As Congress works toward agreement on a second round of COVID-19 relief to Americans, coalitions of more than 80 chambers of commerce, including The Columbia Montour Chamber, and more than 75 statewide associations across the Commonwealth sent letters to Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation last week urging them to adopt temporary, targeted liability reforms as part of the disaster relief legislation. The coalitions are being led by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry.

The chamber and association leaders cited the financial struggles that so many of their member businesses are facing. “Pennsylvanians who had successful companies just a few months ago are going bankrupt, draining savings, seeing their life’s work swept away,” the chamber coalition wrote.

As they are experiencing these pandemic-driven hardships, they are also facing the added threat of an unwarranted pandemic-related lawsuit – in some cases, these cases are being filed for businesses simply following the mask mandates put in place by the Wolf administration. The PA Chamber, local chamber partners, and our allies on this issue — including nonprofits, schools and universities, daycare centers, medical providers and more – have stressed the negative impact to our economic recovery if businesses that are following all the state and CDC-issued health guidelines must continue to operate without any pandemic-era protections in place.

“For the foreseeable future, employers will be subject to strict workplace health requirements and those who take necessary precautions to protect customers and employees should proceed with confidence knowing they will not be targeted with frivolous, and potentially devastating, litigation,” the coalitions wrote.

“We are grateful for the public support provided to employers thus far; however, the pandemic’s economic impact has been relentless and so must be the public response.  We urge you to support temporary, targeted legal safe harbor for those employers and healthcare providers operating in good faith and complying with relevant requirements.”

From InnoTek Computer Consulting, Inc.

More and more businesses are switching to the Cloud to store their data and rightly so. The Cloud offers numerous benefits over the traditional, physical on-site server. For example:
• Anytime, anywhere access to your data: Information in the Cloud can be accessed from anywhere using an internet connection, unlike in the case of traditional servers, where you need a physical connection to the servers
• Significant cost savings: You cut hardware costs because you are not investing in physical hardware.
• Shared storage means more cost savings: The Cloud lets you share space with others while maintaining a secure environment in general. It follows a ‘pay-as-you-use’ approach to data storage allowing you to enjoy cost savings based on your data storage needs, unlike the traditional options where you had to pay for and purchase a whole new server if your data storage exceeded the existing capacity.
• SaaS compatibility and support: The Cloud allows the use of Software-as-a-Service since the software can be hosted in the Cloud
• Scalability: The Cloud lets you scale up and down as your business needs change
• 24/7 monitoring, support, and greater access reliability: When your data is in the Cloud, the Cloud service provider is responsible for keeping it safe and ensuring it is securely accessible at all times. They monitor the cloud’s performance and in the event of any performance issues, they provide immediate tech support to resolve the problem

Is the Cloud really risk-free?
While all the above-mentioned factors make the Cloud a very attractive choice, especially for SMBs who don’t want to be burdened with higher in-house IT costs, putting your data in the Cloud is not risk-free. Just as storing data on physical servers has its security threats, the Cloud presents certain security concerns as well. These include
• Data breach: A data breach is when your data is accessed by someone who is not authorized to do so.
• Data loss: A data loss is a situation where your data in the Cloud is destroyed due to certain circumstances such as technological failure or neglect during any stage of data processing or storage.
• Account hijacking: Like traditional servers, data in the Cloud could be stolen through account hijacking as well. In fact, Cloud account hijacking is predominantly deployed in cybercrimes that require identity thefts and wrongful impersonation
• Service traffic hijacking: In a service traffic hijacking, your attacker first gains access to your credentials, uses it to understand the online activities that happen in your domain, and then uses the information to mislead your users or domain visitors to malicious sites.
• Insecure application program interfaces (APIs): Sometimes, Cloud APIs, when opened up to third parties, can be a huge security threat. If the API keys are not properly secured, it can serve as an entry point for cybercriminals and malicious elements.
• Poor choice of Cloud storage providers: A security lapse from the Cloud storage provider’s end is a huge security concern for businesses. It is very important to choose a trusted and experienced Cloud service provider who knows what they are doing.

Apart from the above, there are some common threats that apply to both the Cloud and traditional data storage environments such as a DDoS attack, or a malware attack where your data in the Cloud becomes susceptible because it is being shared with others and at other places.

