What’s New with Our Chamber Volunteer Councils?

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to keep you updated each month with everything that their volunteer councils have planned this year. That includes some great community events and initiatives that 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 working on launching a brand-new Mentorship Program this August, with the mission of creating an ecosystem of mentorship to help diverse-owned businesses succeed and thrive while doing business in the Wyoming Valley. For more information on the program or to sign-up to participate as a mentor or mentee, email [email protected]

 

 

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Women’s Council

The Women’s Council will be hosting its first in-person networking event of the year on July 28^th at 4 PM, called Sip & Learn: Entertaining with the Athena® Recipients. Join our guest speakers Ruth Corcoran, President of Corcoran Communication and 2020 Athena® Award honoree and Kathi Bankes, Director of Catering and Special Events at Culinary Creations by Metz & Ruth’s Chris Steak House and 2021 Athena® Award honoree. This Sip & Learn will be in-person at the Holiday Inn Wilkes Barre – East Mountain. Kathi and Ruth will be providing tips for your summer entertaining needs, including seasonal recipes and decor ideas. The ticket price includes one glass of wine and appetizers. Click HERE to register!

 

 

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Young Professionals Council

The Young Professionals Council is currently accepting nominations for the 2021 Young Professionals Awards until July 16^th! Nominate outstanding young professionals between the ages of 25-40 in Northeastern Pennsylvania before the July 9th deadline. Multiple awards categories are available for our individual awards, including Intern of the Year, Educator of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year, and so many more. This year, we’ve even added a new category — The Young Professional Women’s Leadership Award. To read the description and requirements for each category, and to submit your nomination, click HERE.

You can also nominate a company/organization located in Northeastern Pennsylvania that has dedicated resources to young professional development for the Young Professional Development Award HERE.

Be sure to mark your calendars because our 6th Annual 2021 Young Professionals Awards, presented by Coal Creative, will take place on Thursday, September 2nd at the Garden Drive-In!

 

 

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s Nonprofit Council

The Nonprofit Council will be launching a new collaborative networking initiative, called “Work Together Wednesdays.” The weekly meetups bring together local nonprofit leaders from across the region. Meetings take place at local coffee shops or restaurants. They are designed to foster an environment for local nonprofit leadership to share space and ideas, while supporting a local business. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops and any current projects that they are looking for input on. To get more information on this series, email [email protected]

 

 

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

The Government Affairs Council and The Ambassador’s Council would love to welcome new members at their next meetings. If you would like to join any of the councils mentioned above, or sign up to stay updated on their news and events, click here.

 

Spotlighting Our Amazing Chamber Members

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. The 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: A.J. Jump, Owner/General Manager at Karl Hall

Karl Hall is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+), live music, comedy, and events venue in downtown Wilkes-Barre. They specialize in hosting 90 person seated, or 140 person standing original music concerts from local, regional, and national acts.

This summer, Karl Hall is hosting a series of Sunday afternoon outdoor concerts, called “Out Back at Karl Hall.” Shows will be held in the parking lot directly behind the building.

You can find out about them at their website, on Facebook or Instagram. All ticketed events are run through Eventbrite.

 

Meet this Month’s Women’s Network Small Business Highlight: Kristen Vezendy, Owner and Master Stylist at Studio 570 Salon

Studio 570 Salon has been painting the Valley since 2018. They have a talented team of professional stylists and educators that are highly trained in the latest hair color and care techniques. Their team thrives on each other’s creativity and they are committed to providing the best experience for their clients. “It’s so rewarding to help build someone’s confidence and not only make them look great but also feel great!” says Vezendy.

They are located at 252 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, and are open Mon. – Wed. from 10 am to 6 pm; Thu. – Fri. from 10 am to 8 pm; and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. You can reach them by phone at 570.991.6090. Visit them online or on social media. Customized appointments are available as well as off-site event packages. Studio 570 also offers their own luxury hair care product line!

 

 

Meet this Month’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Highlight: Frank Bartoli, Founder/Executive Director at NEPA Inclusive

At NEPA Inclusive, they envision a society where people with disabilities are fully engaged in their communities—living the way they want and working at something they enjoy. Because at NEPA Inclusive, they want to help create and support inclusive and sustainable lives for people with disabilities. Through respect, self-determination, and empowerment, they instill confidence and values into the lives of people who are overcoming their disabilities every day with strength and courage. With programs like In-Home and Community Support, Companion Services, Supported Employment, and Supported Living Services, NEPA Inclusive provides the foundation for independence and viability, enabling individuals to live their lives knowing they will be supported every step of the way.

To learn more or get involved, visit them online, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can even stop by their office at  22 East Street, Suite 3, Pittston, 18640, during regular business hours.