Small Business Benefits That Deliver Big Impact
Source: My Benefit Advisor
Many small businesses assume competitive benefits are out of reach due to cost. The reality is that some of the most effective benefit programs aren’t the most expensive…they’re simply the most intentional. For employers with limited budgets, the goal shouldn’t be to match Fortune 500 benefit plays, but to focus on offerings that employees genuinely value and use.
One of the highest impact benefits is flexibility. Flexible scheduling, hybrid work options, and generous PTO policies consistently rank among the dop drivers of employee satisfaction, often at little to no direct cost. For many employees, flexibility can outweigh higher salaries elsewhere.
Another powerful option is financial wellness support. Benefits such as student loan repayment assistance, emergency savings programs, or access to financial coaching help employees manage real-life stressors. Even modest contributions or educational tools can significantly improve engagement and retention.
Mental health resources are also increasingly important. Expanding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), offering virtual counseling, or providing mental health days sends a clear message that employee well-being matters. These programs are often affordable and widely appreciated.
Small businesses can also benefit from offering voluntary benefits, such as accident insurance, critical illness coverage, or pet insurance. While these benefits are typically employee-paid, they enhance the overall benefits package and give employees more choice without increasing employer costs.
Finally, clear communication can amplify the value of every benefit offered. Simple benefit summaries, short videos, or manager talking points help employees understand and appreciate what’s available to them.
In today’s competitive labor market, small businesses don’t need the biggest benefits budget to compete. By focusing on flexibility, well-being, financial support, and communication, employers can build benefits programs that punch well above their weight.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.
Why So Much Local Opportunity Goes Unnoticed—and How That’s Changing
Source: Susquehanna Kids
Families don’t lack options—they lack time, clarity, and reliable local information. When families know what’s happening, where to go, and what resources are available, they participate more fully—in schools, in local businesses, and in community life. Susquehanna Kids exists to make that information easier to access and easier to share.
Across Columbia, Montour, Union, Snyder, and Northumberland counties, Susquehanna Kids has become a reliable source for families navigating daily life with children. For local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and organizations, it provides a way to share information broadly and reach families at different stages of awareness—from those actively searching to those who might not otherwise know what’s available.
Launched in 2022, Susquehanna Kids has grown into a multi-channel platform designed to meet families where they are—on the website, in their inboxes, and on their phones.
On the content side, Susquehanna Kids publishes weekly blogs that reflect what’s happening in real time across the region. These posts cover a wide range of timely topics. Recent examples include highlighting local high school musicals, sharing spring sports registration deadlines, and featuring guidance from Geisinger mental health professionals on beating the winter blues. These are just a few illustrations of how timely, relevant information is surfaced for families throughout the year.
In addition to blogs, the site features practical guides parents rely on again and again—such as roundups of indoor play places, where to host children’s birthday parties, and local farms offering hands-on activities for kids. These evergreen resources help families make decisions locally and confidently, regardless of the season.
One of the most-used tools on Susquehanna Kids is the daily-updated community calendar. In December alone, more than 700 kid-friendly events were shared, including library programs, school fundraisers, STEM workshops, holiday events, and community performances. Families use the calendar to plan their weeks and weekends, while organizations use it as a trusted place to share events with a highly local audience.
To complement the website, Susquehanna Kids sends a weekly email newsletter every Thursday highlighting upcoming weekend events worth knowing about. Families can also opt into text message updates—sent weekly or monthly—which include quick links to events organized by age group and by specific geographic area. These messages are designed to be helpful, timely, and easy to act on.
Summer planning has long been a core focus as well. Each year, Susquehanna Kids curates extensive listings of local summer camps to help families navigate options across interests, ages, and locations. In 2024, this work expanded with the launch of a dedicated website, making it easier for parents to filter and search over 250 local summer camps.
Beyond events and activities, Susquehanna Kids supports broader community priorities. The platform works closely with regional partners to share mental health resources for children and families. It also collaborates with the DegenSTEAM initiative to connect kids to STEM opportunities throughout the five counties.
Most recently, Susquehanna Kids launched the Hour of AI™ during Computer Science Education Week in December. Through hands-on, age-appropriate lessons, students learn how artificial intelligence works and how it already shows up in everyday life. More than 30 local schools and organizations are currently signed up to participate.
Susquehanna Kids continues to evolve alongside the community it serves—expanding tools, resources, and partnerships with an ongoing focus on clarity, access, and usefulness.
Businesses, nonprofits, schools, and organizations interested in sharing information or exploring ways to work with Susquehanna Kids are welcome to get in touch at colleen@susquehannakids.com.
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Susquehanna Kids is a regional family resource dedicated to connecting parents with kid-friendly events, classes, and community programs throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Curated daily by a team of local moms, the platform highlights activities across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties, helping families discover local opportunities in education, recreation, and the arts. Alongside its event calendar, Susquehanna Kids produces seasonal guides, community spotlights, and collaborative campaigns that celebrate the people and organizations making the Valley a great place to raise kids. Contact us: hello@susquehannakids.com.