3 key steps to take to protect your data from the security threats presented above
• Secure access: The first step would be to secure access to your data in the Cloud. So, how do you go about it? safeguard your login credentials–your User IDs and passwords–from prying eyes strong password policies that are practiced across the board and educate your employees about good password hygiene. Also, do you have employees using their own devices to access their work-related applications and documents? Do you have staff working from home? Then, you also need to formulate strong BYOD (Bring-your-own-device) policies, so these devices don’t end up as the entry point to cybercriminals.
•Educate your employees: What’s the first thing that pops into your head when someone talks about cybercrime? You probably picture some unknown person, a tech-whiz sitting behind a computer in a dark room, trying to steal your data. But surprising as it may seem, the first and probably the biggest threat to your data and IT security, in general, comes from your employees! Malicious employees may do you harm on purpose by stealing or destroying your data, but oftentimes, employees unwittingly become accomplices to cybercrime. Some examples include:

• Forwarding an email with an attachment that contains a virus
• Clicking on a phishing link unknowingly and entering sensitive information therein
• Compromising on security when they share passwords or connect to an unsecured or open WiFi at public places such as the mall or the airport

A lot of time cybersecurity breaches happen when employees function with a view to “get things done faster”, but without realizing how disastrous the implications of such actions can be.

• Choosing the right Cloud service provider: If you are putting your data in the cloud, you need to make sure that it is in safe hands. As such, it is your Cloud service provider’s responsibility to ensure your data is secure and accessible, always. But, are they doing all that is needed to ensure this happens? It is very important to choose a trustworthy Cloud service provider because you are essentially handing over all your data to them. So, apart from strengthening your defenses, you need to check how well-prepared they are to avert the threats posed by cybercriminals.

Cloud security mechanisms
• Cloud firewalls: Much like the firewalls you deploy for your local IT network, Cloud firewalls work to prevent unauthorized Cloud network access. 
• Penetration testing: Penetration testing is a sort of a Cloud security check where IT experts try hacking into the Cloud network to figure out if there are any security lapses or vulnerabilities that could serve cybercriminals.
• Obfuscation: In obfuscation, the data or program code is obscured on purpose such that the system delivers unclear code to anyone other than the original programmer, thus mitigating any malicious activity.
• Tokenization: Tokenization is the process of replacing sensitive data with unique identification symbols that retain all the essential information about the data without compromising its security. 
• Virtual Private Networks (VPN): Another, more commonly used mechanism is the VPN. VPN creates a safe passage for data over the Cloud through end-to-end encryption methodology.

Investing in a good Cloud security system is a must, but, in the end, you also need to remember that Cloud security is not only about antivirus software, firewalls, and other anti-malware tools. Complete Cloud security is a blend of all these plus internal policies, best practices, and regulations related to IT security, and of course, the MSP you choose to be your Cloud security provider plays a key role in all this. You need to pick the right MSP and work closely with them to implement a Cloud security solution that works for you.

On Thursday, December 10th, Governor Tom Wolf issued new, temporary orders to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The new measures go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, December 12th until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th.

The new orders include the following:

In-Person Dining and Alcohol Sales
– All in-person indoor dining at businesses in the retail food services industry, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, social clubs, and private catered events is prohibited.

– Outdoor dining, take-out food service, and take-out alcohol sales are permitted and may continue, subject to any limitations or restrictions imposed by Pennsylvania law, or this or any other Order issued by the Sec. of Health or by the governor.

Capacity Limits for Businesses
– All in-person businesses serving the public may only operate at up to 50% of the maximum capacity stated on the applicable certificate of occupancy, except as limited by existing orders to a smaller capacity limit. (Capacity limits do not apply to normal, non-public facing business operations such as manufacturing facilities or offices. However, telework is required whenever possible.)

Gyms and Fitness Facilities
– Indoor operations at gyms and fitness facilities are prohibited.

– Outdoor facilities and outdoor classes can continue, but all participants must wear face coverings in accordance with the Sec. of Health’s Updated Order Requiring Universal Face Coverings, including any subsequent amendments, and practice physical distancing requirements.

Entertainment Industry
– All in-person businesses in the entertainment industry serving the public within a building or indoor defined area, including, but not limited to, theaters, concert venues, museums, movie theaters, arcades, casinos, bowling alleys, private clubs, and all other similar entertainment, recreational or social facilities, are prohibited from operation. Since restrictions have been imposed in many major casino establishments as well, the entertainment industries of various countries like Germany, have introduced online gaming/gambling. If you want to know how to play on these sites, click on this link – https://www.slotsformoney.com/de/

Gatherings and Events
– Indoor gatherings and events of more than 10 persons are prohibited.

– Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other places of congregate worship are specifically excluded from the limitations set forth above during religious services, these institutions are strongly encouraged to find alternative methods for worship, as in person gatherings pose a significant risk to participants at this time.

– Outdoor gatherings and events of more than 50 persons are prohibited.

