Invest in Your Team: Leadership & Workforce Development Opportunities

July 2, 2025

Invest in Your Team: Leadership & Workforce Development Opportunities

Is your business ready to build stronger leaders and take advantage of workforce funding? The Columbia Montour Chamber and The Foundation offer two powerful professional development programs and have WEDnetPA funding help eligible businesses cover the cost.

Leadership Central Penn

Applications now open for the 2025–2026 program year!

This 9-month leadership development initiative brings together professionals from across Columbia and Montour Counties to grow as leaders, build connections, and make an impact.

Program Highlights:

Monthly sessions (Sept–May) focused on leadership, civic engagement & economic development
Expert-led training & networking with local leaders
For emerging and seasoned professionals alike

Cost:

$1,295 for Chamber Members
Scholarships may be available to nonprofit Chamber members.
$1,495 for Non-Members

Apply or learn more: https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/foundation-adult-programs/lcp-application/

Management & Leadership Certificate Series Accepting Applications for 2025 Fall Cohort

This 5-module course is ideal for supervisors, managers, and team leaders looking to sharpen leadership skills and navigate today’s workplace.

Topics include:

Communication & Listening
Motivating Employees & Managing Change
Coaching & Performance
Leading a Diverse Workforce
Conflict Resolution

Each module is four hours and led by industry experts. Includes materials, activities, and real-world application.

Learn More: https://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/employee-development/

Take Advantage of WEDnetPA Funding

Pennsylvania’s new 10-Year Strategic Plan prioritizes workforce training in these five sectors:

Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Energy
Agriculture
Robotics & Technology

If your company operates in one of these areas, WEDnetPA funds may help pay for programs like Leadership Central Penn or the Management Certificate Series.

FY 2025–26 applications open August 1, 2025 for WEDnetPA Funding
To check eligibility, reach out to Jennifer Williams, 570-389-4004 or by emailing her at jwilliam@commonwealthu.edu.

PA Chamber gives state budget update

July 2, 2025

June 30, was the end of the Fiscal Year and, technically the deadline for state lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro to finalize a budget plan for the next Fiscal Year starting July 1st. As of this writing, however, negotiations are reportedly ongoing with no clear path to a finalized budget plan. Key sticking points include proposed increases in education and transit funding, the regulation of skill games, and how to responsibly manage the state’s finances amid a structural deficit. The PA Chamber continues to monitor developments and advocate for a timely, fiscally responsible resolution that supports economic growth and stability. Both the House and Senate are in session for part of this week, and we will keep our members informed as developments arise.

With both chambers in session last week, lawmakers advanced several bills with direct implications for Pennsylvania’s business climate. The House narrowly passed a harmful tax on businesses, while other measures on workforce development, CPA licensure, food donation liability, commercial redevelopment, and recurring subscription rules also advanced. Here is a recap of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers:

Combined Reporting (H.B. 1610; Fiedler)

The House of Representatives voted 104-99 to advance House Bill 1610 last Tuesday.

This legislation would enact mandatory unitary combined reporting for Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax filers in Pennsylvania.

Combined Reporting would significantly increase the cost and complexity of filing tax returns; add complexity for groups that include entities subject to special apportionment or different taxes; and lead to an increase in tax appeals and litigation. It would also create a specific disincentive for multistate firms to do business in Pennsylvania and increase the uncertainty of tax collection forecasts.

The Council on State Taxation (COST) found in its analysis that this particular version of combined reporting “would make Pennsylvania’s corporate income tax code hostile to business and among the worst in the nation.”

PA Chamber of Business and Industry opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.

Second Career Certification (H.B. 1404; Curry)

The House of Representatives unanimously voted (203-0) to pass House Bill 1404 last Monday.

This legislation would increase the length of time that future teachers and Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators can utilize an intern certification from three years to five years.

Employers across the Commonwealth continue to report challenges in filling open positions with qualified applicants, particularly in the skilled trades.

