Recap: Third Annual Mixer with Nonprofits
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Community Giving Foundation, Service 1st Federal Credit Union,
and the hospitality of the team at The Meadows at Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, last week’s Third Annual Nonprofit Mixer was a fantastic opportunity for nonprofits and our business community to connect. The Meadows is an incredible facility, with ample room for the more than 100 guests who attended the event. Thanks to their wonderful staff, guests at the mixer enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and conversation across 20 nonprofit display tables. Thanks to beverage sponsors The Inn at Turkey Hill and Freas Farm Vineyards, Chamber President Fred Gaffney was on hand to serve as our guest bartender!
Connecting with local nonprofits and their missions was the heart of this mixer, and the event was open to the public, attended by many Chamber members, residents of the Maria Joseph Community, and perhaps most significantly, the twenty-five brand-new class members of Leadership Central Penn (LCP). LCP, a program of the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, annually teaches leadership and community development to the community’s rising business leaders. This year’s program kicked off mid-afternoon under the leadership of Jeff Emmanuel, and their attendance at the nonprofit is considered a rite of passage as they dip their toes into the water of board service and community involvement.
Nonprofits in attendance included: Columbia Child Development, Bloomsburg YMCA, The American Red Cross, Central Susquehanna Opportunities, The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, The Arc of Pennsylvania, The Bloomsburg Public Library, The Good Samaritan Mission, The Women’s Center of Columbia & Montour, The Ronald McDonald House of Danville, Hand in Hand Family Resource Center, Danville Child Development Center, AGAPE Love from Above to our Community, PFLAG of Danville, Columbia County Traveling Library, The United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties, the Community Giving Foundation, the Stuart Tank Memorial Association, The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way,
The Boy Scouts of America, Columbia-Montour Council and the American Red Cross, Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter. To connect with these and other nonprofits, check out the Chamber Directory!
Special thanks to Dawn Orzehowski and the Sisters at the Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community. Their hard work and dedication to this event’s success makes it a unique and fun experience for all!
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Member News – August 24, 2022
McKonly & Asbury to Host Webinar: Addressing the Manufacturing Labor Shortage
On August 25, free program will discuss the shortage in skilled labor, non-labor solutions, and how your organization can improve in attracting and retaining employees in manufacturing.
Stuart Tank Memorial Museum Expands Hours
Due to the tremendous response to the opening of the Museum in April and the commitment of our volunteers the Stuart Tank Memorial Museum is expanding its hours. Beginning August 26 the Museum will be open from 2pm to 8pm on Fridays in addition to its current schedule.
Weis Center Kicks Off 35th Anniversary Season With Free Concert on Renovated Outdoor Plaza
Concert by global fusion/brass band Red Baraat will be Friday, August 26 at 6 p.m.
Town of Bloomsburg to Begin Enforcement of Revised Parking Restrictions
As a result of the recently emplaced bicycle lane on Market Street in Bloomsburg, traffic patterns and parking areas have been revised. Enforcement of the revised restrictions will begin Monday, August 29.
Bringing the World to Central PA
SEDA-Council of Governments and The Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development (OIBD), are ‘Bringing the World to PA’ on September 21, 2022. This event provides the opportunity for businesses to meet one-on-one with Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives and discuss how your company can enter and grow in over 40 markets. This event is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is September 8th.
Congratulations to Autoneum in Bloomsburg!
Congratulations to the team at the Bloomsburg location of Autoneum, who in August were recognized with two outstanding achievements. First, Bloomsburg was one of three Autoneum plants to have received the General Motors (GM) 2021 Supplier Quality Excellence Award. The second accolade though, is even more impressive - Bloomsburg was the only plant who for the fifth time since 2014 were named one of GM’s top performing supplier manufacturing locations. Hats off on a job well done!
SECV8 Publishes Fall Live Broadcast Schedule
The fall broadcasts will include local high school football, boys and girls soccer, and field hockey.
PPL Electric Utilities Warns Customers About Scammers and Fraud
Electric supply scammers turn up their efforts during the summer and times of high inflation, so PPL is warning customers that now is the time to be extra vigilant. Here's a few tips to avoid scammers' tricks.
Innotek Offers Checklist to Help Businesses Eliminate Tech Problems
When thinking about your business's tech, don't just think about the big problems. Things like file access, password protection, being able to print and recovering files are all common needs for small businesses. Read on for more of what Innotek recommends you review.
