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 here. Here'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.
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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
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.
U.S. Chamber Calls for Urgent Action on Railroad Negotiations to Avoid ‘National Economic Disaster’
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark issued the following statement regarding the negotiations between the nation’s six largest freight railroads and twelve unions.
“A national rail strike would be an economic disaster – freezing the flow of goods, emptying shelves, shuttering workplaces, and raising prices for families and businesses alike, but that is exactly what is likely to happen in less than four days. To avoid a strike and the catastrophic economic impacts that would follow, one of three things needs to happen: the remaining unions who have not agreed to a deal need to join the ones who have; an agreement to extend the current ‘cooling off’ period must be reached; or Congress intervenes, as it has in prior situations. If action is not taken, the nation’s rail service will come to a halt, the negative impacts of which cannot be understated.”
Today the U.S. Chamber sent the following letter to Congress, urging them take immediate action and implement the recommendations of President Biden’s Presidential Emergency Board if the railroads and unions are unable to come to a voluntary agreement.
Surprising Statistics About Print Media
It’s easy to assume that print marketing has lost its relevance in the digital era. This isn’t so. In fact, there are compelling statistics to warrant advertising and marketing in print as a key part of your business strategy. As a Chamber, we’re compelled to pursue the options that help your business to tell its story. That’s why we offer to the public the quarterly “Business Matters” publication in partnership with Press Enterprise, and why we continue to offer as a key member benefit the opportunity to advertise in ChamberPack, the direct mail packet sent nearly each month to our members.
As more and more consumers are trading traditional print materials for smartphones, tablets, and laptops, businesses are also moving their advertisements online. Why do we continue to offer these publications? Here are a few statistics that might convince you that print is still important:
Compelling Statistics
- 70% of households with an income above $100,000 are newspaper readers (Mansi Media, n.d.)
- 95% of people under 25 years old read magazines (Top Media Advertising, n.d.).
- 82% of consumers trust print ads the most when making a purchase decision (Burstein, 2017).
- Print readers usually spend 20 minutes or more with their publication in hand, while a typical visitor to a digital news site sticks around for less than five minutes (Heitman, n.d.).
- Print ads require 21% less cognitive effort to process (R.C. Brayshaw, 2020).
- By combining print and digital ads, it will make online campaigns 400% more effective (Top Media Advertising, n.d.).
While it’s easy for marketers to jump on the bandwagon and put all their money on digital marketing, a closer look at these digital vs print advertising statistics show us that print ads provide better results when it comes to brand recall and response rate.
- Nearly 80% of consumers act on direct printed mail advertisements compared to 45% of consumers that act on electronic advertisements (Potochny, 2017).
- Print and direct mail marketing bring a 9% customer response rate compared to other digital marketing channels, which hover around 1% or less (R.C. Brayshaw, 2020).
- Print ads generate a 20% higher motivation response—even more so if it appeals to more senses beyond touch (R.C. Brayshaw, 2020).
- If you’re curious about brand marketing, you’ll be happy to know that advertising in print drives higher levels of brand recall vs. digital (77% vs. 46%) (Newsworks, 2020).
- 92% of 18- to 23-year-olds find it easier to read print over digital content (Forer, 2017).
- The response rate for direct-mail marketing is 37% higher than the email rate (Medina, 2019).
- Digital ads are less recalled than print ads but they are more effective than print ads at converting engaged readers into action takers (64% vs 55% for print) (Newsworks, 2020).
Print Options from Your Chamber
Each quarter, the Chamber partners with the Press Enterprise to publish “Business Matters”, a special edition of the newspaper driven by Chamber content and our members’ news. Sent to more than 21,000 readers of the Press Enterprise, this edition allows the Chamber and its members the opportunity to reach a wide audience in Columbia and Montour Counties in the most traditional of communications mediums. To put this out each quarter, the partnership works like this: the Chamber assists in soliciting and laying out the content from its members, while the Press Enterprise offers the ads that pay for the edition to go to print. Said another way, content submitted to the Chamber to layout is free to our members, while the ad rates are competitive.
Also in print, your Chamber regularly assembles “ChamberPack”, a nearly monthly packet of flyers printed by members, assembled by the Chamber, and mailed directly to our members’ doors. The price of advertising helps us to cover the cost of postage for the packets.
We’d love it if you would consider submitting news and content for both publications, working with the Press Enterprise for your Business Matters advertising, and directly with the Chamber for ChamberPack. For more information, contact Chris Berleth, Vice President, at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.
The deadline to participate in the next Business Matters is September 27, for the October edition. The Chamber's next ChamberPack is set to be mailed in November. Check out the ChamberPack Reservation Form.
