Wilkes-Barre Connect wilkesbarreconnect

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:
The impact of the pandemic on the real estate market,
importance of a "housing first" approach, 
strategies to rebuild the middle class.
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/