The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the April jobs report, which highlighted a growing shortage of available workers, and an unexpected increase in the employment rate, amid other findings.
In response to the jobs report, U.S. Chamber executive vice president and chief policy officer Neil Bradley released the following statement calling for an end to the $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefits to address these labor shortages:
“The disappointing jobs report makes it clear that paying people not to work is dampening what should be a stronger jobs market. We need a comprehensive approach to dealing with our workforce issues and the very real threat unfilled positions poses to our economic recovery from the pandemic. One step policymakers should take now is ending the $300 weekly supplemental unemployment benefit. Based on the Chamber’s analysis, the $300 benefit results in approximately one in four recipients taking home more in unemployment than they earned working.”
Nine states have announced that they will end participation in the federal unemployment bonus program by the end of June.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Region 3 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV) invites you to join a two-hour security webinar to enhance awareness of and response to an active shooter event. The webinar will be held on Thursday, May 20th from 9-11 am. Preparing employees for a potential active shooter incident is an integral component of an organization’s incident response planning. Because active shooter incidents are unpredictable and evolve quickly, preparing for and knowing what to do in an active shooter situation can be the difference between life and death. Every second counts.
THIS IS NOT A TACTICAL TRAINING COURSE
Objectives:
-Discuss the elements of active shooter incident response planning with guidance from expert instructors.
-Describe common behaviors, conditions, and situations associated with active shooter events.
-Discuss how to recognize potential workplace violence indicators.
-Provide information about best practices, communications protocols, and resources that will assist stakeholders to develop or enhance their emergency planning, preparedness, and response to active shooter incidents.
Understanding Liability and Risk Exposure:
The webinar focuses on providing awareness training that supports the development of emergency action planning capabilities. These capabilities may better position organizations in receiving important legal liability protections from the DHS Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002. To learn more about the
SAFETY Act and the types of products, services, and layered security programs that have received protections, visit
www.safetyact.gov.
Who Should Participate?
Private and public organizations
Corporate and facility security professionals
Supervisory first responders
Human resource managers
Community response officials
Health organizations
Faith-based leaders
School administrators and security officers
Homeland security representatives
DHS Resources REGISTRATION:
Products and information can be requested by contacting the Active Shooter Preparedness team at ASworkshop@cisa.dhs.gov.
For more information and resources on Active Shooter Preparedness visit: cisa.gov/active-shooter-preparedness.
Note: An email with information to connect to the webinar will be sent the day prior to the event.
Registration for this event is free.
Register here. Registration is limited to 300 participants and will close as soon as it reaches capacity or no later than May 19, 2021 at noon.
SEDA-COG Announces New Director of Community Development
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Tyler Dombroski, a 7.5-year staffer, is the new director of its Community Development program.
As senior program analyst in that program, he wrote and administered many Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grants and projects, and most notably, has managed the $17 million Town of Bloomsburg Flood Mitigation Expansion project. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he has led efforts to create the CDBG‐CV Economic Development program template utilized regionwide.
Dombroski’s major goals as director this year include adapting to the region’s grant administration needs from major federal funding investments including CARES, American Rescue Plan, and the proposed American Jobs Plan; positively contributing to the region’s economic recovery; and continuing to provide strong grant administration services to SEDA-COG’s client communities.
He also aims to continue the development of his team.
“Our department is a strong team that has faced significant adversity over the last year. I hope to continue our positive growth,” Dombroski said.
He appreciates the people, the beauty, and the culture of the region.
“Our region is comprised of salt-of-the-earth people, which is important to me. My family and friends live here and being close to them is also important to me. I think our region has a lot of natural beauty and history. I am also a big Penn State football fan, so I have to stay close to my alma mater,” Dombroski said.
SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Dombroski has the leadership qualities, experience, and skills to lead the team.
“He shows a great deal of commitment and visionary outlook which will help to continue the department and agency adapt to the ever-changing work environment with the pandemic. We are very excited as Tyler has started his transition into the director role today, May 3. We look forward to the continued excellent work Tyler and his team provide to the region,” Wheeler said.
Dombroski has been mayor of Washingtonville since 2014 and was a councilman for two years prior. He has served on the Montour Area Recreation Commission since 2013, currently as chairman. He has been chairman of the Montour County Agricultural Land Preservation Board since 2016. He is vice chairman of the Washingtonville Municipal Authority and has been on the board since 2014. He serves on the boards of the Central Susquehanna Opportunities (since 2018) and the Jane E. DeLong Memorial Hall Association (since 2013).
