Chamber Nominating Committee Report
The nominating committee of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce has submitted to the Board of Directors its annual report, and per the Chamber's bylaws, has prepared a list of four (4) candidates for election to three (3) year terms on the Board, and three (3) candidates to be elected to one-year terms. This report is available upon request in the office of the President, in addition to its email communication to all members. The election of these directors will take place during the Chamber's Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony, on February 25, 2026, at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg's Haas Center for the Performing Arts.
The slate of candidates is as follows:
To be elected to three-year terms:
- David Utt, Journey Bank
- Jessica McNamara, Great Dane
- Bob Stoudt, Montour Area Recreation Commission
- Noah Naparsteck, Law Offices of Luschas and Naparsteck
To be elected to one-year terms:
- Charles Wood, PPL Electric Utilities
- Dawn Orzehowski, Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community
- Kara Seesholtz, Community Giving Foundation
The nominating committee recommends the following changes to the officers of the Chamber Board:
1. Per the Chamber bylaws, Chair Bob Stoudt will transition to the role of Immediate Past Chair effective April 1, 2026, having completed a two-year term as Chair. Bob will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Meeting.
2. To serve a two-year term as Board Chair: Aaron Stagliano, McKonly & Asbury
3. Vice Chair Renee Gerringer, Ronald McDonald House of Danville, has served a maximum term of eight years on the Board of Directors. Renee will be recognized at the Chamber's Annual Meeting for her dedication and service. To fill the Vice Chair roles created by the term expiration of Ms. Gerringer and by the elevation to Chair of Mr. Stagliano, it is recommended that Deb Shade, Elmdale Inn B&B, and Michael Morgan, Geisinger, be elected, respectively, as Vice Chairs.
Additional appointments
Following the election of Mr. Stagliano to the role of Chair, the nominating committee recommends that he appoint three additional Directors to serve one-year appointed terms. They are:
- Adrienne Mael, The Pump House B&B
- Sean Black, State Farm Insurance
- Chadd Roadarmel, Atlantic Culinary Environments, Inc.
Subsidiary Change
The Chamber Board of Directors recognizes and thanks Tim Wagner, retired, of Wagner's Trophies and Engraveables, for his many years of service as the President of Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. (DBI), a subsidiary of the Chamber. Per the bylaws of the Chamber and in partnership with DBI, DBI has elected Carey Smith, Magic 5 Wine, to serve as DBI's Board President and therefore as DBI's representative to the Chamber Board.
Intent to Amend the Chamber Bylaws
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce hereby notifies the members of the Chamber of proposed changes to the Corporation's by-laws, to be approved at the Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on February 25, 2026, at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg.
In accordance with Article XI, Section 1, titled "Amendments", the procedure for such changes is as follows:
PROCEDURE: These By-Laws may be amended at any meeting of the Corporation, annual, regular, or special, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, provided that at least two (2) weeks' notice of such proposed amendment shall be sent to each member of the Corporation. Such notice shall contain the Section or Sections of the By-Laws proposed to be amended and the amendment proposed to be offered.
To read the current Chamber by-laws (last amended 2/10/21), please follow this link.
The proposed changes come following a complete and thorough review by the Chamber's Executive Committee.
The proposed changes are as follows:
- WHEREAS the by-laws use gender-specific language such as "Chairman", "Vice Chairman", and "Vice Chairmen", the Executive Committee recommends that these words be replaced with the gender-neutral words "Chair", "Vice Chair", and "Vice Chairs" throughout the document. Specifically, these updates are to be made to Article IV Section 1; Article V Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3; Article VI Section 1, Section 2, and Section 4; Article VII, Section 3; Article VIII Section 7, Section 8, Section 9, and Section 13.
- WHEREAS the Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth, a former subsidiary of the Chamber, dissolved in 2015, the Executive Committee recommends amending Article IV Section 1 to remove the line "The Chairman of the Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth, Inc. may also serve on the Board of Directors."
Current: "Article IV, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Section 1, Paragraph 2: In addition to those Board members specified above, each subsidiary organization duly constituted under the terms set forth in Article VII of these By-Laws, may appoint their Chairman or President to the Board of Directors for such period of time as he or she continues to serve as Chairman or President of said subsidiary organization. The Chairman of the Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth, Inc., may also serve on the Board of Directors. The President and Treasurer of the Corporation will also be considered members of the Board of Directors."
Proposed: "Article IV, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Section 1, Paragraph 2: In addition to those Board members specified above, each subsidiary organization duly constituted under the terms set forth in Article VII of these By-Laws, may appoint their Chair or President to the Board of Directors for such period of time as he or she continues to serve as Chair or President of said subsidiary organization. The President and Treasurer of the Corporation will also be considered members of the Board of Directors."
- WHEREAS the Annual Meeting of the members of the corporation always occurs before the end of the fiscal year (March), but may be contingent upon availability of venues and weather alerts, the Executive Committee recommends that Article VIII, Section 1 be amended as follows:
Current: ANNUAL MEETING: The Annual Meeting of the members of the Corporation for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may be necessary and proper, shall be held on January 15, or within thirty days of that date, as determined by the Board of Directors.
Proposed: "ANNUAL MEETING: The Annual Meeting of the members of the Corporation for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may be necessary and proper, shall be held on January 15, or within 60 days of that date, as determined by the Board of Directors."
- WHEREAS Article VIII Section 7 mistakenly calls the President an elected position, the Executive Committee recommends that the bylaws be amended to read as follows:
Current: "Section 7, ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors for the Election of officers and for the transaction of such business as may be necessary, shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, or within two weeks thereafter. At the meeting, the Board shall elect a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, President, and Treasurer. All officers are elected to a one-year term, with the exception of Chairman, who shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. The Chairman may not succeed himself/herself. All officers shall serve their respective terms or until their successors are duly elected and qualified."
