Internal Audit: A Strategic Partner in Nonprofit Fraud Prevention
Key Takeaways
- Nonprofits Face Unique Fraud Risks: Lean staffing, limited resources, and reliance on trust can create opportunities for fraud.
- Strong Controls Are Essential: Effective internal controls, oversight, and accountability help reduce fraud risk and protect organizational resources.
- Internal Audit Is a Strategic Partner: Internal auditors can proactively assess risks, test controls, strengthen governance, and identify vulnerabilities before fraud occurs.
- Protecting Trust Protects the Mission: A proactive approach to fraud prevention helps nonprofits safeguard financial resources and maintain stakeholder confidence.
The Three Conditions That Enable Fraud
A culture built on trust is fundamental to every nonprofit’s mission. Whether a charitable organization, religious institution, or private foundation, nonprofits depend on the confidence of donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the communities they serve to create meaningful impact. When funds intended to support that mission are lost to fraud, the damage extends beyond financial loss and erodes the trust upon which the organization depends.
To reduce fraud risk and strengthen governance, nonprofit organizations must first understand why fraud occurs. The Fraud Triangle provides a useful framework for identifying the conditions commonly present when fraud takes place:
- Pressure – A financial or personal need that motivates an individual to commit fraud.
- Opportunity – Weak internal controls, inadequate oversight, or poor segregation of duties create circumstances that allow fraudulent activity to occur and remain concealed.
- Rationalization – An individual justifies unethical behavior by convincing themselves that their actions are acceptable, temporary, or necessary.
Today’s economic environment has intensified many of the conditions identified within the Fraud Triangle. As inflation continues to pressure household budgets and economic uncertainty persists, many nonprofits are experiencing increased demand for services while simultaneously facing constrained funding, rising operating costs, and pressure to accomplish more with limited resources.
These challenges often result in lean staffing models, reduced segregation of duties, and a greater reliance on trust, all of which can increase opportunities for fraud. At the same time, employees facing personal financial difficulties may experience increased pressure, and the organization’s mission-driven culture may make it easier to rationalize unethical behavior as a temporary solution or a means of supporting an important cause.
Understanding how economic conditions influence each element of the Fraud Triangle allows nonprofit leaders to work proactively with internal auditors to strengthen governance and address fraud risks before they materialize.
Why Nonprofits Are Especially Vulnerable to Fraud
Unlike many for-profit organizations, nonprofits often operate with limited financial and personnel resources. These constraints can result in fewer employees, inadequate segregation of duties, and less formal oversight. Staff members and volunteers frequently assume multiple responsibilities, increasing the opportunity to circumvent controls or conceal inappropriate activity. Although a mission-driven culture is one of a nonprofit’s greatest strengths, trust alone cannot serve as an effective fraud prevention strategy.
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ (ACFE) Occupational Fraud 2026: Report to the Nations, nonprofit organizations experience a median occupational fraud loss of $69,000, which is lower than that of government agencies and private or public companies. However, the consequences can be disproportionately severe because every dollar lost to fraud represents resources that can no longer be used to support the organization’s mission. The report also found that more than half of occupational fraud cases stem from either a lack of internal controls (32%) or the override of existing controls (21%). These findings highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining an effective control environment.
Fraud risk is not limited to any specific position or level within an organization. It can originate from individuals throughout the nonprofit, from employees responsible for processing transactions to senior executives entrusted with organizational leadership. Regardless of title or authority, fraud risk is ultimately mitigated by the strength of the organization’s governance structure, internal controls, and oversight processes. Consequently, fraud prevention efforts must be supported by independent oversight, accountability, and a culture of ethical conduct.
How Internal Audit Strengthens Fraud Prevention
Effective fraud prevention requires a proactive approach focused on identifying and addressing risks before they become costly problems. An internal audit function provides nonprofit organizations with independent, objective assurance that governance processes, internal controls, and risk management activities are operating as intended.
One of the greatest benefits of internal audit is its ability to evaluate and strengthen the organization’s control environment before fraud occurs. However, maintaining a dedicated, in-house internal audit department is often impractical for nonprofit organizations due to financial and staffing limitations. Internal audit consulting can provide a practical and cost-effective alternative by offering access to experienced professionals who help strengthen governance, enhance internal controls, and address emerging risks without the expense of a full-time internal audit function.
