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PA Chamber’s 27th Annual Economic Survey Shows Employer Optimism on the Rebound, Ongoing Concerns About Healthcare

October 12, 2017
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry As the nation’s economy steadily improves, employers are increasingly optimistic about the state of business in the Commonwealth, as well as projections for future growth in sales and hiring. However, their ability to offer healthcare to their workforce due to persistent uncertainty and rising costs in the market continue to be a chief concern. These indicators are among the responses from the PA Chamber’s 27th Annual Economic Survey, which was conducted in August 2017 by Susquehanna Polling and Research. According to the survey, the rising costs of healthcare rank among employers’ top concerns; with 65 percent of respondents saying that “controlling the costs of healthcare” should be the Pennsylvania Chamber’s top policy priority in its dealings with lawmakers. In fact, while 61 percent of the survey participants said that they provide health coverage for their employees – a slight increase over last year but still far less than the 74 percent who offered health care in 2013 – a vast majority of them (73 percent) reported that premiums have increased. Also listed as problematic was the lack of clarity that exists within the state’s unemployment compensation system, as 64 percent said they’ve encountered situations whereby employees fired for good cause were awarded benefits; as well as workers’ compensation premiums that have increased for more than a third of respondents in recent years. Other leading barriers to growth that were noted in the survey included: over taxation; mandates and regulations; and workforce development. The good news is that of the 654 employers surveyed statewide, a strong majority – 76 percent – believe that the state’s economy is “better” or “the same” as it was one year ago. Also, the percentage of employers who say the economy is the “most important issue” affecting their businesses is down to 10 percent – the lowest figure in nearly 10 years since before the Great Recession took hold in 2008-09. Additionally, 42 percent say they expect sales growth to increase in coming months; 22 percent expect to hire more workers; and 27 percent noted that they made “major” investments in machinery or technology over the last year, with 15 percent more pledging to make those investments in the coming months.

Member News – October 11, 2017

October 11, 2017

Member News

  • As part of its 30th anniversary season, the Weis Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the legacy, tradition and craftsmanship of Martin Guitars with a full day of events this Saturday, Oct. 14.

    A Martin Guitar

    All of the day’s programming is free except for the 7:30 p.m. performance of the Del McCoury Band. The day includes facilitated workshops including blues slide guitar basics, guitar repair consultations, guitar theory, and a roots music recording session, as well as Martin Guitar displays and merchandise, a community guitar jam, a film screening and panel discussion, and evening performances. Visit here for a complete schedule and description of all events on this day. 

 

  • The Greenwood Friends School will host a fall festival at its school located at 1509 State Route 254, Millville, this Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no admission charge, all are welcome and the event will be held rain or shine. It will feature fun games and face painting for children and teens, a food and bake sale, live music, unlimited inflatable rides for children (with a wristband purchase), and a large flea market with crafts and vendors. Vendors interested in participating should call 570-458-5532 to reserve a spot. 

 

  • The United Way of Columbia and Montour County, AGAPE Love from Above to our Community and the Coalition for Social Equity will hold the final two events of a three-part series that explores the barriers our fellow community residents who live in poverty face every day. Join them to learn more and be part of the solution. The other two events will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct 24. Registration is not required for either event. Oct. 17 will be a poverty panel that will feature participants sharing their stories of living in poverty, and Oct. 24 will be a community conversation. Both of those events will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 345 Market St., Bloomsburg. 

 

 

  • The Bloomsburg Area YMCA will host a blood drive benefiting the American Red Cross on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 12-5 p.m. in its gymnasium, located at 30 East 7th St., Bloomsburg. All donors will receive a Halloween-themed t-shirt while supplies last. Sign up at the front desk, call 800-733-2767 or online at redcrossblood.org to donate. 

 

  • Co., a social and professional networking group that is run by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County, will hold a fun evening at Can You XCape followed by a mixer at the Wagon Shed on Thursday, Oct. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. 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

 

  • PPL Electric Utilities and its supply chain division is hosting a Diversity Meet and Greet event on Friday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the PPL Conference Center at Walbert, 1639 Church Rd., Allentown. This event is designed for business owners who are veterans, women, minorities, LGBT and disabled, to have an opportunity to find out more about PPL and its opportunities for suppliers. Attendees will have a chance to meet and speak to PPL leaders and the staff that works with suppliers. There is no cost to attend, but those interested in attending should register online by Friday, Oct. 27. For more information, see this flyer

 

