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Member News – September 21, 2022

September 21, 2022

Member News – September 21, 2022

The 167th Bloomsburg Fair Kicks Off Friday!

Chamber members will be out in force at the Fair.  This week, the Chamber will be checking in with member businesses and sharing on social media about their offerings.  Will we see you there?  Here's the full schedule!

 

 

Introducing the Susquehanna Valley United Way

Check out the formal announcement for the now five-county organization.

 

 

 

Shout Out to Marr Development!

We love it when members work together!  As the Stuart Tank Memorial Association geared up for the Fair, they enlisted the help of Marr Development to help them with transportation of their venerable tank.  You can visit the tank display at the entrance to the Fair's Education Building.

 

 


#StopTrackTragedies during Rail Safety Week

North Shore Railroad and Operation Lifesaver are honoring Rail Safety Week.  Help prevent tragedy, and stay off the tracks.  Take the Rail Safety Pledge today.

 

 

 

Congratulations to Camp Victory's own Jamie Huntley!

For dedicated humanitarian services, the Lions Club International Foundation awarded Jamie the Melvin Jones Fellow Award during the Camp Victory Open House/Appreciation Day.  On behalf of the Chamber, we say, “Well-earned!”

 

 

 

 

Steve Stumbris to Moderate Next Season of WVIA’s Keystone Edition Business

Congratulations to Steve, the Bucknell Small Business Development Center’s Executive Director, who will host the monthly, thirty-minute panel discussion with entrepreneurs, executives and creators in its third season.  Read more.  

 

 

Operation Morrison Fund Established to Promote Foundation’s Sustainability

The Community Giving Foundation announced the creation of a new designated fund, established by outgoing President and CEO Holly Morrison and her family. The Operation Morrison Fund will provide an annual grant to the Foundation for its operating budget in support of the Foundation’s mission and work in the Central Susquehanna region. Read more.

 

 

Congratulations to Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble on 45 Years!

BTE kicked off its 45th season with community banners and “The Thin Place”.  Thanks to the Town of Bloomsburg street crew, the street banners look great!

 

 

 

 

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. Gives Back

Thanks to employees at Barry Isett & Associaties, more than 280 boxes of food were packed up for the Central PA. Food Bank.  Thanks for your service!

 

 

 

 

 

Year-Round Energy Tips 

UGI wants to help you get ready for winter weather - here's some ways to prepare your home and business now.  Read more.    

The Bloomsburg Public Library Strategic Planning Survey

The library needs your help completing a strategic planning survey.

Chess Club Gathers Thursday...Knight

You might be working the day shift, but they’ll be working "Knights” at the Thomas Beaver Free Library on September 22nd.  All levels and ages welcome.

Bloomsburg Unveils River Trail Plan

The Bloomsburg River Trail will connect Bloomsburg via dedicated pedestrian and bike paths, which will improve residents' access and usability of town assets.  See the plan.

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. to Host Photography Competition

Competition categories include animals/wildlife, flowers, close-up/macro, nature/landscape, and black & white.  Registration and digital photo submission due October 1.  Download the competition packet here.

Cybersecurity: What the Nonprofit Executive Needs to Know

On September 29, McKonly & Asbury will discuss ways to mitigate and reduce risk specific to nonprofits susceptible to cyber-attack.  Register here.

Geisinger Provides Resources About Annual Flu Shots

Check out Geisinger's flu resource page, which includes FAQ's, walk-in and drive-thru locations.

How to Eat Well on A Budget

You can eat well without breaking the bank.  Here’s some ideas how from Geisinger’s registered dietitians.   

Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties to Host Flu Clinics

The scheduled flu clinics are all 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The dates chosen so far are 9/23/22 and 10/4/22. Both the regular dose and (for senior patients) the high dose are available.  Request an appointment through the MyChart portal or contact our Family Practice staff by calling 570-784-7300 ext. 201.

