Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, PA -
For decades coal was king, making Northeastern Pennsylvania the center of the economic universe.
Our region supplied urban centers such as Philadelphia and New York City with anthracite and was a critical component to helping fuel the American Industrial Revolution.
However, as time passed, and the dependence on anthracite dwindled, our region was saddled with mine-scarred land, a struggling economy, and an unskilled workforce.
The collapse of coal was not all negative, as the industry highlighted the work ethic, determination and resiliency of the residents of Northeastern PA. Those characteristics of our community allowed the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry, along with our fellow Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) in Scranton and Hazleton, to develop and execute a regional strategy to convert that mine-scarred land and develop business and industrial parks. Leveraging the strengths of our people (workforce), we were successful in attracting new industries to the region, and in the process, diversified our local economy.
Fast forward to 2019, and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber is still focused on diversifying our local economy.
But today, it's not done through real estate development, but through unique, custom-based solutions and programs delivered through Wilkes-Barre Connect.
Representing the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry, Wilkes-Barre Connect is the Entrepreneurial and Economic Development provider in Northeastern PA. Connect is powered by its partners - Penn State University, Wilkes University, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and the Diamond City Partnership - along with our entrepreneurial partners in Hazleton (Jocelyn Sterenchock-CAN BE) and Scranton (Aaron Whitney-Scranton Chamber). Together, utilizing a well-structured local, national and global network, we “connect” entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses to the resources, providers, and facilities they need to grow in Northeastern PA. Together, we have developed a true entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our goal at Connect is not just focused on programming, data and metrics - it's about changing the culture of Northeast PA. We are done being referred to as coal country. We are transforming Northeast PA into a hub of innovation and creativity.
Leveraging our academic capital, tremendous business and community leadership, and our local, state and federal government partners, we have successfully channeled our hard working, coal industry mentality, into a passionate community ready to grow from within. A true ecosystem where our residents have the power to launch new businesses, products and solutions right in their own backyard.
With that fire now lit, the role of Wilkes-Barre Connect has become even more clear. We must lead this innovation revolution - but it cannot be done alone. We need our partners to answer the bell - and they have.
Whether it's our academic partners (King's, Wilkes, Misericordia, LCCC, and Penn State) or our Connect Avengers (Kris Jones, Ryan Hertel, Holly Pilcavage, Gerard Durling, Helen Lavelle, and Chris Nash) - our partners have been relentless. They have helped launch new programs, engage the community, and help us change the perception of our region.
And together we have set the stage for our complete transformation to a region known as a hub of innovation and creativity. Just this past month, Connect launched its first PODCAST out of the THINK Center; announced a partnership with Kris Jones to open the region's first Accelerator Building in downtown Wilkes-Barre; and worked with the United States Postal Service and Maga Design Group to launch a national Academic-Industry Partnership right here in Northeast PA. These are just a few highlights of the amazing work being done right here in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
With the players and programs now in place, Connect will continue on telling our story - not just of the unique programs and solutions we offer at Connect, but of the amazing people, places and businesses in Northeast PA.
It's all been leading up to the launch of our first ever Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference. This three-day event will be held at the Woodlands Inn & Resort on November 17-19, to showcase the innovative and creative side of Northeastern PA.
We want the world to know who we are and what we do.
It's time to make Northeastern PA the place we've always known it could be.
It's time to rise up and take pride in our region.
It's time to come together and make our coal ancestors proud of what we've become.
It's time to take action.
It's time to be innovative and creative.
Who's in?