In-Person Extracurricular School Activities
– Voluntary activities sponsored or approved by a school entity’s governing body or administration are suspended, but these extracurricular activities may be held virtually. This includes, but is not limited to, attendance at or participation in activities such musical ensembles, school plays, student council, clubs, and school dances.

K-12 School Sports and Youth Sports
– All sports at K-12 public schools, nonpublic schools, private schools and club, travel, recreational, intermural, and intramural sports are paused.

Professional and Collegiate Sports
– Professional or collegiate sports activities may continue in accordance with guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health.

– Spectators may not attend such sports activities in person.

Additional details and links to the full orders are available here.

New Look. Same Philanthropic Commitment. Community Foundation Introduces New Name and Brand

The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation has formally changed its name to Community Giving Foundation and introduced a meaningful new logo and website.

Committed to enriching the lives of those in the Central Susquehanna region through partnerships with generous donors, fundholders, and local leaders, the Foundation manages nearly 300 charitable funds supporting nonprofit organizations across a 5 ½ county service area, with combined assets exceeding $61 million (as of December 31, 2020). According to president and CEO Holly Morrison, D.Ed., the change comes as a result of strategic planning with the Foundation board. The new name and look were developed with a dedicated committee of board members and staff over the last year.

“Community Giving Foundation will represent the same personal and professional services our area communities have come to rely on for the last twenty years,” says Morrison. “The goal of our Foundation is to help people create funds that change lives, both now and for years to come. As we continue serving and supporting area nonprofits through the giving spirit of donors and fundholders, we look forward to growing our impact and partnerships with community leaders across our region.”

“All of the words and symbols within our new brand are significant,” adds Morrison. “They have been carefully designed to embody our philanthropic commitment to our region and represent who we are to all of our stakeholders. This new brand communicates everything we stand for and reinforces our leadership position among regional nonprofits:

1) Community indicates our essential role in serving communities in our 5 ½ county service area, as well as the community of generous donors and fundholders that partner in this work. 2) Giving reflects our emphasis on meeting donors’ charitable intentions to support these communities, which in turn provides vital resources and support for area nonprofits. 3) Foundation identifies our position of providing a trusted and solid base for community philanthropy in our region. 4) The Tree in our logo suggests strength and growth, while the gentle arch indicates umbrella support for our communities.”

A Personal Legacy—In Perpetuity Community Giving Foundation remains committed to local philanthropy. We help connect people to the causes they care about, both now and in the future. With nearly 300 charitable funds, Community Giving Foundation has helped many families and individuals create a lasting tribute—grants and scholarships are made every year in their name, reflecting an ongoing commitment to their community and values. We would love to hear what you are passionate about and how we can help you create your own charitable legacy. Please call us at 570.752.3930 or visit csgiving.org to learn more.

Montour Solar One Zoom Event

In Montour Solar One’s ongoing efforts to educate, inform and answer questions, the team will be holding a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, December 15th at 6:30 PM.

The team will update participants, share the latest information and continue to answer the community’s questions.

Registration is required at https://bit.ly/MS1Zoom and then participants will receive a link with the meeting number and passcode. For those who prefer not to participate in the video portion of the meeting, upon registration you will receive a phone number to dial into.

The team looks forward to talking with you on December 15th.

Turkey Hill Brewing & Old Forge Brewing Collaborate for Camp Victory

L-R: Jamie Huntley, executive director, Camp Victory; Scamper the Squirrel; Damien Malfara, OFBC; Andrew Nebel, THBC; Donny Abraczinskas, THBC; Kate Stepnick, camp director, Camp Victory; and Tim Plisiewicz, THBC

Turkey Hill Brewing Company in Bloomsburg and Old Forge Brewing Company in Danville have collaborated on a special brew called “Crazy Squirrel” in honor of Camp Victory’s extremely enthusiastic mascot Scamper. The brewing companies will donate a percentage of the proceeds to Camp Victory while supplies last. 

Crazy Squirrel is a German Alt Bier (old style brew – malty ale) that is perfect for cold weather so stop in either location today to enjoy a delicious brew with your meal. Dine-in and take out currently available. 

Camp Victory is a beautiful 130-acre camp in Millville built specifically for kids with special needs and serious health issues. 

Coat Drive at Ken Pollock Auto Group

The dealerships that make up the Ken Pollock Auto Group, including Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln in Berwick, are holding their annual coat drive through December 14th. They will be collecting gently used and new coats in all sizes at their dealerships and tire and auto center to help families in the local communities. All donations collected at Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln will go to Columbia County Head Start.

Local community leaders will share their stories about how businesses, non-profit organizations, and the health care industry have been dealing with the pandemic, discuss how the community must continue to work together, and answer questions about prevention methods and the upcoming vaccine. The free program is being presented by The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Geisinger.

