Member News ~ August 7, 2025
Service 1st’s 2025 Charity Duck Derby Winners Announced
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held their Annual Charity Duck Derby Saturday, August 2, raising $20,000 to benefit two local organizations! Check out winners here.
Local Christian Baker Insurance Agent Recognized
John D. Yoder, Commercial Insurance Adviser and Christian Baker Co. of Central PA was recently awarded the designation of Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA), a professional designation conferred by the CPIA Program Office. See full press release here.
Women's Giving Circle Awards 2025 Grants
On July 29th, the Women's Giving Circle held their annual meeting and awarded 4 grants. $10,000 grant recipient: The Gate House—The Bridge for Her, $10,000 grant recipient: Winterspring Sanctuary—Equine-Assisted Mental Health for Women and Girls at The Women's Center Inc, $500 grant recipient: AGAPE—The W.I.N. Project (Women in Need), and $500 grant recipient: Bloomsburg Children's Museum—Hope Beyond the Basics: A Safe Haven for Healing, Learning, and Leading. Learn more about the Women's Giving Circle.
PPL Electric Utilities Business Energy Efficiency Program
Invests in Mission to Attract Economic Growth in Central PA
PPL Electric Utilities’ Business Energy Efficiency Program is contributing an additional $1,000 in 2025 to support Focus Central Pennsylvania’s mission. Learn more here.
Ronald McDonald House of Danville Seeking Volunteers
The Ronald McDonald House of Danville is recruiting groups of volunteers to assist with concessions at the Little League World Series, August 13-24. Volunteers must complete a background check. Uniform shirts and badges will be provided, and volunteers are encouraged to come early or stay late to catch a game! Please reach out to Molly Shaw for details: mshaw@rmhdanville.com
Atlantic Culinary of Danville works on West Coast Project
Hollenbeck Palms, the first senior living community established in Los Angeles, worked with Atlantic Culinary Environments to reimagine their dining experience and elevate the sense of hospitality at the facility. The revitalized spaces now serve as a social hub, where residents gather not just to dine, but to connect and feel at home. To see a tour of the completed space, click 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.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Bucknell SBDC Grow With Google Bootcamp
StartUp Lewisburg, 416 Market St, Lewisburg
Tuesday, August 13 at 12:00 PM
Learn how to use AI-powered Google tools to grow your business and improve your online visibility. https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/32580
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
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.
GREENWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL TO OFFER FREE SUMMER
READING PROGRAM
Greenwood Friends School is thrilled to announce they will be offering a free Summer Reading Program on Tuesday mornings at 11am to children and family members in the community. The dates for the program are July 1, 8, 22 & 29 and August 12 & 19. Story time to begin at 11am in the school’s library. After the story, participants are invited to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends on the playground. Please bring a packed lunch. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, connect with others, and make new friends while enjoying the sunshine.
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.
CISPA Ribbon Cutting at Bloomsburg Middle School
You're Invited! Join us as we celebrate the launch of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania programming at Bloomsburg Middle School and Memorial Elementary School! The Ribbon Cutting will take place on August 8th at 11AM.
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 K-12 Educator Summit: The Special Sauce
By Chris Berleth
Every successful recipe has a secret ingredient. For the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, that “special sauce” is the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber. For 31 years, the Foundation has bridged the gap between education and industry, shaping the future workforce through innovative programs and strong partnerships with local schools.
This week’s Annual K-12 Educator Summit at the Mulberry Mill was a shining example of that mission in action. Nearly 60 educators and business leaders gathered to tackle a critical question: How do we better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow?
Why This Summit Matters
The Summit is more than an annual meeting—it’s a collaborative workshop where educators and employers work together to design solutions. Educators told us what they need: real financial literacy tools, industry-focused curriculum resources, and better access to internships, job shadowing, and career fairs. They aim to connect students with real-world skills while addressing challenges such as transportation, mental health, and food insecurity.
Employers, in turn, shared what they’re looking for: job-ready graduates with strong communication, problem-solving, and financial skills. The gap between these needs is where the Chamber Foundation thrives.
Turning Ideas into Action
Since last year’s Summit, we’ve transformed feedback into tangible initiatives. We're proud to continue fantastic programs like What's So Cool About Manufacturing?, BSA Learning for Life with Guest Lecturers, which offers career exploration opportunities for middle schoolers and high schoolers, Tech Theater, Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week Scholarships, and more. Our efforts extend beyond the classroom through programs like the Se.A.L. Challenge, which offers students a forum for curiosity and confidence as they step into S.T.E.M. career experiences through the engineering and building of drones, land rovers, and underwater vehicles.
We're also excited to expand Foundation offerings. With support from an Arconic Foundation Grant, we announced the relaunch of Educator in the Workplace next summer—an immersive program that takes teachers inside local businesses to experience the careers and skills driving our economy.
