Member News ~ August 28, 2025
Management and Leadership Application Deadline Closes TOMORROW- August 29th
Tomorrow, August 29th, is the LAST DAY to register for the Management and Leadership Certificate Program. This five-module series sponsored by The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and Commonwealth University is designed to help participants develop and sharpen skills that relate to leading in today’s workplace environment. It is appropriate for new or emerging leaders or existing workplace leaders, managers, and supervisors who have not previously been exposed to leadership training. Eligible businesses may also take advantage of the WedNET reimbursement program to help cover program costs. Click here to apply or learn more about the program!
Apply to be a Vendor at The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's Covered Bridge & Art Festival - August 31st
The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau's Covered Bridge & Art Festival is welcoming applications from new vendors who produce a unique and handmade craft, such as turned & carved wood, blown glass, sewn & woven textiles, jewelry, photography, paintings, pottery, leatherwork, home decor, repurposed primitives, and many more. The last day to apply is August 31st. Apply here!
Barry Isett & Associates Announces Leadership Transition: Andrew Lawler Named President
Barry Isett & Associates Inc. is entering a new era of leadership with the appointment of Andrew Lawler as President, effective September 1. Lawler, a seasoned executive with a distinguished background in both military and civilian sectors, succeeds Kevin Campbell, PE, LEED AP, who will continue to serve as CEO after two decades of dedicated service and strategic leadership at the firm. Click here to read more.
Senator Culver Celebrates Opening of New Bloomsburg Office with Ribbon Cutting & Open House - September 4th
From 4 to 6 PM on September 4th, Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver will host an Open House and Ribbon Cutting for her new Bloomsburg District Office. This new location at the HUB at Mulberry allows her team to serve constituents in a more accessible setting while being surrounded by outstanding community organizations. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be available. Join to celebrate this exciting new chapter for the community.
Mergers and Acquisitions for Nonprofit Organizations Webinar - September 11th
Join McKonly & Asbury partners Gary Dubas and Janice Snyder, along with guest speaker Frannie Reilly from McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC a discussion about how mergers and acquisitions are taking place for nonprofit organizations on September 11 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. Register Now!
Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s 31st Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Two Local Organizations
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held its 31st Annual Charity Golf Tournament Friday, August 22, at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville. During the tournament, Service 1st presented two local charities, Camp Koala and Hunter’s Heart & Hustle Foundation with donations totaling $60,000. Click here to read more on the event.
Weis Center Andre Mehmari Trio Concert - September 24th
Pianist and composer Andre Mehmari’s trio blends Brazilian roots with jazz and classical influences in a new nature-inspired repertoire shaped by his life in the Atlantic Forest. This event will be located at the Weis Center Atrium, on September 24th at 7:30 PM. Purchase your tickets by visiting this link or calling 570-577-1000.
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces September Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for September 2025. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm, but will be closed during Fair Week (Sept. 20-27). View the September Programs here.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
North Central Sight Services Customer Support Center Ribbon & Open House - September 3rd
North Central Sight Services, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its Customer Support Center. The Ribbon Cutting & Open House will take place on September 3rd from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 2121 Reach Road in Williamsport. RSVP by calling 570-599-8678 or emailing JayH@ncsight.org.
Central Susquehanna Opportunities hosting 1 year anniversary ribbon Cutting - September 4th
Join Central Susquehanna Opportunities for an anniversary ribbon cutting on September 4th at 3:00 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at the The Hub at Mulberry Mill, 160 West 6th, Bloomsburg.
Fishtival at Wild for Salmon - September 5th & 6th
Wild for Salmon is hosting the annual Fishtival Celebration to honor its fishing season in Bristol Bay, Alaska and to mark the return of premium wild caught sockeye salmon to the region. The event, which will take place of September 5th from 10 AM to 6 PM and September 6th from 10 AM to 3 PM at its store on Montour Boulevard in Bloomsburg, will feature free samples, special event-day discounts, children's activities, and live music. The event is free and open to the public.
