The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging residents, businesses, local leaders and other concerned parties – especially in rural communities – to contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of efforts to preserve nearly $140 million in funding intended to increase access to high speed internet service in underserved areas in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, the PUC and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) filed a joint petition with the FCC as part of an ongoing effort to address Pennsylvania’s “digital divide” by preserving millions of dollars in federal funding intended to increase access to high speed internet service in rural communities across the Commonwealth. Funding for the Connect America Fund Phase II program (CAF II) is drawn from the federal universal service surcharges paid by state residents and businesses. It is intended to support the deployment of broadband service in high-cost areas, including many rural communities. Most incumbent local telephone companies serving Pennsylvania’s high-cost areas accepted the CAF II funding, along with the commitment to meet federal benchmarks for broadband speed (10 Mbps download & 1 Mbps upload), but the Verizon companies did not, jeopardizing the continued availability of millions of dollars in broadband support throughout Pennsylvania. While this funding is currently only available to regulated utilities, there are other internet providers in the region willing to work with communities and businesses. The Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to state legislators in June asking for more flexibility in how these dollars can be allocated to expand broadband in rural areas. “The FCC plans to conduct an auction to allocate the broadband funding that was not accepted by Verizon, and the PUC has been encouraging all concerned parties to work together to keep these dollars in our state,” said PUC Commissioner David W. Sweet. “We remain hopeful that the FCC will consider the joint petition by the PUC and DCED to approve a Pennsylvania-specific weighting factor to the upcoming CAF II auction.” Information regarding how to submit comments electronically or by mail to the FCC on this issue is available on the PUC’s website. Additionally, the Commission continues to encourage state and local leaders to continue exploring mechanisms to enhance financial support for rural broadband projects – which could help influence the FCC’s decision about where funds should be directed.
Middle and high school students from the region and their parents explored career options at the 3rd Future Careers Expo held Thursday, Nov. 9 at Bloomsburg University. Nearly 40 employers and education providers were on hand to talk to young people about opportunities that exist in our area. The event was held in the evening at the Kehr Union so that parents could be part of the conversation.
The event is a partnership between the Bloomsburg University STEM Magnet program and the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, and was supported by the Arconic Foundation and Williams. The Foundation works to support area employers through workforce development initiatives. In addition to this Expo, programs such as School Counts, Classroom on Main Street, and The Leader in Me develop employability skills in young people and provide exposure to a wide variety of career options.
Among the participating employer and education providers were Chamber members Arconic/Kawneer Company, Bloomsburg University, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School, First Columbia Bank, First Keystone Community Bank, Geisinger, Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, McTish, Kunkel & Associates, PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties, Pennsylvania College of Technology, PPL Electric Utilities, SEKISUI SPI, Susquehanna Nuclear/Talen Energy and Williams.
Chamber President Fred Gaffney
Columbia Montour Chamber president Fred Gaffney was recently reappointed to another term on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) at its recent annual conference held in late October in Clarion, Pa. Gaffney was also one of eight Chamber professional from across the state to receive a PACP Service Award, as he was honored for 15 years of service as a Chamber professional.
Board members serve in the volunteer leadership role for a specified term, developing and leading the annual Plan of Action to assist in the enhancement of quality education in professional and organizational development to its members. Key events for PACP include the annual Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, Chamber Day in Harrisburg, and ongoing professional development webinars and programs.
Each year PACP recognizes chamber professionals who have served any five-year increment in chamber management. To qualify, candidates must have been in full-time chamber or chamber-sponsored affiliate management for at least five years, must now be serving in chamber management in Pennsylvania, and must have been a PACP member for at least three consecutive years. PACP’s Service Awards are meant to promote and recognize outstanding chamber service not only to the individual’s community but also to their professional association.
PACP is the professional association of Pennsylvania local chambers of commerce executives and professionals whose mission is to enhance the quality and relevance of chamber management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
From ChamberChoice
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — when the IRS announces limits and adjustments on employee benefit plans. On Oct. 19, the IRS released its 2018 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for tax-related employee benefits in Revenue Procedure 2017-58 and in IRS Notice 2017-64. Some limits have increased while others remained the same.
What Employers Need to Know
• Health Flexible Spending Accounts Increased. The annual employee salary contribution limit to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will increase to $2,650 for 2018 (a $50 increase from 2017). An employer may decide to have a different limitation on employee health FSA contributions, it just cannot be more than the IRS limit. The limit applies on an employee-by-employee basis. Any non-elective employer contributions generally do not count toward the employee’s dollar limit.
• The monthly limit under IRC Section 132 for fringe benefits is $260 for the combined monthly limit for transit pass and vanpooling expenses. The monthly limit for parking expenses is also $260 per month.
• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) is an HRA that is available only to small employers that are not subject to the employer shared responsibility penalties under health care reform. As of January 1, 2018, the limitation for QSEHRA payments and reimbursements is $5,050 for an individual and $10,250 for family. This is a $50 increase for individual reimbursements and a $250 increase for family reimbursements.
