10:15-10:50am
WorkNEPA Job Search 2.0
Karla Porter
Director of Workforce Development & HR at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber & WorkNEPA Job Board Administrator

If you are new to the job search, haven’t been in the job market for sometime or are just looking for information on how to gain the competitive edge as a candidate, you won’t want to miss this opening session. You’ll learn how to maximize your job fair experience and what to do after the event, how to get the most benefit from the new WorkNEPA regional job board and lots of tips on how to stand out from the crowd. Karla Porter, Director of Workforce Development and HR at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber and WorkNEPA Job Board Administrator will share top strategies to give you the competitive edge as a candidate.

11:00-11:50am
Are You Getting What You Pay For?
Mary Bach
AARP Pennsylvania’s Executive Council

Do you ever feel “ripped off” in the marketplace? Do you understand Pennsylvania’s amusing and confusing sales tax applications? When you pump a gallon of gas, how do you know that that is what you received? Have you noticed that packages are shrinking the amount of product we get for the price we pay? When selecting merchandise, do you have to hunt for the price? Have you ever been overcharged at a scanner checkout register? Your shopping trips will never be the same after this entertaining and educational presentation packed with important consumer information presented by Mary Bach, nationally recognized consumer advocate.

Bach has numerous television and radio credits, including appearances on “The Today Show”, “Good Morning America”, “Donahue”, and “Dateline”, as well as many local news and radio talk shows. She has been interviewed and quoted in numerous publications, ranging from “Good Housekeeping” and “Business Week” to “USA Today”, “Wall Street Journal”, and London’s “International Herald-Tribune”, among others. She has been a popular fill-in guest host on WPTT-AM radio.

12:00-12:50pm
Money & Investment Basics – Even In The Tough Times
Douglas Hassenbein
Pennsylvania Securities Commission

In good times and bad, there are some basic considerations to always remember when managing your investments and your money.  Whether your nest egg is small or large, you always want to “investigate before you invest.”  Doug Hassenbein, Assistant in the Investor Education Section of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission, will explain those basic financial considerations to keep in mind.  He'll also alert you to the many financial scams that exist and how the agency helps Pennsylvanians avoid these scams.  This is a great opportunity to become a more informed saver and investor, regardless of age, employment status or financial standing.  This state agency will also provide educational, non-commercial resources and handouts to help you “investigate before you invest.”

1:00-1:50pm
Dressing for Success - Looking the Part
Linda Armstrong
Executive Director, Dress for Success
Luzerne County

Today’s job market is tough. Competition is fierce and having a sterling resume may not be enough. Looking sharp and presenting yourself well can help grab the attention of recruiters and Hiring Managers. This workshop will demonstrate the ideal way to dress for an interview, proper presentation skills, the art of introduction, how to appear prepared and how to adapt that style into your persona.

Linda Armstrong left NEPA after graduating Pittston Area Senior High School in 1979. She built a long and successful career in the Financial Services Industry working at notable companies such as Prudential Securities, Sumitomo Trust & Banking Co and Bankers Trust. After witnessing the attacks on the World Trade Center, Linda realized that life was not about “getting and spending”. Being a single mother and an executive she knew the importance of working smart and making a good impression. Deciding to return to her roots in NEPA, Linda was compelled to open a Dress for Success Affiliate in Luzerne County.

2:00 -2:50pm
FLAME
Terri Stocki
Certified Education Director, AARP Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania

The “FLAME” Program (Financial Literacy and Money Education) is an adult financial literacy program that focuses on budgeting, credit, storefront services (such as rent to own stores and check cashing stores), banking services, saving and investing.  Terri is frequently out in the community educating people throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania with budgeting, credit, preparing clients for home ownership, reverse mortgages, identity theft, predatory lending, talking to dislocated workers and helping save people from losing their home that is going into foreclosure with the HEMAP Program.

3:00 -3:50pm
Create Your Financial Future
Christine R. Donnolo
Associate Dean, Continuing Education Luzerne County Community College