Montour County Nonprofits need your help! Leadership Central Penn is a wonderful opportunity for professionals in our area. However, the cost to participate in this program is an issue for area nonprofits as they execute their missions on tight budgets. They need your help. There are a variety of nonprofits in Montour County that have requested applications for LCP, but have also requested scholarships. Historically, scholarship dollars are provided through a partner organization, the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation. However, due to the restrictions in the fund that is used to fund these scholarships, they are limited to Columbia County nonprofit participants. 
With your help, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber hopes to be able to offer scholarships annually to one or more individuals from nonprofits in Montour County. Nonprofit leadership participation has really helped to connect the community engagement and leadership component of the course on a personal level. It is our sincere hope that you can help the Chamber Foundation raise $1700 to begin to more easily include Montour County nonprofits in this outstanding program. If you or your organization is interested in helping send individuals from nonprofits in Montour County through the LCP program, please contact Jeff Emanuel, Foundation director, at 570-784-2522 or email. Read more about the LCP program, including its latest class graduation and summaries of all class dates from the 2017-18 class below. September 2017 October 2017 November 2017 December 2017 January 2018 February 2018 March 2018 April 2018 May 2018Member News
- Community Options, Inc., a provider of residential and employment support to people with disabilities, is seeking individuals interested in serving on a new business advisory committee for Community Options’ Bloomsburg office. Community Options’ mission is to promote the integration of persons with disabilities within the communities in which they reside, enabling them to become viable and contributing neighbors, employees and citizens of the community. The purpose of this committee is to discuss and implement ways to help the organization better integrate into the community and bridge the gap between the community and the individuals it serves. If you may be interested in serving on this committee, or for questions, contact associate executive director David McConaghy at 570-638-6007 or email. The next committee meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, June 28 at noon at Community Options’ Bloomsburg office, located at 1117 Old Berwick Rd.
- The Bloomsburg Area YMCA will hold a summer open house all day this Friday, June 29, from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. Staff will be available throughout the day to give tours and share how the Y’s fitness facilities, group aerobics classes and certified wellness coaches can help you achieve the goals that matter to you. From 12-5 p.m., the community is also invited to help make a difference by participating in a blood drive to support the American Red Cross. The Y is also holding a membership special all day Friday: anyone starting a Y membership at the open house will pay no joining fee and start their first month free. For more information, see the event’s Facebook page.
- The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers recently announced that Bucknell SBDC business consultant and incubator manager Dennis Hummer has been awarded the organization’s 2018 State Star. Each year, top performers from across the network of America’s SBDC’s are recognized for their excellence. Hummer’s selection is the second in recent years for the Bucknell SBDC, following assistant director Maureen Hauck’s selection in 2015. This Facebook Live video announced the award winners. In addition to his duties at the Bucknell SBDC, Hummer also serves on the board for DRIVE.
- The Bloomsburg Public Library will be holding a “Country Fair” on Saturday, July 14, to help kick off Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Charlotte’s Web, and is looking for a large popcorn machine to use for this event. If you or your organization has one available and would be willing to loan it to the Bloomsburg Public Library to use on this date, please contact Lydia Kegler, library director, at 570-784-0883 or email. The library is also looking for carnival type games that could be set up inside the children’s library or possibly outside in the parking lot.
- The Bucknell SBDC will host its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast, which will also mark a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bucknell SBDC, on Monday, July 16, from 8-10 a.m. at the Elaine Langone Center’s Terrace Room on the 2nd floor on the Bucknell campus. Business owners, legislators, economic development partners and startup enthusiasts are invited to join the SBDC for breakfast to recognize the entrepreneurs and leaders of the region. Special presentations will include the U.S. Small Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA, the Product Innovator of the Year and the Charles H. Coder Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the Bucknell SBDC’s founding director. Register online or call 570-577-1249.
