PA Chamber Hosts Luzerne County Roundtable at Luzerne County Community College
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry convened a regional Government Affairs Roundtable at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), bringing together lawmakers, business leaders, and education stakeholders for a pivotal discussion on the legislative priorities and economic development needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania.*
Hosted at LCCC's Educational Conference Center, the event was held in partnership with regional chambers of commerce and featured remarks from Pennsylvania State Senators Lisa Baker, David Argall, Lynda Schlegel Culver, and Representatives Eddie Day Pashinski, Alec Ryncavage, Dane Watro, and Brian Walsh, alongside PA Chamber officials and local economic development voices.
Opening the event, LCCC President John Yudichak welcomed attendees and highlighted the college's growing role in shaping Pennsylvania's workforce future:
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, our faculty, staff, and amazing students, it is my honor to welcome the PA Chamber of Commerce to Luzerne County Community College ? the largest and most popular institution of higher education and workforce development programming in Northeastern Pennsylvania," Yudichak said.
He praised the leadership of PA Chamber President & CEO Luke Bernstein, a NEPA native, and reaffirmed LCCC's commitment to supporting regional economic growth through higher education and workforce innovation.
"The college stands ready to partner with the PA Chamber in building a world-class workforce to drive and sustain economic growth throughout Pennsylvania," Yudichak continued. "Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy that uplifts every corner of the Commonwealth."
During his remarks, Yudichak spotlighted several recent initiatives at LCCC, including:
? The TEACH in NEPA Project, a partnership with Commonwealth University offering a four-year teaching degree at LCCC's Hazleton Center for under $35,000.
? The LCCC Career & Technology Academy, powered by a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant and a $100,000 local scholarship from businessman Bill Rinaldi, giving Luzerne County's Career and Technical high school students tuition-free access to advanced trade and technology programs.
? The Technology & Trade Workforce Consortium, a new statewide partnership led by LCCC in collaboration with Lehigh Carbon, Northampton, and Bucks County Community Colleges to train workers for careers in the data center, construction, and tech industries.
"We are responding to historic economic development announcements that signal billions in investment across Pennsylvania, particularly in hyperscale data centers," Yudichak said. "This consortium will address specific credential gaps in technology and trade skills, giving Pennsylvanians the tools they need to succeed in tomorrow's economy."
PA Chamber President Luke Bernstein thanked LCCC for hosting and praised the college's forward-thinking approach:
"It's inspiring to see a college so aligned with the needs of its community and so determined to be a part of the solution. LCCC is not just educating students ? it's helping to reimagine how Pennsylvania competes in a 21st-century economy," Bernstein said.
The roundtable served as a forum for candid dialogue on legislation, regulation, and policy proposals that impact businesses and workers across Luzerne County and the broader NEPA region. Topics included workforce shortages, dual-enrollment funding, regional infrastructure investment, and how to accelerate public-private partnerships for sustainable economic growth.
"Partnerships, collaborations, and innovations are driving everything we do at LCCC," Yudichak concluded. "It is an exciting time here at the college ? and across Pennsylvania. Together with the PA Chamber, we are determined to build a brighter future."