Member News ~ December 18, 2025
Chamber Annual Awards Nominations Open Through December 31st
Nominations for all five 2026 Chamber awards are now open through December 31. Click here to nominate a person or business before the deadline.
Chamber Now Scheduling Business After Hours Events for 2026
Interested in hosting a Business After Hours? These popular networking events are a great way to showcase your business and connect with Chamber members. Complete the Business After Hours application form to share your availability and get the planning process started.
Cardinal Estate Planning Releases Holiday Newsletter
Cardinal Estate Planning has released its 2025 Holiday Newsletter, highlighting a successful year and sharing a few festive recipes to enjoy this season. Click here to explore the highlights.
Commonwealth University to Host Employer Summit - January 20th
Commonwealth University’s Alumni & Professional Engagement team will host a virtual Employer Summit on January 20 from 12:00-12:45 PM to help employer partners effectively engage with students across the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses. The session will include an overview of employer engagement opportunities and a preview of Spring 2026 events designed to support internship and full-time hiring success. Advance registration is required via Zoom.
BNI Iron Valley Visitor Day - January 29th
Local business professionals are invited to attend BNI Iron Valley’s Visitor Day on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Elmdale Inn. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local business owners, learn how BNI supports growth through structured word-of-mouth referrals, and make meaningful connections, with a brief presentation by Natalie Fox. RSVP by January 22 and be sure to bring business cards. Click here to view the flyer.
NSHR Announces $12,000 Raised in the Second Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) was honored to announce $12,000 was raised from the second annual Veterans Benefit Voyage - which took place in Lewisburg this past November. Read on.
Children’s Museum Announces December Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for December 2025. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will be closed on December 6, 24, 25, and 26. To see the full calendar click here.
LCBC offering 4 Christmas Services this year - December 21st-24th
Join LCBC for one of its 4 Christmas Services this year. Each service will feature festive music, a message, and fellowship over a good cup of hot chocolate. Get a full list of services at the Columbia Montour Campus here!
Berwick Historical Society To Offer Christmas Tours - Through December 30
Celebrate the season with the Berwick Historical Society's Jackson Mansion Christmas tours! Beginning November 28th through December 30th, tour the Jackson Mansion while learning about German and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions! Tours are sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank. Please call (570) 520-4110 for details.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Brings Extra Holiday Fun to This Year’s Production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, running through December 27
Families can enjoy pre- and post-show activities including Thrifty Thursday restaurant discounts, Cocoa & Cocktail Jazz Hour, Sing-Along Saturdays with local choirs, and Make-a-Memory Matinees featuring photos with Snoopy and Woodstock. More information is available here. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the Holidays with That's Amore!
Susquehanna Kids' Holiday Happenings Guide 2025
Get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable! The 2025 Susquehanna Kids Holiday Guide is packed with everything you need to celebrate—from sparkling light displays to festive parades, Santa visits, and family events happening all across the region. View the guide by clicking here.
Ken Pollock Auto Group is Giving Back this Holiday Season - Through January 5th
Ken Pollock Auto Group is continuing its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Coat Drive, running now through January 5, 2026. Each year, the dealership group collects new and gently used coats at all Ken Pollock locations to support families across Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, and Berwick. This annual effort reflects the company’s enduring commitment to caring for and strengthening the communities it serves. Learn more.
Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum
Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org
Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!
5 Key Connections Every Leader Must Have in Their Professional Network
Source: Chamber Today
- Cultivating strategic connections is crucial for leadership success, like a chessboard where every piece is key.
- Engaging with industry insiders provides insights and competitive edge.
- Mentors offer personalized advice to navigate leadership challenges.
- Collaborating with innovators sparks new strategies, keeping leadership forward-thinking.
- Connectors open doors to new collaborations and opportunities with their wide networks.
- Challengers in your network test ideas, preventing groupthink and ensuring decisions are well-analyzed.
- Building a diverse network enhances leadership growth, as each unique connection boosts the team's potential.
702 ~ 3.5 minute read
The path to successful leadership often depends on your network. Your connections shape who you are and who you'll become. Cultivating connections is strategic, like building a chessboard where each piece is vital.
