Member News ~ October 1, 2025
Early Learning Investment Commission Offers Valuable Child Care Resource for Employers
Investments in Caring PA is Pennsylvania’s go-to resource for employers who want to strengthen their workforce and business by supporting working families. Through the website and Employer Toolkit, businesses can explore tools to assess child care needs, access affordable options and tax credit information, gain insights into local challenges, and review case studies to strengthen their child care strategy. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to expand your family-friendly practices, Investments in Caring PA offers practical guidance, success stories, and connections to help you support your employees and your bottom line. Click here to start exploring how child care solutions, workplace policies, and supportive accommodations can help your workplace thrive.
Last Chance to Sign Up for the Columbia Montour Chamber's Legislative Breakfast - October 9th
Join your Chamber from 8-9:30 AM on Thursday, October 9th as we connect with local legislators. We are delighted to host Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, and Representatives Robert Leadbeter and Michael Stender for a State Legislative update. This year's event is being hosted at Sekisui Kydex's South Campus. Registration is limited. Click here to sign up! Click here to read a President's Message regarding the event.
Ailey II Will Present Three Modern Dance Works on Weis Center Stage - October 9th
The Weis Center will welcome modern dance company Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. For more than five decades, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and artistry of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu. For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter or search for the Weis Center on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union and the CSIU Collaborate on Financial Services & You Seminar - October 15th
Service 1st Federal Credit Union in partnership with CSIU Work Foundations+ has announced that the Financial Services & You Seminar, aimed to educate individuals with disabilities, their families, friends and caretakers, will be held at CSIU, located at 911 Greenough Street, Sunbury on Wednesday, October 15 beginning at 9:30 am. To read more, click here.
Susquehanna Human Resource Management Association Hosts Virtual October Chapter Meeting and Educational Event - October 16th
Join SHRMA virtually from 7:45–9:00 AM on October 16th for The Culture Code: Unlocking a Thriving Workplace. Beck Moore, CEO of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, will lead this workshop on psychological safety, open communication, and aligning culture with mission and values. Participants will gain practical strategies to create a thriving, human-centered workplace that empowers teams and drives performance. Register by clicking this link.
Good Samaritan Mission Celebrates 30 Years with Community Festival – October 18th
Celebrate 30 years of service with the Good Samaritan Mission on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11 AM–5 PM along the entirety of DL&W Avenue in Danville. Enjoy family fun with face painting, games, a Friendship Fire Company truck, and a Yeti cooler raffle, plus tours of the Mission. The day will also feature live music from Drive, Woody Wolfe, the Iron Ukulele Benders, and the Danville High School Band, along with food trucks including Me & You Chicken BBQ and DJ Gyros. Click here for more information.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for October 2025. View the full schedule here. For more information about these and additional programs, visit the-childrens-museum.org.
Senator Culver hosts STEM Expo for the 27th Senatorial District - October 18th
Senator Culver is hosting a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Expo for the 27th Senatorial District. The Expo will be held at the Danville Middle School on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 to 12:00. Our goal is to promote educational equity in a family-friendly environment, where students of ages 6 to 12 can engage in hands-on activities, play, learn, and discover the exciting opportunities that STEM fields offer. View the poster here.
Chamber to Host Bloomsburg Mayoral Forum - October 2nd
The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to announce that it will host the 2025 Candidate Forum for the Bloomsburg Mayoral Race. The event will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Mulberry Mill Complex, on 6th Street in Bloomsburg. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Click here for more information.
Bloomsburg Carpet Industries Inc. to Unveil New Logo for Anniversary in 2026 - October 5th
Now a third-generation, family-owned business, Bloomsburg Carpet will celebrate 50 years in business as the premier American carpet manufacturer. To commemorate this milestone, Bloomsburg Carpet is unveiling a new anniversary logo for use across digital and print platforms, which will be formally presented at the company’s biannual picnic on October 5th, 2025. To learn more, click here.
The Women's Center of Columbia & Montour Counties to Host Domestic Violence Simulation - October 6th
The Women's Center will be hosting In Their Shoes, a scenario-based, interactive experience grounded in real survivor stories. The event will be held at St. Luke's Church in Bloomsburg. Click here for more information.
