From PA Chamber of Business & Industry In good news for employers across the country, a Texas federal judge last week struck down a U.S. Department of Labor rule that likely would have forced millions of workers to be converted from salary to hourly employees. In the ruling, the judge – Obama-appointee Amos Mazzant, who originally put the rule on hold last November – wrote that the agency improperly looked at salaries instead of job descriptions when determining whether a worker should be eligible for overtime pay. The overtime rule, which was set to go into effect on Dec. 1, 2016, would have required employers to pay overtime to most workers who earn less than $47,476 annually – a much higher threshold than the current salary limit of $23,660. The rule drew the ire of the U.S. Chamber, PA Chamber and business advocates nationwide and led several of these groups to file suit against the administration. Employer advocates cited the impact the rule would have on many employers who would be forced to cut hours and hire fewer workers in order to absorb significantly higher operating costs, as well as the impact on employees, many of whom could be converted to hourly workers with less flexibility and fewer benefits. Following the ruling, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue released the following statement: “Today’s decision is another victory for the effort to free our economy from the regulatory stranglehold of the last eight years. We have consistently said that the last administration went too far in its 2016 overtime rule, and we are pleased that Judge Mazzant granted a final judgment that makes permanent his previous ruling against the overtime rule. “This means that small businesses, nonprofits, and other employers throughout the economy can be certain that the 2016 salary threshold will not result in significant new labor costs and cause many disruptions in how work gets done. The Obama administration’s rule would have resulted in salaried professional employees being converted to hourly wages, reduced workplace flexibility and remote electronic access to work, and halted opportunities for career advancement. “We look forward to working with the Department of Labor on a new rule to develop a more appropriate update to the salary threshold.”
From Bloomsburg University and the PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) announced recently that Bloomsburg University’s Zeigler College of Business has become the 16th accredited business school in the nation to offer the MBA-level strategic communications course as part of its MBA curriculum.
“This program helps students develop skills in strategic communications — the ability to communicate strategic goals, plans, and operations to organizational stakeholders — in ways that improve communication flows and operational efficiencies. Students with these skills will have a distinct advantage when they enter the workplace,” said Jeffrey Krug, dean of the Zeigler College of Business at Bloomsburg University.
The Zeigler College of Business offered the course in summer 2017 with 13 students participating in a strategic communications practicum experience, providing the opportunity to work with a local business to develop a strategic communications plan. The course was taught by Kristie Byrum, assistant professor of mass communications at Bloomsburg University. Dr. Byrum is a member of the PRSA College of Fellows and a former public relations agency executive.
“Students valued the opportunity to work with local businesses and personally experience the nuances of developing strategic communication approaches for real-world businesses. Dr. Byrum brought strategic communications to life for students,” said Darrin Kass, MBA program director at Bloomsburg University.
The PRSA MBA program was developed by leading business schools, including the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, in collaboration with PRSA. The course directs business students in reputation management fundamentals and covers such areas as corporate communications (internal and external), integrated marketing communications, investor relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), government relations and crisis communications. Dr. Byrum, who serves on the national MBA Program committee, collaborated with Dr. Kass and Dean Krug to bring the program to Bloomsburg University. The graduate-level mass communications course represents a collaboration between the College of Liberal Arts and the Zeigler College of Business.
“Through cross-college collaborations such as this one, the University delivers a multidisciplinary education that serves the best interests of students in both colleges,” said James S. Brown, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
“We are pleased that Zeigler is joining an already impressive list of colleges and universities offering the PRSA MBA Strategic-Level Communications course,” said PRSA National Chair Jane Dvorak, APR, Fellow PRSA. “The growing number of future business leaders who are gaining communications skills through this program will have long-term benefits for businesses. The course emphasizes the importance and value of communications as a core strategic discipline.”
To best meet the needs of each business school’s MBA program, the PRSA turnkey course is offered in full-semester, mini-mester or seminar formats. Schools interested in the course can obtain information through the PRSA website.
