Weighing Resilience Options for Critical Facilities
Energy resilience and reliability has become more important than ever, especially with the more frequent occurrence of adverse events such as severe weather and cyber threats.
Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection is searching for owners and operators of critical facilities who are interested in increasing resilience to participate in a no-cost initial feasibility study for on-site energy generation and storage at your critical facility. If you're interested in participating in the no-cost initial feasibility study, complete this brief survey to apply.
As part of the department's efforts to equip decision-makers, they've also created a pre-recorded webinar to discuss how non-traditional backup systems are different from onsite generation, storage and microgrids, to discuss grants and funding sources available for resilience projects, and to determine how resilience projects can be developed to maximize community impact.
PA CLIMBS THE COMPETITIVENESS RANKINGS
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Site Selection Magazine released its 2022 Business Climate Rankings, and Pennsylvania climbed six spots to No. 16. The rankings consider several factors, including workforce skills; state and local tax scheme; workforce development; transportation infrastructure; ease of permitting and regulatory procedures; land/building prices and supply; utilities; incentives; higher education resources; and quality of life.
These rankings come on the heels of the Tax Foundation’s updated analysis of how pro-growth reforms recently enacted in Pennsylvania improved our ranking among states. With the enactment of Act 53, which included the CNI reduction, as well as small business tax reforms (Section 1031 like-kind exchanges and Section 179 expense deductions), Pennsylvania’s corporate tax structure went from No. 44 to No. 27, while our overall competitiveness went from No. 29 to No. 17.
Pennsylvania also climbed six spots this year in CNBC’s annual rankings of the top states for business, from No. 23 to No. 17. The financial news outlet gave the state high marks among states for the quality of its educational systems, technology and innovation sectors, access to capital, and infrastructure, but scored Pennsylvania at the middle or lower end for economic growth, workforce, and business friendliness measures.
The PA Chamber is committed to working with our allies in state government and our members to continue making Pennsylvania’s business tax climate more competitive, including maintaining or even accelerating the CNI phase down, improving the treatment of net operating losses, and other reforms to encourage private sector investment and job growth.
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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.
Welcome New Member – VirtuStudio 360
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome its newest member, VirtuStudio 360, and owner David Fetterman.
VirtuStudio 360 has been in business since 2019 specializing in Drone Services. Founder/Owner Dave Fetterman saw an opportunity to take his love of photography and film making, combining it with a drone to give the viewer a new perspective. Dave is an FAA, fully licensed sUAV(Drone) Remote Pilot with over 1800 flight hours, that enables him to pursue commercial related work.
Services provided by VirtuStudio 360 are photography, videography, virtual tours for commercial & residential real estate, media and marketing content. In 2022, VirtuStudio 360 expanded drone services to include roof/home inspections, public safety engagements, energy and utility inspections. These services require drones that have high resolution cameras as well as Infrared capabilities. Dave was born and raised in Bloomsburg, however he spent 26 years living in Pittsburgh. He moved back in 2012 to be closer to family and to get back to the town he loves.
You've got to see some of Dave's incredible work, featured below. To connect with Dave, visit https://www.virstudio360.com/
Welcome to the Chamber, Dave!
Member News – November 2, 2022
Farm Bureau Announces 2023 Farm Bill Priorities
In the next U.S. Congress, the PA delegation will have at least eight members who have not yet been through the Farm Bill process. This year’s AFBF priorities, which local farm bureau chapters like the Columbia County Farm Bureau contribute to, include recommendations regarding commodities, conservation and crop insurance. Read more here.
McKonly & Asbury Year-End Tax Planning Webinar
Did you miss this too-good-to-miss update from Charles Eisenhart, CPA and Mark Heath, CPA? Check out the video, here.
Bloomsburg Granted Full Membership in University Sales Center Alliance
The Professional Sales Center (PSC) of the Bloomsburg University Zeigler College of Business has been approved for full membership status in the University Sales Center Alliance (USCA). The announcement was made at the organization's annual meeting in Ogden, Utah last month. Read more.
Zartman Congratulates Steve Reich
Steve, a General Superintendent, recently celebrated 35 years as a Zartman team member.
BLOSSOMS IN BLOOM BY MEGAN AND SOMETHING BORROWED BY T + M TO HOST GRAND OPENING NOVEMBER 5
From 9am to 5pm on November 5, stop by Blossoms in Bloom by Megan and Something Borrowed by T & M for their big event! They'll be offering discounts on non-vendor merchandise and there will be light refreshments and snacks available! They will also have the other half of our store open that has Something Borrowed by T&M for you to check out any of your decor rental needs!
