Rockefeller Doodles – New Member Highlight
Rockefeller Doodles is a family owned business that has been breeding adorable doodle puppies since September of 2006. They are located in the rolling hills of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Rockefeller Doodles specializes in raising Cavapoo puppies. It is their mission to provide Happy, Healthy, and Hypoallergenic puppies for their forever loving home. Adopting a puppy is a big decision, you are picking out the newest addition to your family, and they would be happy to help you with that process.
Rockefeller Doodles is located on a 68-acre farm in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. First and foremost, they have a state (PA Depart. Of Agri.) and USDA license to raise and sell puppies.
Rockefeller Doodles raises the standard of care when it comes to their puppies. They have a veterinarian who oversees all the health and well-being of the dogs and puppies. All puppies from Rockefeller Doodles will come with a 3-year genetic health guarantee. They can assure that if you adopt one of their precious Cavapoo puppies you are getting only the best addition to your family. They look forward to meeting you and your family!
Member News ~ June 11, 2026
Events & Dates:
Women’s Giving Circle 2026 Grant Round Opens Soon! - June 22
The Women’s Giving Circle will open its 2026 competitive grant round on Monday, June 22nd. Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for funding that supports programs and projects benefitting women and girls throughout the Foundation’s regional service area. Applications will be accepted from June 22nd to August 3rd. The Steering Committee will select four finalists to present their proposals during their annual event on Friday, October 9th. Two $10,000 grants will be awarded at the event. More information here.
The Valley of Bloomsburg Presents “Something is Brewing in Boston - June 28
Doors open at Noon, Program begins at 1:00 PM. Located at The Auditorium at Caldwell Consistory- 150 North Market Street, Bloomsburg PA 17815. Join them for a play about the Boston Tea Party, celebrating America 250. After the play, light refreshments and tours of the historic building will be provided. The venue is handicap accessible and free to the public. Donations will support the Ronald McDonald House of Danville.
Summer Fun Bingo at Bloomsburg Public Library - June 28
Join them on Sunday, June 28th, at the Bloomsburg Public Library for a fun afternoon of family-friendly Bingo, all to benefit the Bloomsburg Public Library and the Columbia County Traveling Library! The event runs from 12-3:30pm with lunch, raffles, and pull tabs from 12-1pm. Starting at 1pm, the caller will call 10 games of bingo and 3 special games until 3:30pm (or until the games are over). Plus, 3 special games with $100 in CASH! Reserve Your Seat Online.
Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodious Summer Festival, Nun Run, Bingo, & Cornhole Tournament- July 11
Located at Villa Sacred Heart in Danville, this cherished tradition will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Stop by for food trucks, a silent auction, children's games, furniture, books, music and more. This year they will be featuring a 5k "Nun Run" at 8:30 AM, Bingo from 11-3:30 PM and a Cornhole Tournament from 10-4.
Montour County Historical Society to Host Fundraising Event at Historic Frank DeLong Mansion - July 11
The Montour County Historical Society invites the public to attend a special fundraising event, “An Afternoon at the Frank DeLong Mansion: Exploring the Life and Legacy of Frank DeLong,” on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the historic Frank DeLong Mansion, located at 56 Bush Road, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania. Click Here.
KMA Hope on the Fairway- July 31
The KMA Hope on the Fairway Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser providing critical early momentum for the 2026 Walk goals. Open to golfers of all skill levels, it’s a great day on the greens for a meaningful cause. Click here to sign up your team!
Announcements:
Now Accepting 2027 Business After Hours Hosts!
Business After Hours has long been one of the Chamber’s most anticipated networking events, creating opportunities for professionals to connect, build relationships, and discover the many outstanding businesses that make our communities thrive. Held on the third Wednesday of each month, these events allow hosts to share their story, showcase their workplace, introduce their team, and give attendees a firsthand look at what makes their organization special. Apply Today!
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approves new distribution rates for PPL Electric Utilities
PPL Electric Utilities announced that the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has approved a settlement resolving the company's distribution rate review, supporting continued investment in a more reliable, resilient electric system while strengthening customer protections and affordability programs. View the full Press Release Here.
