Creating Value in Employee Benefits
In recent years, it has become apparent that the traditional principles pertaining to “value” in workplace benefits have changed. The reality that many employers have begun to embrace is twofold:
- Employees are not just workers, but real people, and
- A person’s job is a component of their life, not separate and distinct from it.
As a result, employers have realized the need to deliver both value and purpose in their benefit portfolios. To do this, in face of the economic and business uncertainties facing them, organizations are strategically redirecting their benefit expenditures on things that matter most to their employees. They are seeking to understand what employees prefer and value, eliminating underutilized and less relevant benefits, while focusing on improving wellbeing outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
Behind salary, most employees rate benefits, empathy and flexibility in their position responsibilities as most important when evaluating either their current job or future employment opportunities. As a result, employers are evaluating their benefit programs to assure they are properly designed to help keep employees feeling safe, protected and prepared for any health concerns that may arise. Additionally, business leaders continue to embrace flexibility both in the workplace and in the benefit programs offered to accommodate the needs of their staff.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
Why Outsourcing Strengthens Small Businesses and Communities
- Boosts Business Growth: Outsourcing non-core tasks lets small businesses focus on strengths, cut costs, and scale efficiently.
- Strengthens Communities: Partnering with local providers supports small businesses, creates jobs, and fosters innovation.
- Smart Strategy: Delegating specialized services drives business performance and fuels local economic resilience—everyone wins.
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Why Outsourcing Strengthens Small Businesses and Communities
Why Outsourcing Strengthens Small Businesses and CommunitiesOutsourcing isn't just about cutting costs—it's about growth. By delegating specialized tasks, small businesses can focus on their core strengths, boost efficiency, and scale sustainably. Plus, partnering with local service providers reinvests in the community, creating a virtuous cycle of economic growth.
Outsourcing: A Growth Lever for Small Businesses and Communities
For small business owners, time is the most precious resource. The relentless demands of operations, customer service, and strategic planning can leave little room to breathe—let alone innovate. That's where outsourcing comes in. Handing off non-core functions to experts allows businesses to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and redirect energy toward scaling.
But the benefits of outsourcing extend far beyond business efficiency. When done thoughtfully—especially by partnering with local or regional providers—it becomes a powerful tool for community building.
How Outsourcing Boosts Your Business
- Focus on Core Competencies - Time-intensive tasks like accounting, HR, or marketing can distract from your company’s strengths. Outsourcing these functions enables your team to focus on what you do best, leading to stronger performance and customer satisfaction.
- Cost Savings Without Compromising Quality - Hiring full-time employees for specialized roles can be expensive. Outsourcing allows access to expert services without the overhead of full-time salaries, benefits, or training costs.
- Scalable Growth - Outsourcing offers flexibility, letting you scale services up or down based on your business needs without the complexities of staffing adjustments.
- Access to Expertise - External providers bring fresh perspectives, industry expertise, and best practices that might otherwise be out of reach.
How Outsourcing Benefits the Community
- Strengthening Local Economies - Partnering with local vendors keeps money circulating within the community. It supports other small businesses, fosters job creation, and strengthens regional economic resilience.
- Building Networks and Collaboration - By outsourcing to local providers, you foster relationships and partnerships that could lead to referrals, collaborations, or future opportunities.
- Fostering Diversity and Innovation -Local providers often include minority-owned, women-owned, or start-up businesses that bring innovative ideas and perspectives to the table.
39 Examples of Services Small Businesses Can Outsource
Marketing and Advertising
- Social Media Management
- Graphic Design
- Website Development and Maintenance
- Content Creation (blogs, articles, newsletters)
- SEO and SEM Services
- Branding and Logo Design
- Photography and Videography
- Event Promotion and Coordination
- Public Relations
Financial and Administrative
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Tax Preparation and Filing
- Payroll Management
- Financial Planning and Consulting
- Virtual Assistance and Admin Support
- Document Scanning and Archiving
- Legal Services (contracts, compliance, etc.)