Pennsylvania Unveils Rural Health Transformation Plan
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Late last month, Governor Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania had been awarded $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its approved five-year Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP), to foster innovation and improve access to essential health services in rural communities.
RHTP funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation Fund, which was established by the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It creates a five-year, $50 billion nationwide grant designed to support rural health. Funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services based on rules established by Congress dictating that $100 million per year will be distributed to each approved applicant state with opportunities to receive up to an additional $100 million per year based on state characteristics including rural population, land area, amount of uncompensated care, and the grant submission itself, to be awarded at discretion of the HHS leadership.
According to a press release announcing the funding, the Commonwealth’s RHTP initiatives will focus on:
- Technology and Infrastructure, including the use of consumer-facing applications that support easy access to primary and specialty care;
- Workforce, including supporting incentives like upfront scholarships, mentoring, short-term housing, and stipends based on a five-year commitment to service in rural communities;
- Maternal Health Services to provide comprehensive care management and navigation between prenatal and postpartum care, behavioral health, and other services to support safe and healthy pregnancies and parenting;
- Behavioral Health Services, like expanding 988 services and continuing public education on crisis response services;
- Aging and Access to facilitate safe transitions from hospitalization to care at home and support quality of care in rural long-term care facilities; and
- EMS and Transportation to modernize rural EMS infrastructure to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Unspent funds from states and territories will be reallocated back into the program, so there will be opportunities to pursue additional funding based on program and initiative performance. This funding is renewable over five years, and states will have the opportunity to secure additional redistributed funding based on program performance and spending.
“Pennsylvania is home to some of our nation’s finest hospitals and health care providers — but despite that legacy of excellence in health care, residents in our rural communities often have access to fewer doctors, have to travel farther to access care, and have more limited health care options,” said Governor Shapiro. “I believe that all Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality health care no matter where they live and my Administration has spent nearly two years developing a robust and meaningful Rural Health Transformation Plan. With nearly $200 million from the federal government, we are moving forward with our plan to improve rural health care, attract and retain a skilled workforce, promote long-term, sustainable access, support the growth of innovative care, and foster technological innovation.”
For more information on the RHTP and rural health initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit dhs.pa.gov/ruralhealth.
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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.
Member News ~ January 8, 2026
Three Service 1st Team Members Complete Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program
Heather Shannon, Member Solutions Specialist, Service 1st Digital Center; Josh Culver, Financial Service Specialist I, Service 1st Bloom Road Office; and Nick Costa, Financial Service Specialist I, Service 1st Muncy Office each earned their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the program. The FiCEP program provides credit union professionals with the skills they need to help members achieve their financial goals. Read on!
SHRMA January Chapter Meeting - January 15th
SHRMA will host its January Chapter Meeting on Thursday, January 15, featuring a Zoom webinar from 7:45-9:00 AM titled Financial Wellness in the Workplace: A Strategic Approach for Employees and Organizations. The session will be led by Karen Wood, Chief Experience Officer at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, and is free for SHRMA members. For more information, 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.
Early Bird Deadline Approaching for DCDC Dinner and a Show - January 16th
Early bird pricing for DCDC’s Dinner and a Show featuring Dueling Pianos International is available through January 16, 2026, for the event taking place Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville. This special evening will combine live entertainment with dinner in a unique, high-energy setting. Click here to register. Click here to learn more about the event.
America250PA County Kick-Off Events Coming to Columbia and Montour Counties - January 21st
America250PA will host county kick-off events on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as part of its statewide tour celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The Columbia County event will take place from 10:00-11:30 AM at The Hub at Mulberry Mills in Bloomsburg, followed by the Montour County event from 11:15 AM-1:00 PM at the Montour County Administration Center in Danville. Both events are free to attend, include light refreshments, and highlight how local communities will take part in Pennsylvania’s Semiquincentennial celebration.
Barry Isett & Associates Expands Construction Quality Assurance Services to Safeguard Projects and Communities
Barry Isett & Associates has announced the expansion of its Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) services, evolving its former Construction Materials Testing department into a broader, more comprehensive offering that supports projects from design through completion. The enhanced CQA services provide independent, code-required oversight to help ensure safety, quality, and compliance across construction projects throughout Pennsylvania. Learn more.
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.
Central Columbia FFA President Awarded National FFA SAE Grant
Congratulations to Brynn Karnes, Central Columbia FFA President, on being named a recipient of the 2025 National FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Grant. This grant is awarded to FFA Members to assist in growing, improving, and expanding their SAE project.
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.
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.
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!
A New Approach to Business After Hours in 2026
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is now scheduling Business After Hours events for 2026. The Chamber is also introducing a new, refreshed approach intended to make these popular networking events more interactive and unique to each host business.
While the core structure of Business After Hours remains the same (events will continue to be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:30 PM), the Chamber is encouraging hosts to move beyond traditional open-house networking and incorporate optional activities that highlight their mission and expertise. Hosts are now invited to consider elements such as behind-the-scenes tours, short programs or demonstrations, networking games, giveaways, or interactive experiences that help attendees connect more meaningfully with the host and one another. These enhancements are intended to create more memorable events while giving hosts greater flexibility to showcase what makes their business unique.