A lively and large crowd of Chamber members enjoyed some tasty hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while networking and learning more about the latest programs at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital at a Business After Hours on Aug. 30. Attendees had a chance to tour the newly renovated Maternity Center, speak with representatives from several service lines and programs at the hospital as well as hospital leadership, and also learned about new programs at the hospital, including the Acute Care for the Elderly program, Medication-Assisted Treatment program, the Advanced Care Treatment unit, the Medication Take-Back program.
Business After Hours provide regular opportunities to build business relationships while learning about the services offered by other Chamber members. Members will have an opportunity to squeeze in some networking before the Bloomsburg Fair kicks off, at the next Business After Hours on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at Kawneer, located at 500 East 12th St., Bloomsburg. That event will feature catered food from Lucy’s Kitchen and Catering, a chance to win some Kawneer-branded merchandise, and an opportunity to tour Kawneer’s state-of-the-art plant, which is responsible for manufacturing building products that are used on some of the world’s most noticeable buildings and construction projects.
State Representative David Millard will host two upcoming drug forums over the next two weeks at local high schools. The first will be on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Berwick High School auditorium, and the second will be the following Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bloomsburg High School auditorium.
Adults and children are invited to attend these events designed to share information about drug abuse, the opioid crisis and how to avoid drug addiction. Speakers include Jeremy Reese, Columbia County cornoner; Dr. William Rakauskas, a Geisinger psychiatrist; Dr. Joseph Valdez, an independent addiction medicine specialist; Jason Hoch, a pharmacist with Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and CMSU; and a representative from a local rehabilitation facility.
For more information, visit Rep. Millard’s website or Facebook page.
From Williams
Thanks to the continued and dedicated efforts of several key partners, including those of the Columbia Montour Chamber, after a multiyear regulatory process, Williams has received key permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Atlantic Sunrise project.
This critical energy infrastructure project — an expansion of the existing Transco natural gas pipeline — will connect abundant Marcellus gas to consumers in the U.S. and is estimated to support 8,000 jobs and inject a $1.6 billion economic impact in the project area during construction, including a projected economic impact of $85.5 million in Columbia County and surrounding areas alone. Williams is also encouraging workers that come into the local area from outside of it to work on the project to buy local through a local app being developed that will feature local businesses, which can be featured on the app at no charge just by registering.
Williams received the Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and Encroachment) and Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) permits from DEP on Aug. 30 and the Clean Water Act Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Aug. 29.
The company will immediately commence the process of requesting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Notice to Proceed for all remaining construction of Atlantic Sunrise, with a target of beginning greenfield pipeline construction in Pennsylvania this fall.
Williams committed to moving forward with construction in strict adherence with our permits in a manner that protects safety and minimizes impacts to communities and the environment.
In addition to these key federal and state permits, Williams also received FERC approval to place a portion of the project into service early. Accordingly, it expects to begin partial service today, Sept. 1, providing 400,000 dth/day of firm transportation service on Transco’s mainline facilities to various delivery points. The partial service milestone is the result of recently completed modifications to existing Transco facilities in Virginia and Maryland.
Williams is pleased to have reached these important milestones to move forward with Atlantic Sunrise. This vital project will leverage existing infrastructure to deliver economic growth and expand access to affordable Pennsylvania-produced clean-burning natural gas, to support thousands of manufacturing jobs, and improve the quality of life for all residents of the Commonwealth.
Everyone on the Atlantic Sunrise team and at Williams thanks all those that have provided ongoing support, including reaching out to Gov. Wolf, and for those individuals’ tireless efforts to support the growth of American energy, American jobs and a brighter economic future for Pennsylvania.
The third and final wave of change-of-address letters for Montour County, Riverside Borough, and Rush Township was sent in mid-August. The readdressing, which was part of the 911 consolidation with Columbia County, was prolonged due to conflicts found in the Danville zip code. Businesses and residents that have not received a change-of-address letter should call the GIS office at 570-387-4930.
