Mid-Year Reset: 5 Smart Moves to Strengthen Your Small Business
- The year's midpoint is your wake-up call—refocus now to finish strong.
- Scrutinize your numbers to find what’s working (and what’s not).
- Reboot your marketing before seasonal shifts hit.
- Remove workflow roadblocks to boost team output.
- Reconnect with your business’s core purpose.
597 Words ~ 3 minute read
The midpoint of the year often hits like a reality check: goals half-met, momentum lagging, and a to-do list that keeps growing. But this moment is also a strategic gift: a reset button that can set you up for a stronger, smarter second half.
Here are five high-impact moves to help you reset with intention and finish the year with confidence:
1. Run the Numbers, Then Rewrite the Playbook
Take a hard look at your financials. Are you ahead, behind, or coasting? Scrutinize revenue trends, margins, and expenses. Identify what’s draining resources and double down on what’s driving growth. Use the insights to reshape your financial strategy for the next six months, because winging it isn’t a plan.
2. Reboot Your Marketing Before the Fall Rush
If your marketing has lost steam, this is your window to revive it. Launch a seasonal promotion, refine your messaging, or test new channels to re-engage your audience. And don’t wait to prep for fall. Holiday planning starts now. Review your content calendar, track past performance, and align campaigns with your business goals.
3. Clear the Roadblocks Slowing Your Team
Small inefficiencies become big headaches by year’s end. What processes are wasting time? Where’s the communication breaking down? Invite your team to flag friction points and co-create solutions. Even modest upgrades, such as automating reports, streamlining meetings and clarifying roles, can drive major gains.
4. Recalibrate Your Goals and Reset Priorities
It’s okay if the goals you set in January don’t fit anymore. Priorities evolve. What matters is focus. Reassess your KPIs and trim anything that’s distracting from your top objectives. Reset your team’s focus around fewer, clearer targets so execution becomes simpler and more powerful.
5. Reconnect with Your Why
Amid the grind, your original mission can get blurry. Take a step back to reflect: Why did you start this business? Who do you serve, and how do you want to show up for them? Realigning with your purpose energizes your leadership and clarifies your brand.
Bottom Line:
A mid-year reset isn’t just a productivity hack, it’s a strategic imperative. It gives you space to pause, zoom out, and ask the critical questions that get lost in day-to-day urgency. By evaluating your numbers, refreshing your marketing, streamlining operations, focusing your goals, and reigniting your purpose, you give your business the fuel it needs to finish the year not just intact, but thriving. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with greater clarity, consistency, and conviction.
---
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- ATA Spa
ATA Spa & Nails in Bloomsburg, PA, is a full-service luxury nail and beauty spa dedicated to providing a rejuvenating experience in a serene and welcoming environment. Known for its elegant ambiance and meticulous attention to hygiene, ATA Spa offers a wide range of services including manicures, pedicures, waxing, lash extensions, and advanced skincare treatments. With a focus on both relaxation and precision, their team of skilled professionals ensures every guest receives personalized care using top-tier products and modern techniques. Located conveniently in Bloomsburg, ATA Spa & Nails has become a go-to destination for locals seeking high-quality self-care in a calm, beautifully designed setting.
Member News ~ June 5, 2025
Chamber Members join together for a Lunch and Learn
Servpro of Columbia, Montour, and Sullivan Counties and Sean Black - State Farm Insurance are putting on a lunch and learn on June 11th to help guide businesses through emergencies from who to call first, how to handle insurance claims, and what your restoration team will take care of. Learn more and register here.
Susquehanna Valley United Way hosting Campaign Finale TONIGHT!
Join the Susquehanna Valley United Way will be hosting their Campaign Finale on June 5th. The evening will include celebration, connection, and fresh beginnings as they mark the close of our 2024–25 Campaign Season. Learn more and register here.
Bloomsburg First Fridays happening June 5th
Check out a full list of things happening, including "Tools of the Trade" reception at the Exchange and a ribbon cutting at Gillespie Park.
Help the Columbia Child Development Program - Head Start Celebrate 60 years!
Head Start is turning 60 with a digital birthday card! Share your memories of how Head Start has impacted your life, or simply join us in saying Happy Birthday! Sign the card here.
Danville Business Alliance Announces New Executive Director
The Danville Business Alliance is excited to officially announce the appointment of Lura Good as its new Executive Director. Congratulations Lura!
