The Local Business Community Update

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Bob Durkin previews Young Professionals First Friday! This casual networking event will take place this Friday night, August 7th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on the patio at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce (located at 222 Mulberry Street in Scranton). In this short podcast, WILK's Jason Barsky and Bob Durkin discuss the event and the importance of face-to-face networking in 2026.

Join Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, as he breaks down the staggering numbers behind our local economy. From the fact that 85% of Chamber members have ten employees or fewer to the revelation that $73 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community, this episode explores why small business is truly the heartbeat of the country. We dive into the specific data for Lackawanna and Luzerne counties and discuss how the "multiplier effect" of a thriving downtown creates a better quality of life for everyone in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Jason welcomes back Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. In This Episode: The Empower Conference (April 30): Celebrating its 10th year, this high-energy, all-day event at Kalahari Resorts has grown into one of the nation’s top professional development programs. Leadership Lackawanna Core Program: This 10-month "flagship" experience is designed for emerging professionals The "Expand" Series for Young Professionals: This series offers "short-term nuggets" of wisdom that can help you now and take you far. The Value of Lifelong Learning: Bob and Jason discuss why leadership and learning aren’t a destination but a journey.

Scranton earned its name as the Electric City, but the current landscape is being powered by a new kind of energy: data, connectivity, and innovation. In this episode, Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, joins us to discuss the launch of a new strategic plan designed to navigate the NEPA economy through the next three to five years. From the rapid rise of data centers and A.I. to the critical evolution of healthcare and housing in Lackawanna County, we explore how the Chamber is using a "living document" to ensure the region doesn't just keep up, but leads. Discover how "Big Hairy Audacious Goals" are being transformed into a tangible annual work plan that serves every business in the region, from solo entrepreneurs to major corporations.

The blueprint is drawn, but can Scranton actually deliver? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of Scranton Plan 3.0, a massive economic recalibration designed to span from 2026 to 2030. Amy Lester, VP of Business and Workforce Development, joins us to explain why the Chamber is moving past traditional models to embrace a high-stakes, nonprofit strategy. It’s not just about business—it’s about a $2 million mission to change the narrative of the region. We tackle the "elephant in the room": the talent drain to neighboring states. Amy shares a candid look at why local graduates leave and, more importantly, the specific "pivot" the Chamber is making to ensure the next generation finds a reason to stay. If you’ve ever wondered how a city actually builds a future from the ground up, this "peek behind the curtain" reveals the financial risks and collaborative partnerships required to move a community forward.

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Bob Durkin, returns to discuss the Chamber's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between education and the workforce. This month, the focus is on emerging career pathways for students. Get the details on the exciting "Groundhog Day" job shadowing event (Skills in Scranton's initiative) taking place on February 2, 2026, aimed at exposing 5th through 8th-grade students to local businesses and different professional skill sets. Businesses are encouraged to sign up by the December 15th deadline! Plus, learn how the annual Workforce Summit has evolved from a traditional job fair into a targeted event connecting high school students (particularly those not immediately pursuing a four-year degree) with over 50 local companies. Discover the critical need for a prepared workforce—with only 66 people available for every 100 jobs in Pennsylvania—and how the Chamber is inspiring the next generation by creating essential, real-world opportunities.

Bob Durkin, President & CEO of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, highlights two critical upcoming programs. Get the details on the Leadership Lackawanna Civity Workshop, a one-of-a-kind session designed to foster social trust and respectful conversations in our polarized environment. Plus, learn about the vital Leadership Collegiate Program—a low-cost, credit-earning course from Marywood University aimed at equipping high school and college students with the soft skills and career readiness needed to succeed in the modern professional world.

This month, Nancy, Jason, and Bob Durkin (President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce) talk about AI from the perspective of local business owners who may be unsure about integrating AI into their day to day operations. If you’re a local business owner who believes “AI isn’t for us,” prepare to be challenged. We also talk about the upcoming EDGE Summit: AI for Small Business event on Monday, October 6, 2025. Visit: www.scrantonchamber.com to register for this special event!

Advice for entrepreneurship- Local Business Community Update.

In this episode, Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, discusses the vital role the Chamber plays in advocating for local businesses, from pushing for permanent small business tax cuts to tackling the ongoing workforce crisis. Discover how the Chamber is addressing critical challenges and fostering a thriving business community through new initiatives like Scranton Plan 3.0 and unique soft skills training programs.