Event Sponsor Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital 
Hospitality Sponsors M&T Bank 
MePush 
Gold Star Sponsors Bodnar Sales & Service 
Thrivent Financial 
Red Reindeer Sponsors BIDA 
Key Partners 
Service 1st Federal Credit Union 
The Women’s Center 
Green Tree Sponsors ChamberChoice/On Demand Energy 
Derr, Pursel, Luschas & Naparsteck, LLP 
First Columbia Bank 
First Keystone Community Bank 
The Chamber’s Board of Directors is recommending a slate of candidates to serve on the Board beginning April, 2018. Members will vote on nominations at the Annual Meeting, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8 at Rolling Pines Golf Course. Nominated to serve are:
Three-year term:
Dan Knorr, II, Bloomsburg University
Mary Radle, Key Partners Realty
Denise Stone, Geisinger
Jeff Whitenight, First Columbia Bank
One-year term:
Donna Coombs, GordnerCoombs Insurance
Sam Haulman, Service Electric
Chris Stamatedes, PPL Electric Utilities
Following the election of Board members, the Board will elect officers. Nominated to serve are:
Board Chair (two-year term) – Karen Wood, Service 1st Federal Credit Union
Vice Chair – Dan Knorr, II, Bloomsburg University
Treasurer – Denise Stone, Geisinger
Immediate Past Chair – Mark Gardner, M&T Bank
President – Fred Gaffney
The Board Chair also has three, one-year appointments. Being recommended are:
Jim Micklow, Press Enterprise
Holly Morrison, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
Tom Neal, Berwick Hospital Center
In accordance with the By-Laws, any 15 members may nominate an alternate ticket, or tickets, by posting the same, over their signatures, at the Chamber office not later than five days prior to the Annual Meeting.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Last week, the House failed to pass legislation that would have prevented public employers from using taxpayer-funded payroll systems to automatically deduct money for campaign contributions or other political activity from employees’ paychecks.
Senate Bill 166 – which was defeated in a 90-102 vote on final passage – earned the support of the PA Chamber as a ‘good government’ measure, especially in light of the arrests and convictions of elected officials in recent history which have shown that a clear line needs to exist to avoid any use of taxpayer resources for political activity. Under current law, state and local governments can collect political campaign funds from the paychecks of government employees on behalf of public sector unions, which blurs the line between official government business and political activity. By removing the government from serving as the official collector of money for political purposes, S.B. 166 would have helped brighten that line and brought clarity to the process. While the legislation faced headwinds from some organized labor groups that are intent on keeping the status quo, it passed the Senate earlier this year.
Following the failed vote, PA Chamber President Gene Barr issued a statement expressing disappointment that the General Assembly didn’t get the bill to the governor’s desk (although the Wolf administration had already said the bill would be vetoed if it reached that point). “For far too long, newspaper headlines across the Commonwealth have highlighted criminal corruption cases against state and local officials for misusing government resources for political gain,” Barr said. “It is disheartening that this sorely needed good government bill didn’t cross the finish line.”
A final tax reform package is expected to be on President Trump’s desk as early as Wednesday, Dec. 20. Following the passage of differing bills in the House and Senate, a conference committee with leaders from both chambers was formed to come to reach a compromise. A representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce told local chambers that the final legislation provides additional benefits to small businesses and middle class taxpayers.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report was filed on Friday evening, Dec. 15. A few technical changes had to be made prior to the Senate vote, which then needed to be confirmed in the House. Here is an executive summary prepared by the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees.
A group of engaged individuals from Chamber member organizations enjoyed a presentation from Tina Welch of Welch Performance Consulting on different generations in the workplace last Tuesday, Dec. 12, at Wesley United Methodist Church. Chamber Learn at Lunches are sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities and this specific Learn at Lunch was also co-sponsored by PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties.
Welch, a former HR executive who now runs her own consulting business, began the presentation by noting that she did not have any magic bullets that would automatically solve generational problems in the workplace. However, her presentation was done with the hope that making organizational leaders and others aware of the various differences in generations and what each is able to offer in terms of strengths can provide opportunities for HR and other leaders to implement strategies that can overcome generational barriers.
Why is this important for any organization that has multiple generations of individuals working for it? Take these statistics for instance.
– The proportion of working 65-69 year-olds in the U.S. has risen from nearly 18% in 1985 to 32% in 2011.
– During each quarter of 2016, over a quarter million Americans turned 65.
– Millennials will make up the majority of the workforce by 2025.
– Millennials have passed Baby Boomers as the largest generational group in the workplace.
– Fewer than 1 in 3 American workers are committed to the success of their organization and are engaged in their work
– 74% of Americans expect to work even after “retirement.”
– 68% of corporate recruiters say that it is difficult for their organizations to manage millennials
With those statistics in mind, and with turnover costing any employer, large or small, approximately 6-9 months of the lost employee’s salary, it is more critical than ever that organizational leaders understand the benefits, values and needs that each generation and individual brings to the workplace and be able to apply specific strategies to encourage communication and collaboration across the generations as well as to diffuse conflicts.