In Fall of 2025, we'll begin staffing the Adopt a School program founded by B.I.D.A. (through their Think Tank and Employer Roundtable initiatives) with the expectation of continuing an established, direct line of communication and resources between schools and employers. (Special thanks to the B.I.D.A. staff team and Board for their trust in continuing this great initiative.)
Thanks to sponsorship from Journey Bank, the Foundation is proudly delivering Financial Literacy in the Susquehanna Valley—an EITC-approved initiative in partnership with nonprofit Brighter Financial Futures. This program offers engaging, hands-on, and gamified financial literacy training to students in all eight school districts across Columbia and Montour Counties, using interactive tools like the Personal Finance Lab to teach essential life skills—budgeting, credit, taxes, and more.
A Hub, Not the Whole
Don't get me wrong - The Chamber and its Foundation are not the end-all, be-all of youth-serving programs. Far from it! Rather, we serve as a regional resource center that values partnerships, and we delight in pointing students, educators, parents, and businesses to other impactful community initiatives. We could spend days highlighting those nonprofits and partners, but we were especially proud to lift up a few during the Summit, including: Community Giving Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy program, Advance Central PA’s Career Pathways initiatives, the outstanding work of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, and the resources provided by PA CareerLink, to name just a few. It was also not lost on the guests who attended the summit that the Bloomsburg Children's Museum were hosting a summer program on the other side of the building!
The Bigger Picture
The K-12 Educator Summit is not just about solving today’s challenges—it’s about building tomorrow’s workforce. Last year's conversations sparked collaborations that outlast a single event, and we continue to collaborate in the summit so as to align our schools and businesses in a shared mission: preparing students for life beyond graduation.
In a week of professional development training through the U.S. Chamber's Institute for Organization Management, I was shocked to learn how few communities have programs like ours, and not for lack of trying. Thanks to highly committed partners and sponsors and our Foundation’s three decades of investment in education and workforce development, we are proud to work together with so many in an effort to shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.
To be a part of that effort, please connect with us at foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com. The work we do together today is the “special sauce” that fuels our region’s future success.
Get Ready for the Chamber’s Annual Awards – Nominations Now Open!
by Taryn Crayton, Director of Member Engagement
Growing up, I never missed an awards show—the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, SAG Awards, MTV Movie Awards, and of course, the Tonys. I loved everything about them: the dresses, the speeches, and the sheer excitement of recognizing people’s hard work and passion. These days, I may not tune in to every show, but I do get to be part of something just as inspiring—the Chamber’s Annual Awards Ceremony!
Last year’s event was a sell-out, with 250 attendees and a waitlist. It’s clear there’s real excitement in our community about celebrating local businesses and individuals who are making a difference.
So, why are we talking about an event that takes place in February? Great question! While the 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony are planned for February 25th, we’re opening up nominations early this year to give our members more time to thoughtfully submit entries.
In the past, nominations were only accepted during December, and with five award categories and more than 400 member businesses, the process could feel overwhelming. This year, we’re simplifying things. Starting now, nominations are open for all categories—and each month we’ll highlight one specific award to make the process more manageable.
The 2026 Award Categories Are:
Outstanding Citizen -This award honors a Chamber member or employee who demonstrates exceptional leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy—making a lasting impact through community involvement, workforce development, and support for sustainable local growth.
Non-Profit of the Year -This award recognizes a Chamber-member nonprofit that demonstrates strong leadership, impactful community engagement, and strategic partnerships that contribute to a vibrant, sustainable region.
Small Business of the Year - This award honors a Chamber-member business with 1–30 employees that demonstrates growth, innovation, community involvement, and a strong commitment to employee and regional development.
Large Business of the Year - This award recognizes a Chamber-member business with 31+ employees that demonstrates leadership in workforce development, economic investment, community engagement, and regional collaboration.
Community Progress Award - This award honors a Chamber member that has led a recent development project demonstrating measurable impact on regional growth through new construction and active engagement with Chamber initiatives.
These awards are an incredible opportunity to recognize the people and organizations working hard to create a vibrant, sustainable community. While nominations will be accepted through December 31st, we’re kicking things off this August by focusing on the Outstanding Citizen category.
See past winners and submit your nomination here:
https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/about-us/annual-meeting-ceremony/
To make the selection process more consistent and transparent, we’ve also updated the award criteria and aligned them with a new rubric—developed by our fantastic intern, Amber Hughes. While the rubric isn’t the final word, it helps guide the committee’s evaluations and brings clarity and fairness to the process.
Each category has its own nomination form, so you can submit nominations in whatever way works best for you—knock out all five at once, spread them out over five days, or take your time and submit one a month!
And yes—you can submit multiple nominations! If a business or individual fits more than one category, feel free to nominate them in each relevant area.
We hope this updated approach gives you more time, less stress, and more space to think about who deserves recognition this year. Let’s celebrate the amazing people and organizations shaping our region—starting now!
Revenue Without Regret: Designing Offers You’re Proud to Sell
- Growth shouldn’t come at the cost of trust. Your best offers align with your values.