Chamber Releases 2022-2023 Membership Directory
The Chamber is pleased to announce that the 2022-2023 Chamber Membership Directory is now available in digital form on the website and that distribution to member businesses and the public will begin on Monday, September 19, 2022.
While featuring the more than 400 members of the Chamber, the 2022-2023 Directory serves as an essential resource about the community, and includes information about our area, local demographics, local human services contacts and the vision and mission of The Chamber.
Thanks to the outstanding work of the Chamber’s long-time publication partner, Victor Koons Graphic Design, the release date affords the Chamber the opportunity to feature printed guides at the Bloomsburg Fair, in partnership with the Columbia Montour Visitor’s Bureau.
Remarking on the quality of the final product, Chamber President Fred Gaffney said, “Victor Koons Graphic Design has once again produced a high-quality
publication that represents The Chamber, our members, and the area well. Thank you to Victor, Lois, and all the members that supported this year’s Directory.”
While every Chamber member will receive a copy of the Directory, member businesses are more than welcome to request additional copies for their human resources departments, customer spaces and more. To request additional copies, please contact Chris Berleth, Vice President, at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.
Welcome New Member – Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
The Chamber is pleased to welcome its newest member, Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Glen Brook is a 240-bed facility located in Berwick, PA. A nursing facility providing long term, post-acute, skilled and respite stays, Glen Brook offer Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, with a wide arrange of activities as well. Glen Brook proudly offers Resident Centered Care as part of its Rapid Recovery Program. Since November, the facility has undergone several renovations, and is expecting to offer the newest, finest accommodations in the area. For more, visit their website!
Welcome Glen Brook!
Member News – September 7, 2022
The Danville Heritage Festival Kicks off Friday!
The Danville Heritage Festival is a community celebration of all things Danville. This year’s festival will be in conjunction with the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival (Saturday, September 10) centered around Mill Street, with special events at other locations throughout the Danville community. Enjoy living history presentations, historic tours of Danville, train rides, live music, vendors, great food, fireworks, hikes, 5K run/walk and much more! For a full schedule of events, visit here.43rd Annual Fall Arts and Craft Festival Saturday
The 43rd Annual Danville Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is a one-stop shopping extravaganza for Danville and the surrounding area. From handmade jewelry to upcycled wooden furniture, crafts and toys, to children's face-painting and fashion accessories...it's all together in one location. Read more.
Vote for Hallo-Fun at Knoebels
Berwick: The Next Step
A free family fun event to come together as a community. Located in Nescopeck Town Park, Warren Street, Nescopeck.
Congratulations Donna Murphy, Retiring Danville Borough Receptionist
Paul Taylor Dance Company To Present Three Diverse Works at Weis Center Stage
The Weis Center will host these free events as part of Bucknell University's Family Weekend Festivities. Learn more.
Cub Scout Fun Day at Montour Preserve is September 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.
First Keystone Community Bank Offers Tips for Debit Card Security
Americans spend billions of dollars every year on debit card purchases. The convenience of making purchases without the extra charges associated with credit cards is the biggest advantage to using a debit card. However, debit card security is crucial to avoiding fraudulent charges that could end up being your responsibility. Read More.
Geisinger Provides Resources About Annual Flu Shots
Check out Geisinger's flu resource page, which includes FAQ's, walk-in and drive-thru locations.
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.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union Inks Bucky the Bison to NIL Mascot Deal
All we can say is, you've got to see it to believe it. Congrats, Service 1st!
Bloomsburg Fair Vendors Hiring
If you know someone interested, please contact the concession office at (570) 387-4144.
Be Disaster-Ready During National Preparedness Month
This year's National Preparedness Month's theme is "A Lasting Legacy". The life you've built is worth protecting! Check out UGI's Tips to help you prepare for an emergency. Read More. For a list of items to put in your emergency kit, visit www.ugi.com/BePrepared.
The Bloomsburg Public Library Strategic Planning Survey, September Calendar
The Bloomsburg Public Library needs your help completing a strategic planning survey. While you're at it, check out the PACKED September children's event schedule (right).
CareerLink To Host Employer Seminars
Check out these additional business training seminars.
Department of Labor & Industry Reminds Pennsylvanians of Child Labor Act Protections for Young Workers
Source: Pennsylvania Pressroom
Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier today reminded Pennsylvania employers of their responsibilities under the commonwealth's Child Labor Act enforced by L&I to protect child workers from exploitation and dangerous working conditions. Berrier also urged members of the public to report suspected child labor violations to the department's Bureau of Labor Law Compliance (BLLC) for investigation.
