The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce launched a new fund to bolster the local business community and help young professionals thrive.

A portion of the Chamber Impact Fund — an initiative supported through voluntary contributions from chamber members — will benefit the nonprofit organization’s Young Professionals Network, which is committed to engaging, developing and retaining the next generation of business and community leaders in Northeast Pennsylvania, chamber officials said.

The young professionals program — introduced in January and open to individuals under 40, including those early in their careers and new to the area — provides emerging professionals across industries with opportunities to build connections, develop leadership skills and grow their careers in the region though networking opportunities, curated programming and leadership development experiences, while strengthening their connection to the region, officials sad.

“The Chamber Impact Fund demonstrates what is possible when our members invest collectively in the future of our business community,” said Emily Pettinato, workforce development manager for the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “By supporting initiatives like the Young Professionals Network, we are creating opportunities for emerging leaders to establish deeper roots in our region and play an active role in its continued growth.”

Pettinato stressed chambers throughout the country are relaunching and expanding young professional programs to combine relationship building with other aspects like community service and civic engagement.

Following the pandemic, young professionals seek face-to-face connections and a stronger sense of belonging within the communities where they live and work, Pettinato added.

Pettinato noted discussions about establishing the Chamber Impact Fund began earlier this year as part of the organization’s annual Program of Work planning process.

“We identified an opportunity to create a voluntary giving mechanism that would allow members to invest directly in initiatives with the potential for meaningful, long-term community impact,” she said. “As the fund grows, we will evaluate opportunities carefully to ensure contributions support initiatives that are relevant and sustainable.”