Member News ~ May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Member News ~ May 30, 2025

PPL's Energy Efficiency team releases Case Study

Check out the recent case study released by PPL's Energy Efficiency Team on savings available through PPL's Electric Business Energy Efficiency Program.

Lenora Edwards of Driven to be Better Releases Debut Book

Lenora A. Edwards, MS, is a nationally recognized TEDx speaker, author, trauma-informed educator, and emotional wellness expert who has released her debut book. “Food, Feelings & Freedom: The Be Free Guide to End Emotional Eating”. This book is grounded in a compassionate roadmap for anyone silently battling their body, emotions, or relationship with food to feel whole again. Lenora is the creator of The BEFREE Method. This science-rooted, heart-intelligent framework helps professionals and leaders permanently end the cycle of emotional eating, self-surveillance, and shame, without diets or rigid control. Her work blends neuroscience, somatic integration, and identity repair to rewire patterns at the root, so change becomes permanent, not another temporary fix. Learn more about Lenora and check out the book which is free on Kindle until June 1^st.

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 welcomed to join for a night of mini golf on Saturday July 26th from 3pm-8pm learn more on their face book 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 Children’s Museum Receives Full Funding from Four Regional Youth in Philanthropy Chapters

These grants, awarded by local high school students serving as YIP leaders through the Community Giving Foundation, provide critical resources to expand access, inclusion, and enrichment opportunities for area children and teens. Read more here: Bloomsburg Children Museum 5.30

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.

Chamber Member Authors Book on Talent Attraction

Shawn Kessler, Partner at Aloysius, Butler & Clark, a full service marketing and advertising firm specializing in physician recruitment, has authored a new book: "Built to Attract" The book, based on Shawn's career as a top talent acquisition specialist, discusses the evolution of hiring, and the move from a recruitment mindset to one of attraction.

The book will be released Tuesday, and will be available for purchase on Amazon. Learn more at www.shawnkessler.com.

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

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.

Bloomsburg Library Hosting Color Our World Summer Festival

Get ready to splash into summer fun! Join the Bloomsburg Public Library, Columbia County Traveling Library, and Orangeville Public Library at the "Color Our World Summer Library Program Festival!" on May 31st, 10 AM - 1 PM at Bloomsburg Town Park. Food, music, vendors, a UNICORN, storytime, crafts, and a bounce house await! Don't miss out on this colorful kickoff to a summer of fun! Check out bloomsburgpl.org for more info.

Susquehanna Valley SHRM Welcoming New Members

The Susquehanna Valley SHRM is welcoming new members to their organization with a special offer in May. Learn more here or by joining them at their monthly meeting focused on the topic of Workplace Mental Health & Employee Assistance Programs.

Susquehanna Valley United Way hosting Campaign Finale on June 5th

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.

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.

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.

MARC WATERCRAFT RENTALS RETURN FOR THE 2025 BOATING SEASON

The Montour Area Recreation Commission is pleased to announce that unpowered watercraft rentals at the Montour Preserve will return for the 2025 boating season (May 1 – October 31, 2025). Visit their website for more details.

Service 1st is in Search of Volunteers for PFEW

Volunteers will be interacting with students during their budgeting simulation and offering their real-life perspective on the process of making financial decisions. There is no prior experience needed. To learn more click here.

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

Camp Victory Hosts 19th Annual Golf for Victory Tournament

Camp Victory invites community members, businesses, and golf enthusiasts to its 19th Annual Golf for Victory Tournament, happening on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, PA. With a 1:00 PM shotgun start—rain or shine—this tradition brings the community together in support of Camp Victory’s mission. Golfers and sponsors can register online or learn more 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.

Senator Lynda Culver Announces Opportunity for Veterans to Serve on State Commission

Applications are currently being accepted for a Veteran Member-at-Large position on the State Veterans Commission for a four-year term beginning this July (July 27, 2025 – July 27, 2029). The application deadline is 4:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025. Interested individuals can find the application and email submission instructions on the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) website or contact their offices here.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Stay tuned to the CSIU's social media as they recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Also recognizing May for Menthal Health Awareness is CMSU Behavioral Health & Developmental Services. If your business wishes to participate in the "Shine a Light for Mental Health" program, contact 570-275-4962 to receive a free green light bulb.

