INNOVATION: Regional economy remains strong, according to The Institute
Apr. 27—WILKES-BARRE — Teri Ooms, chief executive officer at The Institute, said as a community, we need to recognize and celebrate our region's numerous advantages.
"As we prepare for our upcoming Indicators Forum and review the data, we observe that our regional economy remains strong, with many indicators showing improvement," Ooms said. "Although 2025 may present some challenges, there is reason for optimism about the region's future."
Ooms said many may not realize that Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) boasts a robust manufacturing base and a thriving export market.
"This strength spans multiple sectors, which helps shield us from significant downturns in any industry," Ooms said. "However, we still face challenges."
Ooms said many residents are living in poverty and struggling to meet their basic needs.
"Like many regions nationwide, we are experiencing a workforce shortage, with more job openings than available workers," Ooms said. "Employers can no longer approach recruitment and hiring as they did in the past."
From year-round entertainment, sports and recreational opportunities to proximity to major cities, NEPA has much to offer, Ooms said.
"We must promote NEPA as a great place to live and share this message, rather than focusing on its drawbacks," Ooms said. "I hope this is the year we achieve that."
Ooms said The Institute is approaching its 21st anniversary and will present the 20th set of indicators.
"We will continue our commitment to community-based initiatives,: Ooms said. "We will also enhance our public policy education, sharing more data with our state and federal representatives, while striving to educate the community about the importance of voting in local elections.
"Additionally, we hope to broaden our community-based research efforts into other counties in NEPA. Our team is strong, and we are implementing a transition plan to promote Jill Avery-Stoss to President and CEO in 2026."
About The Institute
A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, King's College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center, University of Scranton, Wilkes University and the business community.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Eight recipients honoured with the 2025 Fiera Capital Awards for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care Research
MONTREAL, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — This year, eight exceptional medical and health science students from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities have been awarded the 2025 Fiera Capital Awards for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care Research. These important awards celebrate academic excellence and support the next generation of diverse voices in scientific research. Launched in 2022 through a partnership between Fiera Capital Corporation, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation, and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), these awards are designed to provide vital financial support to researchers from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized backgrounds—groups historically underrepresented in scientific research funding. Fiera's donation of $120K, committed over three years, has supported emerging talent and advanced inclusive research initiatives. 'Supporting these students has been a privilege. Their passion, perseverance and commitment to advancing science that serves all communities is nothing short of inspiring. We are not just investing in research; we are backing future leaders whose work will shape how care is delivered and understood.' — Flora Sousa, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Fiera Capital Securing funding early in a researcher's career can make all the difference—while a lack of support can significantly affect their trajectory. This is especially true for scientists from racialized communities, who face additional systemic barriers at every stage of their careers. The Fiera Capital Awards aim to remove these barriers, providing not just financial assistance, but also access to expert mentorship and training through The Institute. 'At The Institute, we take pride in creating an inclusive and collaborative research environment that reflects our 2030 Vision of advancing precision health across the life course. As a globally respected institute, we are committed to attracting world-class talent—scientists who bring bold, transformative ideas to improve human health. Our collaboration with Fiera Capital and the MUHC Foundation reflects our shared mission to accelerate discovery, advance health outcomes, and ensure equitable access to research funding —amplifying the voices of all scientists, especially those whose perspectives have historically been overlooked.' — Dr. Rhian Touyz, Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer, The Institute Meet the 2025 recipients of the Fiera Capital Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Health Care Research: Abdelrahman M. Alokda, a PhD student in neuroscience, is exploring how certain natural or chemical substances—called bioactive compounds—might help slow down aging and protect the brain from diseases like Alzheimer's. Yousra Benslimane, an student in pathology, is creating tiny, smart delivery systems called lipid nanoparticles, inspired by the body's own messengers to help mRNA treatments—like vaccines or gene therapy—reach the right cells and work better. Maria Kristina Cunanan, an student in experimental medicine, is exploring how psychological distress—like anxiety and depression—influence the risk of heart disease, and how these effects may differ based on a person's sex and gender. Aura Andrea Tamez Gonzalez, a PhD student in neuroscience, is exploring how the body's natural resilience systems—the ways our cells protect and repair themselves—can affect how long we live and how likely we are to develop brain diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Yi Yvonne Jin, a PhD student in clinical nutrition, is exploring the role of dairy products and dairy fat intake on the health