Proposed: "Section 7 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors for the Election of officers and for the transaction of such business as may be necessary, shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Corporation, or within two weeks thereafter. At the meeting, the Board shall elect a Chair, Vice-Chairs, and Treasurer. All officers are elected to a one-year term, with the exception of Chair, who shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. The Chair may not succeed himself/herself. All officers shall serve their respective terms or until their successors are duly elected and qualified."
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What to Expect from the Economy in 2026
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A strong economy means more opportunities for growth in communities across the country. It means higher paychecks and more chances for Americans to reach their American dream.
The U.S. Chamber has a bold plan for achieving a sustained level of at least 3% real economic growth to help our nation and American families prosper.
Key Points:
- Looking backward: At the end of 2025, the U.S. economy will have grown around 2% over the last 12 months, which is remarkable given turbulence throughout the year.
- Looking forward: In 2026, the U.S. Chamber predicts the economy will grow at least 2% -- which is the average of Blue Chip forecasters.
- The catch: If we establish the right set of policies, the economy could grow at 3% or above.
- Bottom line: That higher level of growth is attainable, but policymakers need to act to achieve it.
Why 3% Growth Matters
To improve the lives of all Americans, the U.S. must focus on growing the economy. In 2024, the U.S. Chamber launched the Growth and Opportunity Imperative, calling on elected officials to support policies that would achieve at least 3% annual real economic growth over the next decade.
When the economy is growing at 3%, someone who is born today will see America’s economy double in size by the time they are in their early 20s. At 2% growth, it will take until they are in their mid-30s for the economy to double. Plainly put, growing the economy grows everyone’s slice of the pie and creates more prosperity across the board.
Unfortunately, several tailwinds and headwinds impact our ability to reach that target.
Why the Economy Will Grow 2% in 2026
The economy is sustaining 2% growth and will continue to do so into 2026 for a few key reasons:
- Consumers keep spending, and
- Businesses are investing.
Consumers are spending because the job market remains strong, even if it has weakened some in recent months. People can still get jobs, and wage growth remains above inflation. Even if necessities are chewing up more of budgets as inflation remains stubbornly high, consumers are at least keeping pace. The latest data we have from early fall shows this remains the case.
A steadily rising stock market and tax reform putting more money into families’ pockets are also contributing to strong spending numbers.
Businesses are investing in AI in a big way. That is keeping investment numbers up and keeping lots of people more than fully employed. Tax reform promises to boost investment in other areas as it lowers the cost of all types of investment.
If outside influences do not change, these two factors alone will keep the economy growing at 2%, at a minimum, in 2026.
- How tariffs play a role: Trade flows are pushing the growth numbers up and down depending on the quarter and what businesses are doing with imports in response to tariffs. While we may see one quarter depressed by a surge of imports and another surge because of a drop in imports, these swings will level off eventually. Ultimately, tariffs are a drag on growth because they raise prices, causing consumers and businesses to buy less.
How We Could Reach 3% Growth in 2026
The U.S. is by no means hemmed into 2% growth. The dynamism of the U.S. economy means there is always capacity for the economy to grow above its potential. In 2026, we could see 3% growth, or higher, if a few key things happen:
- AI continues booming, and most importantly, it starts seriously boosting worker productivity;
- The positive economic benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill take off in 2026, such as improved incentives for businesses to invest, leading to an even bigger investment boom that encompasses more than AI investment. Large refunds and reduced withholding could add extra juice to the economy in 2026 as well;
- Permitting reform makes it easier and faster to build;
- Continued deregulatory activities and greater policy certainty make it easier for businesses to plan and invest;
- Legal immigration reforms make it easier to get the workers we need to grow faster;
- We enact legal reforms that discourage frivolous litigation help reduce the cost pressure on everything from insurance to consumer goods; and
- Tariffs come down. Lesser tariffs and more free trade would supercharge growth.
This mix of policies that emphasize the supply side of the economy is imperative to generating improved growth because where inflation is now, anything that spurs demand — like more government stimulus like we saw under the Biden administration — risks greater inflation.
What Could Slow Growth in 2026
While the right set of policies could drive the economy to 3% growth, the wrong set could slow it below the 2% path we are on now. Those policies would be those that:
- Slow AI investment: A wave of different regulatory policies from the federal government and the states would slow business investment in data centers and other factors needed to bring AI to consumers. This would cause a pullback in financial markets and cause a slowdown in on-the-ground activity. It could lead to a consolidation of businesses engaged in bringing AI to market and a reduction in asset prices tied to the ongoing investment boom;
- Raise tariffs: New, higher, or expanded tariffs would cause consumers and businesses to pull back and will slow growth; and
- Decrease consumer confidence: Consumers have been spending strongly for years now, in part because their wages have grown above inflation and their belief the economy will be better in the future. If continued policy uncertainty undermines their confidence, they could pull back on spending, which would certainly slow growth.
Other Factors to Consider in 2026
Recession
We won’t have a recession this year unless a large shock occurs, like a pandemic or global financial crisis. While there is always the chance something big like that happens, such events are hard to predict. It is important to remember that slower growth is not the same thing as a recession.
We could have slower growth in 2025 and 2026 than we had in 2023 (2.9%) and 2024 (2.8%), but a recession is when the size of the economic contracts for six straight months. Slower growth is not good, and it can make the country feel the economy is bad. But a recession brings with it more serious economic pain through high unemployment and falling incomes. Both are unlikely to occur outside of a recession.
Workforce
The U.S. labor market has fundamentally changed in recent months. Because of declining population growth from a lower birth rate and a slowdown in immigration and increase in deportations, we only need to add 30,000 to 50,000 jobs a month to keep the unemployment rate steady. Not too long ago, we needed to create at least 125,000 jobs a month to keep the unemployment rate the same.
That means if we do get the conditions needed to push growth to 3%, it will be harder to hit that mark than in the past because there won’t be enough workers available for businesses to tap to meet growing demand.
