Wilkes-Barre Connect

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Ken Okrepkie, a Regional Manager of Ben Franklin Technology Partners Northeast Pennsylvania. We explore Ben Franklin Technology Partners' role in entrepreneurial, startup, and manufacturing investing in the region. Ben Franklin Technology Partners has 4 locations across the state, Pittsburgh, Philly, Erie to Harrisburg, and here in the Northeast. They also support seven business incubators, making up a larger 15-incubator network across Northeast PA. Ken discusses how the person coming in for investment and their commitment to their work are just as important as the IP or ideas themselves. They're looking to invest in companies that can create jobs and provide a return on investment to the community and the Commonwealth. Ken also reminds us, in a conversation about the American Paper Bag Company, that there are 96 million households within a day's truck drive of our region. Meaning if you're looking to reach people fast, Northeast Pennsylvania needs to be on your radar. Ken Okrepkie, a graduate of the University of Scranton, oversees investments in a portfolio of 40+ companies. Each year, this group of companies generates $500 million in revenue, creating family-sustaining jobs in the region. For more than 17 years at Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Ken has supported early-stage technology companies and connected manufacturing firms to college and university resources supporting process improvement and product development projects. Tune in to learn more about Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the business resources available across the region. And share this with an entrepreneur in your circle! You can find Ken and Ben Franklin Technology Partners online at www.nep.benfranklin.org or on LinkedIn at @bentechnepa.

In this episode, host Dan Kimbrough discusses the Luzerne Learns to Work program with Shanie Mohamed and Alex Piehl from the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce. This innovative initiative aims to prepare high school students for successful careers in Northeast Pennsylvania. The program provides students with a blend of soft and technical skills training, as well as direct connections to local employers. By partnering with schools, the program helps 11th and 12th graders explore their career interests, access personalized learning pathways, and participate in valuable work-based learning experiences. This program is an evolution of the Chamber's previous efforts, demonstrating the power of early exposure to in-demand fields. Now, the Luzerne Learns to Work program casts a wider net, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a variety of local industries. For businesses, the program offers a unique opportunity to shape the future workforce. By engaging with the program and providing work-based learning experiences, companies can ensure students gain the relevant skills and exposure needed to succeed in their organizations. Tune in to learn how the Luzerne Learns to Work program is transforming the way students prepare for their careers and how businesses can get involved in shaping the next generation of Northeast Pennsylvania's workforce. To learn more - https://luzernelearnstowork.org/

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 KimbroughEditing Assistant - Matthew AshProduced by - Park Multimedia

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

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 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 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 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/