chamber. “Her background in tax preparation, financial reporting, and data management—combined with her strong attention to detail—will enhance our financial operations and support the long-term success of our affiliated organizations.” Kane shared her excitement about joining The Chamber, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that plays such a vital role in the region’s economic growth. I look forward to supporting the finance team and continuing to expand my skills in a collaborative and mission-driven environment.” Before joining The Chamber, Kane worked as a staff accountant at Herbein + Company, Inc., preparing tax returns, analyzing financial data, and supporting compilation and review processes. Her earlier experience includes an accounts receivable internship with Axiom Product Administration and management roles at two agricultural businesses, where she handled bookkeeping, sales transactions, and operational duties. Kane received a bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and an associate’s degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Kyle Walsh as Staff Accountant The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Kyle Walsh as its new staff accountant, supporting the financial operations of The Chamber and its divisions. In this role, Walsh will maintain accounting records, prepare journal entries and reconciliations, review accounts payable and receivable, and assist with financial reporting, annual audits, and budget development. He will work closely with the vice president of internal administration to ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong internal controls across all financial procedures. “We are excited to welcome Kyle to our finance team,” said James Coleman, vice president of internal administration at The Chamber. “His strong academic background, practical accounting experience, and commitment to accuracy will strengthen our financial operations and support our continued organizational growth. Kyle’s professionalism, analytical ability, and dedication to learning make him an excellent addition to the Chamber.” Walsh shared his appreciation for joining The Chamber, stating, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a meaningful impact on our community. I look forward to applying my accounting experience, expanding my skill set, and contributing to the Chamber’s mission.” Walsh brings hands-on experience in tax preparation, auditing, and client communication through previous roles at Liberty Tax and McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates. His background includes preparing individual tax returns, performing account reconciliations, updating financial statements, and supporting accountants and partners during tax season. Walsh holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton.
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Juliette Meyers as Program and Events Coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Juliette Meyers as the new program and events coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna, the Chamber’s community leadership and professional development division. In this role, Meyers will assist in the coordination of Leadership Lackawanna’s signature programs—Tomorrow’s Leaders Today and Leadership Collegiate—as well as alumni engagement initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community events. She will also collaborate with regional partners and program participants to support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of developing informed, committed, and engaged leaders throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We are delighted to welcome Juliette to our team,” said Nicole Morristell, Executive Director of Leadership Lackawanna. “Her unique background in art therapy, education, and program management brings a creative and compassionate approach to this position. Juliette’s experience working with diverse groups—and her passion for today’s youth—will allow her to thrive as our new Program and Events Coordinator.” Meyers expressed her enthusiasm for joining The Chamber, saying, “I’m honored to become part of an organization so deeply committed to leadership development and community impact. I look forward to helping cultivate experiences that inspire collaboration, creativity, and service across our region.” Prior to joining The Chamber, Meyers worked as manager of Art Therapy Integration Services at The Wright Center, where she implemented innovative art therapy programs across clinical settings. Her background also includes roles as art coordinator at Winfield Children’s House in Maine and transition coordinator at The Opportunity Alliance, where she supported young adults in a transitional housing setting develop life skills. Meyers earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marywood University.
The Chamber Announces the 2026 Scranton Business Awards The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that applications are now open for its annual Scranton Business Awards, which include the SAGE Awards (the Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence), the ATHENA Leadership Award, and the Milestone Awards. New for 2026, the SAGE Awards will be presented at The Chamber’s 157th Annual Dinner. The awards recognize members of the local business community who demonstrate strong and consistent efforts through talent, creativity, leadership, and innovation. All applicants must be current Chamber members in good standing. The SAGE Award categories include Business of the Year, Community Involvement Excellence, and Small Business of the Year. All SAGE Award finalists will automatically be entered into the People’s Choice Award category. In addition, The Chamber will present the ATHENA Leadership Award to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, demonstrated meaningful community service, and actively supported women in attaining professional goals and leadership skills. The Milestone Awards will be presented to businesses that are celebrating anniversaries in five-year increments. They will be honored with Milestone Awards in recognition of their longevity, leadership, and continued impact within the community. All Awards will be presented at The Chamber’s 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, January 23, 2026, at midnight. For more information and to access applications, visit scrantonchamber.com.