The Fed
The Federal Reserve is another factor to consider in 2026. While some anticipate further rate reductions to spur faster growth, there is also ample reason to believe that rates will remain more steady.
The Fed’s dual mandate requires them to work towards stable prices and maximum employment. Inflation remains stubbornly high and tariffs continue to work their way through to consumers exerting upward pressure on the price level. At the same time, while job growth may have slowed, the unprecedented slowdown in the growth of the labor force may mean that there is little room to create more jobs. Given these pressures, it is not surprising that the Fed signaled in its most recent forward guidance that it is likely to hold rates steady for several months while until we have a better understanding of where inflation and labor force are headed.
The Bottom Line
The economy is stronger than many surveys would indicate, and the economy will continue to grow in 2026. With the right mix of policies, the economy can grow even faster. Businesses will want to prepare for a better economy because they will need to be ready to hire and expand to take advantage of that faster growth should it materialize.
Is Your Social Marketing Working?
Source: CO, By U.S. Chamber Emily Heaslip , Contributor
How to Monitor Your Social Media ROI With Analytics
Social media analytics can power product development, better brand messaging, and improved customer service. Learn how.
Social media analytics can tell you a lot more than how many people looked at your most recent Instagram post. This information plays a role in other elements of your marketing strategy and your business operations. Learn how social media analytics can help your business develop products, improve your sales strategy, and stand out from your competitors.
Get deeper customer insights
Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok generate an enormous amount of data about their users. Your social media analytics can tell you detailed information about your audience's age, location, interests, and online behavior. Learn about your followers’ hobbies, values, and spending habits to inform your product development and marketing strategies.
You can also see what type of content resonates the most, including trending topics, content type, and popular hashtags. These insights help you allocate marketing resources to the most impactful channels. You can also plan product or service upgrades to suit your audience's needs.
Social media analytics also offer data points that help you optimize your time and effort. Native analytics and third-party tools can tell you when members of your audience are the most active, how they interact with your brand (in comments, direct messages, reposts, or something else), and their format preferences (video, images, contests, polls, etc.). This information helps you design a posting calendar to maximize the impact of your content.
Improve lead generation
Social media provides a rich source of information for identifying and fostering potential leads. Look beyond your company profiles to tap into conversations and communities where new customers can be recruited. Social listening is one strategy that enables small businesses to improve lead generation.
“Social listening is a part of social media analytics that allows you to listen to every comment or conversation happening online across the globe on any topic. Just feed in your topic of interest and listen to who is saying what,” wrote the team at Auris, an artificial intelligence-powered media monitoring platform.
Not only can you find potential leads who may be interested in your business, but you can also find experts and influencers who could advocate for your brand. Look for analytics tools that monitor metrics such as share of voice, hashtag use, brand and keyword mentions, and trending topics across different social media channels.
Craft more impactful messaging
Social media analytics show you which posts are performing the best. With this information, you can identify patterns that allow you to hone your messaging for better conversion rates. Go further with A/B testing to compare different post formats, visuals, and calls to action to see what drives engagement and conversions.
Likewise, comments, direct messages, and mentions can be used to improve the customer experience. “Customer feedback is essential to the process. Direct replies from users give you a first-hand look at the impact of your social campaigns and content strategies,” wrote TrustRadius.
Pay attention to frequently asked questions or concerns to adjust your operations as needed. For instance, if customers often ask about your returns policy, consider updating your website to make sure this policy is clear and easy to find. Social media analytics help you understand where there may be obstacles in the customer journey that impede conversions and sales.
Differentiate your brand
Don’t just dive into the analytics related to your brand; keep an eye on what others in your industry are doing too. Analyze your competitor’s data to see what’s working well for them and where there may be opportunities for your brand to gain attention.
Learn from others’ successes to fuel your business growth strategy. Pay attention to their positioning to see how you can differentiate your brand. Monitor their comments sections to see if there are opportunities that you can capitalize on to gain market share. And observe the platforms your competitors are using the most to adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.
Top social analytics tools for small businesses
There are several social media analytics tools on the market, many of which do much more than simply collate your data. Pricing varies; some are priced by user, while others consider the number of your social media profiles. Look for tools with free trials to find the best fit.
Here are a few popular social media analytics tools to explore:
- Statusbrew: Users on G2 rate this platform highly for its ease of use. Track metrics such as the best time to post, reputation breakdown, paid performance, industry trends, and more.
- Social Status: This affordable option is geared toward small businesses that are running ads and managing influencer partnerships as part of their strategy.
- Hootsuite: This platform does far more than social media analytics. Hootsuite also delivers streamlined graphs and reports to give you a full picture of your social media performance.
- Zoho Social: G2 reviewers say this tool is easy to use. Analytics are divided into audience, engagement, performance, and reach and impressions, so you can clearly see what’s working.
Many platforms integrate social analytics with other features for managing your accounts and automatically posting.
How to set KPIs and benchmarks for social performance
The social media metrics you track should align with your overall marketing goals. Determine what you hope to achieve with your overall marketing strategy and then figure out how social media contributes to that higher level strategy. Common social media marketing goals include:
- Increasing brand awareness. Key performance indicators (KPIs) to track include follower count, impressions, traffic, and reach.
- Generate leads and sales. KPIs include sales revenue, conversion rate, nonrevenue conversions, etc.
- Increasing engagement. Track KPIs such as clicks, likes, shares, comments, and mentions.
- Increasing web traffic. KPIs include traffic, link clicks, conversions, and product trials.
You may also want to set platform-specific goals, depending on your industry. A B2B company, for instance, might want different outcomes from LinkedIn compared to Facebook. Tailor your KPIs based on the platforms you use and their demographics.
Interpreting analytics to adjust your content strategy
Social media analytics help you spot trends, track brand sentiment, and measure “value perception”— the overall customer opinion of whether your product or service can meet their needs. As you collect intel over time, social analytics tools highlight patterns and trends that tell you more about your customers. This information can inform improvements to your content strategy.
