Wilkes-Barre Connect

In this episode, we sit down with Romilda Crocomo, the County Manager of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Romilda provides a fascinating inside look at the role of a county manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a large and diverse county with over 1,500 employees. Romilda shares her unique career path, from practicing law in the private sector to becoming a public servant dedicated to delivering critical services to the citizens of Luzerne County. She discusses the challenges of managing elections, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting the county's most vulnerable populations. This conversation offers valuable insights into the important work of local government and the individuals committed to making their communities better places to live. Whether you're interested in public service or simply want to understand the complexities of county-level administration, this episode is not to be missed. Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - www.ParkMultimedia.com

In this episode, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Mayor Lombardo the City of Pittston to discuss the city's revitalization efforts and community engagement. Mayor Lombardo shares the importance of effective communication, highlighting initiatives like a quarterly newspaper to keep residents informed. Our conversation explores Pittston's historical context and the mayor's personal connection to the city. Addressing diversity and multiculturalism, Mayor Lombardo emphasizes the need for open dialogue and finding common ground. He also provides advice for youth looking to get involved in local government and shares Pittston's plans for the future, balancing short-term achievements with long-term goals. Throughout our conversation, Mayor Lombardo underscores addressing basic community needs while pursuing transformative initiatives. Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - Park Multimedia

In this episode of The Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Julie Sidoni from WVIA to discuss the critical importance of media literacy in today's information landscape. They explore the rapid changes in media consumption, the distinction between news and information, and the key differences between public and commercial media. Julie shares insights from WVIA's listening tour, highlighting the diverse needs of communities within their large coverage area and the challenges of maintaining trust in local journalism. She emphasizes the value of hyper-local reporting and the role of local media in community engagement. Julie also offers advice to young journalists and advocates interested in storytelling, underscoring the need to vet information sources carefully. Listen in to hear the vital role of local journalism in informing and empowering communities. Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - Park Multimedia To learn more about Julie, visit WVIA.org

In this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Drew Popish, the Northeast Regional Director for Governor Josh Shapiro. They discuss Drew's journey into politics and the importance of youth engagement and diverse representation in advocacy. Drew shares how he initially had no plans to enter politics, but felt compelled to get involved to ensure his voice and perspective were heard. He emphasizes the crucial role young people have played in driving social and political change. The conversation delves into the challenges Drew faced in feeling unwelcome in political spaces early on, and how he overcame those barriers. Drew underscores the need for diverse voices at the table, as it leads to more informed and equitable policies. Listeners gain insights into Drew's experiences working with rural communities, highlighting the unique challenges they face and the importance of ensuring their perspectives are represented. He advocates for using one's voice to focus on the issues that matter, regardless of political affiliation. Drew drives home the power of advocacy and the importance of using one's voice to drive positive change in both local and national arenas. Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - Park Multimedia To learn more about Drew and his work - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewpopish Governor's Website - pa.gov/en/governor

In this episode of The Wilkes Barre Connect Podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Jake Kelley of Mx. Kelley Queer Education LLC to discuss identity, inclusivity and authentic diversity in the workplace. Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding identities beyond surface labels and acknowledging marginalized communities' experiences. They discuss the challenges of inclusivity in corporate settings and share personal stories. Dan and Jake also explore the complexities of safe spaces, psychological safety, and how organizations can authentically demonstrate their commitment to inclusion through data, policies, and leadership from the top down. Learn more about Jake at https://juicywithjake.com/

On this episode of Wilkes-Barre Connect, we discuss the Young Professionals Council and its role in bringing together young leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Former Chair Rachel Stark and current Chair Mollie Boyd share how the group provides opportunities for professional and personal growth while giving back through service. From conferences to fundraising events, learn how YPC fosters positivity and involvement in the community. For those looking to get connected, we'll tell you where to find these passionate professionals online and in person. FB - https://www.facebook.com/wbconnect Join the Council - https://www.wyomingvalleychamber.org/young-professionals-council/ Attend the Young Professionals Conference - https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/ap/Events/Register/XDHvD3wfOtDCQwQAA

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, Jacqueline Escobar and our host Dan Kimbrough hold a discussion Connect Coference around barriers to Entrepreneurship and the challenges and opportunities for small business owners in our region. Business leaders like @ParkMultimedia's Dan Kimbrough share real stories of overcoming barriers like lack of funding and building community connections when they first started out. We also learn about the vital support organizations like @WilkesSBDC and the Chamber provide through programs, resources, and advocacy for #minorityownedbusinesses. The takeaway - no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, don't be afraid to tap into the network here in NEPA.