DBA's Danville Heritage Festival - September 5th-7th
The Danville Business Alliance has planned a full weekend of fun in celebration of Danville's heritage. Click here to view the festival brochure.
SBDC's The First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania (Webinar) - September 9th
The Wilkes University SBDC is offering a one-hour, no-cost webinar designed to answer the frequently asked questions of aspiring entrepreneurs on September 9th from 6-7 PM. Visit their website to register.
DCDC Fall Give Back Event - September 10th
The Danville Child Development Center will be hosting a Fall Give Back Event on September 10th from 5-7:30 PM. Join them at 420 W 5th Street, Bloomsburg PA for an evening full of great food, ice cream, live entertainment and more. Click here for more information.
Fall 2025 Accounting & Financial Services Expo at Commonwealth Bloomsburg
Meet students and potential hires from Commonwealth University Bloomsburg who are interested in careers in the Accounting, Financial Services and Banking industries. Students from all majors and class years are invited to attend, but the primary audience will be those majoring in Accounting, Finance and Economics. To have your business attend reach out to Darwin Kysor at 570-484-2181 or dkysor@commonwealthu.edu.
Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosting Trunk or Treat
The Bloomsburg YMCA is looking for businesses to join them for their October 24th Trunk or Treat as part of Boo!burg. Interested in joining them? Fill out their registration form here.
Bringing the World to Central PA
On September 17th SEDA-COG will be connecting Central PA businesses to global markets. The Bringing the World to Central PA event will offer local companies a valuable chance to explore international markets and connect directly with more than 40 of Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brass 16823 in Bellefonte Registration for this event is required. Register by September 8th here.
PA Careerlink Awareness Day - September 10th
The event is open to meeting the business solutions team, connecting with job seekers, exploring workforce training, and accessing tools & resources. To learn more, click here.
Candlewood Suites Grand Re-Opening Save the Date
Candlewood Suites invites you to save the date for their Grand Re-Opening on October 8th at 4:45.
Millville Mutual Insurance Launches Fundraiser
As part of Millville Insurance’s 150th anniversary, they are partnering with Geisinger Health Foundation to provide 500 specially designed Infusion Shirts to patients at Knapper Clinic. To Learn More click here.
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Launches 2025–2026 Leadership Central Penn Program
Bloomsburg, PA - The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and its foundation are proud to announce that the 2025–2026 Leadership Central Penn (LCP) program is officially underway. With orientation completed, the program is set to continue monthly from September through May, giving participants a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills while engaging with the local community.
As part of their LCP experience, participants collaborate in group project teams to complete a community service initiative. To help guide their selection, the class attended the Columbia Montour Chamber’s 6th Annual Nonprofit Mixer on August 20, where they had the opportunity to connect with Chamber-member nonprofits and explore potential partners for their group projects.
This year’s class participants are:
Kenneth Andreas, Ppl Electric Utilities
Sean Black, Sean Black Insurance Agency
MaryBeth Broadt, Bloomsburg University Foundation
Alaina Burns, Geisinger Health System
Melissa Corbin, PA House Representatives
Sierra Cleaver, SEKISUI KYDEX
Ian Donohue, SEKISUI KYDEX
Nicole Hause, Columbia County Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Danielle Howie, Community Strategies Group
Jackson Jaffin, First Keystone Community Bank
Rebecca Kunkel, Community Strategies Group
Breana LaFountain, Kawneer
Tessa Moyer, CSIU
Jessica Musselman, Geisinger Medical Center
Naomi Perez, Geisinger Health System
Janice Reid-Albertson, AGAPE Love From Above to Our Community
Hunter Samec, Autoneum
Francesca Schu, Journey Bank
Morgana Slodysko, Columbia Child Development Program
Cassandra Smith, The Women's Center Inc.