He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies in 2011, and his Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development in 2014, both from Penn State.
Teri Provost had been the interim director of the program for over a year, in addition to being director of the Flood Resiliency and Housing Rehabilitation programs.
Wheeler said Provost did an excellent job providing oversight to three departments.
“We thank Teri for her oversight and commitment to not only the Community Development department but the agency over the last year-plus. Her continued hard work and dedication have helped to keep the department running smoothly. We appreciate her excellence,” Wheeler said.
SEDA-COG’s Community Development program administers 14 CDBG contracts for 28 communities. Over 35 years, the program has secured $120 billion for over 1,000 projects with its 11 dedicated staff.
As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.
Community Giving Foundation: Danville Announces Holiday Happenings Gala
The recipient(s) of the Robert N. Pursel Award for Community Service will be honored at the 25th Annual Holiday Happenings Gala on Saturday, November 6, 2021, in the Ballroom of the Pine Barn Inn. The gathering will start at 6:00 pm.
The Holiday Happenings event will be a fun, festive evening to reconnect with your neighbors and help showcase the community service-oriented citizens we are fortunate to live with in our home town. The namesake of the Pursel Award was a shining example of duty and philanthropy, both in the military and in his involvement with many local organizations. He was the first of 24 recipients we have been privileged to honor through the years. To nominate a deserving person, couple, or organization for the Pursel Award, access the nomination form at csgiving.org/holiday-happenings.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors endowment fund of the Community Giving Foundation: Danville. This unrestricted fund supports unmet needs in the Danville community by granting to local nonprofit organizations. Save the date for an evening of celebration, socialization, and giving to benefit your community. Sponsorships and ticket information will be available at csgiving.org/holiday-happenings in the coming months.
Community Giving Foundation: Danville is an affiliate of the Community Giving Foundation, which manages nearly 300 charitable funds and makes grant investments throughout the region to improve the quality of life in the Central Susquehanna area. For more information, visit csgiving.org or call the Foundation at 570-752-3930.
SHRMA to Offer “What’s New in Unemployment Compensation!”
It’s hard to believe but this is the final program for the 2020/2021 Programming Series through SHRMA. Despite what we all faced during this pandemic, SHRMA was still able to successfully bring meaningful programming to its membership. The Program Committee will begin developing the 2021/2022 programming series and will determine if we remain virtual, in person or a hybrid model.
For the May18th virtual program, we welcome Nancy Smithbauer, UC Workforce Development Representative from PA Department of Labor & Industry. Nancy will be presenting “What’s New in Unemployment Compensation!”
Are you wondering what is happening in the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation? Getting questions from your workers concerning benefits and programs available? Wondering why inquiries take so long to resolve and what UC is doing? This presentation can help! “What’s New” (in UC) presentation covers a bit of the past practices, the current UC situation and the initiatives being processed as we look forward to the future. Presented by a nearly 20 year veteran in UC, you will get the information you need to better assist your workers and understand the system for considerations when faced with a reduction in your workforce.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding how the pandemic affected UC
- a description of the 8 programs currently operating under the UC umbrella
- the Benefit Modernization Project
- the changing environment and processes of Unemployment Compensation.
Nancy Smithbauer, Workforce Development Representative for Unemployment Compensation has been employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for 19 years, having been a Claims Examiner for nearly 10 of those years.
Nancy helps employers and claimants understand the Unemployment Compensation Laws and assists with navigating the process to ensure the proper application of the program. She is a member of the Rapid Response Coordination Services Team that provides information and assistance to workers in the event of a lay off or closure.
Nancy is also a “trouble shooter” for individuals and employers who are in need of assistance with their UC Claim. Her service area spans across 15 counties.
This session has been submitted for recertification credits with HRCI and SHRM.
The presentation slides will be available on our SHRMA website after the session concludes.
***In 2021, NON-SHRMA members will be charged a $15 per program fee for virtual programs.***
To register for the May 2021 SHRMA program, please click on the link. Login information for a Zoom session will be sent to you after registration is completed.
Mitigation orders except masking were lifted on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31st.
This change means that restaurants, bars, stores, salons, gyms, theaters, event venues, nightclubs, and other businesses can open at 100% capacity, and crowd-size limits are lifted on all indoor and outdoor gatherings.
The Department of Health recommends that Pennsylvanians refer to CDC guidance and recommendations regarding ongoing COVID-19 safety measures and procedures.