“Your social media analytics hold the key to proving impact and setting realistic, data-backed goals that align with business priorities,” wrote Sprout Social. “For example, if your Instagram analytics show you’re growing by 10 followers per week, aiming to double your audience in one quarter doesn’t tally with the data. A more effective goal might be to increase your growth rate to 20 followers per week, then build from there.”
Depending on how sophisticated your analytics tools are, you can view brand sentiment charts, top keywords, and conversation topics that help you visualize how people are perceiving your brand. This information can help improve customer service, develop new products, and allocate your marketing budget.
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 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) “No Tax on Overtime” Employer Summary
Source: McKonly & Asbury; Collaborator- Mark Heath, Partner
What Is the Deduction?
For tax years 2025–2028, individuals may claim an above-the-line federal income tax deduction for “qualified overtime compensation”— the premium portion of overtime pay required under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and paid in excess of the regular rate of pay. The deduction is up to $12,500/ year for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers and phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
Who Is Eligible?
The deduction is available to both employees and nonemployees (e.g., independent contractors) who receive qualifying overtime compensation.
Employer Responsibilities – Tax Year 2025
Reporting Requirements
Employers are not required to separately report qualified overtime compensation on the 2025 Form W-2 or provide a separate statement for 2025.
Best Practices
- Employers are encouraged to voluntarily provide employees with a separate accounting of qualified overtime compensation, such as in Box 14 of Form W-2 or a separate statement.
- Employer report should include the following:
- Tax Year Covered
- Total Qualified Overtime Compensation
- The total dollar amount of “qualified overtime compensation” paid to the employee during the year. This should be the amount that meets the definition under IRC section 225(c): overtime compensation required under section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that is in excess of the regular rate at which the individual is employed.
- If possible, the report should distinguish between FLSA-required overtime and any additional overtime or premium pay not required by the FLSA, as only the FLSA-required portion is deductible.
- Methodology/Calculation
- A brief description of how the qualified overtime compensation was calculated (e.g., “This amount represents the FLSA overtime premium, calculated as the additional one-half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, as required by 29 USC §207(a).”).
- If the employer pays overtime at a higher rate (e.g., double time), the report should specify the method used to isolate the FLSA-required portion (e.g., “For double time, the FLSA overtime premium is one-half of the total overtime amount.”).
Employee Responsibilities – Tax Year 2025
Determining Eligibility
- Only the FLSA-required overtime premium (generally, the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” pay for hours over 40 in a workweek) is deductible. Overtime paid under state law or employer policy that exceeds FLSA requirements is not deductible.
- Employees must determine if they are FLSA-eligible (i.e., not exempt from FLSA overtime protections).
Calculating the Deduction
- If the employer provides a statement (e.g., in Box 14 of Form W-2 or a separate statement), use that amount.
- If not, use earnings statements, pay stubs, payroll system reports and apply one of the IRS’s reasonable methods to estimate the FLSA overtime premium:
- If a statement shows only the total overtime (regular + premium), use one-third of the total as the deductible amount.
- If overtime is paid at double time, use one-fourth of the total.
- If only the premium is shown, use that amount.
- If no statement is available, use a reasonable method based on regular rate and hours worked over 40 per week.
Filing Requirements
- Claim the deduction on Form 1040 for 2025.
- Social Security Number should be included on the return.
- If married, file jointly to claim the deduction.
For more information, or if you have thoughts and/or questions about the information outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact us; our seasoned and experienced tax professionals are always here to help. You can also learn more by visiting our Tax service page.
Member News ~ January 29, 2026
MARC Grooms Trails for Winter Recreation
As of 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 28, the Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) has groomed multiple trails for winter recreation at Montour Preserve, Hess Recreation Area, and the Hopewell Park/Danville Borough Farm Trail System. The grooming supports cross-country skiing and other seasonal activities, with additional trails planned to be groomed as weather conditions allow. An updated map is available at https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1HPZ_iAZJJ3TjORY-bEIFoTZZ6RoE790&usp=sharing. This map will be updated as needed.
Danville Business Alliance Launches “Love Where You Live” Local Promotion
The Danville Business Alliance is excited to announce the launch of Love Where You Live, a month-long Shop and Dine Local promotion designed to support Danville businesses while rewarding residents for spending their dollars locally. Running throughout the month of February, the promotion encourages community members to shop and dine at participating Danville businesses for a chance to win a local gift card bundle featuring multiple local establishments. Click here to view the full press release and to view the list of participating establishments.
Bluegrass Music Returns to the Weis Center with East Nash Grass - February 5th
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome IBM award-winning bluegrass music ensemble East Nash Grass on Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-577-1000 or online at Bucknell.edu/BoxOffice. Tickets are also available in person from several locations including the Weis Center lobby (weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and the CAP Center Box Office, located on the ground floor of the Elaine Langone Center (weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.
McKonly & Asbury Webinar: Valuation and Tax Considerations When Buying or Selling a Business - February 26th
Join McKonly & Asbury for a free, one-hour webinar on Thursday, February 26 at 2:00 PM EDT exploring key valuation and tax considerations in business transactions. Partners Eric Blocher, David Blain, and Jeremy Peachey will share practical insights on deal structure, working capital, and tax implications to help attendees navigate negotiations with confidence. Register here.
Villager Realty, Inc. Achieves $135 Million in Production for 2025
Villager Realty is pleased to announce they have closed 2025 with $135 million in total real estate production across its Danville, Lewisburg, and Northumberland offices. This year’s success reflects Villager Realty’s continued growth, strong market presence, and commitment to providing trusted guidance to Buyers and Sellers throughout the Central Susquehanna Valley. Read on.