At the same time, CTE centers are experiencing high demand for enrollment — so much so that they have been forced to turn away applicants due to shortages of instructors and classroom space. This legislation offers meaningful relief to individuals seeking to enter the classroom and help educate Pennsylvania’s next generation of skilled workers.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now moves to the Senate Education Committee.

CPA Licensure Modernization (S.B. 719; Hutchinson)

The House of Representatives unanimously voted (202-0) to advance Senate Bill 719 last Thursday. It had passed the House Professional Licensure and the House Appropriations Committees in unanimous votes earlier in the week.

This legislation would enhance and modernize CPA licensure requirements by establishing an additional pathway for CPA licensure and enhance mobility to ensure CPAs licensed in other states are able to practice in Pennsylvania.

Under current law, candidates seeking CPA licensure must obtain a master’s degree or 150 credits, gain one year of professional experience, and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This legislation would establish an additional pathway for candidates with a bachelor’s degree who gain two years of professional experience and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. The legislation also modernizes rules related to interstate mobility of CPAs.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now – having passed both chambers of the General Assembly – awaits the governor’s signature to become law.

Sharing Workforce Data (S.B. 101; Bartolotta)

The Senate voted 47-3 to advance Senate Bill 101 last Wednesday.

This legislation would direct the Department of Labor & Industry to share already collected workforce data on wages, new hires, and UC claimants with local workforce development boards.

Local workforce development boards are on the front lines working with claimants to search for work, apply for and accept jobs. These boards are seeking more timely access to existing data sets, including UC claim data, in order to better support their pathway to re-employment through targeted services and activities.

Unemployment Compensation and new hire data currently takes up to 24 months to access from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This legislation is one part of a broad strategy to help address labor shortages.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for thei memo), which now advances to the House Labor & Industry Committee.

Redeveloping Shopping Malls (H.B. 1446; Siegel)

The House Local Government Committee voted 15-11 to advance House Bill 1446 last Wednesday.

This legislation is intended to incentivize municipalities and developers to redevelop shopping malls into mixed-use communities.

This legislation proposes well-intended policies to encourage redevelopment of outdated shopping malls, which could help local communities by expanding the tax base, providing housing opportunities, among other benefits.

Unfortunately, the legislation also provides for more favorable terms on the condition that applicants agree to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) – a requirement to exclusively hire union labor and effectively discriminate against the majority of employees and contractors who are not unionized.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry is concerned that PLAs could undermine the effectiveness of the program, and urged lawmakers to remove this language from the bill. They will continue working to improve this legislation as it now moves to the full House.

Limited Liability for Food Donations (H.B. 615; Khan)

The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 615 on Thursday June 26th. It had passed the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Appropriations committee earlier in the week.

This legislation would amend the Donated Food Limited Liability Act to expand the current immunity from civil and criminal liability to apply to the donation of food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended label date but is still fit for human consumption.

This legislation is a commonsense update of the Donated Food Limited Liability Act to ensure businesses can donate food that may be past the manufacturer’s “best by” date but is still safe to consume. Doing so will reduce food waste and support non-profits that rely on these donations to serve people in need.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which now – having passed both chambers of the General Assembly – awaits the governor’s signature to become law.

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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 Business^TM.

Scaling Your Impact: From Doer to Delegator to Developer

July 2, 2025

Scaling Your Impact: From Doer to Delegator to Developer

Businesses plateau when leaders don’t evolve.
If you’re still the hub of every decision, you’re not scaling—you’re stalling.
True growth happens when leaders shift from doing tasks to developing people and systems.
This article walks through that essential transition: from Doer to Delegator to Developer.
The payoff: a business that grows beyond you.

638 Words ~ 3.5 min. read

Most businesses don’t stall because of market conditions or strategy missteps. They stall because their leaders don’t evolve. If you're still the person everyone depends on to make decisions, approve tasks, and solve problems, your business isn't scaling. It's bottlenecking. The reality is that no organization can outgrow the capacity of its leadership. To truly scale, you must transition from being the one who does the work, to the one who builds the system, to the one who grows the people.

