Wilkes-Barre Connect

In this live episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits with Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of PA 250. Coleman discusses the inception and mission of PA 250, established in 2018 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026. The initiative aims to engage all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Coleman highlights the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge, which has engaged 50,000 students across the state. PA 250 has raised $1 million in private support and secured a line item in the state budget. Tune in to learn about upcoming events including the free Commonwealth Concert Series; with one date scheduled for Luzerne County, the Liberty Tree Project, and Liberty Bell sculptures. The goal is to ensure every Pennsylvanian feels included in the historic anniversary.  To learn more, visit https://www.america250pa.org/ This episode was recorded live at the Legislation Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD) 2025.LEAD) is an exciting event that gives attendees the opportunity to learn about advocacy on both the local and state levels. Presented in partnership with our regional Chambers, LEAD is designed to deepen participants' understanding of our regional legislative agenda.

Join host Dan Kimbrough for as he sits down with Shay Jones-Vitale, founder of Tri-Path Synergy and our next participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program, as she shares her experience with the TechCelerator program and how it helped her shape Tri-Path Synergy.   As a licensed Clinical Social Worker who is also a yoga and mindfulness practitioner. Shay was always interested in psychology and human behavior. Trying to make sense of why people do what they do, and more importantly, how we can make the changes needed to overcome challenging situations. This curiosity lead to Tri Path Synergy. A wellness company that focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection, empowering others with knowledge to improve their lives. Through her experience in TechCelerator! program, she was pushed out of her comfort zone, given the resources to sharpen her vision into a tangible plan, and fostered invaluable connections within the local entrepreneurial community. Listen in to learn more and see how a Mind-Body-Spirit connection can help transform you. We need to BE well to DO well in this world.  Learn more about TriPath Synergy at - https://tripathsynergy.com/ The Luzerne County TechCelerator program is operated by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CAN DO, Inc., Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, tecBRIDGE, Wilkes University Small Business Development Center - Wilkes SBDC, and Penn State Great Valley LaunchBox, and funded by Microsoft.

Join host Dan Kimbrough for an inspiring conversation James Monahan, founder of BedRez and our next participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program, as he shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery and entrepreneurship. Hear how James’s personal struggles navigating the rehab system led him to create BedRez, a groundbreaking platform designed to help individuals and families quickly find available treatment beds. Learn about the pivotal role of mentorship, the TechCelerator program, and community support in turning an idea into a mission-driven business. Whether you’re interested in recovery, innovation, or making a difference in your community, this episode offers hope, insight, and practical inspiration. Learn more about BedRez at - https://bedrez.wordpress.com/ The Luzerne County TechCelerator program is operated by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CAN DO, Inc., Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, tecBRIDGE, Wilkes University Small Business Development Center - Wilkes SBDC, and Penn State Great Valley LaunchBox, and funded by Microsoft.

Join host Dan Kimbrough for a conversation with Dorothy Lane, Director of the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center. Dorothy joined the SBDC in 1999 and has served as training coordinator, business consultant, and now leads the Center, ensuring entrepreneurs and small businesses across five Northeastern Pennsylvania counties have the support they need to succeed. In this episode, Dorothy shares insights on starting and growing a business, real-world success stories, and the vital partnerships that help Northeast Pennsylvania businesses thrive. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to expand, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey. Wilkes SBDC - https://www.pasbdc.org/wilkes/Produced by - Park Multimedia - www.parkmultimedia.comAsst. Editor - Tyler Baker

In this episode of The Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we speak with Angel Diaz Jr., founder of Vital Health Enterprises and participant in the Luzerne County TechCelerator program. A U.S. military veteran and healthcare innovator, Angel is developing a real-time, wearable monitoring solution designed to streamline patient intake and optimize clinical workflows. The Vital Band—his flagship device—continuously tracks key biometric indicators such as blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and additional vitals. By enabling patients to bypass preliminary nursing assessments, the device empowers healthcare providers to allocate resources more efficiently and prioritize direct physician care. We explore Angel’s entrepreneurial journey, the technological underpinnings of the Vital Band, and how Vital Health Enterprises is positioned to disrupt traditional care delivery through data-driven, patient-centered innovation. Produced by Park MultimediaEditing assistance by Tyler Baker