SEDA-COG APEX Accelerators Support Government Contracting Success
SEDA-COG has supported regional businesses through its APEX Accelerators program since 1985, helping companies successfully navigate federal, state, and local government contracting. By offering no-cost guidance, the program strengthens local businesses, keeps federal dollars in our communities, and supports long-term economic growth. Learn more by watching this short video.
Children's Museum Announces February Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for February 2026. Note: The Museum will be closed on February 28th for Hak4Kidz! Click here to view the calendar.
AGAPE Seeks Volunteers for Code Blue Emergency Shelter
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.
Free Website Design Opportunity with Bucknell SBDC - January 31st
This spring, the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center is partnering with Bucknell students to help select local businesses design and build basic websites at no cost. Businesses will collaborate with student teams throughout the semester and take full ownership of a functional, easy-to-edit website by the end of April. Space is limited, apply here by January 31, 2026.
Third Annual Environmental Education Expo Returns to Montour Preserve - February 7th
The Montour Preserve will host its Third Annual Environmental Education Expo on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, offering a free, family-friendly day of hands-on learning and discovery. The event will feature interactive exhibits, live animals, nature activities, and educational displays from a wide range of regional environmental and community organizations, making it a great opportunity for all ages to explore the natural world. More information can be found here.
Family Innovation Night at the Berwick Area YMCA - February 6th
Families are invited to enjoy an evening of hands-on STEM experiments, creative art activities, and interactive exploration at Family Innovation Night on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Berwick Area YMCA Gymnasium. The free event also features a photo booth and refreshments, offering a fun, curiosity-driven experience for all ages. View the flyer here.
Management & Leadership Program Application Deadline Approaching - February 20th
Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive Happening Now - February 27th
The Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, which benefits the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, runs from now until February 27, 2026. Drop-off sites are Diversified Technology, Framing by CJ, Bloomsburg YMCA, St. Columba Church, Key Partners Realty, The Tea Ladies, Bloomsburg Public Library, Brewskis, and the Columbia County Annex.
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!
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week seeking Volunteers
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week provides practical, hands-on education by immersing students in the exciting world of business. This one-week summer program provides students with an appreciation of our American free enterprise system, leaving them with a newfound passion and clarity for their future. Be the reason a student discovers their potential by volunteering for PFEW 2026, and help students build skills that last a lifetime. Learn more at http://www.pfew.org
Susquehanna Kids Releases 2026 High School Musical Guide
Get ready, Susquehanna Valley, the 2026 High School Musical Season is here! From dazzling choreography to soaring vocals and unforgettable stories, local students are bringing big‑stage magic to our small towns across the valley. Join us in celebrating their creativity and support the performances happening near you. Click here to view the calendar.
Using Financial KPIs to Strengthen Strategic Planning and Performance Management
Source: McKonly & Asbury
As the final article in McKonly & Asbury's series for 2025’s National Entrepreneurship Month, this article will focus on the future and matters that drive business success. The focus of the information below is related to the use of Financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the development of businesses in 2026 and beyond, along with strategic plan and initiatives.
Understanding Financial KPIs
KPIs play a central role in measuring a company’s financial health, guiding strategic decision-making, and aligning day-to-day operations with long-term objectives. While organizations generate substantial amounts of financial data, KPIs distill this information into meaningful signals that executives, investors, and operational leaders can use to assess progress, allocate resources, and anticipate risks. Understanding what KPIs are—and how to use them effectively—is essential for any business developing a forward-looking plan, including those preparing their 2026 strategic roadmap.
Measures vs. Metrics vs. KPIs
To understand KPIs fully, it’s important to distinguish between raw data, metrics, and true performance indicators. Measures refer to basic quantitative data points—such as total revenue, number of invoices, or inventory counts—without context. When these measures are transformed into metrics, they begin to offer more insight. A metric such as gross margin, calculated as (revenue minus cost of goods sold) divided by revenue, highlights the overall profitability of sales activities. KPIs, however, are the metrics that have direct relevance to strategic success. Examples like return on equity (ROE), days sales outstanding (DSO), or EBITDA margin provide deeper insights into financial performance and areas requiring attention. KPIs reveal not just what is happening, but why it matters.
Why Financial KPIs Matter
Financial KPIs play a vital role in organizational management. First, they strengthen decision-making by providing objective measures of performance. Leaders can evaluate whether the company is on track or deviating from expectations. Second, KPIs ensure alignment between financial results and strategic priorities. Whether the goal is to expand margins, reduce debt, or increase sales, KPIs translate these aims into measurable outcomes. KPIs also support financial planning processes, such as budgeting and forecasting, helping teams base assumptions on evidence rather than intuition. Additionally, they improve communication with internal and external stakeholders by presenting clear, quantifiable indicators of success. Finally, KPIs serve as early warning signals—declining liquidity metrics or rising receivables can highlight emerging risks before they escalate.
Best Practices for Interpreting KPIs
KPIs are most valuable when interpreted correctly. Businesses should begin by establishing clear benchmarks or targets that define what “good performance” looks like. It is equally important to analyze KPI trends over time, distinguishing between temporary fluctuations and true performance shifts. Comparisons with industry benchmarks provide further insight into competitive standing and potential opportunities for improvement. Visualization tools and dashboards make KPIs more accessible and actionable across teams. Moreover, combining financial KPIs with non-financial indicators—such as customer satisfaction or employee productivity—creates a more comprehensive view of the factors driving financial success.
Integrating KPIs into the 2026 Business Plan
Aligning KPIs with a company’s 2026 business plan requires a deliberate, structured approach. The process begins with clearly defining strategic objectives. Organizations must articulate their priorities for the year, whether they revolve around growth, operational efficiency, or cost reduction. The next step is identifying key value drivers: the financial levers—pricing strategy, cost control, working capital optimization—that influence outcomes. Once value drivers are established, companies should set SMART KPI targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These targets should draw on historical performance, forecasting models, and industry benchmarks. After setting targets, KPIs should be incorporated into financial forecasts and budgets, ensuring alignment between planning assumptions and strategic goals.
