Skip to content

U.S. Chamber Considers the State of American Business

January 18, 2023

U.S. Chamber Considers the State of American Business

Source: U.S. Chamber

In this year’s State of American Business keynote address, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark called for a commitment to an “Agenda for American Strength” that affirms America’s position as a global power for good and unleashes the innovating, problem-solving power of business to address society’s greatest challenges.

“Business is ready—we’re not waiting. We’re putting forward a plan, because that’s what business does...that’s why business works,” Clark said. “Today, the Chamber is calling for an ‘Agenda for American Strength.’ An agenda that will not only help us navigate the present moment but steer our country to the brighter, stronger future that we expect—and the next generation deserves.”

Clark warned against polarization and gridlock, and outlined how government can fulfill its role—”no more and no less”—to support business, improve citizens’ lives, and strengthen our country’s future. At that same time, she cautioned that government’s regulatory overreach harms innovation and limits economic growth.

Here are some top takeaways from Clark’s keynote address. (Click here to read the full speech transcript.). To watch the video of the address, click below:

Business Can’t Be the Only Thing that Works

Today, there are too many instances where government just isn’t working. We’re in a cycle of partisanship and political swings that mean businesses don’t have the clarity or the certainty to plan past the next political cycle.

“The polarization, the gridlock, the overreach, and the inability to act smartly and strategically for our future is making it harder for all of us to do our jobs, fulfill our roles, and move this country forward,” Clark said. “Today, business demands better from our government…We need a government that rejects gridlock and chooses governing.”

Pursuing an “Agenda for American Strength"

In her speech, Clark said the Chamber is proposing an “Agenda for American Strength” to establish policies for long-term success for the country and the business community.

“[The Agenda for American Strength] affirms America’s position as a global power for good, supporting free people, free enterprise, and free markets the world over,” Clark said. “[It is] an agenda that lifts our middle class, and renews the American Dream and modernizes it for the next generation. [It is] an agenda we can be proud of, that we can rally around, and that our country can make progress on this year; in this Congress; at this vital moment in history.”

Bolstering America’s Strength by Building

Clark noted that in 2021, after 25 years of advocacy by the Chamber and its allies, Republicans and Democrats came together and made a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure.

She said that Congress must now reform the permitting process to make it feasible to unlock the potential of that historic effort.

“Right now, the process is broken, and it’s blocking progress,” Clark said. “Pass permitting reform and make it possible to build. Make it feasible for businesses to invest. Make it affordable to start and finish projects. There is bipartisan agreement. Now we need bipartisan action.”

Building a Stronger America through Its People

Clark said that we must solve the worker shortage today and build the workforce of the future, in part through sensible immigration reform. This includes strengthening our nation’s ability to manage the Southern border in a secure and orderly manner.

“Let’s start by fixing America’s outrageously broken immigration system,” Clark said. “Last year, with the strong support and input of the Chamber, there were meaningful bipartisan talks on proposals to secure the border, protect Dreamers, and increase the number of employment-based visas—crucial steps to get American businesses the talent they need, when they need it. This year, let’s get the deal done.”

Creating a Prosperous Future with American Energy Sources

Clark said that “the most important thing” Washington can do this year is sending long-term signals to energy producers to give them the confidence and certainty they need to invest here in the U.S.

“Let’s accelerate permitting for new exploration and production, quickly finalize a 5-year program for offshore leasing, and make it easier to build energy infrastructure,” Clark said. “Permitting reform is needed to build anything, including the historic investments in clean energy projects authorized by Congress.”

Enhancing America’s Role on the Global Stage

Clark said that our nation’s future depends on our continued, bold engagement in the world and that one of the best ways to enhance that engagement is to expand trade with our global partners.

“Today we have trade deals with 20 countries, and it has been 10 years since we’ve added a single new partner to that list. Meanwhile, other countries have inked 100 new trade deals without us…If you are standing still, you are falling behind,” Clark said. “When we trade and invest with other countries, we are not only supporting jobs and creating opportunities in the U.S., we are deepening strategic partnerships and advancing free enterprise both here and abroad.”

Clark added that the U.S. should resume negotiations on a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, support Africa’s continental free trade area, and aim higher on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Boosting the Rule of Law at Home

Finally, Clark said that our nation’s future prosperity depends on our ability to protect and preserve the rule of law—right here at home.