Bucknell SBDC Hosting Ribbon Cutting
Join the Bucknell SBDC for a ribbon cutting on June 12th for a new fusion restaurant in Danville. Learn more here.
Summer Festival happening at Villa Sacred Heart July 12
The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius invite you to Villa Sacred Hear in Danville to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Summer Festival. The event begins at 10:30 on July 12th. Enjoy food trucks, Sisters' Bakery, a flea Market, arts and crafts, Bingo, Books, and MORE! Help them celebrate 50 years!
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces June Programs
Swift Kennedy Releases June Newsletter
Bloomsburg Public Library Summer Book Sale
Join the Bloomsburg Public Library for their annual book sale happening June 10 - 14th. More than 10,000 books in good condition at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Bloomsburg Public Library. Get more details here.
Women's Giving Circle to hold next "On the Bright Side" June 18th
The Women's Giving Circle will hold its next "On the Bright Side" virtual lunch session on Wednesday, June 18th at noon. Curious to know more about your family history, but not sure how to get started? Join them to learn tips and tricks to discovering your story. Please also come to share interesting facts about your ancestors. Two of our Women's Giving Circle committee members have Marie Antoinette and William Shakespeare on their family trees! Register here.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Attention Artists
America250PA is accepting design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The selected artists will execute their designs on bell sculptures. View the full announcement here.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosts Family Mini Golf Night
Families are welcome to join for a night of mini golf on Saturday, July 26th, from 3 pm-8 pm learn more on their Facebook page
Ronald McDonald House of Danville seeks meal group volunteers
The Ronald McDonald House of Danville is home to families with children receiving medical care at local hospitals. The House has a fully-stocked kitchen and provides meals for families staying at the House. They are seeking meal group volunteers to help cook or cater meals for families so they can relax and enjoy a meal together in the dining room. Interested in cooking a meal? Contact Molly Shaw at mshaw@rmhdanville.com for more details or visit the link to sign up: https://ow.ly/r9ph50SSp89.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Summer Camps
BTE Theatre School offers a range of classes, workshops, and camps designed to teach the fundamentals of the theater arts on an age-appropriate basis: critical reading, aesthetic analysis, creative thinking and problem solving, collaboration, theatre technology, oral interpretation, movement, and more. Visit this link for more information.
PA CareerLink to Host Career Fair
Join the CareerLink for a CareerLink on June 10, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Bloomsburg Fire Department. Spaces are available for businesses to meet with prospective employees. Learn more.
MC Federal Credit Union hosting 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Join MC Federal Credit Union Friday, June 27, 2025, for MC Federal Credit Union’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg, PA. Whether you're an experienced golfer or just love supporting a great cause, this event is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer sun while giving back to the community. Learn more.
Chamber Travel Information Meeting
The Columbia Montour Chamber is excited to partner with Collette for our first Chamber Travel Experience. We will be hosting an interest meeting on June 11th at 6pm in the Mulberry Mills conference room. To learn more about the trip: Click Here
Montour Night Out Set for June 11 at Danville Middle School
Danville, PA – Area residents are invited to attend Montour Night Out on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Danville Middle School on Route 11. This free, family-friendly event aims to strengthen community ties and foster positive relationships between the public and local emergency service providers. Read More
New Growing Greener Grants Available for Local Environmental Projects
This week, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the opening of a new application round for the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
This program provides vital funding – the largest single investment of state funds for these purposes – to address critical environmental concerns like clean water, watershed restoration, flood mitigation, and more. For more information visit the DEP's website.
Ken Pollock Ford Announces 2025 Car Show
Kenn Pollock Ford prepares for their Car Show on September 14th, 2025 from 10am-3pm. View the flyer here.
Bloomsburg Rotary Gears Up for Their Annual Golf Tournament.
The tournament will be held on August 13th, and proceeds will support AGAPE's Backpacks for Kids Program. Registration forms with payment in full are due by August 1, 2025. Click here to view the registration form.
The Women's Center Hosting Brain Trauma Event
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties will be hosting a brain trauma event on June 20th. This is a free event covering brain injuries and held from 9:00 - 3:30 at the Hub at Mulberry Mills. Click here to register spaces are limited.
Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center hosting Golf Tournament
Join the Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center for the Richard Kriebel & George Hasay Memorial Golf Tournament on June 14th. Learn more here.