  • The Bloomsburg Area YMCA will host its annual Trunk or Treat Halloween event on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at its location at 30 East 7th St., Bloomsburg. Join it, The Exchange, AGAPE Love From Above to our Community, First Keystone Community Bank and others for a night of spooky family fun. There will be fun activities, a haunted walk-through and plenty of Halloween candy. The Bloomsburg YMCA Y-Care program, a before and after-school program for children, will also be waiving its registration fee on Oct. 27. For more information on this event, visit the Bloomsburg Y’s website

 

  • PA CareerLink of Columbia/Montour Counties, along with the Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), will host a collaborative robot workshop on Monday, Oct. 30, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville. There is no cost to attend and a light breakfast will be served. Around the world, thousands of robots work collaboratively alongside humans with no safety guards and no problems. Come and learn about universal robots, robot programming, end effector solutions, stands and protective covering, and participate in hands-on activities. Visit online to register or learn more about this event. 

 

  • Innotek Computer Consulting will host its annual Technology and Security Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Sand Springs Country Club, 10 Clubhouse Dr., Drums. This annual event, billed as “Northeast Pennsylvania’s biggest technology and security expo,” brings together IT managers, executives and business owners to discuss the impact of technology and security on business. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register, visit the event page on Innotek’s website, or the Facebook event page.

 

  • Along with the Bloomsburg University Regional STEM Education Center, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber will co-sponsor the Future Careers Expo on Thursday, 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. For businesses that are interested in participating as vendors, please fill out this form and return it to the email address on the form by Oct. 20. For questions from businesses, please call the Chamber Foundation at 570-784-2522 or email

 

  • 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. 

Medicare Part D Notices Due by October 15

October 10, 2017

From ChamberChoice

Employers whose health care plans include prescription drug benefits for active employees, retirees, COBRA participants, or spouses and dependents who are Medicare-eligible must notify those covered individuals by Oct. 15 of each year whether their drug benefit is creditable or non-creditable coverage. This means the health plan is expected to cover, on average, as much as the standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Under regulations issued by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), disclosure notices must be provided to Part D eligible individuals at the following times:
• prior to commencement of the annual coordinated election period (ACEP) for Part D;
• prior to an individual’s initial enrollment period (IEP) for Part D;
• prior to the effective date of coverage for any Part D eligible individual that enrolls in the employer’s prescription drug coverage;
• whenever the employer no longer offers prescription drug coverage or changes it so that it is no longer creditable or becomes creditable;
• upon request by the Part D eligible individual.

However, if disclosure notices are provided to all plan participants annually, prior to October 15 each year, CMS will presumably consider the listed disclosure times met (with the exception of the notice being requested). Thus, JRG Advisors suggests that employers distribute this notice to all plan participants at open enrollment with enrollment materials.

CMS posts the Model Disclosure Notices on its website.

This notice is especially important to those who are Medicare eligible, since if they are not covered with creditable coverage and decline to enroll in Part D, a penalty will likely be imposed when enrolling at a later date.

Employers Need to Know:
• The Notice of Creditable or Non-Creditable Coverage is an employer responsibility.
• Check with the health plan insurer to verify if coverage is creditable or non-creditable, especially if offering a qualified High Deductible Health Plan.
• Notice must be provided no later than Oct. 15 of each year.
• Distribution to all participants during open enrollment meets the October 15 deadline and other time requirements to provide the notices.

ChamberChoice to Offer Webinar on Successful Open Enrollment

October 9, 2017

ChamberChoice will offer a webinar on open enrollment titled “Guarantee a Successful Employee Open Enrollment” this Thursday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. It is available free-of-charge to all Chamber members as a benefit of membership through the Chamber’s affinity programs through ChamberChoice

To register for this webinar and for a list of other upcoming webinars on topics of workplace benefits, visit here.

Bloomsburg Council Candidates Discuss Flood Protection, Parking and Open Government

October 9, 2017

Ten candidates vying for Bloomsburg Town Council expressed their views on the most pressing issues facing the Town, how to better interact with Bloomsburg University, and how to support business growth at a candidate forum held Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Alvina Krause Theatre, home of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. Several candidates emphasized the need to address parking management as a major issue for the Town. Stormwater management and flood protection were also discussed, as was managing the annual spring Block Party event. Challengers expressed the importance of having open government. The event was sponsored by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau.

Audio from the candidate forum is available. The first portion of the program included the eight candidates running for four general Council seats. Responses to the first question begin with Vince DeMelfi with the following order: James Garman, William Kreisher, Doug Reiter, Toni Bell, Joe Martarano, Bonnie Crawford, and Sandy Davis. The second question begins with Mr. Garman and follows the same order, etc. The second portion of the forum was for the two registered mayoral candidates and responses begin with Eric Bower, followed by Carey Howell.