15th Annual Journey Bank Teen Start Musical Competition Set for June 1st

For the fifteenth year running, Journey Bank will roll out the red carpet for 14 talented high school student finalists as they take the stage to perform unforgettable movie hits in this year's "Movie Hits & Oscar Glitz" themed show. All ticket proceeds are donated back to the music departments of each finalists school. Learn more here.

Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces May Programming

See what the museum has to offer this month by visiting this link.

McBride Memorial Library Story Time Resumes in June

McBride Memorial Library Story Time will resume on Thursdays in June.

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.

Just Announced: The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses Event

From increased production costs to shifting supply chains, small businesses face both challenges and opportunities in this changing economic landscape. Join the SBDC for a panel discussion on June 4th. Sign up here.

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.

Renewing a Trusted Partnership: Victor Koons Graphic Design Returns as Directory Publisher

May 28, 2025

Renewing a Trusted Partnership: Victor Koons Graphic Design Returns as Directory Publisher

Chris Berleth, President

Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce

One week removed from a rainy-day, pirate-themed article expressing our delight at his great work on the Chamber’s Thriving Communities Map, I’m pleased to share some exciting news regarding another of our key member resources. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with Victor Koons Graphic Design for the authorship and publication of our Annual Chamber Directory.

Victor Koons and his team have been a long-standing and valued partner in helping us produce a directory that reflects the professionalism and community spirit of our chamber. With his expertise in layout, design, and publication, we’ve been able to deliver a directory that’s not only informative, but visually appealing and easy to navigate—something our members consistently tell us they appreciate.
This year’s edition will continue that tradition of quality. From member listings and advertising opportunities to important chamber updates and resources, the directory remains one of our most widely used tools for connecting businesses, organizations, and individuals across Columbia and Montour Counties.

What This Means for You:

Accurate Listings: Please keep an eye out for updates regarding your business information. Ensuring your listing is up-to-date is the best way to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Advertising Options: Members will again have the chance to place ads in the directory—an excellent way to increase visibility within the local business community. Expect a call from Lois Wolf, Victor’s excellent sales representative, in the coming weeks.-
Distribution: As always, the directory will be distributed to all chamber members and widely available throughout the region.

Victor brings not just a sharp eye for design, but a deep understanding of the chamber’s mission and the importance of representing our members well. We’re grateful for his continued partnership and look forward to another successful edition.

Thank you for being a part of our chamber community. If you have any questions about your directory listing or advertising opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

How often should I give my website a new look?

May 28, 2025

How often should I give my website a new look?

If your website analytics have been stagnant for a while, you may be wondering what you can do to boost your traffic. Is it time to give your website a new look? We believe in supporting local businesses, so we've put some thought into the matter. Take a look at 3 tips for determining whether it's time to update the look of your site.

Update When Customers Show Signs of Disinterest

Take a look at your bounce rate — That's the metric that measures how many people visit your site but leave without making any purchase. Maybe your site looks tired or is hard to navigate, and that's causing potential customers to bounce away from it. Pay special attention to complaints from customers, whether by email, phone or on your social media platforms, that your site is less than functional or that it looks out of date.

Update When You Feel the Heat From Your Competitors

Updating your website is a signal to your customers that you're staying on the cutting edge of your field. If you're in a heated competition for customers, the look of your website can send a message that you're the company they want to deal with. Imagine visiting a site that has outdated content, no new news, and a tired look. Wouldn't you click and go elsewhere? Don't give your customers a chance to do that.

Update to Go Mobile

Increasingly, customers are accessing the internet via their mobile devices, and they may become frustrated if your website is hard to navigate because it hasn't been optimized for mobile. If so, you need to add responsive design to your site, or adjust your current responsive design so it pairs with current technology. Depending on how your site is coded, you may need a full redesign, rather than just giving the existing material a fresh appearance.

