Learn more about current government orders and legislation that could affect your business at the Chamber’s Virtual Legislative Luncheon with Congressman Dan Meuser sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to get updates on discussions in Washington and ask questions to the person representing you in the U.S. House of Representatives. The cost for the program is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required by October 2nd and the Zoom meeting link will be emailed separately. Register for the event online, download the registration form, or call the Chamber at 570-784-2522. Going Gold 2020 Virtual Kick-Off Event Scheduled for September 2nd
Area businesses and volunteers are teaming up for the sixth year of Going Gold, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer and funds to help local families battling the disease. This year, Going Gold events and fundraisers will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will kick-off with a virtual event on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 6:00 pm. The event will be streamed on Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/service1stfcu.
The virtual event will feature local families sharing stories of love, hope, strength and determination during their fight against pediatric cancer, as well as performances by Woody Wolfe and Tim Latshaw. During this online event and throughout September the Going Gold Committee will be announcing a number of online fundraisers, including a shirt sale featuring a new design for 2020. The group will also share details about an online Going Gold raffle, specials offered by local businesses and other ways you can get involved and show your support. All proceeds will benefit the ThinkBIG® Pediatric Cancer Fund.
Over 15,500 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States. The Going Gold initiative, which began in 2015, continues to expand. To date, this initiative has raised over $60,000.
Since 2014, ThinkBIG® has provided over $655,000 to help local families. To learn more about this organization, visit https://www.thinkbigpa.org/
For more information about Going Gold 2020, visit https://service1.org/goinggold or call Service 1st at 800.562.6049.
United in Recovery Celebrates Recovery Month this September
From free webinars to a Virtual 5k, join United in Recovery for 30-days of self-care and other special events – all geared towards providing anyone experiencing substance use disorder with resources, support, and community.
Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month takes place every September and is a month-long event designed to provide education on mental health and substance use disorders. It also celebrates the work of individuals in recovery and provides support to affected families and individuals in need.
“It is a time to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and, ever importantly, celebrate the people who recover,” said Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction and Education Coordinator at United in Recovery. “It is also a time to honor the treatment and service providers who make recovery possible.”
September 1st kicks off United in Recovery’s celebration of Recovery Month with 30-days of self-care and their annual 5k fundraiser. Each day there will be a self-care challenge posted on the United in Recovery Facebook page (@unitedinrecoverycolumbiamontour). A printable version of the calendar can also be downloaded from the United In Recovery webpage.
Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19, United in Recovery is partnering with Titan Event Company to offer a ‘Virtual 5k’ this year. Participants choose from multiple distances (1 mile, 5k, or 10k) and can run or walk anytime, anywhere between September 1st – 21st. Everyone who participates is entered for a chance to win prizes. Winners will be selected at random. Registration is just $10 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Sign up today as an individual or a team at https://unitedinrecovery5k.itsyourrace.com/. Commemorative T-shirts are also available for purchase on the website for $15 each. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the United in Recovery program.
“Here at United in Recovery we celebrate everyone’s path to recovery. That is why we wanted to make sure to honor the month with lots of events, opportunities to get involved, and informational sessions to learn more about substance-use disorder and local resources,” said Adrienne Mael, President/CEO of United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties.
Two ‘Lunch and Learn’ webinars will be offered, the first on September 15th and the second on September 17th, from 12-1pm. Topics will include substance use disorder, what it is and how to fight the stigma surrounding this disease; the history of Recovery Month, as well as inspirational stories of recovery. Registration is free and opens on September 1st. Attendees must register in advance via the Zoom platform at https://cmcuw.org/events.
September 22nd at 7 pm is ‘Recovery Stories,’ a virtual storytelling event. This event provides an opportunity for those experiencing substance use disorder to come together to inspire, teach, and influence change. The hope is to tear down the walls of stigma by creating a safe place to share, learn, and grow in our understanding of this disease and how it affects individuals, their families, and our community as a whole. Registration for this event is free and opens September 1st. To sign-up, visit https://cmcuw.org/events/recoverystories or follow our Facebook page for the link.
“We want to cheer on those who have found recovery and support those still in the process,” said Ms. Mael. “Together we can end overdose deaths in our local communities and reduce the instances of substance-use disorder.”
To learn more about Recovery Month and all the events United in Recovery has planned, visit the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties’ website https://cmcuw.org/unitedinrecovery or email UIR@cmcuw.org for more information.