- Bloomsburg University will present an exhibition of photos from a soldier who served in the Vietnam War. Titled “Blaine Cooper: Images From a Local Soldier in Vietnam,” the exhibition will take place on Friday, July 27, from 6-8 p.m. in the Gallery at the Greenly Center, located at 50 E. Main St. in downtown Bloomsburg. This event is free and open to the public, and complimentary light refreshments will be provided. Cooper will then be part of a speakers’ panel from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information regarding this event, contact Bob Heckrote, Office of Military and Veterans’ Resources, at 570-389-4696 or email, or graduate assistant Briann Halpin at 570-389-3858 or email.
- Looking to showcase your business to students at Bucknell while also getting some free consulting work? Bucknell is launching a new pre-orientation program, Design-Thinking Leadership (DTL), providing an opportunity for your business to connect with Bucknell’s newest students. Student teams in the DTL program will formulate actionable solutions to real-world problems posed by local business owners. The program, which runs Aug. 10-14, is seeking 4 -5 business owners to speak with students and present a problem or opportunity in their business. During the next two days student teams will conceptualize, research, and refine a solution; and then pitch to the business owner at the end of the program. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business, make lasting connections with students, and benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. If interested in participating in this program as a business owner, submit this Google form, and for questions, contact Bucknell SBDC director Steve Stumbris at 570-577-1249 or email.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
For the first time in a long time, Pennsylvania has an on-time budget. Well in advance of the June 30 deadline, lawmakers and the Wolf administration announced that they’d reached agreement on a $32.7 billion budget for the 2018-19 Fiscal Year, which is $560 million more than the current year’s spend total (a 2 percent increase).
House Bill 2121 – which passed the House in a 188-10 vote last Wednesday and the Senate in a 47-2 vote on Friday and was signed by the governor as Act 1A of 2018 – is heavy on education funding, providing an additional $100 million for basic education, $20 million more for pre-K Counts, $5 million more for Head Start, $15 million more for special education, $25 million more for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and a $30 million increase for the career and technical education appropriation in the Department of Education. The budget will also increase funding to the State System of Higher Education and state related universities by 3 percent. Another $70 million is dedicated toward school safety ($10 million of which will be allocated to an existing safe schools initiative), which became a priority for lawmakers this year following the mass school shootings in Florida and Texas. There is also more funding to help people with intellectual disabilities receive services and funding to help combat the state’s opioid crisis by granting 800 more families access to evidence-based home visit services.
The Fiscal, Human Services and Public School Codes that accompany the budget were also passed by the legislature late Friday. These bills, along with the General Appropriations bill, were signed into law by the governor on Friday. The governor said of the collection of bills in a statement: “This year’s bipartisan budget continues to increase opportunities for all Pennsylvanians and shows the results of our hard work to get our finances under control.”
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, Advanced Realty Solutions, LLC to help us fulfill our mission.
Advanced Realty Solutions is a relatively new real estate agency based in Berwick. Founded in 2017 by broker/owner Michelle Reyes-Smith and realtor/owner Brad DeFranco, ARS is a full service real estate firm that devotes every effort to delivering excellent results its clients while always looking out for their clients’ best interests. Michelle and Brad have previously flipped houses in the Berwick and Bloomsburg area, and their knowledge of the market, understand of value and involvement in all facets of the transactions make them broadly-skilled residential sales agents. The staff at ARS also includes realtor Lindsey Farrell, a Berwick native. ARS is located in downtown Berwick at 239 West Second St., and can be reached at 570-752-1202 or visit their website or Facebook page.
Bob Dressler (left), immediate past chair of the DBA, offered thanks and well wishes to retiring Executive Director Jim Wilson (center) at the organization’s recent quarterly gathering. In addition to other board members and Danville businesspeople, Wilson was joined by his wife, Dr. Gerda Breitwieser (right).
Two individuals involved in efforts to strengthen our area’s economy and communities are retiring this week. After 10 years as Executive Director and Main Street Manager with the Danville Business Alliance (DBA), Jim Wilson is retiring. Steve Phillips, Executive Director of the Berwick Industrial Development Association (BIDA), is also retiring after 29 years with the organization. Board members, area businesspeople, and colleagues recently gathered at separate events to congratulate the two and thank them for their efforts.