President’s Message: Little Scissors and Small Tables
by Chris Berleth, President
I’ve been a part of some pretty cool ribbon cuttings in my nine years in the Chamber industry - a pizza cutter was used for the dedication of a new pizza oven, a chainsaw cut a large log for the grand opening of a new tree care business, a barber’s straight-edge cut the ribbon on a new barber shop, and a dog grooming business had matching cocker spaniel topiaries – but yesterday was my favorite so far. Thirteen pairs of safety scissors were distributed to tiny hands as we cut the ribbon alongside Columbia Child Development Center, celebrating 60 years of Head Start.
It was nice to celebrate a win related to childcare. As you know, it’s been a continual concern for the region, where, as the Chamber has reported for years, Columbia and Montour Counties are in a ‘childcare desert’. This challenge is not unique to us, as across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, childcare gaps are estimated to cost the economy nearly $6.5 billion per year. Two major challenges plague the childcare industry, and these issues are universally agreed upon. First, there’s a lack of teachers, classrooms and facilities, and second, there’s a gross undervaluing of childcare workers and thereby, childcare workers are insufficiently paid. We don’t have enough places to teach our young ones, and when we do, they struggle to keep and pay their workers.
To address this crisis, which gravely impacts the availability of workers in the region, a multifaceted approach must be taken, and your Chamber has joined a coalition of 55 chambers and business organizations advocating for support for the childcare industry in a major push across the state.
We’re being heard, but change is slow-moving.
I’m delighted to share that this Friday, several childcare providers will gather with leaders to tour a local provider facility, learn of the specific woes facing providers in areas of Columbia and Montour counties. The challenge we have of course, is that like the size of the safety scissors, we’re burdened with small tables too. I mean to say, to prevent disruption to the learning experience of each of the children in the facilities we’re meeting with, and to minimally impact an industry stretched thin by understaffing, we’re meeting in considerably smaller groups than we’d like to get the point across. The good news is that there’s a general attitude by our leaders that this is a critical issue, and that this event Friday must be the first part of a traveling tour of our region’s childcare facilities as we push for change. We’ll be sure to keep you looped in as we connect with leaders to grow the region. If you’d like to be part of our push to advocate for childcare in the region, please consider participating in next Friday’s Governmental Affairs meeting, by emailing me at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.
Now Accepting Applications: 2025–2026 Leadership Central Penn
Are you ready to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact in your community? Leadership Central Penn is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 program year!
This dynamic professional development initiative, facilitated by The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, brings together a diverse group of professionals from across Columbia and Montour Counties. Participants engage in a nine-month journey designed to strengthen leadership skills, foster civic engagement, and deepen industry knowledge.
The program runs from September 2025 through May 2026, meeting on the third Thursday of each month. Sessions focus on hands-on leadership training, local and regional economic development, and opportunities to engage with influential community and industry leaders.
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert-led Leadership Training
- Valuable Networking Opportunities
- Industry and Community Insights
- Hands-on Civic Engagement
- A Supportive Alumni Network
Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills and expand your influence, Leadership Central Penn provides the tools, connections, and experiences to help you grow.
Program Cost:
- $1,295 for Chamber Members
- $1,495 for Non-Members
*Scholarships may be available to nonprofit Chamber members.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience that develops leaders, connects professionals, and inspires service to our region.
Ready to apply? Visit our website to get started.
Questions? Contact us at foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com
Leadership Central Penn
Develop. Connect. Lead.
When Strategy Stalls: 4 Moves to Regain Momentum
- Pause to Stabilize: Cut costs and renegotiate to create breathing room.
- Pivot, Don’t Panic: Explore new markets or customer segments while staying agile.
- Learn Fast or Fall Behind: Turn setbacks into insights through rapid experimentation.
- Guard the Downside: Hedge risks and protect what matters most.
600 words ~ 3 min. read
Even seasoned leaders know the sting of a strategy that’s no longer working. But the real measure of leadership isn’t avoiding failure—it’s how decisively and creatively you pivot when the path ahead shifts.
When strategic plans falter—whether due to market turbulence, internal missteps, or external shocks—leaders must act not with panic, but with precision. Drawing from Harvard Business Review’s “How to Rescue a Failing Strategy,” here are four pivotal moves to help regain strategic traction.
1. Pause to Stabilize
If your strategy is wobbling, the first priority is to buy time without triggering chaos. Consider:
- Reducing burn rate by cutting non-essential expenses
- Freezing expansion plans that strain resources
- Renegotiating contracts or vendor terms to ease cash flow
Retailers, for instance, might pause new store openings to refocus on e-commerce logistics. Nonprofits may temporarily halt new program rollouts to concentrate on core impact areas.