Operations
- IT Support and Maintenance
- Managed Print Services
- Supply Chain and Inventory Management
- Cleaning and Janitorial Services
- Security Services (physical and digital)
Human Resources
- Recruitment and Staffing
- Background Checks
- Employee Training and Development
- HR Compliance Consulting
- Benefits Administration
Customer Engagement
- Call Center/Answering Services
- Customer Feedback Surveys and Analysis
- Loyalty Program Development
- Mystery Shopping Services
Facilities Management
- Property Maintenance (repairs, HVAC, etc.)
- Landscaping and Lawn Care
- Fleet Management
- Office Furniture Installation and Maintenance
Specialized Services
- Legal Compliance Audits
- Risk Assessment and Insurance Consulting
- Catering for Events
- Language Translation and Interpretation
- Custom Printing (merchandise, stationery, etc.)
The Bottom Line
Outsourcing isn’t just a cost-cutting measure—it’s a growth strategy. By freeing your team to focus on what matters most, your business can scale faster, serve customers better, and even foster community development. When you outsource thoughtfully and strategically, everyone wins.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
New Member Highlight – Eos Therapeutic Riding Center
Eos Therapeutic Riding Center in Bloomsburg, PA, is a transformative facility dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs through therapeutic horseback riding.
Founded on the belief that the bond between humans and animals can provide healing and empowerment, Eos offers a range of equine-assisted activities that promote physical, emotional, and social growth. Riders of all ages and abilities benefit from personalized sessions that help improve motor skills, confidence, and independence, with each program tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual.
Eos also plays an active role in the Bloomsburg community, offering volunteer opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment where clients, staff, and families come together in support of meaningful, life-changing experiences. Through its compassionate team and specially trained horses, Eos Therapeutic Riding Center continues to inspire positive change, one ride at a time.
Member News ~ December 12, 2024
Berwick Winterfest Happening December 13th and 14th
Downtown Business owners have come together to once again host our free family friendly Winterfest events on December 13th and December 14th in downtown Berwick. Learn more!
McKonly & Asbury Hosting Income Tax Webinar December 19th
Join the McKonly & Asbury Tax team leader and Partner Mark Heath for an insightful webinar on December 19, 2024, at 2pm for an outline of the evolving landscape of income taxes. Learn More and register.
New Resource For State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies. Check it out here.
Are you from Berwick? Fill out the Berwick Blueprint Community Survey
Berwick is inviting residents, business owners, and visitors of Berwick to offer their opinions on a series of standard perceptual questions about the community. Take the survey here!
IMC Secures DOE SMART & ARC ARISE Grants
The Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), a public-private partnership dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Central Pennsylvania, has been awarded two grants aimed at advancing technology adoption and green energy manufacturing in the region. Learn more here.
Learning To Live Beloved Ministries to hold Gala January 11th
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be holding its First Annual Well House Gala on January 11th at the Pine Barn. Learn more.
PPL Powered Economic Investment Partners Forum Held to Advance Smart Economic Growth to Empower Communities
Focus Central Pennsylvania with generous support from PPL Foundation organized and held a PPL POWERED ECONOMIC INVESTMENT PARTNERS FORUM on Tuesday, December 3rd in Danville, Pennsylvania. Learn more.
PATHS Free Virtual Safety Training December 2024
PATHS will offer over 30 training sessions in December to raise awareness of holiday safety, weather safety, and more. Take a look at the full PATHS Training Calendar.
Cash & Carry IX happening through December 29th
The annual show opened with almost 400 pieces by almost 200 artists from nine central Pennsylvania counties including students from Bloomsburg High School and Central Columbia Middle School. Learn more.
2024-2025 PDA Senior Community Center Grant Application Open
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has opened the Senior Community Center Grant Program for the 2024-25 year. All applications and application materials for the competitive grant funding must be received electronically through the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system from eligible AAA-affiliated SCCs no later than 5 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 13. Additional information, including the application submission instructions, can be found here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Receives PPL Foundation Grant
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to announce it has received a $11,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the "Wired for Success: Empowering Students Through STEM." Learn More.