Register for The Susquehanna Valley Rural Regional Healthcare Summit Sponsored by Geisinger - October 6th
This event, which will occur Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville, brings healthcare organizations together with community partners and local/state legislators to identify solutions to improve the health and vitality of rural communities including Columbia, Montour counties. Register here by October 6th.
Candlewood Suites Grand Re-Opening - October 8th
Candlewood Suites invites you to save the date for their Grand Re-Opening on October 8th at 4:45.
Susquehanna Valley United Way Promotes Recovery Awareness Events
The Susquehanna Valley United Way is proud to support a variety of Recovery Awareness events this fall, offering opportunities for connection, education, and community support. Check out the full list of events and details here!
Free Workforce Training for Farms & Agribusinesses
Small-to-medium Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses can now access free training and consultation through the AgWorks Program. Topics include hiring and retention, business operations, legal counseling, health and safety, and more at no cost. To participate, complete the intake form, which includes a brief survey that will help us understand the challenges that businesses face. For more information about the program, contact agworks@psu.edu. For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s training and services, visit their website.
Town of Bloomsburg Provides Updates on Current Projects
From paving Market Street to expanding recreation spaces and investing in solar energy, the Town of Bloomsburg is making steady progress on projects that improve daily life for residents. See what’s happening now (and what’s coming next) by checking out the full update.
Mini-Grant Funding Available for Outdoor & Trail Projects - October 31st
The 2025 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program is now open, offering up to $10,000 to support projects that advance outdoor recreation, conservation, trails, and placemaking across 22 Pennsylvania counties, including Columbia and Montour. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public entities, and applications are due by October 31. Learn more and apply at susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.
PJM Summit Convenes All 13 States and Key Stakeholders to Address Key Supply and Demand Issues
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Representatives from all 13 PJM states, several governors from the PJM region, and hundreds of stakeholders gathered in Philadelphia last week for the Summit on the State of PJM Interconnection — to discuss proposed supply-and-demand solutions, among other timely topics of importance to the energy industry.
PJM Interconnection is the regional grid operator for 13 states and Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania is the third largest the greatest energy producer, and number one electricity exporter in the nation.
In comments at the event’s start, Gov. Josh Shapiro called on PJM Interconnection to speed up reforms, warning that delays in energy projects and costly capacity auctions are driving up bills for the 67 million people who rely on the nation’s largest power grid. He said states must work together to demand faster modernization and fairer governance, which he said needs to be in “months, not years.” The governor also noted that a project backlog is threatening energy reliability while demand is rising, further stressing the point for states to work toward a more efficient, affordable, and accountable grid.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), who serves as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, issued a response to the governor’s comments, pushing back on the notion that PJM is to blame for higher electricity prices, as opposed to “progressive energy policies in states across PJM’s footprint Interconnection.”
“PJM is like an air traffic controller,” Sen. Yaw’s statement continued. “The controller does not own the airport or the planes. They just direct traffic to ensure everyone gets where they need to go safely. Blaming PJM for higher energy costs is like blaming air traffic controllers for expensive airline tickets”
The PA Chamber is focused on ensuring that Pennsylvania continues to be a global and national energy leader. With a diverse mix of energy resources and historic recent investments in future-focused projects, including AI and data centers, the Commonwealth is poised to lead in this arena.
5 Tools to Help You Visualize and Plan Your Cash Flow
Source: Emily Heaslip , Contributor, and CO - by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Cash flow is one of the most important indicators of your business’s health. Your bank account balance can be misleading: Cash flow shows how much actual money is moving in and out of your company, rather than just what’s on paper.
However, it’s often difficult to manually keep track of cash flow. If you’re struggling to get a clear picture of your business’s financial position, try using one of these tools to help you visualize and plan your cash flow.
Top cash flow planning tools for small businesses
Look for a cash flow planning tool that is easy to use, integrates with your existing software, and includes forecasting features so you can plan ahead. The tools on this list all have different price points; sign up for free trials, when available, to make sure you find the right fit.
QuickBooks
There’s a good chance you’re familiar with QuickBooks as an accounting or invoicing tool. Many businesses use QuickBooks for bookkeeping and financial planning. It also includes a cash flow management function on certain paid plans. Use QuickBooks to see your historical cash flow based on your past bank transactions and plan ahead. Paid plans start at $19/month, but for cash flow planning, you’ll need the Essentials plan at $37.50/month.