Early in the life of a business, success often rides on your willingness and ability to do it all. In this Doer stage, you’re in the trenches: selling, servicing, troubleshooting. It’s an adrenaline-fueled, high-control, high-responsibility phase. And it works. Until it doesn’t. Over time, the weight becomes unsustainable. When you’re the linchpin for every operation, progress is constrained by your availability and energy. You may be working harder than ever and still feeling like you're falling behind.

Eventually, to grow, you must let go. Enter the Delegator stage. This is where leaders begin to trust others to carry the load. Delegating isn't about offloading. It’s about empowering others with clarity and ownership. Done well, it increases your organization's capacity and sharpens your focus. Yet delegation alone only buys time. It doesn’t build scale. Many leaders plateau here, stuck in a loop of assigning tasks but still making all the key decisions.

The real leap happens when you become a Developer. This stage is less about controlling outcomes and more about shaping environments. Developer leaders create systems that reduce reliance on any one person, including themselves. More importantly, they grow people. Not just by assigning them tasks, but by coaching them to think critically, lead confidently, and take ownership. It’s no longer about asking, “How do I get this done?” but rather, “How do I enable others to do this better than I ever could?”

This evolution also changes how you define your role. Your value is no longer tied to personal output. Instead, it’s measured by the capability and autonomy of your team. Developer leaders build resilient organizations that can operate and thrive without their constant intervention.

Ask yourself: If you took two weeks off starting tomorrow, what would break? If the answer is “everything,” you're still too central to the machine. That’s not a leadership problem. It’s a scalability problem.

The journey from Doer to Delegator to Developer isn’t just a framework. It’s a mindset shift. It requires vulnerability, patience, and the willingness to relinquish control in service of something larger. But it’s also the clearest path to freedom, fulfillment, and sustainable growth.

Leadership isn’t about how much you do. It’s about how well you enable others to do.

The Bottom Line
To scale your business, you must scale your leadership. Moving from task execution to system design to people development is the key transition every founder, executive, and team leader must make. When you invest in building leaders, not just doing the work, you stop being the bottleneck and start being the builder.

For more context, see:

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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.

Chamber Statement on Design Group Americas’ WARN Notice

July 1, 2025

Chamber Statement on Design Group Americas’ WARN Notice

Chris Berleth, President, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce

“On behalf of the membership of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, our hearts go out to the many people impacted by the recent announcement by Design Group Americas and their issuance of the WARN Notice to employees. There is no doubt that Berwick Offray, through Design Group Americas and its lineage of predecessor companies, is a significant part of our community, and many employees who have been working there for decades have been impacted.

In the hours since the announcement, the Chamber has been in touch with local leaders who mobilize rapid response resources to aid workers through difficult times just like this. The community is poised to help, through resources at the PA CareerLink, the Berwick Area United Way, B.I.D.A., the Susquehanna Valley United Way, Central Susquehanna Opportunities (the Community Action Agency), and many more. The PA Department of Labor and Industry’s rapid response team is also mobilizing, and state resources to connect workers to unemployment compensation will be immediately available.

There is no joy in this announcement, but we do not lose hope – these impacted employees and their families are critical assets in our community. Our region is home to one of the strongest, best workforces in the world. We have every confidence that many local businesses will welcome those affected to their own companies with open arms. While we pause to grieve in this challenging time, we look with hope at the promises that have been made for what’s in store for our community, as new investment and job postings are being added daily, which will reshape Berwick, Salem Township, and beyond.”

For more resources, please contact:

PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties
421 Central Rd. Suite 2
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-387-6288
www.pacareerlink.pa.gov

Central Susquehanna Opportunities (Community Action Agency)
570-644-6575
https://www.csocares.org/

Berwick Area United Way
570-759-8203
https://berwickareauw.org/

Representative Robert Leadbeter
134 W. Front St. Suite 102
Berwick, PA 18603
570-759-8734

New Member Highlight- OIP Bloomsburg

June 30, 2025

New Member Highlight- OIP Bloomsburg

Located in the heart of downtown Bloomsburg, Original Italian Pizza (OIP) has been a beloved local staple for over 30 years, proudly serving generations of families with authentic, made-from-scratch Italian cuisine. Family-owned and operated, OIP blends traditional recipes with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back, whether for a casual lunch, family dinner, or post-game pizza night. From its fresh dough and house-made sauces to generous portions and friendly service, the restaurant stays true to its roots while continuing to grow with the community. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining in the beautifully designed Pizza Garden, a charming outdoor space that adds to the warm, inviting experience.

