Recap: 2023 Annual Meeting
The 2023 Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities was a smashing success, with nearly 200 Chamber members in attendance at Frosty Valley Resort. Check out the photos taken by Kali Berleth of Cozy B Photography. Click on the album below and swipe left/right to advance the pictures!
Member News – February 9, 2023
Small Business Roundtable (Zoom) with Congressman Dan Meuser
Members are invited to join Congressman Dan Meuser for this Zoom event on February 15 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Contact Tom Gerhard, Deputy District Director with your interest.
McKonly & Asbury Wins ClearlyRated’s 2023 Best of Accounting 5-Year Diamond Award for Service Excellence
Just 27% of 2023 Best of Accounting winners earned the Diamond award distinction.
Hodrick Installed as District Vice President of Pennsylvania Association of Realtors
Kevin Hodrick was installed during a ceremony at the Sunoco Performance Theater, Whitaker Center, in Harrisburg this week. As the District 7 Vice President, he will represent members from Bradford, Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Elk, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties.
Columbia County EMA Announces CodeRED Community Notification System
Residents and businesses are encouraged to go to ema.columbiapa.org and click on the CodeRED logo located on the home page to ensure all of the data in the system is accurate and current. Learn more.
Solicitation Open for the FY22-23 Spring 2023 Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program
is a grant program (awards range from $5,000 to $150,000; a match is required for awards over $25,001) for nonprofit organizations that principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for single-bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. Applicants are eligible for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. The 30-day period to submit your request for funding is from Tuesday, January 31 to Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 11:45 PM.
EPA Virtual Public Hearing on National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA has a virtual public hearing on plans to reconsider the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter (PM2.5), taking place February 21-22. The proposed rule would impose stricter PM2.5 standards, which could hurt the economy and slow manufacturing growth. The NAM is advocating for the EPA to reconsider the proposal and instead focus on ensuring current strong air standards already on the books are being met before instituting new regulations. Register to speak at the upcoming hearing by clicking here.
Geisinger recognized as top employer by military organizations
Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system was recognized by Military Times on its 2022 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2023 Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction designation by VIQTORY.
Application Deadlines Approaching for Berwick Grants
This is the last week to submit for Community Giving Foundation: Berwick's 2023 competitive grant round. (This grant round includes the Berwick Health & Wellness Fund.) Deadline for requests $10,000 and under is February 16th, and requests over $10,000 are due March 9th. Learn more about the application process and apply at csgiving.org/grants
Service 1st Invites Amateur Photographers to Participate in 2024 Calendar Photo Contest
Columbia Montour Chamber Announces 2023 – 2024 Board
The 2023 – 2024 Board of Directors of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce was announced at the organization’s Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, held on Tuesday, February 8 at the Frosty Valley Resort in Danville.
The following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors and will begin serving on April 1, 2023.
Elected to serve a 3-year term on the Chamber Board:
Renee Gerringer, Ronald McDonald House of Danville
Adrienne Mael, Susquehanna Valley United Way
Bruce Schlichter, Kawneer
Chris Hill, Pine Barn Inn
Elected to serve a 1-year term on the Chamber Board:
Todd Shawver, Commonwealth University
Deb Shade, Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast
Dan Good, Marr Development
Elected to fill unexpired, three-year terms:
Mike Morgan, Geisinger
Travis Petty, Grieco & Petty
Elected to serve as Officers:
Chris Stamatedes, Chair
Bob Stoudt, Vice-Chair
Holly Morrison – Treasurer
Appointed by the Board Chair for 1-year terms:
Jason Huff, Autoneum
Aaron Stagliano, McKonly & Asbury
Jon Littlewood, First Keystone Community Bank
Other Board members continuing to serve:
Jeff Cerminaro, Walker’s Jewelers
Holly Morrison, Community Giving Foundation
Josh Nespoli, Community Strategies Group
Bob Stoudt, Montour Area Recreation Commission
Tim Wagner, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.
Jeff Whitenight, First Columbia Bank & Trust
Megan Kiliti, Berwick Area YMCA, Dan Knorr, Commonwealth University of PA, Denise Stone, eXp Realty, Karen Wood, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, and Elaine Woodland, First Keystone Community Bank, were recognized for their service to the board as their terms expired.