The post office will recognize old addresses for a period of one year from the initial notification. Additional information, including links to forms to update drivers’ licenses with PennDOT and business addresses with the PA Department of Revenue, is available at the Montour County website.
Member News
- Co., a social and professional networking group that is run by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County, will hold its fall kickoff event tonight, Aug. 30, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Farmhouse at Turkey Hill’s Greenhouse. Co. was founded to give area residents the opportunity to take advantage of all the great things this area has to offer. This group is for everyone, which means any age, ability, or area of residence. It holds multiple events each month. For more information about Co., including future events, visit its Facebook page. Co. will also host a mixer on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Old Forge, located at 298 Mill St., Danville.
- From the Bucknell Small Business Development Center: Students enrolled in a Markets, Innovation and Design course this fall at Bucknell University are offering to design websites free of charge for local businesses and organizations during the fall semester. The web design project will provide a hands-on learning experience for the students while benefiting local organizations. Recent examples of their work include Amami, West Branch Brewery and Beer Barn. If your business or organization would like to be considered for a free website design or redesign this fall, fill out an application to be considered. The application deadline is tomorrow, Aug. 31.
- For the past two years, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, Old Forge Brewing Company and Heart to Hand Ministries have been Going Gold and teaming up in September to raise awareness about pediatric cancer in Danville. The organizers are exciting to announce that this year, not only is Danville Going Gold once again, but Bloomsburg and Lewisburg are joining the fight against childhood cancer. Marley’s Brewery & Grill and the Town of Bloomsburg will both be involved. A series of upcoming events will each feature an official proclamation presented by the Mayor, live entertainment, chances to win raffle baskets and other Going Golf specials. The events will occur on the following dates:
– Thursday, Aug. 31, 6 p.m., Old Forge Brewing, 298 Mill St., Danville
– Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m., Marley’s Brewery & Grille, 1323 Columbia Blvd. (Rt. 11), Bloomsburg
– Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m., Brendan’s Towne Tavern, 600 Market St., Lewisburg
Marley’s and Old Forge have collaborated on a special Going Gold Golden Nugget beer. $1 from each pint of Golden Nugget purchased throughout the month will be donated to the mission. All proceeds will benefit the ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund. For more information about Going Gold III, please call Service 1st’s contact center at 800-562-6049.
- Sea Island Gullah music by Ranky Tanky will be featured at the next free outdoor concert at The Weis Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets are not required for this family-friendly performance on the Weis Center Plaza.
Sea Island Gullah music group Ranky Tanky
The rain location is the Weis Center Atrium Lobby. Patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic. A free pre-performance lecture and demonstration with the artist will take place the same day from 5:15-5:45 p.m. in the Atrium Lobby. Visit the Weis Center’s event page for more information about this performance.
- Have you ever thought about starting your own business, but weren’t quite sure if it would be right for you? Or maybe you want to know what paperwork you need in order to open your doors? These and several other common questions for small businesses will covered at First Step Seminars during the month of September given by both the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center and the Bucknell Small Business Development Center. A seminar in Bloomsburg given by the Wilkes SBDC will be on Friday, Sept. 8, at noon at the Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. Business Incubator, 151 E. Main St., Bloomsburg. Cost is $15 for the First Step book. Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is preferred. Register by calling 570-408-4334, email or online. A similar program given by the Bucknell SBDC will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Albright Center, 450 Chestnut St., Sunbury. Cost is $25. Register online or by calling Shelley Gadoury at 570-577-1249. Topics discussed at both events will include different legal structures a business can be, how to write a business plan and create financial projections, and much more.
- The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation will host a pair of identical presentations titled “Planning Ahead: The Importance of Planning for the Future,” featuring local elder law attorney Marianne Kreisher. The events will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 8:30-10 a.m. at Bloomsburg University’s Monty’s on Upper Campus, and on Wednesday, Sept. 20, also from 8:30-10 a.m., at Susquehanna University’s Benjamin Apple Meeting Rooms in the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center. Both events will feature a complimentary breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the presentation. Attorney Kreisher will discuss the importance of open communication and collaboration between the investment advisor and attorney to achieve the best results for clients; well-drafted estate planning documents including power of attorneys, wills and trusts; understanding the lifetime and after death wishes of individuals; and examining the interplay of “gifting” on long-term care, taxes and asset protection. RSVP to Karri Harter by Sept. 6 by email or call 570-752-3930, ext. 6.
