PA Broadband Development Authority Approves Program Guidelines
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority last week approved program guidelines for projects seeking support through the state’s expected $279 million funding allocation from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF). Congress provided Treasury billions in funds to be directed toward states for investment in broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity as part of the American Rescue Plan. In May, the Authority will begin accepting applications from local governments and economic development organizations seeking portions of $200 million from CPF for fiber and cable extensions. The remaining funds will be used to support digital literacy and improve broadband at community anchor institutions like public libraries.
Per statute, the secre
tary of the budget and all four legislative designees to the Authority must agree for the Authority to act. In recent weeks, the Authority has been deliberating to overcome disagreement over proposed language regarding how CPF projects would be scored. Building on comments to the Authority on the guidelines, the PA Chamber expressed concern that some of the language regarding use of union labor would delay projects and add cost. The PA Chamber is pleased to see many of these concerns addressed in the final guidelines and hopes that the Authority’s future deliberations to establish guidelines for additional tranches of federal broadband funding will be more transparent and constructive with respect to the concerns of all stakeholders.
The next significant bucket of funding to Pennsylvania will come after the Federal Communications Commission resolves challenges to updating national maps that define unserved and underserved areas. These maps will inform additional state allocations for funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program (BEAD). Pennsylvania will receive at least $100 million in late 2023 or early 2024, with additional BEAD funding determined by the state’s national share of unserved locations in high-cost areas.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Manufacturing Planning for What’s Next
by on 10, 2023
There is room for much debate among economists about whether we are in, or on the brink of, another recession. Last month, Reuters reported that US manufacturing may already be in a recession based on the Institute for Supply Management’s monthly report. New orders dropped significantly from a year ago, more manufacturers reported a decrease, rather than an increase in new business, and February was the fourth straight month that U.S. Manufacturing contracted.
This article isn't designed to give an opinion on whether we’re in a recession. For some manufacturers, sales soared during the pandemic and beyond as consumers flocked to the grocery store or embarked on long-anticipated home improvement projects, while others saw sales recede as apprehensive buyers cut back on discretionary spending. Regardless of whether companies flourished or struggled during the pandemic, many are still haunted by the memory of how the great recession impacted their business and may be looking for ways to help mitigate the impact. Here are some action steps to consider as you hope for the best and plan for the worst:
Secure Additional Financing
Even if you don’t need it at the moment, now may be the time to work with your bank, especially for those manufacturers who have seen an increase in sales over the last few years as lenders look favorably on strong cash flow and income. Securing an available line of credit will ensure adequate liquidity if you encounter a slowdown in business.
Evaluate Your Product Offerings
Are there product lines that are draining valuable resources that could be rerouted to your most profitable lines of business? Or, investing in a new product that you have been considering?
Consider an Acquisition
Navigating a recession can be even more challenging for small manufacturers that haven’t yet built up the reserves or are carrying significant debt that is subject to rising interest rates. Suppliers, or even competitors spooked by an impending recession, may be more willing to engage in conversation.
Devise a Back-up Plan
I expect most manufacturers are approaching 2023 with a conservative profit plan. But what’s the plan if things are worse than anticipated? Do you know what projects will need to be put on hold or what expenses will need to be curbed if sales drop or costs continue to soar? It doesn’t need to be down to every detail, but having a high-level plan to react will allow for the ability to pivot quickly should the need arise.
Communicate
Make sure there is clear and transparent communication up, down, and sideways. Have open and honest communication with the board and/or outside investors about concerns and realistic forecasts to avoid unexpected surprises. Today’s workforce is craving communication now more than ever. Employees want to know what the plan is, how it could impact them, and whether their job is stable. Without clear communication, employees are left to their own assumptions which most likely will not be accurate and could lead to avoidable workforce vacancies.
For more information regarding our manufacturing experience, be sure to visit McKonly & Asbury's Manufacturing Services page, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of their manufacturing team.