Committed to a Clean Energy Future
To meet the world’s growing energy demand while simultaneously addressing the risks of climate change, Williams must execute on practical and immediate solutions. We’re proud to share our climate commitment, which sets a near-term objective of 56% absolute reduction from 2005 levels in company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. This puts Williams on a positive trajectory to be net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the United States, we see firsthand the critical role natural gas plays in a viable and sustainable low-carbon future. By setting a near-term goal for 2030, we plan to leverage our natural gas-focused strategy and technology that’s available today to focus on immediate opportunities to reduce emissions, scale renewables and build a clean energy economy – while looking forward and anticipating future innovations and technologies.
Our path to net zero by 2050 involves a combination of immediate and long-term solutions, including investments in renewables, technology and the best and brightest talent who are committed to doing what is right.
This is in addition to our $400 million solar initiative across nine states spanning Williams’ footprint.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on our climate commitment progress and milestones, and we’ll also highlight our progress in our Sustainability Report going forward. Williams’ 2019 Sustainability Report is now available, showcasing our environmental, social and governance performance.
Our path to a clean energy future is underway, and we look forward to helping our customers and stakeholders like you meet your climate goals.
The PA Chamber last week reiterated its call for targeted and temporary liability protections for businesses adhering to health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to Gov. Tom Wolf unveiling a fall legislative agenda and failing to include this top priority for the business community. The Columbia Montour Chamber Board previously expressed support for limited protection for businesses.
In a statement, PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said that employers who have invested tremendous resources to adhere to health and safety guidelines should be able to proceed with confidence that they won’t be targeted with unwarranted lawsuits brought on by plaintiffs’ attorneys looking to profit from the pandemic. “Pennsylvania employers are already being targeted, including some for safety policies the governor himself has directed the business community to enforce,” Barr said. “This ongoing litigation threat puts Pennsylvania at risk for additional economic and societal hardships.”
Among the priorities listed in Governor Wolf’s fall agenda include legalizing recreational marijuana, hazard pay for workers, expanding access to childcare, allowing for paid parental leave and $225 million in proposed grants and loans for Pennsylvania businesses. The press release announcing the fall agenda is available here.
The Columbia Montour Chamber’s Visionary Member Spotlight highlights United States Gypsum Company- Washingtonville Plant. USG is North America’s leading producer of gypsum wallboard, joint compound and an array of related products for the construction and remodeling industries. Since 1902, the company has led the manufacturing industry with innovations and products that set new standards for design, productivity and performance for customers all over the globe.
USG is highly engaged in a number of initiatives to strengthen the local workforce and enhance the communities in our region. The company has been a proud sponsor and participant of Chamber events such as the Holiday Open House and informational seminars. They also participate in legislative events, which are offered in both the spring and fall to give members an opportunity to discuss issues with elected officials at the state and federal levels.
The Chamber looks forward to partnering with USG on initiatives to make our area a better place for people to live and work. For more information on USG, visit their website, or connect with them on Facebook.
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 Flavor City Oils.
Flavor City Oils offers a wide assortment of flavored olive oils, gourmet spreads, balsamic vinegars, and more. Located in downtown Danville on Mill Street, its grand opening will be held on Friday, August 28th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members from the community are invited to stop by, meet with staff, and learn about the products that are offered.
Flavor City Oils can be reached at 570-275-5000 or by visiting its website.
United in Recovery Celebrates Recovery Month this September
From free webinars to a Virtual 5k, join United in Recovery for 30-days of self-care and other special events – all geared towards providing anyone experiencing substance use disorder with resources, support, and community.
Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month takes place every September and is a month-long event designed to provide education on mental health and substance use disorders. It also celebrates the work of individuals in recovery and provides support to affected families and individuals in need.
“It is a time to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and, ever importantly, celebrate the people who recover,” said Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction and Education Coordinator at United in Recovery. “It is also a time to honor the treatment and service providers who make recovery possible.”
September 1st kicks off United in Recovery’s celebration of Recovery Month with 30-days of self-care and their annual 5k fundraiser. Each day there will be a self-care challenge posted on the United in Recovery Facebook page (@unitedinrecoverycolumbiamontour). A printable version of the calendar can also be downloaded from the United In Recovery webpage.
Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19, United in Recovery is partnering with Titan Event Company to offer a ‘Virtual 5k’ this year. Participants choose from multiple distances (1 mile, 5k, or 10k) and can run or walk anytime, anywhere between September 1st – 21st. Everyone who participates is entered for a chance to win prizes. Winners will be selected at random. Registration is just $10 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Sign up today as an individual or a team at https://unitedinrecovery5k.itsyourrace.com/. Commemorative T-shirts are also available for purchase on the website for $15 each. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the United in Recovery program.
