From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

During a revenue update briefing last week, Independent Fiscal Office Executive Director Matt Knittel said that while the Commonwealth will end the 2018-19 fiscal year with a surplus, many of the factors contributing to that increase will be short lived.

The IFO is estimating more than $860 million more in revenue this year than was initially anticipated due in large part to strong corporate profits and a bump in taxes on internet-based sales.  However, Knittel expressed skepticism at the likelihood of significant surpluses going forward, as the current surplus can also be attributed to a one-time windfall from gaming revenue, along with some income shifting maneuvers from taxpayers to maximize the benefits to the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.  In addition, much of the unexpected revenue for this Fiscal Year has already been spent – with Gov. Tom Wolf requesting approximately $500 million for Medicaid costs, and $200 million related to a proposed fund transfer that has been denied by the courts.  With the remaining money, both the governor and legislative leaders have already expressed their desire to put more money into the Rainy Day Fund in order to better prepare for any future economic downturns.

In the near term, the IFO is predicting that Pennsylvania’s economic climate will remain healthy – projecting further growth in real GDP, jobs and private sector profits that have helped to drive additional corporate tax revenue (the projection for FY 2019-20 is CNIT revenue growth of 3.5 percent).

However, Knittel added that there are signs of potential economic deceleration going forward due to the fading impact of the federal income tax cut and a more moderate pace of job creation.  According to the IFO, these changes may be related to the upcoming 2020 presidential election (which typically forces businesses and consumers to slow down on investment, but doesn’t necessarily signal that a recession is on the horizon).

Further details on the IFO’s current fiscal year wrap up and projections for 2019-20 are available here.

From rabbittransit

• Plan Ahead: Bring extra beverages to stay hydrated while waiting for pickup. If you must wait outside, wear a hat and sunscreen and seek shade to avoid harmful effects from the sun.

• Wear Loose and Comfortable Clothing: As temperatures warm up, remember to dress appropriately for the summer heat. rabbittransit vehicles are air-conditioned, but you may have to wait outside for pick-up. Loose clothing lowers the risk of heat stroke and keeps you comfortable as you travel.

• Step Carefully: Bus floors and steps may become slippery from summer rainstorms. Remember to always maintain three points of contact—one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot—when boarding or exiting the bus.

• Stay Informed: Storms and increased summer traffic may cause unexpected delays. Sign up for Rider Alerts to receive an automated phone call, email or text message about unexpected service changes. Visit rabbittransit.org/alerts to sign up today.

From PennDOT

PennDOT Engineering District 3 will host a public meeting for the Routes 11 and 487 Reconstruction Project in the Town of Bloomsburg. The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Monty’s, located on the campus of Bloomsburg University.

The purpose of the meeting is to present plans to reconstruct Route 11 (East Street) and Route 487 (East/Poplar Street and Ferry Road) curb-to-curb from Main Street to the Susquehanna River Bridge. State Route 11 (Columbia Boulevard) from 6th Street to Park Street will be milled and resurfaced. The existing traffic signals at the 5th Street, 6th Street and 7th Street intersections with East Street will be replaced. The existing curb lines and curb ramps will be rebuilt, and the existing drainage system will be improved. The Town of Bloomsburg is developing a streetscape project to construct sidewalks and streetscape lighting, which will be incorporated into the PennDOT project.

The roadway will be reconstructed with phased closures and a posted detour. The roadway will be reconstructed in short phases such that the entire roadway length will not be closed for the full project duration.

The project will be constructed over a period of three construction seasons with winter shutdowns. Work tentatively is scheduled to begin in the spring 2021. The project contractor will host another public meeting in early 2021 and prior to the start of construction to present the proposed phasing of the construction schedule.

If you have questions regarding this study, or if you require special accommodations, please contact Mr. Justin Gochenauer, PennDOT Project Manager, at c-jgochena@pa.gov, or at (717) 221-2010.  

From Central Susquehanna Community Foundation

The Holiday Happenings committee for 2019 is pleased to begin accepting nominations for the 24th annual selection of the Robert N. Pursel Award for Community Service. The chosen recipient(s) will be honored at the Holiday Happenings gala event on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. at the Pine Barn Inn. The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, July 1.

Festivities this year will again benefit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund through partnership with the Danville Area Community Foundation.