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As an owner of the Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic franchise, McKonly & Asbury is able to offer an extension of services to our clients and friends of the firm, expanding our expertise in the areas of leadership, team building, and people development as Dale Carnegie offers programs in leadership, management development, customer engagement, service, sales, communication, and more.
Member News – April 12, 2023
Geisinger Officials Named to 2023 Health Care Power 100
Geisinger's President and CEO, Dr. Jaewon Ryu, and Dr. Julie Byerley, President and Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, have been named to City & State's 2023 Health Care Power 100. Dr. Ryu was recognized for his leadership in earning Comprehensive Heart Attack Center certification for three Geisinger hospitals, while Dr. Byerley was applauded for her work in expanding educational programs to meet the rising demand for care in our communities. Congratulations to both Dr. Ryu and Dr. Byerley!
North Shore Railroad Founder Inducted
Congratulations to Dick Robey, founder of North Shore Railroad for being inducted into The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Associations Hall of Fame
EITC- Free Seminar
Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Thursday April 27, 9:00 - 10:00 am. Join Zoom Meeting https://lnkd.in/ef4VribM Meeting ID: 890 6545 7004 Passcode: 806240
Community Health Needs Assessment
To gain a better understanding of health needs across the region, Geisinger, Allied Services, and Evangelical Community Hospital are again collaborating to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) of northeastern and central PA counties. Complete the survey by April 24th, here.
Community Giving Foundation Nonprofit Leadership Series
The Nonprofit Leadership Series provides free professional development opportunities to area nonprofit leaders. The session will be offered on Wednesday, April 26th at the Montour County Admin Center in Danville. The deadline to register for the workshop is April 19th. Learn more at csgiving.org/nonprofit-leadership-series.
Keystone Pest Celebrating 22 Years in Business
Congratulations to Keystone Pest Management! They will be celebrating 22 years in business on April 15th!
Town of Bloomsburg:
- Seeks Artists for Town Hall Murals
- The Town of Bloomsburg seeks artists interested in submitting sketches for potential murals on the low walls outside Town Hall facing East 2nd Street/College Hill. The Town does not at this time have any funds identified to pay the artist(s); however, they are open to seeking grant funds and/or covering the cost of the paint/materials. Once the sketches come in, the Planning Commission will forward their recommendations to Town Council to discuss the details of completing the project. The Planning Commission will meet on April 20th to discuss the submitted sketches. You may submit your ideas to Lisa Dooley, Town Manager, at ldooley@bloomsburgpa.org and to Kyle Bauman, Code Enforcement Officer, at kbauman@bloomsburgpa.org.
- An Independence Day Celebration has been announced for July 4th at Town Park. For more information visit bloomsburgpa.org.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum April Events
The Children's Museum has a full calendar of events in April, including this partnership with the YMCA for Healthy Kids Day:
Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire
Saturday, April 22nd
10-4:00 p.m.
The Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire® is a FREE Bloomsburg Children's Museum organized event hosted on Saturday, April 22nd. This one-day, family-friendly event celebrates arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology projects, and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It's for resourceful, creative people who like to tinker and love to make things. Craftsmen, artisans, performers, homesteaders, crafters, inventors, thinkers, and doers are welcome to apply to be Makers. The Faire will showcase cutting-edge technology such as 3D printing and robotics but also have more traditional trades such as woodworking, fine arts, and sewing crafts.
LPN Open House April 20
Join the CSIU at the 2023 Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center (CSLPNCC) Open House. Tour the new, state-of-the-art facility, meet the faculty, and see why the CSLPNCC is the premier school in the region for licensed practical nursing education. Staff will be available to answer questions about financial aid and walk you through the application process. See the flyer.
Bloomsburg YMCA Community Events
On April 22, join the Bloomsburg YMCA and the Bloomsburg Children's Museum Mini Maker Faire for the annual Healthy Kids Day. Check out the flyer.