PPL Electric Utilities Receives Congressional Commendation
Congresswoman Susan Wild recently recognized PPL for their innovative Smart Grid, which has helped to improve overall reliability and reduce outages. Since 2015, the PPL Electric Smart Grid has helped to prevent more than 1.4 million customer outages.
SERVICE ELECTRIC CABLEVISION BOOSTS SPEEDS
Speed increases will help many of residential Internet tiers, including 2 Gbps download speeds beginning November 1st. Customers may begin enjoying the speed upgrades sooner with a quick cable modem reset by disconnecting/reconnecting the power cord from the back of their modem. Read more.
CAPTURE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES: ECOMMERCE 101 FOR MANUFACTURERS
The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center will host this free webinar Nov. 8 from 11am to noon. The program will feature an eCommerce checklist for beginners, 1st page rankings on Google, creating effective landing pages, and targeting customers with Google Ads and Shopping. Check out the link for more.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER HOSTING WEBINARS
- “Power of Positive Leadership” Webinar 11/8, 12pm
- Join the SBDC for this SHRM-approved, free webinar to explore the value that positive leadership brings to an organization.
- “Why Are Business Owners Resistant to Virtual Work?” Webinar 11/9, 12pm
- Gain insight into how employees feel about leaders in evolving workplace dynamics, explore the emotional impacts of virtual, hybrid and in-office work for leaders and employees, and share challenges and best practices for leading a dynamic workplace.
For these programs and more, visit here. Hoping to connect with your local SBDC? Columbia County is served by Wilkes University SBDC, and Montour County is served by the Bucknell University SBDC.
1 Million Cups Susquehanna Valley to Meet 11/9, 9am
1 Million Cups is a forum that empowers entrepreneurs to share great ideas over a cup of coffee. When you attend, you support local businesses – better yet, when you present , you can get great feedback for your own business. The next event will be 11/9 at Susquehanna University’s Degenstein Campus Center, Benjamin Room 2-5.
KEEP OUR KIDS WARM
As part of its coat request program, Central Susquehanna Opportunities has created an application form which will be accepted through November 11, 2022. Download the form.
The Bloomsburg Veterans Day Parade is Saturday November 12
Forming at 9am at the Bloomsburg Geisinger Hospital, the parade steps off at 10am. A short program at the conclusion of the parade will be held at Bloomsburg Fire Hall. Floats and Participants wanted. Call 570-594-6539 or 570-594-5549 with questions.
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY UNITED WAY TO HOST BE KIND POSTER CONTEST
The contest will span across elementary, middle, and high school age groups in Snyder, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties. The competition will be open from October 12th through November 30th.
PA CAREERLINK® COLUMBIA/MONTOUR COUNTIES MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
The PA CareerLink® Columbia/Montour Counties is moving from 415 Central Rd Suite 2, to the building next door at 421 Central Rd., Suite 1 so as to better serve job seekers and businesses utilizing CareerLink services.
BASON COFFEE HAS MOVED!
Bason Coffee’s Retail Store has moved to 453 Mill Street, and the storefront features a new name: Bason Coffee and More.
TOWN OF BLOOMSBURG LOOKING TO EXPAND WAITLIST FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT
The Town recently received a $500,000 housing rehabilitation grant and encourages interested residents to apply for no-cost repairs. Read more.
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY UNITED WAY OFFERS EMERGENCY RESOURCE GUIDE
The guide includes contact information for Financial Assistance, Disaster Relief, Mental Health & Substance Use, Food & Clothing, Housing, Legal Services and Transportation.
National Veterans Small Business Week
This week, the Small Business Administration celebrates, connects with, and empowers aspiring and current service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs during National Veterans Small Business Week.
Through November 4, SBA and its extensive partner network will celebrate the strength and resilience of the #VetBiz community by hosting events across the country and sharing information about the resources available to veteran entrepreneurs.
Discover transition assistance resources like Boots to Business or connect with your local Veterans Business Outreach Center to develop your business plan, receive marketing tips, and access government contracting opportunities.
Here's a few additional resources we'd like to highlight:
- The Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (MREIDL): Provides loans of up to $2 million to cover operating costs that cannot be met due to the loss of an essential employee called to active duty in the Reserves or National Guard.
- Boots to Business: An entrepreneurial program offered on military installations around the world and a training track of the U.S. Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP).
- Boots to Business Reboot extends the entrepreneurship training offered in TAP to veterans of all eras in their communities.