Jamie Smith, Maria Joseseph CCC
Rylie Thomas, Livic Civil
Trevor Welsh, Livic Civil
Christine White, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
Michael Wilson, Kydex
Michelle Makar, Bloomsburg University Foundation
About Leadership Central Penn
Offered by the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, LCP is the Chamber’s flagship adult leadership program. It equips local professionals from business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors with the knowledge, skills, and connections to become engaged, effective leaders in Columbia and Montour counties.
Improve Productivity by Dumping These Work-From-Home Habits
Maybe you have to head back into the office after months of working from home — and you're not sure you even know what to wear anymore. You might be transitioning to a hybrid model, or perhaps you're even continuing to work from home, but there's added pressure because many of your workmates are headed back into the office without you.
During our work-from-home months, we all gained some new habits. Some of them were in fact good habits. We had to become more proactive, and we all got a little more familiar with the tech we use every day. Some of our new habits were downright enjoyable. (Can we all say a cheer for not having to wear high heels or a tie every day?)
But let's be honest. Some of the habits we picked up were not the healthiest or the most productive. Take a look at this set of work-from-home habits that may be hindering your productivity and keeping you in an unhealthy state of mind.
Staying Sedentary
Going to the office was never like a day at the gym, but at least you moved around the office, walked to lunch, and walked to your car or public transportation. Working from home destroyed that tiny bit of mobility completely. Many remote workers never left their home, and most didn't walk any further than the kitchen or bathroom.
This lack of mobility harms productivity as employees become sluggish and start to experience pain in their back and shoulders. To combat it, switch to a sit-stand desk if possible. When you're on the phone, pop in your Bluetooth earbuds and pace while talking. Set an alarm to remind you to walk around or do some stretches.
Multitasking
You may have rejoiced in your ability to secretly surf the internet while attending a Zoom meeting, but in reality, that's a recipe for distraction. When you work from home, distraction comes with the territory. Your kids, your pets, your refrigerator all call for your attention even during work hours, and you jump from one task to another, depleting your energy and your productivity simultaneously.
If you're heading back into the office, removal from all those distractions will help you focus. If you're continuing to work from home, it's time to set some boundaries so you can focus on your more intensive work without distractions.
Working From Bed
You wake up and check your email from bed... and then you answer some email, and you maybe take a phone call or two, and the next thing you know it, it's 11:00 a.m. and you haven't set your feet on the floor yet. Sound familiar? If so, you're probably suffering from the poor productivity that comes from being so comfortable that napping becomes a higher priority than work — not to mention not having the tools you need to actually get your work done.
On the flip side, working from bed is also very harmful to your sleep. You end up training your brain that bed is for work — so when it's time to go to sleep, your brain, having learned its lesson, keeps working. Beat this bad habit by forcing yourself out of bed before you pick up your phone.
Other work-from home habits that you may need to dump include difficulty disconnecting from work when the day is through, snacking constantly and letting your workspace get disorganized or messy. The good news is that you pivoted once, and now you can pivot again, getting rid of these unproductive habits as you return to the workplace.
The Majority of Small Businesses Embrace Artificial Intelligence
Source: US Chamber of Commerce
Top Takeaways:
- 8-in-10 small business owners credit technology with helping them cope with inflation and supply chain disruption and improving access to capital.
- 82% of small businesses using AI increased their workforce over the past year.
- 77% of small businesses that use AI report that limits on the technology would negatively impact their growth, operations, and bottom line.
Small businesses are adopting artificial intelligence (“AI”) at record rates but share growing concerns over state AI and data privacy regulations, finds a new Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC) report.
The Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business report examines the pivotal role diverse technology platforms have in helping American small businesses operate and compete. It additionally provides the first-ever analysis of cryptocurrencies and state-by-state AI adoption trends.
While small businesses continue to express concern over inflation, supply chains, and interest rates, the report reveals that technology provides opportunities for small businesses to save time and resources, while providing more tailored and targeted services to compete with larger companies.