The Public Health Forum will be held Thursday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will not need to install software.

Panelists will include:

• Holly Morrison, President and CEO of the Community Giving Foundation (formerly the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
• Andrew Pruden, Owner, The Inn, Farmhouse & Brewing Company at Turkey Hill
• Diana Verbeck, Executive Director, Danville Child Development Center
• Lissa Bryan Smith, Vice President, Clinical Operations, Geisinger Medical Center
• Bryce Fiamoncini, RN; Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Emergency Medicine
• Robin Hampton, RN; Geisinger Medical Center, Intensive Care

Registration for the event is at https://bit.ly/phf121720.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports a bipartisan group of lawmakers who have put forward a new pandemic relief package with a goal of passage by the end of the year. Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer with the U.S. Chamber, issued the following statement.

“For pandemic relief to become law, it must be bipartisan. We are greatly encouraged that a bipartisan group of House and Senate members along with the Problem Solvers Caucus have released an outline that can potentially break the partisan gridlock that has prevented long-overdue pandemic relief. Between this effort and the recent revisions to the Senate Republican proposal—which maintains critical elements especially with respect to liability protection–we believe there is an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to negotiate a bill that can become law.

“While it is critical that lawmakers get the details right, time is of the essence. American families cannot wait until next year.

“The Chamber urges lawmakers to support bipartisan efforts to enact pandemic relief in the coming weeks. We also urge lawmakers to work with the business community to ensure that relief reaches small businesses as soon as possible and that liability reforms provide meaningful protections like in the ‘Safe to Work Act’.”

The Columbia County Commissioners are offering COVID-19 Rapid Testing (15-minute results) for residents of Columbia County as well as those individuals that work in Columbia County at Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties at 6850 Lows Road beginning on Monday, December 7.

Potential candidates will need to live or work in Columbia County and be symptomatic in order to qualify for a test. Symptoms include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell or body aches.

Please call 570-389-5737 (Monday – Friday only) between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm to make an appointment. There are limited tests available and individuals must have an appointment. Individuals will need to answer a few questions to make sure they are eligible for this test.

No appointments will be taken on the following dates: December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1.

Upon arrival at Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties, individuals must stay in their vehicle and provide a valid ID to the staff. Individuals will need to wait for 15 minutes to obtain results and will receive directions upon receiving test results.

The Commissioners thank the staff at Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties for collaborating with Columbia County and Bloomsburg University to make this testing possible.

From McKonly & Asbury

As many companies are planning for their year-end financial reporting process, one of the many considerations is accounting for their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.  Companies basically have 3 options in how to record their PPP loan. There are pros and cons to each of the options and certain methods are preferred over others. Let’s take a look at these options:

DEBT MODEL (ASC 470)

1. 1. This model is the AICPA “Safe Harbor” model and is the preferred accounting approach to be utilized by for-profit companies.
   2. Delays recognition of the gain on forgiveness until the debtor has been legally released as the primary obligor.
   3. Generally, companies receiving more than $2M in the PPP Loan and subject to additional audit and further scrutiny may prefer this approach.

GOVERNMENT GRANT MODEL (ASC 958-605)

1. 1. This is the preferred accounting method for nonprofit organizations, but may also be “elected” by for-profit companies. This is a rare exception in accounting in which a for-profit entity can elect to follow the nonprofit accounting rules.
   2. The initial amount is recorded as a refundable advance (current liability).
   3. The Company records the “grant income” at the point in which they “substantially met” the criteria for proper use of the funds. The company must be able to verify the actual expenditures for their intended purpose and that they met the headcount requirements at the end of the measurement period.
   4. This method requires management to perform calculations when/as the funds are being used and the criteria have been “substantially met” in order to prove (to themselves and the auditors) that they have met the forgiveness criteria.

IAS 20 MODEL: ACCOUNTING FOR GOVERNMENT GRANTS

1. 1. This is the most aggressive model and also has the most risk and potential scrutiny associated with it by Board of Directors, bankers and auditors.
   2. This may only be applied to for-profit entities and management must elect to follow this International Standard as an accounting policy choice.
   3. Allows management to project the likelihood of meeting the PPP loan program forgiveness criteria and recognize the gain when management deems it probable that they will meet the conditions.
   4. Results in earlier derecognition of the liability, essentially recognizing income as it is spent.
   5. Allows loan forgiveness to be presented as a reduction to payroll or other qualifying expenses for which the funds were used.
   6. Under the International Standards, management must be virtually certain that the loan will ultimately be forgiven.

