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!
Dave Ashby – AI Coach and Learning Strategist – New Member Highlight
Dave Ashby – AI Coach and Learning Strategist helps individuals and organizations use artificial intelligence in practical, responsible, and human-centered ways.
Rather than selling one-size-fits-all AI solutions, Dave works as a strategic thought partner by helping clients choose the right tools, learn how to prompt effectively, and think more clearly with AI to improve decision-making, productivity, and creativity. His approach focuses on clarity, real-world application, and long-term value, not hype or technical jargon.
With a background in instructional design and adult learning, Dave provides coaching, workshops, and customized AI workflows for businesses, nonprofits, educators, and individuals. He also helps organizations adopt AI safely by supporting thoughtful governance practices that balance innovation with trust, data protection, and accountability.
Looking ahead, Dave aims to help regional businesses build confidence and capability with AI so it becomes a trusted partner in growth and sustainable success.
Community Involvement Ideas for Small Businesses
Source: CO by U.S. Chamber, Nicole Fallon , Contributor
Giving back to the community is crucial to building trust and personal relationships with your customers. Here’s how to get more involved with your community.
As a small business owner, giving back to your community is a win-win situation. Not only are you supporting important local initiatives and organizations, but you’re also forging connections with your customers and showing them you care about what’s important to them.
“Consumers appreciate businesses that not only want to sell but genuinely care about the needs of the communities they’re in,” said Deiver Montes, co-founder of Avalon Sports. “There’s no better way to build rapport with your community than getting involved at a local level.”
In addition to helping your company gain more exposure and ultimately more business, donating your time, goods or financial resources to a worthy cause can also “help to improve employee morale and make improvements to the community and neighborhoods surrounding the business location,” added Helen Varvi, deputy director of Wellspring Center for Prevention.
Here are six ways to get more involved with your community and give back as a business.
Donate to local charities
Donating to a charitable cause or local nonprofit is a simple yet effective way to give your community the tools it needs to make a difference. This is a good entry point for businesses that want to give back, as it’s often as easy as clicking a button on a website or mailing a check. You might also consider donating products or offering pro bono services to community organizations for even greater brand exposure and community impact.
Serve on a board
Joining a board, such as a nonprofit board, business organization board or school board, is a great way to get involved with your local community and to help serve the community’s needs. These boards also offer an incredible opportunity to network with other local leaders and make important connections that can contribute to your business’s future growth.
Sponsor local events and sports teams
Nearly every community hosts local events and organized sports teams. Sponsoring these events or teams allows for an opportunity to be a part of your community culture, while also generating valuable engagement and positive public relations for your business.
Volunteer your time
One of the best ways to get involved in your community is by getting hands-on experience and volunteering. Pick a cause that is important to you and your team and aligns with your brand values, and plan a day to volunteer together. Aside from supporting the cause, you’ll be building team camaraderie and contributing to a positive company culture.
“When a business’s mission or founding purpose aligns with a similar or specific community organization, it is an awesome synergy,” said Melanie Fountaine, co-founder and COO of Joshin. “For instance, if a business works with families with special needs, supporting a local nonprofit for people with special needs is a win-win. It creates a relationship and feeling of connection.”
Join your local chamber of commerce
Your local chamber of commerce is a centerpiece for business in your community. Getting involved with your own allows you the opportunity to network with other small businesses in the area. It also gives you the opportunity to become among the leading experts in your industry.
Participate in online community forums
Most communities have a website or news publication where local residents and organizations can connect with each other via an online forum. Adam Eisenberg, senior editor of community engagement at hyperlocal publisher Patch, recommends this as an effective way for businesses to stay in touch with the community and its needs.
“Neighbors and local customers want to support local businesses now more than ever. Getting involved in these conversations can help forge real, lasting connections between local customers and small businesses in the community.” Whatever way you choose to give back, make sure it’s authentically aligned with your brand and its values, as well as important to your local community overall.
“Be transparent and authentic in [your] interactions with local customers,” said Eisenberg. “Customers build affinities for businesses when there's more to the experience than just a transaction, so the more ways businesses can find to engage local customers and get them involved in their efforts to give back, the more likely they are to see those efforts pay off.”
