Description

Legislation Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2023
Friday, September 29th, 2023

Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) is an exciting event that gives attendees an opportunity to learn about advocacy on the local and state levels. Presented in partnership with our regional Chambers, LEAD is designed to further attendees' knowledge of the legislative process, grassroots advocacy, and major current statewide and national policy initiatives. 

This event provides attendees with tools and resources to build their advocacy toolbelt and meet their legislators/representatives to discuss topics that are important to them and the communities they serve. Attendees hear from an array of passionate speakers from elected officials, the government sector, community organizers, and advocates.

Read more about  our keynote speaker here: 

On May 3, 2023, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Governor Josh Shapiro’s nomination of Rick Siger as the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. In his current role, Rick leads the commonwealth’s efforts to grow our economy and build a better future for Pennsylvanians. He is committed to helping small businesses thrive, spurring innovation, and increasing opportunities in communities to make Pennsylvania a national leader in growth and innovation. Prior to his current role, Rick served as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh and led CMU’s growth strategy at Hazelwood Green, a former Pittsburgh industrial site re-envisioned as a new model for economic development and translational research.

Rick served President Barack Obama for more than seven years in multiple roles, including as Chief of Staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Commerce. He also worked as former Governor Tim Kaine’s Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia.Rick was born and raised in Pittsburgh and currently lives there with his wife Kinsey Casey, daughter Margaret, and dog Amos. He holds a B.A. in political science from Columbia University.

Agenda: 

Welcome Breakfast Reception - Main Room - 7:30AM-8:00 AM 

• Registration, Networking, and Breakfast Buffet

Welcome Remarks: Main Room - 8:00AM-8:30 AM

• Opening from Alana Roberts and Camaryn Lokuta - LEAD Event Co-Chairs
• Presenting Sponsor Remarks: Ron Beer, Chief Administrative Officer of Geisinger Northeast Region
• Presentation by Teri Ooms, Executive Director of The Institute on “Institute Insights on the Region”

Mayor Roundtable - Main Room - 8:30AM-9:30AM

• Mayor George Brown of Wilkes-Barre
• Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton
• Mayor Michael Lombardo of Pittston
• Mayor Jeff Cusat of Hazleton
• Moderated by Don Brominski from the GWV Government Affairs Council

Breakout Session 1 - Multiple Rooms - 9:45-10:15 AM

Attendee’s choice of attending: 

• Advocacy Marketplace in the Main Room 
• Filming of DEI & Women in Politics Podcast in the Podcast Room with Mayor Paige Cognetti of Scranton
• Coffee Roundtable for the Get Involved & Get In Touch Session in the Lobby

Transportation Roundtable - Main Room - 10:30 AM-11:15 AM

• Carl Beardsley, Executive Director of the AVP Airport
• Robert Fiume, Executive Director of the LCTA
• Larry Malski, President of the Northeast PA Regional Railroad Authority
• Tim McGrath, Executive Director of COLTS
• Moderated By Tom Makowski, GWV Government Affairs Council  

Breakout Session 2 - Multiple Rooms - 11:30-12:15 PM

• Attendee’s choice of attending:
  • Advocacy Marketplace in the Main Room
  • Filming of Young Professionals in Politics Podcast in the Podcast Room with Kendra Vough, Luzerne County Council Chair & Max Conway, Mayor of the Borough of Dunmore
  • Workforce Session Breakout Rooms:
    • K-12 and Career Pipeline Solutions - Breakout Room
      • Senator Rosemary Brown
      • Representative Eddie Day Pashinski
      • Jessica Beishline, Director of Human Resources for Luzerne County
      • Dr. April Niver, Economic Development Director Office of U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright          
      • Moderated by Christine Jensen, PA CareerLink® Administrator, Luzerne County 
    • Addressing Workforce Barriers - Breakout Room 2
      • Representative Jim Haddock
      • John Blake, District Director and Economic Development Specialist
      • U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright
      • Teri Ooms, Executive Director of The Institute
      • Laurinda F. Guarriello, Regional Director Community Services for Children, Inc. 
      • Moderated by Vince Galko, Scranton Chamber Government Affairs 
        
        

Lunch & Keynote Speaker - Main Room - 12:30 PM-2:00 PM

• Keynote Presentation featuring Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community & Economic Development
• Moderated by Drew Popish, Northeast Regional Director for the Office of the Governor

The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council advocates for local businesses in legislation by reviewing legislation at the local, state, and national levels and recommending both policy and formal positions on these issues to the Chamber of Commerce Board.

The Government Affairs Council also conducts an Annual Legislative Survey and hosts the Annual Legislative Breakfast, as well as a variety of forums and educational activities on pertinent issues. Want to stay updated on what this council is doing? Click HERE to sign up for news and communications!