SHRMA Partners with Bucknell University to Bring HR Practice into the Classroom
The Susquehanna Human Resource Management Association (SHRMA) and Bucknell University are continuing their Practitioner in the Classroom partnership. This partnership provides students with direct access to HR professionals creating connections between students and the HR community. Through the program, students develop HR solutions for real-world scenarios and receive real time professional feedback, insight and learning opportunities. The Practitioner in the Classroom series highlights the shared commitment between SHRMA and Bucknell University to advance the HR profession through collaboration, education and community engagement.
Central Columbia FFA Chapter held its 35th annual Parent-Member Banquet
The Central Columbia FFA Chapter held its 35th annual Parent-Member Banquet on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Folk's Butterfly Farm. Members were celebrated for their successes throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. Supporting organizations, school administration, government agencies, and businesses along with numerous parents shared in the evening. View Notable Awards Here.
The Pine Barn Inn Free Summer Reading Program
North Shore Railroad Recognized for Industrial Development
Congratulations to North Shore Railroad for receiving the Norfolk Southern Corporation "Alan Lambert Short Line of the Year Award" honoring a legacy of collaboration and innovation.
Susquehanna Kids shares June Family Fun Guide
June is here and the calendar is absolutely packed! From berry picking and fishing derbies to summer reading kickoffs and carnivals, there is so much to do with your kids this month! Check out the June Roundup.
2027 MARC BROCHURES COVER PHOTO CONTEST
The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) is planning to print new brochures for the 2027 season. Photos must be taken at the Montour Preserve. Photos must be high-quality; portrait orientation is preferred but not mandatory (final printed photos on the brochure covers will be 8.5" tall x 3.5" wide). Photographers must have permission from any individuals recognizable in photos. Photos will be used only as described here and shall not be otherwise reproduced or used for any other purposes without the photographer's consent. If you have high-quality photos of the Montour Preserve that you'd like to be considered, please tag the MARC Instagram @Montour_area_rec_commission.
Reed Elected As Vice Chair of CrossState Association and CrossState Solutions Board of Directors
The Berwick Historical Society is Hosting a House Tours of Berwick event for American 250 -June 13 and 14
For The Cause Berwick Summer Food Distribution Begins - June 15
Penn College Essential Welding Skills Clinic - June 15 through 17
Essential Welding Skills is a 4-module stackable training pathway offered through Penn College's Workforce Development division. Each module builds on the last. Participants who complete the full pathway leave with process-specific AWS qualifications and the skills to compete for welding jobs across Central Pennsylvania's manufacturing and construction sectors. No prior experience is required to begin. Learn More & Apply Today.
Danville Heritage Garden Tour Returns with Six Beautiful Gardens- June 20
The Danville Business Alliance and Danville Heritage Council are pleased to announce the return of the 2026 Danville Heritage Garden Tour, taking place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Garden enthusiasts and nature lovers are invited to enjoy six unique and beautiful private gardens during this FREE self-guided tour. Participants may visit the gardens at their own pace throughout the day, taking in the creativity, dedication, and beauty cultivated by local gardeners. Click here for more information about Garden Locations.
Mckonly & Asbury Offer Free Webinar- June 25
During this 2:00 PM webinar, their HITRUST team will focus on the differences between the assessment types, including the level of effort required by the client, scope, documentation, and external assessment. Director Josh Bantz and Partner Dave Hammarberg will go over the types of HITRUST assessments with a focus on the e1, i1 and r2 assessments. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will have a full understanding of the differences in not only the assessments but in level of effort to complete the validated assessment with McKonly & Asbury. Register Here
Lily's House Offering Pet First Aid & CPR - June 27
The demonstration will be led by Dr. Nancy Dreschel and limited seating is available. The Class will begin promptly at 10:00am. See the flyer for more details.
Sholley Insurance Agency – New Member Highlight
PA Chamber Hosts 2026 Chamber Day at the State Capitol
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber 
Professionals (PACP), hosted local chamber leaders from across the Commonwealth in Harrisburg on June 2 for the 2026 Chamber Day at the Capitol. We are pleased to report that members of the Columbia Montour Chamber were well-represented in Harrisburg by a contingent of local representatives, including Chris Berleth, President, Taryn Crayton, Vice President, Amber Hughes, Communications & Events Coordinator, Gianna Culpepper, Intern, Mike Morgan, Governmental Affairs Chair and Board Vice Chair (Geisinger), and Jonah Howe, PPL Electric Utilities.