• The penalty for failure to file correct information returns (which include W-2s, W-3s, 1095 and 1094-C’s will increase to $270 per failure. This increased penalty will be applicable for returns required to be filed in 2019.
The table above demonstrates the 2018 limits for many of the common benefits offered by employers. This is not a comprehensive list.
Employers should begin to review their payroll and plan administration systems for the 2018 adjustments. When preparing open enrollment materials, an employer should incorporate these limits in any communications.
Finally, the employer should determine to distribute updated Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD) or provide a Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) for any required amendments.
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, GAF, to help us fulfill our mission.
GAF, as it is commonly referred to, is an acronym for General Aniline & Film, was founded in 1886, and is North America’s largest roofing materials manufacturer. Currently headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., GAF recently opened a new manufacturing facility in New Columbia, Pa., just off Interstate 80 at 2093 Old Route 15, which already has or will create more than 40 new jobs in the area. It currently has open positions at its new facility. GAF produces materials for both commercial and residential roofing systems, and the New Columbia plant is the latest of a more than $2 billion investment that GAF has contributed in the roofing industry over the last 10 years. GAF has been the recipient of numerous awards in recent years as it has grown to nearly $3 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit its website.
“The Chamber is a vital partner in economic development. Business should have a voice in local and state government and the Chamber provides that service. DRIVE and the Chamber work collaboratively to help current businesses prosper and provide a climate for new business development.”
– Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director, DRIVE
DRIVE stands for Driving Real Innovation for a Vibrant Economy, and was formed in 2015 by a task force from Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE is organized as a council of governments to take a regional approach to economic development.
DRIVE works with both established businesses in the region looking to grow their operations, and also performs a full range of services focused on business attraction – bringing new companies to the area. It does everything including but not limited to project management, site selection, assistance with zoning/planning and permitting, workforce development, networking and transportation & logistics. DRIVE is a one-stop shop for businesses in Columbia and Montour County or those looking to bring their business into the area.
DRIVE was created to take a regional approach to economic development. Businesses can choose to locate or expand here and the entire region benefits. Pooling resources allows for more to be done by working together and provides efficiency in having a single point of contact for companies looking to grow or establish operations in this area.
The DRIVE staff is doing its best to meet and learn about all the different businesses and industries in the region. If you or someone from your business or organization wants us to talk about the opportunities that may exist for your business, please contact DRIVE . It wants to hear from you about the good, the bad and the ugly so it can better assist your business here in Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE can be reached at 570-284-4296, via email, or visit its website.
Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for Nov. 15 at Berwick Floral, 201 West 2nd St., Berwick.
Member News
- Lambda Pi Eta, the communication studies national honor society at Bloomsburg University, will host its 2017 Speakers Forum tonight, Nov. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. in Centennial Hall 218 on campus. The speakers forum is titled “Influence of Technology,” and will feature seven speakers speaking about the influence of technology on their lives and careers. This event is free and open to the public.
- Michael Cymbala, assistant engineer and resident project representative at Peters Consultants, Inc, recently became a certified ASSE International Backflow Protection Assembly Tester (CBPAT) following a week of intense training and testing.
Michael Cymbala of Peters Consultants, Inc.
A CBPAT meets all requirements established by the American Backflow Prevention Association Certification Committee and maintains a current certificate within three years of the issuance date. A Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester is needed by administrative authorities throughout North America to assure that installed backflow prevention assemblies continue to protect the drinking water. The American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) Certification Committee (previously know as the Training Committee or the Training and Education Committee) completed the task of establishing criteria for what a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester needs to know. Once a person has been trained, an examination protocol had to be developed to verify the applicant’s knowledge against need to know criteria.
- Along with the Bloomsburg University Regional STEM Education Center, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber will co-sponsor the Future Careers Expo tomorrow evening, Nov. 9, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Kehr Union Ballroom on the BU campus. The annual event allows attendees to explore career in science, technology, engineering and math and it open to all students in grades 7-12, as well as their parents. Participants can receive a BU application fee waiver just for attends, and there will also be door prizes for those that sign up. For more information and to register, visit here.
- Co., a social and professional networking group that is run by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County, will hold a mixer tomorrow evening, Nov. 9, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Cherokee Tap Room, located at 217 Elysburg Rd., Danville. It will also host a dodgeball tournament on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA. Co. was founded to give area residents the opportunity to take advantage of all the great things this area has to offer. This group is for everyone, which means any age, ability, or area of residence. It holds multiple events each month. For more information about Co., including future events, visit its Facebook page.
- State Rep. Dave Millard will help dedicated State Route 93 as Stuart Tank Memorial Highway, with a ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Atomic Academy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lot, located at 1901 Orange St., Berwick.
- The East Central PA Regional Task Force will present a workshop for cybersecurity on resources and best practices for repelling cyber attacks. This workshop will be held on Monday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the DirectLink Technology Center, 2561 Bernville Rd., Reading. There is no cost to participate. For more information or to register, check out the flyer.