The Robert Pursel Award is named in honor of Robert Newton Pursel, whose great, great, great grandfather was one of the first settlers in the Danville area. Pursel’s ancestry had an early history of farming in Limestone township and later as blacksmiths in the village of Danville. Robert’s father and grandfather both were involved with several of the mills in Danville, and his father served terms as burgess, school director, Danville National Bank president, Danville Borough treasurer, Board of Water Commissioners president, and Danville YMCA director.

Pursel, born in 1902, attended Mercersburg Academy and graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in mining engineering. He worked and travelled in the Middle East, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Saudi Arabia while in the employ of gas and oil companies. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel under General Eisenhower during World War II, again in the Middle East as well as in the Philippines, India and Japan.

Upon retirement in 1960, Robert returned to Danville and the family home on West Market Street. Like his father, the community of Danville was important to Robert and he quickly became involved with many civic endeavors. He was a founding member of the Danville chapter of the American Red Cross and his presence could always be counted upon for local chapter projects. He was a member of the National Railroad Historical Society, the League of Women Voters, the American Cancer Society and the Antique Automobile Club. As one of the five founding directors of the Greater Danville Area Industrial Development Corporation, he played an instrumental role in attracting new industries to Danville and served as Secretary of the Corporation until his death in 1999.

To nominate a deserving citizen of our area for the Robert N. Pursel Award, you may download a nomination form through the Foundation website at csgiving.org/holiday-happenings. If you prefer, you may contact Joanne Benjamin at 570-594-4664, or Katie Simpson via email. A nomination form will be forwarded to you. Nomination deadline is July 1.

• The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation will hold its Berwick area luncheon this Friday, May 31, from 12-1:30 p.m. at Rolling Pines Golf Course & Banquet Facility. Twenty years ago, the Foundation made a commitment to invest in programs and projects that improved the greater Berwick area. Each year, this luncheon celebrates the continuation of this mission and recognizes the generous giving of local community members. Featured speakers will include fundholders, grantees, scholarship recipients, and board members who will reflect on the story of the Foundation and its 20-year history. To reserve your seat at this event, call 570-752-3930 or email.

• First Columbia Bank & Trust will hold the finale of its 9th annual Teen Star musical competition this Sunday, June 2, at 2 p.m. at Bloomsburg University’s Haas Auditorium. All proceeds from this event are donated to support music programs at the area’s high schools. 

• SEDA-COG’s Joint Rail Authority (JRA), owner of six short line railroads in Central Pennsylvania, is investing $3,750 for 2019 to support efforts of Focus Central Pennsylvania to promote the region to attract new corporate investment and jobs. A check was recently presented. 
  

  (L-R): Eric Winslow, Lauren Bryson, John Showers and Jennifer Wakeman

  “The JRA is proud, once again, to support the good work of Focus Central PA to help us locate more rail-served industries on our system” said John Showers, chairman of SEDA-COG’s Joint Rail Authority.

  The Lewisburg-based JRA is an eight county municipal authority offering the best of public ownership of the trackage and fixed facilities, while freight service to customers is handled by the private sector through an agreement with the North Shore Railroad group. The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports. In the last ten years, The Rail Authority has reinvested $43 million into upgrades and replacement of rail facilities and development of additional tracks to serve new industrial sites.

• Service 1st Federal Credit Union recently welcomed Keynote Artist Mike Rayburn to their 2019 Service Summit, held in Lewisburg.
  

  Coleen Snover, Assistant Vice President Training & Development, Service 1st; Mike Rayburn, Keynote Artist; and Bill Lavage, President/CEO, Service 1st.

  Rayburn is a two-time TED Talk Presenter, an innovative entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame speaker, who uses world-class guitar and comedy to teach innovation and performance to corporations world-wide. The Service Summit provides a unique opportunity for Service 1st employees to gather for a night of team building and innovation. This session is just one part of the credit union’s ongoing efforts to continuously evaluate and improve service to their members. Over 100 Service 1st employees attended the Summit and Rayburn’s “What If? Keynote Experience.”

After a long, educational, tireless, amusing and fulfilling nine-month journey, the our 2018-19 Leadership Central Penn Class was honored at graduation on May 16. The luncheon and final class took place at Rolling Pines Golf Course, and a delicious lunch was prepared by Lucy’s Craft Catering.  The morning began much like the rest, light conversation, a layout for the day and a light breakfast.  Soon the community impact teams shared their four presentations. 