This annual event convenes local chamber leaders – whose collective memberships include thousands of employers of all sizes spanning every industry across Pennsylvania – to advocate for pro-business policy and engage with legislators as the General Assembly gathers at the state Capitol to develop the state budget.
“Chamber Day is an opportunity for Pennsylvania’s chamber network to come together, engage directly with policymakers, and have real conversations about the issues shaping our economic future,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “From energy and infrastructure to AI and workforce competitiveness, Pennsylvania is at a pivotal moment. This event ensures that businesses across Pennsylvania are heard as policymakers consider decisions that will determine whether we can compete for investment, jobs, and innovation in the years ahead.”
The day began at the Capitol with networking and discussions between chamber leaders and state lawmakers, followed by welcome remarks from PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein, Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia), and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Attendees also heard directly from Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) on the ongoing state budget process and the fiscal challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth. During the budget discussion, Chris Berleth urged lawmakers to preserve practical tax relief for small businesses, pointing to the local impact of the Education Improvement Tax Credit program. Through EITC, the Chamber Foundation—an approved educational improvement organization—partners with Chamber member businesses to support students across the region. Over the past decade, the Foundation has leveraged more than $1 million in tax credits to fund student programming, scholarships, and equipment purchases for local schools.
Additional sessions throughout the day focused on transportation and infrastructure, the upcoming midterm elections, artificial intelligence policy and business adoption, data centers and energy demand, and the state and federal policy landscape impacting Pennsylvania employers.
Panelists and speakers included representatives from BBP Solutions, the Keystone State Railroad Association, Rooney Novak Isenhour Group, Avoca AI, Momentum, the Pennsylvania House Communications & Technology Committee, the Data Center Coalition, QTS, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The event concluded with a joint federal and state policy update hosted by the PA Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighting shared priorities to strengthen Pennsylvania’s business climate and economic competitiveness.
Together, Pennsylvania’s chamber network advocates for policies that promote job creation, affordable and reliable energy, infrastructure investment, workforce development, housing availability, regulatory modernization, and a competitive tax climate.
For more information, visit www.pachamber.org.
SBA Offers Relief to Pennsylvania Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Freeze
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience
Low-interest disaster loans now available
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Pennsylvania to offset economic losses caused by the freeze occurring April 19 – 21.
The disaster declaration covers the Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, and York, as well as the Maryland counties of Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, and Harford.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and PNPs — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to
provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills which could not be paid due to the
disaster.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small
businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA
disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 26, 2027.
Click here for their fact sheet.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov
Last Week in the Legislature – 6/10/26
Source: PA Chamber The Sentinel
With state budget negotiations underway, the House of Representatives and Senate returned to session in Harrisburg last week, advancing proposals related to housing, taxes, healthcare, and Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage requirements.
Here’s a recap of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers.
Pre-Approved Housing Plans (S.B. 1281; Rothman)
The Senate voted 50-0 to pass Senate Bill 1281 last Wednesday.
This legislation aims to boost housing supply by reducing regulatory barriers and requiring municipalities to expedite approval of certain higher-density residential developments, while also streamlining local processes and allowing tools like pre-approved plans to speed construction.
Developers and builders often report that lengthy, unpredictable local approval processes delay projects and increase costs; this bill aims to provide clearer, faster pathways for approval so projects can move forward more efficiently. By reducing regulatory delays, it could help lower development risk and encourage more housing investment
We supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now moves to the House.
Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer (S.B. 1279; Phillips-Hill)
The Senate voted 30-20 to pass Senate Bill 1279 last Wednesday.
This legislation aims to accelerate housing development in Pennsylvania by streamlining state permitting processes, requiring agencies to establish timelines, digitize applications, coordinate reviews, and allow the use of qualified third-party reviewers. The bill also creates a Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer to help navigate permitting requirements and identify barriers to housing construction. Most significantly, it imposes firm permit review deadlines and provides that housing permits are automatically approved if agencies fail to act within the required timeframe.