Scenario planning is another key element of KPI integration. Developing best-case, worst-case, and base-case KPI outcomes helps organizations stress-test their assumptions and plan for uncertainty. Finally, KPIs must be tied to accountability. Assigning ownership—such as designating the sales leader responsible for revenue growth or the CFO responsible for EBITDA—ensures consistent monitoring and follow-through. By linking KPIs to incentives or performance reviews, companies reinforce the importance of financial discipline and goal alignment.
What Executives Want to See
Executives expect a clear connection between KPIs and strategic priorities, backed by justified targets and credible assumptions. They also value scenario plans and sensitivity analysis, which help them understand potential risks and outcomes. A strong accountability structure, along with a consistent reporting cadence, ensures transparency and follow-through. Finally, leaders want a formal process for reviewing and adjusting KPIs quarterly, ensuring flexibility as market conditions evolve.
Key Takeaways
Financial KPIs are instrumental in measuring performance, informing decisions, and strengthening strategic planning. By using a balanced mix of profitability, liquidity, and efficiency indicators—and by analyzing trends and context—companies can build more resilient and forward-looking plans. When fully integrated into the planning cycle, KPIs become powerful tools that drive organizational alignment, operational clarity, and sustained success.
To learn more about this article, please contact David Blain, CPA, CVA, Partner and Director of our Entrepreneurial Accounting Solutions (EAS) team.
The Difference Between Sales and Marketing, and Why You Need to Know
Source: CO, By U.S. Chamber Julianna Lopez , Contributor
Discover the difference between what sales and marketing teams do, and how managers can differentiate them to achieve business goals.
Sales and marketing typically function as two distinct departments within an organization. However, both teams share the goal of attracting customers, so they often work collaboratively and symbiotically to achieve the best results.
Here’s more on the differences between these departments and how they can work together to succeed.
Sales vs. marketing
In its simplest form, the marketing team creates content about a company’s products and services to generate brand awareness and fill the prospect pipeline. From there, the sales team is responsible for converting customers in the pipeline to generate revenue.
Process
The marketing process is focused on familiarizing your brand and product with new customers or refamiliarizing them with former ones. Organizations that are coming up with new ways to market themselves need to clearly explain what their product or service is, how it solves an issue for the consumer, and their price points. From there, the marketing team needs to determine who is most likely interested in this product or service and where they can find them.
The process for sales includes creating a plan that outlines an organization's actions, tools, resources, and overall sales goals. A sales team is most interested in converting those who have some awareness of the brand into customers to earn a profit. They interact with customers and answer their questions to provide relevant information about the product or service.
Goals
A business's marketing goals are to promote its product, company, or brand with clear communication. The primary objective is to examine the big picture and clearly explain how the product or service benefits the widest audience possible, generating potential leads. Common marketing goals include:
- Determining specific performance metrics, such as time spent on site and the levels of organic and paid traffic.
- Calculating average customer acquisition cost (CAC) and return on investment (ROI).
- Analyzing bounce rates to identify areas of improvement on the website and in marketing content.
The overall goal of sales is to ensure the company is consistently generating profits by growing its customer base. Using specific benchmarks set by the company, the sales team marks their goals based on quotas and volume goals. These are shorter-term goals, typically around the financial quarter or month. Goals and targets are determined by how much the business needs to sell to generate enough profit to remain operational. Specific sales metrics include:
- Revenue percentage from new customers versus existing customers.
- Conversion rates and average time to purchase.
- Lead response times and average deal sizes.
Strategies
Marketing strategies are based on gathering information about their targeted audience to see what does and does not work. Once the marketing team knows who they're trying to reach with a certain campaign, they may:
- Deploy specific messaging via digital marketing, print marketing, and content marketing.
- Conduct market research and focus group sessions to determine campaign effectiveness.
Sales strategies are based on connecting with potential customers, talking and listening to them, and converting them into paying customers. To do so, sales associates might:
- Practice cold calling.
- Host/attend a networking event.
- Conduct product demonstrations.
Then, depending on the scope of the product or service, the sales team will attempt to close the sale.
Prospects
The marketing team aims to generate brand awareness for a target audience. New prospects start at the top of the marketing funnel, moving further down as the marketing team works to keep the audience engaged and primed to purchase. When prospects reach the bottom of the funnel and are ready to convert, the sales department completes the sale.
Team structure and roles
Most companies establish separate sales and marketing teams that collaborate closely, but smaller businesses with a lean workforce might have one person handle the majority of sales and marketing responsibilities.
Typical marketing roles include:
- Marketing managers. They design the strategy and lead the development of campaign content and assets.
- Digital marketers/advertisers. They create content to engage target audiences through paid search, social media, website traffic, and more.
- SEO analysts. They focus on improving a website's search ranking and optimizing its content, copy, and design to align with best practices.
Common sales roles include:
- Account executives. They're responsible for closing the largest sales deals and researching new lines of business.
- Sales managers. They lead sales teams and ensure everyone has the tools, training, and support needed to meet quotas.
- Sales representatives. They're responsible for identifying prospects and closing sales.
How sales and marketing teams can collaborate
While their primary goals differ, sales and marketing overlap in many ways and should work together. Here are a few ways sales and marketing teams can collaborate to drive stronger results.
Create overlapping goals and metrics
Marketing and sales teams are often scored on different metrics, which can make it difficult to find alignment. However, everyone wins if both teams can combine their expertise to optimize the buyer's journey.
Unite both functions around a common business goal, such as customer retention or new customer acquisition. Track the same key performance metrics, too: Conversion rate and lead value are indicators both teams can measure to create impact.
Common shared KPIs include:
- Web traffic to lead ratio, or how many customers became leads after visiting a website. The sales and marketing teams can collaborate to identify web content gaps to address in order to boost time on site and conversion rate KPIs.
