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FTC Rule Would Ban Noncompete Agreements for All Employees and Independent Contractors The U.S. Chamber is calling on Congress to oppose the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule banning almost all non-compete agreements.  The U.S. Chamber is very concerned that the FTC’s proposed rule exceeds its statutory legal authority, and they argue that if it…

CANDIDATE ACADEMY OFFERS GUIDANCE ON RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE The program is available at no charge to the public via this site and YouTube.  Panelists enjoy a laugh during the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Candidate Academy, as they share about the rewards and challenges of public office. Pictured from left are: Chamber President Fred…

FIVE GROUP BENEFITS EMPLOYEES WILL LOOK FOR IN 2023 Source: My Benefit Advisor Most small businesses are at a competitive disadvantage when trying to hire and retain employees compared to their larger firm counterparts. The smaller firms are typically more limited in their budgetary capabilities and unable to provide a high level of comprehensive benefit…

Affordable Connectivity Program May Benefit Families with High Internet Bills Source: Matthew Hess, Executive Director, Columbia County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities Qualifying families who are struggling with high internet bills may find relief through the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program administered by the FCC. The program may also help with one-time purchases of computers. …

Member News – February 22, 2023 The Exchange Listening Room Jam Session Tonight Tonight at 7 pm (after the Business After Hours, perhaps?), swing over to the Exchange Listening Room for a unique jam session with Gabe Stillman called “Four Great Guitarists”.  Check out more details here. March Events at Lions Gate Lions Gate continues…

Member News – February 15, 2023 Columbia County Placemaking Initiative Requests Your Input Over the next several months, the Columbia County Placemaking Initiative will create and implement a county-wide placemaking plan that makes Columbia County an even better place to live, work, play and learn.  The information gathered through this survey will inform the plan. …

2D Hydraulic Modeling Analysis of the West End Flood Mitigation Study Final Report Published The final report for the Two-Dimensional (2D) Hydraulic Modeling Analysis of the West End Flood Mitigation Study is now published. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners, working with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), engaged Borton-Lawson to develop the West End Flood Mitigation…

Momentum Building Around Code of Conduct In December 2022, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors adopted a code of conduct to encourage greater collaboration among elected and other officials.  The document was developed in response to increasing polarization and unprofessionalism among people in leadership positions, resulting in organizational dysfunction and decreasing engagement…

The Secure 2.0 Act of 2022 Author: Stephanie Kramer, McKonly & Asbury It’s official – the SECURE 2.0 Act (the Act) has been signed into law! In a nutshell, the Act represents a package of retirement reform that will have widespread implications for the industry and will increase the savings potential for many Americans. The passing…

Berleth Selected as Chamber President On Friday, the Chamber’s Board of Directors selected Chris Berleth, the organization’s Vice President, to succeed Fred Gaffney in the role of President. Gaffney will be leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities. The two will be working together through a transition period to be completed by March, 31st. The…