PPL Electric Utilities Quarterly Newsletter is out now
Check out the newsletter here.
LCBC offering 4 Christmas Services this year
Join LCBC for one of its 4 Christmas Services this year. Each service will feature festive music, a message and connecting over a good cup of hot chocolate. Get a full list of services at the Columbia Montour Campus here!
America250PA Launches First Round of Semiquincentennial Grants
America250PA is now accepting applications for the first round of semiquincentennial grants to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America through December 15th. For additional information about how to apply, including a schedule of virtual office hours to answer questions about the program, click here.
Code Blue Declaration
The Town of Bloomsburg is proud to partner with AGAPE to provide vital shelter and support during Code Blue events this winter season. Mayor Hummel has declared a CODE BLUE in effect beginning 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 and is anticipated to last up through 8 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024. For more information or to get involved, please visit https://agapelovefromabove.org/
Hand in Hand hosting Sensory Santa
Sensory Santa is offered in a quiet, relaxed environment for children who need extra time to experience this cherished Christmas activity. Children can sit on the floor, play with blocks and cars, or color a picture. No one is rushed, and each child gets the time they need. Santa comes to Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville each December. Get the full schedule here.
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
As the saying goes, “What’s old is new again.” As your Chamber team traversed Columbia and Montour Counties in 2024, we had the wonderful opportunity to learn what resources are well-used and loved by our community. One in particular caught us by surprise – not because we thought less of it, but because as frequent users of GPS and all-things digital, we thought of IT less. You guessed it - I’m writing to announce that your Chamber is taking a page from an old playbook and will publish a printed community map in 2025.
Even as I write this, I can hear the guffaws of millennials and Gen Xers alike who are inclined to think, “Really, Chris? A map?” We were skeptical too, but as it turns out, there’s a real demand for a small, community-based map which serves as a reference to our downtowns, promotes local business, provides easily-readable access for tourists and new workers in the region, has offline usability, and serves as a means of community engagement.
We thought, surely, something simple like this must exist – but as we dug in, we found that apart from the Chamber’s latest, which was published in 2015, no other community organization has created a map for our full footprint, which isn’t specific to a given interest. (Please note, the interactive maps produced by the Columbia Montour Visitors’ Bureau and MARC for boating, fishing, mountain biking, parks, and even the River Rat Brew Trail are awesome.) We hope to make the Chamber map easy to read, easy-to-fold, and easy to reference, with a large map of our two-county footprint, spotlights on our downtowns, reference points through the use of QR codes, and limited advertising. We also hope to provide value back to you, our members, offering you one more tool to highlight why our region is so wonderful – to new employees, new visitors, and new customers.
Given his great success with our Chamber directories, we’re pleased to continue to partner with Victor Koons Graphic Design for sales, design, layout, and printing of this new publication. Additional information, such as ad sizes and rates are included in our advertising contract, and Representative Lois Wolfe will begin reaching out for inquiries in January 2025. You may also reach her at 814-360-0558 or lwolfe2790@aol.com.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the Chamber at 570-784-2522. Thank you for allowing us to continue to serve your organization.
Respectfully,
Chris Berleth
President
Chamber Announces Spring Dates for Management & Leadership Training Program
Back by popular demand, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania – Bloomsburg Campus and the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will once again offer the Management and Leadership program to help develop and sharpen skills for leading in today’s workplace environment. The program was initially developed in response to employers’ express requests for meaningful training for first-time managers and supervisors.
This five-module certificate program is appropriate for existing leaders, managers, and supervisors, or those who are new or emerging in any business sector. The course qualifies for WEDnet funding, a program wherein the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (through the Department of Community and Economic Development, partners with educational institutions to fund a wide range of incumbent worker training which is used to assist in skill-building for job retention, advancement or promotion. As a WEDnet eligible course, employers may be reimbursed for the cost of the program.
Professional course materials for the Management & Leadership program include assessments, activities, and other learning enhancement components to help each participant individualize their learning experience. Participants will receive a certificate from Commonwealth University upon completion and will have identified personal development goals to provide to their employers.