“So often we think of the ‘rule of law’ as a challenge somewhere else,” Clark said. “But what about the ways our legal system is being hijacked by the trial lawyers to extort big payouts from business? What about the explosive growth in third-party litigation funding that is fueling lawsuit abuse? These are not features of a fair or effective civil justice system, and the Chamber will be pushing our leaders to address them this year.”

Role of Government Should Be Limited

The speech also highlighted what the government shouldn’t do—and overregulation is at the top of that list. In Washington, unprecedented regulatory overreach has accelerated over the past two years, and Clark reminded the audience that the Chamber has responded forcefully.

“It is not the role of government to direct the behavior of business, redistribute power in our economy, or undermine the competition that fuels free enterprise,” Clark said. “And that’s why the Chamber sued the FTC, the SEC, and the CFPB last year. And we won’t hesitate to do it again if that’s what’s needed to protect business interests, preserve innovation and competition, and position our economy for growth.”

Legislators Discuss Business Issues with Chamber

January 11, 2023

Legislators Discuss Business Issues with Chamber

 

Members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee recently discussed transportation infrastructure funding, solar regulations, career and technical education, and other business-related issues with the new State Representatives for Columbia and Montour counties. While Lynda Schlegel Culver has been a Representative for twelve years, the 108th District she represents now includes Montour County. Robert Leadbeter replaces David Millard as the Representative for the 109th District, which encompasses Columbia County. Alex Halper, vice president of government affairs with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, also participated.

Prior to the discussion of issues, Culver, Leadbeter, and Halper talked about the unusual start to the House session. While Democrats won a 102-101 majority following the November election, Republicans will hold a temporary majority until several seats are filled in special elections due to the death of one member, another being elected to Congress, and Anthony Deluca being elected Lt. Governor. Rep. Culver is seeking to replace John Gordner who resigned as State Senator in December to take a staff position in the Senate. A special election for that seat is set for January 31st. If Culver wins, a special election to fill her House seat would take place in the May primary. Rep. Mark Rozzi, a six-term Democrat from Berks County, was elected Speaker of the House after being nominated by two Republican members. After being elected, Rozzi announced that he will lead as an Independent, and not caucus with either party.

Transportation infrastructure

Following PennDOT’s failed plan to implement tolling on select interstate bridges across the state, The Chamber of Commerce is joining other business groups in calling for sustainable, long-term funding solutions for Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure. Rep. Culver served on a task force to explore this issue. One strategy is to reduce the amount taken from gas tax revenues to fund State Police, though she noted that they do provide services supporting transportation. Another funding idea is a five-year pilot which would allow drivers to pay an annual flat fee or based on mileage driven. Halper provided information on legislation being proposed in the House that would levy mileage-based user fees on electric and hybrid vehicles. The Senate Transportation Committee has advanced a bill that would cut the state’s gas tax and another that would dedicate gas tax revenues to road and bridge projects and fund State Police from the Motor License Fund. The increased cost of projects due to prevailing wage requirements was also discussed.

Solar regulation

Several companies are working to develop commercial solar generation installations in Columbia and Montour counties due to the access to transmission lines. The Chamber of Commerce encourages the development of zoning that allows for commercial solar generation while reasonably protecting the environment and neighboring residents and businesses. Pennsylvania does not currently have statewide guidelines for such installations, leaving local municipalities with limited resources and expertise to develop zoning language on their own. The Chamber is calling on legislators to develop base guidelines that would assist local municipalities and provide a level of consistency for companies looking to develop in multiple locations. The Representatives talked about legislation that would address the decommissioning of such installations and Leadbeter noted his discussions with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau about protecting class one and two soils from such development.

Career and technical education funding

With workforce continuing to be a critical issue for employers of all sizes and types, funding for career and technical education, apprenticeships, and EMS personnel was also discussed. Chamber president Fred Gaffney asserts that, as local school districts are developing their own career and technical education programs, the funding model for Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech and similar schools should be changed so they are not reliant on the sending districts for funding. Jim Nemeth with Autoneum North America has worked for years to develop apprenticeship programs for area manufacturers, and highlighted the Vo-Tech school as a valuable asset in the training process that could be better utilized by students and adults looking to upskill. Tim Wagner, representing the Bloomsburg Volunteer Ambulance Association, also noted the critical need for EMS training and career development as volunteerism decreases.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the importance of bipartisanship in the next legislative session and both legislators were provided a copy of The Chamber of Commerce’s recently-adopted code of conduct for consideration. The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has been highlighting bi-partisan accomplishments from the last session, including the plan to reduce the state’s corporate net income tax rate from 9.99% to 4.99%. Among their priorities is ensuring the phasing down of the tax stays on track, or gets accelerated. The PA Chamber’s full 2023 legislative agenda is available at pachamber.org/legislative_agenda.