The community impact projects included painting, cleaning and sprucing up of the Danville Area Community Center.  According to Heather Laubach, director, “our Leadership Central Penn volunteers ROCKED!  They were ready to go and well prepared even before arriving here at the DACC. There are so many needs to our well-loved 33 year old facility and the fresh coat of paint and good ol’ elbow grease did wonders for our front entrance and large pool area windows and equipment.  We value volunteers time and effort as we believe every heart & hand that helps us improve, helps our entire community keep moving in a positive direction.  Thank you again Central Penn!” 

Next up was the presentation on project to help the United Way of Columbia/Montour Counties with their move.  “The United Way was lucky enough to have a LCP team pick our office move project to partner with this year. The United Way moved offices in April and without LCP the move would not have happened. Having the volunteer energy and expertise allowed our space to be move-in ready. Having the team come help us move in cut the time we were not able to operate due to the move in half. This is not to mention the expense we would have occurred if we needed to pay a group to do the work. Thank you to LCP. We could not have done it without you!,” said Adrienne Mael, CEO.

The third team of the day shared its story of helping Eos Therapeutic Riding Center.  “LCP Volunteers came to our March 23rd Clean and Set Up Day.  Everyone split up in groups to assist in cleaning up the activities, sweeping our shelves and setting up games, cleaning tack, setting up benches and activities throughout our outside trail coarse and so much more. LCP helped the day go fast and very easy.  Additionally, the team has offered to return after graduation to plant flowers, shrubs and new trees on our outside trails.  I, our board, staff, riders, family and volunteers so appreciate all the help and support given to our organization.  LCP has been a Blessing to Eos and our community,” according to Debbie Smith, founder of Eos.

The final team assisted Beyond Violence in Berwick with preparing their new organizational space.  The new facility will have increased housing for victims, new offices and therapy facilities.  The team was joined by Samantha Scoblink, marketing development coordinator.  Samantha was able to share the impact on families and staff, to help them thrive in the community.  The seeming simple task of painting offices and spaces, was so emotional when Samantha shared what this will mean for everyone. 

After an emotional morning it was time for lunch with our graduates’ guests.  The keynote speaker was Lissa Bryan-Smith, chief administrative officer of Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, administrator of the Woodbine campus and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Lissa shared the impact of Leadership programs like LCP and challenged the graduates to continue making an impact well beyond graduation.  She wanted them to appreciate the impact they have already had on their organizations and community.  Lissa told them all they are now part of an elite group of LCP alumni and that means something and should not be taken for granted.

As is customary, the class always has a speaker elected from the graduates.  This year, however, there were dual presenters, Nathan Kunz and Sam Barney. Like famous duos of the past, they didn’t disappoint.  The two shared the class’ journey, professional development, comraderie, growth and accomplishments.  They left everyone with takeaways: Get involved, If everyone does a little, it helps a lot, Don’t assume the worst; inform and educate yourself, Each sector is faced with its own unique challenges.

At the end of the class speech, there was only one thing left to do.  Jeff Emanuel and Fred Gaffney presented the LCP Certificates of Completion to the class of 2019:

• Nathan Kunz – Geisinger
• Dustin Fry – Autoneum
• Matthew Gelbaugh – Geisinger
• Heather Coyle – SEKISUI SPI
• Sam Barney – Geisinger Health Plan
• Lisa Hepler – Kawneer
• Tammy Benscoter – First Columbia Bank & Trust
• Keith Spencer – Bloomsburg University
• Susan Olszewskie – Geisinger
• Renee Gerringer – Ronald McDonald House of Danville
• Patrick Derrickson – Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble
• Teresa Sterner – First Keystone Community Bank
• Chuck Wood – PPL Electric Utilities
• Ellen Leverich – Bloomsburg University
• Abigail Morrison – Camp Victory

Additionally the first ever LCP Certificate was awarded to a canine, Jiffy Morrison, Abby’s service dog who was there at every class, the team community impact project, and was always prepared to lift a spirit or lend a paw.

