Member News ~ October 31, 2024
RABBITTRANSIT's Stop Hopper Service Expanded to Berwick
rabbittransit's on-demand Stop Hopper service is now available in Berwick Borough, by popular request! Stop Hopper enables residents to schedule rides on smaller, neighborhood friendly-sized public transit vehicles using a smartphone app. It's just $2 per ride within the Bloomsburg-Berwick service zone, and registered seniors 65+ ride FREE. To learn more, visit www.ridethestophopper.org or call 1-800-632-9063.
2024 Small Business Advantage Grant Open
The 2024-2025 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is now open for applications. The grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. New program documents for 2024-2025 can be found here.
Camp Victory to Host Community Turkey Dinner
All are invited to join Camp Victory on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for a Turkey Dinner that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Get more details here.
Coming Up at the Weis Center
- Classical string quartet ensemble Quartetto di Cremona - November 3rd
- Jazz pianist Sean Mason - November 7th
- Award-Winning Bluegrass Ensemble, Sister Sadie - November 15th
- Space-Themed Puppetry/Theatre - November 16th
Agape Seeking Volunteers for Code Blue Program
AGAPE requests volunteers to help with its new Code Blue Program (overnight temporary shelter for the homeless when temperatures are 32 degrees and below). An Orientation/Informational meeting will be held at the AGAPE Center 851 Railroad Street, Bloomsburg, PA at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on November 8, 2024. For more information call: 570-317-2210 or email: execassistant@agape-pa.org. Please include your name and phone number in all messages.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October/November Programs
Individual Member organizing a Veterans Community Day
Mark Lawrence Giesen is nearing his first year with the chamber and is organizing a Veterans Community Day on November 1st at the DACC. They're inviting veterans and their families to attend, with reps, recruiters, and info on fitness, wellness, careers, and outdoor activities tailored for veterans. Learn more about the day Mark has coordinated.
No-Cost Electrical Safety Training November 14th
IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers Association, is bringing this free, comprehensive electrical safety training program to Central PA. Learn more.
EOS hosting several events this November
Join EOS Therapeutic Riding Center for a Halloween with the House on November 1st followed by a Christmas Sleigh Photo Shoot November 13th. Check out everything they have going on here.
ReadyPA October Newsletter is out now!
The featured articles this month include: Cybersecurity Awareness Month-Four Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online; Staying Safe Using AI; Fire Prevention Week and Get Ready to Vote! Also included are the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBERSECURITY FOR OLDER ADULTS and the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SAFETY FOR KIDS. Learn more.
Community Foundations Collaborate to Host Inaugural Nonprofit Conference, Elevate2
Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) proudly partnered to host Elevate2, a groundbreaking new regional nonprofit conference held on October 14-15, 2024, at Bucknell University. Designed to empower nonprofit leaders across six counties in the Susquehanna Valley, the event drew over 200 attendees from 146 nonprofits eager to enhance their skills, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections. Learn more.
SBDC Shares Grant Information
The Agricultural Innovation Grant helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. Learn more about Agriculture Innovation Grant - Deadline November 15th
Happy Holidays in the Town of Bloomsburg
The Town of Bloomsburg meters on Main Street from East Street to Jefferson Street will be bagged starting November 29 through January 5th. Free parking in the municipal parking lots and metered side streets will start on December 14 and run through January 5th. Meters on E. 2nd St. are excluded.
Halloween Happenings
- DCDC Annual Trunk or Treat October 31st
- Town of Bloomsburg Trick of Treat Night - October 31st Rain or shine 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
First Friday's Happening November 1st in Bloomsburg
Find out all the details here.
N4C's hosting Community Lunch on November 3rd
Join N4C's for their Small Town Big Heart community Lunch on November 3rd with Keynote Speaker Zain Retherford. For tickets call 570-925-0163 or email danielle@n4cs.org.
Coming up at Arts in Bloom
On the Bright Side session Happening November 14th
The next Women's Giving Circle "On the Bright Side" session is on November 14th at 12pm. Open to all, this virtual session will connect participants from across the region as we pause from our busy schedules to empower, connect, and inspire each other. Register online here!
