The Local Business Community Update

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.

(Disclaimer: This episode description was written by AI). Join Bob Durkin, President and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, along with Nancy Kman and Jason Barsky from WILK News Radio's "The Morning News". During this month's podcast, we take a deep dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence and its (present and future) impact on our local small businesses. Are you a small business owner in Scranton? Wondering if AI is a game-changer for you? This episode tackles the burning questions surrounding AI adoption for small businesses in the area. Learn about the potential benefits, challenges, and practical considerations of integrating AI into your operations. Don't miss this essential conversation that could help you navigate the ever-evolving business landscape! Listen now!

This edition of the Local Business Community Update focuses on "the career path." Nancy and Jason speak with Bob Durkin about how he rose to President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Was this always his career goal? You'll learn the importance of taking job interviews even if you don't want the job. There's so much great information packed into this edition of the Local Business Community Update! #LBCU

This is the Local Business Community Update featuring Bob Durkin, President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. During this episode, we discuss one of the biggest local events of the year: EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is the areas largest business event and regional conference in northeastern Pennsylvania! Details: EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience April 24, 2025 Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center 250 Kalahari Boulevard, Pocono Manor, PA 18349 7:30 AM–5:30 PM Register at https://www.scrantonchamber.com/empower/

This is the Local Business Community Update featuring Bob Durkin, President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. During this edition, we do a deep dive into the good, bad, and ugly regarding the future for Penn State Hazelton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, and Penn State Scranton.

Discussing the perks/benefits of becoming a member of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, with President/CEO Bob Durkin.

New year, new possibilities for NEPA. Nancy and Jason speak with Bob Durkin, President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and ask him to fill in the blank regarding NEPA. "I believe 2025 will be the year _____ happens." Bob fills in the blank not once, but three times, in what is a really in depth look at what "could be" this year in NEPA!

Get ready to DREAM BIG! This podcast is “a mini symposium” on creativity and ideas, inspired by the theme of the 2025 Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Directory. The theme is about bold vision and transformative ideas, and this month, you’ll learn the history of a few well-known NEPA destinations and how they grew from concepts into realities. We discuss how to cultivate creativity, offer ideas on how to manage brainstorming sessions, and give tips on how to kickstart productive idea generation. You’ll discover a game-changing two-word mantra from Disney’s creative masterminds. You’ll learn the SECRET behind “the next big thing.” If you’re an impatient person, Bob offers help by sharing a unique twist on “taking things one step at a time,” We also break down the art of changing perspective and perception when face to face with an outspoken detractor. Worried that your idea may be off track? You’ll learn the simple ingredients that’ve historically made the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce sit up and take notice. Over the years, NEPA’s landscape has changed, and as we move toward the future, the changes will continue, driven by people who “dream big”! The Local Business Community Update is a monthly podcast featuring Bob Durkin, the President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce (aka, the Chamber). Each month, Bob is joined in discussion by Nancy and Jason (of the WILK Morning News). If you like what you hear, click follow and download future editions of the Local Business Community Update as soon as they go live!

During the November, 2024 edition of the Local Business Community Update, Bob Durkin, President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce talks with Jason Barsky about the great strides local businesses are making leading into the festive holiday season.

Bob Durkin, President/CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce joins Nancy and Jason for the Local Business Community Update! This month, Bob shares how the chamber is helping local business tackle their biggest problems, with the issues being delivered straight to the candidates running in the 8th Congressional District. Plus, Bob shares details on the 2024 SAGE awards!

During this podcast, you'll hear Bob talk about an in person event called LEAD (Legislative Education Advocacy Day). This event takes place on Friday, September 13th, from 7:30am - noon, at Mohegan Pennsylvania.   In this episode: Bob Durkin returns after time off to recover from a surgery. Sadly, he now admits he'll never achieve one of his dreams. That dream is revealed in the first 30 seconds of audio. As we get closer to the 2024 election, Bob discusses how "the Chamber" takes on an advocacy role in the community when dealing with elected officials.  Trick Question: Which political party does "the Chamber" align with?   How and WHY "the Chamber" has changed over the years. The different ways "the Chamber" works to eliminate legitimate reasons why a person may not take a job/start a business.  Bob explains why he thinks "the educational market is adjusting on its own."  (At 12 minutes 27 seconds) The very simple way to find a GREAT plumber . Trust us. It's not at all what you think.      

This month, we're joined by Amy Luyster.  Amy is the Vice President of Business & Workforce Development of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.  In this WILK Local Business Community Update, Amy goes into detail about two programs that she's helped champion during her time at "the Chamber." The two programs we discuss are: 1) Educator in the Workplace, a hybrid learning experience, bridging the gap between education and business. Click here to apply for this program, or simply for more information.  2) The Career Pathways Video Resource Library, a video series promoting career awareness and highlighting high-priority occupations in northeastern Pennsylvania. Click here for more information and to view any of the 19 videos. Have an idea or would you like to collaborate on either of these two programs, contact Amy Luyster via e-mail, or by calling 570-342-7711.

In this episode, Jason Barsky and Bob Durkin discuss: How NEPA's low unemployment (good news) is at a crossroads with a housing crisis (bad news). More importantly, how does the housing crisis directly affect local business and the NEPA economy?  Bob shares the details you'll want to know, and offers up some real world ideas which could lead to possible solutions as NEPA navigates through these tricky circumstances.  It's not all doom and gloom.  In fact, there's plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Hear them all by listening to this podcast of the Local Business Community Update! 

In this episode, we discuss: What Bob sees in NEPA that makes him believe our business landscape is in great shape. The changing mindset leading to FRANCHISES joining the Chamber.  How businesses can get thousands of dollars in free marketing and advertising. The homegrown "boutique" business boom in NEPA. An positive update from Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport on the performance of Breeze Airways. With few office vacancies in downtown Scranton, Bob details an exciting new way for existing and startup businesses to have a physical workspace for day to day operations, meetings, and networking (in a relatively inexpensive way).  Is downtown Scranton a "Cosmopolitan Community?"   Bob says "yes," and explains why. Plus, we end with an amazing, local success story that started with the Chamber.