“Business After Hours events have always been about building relationships,” said Kyra McKinnon, Marketing & Events Coordinator. “This refreshed format is designed to improve engagement and marketability while providing greater value for both hosts and attendees, all while maintaining the same atmosphere these events are known for.”
To support this updated approach, the Chamber has launched a new online host form that streamlines scheduling and helps staff collaborate more closely with businesses throughout the planning process. Hosts do not need to have a finalized activity or program in mind when submitting the form; Chamber staff members are available to brainstorm ideas and assist with event development. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event in 2026 are encouraged to complete the online form, which can also be found on the Chamber’s website under the Events tab.
Berleth Announced as Board Secretary for Statewide Chamber Leadership Organization
Source: Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals
The Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) has announced its 2026 Officers and Board of Directors who will officially take office on January 1, 2026:
Officers Chair – George Book, West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Chair-Elect – Christa Lundy, Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce
Secretary/Treasurer – Chris Berleth, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Immediate Past Chair – Gina Suydam, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry
Board of Directors:
Jodi August, Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Capistrant, Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Savannah Casey, Warren County Chamber of Commerce
Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
Dan DeBone, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Alex Halper, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry
Mark Hilliard, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Kreutzer, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Heidi Scrivo, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce
Kat Thompson, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
Heather Valudes, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board members serve in a volunteer leadership role for a specified term, developing and leading the annual Plan of Action to assist in the enhancement of quality education in professional and organizational development to its members. Key events for PACP include the annual Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, Chamber Day in Harrisburg, and ongoing professional development webinars and programs.
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The mission of PACP is to enhance the quality and relevance of Chamber management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
President’s Message: A Special Announcement for 2026
“You know, Chris, the best part of the Annual Meeting is the first 30 minutes, when people get there and see each other for the first time in a while, chat with each other, and have genuine catch-up time. That’s fun. The magic sort of fades when folks scramble to figure out where to sit for the next three hours. It can be hard to hear, you never remember what you ate, and three hours is a long time to sit.”
– Brenda Flanagan, CMCC Administrative Assistant
WE HAVE A BRENDA
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times – one of the biggest strengths of our Chamber is that “we have a Brenda.” As I struggled to simplify the great things coming out of your Chamber into a coherent message, Brenda’s comment (above) hit the nail on the head, and prompted this summary: “In 2026, we’re going to build on our strengths and eliminate the obvious to offer member experiences that feel fresh, lively, and more valuable.” I’m especially excited to share this special announcement with you about how we’re going to get it all kicked off.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will host our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg’s Haas Center for the Performing Arts. This is more than a change of venue. It’s a reflection of how much this event has grown—and how intentional we’re being about making it truly special.
More space to do what matters most—connect
The Haas Center gives us a wide-open, two-story lobby designed for conversation, movement, and spontaneous connections. Instead of a plated meal, we’ll be offering heavy hors d’oeuvres, which means less time sitting and more time talking, reconnecting, and doing business. You’ll still eat well, we promise - but the focus shifts to where it belongs: on each other, and building on those first 30 minutes that Brenda spoke about!
An awards process that’s clearer, stronger, and more connected
Thanks to the great work of Chamber Intern Amber Hughes, each award now follows a board-approved rubric that brings added transparency and alignment with our community’s goals. The integrity of our awards has always mattered; now, the path to recognition is clearer for nominators and more meaningful for everyone in the room.
A ceremony that feels like a celebration
Our Awards Ceremony will take place in Mitrani Hall, a beautiful theater space where every guest has a seat, a view, and a shared experience. With help from Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers, the flow of the evening will feel smoother and more intentional. More than that, we’ll rely on professionals for sound and lighting – so that we can celebrate together the accomplishments of our members and keep the spotlight where it belongs—on our honorees.
More ways to participate and be seen
A new venue brings new opportunities, from expanded digital recognition to photo areas and premium seating that differ slightly from years past, but bring supporters close to the action nonetheless. If visibility and engagement matter to your business, this year’s sponsorship options are worth a look.
NOT THE ONLY REFRESH IN 2026
This refreshed Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony reflects the bigger picture for your Chamber in 2026 and is truly just the start. Our work across advocacy, business connections, benefits programs, employee development, and community strength remains firmly rooted in your expressed strategic interests and will continue to evolve with your feedback.
In the “State of the Chamber” update you’ll hear at the Annual Meeting, you can expect to hear more about our efforts to bring about clearer communication, easier mechanism to engage, and experiences that feel thoughtful, relevant, and worth your time. Those efforts will be rolling out all year long, and soon you’ll start to see subtle improvements to our website, ChamberPack, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, even our member benefits packages and member verification form. This is part of our continued push toward excellence following our statewide accreditation in 2025, and our goal to continually raise the bar operationally.
JOIN US!
I hope you’ll join us on February 25 for an evening that celebrates our members, honors excellence, and sets the tone for the year ahead. This one is going to feel different—in all the right ways.
Happy New Year,
Chris
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.