Internal auditors can facilitate enterprise-wide and fraud risk assessments to help leadership identify and prioritize significant risks while evaluating whether existing controls effectively mitigate those exposures. They can also assist with documenting key business processes, assessing and improving control design, and testing the operating effectiveness of controls.
Beyond financial controls, internal audit can evaluate governance and ethics programs, enhance board reporting practices, support the development of whistleblower programs, and provide advisory services related to cybersecurity and privacy risks. Through independent, risk-based recommendations tailored to the unique challenges of nonprofit organizations, internal audit helps strengthen accountability, improve operational effectiveness, and build a more resilient control environment that protects both organizational assets and stakeholder trust.
Conclusion
Fraud prevention is not achieved through trust alone. It is built through effective governance, strong internal controls, and ongoing oversight. Internal audit serves as a valuable partner in helping nonprofit organizations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen accountability, and safeguard the financial resources that make their mission possible. By taking a proactive approach to fraud risk management, nonprofit organizations can preserve the confidence of donors, board members, and the communities they serve while remaining focused on creating lasting and meaningful impact.
To learn more about McKonly & Asbury’s Internal Audit services, contact Partner Dave Hammarberg or Senior Manager Victor Kong, who have been providing internal audit and forensic accounting services for over twenty years. We would love to discuss how we can assist you with your challenges.
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How Is AI Impacting Small Business Performance? Evidence from the Third District
As adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) applications rises among U.S. firms, researchers are seeking to better understand the technology’s usage and impact across different types of businesses. Recent research suggests that although large businesses currently exhibit higher rates of AI adoption than small businesses, the latter are projected to narrow this gap by the end of 2026. Understanding how small businesses implement and benefit from this technology is particularly important because they employ roughly half of U.S. workers. Additionally, small firms face greater financial constraints and typically lack the robust information system infrastructure of larger firms.
Using data from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) special question module1 on artificial intelligence, we [FRBP] explore small business AI adoption, task-specific usage, and performance impacts in Third District states (Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).2 We [FRBP] find that AI adoption among Third District firms lags the national rate by nearly 10 percentage points at 37 percent, potentially reflecting differences in industry composition. Among adopters in the Third District, the most common uses are writing and marketing (79 percent), individual productivity tasks (e.g., notetaking, summarizing) (56 percent), and planning or analysis (e.g., research) (51 percent). Over 70 percent of firms reported no change in core business operations, including labor costs, spending on outside services, production quality, and sales, although 71 percent reported increases in productivity. See Figure 1
At the time of the survey in fall of 2025, a smaller share of Third District firms reported using AI compared with all U.S. firms: 37 percent of firms in the Third District versus 46 percent in the nation (Figure 1). Of Third District AI adopters, the majority described their level of AI adoption as “experimenting with the technology” (57 percent), and few had fully integrated AI into their business operations (3 percent). Almost half of Third District firms reported not using AI, with no plans for adoption, considerably higher than the one-third of businesses reporting the same nationwide.
One explanation for the lower regional AI adoption intensity is that Third District firms tended to see the technology as less important to their core business functions than U.S. firms. Forty-four percent of Third District firms using AI reported that AI was not important to their business’s core goods and services, compared with 37 percent of U.S. firms (Figure 2). This discrepancy could be driven by differences in industry composition: The Third District sample has more manufacturing (12 percent in the District versus 4 percent in the nation) and less nonmanufacturing goods production (15 percent versus 20 percent) and services (73 percent versus 76 percent). As our report last year showed, production workers had among the lowest generative AI exposure scores of major occupation groups, suggesting that manufacturing firms may have fewer use cases for generative AI than service firms. See Figure 2
Figure 3 shows the share of small businesses in the Third District that use AI by specific processes.3 Nearly 80 percent of Third District firms said they use AI for writing or marketing, while over half reported using it for individual productivity and planning or analysis. Roughly one-third of firms cited using AI for administrative business functions and customer service, 16 percent for process automation, and only 12 percent for coding-related tasks.