In partnership with Danville Borough, DBA has spearheaded many efforts to enhance Danville’s central business district during Wilson’s tenure. The organization coordinated a feasibility study for high-end apartments on second and third floors of downtown buildings. Parks, greenspaces, and murals beautify the downtown, and the redevelopment of Canal Park will soon be getting underway. Events including Spring Fling, holiday festivities, and the first Taste of the Nations Food Festival coming up this Saturday, June 30 draw people to the downtown throughout the year. All of these efforts make downtown Danville an attractive place to operate a business.
Wilson has been a member of the Chamber’s Montour County Task Force and the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and Visitors Bureau, as well as a former member of the Visitors Bureau and Partnership boards. “Jim understands the importance of regional collaboration and has been a valued partner in our collective efforts to enhance our communities,” said Fred Gaffney, Chamber President. “As a colleague, he is trustworthy, reliable, and adept at consensus building.”
Steve Phillips
It is expected that Wilson’s successor at the DBA will be selected in July.
The BIDA complex in Berwick houses a number of companies providing a combined 1,000+ jobs. Supported by Steve’s network of relationships, the organization has helped to market and reuse other available industrial and commercial properties in the area and provide assistance to existing employers to retain jobs. BIDA also supports efforts to strengthen the community including the downtown Berwick enhancement plan and community festivals and events.
“Steve’s success is a testament to the importance of relationship building,“ said Gaffney. “In his desire to retain good job creators and bring new jobs to the area, he always knows who to reach out to.” “I add my thanks to Steve and Jim for their efforts over the years and wish them both many enjoyable years of retirement.”
The staff at First Keystone Community Bank welcomed Chamber members to its headquarter branch in downtown Berwick on Wednesday, June 20, for the Chamber’s June Business After Hours. Held in and around its spacious main lobby, the event offered attendees an opportunity to get out of the late afternoon rain and humid air on the last official day of spring and network with a large group of fellow professionals from throughout Columbia and Montour Counties, while also enjoying a tasty spread from Lucy’s Kitchen & Catering, beer from Berwick Brewing and other refreshments. There was also an opportunity to speak with several staff members from the bank, including representatives from customer service, business and consumer lending, investment, accounting, management and more.
Business After Hours provide regular opportunities to build business relationships while learning about the services offered by other Chamber members. The next Business After Hours will be held at Frosty Valley, located at 1301 Bloom Rd., Danville, on Wednesday, July 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting for Frosty Valley’s new Iron Fork restaurant and The Barn at Frosty Valley beginning at 4 p.m.
(L-R): Chamber president Fred Gaffney; ALTERA Life co-owner Shannon Koch; ALTERA Life co-owner Christian Force
The Chamber helped welcome one of its newest members and one of the newest businesses in Bloomsburg to the area on Thursday afternoon, June 21, with a ribbon cutting at ALTERA Life, located at 332 East 2nd St. in the Husky Corners building directly across the street from Bloomsburg Town Hall. Following the ribbon cutting, attendees had an opportunity to check out the facility and programs offered, as well as try some of the tasty, plant-based snacks on hand, which included a fruit bowl, black bean sweet potato cake with avocado, lemon quinoa vegetable salad and more.
ALTERA Life is a locally-owned nutrition and wellness consulting company that help its clients transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and physical activity. There is no membership commitment, and clients can participate as often as they choose. For more information on ALTERA Life’s products and services, visit its website or stop by the its facility in downtown Bloomsburg.
On Wednesday, June 6, the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF) hosted an Impact Symposium at Bucknell University. The goal was to bring together nonprofit partners to identify and evaluated unmet needs, network, learn and collaborate. The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce director, Jeff Emanuel, was one of the nearly 125 nonprofit participants in the event. There were representatives from organizations that span the six-county footprint served by CSCF.
The program began with an introduction and welcome by Holly Morrison, president/CEO of CSCF, and Chamber board member, who introduced John Kurelja, regional impact fund campaign chair. Kurelja shared the story of a widowed mother with 10 kids and asked attendees what they thought happened to these kids as they grew. No one expected the results and the successes these children would have as they became adults. All of them are successful and that success ranged from Phds, lawyers and executives. Kurelja’s story seemed so personal when he told it, and eventually, the crowd why. He was one of those children. The point was made — with with the right programs to assist families in this region, the sky is the limit for them.