We encourage you to keep your website active and up-to-date so that customers throughout our community can direct their business your way.

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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.

Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail and How to Avoid Them

May 28, 2025

Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail and How to Avoid Them

Source: CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Starting a small business takes patience, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. Launching a new venture is difficult: Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly half of all startups fail within the first five years.

There are some common reasons why small businesses fail. Understanding the obstacles that other business owners have faced can help you navigate these specific challenges. Below are the top reasons why small businesses go under and tips on how you can avoid the same fate.

Challenge No. 1: Cash flow problems

Cash flow is a blanket term that has many underlying roots. Cash flow is a metric that indicates how money is coming in and being spent at your business. Cash flow issues can result from a lack of funding, poor budgeting, or inventory management issues, among other things.

There are a few ways to mitigate this risk, although it’s worth reiterating that negative cash flow often indicates a different issue. First, avoid big expenses in your first year of business.

“As your business launches and grows, there will be a push and pull between funding and supporting that growth, and being conservative with your spending,” wrote SCORE. “When in doubt, stay conservative. The ‘lean and mean’ startup headset — and the concept of a minimum viable budget — is your friend.”

A lean operating budget is a good starting point, but it isn’t the only way to manage your cash flow. Spend time tracking your inventory, building cash reserves, and making sure your accounting is running smoothly. Many experts recommend working with a certified public accountant during the first few years after your business has launched to ensure your accounts receivable/accounts payable systems are working well and that you have enough set aside for taxes.

Challenge No. 2: There’s no demand for your product or service

Nearly 35% of small businesses fail because there’s an insufficient need for their product or service. When there’s no demand for what you’re selling, the best marketing campaign in the world won’t turn around your business.

Avoid this risk by doing the right market research before launch. This exercise should form a key part of your business plan. The National Federation of Independent Business reports that companies with a business plan have the best chance of success — particularly if they identify their potential markets, define their ideal customer, and analyze their competition.

A business plan is a document that outlines important information regarding operations, goals, and finances, serving as a guide for measuring progress and making necessary adjustments. Your plan should be well developed long before your products and services are available to customers. Failing to do so can leave your business unprepared to navigate market challenges.

When writing a business plan, include the following:

An executive summary of your business and a clear company description.
Information regarding your company’s organization and management structure.
The products and/or services you will offer.
Your marketing and sales strategies.
Financial projections for your business, as well as any funding requests.
An appendix with necessary sources and additional information.

When crafting your business plan, highlight how you will attract and retain your customer base and what makes your company unique. Many good, affordable resources can help you estimate the demand for your product or service. Try Google Trends, a free tool that can show you how often people are searching for keywords related to your product or service. Surveys and focus groups can also help you get feedback on a minimum viable product during your development process.

Challenge No. 3: Poor management

As the creator and founder of the business, it can be tempting to hold tight to the reins as your venture gets off the ground. Unfortunately, attempting to do everything yourself is neither sustainable nor helpful for the longevity of your business.

“The owner may have the skills necessary to create and sell a viable product or service but they often lack the attributes of a strong manager and don't have the time to successfully oversee other employees,” wrote Investopedia. “A business owner has greater potential to mismanage certain aspects of the business without a dedicated management team whether it be finances, hiring, or marketing.”

Your budget may not allow you to hire a full senior leadership team, but look for ways to delegate key roles effectively. That might involve bringing in a fractional CFO, hiring a mid-level manager, bringing on a virtual assistant, or outsourcing key tasks to a partner.

Many good, affordable resources can help you estimate the demand for your product or service. Try Google Trends, a free tool that can show you how often people are searching for keywords related to your product or service.

Challenge No. 4: Financial challenges

Financial challenges are hard to avoid, and they make it difficult for your business to flourish and remain profitable. Limited funding, combined business and personal finances, and issues with budgeting or establishing prices are common financial issues a small business encounters.

Entrepreneurs should understand various funding options, such as traditional loans, personal loans, microlenders, crowdfunding, and investors. Depending on what stage your business is in, some sources of funding — including a combination of sources — may be more appropriate than others.

Once you’re funded, learn how to manage and track your finances. Having a clear understanding of where your money goes is essential for ongoing success.

Challenge No. 5: Poor employee management

A poorly managed business can lead to serious ramifications, hindering a company’s chances of success. Nearly 20% of startups fail due to team problems and other human resource-related issues.

Bad employee management is harmful to the health of the business and to the employees. It can lead to excessive turnover, stress and anxiety, reduced engagement, and overall poor bottom-line results.

Enhancing employees’ sense of autonomy, competency, achievement, and belonging are great methods to boost morale, build loyalty, and reduce turnover. Create an onboarding process that sets up new team members for success and identifies the resources they need to feel supported. Consider implementing feedback tools to improve employee engagement and foster a transparent work environment.

Management should be trained regularly to build and enhance leadership skills, including providing feedback and recognition to employees to show appreciation for their performance and efforts.

Challenge No. 6: Inadequate marketing

Marketing has become a big contributing factor as to why small businesses fail. In fact, 22% of failed businesses didn’t implement the correct marketing strategy.

Marketing and sales can be costly and ineffective if your small business has no branding, no direction, or no strategy. Lack of vision will fail to attract customers, or it can even turn them away.

Identify and understand your market segment and determine how you want to approach potential customers. Test your marketing strategy by creating relevant content and campaigns. Finally, develop a plan to measure the success of your marketing efforts — including tracking metrics like overall website traffic, email open rates, and cost per engagement — and then adjust as needed.

Challenge No. 7: Failure to adapt to market changes

Adaptability is essential to keeping up with our ever-changing cultural needs and economic climate. Because change is inevitable, business owners must avoid becoming complacent and adjust to market changes for longevity.

Some strategies to adapt to an ever-changing market include:

Hiring creative and forward-thinking employees who understand and believe in your mission.
Creating a positive work environment and providing opportunities for growth and development.
Conducting research and paying attention to what’s hot, trending, and relevant.
Knowing your target audience, their needs, and their behaviors, as well as how they may change over time.
Staying current with technology and making sure what you are implementing benefits your brand.
Continuously assessing whether your products or services are outdated and deciding if improvements — or even an entirely new product — are needed.

Challenge No. 8: Inventory mismanagement

Finally, poor inventory management drains a new business’s resources and accelerates failure rates. Many merchants start by purchasing large amounts of inventory, envisioning that they will sell it for a profit.

If those products don’t sell as quickly as planned, inventory can become obsolete or lose value. “This forces you to sell [your products] at a deep discount, or not at all,” wrote Lightspeed.

On the other hand, if you underestimate how much inventory you need and it sells out too fast, you risk losing sales. Stockouts also result in a negative customer experience, hampering your ability to build brand loyalty and keep customers returning.

Inventory management tools can help make sure your items are kept in stock for the right amount of time. Stay on top of your supply chain to make sure you have the right items on hand, and pay attention to your sales to catch any dips or peaks in demand before you make an ordering error.

Understanding basic business fundamentals and common reasons behind small business failure can help you avoid those mistakes and increase your chances of success.

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.

NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT- TYM

May 28, 2025

NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT- TYM

TYM North America, headquartered in Georgia, with an assembly location in Bloomsburg PA, is a globally respected manufacturer of tractors and agricultural equipment, recognized for its innovation, precision engineering, and commitment to empowering farmers and landowners. With a legacy that spans over seven decades, TYM seamlessly blends advanced technology with practical functionality, offering a full range of compact to utility tractors tailored to meet diverse farming and landscaping needs. Through continuous investment in research, customer satisfaction, and sustainability, TYM has positioned itself as a trusted partner in agricultural productivity, serving communities across the U.S. and around the world. For more information, visit their website.

Member News ~ May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Member News ~ May 22, 2025

Fulton Bank Invests $3,000 to Focus Central PA efforts

Fulton Bank made a commitment to invest $3,000 in Focus Central Pennsylvania for 2025 to support their mission to attract investment that cultivates economic growth in Central Pennsylvania. Learn more.