- Ethical, high-value offers strengthen customer loyalty and long-term revenue.
- The best sales strategy? Solving real problems for the right people, not selling everything to everyone.
- Design offers you would recommend to your best friend. That is the standard for lasting success.
580 words ~ 3 min. read
Revenue and reputation are deeply linked. Too many businesses chase short-term gains at the expense of long-term trust. The most successful leaders understand that growth built on misaligned offers, services or products that don’t truly serve customers, eventually backfires. Customers can sense when a business values sales over solutions, and trust once lost is nearly impossible to rebuild.
Building offers you’re proud to sell means aligning profit with purpose. When you design services or products that genuinely solve problems for the people you serve, you not only drive revenue but also strengthen your brand’s credibility. Customers who feel understood and respected are far more likely to become repeat buyers, refer others, and advocate for your business.
The Alignment Test
A simple way to evaluate your offers is to ask yourself: Would I feel good recommending this to a friend or family member? If the answer is not a confident yes, it is time to revisit the structure, pricing, or positioning of your offer. Too many businesses overpromise, underdeliver, or add features customers don’t need just to justify higher prices. Instead, focus on creating offers that feel authentic, provide clear value, and are priced fairly for the transformation they deliver.
Trust as a Growth Strategy
Trust is more than a feel-good value. It is a competitive advantage. In markets crowded with choices, customers gravitate to businesses they believe in. That belief is earned when your offers consistently match or exceed expectations. Transparent pricing, honest marketing, and realistic promises are not just ethical. They are smart business. A disappointed customer might never complain to you, but they will share their experience with others.
On the other hand, customers who trust you often become your strongest advocates. Word-of-mouth referrals remain one of the most powerful growth drivers, and they only happen when people feel good about recommending you.
Designing High-Value, Ethical Offers
Ethical selling does not mean undercharging or shying away from profit. In fact, premium pricing can be part of an ethical business strategy when your offer delivers exceptional value. The key is clarity. Communicate exactly what customers will receive, who it is best suited for, and how it will solve their problem.
Businesses should regularly evaluate offers against three questions:
- Does this solve a real problem for my ideal customer?
- Does the price reflect both the value delivered and the effort required?
- Would I feel proud to stand behind this publicly and privately?
If the answer is yes to all three, you are on solid ground.
The Bottom Line
Revenue without regret is possible when you align what you sell with what you believe. Ethical, customer-focused offers build trust, deepen loyalty, and generate long-term profitability. The strongest businesses are not just chasing sales. They are building relationships, and that is the kind of growth that lasts.
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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.
Member News ~ July 31, 2025
Celebrate Berwick- THIS SATURDAY
On August 2 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Market Street in front of the Jackson Mansion and McBride Memorial Library will be closed to traffic and filled with craft vendors, food trucks/vendors, live music from Jake & Friendz as well as Wes James, adult beverages, activities for kiddos, and so much more. Join the Berwick Area United Way.
PA Chamber Announces Greatest Places to Intern
Congratulations to our members Geisinger, McKonly & Asbury, & PPL Corporation for making the Top 50!
Montour County Tire Cleanup
Drop off your used tires at The Valley Township Building or the Derry Township Building. Click here for more details.
Journey Bank Community Shred Day
On Friday August 1st. Journey Bank East Street Branch is hosting a shred day with FREE walking tacos and giveaways.
Bucknell SBDC Grow With Google Bootcamp
StartUp Lewisburg, 416 Market St, Lewisburg
Tuesday, August 13 at 12:00 PM
Learn how to use AI-powered Google tools to grow your business and improve your online visibility. https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/32580
Service 1st’s Annual Charity Duck Derby This Saturday, August 2
The Service 1st Federal Credit Union rubber duckies are getting ready for their Annual Charity Duck Derby scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 12:00 noon on the Danville/Riverside Bridge in Danville. During this year’s Duck Derby, over 4,000 rubber ducks will be dropped into the Susquehanna River, beginning their race to the finish line. The ticket holder whose number matches the first duck to cross the finish line will win $500, with additional $100 prizes for the second- through fifth-place winners. The ticket holder whose number matches the last duck to finish the race will also receive a special prize.
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
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.
GREENWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL TO OFFER FREE SUMMER
READING PROGRAM
Greenwood Friends School is thrilled to announce they will be offering a free Summer Reading Program on Tuesday mornings at 11am to children and family members in the community. The dates for the program are July 1, 8, 22 & 29 and August 12 & 19. Story time to begin at 11am in the school’s library. After the story, participants are invited to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends on the playground. Please bring a packed lunch. It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, connect with others, and make new friends while enjoying the sunshine.
ServPro Supports Firefighters
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Fritzy Gunworks Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Congratulations Tony and Colleen!!!
