Membership Morning: Interactions and Information
Across the Chamber industry, two adages take hold: first, that "Chambers of Commerce do what most people think just happens", and second, that "Businesses don't join Chambers to connect with the staff, but to do business with other members." With this in mind, the Columbia Montour Chamber has reinvented its traditional "New Member Orientation", into something we believe will be even more accessible and helpful to our members. On June 29th, members had the opportunity to connect with the event's reimagined name and format. Now called "Membership Morning", the event was about far more than new members (although new members really seemed to enjoy it). In addition to the opportunity for new members to learn about their member benefits for the first time, Membership Morning is designed in part as a "speed networking" event and a reconnection point for all members. Thanks to our gracious hosts at LCBC, who have hosted orientations for several years, thirty Chamber members enjoyed dedicated networking time in the LCBC Studio space after moseying through the incredible "Finding Nemo" decorations set up for LCBC's summer programming.
Chamber partners World Kinect Energy and My Benefit Advisors each took time to meet with new members at informational booths, while Taryn Crayton, Director of Member Engagement chatted with attendees about events, publications, and more. Following the timed networking sessions, Chamber President Chris Berleth gave a brief big-picture overview of what the Chamber does, how to get involved in committees and initiatives, and how to take advantage of Chamber resources.
Membership Mornings will be a quarterly initiative for the chamber with the next one happening in early November.
Events like these are made possible by the investment of the Chamber's Visionary and Advocate members. Thank you for your sponsorship of our Member Mornings!
Hoping to connect before November? We hope you'll check out all chamber happenings by making sure you are getting the E-Biz Weekly newsletter, and connecting with us via social media. Reach out to Taryn at tcrayton@columbiamontourchamber.com to get on the newsletter list, or to share your member news.
New Member Highlight – Neighbor Lady Vino
Neighbor Lady Vino, established in 2023, and joined the Chamber in April 2023, is located in New Columbia. The winemaker, with over 15 years of experience, specializes in dry reds and creates a wide variety of sweet wines. Complete with wine-inspired cocktails, PA beer, and wine slushies, they have something for everyone.
The venue, with its fireplace and lounge sets, embodies a cozy atmosphere to bring friends, families and neighbors for a relaxing time out, while the outside deck and lawn area promise to be a fun filled space.
They look forward to seeing you there or at many of the events in the Bloomsburg and Milton areas! To see what events are happening check out their website.
For Sale: 238 Market Street
In anticipation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce's relocation to the soon-to-be-opened Mulberry Mill Complex on Market Street, the Chamber's current home, at 238 Market St. in Bloomsburg, is now for sale on the commercial market. The Chamber is pleased to be working with long-time member and realtor Carey Smith, and her team at Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty.
To view the Chamber's online listing or to connect with Carey, visit here.
June BAH Recap: A Quality of Living Pathway…and Dignity
By Chris Berleth, President Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
If you’ve been keeping up with your Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce over the past several years, you’ve probably heard us talk about ‘pathways’ and ‘pipelines’. Yes, you’ve heard us talk about natural gas pipelines, and through the Chamber’s Foundation, you’ve likely heard about workforce and talent pipelines or the “path to careers” programs which connect students and workers to meaningful career experiences. (If you haven’t heard about either, you absolutely must connect with the good work being done by Jeff Emanuel to galvanize of our workforce.) Today, I’m excited to shed light on an emergent pipeline in Columbia and Montour Counties– a quality of life pipeline so-to-speak, or, as The Gatehouse would call it, a “pathway to independence”.
With seven rooms (five dedicated to families, and two for individuals), The Gatehouse is a shelter for the homeless that empowers its residents as they seek to gain independence as quickly as possible. Through employment services, furthering education, and life skills development (like financial literacy classes), The Gatehouse connects residents to employment, educational and rental assistance opportunities through the PA CareerLink, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, and the Department of Human Services. They are the first step on the path, or the first section of pipe.
Blocks from the Chamber, at the site of a 100-year-old former church in downtown Bloomsburg, stained-glass windows shed light on the second part of the pipeline. Dubbed “Bill’s House”, after Bill Brobst, who donated it to the community, the building has been transformed by Community Strategies Group (CSG) from a spiritual sanctuary to a physical one, complete with nine individual apartments.
In June, the Chamber held its Business After Hours at Bill’s House thanks to a partnership between CSG, The Exchange, and The Gatehouse, and the event was a smashing success. Gathering in the former sanctuary of the church, which is now home to the Sanctuary Gallery, CSG Deputy Director Josh Nespoli explained the vision for the space, and introduced Jon Gabry, a blind and deaf artist whose use of textured paints and vibrant color were humbling to behold.
In the pin-drop silence of the room, Nespoli recounted the vision: The Gatehouse shelters and equips the homeless, who transition to Bill’s House on a path to independent living. Once successful there, residents will have an opportunity to strike out on their own, and, with CSG’s help, their newfound success can continue right here, as affordable housing at the soon-to-be opened Mulberry Mill complex brings the former Bloom Mills site back to life.
