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U.S. Chamber Release Election Primer, Statement

October 23, 2024

U.S. Chamber Release Election Primer, Statement

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With two weeks to go and voting already underway in Election 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today released its election primer. The guide, which is distributed by the U.S. Chamber ahead of the general election every four years, serves as an educational resource for Chamber members and its network of state and local chambers and includes key election dates and information on how, when, and where to vote.  Next week, the Columbia Montour Chamber will distribute information about local voting resources made available through Columbia and Montour Counties.

The Chamber also issued the following statement:

“There is likely to be record or near-record turnout for this year’s election. This is a reason for celebration. Even as many Americans are passionately and deeply divided about the candidates and their policies, we remain a nation that resolves our differences peacefully at the ballot box.

“At the same time, the likely closeness of this election and the variety of voting and vote-counting procedures mean we may not know the outcome as quickly as we would like. That’s cause for preparation and patience – but not concern.

“We are fortunate to have dedicated local professionals throughout our communities administering our elections. As is the case in every election, there are likely to be legal challenges over disagreements about election processes. This is normal and we must let legal challenges play out in the appropriate courts, then respect and abide by their decisions. We encourage all Americans to be patient and have faith in the checks and balances built into our systems.

“When this election is over, we must work together to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and remember that we are all Americans and what unites us is much larger than what divides us."

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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties.  The CMCC is a 75-year member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and routinely distributes information from the U.S. Chamber that it believes will serve its members.  

Five Mindset Shifts to Help Leaders Embrace Self-Care

October 23, 2024

Five Mindset Shifts to Help Leaders Embrace Self-Care

Leaders often struggle with self-care, but adopting these five mindset shifts can change that. Start by creating a body budget, managing emotional health, identifying choice points, and prioritizing growth and nourishment. Regular practice of a personalized plan ensures long-term success.

458 words ~ 2 min. read

In today's fast-paced business environment, many leaders know the importance of self-care but often fail to implement it in their daily routines. Why? Because they overlook the necessary mindset shifts that support sustainable self-care practices. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Paulena Neale explores how leaders can use a simple checklist to help take better care of themselves and, in turn, their teams. The five-part checklist below offers you a summary of Neale’s most important points. Read on to learn how you can transform self-care from a wish into a reality.

1. Make a Body Budget

Just like managing financial budgets, leaders need to maintain a "body budget" — the balance of physical, mental, and emotional energy. This concept is essential for self-care because leaders often run on fumes without realizing it. Tracking physical activity, rest, and nutrition can prevent burnout before it happens. Leaders must recognize that maintaining their body’s resources is as important as managing company resources.

2. Manage Emotional Health

Leaders are responsible for setting the emotional tone of their teams, yet managing their emotional health often takes a backseat. Regular emotional check-ins are key. Strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, or therapy can help leaders stay emotionally grounded, reducing the risk of decision fatigue or emotional burnout. Healthy leaders foster healthier teams.

3. Identify Choice Points

Throughout the day, leaders face decision points that determine the quality of their self-care. Learning to recognize these "choice points" is critical. For example, when feeling overwhelmed, the choice might be between continuing to grind through work or stepping away for a moment to recharge. Identifying when you're at a crossroads can allow you to make decisions that support your well-being without sacrificing leadership performance.

4. Prioritize Growth and Nourishment

Effective leaders constantly seek personal and professional growth, but growth requires more than just accumulating new skills. Nourishment is about engaging in activities that refresh and inspire. For some, that might mean pursuing hobbies, reading for pleasure, or spending time in nature. Leaders should find what nourishes them and protect time for these activities. Regular nourishment enhances creativity, resilience, and leadership clarity.  In a shameless plug, this is exactly the reason that your Columbia Montour Chamber created the Business Leadership Forum - so that you can connect with local business owners and leaders, and learn from their successes. Join us and connect with stories of local businesses as they've experienced organic growth while dealing with the same challenges you face every day.