US Chamber of Commerce Hosting Special Year-End Financial Planning Workshop
Prepping for tax season and other year-end financial planning? Get advice from accounting and finance experts on how to prepare your bookkeeping, what financial reports to run, and how to reinforce financial resilience in 2025 and beyond. Happening November 14th - Register today.
Small Business Credit Survey
Attention Small Business owners! Time is running out to share your experiences over the past year. In just 12 minutes, you can provide valuable insights into your successes and challenges by participating in the Small Business Credit Survey, a partnership between the Pennsylvania SBDC and the Federal Reserve. The Survey closes on November 1, 2024.
Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available
Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp
Wilkes SBDC hosting open house at Bloomsburg Innovation Center
The Bloomsburg Innovation Center, located at 240 Market Street, will be hosting a grand opening of its small business incubator on Thursday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is organized in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. RSVP at https://bit.ly/BloomsburgInnovationCenterOpenHouse. For more information, reach out to the Wilkes University SBDC at sbdc@wilkes.edu.
Railroad Military Locomotives to be Used in Passenger Service for the First Time on November 9th
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will be pulling passenger excursions (for the first time) with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage. Learn more.
Geisinger to host appreciation Dinners to Honor local Military Veterans
To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Get a list of all locations and register by November 1st here.
Third Quarter On Track Newsletter out NOW!
McKonly & Asbury hosting Advanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Issues Seminar
McKonly & Asbury’s Affordable Housing Seminar will be held in-person on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Learn more.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosting Pancake Breakfast November 2nd
Please join Learning to Live Beloved Ministries for breakfast to help raise the remaining funds for their Well House Renovation project. The Well House is to be used for emergency housing for adult females exiting human sex trafficking in our local region. Learn more.
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley. Learn more about the celebration here.
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
2025 Annual Chamber Awards are open for Nominations
Every community is shaped by remarkable individuals and businesses whose contributions deserve to be celebrated.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards honor these extraordinary leaders and organizations for their lasting impact on our region. This year’s award categories include Outstanding Citizen, Small Business (1-30 employees), Large Business (30+ employees), Nonprofit, and Community Progress Awards. Nominate a business or person you feel should be recognized this coming year.
Nomination forms are available to be filled out online or by downloading the PDF version here, and emailing it to Brenda Flanagan, at bflanagan@columbiamontourchamber.com.
The deadline for submitting nominations is December 31, 2024.
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to Air Candidate Conversation
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is set to release its “2024 Candidate Conversation” via YouTube Premiere on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6:00pm. The video is just over 1 hour, and features a question and response format with each of the candidates vying for the 109th legislative district seat in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The program, available via the Chamber’s YouTube channel, delves into candidates’ views on policy topics critical to business, workforce, and the economy, including the budget, housing, childcare, healthcare, school funding, energy, tax policy, infrastructure, population decline, leadership, and more.
The candidates participating in this program are:
Representative Robert Leadbeater, (R) (Incumbent)
Bloomsburg Town Councilman Nicholas McGaw, (D) (Challenger)
YouTube Premiere Air Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Video Location: https://youtu.be/J_t-yrJ3xtM?si=M69SZe6IRqr3xF_v
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@columbiamontourchamber
Transforming Employee Feedback into Actionable Insights: A Leader’s Guide
To manage employee experience effectively, leaders must turn data into action. Gathering feedback is easy; interpreting it to meet employee needs is the challenge. Leaders should focus on synthesizing insights from feedback tools into a clear, strategic response.
The Big Picture:
Managing employee experience is crucial, but the challenge lies in turning feedback data into actionable insights. Leaders must synthesize data from various feedback tools into a strategic, employee-centered response.
Why It Matters:
Collecting feedback is easy; using it effectively is not. Without a thoughtful approach, data risks becoming noise, leaving leaders struggling to make changes that genuinely improve employee engagement and retention.
Key Takeaways:
1. Data Collection Alone Isn’t Enough: Tools like pulse surveys and sentiment analysis provide data snapshots, but actionable insight requires a holistic view. Leaders need to understand patterns, not just isolated issues.
2. Synthesis is Essential: Look for recurring themes across feedback channels. For example, if surveys highlight work-life balance concerns and meetings reveal workload issues, address both through flexible hours or resource adjustments.