As guests left with art pieces under their arms and mesmerized smiles at Mr. Gabry’s work, your Chamber did its best to slip our most recent project under their arms as well – the fresh-off-the-printer relocation guide assembled by the Chamber, the Columbia-Montour Visitor’s Bureau, and Victor Koons Graphic Design, called “Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties.”
We’ve heard over and over again, and we agree that one of the stories that must be told about our region is its appeal for families, for businesses, and for visitors. We’re excited that we’ll get to see first-hand the success of the residential portion of the Mulberry Mill complex (the Chamber will be relocating later this summer to the commercial space in the first floor), but we’re most excited that the mentality so prevalent in our two-county footprint is on care for one another, goodwill, and quality of life. Hat’s off to The Exchange and The Gatehouse for creatively partnering together, but a special nod should be tilted towards our friends at Community Strategies Group, who capped the Business After Hours with a big announcement: they’ve been awarded the inaugural “Kathy A. Possinger Achievement Award” by PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development, for their tireless efforts and integral role in improving the lives of lower income persons.
May you soon stop in to see Chamber members like these, who make Columbia and Montour Counties such an incredible place to live, work, and play – with an extra dose of dignity.
An Unexpected Boost to Value – From Income Taxes
Source: McKonly & Asbury
By: Eric Blocher, CPA, ASA, CVA
Source: McKonly & AsburyMember News – June 28, 2023
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Offers Parking Help
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg is making their hospital parking lot available until classes start on August 21, 2023, for those customers and business owners who are losing their parking spaces due to the construction on the East Pine Avenue lot construction. Thank you to Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg for the help to Bloomsburg businesses.
Drive through Senior Expo Planned
On Wednesday, August 2, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm there will be a Drive through Senior Expo sponsored by State Representative Robert Leadbeter's office. See flyer for more details.
BIDA Works with Berwick Borough Police Department for Active Shooter Training
Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.), worked with Berwick Borough Police Department and Chief Kenneth Strish and their active shooter training program which included volunteers from the community. See the full press release here.
Knoebels Celebrating 50th Birthday of Haunted Mansion
June 30th at 11:00 am with a panel of Haunted Mansion legends and birthday cake. Check out all they have planned for this spooky celebration.
Town of Bloomsburg Presents an Independence Day Celebration
Starting at 4:00 pm at Bloomsburg Town park there will be an Independence Day Celebration including fireworks at dusk. See flyer for more details.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces July Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its July 2023 programs. See the full July Calendar here.
Mark Sassani Show at The Exchange
Now through July 21st Mark Sassani's Solo Show will be at The Exchange. His fine-art expression consists mainly of colorful landscapes of east-central and northern-tier Pennsylvania. See full show details here.
Concert Series at the Jackson Mansion
June 1 - August 31 with all concerts starting at 7:00 pm unless otherwise stated on the concert schedule. See the full concert schedule.
Innoteck wins International Award
For the third year, InnoTek has placed in the top 501 MSPs and IT Companies Worldwide - coming in at #279! This award sees over thirty thousand applicants every year, and recognizes the best managed service providers in the world. Congratulation to Fred Reck and the Innotek team!
Danville Concert Series at Memorial Park
Tuesdays throughout the summer concerts will be held at Memorial beginning at 7:00 pm. For a full list of performers and dates visit Danville Area Arts Facebook page.
Penn College to launch paramedic certificate program in early 2024
The noncredit paramedic certificate program, requiring an EMT certification, will begin on January 2. Those who are interested in the program are invited to attend an information session on Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m. Learn more about this program.
Bloomsburg Town Park Concert Series
Wednesday's June - August from 7:00 - 8:30 at the Town of Bloomsburg Bandshell which is located at the corner of Ft. McMlure Blvd. and Market St. Check out the town's Facebook for a full schedule.
McKonly & Asbury to hold State and Local Tax Webinar June 29th
This free, one-hour webinar will start at 2:00 p.m. EDT. One “Tax” CPE credit is available for this webinar. The level for this webinar is basic and there are no prerequisites for attending. This program is a live webinar that offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Sign up here.
CSIU To Hold Free Trainings
Educators, First Responders, and Community Members register today for free trainings on Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention. See a full list of dates and times here.
Villa Sacred Heart Summer Festival Planned
July 8th, 10:30 - 5:00 Villa Sacred Heart in Danville will host a Summer Festival. Baked goods, Flea Market, food trucks, and more!
WWII Weekend Happening in July
The annual WWII weekend hosted by the Stuart Tank Memorial Association will be happening July 14th - July 16th. This free event features battle and weapon demonstrations, military and food vendors. Learn more.
IMC to host Webinar Series
The Innovative Manufacturers' Center will be hosting a free four-part webinar series about attracting and retaining employees. The series starts July 25th. See full details.
NEPIRC Manufacturing Day: October 13
Join NEPIRC on Friday, October 13th to celebrate the many contributions of our region’s manufacturing industry! At Manufacturing Day, you’ll be able to see product demonstrations; learn more about the cool products made right here in our local communities, and more!
Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties Now Available!