These updates will not prevent municipalities and school districts from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts.
The governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic remains in place.
The two registered candidates for Bloomsburg Mayor shared their views on supporting business in the Town, flood protection, the relationship with Bloomsburg University, and other issues at a public forum held April 28th at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Incumbent Mayor Bill Kreisher and Council member Justin Hummel are both registered on the Democratic ticket for the May 18th primary election. The forum was co-sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Bloomsburg Inc (DBI).
Both candidates identified the need to generate additional revenue for Town operations. Kreisher cited flood protection as important to preserving property values and encouraging more people to live in the Town, while Hummel indicated that flood protection for the West end is not cost-effective. Instead, the Town should work to attract more events which would generate revenue from the amusement tax. He also noted that 68% of the property tax payers in Town pay less than $1,000 a year to Bloomsburg.
When asked about the priority issues for Bloomsburg, Kreisher cited a number of priorities outlined in the Blueprint for Bloomsburg comprehensive plan adopted in 2009 including updating zoning to encourage business growth, improving relations with the University, and being more visitor friendly. Hummel called for a new comprehensive vision that includes welcoming and encouraging more events and activities.
To encourage transparency and stakeholder engagement as well as municipalities up to date related to ordinances, zoning, and infrastructure, the Chamber and DBI developed a candidate pledge (link to attached) for all Council candidates. Kreisher has signed the pledge. While Hummel stated that while he supports the items within the pledge and feels the Town is already doing them he’s “not into signing arbitrary agreements.”
The audio recording of the forum is available at columbiamontourchamber.com/audio-video/.
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. Applications opened TODAY, May 3rd at noon. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
The Small Business Administration had released technical guidance and a sample application (see Supplemental Documents) for the RRF.
More than 430 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and the region. Increased membership allows the Chamber to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives. The Chamber welcomes Miller-Keystone Blood Center.
Founded in 1971, Miller-Keystone Blood Center’s mission is to save lives by partnering with communities to provide a continuous supply of blood products and services. The center serves as the sole blood provider for 29 hospitals in eastern PA and western NJ.
Miller-Keystone Blood Center is a member of America’s Blood Centers, a national network of independent, non-profit community blood centers that provide approximately 60% of the blood products transfused in the United States. It is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
For more information on the Miller-Keystone Blood Center visit its website, Facebook page or call 800-B-A-DONOR (223-6667).
Montour Solar One Announces Commitments for $1 Million Community Benefits Program
The Montour Solar One team of Pattern Energy and Talen Energy announced the initial partners for the first phase of its Community Benefits Program, which will contribute $1 million to local organizations over the life of the project. This first phase includes a one-time donation to the Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) towards the Montour Preserve.
“As we look to become long-term neighbors within Montour County, we are aiming to make strong, long-lasting positive impacts on the community by supporting vital local organizations, especially those focused on veterans and agricultural interests,” said Joey Shannon, senior manager, renewable energy & battery storage development for Talen Energy and member of the Montour Solar One team. “Following extensive communications with community stakeholders, these three recipients stood out as especially important to the greater Montour County community and we are honored to partner with them.”
For the first five years, Montour Solar One has committed to the following annual contributions which will commence at the start of commercial operation of the solar project:
-Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School- $12,000 annually for 5 years
Focused on its agricultural program and building critical greenhouses
-Montour Veterans Emergency Fund $12,000 annually for 5 years
Supporting Montour’s Veterans in need
-Northern Montour Recreation Association $6,000 annually for 5 years
Contributing to the Anthony Township neighborhood pool and recreational offerings
-Montour Area Recreation Commission $30,000 one time
For the Montour Preserve, donated at the start of construction
Following Montour Solar One’s first five years of operation, the facility manager for the solar project will
coordinate future local giving based on community need and priorities at that time.
“We greatly appreciate what Montour Solar One and the Pattern and Talen teams are doing to support
young people in Montour and Columbia County,” said Ken Kryder of Columbia Montour Area
Vocational Technical School. “This much-needed funding will be critical to our agricultural program and
help build new greenhouses that will greatly improve the learning experience of our Agricultural Plant
Systems & Technology Program.”
Lisa Hartman, President of the Northern Montour Recreation Association added, “It is especially wonderful that Montour Solar One is helping an Anthony Township nonprofit and one that impacts so many families in our area. We are very appreciative of this partnership.”