3. Build a Framework for Action:
- Prioritize Key Themes: Focus on feedback that aligns with organizational goals (e.g., career growth or flexibility).
- Assign Ownership: Designate leaders or departments to implement solutions.
- Set Measurable Goals: Use metrics like retention and engagement scores to gauge success.
- Communicate Progress: Show employees their feedback is valued with transparent updates.
4. Reduce Data Overwhelm: Prioritize key metrics tied directly to company and employee goals. Advanced analytics can also offer predictive insights, helping leaders act proactively on potential issues.
680 words ~ 3 minute read
For today’s businesses, managing employee experience is both a priority and a challenge. Leaders who invest heavily in gathering employee feedback—through pulse surveys, town halls, and internal data analysis—often struggle to turn these insights into meaningful actions. While data collection has been streamlined by technology, the real challenge lies in interpreting and implementing this feedback in a way that aligns with organizational goals and enhances the employee experience.
Why Data Collection Isn’t Enough
Businesses today are equipped with a myriad of tools to gather employee feedback. From pulse surveys to sentiment analysis within internal communications, technology has simplified the collection process. However, the true value of these data-gathering efforts is only realized when leaders can translate insights into tangible outcomes. Many executives feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, struggling to connect employee feedback with actionable strategy.
Data can provide a snapshot of employee sentiment but without a nuanced approach, leaders risk making changes that miss the mark or fail to address underlying issues. For example, data may show that employee engagement is low, but it won’t reveal the specific cultural or leadership dynamics causing it.
The Power of Synthesis
To truly improve the employee experience, leaders need to view data holistically. Rather than acting on individual data points, organizations should strive to understand broader trends and patterns that can inform strategic decision-making. Synthesis involves identifying recurring themes across different feedback channels and assessing their potential impact on organizational goals.
Consider a tech company that collects employee sentiment through multiple channels. While pulse surveys may highlight a need for work-life balance, data from team meetings might reveal specific workload issues. By synthesizing these insights, leaders can create more targeted responses, such as implementing flexible work hours or resource redistribution, rather than broadly attempting to “improve balance.”
Building a Framework for Action
After synthesizing data, the next step is to build a framework that can transform insights into measurable actions. A strategic framework should connect feedback themes to key organizational metrics, such as productivity, retention, and satisfaction. For example, if feedback indicates a need for career development, the framework might include new training programs, mentorship opportunities, or career pathway mapping aligned with business objectives.
Key Steps to Create an Actionable Framework:
1. Prioritize Key Themes: Identify the top recurring feedback themes that align with company goals. This could be anything from career growth opportunities to workplace flexibility.
2. Assign Ownership: Ensure that specific departments or leaders are responsible for implementing action items related to each feedback theme.
3. Set Measurable Goals: Define what success looks like. Use metrics that reflect both employee satisfaction and company outcomes—such as improved retention rates, higher productivity, or increased engagement scores.
4. Communicate Transparently: Update employees on progress, showing that their feedback has been acknowledged and acted upon. This transparency reinforces trust and encourages further participation in feedback initiatives.
Moving Beyond Data Overwhelm
To reduce the overwhelm that comes with data, leaders can use a “less is more” approach. This involves focusing on a limited number of metrics that are directly tied to the company’s goals and employee experience. By prioritizing relevant data, leaders can simplify decision-making, avoid unnecessary distractions, and focus on strategic priorities.
Using advanced analytics can also help turn raw data into refined insights. Predictive analytics, for example, can provide insights into future employee engagement trends, allowing leaders to proactively address potential issues before they escalate.
Turning Insight into Employee-Centric Culture
For leaders who can manage and make sense of employee data, the potential payoff is significant. An intentional, data-driven approach to employee experience fosters a culture that prioritizes empathy and responsiveness. Employees are more likely to feel valued when they see that their feedback is not only gathered but acted upon in ways that directly improve their work life.
To manage employee experience effectively, leaders must become adept at interpreting feedback, synthesizing insights, and crafting responses that reflect both employee needs and organizational priorities. Embracing these practices enables leaders to bridge the gap between data collection and meaningful action, ultimately enhancing the workplace culture and strengthening organizational performance.
