Chamber sponsors AI small business training – Pottsville Republican Herald

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has “signed up” to provide AI for Small Business, a 90-minute online webinar “focused on practical, real-world ways small businesses are using AI to save time and work smarter,” according to a release from the chamber’s Anthony Merchlinsky.

It’s set for 1 p.m. Feb. 24, with featured speakers Frank Kenny and Norma Davey of The Chamber Pros Community.

The session will include live training and on-demand access, clear beginner and intermediate friendly guidance plus ideas to use “right away” in business, according to Merchlinsky’s release.

“There is a small registration fee and access is restricted to members only,” according to the release.

An email address is required to register for the event; email Merchlinsky at amerchlinsky@schuylkillchamber.com. For more, call the chamber at 570-622-1942 or go online to schuylkillchamber.com.

“This training is open to all members, staff, and employees of Schuylkill Chamber member businesses,” Merchlinsky said.

Chamber business forum sponsor: PSU Schuylkill

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Business Executive Forum, sponsored by Penn State Schuylkill, is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 18 in Health & Wellness Room 201, PSU Schuylkill.

The gathering will feature Fotis Sotiropoulos, Penn State’s executive vice president and provost in a “keynote interview” that will offer attendees “a high-level perspective on leadership in today’s evolving business and economic landscape,” according to a chamber release.

“This engaging conversation will explore executive leadership, economic impact, community engagement and outreach, change management, workforce development and the influence of emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence — on organizations, institutions, and the future of work.”

The presentation is designed for business executives, organizational leaders and community stakeholders, according to the chamber.

The chamber contact is Cierra Abrachinsky, who can be reached via email to cabrachinsky@schuylkillchamber.com for registration and more information, including pricing.

MAEA offerings run the gamut

POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville-based Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association offers myriad training and other sessions for regional employers, including:

■ MAEA February multiple trainings/new trainings.

■ MAEA Supervisory Development Certificate Series spring training series, Pottsville.

■ Maintenance roundtable, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24, Pottsville.

■ Human resources virtual roundtable, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 27 via Zoom.

■ Smart & Legal Hiring/Interview Compliance Training, 1-3 p.m. March 4, CANBE Innovation Center, West Hazleton.

■ Safety Schuylkill roundtable, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 5, MAEA Pottsville office.

■ Annual installation of officers, noon-1:30 p.m. March 10, Mountain Valley clubhouse, Barnesville.

■ MAEA Executive Schuylkill Roundtable, state of development, with county commissioners, SEDCO president and municipal authority executive director, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 24, conference room in Pottsville.

■ 2026 MAEA Schuylkill County Career Fair April 15 at Martz Hall, Pottsville.

■ Annual excellence awards, 5-8 p.m. May 12, Mountain Valley clubhouse, Barnesville.

Those interested may register for these programs plus get more information about fees and other MAEA offerings by calling 570-622-0992 or going online to www.nepmaea.com.

MAEA’s main office is at 250 One Norwegian Plaza, Pottsville, PA 17901. It also has a Hazleton area site at the CANBE Innovation Center, 103 Rotary Drive West, Hazleton, PA 18202.

MAEA contacts include: Darlene J. Robbins, MAEA president, drobbins@nepamaea.com; Eileen Kuperavage, director of employer engagement, ekuperavage@nepamaea.com; Nichole Jenan, finance and administrative assistant, njenan@nepamaea.com; Faith Colahan, new administrative assistant, fcolahan@nepamaea.com; Courtney Fasnacht of the Manufacturers and Employers Council, cfasnacht@nepamaec.com.

Ribbon cutting on for YMCA gym center

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is promoting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for:

■ Grand opening of the new Gymnastics Center at the Schuylkill County YMCA at Alvernia University-Pottsville, 500 Progress Ave., 5:30-7 p.m. March 5. This addition represents an investment in youth development, health and opportunity within the community, designed to provide a safe, modern, and inspiring environment. It will support young athletes of all skill levels build strength, confidence, discipline and teamwork. There will be brief remarks, the ceremonial ribbon cutting, an opportunity to tour the new facility and time to connect with fellow chamber members and community leaders.

The Schuylkill chamber ceremonies are free community events. The chamber asks that those planning to attend register in advance by calling the chamber office at 570-622-1942 or emailing chamber contacts Cierra Abrachinsky at cabrachinsky@schuylkillchamber.com or Anthony Merchlinsky at amerchlinsky@schuylkillchamber.com.