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and Victor Koons Graphic Design, is pleased to present to the community our newest publication for 2023, Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties. This image book includes information about business/industry, demographics, education, healthcare, housing/real estate, recreation, arts/culture, and more, and is now available to our community in print, via download, and via the Chamber's website as an easy-to-view flipbook.
Take a look at the guide's permanent online page here.
Request copies by calling Brenda Flanagan, Administrative Assistant, at (570) 784-2522 or by emailing bflanagan@columbiamontourchamber.com.
Member News – June 21, 2023
Berwick Historical Society to Host Grand Opening
June 24th will see the grand opening of the David A Sadock House in Berwick. Visit and tour the home of the Berwick Historical Society Library & Museum from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Some of the areas and displays include the Prominent Citizens of Berwick, Berwick Business, Historic Homes, ACF Military Room, Fashions of Berwick, Berwick Schools, Genealogy, and Book Room.
PA Careerlink Weatherization Job Recruitment Events
PA CareerLink® sites in the Central Region are pleased to announce two events to provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about energy-efficiency careers in weatherization and meet directly with hiring employers. June 22nd at their Bloomsburg office from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm and then June 28th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. See full details about these events here.
Frosty Valley Announces New Resort App
Book Tee times, course notifications, GPS distancing, and more are available through Frosty Valley's brand-new resort app. Get the new app here.
Concert Series at the Jackson Mansion
June 1 - August 31 with all concerts starting at 7:00 pm unless otherwise stated on the concert schedule. See full concert schedule.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Partners on Summer Passport
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum has partnered with Lykens Valley Children's Museum, Lewisburg Children's Museum, and the Discovery Center for the Heart of PA Children’s Museum summer passport program.
Visit each museum before August 31st, 2023, and receive a stamp on your card. Once you collect all the stamps, leave your card at the last museum you visited. Prizes will be drawn on September 8th. Passport cards can be picked up at any participating Children's Museum, the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, or the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.
Town of Bloomsburg Named to World Atlas "11 Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania"
World Atlas rates Bloomsburg among the 11 best small towns in PA. As it's the ONLY town in PA, The Columbia Montour Chamber respectfully advises World Atlas to bump Bloomsburg to the very top of their list. What do you think?
Innotek Computer Consulting Launches Newsletter Series
Check out the June edition of the new series at consultinnotek.com!
Summer Safety Tips from the American Red Cross
Tips include first aid and more! Visit www.redcross.org/summersafety.
Danville Concert Series at Memorial Park
Tuesdays throughout the summer concerts will be held at Memorial beginning at 7:00 pm. For a full list of performers and dates visit Danville Area Arts Facebook page.
Penn College to launch paramedic certificate program in early 2024
The noncredit paramedic certificate program, requiring an EMT certification, will begin on January 2. Those who are interested in the program are invited to attend an information session on Thursday, June 29 at 7 p.m. Learn more about this program.
Bloomsburg Town Park Concert Series
Wednesday's June - August from 7:00 - 8:30 at the Town of Bloomsburg Bandshell which is located at the corner of Ft. McMlure Blvd. and Market St. Check out the town's Facebook for a full schedule.
McKonly & Asbury to hold State and Local Tax Webinar June 29th
This free, one-hour webinar will start at 2:00 p.m. EDT. One “Tax” CPE credit is available for this webinar. The level for this webinar is basic and there are no prerequisites for attending. This program is a live webinar that offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Sign up here.
CSIU To Hold Free Trainings
Educators, First Responders, and Community Members register today for free trainings on Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention. See a full list of dates and times here.
Villa Sacred Heart Summer Festival Planned
July 8th 10:30 - 5:00 Villa Sacred Heart in Danville will host a Summer Festival. Baked goods, Flea Market, food trucks, and more!
WWII Weekend Happening in July
The annual WWII weekend hosted by the Stuart Tank Memorial Association will be happening July 14th - July 16th. This free event features battle and weapon demonstrations, military and food vendors. Learn more.
IMC to host Webinar Series
The Innovative Manufacturers' Center will be hosting a free four-part webinar series about attracting and retaining employees. The series starts July 25th. See full details.
NEPIRC Manufacturing Day: October 13
Join NEPIRC on Friday, October 13th to celebrate the many contributions of our region’s manufacturing industry! At Manufacturing Day, you’ll be able to see product demonstrations; learn more about the cool products made right here in our local communities, and more!
How to Grow Your Small Business Instagram Following
Source: US Chamber of Commerce, CO
By: Jamie Johnson , US Chamber Contributor
Source: US Chamber of Commerce, CO
Minimum Wage Bill Passes PA House
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives just passed House Bill 1500, legislation to significantly increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania that would likely result in job losses, fewer employment opportunities and higher costs to consumers.
Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) explained in a report last month that approximately 30,000 Pennsylvanians would lose their jobs or see reduced hours if a $15 minimum wage were implemented.
Moreover, the IFO noted that "rural and small employers are more likely to be impacted by the proposal," which increases Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026, requires annual increases thereafter, and increases labor costs on restaurants by as much as 320% in just a couple years.
Representatives Leadbeter and Stender voted Nay on the bill, which passed the House with 103 votes to 100.