“The support of Montour Solar One is invaluable as the Preserve continues our mission to provide free family-oriented outdoor activities,” said Bob Stoudt, Director of MARC. “The Montour Preserve is a jewel for the community and their support will go a long way to helping us continue our operations and serving the residents of Montour County and the region.”
Montour Solar One’s $30,000 a year contributions will equate to more than $1,000,000 during the life of
the project.
Montour Solar will also bring an economic boost to the area and create up 125-175 construction jobs over
the one-year construction period. More information regarding the Montour Solar One project can be
found at https://montoursolar.com/.
Service 1st Announced Newly Appointed Board Members and Celebrated Employee/Volunteer Achievements During 2020 Annual Meeting
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held their 2020 Annual Meeting virtually on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. This was the second consecutive year Service 1st elected to host the meeting using a virtual format in an effort to lessen the spread of COVID-19. Members had the opportunity to register to attend the virtual meeting live. The credit union also provided a full recording of the meeting on the Service 1st website.
Service 1st President/CEO Bill Lavage thanked the Credit Union’s members, volunteers and employees for working together throughout the past year.
“There are three main reasons for our continued success,” stated Bill Lavage, President/CEO, Service 1st. “Our Board of Directors and volunteers are one of the reasons. They selflessly volunteer their time to set our course, provide leadership and support. Another key component in our success is our employees. They have been resilient throughout the pandemic. We had to change our business model quickly, we closed our lobbies two times in 2020 and they remained reliant and resilient all while dealing with COVID-19 at work and home. The third key component for our success is the non-wavering support of our members. You continued to support us during the most challenging time in the history of Service 1st.”
Lavage added, that Service 1st will continue to manage any challenges due to the pandemic, while focusing on the safety of their team, their members, and the community.
Newly elected board members were announced and a number of volunteers and employees were honored for their years of service during the online event.
David Cutright, Treasurer; Deborah Petretich Templeton, R. Ph., MHA, Secretary; and Kathy Linn, Director were re-elected; each to 3-year terms on the Service 1st Board of Directors. Other members of the Service 1st Board of Directors include: Steven Endress, Chairperson; Tracy Shirk, Vice Chairperson; Eric Polczynski, Director; Lori Wilson, Director; Barbara Criswell, Director; and Greg Burke, MD, FACP, Director.
Service awards representing a combined 330 years of experience and dedication, were presented to volunteers and employees. Volunteers honored included Jonathan Fellin, Supervisory Committee, 5 years; Mike Fleming, Supervisory Committee, 5 years; Tom Culver, Nominating Committee, 15 years; Dave Macko, Nominating Committee and Annual Meeting Committee, 20 years; Barbara Criswell, Board Member, 35 years; and Randi Spayd, Annual Meeting Committee, 45 years.
Employees honored for 5 years of service included: Jennifer Daddario, Regional Vice President; Rachael Herb, Assistant Market Manager, Corporate Center; Brandi Hoffman, Financial Service Specialist II, Corporate Center; Mary Klock, Member Service Representative II, Shamokin Dam Office; Seth Loff, Business Relationship Specialist; Mandi Stallman, Training & Audit/Compliance Specialist; and Missy Thomas, Assistant Market Manager, Bloomsburg.
Employees honored for 10 years of service included: April Campbell, Financial Service Specialist II, Shamokin Dam Office; Tom Rambo, Vice President Danville Market; Paulette Renner, Financial Service Specialist II, Mifflinburg Office; and Heather Shannon, Member Engagement Specialist, Contact Center.
Employees honored for 15 years of service included: Eileen Cizewski, Financial Service Specialist II, Bloomsburg Office; Wayne Hawley, Information Systems Specialist; and Brett Johnson, Vice President Lending.
Employees honored for 20 years of service included: Donna Bennick, Member Engagement Supervisor, Contact Center; Elisabeth Taylor, Vice President Audit & Compliance; and Barbara Zlotorzynski, Operations Support Supervisor.
Seleca Solomon, Operations Specialist, was also honored for 25 years of service.
For more information, call our Contact Center at 800.562.6049 or visit www.service1.org.
Susquehanna Nuclear Donates Command Trailer to Columbia-Montour SWAT Team
Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC (Susquehanna), a division of Talen Energy, recently donated a command trailer to the Columbia-Montour SWAT Team for use in partnership with communities and agencies throughout the region. The SWAT Team will use the command trailer in a variety of ways including: as an incident command center for law enforcement training activities; as a general command post in the event of a large-scale incident; in activities coordinated by local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties; and as a resource to fire companies in the region.