This strategic pause buys clarity—and the space to think critically.
2. Pivot, Don’t Panic
Locking into one approach can be dangerous when conditions change. Instead, design options:
- Enter adjacent customer segments
- Test low-risk partnerships or distribution channels
- Pilot tweaks to product offerings or delivery models
For manufacturers, this might mean adapting existing equipment to serve a neighboring industry. Professional services firms could pivot to virtual delivery or a subscription-based model.
Related reading: McKinsey on adaptive strategies
3. Learn Fast or Fall Behind
Use turbulence as a catalyst to turn your organization into a fast learner. That means:
- Running controlled experiments on pricing, offers, or ops
- Creating real-time feedback loops from customers and staff
- Making strategic reviews more iterative, less static
Construction firms might beta-test prefab components for speed and cost. Tech startups could A/B test UX changes weekly.
Also worth reading: Bain on learning organizations
4. Guard the Downside
Pivots come with risk. Your job? Minimize exposure while staying bold.
- Cap investments in unproven ideas
- Increase controls around key financial or operational processes
- Develop contingency plans for likely risk scenarios
Think of this as smart aggression—pushing forward without leaving your core vulnerable.
Bottom Line
Every organization will face moments when strategy falters. The difference lies in the response. Leaders who act with focus—stabilizing, experimenting, and protecting—don’t just recover; they reposition for smarter, stronger growth.
---
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- Empire Access
Empire Access is a leading telecommunications provider delivering lightning-fast fiber internet to communities across New York and Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Prattsburgh, NY, the company has deep roots dating back to 1896 and has grown into a regional leader by focusing on customer-first service and cutting-edge technology. With a strong presence in both urban and rural areas, Empire Access is known for its reliable, high-speed connectivity, local 24/7 customer support, and commitment to bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. Visit their website here.
Member News ~ May 30, 2025
PPL's Energy Efficiency team releases Case Study
Check out the recent case study released by PPL's Energy Efficiency Team on savings available through PPL's Electric Business Energy Efficiency Program.
Lenora Edwards of Driven to be Better Releases Debut Book
Lenora A. Edwards, MS, is a nationally recognized TEDx speaker, author, trauma-informed educator, and emotional wellness expert who has released her debut book. “Food, Feelings & Freedom: The Be Free Guide to End Emotional Eating”. This book is grounded in a compassionate roadmap for anyone silently battling their body, emotions, or relationship with food to feel whole again. Lenora is the creator of The BEFREE Method. This science-rooted, heart-intelligent framework helps professionals and leaders permanently end the cycle of emotional eating, self-surveillance, and shame, without diets or rigid control. Her work blends neuroscience, somatic integration, and identity repair to rewire patterns at the root, so change becomes permanent, not another temporary fix. Learn more about Lenora and check out the book which is free on Kindle until June 1st.
Attention Artists
America250PA is accepting design submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the ‘Bells Across PA’ art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The selected artists will execute their designs on bell sculptures. View the full announcement here.
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosts Family Mini Golf Night
Families are welcomed to join for a night of mini golf on Saturday July 26th from 3pm-8pm learn more on their face book page
Ronald McDonald House of Danville seeks meal group volunteers
The Ronald McDonald House of Danville is home to families with children receiving medical care at local hospitals. The House has a fully-stocked kitchen and provides meals for families staying at the House. They are seeking meal group volunteers to help cook or cater meals for families so they can relax and enjoy a meal together in the dining room. Interested in cooking a meal? Contact Molly Shaw at mshaw@rmhdanville.com for more details or visit the link to sign up: https://ow.ly/r9ph50SSp89.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Receives Full Funding from Four Regional Youth in Philanthropy Chapters
These grants, awarded by local high school students serving as YIP leaders through the Community Giving Foundation, provide critical resources to expand access, inclusion, and enrichment opportunities for area children and teens. Read more here: Bloomsburg Children Museum 5.30
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Summer Camps
BTE Theatre School offers a range of classes, workshops, and camps designed to teach the fundamentals of the theater arts on an age-appropriate basis: critical reading, aesthetic analysis, creative thinking and problem solving, collaboration, theatre technology, oral interpretation, movement, and more. Visit this link for more information.
Chamber Member Authors Book on Talent Attraction
Shawn Kessler, Partner at Aloysius, Butler & Clark, a full service marketing and advertising firm specializing in physician recruitment, has authored a new book: "Built to Attract" The book, based on Shawn's career as a top talent acquisition specialist, discusses the evolution of hiring, and the move from a recruitment mindset to one of attraction.