The Chamber and CAN DO Host Greater Philadelphia Business Development Event The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce led a delegation of community and business leaders on a business development industry tour to The Scranton Plan and the Scranton Lackawanna Industrial Building Company (SLIBCO), the business development affiliates of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CAN DO, Inc, of Greater Hazleton, recently hosted a business development broker mixer in the Greater Philadelphia region to strengthen relationships with commercial and industrial real estate professionals and advance business development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event brought together brokers and economic development leaders to highlight current and emerging development opportunities across the region, including available building and land sites, workforce assets, infrastructure, and competitive business environment. The mixer provided an informal setting for meaningful dialogue focused on business attraction, expansion, and long-term regional growth. “Engaging brokers in key markets like Greater Philadelphia is a critical component of our development and marketing strategy,” said Amy Luyster, Vice President of Business and Workforce Development, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “Their market insight and professional networks help ensure Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania remains visible and competitive as companies consider new locations.” “The Greater Hazleton area is an integral part of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial market,” said Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development, CAN DO, Inc. “By working collaboratively with partners like The Scranton Plan and SLIBCO, we are able to present a regionally aligned picture of available sites, infrastructure, workforce strengths, and long-term value to companies considering expansion or relocation through engagement with strategic audiences such as Greater Philadelphia.” The mixer opened the door for The Chamber and CAN DO to advance follow-up site tours, generate new prospect referrals, and deepen ongoing partnerships with brokers and regional stakeholders. To learn more about business development opportunities, available sites, and economic development support services in Lackawanna County and the Greater Hazleton area, visit www.scrantonplan.com or www.hazletoncando.com.
Johnson College Receives $3,000 Swipe Out Hunger Grant Johnson College has been awarded a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger to strengthen food security support for its campus community. The funding will enhance the Refuel Station, Johnson College’s food and resource pantry. The Refuel Station is available to students, staff, and faculty and currently provides access to non-perishable foods, pantry staples, and guidance related to local food insecurity resources. With this grant, the College will be able to supplement the variety of foods provided by The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, purchase additional shelving to expand storage capacity, and acquire a mini-fridge to safely store dairy and other perishable items. These improvements will help ensure that the campus community has reliable access to nutritious resources throughout the year. Swipe Out Hunger is a national nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity among college students. The organization works with colleges, legislators, and community partners to develop and support programs that increase access to food and essential resources on campuses across the country. Funding for this grant is provided by The Giant Company, a proud partner of Swipe Out Hunger. Giant’s investment helps expand access to nutritious food for college students, ensuring that no one has to choose between learning and eating. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Wright Center’s Dr. Decker Named ACP Fellow Dr. Mary Louise Decker, the infectious diseases medical director at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been accepted as a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP). Dr. Decker, a board-certified infectious disease physician, leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/HEP C Clinic. Dr. Decker is accepting new adult patients at our community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. She earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., where she completed her residency in internal medicine and fellowship in infectious diseases. ACP fellows are a distinguished group of doctors dedicated to continuing education in medical practice, teaching, and research. More than 31,000 physicians have earned this mark of distinction since 1975, according to the ACP. Dr. Decker may now use the letters “FACP” after her name in recognition of this honor. This is not Dr. Decker’s first fellowship. In 2022, she was one of 175 physicians worldwide elected as a fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Fellowship in IDSA is one of the highest honors in infectious diseases, conferred on those who have demonstrated professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession. The largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States, ACP has more than 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org. The Wright Center, based in Scranton, Pennsylvania, offers affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services at its growing network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information about its integrated medical, dental, mental and behavioral health, addiction and recovery, and Ryan White HIV services, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
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My Benefit Advisor: Why Employees Miss Their Benefits—and How Employers Help For many mid-sized employers, one of the most overlooked challenges in their benefits strategy is also one of the most costly: employees simply don’t understand their benefits. Studies consistently show that fewer than 40% of employees feel confident selecting or using their health plan. For smaller and mid-sized organizations where every dollar of premium matters, benefits confusion can directly translate into higher claims, lower engagement, and diminished ROI. The root problem is not a lack of benefits options, but a lack of clarity. Employees are overwhelmed by insurance jargon, complex plan structures, and enrollment materials that feel more like legal documents than decision-making tools. As a result, many default to the same plan every year without evaluating alternatives that might save them (and the company) money. The path forward starts with implication and education. Mid-sized employers can make a significant impact by redesigning communication around how people actually learn. This includes using plain-language explanations, visual comparisons, and short videos that break down key concepts like deductibles, HSAs, out-of-pocket maximums, and provider networks. Digital decision-support tools can help employees model costs in real time, so they can see the financial impact of their choices…not just read about it. Equally important is year-round communication. Benefits literacy shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Quarterly micro-topics, such as preventive care reminders, urgent care vs. ER guidance, and HSA contributions strategies, keep employees engaged and avoid costly misuse of the plan. Finally, personalized guidance can make a measurable difference. Offering short “benefits coaching sessions” during open enrollment or making HR and brokers available for talk-throughs helps employees feel supported, not overwhelmed. When employees understand their benefits, they make smarter healthcare decisions, help control claim costs, and feel more valued. For mid-sized employers, improving benefits literacy is one of the most effective, and low-cost ways to strengthen retention, culture, and financial performance. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit gscc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