###

Member News – January 11, 2023

January 11, 2023

Member News – January 11, 2023

Congratulations to Bill Lavage, Service 1st Federal Credit Union

Service 1st Federal Credit Union President/CEO Bill Lavage was recently honored with the 2022 Robert N. Pursel Award for Community Service during the Community Giving Foundation's Holiday Happenings Gala held at the Pine Barn Inn, located in Danville.

Columbia County Christian School to Host Parent Awareness Night January 26

Agent Porter from the Williamsport FBI will be presenting at the school on Thursday, January 26th 2023, 7:00pm-8:00pm, on variety of topics.
Event is open to the public. Please note, this presentation is intended for adults only.  The event will cover topics such as online dangers, child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Turkey Hill Brewing Company to Host John Morgan Kimock on Thursday Nights in January

Astrology Days Records Presents John Morgan Kimock - Thursday Night Residency Jan 12, 19, 26.  Catch John and his rotating cast of friends and family on any thursday in January.  Turkey Hill Brewing Company is an intimate setting with great food, beer and lodging.
No ticket is required, but seating is limited. Donations suggested.

 

LIONS GATE APARTMENTS TO HOST FREE EVENTS

Lions Gate Apartments will host free community events starting Friday.  Check them out!

  • January 11, 2023 - Board Game Night in the Club House!
  • January 12, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm Kevin Haile (live music)
  • January 26, 2023 - Kevin Haile returns with piano and percussion from 6pm - 8pm.

TOWN OF BLOOMSBURG ANNOUNCES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are vacancies on the following boards/ commissions for the Town of Bloomsburg. Interested candidates who live within the Town of Bloomsburg should submit a letter of interest to the Town of Bloomsburg located at 301 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. You can also e-mail your interest to: info@bloomsburgpa.org.
(1) Code Appeal Board- Term expires 12/31/2025.
(2) Code Appeal Board Alternates. Terms expires 12/31/2025.
(1) Human Relations Commission. Term expires 12/31/2024.
(1) Planning Commission- Term expires 12/31/2024.
(1) Shade Tree Commission- Term expires 12/31/2027.
(1) Zoning Hearing Board Alternate. Term expires 12/31/2024.

IMC To Host January Webinars

IMC has announced two (free) upcoming webinars, called "Training Within Industry - Foundations of Job Instruction" (January 10) and "Building an Innovative Enterprise - An Introduction to Design Thinking" (January 17).

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak to Host 'Trust Takeover' Webinar January 24

Make a New Year's resolution to keep your hard-earned assets safe!
Protect more of your wealth this year and provide a legacy for future generations. Learn how you can establish a financial readiness plan today that accounts for the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. If you've ever thought about setting up a trust, then this webinar is for you!  Register here.

McKonly & Asbury to Host Free Cybersecurity Seminar

Join David Hammarberg, Partner and leader of the firm’s SOC, Cybersecurity, Forensic Examination, and Information Technology practices, as he discusses the top 10 security practices your firm should currently be doing or implementing in the next year. Security is always changing, and organizations need to assess risks and mitigate those risks quickly. What use to be seen as cutting-edge security has become essential for organizations. You know what I’m talking about if you have recently filled out a cyber insurance application. We will discuss how each organization’s goals should be to move their security footprint further and further to the next level. Each attendee should leave knowing they have some actionable steps to make their organization more secure.  Register here.  `

McKonly & Asbury Announces Promotions

The regional accounting and business advisory services firm – announced promotions for fourteen of its team members! Three advance to Partner, three to Senior Manager, two to Supervisor, four to Senior Accountant, one to Executive Assistant, and one to Administrative Coordinator.  Read the full release!