in individuals with prediabetes (a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetes). Maisha Maliha Promi, a PhD student in neuroscience, is using a geroscience approach—which means studying how aging itself contributes to disease—to find new ways to treat neurodegenerative brain disorders. Anabel Selemon, an student in epidemiology, is trying to better understand how to protect immigrants from developing tuberculosis by studying how often people who immigrate to British Columbia are using preventive treatment. Aditi Singh, an student in rehabilitation and occupational therapy, is looking at a new online tool called GETONTRAK that helps people who have received a kidney transplant take care of their health after surgery. Awardees were selected by a multidisciplinary committee based on academic excellence, insight into the systemic challenges they've encountered in their research journey, and their potential to impact other researchers from racialized groups. 'The MUHC Foundation is proud to stand alongside Fiera Capital in our ongoing mission to support a more inclusive health care research ecosystem and provide crucial backing to researchers from Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities. These awards reflect our belief in the power of diversity to drive discovery and inspire change. We are honoured to help these emerging researchers pursue their ambitions and contribute to a healthier, more equitable world.' — Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO, MUHC Foundation About the McGill University Health Centre Foundation The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care, research and teaching at the McGill University Health Centre, one of the top university hospitals in Canada. Our Dream Big Campaign to change the course of lives and medicine is raising millions of dollars to solve humanity's deadliest puzzles: infectious diseases; end cancer as a life-threatening illness; fix broken hearts through innovative cardiac care; detect the silent killers—ovarian and endometrial cancers—early; create the best skilled health care teams in Canada; and much more. We are rallying our entire community to solve the world's most complex health care challenges. About the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) is a world-renowned biomedical and healthcare research centre. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of McGill University, The Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) – an academic health centre located in Montreal, Canada, that has a mandate to provide complex care to its community. The Institute supports over 700 researchers and close to 1,400 research trainees devoted to a broad spectrum of fundamental, clinical and health outcomes research at the Glen and the Montreal General Hospital sites of the MUHC. Its research facilities, including the Centre for Translational Biology, the Centre for Innovative Medicine and the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, offer a dynamic multidisciplinary environment that fosters collaboration and leverages discovery aimed at advancing precision health throughout the life course. The Institute is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). About Fiera Capital Corporation Fiera Capital is a leading independent asset management firm with a growing global presence. Fiera Capital delivers customized and multi-asset solutions across public and private market asset classes to institutional, financial intermediary and private wealth clients across North America, Europe and key markets in Asia. Fiera Capital's depth of expertise, diversified investment platform and commitment to delivering outstanding service are core to our mission of being at the forefront of investment management science to create sustainable wealth for clients. Fiera Capital trades under the ticker FSZ on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Montreal, Fiera Capital, with its affiliates in various jurisdictions, has offices in over a dozen cities around the world, including New York (U.S.), London (UK), and Hong Kong (SAR). Each affiliated entity (each an 'Affiliate') of Fiera Capital only provides investment advisory or investment management services or offers investment funds in the jurisdictions where the Affiliate is authorized to provide services pursuant to an exemption from registration and/or the relevant product is registered. Fiera Capital does not provide investment advice to U.S. clients or offer investment advisory services in the U.S. In the U.S., asset management services are provided by Fiera Capital's affiliates who are investment advisers that are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or exempt from registration. Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For details on the particular registration of, or exemptions therefrom relied upon by, any Fiera Capital entity, please consult: . Additional information about Fiera Capital, including Fiera Capital's annual information form, is available on SEDAR+ at . Contacts: Tarah Schwartz Vice-President, Communications & Marketing & Engagement McGill University Health Centre Foundation Yasmine Sardouk Vice President, Corporate Communications Fiera Capital Corporation communication@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
The Institute's 20th annual Indicators Report tracking the future of NEPA