A second forum is being sponsored by the Bloomsburg Area Landlord’s Association on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 7-9 p.m. at the Greenly Center on Main Street in Bloomsburg. Please note the correct time, as the time was incorrectly reported as 6-8 p.m. at the first forum.

You Just Never Know

October 8, 2017

Photo courtesy of North Shore Railroad/Joe Kantz

From Joe Kantz/North Shore Railroad

A few months ago, I received an email that appeared to be an invitation to a meeting at the White House from President Trump’s Administration. My first thought was “this must be a scam.”

The next day, I received a phone call from someone at the White House wanting to make sure I received the email. I assured them I did, and that I was excited to join them for this meeting.

Now, to be clear, I received this email in my role as an elected County Commissioner. The President’s team had invited all the County Commissioners from Pennsylvania to attend. This was my first time to our Nation’s White House, and after a quick tour of this historic “home” we headed to the Eisenhower Building for an all-day meeting. We were introduced to members of various departments of the federal government and met a few more noteworthy folks.

I relay this story – not to brag – but merely to remind us, we never know where the next phone call may come from – or lead us.

Now, on to a business example: I recently played in a golf tournament. I really didn’t feel like playing. I had a lot of work to do in the office and customers to visit, but I committed to play, so I did. While at this particular event, I ran into a man, whom I hadn’t see in seven years. A few weeks later, one of his customers called me. The gentleman told me of a project he and my golf buddy were working on, and how this new project could easily turn into unit trains of business for North Shore Railroad.

Resultant of my visit to the White House, I received contacts for many departments in the federal government who can now be a point of contact for me and my constituents. I had the opportunity to share real life experiences on certain issues that were discussed, and I also had the opportunity to talk to key people in the Administration about items related to railroads.

My visit to Washington, D.C. resulted in good things for my county, and this golf tournament resulted in good things for my company.

So, it is my hope that after reading this, you are encouraged to take that opportunity that may be out of your comfort zone. Your next new contact or customer may come from it. You just never know.

PA Chamber Sets Pro-Business Fall Legislative Agenda

October 7, 2017

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

On the legislative front, the fall legislative session is in full swing, and while the PA Chamber continues to keep a close eye on the yet-to-be resolved budget stalemate, we are also working on a host of other pro-business issues. Part of our agenda this fall includes two important updates to Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation law that will help to rein in rising costs for employers. 

One important reform that we are advocating to enact is H.B. 18 – legislation that would implement a workers’ compensation drug formulary in which doctors writing prescriptions that are not FDA-approved or otherwise demonstrated to be effective must at least explain why the prescription is necessary for the patient. Drug formularies have been shown to address overuse of and addiction to prescription drugs among injured workers. For example, in the three years after Ohio implemented its formulary in 2011, the number of workers’ compensation patients considered opioid dependent was reduced by half. The bill passed the House Labor and Industry Committee; however a parliamentary procedural motion led by Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, R-Bucks, circumvented a vote by the full House earlier this year.

A recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer shed some light on some of the true motives of those who are leading opposition to the bill. The newspaper investigation unveiled a complex system wherein a large scale, well known workers’ compensation claimants law firm in the Philadelphia area is directing their clients to specific doctors who prescribe medications with dubious legitimacy and then funnel the unsuspecting patients to pharmacies that are owned by the doctors and lawyers themselves. According to the article: “The pharmacy then charges employers or their insurance companies for the workers’ pain medicine, sometimes at sky-high prices.” Several examples were highlighted in the article, including one instance in which the pharmacy charged $1,900 for a tube of cream that retails for around $14 – an over 13,000 percent mark-up. The law firm highlighted in the article has been a leading opponent of H.B. 18. Following the publication of the article, the PA Chamber issued a press release calling on the legislature to quickly pass H.B. 18 in order to help improve outcomes for injured workers, while at the same time combat the Commonwealth’s prescription drug and opioid crisis.

The second issue we are working on is a legislative fix to the Protz V. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board case – an issue that was the topic of a House Labor and Industry Committee informational hearing last week. In a recent decision, the state Supreme Court eliminated Impairment Rating Evaluations – an important cost-containment provision of the state’s Workers’ Comp Act – based on a technicality. IREs have been in existence since 1996 and are used by physicians – in tandem with guidelines from the American Medical Association – to assess an employee’s level of impairment and determine their disability status. As a result of this court action, in August, the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau took the unprecedented action of filing for a mid-year loss cost increase. We issued a statement at the time warning employers that this filing could lead to workers’ comp cost increases. We are leading a multi-industry coalition in support of legislation that will help ensure the constitutionality of the IRE process by updating the law with the most recent edition of the AMA guidelines and applying it to current and future claims.