McKonly & Asbury Webinar and Seminar:
- SOC versus SOX
- Join Elaine Nissley and Lynnanne Bocchio to better understand the differences between Service Organization Controls Reports (SOC) and Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 SEC requirements. Webinar is April 27th at 2:00 pm. Register to attend.
- Business Transition Planning - What is Your Plan?
- Join McKonly & Asbury for this free seminar at Bloomsburg University's Monty's Hall, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg. Time: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, May 2, 2023. The presentation will discuss the impacts of transitioning a business. Register to attend.
2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns! - Experience Columbia -Montour Counties
Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area covered bridges. The 2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest runs from Saturday, April 1st through Wednesday, May 31st at midnight EST. We’re excited to see another fantastic set of entries from everyone! Click HERE to learn how to enter!
Member News – April 5, 2023
Town of Bloomsburg Seeks Artists for Town Hall Murals
Lisa's Country Cuts & Spa Has Moved
Lisa's has relocated to 328 Main Street in Catawissa. Drop by to see them at their new location!
Artspace Gallery to Feature New Show
Check out the new show, called "Rare Earth", which debuts with an artist reception on April 8 from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. - 1st Friday's
First Fridays is a collaboration between DBI and downtown businesses. From 5 pm to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month, participating businesses will feature specials and there will be live music, children's activities, pop-up vendors & more! What's on tap for Friday, April 7?
Community Giving Foundation:Berwick Announces Dale Baker Fund
The Dale Baker Endowment Fund was created in memory of Dale Baker, a young man who passed away in the Nescopeck fire last August. Community members and local firefighters came together to create this fund as a lasting legacy for Dale. The fund will provide financial assistance to Berwick Area Little League Association players—an organization and sport that Dale was passionate about. Read the release.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum April Events
The Children's Museum has a full calendar of events in April. Check out some of the events below which are free to the community!
All Abilities Night
Friday, April 7th
3-7:00 p.m.
Come to a fun night out for All Abilities Night! Enjoy a reduced number of visitors, space, and freedom to explore at your own pace. We offer adapted exhibits, a quiet area, and an opportunity to network with other families. All Abilities Night is a FREE event held regularly.
Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire
Saturday, April 22nd
10-4:00 p.m.
The Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire® is a FREE Bloomsburg Children's Museum organized event hosted on Saturday, April 22nd. This is a one-day, family-friendly event that celebrates arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology projects, and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset. It's for resourceful, creative people who like to tinker and love to make things. Craftsmen, artisans, performers, homesteaders, crafters, inventors, thinkers, and doers are welcome to apply to be Makers. The Faire will showcase cutting-edge technology such as 3D printing and robotics but also have more traditional trades such as woodworking, fine arts, and sewing crafts.
LPN Open House Set for April 20
Join the CSIU at the 2023 Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center (CSLPNCC) Open House. Tour the new, state-of-the-art facility, meet the faculty, and see why the CSLPNCC is the premier school in the region for licensed practical nursing education. Staff will be available to answer questions about financial aid and walk you through the application process. See the flyer.
Bloomsburg YMCA Community Events
On April 22, join the Bloomsburg YMCA and the Bloomsburg Children's Museum Mini Maker Faire for the annual Healthy Kids Day. Check out the flyer.
Innovative Manufacturer's Center (IMC) Events
IMC will host two free events in April. Contact Lauri Moon, IMC Outreach & Special Projects Manager, with questions.
- April 6, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - webinar called "Developing Your Workforce with Online Training & Certification"
- April 11, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - "Electrical Safety Training for General Industry", to be held in person at Northway Industries in Middleburg, PA.
Bring Clarity to Chaos: How to Have the End-of-Life Conversation
Join Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak as they discuss the importance of communicating final wishes to loved ones. Event to take place at Elder Care & Special Needs Resource Center, Williamsport. Register here.