NEPIRC Professional Achieves Lead Auditor Designation

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is pleased to announce that the organization’s Lean Enterprise Consultant, Brian Matyjevich, recently completed the British Standards Institution’s (BSI’s) ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor Training course and successfully obtained designation as an ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor with competencies in Environmental Management Systems, Management Systems Auditing and Leading Management Systems Audit Teams.  Read more.

e-Tides is Being Shut Down February 24; Sign Up for myPATH Account

January 11, 2023

e-Tides is Being Shut Down February 24; Sign Up for myPATH Account

Source: PA Department of Revenue

Business taxpayers are strongly encouraged to act now and sign up for an account on myPATH. This is the new and improved online system where the Department of Revenue's customers can handle their registration, filing and payment obligations for Pennsylvania taxes. The new taxes available in the system include sales tax, employer withholding, and corporation taxes, among many others.

As part of this transition, the Department of Revenue will be retiring e-TIDES, the prior online filing system for business taxpayers, as of Feb. 24, 2023. That means taxpayers will no longer be able to use e-TIDES to file returns and make payments after this point. Instead, they will need to use myPATH to handle these tax obligations.

With many important due dates — including upcoming deadlines for monthly, quarterly, and semiannual sales tax returns — now is the time to create your myPATH account. myPATH is also the system that will be used this year for W-2/1099 reporting. Taxpayers are required to sign up for an account on myPATH to submit W-2s, 1099-Rs, 1099 MISC, 1099 NEC and REV-1667s (Annual Withholding Reconciliation Statements). The deadline to submit W-2s/1099s is Jan. 31, 2023.

The process to sign up for an account is simple and includes an option to migrate your prior account information from e-TIDES into myPATH. You can watch the Migrating e-TIDES AccessOpens In A New Window instructional video for a simple tutorial on how to do this. The Department of Revenue also has a number of other instructional videos pertaining to myPATH on its myPATH Video Tutorials page.

If you need assistance, the department encourages taxpayers to refer to several self-service options, including:

Customers in need of assistance may also contact the department by email at myPATH@pa.gov, or by phone at 717-425-2495, ext. 72841 (PATH1). The department has made a push to put more of its employees on the phones to assist with the transition to myPATH.

Don't delay if you need to sign up for a myPATH account. The department is hopeful to transition all of its customers to the new system as soon as possible. This move will improve customer service and be a great benefit for years to come.

2023 Will See Push for Financial Wellness

January 11, 2023

2023 Will See Push for Financial Wellness

Source: My Benefit Advisor

Soaring inflationary pressures and mounting recession fears have combined with pandemic and employment concerns to create a heightened level of financial stress among employees. For employers, this represents both a dilemma and an opportunity. The employee benefit portfolio that may have worked well in the past may not adequately address these needs going forward.  By investing in planning and some resources, however, business owners can both demonstrate their concern for employees and solidify if not increase worker morale and productivity at the same time.  Here are a few programs employers can implement to show their support:

Emergency Savings Accounts

By creating an emergency savings account (ESA) for employees, business owners can help workers save for financial emergencies by allowing deposits of after-tax dollars from their paycheck into a savings account. Workers can then withdraw the funds as needed via a debit card or electronic transfer.  An ESA eliminates the need for workers to have the discipline and time to manually save money.  As a bonus, employers can offer incentives to employees, such as a matching deposit (up to specified limits).

Lifestyle Spending Accounts

Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA) provide a method for employers to assist their employees in paying for health, wellness expenses and even other costs that are not typically covered under a group health insurance program.  Many business owners like LSAs since they can decide which expenses are reimbursable and how much each employee receives.  Unlike flexible spending accounts, employers fund the LSA with money that is taxable to the employee after it is spent.

Student Loan Assistance

Companies can design programs to either make tuition payments to the loan servicer or directly to the employee.  Eligible candidates can be required to have been working for the company for a specified minimum period of time or have successfully completed a degree.  Typically, an employer matches annual payments made by the student and can set a lifetime cap.  As an example, a company can match annual payments up to $2500 per year and/or a lifetime cap of $10,000.

Financial Guidance Resources

These programs, sponsored by an employer, can provide access to resources and tools focusing on assisting employees in their effort to gain financial literacy.  The business owner may utilize a wide range of options, including a partnership with financial consultants that can provide workplace seminars, speaking with employees concerning their financial needs and educating the staff on budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt.