McKonly & Asbury Announces 16 Promotions Across the Firm, Reinforcing Commitment to Helping Others Thrive
Camp Hill, PA – McKonly & Asbury, a trusted accounting, consulting, and tax advisory firm serving the Mid-Atlantic business community is proud to announce the promotion of 16 team members across its offices. Click here for the full Press Release and list of Promoted Team Members.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces August Programs
View their August Calendar Here
Knoebels Three Ponds Offers Free Ladies Golf Clinic
These fundamental FREE clinics include grip, stance, alignment, and full swing evaluations. Taught by Jonathan Clark, clinics are designed to help the beginner player develop skills for pitching, chipping, and putting on a grass putting green. More advanced players will learn tips and drills that will help improve their game and score. Register for the Clinic on August 6th from 5pm-7pm.
COLUMBIA CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT TO PROVIDE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Bloomsburg, PA — Columbia Child Development Program (CCDP)’s Head Start centers in Benton and Berwick have received a $40,000 grant from Community Giving Foundation: Berwick, to support its Positive Solutions for Children and Families Program.
BIDA Hosts Successful THINK TANK
Three Service 1st Team Members Complete Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program
Danville, PA -- Three Service 1st Federal Credit Union employees recently completed the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through the CrossState Credit Union Foundation. Ashlynn States, Assistant Market Manager, Service 1st Sunbury Office; Ben McDuffee, Assistant Vice President, Service 1st Muncy Office; and Madison Erb, Financial Services Specialist I, Service 1st Loyalsock Office earned their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the program. The FiCEP program provides credit union professionals with the skills they need to help members achieve their financial goals.
To date, 41 Service 1st team members have earned their CCUFC designation with three more employees anticipated to go through the FiCEP program in the fall.
Eco1st Logistics Acquires Tim's Hauling
Eco 1st Logistics is proud to announce the acquisition of Tim’s Hauling, a long-standing and trusted local waste management company. This exciting new chapter brings together two customer-first, community-driven companies with one goal: to deliver the most reliable, affordable, and friendly garbage service in the region.
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.
CISPA Ribbon Cutting at Bloomsburg Middle School
You're Invited! Join us as we celebrate the launch of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania programming at Bloomsburg Middle School and Memorial Elementary School! The Ribbon Cutting will take place on August 8th at 11AM.
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.
Visitor's Bureau Releases Magazine
Check out the Columbia Montour Visitor's Bureau: Digital Quarterly Magazine Vol 17 Featuring Information for July- September.
19 Free Resources for Small Businesses to Leverage Year-Round
Source: CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
From operations and logistics to employee and customer management, small business owners wear many hats to keep things running smoothly. Without experience, acting in this role can be challenging at the least—and a fast track to failure at the worst.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of resources available to support you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship—whether you’re just starting out, trying to stay on track, or want to take your business to new heights. Here are some of the best tools and resources you can use to support your small business year-round.
Amazon
Amazon’s Small Business Academy provides a wealth of free resources, ideal for both aspiring and established entrepreneurs. These resources include live events, podcasts, and on-demand classes, along with access to a network of like-minded business professionals. Additionally, they offer practical guides for starting and growing a successful business, and specific resources catered to those interested in selling their wares on Amazon’s store.
Amazon’s Founders Table event series, in particular, is an excellent resource for those just starting on their entrepreneurial journey. Small business experts and successful entrepreneurs share insights on industry trends and practical growth strategies during each event.
[Read more: 6 Essential Personality Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs]
America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
America’s Small Business Development Centers are a national network committed to helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. With nearly 1,000 local centers across the country, the SBDC network is powered by partnerships with leading colleges, universities, state economic development agencies, and private sector organizations.
Through these local centers, America’s SBDC provides no-cost consulting and affordable training to both new and established businesses. In addition to one-on-one guidance, the organization offers a robust library of free resources—including infographics, checklists, templates, and business planning tools—accessible through its website.
SBDCs also deliver ongoing learning opportunities through virtual summits, free webinars, and in-person conferences. One of its signature events, the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Conference, will be held September 2–5, 2025, and offers professional development and networking opportunities for business advisors and entrepreneurs alike.
Don’t Forget Your Local SBDCs:
Wilkes' Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Bucknell's Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
These two regional centers are part of the Pennsylvania SBDC network and are valuable resources for business owners in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Each offers tailored support, including no-cost consulting, workshops, technical assistance, and access to entrepreneurial tools.
Bank of America’s Center for Business Empowerment
With Bank of America’s Center for Business Empowerment, entrepreneurs at any stage can get the support they need to start, grow, or even sell their business. From SMB-focused educational guides to financing support and data security management, the center can help entrepreneurs take control of their business and take it to the next level—whatever that step may be.
A Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, can drive customers to your brick-and-mortar storefront and online platform. It also offers many free tools for entrepreneurs and small teams, including Google Workspace and Google Drive. The Google for Small Business page provides an abundance of information for small business owners, helping you navigate SEO, advertising, and marketing.
For even more in-depth information, the Applied Digital Skills platform provides free-to-access lessons to help start or grow your business. There, you can explore courses ranging from short, single-objective lessons to expansive, multi-unit projects to help you research your market, develop a business plan, and prepare to request funding. Also, check out the Grow with Google small business showcase on YouTube, which offers more than 250 videos covering topics like project management and data analytics.