May 20—AVOCA — Brian Ebersole, vice president of Academic Affairs at The Wright Centers, on Tuesday told a crowd of about 250 at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, that the 20th annual Indicators Report of The Institute is "the Super Bowl" of tracking the future of Northeast Pennsylvania. And to carry the metaphor a bit further, the report offered several touchdowns as it matriculated down the field of data, research and projections. Dr. Katie Pittelli, President of Johnson College, told the crowd, "We are all working together for a better future for NEPA." Teri Ooms, chief executive officer of The Institute; Jill Avery-Stoss, president; and Charlie Kasko, board chair, carried the ball most of the morning, offering key information and introducing several presenters on all main indicators. Ooms and Avery-Stoss said The Institute was founded on the belief that good data drives good decisions. Since 2004, the mission has been to serve organizations and communities by providing "empirical, objective research that drives discussion and informs action." For nearly two decades, Institute data and research on a wide range of topics have helped policymakers and community leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors understand and address some of the region's biggest challenges. The annual Indicators Forum is an opportunity to share this data and research. Conversations from past Indicators events have been a driving force behind many economic and community revitalization initiatives that produce positive outcomes in Northeast Pennsylvania. "It is our desire that the information in this year's program will provoke thought and discussion that reveal new priorities and continue to advance our region," Ooms said. Dr. Pittelli said the first Indicators report was in 2006 and covered approximately 40 Indicators in the region. In the coming weeks, the Times Leader will feature each of The Institute's Indicators and explain each in detail. Housing Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Manager, discussed housing in the region, and she spoke about the importance of The Institute and its work. "I stand before you today with immense pride and gratitude as we gather to applaud the remarkable work of The Institute in developing a comprehensive road-map to address our housing needs," Crocamo said. "This initiative is not just a plan — it is a vision for a brighter future, one that recognizes that housing is a fundamental pillar of economic development and community well-being." Crocamo said in her role as county manager, she has gained a deep understanding of the multi-faceted barriers and challenges related to housing in the region and the significant impact these issues have on individuals and families. "These challenges not only affect where people live, but also have far-reaching consequences on their health, employment opportunities, and educational performance," Crocamo said. "As we all know, stable and affordable housing is essential for fostering a thriving economy." Crocamo said when residents have access to safe and secure homes, they can contribute to their communities, pursue education and job opportunities, and participate fully in the economic landscape. "By addressing our housing needs, we are not only providing shelter, but also creating a foundation for growth, stability, and prosperity for all residents of Luzerne County," Crocamo said. Recently, Crocamo said The Institute responded to the county's call for proposals related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants by putting forth an ambitious plan for a comprehensive county-wide housing needs assessment, which sought funding to address these pressing issues. "I am pleased to report that their proposal was awarded, and they have since prepared a detailed housing needs assessment," Crocamo said. "This thorough analysis encompasses community profiles, insights into housing development, interviews with housing professionals and community leaders, as well as a rigorous examination of secondary data and an analysis of existing zoning and planning codes." Furthermore, Crocamo said The Institute has compiled a series of well-considered recommendations, not only addressing the needs of Luzerne County itself, but also providing guidance for local communities, private developers, and nonprofit housing leaders. "As we review the report and its recommendations, we are taking proactive steps to form a dedicated housing committee and to re-evaluate our zoning and planning codes to better align with our communities' needs," Crocamo said. "Moreover, this commitment to housing is a testament to our collective responsibility to our residents. Every individual deserves a place to call home, a sanctuary where they can build their lives and dreams." Crocamo said the county's partnership with The Institute underscores the dedication to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to quality housing. "Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind, where families can thrive, and where our economy can flourish," Crocamo said. The county manager said Luzerne County is fully committed to working closely with The Institute to turn this road map into reality. "We understand that collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming the challenges we face in the housing sector," Crocamo said. "By aligning our resources, expertise, and passion, we can make significant strides toward fulfilling the housing needs of our residents." In light of these developments and with The Institute's pivotal role in facilitating regional planning discussions, Crocamo said she and the county are optimistic that more communities throughout Luzerne County will be inspired to collaborate and engage in "meaningful partnerships as we work towards enhancing housing solutions for all residents." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Indicators Forum focuses on housing crisis, educational collaboration
PITTSTON TWP. — As officials from The Institute gathered with local business and nonprofit leaders at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Tuesday for the 20th Indicators Forum, they shared signs of hope but also discussed numerous challenges facing the community — including a housing crisis and inequities in education — and ways to remedy the issues. Charlie Kasko, chair of the board of directors for The Institute — a regional data analytics and research organization — stressed the group remains focused on providing cutting-edge information to help the region grow and thrive. 'We deliver customized solutions and strategies that help leaders make informed decisions, accelerate growth and ensure long-term sustainability,' Kasko said. 