Most Third District firms using AI reported no changes across their performance metrics due to the technology, with the exception of productivity. Over 70 percent of firms saw no change in labor costs, spending on outside services, quality of goods and/or services, or sales due to AI. In contrast, 71 percent of firms reported AI-related increases in productivity, although the survey did not ask how firms measured productivity gains. Despite these self-reported increases in productivity, few Third District firms reported decreases in labor costs or spending on outside services resulting from AI usage, implying that AI had not significantly reduced regional small businesses’ spending on internal or external labor at the time of the survey. When the national SBCS sample4 was asked about employment changes due to AI, 79 percent of firms reported no change, 11 percent reported decreases, and 10 percent reported increases. See Figure 4
Productivity Gains Without Substantial Job Losses – So Far
A common concern among workers and policymakers is that AI-driven productivity gains will lead to major job losses. However, results from the Small Business Credit Survey suggest otherwise: Although most firms experienced productivity gains, few reported decreasing staff or labor costs. Similarly, another survey of both small and large Third District businesses found that AI adoption has had little impact on firm demand for workers. Research from the New York Fed indicates that more Second District firms are retraining workers rather than reducing labor due to AI usage. Overall, empirical evidence on AI adoption and labor demand remains mixed, with no clear causal link between the technology and job losses — either in AI-exposed occupations or in junior hiring.
Research from OpenAI explains that higher worker productivity due to AI does not necessarily mean fewer jobs. Other factors, such as demand elasticity (i.e., how much demand changes when the price for a good or service changes due to AI-driven productivity gains) and the human necessity of specific roles, will determine future labor demand across occupations as the technology becomes more widely adopted. However, a recent working paper surveying over 6,000 executives across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia presents a more cautious outlook: Although AI has had minimal effects to date, executives anticipate significant job losses and productivity gains over the next three years.
The national sample for the Small Business Credit Survey found that over 20 percent of firms using AI cite challenges such as accuracy, adapting the technology to business needs, data security and privacy concerns, training time, and costs, all of which could create barriers for small businesses considering AI adoption. As the landscape evolves, future generative AI adoption rates may be influenced by changing AI computing costs and competitive pressures between firms that adopt AI and those that don’t. Continued monitoring of adoption patterns and employment outcomes will be essential to understanding the technology’s long-term impact on regional firms and labor markets.
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The Two-Way Street: Higher Education & Industry
Source: Taryn Crayton, Vice President
It was an early morning as Jerome Manly, Executive Director of Early College and Workforce Development at Commonwealth University, and I headed to Rock Lititz for the PA Chamber Higher Education Summit. Before attending, my perception of higher education was probably similar to what many people hear in the news: college is expensive, enrollment is changing, and institutions are facing significant challenges. But the summit offered a much broader perspective on the role higher education plays in Pennsylvania's workforce future.
One of the strongest messages throughout the day was that preparing the next generation of talent cannot be the responsibility of colleges and universities alone. Business leaders, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play in building the workforce Pennsylvania needs. The summit focused on strengthening the connection between employers and higher education institutions so that academic programs align with real workforce needs, students gain meaningful experiences, and businesses have a voice in shaping the talent pipeline.
What struck me most was the idea that higher education should be a true two-way street. Industry partners can help guide program development and share emerging workforce needs. Colleges can translate that information into relevant learning experiences that prepare students for careers. Businesses can open their doors to provide internships, tours, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. At the same time, colleges can invite employers to campus, showcase research and innovation, and create spaces for meaningful collaboration.
Yes, the conversation included college affordability and the reality that today's students will likely have multiple careers throughout their lifetime. But the answer is not for higher education to solve these challenges in isolation. The future of workforce development depends on stronger partnerships, better communication, and a shared commitment to helping students build both technical knowledge and the durable skills needed to adapt to an ever-changing economy.
As Jerome and I drove home, I found myself thinking less about the cost of college and more about its value when connected to community and industry. The summit reinforced an important lesson: for all the challenges we come across, the pathway from where we want to be and where we are, is the strongest when industry sectors work together. Building the future workforce in Pennsylvania is not the sole responsibility of higher education, but a challenge and opportunity that belongs to all of us.
Click here to learn more about the PA Chamber Higher Education Summit
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties. For more information about the region’s top businesses, visit www.columbiamontourchamber.com.
Member News ~ September 17, 2026
Dates & Events:
Sept 24- SVUW Open House & Ribbon Cutting
The Susquehanna Valley United Way invites you to the ribbon cutting of their brand new drop-in center. The event will run from 3-6pm on Thursday, September 24th at their office located at 228 Arch Street in Sunbury. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 3:30pm, Light refreshments will be available.
Sept 26 - The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will participate in "Our World: Worldwide Day of Play"
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will participate in "Our World: Worldwide Day of Play" hosting an event on September 26 focused on play. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum features play by offering discounted admission all day with a slime lab from 11-1:00 p.m. For a list of all participating Our World: Worldwide Day of Play events and more information about the initiative, please click here!