The five, three-hour modules are: supervisor effectiveness; effective communication for managers; conflict management; navigating a multigenerational workforce; and being a great mentor or coach.
The Spring 2025 Cohort will take place at the Hub at Mulberry Mill, 160 W. 6th Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. on the following dates: March 6, March 20, April 3, April 17, and May 1, 2025, respectively. The application deadline is Friday, February 14, 2025.
Complete program details are available at www.columbiamontourchamber.com/employee-development/ or by calling 570-784-2522.
The program qualifies for WEDnet funding. For eligibility information, visit wednetpa.com or contact Jennifer Williams at 570-389-4004 or jwilliam@commonwealthu.edu.
Pause on Credit Card Late Fees Rule Continues
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
In a win against government micromanagement of business, a federal court in Texas last week refused to lift a preliminary injunction on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) credit card late fees rule and held that the Bureau likely exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the rule.
The U.S. Chamber sued the CFPB in March to block the rule, and the court halted it in May before it could take effect.
Why it matters: The rule would have punished Americans who pay their credit card bills on time by forcing them to pay for those who don’t. It also would have limited access to affordable credit for many consumers.
Looking ahead: With a new Administration coming in next year, the CFPB could choose to rescind the rule.
Dig deeper:
How the U.S. Chamber Halted the CFPB's Credit Card Late Fees Rule
Budget-Friendly Marketing: Growth Tactics for Small Teams and Tight Budgets
- Small businesses can thrive on tight budgets with smart, cost-effective marketing strategies:
- Leverage free tools: Use platforms like Canva (design), Mailchimp (email), and Google My Business (local SEO).
- Maximize organic reach: Share engaging, shareable content tailored to your audience.
- Repurpose & collaborate: Extend content life and partner with other businesses for mutual growth.
- Cost-effective paid ads: Use targeted Facebook and Google Ads sparingly but strategically.
- Growth doesn't require big budgets—just big ideas and sharp execution.
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For small businesses, competing in today’s fast-paced market can feel like an uphill battle—especially with limited marketing budgets. However, with the right mix of creativity, strategy, and resourcefulness, even the smallest teams can make a big impact.
Here’s a roadmap to stretch your marketing dollars while driving growth:
1. Leverage Free or Affordable Tools
Technology has leveled the playing field for small businesses. Tools like:
- Canva: Create professional designs for social media, flyers, and more.
- Mailchimp: Run targeted email campaigns to engage your audience.
- Google Business Profile: Boost local visibility with a polished business profile.
These platforms are cost-effective (or free) and user-friendly, making them perfect for small teams with limited expertise.
2. Build an Organic Social Media Presence
Social media offers unparalleled reach without hefty ad budgets. Focus on creating content that is:
- Authentic: Showcase your brand’s personality.
- Engaging: Encourage comments, shares, and likes.
- Targeted: Speak directly to the pain points and aspirations of your audience.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn offer opportunities for organic growth when paired with consistent posting and community interaction.
3. Maximize Your Content
Repurposing content is a game-changer for lean teams. Transform a blog post into:
- Infographics for Instagram.
- Short video clips for Facebook Reels or LinkedIn.
- An email series for nurturing leads.
This strategy amplifies the value of every piece of content you create.
4. Collaborate and Cross-Promote
Partnerships with complementary businesses can expand your reach. For example:
- Host joint webinars or events.
- Share each other’s social media posts.
- Offer bundled discounts or referral incentives.
Cross-promotions allow both parties to tap into new audiences with minimal spend.
5. Use Paid Advertising Sparingly and Strategically
When executed thoughtfully, even a small paid ad budget can yield results. Consider:
- Highly targeted Facebook Ads: Zero in on specific demographics.
Google Ads: Capture search intent with precision. - Set a clear objective and monitor ROI closely to avoid overspending.
6. Implement Referral Programs
Rewarding loyal customers for spreading the word is a proven growth tactic. Simple yet effective programs, such as discounts for referrals or exclusive perks, can turn happy customers into your best marketers.