- Boots to Business Revenue Readiness is available after completion of Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot and provides a six-week virtual program that prepares participants to take their business idea from concept to an executable business model.
- Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP): Provides entrepreneurial training to women veterans, women service members, and women spouses of service members and veterans as they start or grow a business. SBA funds these entrepreneurship training programs available exclusively for women veterans through grantees:
- Service-Disabled Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (SDVETP): Provides entrepreneurship training program(s) to service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs who aspire to be small business owners or currently own a small business. SBA funds entrepreneurship training programs for service-disabled veterans through grantees:
- Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) – Riata Center for Entrepreneurship, Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans - St. Joseph's University – St. Joseph’s University
- Warrior Rising | Charitable Organization Empowering Veterans in Business
- Veteran Entrepreneurial Training & Resource Network
- Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program (VFPETP): Delivers entrepreneurship training to veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses nationwide interested in pursuing, or already engaged in federal procurement.
Chamber Seeking Applicants for Board Consideration
Members interested in being considered for the Chamber board should submit information by Monday.
The Board of the Chamber of Commerce is organizing a nominating committee to consider new members. Board members set policy and the strategic direction for the organization. A slate of candidates will be selected by the Board in December and voted on by the membership at the Annual Meeting in February.
One and three year terms are available. The Commitment to Serve document, outlines the duties and expectations of Board members. Anyone interested or in need of additional information should contact Fred Gaffney at 570-784-2522 or fgaffney@columbiamontourchamber.com by 9 a.m. on Monday, November 7th.
Welcome New Member – Compassus
The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to welcome as its newest member Compassus, whose Circle of Care now brings to Columbia, Montour & Northumberland counties comfort, safety and quality of life during the transition of life’s journey. Compassus focuses on the person – who they are, how they feel and what they need through their Care for Who I Am approach. This approach, along with their comprehensive care strives to meet physical, psychological, social, cultural & spiritual needs. Ultimately hospice is not about dying - rather, for Compassus, it's about helping people live and be as comfortable as they can, wherever they call home, when life expectancy is limited.
Compassus is about providing individualized care, easing the burden on caregivers and surrounding the patient’s family with care and support following the transition of their loved one's life to help them through their healing journey. Compassus is Care for who YOU are, where YOU are! With nearly 6,000 colleagues in 200 locations and in 30 states the team at Compassus shared that they feel honored and privileged to provide the gift of hospice to Columbia, Montour & Northumberland county communities. Compassus has various insurance contracts and can host any question and answers when needed to help navigate each patient care plan.
Welcome Compassus, to the Chamber! For more information, visit: https://www.compassus.com/
U.S. Chamber Discusses Possible Rail Strike
In their Friday Chamber Federation call, the U.S. Chamber discussed the possibility of an impending rail strike, and the costly effect it could have on the U.S. economy.
While a tentative agreement had been reached between labor unions and employers in September (pursuant to guidance from a Presidential Emergency Board convened over the summer by President Biden), over half of track maintenance workers represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division voted to oppose the five-year contract despite 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. This union, the third-largest railroad union in the United States, said the railroads didn’t do enough to address the lack of paid time off — particularly sick time — and working conditions after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their jobs over the past six years.
Four other railroad unions have approved their agreements with freight railroads including BNSF, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, CSX and Norfolk Southern, but to prevent a strike, all 12 unions representing 115,000 workers must ratify their contracts. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, initially rejected its deal but has since renegotiated a new contract.
A rail strike could be devastating, costing an estimated $2 billion per day, disrupting shipments to consumers, industry and agriculture, canceling many Amtrak trains, and tipping an already fragile economy into recession. Trains carry one-third of U.S. exports and 40 percent of America’s long-distance freight tonnage, including 3.2 million carloads of food, grain, fertilizer, and other farm products, 75 percent of new cars and trucks, and millions of UPS packages.
Voting will be completed in mid-November, and both sides will return to the bargaining table before that happens. If a rail strike is not averted, it would occur November 19th, five days after both chambers of Congress reconvene.
Member Spotlight: Service Electric Cablevision Boosts Internet Speeds, Launches 2 Gig Service
Service Electric Cablevision, Inc., a leading Internet, TV, and Phone service provider, and member of the Columbia Montour Chamber, announced speed increases for many of its residential Internet tiers, including 2 Gbps download speeds. Beginning November 1st, the company is making the following speed upgrades in all communities at no additional cost.