This bill aims to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage by reducing permitting delays and providing greater certainty for developers, builders, and investors. Faster housing construction can support workforce attraction and retention by increasing housing availability and affordability.
We supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now moves to the House.
Increasing Housing Opportunities (H.B. 2186; Inglis and H.B. 2109; Khan)
The House of Representatives passed two bills last week to increase housing opportunities.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
House lawmakers voted 139-62 to pass House Bill 2186 last Monday.
This legislation removes barriers to the creation of accessory dwelling units by updating local zoning rules and streamlining approvals so homeowners can more easily add in law suites or garage apartments.
Golden Girls Act
Separately, the House voted 145-56 to pass House Bill 2109 last Tuesday.
This legislation, known as the Golden Girls Act, allows greater flexibility for shared housing by permitting unrelated adults, particularly older individuals, to live together under local occupancy and zoning regulations.
Pennsylvania’s housing shortage is making it harder for employers to attract and retain workers, particularly as affordability challenges limit options near job centers. By expanding attainable housing, the reforms included in House Bill 2186 and House Bill 2109 help strengthen the workforce pipeline and support business growth.
We supported both bills (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now go to the Senate.
Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax Reduction (S.B. 576; Robinson)
The Senate Finance Committee voted 10-1 to advance Senate Bill 576 last Wednesday.
This legislation would phase down the Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax (MTIT) from its current rate of 11.5 percent to mirror the current phasedown of the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT), reaching 4.99 percent in 2031. It would also extend the current Net Operating Loss carryforward limit under the MTIT from three years to 10 years.
This legislation will benefit Pennsylvania banking institutions that currently pay the MTIT. The tax currently applies to the institution’s total of net earnings received or accrued from all sources during the tax year. Reducing the tax rate will free up more dollars for lending, such as affordable home mortgages or small-business loans. It will also create greater tax parity with the CNIT.
We supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now advances to the full Senate.
Prevailing Wage Expansion (S.B. 908; Farry)
The Senate Labor & Industry Committee voted 11-0 to advance Senate Bill 908 last Tuesday.
This legislation would expand the PA Prevailing Wage Act to include custom fabrication and prohibit the practice of split-rates.
The PA Prevailing Wage Act requires pre-determined wages to be paid on public construction projects and can substantially increase project costs. This legislation would expand this requirement to custom fabrication work separate from the jobsite – which will raise costs on taxpayers and potentially divert projects to out-of-state competitors. The legislation would also prohibit the practice of paying “split rates,” which companies utilize to promote efficiency on a worksite. Both changes will increase costs and create administrative challenges for employers.
We opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now advances to the full Senate.
Prohibiting Noncompete Agreements (S.B. 142; Bartolotta)
The Senate Labor and Industry Committee voted 10-1 to advance Senate Bill 142 last Tuesday.
This legislation would prohibit noncompete agreements in the broadcasting industry.
Restrictive covenants may be particularly relevant for the broadcasting industry, where employers often invest considerably to recruit employees and provide the operational support, marketing and base of public recognition usually necessary for broadcasting professionals to establish their career.
Employers, employees and potential hires should not be prohibited from pursuing an agreement in which the individual commits, for a relatively short period of time, to refrain from leaving and working for a competitor after the employer has made this investment to help facilitate the employee’s success. Noncompete agreements do have limits and may be deemed unenforceable if found to be unduly restrictive.
We opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now advances to the full Senate.
Digital Advertising Tax (H.B. 1678; Fiedler)
The House Finance Committee voted 14-12 along party lines to advance House Bill 1678 last Wednesday.
This legislation would apply the state’s 5 percent gross receipts tax to digital advertisements purchased in Pennsylvania.
The digital advertising tax will raise costs for Pennsylvania businesses that rely on digital pla
tforms to market their goods and services – costs that will ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices. At a time when affordability remains a top concern for Pennsylvanians, this tax risks making everyday goods and services more expensive. It also violates sound tax policy by taxing a business input, despite revenue from digital advertising already being subject to the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) under Pennsylvania’s market sourcing rules. Finally, if enacted, it would likely face costly litigation as it conflicts with the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act.