C_TEC partnered with Teneo Research to conduct this nationwide survey of U.S. small businesses that explores how U.S. small businesses are adopting AI, how the current and future AI and data privacy regulatory landscape could impact small businesses’ future adoption of technology, and how small businesses are thinking about cryptocurrencies.
The results demonstrate that various technology platforms have played a critical role in helping small businesses weather challenges and that small businesses that fully embrace technology outperform their peers and are more optimistic about the future.
Companies are also looking to add new emerging technologies like AI to their arsenal of digital tools to compete and expand their business.
The 2025 report found the following:
- Nearly all small businesses are using at least one technology platform, and more small businesses are embracing multiple types of technology.
- 58% of small businesses self-identified they use generative AI—up from 40% in 2024 and more than double compared to 2023 (23%).
- 82% of small businesses using AI increased their workforce over the past year despite concerns about AI and jobs.
- 84% of small businesses plan to increase their use of technology platforms.
- 96% of small business owners plan to adopt emerging technologies, including AI and cryptocurrencies.
- While more small business owners understand the benefits of AI, barriers to adoption persist.
- 77% of small businesses that use AI report that limits on the technology would negatively impact their growth, operations, and bottom line.
- Small business owners show growing optimism about the health of their business and the economy overall.
- High-tech adopters continue to see growth in sales and profits ahead of low-tech small businesses.
- 8-in-10 small business owners credit technology with helping them cope with inflation and supply chain disruption and improving access to capital.
- 7-in-10 small business owners indicate high interest in using cryptocurrency and stablecoins and part of their business in the future.
Dig into the full details and state-by-state breakdowns by downloading the full report.
HearingLife – New Member Highlight
HearingLife in Bloomsburg, PA is part of a trusted nationwide network dedicated to improving lives through better hearing. With a patient-first philosophy and a team of licensed hearing care professionals, the Bloomsburg office provides personalized hearing assessments, state-of-the-art hearing aid fittings, and ongoing support to help individuals stay connected to the people and experiences that matter most. The staff takes the time to understand each person's hearing challenges and lifestyle, offering solutions that are as compassionate as they are clinically effective.
Member News ~ August 21, 2025
American Red Cross Community Blood Drive at Berwick YMCA- August 22nd
The American Red Cross is holding a community blood drive in the gym of the Berwick YMCA located at 231 W 3rd St, Berwick, PA 18603, on August 22nd from 12:30 - 5 PM. To schedule an appointment at this blood drive, visit this website.
Ferry Street Growers Market Customer Appreciation Day - August 23rd
The Danville Business Alliance invites the community to celebrate Customer Appreciation Day at the Growers' Market on Saturday, August 23rd, at the market on Ferry Street from 8 AM to 12PM. This event will feature live music and each grower's special offering whether it be free samples or exclusive discounts. Visitors will also have the chance to enter to win a grower's basket full of local goodies. For more information, visit the Danville Growers’ Market on Ferry Street on Facebook.
North Central Sight Services Customer Support Center Ribbon & Open House - September 3rd
North Central Sight Services, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its Customer Support Center. The Ribbon Cutting & Open House will take place on September 3rd from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 2121 Reach Road in Williamsport. RSVP by calling 570-599-8678 or emailing JayH@ncsight.org.
Fishtival at Wild for Salmon - September 5th & 6th
Wild for Salmon is hosting the annual Fishtival Celebration to honor its fishing season in Bristol Bay, Alaska and to mark the return of premium wild caught sockeye salmon to the region. The event, which will take place of September 5th from 10 AM to 6 PM and September 6th from 10 AM to 3 PM at its store on Montour Boulevard in Bloomsburg, will feature free samples, special event-day discounts, children's activities, and live music. The event is free and open to the public.
DBA's Danville Heritage Festival - September 5th-7th
The Danville Business Alliance has planned a full weekend of fun in celebration of Danville's heritage. Click here to view the festival brochure.