Note: Applied Digital Skills Lessons will be moving to a new platform effective June 30, 2025. While it will still be free to use, account data will not be automatically migrated—users who wish to retain their data will need to do so manually.
HubSpot
HubSpot is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tool offering free and paid courses. It also provides the HubSpot Academy for ongoing education geared toward your entire team, including leaders, department supervisors, and employees. There are dozens of programs, including free online courses and longer certification sessions, and you can display earned badges on websites and company bios.
Also, check out HubSpot’s Website Grader, which grades your site based on performance, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile functionality, and security. To get started, simply enter your company’s website and email address in the grader and click “get your score.” HubSpot will inspect and test your website to rate its functionality, then provide a list of recommendations for site improvements.
HR.com
Manage human resources effectively with a free membership and resources from HR.com. It has e-learning lessons, webcasts, and virtual events. You can learn about upcoming changes to regulations and help your HR employees achieve Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications, among others.
IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
The IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is a comprehensive resource designed to assist small businesses and self-employed individuals with their tax needs. It caters to those filing Form 2106, Form 1040 or 1040-SR, or Schedules C, E, or F, and small businesses with less than $10 million in assets.
Small business owners can access a range of free tools and information, including forms, instructions, and tips, to help ensure businesses comply with tax laws. The resource provides insight into starting, operating, and closing a business, as well as how to handle employment taxes and common expenses and deductions.
LinkedIn is a professional-focused social media platform used by entrepreneurs globally. You can showcase your company and build relationships with business customers and future employees. It’s also a key spot to highlight your expertise as an entrepreneur in your personal profile. Get started with the LinkedIn Pages Action Plan for Small Businesses. It’s a five-page guide to completing your page, growing your follower count, and posting the right content.
But don’t stop there! LinkedIn has a resource center packed with content for business owners. It offers reports, checklists and guides, and certification programs covering everything from employee development to important metrics for success. We recommend How to Use LinkedIn Learning for existing businesses, as it offers guidance through the expansive library of over 20,000 courses about branding, lead generation, and hiring.
Robert Half Salary Guide
Robert Half's free 2025 Salary Guide offers comprehensive insights into starting salaries, hiring trends, and in-demand skills across various industries, including finance, technology, marketing, and administrative support. The guide is based on data from surveys of small, midsize, and large businesses across the U.S., providing benchmarks to help small businesses structure competitive compensation packages and job offers.
Whether you’re planning your next hire or budgeting for the year ahead, this guide can help you make informed decisions about not just pay but also perks and benefits—critical factors in attracting and retaining talent. It's also useful for understanding remote work trends, benefits expectations, and regional salary variances, allowing small businesses to stay agile and appealing in a fast-changing workforce landscape.
Mastercard Digital Doors
From setting up your online business to accepting payments to enhancing cybersecurity, Mastercard helps digital small businesses every step of the way with its Digital Doors program. Implemented to support small businesses of all sizes and stages, the Digital Doors program provides access to ample financial and educational tools to help establish, sustain, and expand online businesses.
Digital Doors offers an expansive library of articles, videos, and tools compiled through partnerships with businesses like HootSuite, FedEx, and Accion Opportunity Fund. It also provides online businesses with exclusive discounts and small-business–focused offers, including savings on marketing and expense management platforms, analytic services, and more.
MIT Open Learning Library
Expand into a new industry and explore diverse courses through the MIT Open Learning Library. These self-paced lessons are free to download—no registration required. Most courses include interactive content and exercises, which provide immediate feedback. These sessions are a great free resource for businesses wanting to offer professional development options for employees.
As the “voice of small business,” the NFIB is an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses across the United States.
National APEX Accelerator Alliance
Small businesses needing a jump start can get help from the National APEX Accelerator Alliance. Since 1985, the Accelerator network has helped small businesses connect with government contracts, offering more than 90 Accelerator programs across over 300 offices nationwide. In its time, the network has helped small businesses to win over $24 billion in contracts.
Local APEX Accelerators offer many free services to entrepreneurs, ranging from determining business readiness for government contracts to business certification assistance to contract and audit support. With this resource network, entrepreneurs can connect with the right leads and identify valuable contracting opportunities for which they may be eligible.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
Networking groups for entrepreneurs can help you develop local and national connections. NASE represents companies with 10 employees or fewer. It has free resources for small business owners and offers many more tools for members, including unlimited access to consultants for tax, retirement, finance, and operations questions.
NASE also provides member-only scholarships and grants, including the NASE Growth Grant. The grant helps entrepreneurs pay for training programs, business courses, and other small business investments.
National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
As the “voice of small business,” the NFIB is an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses across the United States. The nonprofit strives to protect the rights of small business owners to own, operate, and grow their businesses. The NFIB provides a business legal center, webinars, and referral services. Additionally, small business owners can benefit from the NFIB’s business insights and reporting, exclusive networking events, and educational content like its Small Business Rundown podcast.