Oct 5 - CU Hosts Adult, Working, and Returning Learners Virtual Information Session
Whether you're looking to finish a degree you started years ago, advance in your current career, change professions, or gain new skills to stay competitive in today's workforce, learn how Commonwealth University can help you achieve your educational and career goals while balancing work and family commitments. The session will be held on Monday, October 5th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. Register Today
Oct 14 - KMA FREE Senior Fall Festival
Join KMA on Wednesday Oct 14th from 11am - 2 pm at the Pine Barn Inn. The event will provide lunch, bingo, drawings, vendor's, flu shots & more! Limited spots available, RSVP to Michelle at (570) 245 - 6635 by Sept 30th to secure your spot!
Oct 28 - Trunk or Treat event at LCBC Columbia-Montour
You're invited to a FREE night out for you and your kids at LCBC Church's Trunk or Treat October 28 6-8pm! Wear your best non-scary costume and walk through an amazing line-up of themed trunks, collecting safely-packaged treats at each stop. They can't wait to see you there!
Announcements:
McKonly & Asbury Named One of Accounting Today's 2026 Best Accounting Firms to Work For
McKonly & Asbury is proud to announce that it has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the 2026 Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The firm was also ranked 10th nationwide, marking another year of national recognition for its commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture. Click Here for the full Press Release.
Southern Columbia Area School District is Seeking Community Professionals
Community Professionals are wanted for an informal student-centered session connecting high school students with real - worlds professionals. Flexiblle times & dates availible. Click here to learn more! Interested in signing up, click here!
Stop Hopper NEW Temporary Weekend Hours For the Fair
Use their in demand curb-to-curb service in Danville, Bloomsburg, and Berwick! $2.50 per ride; FREE for registered seniors 65+ Monday - Friday 6:30am - 6:30 pm. 9/26, 9/27,10/3 9:00am - 4:30PM. Pickup & drop off at Fair Gate 8.
Congratulations to the Forge Pub & Eatery
Senator Lynda Schlegal Culver Hosts Successful Senior Expo
Nearly 1,000 seniors joined Senator Culver for her annual Senior Expo at Knoebels Amusement Resort. The event brought together organizations, agencies and businesses that provide information and services for older Pennsylvanians, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about resources available to them in one convenient location.
SEKISUI KYDEX is proud to support breast cancer awareness
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Sept 20 - Dr. O's Ride For Victory
Sept 23 - Homeschool Hangout with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum
Looking for a fun way to bring your homeschool lessons to life? Join them for their Homeschool Hangout featuring Cold-Blooded Encounters with CDE Exotics from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m This event is for homeschool families in grades K–12.
Oct 22 - Domestic Violence Simulation
The Women's Center will be hosting a Domestic Violence Simulation: In Their Shoes at Commonwealth University to spread awareness during domestic violence month. This event will be taking place from 11am- 2pm in the Kehr Union Building 3rd Floor, Multicultural Center. Registration is required. Please see this flyer to register!
Talen Energy Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results, Raises 2026 Guidance
Knoebels Finishes Summer Season
Knoebels thanks you for an incredible summer of Fun, Food & Fantasy as they celebrated 100 years of Knoebels! Monday was their final day of daily operation, but our 100th season isn’t over yet. Check out their Fall Hours. September Hours: Saturdays (12, 19, 26): 12pm - 8pm & Sundays (13, 20, 27): 12pm - 7pm Hallo-Fun (October Weekends) Fridays (9, 16, 23, 30) 6pm - 10pm & Saturdays (10, 17, 24, 31): 2pm - 10pm & Sundays (11, 18, 25, Nov 1): 12pm - 6pm.
Sean Black State Farm & InnoTek Computer Consulting Partner for Wired for Good effort
A Beginner’s Guide to Creating and Managing an Email Marketing List
Email marketing is consistently rated one of the most effective ways to connect with customers. But it takes time to build and manage the list of contacts you need for your email marketing to deliver maximum impact. Here’s how to create and manage an email list of engaged consumers who are interested in your offering.
Why your email list is your most valuable owned marketing channel
Your email list is the one audience asset you genuinely control, making it the most valuable owner marketing channel in your toolkit. Social media platforms change algorithms regularly, whereas an email list stays with you regardless of any platform's decisions. Likewise, it’s more difficult to compete for attention on social media, where scrolling is part of the experience.