Bloomsburg University's Community Play for Children is April 8
Join the College of Education at the University Rec Center from 10 am to 3 pm for a screen-free day of hands-on games and activities that promote play. Open to children PK - 4 & parents/caregivers required to attend.
McKonly & Asbury Seminar: Business Transition Planning - What is Your Plan?
Join McKonly & Asbury for this free seminar at Bloomsburg University's Monty's Hall, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg. Time: 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, May 2, 2023. The presentation will discuss the impacts of transitioning a business. Register to attend.
Zartman Construction Celebrating 50 Years of Construction Excellence
Zartman Construction invites you to join in celebrating their 50-year milestone with an Open House on May 3rd from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please tour our facility and meet with our staff while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Learn more about the history of Zartman Construction here.
2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns! - Experience Columbia -Montour Counties
Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area covered bridges. The 2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest runs from Saturday, April 1st through Wednesday, May 31st at midnight EST. We’re excited to see another fantastic set of entries from everyone! Click HERE to learn how to enter!
First Keystone Community Bank Offers Security Tips
Here's what the American Bankers Association says to do in the event of a data breach.
SEKISUI KYDEX Judges Local Scouting STEM Contest
SEKISUI KYDEX's Sean Stabler, VP of Innovation, and Sierra Clever, R&D Specialist, were invited to judge at the 8th Annual Rube Goldberg Challenge presented by BSA Columbia-Montour Council. Future STEM leaders from our local community had the opportunity to show of their witty and creative engineering skills at this invention competition. "These events are important to our community for fostering excitement and laughter among young inventors who share a curious and imaginative mindset". - Sean Stabler
PPL Offers Ways to Save Energy
Looking to increase your home’s comfort while saving a few dollars? Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
15 Essential Things You Should Know About Your New House
As you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of a new space, it helps to start with the basics. Because, let’s be honest: The best time to find your water shut-off valve is before your first leak – not after. Here's 15 tips from Zimmer Insurance.
Encina and Shaw Industries Announce Carpet Waste Recycling Partnership
The agreement calls for Shaw to supply Encina with more than 2 million pounds of carpet manufacturing waste per year, reinforcing Shaw’s ongoing commitment to sustainability which includes its Cradle to Cradle Certified® commitment to product circularity. Read full details.
Sherwood Lumber recently purchased property along Industrial Court owned by DRIVE
The company plans to establish a “game-changing” distribution center for lumber and building materials. Full release can be found HERE.
SECOND WEEK OF BUDGET HEARINGS ADDRESS EDUCATION, POLICE FUNDING, LABOR MARKET AND MORE
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The second week of budget hearings focused on a number of key issues of importance to the business community.
Numerous questions were posed during the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing with the Department of Labor and Industry related to potential job loss if Pennsylvania enters the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, along with the impact on jobs if a $15 minimum wage increase were implemented. Senators on the committee also expressed concerns about unemployment compensation claims processing and customer service; questioned department officials about improving the services offered to unemployment compensation claimants in CareerLink centers; and examined the extent of, and efforts to address UC fraud. Lawmakers also explored apprenticeship programs, and several noted that improving apprenticeship retention rates and streamlining apprenticeship program approval could help support job growth in the Commonwealth.
In a Department of State hearing with Senate Appropriations Committee members, officials said they identified “north of 900” categories of renewals that will be subject to a money-back guarantee called for under the Executive Order Gov. Josh Shapiro implemented in January. That order gives DOS 90 days to develop a plan that will lay out how long license applications should take with a promise that if the state misses the deadline, the applicant will receive their money back. According to a report in Capitolwire, Sen. Pat Stefano, R-Fayette, noted that the department uses license fees to cover its operating costs and asked how DOS would make up for revenue lost through refunds over missed deadlines for license approvals. Acting Secretary of State Al Schmidt told lawmakers that the intent of the pledge is to ensure that the state is refunding applicants as rarely as possible, and “no one would look favorably at” having to issue many refunds.
