BY JOSEPH KOHUT

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on June 17 will move to the video application Zoom to help promote social distancing in the age of the coronavirus, the chamber said.

“A virtual annual dinner will provide us the opportunity to come together in a new and unique way,” Bob Durkin, chamber president, said in a statement. “Although it’s not our typical annual celebration, we promise our members a show for all ages that everyone can enjoy.”

The Institute’s annual Indicators Forum, also on June 17, likewise will move to Zoom, said Terri Ooms, executive director of the organization, formerly the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development.

“People would feel uncomfortable about having a face-to-face event,” Ooms said.

Alicia Kilnosky, a spokeswoman for the chamber, said in a statement the decision to move the chamber’s “dinner” to Zoom had been a difficult one, but they plan to include entertainment, networking opportunities and prizes. The event will feature a year-in-review with some perspective on how to revive Northeast Pennsylvania in the wake of the pandemic’s economic impact.

Ooms said the platform, though it keeps people apart, still allows for a good level of interaction with the audience.

The yearly Indicators Report for Luzerne and Lackawanna counties captures a snapshot of the region’s quality of life and highlights trends on the area’s jobs, economy, education, health care, housing and infrastructure.

Registration for the forum is beginning to pick up. Approximately 70 people had signed up as of Wednesday, but Ooms expected the number to shoot up as the event’s date approaches.

“We think it’ll go pretty smoothly,” Ooms said.

Attendees can register for the forum on the Institute’s website at institutepa.org. Registration costs $55. Attendees will be sent the information to get into the Zoom meeting once they register, Ooms said.

Likewise, tickets for the chamber’s dinner can be purchased on its website, scrantonchamber.com. Tickets cost $125 for chamber members and $150 for non-members.

Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9144