Congratulations to the Leadership Central Penn Class of 2019, and a special thank you goes out to LCP’s corporate sponsors for this year, SEKISUI SPI, Kawneer, PPL Electric Utilities, USG, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, and Williams.  Thanks to the three nonprofit scholarships sponsor, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation’s Berwick Health & Wellness fund, for funding Renee Gerringer, Patrick Derrickson and Abigail Morrison. 

Information and enrollment for the 2020 LCP class can be found at https://cmccfoundation.com/leadership-central-penn/.

More than 400 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and our region. Increased membership allows us to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities. The Chamber welcomes its newest member, On Fire Promotions, to help us fulfill our mission.

Founded in 1989 and based in Shamokin Dam, On Fire Promotions is a promotional products distributor that also does screen printing and embroidery decorating. It recently expanded into Columbia and Montour Counties with its recent acquisition of 2TS, which is located at 537A Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11) between Bloomsburg and Danville. It also has a location in Lewisburg. In addition to promotional items, screen printing and embroidery, On Fire also offers a full selection of customized apparel, team uniforms, signs and vehicle wraps. On Fire’s Bloomsburg store can be reached at 570-215-9988, by email, or visit its website or Facebook page.

From Atlantic Broadband

Atlantic Broadband, one of the first providers in the nation to launch Gigabit internet, last month announced that it would be expanding its deployment of Gigabit internet for homes and businesses to 90 percent of its footprint in eleven states.

To celebrate, Atlantic Broadband is inviting residents and businesses in its service areas to create a short 30-60 second video showing how Gigabit internet transforms their world.

Entries are being accepted through June 15. Submitted videos will be judged on originality, creativity and production value.  The winner will receive an Apple iPad and six months of Gigabit internet free, together valued at over $1,000. Atlantic Broadband will also showcase the winning entry on its social media sites.

See the flyer and Atlantic Broadband’s Facebook page for additional information. Also see the contest’s terms and conditions.

From the Office of Governor Tom Wolf

On Thursday, May 23, Governor Tom Wolf announced that WebstaurantStore, Inc., an online restaurant supply company, will construct a new fulfillment center, creating at least 400 new, full-time jobs in Columbia County.

“We’re thrilled to have helped WebstaurantStore bring new jobs to Columbia County,” said Governor Wolf. “We applaud Webstaurant for continuing to invest in the commonwealth, and for their contribution to make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and play.”

Due to Pennsylvania’s prime location and the strength of its workforce, WebstaurantStore has purchased land in Hemlock Township, Columbia County, and plans to build a 586,000-square-foot distribution center to better serve the Mid-Atlantic and New England region. The company has pledged to invest at least $33 million into the project, which is expected to create 400 new, full-time jobs and retain 483 jobs over the next three years.

“We are very excited to expand our presence in Pennsylvania with our new distribution center in the Bloomsburg area. As our rapid growth continues, we are pleased to make a long-term commitment to be a part of the Columbia County community,” said Dave Groff, president of WebstaurantStore. “We appreciate the guidance and support from the Governor’s Action Team to make this project a reality.”

WebstaurantStore received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for an $800,000 Pennsylvania First grant and $800,000 in job creation tax credits to be distributed upon the creation of new jobs. The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.

Headquartered in Lititz, Lancaster County and launched in 2004, WebstaurantStore is the largest online restaurant supply store serving food service professionals and individual customers worldwide. The company offers thousands of available wholesale supplies and commercial equipment and has expanded its offerings beyond the restaurant industry, including healthcare, educational, and hotel supplies.

For more information about the Governor’s Action Team, visit dced.pa.gov, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

The state House voted 193-2 last week in favor of a modest reform to Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation tax law for employers.

Currently, employers’ UC tax rates may increase when former employees qualify for benefits.  The law allows 15 days for employers to seek relief from these “charges” under certain circumstances (for example, if the former employee were to have voluntarily quit).  This time-frame is often not sufficient for employers to become aware of the charges, determine their eligibility for relief and properly file the paperwork to avoid an undue tax increase.

House Bill 68 lengthens the window of time for employers to apply for this relief from 15 to 21 days, providing a little extra time to navigate the process and, if eligible, rightfully avoid higher taxes.  Before the House voted on the bill, an amendment was adopted that shortened the window from 30 to 21 days, which was suggested to bring this process in line with other elements of UC law.  Prior to the adoption of the amendment, the PA Chamber sent a memo voicing support for the bill. It now awaits consideration in the Senate.