Member News ~ June 12, 2025
Susquehanna Valley United Way Celebrates Campaign Success, New Leadership, and Bold Future
Susquehanna Valley United Way proudly wrapped its 2024–2025 Campaign on a high note during a special celebration held Thursday, June 5th at Susquehanna University’s Downtown Center. Learn more.
$100,000 in Grants Distributed Through Foundation and Amazon Partnership
The Community Giving Foundation recently partnered with Amazon to distribute $100,000 in grant funding to nonprofits serving the Berwick area. Learn More.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Receives $40,000 Grant from Arconic Foundation to Expand Manufacturing-Focused STEM Programs for Rural Youth
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum (BCM) announced today that it has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Arconic Foundation, with local support from Kawneer Bloomsburg, to expand the Museum’s manufacturing and engineering education programs for students ages 10–17 across Columbia, Montour, and Northumberland Counties. Learn more.
CSIU to Host The Human Experience Summer Camp
FREE for Students in Grades 7–12! The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit is proud to host The Human Experience, a four-day, immersive summer program designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and community-building among students through a blend of educational training, leadership development, and theatrical experiences. July 21–24, 2025 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center– 15 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA. Open to students entering grades 7–12 in the 2025–26 school year. For more information, contact Julie Petrin at jpetrin@csiu.org or 570-523-1155 ext. 2316.
Discover Local Beauty on Display During the 2025 Danville Heritage Garden Tours
The Danville Heritage Festival Committee is proud to announce the return
of one of its most beloved summer traditions: the 2025 Danville Heritage Garden Tours, taking place on Saturday, June 28 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Learn more.
Columbia County Recognizes Chamber members with Victim Service Award
Columbia County District Attorney’s Office recently held the 2nd Annual Victim Service Award Ceremony to recognize those in our community who are strong advocates and supporters of crime Victims in our communities. Sgt. Rob Neiderhiser of Bloomsburg University Police Department received this year’s Law Enforcement Victim Service Award. Emily Karc, Founder and CEO of Learning to Live Beloved Ministries, received the Frances Fraley Community Partner Victim Service Award. Both recipients have made monumental contributions to victim services in Columbia County. Congratulations!
Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties hosting Father's Day Celebration
Join the Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties for a Father's Day Celebration on June 15th from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. The day will feature food, outdoor activities and games, and a basket raffle. For more information and to register click here.
PA Careerlink hosting Unemployment Compensation: Relief from Charges Employer Seminar
Concerned about controlling Unemployment Compensation costs? This in-person seminar, hosted by PA Careerlink, explains what Relief from Charges is, eligibility, and how to file. Join them on July 30th from 3:30 - 4:30 at their Central Rd location in Bloomsburg. For more information and to register reach out to Tammy Pursel OR Drew Edsell.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Help the Columbia Child Development Program - Head Start Celebrate 60 years!
Head Start is turning 60 with a digital birthday card! Share your memories of how Head Start has impacted your life, or simply join us in saying Happy Birthday! Sign the card here.
Bucknell SBDC Hosting Ribbon Cutting
Join the Bucknell SBDC for a ribbon cutting on June 12th for a new fusion restaurant in Danville. Learn more here.
Summer Festival happening at Villa Sacred Heart July 12
The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius invite you to Villa Sacred Hear in Danville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival. The event begins at 10:30 on July 12th. Enjoy food trucks, Sisters' Bakery, a flea Market, arts and crafts, Bingo, Books, and MORE! Help them celebrate 50 years!
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces June Programs
Swift Kennedy Releases June Newsletter
Bloomsburg Public Library Summer Book Sale
Join the Bloomsburg Public Library for their annual book sale happening June 10 - 14th. More than 10,000 books in good condition at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Bloomsburg Public Library. Get more details here.
Women's Giving Circle to hold next "On the Bright Side" Rescheduled to August 21st
The Women's Giving Circle will hold its next "On the Bright Side" virtual lunch session on Thursday, August 21st at noon. Curious to know more about your family history, but not sure how to get started? Join them to learn tips and tricks to discovering your story. Please also come to share interesting facts about your ancestors. Two of our Women's Giving Circle committee members have Marie Antoinette and William Shakespeare on their family trees! Register here.