SBDC's The First Step: Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania (Webinar) - September 9th
The Wilkes University SBDC is offering a one-hour, no-cost webinar designed to answer the frequently asked questions of aspiring entrepreneurs on September 9th from 6-7 PM. Visit their website to register.
DCDC Fall Give Back Event - September 10th
The Danville Child Development Center will be hosting a Fall Give Back Event on September 4th from 5-7:30 PM. Join them at 420 W 5th Street, Bloomsburg PA for an evening full of great food, ice cream, live entertainment and more. Click here for more information.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Central Susquehanna Opportunities hosting 1 year anniversary ribbon Cutting - September 4th
Join Central Susquehanna Opportunities for an anniversary ribbon cutting on September 4th at 3:00 p.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at the The Hub at Mulberry Mill, 160 West 6th, Bloomsburg.
Fall 2025 Accounting & Financial Services Expo at Commonwealth Bloomsburg
Meet students and potential hires from Commonwealth University Bloomsburg who are interested in careers in the Accounting, Financial Services and Banking industries. Students from all majors and class years are invited to attend, but the primary audience will be those majoring in Accounting, Finance and Economics. To have your business attend reach out to Darwin Kysor at 570-484-2181 or dkysor@commonwealthu.edu.
Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosting Trunk or Treat
The Bloomsburg YMCA is looking for businesses to join them for their October 24th Trunk or Treat as part of Boo!burg. Interested in joining them? Fill out their registration form here.
Bloomsburg’s ArtFest returns on August 23rd
The seventeenth annual ArtFest will take place on Saturday, the 23rd of August, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in its convenient, attractive, and shady location on Market Street in downtown Bloomsburg, from the monument down to past 3rd Street. ArtFest will showcase more than 50 artists’ original work, accompanied by seven hours of live music, local and regional food vendors, and fun and educational activities for people of all ages. Get more details here.
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Community Fair August 22nd
The CU Bloomsburg Community Fair provides an opportunity for new incoming students at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg to meet and begin to build relationships with the leaders and organizations that are part of the local community. Click here to learn more.
Bringing the World to Central PA
On September 17th SEDA-COG will be connecting Central PA businesses to global markets. The Bringing the World to Central PA event will offer local companies a valuable chance to explore international markets and connect directly with more than 40 of Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brass 16823 in Bellefonte Registration for this event is required. Register by September 8th here.
PA Careerlink Awareness Day - September 10th
The event is open to meeting the business solutions team, connecting with job seekers, exploring workforce training, and accessing tools & resources. To learn more, click here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces August Programs
View their August Calendar Here
Candlewood Suites Grand Re-Opening Save the Date
Candlewood Suites invites you to save the date for their Grand Re-Opening on October 8th at 4:45.
Millville Mutual Insurance Launches Fundraiser
As part of Millville Insurance’s 150th anniversary, they are partnering with Geisinger Health Foundation to provide 500 specially designed Infusion Shirts to patients at Knapper Clinic. To Learn More click here.
Chamber Welcomes Kyra McKinnon, Marketing & Events Coordinator
Bloomsburg, PA – The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of Kyra McKinnon as its new Marketing & Events Coordinator. In this role, McKinnon will lead the Chamber’s marketing efforts, manage its digital presence, and plan and execute key events designed to connect members, foster community engagement, and strengthen the region’s economic vitality.
As Marketing & Events Coordinator, McKinnon will oversee promotional campaigns for the Chamber and its Foundation, produce engaging content for social media and print publications, and coordinate a wide range of signature events, including Business After Hours, the Holiday Open House, the Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, Annual Golf Outing, the K-12 Educators’ Summit and more. She will also work closely with committees, volunteers, and community partners to ensure each initiative delivers value to members and aligns with the Chamber’s mission.