“Whatever you do, you do it from your heart, whether it’s donating your time, talent or treasure,” added Pat Mathews, co-founder of Avalon Sports. “The more genuine and authentic you are, the better it [will] be received and appreciated.”
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.
Look For These Top Leadership Skills
Source: Chamber Today
The nature of the working environment has noticeably pivoted in the past few years.
Recently, new versions of a business leader have emerged, more aligned with what today's employees want from their employer. The "Command and Control" leader has given way to a more humble, thoughtful, and effective leader. If you want your business to remain competitive in the future, then look for these leadership traits when hiring for key positions today.
Leaders That Value Wisdom
Your leader doesn't have to be Obi-Wan Kenobi to be wise. Instead, a wise leader understands how to use their knowledge to benefit others. Wise leaders may be natural mentors; they enjoy teaching others and fostering an environment of learning and growth. They're confident in their knowledge and abilities and have a quieting effect on negativity.
Leaders With Vision
"Vision" is one of those buzzwords that's everywhere in corporate America but doesn't seem to have meaning. In a practical sense, a visionary leader has not just the goal in sight but also a practical path to get there. Vision requires clear communication, showing the team what each step towards success looks like as it relates to their jobs and tasks. It's the ability to share the bigger picture and then break it down into achievable milestones.
Innovative Leaders
Change is constant, and leaders that develop creative solutions to problems or bring a high-level idea to life can be very valuable to companies in a hyper-competitive field. Innovate leaders are the ones that ‘build a better mousetrap" and are able to execute the plans and systems needed to repeat their successes. They're creative but grounded in the practicalities of what is achievable with their team and their resources.
Discerning Leaders
Cutting through a workplace's distractions, noise, and chatter to determine priorities is critical for a good leader. Quickly being able to look at the array of your team's needs, concerns, and questions and then prioritizing them according to which will have the most impact on the team's goals is essential. A leader that lacks discernment is one that very quickly will feel like a hamster on a wheel, always going but never getting there.
Energetic Leaders Motivate Others
An energetic leader isn't like Tigger the Tiger, always bouncing around. Instead, they have the passion and drive to fulfill their goals but use restraint, focusing their energy on leading their team to achieve greater success than they dreamed. A leader with strong energy also intuitively understands how to draw on the energy of others on their team, instilling their enthusiasm into others so the entire group is able to achieve more.
Bottom Line
When hiring for a leadership position, recognize that not everyone will have these five qualities. Instead, these five qualities describe five different kinds of leaders. A savvy hiring manager will be able to recognize which of these types of leaders job candidates are, which can help them find the right kind of leader to support and achieve the different goals a company has. Understanding leadership qualities can help with team building, as different tasks require a different type of leadership.
Chamber Announces 2026 Annual Award Nominees
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for its 2026 Annual Awards recognizing outstanding businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Nominations are reviewed by the Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee using a standardized scoring rubric to help ensure a fair and thoughtful selection process. Winners are selected based on leadership, community involvement, and overall regional impact.
Large Business of the Year
Breezeline
Journey Bank
Zartman Construction
Small Business of the Year
American Paper
Sean Black State Farm Insurance
ServPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties
Susquehanna Kids
Villager Realty
Nonprofit of the Year
Bloomsburg Rotary
Central Susquehanna Opportunities
Columbia Child Development Program
For the Cause Teen Center
The Women’s Center
Community Progress Award
Berwick Theater Center for the Community Arts
Borough of Berwick
Commonwealth University
Geisinger
Outstanding Citizen Award
Beth Burke, Columbia County Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Cindy Shultz, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.
Elizabeth Strauss, The Children’s Museum
JD Stauffer, Fusion Homes LLC
Kim Kus, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.
Leighton Walsh, First Keystone Community Bank
Award recipients will be announced at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on February 25, 2026. To register, visit https://businesses.columbiamontourchamber.com/events
Member News ~ January 15, 2026
AGAPE Seeks Volunteers for Code Blue Emergency Shelter
SERVPRO Team McCabe Offering Free Continuing Education Course - January 20th
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.
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.
PPL Releases LIHEAP information
Management & Leadership Program Application Deadline Approaching - February 20th
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.