Gov. Shapiro’s plan to create a special fund for state police spending was a topic of the House Appropriations Hearing with the Pennsylvania State Police. The $1.6 billion proposed fund would be generated by state liquor tax revenue, among other sources, reducing the need to divert funding from the Motor Vehicle License Fund revenue that currently goes to the agency. State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris told committee members that designated funding is a long-term goal of the PSP and that transitioning away from a system in which they compete for funding with infrastructure projects would be “huge for us.” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Seth Grove, R-York, on the other hand, expressed concerns with the proposed revenue shift, saying that it would remove the PSP from the oversight of budget hearings and tie funding to the ebb and flow of revenue from a number of other sources.
Lawmakers and PA Department of Education officials agreed on many topics during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, particularly in terms of the governor’s funding proposals for critical school safety and mental health programs. The administration was also urged to continue its support for career and technical education funding and building career pathways to help young people find gainful employment. Ongoing questions and negotiations remain regarding the amount of proposed funding for K-12 public education and the funding formula for distributing those dollars. Gov. Shapiro has proposed a $567 million increase in K-12 spending, 8 percent more than the current year. One point of disagreement between Republicans and the administration was when the committee’s Republicans expressed their disagreement with the governor’s lack of support for Lifeline Scholarships and other school choice programs in his proposed budget.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
The Rise in Quiet Quitting and What to Do About It
by on
A new trend has emerged in the business world—quiet quitting. But is it really new? What’s causing quiet quitting? And how can we combat this worrying development?
What Is Quiet Quitting?
What Is Quiet Quitting?“Quiet quitting” is the term given to a set of employee behaviors such as not speaking up and not going above and beyond their job description. Companies want driven employees who are intrinsically motivated to take the extra step or go the extra mile. Unfortunately, the rise of worker boundaries and the search for work-life balance means many employees are exhibiting quiet quitting behaviors.
Is Quiet Quitting Bad?
Quiet quitting at work is happening, but it’s a problem that’s blown out of proportion. Some people just aren’t ambitious. Some people, justifiably, don’t feel they should do extra without being paid extra. But very few people who would be labeled “quiet quitters” are actually looking to quit. (The people you need to be worried about quitting are the actively disengaged employees who are showing clear signs and maybe even outright saying they are looking for new employment.)
And that’s what it boils down to. The name “quiet quitting” is disconnected from the actual problem—a lack of employee engagement.
One or two data points aren’t conclusive, but three points now show a worrying trend—employee engagement is going way down. According to Gallup, in 2020, 36% of employees were engaged, and 14% were actively disengaged. In 2021, 34% of employees were engaged, and 16% were actively disengaged. Now, in 2022, 32% are engaged, and 18% are actively disengaged.
What does disengagement look like?
It looks like an employee who doesn’t speak up in meetings because they feel management doesn’t care or the organization never takes a chance on something creative. It looks like an employee who isn’t empowered to take chances or even go above and beyond, so therefore they do the minimum amount of work. It looks like an employee who doesn’t feel psychologically safe in their company’s work environment and culture.
It looks like quiet quitting.
The Problems Behind Quiet Quitting
What is causing disengagement that is leading to these behaviors we might label “quiet quitting”? There are two main reasons.
Managers Need to Engage Workers
Recent Dale Carnegie research tells us that managers play a huge role in employee engagement. They are key in creating psychologically safe spaces through empathy, key in translating the organizational purpose, and key to increasing engagement by paying attention to emotional and organizational drivers.
Yet, our research shows only 38% of employees have confidence in their immediate supervisor, and only 26% value their relationship with their manager. Managers can be doing more to connect with and engage employees.
For example, prior Dale Carnegie research shows that the drivers of worker engagement include feeling valued, confident, and empowered. Managers can:
- Show more appreciation for employee efforts, not just successes.
- Provide on-the-job training to get employees confident in their work skills.
- Empower employees to make more decisions and take some risks.