The NFIB’s membership program is another resource where entrepreneurs can take advantage of increased access to resources, discounts on purchases made through NFIB partners, and a stronger voice in the program’s advocacy efforts.
National Retail Federation (NRF)
As the largest retail trade association in the world, the NRF advocates for the interests of the retail sector. The NRF provides education on best practices, cutting-edge research, and extensive networking opportunities. Notably, the NRF’s 2025 Annual Retail Sales Forecast, along with its holiday data and research on seasonal trends, provides valuable insights to small business owners, enabling them to plan and execute successful campaigns.
The organization also hosts virtual and in-person events across the country. The NRF Retail’s Big Show, in particular, is a large-scale, annual event that delivers expert insights into the retail industry and provides networking opportunities for participants.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE provides many great resources for small business owners, including webinars, interactive courses, business templates, and local workshops. SCORE partnered with Google and the International Downtown Association (IDA) to develop a free digital readiness series. Each module provides digital tools, webinars, and videos on how to grow your business with Google.
Another helpful resource from SCORE is The Startup Roadmap. It’s an excellent guide for individuals wanting to start a company. An entrepreneur can complete the step-by-step tutorial alone or with a mentor. It has 12 modules, which you can complete in any order. Each module offers actionable steps, free resources, and other online tools to complete the steps.
You can find SCORE events and workshops near you by entering your state or zip code and filtering the results according to business stage, topic, and format. SCORE also offers mentorship opportunities to any citizen or permanent resident who owns a business or wants to start one. The sessions can take place in person or virtually via email, phone, or video.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
As the world’s largest business organization, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocates for business-friendly policies, supports local chapters, and provides free resources for entrepreneurs. You’ll find many virtual events and informative guides on small business topics and can network within your community by joining a local branch.
Check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business page. It displays events, a Small Business Weekly Forecast, and current initiatives. Remember to register for CO—'s Small Business Day event featuring small business experts. It takes place on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
- Local chapters: The Columbia Montour Chamber of CommerceThe Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, collaboration, and community development in Columbia and Montour counties. Through a strong network of members, the Chamber offers valuable resources across our five focus areas: Advocacy, Business Connections, Employee Development, Benefits Programs, and Supporting Our Community.
- Chamber OnDemand: View videos, forums, and interviews with experts, business leaders, and government officials on the Chamber OnDemand platform. Browse by topic or series, such as technology, economy, and government policy.
- CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Start your morning or end your day by expanding your small business knowledge on CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It delivers fact-based articles on best practices for how to start, grow, and run your company. Plus, you can get expert tips from industry leaders and small business owners.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Learn how to start, grow, or sell your business using the SBA’s free resources. The SBA offers informative content, interactive online tools, and a video library for entrepreneurs. These range from business planning solutions to mentoring services.
You can explore export assistance programs and financial resources. Both help grow businesses and enable entrepreneurs to strengthen their market position. Or learn how to qualify for government contracts, get funding for your company, and explore business certifications.
Check out these SBA tools and content:
- Small Business Development Centers: Attend in-person events and get individualized assistance from the Wilkes SBDC or the Bucknell SBDC.
- Learning center courses: The SBA’s learning center video courses cover starting up to selling your business and everything in between. Most topics have several videos, with many around a minute long.
- Boots to Business: If you’re a transitioning service member (including National Guard and Reserve) or a spouse with access to a military installation, check out the Boots to Business program. Alternatively, Reboot courses, which offer one- and two-day classes on business fundamentals, are available to veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and military spouses.
- Empower to Grow: Formerly the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, the Empower to Grow program helps small businesses serving low-income markets to bid and win government contracts. Available to eligible small businesses in the United States, the program hosts a library of resources and training opportunities, including funding matchmaking events and one-on-one training.
- SBA THRIVE: If you have at least one employee besides yourself, have been in business for three years, and have annual revenues of at least $250,000, consider the SBA THRIVE program. This six-month, no-cost program offers promising small businesses advanced training, including mentorship and in-person coaching from C-level executives, along with customized micro-sessions targeting small businesses' unique needs. Entrepreneurs will also be guided in creating a three-year strategic growth action plan for their business.
Verizon
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a one-stop resource center for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to access coaching, networking and funding opportunities, and educational content. The hub features more than 40 online courses packed with expert guidance on various topics crucial for small businesses at any stage of development. Additionally, it enables entrepreneurs to engage in personalized coaching sessions and workshops with industry experts, offering tailored support and professional insights.
To date, the program has been instrumental in supporting small businesses. The Small Business Digital Ready program has provided over $1 million in funding annually to entrepreneurs and hosted over 200 virtual and live events in its time.
Jessica Elliott contributed to this article.
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.
The Referral Engine: How to Get People Talking About Your Business
- People talk about businesses that surprise them in a good way.