That ownership translates into measurable returns: email marketing delivers roughly $44 for every $1 spent, compared to social media's $5. The advantage is structural—email reaches an opted-in audience directly in their inbox, bypassing the algorithms that throttle organic visibility. Campaign Monitor found that email results in 174% more conversions than social media.
Your email list compounds in value over time as your audience stays engaged. It’s something that no platform can take away and no algorithm can reduce. But it does take time to build and active management to maintain.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided. If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.
Changes to Local Tax Sourcing in Pennsylvania
The 2026/2027 Pennsylvania budget was passed on July 12, 2026. As part of the budget legislation, changes were made to sourcing rules relevant to the two local jurisdictions that charge an additional sales tax on top of Pennsylvania’s 6% sales tax. Philadelphia charges an additional 2% sales tax and Allegheny County charges an additional 1% sales tax.
A Move to Destination-Based Sourcing
Previously, these localities used origin-based sourcing, which means sales were attributed to the location where they originated. In real terms, for a Philadelphia business selling tangible personal property, this means that all of their sales were subject to the additional 2% sales tax, regardless of where the items were shipped in Pennsylvania.
With the changes now in place, these localities will use destination-based sourcing. For the above example, this now means the sales tax would be calculated based on where the sales are shipped to rather than the vendor’s location. For businesses located outside of Philadelphia or Allegheny County, they will be required to collect and remit the additional tax on sales shipped to locations within these jurisdictions. This change aligns the localities with most states, with only a handful of states still using origin-based sourcing. According to the City of Philadelphia, this will generate more than $1 million in additional revenue for the city while creating a more level playing field for local businesses.
Next Steps for Business Owners
Since the effective date of this change is for tax years beginning after December 31st, 2025, the legislation allows for retroactive application back to January 1, 2026. Businesses should update their processes now for these new rules and may want to review prior sales to determine if they have any possible outstanding liability. We await possible guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue on what should be done for sales after January 1 and treated under the prior sourcing rules.
For more information, or if you have thoughts and/or questions about the information outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact them; their seasoned and experienced tax professionals are always here to help. You can also learn more by visiting their Tax service page.
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Keystone Kingfisher Partners, LLC – New Member Highlight
Member News ~ September 10, 2026
Dates & Events:
Sept 12 - Time Traveler Tour: Danville Then and Now
The approximately one-hour tour will take participants on a journey through more than 200 years of Danville history, using historic photographs to connect the downtown of today with the people, buildings, businesses, and streetscapes of Danville’s past. The tour will start at 10 AM departing from the CVS parking lot in Danville. More Information
Sept 12 - Special America 250 train rides in Danville
Featuring NSHR 2238 (Semiquincentennial Locomotive). These rides will load at Danville Middle School, travel 30 minutes towards Bloomsburg, and return. NSHR will also be using NSHR 2238 in passenger rides on Saturday, September 12th, in conjunction with Danville Heritage Festival – with an emphasis on America’s 250th Celebrations. Departure times will be at 10am, noon, 2pm, and 4pm. Click on the link HERE for more information.
Sept 16 - Probate & Pizza with Cardinal Estate Planning
Whether you have been named as an executor, a beneficiary, or just want to know what to expect when your family has to settle your estate; there is something to learn for everyone. This workshop is open to the public, but registration is required as seats are limited.
Sept 16 - Board Game Night in Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg Public Library is calling all board game enthusiasts! Looking to scratch your board game itch? Join them on Wednesdays at 6pm to learn a new game or revisit an old favorite. They've got Settlers of Catan, Wingspan, Ticket to Ride, Exploding Kittens, Uno, and so much more! Players of all levels are welcome.
Sept 17 - SHRMA September Chapter Meeting
This month's meeting is titled "Leadership: Volunteerism and The Road to Inner Growth, Organizational Buy-In, and AI Influence". The meeting will take place at the CSIU (90 Lawton LN, Milton, PA 17847) at 7:45am - 10:00am. Breakfast begins at 7:15 am. SHRMA will be accepting professional clothing item donations. Click here to register.
Sept 20 - Dr. O's Ride For Victory
Sept 23 - Homeschool Hangout with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum
Looking for a fun way to bring your homeschool lessons to life? Join them for their Homeschool Hangout featuring Cold-Blooded Encounters with CDE Exotics from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m This event is for homeschool families in grades K–12.