Attention Artists
America250PA is accepting design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The selected artists will execute their designs on bell sculptures. View the full announcement here.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosts Family Mini Golf Night
Families are welcome to join for a night of mini golf on Saturday, July 26th, from 3 pm-8 pm learn more on their Facebook page
Ronald McDonald House of Danville seeks meal group volunteers
The Ronald McDonald House of Danville is home to families with children receiving medical care at local hospitals. The House has a fully-stocked kitchen and provides meals for families staying at the House. They are seeking meal group volunteers to help cook or cater meals for families so they can relax and enjoy a meal together in the dining room. Interested in cooking a meal? Contact Molly Shaw at mshaw@rmhdanville.com for more details or visit the link to sign up: https://ow.ly/r9ph50SSp89.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Summer Camps
BTE Theatre School offers a range of classes, workshops, and camps designed to teach the fundamentals of the theater arts on an age-appropriate basis: critical reading, aesthetic analysis, creative thinking and problem solving, collaboration, theatre technology, oral interpretation, movement, and more. Visit this link for more information.
MC Federal Credit Union hosting 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Join MC Federal Credit Union Friday, June 27, 2025, for MC Federal Credit Union’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg, PA. Whether you're an experienced golfer or just love supporting a great cause, this event is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer sun while giving back to the community. Learn more.
New Growing Greener Grants Available for Local Environmental Projects
This week, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the opening of a new application round for the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
This program provides vital funding – the largest single investment of state funds for these purposes – to address critical environmental concerns like clean water, watershed restoration, flood mitigation, and more. For more information visit the DEP's website.
Ken Pollock Ford Announces 2025 Car Show
Kenn Pollock Ford prepares for their Car Show on September 14th, 2025 from 10am-3pm. View the flyer here.
Bloomsburg Rotary Gears Up for Their Annual Golf Tournament.
The tournament will be held on August 13th, and proceeds will support AGAPE's Backpacks for Kids Program. Registration forms with payment in full are due by August 1, 2025. Click here to view the registration form.
The Women's Center Hosting Brain Trauma Event
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties will be hosting a brain trauma event on June 20th. This is a free event covering brain injuries and held from 9:00 - 3:30 at the Hub at Mulberry Mills. Click here to register spaces are limited.
Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center hosting Golf Tournament
Join the Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center for the Richard Kriebel & George Hasay Memorial Golf Tournament on June 14th. Learn more here.
Key Components of a Competitive Benefits Package
To create a competitive benefits package, which will increase a company’s ability to recruit and retain workers, it is important to consider the interests and needs of their target population. Today, with more younger individuals comprising the workforce, business owners need to consider whether their benefit portfolio requires adjustments to meet evolving needs.
Flexibility is at the core of what most employees seek in a benefits package today. The ability to work from anywhere, adjust schedules to fit their lifestyle, and take time off when needed has become a top priority.
Mental health and wellness support have also become important. More than ever, employees are asking their employers to provide resources for emotional well-being. Offering access to therapy and counseling services has been shown to directly impact job satisfaction, with many employees stating that mental health benefits influence their job decisions. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential support for stress and anxiety, along with mindfulness and meditation app subscriptions are among the most requested perks in modern workplaces.
Financial stability is another critical concern. With the burden of student loans, high rent, and economic uncertainty weighing on them, many employees look for financial wellness benefits beyond a simple paycheck. Companies that offer student loan repayment assistance help ease financial stress, while those that provide 401(k) matching and financial planning tools encourage long-term savings. A growing number of organizations are also adopting on-demand pay access, allowing employees to withdraw earned wages before payday, reducing financial strain and enhancing job satisfaction.
Beyond traditional healthcare and retirement plans, many workers today appreciate lifestyle benefits that enhance their quality of life. Wellness stipends that cover gym memberships, fitness classes, or home workout equipment are increasingly popular. Many companies have also introduced pet insurance and “paw-ternity” leave, recognizing the importance of pets in their employees’ lives. Commuter and travel benefits, whether in the form of subsidized public transport or remote work stipends, also play a role in boosting employee satisfaction.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Key Moment for Pro-Growth Tax Policy as Senate Weighs One Big Beautiful Bill
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives took a crucial step toward averting the largest tax increase in American history at the end of this year, when many of the historic reforms enacted in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire. That step was passing the first cut of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and preparing it for Senate consideration.
House passage of such a wide-ranging budget reconciliation bill was no small feat, and we commend the members and staff of the Committee on Ways and Means who worked diligently over the past 18 months to realize this important milestone on the road to tax certainty and stability.
As part of our Growing America’s Future campaign, the U.S. Chamber has called on policymakers to prioritize tax policies that would help achieve the goal of at least 3% annual economic growth. Ensuring that America has a stable, pro-growth, and globally competitive tax code is central to this effort.
The House has taken a substantial step toward this goal but left some important work for the Senate to address, as outlined below.
Preserving Our Competitive Business Tax Rates
Low marginal tax rates promote capital formation and minimize the effects of other distortions in the tax code, all of which contribute to economic growth. Accordingly, we have urged Congress this year to preserve our competitive tax rates for businesses of all types and sizes by maintaining the 21% corporate income tax rate and permanently extending the 20% deduction for qualified business income (QBI).[1]
The House-passed bill would do both of those things—and more.
The House bill would not only make the QBI deduction permanent but also increase the deduction’s value by three percentage points, from 20% to 23%. It would also make several taxpayer-favorable changes to the phase-in of existing limitations, expanding eligibility for the deduction to more businesses.
House tax writers are to be commended for ensuring the long-term competitiveness of our business tax rates, giving companies of all types and sizes the confidence they need to invest, hire, and grow.
Restoring a Pro-Growth Business Tax Base
Equally important as the competitiveness of a jurisdiction’s tax rates is the composition of its tax base to which those rates are applied. In this regard, the U.S. Chamber has long championed reforms that would restore the competitiveness of our business tax base by permanently reinstating three critical business tax policies: (1) the immediate deduction of research and development (R&D) expenses; (2) 100% bonus depreciation (full capital expensing for certain business assets); and (3) a globally competitive (EBITDA-based) limitation on the deduction of business interest expense.
The House-passed bill would generally reinstate all three polices for five years, retroactive to January 2025 through the end of 2029. The bill would also introduce a new pro-growth policy, elective 100% expensing for “qualified production property,” allowing businesses to immediately expense the cost of new factories and other production facilities. Collectively, these four provisions are designed to strengthen the industrial capacity of the United States, promote capital investment and modernization, and facilitate job creation. Coupled with the preservation of our business tax rates, the bill would reassert America’s tax competitiveness in the global tug-of-war for cross-border investment.
We applaud House tax writers for advancing legislation that would temporarily restore a pro-growth business tax base in the United States. In so doing, the bill would temporarily eliminate the tax bias against capital investment and help businesses invest, create jobs, and boost the economy while simplifying the tax system. But if policymakers seek to maximize economic growth, the Senate must take the next step to make the bill’s business tax provisions permanent.
As history shows, certainty and stability are critical to driving major, long-term capital investment. And the economic data bear this out: according to the Tax Foundation, making all four business tax incentives permanent would increase long-run GDP by 1.0%—more than double the 0.6% long-run GDP effect of the House-passed tax package as a whole. We therefore urge Senate tax writers to heed our call and empower American businesses and workers to realize the full potential of permanent, pro-growth tax reform.
Maintaining a Globally Competitive U.S. International Tax System
The House-passed bill seeks to maintain the overall competitiveness of our post-TCJA international tax system by permanently extending the current (lower) effective U.S. tax rates on two principal categories of international business income: foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) and global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI). The bill would also permanently extend the current base erosion and anti-abuse tax (BEAT) rate.
We commend House tax writers for taking action to prevent these scheduled tax increases from occurring at the end of the year, which would otherwise reduce the incentives for multinational companies to maintain their headquarters and intellectual property in the United States while decreasing America’s attractiveness as a destination for inbound business investment. Like many of the bill’s other proposed changes, permanently extending the effective U.S. tax rates on international business income would provide U.S. multinational groups the predictability necessary to support continued investment and innovation. But unlike those other changes, merely preventing these scheduled tax increases alone would ultimately fail to ensure the global competitiveness of our international tax system in the years ahead.
With Senate tax writers poised to take up the House-passed legislation, now is the time to address certain structural issues inherent in the TCJA’s design that are known to cause excessive or double taxation of U.S. multinationals or otherwise undermine congressional intent. Perhaps the most obvious example is the current 20% GILTI foreign tax credit “haircut,” which is a form of structural double taxation without analog or precedent anywhere in the world. Other examples involving not only GILTI but also FDII and BEAT abound and are ripe for Senate consideration.
Additional Opportunities for Improvement
Like any major piece of tax reform legislation, the House-passed bill includes a wide range of proposals animated by different—and sometimes competing—policy aims. Perhaps nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent—or in need of Senate attention—than with the bill’s more than $560 billion in proposed changes to energy tax policies on which many businesses, workers, and investors rely. Under the House bill, several pro-growth energy tax incentives would be severely restricted, phased out early, or even terminated, and the legislation would accelerate the sunset of numerous others that, under current law, run well into the 2030s or beyond.
As the legislative process moves to the Senate, we will continue to urge policymakers to preserve pro-growth tax policies that enhance U.S. energy competitiveness and security, including credits for clean hydrogen production and carbon oxide sequestration, as well as technology-neutral credits to help meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for electricity generation. These policies alone are poised to unleash tens of billions of dollars in private investment that would revitalize America’s industrial base and domestic manufacturing, creating stable, long-term employment in support of U.S. energy dominance.
Looking Ahead
Maintaining a globally competitive business tax system that fuels economic growth and opportunity for all Americans remains a top U.S. Chamber priority. The House-passed legislation represents a critical step forward in the 2025 tax reform debate. As the bill advances in the Senate, we will continue to engage policymakers and the administration to secure permanent, pro-growth tax reforms that drive American innovation, boost investment, and benefit workers, businesses, and communities nationwide.
About the authors
Neil Bradley
Neil Bradley is executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He has spent two decades working directly with congressional committee chairpersons and other high-ranking policymakers to achieve solutions.
Watson M. McLeish
Watson McLeish is senior vice president for Tax Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he serves as the primary adviser on all tax policy-related matters.
Columbia Montour Chamber Participates in Annual Chamber Day at the Capital
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
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 today for the 2025 Chamber Day at the Capitol — an annual event focused on pro-business advocacy and legislative engagement.
The day’s agenda featured a series of high-level discussions at the Capitol and PA Chamber offices. The day opened with 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 current state budget process. Additional sessions covered key business issues including energy policy, permitting and regulation, transportation infrastructure, and demographic trends impacting Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy.
Panels included representatives from the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Vista Corp., S&B USA Construction, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, SEPTA, the Independent Fiscal Office, and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
“Chamber Day brings together the full force of Pennsylvania’s chamber network to ensure the voices of job creators are heard in the state Capitol,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “Pennsylvania has the potential to lead the nation in economic growth — but that requires continued efforts to modernize permitting, improve our tax policy, and create a more competitive climate for attracting private-sector investment.”
The event concluded with a joint policy forum hosted by the PA Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, underscoring shared federal and state priorities to strengthen the business environment.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Dividend Declared for the ChamberChoice Business Insurance Program
Program has returned $13.6 million in dividends over 13 years.
Chambers of Commerce Service Corporation (CCSC) is pleased to announce that Penn National Insurance has declared a 3% dividend for the ChamberChoice Business Insurance program.
Members who placed their insurance coverage with Penn National Insurance during the 2023/2024 program year as well as remained active chamber members and policyholders through the end of the program year will receive a dividend check in June.
The program is an agreement between CCSC and Penn National Insurance to offer a business insurance program to the 56,000 members of over 70 chambers affiliated with CCSC.
Since its inception in 2011, the program has grown to more than $28 million in written premiums and has returned $13.6 million in dividends to members.
The ChamberChoice Business Insurance program is one of many benefits that CCSC offers its member Chambers. An important aspect of the program is preventing loss and controlling claims costs.
Through loss control services, Penn National Insurance and local, independent Insurance agents encourage member businesses to develop safety practices to substantially reduce or eliminate workplace injuries.
The program is sold exclusively through local, independent agents who can offer chamber members a variety of coverages and pricing on property and casualty insurance.
Mid-Year Reset: 5 Smart Moves to Strengthen Your Small Business
- The year's midpoint is your wake-up call—refocus now to finish strong.
- Scrutinize your numbers to find what’s working (and what’s not).
- Reboot your marketing before seasonal shifts hit.
- Remove workflow roadblocks to boost team output.
- Reconnect with your business’s core purpose.
597 Words ~ 3 minute read
The midpoint of the year often hits like a reality check: goals half-met, momentum lagging, and a to-do list that keeps growing. But this moment is also a strategic gift: a reset button that can set you up for a stronger, smarter second half.
Here are five high-impact moves to help you reset with intention and finish the year with confidence:
1. Run the Numbers, Then Rewrite the Playbook
Take a hard look at your financials. Are you ahead, behind, or coasting? Scrutinize revenue trends, margins, and expenses. Identify what’s draining resources and double down on what’s driving growth. Use the insights to reshape your financial strategy for the next six months, because winging it isn’t a plan.
2. Reboot Your Marketing Before the Fall Rush
If your marketing has lost steam, this is your window to revive it. Launch a seasonal promotion, refine your messaging, or test new channels to re-engage your audience. And don’t wait to prep for fall. Holiday planning starts now. Review your content calendar, track past performance, and align campaigns with your business goals.
3. Clear the Roadblocks Slowing Your Team
Small inefficiencies become big headaches by year’s end. What processes are wasting time? Where’s the communication breaking down? Invite your team to flag friction points and co-create solutions. Even modest upgrades, such as automating reports, streamlining meetings and clarifying roles, can drive major gains.
4. Recalibrate Your Goals and Reset Priorities
It’s okay if the goals you set in January don’t fit anymore. Priorities evolve. What matters is focus. Reassess your KPIs and trim anything that’s distracting from your top objectives. Reset your team’s focus around fewer, clearer targets so execution becomes simpler and more powerful.
5. Reconnect with Your Why
Amid the grind, your original mission can get blurry. Take a step back to reflect: Why did you start this business? Who do you serve, and how do you want to show up for them? Realigning with your purpose energizes your leadership and clarifies your brand.
Bottom Line:
A mid-year reset isn’t just a productivity hack, it’s a strategic imperative. It gives you space to pause, zoom out, and ask the critical questions that get lost in day-to-day urgency. By evaluating your numbers, refreshing your marketing, streamlining operations, focusing your goals, and reigniting your purpose, you give your business the fuel it needs to finish the year not just intact, but thriving. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with greater clarity, consistency, and conviction.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT- ATA Spa
ATA Spa & Nails in Bloomsburg, PA, is a full-service luxury nail and beauty spa dedicated to providing a rejuvenating experience in a serene and welcoming environment. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous attention to hygiene, ATA Spa offers a wide range of services including manicures, pedicures, waxing, lash extensions, and advanced skincare treatments. With a focus on both relaxation and precision, their team of skilled professionals ensures every guest receives personalized care using top-tier products and modern techniques. Located conveniently in Bloomsburg, ATA Spa & Nails has become a go-to destination for locals seeking high-quality self-care in a calm, beautifully designed setting.
Member News ~ June 5, 2025
Chamber Members join together for a Lunch and Learn
Servpro of Columbia, Montour, and Sullivan Counties and Sean Black - State Farm Insurance are putting on a lunch and learn on June 11th to help guide businesses through emergencies from who to call first, how to handle insurance claims, and what your restoration team will take care of. Learn more and register here.
Susquehanna Valley United Way hosting Campaign Finale TONIGHT!
Join the Susquehanna Valley United Way will be hosting their Campaign Finale on June 5th. The evening will include celebration, connection, and fresh beginnings as they mark the close of our 2024–25 Campaign Season. Learn more and register here.
Bloomsburg First Fridays happening June 5th
Check out a full list of things happening, including "Tools of the Trade" reception at the Exchange and a ribbon cutting at Gillespie Park.
Help the Columbia Child Development Program - Head Start Celebrate 60 years!
Head Start is turning 60 with a digital birthday card! Share your memories of how Head Start has impacted your life, or simply join us in saying Happy Birthday! Sign the card here.
Danville Business Alliance Announces New Executive Director
The Danville Business Alliance is excited to officially announce the appointment of Lura Good as its new Executive Director. Congratulations Lura!
Bucknell SBDC Hosting Ribbon Cutting
Join the Bucknell SBDC for a ribbon cutting on June 12th for a new fusion restaurant in Danville. Learn more here.
Summer Festival happening at Villa Sacred Heart July 12
The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius invite you to Villa Sacred Hear in Danville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival. The event begins at 10:30 on July 12th. Enjoy food trucks, Sisters' Bakery, a flea Market, arts and crafts, Bingo, Books, and MORE! Help them celebrate 50 years!
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces June Programs
Swift Kennedy Releases June Newsletter
Bloomsburg Public Library Summer Book Sale
Join the Bloomsburg Public Library for their annual book sale happening June 10 - 14th. More than 10,000 books in good condition at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Bloomsburg Public Library. Get more details here.
Women's Giving Circle to hold next "On the Bright Side" June 18th
The Women's Giving Circle will hold its next "On the Bright Side" virtual lunch session on Wednesday, June 18th at noon. Curious to know more about your family history, but not sure how to get started? Join them to learn tips and tricks to discovering your story. Please also come to share interesting facts about your ancestors. Two of our Women's Giving Circle committee members have Marie Antoinette and William Shakespeare on their family trees! Register here.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Attention Artists
America250PA is accepting design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The selected artists will execute their designs on bell sculptures. View the full announcement here.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosts Family Mini Golf Night
Families are welcome to join for a night of mini golf on Saturday, July 26th, from 3 pm-8 pm learn more on their Facebook page
Ronald McDonald House of Danville seeks meal group volunteers
The Ronald McDonald House of Danville is home to families with children receiving medical care at local hospitals. The House has a fully-stocked kitchen and provides meals for families staying at the House. They are seeking meal group volunteers to help cook or cater meals for families so they can relax and enjoy a meal together in the dining room. Interested in cooking a meal? Contact Molly Shaw at mshaw@rmhdanville.com for more details or visit the link to sign up: https://ow.ly/r9ph50SSp89.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Summer Camps
BTE Theatre School offers a range of classes, workshops, and camps designed to teach the fundamentals of the theater arts on an age-appropriate basis: critical reading, aesthetic analysis, creative thinking and problem solving, collaboration, theatre technology, oral interpretation, movement, and more. Visit this link for more information.
PA CareerLink to Host Career Fair
Join the CareerLink for a CareerLink on June 10, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Bloomsburg Fire Department. Spaces are available for businesses to meet with prospective employees. Learn more.
MC Federal Credit Union hosting 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Join MC Federal Credit Union Friday, June 27, 2025, for MC Federal Credit Union’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg, PA. Whether you're an experienced golfer or just love supporting a great cause, this event is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer sun while giving back to the community. Learn more.
Chamber Travel Information Meeting
The Columbia Montour Chamber is excited to partner with Collette for our first Chamber Travel Experience. We will be hosting an interest meeting on June 11th at 6pm in the Mulberry Mills conference room. To learn more about the trip: Click Here
Montour Night Out Set for June 11 at Danville Middle School
Danville, PA – Area residents are invited to attend Montour Night Out on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Danville Middle School on Route 11. This free, family-friendly event aims to strengthen community ties and foster positive relationships between the public and local emergency service providers. Read More
New Growing Greener Grants Available for Local Environmental Projects
This week, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the opening of a new application round for the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
This program provides vital funding – the largest single investment of state funds for these purposes – to address critical environmental concerns like clean water, watershed restoration, flood mitigation, and more. For more information visit the DEP's website.
Ken Pollock Ford Announces 2025 Car Show
Kenn Pollock Ford prepares for their Car Show on September 14th, 2025 from 10am-3pm. View the flyer here.