 

5. Personalize Your Plan and Practice It Regularly

No two leaders have the same needs, so self-care must be personalized. Crafting a plan that reflects your unique responsibilities, strengths, and preferences is essential. Once you have a plan, the key is consistency. Just as you wouldn’t skip out on critical meetings, don’t skip self-care. It’s an investment that will pay off in your ability to lead effectively over the long term.

These mindset shifts are more than just wellness tips—they are foundational to becoming a resilient and impactful leader. In the same way, leaders strategize for business growth, they should strategize for personal well-being. To read Neale’s full article, go here.


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 – Bayada Home Health Care

October 17, 2024

New Member Highlight – Bayada Home Health Care

BAYADA is a nonprofit, trusted leader in providing clinical care and support services at home for children and adults of all ages. Since 1975, BAYADA has been at the forefront of the home care movement – working to give people greater access to high-quality care that helps them live safely at home. The Bloomsburg office provides pediatric personal care services as well as pediatric and adult skilled nursing care services in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties.

Learn more about BAYADA.

Member News ~ October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024

Member News ~ October 17, 2024

FREE WEBINAR Features the Ins and Outs of Unemployment Compensation Benefits

Employers are invited to gain valuable Unemployment Compensation insights during a FREE webinar on October 22nd! Join the PA Chamber of Business and Industry for an informative session next week designed to help employers navigate the complexities of UC benefits. Register here.

Direkt Recovery Bloomsburg Celebrating 5 years in Business!

Congratulations to Direkt Recovery Bloomsburg Celebrating 5 years in business this Saturday October 19th at their 29 Frosty Valley Rd, Bloomsburg.  Join them for a day of giveaways!

2024 Small Business Advantage Grant Open

The 2024-2025 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is now open for applications.  The grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. New program documents for 2024-2025 can be found here.

Weis Center Hosts Two Outdoor Cirque Performances – on a Food Truck!

The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will host an eclectic and quirky contemporary cirque ensemble, Cirque Kikasse, on Saturday, October 19 at 12 noon and 4 p.m. Learn more.

Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October/November Programs

Get full schedule here.

ReadyPA October Newsletter is out now!

The featured articles this month include: Cybersecurity Awareness Month-Four Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online; Staying Safe Using AI; Fire Prevention Week and Get Ready to Vote! Also included are the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBERSECURITY FOR OLDER ADULTS and the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SAFETY FOR KIDS. Learn more.

United Way Kicks Off 2024-2025 Campaign with $665,000 Goal

Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway with a focus on our local ALICE population. Community members are encouraged to participate in United Way’s Annual Day of Giving on 10/24/24, a 24-hour fundraising event designed to Unite our community and Ignite a brighter future.  Learn more.

McKonly & Asbury Celebrates 20th Recognition as One of the Best Places to Work in PA!

McKonly & Asbury is excited to announce that they have once again been named one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2024! This marks an incredible 20th recognition in the program’s history. Learn more.

SBDC Shares Grant Information

The Agricultural Innovation Grant helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. Learn more about Agriculture Innovation Grant  - Deadline November 15th

Service 1st’s Muncy Branch celebrates Grand Opening

The credit union will celebrate their grand opening of the Muncy location through Saturday, October 19. Get all the details.

Halloween Happenings

On the Bright Side session Happening November 14th

The next Women's Giving Circle "On the Bright Side" session is on November 14th at 12pm. Open to all, this virtual session will connect participants from across the region as we pause from our busy schedules to empower, connect, and inspire each other. Register online here!

PA CareerLink's 2024 Fall Career Fair is happening October 29th

Join the PA CareerLink for a Fall Career Fair on October 29th at the Bloomsburg Fire Department.  Learn more.

Join The Bloomsburg Library for a night of intrigue and suspense October 18 - October 20th

As excitement builds around the discovery of a mysterious mummified cat and an ancient Egyptian scarab, an unexpected tragedy strikes! Join the Bloomsburg Library for "Murder In the Library" happening over the weekend of October 18 - 20th.  Learn more!

Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available

Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp

Railroad Military Locomotives to Used in Passenger Service for the First Time

The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will be pulling passenger excursions (for the first time) with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage.  Learn more.

Hess Recreation Area Access Road open

MARC is pleased to report the Hess Recreation Area access road is reopened to use, effective immediately. MARC does not anticipate any other road closures at the Hess Recreation Area until the late spring / early summer of 2025, when the final phase of the roadway reconstruction is planned. MARC staff will be on site in coming weeks to finalize improvements to roadway drainage features, but no road closures will be required.

Geisinger to host appreciation Dinners to Honor local Military Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.  The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Get a list of all locations and register by November 1st here.

Third Quarter On Track Newsletter out NOW!

Check it out!

McKonly & Asbury hosting Advanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Issues Seminar

McKonly & Asbury’s Affordable Housing Seminar will be held in-person on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm.  Learn more.

Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosting Pancake Breakfast November 2nd

Please join Learning to Live Beloved Ministries for breakfast to help raise the remaining funds for their Well House Renovation project. The Well House is to be used for emergency housing for adult females exiting human sex trafficking in our local region. Learn more.

2024 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program Opens

The Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant program aims to support the advancement of regional outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway which includes Columbia and Montour counties. Proposals for projects that take place outside of the Susquehanna Greenway will not be considered. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on October 25, 2024. To learn more and apply for grants you can go to susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program. 

The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley.  Learn more about the celebration here.

Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes

5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties.  Get the full schedule.

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!

AI Prompts to Prepare for Small Business Saturday

October 16, 2024

AI Prompts to Prepare for Small Business Saturday

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Miranda Fraraccio, Contributor

Small Business Saturday is a prime opportunity for small businesses to promote their brand and take advantage of an eager-to-shop audience. However, with nearly 32 million independent businesses, competition is fierce.

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to prepare for Small Business Saturday can provide the shortcut you need to get more eyes on your business. Below are some AI prompts to help create campaigns, offerings, and experiences that will get your small business noticed.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates independently owned businesses nationwide by encouraging consumers to “Shop Small” during the holiday season. The event occurs annually, kicking off the holiday season by putting a spotlight on locally owned and small businesses while inspiring consumers to support and spend within their local communities rather than at big-box retailers. Hosted on the last Saturday of November, this year’s Small Business Saturday event will occur on November 30, 2024.

AI prompts to support your small business impact

With 91% of businesses using AI expecting it to drive future growth, it’s time to consider adding it to your Small Business Saturday strategy to simplify your sales efforts. Here’s how to get started.

Craft attention-getting marketing campaigns

From building buyer personas to writing engaging product descriptions, AI can help small businesses develop successful Small Business Saturday marketing campaigns from start to finish. Before launching, AI can assist with market research and creating the right brand voice. It can also handle customer segmentation, helping to identify your target audience’s needs and potential pain points that could be good to market toward.

AI can even analyze purchasing behaviors and study customer feedback from previous years to help improve your strategy.

Try this prompt: “I’m a small business owner preparing for Small Business Saturday. Can you help me create a unique marketing plan that considers the buyer experience during the holiday season?”

Design personalized offers and discounts

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, you’ll want to get your audience’s attention by standing out among other businesses’ promotions and limited-time deals. AI can help by creating personalized offers catered to your audience’s interests and past purchases, making them more likely to choose your business during the holiday rush.

By analyzing customer accounts, AI can identify items in their shopping cart and from their purchase history, as well as new offerings that may interest them. From there, your business can create personalized promotions — which can be shared via email, social media, and targeted ads — demonstrating an understanding of your customers’ needs and making them feel valued.

Try this prompt: “Analyze this customer dataset to determine which items they are most likely to purchase. Then, create personalized offers tailored to their preferences that can be promoted during Small Business Saturday.”

By observing historical data and identifying patterns, small businesses can use AI to predict which items are most and least likely to sell during Small Business Saturday.

Improve customer engagement and experience

During Small Business Saturday and the ensuing holiday season, customer inquiries tend to surge. AI can support customer service representatives by providing recommended solutions and personalized scripts tailored to each customer's needs, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and accurately.

When your team is unavailable, AI chatbots can offer 24/7 customer support, eliminating the need for additional staffing. This allows businesses to scale and quickly handle customer issues — sometimes without human involvement — which will lower operational costs while improving the customer experience. Plus, by matching your brand’s tone, AI chatbots can reinforce your brand persona across all interactions.

Try this prompt: “Reference customer inquiries from previous holiday seasons, accounting for customer demographics and preferences, to create recommended scripts to assist with common issues during Small Business Saturday.”

Streamline inventory management and sales forecasting

AI can also help small businesses with inventory management and sales forecasting behind the scenes. By observing historical data and identifying patterns, small businesses can use AI to predict which items are most and least likely to sell during Small Business Saturday. This ensures proper budgeting and stocking enough inventory to prevent selling out and missing potential revenue.

AI can take sales forecasting further by analyzing purchasing habits alongside factors like customer demographics, inventory levels, prices, and market trends. This helps businesses make more intelligent decisions during the holiday season, promoting the right products to the right audience at the optimal time.

Try this prompt: “Use this data to create a sales forecast that highlights what items are most likely to sell during the holiday season. Identify which items are least likely to sell as well.”

CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.

CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business.

PA Chamber Testifies on Workers’ Comp Drug Costs, Calls for Reform

October 16, 2024

PA Chamber Testifies on Workers’ Comp Drug Costs, Calls for Reform

Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry

PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper testified last week before the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee, urging lawmakers to address rising prescription drug costs in the state’s workers’ compensation system.

The hearing, held on Tuesday, October 9, focused on the Federated Insurance Co. v. Summit Pharmacy case, which exposed flaws in the state’s use of the so-called “Red Book” employers had been required to use for years to determine prescription drug prices for workers’ compensation claims. The court ruled that this pricing model was inconsistent with the law and often results in inflated costs, forcing Pennsylvania employers to pay significantly more for medications compared to other states.

“This case revolved around a pharmacy which had been dispensing prescriptions drugs to a workers’ compensation claimant beginning in 2019 and submitting claims to the employer’s insurance carrier totaling over $100,000, with costs determined by the Red Book.” Halper said in his testimony. “They cited bills submitted between April 2021 and September 2022 totaling about $74,000 and compared those costs to the amount determined by a different pricing source, the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost Index (NADAC), which totaled a little over $1,500.”

Halper highlighted findings from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute, showing that Pennsylvania ranks first in the nation for average prescription costs. The state also leads the nation in payments for dermatological medications. Despite a decrease in the overall number of claims, prescription costs continue to climb due to inflated prices.

The PA Chamber has consistently advocated for reforms to control these costs, including the implementation of a prescription drug formulary. Halper urged lawmakers to take action to ensure injured workers continue to receive necessary care while preventing employers from being overcharged.

“We need a solution that protects both workers and employers from these excessive costs,” Halper said.

Watch Alex’s full testimony.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors.

5 Signs You’re a Community Leader

October 16, 2024

5 Signs You’re a Community Leader

Leadership comes in many forms, from those who inspire dedication and support to those who rule through fear and intimidation. A true leader is someone who can command those under them without having to resort to extreme tactics. Many great leaders share some common traits, so work to improve these qualities in yourself to establish yourself as a leader in your community.

A Vision for the Future

You won't get very far as a community leader if you don't have a destination in mind. In order to get your friends and neighbors to rally around you, they need to have a sense of what your goals are for the community. Take the time to think about what it is that you want for your neighborhood, and find out whether others share your vision. This way, you can all begin to work together towards a common goal.

Humility

One of the marks of a great leader is the ability to recognize when you don't know something. Admitting that you need outside help or advice is not a sign of weakness but rather a show of wisdom. Just because you ask for help doesn't make you any less of a leader. Of course, you don't want to discount your own knowledge, as you have a unique perspective to offer your community. The key is to recognize when others are more qualified to handle certain tasks. True leaders know when to do the work themselves and when to delegate.

Charisma

Some people seem to have a quality about them that just draws people to them, even if you can't pinpoint what it is exactly. You'll need charisma to succeed as a community leader because you need to be able to persuade people to listen to what you have to say. Take every opportunity you can get to refine your public speaking and networking skills. As you continue to rise through the ranks of your community, you'll need to draw on these skills more and more frequently.

Bringing Out the Best in Others

A true leader knows how to maximize other people's strengths by encouraging and supporting them. Rather than clawing your way to the top by tearing down those around you, it is far better to build yourself up by building a strong team. With everyone working together, the entire team gains greater recognition, and as the leader, you'll get the most recognition of all. You'll get greater loyalty from your team as well, as they'll be more inclined to support you when they feel valued and that their skills are being put to good use.

Patience

You won't become a community leader overnight, so you'll need to have the patience necessary to gradually build your audience over time. If you take the time to get involved in your community and listen to what your peers are saying, you'll establish yourself as an active member of society. Over time, your neighbors will start to get to know you and value your opinion. As you continue to grow and expand your influence, you'll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a community leader.

There is no time like the present to start thinking about the self-development you will need to help improve the community around you.

Connect with the Chamber's Development Programs:

  1. Business Leadership Form: Empowering Business Success Through Local Storytelling - Join local business leaders for an inspiring day filled with powerful stories of local business success, and learn new ways to elevate your business through the power of storytelling. Check out the speakers page and register for this November 6th event. 
  2. Management and Leadership Certificate Program - Area employers have expressed a need for employee training in basic management and team leadership. Based upon input from these employers, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg has partnered with The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to offer a five-session Management and Leadership Certificate Program, designed to develop and sharpen leadership skills in today's workplace environment.   Interested in being notified when applications are open for the spring cohort? Email cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com
  3. Leadership Central Penn - Established in 1992, LCP is a nine-month program designed to identify, educate, involve, and motivate a select group of area citizens for positions of leadership. Its goals are to seek individuals from a broad range of geographical, institutional, and economic backgrounds interested in and able to assume effective leadership roles in their work and communities. LCP starts in August and ends in May.  Interested in being notified when Applications open for the 2026 Class? Email foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com.

 

 

Member News ~ October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

Member News ~ October 10, 2024

Women's Center encourages you to wear Purple on October 17th

On Thursday, October 17, wear purple to show your support of domestic violence survivors.  Take a selfie in your purple and share it on social media with #PurpleThursday #DVAM #Every1KnowsSome. Tag The Women's Center's Facebook page or email photos to womenctr1@verizon.net.

2024 Small Business Advantage Grant Open

The 2024-2025 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is now open for applications.  The grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. New program documents for 2024-2025 can be found here.

Service 1st donates utility building to Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company

Service 1st Federal Credit Union recently donated a utility building to the Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company located at 932 East Penn Street, Muncy. Learn more.

Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October Programs

Get full schedule here.

Americana Artist Charly Lowry Coming to Weis Center

The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome Americana singer/songwriter Charly Lowry on Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn more.

Senator Culver and Representative Stender holding License Plate Replacement event in Danville

Has your license plate lost its reflectivity or is it peeling, discolored or unreadable from 50 feet away? Then join state Rep. Michael Stender and Senator Culver at their damaged license plate replacement event on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2-4 p.m. on the 200 block of Iron Street, Danville.
Please register to attend this event by visiting Rep. Stender’s website.

Bloomsburg YMCA welcomes two new Team Members

Ray Palmer, Resource Coordinator Assistant is completing her first-year internship here at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA Community Resource Hub and Alexis Ormsbee, Youth Programs Assistant is looking forward to keeping kids involved within the community to help them grow. Welcome, Ray and Alexis!

United Way Kicks Off 2024-2025 Campaign with $665,000 Goal

Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway with a focus on our local ALICE population. Community members are encouraged to participate in United Way’s Annual Day of Giving on 10/24/24, a 24-hour fundraising event designed to Unite our community and Ignite a brighter future.  Learn more.

SBDC Shares Grant Information

The Agricultural Innovation Grant helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. Learn more about Agriculture Innovation Grant  - Deadline November 15th

Halloween Happenings

On the Bright Side session Happening November 14th

The next Women's Giving Circle "On the Bright Side" session is on November 14th at 12pm. Open to all, this virtual session will connect participants from across the region as we pause from our busy schedules to empower, connect, and inspire each other. More information on topic/speakers will be shared soon. Register online here!

Join The Bloomsburg Library for a night of intrigue and suspense October 18 - October 20th

As excitement builds around the discovery of a mysterious mummified cat and an ancient Egyptian scarab, an unexpected tragedy strikes! Join the Bloomsburg Library for "Murder In the Library" happening over the weekend of October 18 - 20th.  Learn more!

Railroad Military Locomotives to Used in Passenger Service for the First Time

The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will be pulling passenger excursions (for the first time) with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage.  Learn more.

Halloween and Fall Foliage Train Rides Happening October 12th in Bloomsburg

These rides are brought to you by Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. and the Bloomsburg Public Library in partnership with the North Shore Railroad, Penn Valley Railroad, LLC, and the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority. There are three train rides on Saturday, October 12 - 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm. Get more info here.

Geisinger to host appreciation Dinners to Honor local Military Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7.  The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Get a list of all locations and register by November 1st here.

Third Quarter On Track Newsletter out NOW!

Check it out!

McKonly & Asbury hosting Advanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Issues Seminar

McKonly & Asbury’s Affordable Housing Seminar will be held in-person on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm.  Learn more.

Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosting Pancake Breakfast November 2nd

Please join Learning to Live Beloved Ministries for breakfast to help raise the remaining funds for their Well House Renovation project. The Well House is to be used for emergency housing for adult females exiting human sex trafficking in our local region. Learn more.

2024 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program Opens

The Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant program aims to support the advancement of regional outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway which includes Columbia and Montour counties. Proposals for projects that take place outside of the Susquehanna Greenway will not be considered. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on October 25, 2024. To learn more and apply for grants you can go to susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program. 

Join Journey Bank for the 2024 Photography Competition on October 13th

Sunday, October 13th from 3:00 am - 5:00 pm Journey Bank will be hosting their 2024 Photography Competition. The event will take place at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Market St. Berwick, PA.  Light refreshments will be followed by an awards presentation at 5:00 pm.  RSVP by call 570-316-1339.

The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley.  Learn more about the celebration here.

Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes

5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties.  Get the full schedule.

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!

Last Week in the State Legislature

October 9, 2024

Last Week in the State Legislature

Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry

Both the House and Senate were in session last week, considering proposals related to paid leave, workers’ compensation, tax appeals, and more. Here is a rundown of some of last week’s legislative action relevant to employers.

HOUSE

PA Board of Finance and Revenue Appeals Reform (S.B. 1051 and H.B. 1994)

The House Finance Committee last week voted to advance two identical PA Chamber-supported measures aimed at reforming the Board of Finance and Revenue (BF&R) appeals process.

Senate Bill 1051 and House Bill 1994 would each allow the Board of Finance and Revenue (BF&R) to consider late-filed tax appeals from the Department of Revenue (DOR) if the taxpayer shows good cause. The bills also establish a settlement process at the BF&R as an alternative to the formal and lengthy court appeals process.