Pulse
QuickBooks comes with a range of different accounting capabilities. Pulse is just the opposite: This app only handles cash flow planning. By focusing exclusively on cash flow, Pulse enables a much deeper dive on the business variables impacting your finances. Set recurring expenses to update automatically; monitor by week, month, or custom date range; and create growth scenarios to see how your finances will change.
“Pulse lets you forecast and play with different scenarios to see the impact on cash-flow,” wrote American Express. “One nice feature is that Pulse lets you organize the cash-flow by the customer and project. You can gain individual insights on how to manage cash-flow for each account.”
Pulse has a free 30-day trial. Thereafter, pricing starts at $59/month.
PlanGuru
PlanGuru offers a way to view your cash flow statement in a greater context. PlanGuru can create an integrated income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement, allowing you to create financial projections for up to 10 years. It syncs with QuickBooks and Excel, making it easy to automatically upload your transactions to PlanGuru. PlanGuru is ideal for mature businesses looking to perform complex analyses. As such, it’s a little more expensive than other tools on this list. Get started with a 14-day free trial; then, pricing starts at $83/month.
Float
Float specializes in short- to medium-term cash flow forecasting. It’s one of the more user-friendly tools on this list, with integrations with Xero and QuickBooks that will have you up and running in three minutes. Float lets you add scenarios and budgets to understand the financial impact of making a new hire, losing a customer, or bringing on a new supplier, for example. Easily switch between daily, weekly, or monthly views of 13-week forecasts to get a clear picture of where you stand. Float offers a 14-day free trial, with pricing starting at $50/month.
Cash Flow Frog
Cash Flow Frog is one of the top-rated cash flow apps on Capterra. It’s specially designed for small businesses to create accurate cash flow forecasts automatically. Cash Flow Frog integrates with your accounting software to pull data into cash flow statements and forecasts—no manual data entry necessary.
“Cash Flow Frog very easily integrates with my QuickBooks Online account and lets me know about upcoming cash inflows or expenses that could sometimes surprise me. Now I just need to remember to check weekly or monthly the forecast,” wrote one reviewer.
Cash Flow Frog offers a free trial; pricing starts at $31/month.
Scaling Smarter, Not Harder: Build Repeatable Systems to Grow Your Business
Source: Chamber Today
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Growth stalls when leaders stay stuck in the weeds.
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Documented, repeatable systems free up time and eliminate bottlenecks.
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Businesses that scale well do so by creating clarity, consistency, and accountability.
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The bottom line: Systematization is not bureaucracy. It is your growth engine.
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For many small business owners and leaders, the hardest part of growth is not getting started. It is scaling sustainably. The early wins that come from hustle and personal involvement eventually hit a ceiling when every decision runs through one person. The result is a leader buried in daily tasks and a team uncertain about how to move forward without constant direction.
The solution lies in building repeatable systems. A system is simply a documented, repeatable process that allows a business to deliver consistent results without reinventing the wheel each time. Far from slowing a company down, the right systems accelerate growth by creating clarity, accountability, and efficiency.
Every recurring task in your business is already a system. The real question is whether that system lives only in someone’s head or has been documented and refined so it can be executed without bottlenecks.
When leaders commit to systematization, two important things happen. First, they reclaim time and mental energy that can be redirected to higher-value work. Second, they empower their team with the tools and confidence to act independently. A clear process removes guesswork, ensures consistent quality, and allows new hires to get up to speed more quickly.
Not every system needs to be complex. In fact, simplicity is often the most powerful approach. A one-page checklist for weekly inventory or a standardized template for proposals can deliver a significant return. The key is consistency. Following the same steps each time reduces mistakes, strengthens trust with customers, and builds reliability into the culture of the business.
Technology can make systems even stronger. Project management tools, automation platforms, and digital knowledge bases help store and streamline processes. Yet technology alone is not the answer. The real power comes when leaders define “how we do things here” and instill that discipline across the organization.
The transition from being a doer to being a builder of systems is not always comfortable. It requires slowing down long enough to capture and refine processes, even when the daily to-do list feels overwhelming. But leaders who make that investment discover the payoff is significant: fewer bottlenecks, a more empowered team, and the capacity to pursue growth opportunities that once seemed out of reach.
