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.