The Takeaway
A limited budget doesn’t have to limit your growth. By prioritizing creativity, efficiency, and collaboration, small businesses can build robust marketing strategies that deliver results. Start small, measure your success, and iterate on what works to continuously grow.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
Member News ~ December 5, 2024
RABBITTRANSIT's Stop Hopper Service Expanded to Berwick
rabbittransit expanded their microtransit service, Stop Hopper, to a new area in Berwick, Columbia County, PA last month. Learn more. AND don't forget to attend the Ribbon Cutting happening tomorrow at the Berwick Area YMCA to celebrate the expansion.
Local Mechanics Earn Certifications
Congratulations to Weston Corbin and Tim Seibert of Jack Metzer Auto group who received certifications from the manufactures they service. Weston with Ford and Tim with Volkswagen.
McKonly & Asbury Hosting Income Tax Webinar December 29th
Join the McKonly & Asbury Tax team leader and Partner Mark Heath for an insightful webinar on December 19, 2024, at 2pm for an outline of the evolving landscape of income taxes. Learn More and register.
Are you from Berwick? Fill out the Berwick Blueprint Community Survey
Berwick is inviting residents, business owners, and visitors of Berwick to offer their opinions on a series of standard perceptual questions about the community. Take the survey here!
Learning To Live Beloved Ministries to hold Gala January 11th
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be holding its First Annual Well House Gala on January 11th at the Pine Barn. Learn more.
Bloomsburg wants you to "Come Home for Christmas" this Friday!
PACareerlink Effective Employee Performance Reviews Virtual Seminar happening December 12th
Join PA Careerlink for a virtual seminar to learn impactful review techniques that inspire and guide your employees. Gain insights from industry experts who will share proven strategies for handling employee feedback and creating structured, results-focused conversations that drive success. Learn how to register here.
Danville's Third Annual Hometown Market Happening December 7th
This year’s 3rd annual market – held on Saturday, December 7th from 11am-4pm – will feature craft and food vendors all along Mill Street, from Route 11 to Mahoning Street. Savor the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of the season, as you find unique, handmade gifts for family and friends! And don't forget about Santa's Cottage hours!
PATHS Free Virtual Safety Training December 2024
PATHS will offer over 30 training sessions in December to raise awareness of holiday safety, weather safety, and more. Take a look at the full PATHS Training Calendar.
2024-2025 PDA Senior Community Center Grant Application Open
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has opened the Senior Community Center Grant Program for the 2024-25 year. All applications and application materials for the competitive grant funding must be received electronically through the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system from eligible AAA-affiliated SCCs no later than 5 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 13. Additional information, including the application submission instructions, can be found here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces December Programs
Get full list of programs and events here.
PPL Electric Utilities Quarterly Newsletter is out now
Check out the newsletter here.
America250PA Launches First Round of Semiquincentennial Grants
America250PA is now accepting applications for the first round of semiquincentennial grants to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America through December 15th. For additional information about how to apply, including a schedule of virtual office hours to answer questions about the program, click here.
Hand in Hand hosting Sensory Santa
Sensory Santa is offered in a quiet, relaxed environment for children who need extra time to experience this cherished Christmas activity. Children can sit on the floor, play with blocks and cars, or color a picture. No one is rushed, and each child gets the time they need. Santa comes to Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville each December. Get the full schedule here.
Coming Up at the Weis Center
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
Coming up at Arts in Bloom
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
Judge Blocks Federal Ownership Reporting Requirements
Source: US Chamber of Commerce
A federal court in Texas halted the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements. Holding that the CTA is likely unconstitutional, the court issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing the CTA and its reporting requirements against anyone.
Why it matters: Prior to the ruling, small businesses that met certain criteria would have had to file reports with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025, or risk fines and criminal penalties.
Looking ahead: The preliminary relief will remain in effect until the conclusion of legal proceedings, at which point the court may enter a permanent injunction. In the meantime, the government will likely appeal the preliminary injunction.
Bottom line: Unless and until an appellate court overrules or narrows the injunction, no businesses are obligated to comply with the reporting requirements.