Following Kurleja was the keynote speaker, Brad Ward, director of the community philanthropy with the Council on Foundations. Ward interacts with hundreds of community foundations and place-based institutions across the country. He has directed, merged and witnessed the impact of community foundations first hand. “Getting at the heart of nonprofits through community foundations” was the topic of his presentation. By the time he was done, there was no doubt of the sustainable impact and legacy that community foundations offer.
Once the presentations were wrapped up it was time for the first of two breakout sessions. The morning session was a county breakout of Columbia and Lower Luzerne Counties, Montour County, Northumberland County, Snyder County and Union County. The groups were tasked with identifying unmet needs in their counties and discussing how these relate to needs being served by the individual organizations. Everyone in the rooms got to learn from one another, and begin to envision how collaboration would benefit each county.
The afternoon breakout sessions were focused on the program areas of arts and culture; civic and community development; education; health; human services; and youth and recreation. Again, the attendees were asked to speak about needs they are addressing, and identifying unmet needs in their program area. Everyone had the opportunity to offer suggestions of programs they offer that could benefit other organizations, and were again offered the opportunity to envision collaborative efforts. All the organizations have limited resources, but everyone strives to have maximum impact. There was a great deal of discussion about how pooling resources and increasing communication about efforts could increase the positive impacts on those served.
At the conclusion of the program, Christine Pangelinan, CSCF program officer, shared a unique grant opportunity with those in attendance. Everyone in the room waited to hear the strings that were attached, but they never came. CSCF’s first unrestricted grant round through the Regional Impact Fund was announced. This grant round is open to the entire 5 ½ county service area. There are no geographic restrictions within counties for this grant opportunity. Charitable organizations investing in community programs and projects benefiting Lower Luzerne, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union and Snyder Counties are encouraged to apply. This year, the Regional Impact Fund is granting a total of $50,000 through this competitive grant round. Grant requests up to $10,000 are being considered.
Grant requests must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Thursday, July 12. Grant decisions will be announced in October 2018.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Employers have the opportunity to provide comment on new rules regarding overtime eligibility standards. The Governor’s proposed changes are similar to a proposal put forth by former President Obama in 2015 which was widely opposed by the employer community and ultimately struck down by a federal court.
In January 2018, the Wolf administration announced its intent to implement changes to the Commonwealth’s overtime eligibility rules for employees. The proposal, released this week, would dramatically change overtime eligibility rules imposed on Pennsylvania employers by requiring a wage threshold for “exempt status” that is more than double the current rate set by the federal government. The proposed changes further include significant revisions to the so-called “duties tests,” which are also used to determine eligibility. Finally, the rule establishes an automatic update to the salary threshold every three years beginning in 2023.
When President Obama proposed this rule in 2015, the response from employers was swift and deeply negative, particularly among small businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and the health service industry, among others. Employers not only described significant increases to the cost of providing services or doing businesses, but also the reality that this dramatic change would damage workplace culture and morale, as employers would be forced to shift employees from earning a salary to being paid by the hour. This transition typically requires employees to start clocking in and out, along with more burdensome record-keeping, less flexibility, a rigid work schedule and fewer training opportunities and benefits.
Governor’s Wolf’s proposal has prompted the same concerns; and since it would only apply to Pennsylvania, it would further harm the Commonwealth’s competitiveness in relation to other states.
If you are concerned with the negatives consequences this proposal would have on your business, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Governor Wolf’s proposal is pending with the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, which will accept comments through July 23, after which it will proceed to final rulemaking. Employers are encouraged to email the commission and offer their feedback on this ill-advised policy. IRRC is required to review all feedback and has previously taken action against a proposed rule based on the volume and nature of comments it receives.
For more information or questions, contact Alex Halper at 717 720-5471 or email.