Over the next several weeks, the PA Chamber will be working hard to help move these important bills through the legislative process and to the governor’s desk – where they will hopefully be signed into law.

Coalition Memo Urges Support for Legislation to Address Workers’ Compensation Case

October 6, 2017

The PA Chamber organized a multi-industry coalition letter last week urging House lawmakers to sign on as cosponsors and lend support to soon-to-be-introduced legislation that would accommodate a recent state Supreme Court decision related to workers’ compensation.

In August, the court ruled in the Protz v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board case to throw out Impairment Rating Evaluations that have been integral over the last two decades in bringing structure, fairness and stability to the workers’ compensation system. Conducted by physicians using guidelines from the American Medical Association, IREs have been part of the system since 1996 to assess an injured employee’s level of impairment and determine if they should receive lifetime wage benefits. When the court made its ruling, the PA Chamber issued a press release that warned business leaders about the significant cost hikes they could see in the near future and called for a legislative remedy.

The coalition letter stresses that the court’s decision to declare IREs unconstitutional was only made because AMA guidelines are updated periodically (twice since the law was first enacted) and therefore, since the current version differs from the version used in 1996, the Court said their use is an unconstitutional delegation of authority. Both House and Senate Labor and Industry Committee Chairs Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin, and Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, respectively, have indicated their intention to introduce legislation that aims to fix this issue by updating the law with the most recent edition of the AMA guidelines and applying it to current and future claims. Chairman Kauffman hosted an informational committee meeting on the topic last Wednesday.

“IREs also helped stabilize the overall workers’ compensation system which had experienced massive cost increases in the late 1980s and early 1990s,” the coalition wrote. “We urge you to cosponsor this legislation.”

Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Issues Call to Action to Oppose House Proposal That Would Increase Hotel Tax in Pennsylvania

October 4, 2017

Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau - We've been expecting you!As part of the ongoing budget negotiations in Harrisburg, a new proposal is in the works that would increase the statewide hotel tax in Pennsylvania by 5%. Hotels already pay a 6% statewide hotel tax. A statewide tax rate of 11 percent would have a negative impact on the tourism industry.

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is urging businesses to call or email their state legislators immediately to voice opposition. Find your legislators here. Voting on this proposal will start today. Confirm your call to action by emailing Mary Yoder.

 

TALKING POINTS

– Hotels already pay a 6% statewide hotel tax in addition to local taxes that no other entity pays.

– This increase would make Pennsylvania hotel rooms the highest-taxed in the entire country.

– This tax will place our state’s tourism industry at an even steeper disadvantage and give tourists another reason not to come to Pennsylvania.

– Fewer tourists hurts businesses and brings fewer dollars into the state.

Member News – October 4, 2017

October 4, 2017

Member News

  • State Rep. David Millard will host a Senior Caregiver Support Forum tomorrow, Oct. 5, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, 725 West Front St., Berwick. Intended for people that help care for aging loved ones, this forum will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about important resources available to them. It will feature some brief informative sessions, along with a chance to get questions answered. Organizations scheduled to be on hand include the Columbia Montour Aging Office, Commonwealth Home Health and Hospice of Berwick, which is affiliated with Berwick Hospital Center, and an elder law attorney from the Law Office of Lutz & Petty. RSVP to Rep. Millard’s office at 570-759-8734 or on RepMillard.com

 

  • Geisinger Health will hold its inaugural Dream Big Hot Air Balloon Festival this Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Spyglass Ridge Winery, 400 Plum Creek Rd., Sunbury. Proceeds from this event will benefit Geisinger’s Comprehensive Breast care Program. Activities include balloon rides (weather-permitting), live bands and food trucks, children’s activities and family fun, professional and amateur photo competitions, performances by local dance groups, a fresh food farmers market and family photo sessions in front of the balloons. Admission is free. For more information, read this flyer.Event organizers are also seeking donations of small items (approx. $10-20 in value) from area businesses and individuals for an auction. If interested in making a donation, please contact Linda Vaji at 570-214-2581 or email

 

  • Also occurring this weekend are two traditional events in Columbia County – Bloomsburg University’s Homecoming and the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau’s annual Covered Bridge Festival held at Knoebels Amusement Resort. Bloomsburg’s Homecoming will feature the dedication of David L. Soltz Hall on Friday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m., with the ribbon cutting at approximately 11:10 a.m. The schedule of events also features fireworks on Friday night, several athletic and alumni events on Saturday, and much more. The 36th annual Covered Bridge Festival gets underway on Thursday, Oct. 5 and run through the weekend. It features several vendors, music and entertainment, covered bridge bus tours, and much more. 

