The Scranton Plan, the industrial marketing arm of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and community leaders launched “Rediscover Scranton” to promote and strengthen greater Scranton’s quality of life and business assets. Through Rediscover Scranton, volunteers are identifying and contacting accomplished people with ties to greater Scranton, informing them about economic, quality of living, and growth opportunities, and encouraging them to relocate their businesses and families to the area.

Rediscover Scranton is targeting individuals who are successful company executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, individuals who work in the creative industry and any other successful former residents. According to Chamber president Austin J. Burke, “Each year our families and friends return home during the holidays and many are amazed by the great progress we are making,” stated Mr. Burke. “Community volunteers are reaching out to these residents to welcome them home.”

The focus of Rediscover Scranton is to cultivate relationships between and among former and current residents of the area. This past Thanksgiving Eve, The Scranton Plan, POWER!, the City of Scranton, Electric City, and Semian Gress hosted an event at the Melberger Arts Center where more than 100 community volunteers rallied their support for Rediscover Scranton. Following the event, volunteers visited area meeting places to reach out to former residents and gather their contact information and e-mail addresses. Prior to the rally, area night spots were given beverage napkins on which former residents were encouraged to log on to www.rediscoverscranton.com for a chance to win a VIP weekend in Scranton. The weekend consists of dinner, a theatrical performance, and hotel accommodations. In addition, volunteers distributed DVD’s highlighting area business and cultural amenities.

Officials from Rediscover Scranton are partnering with local colleges and universities to contact alumni about the initiative. In addition, officials from Rediscover Scranton are building an e-mail database to contact former residents, and volunteers are continuing to gather contact information of individuals with connections to greater Scranton.

Former residents can still log on to www.rediscoverscranton.com and submit their contact information with an e-mail address for a chance to win the VIP weekend in Scranton. Individuals who are interested in learning more about Rediscover Scranton can also contact Krissy Maher to provide their e-mail address and other contact information at 570.342.7711 or at kmaher@scrantonchamber.com. For more information visit www.rediscoverscranton.com.