The book will be released Tuesday, and will be available for purchase on Amazon. Learn more at www.shawnkessler.com.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
PA CareerLink to Host Career Fair
Join the CareerLink for a CareerLink on June 10, 2025, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Bloomsburg Fire Department. Spaces are available for businesses to meet with prospective employees. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Library Hosting Color Our World Summer Festival
Get ready to splash into summer fun! Join the Bloomsburg Public Library, Columbia County Traveling Library, and Orangeville Public Library at the "Color Our World Summer Library Program Festival!" on May 31st, 10 AM - 1 PM at Bloomsburg Town Park. Food, music, vendors, a UNICORN, storytime, crafts, and a bounce house await! Don't miss out on this colorful kickoff to a summer of fun! Check out bloomsburgpl.org for more info.
Susquehanna Valley SHRM Welcoming New Members
The Susquehanna Valley SHRM is welcoming new members to their organization with a special offer in May. Learn more here or by joining them at their monthly meeting focused on the topic of Workplace Mental Health & Employee Assistance Programs.
Susquehanna Valley United Way hosting Campaign Finale on June 5th
Join the Susquehanna Valley United Way will be hosting their Campaign Finale on June 5th. The evening will include celebration, connection, and fresh beginnings as they mark the close of our 2024–25 Campaign Season. Learn more and register here.
Chamber Members join together for a Lunch and Learn
Servpro of Columbia, Montour, and Sullivan Counties and Sean Black - State Farm Insurance are putting on a lunch and learn on June 11th to help guide businesses through emergencies from who to call first, how to handle insurance claims, and what your restoration team will take care of. Learn more and register here.
MC Federal Credit Union hosting 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Join MC Federal Credit Union Friday, June 27, 2025, for MC Federal Credit Union’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course in Elysburg, PA. Whether you're an experienced golfer or just love supporting a great cause, this event is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer sun while giving back to the community. Learn more.
MARC WATERCRAFT RENTALS RETURN FOR THE 2025 BOATING SEASON
The Montour Area Recreation Commission is pleased to announce that unpowered watercraft rentals at the Montour Preserve will return for the 2025 boating season (May 1 – October 31, 2025). Visit their website for more details.
Service 1st is in Search of Volunteers for PFEW
Volunteers will be interacting with students during their budgeting simulation and offering their real-life perspective on the process of making financial decisions. There is no prior experience needed. To learn more click here.
Chamber Travel Information Meeting
The Columbia Montour Chamber is excited to partner with Collette for our first Chamber Travel Experience. We will be hosting an interest meeting on June 11th at 6pm in the Mulberry Mills conference room. To learn more about the trip: Click Here
Camp Victory Hosts 19th Annual Golf for Victory Tournament
Camp Victory invites community members, businesses, and golf enthusiasts to its 19th Annual Golf for Victory Tournament, happening on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Bucknell Golf Club in Lewisburg, PA. With a 1:00 PM shotgun start—rain or shine—this tradition brings the community together in support of Camp Victory’s mission. Golfers and sponsors can register online or learn more here.
Montour Night Out Set for June 11 at Danville Middle School
Danville, PA – Area residents are invited to attend Montour Night Out on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Danville Middle School on Route 11. This free, family-friendly event aims to strengthen community ties and foster positive relationships between the public and local emergency service providers. Read More
New Growing Greener Grants Available for Local Environmental Projects
This week, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the opening of a new application round for the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.
This program provides vital funding – the largest single investment of state funds for these purposes – to address critical environmental concerns like clean water, watershed restoration, flood mitigation, and more. For more information visit the DEP's website.
Senator Lynda Culver Announces Opportunity for Veterans to Serve on State Commission
Applications are currently being accepted for a Veteran Member-at-Large position on the State Veterans Commission for a four-year term beginning this July (July 27, 2025 – July 27, 2029). The application deadline is 4:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025. Interested individuals can find the application and email submission instructions on the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) website or contact their offices here.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Stay tuned to the CSIU's social media as they recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Also recognizing May for Menthal Health Awareness is CMSU Behavioral Health & Developmental Services. If your business wishes to participate in the "Shine a Light for Mental Health" program, contact 570-275-4962 to receive a free green light bulb.