For more strategies on managing employee experience, check out Harvard Business Review.
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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 ~ October 24, 2024
Join United Way's Day of Giving Live Streams
Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway and the community is invited to participate in their live stream event happening TODAY. Watch Live streams here.
2024 Small Business Advantage Grant Open
The 2024-2025 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is now open for applications. The grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. New program documents for 2024-2025 can be found here.
Coming Up at the Weis Center
- Award-Winning Jazz Saxophonist - October 24th
- RUBBERBAND - October 29th
- Classical string quartet ensemble Quartetto di Cremona - November 3rd
- Jazz pianist Sean Mason - November 7th
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October/November Programs
No-Cost Electrical Safety Training November 14th
IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers Association, is bringing this free, comprehensive electrical safety training program to Central PA. Learn more.
ReadyPA October Newsletter is out now!
The featured articles this month include: Cybersecurity Awareness Month-Four Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online; Staying Safe Using AI; Fire Prevention Week and Get Ready to Vote! Also included are the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBERSECURITY FOR OLDER ADULTS and the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SAFETY FOR KIDS. Learn more.
Villager announces Agent of the Quarter
Sabra L. Karr, Broker of Record of Villager Realty, Inc. has announced the names of Villager Agents selected to be honored as Agent of the Quarter in the Third Quarter of 2024.
SBDC Shares Grant Information
The Agricultural Innovation Grant helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. Learn more about Agriculture Innovation Grant - Deadline November 15th
Service 1st Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Muncy Office
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at their Muncy Office on October 16, 2024. The ceremony was held as part of the Open House and Grand Opening Celebration for their newly opened office, located at 200 Muncy Creek Boulevard, in Muncy, PA. Learn more.
Halloween Happenings
- BOO!burg Friday October 25th
- Children's Museum Dinosaur Costume Party October 27th
- Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat October 27th
- Berwick Area YMCA Trick or Treat Trail October 28th
- DCDC Annual Trunk or Treat October 31st
- Town of Bloomsburg Trick of Treat Night - October 31st Rain or shine 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
N4C's hosting Community Lunch on November 3rd
Join N4C's for their Small Town Big Heart community Lunch on November 3rd with Keynote Speaker Zain Retherford. For tickets call 570-925-0163 or email danielle@n4cs.org.
On the Bright Side session Happening November 14th
The next Women's Giving Circle "On the Bright Side" session is on November 14th at 12pm. Open to all, this virtual session will connect participants from across the region as we pause from our busy schedules to empower, connect, and inspire each other. Register online here!
US Chamber of Commerce Hosting Special Year-End Financial Planning Workshop
Prepping for tax season and other year-end financial planning? Get advice from accounting and finance experts on how to prepare your bookkeeping, what financial reports to run, and how to reinforce financial resilience in 2025 and beyond. Happening November 14th - Register today.
PA CareerLink's 2024 Fall Career Fair is happening October 29th
Join the PA CareerLink for a Fall Career Fair on October 29th at the Bloomsburg Fire Department. Learn more.
Small Business Credit Survey
Attention Small Business owners! Time is running out to share your experiences over the past year. In just 12 minutes, you can provide valuable insights into your successes and challenges by participating in the Small Business Credit Survey, a partnership between the Pennsylvania SBDC and the Federal Reserve. The Survey closes on November 1, 2024.
Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available
Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp
Wilkes SBDC hosting open house at Bloomsburg Innovation Center
The Bloomsburg Innovation Center, located at 240 Market Street, will be hosting a grand opening of its small business incubator on Thursday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is organized in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. RSVP at https://bit.ly/BloomsburgInnovationCenterOpenHouse. For more information, reach out to the Wilkes University SBDC at sbdc@wilkes.edu.
Railroad Military Locomotives to be Used in Passenger Service for the First Time on November 9th
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will be pulling passenger excursions (for the first time) with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage. Learn more.
Geisinger to host appreciation Dinners to Honor local Military Veterans
To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Get a list of all locations and register by November 1st here.
Third Quarter On Track Newsletter out NOW!