- The Bloomsburg University Department of Exceptionality Programs and the Jones Center for Special Education Excellence will host a screening and discussion of Mimi and Dona on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Greenly Center, rooms 116 & 117, located at 50 E. Main St., Bloomsburg. This film by Sophie Spartain is an “unforgettable story of love and tough choices, exploring issues of disability, long term care and the realities of aging.” This event is free and open to the public but due to limited seating, pre-registration is encouraged. To register, call Tammy Pursel at 814-270-5556 or email.
- McBride Memorial Library, located at 500 N. Market St., Berwick, will host its next Entrepreneur Breakfast on Friday, Sept. 15, from 8-9 a.m. These breakfasts provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to network, get support, collaborate on projects, trade problem-solving stories and challenges, and much more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about the services that McBride can offer small business owners and that they are able to take advantage of. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is requested. To register, call 570-752-2241 or email.
- The Bucknell Small Business Development Center will host a three-part workshop titled “HR 20/20” that will provide an opportunity for small business owners to clearly understand and develop strategies for recruiting employees, reducing employee turnover, promoting employee development and retaining a talents, flexible and diverse workforce. The first part of this series will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the DeWitt Bldg. 3rd Floor, 416 Market St., Lewisburg. It will feature Tina Welch, the founder of Welch Performance Consulting, a human resources consulting firm. She will speak about developing a structured recruitment and selection process that will help small business owners find talent with skill and corporate culture fit. Topics include: the importance of structured recruitment and selection and how to develop one for your organization; maximizing your employment brand to attract and retain talent; and a special focus and attracting and retaining millennials/young professionals. Cost is $40 for one session, or $100 when registering and attending all three in the series. Register online or by calling Shelley Gadoury at 570-577-1249.
- Geisinger Health will hold its inaugural Dream Big Hot Air Balloon Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Spyglass Ridge Winery, 400 Plum Creek Rd., Sunbury. Proceeds from this event will benefit Geisinger’s Comprehensive Breast care Program. Activities include balloon rides (weather-permitting), live bands and food trucks, children’s activities and family fun, professional and amateur photo competitions, performances by local dance groups, a fresh food farmers market and family photo sessions in front of the balloons. Admission is free. For more information, read this flyer.
Event organizers are also seeking donations of small items (approx. $10-20 in value) from area businesses and individuals for an auction. If interested in making a donation, please contact Linda Vaji at 570-214-2581 or email.
Candidates for Bloomsburg Town Council and Danville Borough Council will share their thoughts on the issues facing these communities at public events this fall. Community members will also be invited to submit questions. The candidate forums are being presented by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau.
The Candidate Forum for the Danville Borough Council candidates will he held Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the Danville Ballroom in Borough Hall on Mill Street.
The Forum for Bloomsburg Town Council candidates will be held Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center Street in downtown Bloomsburg. The forum for general Council will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a second session for the registered Mayoral candidates beginning at 7:35 p.m.
All registered candidates have been invited to participate. A series of questions developed by the Committee will be presented to each candidate in rotating order. Written questions submitted by audience members will be presented, time permitting.
“The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce has been a valuable partner with SEDA-COG, helping to make key connections between businesses and SEDA-COG’s services to advance the economic health of the region. From networking opportunities, training partnerships, workshop marketing, to referrals, the Chamber has been a wonderful resource for the business community and SEDA-COG.”
– Liz Herman, Communications Manager, SEDA-COG
For 60 years, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has partnered with central Pennsylvania’s governments, businesses, and communities to boost the region’s economy and address issues with a regional approach.
