What’s New with Our Chamber Volunteer Councils?

Be on the lookout for great Chamber Council events this spring.

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to keep you updated with everything that their volunteer councils have planned this year. That includes some great community events and initiatives. And the best part is — you can join virtually from the comfort of your home.

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

The DEI Council is currently hosting their 2nd Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Webinar, with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon all through April. One speaker track will highlight some amazing minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in our community, and the other track will be aimed at educating you around building diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in your workplace and in the community. Additionally, the Council will be spotlighting amazing professionals in the community who are leading diversity efforts or who have diverse backgrounds throughout Diversity Month, which you can follow on the Chamber’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn)!

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Women’s Council

The Women’s Council is hosting its next event, the ATHENA® Panel, virtually on April 19th at 11:30 AM. This event features a panel of past ATHENA® honorees who will discuss topics from career advice to professional advancement.

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Young Professionals Council

The Young Professionals Council is hosting their next Council meeting on May 12th and will be talking about planning some upcoming professional development mini sessions. You can sign up to join them by emailing [email protected]

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Nonprofit Council, Government Affairs Council, and Ambassadors Council

The Nonprofit Council, the Government Affairs Council, and the Ambassadors Council are all in the process of planning their programming and activities for the year and would love to welcome new members. Join any of the councils mentioned above, or sign up to stay updated on their news and events.

Spotlighting Our Amazing Members!

A few of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Councils have also started to highlight some of the amazing small businesses and nonprofits in our community that make our area unique. Their Young Professionals Council; Women’s Council; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council have three amazing organizations and their leaders spotlighted below!

Meet this month’s Young Professionals Network Small Business Highlight: Medina Saeed, President and Co-Founder of LEAGUE SVN!

The mission of LEAGUE SVN is to create meaningful, sustainably focused, elevated, and stylistic clothing for people who strive to do better for themselves and their community. LEAGUE SVN joined us at our 2020 Holiday Pop-up Market on Public Square last December and has since launched their e-commerce platform!

You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Meet this month’s Women’s Network Small Business Highlight: Donna Caruso, Owner of Eleventh Element Spa in Edwardsville!

Eleventh Element is a locally owned and operated wellness spa created and built by a family with deep roots in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Eleventh Element Spa was born out of part necessity and part dream. They needed a place where co-owner Chris could continue his physical recovery and wanted to create a destination where our community could find peace and relaxation. They’ve simplified the process of feeling better and natural healing for a variety of conditions.

With the belief that we all are responsible for the health of the community as a whole, they aim to inspire a movement and start conversations that engage. From health, to food, to nature, to charity, we can all pitch in and be a reason NEPA remains a great place to live and thrive.

They would love the opportunity to serve anyone that feels they could benefit from one of their services. They are open 7 days a week, M-Sat 9a-7p, Sun 12p-5p at 17 Gateway Shopping Ctr, Edwardsville, PA 18704.

You can also reach them on Instagram and Facebook.

Meet this month’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Highlight: Anthony Melf, Chair of the Board of Directors of the NEPA Rainbow Alliance!

Established in 2004, the Rainbow Alliance provides education, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and families while working to advance fairness and equality throughout the Wyoming Valley. Late last fall, they launched a Coming Out resource page, developed in partnership with Queer Inclusive Sex Educator Jacob Kelley and Coal Creative.

This year, they partnered with Independent Wrestling TV (IWTV) and Butch vs. Gore for the inaugural Cassandro Cup, a pro wrestling tournament filmed locally featuring the best and brightest LGBTQ+ pro wrestlers battling to win a trophy in honor of Cassandro, a legendary exotico from lucha libre and wrestling queer icon, and an IWTV Championship match. They’re currently in the process of developing an LGBTQ+ Topics Training Program, starting a Trans Discussion Group, planning the annual Pridefest celebration, and much more!

To learn more or get involved in the NEPA Rainbow Alliance, visit them on their website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.