A native of Mifflinville, PA, Kyra is a magna cum laude graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville who holds a B.S. in Marketing and who is currently pursuing her MBA in Leadership. Her professional background includes impactful roles with Journey Bank and Katie Humphreys Marketing Boutique, where she developed creative, brand-focused content for a range of clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kyra to the Chamber team,” said Chris Berleth, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. “Her creativity, attention to detail, and proven track record in marketing and event coordination will be a tremendous asset to our members and the community. We’re excited about the unique skillset that she brings to the Chamber team, along with her genuine passion for building connections. I’m confident she will help us expand the impact of the Chamber in our region and beyond.”
In June, the Chamber and its Foundation announced a plan that outlined an operational shift designed to improve organizational efficiencies. Ms. McKinnon’s hiring marks the first step in that plan.
Outside of her professional work, McKinnon enjoys musical theatre, photography, graphic design projects, exploring coffee shops, and spending time outdoors.
For more information about the Chamber’s programs and events, visit www.columbiamontourchamber.com.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in support of vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties.
Hiring in a Tight Market: Your Local Playbook for Finding and Keeping Great People
Source: Kyle Sexton
- Why it matters: In a tight hiring market, top candidates disappear fast... sometimes within days. Small businesses can win by acting quickly and tapping into local networks.
The advantage: Local employers can decide faster, offer flexibility, and connect with candidates on a personal level.
How to do it: Post jobs where your community gathers, partner with schools, and reward employee referrals.
Don’t stop at hiring: Recognize contributions, offer skill growth, and create a workplace people want to stay in.
The bottom line: Speed + relationships = a strong, loyal team in any labor market
When the job market tightens, the best candidates disappear fast, sometimes in days, or hours. You might see a great résumé come in on Monday and find out by Wednesday they’ve already accepted another offer. In a market like that, slow hiring isn’t just risky — it’s a dealbreaker. The advantage for small, owner-operated businesses? You can move quicker, decide faster, and connect with people in a way big companies often can’t. You’re not just offering a job; you’re offering a place where someone can belong.
The Current Local Hiring Landscape
Right now, almost every “Help Wanted” sign in town is competing for the same small group of job seekers. Large employers might have fancier recruitment ads, but they also have layers of approval and corporate processes that slow things down. Local businesses can spot a great fit and make an offer in days instead of weeks. That speed, paired with a personal, community-focused culture, can tip the scales in your favor.
Where to Source Candidates Locally
The best hires aren’t always scrolling national job boards. They might be the student you meet at a Chamber mixer, the barista who remembers your order, or the neighbor whose cousin is looking for work. Go where people already gather: coffee shop bulletin boards, community Facebook groups, Chamber events. Build real relationships with local schools and training programs so you’re top of mind when they have graduates ready to work. And don’t forget your team’s networks: a good employee referral can bring you someone who already shares your values.
Retention Tips That Work for Small Teams
Hiring fast is important, but keeping people takes steady attention. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages you can offer — whether that’s letting a parent leave early for a school event or working around a student’s class schedule. Small, thoughtful gestures like public thank-yous, a shared lunch, or a local gift card can make people feel seen and appreciated. And when you cross-train employees, you’re not just filling skill gaps — you’re showing them they have a future with you.
A Local Case Study
Consider a local retailer who hired a high school senior for weekend shifts. She could have been just another seasonal hire, but the owner saw potential and trained her in inventory, merchandising, and customer service. Within a year, she was running weekend operations and turning down offers from bigger stores. All because the owner acted quickly and invested early.
Quick-Start Checklist for This Month
- Post your job in at least three local spots.
- Reach out to a school or training program.
- Refresh and promote your referral bonus.
- Plan one new way to recognize your team.
- Tell people you’re hiring at your next Chamber event.
The Bottom Line
When talent is scarce, every day matters. Small businesses that know where to look, move quickly, and create a place people want to stay will come out ahead. It’s not just about filling jobs — it’s about building a team that grows with you and strengthens the community along the 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. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.
Navigating The New Tax Law: What Small Businesses Need To Know
Source: US Chamber
The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes substantial tax reforms to support the growth of small businesses. Small business owners can take advantage of these tax breaks starting now for expenses dating back to January 20, 2025.