To be an effective leader, surround yourself with those who expand your horizons, challenge you, and support your growth. Each leadership role requires a unique set of people, but there are key professionals every leader should connect with, regardless of industry or career stage.
Read on to learn more about five essential connections you want in your network and how they benefit your leadership development.
1. The Industry Insider
The industry insider is a living database of your field. They work on the frontline and understand the industry rigor and nuances better than anyone. Engaging with them provides valuable insights, trends, and industry secrets not easily found online or in formal education.
How to Spot Them
Industry insiders are often thought leaders, veteran practitioners, or top-level executives who have a wealth of experience and a robust professional network.
Why You Need Them
By forging connections with these insiders, you gain access to a tapestry of experiences, emerging patterns, and predictive wisdom that can keep you two steps ahead of the competition.
2. The Mentor
The mentor is your guiding star, offering personalized advice and direction based on their own career triumphs and hard-won wisdom. They are the lifeline that can help you weather the inevitable ups and downs of your leadership journey.
How to Spot Them
Mentors are typically individuals you admire, who have achieved a measure of the success you aspire to reach, and who have a vested interest in your growth.
Why You Need Them
Mentors can provide valuable coaching to develop your leadership style, offer insights into navigating organizational politics, and act as a sounding board for your professional dilemmas.
3. The Innovator
The innovator stays steps ahead, constantly generating and executing ideas that challenge boundaries. Collaborating with innovative minds can bring new perspectives, modern solutions, and adaptability to your leadership style. When it comes to your personal aspirations, Entrepreneur suggests businesses owners and entrepreneurs aim to become industry innovators rather than industry leaders.
How to Spot Them
Innovators are the creators, the disruptors, and the visionaries who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and are often at the forefront of change in your industry.
Why You Need Them
Networking with innovators can inspire you to experiment with new strategies, systems, and technologies, ensuring that your leadership is progressive and not pigeonholed in outdated methodologies.
4. The Connector
Connectors aren't defined by industry prowess or innovation, but by their network. They're social butterflies, with connections to key players in your industry. A strong bond with a connector can unlock doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities you didn't realize were possible.
How to Spot Them
According to Simon Zyrd, investor and business mentor, connectors are valuable allies who genuinely enjoy introducing others, value relationships, and are trusted by many in their network to curate connections.
Why You Need Them
Connectors can significantly expand your reach, facilitate strategic partnerships, and grant you access to the inner circles of influencers and decision-makers.
5. The Challenger
This last type in your leadership network is just as critical. The challenger is the contrarian, the devil's advocate who will test your ideas, plans, and positions. Although they may often seem like the thorn in your side, they provide an invaluable service by preventing groupthink and pushing you to articulate and defend your convictions.
How to Spot Them
Challengers present as individuals who are outspoken, unafraid to go against the grain, and who consistently offer alternative perspectives. On the outside, they may look like the innovator but in a professional relationship they may impact your development by acting as a challenger.
Why You Need Them
Challengers help you to refine your thinking, challenge assumptions, and ensure that your leadership isn't just about making decisions but making the right decisions through logical analysis and thorough examination.
Conclusion
Building a diverse professional network is like forming a versatile team. Each member adds unique value, boosting the group's potential. By connecting with the five types of individuals outlined, you'll create a strong ecosystem for your growth as a leader.
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
Senate Advances Unemployment Compensation Reform Bill
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 274, a bipartisan package of unemployment compensation reforms. The bill includes a number of PA Chamber priorities: it targets “ghosting” in the hiring process, fixes a technical issue that would have raised system costs, strengthens requirements on claimants recently deemed ineligible, and adds new measures to help employers avoid tax increases when former workers qualify for benefits. The bill also includes legislation the PA Chamber had previously opposed to delay implementation of a new method for determining benefits levels that the PA Chamber had first proposed years ago,
“This bill takes several important steps to improve the unemployment compensation system,” PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper said in a statement.
