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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. 

Ced Funches, CEO at Schooold, talks with us about moving beyond just creating a product but creating something that has an impact on others and truly helps to move them forward. Ced also discusses Schooold and how our education system is dropping the ball on preparing students for real life. 

We sit down with Kevin Jones, CEO of VizVibe, a transmedia storytelling company that is bringing a digitally layered approach to the educational experience. He also shares his journey through the world of media, and teaches us to always roll with the punches in the creative industry.

Check out episode 10 of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast with guests Wendy Lindars and Keith Stevenson. Wendy and Keith share their long history they have with each other and explain their journey from working in the Print Industry to transitioning into the digital dominated world we live in today.

Dan Kimbrough, founder of Park Multimedia and Kutztown Student, Julia Priest are guest on episode 9. Julia shares her experience as an intern for Park Multimedia and what she learned so far in video and audio production industry. Dan gives insight on his career switch from formal educator to story teller. We get some tips on starting your very own podcast as well as hear some of Dan's most memorable moments.

In episode eight of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we chat with CEO of ENX2 Marketing, Nicole Farber. Nicole shares her mentors and supporters that helped drive the growth of ENX2 and the culture she has created within the business. We also sit down with Senior Paid Search Specialist at ENX2 Marketing, Robyn Snyder, who explains her role at ENX2 and the importance of a positive work environment. 

In episode seven of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we have the pleasure of chatting with Helen Lavelle of Lavelle Strategy Group. Helen describes her passion for the arts and how that passion has helped fuel the Recovery Bank in Scranton for recovering addicts. We hear how strong of an advocate Helen is for the opioid epidemic in NEPA and what programs she stands behind that are helping individuals and families affected by the crisis.

In episode six, we chat with Gerard Durling, the founder of Coal Creative and Independent Wrestling TV, Kathryn Bondi, Graphic Designer at Posture as well as President of the Board at AAF, and Tim Ooms, a Wilkes University MBA candidate. Gerard talks with us about his venture in Independent Wrestling that led to Independent Wrestling TV. Kathryn explains her role in the creative world here in NEPA and where she gets her inspiration. Tim Ooms gives insight into his experiences as a graduate student and marketing intern.

In episode five, we sit down with Michelle Lehman the founder of RaeSleeves, Dan Landesburg the Administrative Director of Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre, Geisinger Wyoming Valley, and Geisinger Marworth, and Paige Hepner a Pharmacy Student at Wilkes University. Michelle shares how she discovered the idea of RaeSleeves during a trip abroad, and how her mentors at the Allen P. Kirby Center have helped spark her love for entrepreneurship. Dan Landesburg speaks about how his opportunities in executive leadership at Geisinger has made him a better leader as a young professional in the healthcare setting, and as a community member. Lastly, we discuss Paige’s success at the first-ever Direct Effect Challenge at the THINK Center, and how her Connect Student Ambassador Position inspired her to get her MBA. 

In episode four, we speak with the Vice President of Marketing from Lewith and Freeman, Tara Seigel, the owner of Socialocca, Ryan Hertel, and Business Administration and Marketing Student at Misericordia University, Eddie Okeke. We touch on the launch of the Lewith and Freeman website, and also talk about Tara's journey from an entrepreneur to a leader in her Marketing Team. We “Explore the Rainforest” with Ryan, and discuss his journey as a successful entrepreneur in NEPA. Lastly, we get student insight from Eddie about embracing any career path upon graduation. 

In episode three, we sit down with local entrepreneur and philanthropist Kris Jones, General Manager of Mobiniti Tanner Coleman, and Business Management student from Misericordia University Jayme DeMedio. We discuss the importance of keeping a work/life balance, and discuss the newest (and largest) commitment Kris Jones has made to NEPA. Tanner discusses the importance of taking risks in your profession, and how they can lead to your greatest lessons. Lastly, Jayme shares her experiences of being an active student in her university, and the importance of time management in order to succeed. 

In episode two, we speak with Samuel O’Connell, the CEO of Tunefly and Creative Director at CoalCreative. Sam shares with us his background in the film and music industry, and how he came “home” with a renewed energy to grow his career as a storyteller, and differentiate himself in NEPA. We also sit down with Holly Pilcavage the Director of Operations & Business Development at CoalCreative. Holly shares the experience of launching the CoalCreative rebrand. She also talks about her passion project, ‘Project Wednesday’, and gives lasting advice about the importance of finding your passion and sticking to it! Lastly, we hear Misericordia University Grad Student Mike Gombita talk about his different opportunities through internships, and how W-B Connect has provided him with lasting connections for his personal and professional career.

In episode one, we sit down with Linda Rowe, the owner of Anchor Me Photography, who gives insight on how her entrepreneurship took off, and how her passion for photography turned into her own business. We also chat with Meghan Flanagan, a young professional that proves networking leads to all the right connections. Lastly, we hear Penn State Marketing Student, Camaryn Lokuta’s take on student engagement and the benefits that involvement produces for students.