SEDA-COG’s origins date back to 1957, when community leaders from Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties began meeting to help address common concerns of central Pennsylvania. These concerns evolved around inadequate transportation; deficiency in the availability of health care services; under-employment and unemployment conditions; and out-migration of residents to other areas with better employment potential. Although it was just a forum for discussion purposes, the original five counties formally organized and established the Susquehanna Economic Development Association (SEDA), a 501(c)(3). Ten years later, as a result of federal Appalachian Regional Commission designating SEDA a Local Development District (LDD), a small professional staff was hired and, in 1968, Centre, Clinton, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, and Perry counties joined the other five, which is SEDA-COG’s current configuration.
SEDA-COG was established in 1972 as a county council of governments, which became the policy, planning, and implementation arm for the agency. SEDA-COG was organized under Pennsylvania’s Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. Its county-collaborative dominated regional approach remains its hallmark – a distinction that largely sets the organization apart from those whose concerns and obligations requires a much narrower program focus.
Today, SEDA-COG’s services fall into three broad categories: economic development, community development, and direct municipal and county support. It helps the region’s counties and local communities meet needs in areas such as business and manufacturing services, housing, community revitalization, water systems and other infrastructure, and energy conservation/savings. It provides supplemental financing to assist new and expanding businesses. The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) owns nearly 200 miles of rail line, preserving transportation service vital to key employers in the region. SEA-COG has established programs that help families rehabilitate or weatherize their homes, and its Natural Gas Cooperative formed in June 2016 helps businesses and neighborhoods gain better access Pennsylvania’s natural gas.
SEDA-COG has received Innovation Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation. In 2016, the awarded areas include transforming a blighted site into new elderly housing; helping to increase access to natural gas utility service; and promoting the region’s visibility to increase foreign direct investment and job creation. In 2017, awarded areas were for economic development in a coal-impacted region and flood mitigation and resiliency planning.
Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for Sept. 20 at Kawneer, 500 East 12th St., Bloomsburg.
From Just a Drop Essential Oil
Why Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils are naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils are highly concentrated, 50-70 times per powerful than herbs! Did you know: 81% of body care products marked “gentle” or “hypoallergenic” contain ingredients proven to irritate skin, eyes, or allergies? Essential oils are safe support for the skin without preservatives, chemicals, or harsh ingredients.
If properly extracted, essential oils have the unique ability to benefit people in all areas of life, whether in food preparation, beauty treatment, or healthcare practice. You will be amazed with the diverse ways essential oils can help fulfill you and your family’s needs. dōTERRA essential oils are powerfully concentrated, so a little goes a long way. They are multi-purpose making them smart to have on hand.
How You Can Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are easy to use. Each oil can be used in one or more of the following three methods to promote ultimate health and happiness in your home:
- Aromatic – inhale or use an essential oil diffuser. When diffused, certain essential oils can be very stimulating, while others can be calming and soothing. Using essential oils aromatically can also purify the air of unwanted odors and enrich your home with the lively benefits of oil fragrances.
- Topical – Powerful! One drop of essential oil can service every cell of your body. From the bottoms of the feet it nourishes the bloodstream in 30 seconds. Apply to feet, ears, chest, back of neck, head and troubled areas. For sensitivity dilute with fractionated coconut oil (FCO).
- Internal – Many of dōTERRA’s essential oils can be used internally to support a variety of health needs. The internal use of oils provides a natural way to receive the health benefits your body needs. Just add to water, drop under the tongue or put in a capsule.
Essential oils are both exciting and promising when it comes to taking care of your own and your family’s health. Whether you’re applying essential oils topically, enjoying the aromatic benefits through diffusing, or taking essential oils internally, the positive, healthful effects of essential oils are boundless.
That’s why you’ll want to ensure that the essential oils you are using are capable of delivering on their promise. You’ll want to make sure that you are choosing essential oils for their purity and their potency.
For more information, contact Diana Leighow, dōTERRA Wellness Advocate at 570-849-0019 or email, or also visit Just a Drop’s Facebook page or website.