The Bottom Line
Scaling a business is not about doing more. It is about doing smarter. Repeatable systems turn growth from a grind into a strategy. Leaders who embrace systematization free themselves from the bottleneck trap, equip their teams for success, and position their organizations to thrive at scale.
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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. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.
Red Realty Group – New Member Highlight
Located in Bloomsburg, RED Realty Group is a trusted, community-focused real estate agency committed to helping individuals and families find the perfect place to call home. With deep local knowledge and a dedication to personalized service, the team guides clients through every step of the buying and selling process, making sure each transaction is smooth and stress-free. Whether it’s assisting first-time buyers, supporting families looking for more space, or helping homeowners sell with confidence, RED Realty Group prides itself on tailoring its approach to fit each client’s unique needs.Beyond real estate, RED Realty Group is passionate about the Bloomsburg community. Their presence on Facebook highlights not only their available listings but also their friendly, approachable style and consistent engagement with local residents. By combining professional expertise with a neighborly spirit, RED Realty Group has built lasting relationships and a strong reputation for integrity. For anyone looking to buy or sell in the Bloomsburg area, the team offers both the market expertise and the personal touch that make all the difference.
Member News ~ September 25, 2025
National Geographic Live Brings Explorers from the Field to The Weis Center - September 30th
The Weis Center will host a multimedia presentation, National Geographic Live: From Roots to Canopy, on Tuesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu. For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter or search for the Weis Center on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Join the Bucknell SBDC for First Step Workshop - October 1st
Join the Bucknell SBDC for The First Step: Starting Your Business on October 1 at 12:00 PM in Lewisburg. This no-cost, in-person workshop will guide aspiring entrepreneurs through business planning, registration, financing, and the essential steps to successfully launch their venture. Click here for more information and to register for the event.
Chamber to Host Bloomsburg Mayoral Forum - October 2nd
The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to announce that it will host the 2025 Candidate Forum for the Bloomsburg Mayoral Race. The event will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Mulberry Mill Complex, on 6th Street in Bloomsburg. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Click here for more information.
IMC Business Advisor, Rick Terry, Earns Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Professional Certification
The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC) is proud to announce that Frederick (Rick) Terry, Business Advisor, has successfully earned the CESMII Smart Manufacturing Acceleration Roadmap Professional Certification from Rensselaer at Work, a division of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Read more.
Bloomsburg Carpet Industries Inc. to Unveil New Logo for Anniversary in 2026 - October 5th
Now a third-generation, family-owned business, Bloomsburg Carpet will celebrate 50 years in business as the premier American carpet manufacturer. To commemorate this milestone, Bloomsburg Carpet is unveiling a new anniversary logo for use across digital and print platforms, which will be formally presented at the company’s biannual picnic on October 5th, 2025. To learn more, click here.
The Women's Center of Columbia & Montour Counties to Host Domestic Violence Simulation - October 6th
The Women's Center will be hosting In Their Shoes, a scenario-based, interactive experience grounded in real survivor stories. The event will be held at St. Luke's Church in Bloomsburg. Click here for more information.
Register for The Susquehanna Valley Rural Regional Healthcare Summit Sponsored by Geisinger - October 6th
This event, which will occur Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville, brings healthcare organizations together with community partners and local/state legislators to identify solutions to improve the health and vitality of rural communities including Columbia, Montour counties. Register here by October 6th.
Mini-Grant Funding Available for Outdoor & Trail Projects - October 31st
The 2025 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program is now open, offering up to $10,000 to support projects that advance outdoor recreation, conservation, trails, and placemaking across 22 Pennsylvania counties, including Columbia and Montour. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public entities, and applications are due by October 31. Learn more and apply at susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Launches its 48th Season - September 25th
The 39 Steps is the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s first show of its 48th Season. The run opens with a low-price preview on Thursday, September 25. The tickets for the official premiere performance on September 27 include a pre-show fundraiser gala. View this link for more information.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Joins Worldwide Day of Play - September 27
On Saturday, September 27, the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will take part in Our World: Worldwide Day of Play, a global initiative led by Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums. Families can enjoy discounted admission and a hands-on slime lab from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrating the power of play in learning, creativity, and healthy development. To learn more, click here.