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast Zubeen Saeed and Susan Magnotta lead a discussion on workforce development and education in Northeast Pennsylvania. The conversation includes local professionals and covers career exploration, pathways to education, and opportunities to get students exposed to different careers at an early age. Show Notes - Junior Achievement is focusing on career exploration and workforce development programs for K-12 students through initiatives like Inspire and YES. They are expanding these programs to more districts in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. For more information - https://nepa.ja.org/ Building Blocks Learning Center is working on partnerships with local colleges and high schools to create workforce labs and give students hands-on experiences in different fields. For more information - https://buildingblockslearningcenter.com/ To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we hear from Maryanne Velez from the United NEPA Alliance and Vivian Williams from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. They discuss data on rising rents and the lack of affordable housing options. We also hear from college students and young professionals discussing concerns about remaining in the area after graduation. Solutions, such as community needs for living wages, wraparound support services, and career opportunities beyond warehouses are addressed. Maryanne and Vivian also discuss partnerships between nonprofits, unions, and schools as ways to promote skilled trades and long-term housing stability. Key takeaways include: To learn more about the Scranton Area Foundation - https://safdn.org/ To learn more about UNA - https://www.unacorp.org/ To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we hear from Dave Pedri and Maggie Martinelli from the Luzerne Foundation and the Scranton Area Foundations, respectively. This conversation is a live panel discussion from the 2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference. Maggie and Dave share how each foundation can work with individuals or nonprofits looking to do good in the community, but coming up against roadblocks. We also learned about some community resources to help raise awareness for your non-profit and hear the live Q&A from the audience. To learn more about the Scranton Area Foundation - https://safdn.org/ To learn more about the Luzerne Foundation - https://www.luzfdn.org/ To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we sit with Kendra Vogue, chair of Luzerne County Council, and Max Conway, mayor of Dunmore Borough, and learn about how they got their start in politics and what barriers young professionals may face here in Northeast PA. Both encourage listeners to reach out to local leaders with their ideas and offer ways to get involved through various boards and committees. We also discuss challenges like affordable housing and retaining young residents, as well as making communities more inclusive and vibrant for diverse populations. To learn more about Mayor Max Conway and his work in Dunmore Borough - https://dunmorepa.gov/office-of-the-mayor/ To learn more about Kendra Voght and the Luzerne County Council - https://www.luzernecounty.org/directory.aspx?EID=539 To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast we sit down with Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti about the city of Scranton and their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Mayor Cognetti discusses how she has worked to increase representation in city leadership and hiring through merit-based practices. She also walks through some of the challenges of implementing DEI initiatives in a politically polarized environment and the importance of advocacy from community members. The mayor offers advice to those looking to get involved in local government and pushes back against the divisiveness that prevents communities from coming together. To learn more about the Mayor and her office - https://scrantonpa.gov/your-government/mayor/about-the/ To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

Join the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber as we talk to our 2020 Charitable Organization of the Year Award recipient, Osterhout Free Library, about the great work the do for our community.

Join the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber as we talk to our 2020 Diversity Champion Business of the Year Award recipient, PNC Bank, about their diversity, equity, and inclusion work

Cassandra, the executive director of America250PA, discusses the goal and purpose of the project. Cassandra also talks about the "meeting in a basement in Wilkes-Barre" that sparked the Direct Effect Challenge with state universities and the US Postal Service.

Victoria and Heather talk with us about innovation and the United States Postal Service. Recently, the USPS has taken on the goal of reaching and impacting the next generation and make sure direct mail is included in marketing efforts, not just digital avenues. This includes direct effect challenges like the one wrapping up at the conference.

This episode focuses on the Pitch participants that presented during the conference. StudioBE, SchoooldxFrugal Athlete, and American Paper Bag all talk about their story and beginnings, passions, and the impact their product or service has.

Elyse Wilson speaks with us about the Westmoreland Club's newest initiative "501(c) Free" that will serve as a fundraising competition for nonprofits in Luzerne County. Those interested should follow-up at elyseidewilson@gmail.com.

We sit down with Mike and Rich from North Slope brewery to discuss their story and brewing process.

Dr. Dale, the Senior Officer for MIT Solve’s Sustainability pillar, speaks us with us about the fact that there are plenty of problems and causes that need solving around us. He talks with us about not just looking at how tech can help these problems but also building an impact model that will work the community to learn about the real issues that need tackling.