- Loyal customers are like neighbors who recommend a great mechanic.
- Employees are key to creating those “wow” moments customers share.
- Make referring you so easy that customers barely have to think about it.
- A great referral system grows like a garden when you plant the right seeds.
642 words ~ 3.5 min. read
The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. It feels like a friend saying, “You’ve got to try this place.” Think about it. The last time you tried a new mechanic, plumber, or hair stylist, did you pick it because of an ad, or because someone you trust recommended it? That is the power of referrals.
In his book *The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business to Market Itself*, John Jantsch says referrals aren’t random. They happen when you build a business people love to talk about, treat loyal customers like VIPs, and make it easy for them to share your name. And there’s one more piece many businesses overlook—your employees play a huge role in creating experiences worth recommending.
Give People a Story Worth Sharing
Imagine taking your car to two different repair shops. One fixes the problem and hands you the bill. The other vacuums the interior, leaves a thank-you note on the dashboard, and calls you a week later to make sure everything is running smoothly. Which one are you more likely to recommend to a neighbor?
People don’t talk about “fine” or “good.” They talk about moments that feel special. A “referable” business goes beyond getting the job done. It creates small surprises that make customers feel cared for. That might mean following up after a service, adding a handwritten thank-you note to an order, or solving a problem before the customer even asks.
Ask yourself this: if a customer told a friend about us, what story would they tell? If you can’t answer that clearly, start there.
Treat Loyal Customers Like Friends, Not Transactions
Referrals don’t come from strangers. They come from people who feel connected to your business. Think about how you recommend a great mechanic to friends. You do it because you trust them and want your friends to have the same good experience.
Your customers feel the same way when they feel valued. Discounts are nice, but loyalty is built on connection. Send thank-you notes. Offer early access to new products. Give your regular customers the first look at something new. These little touches make customers feel like insiders, and people love sharing things that make them feel “in the know.”
Empowering Employees to Drive Referrals
Employees are the ones delivering most of those referral-worthy moments, which means they need to be motivated to create them. If customers are the voice of your referral engine, employees are the spark that gets it going.
Think about inviting friends to your home. You make sure everything looks great because it’s *your* place, and you take pride in it. Employees feel the same way when they feel ownership of the customer experience. Share success stories with your team, ask for their ideas, and celebrate when they create “wow” moments.
Recognition matters. People work harder when their effort is noticed. Instead of only rewarding sales, reward the behaviors that lead to referrals. Create a “Wow Moment” board where employees share stories of times they went above and beyond. Give a small prize for the best story each week or month.
Make recognition personal too. A quick shout-out in a team meeting or a handwritten thank-you from a manager can motivate more than a generic “good job.”
Finally, tie incentives to referrals themselves. Track who customers mention when they leave reviews or refer friends. Reward employees who get named. A monthly prize for “most mentioned in customer referrals” turns great service into a fun challenge.
When employees feel proud of the experience they deliver, they create moments customers can’t wait to share.
Make Referrals Effortless
Even the happiest customers won’t talk about you if it feels like work. Think about how you share a funny video. You click a button, and it’s done. Referring your business should feel just as easy.
Give customers simple tools. That might be a shareable link, a short message they can copy and paste, or a quick way to send your information to a friend. If they have to search for your website or figure out what to say, most won’t bother.
The Bottom Line
Think of referrals like planting a garden. A great experience is the seed. Loyal customers are the water that keeps it growing. Engaged employees are the roots that hold it all together. And making referrals simple is the sunshine that helps it bloom.
If you want people to talk about you, give them something worth talking about. Treat customers like friends, empower employees to create moments worth sharing, and make referring you feel as easy as sharing a favorite song. Do that, and you’ll build a business that grows every time someone says, “You’ve got to try this.”
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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.
Chamber Staffer Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Taryn Crayton, Director of Member Engagement of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premier business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“I’m honored and excited to be selected for this program,” said Crayton. “I look forward to learning from Chamber professionals across the country and bringing those insights back to Columbia and Montour counties.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Taryn was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the twelfth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in-person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 400 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.
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Member News ~ July 24, 2025
Fritzy Gunworks Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Congratulations Tony and Colleen!!!
McKonly & Asbury Announces 16 Promotions Across the Firm, Reinforcing Commitment to Helping Others Thrive
Camp Hill, PA – McKonly & Asbury, a trusted accounting, consulting, and tax advisory firm serving the Mid-Atlantic business community is proud to announce the promotion of 16 team members across its offices. Click here for the full Press Release and list of Promoted Team Members.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces August Programs
View their August Calendar Here
Knoebels Three Ponds Offers Free Ladies Golf Clinic
These fundamental FREE clinics include grip, stance, alignment, and full swing evaluations. Taught by Jonathan Clark, clinics are designed to help the beginner player develop skills for pitching, chipping, and putting on a grass putting green. More advanced players will learn tips and drills that will help improve their game and score. Register for the Clinic on August 6th from 5pm-7pm.