Oct 22 - Domestic Violence Simulation
The Women's Center will be hosting a Domestic Violence Simulation: In Their Shoes at Commonwealth University to spread awareness during domestic violence month. This event will be taking place from 11am- 2pm in the Kehr Union Building 3rd Floor, Multicultural Center. Registration is required. Please see this flyer to register!
Announcements:
Talen Energy Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results, Raises 2026 Guidance
Knoebels Finishes Summer Season
Knoebels thanks you for an incredible summer of Fun, Food & Fantasy as they celebrated 100 years of Knoebels! Monday was their final day of daily operation, but our 100th season isn’t over yet. Check out their Fall Hours. September Hours: Saturdays (12, 19, 26): 12pm - 8pm & Sundays (13, 20, 27): 12pm - 7pm Hallo-Fun (October Weekends) Fridays (9, 16, 23, 30) 6pm - 10pm & Saturdays (10, 17, 24, 31): 2pm - 10pm & Sundays (11, 18, 25, Nov 1): 12pm - 6pm.
Sean Black State Farm & InnoTek Computer Consulting Partner for Wired for Good effort
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Sept 10 through 20 - BLOOMSBURG THEATRE ENSEMBLE BEGINS SEASON WITH CRY IT OUT
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble will open its 49th season with the play, Cry It Out by Molly Smith-Metzler, which will run from September 10th - 20th and then tour across the region from September 24th through October 3rd. Cry It Out follows the interlocking stories of three new mothers as they navigate expectations, work, finances, and sense-of-self. Performances start at 7:30 PM. There are evening performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with 2:00pm matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday. For additional information, visit https://www.bte.org/cry-it-out
Sept 12 - 48th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
The Danville Business Alliance (DBA) is welcoming the fall season with a full month of events celebrating Danville’s history, creativity, local businesses, and community spirit. September’s featured event is the 48th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, held in conjunction with the Danville Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This longtime community tradition brings artists, craftspeople, reenactments, vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities to Danville. Special America 250 train rides will also be offered as part of the festivities (departing from the Middle School), providing another memorable way to celebrate Pennsylvania’s history and Danville’s heritage.
Sept 20 - Trio Will Perform Works By Schubert, Dvorak, and Smetana at the Weis Center
The Weis Center will welcome classical ensemble Trio Bohemo on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. Trio Bohémo, with Jan Vojtek (piano), Matouš Pěruška (violin), and Kristina Vocetková (cello), has swiftly emerged as a force on the international chamber music scene. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.
Sept 22 - State Farm Car Seat Checkup Event
Sean Black and Laurie Powell are teaming up with Geisinger and other local healthcare providers to host a kids car seat check event on Tuesday, September 22nd from 4p – 7p at the Geisinger Reichert Rd Facility. The event is free and open to the public. Susquehanna Kids will be providing resources for parents and activities for kids. For more information, click here!
Sept 24 - Free WEBINAR: 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions by Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
This webinar will focus on the 7 most common questions McKonly & Asbury receives from entrepreneurs and business owners, as it pertains to financial operations of their business. Partner David Blain, Partner Lindsay Young, and Senior Manager Zach McLaren will provide entrepreneurs and/or business owners with the answers and key information to help with a number of these frequently asked questions. Registration Link: WEBINAR: 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions Business Owners
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Opens Registration for 12th Annual Science Fair
Registration is now open for the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s 12th Annual Science Fair, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, at the Bloomsburg Fire Hall, 911 Market St., Bloomsburg. Students in grades 6 through 12 are invited to design an original project, present their findings to local judges and compete for awards. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top overall performers in each grade. Students, parents and educators can register a project at https://bit.ly/bcmsciencefair12
Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Two Local Organizations
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held its 32nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, August 28, at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville. During the tournament, Service 1st presented two local charities with donations totaling $68,000! Beneficiaries of the 32nd Annual Service 1st Charity Golf Tournament included For the Cause NEPA, located in Berwick, and the Bloomsburg Salvation Army Service Center, located in Bloomsburg. Since 1994, Service 1st’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $860,500 to benefit area organizations.
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Pennsylvania Businesses and Private Nonprofits - Columbia County
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans for those impacted by freeze April 20 – May 31. Applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Sholley Insurance Agency Celebrates One Year at Bloomsburg Location
Source: Chris Berleth Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce joined Sholley Insurance Agency on Tuesday, September 1, to celebrate the first anniversary of the agency’s Bloomsburg location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3161 Columbia Boulevard.
