1. Presented By: Business Data Processing Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School

2. The collaboration of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry to propel a healthy entrepreneurial climate with business and employment opportunities and a stable work force

3. Comprising the I-81 Corridor merging Scranton, Wilkes- Barre, and Hazleton from Northern Lackawanna to Southern Luzerne County Luzerne Lackawanna

4. Re-invent the image of the Great Valley, and attain the stature of a globally competitive economic future where you can comfortably raise a family

5. Generating, attracting, and keeping highly skilled technical workers will be key in the transformation of an industrial economy to a technology-based economy

7. Business climate complimented by low cost of living Attractive natural resources Strong economic development organizations Advanced telecommunication services Educational resources

8. Insufficient technology-driven infrastructure Obsolete research & development facilities Inadequate entrepreneurial & employment opportunities Lack of vibrant downtowns with an aging population Failure to retain college graduates

9. Departure of low-cost operations Out-migration trend of college graduates Under-employment & low cost income populations Relocation of existing technology companies

11. Leverage higher education systems Capitalize on recreational activities Build on existing call center operations Capture expansion of information technology Access talent of successful entrepreneurs Capitalize on industrial & technology parks

12. An analysis of labor clusters and projected U.S. employment to year 2006 indicates: Significant decline in traditional industries Emergence of new smaller industries New growth sectors will embark upon information technology

13. SpecializationsSpecializations Positive Competitive Shift Strong Start-up Activity Health services Electronic & other electrical equipment Trucking & warehousing Legal services Financial institutions Insurance carriers & agents Engineering & mgmt services Real estate and holding services Transportation services Communications services Air transportation Instruments & related products

14. Technology based companies Well paying jobs Career opportunities Quality of life Technology infrastructure Innovative entrepreneurial activity Knowledge-based industrial growth Business Government Educational Institutions

15. Information Technology Growth Technology Infrastructure Investment Innovation and Entrepreneurship Knowledge Worker Retention and Attraction Enhancement of Quality of Life Industry Assistance

16. Generate specialization and nurture of a core competence in information technology Create Information Technology Institute

17. Initiate an incubator and multi-tenant facility Re-establish rail service to New York City Improving air service from Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport

18. Form Angel Investor and Mentoring Network Create Great Valley Innovation Fund Celebrate entrepreneurial success

19. Expand graduate programs Institute internship and cooperative programs for students/faculty Establish career development/job placement services

20. Facilitate young professional's organization Develop partnerships to create an attractive environment and outdoor activities

21. Develop Manufacturing Technology Network Assess future clusters with Information Technology Institute

22. Implementing these strategies requires a collaborative effort that rests on the region’s ability to change and adapt to the new economy upon us.