- The Weis Center For the Performing Arts at Bucknell University will host a panel discussion about the future of hip hop and live performances from the artists/panelists, on Monday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium Lobby. This is a free event and tickets are not required. The event will include a panel discussion with four emerging hip hop artists who are carving out careers for themselves: Amos Lachman, J Pope, and two Bucknell University students, Mansa K and Amarachi Ekekwe. The discussion will be followed by short, 20-minute sets by each of the participating artists.
- State Rep. Dave Millard will host his third annual Veterans Expo on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. – noon at Central Columbia High School, located at 4777 Old Berwick Rd., Bloomsburg. Exhibitors with veteran-related information will be available.
- The Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, which is operated by the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority, will hold a Fly-In/Drive-In/Walk-In Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. – noon at its location at 301 Airport Rd., Bloomsburg. The event is free and open to the public, however donations are suggested. It will feature both pumpkin and plain pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham and more.
- The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) will hold the third and final part of a three-part series on supply chain leadership and strategy on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the NEPIRC Training Center, 75 Young St., Wilkes-Barre, from 8:30 a.m. – noon. The session is free, and is entitled “Competition is no Longer Between Companies – it is Between Supply Chains.”
Bloomsburg University’s Terry and JoAnn Zeigler College of Business (ZCOB) and the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) hosted the 7th Annual ZIPD Business Conference, “Inspiring Future Business Professionals,” Nov. 2-3. Approximately 100 business professionals (including several BU alumni) participated. Over the two days, students had numerous opportunities to make valuable connections and gain knowledge in preparing for life after college through presentations, panel discussions, and networking events.
Chamber President Fred Gaffney once again participated in this year’s event. “The information and connections available to students through this conference is invaluable,” said Gaffney. “It is not only gratifying to help young people explore and pursue career options, but we hope that our involvement in events like this increases the awareness of career opportunities in our area.” Gaffney gave a presentation on communication skills and participated on panels discussing the importance of experiential learning, soft skills, and HR issues.
The U.S. House chamber
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Last week, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives made public the blueprint of a bill that will aim to make the first significant changes to the nation’s federal tax system in more than 30 years.
The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” seeks to permanently lower the U.S. corporate tax rate to 20 percent and limit home interest deductions to loans up to $500,000. According to national news stories on the legislation, it would also increase the standard deduction for individuals and households, repeal state and local tax deductions (while preserving property tax deductions up to $10,000), repeal the alternative minimum tax, increase the child tax credit to $1,600 and repeal the estate tax by 2024. Notably, the bill would not make changes to 401(k)s. Now that the details of this bill have been shared, it is certain to be the subject of vigorous debate in the months ahead and has become the Trump Administration’s most important domestic issue.
Following the release of the draft, the U.S. Chamber’s Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradly issued a statement acknowledging that while the bill is needed, more work lies ahead in getting the right “policy mix” to ensure its passage in Congress. Also, PA Chamber Vice President Sam Denisco offered these comments to reporters: “The tax plan unveiled by the U.S. House of Representatives this week is a step in the right direction,” Denisco said. “For too long our overly complicated federal tax structure has unnecessarily burdened employers and negatively impacted our country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. Our organization is ultimately pushing for a final bill that streamlines and simplifies the tax code; as well as additional reforms that will lower the tax burdens job creators are currently facing. The PA Chamber looks forward to working with federal officials as this draft proposal gets fine-tuned as it moves through the legislative process.”
The PA Chamber has joined the U.S. Chamber and other business advocacy groups nationwide in calling for Congress to act quickly on a tax reform package and get it to the president’s desk by the end of the year, having most recently signed this letter urging their quick action in achieving the goal of comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform. You can learn more about our support of this U.S. Chamber-led initiative and take action by visiting TaxReformforAmerica.com.
Williams recently announced the latest recipients of the company’s Atlantic Sunrise Community Grant program. In all, 35 organizations in 10 counties will receive a combined $292,834 in funding.
Two cycles of Atlantic Sunrise grant awards are announced each year – spring and fall. This cycle’s grant dollars were dispersed in the following broad categories: emergency response ($169,500), education ($59,000) and recreation or community enhancement projects ($64,334) within counties traversed by the project.
This announcement represents the sixth grant awards cycle since the program’s inception in 2015, during which time Williams has granted more than $2 million to 268 organizations in Pennsylvania.
Included in this latest round of grant recipients are three Chamber members. Those are the Columbia County Traveling Library, which received $3K for its Bookmobile Means Business program; the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, which received $5K for workforce development education; Hemlock Township, which got $81K for computer upgrades; and the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation, which received $10K for its Makerspace at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Other Chamber members that have previously received grants through the Atlantic Sunrise Community Grant programs include: Buckhorn Volunteer Fire Co., Camp Victory, Benton Rodeo Association, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and the Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School.
For complete lists of previous grant recipients, visit one of the links below.
1st round grants (spring 2015)
2nd round grants (fall 2015)
3rd round grants (spring 2016)
4th round grants (fall 2016)
5th round grants (spring 2017)
The deadline for the spring applications is March 1. Please visit the Atlantic Sunrise Community Grant program page to learn more about the application process, eligibility guidelines, and how organizations are utilizing grant funds to improve their local communities.