Yarn Club in Bloomsburg
Explore the world of fibers with Bloom Yarnies at the Bloomsburg Public Library from 12:30-2:30 on July 26th. Their twice-monthly yarn club is for everyone from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. No registration required—just bring your materials and be part of the creative fun!
COLUMBIA CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT TO PROVIDE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Bloomsburg, PA — Columbia Child Development Program (CCDP)’s Head Start centers in Benton and Berwick have received a $40,000 grant from Community Giving Foundation: Berwick, to support its Positive Solutions for Children and Families Program.
BIDA Hosts Successful THINK TANK
Three Service 1st Team Members Complete Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program
Danville, PA -- Three Service 1st Federal Credit Union employees recently completed the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through the CrossState Credit Union Foundation. Ashlynn States, Assistant Market Manager, Service 1st Sunbury Office; Ben McDuffee, Assistant Vice President, Service 1st Muncy Office; and Madison Erb, Financial Services Specialist I, Service 1st Loyalsock Office earned their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the program. The FiCEP program provides credit union professionals with the skills they need to help members achieve their financial goals.
To date, 41 Service 1st team members have earned their CCUFC designation with three more employees anticipated to go through the FiCEP program in the fall.
Susquehanna Kids Summer Camp Finder
Check out this resource from Susquehanna kids! Click here to find Summer Camps for the week of July 28th in our area.
Eco1st Logistics Acquires Tim's Hauling
Eco 1st Logistics is proud to announce the acquisition of Tim’s Hauling, a long-standing and trusted local waste management company. This exciting new chapter brings together two customer-first, community-driven companies with one goal: to deliver the most reliable, affordable, and friendly garbage service in the region.
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.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
SBDC Shares $10,000 Grant Information
Downtown brick-and-mortar small businesses that have been open since at least January 2024 can apply for a $10,000 grant from the national Backing Small Businesses grant program. Click here for the program overview. Applications are due by July 31. Submit your application here.
SHRMA September Chapter meeting and Educational Event
The in person meeting will discuss Behavioral Brilliance: Leveraging Personality and Communication Styles for Organizational Success. Click here to view the flyer
CISPA Ribbon Cutting at Bloomsburg Middle School
You're Invited! Join us as we celebrate the launch of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania programming at Bloomsburg Middle School and Memorial Elementary School! The Ribbon Cutting will take place on August 8th at 11AM.
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.
Stuart Tank Memorial Association Celebrates history with WWII Weekend
Berwick hosts its eighth annual WWII Weekend with reenactments and military vehicles. Click here for the weekend Schedule. Don't Miss the Stuart Tank on WNEP.
Visitor's Bureau Releases Magazine
Check out the Columbia Montour Visitor's Bureau: Digital Quarterly MagazineVol 17 Featuring Information for July- September.
Susquehanna Kids Calendar
Susquehanna Kids is the perfect place to find activities happening across their 5 county footprint. Check out Susquehanna Kids July Calendar.
Leadership Central Penn Accepting Applications
Want to join the next generation of leaders for a collaborative and meaningful course? We are accepting LCP Applications now through July 31st. Click Here to Apply.
Town of Bloomsburg Recognizes Retirement
Please join the town of Bloomsburg in congratulating John Fritz on his retirement and in recognizing his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Town. Best wishes, John!
Thomas Beaver Library Creation Station
The Thomas Beaver library invites all 12-17 year olds every Wednesday until Aug 6th for creative hands-on activities. The sessions will take place from 3-4PM.
Camp Victory is hosting Dr. O’s Ride for Victor
Join Camp Victory on August 24th for a scenic ride through the mountains surrounding Camp Victory. Participants can pre-register by August 10th. Pre-registration includes coffee and donuts, BBQ chicken lunch, and a commemorative pin. The event begins at 8am with coffee and donuts for pre-registrants, the ride departs Camp Victory at 10am, and BBQ chicken lunch will be at 12pm once riders return to Camp Victory.
Every Family Has a Story: How To Find Yours!
Curious about your family history but not sure where to start? Join us for the next "On the Bright Side" virtual session on Thursday, August 21 at noon, hosted by the Community Giving Foundation's Women's Giving Circle. Register Here
North Central Sight Services Hosting White Cane 5K
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries Red Sand Project
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be conducting their first annual Red Sand Project on July 30th. This initiative is focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals in the area who are falling through the cracks in existing systems, especially victims of human sex trafficking.
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.
Pediatric Specialty Care- New Member Highlight
Pediatric Specialty Care in Danville, PA offers specialized daytime care for medically fragile children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 8 years. Open Monday through Friday, the center provides a safe, nurturing, and medically supportive environment while ensuring children return home each evening and on weekends. With a dedicated team of skilled nurses and experienced childcare workers, the facility is equipped to manage complex medical needs—including feeding tubes, tracheostomy care, and other physician-ordered treatments—while also supporting each child’s developmental milestones. Transportation services are available when needed, making care more accessible for families throughout the region.