We opposed this bill (CLICK HERE for our memo), which now advances to the full House.
ICHRA Tax Credits (H.B. 2550; Mazzocco)
The House Finance Committee voted 14-12 along party lines to advance House Bill 2550 last Wednesday.
This legislation
would provide a tax credit to Pennsylvania small businesses who contribute to employees’ Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), and the funds are used to purchase individual health insurance coverage through the Pennsylvania Insurance Exchange (Pennie) exchange.
Providing an additional tax incentive for ICHRAs may benefit some small businesses. As currently drafted, the tax credits would only apply if individual coverage is purchased through Pennie, leaving out other individual coverage options that can be purchased off-market. This would limit individual consumers’ options when shopping for health insurance. The PA Chamber believes the legislation should be amended to allow any individual health insurance plan.
We recommended that the bill be amended to allow any individual health insurance plan (CLICK HERE for our memo). The bill now advances to the full House.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided. If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.
Member News ~ June 4, 2026
Events & Dates:
Sponsler Park is reopening this Thursday for the kickoff of the Berwick Borough Summer Concert Series - June 4
This Thursday’s kickoff concert will feature the Dan Hess Band, starting at 7pm. Parking for the concerts can be found along Monroe Street and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church parking lot. View the concert series here.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Bloomsburg Fairground - June 5 through 8
Bloomsburg First Friday- June 5
Dead Man Walking Distillery Expansion Debut- June 6
Celebrate the expansion of Dead Man Walking Distillery featuring their new indoor & outdoor spaces. The event will take place from 12:00pm-10pm. Click Here for More information.
The Press Enterprise "Best of the Best" Voting Opens - June 7
Starting this Sunday, be sure to vote for the best of the best in our community. This competition is organized by The Press Enterprise. Click here to Vote.
Applications are now OPEN for the 2026 Bloomsburg Fair Queen Contest - June 8
For The Cause Berwick Summer Food Distribution Begins - June 15
Danville Heritage Garden Tour Returns with Six Beautiful Gardens- June 20
The Danville Business Alliance and Danville Heritage Council are pleased to announce the return of the 2026 Danville Heritage Garden Tour, taking place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Garden enthusiasts and nature lovers are invited to enjoy six unique and beautiful private gardens during this FREE self-guided tour. Participants may visit the gardens at their own pace throughout the day, taking in the creativity, dedication, and beauty cultivated by local gardeners. Click here for more information about Garden Locations.
Announcements:
The Pine Barn Inn Free Summer Reading Program
North Shore Railroad Recognized for Industrial Development
Congratulations to North Shore Railroad for receiving the Norfolk Southern Corporation "Alan Lambert Short Line of the Year Award" honoring a legacy of collaboration and innovation.
Susquehanna Kids shares June Family Fun Guide
June is here and the calendar is absolutely packed! From berry picking and fishing derbies to summer reading kickoffs and carnivals, there is so much to do with your kids this month! Check out the June Roundup.
2027 MARC BROCHURES COVER PHOTO CONTEST
The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) is planning to print new brochures for the 2027 season. Photos must be taken at the Montour Preserve. Photos must be high-quality; portrait orientation is preferred but not mandatory (final printed photos on the brochure covers will be 8.5" tall x 3.5" wide). Photographers must have permission from any individuals recognizable in photos. Photos will be used only as described here and shall not be otherwise reproduced or used for any other purposes without the photographer's consent. If you have high-quality photos of the Montour Preserve that you'd like to be considered, please tag the MARC Instagram @Montour_area_rec_commission.
Reed Elected As Vice Chair of CrossState Association and CrossState Solutions Board of Directors
PPL Electric Utilities May Newsletter Out Now
Check out The Power Line newsletter for PPL electric utilities company updates and future decision investments.
SEKISUI KYDEX visits Clean Earth Environmental as part of their ongoing environmental audit efforts
Community Giving Foundation Awards $580,000 in Scholarships
The Community Giving Foundation is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients, awarding more than $580,000 to 214 local high school seniors and undergraduate students.