- Sales revenue, or how much profit the company generated and from which products or services. With this information, teams can strategize which products to target and how to best engage with their audiences.
- Customer retention, highlighting how well a company can foster and keep relationships with its target audiences. Sales and marketing teams can capitalize on a business’s positive rapport with long-term customers.
- Cost per lead, or how much the company spends on marketing to acquire new leads. This can help determine which tactics are the most effective for which buyer personas.
Collaborate on audience segmentation
Sales and marketing can benefit from developing two tools: customer personas and the sales funnel (or customer journey, for marketers).
Customer personas, also known as buyer personas, describe in detail who sales is selling to and who marketing is marketing to. The buyer journey or sales funnel outlines the steps someone will go through before they buy from your business. Understanding both of these elements helps marketing and sales collaborate on their next steps and integrate activities for the biggest impact. It can also help share resources as your target customer moves through the purchase process.
Use a CRM tool
Customer relationship management (CRM) software helps marketing and sales employees collaborate to manage leads and the sales funnel. It creates a central record for every interaction a customer has with your brand—whether the interaction is through social media, email, the phone with a sales rep, or an in-person meeting. As long as your team is diligent about keeping records up to date, a CRM tool can add transparency to the buyer journey.
Create and share offers
Make sure you’re creating a cohesive brand experience by aligning your sales and marketing offers. With an active marketing promotion, sales can take advantage of the campaign to sign or re-sign clients. Likewise, the marketing team can reward dedicated customers for sales referrals—one of the best ways to source new customers. Coordinating your promotions and loyalty offers keeps everyone on the same page and your customers satisfied.
Establish a service level agreement
A service-level agreement (SLA) is a contract that defines a shared goal, its parameters, and the deliverables each team will provide to the other. By establishing clear expectations, sales and marketing teams understand how to use the areas of overlap to their advantage.
Set up regular check-ins
Schedule ongoing check-ins with both departments to share wins, ensure each has the information they need, identify pain points, and brainstorm solutions. These meetings can also be a safe space to explore new tactics and opportunities throughout the buyer journey.
Dan Casarella and Emily Heaslip 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 2026 Annual Meeting: What to Know About This Year’s New Format
Now that the 2026 Annual Award nominees have been announced, we are excited to invite members to take part in one of the Chamber’s most meaningful events of the year and to consider sponsoring this year’s Annual Meeting.
This year’s Annual Meeting will include several new elements and changes, which are outlined here. Because of our new space and format, we want to take a moment to explain how sponsorships and seating will work this year and how each sponsorship directly supports the success of the evening.
How Your Support Brings the Annual Meeting to Life
Each sponsorship level plays a direct role in bringing the Annual Meeting to life. Beyond recognition and seating benefits, sponsorships help cover the production, presentation, hospitality, and awards costs that make this event possible.
Below is an overview of how each sponsorship contributes to the evening.
Strategic Sponsor – $1,750 (Sold Out)
The Strategic Sponsor supports the core production and presentation of the Annual Meeting and Annual Report.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Analysis and preparation of the Annual Report content
- Presentation of the Chamber’s Annual Report
- Overall coordination of the formal program and awards presentation
- Analysis and preparation of the Annual Report content
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This sponsorship plays a central role in delivering the primary program experience for all attendees.
Host Sponsor – $1,200 (Sold Out)
The Host Sponsor helps offset the venue and technical costs required to host the Annual Meeting.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Facility rental and venue usage fees
- Audio, visual, and lighting equipment
- Staffing and on-site support
- Facility rental and venue usage fees
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This sponsorship ensures a professional and seamless event environment from start to finish.
Program Sponsor – $800 (1 of 2 Available)
The Program Sponsor supports the design and presentation of the Chamber’s Annual Report and the program for the evening.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Annual Report design and in-house formatting
- Preparation and printing of the official event program and Annual Report
- On-screen visuals and digital presentation elements used during the program
- Annual Report design and in-house formatting
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This sponsorship ensures a polished and professional program experience for all guests.
VIP Seating Sponsor – $650 (Unlimited)
The VIP Seating Sponsor supports one of the most important logistical elements of the evening, stage access and reserved seating for nominees, winners, and presenters.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Reserved aisle and stage-access seating for all stage participants
- Seat signage and labeling for nominees and presenters
- Seating coordination to allow smooth transitions on and off the stage
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This sponsorship directly supports the flow and efficiency of the awards presentation.
Award Sponsor – $500 (Sold Out)
Award Sponsors help cover the cost of producing the physical awards presented during the ceremony.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Management and processing of award nominations
- Design and production of engraved awards
- On-stage award presentation logistics
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This sponsorship ensures that each honoree is properly recognized with a high-quality, professional award.
Reception Sponsor – $450 (Unlimited)
Because the Annual Meeting is being held at a university venue, all food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, must be provided at no charge to attendees.
Reception Sponsors help offset the full cost of the complimentary reception, including:
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- Catering and food service
- Beverage and bar service supplies
- Staffing for food and beverage stations
- Catering and food service
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This sponsorship makes the complimentary networking reception possible for all attendees.
Swag Bag Sponsor – $75 (Unlimited)
Swag Bag Sponsors help support the nominee and awards experience while increasing brand visibility throughout the evening.
This sponsorship helps fund:
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- Assembly of nominee swag bags
- Distribution of swag bags to reserved-seat attendees
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Approximately 60 reserved-seat attendees will receive swag bags, with additional bags displayed and auctioned to extend brand exposure.
To compare sponsorship levels, event benefits, and seating access, please refer to our Sponsorship Comparison Chart here.
Understanding the Seating Experience
With a new venue and a theater-style layout at the Haas Center for the Arts, seating at this year’s Annual Meeting will be organized differently than in years past. Seating will be divided into three sections based on sponsorship level, membership status, and participation in the awards presentation.
A color-coded seating map and ticket key can be found here for reference.