15th Annual Journey Bank Teen Start Musical Competition Set for June 1st
For the fifteenth year running, Journey Bank will roll out the red carpet for 14 talented high school student finalists as they take the stage to perform unforgettable movie hits in this year's "Movie Hits & Oscar Glitz" themed show. All ticket proceeds are donated back to the music departments of each finalists school. Learn more here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces May Programming
See what the museum has to offer this month by visiting this link.
McBride Memorial Library Story Time Resumes in June
McBride Memorial Library Story Time will resume on Thursdays in June.
Ken Pollock Ford Announces 2025 Car Show
Kenn Pollock Ford prepares for their Car Show on September 14th, 2025 from 10am-3pm. View the flyer here.
Bloomsburg Rotary Gears Up for Their Annual Golf Tournament.
The tournament will be held on August 13th, and proceeds will support AGAPE's Backpacks for Kids Program. Registration forms with payment in full are due by August 1, 2025. Click here to view the registration form.
The Women's Center Hosting Brain Trauma Event
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties will be hosting a brain trauma event on June 20th. This is a free event covering brain injuries and held from 9:00 - 3:30 at the Hub at Mulberry Mills. Click here to register spaces are limited.
Just Announced: The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses Event
From increased production costs to shifting supply chains, small businesses face both challenges and opportunities in this changing economic landscape. Join the SBDC for a panel discussion on June 4th. Sign up here.
Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center hosting Golf Tournament
Join the Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center for the Richard Kriebel & George Hasay Memorial Golf Tournament on June 14th. Learn more here.
Renewing a Trusted Partnership: Victor Koons Graphic Design Returns as Directory Publisher
Chris Berleth, President
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
One week removed from a rainy-day, pirate-themed article expressing our delight at his great work on the Chamber’s Thriving Communities Map, I’m pleased to share some exciting news regarding another of our key member resources. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with Victor Koons Graphic Design for the authorship and publication of our Annual Chamber Directory.
Victor Koons and his team have been a long-standing and valued partner in helping us produce a directory that reflects the professionalism and community spirit of our chamber. With his expertise in layout, design, and publication, we’ve been able to deliver a directory that’s not only informative, but visually appealing and easy to navigate—something our members consistently tell us they appreciate.
This year’s edition will continue that tradition of quality. From member listings and advertising opportunities to important chamber updates and resources, the directory remains one of our most widely used tools for connecting businesses, organizations, and individuals across Columbia and Montour Counties.
What This Means for You:
- Accurate Listings: Please keep an eye out for updates regarding your business information. Ensuring your listing is up-to-date is the best way to take full advantage of this opportunity.
- Advertising Options: Members will again have the chance to place ads in the directory—an excellent way to increase visibility within the local business community. Expect a call from Lois Wolf, Victor’s excellent sales representative, in the coming weeks.-
- Distribution: As always, the directory will be distributed to all chamber members and widely available throughout the region.
Victor brings not just a sharp eye for design, but a deep understanding of the chamber’s mission and the importance of representing our members well. We’re grateful for his continued partnership and look forward to another successful edition.
Thank you for being a part of our chamber community. If you have any questions about your directory listing or advertising opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
How often should I give my website a new look?
If your website analytics have been stagnant for a while, you may be wondering what you can do to boost your traffic. Is it time to give your website a new look? We believe in supporting local businesses, so we've put some thought into the matter. Take a look at 3 tips for determining whether it's time to update the look of your site.
- Update When Customers Show Signs of Disinterest
Take a look at your bounce rate — That's the metric that measures how many people visit your site but leave without making any purchase. Maybe your site looks tired or is hard to navigate, and that's causing potential customers to bounce away from it. Pay special attention to complaints from customers, whether by email, phone or on your social media platforms, that your site is less than functional or that it looks out of date.
- Update When You Feel the Heat From Your Competitors
Updating your website is a signal to your customers that you're staying on the cutting edge of your field. If you're in a heated competition for customers, the look of your website can send a message that you're the company they want to deal with. Imagine visiting a site that has outdated content, no new news, and a tired look. Wouldn't you click and go elsewhere? Don't give your customers a chance to do that.
- Update to Go Mobile
Increasingly, customers are accessing the internet via their mobile devices, and they may become frustrated if your website is hard to navigate because it hasn't been optimized for mobile. If so, you need to add responsive design to your site, or adjust your current responsive design so it pairs with current technology. Depending on how your site is coded, you may need a full redesign, rather than just giving the existing material a fresh appearance.
We encourage you to keep your website active and up-to-date so that customers throughout our community can direct their business your way.
###
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.