"The protections of child labor laws in this country are just as relevant today as they were in 1938 when the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) first prohibited the employment of children in dangerous occupations," Berrier said. "Labor market dynamics change over time, but the fundamental responsibility of employers to follow the law and protect workers under age 18 will not. L&I will continue to support employers who offer teenagers 14 and older the opportunity to gain valuable job skills and earn a paycheck. However, we will continue to hold accountable employers who exploit the vulnerability of young workers in violation of the law and common sense."
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act protects the health, safety, and welfare of minors employed in the commonwealth by limiting employment in certain establishments, restricting the hours of work, regulating work conditions, and requiring work permits for children hired to fill a position. The BLLC investigates possible violations of the Child Labor Act and accepts complaints from the general public.
Violations of the Child Labor Act may be punishable by either administrative or criminal penalties. Criminal penalties could include fines of up to $500 for first violations and up to $1,500 per violation and up to 10 days of prison for subsequent violations. Administrative penalties may include fines of up to $5,000 per violation and corrective action orders to violating parties.
Since 2015, the BLLC has collected more than $3.7 million in fines from nearly 400 entities in violation of the Act. So far, in 2022, the BLLC has collected $130,000 from 58 entities in violation of the Act.
L&I is reminding Pennsylvania employers of the following prohibited occupations and limitations under the Child Labor Act.
- Legal age to obtain employment: Individuals under age 14 may not be employed in any occupation. Exceptions include work on a family farm or in domestic service, such as babysitting, yard work or household chores in a private home. Other exceptions are made for caddies, newspaper carriers and – with special permits – juvenile entertainment performers.
All minors under 16 must have a written statement by the minor's parent or guardian acknowledging the duties and hours of employment and granting permission to work. Minors are also required to obtain a work permit from their school district's issuing officer.
- Prohibited occupations for all minors: Minors of all ages are prohibited from obtaining employment in an establishment designated as hazardous – a provision under FLSA and the regulations under that Act. Occupations deemed as hazardous or ones that require the use of dangerous equipment, weapons, or devices, include the following:
- Crane operation
- Electrical work
- Excavation
- Roofing
- Woodworking
- Wrecking and demolition
A full list of prohibited occupations for all minors in Pennsylvania is available on L&I's website.
- Legal age to be in the presence of or serve alcoholic beverages: With limited and specific exceptions, minors under age 16 may not be employed in establishments where alcoholic beverages are produced, sold or dispensed. Minors who are 16 or 17 may be employed in a hotel, club, or restaurant where alcoholic beverages are served but cannot handle or serve alcoholic beverages. An individual must be at least 18 to serve alcoholic beverages in Pennsylvania businesses.
- Time and wage protections: With one exception for newspaper delivery work, all minors are limited to working no more than 10 hours in a single day during school vacations, no more than eight hours per day during school term and no more than six consecutive days in a week. In addition, all minors must be allowed a 30-minute meal period on or before five consecutive hours of work. There are more restrictive hour limitations for minors who are 14 or 15. Minors involved in performance also have different hours they are permitted to work. Minors who are full- or part-time workers must be paid at least minimum wage, which is currently $7.25 per hour in Pennsylvania.
- Child Labor Act exceptions for parent/guardian employers: While the FLSA allows certain minors under age 16 to work for a business solely operated by a parent or guardian without time limitations, Pennsylvania law does not contain similar allowances. Regardless of the relationship of the minor employee to the owner, the Act and its restrictions still apply.
- Requirement for school working papers: All minors who are employed need to obtain working papers from their school district prior to employment commencing, and employers need to ensure they notify a school district of employment after hiring a minor. This includes minors who attend cyber school or are home schooled.
Workers who are 18 years and older are not subject to child labor laws. Where FLSA and the Child Labor Act overlap, the law that provides more protection to the young worker applies.
More information is available by calling the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance toll-free at 800-932-0665, or by visiting the bureau's website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Trevor Monk, dlipress@pa.gov
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Adding to Your Business Toolbox: WEDnetPA
The workforce of tomorrow is changing. In the years ahead, success will require a more flexible and diverse workplace. Technology will continue to play a greater role. And, as you are already seeing, worker shortages will become a real consideration as companies plan for future growth.
On September 15, the PA CareerLink is hosting a webinar to share more about this valuable resource with you. Consider signing up today!
Did you know that some employers are using WEDnet funding to put their employees through Leadership Central Penn? Email us today to learn more.
Looking for an overview of WEDnet before you jump in? Check out this video resource: