The Referral Engine: How to Get People Talking About Your Business
- People talk about businesses that surprise them in a good way.
- Loyal customers are like neighbors who recommend a great mechanic.
- Employees are key to creating those “wow” moments customers share.
- Make referring you so easy that customers barely have to think about it.
- A great referral system grows like a garden when you plant the right seeds.
642 words ~ 3.5 min. read
The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all. It feels like a friend saying, “You’ve got to try this place.” Think about it. The last time you tried a new mechanic, plumber, or hair stylist, did you pick it because of an ad, or because someone you trust recommended it? That is the power of referrals.
In his book *The Referral Engine: Teaching Your Business to Market Itself*, John Jantsch says referrals aren’t random. They happen when you build a business people love to talk about, treat loyal customers like VIPs, and make it easy for them to share your name. And there’s one more piece many businesses overlook—your employees play a huge role in creating experiences worth recommending.
Give People a Story Worth Sharing
Imagine taking your car to two different repair shops. One fixes the problem and hands you the bill. The other vacuums the interior, leaves a thank-you note on the dashboard, and calls you a week later to make sure everything is running smoothly. Which one are you more likely to recommend to a neighbor?
People don’t talk about “fine” or “good.” They talk about moments that feel special. A “referable” business goes beyond getting the job done. It creates small surprises that make customers feel cared for. That might mean following up after a service, adding a handwritten thank-you note to an order, or solving a problem before the customer even asks.
Ask yourself this: if a customer told a friend about us, what story would they tell? If you can’t answer that clearly, start there.
Treat Loyal Customers Like Friends, Not Transactions
Referrals don’t come from strangers. They come from people who feel connected to your business. Think about how you recommend a great mechanic to friends. You do it because you trust them and want your friends to have the same good experience.
Your customers feel the same way when they feel valued. Discounts are nice, but loyalty is built on connection. Send thank-you notes. Offer early access to new products. Give your regular customers the first look at something new. These little touches make customers feel like insiders, and people love sharing things that make them feel “in the know.”
Empowering Employees to Drive Referrals
Employees are the ones delivering most of those referral-worthy moments, which means they need to be motivated to create them. If customers are the voice of your referral engine, employees are the spark that gets it going.
Think about inviting friends to your home. You make sure everything looks great because it’s *your* place, and you take pride in it. Employees feel the same way when they feel ownership of the customer experience. Share success stories with your team, ask for their ideas, and celebrate when they create “wow” moments.
Recognition matters. People work harder when their effort is noticed. Instead of only rewarding sales, reward the behaviors that lead to referrals. Create a “Wow Moment” board where employees share stories of times they went above and beyond. Give a small prize for the best story each week or month.
Make recognition personal too. A quick shout-out in a team meeting or a handwritten thank-you from a manager can motivate more than a generic “good job.”
Finally, tie incentives to referrals themselves. Track who customers mention when they leave reviews or refer friends. Reward employees who get named. A monthly prize for “most mentioned in customer referrals” turns great service into a fun challenge.
When employees feel proud of the experience they deliver, they create moments customers can’t wait to share.
Make Referrals Effortless
Even the happiest customers won’t talk about you if it feels like work. Think about how you share a funny video. You click a button, and it’s done. Referring your business should feel just as easy.
Give customers simple tools. That might be a shareable link, a short message they can copy and paste, or a quick way to send your information to a friend. If they have to search for your website or figure out what to say, most won’t bother.
The Bottom Line
Think of referrals like planting a garden. A great experience is the seed. Loyal customers are the water that keeps it growing. Engaged employees are the roots that hold it all together. And making referrals simple is the sunshine that helps it bloom.
If you want people to talk about you, give them something worth talking about. Treat customers like friends, empower employees to create moments worth sharing, and make referring you feel as easy as sharing a favorite song. Do that, and you’ll build a business that grows every time someone says, “You’ve got to try this.”
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
Chamber Staffer Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Taryn Crayton, Director of Member Engagement of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premier business leadership program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
“I’m honored and excited to be selected for this program,” said Crayton. “I look forward to learning from Chamber professionals across the country and bringing those insights back to Columbia and Montour counties.”
“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Kyle Butler, Senior Manager, Programs, K-12 Education at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
Following a competitive application and selection process, Taryn was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the twelfth class of this program. The six-month program, consisting of both in-person and virtual meetings, will cover the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
Upon completion, Business Leads Fellows will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s dedicated network of over 400 chambers of commerce and statewide associations from around the nation who regularly engage on education and workforce initiatives.
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.
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Member News ~ July 24, 2025
Fritzy Gunworks Celebrates 1st Anniversary
Congratulations Tony and Colleen!!!
McKonly & Asbury Announces 16 Promotions Across the Firm, Reinforcing Commitment to Helping Others Thrive
Camp Hill, PA – McKonly & Asbury, a trusted accounting, consulting, and tax advisory firm serving the Mid-Atlantic business community is proud to announce the promotion of 16 team members across its offices. Click here for the full Press Release and list of Promoted Team Members.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces August Programs
View their August Calendar Here
Knoebels Three Ponds Offers Free Ladies Golf Clinic
These fundamental FREE clinics include grip, stance, alignment, and full swing evaluations. Taught by Jonathan Clark, clinics are designed to help the beginner player develop skills for pitching, chipping, and putting on a grass putting green. More advanced players will learn tips and drills that will help improve their game and score. Register for the Clinic on August 6th from 5pm-7pm.
Yarn Club in Bloomsburg
Explore the world of fibers with Bloom Yarnies at the Bloomsburg Public Library from 12:30-2:30 on July 26th. Their twice-monthly yarn club is for everyone from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. No registration required—just bring your materials and be part of the creative fun!
COLUMBIA CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM RECEIVES $40,000 GRANT TO PROVIDE POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Bloomsburg, PA — Columbia Child Development Program (CCDP)’s Head Start centers in Benton and Berwick have received a $40,000 grant from Community Giving Foundation: Berwick, to support its Positive Solutions for Children and Families Program.
BIDA Hosts Successful THINK TANK
Three Service 1st Team Members Complete Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program
Danville, PA -- Three Service 1st Federal Credit Union employees recently completed the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) through the CrossState Credit Union Foundation. Ashlynn States, Assistant Market Manager, Service 1st Sunbury Office; Ben McDuffee, Assistant Vice President, Service 1st Muncy Office; and Madison Erb, Financial Services Specialist I, Service 1st Loyalsock Office earned their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation by completing the program. The FiCEP program provides credit union professionals with the skills they need to help members achieve their financial goals.
To date, 41 Service 1st team members have earned their CCUFC designation with three more employees anticipated to go through the FiCEP program in the fall.
Susquehanna Kids Summer Camp Finder
Check out this resource from Susquehanna kids! Click here to find Summer Camps for the week of July 28th in our area.
Eco1st Logistics Acquires Tim's Hauling
Eco 1st Logistics is proud to announce the acquisition of Tim’s Hauling, a long-standing and trusted local waste management company. This exciting new chapter brings together two customer-first, community-driven companies with one goal: to deliver the most reliable, affordable, and friendly garbage service in the region.
Candlewood Suites Grand Re-Opening Save the Date
Candlewood Suites invites you to save the date for their Grand Re-Opening on October 8th at 4:45.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
SBDC Shares $10,000 Grant Information
Downtown brick-and-mortar small businesses that have been open since at least January 2024 can apply for a $10,000 grant from the national Backing Small Businesses grant program. Click here for the program overview. Applications are due by July 31. Submit your application here.
SHRMA September Chapter meeting and Educational Event
The in person meeting will discuss Behavioral Brilliance: Leveraging Personality and Communication Styles for Organizational Success. Click here to view the flyer
CISPA Ribbon Cutting at Bloomsburg Middle School
You're Invited! Join us as we celebrate the launch of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania programming at Bloomsburg Middle School and Memorial Elementary School! The Ribbon Cutting will take place on August 8th at 11AM.
Millville Mutual Insurance Launches Fundraiser
As part of Millville Insurance’s 150th anniversary, they are partnering with Geisinger Health Foundation to provide 500 specially designed Infusion Shirts to patients at Knapper Clinic. To Learn More click here.
Stuart Tank Memorial Association Celebrates history with WWII Weekend
Berwick hosts its eighth annual WWII Weekend with reenactments and military vehicles. Click here for the weekend Schedule. Don't Miss the Stuart Tank on WNEP.
Visitor's Bureau Releases Magazine
Check out the Columbia Montour Visitor's Bureau: Digital Quarterly MagazineVol 17 Featuring Information for July- September.
Susquehanna Kids Calendar
Susquehanna Kids is the perfect place to find activities happening across their 5 county footprint. Check out Susquehanna Kids July Calendar.
Leadership Central Penn Accepting Applications
Want to join the next generation of leaders for a collaborative and meaningful course? We are accepting LCP Applications now through July 31st. Click Here to Apply.
Town of Bloomsburg Recognizes Retirement
Please join the town of Bloomsburg in congratulating John Fritz on his retirement and in recognizing his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Town. Best wishes, John!
Thomas Beaver Library Creation Station
The Thomas Beaver library invites all 12-17 year olds every Wednesday until Aug 6th for creative hands-on activities. The sessions will take place from 3-4PM.
Camp Victory is hosting Dr. O’s Ride for Victor
Join Camp Victory on August 24th for a scenic ride through the mountains surrounding Camp Victory. Participants can pre-register by August 10th. Pre-registration includes coffee and donuts, BBQ chicken lunch, and a commemorative pin. The event begins at 8am with coffee and donuts for pre-registrants, the ride departs Camp Victory at 10am, and BBQ chicken lunch will be at 12pm once riders return to Camp Victory.
Every Family Has a Story: How To Find Yours!
Curious about your family history but not sure where to start? Join us for the next "On the Bright Side" virtual session on Thursday, August 21 at noon, hosted by the Community Giving Foundation's Women's Giving Circle. Register Here
North Central Sight Services Hosting White Cane 5K
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries Red Sand Project
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be conducting their first annual Red Sand Project on July 30th. This initiative is focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals in the area who are falling through the cracks in existing systems, especially victims of human sex trafficking.
PA Careerlink hosting Unemployment Compensation: Relief from Charges Employer Seminar
Concerned about controlling Unemployment Compensation costs? This in-person seminar, hosted by PA Careerlink, explains what Relief from Charges is, eligibility, and how to file. Join them on July 30th from 3:30 - 4:30 at their Central Rd location in Bloomsburg. For more information and to register reach out to Tammy Pursel OR Drew Edsell.
Pediatric Specialty Care- New Member Highlight
Pediatric Specialty Care in Danville, PA offers specialized daytime care for medically fragile children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 8 years. Open Monday through Friday, the center provides a safe, nurturing, and medically supportive environment while ensuring children return home each evening and on weekends. With a dedicated team of skilled nurses and experienced childcare workers, the facility is equipped to manage complex medical needs—including feeding tubes, tracheostomy care, and other physician-ordered treatments—while also supporting each child’s developmental milestones. Transportation services are available when needed, making care more accessible for families throughout the region.Rabbittransit Expands Berwick Microtransit Service Area
Source: rabbittransit
Berwick, PA – Effective July 21, 2025, rabbittransit has expanded its microtransit service, Stop Hopper, to include a larger East Berwick service zone and a new service area in Beach Haven. Stop Hopper offers flexible, on-demand public transit using smaller, neighborhood-friendly-sized vehicles. The expansion is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Salem Township. “Salem Township is proud to partner with rabbittransit to bring expanded Stop Hopper service to our residents in Beach Haven and East Berwick. As a township, we understand that reliable transportation is essential for our community members to access employment, healthcare, shopping, and other vital services. By providing local matching funds for this federal and state grant initiative, we’re investing directly in our residents’ quality of life and economic opportunities,” states Salem Township Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Richard Talanca.
Stop Hopper riders can travel anywhere within the designated zone by requesting a ride using the Stop Hopper smartphone app. After a request is made, the app provides passengers with an estimated pick-up time, real-time ride tracking, and alerts as the vehicle approaches the destination. The Stop Hopper app is available for download from the App Store or Google Play. Riders can also call rabbittransit customer service to request a ride by dialing 1-800-632-9063.
The Stop Hopper service will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Rides cost $2.00 each way and are free for registered seniors 65 years and older with a registered free fare ID card. Vehicles are ADA accessible. For additional information, visit https://www.rabbittransit.org/services/stophopper/.
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rabbittransit, a regional public transportation provider, offers a variety of transportation services to the residents of Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Harrisburg City, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York. rabbittransit’s administrative offices are located at 901 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101. Nearly 9,200 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all residents in the region get to where they want to go.
How a Mobile CRM Benefits Your Business
Source: Business News Daily
Customer relationship management (CRM) software offers major benefits when it comes to sales, marketing and customer service functions. When all members of these teams can see recent interactions with a particular prospect or customer, they can provide higher-quality, personalized service.
In today’s business environment, prospects and customers expect around-the-clock support. Sometimes, you may be caught out of the office. That’s why the best CRM software also offers full-featured mobile CRM applications. These apps let you tackle all the same tasks as if you were using the desktop version of the software. Let’s take a closer look.
What is mobile CRM?
Growth of mobile CRM
The growth of mobile CRM software is tied to the growth of the mobile market app as a whole. More and more users want to access their programs from their smartphones and tablets. So, businesses have made developing mobile apps for the software a priority.
Research shows that the mobile app market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4 percent between 2023 and 2032. This growth rate stems from consumers demanding mobile app availability.
CRM software is contributing to that growth. Research from Future Marketing Insights forecasts an 11.9 percent CAGR in the mobile CRM market from 2024 to 2034. A prominent factor in this growth is widespread CRM use in the healthcare and finance industries.
Mobile CRM has also grown due to the rise of flexible pricing models over traditional subscriptions. These newer CRM models give companies more control over how the money they spend on mobile CRM benefits them.
Today’s employees want on-the-go CRM access, and your customers likely expect around-the-clock service. As such, mobile CRM isn’t just useful for business — it’s the modern-day standard.
What are the benefits of mobile CRM?
There are a number of benefits mobile CRM tools can offer your business. These include:
- Real-time CRM data: Mobile CRM platforms give you the very latest information about your sales pipeline. They also give you the latest urgent needs, salesperson activity and more, just like a CRM dashboard
- On-the-go data: As team members move from location to location or navigate myriad programming options at a conference, mobile CRMs remove any data-accessing limits. A mobile CRM allows your sales, marketing and customer service employees to keep doing their jobs while they’re not in the office.
- Better sales processes and customer service: If a sales prospect contacts your company with a question, an untimely response could turn a likely deal into a lost one. Likewise, if a customer reaches out to your company for help, a slow response may make the customer feel ignored; then, they’re more likely to shop elsewhere. With mobile CRM, you avoid these struggles. Your team has the information and quick access to handle inquiries as they happen.
- Instant scheduling: With a mobile CRM, your team has full access to scheduling tools, so instant calendar additions are no problem. As a result, mobile CRM reduces the likelihood of missed sales.
- Instant data analysis and reporting: You can use CRM analytics to review data and compile reports with just a few taps on your screen.
- Data and contact updates: In addition to analyzing data, your team can update information with a mobile CRM. If, for example, a member of your sales team just ended a promising meeting and needs to immediately update their prospect’s contact card, they can do so in seconds with a mobile CRM.
- Remote file organization and sharing: Sales, marketing and customer service teams quickly generate piles of documents. Members of these departments can organize and share these documents from any location at any time. The result is a more organized, cohesive team.
Considerations for implementing mobile CRM
When implementing a CRM system for your company, keep the following considerations in mind.
1. Think about your entire team.
It’s easy to gauge the value of CRM software purely in terms of how it makes work easier for your sales, marketing and customer service reps. However, there may be ways your CRM can make work easier for other departments, such as HR or logistics. If so, structure your mobile CRM to benefit these teams, too.
You should also consider how your mobile CRM can facilitate communications across all of your departments. You can streamline this communication through your CRM software’s information-sharing or built-in messaging tools.
2. Know why you’re using your mobile CRM.
Chances are that your overarching mission when using CRM software is to save your team time. You’ll likely have a similar goal when implementing a mobile CRM solution, but you should get more specific. That’s because, given the numerous advantages of mobile CRM, you likely can’t harness every benefit. Instead, decide which advantages your mobile CRM will directly facilitate the most.
For example, let’s say your primary reason for using a mobile CRM is to support the needs of your team so they can be entirely remote. In that case, you should focus on dial-in features instead of reporting. This way, your team can easily convene for calls without ever being in the same room. If your main need with mobile CRM is minimizing your team’s workload upon returning from work travel, focus on mobile data access and reporting.
3. Look at the larger technological picture.
When you think of mobile CRM, you might think of employees accessing the CRM software on their personal phones. In reality, this picture presents a few potential problems.
For starters, personal phone CRM use erases work-life balance for employees. It’s also a security issue, as a lost personal phone could suddenly jeopardize your company’s information. Additionally, there are potential installation problems, as some mobile CRM apps only work on iPhone or Android — but not both. And certainly, your team’s personal phones aren’t all one or the other.
That’s why you should look beyond the mobile CRM to all of the technology that your team will use. This might mean buying work smartphones or tablets for your team and restricting mobile CRM use to only these devices. It also entails taking steps to ensure the security of your CRM and the data it holds. From endpoint to endpoint, your CRM should be secure and user-friendly for your whole team.
4. Consider your offline CRM needs.
In an ideal world, your mobile CRM is accessible all the time. In reality, not all locations have uninterrupted internet access, despite the prevalence of Wi-Fi. You’ll need to consider your mobile CRM’s offline capabilities as you find a solution.
As you search for the right app, ask yourself: Can your mobile CRM facilitate reporting and data analysis without real-time updates? Can it store your employees’ offline updates for syncing once the employee comes back online? A good CRM should do both with no issue.
5. Keep your mobile CRM flexible.
Flexibility is key when choosing a mobile CRM solution. Flexibility doesn’t solely pertain to employee ease of access at all times and locations; it also pertains to a CRM’s ability to be easily modified and fully scalable.
For example, if your company pursues an international growth opportunity, you need your mobile CRM to have multilingual and multicurrency features. It should also integrate seamlessly with other platforms and scale across all your departments.
A mobile CRM that you can use today should always be ready for use tomorrow. More sales, marketing and customer service tools often means more customers — which is why you’re using CRM in the first place.
A mobile CRM system is an effective CRM system
Today’s business environment is dynamic, with distributed teams and customers that expect prompt, 24/7 service. Your sales, marketing and customer service teams will be empowered to deliver if they have access to a robust, user-friendly mobile CRM tool. The result will be more closed deals and improved customer satisfaction. So, if you’re in the market for CRM software, be sure to look into the mobile application each vendor offers. Also, look at whether it measures up to the full-featured desktop version of the platform.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
What You Don’t Know About Social Engineering Can Harm You
Source: M&T Bank
You’re only human. And criminals called social engineers, or “human hackers”, are out to manipulate you into revealing sensitive information or into downloading software that will compromise your computer’s security. Social engineering attacks can happen online, in-person, or through other interactions. How do they do it? They often impersonate legitimate organizations to gain trust, then play on your emotions—such as fear (‘Your grandson is in jail”), greed (“You’ve just won a million dollars!”), or sympathy (“I’m bankrupt due to medical bills—please wire money now!”) that will entice you to divulge your personal and financial data or click on a link that takes control of your computer system.
These fraudsters are smart and unrelenting. And incidents are skyrocketing. Research from 2024 shows hundreds of millions of threats come from information stealers, Trojans (that lure you to install malicious software, or malware), and ransomware (where your computer’s files are encrypted and the criminals demand a ransom payment to decrypt them).1Disclosure number, please reference additional details in the Disclosures section at the bottom of this page. There are ways to outsmart them, but you first need to be aware of exactly how they operate.
The most common social engineering attacks that aim to deceive you:
Phishing: The cyberthief creates a sense of urgency (“24 hours before unclaimed funds expire!”) or appeals to your curiosity with a leading question (“Are you owed compensation?”) via emails, texts - called smishing, or phone calls. If you engage by giving personal information or click on an embedded link, they can gain access to your computer and bank accounts, credit cards, etc. government agencies, financial institutions, or popular social media applications or file sharing sites — to gain confidence and encourage you to follow the email’s directives, such as divulging sensitive information. These phishing attacks prey on curiosity, greed, great deals, and emotion
1. Baiting: Through emotional lures similar to phishing, they “bait” you into installing or clicking on something that ends up putting malware onto your computer system. Offers for gift cards, free smartphones, or even a share of a lottery winner’s profits — are popular baiting techniques.
2. Quid pro quo: Here, a criminal offers a seemingly desirable product or service in exchange for access to confidential information (“Here’s new software to make your computer run faster!” or “We think you’d be a perfect candidate for this job!”).
3. Pretexting involves bad actors impersonating someone you trust—your boss, a police officer, government official—so you feel obliged to respond and follow their directions to provide sensitive information; once you comply, they can access your financial accounts.
4. Scareware, like the name implies, frightens you with scary pop-ups and notifications (“Warning! Your computer may be infected!”), leading you to install malware that gives them access to your data. Examples can include pops up such as
4. Scareware, like the name implies, frightens you with scary pop-ups and notifications (“Warning! Your computer may be infected!”), leading you to install malware that gives them access to your data. Examples can include pops up such as
Fraud in motion: Learn the ways fraudsters try to access your information. It’s more than you think.
Even the most sophisticated computer users can be vulnerable to social engineering scams. The more aware you are of how scam artists work, the less likely you are to become a victim.
How to protect yourself
It can be intimidating to know that there are people who look to misuse your financial data. Just follow these guidelines to guard your personal information.
Security checklist
- Verify all requests for information from a source that’s unfamiliar or even if the name is familiar but something looks “off”—perhaps when you check the sender’s origin, it’s a personal or odd email address; or maybe the message has misspellings and grammar errors. Delete the email without responding and contact the actual company directly to report the message.
- Be password savvy. Make it a hard-to-guess mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols at least 12 characters long. Save the details in a password manager software “vault” application, enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on your accounts so you need a password and a one-time code, use different passwords across accounts, and never share your login credentials.
- Regularly update your operating system and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security features (SPAM filter and a personal firewall), and check your online accounts for any unauthorized activity.
- Think before you click on embedded hyperlinks in emails or texts that look suspicious. Enter the URL into the address bar to see if it takes you to a reliable source. Still not sure? Call the supposed company sender to check its authenticity.
- Stick to private Wi-Fi online activity and don’t perform your banking, credit card, or other financial activities in a public place.
In such a fast-paced world, it’s tempting to quickly rush in and select a link or respond to an email that engages your attention. Armed with the information provided above, however, you will be far less likely to get caught in a fraudster’s trap and unwittingly reveal your valuable personal and financial information.
Have you been targeted by online fraudsters? Do the following:
- Contact M&T Bank immediately to investigate and help secure your account
- Immediately change the passwords on any accounts where you entered information in response to the social engineering incident.
- Freeze your credit or set a fraud alert with credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Monitor your financial accounts and contact your bank or card issuer right away if you notice any suspicious activity.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Three Insights for Philanthropy
Source: The Community Giving Foundation
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025, after the House of
Representatives approved the Senate’s changes to H.R.1, which passed the House by a narrow
margin in May.
The OBBBA, with nearly 900 pages or provisions, reshapes policy across major sectors of the
U.S. economy. Included are several provisions that impact philanthropy. Three major takeaways
are of particular importance as Community Giving Foundation helps donors, fundholders, and
nonprofits—as well as attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors—navigate charitable planning
opportunites over the months and years ahead.
(Notably, the OBBBA omits several provisions that appeared in previous versions of the
legislation, such as a proposed increase to the net investment income tax on private
foundations.)
INSIGHT #1: Standard Deduction Goes Higher
What’s in the OBBBA? The new law makes permanent the standard deduction increases
under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), increasing the standard deduction for 2025 to
$15,750 for single filers and $31,500 to taxpayers who are married and filing jointly. The new
law also expands the “bonus” deduction for taxpayers 65 and older through 2028. What’s more,
under the new law, individuals who itemize may take charitable deductions only to the extent the
charitable deductions exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income. Furthermore, taxpayers in the top
bracket can only claim a 35% deduction for charitable gifts instead of the full 37% that would
otherwise apply to their income tax rate. Note also that the final bill permanently extended the
60% of adjusted gross income contribution limitation for cash gifts made to certain qualifying
charities.
What does this mean for charitable giving? With even fewer taxpayers eligible to itemize,
and deductions capped for high-income earners, we’re likely to see a continuation of the chilling
effect on charitable giving that occurred in the wake of the TCJA.
What can you do? If you regularly support charities, it’s important to continue to do so whether
or not you’re benefiting from a tax deduction. Our community needs you, now more than ever. If
you’re a nonprofit, or if you’re an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor who works with charitable
clients, remember that people do not give to charity solely to secure a tax deduction. Keep in
mind that many other factors motivate charitable giving, and philanthropy is an important priority
for many families. (This article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review has stood the test of
time.)
INSIGHT #2: Deduction for Non-Itemizers
What’s in the OBBBA? The new law includes a provision, effective after 2025, allowing nonitemizers to take a charitable deduction of $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for taxpayers who are married and filing jointly. As has been the case in the past, gifts to donor advised funds are not eligible. Unlike a previous (but smaller) similar provision, though, this law is not set to
sunset.
What does this mean for charitable giving? After the TCJA went into effect, households that itemize deductions dropped to under 10%. Parallel to this trend, the number of U.S. adults who give to charity in any given year has dropped over the last 20 years from nearly two-thirds to less than half, according to some studies. Against this backdrop, the OBBBA’s deduction for
non-itemizers has the potential to re-motivate charitable giving among a significant number of households.
What can you do? For everyone, now is the time to take a serious look at your charitable giving plans to support the causes you care about over the years ahead, especially if you are early in your career and not yet itemizing deductions. If you’ve already established a fund or you’re working with Community Giving Foundation in another way, please reach out to learn
how we can help you make the most of the new tax laws, and even get your children and grandchildren involved. If you’re a nonprofit, now is the time to attract and engage brand new donors. And if you’re an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, make sure you talk about charitable giving with your clients who don’t itemize—a $1,000 or $2,000 deduction could be just the motivation they need to begin a journey of philanthropy.
INSIGHT #3: No Sunsetting Estate Tax Exemption
What’s in the OBBBA? For affluent taxpayers updating financial and estate plans, and for the attorneys, CPAs, and wealth managers advising them, the last couple of years have been a roller coaster because of the looming possibility that the TCJA’s increase to the estate tax exemption would sunset at the end of 2025. Finally, there is clarity: Under the OBBBA, the sunset will not happen. The new law makes permanent the increase in the unified credit and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption threshold. The 2025 exemption is $13.99 million for single filers and $27.98 million married filing jointly. In 2026, these numbers increase to $15 million and $30 million respectively.
What does this mean for charitable giving? Purely estate tax-based incentives to give to charity continue to apply only to the ultra-wealthy, likely resulting in a continuation of the taxpayer behavior triggered by the TCJA. In other words, most people will give to charity during their lifetimes and in their estates for reasons other than a tax deduction.
What can you do? There is no guarantee that the estate tax exemption will stay high forever. As families work with their tax and estate planning advisors, many are viewing the next two years as an important window to plan ahead. The upshot of the new law is that high net-worth taxpayers now have more time to thoughtfully consider estate planning strategies, including charitable giving. For nonprofits, this means continuing to focus on long-term planned giving strategies is wise.
"The Community Giving Foundation is here for you, your clients, and our community. Please reach out to discuss charitable giving strategies tailored to meet your goals. Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu, Foundation Director of Philanthropy
570-854-3504 (cell) | ameyers-sanonu@csgiving.org
The team at the Community Giving Foundation is a resource and sounding board as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side of the equation and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. Learn more at csgiving.org/professional-advisors. This newsletter is provided for informational
purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice."
The Community Giving Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that develops, manages, and distributes funds for charitable purposes in communities across the Central Susquehanna region of Pennsylvania.
725 West Front Street • Berwick, PA 18603 • 570-752-3930 • csgiving.org
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT-Rock Bottom Paving
Member News ~ July 17, 2025
SBDC Shares $10,000 Grant Information
Downtown brick-and-mortar small businesses that have been open since at least January 2024 can apply for a $10,000 grant from the national Backing Small Businesses grant program. Click here for the program overview. Applications are due by July 31. Submit your application here.
SHRMA September Chapter meeting and Educational Event
The in person meeting will discuss Behavioral Brilliance: Leveraging Personality and Communication Styles for Organizational Success. Click here to view the flyer
CISPA Ribbon Cutting at Bloomsburg Middle School
You're Invited! Join us as we celebrate the launch of Communities In Schools of Pennsylvania programming at Bloomsburg Middle School and Memorial Elementary School! The Ribbon Cutting will take place on August 8th at 11AM.
Millville Mutual Insurance Launches Fundraiser
As part of Millville Insurance’s 150th anniversary, they are partnering with Geisinger Health Foundation to provide 500 specially designed Infusion Shirts to patients at Knapper Clinic. To Learn More click here.
Stuart Tank Memorial Association Celebrates history with WWII Weekend
Berwick hosts its eighth annual WWII Weekend with reenactments and military vehicles. Click here for the weekend Schedule. Don't Miss the Stuart Tank on WNEP.
Visitor's Bureau Releases Magazine
Check out the Columbia Montour Visitor's Bureau: Digital Quarterly Magazine Vol 17 Featuring Information for July- September.
Susquehanna Kids Calendar
Susquehanna Kids is the perfect place to find activities happening across their 5 county footprint. Check out Susquehanna Kids July Calendar.
Leadership Central Penn Accepting Applications
Want to join the next generation of leaders for a collaborative and meaningful course? We are accepting LCP Applications now through July 31st. Click Here to Apply.
Town of Bloomsburg Recognizes Retirement
Please join the town of Bloomsburg in congratulating John Fritz on his retirement and in recognizing his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Town. Best wishes, John!
Manufacturing Talent Solutions Roundtable
Pennsylvania College of Technology is bringing together HR professionals and manufacturing leaders from across Central PA to discuss practical solutions to our region's manufacturing skills gap. Click Here to Register.
Bloomsburg Public Hosts Dungeons & Dragons
Join the library every Tuesday night from 5-8pm at the Bloomsburg Public Library for an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious newcomer, their one-night campaigns promise excitement, camaraderie, and endless possibilities. No prior experience is needed. All necessary materials will be provided, although you’re welcome to bring your own dice and character sheets. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Benton Rodeo Continues This Weekend
The 40th Annual Frontier Days Championship Rodeo will be taking place on July 15-20th. The gates open at 4:30 and the action begins at 7:30 Click here for more information.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
CSO Celebrates 1 Year of Mobile Food Pantry
Thomas Beaver Library Creation Station
The Thomas Beaver library invites all 12-17 year olds every Wednesday until Aug 6th for creative hands-on activities. The sessions will take place from 3-4PM.
Camp Victory is hosting Dr. O’s Ride for Victor
Join Camp Victory on August 24th for a scenic ride through the mountains surrounding Camp Victory. Participants can pre-register by August 10th. Pre-registration includes coffee and donuts, BBQ chicken lunch, and a commemorative pin. The event begins at 8am with coffee and donuts for pre-registrants, the ride departs Camp Victory at 10am, and BBQ chicken lunch will be at 12pm once riders return to Camp Victory.
Every Family Has a Story: How To Find Yours!
Curious about your family history but not sure where to start? Join us for the next "On the Bright Side" virtual session on Thursday, August 21 at noon, hosted by the Community Giving Foundation's Women's Giving Circle. Register Here
Montour County Comprehensive plan in the works
Montour County is creating a comprehensive plan and is looking for the public's opinion. Fill out a survey that will be used to shape the the plan's priorities here.
"Go Joe" Coming to Pine Barn
Joe Snedeker's annual "Go Joe" will be starting out at the Pine Barn Inn on July 22. Everyone is welcome to the send-off! Be at the Pine Barn no later than 7:45 am!
Local Partners Step Up to Secure Site for Greater Berwick Homeless Shelter
Chamber Member Directory Sales continuing
Member directory ad sales are happening now through July 25th. Learn more here OR reach out to Lois Wolfe for more details.
North Central Sight Services Hosting White Cane 5K
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries Red Sand Project
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be conducting their first annual Red Sand Project on July 30th. This initiative is focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals in the area who are falling through the cracks in existing systems, especially victims of human sex trafficking.
CSIU to Host The Human Experience Summer Camp
FREE for Students in Grades 7–12! The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit is proud to host The Human Experience, a four-day, immersive summer program designed to foster connection, self-awareness, and community-building among students through a blend of educational training, leadership development, and theatrical experiences. July 21–24, 2025 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center– 15 Lawton Lane, Milton, PA. Open to students entering grades 7–12 in the 2025–26 school year. For more information, contact Julie Petrin at jpetrin@csiu.org or 570-523-1155 ext. 2316.
PA Careerlink hosting Unemployment Compensation: Relief from Charges Employer Seminar
Concerned about controlling Unemployment Compensation costs? This in-person seminar, hosted by PA Careerlink, explains what Relief from Charges is, eligibility, and how to file. Join them on July 30th from 3:30 - 4:30 at their Central Rd location in Bloomsburg. For more information and to register reach out to Tammy Pursel OR Drew Edsell.