This guide outlines the most impactful provisions of the law, including permanent deductions, enhanced credits, and expanded eligibility criteria. It provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help business owners navigate the changes and optimize their tax strategies. Download the guide or read below to learn more.
1. Permanently Claim the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
Who qualifies:
Sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders.
What to do:
Calculate your qualified business income (QBI) for the year. Deduct 20% of your QBI on your federal tax return every year—this deduction is now permanent. If your QBI deduction is low, check your eligibility for the new inflation-adjusted minimum deduction (at least $400). If you were previously ineligible for the deduction, determine whether changes to the phase-in of existing limitations make your business eligible.
Action item:
Work with your accountant or tax professional to determine your eligibility and claim the maximum deduction each year.
2. Immediately Deduct Qualifying Research & Experimental (R&E) Expenses
Who qualifies:
Businesses with domestic R&E spending, especially those with average annual gross receipts of $31 million or less.
What to do:
Track your U.S.-based R&E expenses each year. Deduct 100% of your qualifying R&E expenses this year on your 2025 tax return. If your annual gross receipts average $31 million or less, you may apply this benefit retroactively for tax years 2022–2024.
Action item:
Review past returns with your tax professional to seek retroactive refunds if eligible.
3. Leverage Increased Section 179 Expensing
Who qualifies:
Small businesses making new equipment or software purchases.
What to know:
The new tax law more than doubles the maximum amount that a small business may immediately deduct (expense) under section 179 to $2.5 million. The expensing limit phases out for purchases that exceed $4 million. Both thresholds are indexed for inflation beginning in 2026
Action item:
Consider accelerating or increasing purchases of machinery, software, or other qualifying property to maximize this deduction.
4. Take Advantage of Enhanced Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) Exclusion
Who qualifies:
Individuals and other non-corporate investors in qualifying C corporations.
What to do:
Invest in the stock of qualifying small C corporations, the definition of which was expanded by the new law. Hold the stock for more than five years to exclude an even greater amount of capital gain realized on its sale or exchange.
Action item:
Consult your tax advisor when planning such equity investments or dispositions.
5. Maximize the Enhanced Employer-Provided Child Care Credit
Who qualifies:
All businesses providing employee child care; expanded benefits for small businesses (gross receipts ≤ $31 million for 2025).
What to do:
Claim a tax credit of up to $500,000 and up to 40% of qualified child care expenses. If your business qualifies as “small,” claim up to $600,000 and 50% for expenses. Pool resources with other businesses or use third-party providers to offer child care.
Action item:
Evaluate options for providing or expanding employee child-care benefits or programs; coordinate with nearby businesses if pooling is an option.
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The Columbia 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.
How to Implement a Modern Benefits Strategy
Source: My Benefit Advisor
To design a benefits package that truly meets the needs of younger employees, organizations must first gather insights from their workforce. Conducting anonymous employee benefits surveys provides valuable data on what employees value the most. Regular pulse checks every six months ensure that the company stays aligned with evolving expectations.
Once a company understands what its employees want, the next step is to offer a flexible benefits platform. Modern HR technology allows employees to personalize their benefits by choosing from a variety of options that fit their lifestyles. A growing number of organizations are adopting a “choose-your-own-benefits” approach, where employees receive an allowance to allocate toward the benefits that matter most to them.
Communication is key to ensuring employees take full advantage of the benefits available to them. Many companies find success by hosting webinars, sending internal newsletters, and holding HR-led meetings to explain benefit offerings. Creating clear, easy-to-read guides helps employees maximize the value of their benefits.
Employers should also track how well their benefits programs are working by analyzing utilization rates. Using HR analytics, companies can measure employee engagement with different benefits and make necessary adjustments based on real-time data. Regularly updating offerings based on feedback and industry trends ensures that benefits remain competitive and effective in retaining talent.
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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.
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