McKonly & Asbury hosting Advanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Issues Seminar
McKonly & Asbury’s Affordable Housing Seminar will be held in-person on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Learn more.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosting Pancake Breakfast November 2nd
Please join Learning to Live Beloved Ministries for breakfast to help raise the remaining funds for their Well House Renovation project. The Well House is to be used for emergency housing for adult females exiting human sex trafficking in our local region. Learn more.
2024 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program Opens
The Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant program aims to support the advancement of regional outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway which includes Columbia and Montour counties. Proposals for projects that take place outside of the Susquehanna Greenway will not be considered. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on October 25, 2024. To learn more and apply for grants you can go to susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley. Learn more about the celebration here.
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
House Hearing Explores Grid Reliability Issues
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing last week to discuss PJM Interconnection’s electricity demand trends and how they relate to Pennsylvania’s energy markets. PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that manages the electricity grid and wholesale energy market for 13 states and Washington, D.C. With its rich energy resources, Pennsylvania is the largest supplier to the PJM grid and provides energy to 65 million consumers, through a combination of natural gas (as the primary source), along with nuclear, coal, and renewables.
Topics at the hearing included a recent capacity auction, increasing concern regarding PJM queues, grid reliability, and possible solutions to address these issues, as PJM projects a 25 percent increase in summer peak demand over the next 15 years. According to the PJM representatives at the hearing, energy demand has increased due to technological advancements including Artificial Intelligence, electric vehicles, manufacturing, and other energy-intensive initiatives. Meanwhile, energy supply has decreased mostly due to federal and state decarbonization policies. This also has put a strain on pricing, with recent auction results showing prices doubled, totaling about $14.7 billion.
This perfect storm of increased energy demand, lower supply, and higher prices has led PJM to voice concerns that there will be a supply shortage by 2030, if not sooner. To counter this, PJM is in the process of working to get renewable projects completed; help push through additional technical reforms to bring more storage online; and work toward stronger transmission planning to secure long-term procurement and capacity.
Sam Robinson, deputy chief of staff for consumers and the environment in the Shapiro Administration emphasized commitment to increase power generation in Pennsylvania and outlined the administration’s engagement with PJM to address rising capacity prices and reliability concerns. This includes legislative and regulatory action to improve power generation and attract new development to the Commonwealth.
In its not-yet-released interviews with the candidates vying to serve as legislators in the 109th Legislative District, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce (CMCC) President Chris Berleth asked each candidate for their take on the energy concerns expressed by PJM. Stay tuned to the CMCC website for more information and the release of the interviews on the Chamber's YouTube channel.
Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties. They do this through the execution of five focus areas: advocacy, business connections, benefits program, employee development, and strengthening our communities. As a member of the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, the above article is shared with permission.
U.S. Chamber Announces Pro-Growth Tax Priorities for 2025
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Pro-growth tax policies benefit Americans by encouraging businesses to invest in their companies, workers, and communities, leading to higher wages and a better standard of living. In a letter sent to the House Ways and Means Committee last week, the U.S. Chamber outlined our three fundamental, overarching tax policy priorities for Congress heading into 2025:
Why it matters: Next year, lawmakers must work to avoid the largest tax increase in American history, which will otherwise occur automatically at the end of 2025, when many important individual, business, and estate tax provisions are scheduled to expire. What else the U.S. Chamber is doing: The U.S. Chamber launched an education program on the need for elected officials to avoid a tax hike. U.S. Chamber Senior Political Strategist Ashlee Rich Stephenson told Fox Business that “tax policy issues should be debated now "when constituents and voters are hypersensitive and paying attention." Learn more:
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U.S. Chamber Release Election Primer, Statement
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With two weeks to go and voting already underway in Election 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released its election primer. The guide, which is distributed by the U.S. Chamber ahead of the general election every four years, serves as an educational resource for Chamber members and its network of state and local chambers and includes key election dates and information on how, when, and where to vote. Next week, the Columbia Montour Chamber will distribute information about local voting resources made available through Columbia and Montour Counties.
The Chamber also issued the following statement:
“There is likely to be record or near-record turnout for this year’s election. This is a reason for celebration. Even as many Americans are passionately and deeply divided about the candidates and their policies, we remain a nation that resolves our differences peacefully at the ballot box.