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Organizations and Individuals Recognized at Annual Meeting
Member businesses and individuals of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce were recognized during the organization’s Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Frosty Valley Resort in Danville.
Nearly 200 people attended the evening event which celebrated outstanding member achievements, elected members to the Board of Directors, highlighted Chamber activities of the past year, and previewed the year ahead. The Chamber’s five annual awards were presented to businesses and individuals for their significant contributions to the community. The following awards were presented:
Small Business of the Year - Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust
Awardee: Shanty Secrets
Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by DRIVE
Awardee: Millville Mutual Insurance
Nonprofit of the Year - Sponsored by PNC
The Children’s Museum, Inc.
Community Progress Award- Sponsored by My Benefit Advisor & World Kinect Energy Services
Awardee: Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast
Outstanding Citizen - Sponsored by Berwick Industrial Development Association
Awardee: Harry Mathias
The Small Business of the Year award is presented to a member business or organization of 30 employees or fewer than has done one or more of the following: demonstrated business or community leadership evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services and/or markets; demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity; or demonstrated community involvement.
Shanty Secrets is nestled along the Susquehanna River outside of Riverside on Boyd Station Road. They offer a memorable dining experience with fresh, local ingredients as well as cooking classes. The small business has grown with the help of partnerships and friendships that they have developed in the area. Shanty Secrets is vegan-centric, which is in growing demand. The business has been involved in the community by providing meals for frontline workers and a Cinco De Mayo celebration for teachers in the Danville School District.
The Large Business of the Year Award is presented to a business with 31 or more employees, and the criteria are the same as for the Small Business of the Year.
One of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Columbia County, Millville Mutual Insurance Company has been in business since 1875 and strongly supports its local community. Some of the biggest events in the small but mighty borough of Millville, PA, such as the annual Fireman's Carnival, the 4th of July parade, and two exceptionally large fireworks celebrations, simply wouldn’t happen without their support. They are also big supporters of youth sports and organizations like the Little League and Camp Victory.
The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to a nonprofit organization with 100 or fewer employees that have provided diversified and creative aid to the Columbia Montour region utilizing business, personal, and community resources.
Founded in 1985, the Bloomsburg Children's Museum has been enriching children’s lives through interactive programming for thirty-eight years. In 2021, over 25,000 people visited the museum and that number does not include all of the programs offered at outside venues. It's a boon to the economy, an incredible resource for children and families, and a growing gathering place that continues to thrive year after year thanks to Ginny Weibel, Executive Director, her staff, and many engaged volunteers.
The Community Progress Award goes to a member business or organization that showed improvement in the internal or external appearance of a commercial property through either new construction, renovation, restoration, or remodeling, and completed that construction within the last three calendar years or by December 2022.
Featured in the walking tour of Bloomsburg, the historic, Colonial Revival Style house (with Federal and Georgian elements) at 503 Market St. has been a landmark in the community for years as a private residence. In 2021, Jack Devine and Deb Shade transformed the property into Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast, a B&B that adds much to the charm and welcome of the Bloomsburg community – it’s an adaptation of a classic landmark in the historic district.
The Outstanding Citizen Award is presented to an individual that is an employee or volunteer of a member organization who is involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia Montour region and who projects a positive community image.
Harry Mathias served as Interim Superintendent of the Danville Area School District from July through November last year after serving as Superintendent of the Central Columbia School District for 19 years. Mathias guided Danville through challenging times and led the search for a new superintendent.
He serves as a Board Member of the Community Giving Foundation and served as a grant advisor to the Columbia County Commissioners as they administered $12 million in American Rescue Plan funds. Funding supported public water and sewer projects, non-profit organizations, and small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
He is also President of the Harry C. Mathias Sr. Charitable Foundation serving Montour County through grants to the Exchange Swimming Pool and Warrior Run Area School District, including for their needy student food and clothing funds and scholarships to Warrior Run Area graduates.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that represents more than 400 businesses and organizations from the Columbia and Montour region.
Chamber Releases 2022-2023 Annual Report
At the Columbia Montour Chamber's Annual Meeting, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, Board Chair Chris Stamatedes reported on the health of the organization by way of the 2022-2023 Annual Report. Thanks to the ongoing support of members, the Chamber remains strong entering its 83rd year. In his review of the report's highlights, Stamatedes noted the uptick in in-person Chamber events, strong member engagement through local advocacy efforts, the hiring of new staff, and the strategic focus on the workforce by both the Chamber and its Foundation.