'Our mission remains clear: to support the vitality of our region by equipping decision makers with the purest form of knowledge and data. The forum is more than just an event, it's a milestone in a two-decade journey of insights and impacts. The indicators have served as a critical lens through which we view our region — tracking trends in education, health care, infrastructure, housing, energy and the economy. These insights don't just tell us where we are, they illuminate the path forward. As we look ahead, we do so with clarity, purpose and a renewed commitment to data-driven decision making that builds a more vibrant, equitable and sustainable future for northeastern Pennsylvania.' Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for the Wright Center, added The Institute proves valuable information used by the organization all year. 'We use the data every single day to determine where we're going to place a clinic and where we're going to (focus) our efforts in order to address social and community needs,' he said. Johnson College President and CEO Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., chair of The Institute's advisory board — which features 14 institutions focused on regional issues impacting organizations and students — said she believes the collaboration between the different schools and groups helps move the area forward. 'Together, we make the region stronger by examining the issues and opportunities that impact us collectively,' she said. 'We've seen an increase in our college-educated and skilled workforce, which is critical for economic growth and innovation. The diversification of our economy has also contributed to our resilience, helped by thriving sectors such as health care, manufacturing and technology. There are still challenges ahead — particularly in ensuring equitable access to education and job opportunities for all residents — however we are moving in the right direction. We're working to create a brighter future, and the continued focus on strategic initiatives and community engagement will be vital as we strive to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our region.' * Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) * Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, noted while wages have increased over the past four years in the region, they haven't increased at the same rate as the climbing cost of living. 'One in five households in the region continue to report incomes under $25,000 a year, so there is a significant share of our households living in poverty,' she said. To earn a livable wage, a single adult needs to make about $43,000 per year to be able to afford housing, transportation, medical care and food, Avery-Stoss added. When you add in child care, a single adult with three children in day care must earn more than $128,000 to maintain that honest, dignified wage, she said. 'We have to continue to elevate the ecosystem here in NEPA to make it as inviting as possible,' Avery-Stoss said. 'We don't want to lose our graduates and we desperately need to reengage with the sizable share of the population — aged 16 to 24 years old — who are disconnected from education and the workforce. We have great labor force participation, but we also have many jobs that need to be filled. It's particularly important to focus on educating students about the diverse opportunities out there.' Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, noted there has been a glaring drop in the number of people becoming teachers in the state over the past decade. 'In 2016, there were 18,000 teaching licenses issued by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,' he said. 'For the last two years, we've had 6,000. There is a growing need for teachers due to the lack of support — so to speak — throughout the commonwealth. But that's not what I'm seeing. I'm very optimistic about the resources and opportunities that are provided to us.' In terms of the housing situation, Avery-Stoss indicated several factors, including employment growth, population growth, pandemic impacts and limited development, have led to higher costs of living. 'We've historically been known as a region with an affordable cost of living, but those factors … have put a strain on our housing stock which has added upward pressure to costs for renters and homeowners,' she said. 'We're looking at something of a housing crisis. Since 2019, the typical home values have nearly doubled, especially in Luzerne County where they've grown about 91%.' Avery-Stoss added the home values are up 81% in Wayne County and 71% in Lackawanna County — which are also significantly higher than the statewide and national numbers of 54% and 57%, respectively. Typical market rent has followed a similar trend since 2019 as rental costs have grown 42% in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton metro area compared to 35% at the national level, Avery-Stoss said. Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo praised officials from The Institute for developing a 'comprehensive road map' to address housing needs. The analysis encompasses community profiles, insights into housing development, interviews with housing professionals and community leaders as well as a rigorous examination of secondary data and analysis of existing zoning and planning codes, she said. 'This initiative is not just a plan, it's a vision for a brighter future — one that recognizes that housing is a fundamental pillar of economic development and community well-being,' Crocamo said. 'It's data, but it's also the faces of the people we live with. In my role as the county manager, I've gained a deep understanding of the multifaceted barriers and challenges related to housing in our region, and the significant impact these issues have on individuals and families. These challenges not only affect where people live, but they also have far-reaching consequences on their health, employment opportunities and educational performance. 'We all know stable and affordable housing is essential for fostering a thriving economy. When residents have access to safe and secure homes, they can contribute to their communities, pursue education and job opportunities. By addressing our housing needs, we are not only providing shelter, but also creating a foundation for growth, stability and prosperity for all the residents of Luzerne County and the region.'