Another driving factor of employee engagement is organizational purpose. Companies with a clear purpose or mission can translate that to employees through managers. But our research shows only 33% of employees believe in their company’s mission. Managers would be responsible for connecting tasks to the company’s purpose and showing employees how they are truly contributing to it.
Organizations Need to Change Company Culture
But quiet quitting isn’t just a result of managers struggling to manage. We have to concede that the way a company functions and the training they give to managers is directly tied to their managers’ poor performance and, in turn, their employees’ behaviors.
Gallup says that only 35% of managers in the US are engaged. Strikingly, 51% are not engaged, while 14% are actively disengaged. If managers are to do their jobs well, then they need the tools, training, and empowerment to do it (just like employees need from their managers).
Therefore, the company itself must also change. This could mean finding a clearer organizational purpose and using it to motivate employees. It could mean senior leadership changing their management style. It could mean starting an official employee engagement program. It could mean providing training in empathy, leadership, or communication skills for managers.
Ideally, it’s all these things. Companies must create psychologically safe spaces and foster creativity by taking risks on new ideas. For employees to change and managers to change, companies must change themselves.
The Benefits of Re-Engaged Employees
There are big benefits to increasing empathy, training managers, and re-engaging employees. Of companies employing creativity and taking risks in their work, 67% report above-average revenue growth. Companies in the top quartile for employee engagement show 10% better customer loyalty, an 18% rise in productivity, and an 81% drop in absenteeism. Companies that focus on the employee experience can improve their business.
Conversely, Gallup tells us that non-engaged and actively disengaged managers and employees cost companies a combined $319 billion to $398 billion annually. This means your company could be paying big for your disengaged employees.
Final Thoughts
When employees exhibit behaviors associated with quiet quitting, they are really signaling to companies that they are disengaged. This puts it on managers, senior leadership, and the organizational culture to bring them back around and re-engage them.
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As an owner of the Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic franchise, McKonly & Asbury is able to offer an extension of services to our clients and friends of the firm, expanding our expertise in the areas of leadership, team building, and people development as Dale Carnegie offers programs in leadership, management development, customer engagement, service, sales, communication, and more.
Chamber Welcomes Leighow
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Patricia “Patti” Leighow to the staff as the Chamber’s Finance Assistant. This part-time position provides support to the Chamber and its affiliated organizations, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, and Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc, respectively. “Patti’s expertise and ability to hit the ground running are invaluable to our team,” said Chamber President Chris Berleth. “She comes to us with a plethora of business management experience and is exactly the subject matter expert we need to help us in-house. To top it off, she’s already well-connected to Chamber programming. She’s a very welcome addition.”
Patti is the owner of Freas Farm Winery and past Executive Director of the SusQ Cyber Charter School. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from PennWest California, a Master’s of Business Administration from Rutger’s University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Bloomsburg University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Giving Foundation: Bloomsburg and is an active member of the Community Giving Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle, through which she has served as a facilitator for the Chamber’s Leadercast: Women program.
Chamber Welcomes Director of Member Engagement
The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to welcome Taryn Crayton to the staff to fill the role of Director of Member Engagement. In this role, Taryn will provide leadership in delivering a high return on investment to members by serving as the driving force in forging member connections and executing and enhancing the organization’s events, communications, and programs. In addition to her work with the Chamber, Taryn will also spend a portion of her time coordinating programs, events, and communications for the Chamber’s Foundation, including but not limited to Leadership Central Penn, the organization’s 31-year-old community leadership program.
Taryn is no stranger to community organizations, having begun her professional career at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. She holds a B.A. in Communications from Eastern University and is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Central Penn, and has also worked for several small businesses. Most recently, Taryn worked for five years as an Advertising and Printing Sales representative with the Press Enterprise. She is also involved in the community and serves with the Bloomsburg Rotary and on the Board of Directors for Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. In 2022, she served as a Chamber Ambassador.