“At the same time, we are concerned about the delay of the updated benefit formula set for 2026, which was designed to make benefits fairer and ease long-term pressure on the UC Trust Fund. As discussions continue, we urge lawmakers to focus on the system’s financial stability, which remains below federal solvency benchmarks even as Pennsylvania employers pay among the highest UC taxes in the country.”
“We appreciate the work of Senate Republicans, and especially Labor and Industry Committee Chair Devlin Robinson, to move this bipartisan unemployment compensation legislation that includes several PA Chamber priorities to improve how the system is run.”
Background
H.B. 274 incorporates legislation introduced by Senator Michelle Brooks (R-Crawford) to address “ghosting,” in which claimants skip interviews or ignore job offers to keep receiving benefits. Employers have raised concerns about this for years, and the bill codifies that claimants who discourage their own employment are not eligible for benefits.
H.B. 274 includes several other provisions supported by the PA Chamber:
- Strengthens requirements for individuals who were recently deemed ineligible to show a clear tie to the workforce before reapplying for benefits.
- Corrects a technical error that would have expanded eligibility and increased system costs.
- Adds new situations where employers are automatically granted relief from charges, helping them avoid UC tax hikes.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
How Can I Make New Year’s Resolutions for My Business That I’ll Be Sure to Keep?
Source: CO, by U.S. Chamber, Anna Baluch , Contributor
In this edition of “Ask the Board,” Brenda Christensen, CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc., explains how you can make resolutions for 2024 that you’ll follow through on.
If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert how you can make and keep New Year’s resolutions for your business.
Research shows that of the 41% of Americans who make New Year's resolutions, only 9% were successful in keeping them. If you’d like to make resolutions for your startup or small business in 2024 that you’ll keep, these tips from Brenda Christensen, an Inc. 500 executive and CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc., are sure to come in handy.
Set realistic goals
The key to keeping New Year's resolutions is to make them realistic and achievable. Instead of setting overly ambitious goals that may be unattainable, focus on smaller, measurable objectives that can lead to significant improvements over time.
Break them down
Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This approach makes the process more manageable and provides a clear road map you can follow.
Track your progress
Regularly tracking your progress is crucial. It not only keeps you accountable, but it also allows you to adjust your strategies as needed. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Involve your team
If you have a team, involve them in setting and achieving your resolutions. Doing so promotes a sense of collective responsibility and can lead to more creative and effective approaches.
Be flexible and adapt
The business landscape is constantly changing. Be prepared to adapt your resolutions as new challenges and opportunities arise. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
Ensure that your resolutions also include aspects of work-life balance. A healthy balance is essential for long-term sustainability and personal well-being.Brenda Christenssen, CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc.
Seek feedback and support
Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your team, customers, or a business coach. Support from others can provide new perspectives and strategies that you might not have considered.
Utilize technology and tools
Make use of technology and tools to automate tasks, organize workflows, and track progress. This can increase efficiency and free up time to focus on more strategic aspects of your business.
Prioritize work-life balance
Lastly, ensure that your resolutions also include aspects of work-life balance. A healthy balance is essential for long-term sustainability and personal well-being.
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.
Follow us on Instagram for more expert tips & business owners’ stories.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
Member News ~ December 11, 2025
LCBC offering 4 Christmas Services this year - December 21st-24th
Join LCBC for one of its 4 Christmas Services this year. Each service will feature festive music, a message, and fellowship over a good cup of hot chocolate. Get a full list of services at the Columbia Montour Campus here!
Ken Pollock Auto Group is Giving Back this Holiday Season - Through January 5th
Ken Pollock Auto Group is continuing its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Coat Drive, running now through January 5, 2026. Each year, the dealership group collects new and gently used coats at all Ken Pollock locations to support families across Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, and Berwick. This annual effort reflects the company’s enduring commitment to caring for and strengthening the communities it serves. Learn more.
Columbia County Recognized With Premier County Award
Columbia County Farm Bureau was honored with the prestigious Premier County Award on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 75th Annual Meeting. The award, presented annually, is the highest honor bestowed upon a county Farm Bureau in Pennsylvania.