Construction Detour Continues in Bloomsburg

September 21, 2022

Construction Detour Continues in Bloomsburg

On September 19, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issued the following update regarding construction projects in Bloomsburg:

Montoursville, PA – Construction on the Route 11 / 487 project in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, continues this week.  The roadwork improvement project will continue near the intersection of Sixth Street / Columbia Boulevard and East Street and will continue to East Main Street.

Tuesday, September 20
On Tuesday, September 20, Phase 8 of the reconstruction project will begin on East Street between Main Street and Fourth Street. There will be NO ACCESS to Route 11 / 487 / East Street from the intersection of Route 487 (Lightstreet Road), Route 11 (Main Street) and East Second Street.  Route 11 southbound from Berwick / 487 northbound traffic from Catawissa will be shifted to the Route 11 northbound / 487 southbound lane and continue through the work zone.

The East Street intersections with East Third Street, Green Avenue and East Anthony Avenue will be closed on the east side of East Street.

The Fifth Street intersection signal will be fully functional and controlling traffic with normal operations.

Long Term Detour
Route 11 northbound / 487 southbound (East Street) between Main Street and Fourth Street will be closed throughout the duration of the phase. The following detour routes have been implemented, with signs and message boards leading up to and throughout the detours:

  • Route 487 southbound CAR traffic coming from Lightstreet and continuing to Route 11 North and 487 South will follow Route 11 South (Main Street) to Market Street to East Sixth Street to the Route 11 / Route 487 intersection at Columbia Boulevard.
  • Route 487 southbound TRUCK traffic coming from Lightstreet and continuing to Route 487 South will follow Route 11 South (Main Street) to Market Street to Fort McClure Boulevard to Route 487.
  • Route 487 southbound TRUCK traffic coming from Lightstreet and continuing to Route 11 North will follow Route 11 South (Main Street) to Market Street to Fort McClure Boulevard to Route 487 north to Route 11.
  • Route 11 northbound CAR traffic coming from Danville and continuing to Route 11 North and 487 South will follow Market Street to East Sixth Street to the Route 11 / Route 487 intersection at Columbia Boulevard.
  • Route 11 northbound TRUCK traffic coming from Danville direction continuing to Route 11 North will follow Market Street to Fort McClure Boulevard to Route 487 north to Route 11.
  • Route 11 northbound TRUCK traffic coming from Danville and continuing to Route 487 South will follow Market Street to Fort McClure Boulevard to Route 487.
  • Route 11 southbound from Lime Ridge and continuing to Route 487 northbound from Catawissa will continue those routes through the work area, with temporary traffic control devices maintaining a one-way condition.
  • Tractor trailers (including Kawneer deliveries) must follow the detours explicitly, as there will be no access / exit points using local streets between Main Street and Sixth Street.

Work on this project includes removal and reconstruction of the existing roadway, replacement of curb, sidewalk, overhead street lighting, parking meters and drainage features.  New traffic signals will be installed at the Fifth Street intersection.  Upon completion of the Route 11 southbound / 487 northbound lane, construction will switch to the Route 11 northbound / 487 southbound lane for the same process with one-way traffic switching to the completed lane.

The final roadway wearing course will be placed upon completion of Phase 8 and cover the entire roadway of the three phases.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution.

Work on this project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2022. HRI, Inc., is the primary contractor for the $6.8 million reconstruction project, which includes drainage improvements, roadway resurfacing, tree removal and replacement, new concrete curb and sidewalks, traffic signal upgrades, highway lighting, and other miscellaneous work. For more information including maps of the detours and construction area visit: https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-3/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/default.aspx or enter Bloomsburg 0011-114 into your web browser.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.

Information about infrastructure in District 3 including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D3Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Maggie Baker, 570-368-4202 or magbaker@pa.gov.

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Hayride Attractions & Amusement Rides Webinar

September 20, 2022

Hayride Attractions & Amusement Rides Webinar

On March 5, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Ride & Measurements Standards division established a variance from the requirement that an owner of a "hayride attraction" must comply with specific provisions of the Amusement Ride Inspection Act and its attendant regulations.

The Department of Agriculture has, since 1986, had the authority to regulate hay rides as an amusement ride under the Amusement Ride Inspection Act, but since there were no standards for hay rides until 2019, they have never been regulated.