“Here at United in Recovery we celebrate everyone’s path to recovery. That is why we wanted to make sure to honor the month with lots of events, opportunities to get involved, and informational sessions to learn more about substance-use disorder and local resources,” said Adrienne Mael, President/CEO of United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties.
Two ‘Lunch and Learn’ webinars will be offered, the first on September 15th and the second on September 17th, from 12-1pm. Topics will include substance use disorder, what it is and how to fight the stigma surrounding this disease; the history of Recovery Month, as well as inspirational stories of recovery. Registration is free and opens on September 1st. Attendees must register in advance via the Zoom platform at https://cmcuw.org/events.
September 22nd at 7 pm is ‘Recovery Stories,’ a virtual storytelling event. This event provides an opportunity for those experiencing substance use disorder to come together to inspire, teach, and influence change. The hope is to tear down the walls of stigma by creating a safe place to share, learn, and grow in our understanding of this disease and how it affects individuals, their families, and our community as a whole. Registration for this event is free and opens September 1st. To sign-up, visit https://cmcuw.org/events/recoverystories or follow our Facebook page for the link.
“We want to cheer on those who have found recovery and support those still in the process,” said Ms. Mael. “Together we can end overdose deaths in our local communities and reduce the instances of substance-use disorder.”
To learn more about Recovery Month and all the events United in Recovery has planned, visit the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties’ website https://cmcuw.org/unitedinrecovery or email UIR@cmcuw.org for more information.
Recognizing the importance of quality, affordable child care, the Chamber’s Board of Directors recently voted to support a $50 billion federal assistance package for the child care industry. The Child Care is Essential Act would create a fund for additional costs of providing child care due to the pandemic. Grants would be equitably distributed to eligible child care centers, home based providers, and family child care homes. The bill recently passed in the U.S. House and is awaiting consideration in the Senate.
In a recent survey conducted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 40% of the child care providers that responded expected to close permanently without assistance. Enrollment was down by an average of 67% at centers as parents are concerned about their children’s safety, reducing income. Despite lower enrollment, costs have increased substantially due to the need for additional staff to keep groups limited, cleaning supplies, and personal protective equipment.
Access to quality child care and early childhood education was an issue for parents and employers in the region before the crisis began. Statewide workforce studies show that lack of child care options causes disruptions in work schedules, and prevents parents from seeking full-time employment. The Chamber is a founding member of the Early Learning Investment Committee of Columbia and Montour Counties to raise awareness of the importance of high quality early learning and encourage cooperative investment to provide additional opportunities for families.
The Columbia County Commissioners recently awarded grants totaling over $2.1 million to 95 businesses in the county that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were part of a $5.8 million block grant provided to the county through the CARES Act. Applicants were eligible for five months of fixed costs up to $100,000. The Commissioners approved the grants at their August 20th meeting.
Any applicant that has not received notification should contact Christine Orlando at the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation at corlando@csgiving.org or 570-752-3930 ext. 2.
The application period for businesses in Montour County closed on August 21st and awards will be announced in early September.
Columbia County hired Harry Mathias, retired Central Columbia School District Superintendent, to develop recommendations for its funds. The Montour County Commissioners organized workgroups with representatives of various agencies to develop a plan. The Chamber assisted both counties in developing the grant program guidelines. Chamber President Fred Gaffney applauded both sets of commissioners for creating the small business grant programs. “The commissioners recognize the significant impact that the crisis has had on our area businesses and have moved quickly to provide financial assistance,” said Gaffney. “Working with the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, the application process was streamlined with local resources to help business owners through the process.”
A grant application period for non-profit organizations in the two counties is open now through September 11 at csgiving.org.
The Town of Bloomsburg is providing clarification for businesses on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings and enforcement of the state mask requirement. Information is provided in the attached letter.
Pictured (left to right): Josh Nespoli, deputy director, CSG & DBI Board member; Marcus Gordon, B.U. wresting head coach; Tim Wagner, DBI Board chair; Mike Zarrettt, DBI Board member.
Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. (DBI) and Community Strategies Group (CSG) are partnering to offer additional outdoor seating for patrons of restaurants in downtown Bloomsburg. Representatives of the DBI Board and CSG were recently assisted by members of the Bloomsburg University wrestling program in clearing a vacant lot along West Main Street of debris in preparation of placing picnic tables. Gloria Gearhart provided permission to use the lot which is across Main Street from West End Ale Haus and That’s Amore.