Quantraic Marks Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Quantraic officially opened its doors on October 1, 2025, launching intelligent workflow automation and tech education services from its new office at the DRIVE facility. For more information please visit their website at www.quantraic.com or follow them on LinkedIn, IG and Facebook.
Community Giving Foundation Partners to Establish the Bloomsburg EMS Training Institute (BETI) Fund
Community Giving Foundation: Bloomsburg is honored to partner with Dr. Marilyn and Eugene Witherup to establish the Bloomsburg EMS Training Institute (BETI) Fund. Honoring their family’s connection to and appreciation for the vital role of Emergency Medical Services in our communities, this generous and timely endowment arrives at a critical juncture for EMS as ambulance services are struggling and the availability of quality, hands-on education for providers is dwindling. Read on.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces New Art Exhibit by Bloomsburg artist Joan Gallup Grimord
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to host a new art exhibit that features Bloomsburg artist Joan Gallup Grimord. Ms. Grimord’s work will be on exhibit at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum from now through April 2026, during regular Museum hours and is included with admission. The museum currently has some of Joan’s books available for purchase as well.
Susquehanna United Way Announces Record-Breaking Diaper Dash Results
Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) is proud to announce the results of this year’s Diaper Dash, which brought in 18,892 diapers and pull-ups, 131 packs of wipes, and dozens of essential baby care items for families across the region. This marks SVUW’s most successful collection to date, surpassing last year’s total of 12,490 diapers.
Central Columbia FFA Spreads Holiday Joy
Berwick Historical Society To Offer Christmas Tours - November 28 - December 30
Celebrate the season with the Berwick Historical Society's Jackson Mansion Christmas tours! Beginning November 28th through December 30th, tour the Jackson Mansion while learning about German and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions! Tours are sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank. Please call (570) 520-4110 for details.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Brings Extra Holiday Fun to This Year’s Production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, running through December 27
Families can enjoy pre- and post-show activities including Thrifty Thursday restaurant discounts, Cocoa & Cocktail Jazz Hour, Sing-Along Saturdays with local choirs, and Make-a-Memory Matinees featuring photos with Snoopy and Woodstock. More information is available here. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the Holidays with That's Amore!
Susquehanna Kids' Holiday Happenings Guide 2025
Get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable! The 2025 Susquehanna Kids Holiday Guide is packed with everything you need to celebrate—from sparkling light displays to festive parades, Santa visits, and family events happening all across the region. View the guide by clicking here.
Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum
Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org
Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!
This Year, Make a Marketing Plan
Source: Chamber Today
As the new year draws near, small businesses are celebrating with employees and families alike. Holiday preparations go beyond planning parties and gatherings though as the new year lurks just around the corner and brings new opportunities that can be capitalized upon. Working within our community has shown that creating a marketing plan is the foundation for successful campaigns and new businesses. We've put together some of the key pillars of marketing plans to help boost our region's businesses to new heights.
It All Begins With a Proper Budget
Creating a budget may seem like a straightforward endeavor but many businesses can struggle determining what's worth being added to the marketing plan. One of the most common mistakes we see is setting expectations far too high and investing a large portion of the budget into various expenses that don't create a return. It's important to focus on the primary market that truly drives the business.
Once a budget is established the next difficult step is staying within the limits of that budget. Going over budget can stop a marketing plan in its tracks and have a negative impact on the other areas of the business an owner has to manage. Pulling funds between different projects can be a useful tactic but not if that money is being used for a fruitless endeavor. Making a marketing plan helps keep it contained without spilling over into other responsibilities.
Review Business Goals and How They Can Be Achieved
The bones of a marketing plan are simple as they're simply the milestones an owner wants to hit regarding sales, digital presence and product launches. While many sales endeavors can be carefully calculated using traditional tools, creating a strong presence online takes a unique touch that often requires outside assistance from a professional marketer or agency. Building upon existing networks can then add more eyes to every event, new product and sale that goes on.
Passing down details on the new goals and how resources will be allocated to reach them can keep all employees on the same page. Making sure they understand why certain team members are responsible for new tasks will create confidence in the new marketing plan. When employees can get behind the goals, it adds extra motivation and drive to achieve the goals set for the business as a whole.