Recognizing that the standards are burdensome and seeking input from businesses and individuals whose operations these regulations might affect, PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Director of Bureau of Ride & Measurements Walt Remmert, and Deputy Secretary for Plant Industry and Consumer Protection Fred Strathmeyer, Jr. will host the Hayride Attractions & Amusement Rides Webinar on October 5, 2022 at noon via Zoom.  To register, please email Kyle Kotzmoyer of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, at kfkotzmoyer@pfb.com.

Special thanks to Chamber member, Columbia County Farm Bureau, for this information!

SEDA-COG Seeking Subcontractors for Weatherization Assistance Program

September 20, 2022

SEDA-COG Seeking Subcontractors for Weatherization Assistance Program

Request for Proposals: Weatherization Subcontractors

FOR QUALIFIED RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, HVAC, ASBESTOS ABATEMENT, MOLD REMOVAL, RADON MITIGATION AND ROOFERS.  
Project:  WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

For ongoing services in Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties.

This project is fully supported by grant funds that are administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG). 

Scope of Work

SEDA-COG is seeking to establish and maintain a list of qualified contractors who can perform and install electrical, heat system repair and replacement measures, radon mitigation, mold removal, asbestos abatement and minor roofing repairs in program‐eligible homes located in Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Luzerne, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties. The Agency reserves the right to accept or reject contractors for the contract year based on the number of active contractors already in its contractor pool.  Professional Service contractors (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, radon mitigators, asbestos abatement contractors, mold removal contractors, and roofing contractors) will submit hourly billing rate information as part of the RFP. The duration of a contract awarded as a result of this Proposal will be for one year from November 1, 2022 through October 31, 2023.

Subcontractors that demonstrate qualifications and meet all the requirements will be considered a qualified contractor and may be eligible for a contract to provide services as required by SEDA-COG. Subcontractors SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE for third party post-installation inspections of the work completed, if applicable.  Being on the contractor list and having an active contract DOES NOT guarantee any work.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION:

  • Subcontractors wishing to be considered for Weatherization work must submit Subcontractor Information Form and executed Agreement for Subcontractor Services for Activities.
  • Subcontractors will be required to carry all applicable certifications required to perform their applicable scope of work.
  • It is required that all prospective Subcontractors visit the following websites and read the Core Competencies for the Weatherization Assistance Program prior to requesting program participation.  The document provides guidance for the Subcontractor of the expectations and standards required for participation in the Weatherization program. The website is located at https://nascsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/wap-core-competencies.pdf.
  • Also, the Standard Weatherization Specifications may be found at https://sws.nrel.gov/.  Subcontractors working this program will be held to these standardrequirements.  All work performed under this contract will be subject to a Quality Control Inspection by a SEDA-COG inspector and held to the standards set forth by the Standard Weatherization Specifications as stated above. Installation or repair services must pass the SEDA-COG Quality Control Inspection and if applicable, receive all third-party inspection approvals prior to the release of any payment for the services rendered by the contractor.
  • Any Subcontractor who is found listed on the Federal Debarment List will not be allowed to participate.
  • Subcontractors will be required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance with SEDA-COG listed as a certificate holder and additional insured as follows: $1,000,000 each occurrence, $1,000,000 personal and advertising injury, $2,000,000 Products-Complete Operations, and $2,000,000 Aggregate Limit. Contractors shall also be listed as a PA Home Improvement Contractor licensee through the Office of the Attorney General.
  • Once a Subcontractor is accepted, they are subject to all the terms and conditions of the contracts obtained by SEDA-COG. Those terms and conditions become an addendum to SEDA-COG’s contract with the Subcontractor and/or its contractor(s).
  • The Subcontractor is required to submit detailed analysis, testing, photos, and documentation to SEDA-COG. Per state guidelines, SEDA-COG is required to receive detailed invoicing for any services provided.
  • Inquiries should be directed to Christine Bohart, WX Assistant at 570-522-7219.  Application information can be found on our website www.SEDA-COG.org, Request for Proposals / Quotes sections. They may also be picked up at our Weatherization office at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered either by mail or in person to SEDA-COG WX, 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837 by Friday, October 14th, 2022, no later than 2:00pm and shall be marked, “WX Subcontractor Work”.  All submitted applications will become the exclusive property of SEDA-COG.

