Episodes

  • Beyond the Classroom: Showcasing how "the Chamber" is Preparing the Workforce Pennsylvania Desperately Needs

    Beyond the Classroom: Showcasing how "the Chamber" is Preparing the Workforce Pennsylvania Desperately Needs
    Nov 18 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Beyond Division, Creating Dialogue, and Career Readiness in the Local Business Community Update

    Beyond Division, Creating Dialogue, and Career Readiness in the Local Business Community Update
    Oct 21 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • How AI integration with local business can be a game changer (just not how you think)!

    How AI integration with local business can be a game changer (just not how you think)!
    Sep 16 2025
    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!
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Bob Durkin has Tips and Advice for Entrepreneurship on the Local Business Community Update

    Bob Durkin has Tips and Advice for Entrepreneurship on the Local Business Community Update
    Aug 12 2025
    Advice for entrepreneurship- Local Business Community Update.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Beyond the Bottom Line: How the Scranton Chamber Fights for Local Businesses

    Beyond the Bottom Line: How the Scranton Chamber Fights for Local Businesses
    Jul 8 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Small Business and AI (artificial intelligence) with Bob Durkin from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

    Small Business and AI (artificial intelligence) with Bob Durkin from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
    Jun 10 2025
    (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!
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Advice, strategy, & stories to help you navigate your way on "the career path."

    Advice, strategy, & stories to help you navigate your way on "the career path."
    May 13 2025
    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
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • What is EMPOWER and why do you NEED to be there? All the answers during this edition of the Local Business Community Update!

    What is EMPOWER and why do you NEED to be there? All the answers during this edition of the Local Business Community Update!
    Apr 15 2025
    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/
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins