Member News ~ January 15, 2026

As extreme cold continues across the region, AGAPE is calling for volunteers to support its Code Blue Emergency Shelter in Bloomsburg, which provides a safe, warm place to sleep during dangerously cold nights. Volunteer availability directly determines whether shelters can open during Code Blue declarations, and no prior experience is required. Learn more about volunteering and how to get involved on AGAPE’s website.

SERVPRO Team McCabe will host a free, two-hour insurance credit course titled Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry on January 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at 36 W. Main Street, Bloomsburg. The course offers 2 hours of PA and NJ insurance credit and will cover mold fundamentals, health impacts, and remediation best practices; registration begins at 9:00 AM and class starts promptly at 10:00 AM. Click here for more information.

The Bloomsburg Public Library will host its Winter Book Sale from January 20-24, 2026, featuring more than 10,000 books for readers of all ages. The public sale hours offer plenty of opportunities to stop by and browse!

Central Columbia Educator Honored with Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award

Central Columbia Agricultural Science Teacher and FFA Advisor Doug Brown was honored by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau with its Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award during the organization’s 75th Annual Meeting in Hershey. The award, Farm Bureau’s highest honor, recognizes Brown’s 35 years of leadership in agricultural education and FFA, highlighting his lasting impact on students, agriculture, and the broader community across Pennsylvania. Read on.

PA CareerLink® Unemployment Compensation Appeals & Hearings Seminar - January 28th

PA CareerLink® Columbia/Montour Counties will host an in-person employer seminar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2:30-4:30 PM at its Bloomsburg location. The session will guide employers through the UC appeals process, including how to prepare for a hearing and what to expect during a mock hearing, with a focus on appeal levels, due process, and burden of proof. More information can be viewed here.

Free Website Design Opportunity with Bucknell SBDC - January 31st

This spring, the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center is partnering with Bucknell students to help select local businesses design and build basic websites at no cost. Businesses will collaborate with student teams throughout the semester and take full ownership of a functional, easy-to-edit website by the end of April. Space is limited, apply here by January 31, 2026.

PPL Releases LIHEAP information

In December, PPL hosted a Helping Constituents Understand LIHEAP and Energy Assistance Programs on Zoom. Click here to check out the slides from the meeting.

Management & Leadership Program Application Deadline Approaching - February 20th

Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:

Chamber Now Scheduling Business After Hours Events for 2026

Interested in hosting a Business After Hours? These popular networking events are a great way to showcase your business and connect with Chamber members. Complete the Business After Hours application form to share your availability and get the planning process started.

The Women’s Center, Inc. to Host January Tabling Events

Throughout January, The Women’s Center, Inc. will host a series of informational tabling events in recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Community members are invited to stop by to learn more, ask questions, and connect with resources at locations including Geisinger Danville Hospital, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, the Bloomsburg Public Library, and Commonwealth University Bloomsburg on select dates throughout the month. Click here to view the schedule.

Early Bird Deadline Approaching for DCDC Dinner and a Show - January 16th

Early bird pricing for DCDC’s Dinner and a Show featuring Dueling Pianos International is available through January 16, 2026, for the event taking place Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville. This special evening will combine live entertainment with dinner in a unique, high-energy setting. Click here to register. Click here to learn more about the event.

Commonwealth University to Host Employer Summit - January 20th

Commonwealth University’s Alumni & Professional Engagement team will host a virtual Employer Summit on January 20 from 12:00-12:45 PM to help employer partners effectively engage with students across the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses. The session will include an overview of employer engagement opportunities and a preview of Spring 2026 events designed to support internship and full-time hiring success. Advance registration is required via Zoom.

America250PA County Kick-Off Events Coming to Columbia and Montour Counties - January 21st

America250PA will host county kick-off events on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as part of its statewide tour celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The Columbia County event will take place from 10:00-11:30 AM at The Hub at Mulberry Mills in Bloomsburg, followed by the Montour County event from 11:15 AM-1:00 PM at the Montour County Administration Center in Danville. Both events are free to attend, include light refreshments, and highlight how local communities will take part in Pennsylvania’s Semiquincentennial celebration.

BNI Iron Valley Visitor Day - January 29th

Local business professionals are invited to attend BNI Iron Valley’s Visitor Day on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Elmdale Inn. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local business owners, learn how BNI supports growth through structured word-of-mouth referrals, and make meaningful connections, with a brief presentation by Natalie Fox. RSVP by January 22 and be sure to bring business cards. Click here to view the flyer.

Third Annual Environmental Education Expo Returns to Montour Preserve - February 7th

The Montour Preserve will host its Third Annual Environmental Education Expo on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, offering a free, family-friendly day of hands-on learning and discovery. The event will feature interactive exhibits, live animals, nature activities, and educational displays from a wide range of regional environmental and community organizations, making it a great opportunity for all ages to explore the natural world. More information can be found here.

Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum

Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org

Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?

The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!