To celebrate, the Foundation hosted 250 guests—including students, families, and donors—at our third annual scholarship event today at The Barn at Frosty Valley. Click Here for the Full Story.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Student Scientists Earn Statewide Honors at PJAS State Science Fair
Six student scientists representing the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum earned statewide recognition at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) State Science Fair on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Penn State University. Every student who represented the Museum at the state competition received an award. For more information about the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s science fair and STEM programs, visit www.the-childrens-museum.org or contact the Museum at 570-389-9206.
SEDA-COG is seeking Economic Development Projects
Their Economic Development team is actively seeking applicants for the ARC Area Development Program. Area Development funds are intended for investments into infrastructure as well as business and workforce development initiatives. Projects should support at least one of the following: Appalachian business development, workforce ecosystems, critical infrastructure, culture and tourism, or local leadership and capacity-building. Have a project in mind or want to learn more? Contact Betsy or Alayna
Danville Arts Council Announces 2026 Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park
The annual Summer Concert Series will return to Memorial Park this summer, offering a series of free live music for the community to enjoy. Residents and visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and spend Tuesday evenings listening to a variety of local and regional performers in the heart of Danville. For more information, visit www.VisitDanvillePA.org
BTE Kicks Off 2026 Summer Theatre Camps- June 8
The Berwick Historical Society is Hosting a House Tours of Berwick event for American 250 -June 13 and 14
Penn College Essential Welding Skills Clinic - June 15 through 17
Essential Welding Skills is a 4-module stackable training pathway offered through Penn College's Workforce Development division. Each module builds on the last. Participants who complete the full pathway leave with process-specific AWS qualifications and the skills to compete for welding jobs across Central Pennsylvania's manufacturing and construction sectors. No prior experience is required to begin. Learn More & Apply Today.
Mckonly & Asbury Offer Free Webinar- June 25
During this 2:00 PM webinar, their HITRUST team will focus on the differences between the assessment types, including the level of effort required by the client, scope, documentation, and external assessment. Director Josh Bantz and Partner Dave Hammarberg will go over the types of HITRUST assessments with a focus on the e1, i1 and r2 assessments. At the conclusion of the webinar, you will have a full understanding of the differences in not only the assessments but in level of effort to complete the validated assessment with McKonly & Asbury. Register Here
Lily's House Offering Pet First Aid & CPR - June 27
The demonstration will be led by Dr. Nancy Dreschel and limited seating is available. The Class will begin promptly at 10:00am. See the flyer for more details.
Comfort Keepers – New Member Highlight
President’s Message: Opportunity Abounds for Member Connections, Advocacy, and Employee Development
Source: Chris Berleth, President
From our recent Golf Outing and our team’s participation in the Community Giving Foundation’s Elevate 2 Conference, to a ribbon cutting with our friends at MPL Law Firm and Chamber Day at the Capitol, it has been a busy stretch for your Chamber… and we’re not about to slow down.
As summer gets underway, there are several great opportunities for members to connect, grow, lead, and stay visible in the community. Here are a few worth putting on your radar.
Announcing the 2026–2027 Membership Directory
Work is now underway on the Chamber’s annual Membership Directory, a publication which lands in welcome packets, offices, hotels, visitor centers, waiting rooms, front counters, and community spaces across the region. It helps residents, visitors, new employees, fellow businesses, and community partners find Chamber members when they are looking for local products, services, and trusted connections.
Let’s be honest: in a world where everything seems to disappear into a scroll-hole, there is still something great about being included in a locally produced publication people can actually hold in their hands.
We are pleased to once again partner with Victor Koons Graphic Design on this year’s directory, and I encourage our members to review the advertising opportunities available. Whether you want to build name recognition, promote your services, or make sure people know where to find you, the Membership Directory is a smart way to stay visible with people who are already looking to support local businesses.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026–2027 Class of Leadership Central Penn
Leadership Central Penn has been developing local leaders since 1992, and there is a reason this program has stood the test of time.