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Stephen Lylo at (800) 377-3539.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023; business use increases 3 cents per mile

January 11, 2023

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2023; business use increases 3 cents per mile

Source: IRS.gov Newsroom

WASHINGTON — On December 29, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service issued the 2023 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.
  • 22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.

These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. For more details see Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but generally must opt to use it in the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage rate is chosen.

Notice 2023-03 contains the optional 2023 standard mileage rates, as well as the maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2023 for which employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle cents-per-mile valuation rule.

Welcome New Member – Brookdale Bloomsburg Senior Living

January 9, 2023

Welcome New Member – Brookdale Bloomsburg Senior Living

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to extend a warm welcome to Brookdale Bloomsburg Senior Living, a personal care home that values and supports independence.

With customized personal care, which can include help bathing, dressing, mobility and more, Brookdale Bloomsburg Senior Living helps seniors with both the little things and with more involved daily living activities.  With an on-site barbershop, library, and Wi-Fi throughout, they have amenities to make life convenient.  They focus on health and wellness, offering fun, stimulating workouts with peers, morning devotions, and a program called "My Life Story".   They value privacy - each apartment houses a private bathroom, private storage, and the freedom to style accommodations to a resident's personal touches.  Additional amenities include a courtyard garden, activity room, and a piano in their common area.

Welcome to the Chamber, and thanks for giving dignified and personal care to our seniors!

 

 

 SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Northeastern Pennsylvania Due to Drought 

January 4, 2023

 SBA Working Capital Loans Available in Northeastern Pennsylvania Due to Drought 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced on December 30, 2022 that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in northeastern Pennsylvania and New York for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations affected by drought from June 1 through Aug. 31, 2022.

The declaration covers the primary counties of Bradford and Sullivan in Pennsylvania; and the adjacent counties of Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming in Pennsylvania; and Chemung and Tioga in New York.

“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities, affected by the same disaster,” said Kem Fleming, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. Apart from aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.935 percent for small businesses and 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.935 percent for small businesses and 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and should apply under SBA declaration # 17741.

Disaster loan information and application forms can also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than Aug. 21, 2023.

###

SBA News Release
December 30, 2022
Disaster Field Operations Center East
Contact: Michael Lampton (404) 331-0333
Email: Michael.Lampton@sba.gov
Release Date: December 30, 2022
Release Number: 23-172, PA 17741

Chamber, Visitors Bureau to Partner on Quality Living Guidebook for Columbia and Montour Counties

January 4, 2023

Chamber, Visitors Bureau to Partner on Quality Living Guidebook for Columbia and Montour Counties

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, is creating an updated image piece for our two-county region. The "Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties" publication is scheduled for release in April 2023 and will include information about business/industry, demographics, education, health care, housing/real estate, recreation, arts/culture, and more. The goal of the image piece will be to assist in attracting new businesses, employee recruitment/retention, and to serve as a relocation guide.  6,000 – 8,000 copies, in an attractive 8.5” X 11” format, will be produced with an expected shelf life of up to three years.

Victor Koons Graphic Design of Danville is handling the design of this publication. Lois Wolfe is the third-party representative handling ad sales. Both the Chamber and Visitors Bureau have long-standing professional relationships with Victor and Lois who are both well-recognized throughout the region. Lois will begin reaching out to the members of both organizations starting the week of January 9th.

We believe this image piece is an attractive representation of our area and presents our members with a high-quality, long-lasting opportunity to represent themselves to the reader. If you have any questions or concerns, or photos that you'd like us to include in the publication, you may contact us at (570) 784-2522 or email us at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.

View the 2023 Advertising Contract and advertising options here, or contact Lois Wolfe.

Member News – January 4, 2023

January 4, 2023

Member News – January 4, 2023

CALLING ARTISTS FOR SUBMISSION

The Exchange Gallery welcomes artwork by people of all ages and levels of experience, with only one rule: it must fit through the front door!  For more information about open-call themes, visit: ExchangeArts.org/calls-for-entry.

BLOOMSBURG VETERINARY HOSPITAL RECEIVES ACCREDITATION

On November 30, 2022, the Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital passed the renewal of their American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accreditation! To be an AAHA accredited hospital, BVH was evaluated on over 900 standards of care. Only 15% of veterinary hospitals are accredited.  Congratulations!

Bloomsburg Veterinary Hospital Receives AAHA Accreditation

Turkey Hill Brewing Company to Host John Morgan Kimock on Thursday Nights in January

Astrology Days Records Presents John Morgan Kimock - Thursday Night Residency Jan 5, 12, 19, 26.  Catch John and his rotating cast of friends and family on any thursday in January.  Turkey Hill Brewing Company is an intimate setting with great food, beer and lodging.
No ticket is required, but seating is limited. Donations suggested.

KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT ANNOUNCES 2023 OPENING WEEKEND

Knoebels will open for its 97th season on April 29th and 30th.

500+ PA MANUFACTURERS ATTRIBUTE GROWTH TO IRC PROGRAM

Eric Esoda, President & CEO, NEPIRC

Wilkes Barre, PA - Data voluntarily provided to independent researchers by 541 small and mid-sized manufacturing firms across Pennsylvania throughout 2022, and subsequently verified by the U.S. Department of Commerce, confirm that the statewide Industrial Resource Center (IRC) initiative – the Commonwealth’s flagship program for strengthening the competitiveness and resiliency of smaller industrial firms – generated significant positive results amidst a turbulent economy. Over the past 12 months, manufacturers that utilized IRC professional services avoided 4,099 layoffs while adding 1,226 full-time workers to their payrolls. They also realized $398.9 million in retained sales and secured $108.9 million of new customer orders as results of their IRC assistance.  Read the full release.

KEEP YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING: SHORT VIDEO

The Good Insurance Group wants to help you keep your home running smoothly.  Check out this short video tip, which is one of six.

LIONS GATE APARTMENTS TO HOST FREE EVENTS

Lions Gate Apartments will host free community events starting Friday.  Check them out!

  • January 6, 2023 - DJ Jon Gosselin will spin tunes from 7-11pm. 
  • January 12, 2023 - Kevin Haile (live music) 5:30pm - 7:30pm
  • January 26, 2023 - Kevin Haile returns with piano and percussion from 6pm - 8pm.

TOWN OF BLOOMSBURG ANNOUNCES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are vacancies on the following boards/ commissions for the Town of Bloomsburg. Interested candidates who live within the Town of Bloomsburg should submit a letter of interest to the Town of Bloomsburg located at 301 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. You can also e-mail your interest to: info@bloomsburgpa.org.
(1) Code Appeal Board- Term expires 12/31/2025.
(2) Code Appeal Board Alternates. Terms expires 12/31/2025.
(1) Human Relations Commission. Term expires 12/31/2024.
(1) Planning Commission- Term expires 12/31/2024.
(1) Shade Tree Commission- Term expires 12/31/2027.
(1) Zoning Hearing Board Alternate. Term expires 12/31/2024.

BERWICK YMCA TO DISTRIBUTE FOOD JANUARY 9

The Berwick YMCA's next food distribution date will be Monday, January 9th from 2-4PM. Note there is a location change. The Berwick YMCA is partnering with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1600 Fowler Ave, Berwick to distribute food to those in need in our community starting Jan 9th. For additional information please contact the YMCA at 570-752-5981.

Bucknell University Students Are Building Websites for Local Organizations

As part of a coming Marketing and Design Course, Bucknell Students are offering to develop websites for local businesses and organizations free of charge.  Respond to their survey by January 10 for an opportunity to partner with these students.  Read more.  

PA CareerLink to Host Hiring Event in Bloomsburg January 11

Recruitment event in the new PA CareerLink Bloomsburg location. Come meet with a hiring manager in person to learn why they're a great place to work!
If the weather is bad please call before stopping in- in the event of inclement weather, they would not cancel, but it may be rescheduled!

IMC To Host January Webinars

IMC has announced two (free) upcoming webinars, called "Training Within Industry - Foundations of Job Instruction" (January 10) and "Building an Innovative Enterprise - An Introduction to Design Thinking" (January 17).

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak to Host 'Trust Takeover' Webinar January 24

Make a New Year's resolution to keep your hard-earned assets safe!
Protect more of your wealth this year and provide a legacy for future generations. Learn how you can establish a financial readiness plan today that accounts for the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. If you've ever thought about setting up a trust, then this webinar is for you!  Register here.
Scroll To Top