Attendees were given a handout that in general terms, defines the characteristics and stereotypes as well as the workplace needs of all four generations — Traditionalists (born 1922-45), Baby Boomers (born 1946-64), Generation X (born 1965-1979) and Millennials (born 1980-2010), as well as those of “cuspers,” which are those born near the end or beginning of a specific generation. This is especially important for Xennials, a micro generation born during the cusp years of Generation X and Millennials (1977-1983). This group often shows characteristics and stereotypes of and has similar workplace needs as those usually attributed to one or both of Generation X and Millennials.
At the end of the workshop, Welch asked the attendees to name one thing they could do immediately when they returned to their workplaces to help facilitate better inter-generational understanding and cooperation, while allowing for the fact that some workplace policies obviously can’t be changed immediately or at all. Some of the responses included taking a look at the standard employee orientation presentation, keeping notes on individuals such as board members and organizational volunteers in order to be able to best communicate and/or facilitate activities with them, as well as taking a look at a company cell phone policy.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The House passed in a nearly unanimous (183-4) vote last week legislation that many lawmakers called a “necessary compromise” to help address the state Unemployment Compensation benefit system costs for operational and system upgrades.
House Bill 1915 was crafted with bipartisan support following the misappropriation of UC system funds over several years as it related to the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, which resulted in the governor’s furlough last year of UC center call workers while debate continued over the future funding of SIIF and the UC system generally.
The bill, which now awaits consideration in the Senate, would provide $115.2 million in additional funding to the UC benefits system over the next four years. It would transfer to SIIF $30 million in 2018, $25 million in 2019, $20 million in 2020 and $10 million in 2021; with additional monies being transferred from SIIF to the UC benefit modernization project through 2020.
The legislation also stipulates expected outcomes from the modernization project, which are all focused on eventually ending the Department of Labor and Industry’s reliance on SIIF dollars for the operations of the UC benefits system. It is noteworthy that many involved in the creation of SIIF contend it was never intended to be a permanent program, and was established to temporarily supplement federal funding through 2016 to upgrade technology infrastructure for the UC system.
While most House Democrats voted for H.B. 1915, the four members of that caucus who voted against the bill did so on the grounds that it didn’t provide enough money. According to a story in Capitolwire¸ Rep. Pete Schweyer, D-Lehigh, argued that the funding supplied by the bill wouldn’t be enough to reopen the UC call center in Allentown, which the governor closed last December.
House Bill 1915 heads to the state Senate for consideration.
From ChamberChoice
Recently it was communicated that there were Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indications of intent to begin enforcement of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) “employer mandate.” However, as of Nov. 2, 2017, it’s official. On that date, the IRS issued its proposed assessment letter (Letter 226J) it will use when notifying employers of their potential liability for an employer shared responsibility payment (ESRP). The assessment letter relates to any potential liability for 2015.
Background
Under the ACA’s employer mandate, an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) is required to offer its full-time employees and dependents minimum essential coverage. That coverage must also provide minimum value and be affordable for the full-time employee. If the employer does not meet this responsibility, and a full-time employee receives a premium tax credit for health insurance coverage purchased on the Marketplace, then the employer may be assessed a penalty. Employers have an obligation to report offers of coverage using Forms 1095-C and 1094-C. The IRS uses information from these forms, in conjunction with information from an employee’s tax return, in determining whether an employer has an ESRP liability.
What Employers Need to Know
The employer mandate was effective as of Jan. 1, 2015. However, prior to that date, there were notices and guidelines issued by the regulatory agencies providing delays, clarifications and “transitional relief.” Needless to say, there was considerable confusion for many employers. Below are some issues an employer should consider when it comes to an IRS penalty assessment letter.
• An employer has 30 days to respond. Advise any mail-room employees to be on the lookout for any correspondence from the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and ensure it is delivered to the appropriate person. Discussions should be held with any affiliated companies or subsidiaries as to how the correspondence will be handled.
• Gather copies of 2015 Forms 1095-C and 1094-C. Initial assessment letters relate to 2015. In order to properly respond, an employer will need to review and compare information in the letter against what the employer filed. Employers should be aware of, and have documentation to support, any application of transition relief (such as non-calendar year plans) or safe harbors. Documentation can include payroll records, waiver forms, enrollment information, variable hour employee designations, and measurement/stability period information. Remember, the assessments may not be correct.
• Assessments are on a month-by-month basis. The responsibility payments are calculated monthly and based on whether the employer failed to offer minimum coverage or the coverage was not affordable. The IRS will include a summary table (Form 14765) with the assessment letter. The summary will list the employees who received a premium tax credit triggering the penalty as well as a monthly break-down of the penalty.