For more information, please contact Elaine Stauder, communications coordinator, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7249 or estauder@seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG… Building Strong Economies & Strong Communities

www.seda-cog.org

Bloomsburg Municipal Authority Announces Sewer Rate Restructuring

September 20, 2022

Bloomsburg Municipal Authority Announces Sewer Rate Restructuring

The sewer rate schedule for customers of the Town of Bloomsburg will change effective January 1, 2023 (the first billing period that begins after this date). In an effort to develop a rate schedule that allows the Municipal Authority to meet its financial obligations to operate the local wastewater treatment plant, the Municipal Authority partnered with its engineering firm, Rettew, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive sewer rate study. The results of this study identified the need to establish a base rate for sewer service for town customers. The wastewater treatment plant and pump stations incur expenses regardless of the volume of wastewater that is treated. Operations at the wastewater treatment plant and pump stations must be maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to meet the state and federal requirements for permitting of the treatment plant. For this reason, a minimum base service rate of $30.00 will be assessed monthly for all properties connected to the Bloomsburg sewer system. The minimum service fee will no longer include up to 2,000 gallons of consumption. Customers will pay for consumption using the following rate schedule in addition to the monthly base service rate effective January 1, 2023:

Water consumption is determined by information provided by Veolia Water PA. Veolia Water PA is the water service provider for customers with public water in the Town of Bloomsburg. Veolia Water PA is not affiliated with the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority and is a separate utility with a separate rate schedule for water service.

The new rate schedule will result in a decrease in cost for those using less than 2,000 gallons of water monthly. For example, customers who currently use zero gallons of water pay $34.00 per month. Under the new schedule, these customers will pay $30.00. Those using 1,000 gallons currently pay $34.00 and with the new schedule, those customers will pay $32.50.

For customers using over 2,000 gallons, the increase will vary based on water consumption. Most residential users of water will see rates increase by $1.00/month (those using less than 10,000 gallons of water monthly) and users in excess of 10,000 gallons monthly could experience increases of 3-22% dependent on water usage.

All properties connected to the sewer system in the Town of Bloomsburg will pay the minimum monthly service fee regardless of whether the property has water service. If there is no water consumption at the property as reported by Veolia Water PA, the property will be charged just the $30.00 minimum monthly service fee.

Contact the Municipal Authority office at 570-784-5422 with any questions.

The Chamber of Commerce is also interested in receiving information from businesses on cost increases. Details can be shared with Fred Gaffney at 570-784-2522 or fgaffney@columbiamontourchamber.com.  

Welcome New Member – Adobe

September 16, 2022

For more, check out Adobe's member listing, here.

Introducing the Newly Merged Five-County Susquehanna Valley United Way

September 16, 2022

Introducing the Newly Merged Five-County Susquehanna Valley United Way

The Official Merger of Greater Susquehanna Valley and Columbia-Montour United Ways.

Bloomsburg and Sunbury, PA, September 16, 2022 – The Greater Susquehanna Valley and Columbia-Montour United Ways are now Susquehanna Valley United Way. The name was released at United Way’s merger celebration and campaign kick-off on Thursday night. It was also announced that the newly merged organization will award $464,869.83 in grants to 57 local Funded Partners for 2022 and currently has $3,634,409.55 in active and pending grants.

“During our hybrid year, as a combined organization, we have already seen an increase in grant funding due to our expanded footprint,” said Adrienne Mael, President and CEO of Susquehanna Valley United Way. “Our two organizations have been collaborating and sharing programs, such as United in Recovery and the Revolving Car Loan, for over five years. This merger allows us to be more competitive in going after grant dollars that will benefit our community.”

The boards of directors for both organizations voted unanimously on June 22, 2022, to join forces. The merger, which was official as of September 1, follows a thorough and thoughtful process that begin in June of last year.

“The entire mission of the United Way is to better the lives of those we serve, and as a board of directors, we felt that by coming together we could greater serve our region,” said Liz Masich, Board President of Susquehanna Valley United Way. “As of today, we are now five-counties, working and Living United.”

Susquehanna Valley United Way serves over 260,000 residents across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. The merged United Way will continue to champion the unique identities of each community. At the same time, a consolidated organization will have a great ability to address community needs that are common across the region, such as transportation, youth mental health, and substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and community building.

The opioid epidemic has really hit our region hard over the past 20 years and overdose deaths are on the rise,” said Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction and Education Coordinator for United in Recovery. “This merger truly solidifies us in the five-county footprint and allows us access to more resources. We are now able to go into communities we may not have had a strong presence in and provide education and resources.”

Leaders from both Greater Susquehanna Valley and Columbia-Montour United Ways will serve on the new board and operating committees ensuring local stakeholders and community involvement from businesses, organizations, and individuals from both regions. Staff will continue to work from existing regional offices in Bloomsburg and Sunbury.

United Way’s mission remains the same - to mobilize the caring power of communities to advance the common good. Through community listening and data collection, United Way works to understand the needs of the local community. Then, brings partners and experts together to collaborate on solutions with the goal of ensuring all residents have access to the basic building blocks of a good life. As a consolidated organization, United Way will be able to increase efficiencies, reduce duplications, build on collective strengths, and is expected to mobilize human and financial resources more effectively across the region.

"The issues faced by our communities in the areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability do not end at county lines,” Mael said. “Together, we can fundraise more effectively and access grants more competitively making us a stronger organization better equipped to address the needs of our local communities throughout the region.”

 

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About Susquehanna Valley United Way:

The United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good. We fight for the Health, Education, and Financial stability of every person in our community and are located at 228 Arch Street, Sunbury, PA, and 36 East Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA. To learn more, please visit www.svuw.org.

 

 

 

Member News – September 14, 2022

September 14, 2022

Member News – September 14, 2022

Did You Miss the Tipped Wages Webinar? We've Got It

Restaurants and tipped wage employers can access up-to-date Labor & Industry information from the recorded PRLA webinar hereHere's the presentation from the Department of Labor & Industry too!

Community Giving Foundation Bloomsburg Highlights Giving Stories

Read more about the stories that celebrate the philanthropic spirit of the Bloomsburg area.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Wins Three Awards

Congratulations to Knoebels Amusement Resort, who celebrated a few big wins this week.  First, at the Golden Ticket Awards, hosted in San Antonio, TX, Amusement Today named Mr. Dick Knoebel a “Gold Ticket Legend”.  Knoebels cleaned up at this year’s awards, taking home prizes for Best Wooden Roller Coaster (The Phoenix) and Best Food (for the 19th time in 22 years).

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TKO Graphix Recognizes 20 Years of Service

Congratulations to Becky Maners, Accounts Receivable/Credit Manager, on 20 years at TKO Graphix!

Cub Scout Fun Day at Montour Preserve is Sept. 17

The Columbia-Montour Council, BSA invites all interested youth to join them for hiking, exploring, boating and picnicking at the Montour Preserve on September 17 between 10am and 2pm.  There's lots of ways to connect with local Scouts.

Brainstorming Session on Childcare as Workforce Strategy Sept. 19

The MADE in Central PA Livability Action Team is hosting a brainstorming session Monday, September 19th from 10:00am to 12:00pm via Zoom to discuss childcare.  Read more.

Medicare & Medicaid Basics Event Sept. 20

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak are offering “Medicare & Medicaid 101: Understanding the Basics”, on September 20, 2022 at 4:30pm in Williamsport.  Register here.  

Sept. 29 Webinar: Cybersecurity: What the Nonprofit Executive Needs to Know

McKonly & Asbury to offer ways to mitigate and reduce risks to nonprofits.  Register here.