OIP’s extensive menu features hand-tossed pizzas, savory pasta dishes, hot and cold subs, strombolis, and specialty entrees like chicken parmigiana—each crafted with quality ingredients and care. Their commitment to consistency, value, and flavor has made them a go-to spot not only for Bloomsburg residents, but also for Bloomsburg University students and visitors. With dine-in, takeout, delivery, and online ordering available, OIP makes it easy to enjoy a slice of tradition any day of the week. Customers can also download the Original Italian Pizza Bloomsburg app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, to place orders, earn rewards, and get exclusive offers through a user-friendly, OIP-specific platform. Be sure to check out their website here.

Member News ~ June 26, 2025

June 25, 2025

Member News ~ June 26, 2025

Benton Rodeo Association Announces 40th Annual Frontier Days Championship

The Benton Rodeo will be taking place on July 15-20th. Click here for more information

Save the date for Danville Summer Sidewalk Sales

Be part of one of downtown Danville’s biggest shopping events of the summer! The Danville Business Alliance is inviting all member businesses to participate in Summer Sidewalk Sales, Saturday, July 12th, 2025, a day dedicated to boosting foot traffic, spotlighting local shops, and creating a vibrant community experience. Sign Up Here.

96th Annual Millville Carnival

Millville Mutual Insurance and Journey Bank will be sponsoring the Millville Carnival Fireworks Show. Be sure to check out the full carnival schedule here.

Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau Shares a NEW Program

A Master Angler Passport! Organized through the popular fishing tournament company, iAngler, this program allows visitors and residents alike to get out on the water in Columbia Montour counties and record the fish species caught in the iAngler mobile app. This is a FREE passport designed to be fun for the public. Those anglers who catch enough species throughout the year will be awarded the title of “Master Angler” for Columbia & Montour counties in 2025. They will also receive corresponding commemorative prizes for reaching the Master Angler tier, and will be entered to win a year-end Grand Prize drawing.Each passport-holder must submit their scores via the iAngler Tournament app. Participants may only use cellphone cameras for recording fish. Location and date/time functions must be turned on. Photographs should be taken at maximum resolution. To learn more about this new program, please click here.

Bloomsburg Town Council Updates

The council appointed Brady Brink as Director of Public Works on June 23rd. Beginning Tuesday, June 24, Brady will serve as the primary point of contact for Public Works. Congratulations Brady!

Danville Business Alliance Welcomes New Executive Director

Congratulations, Laur Good!

AGAPE announces "Code Red" Program

AGAPE is offering a cooling off center during their open hours this week.

Tuesday 9-4
Wednesday 9-3
Thursday 9-4
Friday 9-4

The Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces July Programs

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for July 2025. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is open Monday through Saturday 10 am-4 pm. The Museum will be closed on Friday, July 4. For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org

Don't Miss Chris- Remote Office Hours TODAY!

Chris is in Danville at Fulton Bank until 4:30 for remote office hours. Be sure to stop in and say hello!

Volunteers in Philanthropy Awards 2025 Grants

The Volunteers in Philanthropy of the Community Giving Foundation announces grant awards totaling $12,100 to local charitable nonprofits and government agencies. The awards were granted through the Volunteers in Philanthropy Fund, administered by the Foundation. The group focused its funding decisions on programs that provide direct impact and service to Berwick area residents. Grant recipients in 2025 can be found here.

Bloomsburg Rotary Celebrates 105th Anniversary

Congratulations Bloomsburg Rotary!

Learning to Live Beloved Ministries Red Sand Project

Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be conducting their first annual Red Sand Project on July 30th. This initiative is focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals in the area who are falling through the cracks in existing systems, especially victims of human sex trafficking.