Public Meetings for the Montour County Comprehensive Plan - September 30th
The first public meeting for the project is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, with two sessions planned: Town & Village from 3–5 PM at the Montour County Administration Center Gymnasium, and Farm & Forest from 6–8 PM at Delong Memorial Hall. The team is also exploring opportunities for collaboration with the Danville School District. Click here for more information.
Candlewood Suites Grand Re-Opening - October 8th
Candlewood Suites invites you to save the date for their Grand Re-Opening on October 8th at 4:45.
Susquehanna Valley United Way Promotes Recovery Awareness Events
The Susquehanna Valley United Way is proud to support a variety of Recovery Awareness events this fall, offering opportunities for connection, education, and community support. Check out the full list of events and details here!
September Mental Health Minute from Swift Kennedy
This month's Mental Health Minute Newsletter from Swift Kennedy delves into the fascinating connection between diet and mental health, alongside highlighting the myriad benefits of talk therapy. Click here to view the newsletter.
Free Workforce Training for Farms & Agribusinesses
Small-to-medium Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses can now access free training and consultation through the AgWorks Program. Topics include hiring and retention, business operations, legal counseling, health and safety, and more at no cost. To participate, complete the intake form, which includes a brief survey that will help us understand the challenges that businesses face. For more information about the program, contact agworks@psu.edu. For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s training and services, visit their website.
Town of Bloomsburg Provides Updates on Current Projects
From paving Market Street to expanding recreation spaces and investing in solar energy, the Town of Bloomsburg is making steady progress on projects that improve daily life for residents. See what’s happening now (and what’s coming next) by checking out the full update.
Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosting Trunk or Treat
The Bloomsburg YMCA is looking for businesses to join them for their October 24th Trunk or Treat as part of Boo!burg. Interested in joining them? Fill out their registration form here.
Strategic Storytelling: Why Your Business Narrative Is Your Strongest Growth Tool
Source: Chamber Today
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A clear, emotionally resonant brand story sets your business apart in crowded markets
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Stories attract high-caliber talent who connect with your mission, not just your product
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Loyal customers are built through stories that reflect their values and aspirations
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Strategic storytelling gives your business meaning, momentum, and market edge
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In a marketplace filled with similar offerings, your business story is one of the few assets competitors cannot replicate. A strong narrative does more than describe what you sell. It reveals who you are, why you exist, and what you stand for. That kind of clarity creates emotional resonance, which drives action from customers, employees, and partners alike.
A compelling story adds depth to your brand. It transforms a list of features into something people can feel. Instead of just hearing what you offer, audiences begin to understand what you believe. That distinction matters. People don't buy products and services alone—they buy the meaning those things carry. A clear narrative gives your audience a reason to care and a reason to choose you.
This isn't just about marketing. Strategic storytelling is also a powerful talent magnet. High performers are drawn to organizations that offer more than compensation. They want purpose, clarity, and connection. A well-defined story helps potential employees see the bigger picture, where they fit, and why their work matters. When people understand your mission, they’re more likely to join, stay, and give their best.
Internally, that same clarity keeps teams aligned. When the story is strong, decision-making improves. Priorities become clearer. Culture becomes more consistent. People begin to act not just from policy, but from shared belief.
For customers, a strong brand narrative builds loyalty that goes beyond price or convenience. When customers see their values reflected in your story, they start to feel part of something. That connection creates trust, repeat business, and organic referrals. You move from being a vendor to becoming part of a customer’s identity.
Creating your business story starts with understanding three core chapters: your origin, your present, and your vision. The origin chapter answers the question, “Why did this business start?” It speaks to the passion, frustration, or insight that gave it life. The present chapter describes who you serve and how you do it differently. The vision chapter paints a clear picture of where you're headed and what impact you hope to make.
Once those elements are clear, your story becomes a living tool. It guides your hiring, your messaging, your partnerships, and your strategy. And it can be told in many forms: from your website and onboarding materials to customer conversations and community engagement.
The Bottom Line
Your business story is more than a marketing message. It is the foundation of your identity, your culture, and your growth strategy. When you tell it with purpose and clarity, it attracts the right people, builds lasting trust, and drives your business forward. Your story isn’t just something you share—it’s something others want to be part of.