“At the same time, the likely closeness of this election and the variety of voting and vote-counting procedures mean we may not know the outcome as quickly as we would like. That’s cause for preparation and patience – but not concern.
“We are fortunate to have dedicated local professionals throughout our communities administering our elections. As is the case in every election, there are likely to be legal challenges over disagreements about election processes. This is normal and we must let legal challenges play out in the appropriate courts, then respect and abide by their decisions. We encourage all Americans to be patient and have faith in the checks and balances built into our systems.
“When this election is over, we must work together to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and remember that we are all Americans and what unites us is much larger than what divides us."
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties. The CMCC is a 75-year member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and routinely distributes information from the U.S. Chamber that it believes will serve its members.
Five Mindset Shifts to Help Leaders Embrace Self-Care
Leaders often struggle with self-care, but adopting these five mindset shifts can change that. Start by creating a body budget, managing emotional health, identifying choice points, and prioritizing growth and nourishment. Regular practice of a personalized plan ensures long-term success.
458 words ~ 2 min. read
In today's fast-paced business environment, many leaders know the importance of self-care but often fail to implement it in their daily routines. Why? Because they overlook the necessary mindset shifts that support sustainable self-care practices. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Paulena Neale explores how leaders can use a simple checklist to help take better care of themselves and, in turn, their teams. The five-part checklist below offers you a summary of Neale’s most important points. Read on to learn how you can transform self-care from a wish into a reality.
1. Make a Body Budget
Just like managing financial budgets, leaders need to maintain a "body budget" — the balance of physical, mental, and emotional energy. This concept is essential for self-care because leaders often run on fumes without realizing it. Tracking physical activity, rest, and nutrition can prevent burnout before it happens. Leaders must recognize that maintaining their body’s resources is as important as managing company resources.
2. Manage Emotional Health
Leaders are responsible for setting the emotional tone of their teams, yet managing their emotional health often takes a backseat. Regular emotional check-ins are key. Strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or therapy can help leaders stay emotionally grounded, reducing the risk of decision fatigue or emotional burnout. Healthy leaders foster healthier teams.
3. Identify Choice Points
Throughout the day, leaders face decision points that determine the quality of their self-care. Learning to recognize these "choice points" is critical. For example, when feeling overwhelmed, the choice might be between continuing to grind through work or stepping away for a moment to recharge. Identifying when you're at a crossroads can allow you to make decisions that support your well-being without sacrificing leadership performance.
4. Prioritize Growth and Nourishment
Effective leaders constantly seek personal and professional growth, but growth requires more than just accumulating new skills. Nourishment is about engaging in activities that refresh and inspire. For some, that might mean pursuing hobbies, reading for pleasure, or spending time in nature. Leaders should find what nourishes them and protect time for these activities. Regular nourishment enhances creativity, resilience, and leadership clarity. In a shameless plug, this is exactly the reason that your Columbia Montour Chamber created the Business Leadership Forum - so that you can connect with local business owners and leaders, and learn from their successes. Join us and connect with stories of local businesses as they've experienced organic growth while dealing with the same challenges you face every day.
5. Personalize Your Plan and Practice It Regularly
No two leaders have the same needs, so self-care must be personalized. Crafting a plan that reflects your unique responsibilities, strengths, and preferences is essential. Once you have a plan, the key is consistency. Just as you wouldn’t skip out on critical meetings, don’t skip self-care. It’s an investment that will pay off in your ability to lead effectively over the long term.
These mindset shifts are more than just wellness tips—they are foundational to becoming a resilient and impactful leader. In the same way, leaders strategize for business growth, they should strategize for personal well-being. To read Neale’s full article, go here.
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.
New Member Highlight – Bayada Home Health Care
BAYADA is a nonprofit, trusted leader in providing clinical care and support services at home for children and adults of all ages. Since 1975, BAYADA has been at the forefront of the home care movement – working to give people greater access to high-quality care that helps them live safely at home. The Bloomsburg office provides pediatric personal care services as well as pediatric and adult skilled nursing care services in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties.