From PA Chamber of Business & Industry When Gov. Tom Wolf first took office, he adopted the mantra, “Jobs that Pay. Schools That Teach. Government That Works.” when describing his policy priorities. In many ways, our member businesses have indicated that the PA Chamber’s mission is much the same – to create a robust environment for job creation; schools that allow every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, to have the opportunity to earn a high quality education; and a government that runs efficiently for the Commonwealth’s citizens and employers. However, it’s how those goals are achieved where there tends to be disagreement. For example, Gov. Wolf touted a reduction in the state’s Corporate Net Income tax rate as part of his 2018-19 state budget plan. But he wants to couple it with mandatory unitary combined reporting, which the PA Chamber has long opposed for the administrative and tax burdens it imposes on employers. The governor also wants to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage rate from $7.25 an hour all the way up to $12 an hour. The PA Chamber remains outspoken in our members’ opposition to government mandated wage hikes – they simply don’t help low-income workers improve their financial outcomes, and force them to compete against each other for fewer jobs. In the view of the business community, the way to ensure that the Commonwealth has “jobs that pay” is through strengthened workforce development programs that help guide students and workers into the in-demand occupations that will offer family-sustaining wages in the long-term. Workforce development is a core component of the PA Chamber’s mission, through our “Start the Conversation HERE” initiative that is in its second year of promoting employer-paid scholarships for students to pursue a career in the skilled trades. We’re pleased to see that Gov. Wolf has also made workforce development a priority in this budget through a new initiative, PASmart, which is aimed toward closing the state’s jobs skills gap. For the “schools that teach” component, the governor has again pushed for more spending for basic education in the coming fiscal year. There’s no question that putting taxpayer dollars into student achievement is a worthy investment, but our members believe the money should be earmarked for the classroom – not to continue to prop up the unsustainable benefits packages of public school employees. The PA Chamber is always ready to work with lawmakers on ways to streamline and simplify state government, and we’re pleased to see that the administration continues to look into department consolidation and other cost-savings initiatives in this year’s budget plan to help save time and money. But saving doesn’t have to mean turning around and spending more hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and this is a point we’ll continue to drive home in the four months before the budget deadline. On behalf of our members, we’re committed to working with elected officials on both sides of the aisle toward a common ground where there can be assurance that state government can do its job, and employers are given the freedom to do theirs.
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, LIVIC Civil, to help us fulfill our mission.
Founded just in late 2017, LIVIC Civil is a engineering firm that specializes in providing site and civil engineering, land development and municipal engineering services to the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Various markets it has experience in include residential and mixed use, retail, municipal, industrial, warehousing, energy, healthcare, civic and faith centers and educational. Services include land development, survey and subdivision, zoning and land use representation, municipal engineering, construction administration, stormwater permitting, feasibility and master planning, ADA compliance and streetscapes and infrastructure. Located at 109 Monroe St. (Rts. 11 & 15), Suite 70 in Selinsgrove, LIVIC Civil can be reached at 570-560-1275 or by email. Also check out their Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Member News
- PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties will hold a webinar about workers’ compensation tomorrow afternoon, March 8, from 2-3 p.m. Intended for small business owners and human resources professionals, this hour webinar, presented by the PA Department of Labor & Industry, will detail the process of how workers’ comp claims are made and processed, all in an attempt to make it as painless as possible for employers. To register, contact Donna Eyerly by email.
Tyler Helwig of MePush
Staff from MePush recently built the skills into the Google Assistant platform to contact MePush for help directly from the device. Clients in need of MePush’s services can simply say, “Ok Google, talk to MePush” and then the platform asks some key questions like name, phone, business or personal computer, and the type of problem. Afterwards, the device contacts MePush directly and creates a ticket in their customer service system. The lead on the cutting-edge project was Tyler Helwig (above). This new technology makes it easier for MePush to ask the proper questions of clients, and even easier for the client to conveniently contact the company in addition to phone or email.
- The Wilkes Small Business Development Center will hold a First Step Workshop on Wednesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. at its location at 85 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Cost for this workshop is $20, and registration can be done online or by calling 570-408-4340. A Wilkes SBDC representative is also available to meet with those interested in starting a business in the Bloomsburg and Columbia County area individually by appointment. Call the same number at the Wilkes SBDC to set up an appointment.
- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) has added two non-stop flights each weekday to Pittsburgh International Airport beginning on April 23. These flights will be in conjunction with Regional Sky, and are now available to be booked. AVP now offers non-stop flights to seven of the largest hubs in the United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Newark, Philadelphia and now Pittsburgh. For more information, see the flyer, or visit AVP’s website.
- The Bucknell Small Business Development Center will offer a First Step Workshop on Wednesday, April 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, located at 1985 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), Danville. This “pre-business” workshop is intended to assist potential entrepreneurs that are considering starting a business but might not know where to start. Attendees will learn about legal structure, selection a location, licenses and forms, insurance needs, business planning, small business taxes, hiring employees and more. Cost is $25 for each workshop, and those interested can register online or by calling 570-577-1249.
- The local PA CareerLink centers have scheduled their 2018 job fairs. The local one in our area will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, located at 5050 Sweppenheiser Dr., Bloomsburg. There will also be job fairs during May just outside of the area at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury on May 2 and at the Selinsgrove VFW in May 30. Later in the year, there will be one at the Best Western in Lewisburg on Sept. 6. The registration links for employers are now open for the three May events. See the flyer for more information as well as registration links.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
During the second week of annual budget hearings with the heads of state agencies and state row offices, House and Senate Appropriations Committee members discussed a variety of issues related to the Wolf administration’s 2018-19 proposed state spending plan and related policy initiatives.
At a Senate Appropriations Hearing with L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak, questions were asked about the impact of minimum wage increases on employers and the overall economy. Sen. Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, noted the state’s Independent Fiscal Office report last year showing that an increase to $12 an hour – as Gov. Wolf wants to impose in this year’s budget – would lead to 54,000 lost jobs. According to a summary of the hearing by Pennsylvania Legislative Services, Oleksiak acknowledged there are different reports and opined that some of the benefits he believes exists with minimum wage increases is that they “save on state aid and assistance provided to people earning minimum wage.” The PA Chamber is steadfastly opposed to government mandated wage hikes, as they are proven to result in fewer employee hours, less investment and hiring opportunities and job loss (especially among smaller businesses).
Attendees had a chance to spin the wheel to win one of a variety of prizes given out by co-hosts Art of Floating and Just a Drop, learned about the potential health benefits of floating and essential oils and also enjoyed food from Lucy’s Kitchen & Catering, all while browsing around both inside and outdoors at Art of Floating’s spacious facility during February’s Business After Hours on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Members had an opportunity to tour Art of Floating and check out their floating tanks, ask questions about what a float entails and its purposes and health benefits, meet the owners and staff, as well as find out about some of Art of Floating’s business consulting services and mental health workshops, which it offers in addition to its core business of floating. Just a Drop was also on hand to offer some sweet treats made with essential oils for attendees to sample, as well as talk about uses of essential oils. It also performed a free scan for those interested in which people held a sensor device in their hand, which made recommendations to each person for which essential oil use would be of the most benefit to them.
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 Wild For Salmon, located at 521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), on Wednesday, March 21, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh
Benefits consultants use data as a part of the consulting services provided to employers. The consulting strategy includes looking at health claims throughout the benefits year, creating reports and reviewing the reports with the benefits administration team.
“But this approach of simply ‘keeping score’ of data doesn’t accomplish the goals of every employer, which is to drive down the costs of a health insurance program,” says Michael Galardini, director of sales at JRG Advisors. “The next generation benefits consultant uses predictive modeling and data analytics to lower the largest cost of a health insurance program: emerging claims.”
Smart Business spoke with Galardini about how employers can get better results with emerging claims to lower the costs of a health insurance program.
How can predictive modeling and data analytics software identify risks andimprove a health insurance program?
Predictive modeling and data analytics software is a population health management service that can identify the high-risk members of a health insurance program.
Once identified, these members are ranked by severity and gaps in care. A web-based reporting system will provide access to the actionable information to target these high-cost and high-risk members. The system reveals the members who are noncompliant with preventive care — and members who require disease management, prescription drug maintenance or health coaching intervention.
Managing this data properly can ensure that these high-risk members don’t fall through the cracks.
Once properly identified, the next step in the risk management strategy is to evaluate the actual cost and forecast the cost in the next 12 months for each member. These include things like the number of emergency room and inpatient stays for each member in the next year. By identifying and evaluating these emerging claims, consultants can now get ahead of the costs that are driving the increases in premiums.
What’s the benefit for employers?
Identifying and managing these claims helps stabilize or lower the premium costs. The old process of reviewing claims data after the claim already occurs doesn’t allow the benefits consultant to provide a strategy to mitigate the costs to the employer.
Using predictive modeling and data analytics to identify high-risk members gives time to develop a population health management strategy to better manage the emerging claims.
What is population health management?
A significant component of reducing the identified health risk is using care managers to work with high-cost and high-risk members. Benefits consultants partner with care managers to review the data provided by the predictive modeling and data analytics software to motivate these members to manage their health care. Care managers can work directly and confidentially with the members to ensure the proper medical care is being provided for their specific medical conditions. These members will be guided through actions, such as timely preventive care, prescription drug adherence and coordination of care.
How do employees benefit?
The goal of the care managers is to teach the high-cost and high-risk members to self-manage their health care, comply with care instructions and pursue ways to improve their health status. Care managers can also use cost transparency tools to guide the member to find the best price for medical services. This not only keeps the claims costs lower for the health insurance plan, but also can help lower out-of-pocket costs the member has in the form of a deductible or co-insurance.
Incorporating predictive modeling and data analytics with a population health management strategy can produce the result that every employer expects from a benefits consultant — disrupting the current distribution model to move the needle of the emerging claims to lower the costs of a health insurance program.
From Penn College
Workforce Development & Continuing Education (WDCE) at Pennsylvania College of Technology is offering training to people seeking employment in the natural gas and energy industry. In addition to learning industry employability skills and gaining three industry-recognized certifications, students will be connected to employers who have immediate hiring needs.
Scholarships are available to those who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis. The training is delivered by Penn College as a result of its award-winning ShaleNET partnership.
The 40-hour training sessions are scheduled in Williamsport and Wellsboro:
March 12-15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., WDCE on Penn College’s main campus in Williamsport
March 26-30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wellsboro Area School District building in Wellsboro
April 9-13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., WDCE on Penn College’s main campus in Williamsport
To be considered for training, registrants must possess a valid driver’s license and have obtained the minimum of a high school diploma/GED. Potential students will need to produce results of recent drug testing, driving record and criminal background checks.
For more information, email ShaleTEC or call 570-327-4775.
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, Elmcroft Senior Living, to help us fulfill our mission.
Based in the Portland, Ore. area, Elmcroft Senior Living operates about 80 senior living communities in 18 states and offers a range of care levels, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Locally, Elmcroft operates Elmcroft of Berwick, an intimate, charming senior living community located at 2050 W. Front St. (Rt. 11), that opened in 1998. Residents have access to personal care and the facility also offers respite care to caregivers and coordinates with outside third-party healthcare providers for each of its residents. This relaxed and comfortable lifestyle also afford residents a number social activities and entertainment, restaurant-style dining, class, outings, is pet friendly, and offers 24-hour security. For more information, call 570-759-3155 or visit its website.
L-R: State Sen. John Gordner; Daniel McGann, Berwick School Board; Ken Holdren, Montour County Commissioner; State Rep. David Millard
So you think you know what LCP stands for. So did the class participants. That might have been true until arriving at Central Susquehanna Community Foundation in Berwick for February’s class when LCP stood for legacy, change and politics. Punxsutawney Phil was seen this month, and the class welcomed back Tina Welch of Welch Performance Consulting for the Morning Motivation. The class prepared to meet the panel of political representatives from local council, school board, county commissioner, PA State House of Representatives and PA State Senate.
Fred Gaffney, Columbia Montour Chamber president, introduced the panel to the class:
- Ken Holdren, Montour County Commissioner
- Bill Kreisher, Bloomsburg Town Council
- Daniel McGann, Berwick School Board
Following brief introductions by Gaffney, the class then learned why each of the panelists ran for office, that running for office can be discouraging, rewarding and challenging, and that the public does not know what happens in an election tie until the last ball is drawn. Each person on the panel had personal reasons for entering politics. It was refreshing to hear, unlike in many times in national media, about what they are trying to do to improve our local communities.
The panel also shared issues they face, mostly from unfunded state and federal mandates. These are mandates related to education, the environment, public domain, industry, and public safety, just to name a few. More and more, there are laws and regulations that force issues down to the local level for implementation and enforcement. Issues like teacher pensions, flood protection, environmental monitoring and water run-off regulations were discussed.
Later in the morning the panel was joined by two state officials:
- John Gordner, PA State Senator
- David Millard, PA House of Representatives
After introductions, it was time to discuss governmental transparency, budget and election gerrymandering. These topics, of course, were ripped from the headlines. This led to discussions related to constitutional law, and how Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states facing election issues as we prepare for primary season and midterm elections. These issues will cause debate about judicial versus legislative powers that will most likely reach the Supreme Court.
The one thing missing from the morning was partisan politics. It was refreshing to hear a group of elected officials discuss topics in a succinct way using facts and common sense, with the end goal being what is best for their constituents and people of Pennsylvania. Oftentimes, we get lost in partisan pandering and the daily media news cycle, and it is nice to see behind the local and state curtains, and realize these are good people doing the best they can.
After another wonderful lunch prepared by Lucy’s Kitchen & Catering, it was time to introduce Christine Pangelinan, program officer at the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation. She was able to educate the class on the advantages of community foundations, and their impact on our area. There was a fun game involving teamwork to identify key terms used by foundations, and a scavenger hunt to learn about the CSCF. Christine then asked if anyone won $1 million and had to set up a community fund through a community foundation, what would they do? There was great enthusiasm as the class then created their own community funds. These funds needed to be named, focused and a type was chosen (e.g. donor advised fund, agency endowment fund, scholarship fund, designated fund, pass through fund). The class really impressed Christine with their creative and thoughtful approaches, organization and naming of these funds.
Leo Gilroy, director of strategy & innovation at NEPIRC, leads the class through a presentation on change management.
As the afternoon wore on, it was time for a change, literally and figuratively. The class was introduced to Leo Gilroy, director of strategy & innovation with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC). The class had individual opportunities to introduce themselves and discuss issues they have seen related to change at their organizations. One thing everyone learned is that change is necessary, but not always easy. However, the hardest changes can be the most beneficial, and communication is the main key to success in all organizations.
Leo then walked through a presentation highlighting the “5 Dimensions of Leading Change, Flexibility, Change and Teamwork,” “The Heart of Change (8 steps)” and “The Power of Habit.” In the end, human beings are biased toward the status quo, and all have heard the saying, “well, that is the way we’ve always done it.” People change radically only when they overcome instincts to stay in the comfort zone. Creating a culture of change is hard, but the payoff will be a flexible and agile organization ready to take on planned and unforeseen changes as they arrive.
Leadership Central Penn is sponsored by Bloomsburg University, Kawneer, SEKISUI SPI and USG.
Member News
- Bloomsburg University, in conjunction with WVIA Public Media, will hold a screening of the PBS documentary, American Creed tonight, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in Gross Auditorium in Carver Hall. This screening is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, so reserve your seat online. In American Creed, Condoleezza Rice and David M. Kennedy team up across party lines to ask: In an increasingly fractured nation, what ideals do we share in common? Following the screening, WVIA’s Larry Vojtko will lead a discussion of the film with a panel of special guests and audience participation, which will be taped for broadcast on WVIA Public Media.
- The Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, which is operated by the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority, will hold a Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast this Saturday, March 3, from 8 a.m. – noon at its location at 301 Airport Rd., Bloomsburg. The event is free and open to the public, however donations are suggested, and will be held rain or shine.
- The Bucknell Small Business Development Center will offer a pair of First Step Workshops in March and April. These “pre-business” workshops are intended to assist potential entrepreneurs that are considering starting a business but might not know where to start. Attendees at any of these sessions will learn about legal structure, selection a location, licenses and forms, insurance needs, business planning, small business taxes, hiring employees and more. The first workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 6, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the DeWitt Building, 3rd floor, located at 416 Market St., Lewisburg. A second identical workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, located at 1985 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), Danville. Cost is $25 for each workshop, and those interested can register online or by calling 570-577-1249.
- The Wilkes Small Business Development Center will also hold a First Step Workshop on Wednesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. at its location at 85 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Cost for this workshop is $20, and registration can be done online or by calling 570-408-4340. A Wilkes SBDC representative is also available to meet with those interested in starting a business in the Bloomsburg and Columbia County area individually by appointment. Call the same number at the Wilkes SBDC to set up an appointment.
- The Danville area as well as two Chamber members were recently featured on a travel blog on travel booking website Expedia.com. The post, titled “15 places for the perfect childfree getaway” lists Danville as one of those 15 along with other locales such as Big Sur, Calif., Wailea, Hawaii, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., and others. It also specifically mentions the Abigail House Bed & Breakfast, which “offers a peaceful respite” as well as the Montour Preserve, which is managed by the Montour Area Recreation Commission.
- The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) has added two non-stop flights each weekday to Pittsburgh International Airport beginning on April 23. These flights will be in conjunction with Regional Sky, and are now available to be booked. AVP now offers non-stop flights to seven of the largest hubs in the United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Newark, Philadelphia and now Pittsburgh. For more information, see the flyer, or visit AVP’s website.
- The local PA CareerLink centers have scheduled their 2018 job fairs. The local one in our area will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, located at 5050 Sweppenheiser Dr., Bloomsburg. There will also be job fairs during May just outside of the area at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury on May 2 and at the Selinsgrove VFW in May 30. Later in the year, there will be one at the Best Western in Lewisburg on Sept. 6. The registration links for employers are now open for the three May events. See the flyer for more information as well as registration links.