Helping Low-Income Households Pay for Internet Services
Looking for resources for your employees or their families? Service Electric Cablevision is reminding the community about The Affordable Connectivity Program, an FCC program that can help eligible households struggling to pay for Internet service.
Bloomsburg Area YMCA Seeks Cancer Survivors for Free Personal Training Program
Camp Victory to Host Community Open House
Free activities scheduled for September 18, 12pm to 3:00pm, including wall climbing, zip line, ice cream, hot dogs, drinks, moon bounce, arts & crafts, wagon rides, and music by the Martin Davis Band.
Congressman Meuser to Discuss Inflation Reduction Act at Chamber Breakfast
Last week, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which Congress passed earlier this month along party line votes. The law includes a wide array of energy subsidies and price controls on medicine, in addition to establishing higher taxes on businesses in the form of a higher minimum book tax which will disproportionately affect capital intensive businesses like manufacturers, telecommunications, utilities and energy producers, and a new tax on stock buybacks.
Pennsylvania’s delegation was split on the vote with Senator Bob Casey and all Democratic House members a yes, and Senator Toomey and Republican House members, including Congressman Dan Meuser, voting no. In the wake of the law’s enactment, progressives in the U.S. House are expressing strong opposition to permit reforms, which Senator Manchin and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer promised Congress would take up later this Fall as part of the deal.
The Chamber expects that the Inflation Reduction Act will be a big part of the conversation as the Chamber hosts Congressman Dan Meuser for a breakfast meeting on Thursday, August 25. Congressman Meuser has been an outspoken opponent of the legislation, likening it to the peeling of an onion – “The more you peel it back, the more you want to cry.” We also expect the Congressman to talk about his recent trips across the 9th District and to discuss other critical issues such as inflation and workforce shortages.
To attend the Chamber’s breakfast and connect with your federal representative, register here.
Read the full text of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, here.
Federal Agency may make it Harder to Hire and Train Employees
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau looking at employee obligations to Training Repayment Agreements and up-front equipment and supplies costs.
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. economy has lost millions of workers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to the U.S. Chamber’s America Works Data Center, there are upwards of 3.25 million missing workers in the economy today. This worker shortage is a crisis for both businesses and consumers as unfilled labor needs are driving inflation.
Given that, it’s all the more concerning that federal regulators at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) could make it more difficult for businesses to hire employees.
On June 9, 2022, the CFPB published a request for information (RFI) regarding what the agency refers to as “employer-driven debt.” While it sounds innocuous, the RFI is targeted at common business practices that expand hiring opportunities and provide employees with in-demand skills. Specifically, the RFI is seeking input on Training Repayment Agreements that require workers to pay their employers for training if they separate within a set time period and debt owed to an employer or third-party entity for the up-front purchase of equipment and supplies essential to their work or required by the employer, but not paid for by the employer.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encouraging employers to learn more about the unintended consequences for their company if the CFPB attempts to expand its interpretation of consumer financial protection laws. If employers decide these actions will have a negative impact on their business, they can file comments with the CFPB online until September 7, 2022.
MEMBER NEWS – AUGUST 17, 2022
DBA Receives Funding to Enhance Canal Park
State Senator John Gordner and Representatives Linda Schlegel-Culver and Kurt Masser presented the Danville Business Alliance with a $100,000 check on Tuesday to further enhance Canal Park.
The public space next to Borough Hall was completed this Spring and has already been used as a venue for live entertainment and performances. The additional dollars will be used to install additional seating, a mural, and a sound barrier on the back of the stage, making is more useable for programs and performances.
Central Columbia School District and Commonwealth University Offer Increased Opportunities for Students
Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, together as Commonwealth University and the Central Columbia School District, have signed an agreement guaranteeing admission, eligibility for merit-based scholarships, and on-campus housing at any of its locations.
The agreement guarantees admission for Central graduates who enroll in a bachelor’s degree program and who...read more.
Bloomsburg University Students Returning this Week
Bloomsburg University's traffic pattern changes during move in this week. Read more.
Montour Preserve Trail Closures to Begin Today
Temporary closures of portions of several trails and one pavilion due to pipeline construction. Read more.
CareerLink To Host Job Fair in Berwick Friday
More than twenty employers will join CareerLink as they partner with BIDA. Read more.
Weis Center Kicks Off 35th Anniversary Season With Free Concert on Renovated Outdoor Plaza
Concert by global fusion/brass band Red Baraat will be Friday, August 26 at 6 p.m. Read more.
Need a new business website? Bucknell students may be able to help!