Determine Processes and Marketing Avenues
It may seem tedious to outline processes for every aspect of a marketing plan but the value created goes beyond successful marketing. Processes help remove redundancies, improve productivity and save hours of unnecessary leg work that can be spent working on implementing the plan itself.
To create processes, an owner has to work with their team to decide on the channels being used to deliver ads and marketing material. Researching a target demographic can uncover how they primarily obtain their information. It could be a traditional source such as radio and local television or a digital delivery through social media platforms.
Keep in mind that every part of a marketing plan needs to be deliberate in planning and execution in order to maximize return on investment. When done right, a brand's voice can shine through with every ad to create more meaningful connections. Following these basics to get started can give any business owner a strong start in the new year.
Preparing to Close the Year: Key Items to Review in Your Financial Statements
Source: McKonly & Asbury, Emily Zeger
With the year-end quickly approaching, the time has come to start reviewing financial statements. Here’s a brief overview of the reports to run and what to look for while preparing for tax season.
Arguably, the most important reports to run are the Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L).
- The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of the business’s financial position at a specific point in time, typically at the end of each month or year. This is useful when reviewing where one’s business stands financially, providing balances for all of the business’s assets and liabilities.
- The Profit and Loss Statement will provide an overview of the business’s performance over the reporting period, including income, expenses, and general profitability. It is perfect when wanting to see where the most money was spent and what brought in the most money.
There are some crucial things every business owner should look for when reviewing the balances and totals in each statement.
Cash/Credit Card Reconciliations
A great way to start reviewing the financial statements is to reconcile the business’s bank accounts monthly. From credit cards to checking accounts, reconcile each one to make sure that all transactions are present and that there are no duplicates. If an item is missing, determine if the item just has yet to come through the bank feed or if it needs to be manually added. This helps catch missing or extra transactions early, rather than further down the line when one may forget about checks written or why a transaction was made.
Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Now is also the perfect time to review Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) balances in the Balance Sheet. Check the AP balance to make sure that outstanding amounts are not still owed to vendors and check the AR balance to make sure the business is not still owed anything in return. If there are outstanding balances in either of these accounts, determine if there is a valid reason or if it needs to be followed up on.
Fixed Assets
With tax season right around the corner, checking in on Fixed Asset accounts is crucial. Making sure that all disposals are recorded and that all assets listed in the Fixed Asset accounts belong there. A good idea would be to check other accounts, such as Repairs and Maintenance and Office Supplies, to see if there are any items over $2,500 that could potentially be considered fixed assets. Once the totals have been verified, consider working with a tax advisor to ensure that depreciation has been calculated and recorded properly.
Loans/Payables Reconciliations
Another crucial reconciliation is checking in with any payable accounts. If it’s a loan, make sure any necessary payments have been made and that the outstanding balance is reasonable. Also, ensure that interest expense is split out from the principal payment and tie the balance to a loan statement, if possible. Similarly, for other payables, make sure payments are up to date and regular. If a balance is too large, consider making some payments and staying ahead for the year-end.
Profit and Loss Review
While a lot of focus is spent on the Balance Sheet, the Profit and Loss Statement cannot be left out.
- Check Repairs and Maintenance expense accounts to see if anything can be capitalized.
- If classes are used, does every transaction have a class assigned?
- Make sure payroll accounts tie out to any payroll reports.
- Review revenue and expense accounts to confirm that all income and expenses have been properly recorded.
General Ledger
Don’t forget to check in with the General Ledger. It’s helpful to run through the General Ledger and make sure that all transactions have been recorded properly. Make sure that each transaction has a customer or vendor attached and that all transactions in each account make sense and belong there. Keeping vendors up to date makes it easier to determine which ones will need 1099s when the time comes, and who to request W-9s from.
Planning for the New Year
Finally, don’t forget to take this time to start planning and budgeting for next year. Take a look at where the most money was spent and what brought in the most money to get an idea of what is working and what can be improved. Taking the time to review these financials can be very beneficial when planning for the year to come.
