Description

Legislation Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2024
Friday, September 13th, 2024

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.

Download the Agenda Here!

2024 LEAD Agenda 

7:30-8:00 AM – Registration & Breakfast

8:00-8:30 AM – Welcome

• Welcome sponsor remarks from Michael DiMare, Administrative Director for Geisinger Northeast\
• Institute Insights on the Region Session with Jill Avery-Stoss, COO at The Institute

8:30-9:30 AM – Your choice of:

8:30 - 9:00 AM – Podcast Filming with Drew Popish
Northeast Regional Director for the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro on the topic of Why Your Voice Matters

8:30-9:30 AM - Mayor Roundtable 
Moderated by: Don Brominski, Director of Business Development for UGI Utilities
featuring:

• Mayor Paige Cognetti, City of Scranton
• Mayor Mike Lombardo, Pittston City
• Mayor Michele Bannon, City of Carbondale
• Mayor Jeff Cusat, City of Hazleton

9:30-9:45 AM – Coffee Break

9:45-10:45 AM – Breakout Sessions
with your choice of:

9:45 – 10:15 AM – Podcast Filming with Mayor Paige Cognetti 
on the topic of DEI in Politics

9:45-10:45 AM – Breakout Sessions with your choice of:

1. Sustainable Pipelines in Workforce Breakout Session
Moderated by Drew Popish, Northeast Regional Director for the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

• Representative Eddie Day Pashinski
• Christine Jensen, PA CareerLink® Administrator, Luzerne County
• Senator Marty Flynn
• Senator Rosemary Brown
• Jocelyn Sterenchock, Director of Economic Development for CAN DO, Inc.

2. Barriers in Workforce Breakout Session
Moderated by: Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation

• Robert Fiume, Executive Director of the Luzerne County Transportation Authority
• Liz Finley, NEPA RISE: Program Director at the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund
• Representative Kyle Mullins
• Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski
• Representative Jim Haddock

3. Building Thriving Communities Breakout Session
Moderated by: Vivian Williams, Director of Community Impact for the Scranton Area Community Foundation

• Paul Macknosky, EDFP, Regional Director for the PA Department of Community & Economic Development
• Marty Fotta, Chief Operating Officer for the United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
• Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Manager
• Shane Powers, President & CEO of NeighborWorks
• Lackawanna Commissioner Matt McGloin

10:45-11:00 AM – Coffee Break

11 AM-12 PM – Keynote Session with Mike Carroll, Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation

12:00-12:30 PM – Podcast Filming with Julie Sidoni, News Director for WVIA on the topic of Media Literacy

About our Keynote, Mike Carroll:

Secretary of Transportation
Michael Carroll

Mike Carroll was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and subsequently re-elected for seven additional terms. He worked on transportation throughout his time in public office. Mike was the Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 through 2022.

In 2010, Mike was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council Distinguished Citizen Award for his work to rehabilitate the Stillwater Dam in Tobyhanna Township. In 2014, he was awarded the Jean Yates Award from the Pittston Memorial Library Board of Trustees based on his dedication and service to the library and the Joseph Battisto Award for his legislative service to the citizens of Monroe County. In 2015, he received the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries (PCBL) State Elected Official Award. In May 2016, he received the BAYADA Home Health Care Champion award, and in June 2016 he was presented with the Silver Bayonet Award by AMVETS in grateful appreciation for services rendered to the community, state, and nation. 

Mike formerly worked as the chief of staff for then-state Rep. John Yudichak, served as legislative liaison for PennDOT under Gov. Robert Casey, and served as district office director for Congressman Paul Kanjorski. A Pittston Area High School graduate, Mike earned a bachelor of arts in liberal studies from the University of Scranton. A lifelong resident of Avoca, he is a member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick in Pittston, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Avoca Division. Mike is the father of three adult children, Matt, Mackenzie, and Ali. 

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!