President’s Message: A Special Announcement for 2026
“You know, Chris, the best part of the Annual Meeting is the first 30 minutes, when people get there and see each other for the first time in a while, chat with each other, and have genuine catch-up time. That’s fun. The magic sort of fades when folks scramble to figure out where to sit for the next three hours. It can be hard to hear, you never remember what you ate, and three hours is a long time to sit.”
– Brenda Flanagan, CMCC Administrative Assistant
WE HAVE A BRENDA
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times – one of the biggest strengths of our Chamber is that “we have a Brenda.” As I struggled to simplify the great things coming out of your Chamber into a coherent message, Brenda’s comment (above) hit the nail on the head, and prompted this summary: “In 2026, we’re going to build on our strengths and eliminate the obvious to offer member experiences that feel fresh, lively, and more valuable.” I’m especially excited to share this special announcement with you about how we’re going to get it all kicked off.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will host our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg’s Haas Center for the Performing Arts. This is more than a change of venue. It’s a reflection of how much this event has grown—and how intentional we’re being about making it truly special.
More space to do what matters most—connect
The Haas Center gives us a wide-open, two-story lobby designed for conversation, movement, and spontaneous connections. Instead of a plated meal, we’ll be offering heavy hors d’oeuvres, which means less time sitting and more time talking, reconnecting, and doing business. You’ll still eat well, we promise - but the focus shifts to where it belongs: on each other, and building on those first 30 minutes that Brenda spoke about!
An awards process that’s clearer, stronger, and more connected
Thanks to the great work of Chamber Intern Amber Hughes, each award now follows a board-approved rubric that brings added transparency and alignment with our community’s goals. The integrity of our awards has always mattered; now, the path to recognition is clearer for nominators and more meaningful for everyone in the room.
A ceremony that feels like a celebration
Our Awards Ceremony will take place in Mitrani Hall, a beautiful theater space where every guest has a seat, a view, and a shared experience. With help from Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers, the flow of the evening will feel smoother and more intentional. More than that, we’ll rely on professionals for sound and lighting – so that we can celebrate together the accomplishments of our members and keep the spotlight where it belongs—on our honorees.
More ways to participate and be seen
A new venue brings new opportunities, from expanded digital recognition to photo areas and premium seating that differ slightly from years past, but bring supporters close to the action nonetheless. If visibility and engagement matter to your business, this year’s sponsorship options are worth a look.
NOT THE ONLY REFRESH IN 2026
This refreshed Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony reflects the bigger picture for your Chamber in 2026 and is truly just the start. Our work across advocacy, business connections, benefits programs, employee development, and community strength remains firmly rooted in your expressed strategic interests and will continue to evolve with your feedback.
In the “State of the Chamber” update you’ll hear at the Annual Meeting, you can expect to hear more about our efforts to bring about clearer communication, easier mechanism to engage, and experiences that feel thoughtful, relevant, and worth your time. Those efforts will be rolling out all year long, and soon you’ll start to see subtle improvements to our website, ChamberPack, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, even our member benefits packages and member verification form. This is part of our continued push toward excellence following our statewide accreditation in 2025, and our goal to continually raise the bar operationally.
JOIN US!
I hope you’ll join us on February 25 for an evening that celebrates our members, honors excellence, and sets the tone for the year ahead. This one is going to feel different—in all the right ways.
Happy New Year,
Chris