For more information on year-end preparations, consider checking with our previous related articles, such as “Year-End Preparations with EAS” or “Streamline Your Business’s Year-End,” both of which go over some other key considerations when handling the coming year-end.
Also, be sure to continue along with our Entrepreneurial Accounting Solutions (EAS) team’s 4-part series for National Entrepreneurship Month, as our authors will cover the current upcoming year-end and things small business owners can expect.
How Can I Keep My Team Productive During the Holidays?
Source: Co, By U.S. Chamber, Anna Baluch , Contributor
In this edition of “Ask the Board,” Sarah Roberts, a Licensed Beauty and Skincare Consultant and Founder of A Beauty Edit, shares how you can keep your team productive throughout the holiday season.
If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about productivity tips for employees during the holidays.
There’s no denying that the holiday season is an exciting yet difficult time. Increased pressure from customers, tight end-of-the-year deadlines, and family commitments can all take a toll on your team’s productivity. How can you keep them motivated and productive in the midst of the holiday chaos?
Sarah Roberts, a Licensed Beauty and Skincare Consultant and Founder of the online beauty publication A Beauty Edit, answers…
Allow for flexible work schedules
During the holidays, flexible working hours can help employees balance personal and professional commitments. The team's understanding of each person's individual obligations promotes balance and soothes stress levels, consequently nurturing a dedicated workforce.
Encourage time off
Your team members must indulge in adequate breaks that allow for rest and relaxation. Time off can spark creativity and recharge energy levels. You should convey that taking time off doesn't equate to slackening or jeopardizing work. It actually does the opposite and boosts productivity by rejuvenating employees, both physically and mentally.
Create a rewards system
By implementing a rewards system for completed tasks—be it a sincere “thank you,” monetary benefits, or token gifts—you actively recognize and honor your team's diligence. Such an acknowledgement not only validates their efforts but also propels them towards excellence. Furthermore, recognizing hard work in team meetings is more than just boosting morale—it stimulates superior performance.
Take advantage of technology
Harnessing the power of technology is an essential strategy to maintain productivity during the holiday rush. We inhabit an era wherein technology interconnects us, promoting efficiency and streamlining operations. During the holiday season, remote work arrangements—enabled by technology—prove particularly advantageous. Software such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com—project management tools—could potentiate synchronous functioning within your team.
Ensure consistent communication
Maintaining team connectivity is imperative, especially during the holidays when your group may not be in the same place. Regular interactions, such as daily or weekly check-ins or meetings, can foster a sense of normalcy and uphold the team's morale at an elevated level. It’s a good idea to invest in real-time messaging applications such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, as they allow for instant messaging for expedited resolution and efficient coordination.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
Member News ~ December 4, 2025
Commonwealth University Offers AI Lunch & Learn Series and Writing Seminar During Month of December
Commonwealth University will be offering a series of four workshops with Dr. Karl Kapp. Click here for more information about the series. The university is also hosting a writing seminar called “Write to Sell - Strategies to Connect with Clients to Overturn Objections” that will be taking place on December 5 from 9-11 AM via Zoom. Click here for more information about the event.
Danville Business Alliance Announces Welcome Santa Parade & Celebration - December 5th
Danville’s Welcome Santa Parade and Canal Park Celebration return on Friday, December 5th in downtown Danville. Seasonal activities in Canal Park run from 5–7 PM, followed by the Welcome Santa Parade at 6 PM on Mill Street. Families can enjoy highlights such as a meet & greet with Santa, live music from the Danville High School Chamber Choir, fire pits and s’mores, hot cocoa from Bason Coffee Roasters, and treats from local vendors. More details at visitdanvillepa.org.
Shapiro Administration Honors Zartman Construction, Inc. with Governor’s Award for Exceptional Workplace Safety
Congratulations to Zartman Construction, Inc. for being one of four Pennsylvania employers recognized by the Shapiro Administration with a 2025 Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence! Read about the award here.