- 50M increases to 100M
- 100M increases to 200M
- 200M increases to 300M
- 300M increases to 400M
- 500M increases to 600M
- 1.5 Gig increases to 2 Gig
The company will automatically increase speeds effective November 1st. Customers may begin enjoying the speed upgrades sooner with a quick cable modem reset by disconnecting/reconnecting the power cord from the back of their modem. Some customers may need to upgrade their equipment to receive the faster speeds. “We have made significant investments in our network and we are dedicated to delivering the fastest, most reliable Internet service to give customers in our communities the ability to connect more technology in their homes and businesses, both now and in the future.” said Scott Young, Director of Marketing, Service Electric Cablevision. “As the average number of connected devices and data consumption per household increases, the rollout of 2 Gig speeds provides more bandwidth and an improved network experience to meet this growing demand”. For more information on SECV’s Internet offerings, please visit www.secv.com/internet
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About Service Electric Cablevision
Service Electric Cablevision, Inc. (SECV) is a leading Pennsylvania provider of residential and business Internet, TV, and Phone services and the founder of the cable television industry. SECV continues to deliver new and improved content and products to its customers. The company offers Internet download speeds up to 2 Gig, Plume Whole-Home Wi-Fi, IPTV with Cloud DVR powered by TiVo, convenient features like TV Everywhere (TVE), and more. SECV serves over one hundred (100) Pennsylvania communities in three operating regions with local employees. For more information, please visit www.secv.com
PA Chamber Meets with Local Chambers to Discuss Business Issues
By Jon Anzur, Vice President, Public Affairs, PA Chamber of Business & Industry
From left: Bob Garrett, President/CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, Luke Bernstein, President/CEO, PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Bob Carl, President/CEO Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, meeting host Fred Gaffney, President/CEO, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce.
There’s leadership through partnerships. Local chambers of commerce prove this every day.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry values and trusts our local chamber allies to communicate their members’ top issues and challenges so we can advocate for their best interests in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. After all, local chambers of commerce are closest to the small businesses in their communities and deeply understand the issues affecting them.
PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein and our entire team have prioritized engaging with local chambers statewide to understand what knits each community together and determine ways we can work as one to move Pennsylvania forward. We celebrated the enactment of this year’s comprehensive tax reform package with visits to local chambers of commerce and economic development groups, touting our collective success in reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax in half (from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent by 2031) along with other small business tax reforms that are making Pennsylvania the most competitive it has been in decades.
Even more recently, our team has held meet-and-greets with local chamber leaders in every region of the state. On Friday, October 30th, Luke was in Bloomsburg to meet with representatives of the Columbia Montour, Greater Susquehanna Valley, Schuylkill, and Williamsport/Lycoming chambers of commerce. Workforce funding, business leadership, and the upcoming elections were among the issues discussed.
And this is just the beginning. As we continue to travel our great Commonwealth, the PA Chamber’s leadership through partnerships philosophy is focused on how we can continue forging relationships with local chambers and work together to make Pennsylvania the best place for investment, job growth, and economic opportunity.
We’ve worked together when it counts and achieved real results for Pennsylvania’s business community. Consider, for instance, our recent success in advancing legislation that will help a group of employers avoid an unfair increase to their unemployment compensation taxes. This issue arose when a local small business contacted the Schuylkill Chamber, who in turn notified the PA Chamber, allowing us to engage our elected officials in Harrisburg. Within three months, legislation reached the Governor’s desk fixing the issue – underscoring the effectiveness of local businesses and chambers working with the PA Chamber to advocate for pro-business legislation. Together with our statewide local chamber partners, we were able to advance legislation that will help many of our small businesses facing what would have been an imminent tax increase.
The PA Chamber is committed to working with our members, elected officials from both parties, and pro-growth advocates statewide to advance additional
policies that will build on our past accomplishments. There is so much opportunity to make progress on policies that will boost our competitiveness; make our infrastructure safe, modern and efficient – not just roads and bridges but future-forward projects like autonomous vehicle development and broadband expansion; harness our natural resources so we can provide low-cost, low-emissions energy to the world; and ensure that everyone has access to the training and education they need to prepare them for the jobs that will keep their kids and grandkids in Pennsylvania for generations to come.
To do that, we need people at the local level to get involved and stay involved – and that starts with the great work being done at our local chambers. Now is our time. As we have already proven, when we put the best interests of Pennsylvanians first and work together, anything is possible.
As we commit to working with our local chamber partners, we take to heart the words of former U.S. House Speaker Tip O’Neill – “All politics is local.” The PA Chamber is dedicated to keeping local chambers’ needs top of mind as we move forward with the shared mission of creating the strong, safe, and economically vibrant communities we all deserve.