“We’re so excited to have Taryn on our team,” said Chamber President Chris Berleth. “She comes to us with a wealth of community knowledge, she’s widely regarded for her professionalism and leadership, and her love for our region will be a huge asset as we work to meet the Chamber’s mission. She’s going to be a wonderful resource for our members and community stakeholders.”
Taryn is a dance teacher with Danceworks by Amber in Bloomsburg, and translated her passion for dance into studio ownership, as she is the owner/director of Remade by Dance in Barnesville. Taryn and her husband Derek live in Berwick with their dog Millie.
Please join us in welcoming Taryn to the Chamber. She can be reached at tcrayton@columbiamontourchamber.com.
5th Annual Regional STEM Competition
On Thursday, March 23rd, the 5th Annual Regional STEM Competition was held at Bloomsburg Area High School. Schools from across the region participated including Berwick Area, Central Columbia, Columbia Montour Vo-Tech, Midd-West, Montgomery Area, Shamokin Area, Warrior Run Area.
Tasked to solve a regional problem utilizing a Raspberry Pi (micro PC), the students were required to present both a written and live presentation of their project. Judging was conducted by regional experts including Dr. Victor Vogel, Tanya Dynda, Al Neuner, Adam Joline, and Brandon Brown. The student presentations were excellent! It was a powerful night of innovation, collaboration, and school pride.
Competing teams vied for several scholarships. At the end of the evening, Berwick Area High School won first place ($5,000), second place went to Warrior Run High School ($2,500), and Shamokin Area High School won third ($1,000).
A special thank you to Greg Martz of VZRscada.com, Dr. Kimberly Bolig of Commonwealth University, Eric Pangelinan of the Community Giving Foundation, Alexa Hann of Advance Central PA, and Jeff Emmanuel of the Foundation of Columbia/Montour Chambers. Thanks also to Bloomsburg Area High School for hosting. The event was sponsored by Commonwealth University, the Foundation of Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, Community Giving Foundation, Advance Central PA, and VZRscada.com.
PA Chamber & PA State Building & Construction Trades Council Join Forces in Calling for Permitting Reform
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
In case you missed it… The heads of Pennsylvania’s leading business organization and building trades union penned a joint op-ed published by the Reading Eagle calling on state lawmakers to enact permitting reforms that will benefit businesses, employees, and communities.
“Business and labor agreeing? This has been a rare sight over the years,” Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein and Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council President Rob Bair wrote. “Today, it is a realization that by working together, we can create greater opportunities for every Pennsylvanian and make our state stronger.”
Permitting reform – or improving the process by which construction and other development projects obtain approvals from government agencies – has been gaining bipartisan support this year as lawmakers from Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro to the Republican-led Senate have agreed that the current process is broken.
Bernstein and Bair outline several bipartisan steps lawmakers should take to streamline the state’s permitting process, including having permits be “deemed approved” if an agency fails to meet a required deadline; allowing for qualified third-party reviewers of permit applications; providing certainty to state agencies that their decisions will stand up in court; limiting attorney’s fees to combat frivolous lawsuits; and adding transparency to the process by allowing applicants to see the exact status of their applications.
You can read the full op-ed on the Pennsylvania Chamber website.
The op-ed is the latest of several steps the Pennsylvania Chamber has recently taken to promote permitting reform.
- In February, Bernstein published an op-ed explaining how permitting reform will make Pennsylvania competitive on the national and world stage.
- Last week, Pennsylvania Chamber Director of Government Affairs Kevin Sunday testified at a House Republican Policy Committee hearing, highlighting investments Pennsylvania lost in recent years due to a dysfunctional state permitting process. The Chamber’s testimony identified a comprehensive solution to the permitting process that addresses state agency resources, permit deadlines, and reforms to the permit appeals process.
- On Monday, the Pennsylvania Chamber joined the national “Permit America to Build” coalition and sent a letter to Congress urging federal lawmakers to enact legislation that will modernize permitting processes.