Preferred VIP Open Seating VS Reserved VIP Seating
Seating at the 2026 Annual Meeting will be divided into three sections based on sponsorship level, membership status, and participation in the awards presentation.
Reserved VIP Seating supports the flow of the program and will be assigned by name for nominees, award winners, presenters, and select sponsors with speaking roles. These seats, along with their designated guest seats, are located closest to the stage along aisle and stage access points to allow efficient movement on and off the stage.
Preferred VIP Open Seating is a benefit included with select sponsorships and qualifying memberships and offers a central viewing location with open seating available within the designated area on a first-come basis. All remaining seating throughout the auditorium is open and unassigned for general attendees.
Reserved VIP seating is used strictly for presentation logistics and is not available for general purchase. Names for both Reserved and Preferred VIP seating must be submitted by February 6, 2026.
A Note to Our Members
We know this year’s Annual Meeting looks a little different than in years past, and we truly appreciate your patience as we navigate these changes to create an even better experience for our members. This is new territory for our team as well, and we are excited to be building a refreshed event format designed to better celebrate our nominees, sponsors, and Chamber community. We are grateful for your flexibility and support as we introduce these changes, and we look forward to welcoming you to a memorable evening. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chamber staff.
Member News ~ January 22, 2026
Japanese Taiko Drumming Sensation DRUM TAO Comes to Weis Center - January 30th
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome DRUM TAO on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 PM for an electrifying performance of their all-new show. Sponsored in part by Service 1st Federal Credit Union, the internationally acclaimed ensemble blends traditional Japanese taiko drumming with modern energy, theatrical flair, and stunning choreography for an unforgettable night of live performance. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton at 570-577-3727 or by email at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu. For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week seeking Volunteers
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week provides practical, hands-on education by immersing students in the exciting world of business. This one-week summer program provides students with an appreciation of our American free enterprise system, leaving them with a newfound passion and clarity for their future. Be the reason a student discovers their potential by volunteering for PFEW 2026, and help students build skills that last a lifetime. Learn more at http://www.pfew.org
Family Innovation Night at the Berwick Area YMCA - February 6th
Families are invited to enjoy an evening of hands-on STEM experiments, creative art activities, and interactive exploration at Family Innovation Night on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Berwick Area YMCA Gymnasium. The free event also features a photo booth and refreshments, offering a fun, curiosity-driven experience for all ages. View the flyer here.
Craft Catering Recognized with Top Wedding Industry Honors
Craft Catering has been recognized with the 2026 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award and the Best of Zola Wedding Vendor Award, honoring excellence in service and consistently outstanding experiences for couples. These national awards reflect Craft Catering’s commitment to quality, professionalism, and memorable celebrations. Congratulations to the whole Craft Catering team!
Susquehanna Kids Releases 2026 High School Musical Guide
Get ready, Susquehanna Valley, the 2026 High School Musical Season is here! From dazzling choreography to soaring vocals and unforgettable stories, local students are bringing big‑stage magic to our small towns across the valley. Join us in celebrating their creativity and support the performances happening near you. Click here to view the calendar.
Community Giving Foundation: Berwick Welcomes New Board Members
Community Giving Foundation: Berwick has announced the addition of three new board members for 2026, welcoming Jilann Baron, Dr. Roger F. Crake, and Kelly O’Brien. The new members bring experience in engineering, healthcare, and economic development and will support the Foundation’s ongoing work to strengthen and invest in the Berwick community. Read on.
Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive Happening Now - February 27th
The Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive, which benefits the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, runs from now until February 27, 2026. Drop-off sites are Diversified Technology, Framing by CJ, Bloomsburg YMCA, St. Columba Church, Key Partners Realty, The Tea Ladies, Bloomsburg Public Library, Brewskis, and the Columbia County Annex.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union Donates $270,000 to Local Charities
Service 1st Federal Credit Union donated $270,000 to more than 55 local nonprofit organizations across northeastern and central Pennsylvania through its annual Magic of the Season initiative. The year-end effort supported a wide range of community needs, including children’s programs, libraries, food assistance, and human services, marking a meaningful way for Service 1st to give back during its 50th anniversary year. To read more, click here.
The Women’s Center, Inc. to Host January Tabling Events
Throughout January, The Women’s Center, Inc. will host a series of informational tabling events in recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Community members are invited to stop by to learn more, ask questions, and connect with resources at locations including Geisinger Danville Hospital, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, the Bloomsburg Public Library, and Commonwealth University Bloomsburg on select dates throughout the month. Click here to view the schedule.
AGAPE Seeks Volunteers for Code Blue Emergency Shelter
Winter Book Sale at the Bloomsburg Public Library - January 20th-24th
PA CareerLink® Unemployment Compensation Appeals & Hearings Seminar - January 28th
PA CareerLink® Columbia/Montour Counties will host an in-person employer seminar on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2:30-4:30 PM at its Bloomsburg location. The session will guide employers through the UC appeals process, including how to prepare for a hearing and what to expect during a mock hearing, with a focus on appeal levels, due process, and burden of proof. More information can be viewed here.
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.
Free Website Design Opportunity with Bucknell SBDC - January 31st
This spring, the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center is partnering with Bucknell students to help select local businesses design and build basic websites at no cost. Businesses will collaborate with student teams throughout the semester and take full ownership of a functional, easy-to-edit website by the end of April. Space is limited, apply here by January 31, 2026.
Third Annual Environmental Education Expo Returns to Montour Preserve - February 7th
The Montour Preserve will host its Third Annual Environmental Education Expo on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, offering a free, family-friendly day of hands-on learning and discovery. The event will feature interactive exhibits, live animals, nature activities, and educational displays from a wide range of regional environmental and community organizations, making it a great opportunity for all ages to explore the natural world. More information can be found here.
Management & Leadership Program Application Deadline Approaching - February 20th
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!