Columbia Montour Chamber Hosts Annual Holiday Open House - December 10th
The biggest business event of the year is back, Wednesday December 10th from 5- 8 PM at the Pine Barn Inn! Kick off the holiday season in style, by savoring delicious bites from Chamber member restaurants, checking out our raffle prizes donated by some of the top local businesses, and truly taking part of this night of fellowship and fun. Don’t miss out on the ultimate blend of celebration and connection! Register here!
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Brings Extra Holiday Fun to This Year’s Production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, running through December 27
Families can enjoy pre- and post-show activities including Thrifty Thursday restaurant discounts, Cocoa & Cocktail Jazz Hour, Sing-Along Saturdays with local choirs, and Make-a-Memory Matinees featuring photos with Snoopy and Woodstock. More information is available here. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
SEKISUI KYDEX and Neomind Win the Prestigious RedCabin Rail Interiors Award
During the RedCabin Railway Interiors Summit held in Prague, Czechia, on November 25, neomind and SEKISUI KYDEX were presented with the inaugural Railway Interiors Award for Collaboration of the Year. Click here to read about the initiative.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces Winners of 10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition at TreeFest
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum has announced the winners of its 10th Annual Gingerbread House Competition, held in partnership with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s TreeFest. This year’s competition – free to enter and open to all ages – drew over 40 imaginative gingerbread creations from local youth, families, school groups, and adult community members. Click here to read about the competition.
Celebrate the Holidays with That's Amore!
Berwick Historical Society To Offer Christmas Tours - November 28 - December 30
Celebrate the season with the Berwick Historical Society's Jackson Mansion Christmas tours! Beginning November 28th through December 30th, tour the Jackson Mansion while learning about German and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions! Tours are sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank. Please call (570) 520-4110 for details or visit https://www.berwickhistoricalsociety.org/
Susquehanna Kids' Holiday Happenings Guide 2025
Get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable! The 2025 Susquehanna Kids Holiday Guide is packed with everything you need to celebrate—from sparkling light displays to festive parades, Santa visits, and family events happening all across the region. View the guide by clicking here.
Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum
Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org
Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!
What’s in the New State Budget
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
On November 12th, the PA House and Senate took a series of votes to finalize the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, following an impasse that lasted more than four months past the June 30th deadline.
The budget deal passed 156–47 in the House and 40–9 in the Senate.
The fiscal code, which includes many of the policies passed as part of the overall agreement, as well as instructions for allocating funding provided in the budget bill, passed 189-14 in the House and 43-6 in the Senate.
The PA Chamber Government Affairs team continues to review the budget and various related code bills to identify provisions relevant to employers and assess the impact on the business community and Pennsylvania’s economy.
Below is a general summary of the budget agreement and our initial outline of elements important to the business community. We will continue to report on the 2025-26 budget as we gain more insight.
Total Spend
- Total General Fund spending of $50.1 billion for Fiscal Year 2025-26, representing a 6 percent increase in state spending over last year.
- Spends $1.4 billion less than what Gov. Shapiro proposed in February.
- Relies on $670 million of yet-identified one-time transfers from other special funds and accounts along with a one-time transfer of $100 million from the Joint Underwriters Association (JUA) to balance.
- Leaves the General Fund with a $200 million projected remaining balance at the end of the fiscal year.
- Does not take any money from the Rainy Day Fund, which currently has a balance of $7.5 billion.
Tax Changes
- Maintains the current phase-down schedule of the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNI), from 7.99 percent to 7.49 percent in 2026. The rate remains on track to be reduced from 9.99 percent down to 4.99 percent by 2031.
- Maintains the improvements to Pennsylvania’s treatment of Net Operating Losses moving forward which was enacted as part of last year’s budget. Current law gradually increases the amount companies are able to deduct using losses incurred after Jan. 1, 2025, from the previous cap of 40 percent up to 80 percent in 2029. Net Operating Losses incurred prior to Jan. 1, 2025 may still be used to offset tax liabilities by up to 40 percent.
- Decouples from pro-growth tax provisions that were enacted by Congress earlier this year for state Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) purposes. Specifically, Pennsylvania’s tax code will now not follow federal law in the following ways:
- Immediate expensing of research and experimentation (R&E) expenditures. Companies will be required to continue to amortize R&E expenditures over 5 years.
