Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce - Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

Chamber reflects on the loss of Membership Director Dan Guydish

It is with great sadness that we announce that Dan Guydish, the membership director of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce since August of 2005, passed away early Monday morning.

Dan had been a central part of the Chamber team for the last 16 years. His fantastic personality, knowledge of the Chamber and the Greater Hazleton area were keys to his success. His smile and manner made everyone feel like a friend in short order. During his time with the Chamber, Dan had personally recruited and signed up more than 1,800 members. Dan’s background of being a small business owner himself was an instant connection to members. He understood their world.

Even during the recent challenges of the pandemic and having the Chamber pivot to a more virtual reality… Dan was an instrumental part of the Chamber’s response. He learned zoom, facilitated efforts with the local municipalities and the MCOGS for the safety and health of our area. Dan’s recruitment efforts never ended either. He would talk on the phone, do safe drop off of information, and even took part in recent socially distanced ribbon cuttings. A true team player with many talents, Dan also coordinated the great PA Clean Up for the last 4 years. Just two weekends ago, he welcomed and worked with Representative Matt Cartwright and the Lackawanna police academy students and coordinated more than 1,000 volunteers in the Greater Hazleton Area. At another Chamber event, Funfest, Dan worked with the security committee and coordinated many behind the scenes efforts.

Chamber Woman’s Committee Continues to Host Monthly Life Skills Programs for Young Women

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Committee created a brand new free monthly series that is open to all young women, called “Get It Girl” Series: Life Skills for Young Women. The next monthly session takes place this Thursday, April 29^th at 3:30 pm.

Call for Volunteers for Upcoming Luzerne County Election on May 18

Luzerne County Board of Elections is looking for paid volunteers for the upcoming elections, including municipal and school board, on May 18 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Volunteers are scarce and very much needed to make the election day run smoothly. Training is provided in advance of the election date and County officials will work will all volunteers to make sure the feel prepared to help.

For more information or to volunteer, email Joanne Kelly at or call her direct line at 570-825-1717.

The Application Deadline Has Been Extended Until April 9 for Competitive Grant Funding Available to Luzerne County Hospitality Businesses

On February 5, 2021 Governor Wolf signed into law legislation (Act 1 of 2021) that set aside $145 million in funds to aid hospitality industry businesses most adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For Luzerne County, $3,595,181 in competitive funding is available to Luzerne County hospitality businesses and to cover costs of operating the program. The program is now accepting applications and the application deadline has been extended until April 9^th at 5:00 PM.