Member News
- CSS Industries (Berwick Offray) will host another job fair at the Chamber office at 238 Market St., Bloomsburg, tomorrow, June 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CSS has multiple openings, including for full-time, part-time or summer only positions. Visit CSS’ careers site for a list of openings, and for any questions in advance, contact Melissa Burt via email.
- Community Options, Inc., a provider of residential and employment support to people with disabilities, is seeking individuals interested in serving on a new business advisory committee for Community Options’ Bloomsburg office. Community Options’ mission is to promote the integration of persons with disabilities within the communities in which they reside, enabling them to become viable and contributing neighbors, employees and citizens of the community. The purpose of this committee is to discuss and implement ways to help the organization better integrate into the community and bridge the gap between the community and the individuals it serves. If you may be interested in serving on this committee, or for questions, contact associate executive director David McConaghy at 570-638-6007 or email. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 28 at noon at Community Options’ Bloomsburg office, located at 1117 Old Berwick Rd.
- Danville Borough uses the SwiftReach Swift911 notification system to send out voice messages to inform registered users about borough events such as road closures, utility service interruptions, and emergency situations. If you are currently signed up for SwiftReach notification, please make sure your contact information is up to date. Many people no longer use a land line telephone and may have forgotten to update the system with the cell phone number. The Borough has updated the addresses in the SwiftReach notification system based on the new 911 readdressing project, so now is the perfect time to log into your account and make sure your contact information is correct. Please log into your SwiftReach account by visiting the Danville Borough’s website and clicking on the Swift911 link at the bottom right side of the home page. If you do not currently have an account, you can create one at this same link. If you do not have internet access please contact Donna Murphy, borough receptionist, at 570-275-3901 ext. 0 about registering to receive the notifications.
- Earlier this year, the Bloomsburg Area YMCA accepted a $3,000 grant from YMCA of the USA to offer LIVESTRONG. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week program of group fitness classes and strength training programs provided at no cost to adult survivors of cancer. These sessions have been affirmed through years of evidence to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life as part of the recovery process for survivors. Last month, Bloomsburg Y CEO Joe Reinard and two directors, Noelle Pinchot and Emily Temple, visited YMCA of the USA in Chicago for a training session to properly launch LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The Bloomsburg Y is looking forward to embracing a new role in the community as a refuge for cancer survivors. The first session will begin at the Y in the fall, with applications available later this summer at the Y.
- The Bloomsburg Public Library will be holding a “Country Fair” on Saturday, July 14, to help kick off Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Charlotte’s Web, and is looking for a large popcorn machine to use for this event. If you or your organization has one available and would be willing to loan it to the Bloomsburg Public Library to use on this date, please contact Lydia Kegler, library director, at 570-784-0883 or email. The library is also looking for carnival type games that could be set up inside the children’s library or possibly outside in the parking lot.
- The Bucknell SBDC will host its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast, which will also mark a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bucknell SBDC, on Monday, July 16, from 8-10 a.m. at the Elaine Langone Center’s Terrace Room on the 2nd floor on the Bucknell campus. Business owners, legislators, economic development partners and startup enthusiasts are invited to join the SBDC for breakfast to recognize the entrepreneurs and leaders of the region. Special presentations will include the U.S. Small Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA, the Product Innovator of the Year and the Charles H. Coder Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the Bucknell SBDC’s founding director. Register online or call 570-577-1249.
- Looking to showcase your business to students at Bucknell while also getting some free consulting work? Bucknell is launching a new pre-orientation program, Design-Thinking Leadership (DTL), providing an opportunity for your business to connect with Bucknell’s newest students. Student teams in the DTL program will formulate actionable solutions to real-world problems posed by local business owners. The program, which runs Aug. 10-14, is seeking 4 -5 business owners to speak with students and present a problem or opportunity in their business. During the next two days student teams will conceptualize, research, and refine a solution; and then pitch to the business owner at the end of the program. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business, make lasting connections with students, and benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. If interested in participating in this program as a business owner, submit this Google form, and for questions, contact Bucknell SBDC director Steve Stumbris at 570-577-1249 or email.