The Traveling Library Hosts "Stay and Play"

Join Ms. Amanda every Thursday from 10 AM - 11 AM in the Central Branch Library as she supports parents and caregivers in their role as a child's first teacher! She will explore early literacy practices with a strong focus on reading and playing together! For families with older toddlers and preschoolers.

First Friday- Date Change

Bloomsburg's First Friday will be moved to July 11th. Attendees are encouraged to spend July 4th in Town Park!

Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely

The Garden Tours Are Back

Join Danville Business Alliance for the 2025 Danville Heritage Festival Garden Tours on Saturday, June 28 from 9AM–5PM! Explore 6 private gardens across Danville, Catawissa, Millville & Bloomsburg, all beautifully designed and free to enjoy. Map & details at visitdanvillepa.org/events

SBDC Hosts Webinar

Dorothy Lane, Director of the Wilkes University SBDC is presenting "The First Step: Starting a Business in Pennsylvania"

When: Tuesday, July 8

Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Where: Zoom Webinar

Register here

The Bloomsburg Area YMCA offers Adaptive Track & Field

This inclusive program happening on Tuesdays, July 8-29th from 5:00-5:45 is specially designed for kids with special needs and differing abilities, ages 5–15. For questions contact Isaac Almoney at isaac@bloomsburgy.org Register online

Stuart Tank Memorial was featured on PABucketLists

Check out the information guide by Rusty Glessner.

The Bloomsburg Children's Museum and Bloomsburg Teen Center Partner for Summer Program

“How Did You Make That?” is a free 5-week camp for teens where they will go behind the scenes at real local manufacturers to see how things are made from design to production. They will visit places like Commercial Stainless, Sekisui, Dyco, Rick Stanley Clockworks, GAF Roofing, and more. Camp starts July 23rd and meets Wednesdays at 4:30 PM. Transportation from the Bloomsburg Teen Center and food are included and it’s completely free to join. Click here for more information.

Hopewell Park: Temporarily Closed

The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) advises users of Hopewell Park in Mahoning Township, Montour County, that the park will be closed to public use on Monday, June 16, weather permitting, and for several days in the next several weeks as construction begins on Moore Energy’s nearby solar energy facility. Work will include reconstruction of the park’s access road and an expansion of the park’s parking area.

McKonly & Asbury Host July Webinar

On July 10th tune in for a FREE Webinar from 2:00-3:00pm. Elizabeth Harriger, Amanda Frikker and Megan Krider, will be presenting on Understanding Long-Term Monitoring and Compliance for Rental Projects Receiving AHP Funding. Click here to register

The Women's Center Newsletter OUT NOW

Soak up the Sun Summer Newsletter features content about funding updates, trainings, and more.

CSIU to Host The Human Experience Summer Camp

FREE for Students in Grades 7–12! The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit is proud to host The Human Experience, a four-day, immersive summer program designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and community-building among students through a blend of educational training, leadership development, and theatrical experiences. July 21–24, 2025 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center– 15 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA. Open to students entering grades 7–12 in the 2025–26 school year. For more information, contact Julie Petrin at jpetrin@csiu.org or 570-523-1155 ext. 2316.

Columbia County Recognizes Chamber members with Victim Service Award

Columbia County District Attorney’s Office recently held the 2nd Annual Victim Service Award Ceremony to recognize those in our community who are strong advocates and supporters of crime Victims in our communities. Sgt. Rob Neiderhiser of Bloomsburg University Police Department received this year’s Law Enforcement Victim Service Award. Emily Karc, Founder and CEO of Learning to Live Beloved Ministries, received the Frances Fraley Community Partner Victim Service Award. Both recipients have made monumental contributions to victim services in Columbia County. Congratulations!

PA Careerlink hosting Unemployment Compensation: Relief from Charges Employer Seminar

Concerned about controlling Unemployment Compensation costs? This in-person seminar, hosted by PA Careerlink, explains what Relief from Charges is, eligibility, and how to file. Join them on July 30th from 3:30 - 4:30 at their Central Rd location in Bloomsburg. For more information and to register reach out to Tammy Pursel OR Drew Edsell.