• Response form. Included with the assessment letter will be a response form (Form 14764) an employer uses to respond to the IRS. The form provides an opportunity for the employer to agree or disagree with the assessment. If disagreeing, an employer must also provide a statement, in addition to the response form, outlining its reasons. An employer can also provide additional information supporting its disagreement. However, it is of the utmost importance that the employer respond within the time frame provided by the IRS. Failure to respond results in an automatic penalty assessment.
Conclusion
The IRS has started to enforce the ACA’s employer mandate and is issuing notices to employers who may owe a penalty for 2015. Employers should read the notice carefully as it contains detailed instructions on how to respond and make any required payment. The assessment may not be correct due to multiple reasons, such as an employee receiving an unqualified premium tax credit. An employer disagreeing with the assessment should have documentation supporting its offers of coverage and affordability as well as its reporting information.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The PA Chamber recently sent two communications to lawmakers urging support for S.B. 936, which would establish a prescription drug formulary for injured workers in the Commonwealth.
A group memo was sent to House lawmakers from a broad coalition including hospitals, pharmacists, addiction treatment professionals, healthcare providers, local governments, school districts and other business advocacy groups, among others. The memo explained that a prescription drug formulary would help streamline medication prescriptions, which would help patients avoid overuse; while also helping to ensure the quality of outside entities tasked with evaluating treatment decisions. This reform is especially critical in light of the state’s prescription drug and opioid abuse epidemic – it would offer a legislative remedy to help mitigate the crisis as it relates to injured workers.
A letter signed by the PA Chamber and the leaders of dozens of local chambers of commerce statewide was also sent to the General Assembly in recent weeks. It stresses in part that S.B. 936 (and H.B. 18, similar legislation introduced in the House) is critically important, particularly in light of a recent study which ranked Pennsylvania third among 25 states for opioid abuse among injured workers, at a level 78 percent higher than the median state. The letter also noted that other states with formularies have experienced success in reducing the number of opioid-dependent WC patients – specifically mentioning Ohio, which was able to cut the number of opioid-dependent patients in half just three years after adopting its formulary in 2011.
“Formularies are standard in regular and publicly-funded health insurance to help ensure appropriate patient care, address over-prescribing of medication and premature or inappropriate prescribing of opioids,” the chambers of commerce letter stated. “Both of these reforms would improve outcomes for injured workers and continue the critical work of lawmakers and the Wolf Administration to combat the prescription drug and opioid epidemic.”
Senate Bill 936 awaits consideration in the House Labor and Industry Committee.
The Columbia Montour Chamber has taken an official position of being in favor of this legislation, and was one of the many chambers of commerce included in the aforementioned group memo sent to House lawmakers.
From PA Dept. of Environmental Protection
The Wolf Administration invites all Pennsylvanians who’ve recently worked on successful environmental projects to apply for the state’s top environmental recognition: the 2018 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence, honoring individuals and organizations whose dedicated efforts have improved air, land, and water quality in Pennsylvania.
“The commonwealth would be a different place if not for the great work of many Pennsylvanians who tackle the full range of environmental challenges, from local creek cleanups to citywide sustainability,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “It’s a pleasure to shine a light on their work with the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence.”
DEP oversees the application and award selection process. Projects are evaluated on the basis of seven criteria: degree of environmental protection, climate change, sustainability, partnership, economic impact, innovation, and environmental education and outreach. A project doesn’t have to meet all criteria to merit an award.
The award is open to all individuals, whether a project leader or participant, and to all schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, farms, and government agencies. Past winners may submit applications for new projects, but projects that have previously received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence are not eligible.
Applications are now being accepted online. The deadline for submission is Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at 5 p.m. Eligible projects must have been completed before November 1, 2017. Submission guidelines may be found at the application page.
Last year, 21 organizations received awards. Their projects collectively saved 8 million kWh/year; reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 14,608 metric tons; captured 3.2 million gallons of stormwater runoff; saved over $105 million in operation, maintenance, and energy use expenses; conserved 3 million gallons of water; engaged 8,500 students in environmental issues; recycled 68,000 plastic bags; properly disposed of 5,287 tires; and treated 450.5 million gallons of stream water that had been laced with acid mine drainage.
The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence have been presented since 1996.
Montour County Commissioners at a recent meeting
Updated addresses for Montour County were sent to companies that provide GIS mapping services in August. However, some County residents are experiencing difficulty in receiving deliveries using their new addresses. The Montour County Commissioners say the companies are updating their databases on varying schedules.
The County GIS office provided the new addresses to companies in August, with follow up in early November. According to Commissioner Ken Holdren, one company that provides GIS mapping to many in-car systems responded that updates would be made in early December, but are still pending. Mapquest updates could take 6-9 months, and Google provided no timeline for when updates would take effect. Residents and businesses are reminded that the Postal Service will recognize old addresses for one year from the date of notification.
Montour County Treasurer Jesse Kline also advises residents that when making online purchases with a credit card, they should use the same mailing address as the billing address associated with the card whenever appropriate.