Companies that have chosen the debt model require minimal additional documentation or audit procedures and disclosures and all accounting is simply treated as debt. For the Grant Model and the IAS 20 Model, management may need to prepare additional analysis and calculations and provide much supporting documentation to prove that the funds were appropriately used and when they were used. It may be additional work for management and this should be a consideration in choosing your accounting policy. While the effort and cost should not be the deciding factor in determining the most appropriate accounting policy, it is something to consider.

If you have any questions regarding this article and accounting for your PPP loan, please contact Janice Snyder, Partner & Director of Assurance Services at McKonly & Asbury at jsnyder@macpas.com.

The Chamber offers a big thank you to all of the individuals that attended this year’s Holiday Open House, sponsored by Geisinger, on December 2nd, as well as the staff at Knoebels and The Nickle Plate Bar & Grill, the event hosts, and the volunteers and Chamber staff that helped the event run smoothly. It is the support of these businesses, organizations, and individuals that allows the Chamber to fulfill its mission of offering programs, benefits and events to members, giving them a stronger voice in advocacy and being involved in initiatives to enhance our communities. 

Although we were unable to hold our traditional gathering, we were glad to provide our members with this opportunity. The event couldn’t have happened without the support of our members, so we give one last thank you to them and look forward to next year’s event. 

Coat Drive at Ken Pollock Auto Group

The dealerships that make up the Ken Pollock Auto Group, including Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln in Berwick, are holding their annual coat drive through December 14th. They will be collecting gently used and new coats in all sizes at their dealerships and tire and auto center to help families in the local communities. All donations collected at Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln will go to Columbia County Head Start.

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Receives Grant to Offer “Golden Memberships” to Local Women and Children

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum recently received a grant in the amount of $1,200 from the Women’s Giving Circle, which is part of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation. The funding is being used to create a “Golden Membership” program offering free museum admission passes for the clients of The Gate House in Danville, the Ronald McDonald House at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and the Women’s Center in Bloomsburg.

Many women and children experience mental fatigue when dealing with life issues such as chronic illness, financial instability or abusive relationships. This program offers a sense of normalcy and respite for women and children in Columbia and Montour Counties who are utilizing the services of these three organizations. The program offers families the opportunity to “take a break” from the challenges they are facing and enjoy some time in the regenerative environment of the Children’s Museum.

The Women’s Center, Inc. of Columbia/Montour recently awarded Kathy Beidler, the Children’s Museum Board President, the “Outstanding Member from the Business Community Award” for 2020 in response to this program. The award recognizes the Museum’s efforts to provide “survivors the opportunity to explore new experiences and cohesively bond as a family.”

Kathy Beidler says, “Grants like the one mentioned are critical to the continued success of the Children’s Museum community outreach programs and allows us to offer programs like the Golden Membership. To get an award for doing what the Museum loves to do – support our local community in new and different ways – lets us know that we must be doing something right.  Thank you to the Women’s Giving Circle for their continued support.”

For more information about the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum visit www.The-Childrens-Museum.com.

Coming Home for Christmas in Bloomsburg

Join us on Friday, December 4 in Downtown Bloomsburg for a lighting of the town Christmas tree with Santa, holiday vendors, live music, a BTE storefront performance, food & More.

The festivities begin at 4 pm and last until 8 pm

The tree lighting will take place at 7:00 pm in front of the New Bloomsburg Diner at the corner of East Street and Main Street.

​A huge thank you to Kohls Stony Hill Tree Farm for donating our town Christmas tree!

​Entertainment Schedule:

​At the tree: Kerry Kenny Duo, 5:30-6:45
At Cell Phone Repair, 25 East Main Street, Raven Creek, two sets, 4:30-6:30
At Lil Kids Stuff, 132 West Main Street, JC Reed and Gerry C, two sets, 4:30-6:30

​BTE Window Performances Schedule:

​Jake Tarconish, the Scarecrow in BTE’s Wizard of Oz, will be at Exclusively You, 53 West Main Street, performing a selection of holiday songs. At 4:30; 5:30 & 6:30

Members of the Ensemble will be performing family-oriented skits at the JAG office, 25 East Main Street. At 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00.

​Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust, the Bloomsburg Volunteer Ambulance Association, and Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.

​Santa in Downtown Bloomsburg

The magic of the holiday season can be felt throughout Downtown Bloomsburg in 2020! 

Santa won’t be having anyone sit on his lap this year but he will be out and about in the downtown to greet children young and old! 

He can be found at Exclusively You, the Fountain, and TreeFest. 

He’ll be happy to take a picture with you and you can hand deliver your Santa wish list directly to him!  

Visit here to see his schedule in Bloomsburg.