It gives participants a deeper look at the people, places, organizations, challenges, and opportunities that shape Columbia and Montour Counties. It is more than a class. It is a chance to get out from behind the desk, meet people from across the region, see familiar communities with fresh eyes, and discover new ways to serve and lead.
For employers, nominating someone for Leadership Central Penn is a great way to say, “We see potential in you, and we want to invest in it.”
For participants, it can be the start of a much deeper connection to the region they live and work in. For the rest of us, it means more thoughtful, prepared, connected leaders helping move our communities forward. That is a win.
If you have an emerging leader, a newer employee, a longtime team member ready for a fresh challenge, or someone who would benefit from seeing our region more fully, now is the time to nominate them or encourage them to apply. (see Taryn's Article for LCP impact)
Announcing Dates for the Fall 2026 Management & Leadership Certificate Program
This fall, the Chamber, The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, and Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg will again offer the Management & Leadership Certificate Program.
This program is for the supervisors, managers, team leads, and rising leaders who are doing real leadership work every day — sometimes with training, sometimes with instinct, and sometimes with a strong cup of coffee and a prayer. They are communicating with teams, handling conflict, motivating employees, managing change, coaching performance, and trying to keep the wheels turning. That is hard, important work that doesn’t happen by accident.
The Fall 2026 course will be held at The Hub at Mulberry Mill in Bloomsburg, with five sessions beginning in September (Don’t worry, we didn’t schedule during Fair week!) and continuing through early November. Participants will receive practical training in communication, motivation, change management, coaching, performance management, multigenerational leadership, workplace diversity, and conflict resolution.
Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Commonwealth University, and WEDnetPA funding may be available for eligible employers.
For businesses that want to strengthen their internal leadership pipeline, this is a practical, high-value opportunity. Seats are limited, so I encourage interested employers to review the dates and consider who on your team would benefit from this training.
Bonus Opportunity: Happy Birthday, USA!
We are just one month away from America’s 250th Anniversary, and there will be plenty to see and do right here in Columbia and Montour Counties.
I encourage you to visit the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau’s America 250 PA landing page, which highlights events and activities honoring this historic milestone across our two counties. Be sure to take special note of what Chamber members are doing, too. From the Bloomsburg Fair to Knoebels Amusement Resort, (which also turns 100 years old on July 4, 2026), to the Bloomsburg Public Library, Danville Business Alliance, Montour County Historical Society, Berwick Historical Society, and many others, our region is joining the celebration in a big way.
Don’t miss the fun and the celebration, history isn’t only something we read about, it’s fun to be part of it as well!
If You Blink, You’ll Miss It
There’s plenty more coming, too. I’m out of space, or I’d tell you about the view just a few yards further down the road – including several Business After Hours events, like June’s Business After Hours at the Iron Fork, the Municipal Officials’ Appreciation After Hours on July 15, and the Annual Nonprofit Mixer in August. We are also excited for the Fall’s Business Leadership Forum and yes, we’re already gearing up for that big, bold bonanza we call the Holiday Open House.
So, save the dates, mark the calendars, nominate a leader, reserve a seat, review the advertising opportunities, and keep an eye on what is coming next.
Your Chamber is on the move, and we are glad to have you moving with us.
Now Accepting 2027 Business After Hours Hosts
T
he Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is excited to begin planning its 2027 Business After Hours schedule and is seeking Chamber members interested in opening their doors to the region’s business community.
Business After Hours has long been one of the Chamber’s most anticipated networking events, creating opportunities for professionals to connect, build relationships, and discover the many outstanding businesses that make our communities thrive. Held on the third Wednesday of each month, these events allow hosts to share their story, showcase their workplace, introduce their team, and give attendees a firsthand look at what makes their organization special.
Whether you welcome guests with a behind-the-scenes tour, product demonstrations, networking activities, or simply great conversation, hosting a Business After Hours event is a meaningful way to strengthen your visibility and engage with fellow business leaders. The Chamber team will work alongside hosts throughout the planning process and provide promotional support to help make the event a success.
With only ten hosting opportunities available each year, interested businesses are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred month. We look forward to partnering with our members to create another year of memorable networking experiences and celebrating the businesses that help move our region forward. Apply Today!