Since opening the Bloomsburg office one year ago, Sholley Insurance Agency has expanded its local presence and its ability to serve individuals, families, and businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania. The independent agency offers a broad range of insurance solutions, including business and personal insurance, employee benefits, and Medicare coverage.
Sholley Insurance Agency also works with businesses across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, farming, trucking, contracting, and automotive dealerships, providing clients with coverage designed around their specific operations and needs.
“Our first year in Bloomsburg has been truly rewarding. We are grateful for the trust and relationships we have built with the former Collins Insurance Agency clients and for the warm welcome we have received from the community. This ribbon cutting marks an exciting milestone, and Jared, myself, and the entire Sholley team look forward to becoming even more involved in the Bloomsburg community, supporting local organizations, and continuing to build lasting relationships for years to come."– Joshua Troup, Sholley Insurance Agency
“Sholley Insurance Agency’s investment in a Bloomsburg office gives residents and employers another local resource for services that are important to both families and businesses,” said Chris Berleth, President/CEO of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. “We’re pleased to celebrate their first year at this location and look forward to seeing their relationships in our community continue to grow.”
The Bloomsburg office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. More information about Sholley Insurance Agency and its services is available at sholleyagency.com
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties. For more information about the region’s top businesses, visit www.columbiamontourchamber.com.
Leadership Central Penn Welcomes the Class of 2027
Source: Taryn Crayton Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Vice President
Understanding a community has never been more important or more difficult. Most of us experience only a small piece of the region we call home through our workplace, our industry, our neighborhood, or the organizations we support. Yet thriving communities require leaders who understand how schools, healthcare providers, businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and economic development organizations all work together to create opportunity and improve quality of life.
Leadership Central Penn was created to build that understanding. Through exploration, education, and relationship-building, the program helps participants see the bigger picture and prepares them to become more informed, engaged, and effective leaders in our community.
Participants take a deep dive into the organizations, industries, and issues that shape our region. Program days focus on topics such as education, healthcare, economic development, government, philanthropy, agriculture, and manufacturing. As our community evolves, the program evolves alongside it, ensuring participants gain a current and relevant understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Central Pennsylvania.
This week, we are excited to welcome the Leadership Central Penn Class of 2027 as they participate in their first full day of class. We are grateful to these individuals and the organizations that have invested in their growth and demonstrated a commitment to strengthening our region.
Leadership Central Penn Class of 2027
· Brenda Albertson - Geisinger
· Brianna Apfelbaum Kula - 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation
· Kimberly Beck - Geisinger
· Daniel Buttorff - Arconic
· Rachel Etzweiler - Bloomsburg Children's Museum
· Lucas Fetterman - Agape
· Elizabeth Hazzard - The Women's Center, Inc.
· Geoffrey Johnson - Bloomsburg University Foundation
· Loni Kline - Journey Bank
· Jordan Klinger - Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community
· Alexa Longacre - CSIU 16
· Samartha Okyne - Geisinger
· Danelle Osborne - Geisinger
· Chad Roeder - McKonly & Asbury
· Shawna Roleski - Community Strategies Group
· Katy Snyder - PPL
· Jessica Thorne - First Keystone Community Bank
· Shemar Wheeler - Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
· Haeden Yough - Pennsylvania Senate
· Stephanie Young - Sean Black State Farm
The value of Leadership Central Penn extends beyond learning about the community. Participants also invest significant time in developing the leadership skills needed to navigate challenges, build relationships, and lead effectively in today's workplace and civic landscape.
The class completes more than 20 hours of professional leadership instruction focused on Trust and Listening, Emotional Intelligence, Crucial Conversations, Coaching for Performance and Development, Conflict Resolution, and Leading Change. These are practical skills that participants can immediately apply within their organizations and throughout their careers.
The experience extends beyond classroom learning. Participants work alongside local nonprofits on community-based projects, gaining firsthand experience in volunteerism and civic engagement. They also attend local government, school board, county, township, and nonprofit board meetings to better understand how decisions are made and how community challenges are addressed.
The ultimate goal of Leadership Central Penn is to develop well-rounded leaders who return to their workplaces with stronger leadership skills, broader perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. When leaders understand the interconnected nature of education, business, healthcare, government, and the nonprofit sector, they are better equipped to collaborate, solve problems, and create positive change.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the Leadership Central Penn Class of 2027. We look forward to watching these leaders grow, build connections, and make a lasting impact throughout our region.