Bloomsburg Rotary Gears Up for Their Annual Golf Tournament.
The tournament will be held on August 13th, and proceeds will support AGAPE's Backpacks for Kids Program. Registration forms with payment in full are due by August 1, 2025. Click here to view the registration form.
The Women's Center Hosting Brain Trauma Event
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties will be hosting a brain trauma event on June 20th. This is a free event covering brain injuries and held from 9:00 - 3:30 at the Hub at Mulberry Mills. Click here to register spaces are limited.
Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center hosting Golf Tournament
Join the Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center for the Richard Kriebel & George Hasay Memorial Golf Tournament on June 14th. Learn more here.
President’s Message: Little Scissors and Small Tables
by Chris Berleth, President
I’ve been a part of some pretty cool ribbon cuttings in my nine years in the Chamber industry - a pizza cutter was used for the dedication of a new pizza oven, a chainsaw cut a large log for the grand opening of a new tree care business, a barber’s straight-edge cut the ribbon on a new barber shop, and a dog grooming business had matching cocker spaniel topiaries – but yesterday was my favorite so far. Thirteen pairs of safety scissors were distributed to tiny hands as we cut the ribbon alongside Columbia Child Development Center, celebrating 60 years of Head Start.
It was nice to celebrate a win related to childcare. As you know, it’s been a continual concern for the region, where, as the Chamber has reported for years, Columbia and Montour Counties are in a ‘childcare desert’. This challenge is not unique to us, as across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, childcare gaps are estimated to cost the economy nearly $6.5 billion per year. Two major challenges plague the childcare industry, and these issues are universally agreed upon. First, there’s a lack of teachers, classrooms and facilities, and second, there’s a gross undervaluing of childcare workers and thereby, childcare workers are insufficiently paid. We don’t have enough places to teach our young ones, and when we do, they struggle to keep and pay their workers.
To address this crisis, which gravely impacts the availability of workers in the region, a multifaceted approach must be taken, and your Chamber has joined a coalition of 55 chambers and business organizations advocating for support for the childcare industry in a major push across the state.
We’re being heard, but change is slow-moving.
I’m delighted to share that this Friday, several childcare providers will gather with leaders to tour a local provider facility, learn of the specific woes facing providers in areas of Columbia and Montour counties. The challenge we have of course, is that like the size of the safety scissors, we’re burdened with small tables too. I mean to say, to prevent disruption to the learning experience of each of the children in the facilities we’re meeting with, and to minimally impact an industry stretched thin by understaffing, we’re meeting in considerably smaller groups than we’d like to get the point across. The good news is that there’s a general attitude by our leaders that this is a critical issue, and that this event Friday must be the first part of a traveling tour of our region’s childcare facilities as we push for change. We’ll be sure to keep you looped in as we connect with leaders to grow the region. If you’d like to be part of our push to advocate for childcare in the region, please consider participating in next Friday’s Governmental Affairs meeting, by emailing me at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.
Now Accepting Applications: 2025–2026 Leadership Central Penn
Are you ready to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in your community? Leadership Central Penn is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 program year!
This dynamic professional development initiative, facilitated by The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, brings together a diverse group of professionals from across Columbia and Montour Counties. Participants engage in a nine-month journey designed to strengthen leadership skills, foster civic engagement, and deepen industry knowledge.
The program runs from September 2025 through May 2026, meeting on the third Thursday of each month. Sessions focus on hands-on leadership training, local and regional economic development, and opportunities to engage with influential community and industry leaders.
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert-led Leadership Training
- Valuable Networking Opportunities
- Industry and Community Insights
- Hands-on Civic Engagement
- A Supportive Alumni Network
Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills and expand your influence, Leadership Central Penn provides the tools, connections, and experiences to help you grow.
Program Cost:
- $1,295 for Chamber Members
- $1,495 for Non-Members
*Scholarships may be available to nonprofit Chamber members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that develops leaders, connects professionals, and inspires service to our region.
Ready to apply? Visit our website to get started.
Questions? Contact us at foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com
Leadership Central Penn
Develop. Connect. Lead.