 

  • Co., a social and professional networking group that is run by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County, will hold a pair of events during October. It will host a networking event on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Capitol Bar & Grille, 45 East Main St., Bloomsburg. It will also hold a fun evening at Can You XCape followed by a mixer at the Wagon Shed on Thursday, Oct. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. 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

 

  • The Danville Borough fall newsletter is now available. It includes a general update from the Borough Council president, information on upcoming events, including the annual Halloween Parade on Thursday, Oct. 27 beginning at 7 p.m., the borough being designed a River Town, the restoration of the World War I monument in Memorial Park, the borough being awarded a PennDOT grant, and much more. 

 

  • SEKUSUI SPI recently introduced a new addition to its high-impact product line for the aviation industry – KYDEX® 6523HI. SEKISUI SPI’s high-impact products, KYDEX® 6523HI and KYDEX® 6565HI, are designed to absorb more impact energy prior to failure. For more information on this new product, visit its product page

 

  • The United Way of Columbia and Montour County, AGAPE Love from Above to our Community and the Coalition for Social Equity will hold a three-part series the will explore the barriers our fellow community residents who live in poverty face every day. Join them to learn more and be part of the solution. The first event, a poverty simulation, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 West 3rd St., Bloomsburg. This guided experienced will expose participants to the realities of poverty, including navigating the complex world of government services and other essential service providers. Registration is required for this part of the series. The other two events will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and Tuesday, Oct 24. Registration is not required for either of those events. Oct. 17 will be a poverty panel that will feature participants sharing their stories of living in poverty, and Oct. 24 will be a community conversation. Both of those events will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 345 Market St., Bloomsburg. 

 

  • As part of its 30th anniversary season, the Weis Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the legacy, tradition and craftsmanship of Martin Guitars with a full day of events on Saturday, Oct. 14.

    A Martin Guitar

    All of the day’s programming is free except for the 7:30 p.m. performance of the Del McCoury Band. The day includes facilitated workshops including blues slide guitar basics, guitar repair consultations, guitar theory, and a roots music recording session, as well as Martin Guitar displays and merchandise, a community guitar jam, a film screening and panel discussion, and evening performances. Visit here for a complete schedule and description of all events on this day. 

 

  • The Greenwood Friends School will host a fall festival at its school located at 1509 State Route 254, Millville on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no admission charge, all are welcome and the event will be held rain or shine. It will feature fun games and face painting for children and teens, a food and bake sale, live music, unlimited inflatable rides for children (with a wristband purchase), and a large flea market with crafts and vendors. Vendors interested in participating should call 570-458-5532 to reserve a spot. 

 

  • PPL Electric Utilities and its supply chain division is hosting a Diversity Meet and Greet event on Friday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the PPL Conference Center at Walbert, 1639 Church Rd., Allentown. This event is designed for business owners who are veterans, women, minorities, LGBT and disabled, to have an opportunity to find out more about PPL and its opportunities for suppliers. Attendees will have a chance to meet and speak to PPL leaders and the staff that works with suppliers. There is no cost to attend, but those interested in attending should register online by Friday, Oct. 27. For more information, see this flyer

 

  • PA CareerLink of Columbia/Montour Counties, along with the Innovative Manufacturers Center (IMC), will host a collaborative robot workshop on Monday, Oct. 30, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville. There is no cost to attend and a light breakfast will be served. Around the world, thousands of robots work collaboratively alongside humans with no safety guards and no problems. Come and learn about universal robots, robot programming, end effector solutions, stands and protective covering, and participate in hands-on activities. Visit online to register or learn more about this event. 

 

  • Innotek Computer Consulting will host its annual Technology and Security Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Sand Springs Country Club, 10 Clubhouse Dr., Drums. This annual event, billed as “Northeast Pennsylvania’s biggest technology and security expo,” brings together IT managers, executives and business owners to discuss the impact of technology and security on business. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register, visit the event page on Innotek’s website, or the Facebook event page.

 

  • Along with the Bloomsburg University Regional STEM Education Center, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber will co-sponsor the Future Careers Expo on Thursday, 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. For businesses that are interested in participating as vendors, please fill out this form and return it to the email address on the form by Oct. 20. For questions from businesses, please call the Chamber Foundation at 570-784-2522 or email
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