Taxpayers who disagree with a final decision made by DOR currently have 60 days to appeal the decision to the BF&R. Without the ability to accept late-filed appeals, cases are dismissed on a technicality rather than on their merits. The ability to settle disputes at the BF&R will provide for a quicker and fairer resolution to tax disputes, particularly for smaller businesses that do not have the resources for a drawn-out appeals process or litigation in the Commonwealth Court.

The PA Chamber supported both bills (CLICK HERE for our memo), which passed unanimously and will advance to the full House of Representatives to await votes on final passage.

Regulating Recurring Subscriptions (H.B. 116 and H.B. 2557)

The House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee last week voted to advance two bills opposed by the PA Chamber regulating recurring subscriptions.

House Bill 116 would amend the Unfair Trade Practice and Consumer Protection Act (UTPCPA) to require notification to consumers for automatic renewal subscriptions and allow consumers to cancel their subscriptions over the internet. Separately, House Bill 2557 would amend the UTPCPA to require notification of automatic renewals and automatic enrollment provisions in promotional offers.

Both proposals would subject businesses to new private rights of action, which is an excessive enforcement mechanism. Enforcement of consumer contracts should rest solely with the Attorney General to ensure a consistent approach to marketplace regulation. This legislation could also impede businesses’ ability to provide consumers with convenient, easy-to-use, and hassle-free options to continue services they value.

Both bills passed the committee by votes of 24-1 and now advance to the full House for consideration.

Right to Repair (H.B. 2535)

The House Commerce Committee last week voted along party lines to advance House Bill 2535.

This legislation would require original equipment manufacturers of electronics and appliances that contain embedded software, such as cellphones, washers, dryers, refrigerators, televisions, and laptops, to make available to consumers and independent repair shops the information and parts needed to repair those devices and fully disclose any contract provision preventing third party repair.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo) because it undermines intellectual property rights, compromises product safety, and can lead to unauthorized modifications that jeopardize both consumer safety and the integrity of the original manufacturer’s standards.

Committee lawmakers voted 14-11 to advance H.B. 2535, which now goes to the full House for consideration.

Mandatory Paid Leave (H.B. 2548)

The House Labor & Industry Committee last week voted along party lines to advance House Bill 2548.

This legislation would require all Pennsylvania employers to implement and fund paid leave.

The bill would force employers of all sizes to adopt a one-size-fits-all mandatory policy related to time off regardless of a company’s size, industry, or other factors; and prohibit employers from developing customized leave policies that benefit their employees while still accommodating their own unique staffing requirements.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation (CLICK HERE for our memo), which lawmakers voted 14-11 to advance. House Bill 2548 now goes to the full House for consideration.

Greenwashing (H.B. 2525)

The House Judiciary Committee last week voted along party lines to advance House Bill 2525.

This legislation would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (UTPCPA) to create a private right of action against employers for making deceptive environmental marketing claims, otherwise known as “greenwashing.”

Private rights of action lead to an increase in litigation, burdening the legal system and resulting in higher costs for both individuals and businesses. This can strain court resources and slow down the resolution of cases.

The PA Chamber opposed this legislation, which lawmakers voted 14-11 to advance. House Bill 2525 now goes to the full House for consideration.

Restricting PFAS Chemicals (S.B. 144)

The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee last week voted 23-2 to advance Senate Bill 114.

This legislation would establish new statewide requirements restricting the use of Class B foams containing added PFAS chemistries in firefighting applications.

The PA Chamber was neutral on the underlying legislation, however they opposed an amendment, which lawmakers voted to adopt by a narrower 15-10 margin, with language that broadens the scope of this legislation. Senate Bill 144 now advances to the full House for consideration.

Food Processing Residuals (H.B. 2393)

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee last week voted 23-2 to advance House Bill 2393.