Summer Festival happening at Villa Sacred Heart July 12

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius invite you to Villa Sacred Hear in Danville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival. The event begins at 10:30 on July 12th. Enjoy food trucks, Sisters' Bakery, a flea Market, arts and crafts, Bingo, Books, and MORE! Help them celebrate 50 years!

Chamber and Chamber Foundation Announce Strategic Realignment

June 25, 2025

Chamber and Chamber Foundation Announce Strategic Realignment

Columbia and Montour Counties, PA — The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce announces the departure of Tonya Smith, Foundation Director, as she prepares to pursue new opportunities. Tonya has been a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for workforce development throughout her tenure, and the Foundation is deeply grateful for her impactful service.

During her time as Foundation Director, Tonya spearheaded several key initiatives to build stronger connections between education and industry in Columbia and Montour Counties. Most notably, under her leadership, the Foundation expanded its STEM partnerships and established the S.E.A.L. Challenge, an engineering and robotics competition for all school districts in the Chamber’s footprint. She secured funding to develop Educator in the Workplace, a program designed to connect teachers with the skills required in today’s workforce, and she built new partnerships to offer financial literacy programming to middle and high school students in the region. These efforts introduced students to career opportunities in the region, and laid a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable workforce development.

“Tonya’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s mission and building its reputation as a critical partner in our community’s future,” said Chris Berleth, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. “Her vision and commitment have set the stage for continued success, and we’re excited to build on her efforts.”

To do so, the Boards of Directors for both the Chamber and the Foundation of the Chamber are excited to announce a strategic organizational shift designed to better align and streamline operations. Moving forward, the Chamber will enter into an administrative services agreement with the Foundation. This new structure will unify the staff under one team, enabling greater collaboration and efficiency in achieving the shared goals of both organizations.

“This change is an exciting evolution that allows us to focus even more strategically on workforce and industry development,” said Berleth. “We’re working hard to maximize efficiencies, and Tonya’s work sets up to do just that. These changes set us up to serve the community better, enhance our impact and prevent duplication of efforts.”

As part of this transition, the Chamber is also announcing a new employment opportunity for a Marketing and Event Coordinator. This role will support the missions of both the Chamber and its Foundation by driving engagement, promoting programs, and coordinating events that strengthen the connection between education and business across our counties.

Tonya Smith’s legacy will continue to influence the direction and success of the Foundation, and the entire Chamber team extends their sincere thanks and best wishes as she embarks on her next chapter.

For more information about the Marketing and Event Coordinator position or to learn more about Chamber and Foundation programming, visit www.columbiamontourchamber.com.

Contact:

Chris Berleth, President

Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce

The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber
570-784-2522
cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com

PA Chamber to Lawmakers: Approach Childcare as a Workforce Issue

June 24, 2025

PA Chamber to Lawmakers: Approach Childcare as a Workforce Issue

Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry

The PA Chamber continued its push for comprehensive childcare reform last week, telling state lawmakers Friday that Pennsylvania must treat childcare as a core workforce issue, not just a matter of funding or social policy.

Testifying before the House Republican Policy Committee, PA Chamber Manager of Government Affairs Aaron Riggleman argued that the conversation around childcare must broaden beyond funding models to include a focus on the operational pressures that make it difficult for providers to open, expand, or stay in business.

He said childcare providers face many of the same challenges as small businesses across the Commonwealth. These challenges include staffing shortages, regulatory hurdles, and rising insurance costs. Collectively, these are limiting families’ access to care and Pennsylvania’s economic potential.

“The issues confronting childcare providers, from staffing shortages and regulatory hurdles to skyrocketing insurance costs, mirror many of the broader challenges faced by small businesses across the Commonwealth,” Riggleman said.