- Immediate expensing of qualified production property.
- The deduction for business interest expenses to include depreciation and amortization.
- Extends the sunset of the $1.95 9-1-1 surcharge on phone lines to February 1, 2029.
Permitting Reform
- Enacts historic permitting reform by requiring that certain permits be “deemed approved” if the agency fails to issue a decision within a specific timeframe.
- Requires general Air Quality Permits to be “deemed approved” within 30 days of submission of the application but allows for an additional five days for the applicant and the department to work through any deficiencies. A decision on an application must be made no later than 35 days from submission, or the permit is deemed approved. Only applies to applications for coverage under general plan approvals/permits.
- Requires specific renewals of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits to be “deemed approved” within 60 days of submission, unless the department has received prior agreement from the applicant to extend the review time period. These permits include:
- Discharges of storm water associated with industrial activities:
- Discharges from small-flow treatment facilities;
- Discharges from petroleum products contaminated groundwater remediation systems; and
- Wet weather overflow discharges from combined sewer systems.
- Expands the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which was passed as part of last year’s budget and allows applicants for a number of DEP permits to engage a private third-party to conduct the technical review of the permit application in order to expedite the process. The 2025-26 budget agreement expands SPEED by adding three additional permits to the program:
- Storage Tank Site Specific installation;
- Short-term construction mining general permit;
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation.
- Reforms SPEED to provide DEP with flexibility to register more third-party reviewers.
- Adds significant transparency and accountability to state permitting systems by requiring state agencies to maintain a permit tracking system so applicants can easily assess the status of their permit application in real time.
- Agencies are also required to make available on a publicly accessible website the following information:
- The program under which each permit is issued;
- The statutory and regulatory authority for each permit;
- The time frame when the state agency must issue each permit; and
- The average time frame within which each permit is issued.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
- Removes Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state carbon cap-and-trade program that has faced ongoing litigation since former Gov. Wolf sought to join via executive order in 2019. RGGI’s uncertainty has discouraged investment in new energy projects, and Pennsylvania’s withdrawal marks a significant policy and economic win for Pennsylvania.
Energy: Load Forecasting
- Establishes a new oversight framework for electricity load forecasts submitted by Pennsylvania electric distribution companies (EDCs) to PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization (RTO) responsible for managing the electric grid across 13 states, including Pennsylvania. PJM uses these forecasts to plan system needs and set capacity requirements.
K-12 Education
- Adds $872 million in new K-12 public education funding. This includes:
- $105 million increase in Basic Education Funding;
- $40 million increase in special education spending; and
- $562 million increase in the adequacy line through the Ready-to-Learn Block Grant.
- Eliminates the $100 million in cyber charter transition reimbursement and makes additional cuts to the formula rate.
- Increases the allocation for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit by $50 million, from $540 million to $590 million, with the entire increase directed to scholarships for students attending economically disadvantaged schools.
- Enacts new early literacy requirements in all schools beginning in the 2027-2028 school year to screen K-3 students for reading competency three times per year using a universal screener: ensuring early identification, intervention, and parental engagement to support student reading success
- No increase in funding for Career & Technical Education.
- Allows individuals with a superintendent’s letter of eligibility to serve as a CTE director if they meet certain experience or education requirements.
Higher Education
- Does not provide a funding increase for Community Colleges, Pitt, and Penn State.
- $57.5 million between 24/25 and 25/26 for the Grow PA Tuition Waiver, previously named the Grow PA Scholarship program.
- Provides a 3 percent increase in PHEAA Grants for Students
- 5 percent increase for Thaddeus Stevens, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Lincoln University. 1 percent increase to the State System of Higher Education.
Workforce
- Provides $25 million for Child Care Worker Retention and Recruitment.
- Establishes the Working Pennsylvania Tax Credit which is equal to 10 percent of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which targets lower-income working families and may encourage more Pennsylvanians to enter the workforce.
- Creates a new $10 million Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.