2021- Project PIVOT is a unique, collaborative approach, providing accelerated workforce training and upskill opportunities for displaced workers, that align with the historic and seismic industry shifts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. PIVOT relies upon a two-part process: Planning and Implementation. PIVOT: Planning was led by The Institute and delivered a real-time analysis of displaced workers and new-found high priority occupations by industry. The Institute completed a study on how widespread business closures are impacting various industries and the labor market. The study used data on employment by industry and vulnerability to understand how many regional workers were subject to displacement due to temporary closures, and the distribution of these workers geographically and by industry. Qualitative research involving community leaders and business surveys and interviews and real-time job posting data also helped to inform which industries are experiencing mild, moderate, or severe disruption, and which industries are continuing to grow.
2020- Project EVOLVE was launched to gather information regarding the ways businesses in various industries have been coping during the pandemic. To better identify potential resources and solutions to the biggest challenges, The Institute analyzed input from surveys and multiple roundtable discussions, and complemented the synthesis with a regional economic overview.
2008- The Institute completed an evaluation of the demographics, real estate offerings, and quality of life in Luzerne County from a number of different aspects from 1980-2008. Analysis of data was conducted to identify trends, and as a result of those trends, The Institute made specific recommendations for a course of action to improve the local economy.
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization. In 2024, Jill Avery-Stoss assumed the role of President of The Institute, effective January 2025.