Earlier this year, the PA Chamber released a childcare policy agenda outlining specific reforms to help stabilize the sector and improve workforce participation. The recommendations were developed with input from employers, providers, advocates, and local chambers across the state. Key proposals include:

Support staffing efforts by re-evaluating qualification rules, recognizing relevant experience, and creating pathways for retired educators and future teachers to enter the workforce.
Reduce administrative burdens by streamlining permitting and licensing, improving regulatory clarity, and ensuring providers are involved early in rulemaking processes.
Combat rising liability insurance costs through targeted legal reforms that address venue shopping and excessive litigation risk.

Riggleman also cited data from the PA Chamber and the U.S. Chamber Foundation estimating that Pennsylvania loses $3.47 billion each year due to childcare-related disruptions, including $2.88 billion in lost productivity for employers and $591 million in forgone tax revenue.

“Pennsylvania’s workforce challenges are complex and interconnected, and while no single policy solution will resolve them, improving access to affordable, reliable childcare must be a core part of any serious workforce strategy,” Riggleman said.

He concluded by urging lawmakers to stay engaged with providers, employers, and community leaders to pursue practical reforms that will strengthen the childcare sector and, in turn, the state’s workforce.

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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 Business^TM.

Think Bigger: How Systems Thinking Gives Small Business Owners a Smarter Edge

June 23, 2025

Think Bigger: How Systems Thinking Gives Small Business Owners a Smarter Edge

If you’re constantly putting out fires in your business, you might be treating symptoms instead of fixing systems.
Systems thinking helps you connect the dots across hiring, sales, customer service, and operations.
It’s not theory. It’s a practical mindset that builds efficiency, resilience, and smarter decision-making.
Small business owners who think in systems avoid waste, anticipate problems, and lead with greater clarity.

604 Words ~ 3 min. read

Ever fix a leaky pipe only to find another bursts a few days later? Running a business without systems thinking is like that. Every fix creates new problems because nothing in your business operates in isolation. Everything is connected.

That is why systems thinking matters. Once used primarily by scientists and large corporations, it is now a strategic advantage for small business owners who want to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and purpose.

What Is Systems Thinking?

Systems thinking is a problem-solving approach that looks at the full picture, not just individual components. It focuses on how different functions, teams, and processes interact, and how those relationships create patterns over time.

For example, if sales are falling, it is easy to blame the sales team. But a systems thinker goes deeper. Is marketing reaching the right audience? Are order delays impacting customer experience? Are internal goals misaligned?

This mindset addresses root causes rather than surface issues. It gives leaders insight that leads to sustainable improvements.

A Real-World Win

Consider a local bakery that saw repeat business begin to dip. The owner initially considered staff retraining but instead decided to map the entire customer journey. She discovered supply chain delays were increasing wait times during peak hours, which frustrated customers. By adjusting vendor relationships and revising inventory practices, she sped up service and brought customers back.

This is systems thinking in action.

Why Small Businesses Need It

Smaller businesses operate with tighter resources and greater exposure to risk. One decision can impact multiple areas at once. That is why systems thinking helps owners lead more effectively. It provides structure for understanding cause and effect throughout the business.

Here’s how it supports growth:

Efficiency: Uncover root issues in operations rather than solving isolated problems.
Smarter decisions: Detect recurring patterns and fix their source, not just the outcome.
Foresight: Recognize how changes in one area will impact the entire organization.

How to Get Started

You do not need a formal system or software to begin. Use these simple steps:

Sketch your system. Create a visual map of how departments, people, tools, and customers interact.
Identify feedback loops. Look for areas where problems tend to repeat or compound.
Ask deeper questions. Move from “What went wrong?” to “What in our structure caused this result?”
Review regularly. Set time aside monthly to assess how recent changes are impacting other parts of the business.

Free tools like Lucidchart or Miro can help you visualize your system. For more advanced insights, explore Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review.

The Bottom Line

Systems thinking gives small business leaders the perspective needed to lead with confidence, not just react to chaos. It connects the dots between actions and outcomes, so you can fix what really matters. The most effective business owners think in systems. They see how each decision shapes the whole. That is what helps them grow stronger, faster, and more sustainably.

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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.

Member News ~ June 19, 2025

June 19, 2025