Crayton Appointed Chamber Vice President
Taryn Crayton, Vice President, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Taryn Crayton has been promoted to Vice President of the Chamber, effective September 19, 2025. Crayton has served as the Chamber’s Director of Member Engagement since April of 2023. Her appointment as Vice President recognizes the increased role and responsibility she has assumed since she joined the organization.
As Vice President, Taryn will provide leadership in delivering a high return on investment to members while enhancing economic stability and growth of the organization. Primary responsibilities include the organization’s membership retention and growth, oversight of strategic initiatives of the Chamber and its Foundation (including Talent Pipeline Management, Leadership Central Penn (LCP), and education improvement programming), and service as staff liaison to several key committees.
Chamber President Chris Berleth said Crayton has been an invaluable asset to the Chamber staff and is thrilled to extend this promotion. “Taryn’s enthusiasm and energy are contagious, and our members recognize her leadership, wisdom, and vision. She’s smart, talented, articulate, and works incredibly hard to help the Chamber achieve success,” Berleth said.
In July, Crayton was named a Fellow in the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship. This highly competitive leadership program trains and equips its participants with resources from across the country to address the crucial intersection of education, workforce development, and economic prosperity. Fellows gain comprehensive strategies for tackling pressing issues from childcare to workforce development.
In addition to her work connecting the region through the Chamber, Taryn is also the owner/director of Remade by Dance in Barnesville and a dance instructor with Danceworks by Amber in Bloomsburg. Highly involved in the community as a volunteer, she currently serves as President of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Board of Directors, as a Rotarian in the Bloomsburg Rotary Club, and as a member of the Susquehanna Valley United Way’s marketing committee.
She holds a B.A. from Eastern University and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Central Penn, a nine-month program (which she now leads) that educates individuals about the various components of the community and encourages volunteerism and leadership. For Chamber-related inquires, Taryn may be reached at tcrayton@columbiamontourchamber.com.
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The mission of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is to represent local employers in support of vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties.
Chamber to Host Bloomsburg Mayoral Forum
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it will host a candidate forum for the 2025 Bloomsburg Mayoral race. The event will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Mulberry Mill Complex, on 6th Street in Bloomsburg. Registration is free and open to the public, but please note that pre-registration is required due to limited seating capacity (75). In addition to the in-person event, the Chamber will broadcast the forum via its YouTube channel. Candidates Justin Hummel and Mark Gardner have accepted the Chamber’s invitation for an in-person event.
The format of the event will be a modified debate. Identical questions will be presented to each participating candidate, and they will have a fixed amount of time to respond. No candidate will receive a copy of the questions in advance, and, time-permitting, a limited number of questions will be accepted from the audience in written form. Questions of a personal nature will not be presented. Chamber President Chris Berleth will serve as the event’s moderator.
The Chamber is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization and does not endorse candidates for public office. Candidates and guests are expected to adhere to the Chamber’s Code of Conduct during the event.
This link will redirect you to the event registration page, where you may pre-register for the event. For assistance, contact the Chamber via phone, 570-784-2522, or email: chamber@columbiamontourchamber.com.
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“The mission of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is to represent local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour counties.” To meet this mission, the Chamber operates with five strategic focus areas, including advocacy, benefits programs, business connections, employee development, and strengthening our communities.
Crane Law PC- New Member Highlight
Founded by attorney Brian Crane, Crane Law, PC is dedicated to guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most important transitions with compassion and clarity. With a focus on estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning, and estate administration, the firm helps clients protect what they’ve built, honor their loved ones, and create thoughtful plans for the future. Whether it’s preparing wills and trusts, navigating Pennsylvania probate, or developing Medicaid strategies to safeguard savings, Crane Law offers personalized legal solutions that bring peace of mind during times of both planning and crisis.
What sets Crane Law apart is its balance of legal expertise with genuine support for families. The firm understands that estate administration often comes at a time of grief, that Medicaid planning can feel overwhelming in moments of sudden change, and that estate planning is about more than documents—it’s about preserving stories, values, and legacies. By working directly with families and executors, the team at Crane Law provides structure, clarity, and advocacy when clients need it most. At its heart, Crane Law’s mission is simple: handle the legal details, so families can focus on what truly matters—healing, caring, and living with peace of mind.