Sign up for the web development project by August 19 if you're interested in a new website. Sign up here!
Developing a Comprehensive Marketing Plan
On August 24 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, The Wilkes University SBDC will host a free how-to webinar for the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for your business. Register here
Enjoy the 14th Annual Artfest
Event will take place this Saturday, August 20, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. surrounding the fountain on the Square in downtown Bloomsburg, with more than fifty artists, crafters, food vendors, and local non-profit organizations, with live music and fun activities all day. Check it out here.
McKonly & Asbury to Host Webinar: Addressing the Manufacturing Labor Shortage
On August 25, free program will discuss the shortage in skilled labor, non-labor solutions, and how your organization can improve in attracting and retaining employees in manufacturing. Read more.
Camp Victory to Host Community Open House
Free activities scheduled for September 18, 12pm to 3:00pm, including wall climbing, zip line, ice cream, hot dogs, drinks, moon bounce, arts & crafts, wagon rides, and music by the Martin Davis Band.
Want to get some paddling in before summer ends?
Check out the "Quick Guide" from the Columbia-Montour Visitor's Bureau and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.
CHAMBER, FOUNDATION REQUEST YOUR BUSINESS INPUT
The Columbia Montour Chamber and its Foundation are requesting the help of local employers as we collaborate with local school districts in the development of a talent pipeline. Please take five minutes to tell us what career exploration opportunities you offer through your organization.
Access the online survey here.
Need a paper copy of the survey? No problem! Download a fillable pdf here.
When complete, please submit the pdf to Chris Berleth, Vice President at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com.
SPECIAL LOAN TERMS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MEMBERS
As inflation impacts businesses and as part of its ongoing commitment to offer members meaningful tools to support a vibrant, sustainable business community, The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors have modified the terms of its Low Interest Bridge Loan program to provide short-term assistance. Loans of up to $10,000.00 for 30 months (interest-only for the first 12 months) at three percent interest are now available. Loans can typically be processed within 30 days.
The Chamber is developing additional programs to support members dealing with the challenges of inflation, and workforce shortages. Programming on employee recruitment and retention will be provided this Fall. Members are always welcome to contact The Chamber with needs or questions.
To access the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Low Interest Bridge Loan application, click here.
Establishing a Culture of Health Among Employees
As the American workforce continues to be dispersed in a hybrid work environment, the impact on company culture cannot be ignored. With workers less likely to see their connection to the mission and values of the company when working remotely, business leaders have a challenge that needs to be addressed.
This is equally true when looking at the organization’s culture of health. Traditionally, wellness programs have targeted specific employee health risks such as being overweight, smoking or not exercising enough. Although these programs are worthy endeavors and have proven successful in the past to varying degrees, there is a fair amount of disagreement today over their effectiveness. Wellness programs alone are simply not enough. There is much more that can be done to affect greater change.
Establishing a culture of health in the workplace can be a great place to start.
To establish a culture of health in the workplace is to create an atmosphere that values health and supports health improvement among employees. And to do so requires a substantial effort from ownership and management which, if done properly, permeates throughout the organization from top to bottom. Developing a strategy to affect this change is critical and the overall process could take several months or more to implement.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Stephen Lylo at (800) 377-3539.
Congress Votes to Raise Taxes on Businesses
On Aug. 12, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act along part lines, with a vote of 220-207. The bill, which passed the Senate the week prior with a vote of 51-50, includes a bevy of energy subsidies and price controls on medicine, in addition to establishing higher taxes on businesses in the form of a higher minimum book tax which will disproportionately affect capital intensive businesses like telecommunications, utilities and energy producers, and a new tax on stock buybacks.
Pennsylvania’s delegation was split on the vote with Senator Bob Casey and all Democratic House members a yes, and Senator Toomey and Republican House members voting no.
The previous day, the PA Chamber joined dozens of associations and business groups across the country in a letter to House leadership expressing opposition to the tax provisions of the bill. The US Chamber noted in its letter to House members noting it will recorded on the scorecard that “the benefits of [the legislation’s climate and energy] provisions do not outweigh the negative impacts of the [tax] provisions. We urge you to support American businesses in their efforts to invest, create jobs, conduct research and development, and innovate. Reject this misguided legislation.
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry. "Congress Votes to Raise Taxes on Businesses." The Sentinel, August 15, 2022, accessed August 15, 2022. https://www.pachamber.org/media/6451/congress_votes_to_raise_taxes_on_businesses/