This legislation would amend the Solid Waste Management Act, making several changes to the way that Pennsylvania handles food processing residue (FPR).

The PA Chamber recommended the legislation be amended to reflect issues raised by employers from the agriculture and food industries. These issues included classification, land use, and disclosure requirements.

Fortunately, an omnibus amendment addressing these concerns was unanimously adopted by the committee. House Bill 2393 now advances to the full House for consideration.

SENATE

Workers’ Compensation Expansion (H.B. 1632)

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee last week voted to advance House Bill 1632.

This legislation would significantly expand eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for various categories of employees diagnosed with mental health conditions. Under current law, mental health conditions are generally compensable for workers’ compensation medical and wage-loss benefits if they are related to a physical injury or the result of an incident outside of the normal scope of employment. Otherwise, mental healthcare costs are generally covered by regular health insurance.

The bill would trigger WC benefit eligibility for certain categories of public employees for mental health conditions that result from normal work conditions, a paradigm shift that will significantly expand the program and could set a precedent to apply to the private sector.

The PA Chamber urged lawmakers to hold off considering this proposal and continue working with stakeholders to find a compromise (CLICK HERE for our memo).

Committee lawmakers voted 10-0 to advance H.B. 1632, which now goes to the full Senate.

Prevailing Wage Expansion (H.B. 2153)

The Senate Labor & Industry Committee also voted 10-0 last week to advance House Bill 2153.

This legislation would expand the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act to include custom fabrication.

The PA Prevailing Wage Act requires pre-determined wages to be paid on public construction projects and can substantially increase project costs. This bill would expand this requirement to custom fabrication work, which will increase costs and create administrative challenges for employers, potentially divert projects to out-of-state competitors, and raise costs for taxpayers.

The bill was amended to remove another objectionable provision prohibiting employers from utilizing “split pay” policies which increase efficiency on the worksite. The PA Chamber welcomed the removal of this provision but remain opposed to this legislation, which advanced the committee last Tuesday. It now goes to the full Senate.

Statutory Cap Reform for Catastrophic Cases (S.B. 1300)

The Senate Judiciary Committee last week voted to advance Senate Bill 1300.

This legislation would increase the statutory caps on how much money an individual could recover from catastrophic lawsuits against state and local governments. These caps allow for responsible fiscal planning and stewardship of taxpayer funds, while also permitting reasonable recovery.

The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee recently reported that only one percent of the claims brought against local and state agencies are not fully satisfied under the current statutory caps. Senate Bill 1300 addresses those cases – it substantially increases the current limits for recovery in the most serious of cases.

The PA Chamber supported this legislation (CLICK HERE for their memo), which advanced the committee by a vote of 9-4. Senate Bill 1300 now goes to the full Senate.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.

Remote Work: A Complicated and Evolving Concept

October 9, 2024

Remote Work: A Complicated and Evolving Concept

Just as many workers have been getting comfortable enjoying the benefits that remote work brings, employees are increasingly feeling pressure to return to the office. Numerous companies are beginning to cut back on various aspects of the hybrid work environment, either eliminating it entirely or bringing employees back into the office on a more frequent basis.

There may be several factors serving as motivation behind the change. As recession fears mount, business owners have begun placing an increased emphasis on worker productivity and many feel that the in-office experience yields better results than the work-from-home model. Additionally, many believe that it’s important to have employees face-to-face with management for improved results when mentoring and training both new and existing employees.

Adding to the push to return workers to the office is a growing awareness that innovation, creativity and collaboration are more apt to suffer when teams within their organization are apart. The general consensus among corporate management personnel is that in-person time helps build relationships and enable greater accomplishments. Some also point out that it is easier to build trust in-person and that those trusted relationships help teams work more effectively.

Although hybrid work arrangements are unlikely to entirely disappear, the degree to which employers allow workers to work from home in the future appears to be unclear.

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.

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