Check out the highlights of the past year here, in the 2022-2023 Annual Report.
GOVERNOR SHAPIRO EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMS TO CUT DOWN ON PERMITTING RESPONSE TIMES
Governor Shapiro signed an executive order last week aiming to cut down on red tape that delays permitting and certification processes by establishing standard response times and offering a money-back guarantee if applicants don’t receive a response by a date certain.
The order directs all state agencies, boards, and commissions to compile within 90 days a catalog of licenses, certificates, and permits they issue for the Governor’s Office to review and establish realistic timeframes for application consideration going forward. Once those recommendations are implemented, the agency will be required to respond to an applicant by the determined date or refund the application fee costs.
The order also calls for a review of existing application services so they can be modernized and made more efficient. The governor signed the executive order at a press conference where cosmetologists, nurses, barbers, and other professionals who rely on state-issued licenses shared stories of challenges they experienced under the current system.
The business community has long listed permit delays as a deterrent to economic growth in the Commonwealth. Permit delays cost time, and money and ultimately may lead to projects being shelved completely, job loss, and missed economic opportunities in every region of the Commonwealth.
“Today, with this Executive Order, Governor Shapiro has launched Pennsylvania on a new path,” Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said in a press release. “People shouldn’t have to suffer through long wait times to put their skills and knowledge to good use. Together, with the Governor’s Office, we will work to ensure Pennsylvanians can get to work in a timely fashion without having red tape hold them back.”
More information about the executive order can be found in this Philadelphia Inquirer story.
Meuser Named Chair of Small Business Subcommittee
Congressman Dan Meuser has been named Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access of the Small Business Committee in the 118th Congress. Meuser has also been selected to serve on the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains. He is interested in speaking with local small business owners in a virtual meeting scheduled for February 15th.
"I look forward to returning to the Small Business Committee this Congress as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access where I will be fighting for small businesses in Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District and across the country as they continue to contest with the threats of increased taxes and burdensome regulations," said Rep. Meuser. "As chairman, I will be dedicated to focusing on issues vital to the success of Main Street America such as access to capital, examining the impact of federal taxes and regulations, and fostering an environment that allows our small businesses to thrive."
The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access jurisdiction includes evaluating the operation of the financial markets in the United States and their ability to provide needed capital to small businesses. In addition, the Subcommittee will review federal programs, especially those overseen by the SBA, aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining needed capital. Since the tax policy plays an integral role in access to capital, this Subcommittee also will examine the impact of federal tax policies on small businesses.
Members are invited to join Congressman Meuser for a Zoom event on February 15 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Contact Tom Gerhard, Deputy District Director, if you are interested in participating, at tom.gerhard@mail.house.gov.
Dissolution of a Business
Dissolving a business can be caused by many factors; some of which are good, and some not so good. A great reason for dissolving a business is when it is thriving, and a new type of business is needed or because of a transactional sale. Other reasons include failure to file annual reports or filing taxes, bankruptcy, or voluntarily closing it. A certificate of dissolution, also known as an article of dissolution, filed with your states Secretary of State will legally end your company’s existence in its respective state of incorporation.
If a business is not fully dissolved, the tax requirements will never close, and it is technically still in operation. The potential for late fees, failure to file notices and penalties could accumulate, despite having closed your business doors for the last year or more. By following the steps outlined below, taking proactive measures to formally end your business will help end reporting obligations and keep you from paying unnecessary late fees and penalties. The documents are included in your business records will determine how long your records should be retained. A good rule of thumb is at least seven years according to the AICPA. This link provides in-depth details on the IRS website to assist with dissolving your business.
Step One: Get Approval
Company owners must approve the dissolution of a corporation or LLC. With a corporation, all shareholders must approve the action. An LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) has members who need to grant approval. Shareholders and members of a small business tend to be involved in the day-to-day operations and will know more about the situation at large. The bylaws of a corporation, or operating agreement of an LLC should outline the dissolution process and who to obtain the approvals from. To comply with the formalities of a corporation, the Board of Directors should draft an approval to dissolve the business. The shareholders will then vote on this item and will document both actions to place in the corporate record book.
Step Two: File the Certificate of Dissolution with the State
Once the votes have been cast in favor of dissolution, the paperwork must be filed with the state where the corporation or LLC was originally formed. If a company is qualified to operate in other states, dissolution paperwork must also be filed in applicable states. Filing the Certificate of Dissolution or Articles of Dissolution may vary by state. Some states will require filing documents before notifying the creditors and resolving any claims. Other states will require a tax clearance certificate for the company before the certificate of dissolution can be filed. If there are any back taxes owed by the corporation or LLC, they must be resolved first before next steps can be taken.
Step Three: File Federal, State, and Local Tax Forms
Although the business is being dissolved and the operations will be ending, that does not mean that the tax obligations immediately cease to exist. The business closing must be formalized with the IRS, and the state and local taxing agencies. The IRS website includes a helpful business closing checklist; including helpful forms and links to applicable state and local dissolution obligations. If the business has employees, additional payroll specific account closures will need to be completed to close your employer withholding and unemployment accounts.
Step Four: Closing Accounts and Obligations
Once the dissolution of the business has been approved and the correct tax forms, debts and obligations have been satisfied, the company needs to start winding down their business affairs. This could include settling debts, notifying customers, suppliers, landlords, insurers, and vendors. Employees need to be notified, all licenses, permits, and registrations need to be canceled. Once this dissolution has been approved and operations have ceased, the business will no longer be operatory or able to conduct business. Only final closing operations should be continued, including the liquidation of any assets.
Step Five: Notify Creditors of Closing
All company creditors should be notified by mail with ample information or by publicly posting in a creditable newspaper indicating their business’s intent to dissolve the business. Be sure to include an updated mailing address for any potential claims, a deadline for submitting applicable claims, and a statement that they will be barred if not received by the deadline.
Step Six: Settle Creditor’s Claims
A creditor’s claim can be accepted or rejected by the company. Any accepted claims must be paid, or arrangements made with the creditors for repayment. If there are any rejected claims, the creditors need to be advised in writing that the company has rejected the claim. Be sure to reach out to an attorney to assist and advise you on the process and related statutes.
Step Seven: Distribute Assets
After all the claims have been paid, the remaining assets may be distributed to the company owners. Assets are generally allocated according to shareholders or members based on their percentage of ownership. For example, if you own 80% of the business, you will receive 80% of the remaining assets. Any distributions must be reported to the IRS, normally on the Final Tax Return filed. If the corporation has multiple stock classes, the corporate bylaws will outline the procedure for asset disbursement to shareholders. For an LLC, disbursement procedures should be outlined in the underlying partner or operating agreement. If there are any specific questions on distributing assets, please be sure to contact your accountant, tax advisor or attorney for advice.
The article was shared with the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce by member McKonly & Asbury, which has a wonderful and knowledgeable team dedicated to helping with all of your business needs. They are available to help advise you on starting your business, best practices, tax planning, tax filing, and dissolving a business when needed. If you would like to talk to one of the professionals in their Entrepreneurial Support & Client Accounting Segment on this topic or any other business-related topic, please do not hesitate to contact McKonly & Asbury with the links included here.
Our Next Great Workforce Begins at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week!
The Columbia Montour Chamber Foundation is a proud supporter of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, a hands-on program entirely funded and taught by PA business leaders. Please consider sharing this outstanding opportunity with students in your sphere of influence, so that they may become better and more productive members of the workforce.
Source: Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
“PFEW is unique in that it gave me a glimpse into the business world in a way that I don't think I could have experienced otherwise. There have also been incredible speakers with powerful messages that will change my life. The lessons in business and in life that I have learned here will be unmatched in any other event that I attend. Students need to experience this hands-on learning that will prepare future generations to become the next community leaders and understand what employers want and need.”
Julia is pictured here, front row, second from left, with her team, "Chewnines", a pet supply company, at PFEW 2022
This quote from PFEW 2022 graduate Julia Bianchin from Butler Area Senior High School in Butler County describes why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. PFEW prepares students like Julia to assume roles as our next great employees, employers, and community leaders. Because workforce development remains the top priority of Pennsylvania businesses, this program is needed more than ever.
Julia is pictured here, front row, second from left, with her team, Chewnines, a Pet Supply Company, at PFEW 2022.
Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW is a hands-on program entirely funded and taught by practitioners from the PA business community, and that’s why it is so effective. Students form teams and run a modern manufacturing company using a powerful college-level simulation. They make the same decisions you make every day. Volunteer mentors provide guidance and insight into modern business operations.
Students attend PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $695 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization, or individual, and they will discover business and the American free enterprise system, and develop the skills today’s employers need. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I encourage you to provide PFEW sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions.
FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for the workforce. The Stock Market Game (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and discover the knowledge and skills needed to become great employees. All Foundation programs are singularly focused on promoting the ideals of free enterprise and developing our young people into productive, engaged employees and leaders. To learn more about these fantastic FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact Scott Lee, VP of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.
Member News – February 1, 2023
PPL Addresses Issues With Billing, Responsiveness
PPL Electric Utilities President Stephanie Raymond reached out to customers to address recent issues with billing and responsiveness to customers. Read her message here. For PPL's Customer Bill Fact Sheet and support guide, click here.
Small Business Roundtable (Zoom) with Congressman Dan Meuser
Members are invited to join Congressman Dan Meuser for this Zoom event on February 15 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Contact Tom Gerhard, Deputy District Director with your interest.
Berwick Area YMCA Wellness Center Progressing
Recently, the Berwick Area YMCA shared a video about the progress of their new wellness Center and gymnasium. Check it out!
Beware Local Scam
First Keystone Community Bank has shared that a company going by the name of "Bench Craft Golf" is calling local businesses trying to sell them space on scorecards at local golf courses. This is a scam. Please share as you are able.
Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties Welcomes Dr. Marek Kurowski
Dr. Kurowski, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.T. is board certified in Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Exchange Gallery Concludes "Dreams" Event with Reception
The "Dreams" storytelling program featuring daydreams, aspirational dreams, nightmares, and other visions as content will culminate with a reception on February 3 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Community Giving Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
Congratulations to John Grabusky, Geisinger, and Ryan McNally, Evangelical Community Hospital, on your appointments. Read more about John and Ryan.
Geisinger Promotes Interventional Cardiologist to Chief of Structural Heart Disease
Shikwar Agarwal, M.D., M.P.H., has been promoted and will oversee integration and growth of services across the health system for patients with disease of the heart valves. Read more.
Members Working Together: Wild for Salmon, Columbia County Christian School
Steve and Jen from Wild for Salmon brought an awesome presentation to the 1st through 5th graders last week. Check out some great photos!
Liberty Solar Farm Community Informational Meeting Tonight
Drop in anytime between 6 pm and 8 pm at the Pine Barn Inn as Lightsource bp introduces their solar team and answers questions about solar projects. For questions, send Lightsource bp an email.
Bloomsburg Public Library Hosts Valentine's Day Card-Making Event for Kids February 4 at 10 am
Extra cards will be delivered to local nursing homes.
Columbia Montour AVTS Welcomes Community February 5
CMAVTS will hold an Open House from 1 pm to 4 pm. See the graphic for more details. Prospective students are welcome from 1 pm to 2 pm, and the event opens to the general public from 2 pm to 4 pm. 
30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Campus will celebrate this annual lecture and presentation by welcoming Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela to campus. The event is set to take place Monday, February 6 at Carver Hall at 6 pm.
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. Invites Businesses & Local Residents February 7
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. (DBI) is hoping to hear from community stakeholders- including downtown businesses and local residents, to better support and energize the downtown. If you are interested in being a part of the conversation, join DBI's Board of Directors on Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm at Brewskis.
RENAISSANCE JAMBOREE TO RETURN TO MAIN STREET
After four years, the downtown festival will return to Main Street in Bloomsburg on April 29. For more information, visit www.downtownbloomsburg.org.
BUCKNELL SBDC TO HOST BUSINESS STARTUP BASICS: THE FIRST STEP - FEBRUARY 9, 9:30 AM
Learn about applications and licenses needed to start a business, different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc., financing options, presented by a local banker, types of insurance a new business will typically need, presented by a local insurance agency, and SBDC Services available as you start your business.
Zartman Construction Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration
Mark your calendars and join Zartman Construction at their facility at 3000 Point Township Drive, Northumberland, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm on May 3, as they give tours of the facility, view and learn about a wide array of equipment and enjoy delicious catered food. RSVP to Peggy Hunt by Monday, April 24, 2023.