Columbia-Montour SWAT Commander Chief Allen L. Breach (second from right), 20+ members of the Columbia-Montour SWAT Team, Columbia County EMA Director Jennifer Long (third from left) , Montour County EMA Director Ed Burkland, and Northumberland County EMA Director Stephen Jeffrey, as well as the Columbia County Sheriff Tim Chamberlain gathered at Susquehanna Steam Electric Station to witness Commander Chief Breach formally receive a command trailer donated by Talen Energy’s Susquehanna Nuclear division. Representatives from Susquehanna Nuclear, including Chief Nuclear Officer Berryman and Talen’s Corporate Security Superintendent Mike Palmer were on hand to officially present the command trailer to the SWAT Team.
“Our senior leadership team discussed who could best use the trailer and immediately, our local SWAT organization and EMAs rose to the top of the list,” said Susquehanna Chief Nuclear Officer Brad Berryman. “They have supported Susquehanna, and our Montour generating facility in Washingtonville, for years and it seemed fitting that we provide them with this trailer to support the community in the best ways possible.”
“We borrowed the trailer recently and used it as an incident command center during an active shooter exercise we conducted in Danville,” said SWAT Commander Chief Allen L. Breach. “Our intention is to use it on a region-wide basis. The closest units like it are in Schuylkill County and in Williamsport, so having our own trailer will allow us to respond more efficiently. It honestly provides us so much flexibility – we’re really pleased to have received it from Talen,” Breach continued.
Susquehanna Nuclear LLC is one of Talen Energy’s generating affiliates. Talen Energy Corp. is one of the largest competitive energy and power generation infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns or controls approximately 13,000 megawatts of generating capacity in well-developed, structured wholesale power markets, principally in the Mid-Atlantic, Texas and Montana. Talen is developing a large-scale portfolio of renewable energy, battery storage, and digital infrastructure assets across its expansive footprint. For more information visit www.talenenergy.com.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces May Programming
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West Seventh Street, Bloomsburg is pleased to announce its May programming.
The Children’s Museum follows the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s guidelines for COVID mitigation. Masks are required for entry for anyone over the age of 2. The Museum has enacted a strict sanitation schedule to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our guests. You can learn more about our efforts at: https://the-childrens-museum.org/.
The Children’s Museum is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For a complete listing of all programs, visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/
In order to maintain a safe public space for our guests and comply with our community standards, masks are required for entrance to the Museum. The Children’s Museum has increased sanitation of all touchable surfaces, removed many loose exhibit pieces to reduce touchable surfaces, instituted “Discovery Bags” to still allow hands-on participation for individual learners, and increased air exchange in the Museum.
Montour Solar One is a proposed solar energy facility that would be located in portions of Montour County and Columbia County. The 100-megawatt (MW) project is a partnership between Talen Energy, owner of the Montour Steam Electric Station, and Pattern Energy. The facility would be located on private land in Anthony, Derry, and Madison townships, near the Montour Station.
The team behind Montour Solar One LLC has been engaging with citizens, government officials, and the business community, over the past year. They have made themselves available to the community by hosting town halls, attending public meetings, and participating in conversations with residents.
As the Montour County government and area townships work to update the County Zoning Ordinance to include solar energy facilities, The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce has encouraged zoning that allows for these facilities while reasonably protecting the environment and neighboring residents and businesses. We know that the committee working on this has examined zoning language from other municipalities. The Montour Solar One project would provide an economic boost to the area with temporary construction jobs and diversify the sources of power generation in Pennsylvania.
Knowing that Montour Solar One is not the only project proposed for our area, it is our hope that updates to the zoning ordinance would provide a reasonable framework to accommodate smart, responsible development of solar energy facilities. The zoning ordinance should allow for efficient use of the land proposed for development, while protecting the health, safety, and economic interests of the surrounding area. Recognizing that technology is ever-changing, the ordinance should provide flexibility to allow for advancements, using established best industry practices and other solar development projects in Pennsylvania and across the United States as a guide.
We are encouraged by Montour Solar One’s recent announcement of support for a number of community organizations. These good-neighbor contributions provide valuable funding for agricultural education, veterans in need, and outdoor recreation.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce applauds the efforts of Montour County to allow for this development to take place in a responsible manner and looks forward to the Montour Solar One project and the benefits it will provide to our area.