Geisinger Provides Resources About Annual Flu Shots

Check out Geisinger's flu resource page, which includes FAQ's, walk-in and drive-thru locations.

Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialites To Host Four Flu Clinics

The scheduled flu clinics are all 8:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The dates we have chosen so far are 9/14/22, 9/21/22, 9/23/22 and 10/4/22. Both the regular dose and (for senior patients) the high dose are available.  Request an appointment through the MyChart portal or contact our Family Practice staff by calling 570-784-7300 ext. 201.

First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. to Host Photography Competition

Competition categories include animals/wildlife, flowers, close-up/macro, nature/landscape, and black & white.  Registration and digital photo submission due October 1.  Download the competition packet here.

The Bloomsburg Public Library Strategic Planning Survey

The Bloomsburg Public Library needs your help completing a strategic planning survey.

Local United Way Named “Most Supportive Nonprofit”

Congratulations to the United way of Columbia and Montour Counties, as they were named the “Most Supportive Nonprofit” at the inaugural Columbia Montour Pride Community Service Awards.

CareerLink To Host Employer Seminars

Check out these additional business training seminars.

 

 

Brainstorming Session on Childcare as Workforce Strategy To Take Place Sept. 19

September 14, 2022

Brainstorming Session on Childcare as Workforce Strategy To Take Place Sept. 19

The MADE in Central PA Livability Action Team is focused on finding innovative solutions to make our region more livable to increase the pool of qualified available workers. Childcare has come up again and again in discussions about recruitment and retention, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. Across the region dozens of centers have closed, wait-lists are up to 18 months long, and a labor shortage of qualified care providers have all contributed to the decreasing ability of our communities to take care of the families that keep us in business.

There are state and regional efforts to engage employers in the effort to address the severe need for more access to childcare and higher quality early childhood education opportunities. As manufacturers, our workforce is uniquely impacted by the childcare crisis, and we need to organize ourselves to connect with these efforts to have our voices heard and needs met. We need coverage not just for the typical 9-5 workers, but also for shifts outside of traditional hours. We need care in locations convenient to our workforce, making this a regional issue rather than something a single employer can tackle alone. That’s why we are inviting you to be part of a solution that makes sure our industry is represented in the efforts to change the way things are done.

MADE in Central PA is hosting a brainstorming session Monday, September 19th from 10:00am to 12:00pm via Zoom. During this session we will discuss childcare as a workforce strategy, the business case for investing in childcare, and brainstorm what an ideal solution for employers would look like on a local and regional scale. The goal of this meeting is to establish a vision for employer involvement in regional childcare and early childhood education opportunities.

Register to attend and get the Zoom link using the Eventbrite here.

UC Trust Fund Balance Projected to Avoid Employer Tax Increases

September 14, 2022

UC Trust Fund Balance Projected to Avoid Employer Tax Increases

New Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund projections show Pennsylvania employers are well-positioned to avoid federal tax increases that were feared to be triggered next year.

Pennsylvania’s UC Trust Fund was depleted early in the pandemic when business shutdown orders and collapse of the economy prompted historic demand on the system.  The Commonwealth was ultimately forced to borrow from the federal government and employers in states with debt after two years are subject to automatic tax increases that rise annually until the debt is paid off.  For Pennsylvania employers, this would have meant paying hundreds of millions of dollars beyond the billions in UC taxes already paid every year.

Projections in early 2022 estimated the need for ongoing borrowing from the federal government over the next several years to the tune of nearly $1.5 billion. The PA Chamber successfully advocated for the legislature to utilize federal American Rescue Plan dollars to replenish the trust fund, though it was feared more funding might be necessary to avoid borrowing and tax increases.

Over the last several months, however, as hiring has increased and UC claims have decreased, the trust fund status has gradually improved.

Now, the PA Department of Labor & Industry reports that the outstanding loan balance has been paid in full and that they project “no need to incur additional Title XII loans from the federal government between now and January 1,2023.”  In other words, employers avoid tax increases that would have gone into effect in 2023.

The PA Chamber will continue to closely monitor the situation.

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