Organizations and Individuals Recognized at Annual Meeting
Member businesses and individuals of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce were recognized during the organization’s Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Frosty Valley Resort in Danville.
Nearly 200 people attended the evening event which celebrated outstanding member achievements, elected members to the Board of Directors, highlighted Chamber activities of the past year, and previewed the year ahead. The Chamber’s five annual awards were presented to businesses and individuals for their significant contributions to the community. The following awards were presented:
Small Business of the Year - Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust
Awardee: Shanty Secrets
Large Business of the Year - Sponsored by DRIVE
Awardee: Millville Mutual Insurance
Nonprofit of the Year - Sponsored by PNC
The Children’s Museum, Inc.
Community Progress Award- Sponsored by My Benefit Advisor & World Kinect Energy Services
Awardee: Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast
Outstanding Citizen - Sponsored by Berwick Industrial Development Association
Awardee: Harry Mathias
The Small Business of the Year award is presented to a member business or organization of 30 employees or fewer than has done one or more of the following: demonstrated business or community leadership evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services and/or markets; demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity; or demonstrated community involvement.
Shanty Secrets is nestled along the Susquehanna River outside of Riverside on Boyd Station Road. They offer a memorable dining experience with fresh, local ingredients as well as cooking classes. The small business has grown with the help of partnerships and friendships that they have developed in the area. Shanty Secrets is vegan-centric, which is in growing demand. The business has been involved in the community by providing meals for frontline workers and a Cinco De Mayo celebration for teachers in the Danville School District.
The Large Business of the Year Award is presented to a business with 31 or more employees, and the criteria are the same as for the Small Business of the Year.
One of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Columbia County, Millville Mutual Insurance Company has been in business since 1875 and strongly supports its local community. Some of the biggest events in the small but mighty borough of Millville, PA, such as the annual Fireman's Carnival, the 4th of July parade, and two exceptionally large fireworks celebrations, simply wouldn’t happen without their support. They are also big supporters of youth sports and organizations like the Little League and Camp Victory.
The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to a nonprofit organization with 100 or fewer employees that have provided diversified and creative aid to the Columbia Montour region utilizing business, personal, and community resources.
Founded in 1985, the Bloomsburg Children's Museum has been enriching children’s lives through interactive programming for thirty-eight years. In 2021, over 25,000 people visited the museum and that number does not include all of the programs offered at outside venues. It's a boon to the economy, an incredible resource for children and families, and a growing gathering place that continues to thrive year after year thanks to Ginny Weibel, Executive Director, her staff, and many engaged volunteers.
The Community Progress Award goes to a member business or organization that showed improvement in the internal or external appearance of a commercial property through either new construction, renovation, restoration, or remodeling, and completed that construction within the last three calendar years or by December 2022.
Featured in the walking tour of Bloomsburg, the historic, Colonial Revival Style house (with Federal and Georgian elements) at 503 Market St. has been a landmark in the community for years as a private residence. In 2021, Jack Devine and Deb Shade transformed the property into Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast, a B&B that adds much to the charm and welcome of the Bloomsburg community – it’s an adaptation of a classic landmark in the historic district.
The Outstanding Citizen Award is presented to an individual that is an employee or volunteer of a member organization who is involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia Montour region and who projects a positive community image.
Harry Mathias served as Interim Superintendent of the Danville Area School District from July through November last year after serving as Superintendent of the Central Columbia School District for 19 years. Mathias guided Danville through challenging times and led the search for a new superintendent.
He serves as a Board Member of the Community Giving Foundation and served as a grant advisor to the Columbia County Commissioners as they administered $12 million in American Rescue Plan funds. Funding supported public water and sewer projects, non-profit organizations, and small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
He is also President of the Harry C. Mathias Sr. Charitable Foundation serving Montour County through grants to the Exchange Swimming Pool and Warrior Run Area School District, including for their needy student food and clothing funds and scholarships to Warrior Run Area graduates.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that represents more than 400 businesses and organizations from the Columbia and Montour region.
Chamber Releases 2022-2023 Annual Report
At the Columbia Montour Chamber's Annual Meeting, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, Board Chair Chris Stamatedes reported on the health of the organization by way of the 2022-2023 Annual Report. Thanks to the ongoing support of members, the Chamber remains strong entering its 83rd year. In his review of the report's highlights, Stamatedes noted the uptick in in-person Chamber events, strong member engagement through local advocacy efforts, the hiring of new staff, and the strategic focus on the workforce by both the Chamber and its Foundation.
Check out the highlights of the past year here, in the 2022-2023 Annual Report.
GOVERNOR SHAPIRO EXECUTIVE ORDER AIMS TO CUT DOWN ON PERMITTING RESPONSE TIMES
Governor Shapiro signed an executive order last week aiming to cut down on red tape that delays permitting and certification processes by establishing standard response times and offering a money-back guarantee if applicants don’t receive a response by a date certain.
The order directs all state agencies, boards, and commissions to compile within 90 days a catalog of licenses, certificates, and permits they issue for the Governor’s Office to review and establish realistic timeframes for application consideration going forward. Once those recommendations are implemented, the agency will be required to respond to an applicant by the determined date or refund the application fee costs.
The order also calls for a review of existing application services so they can be modernized and made more efficient. The governor signed the executive order at a press conference where cosmetologists, nurses, barbers, and other professionals who rely on state-issued licenses shared stories of challenges they experienced under the current system.
The business community has long listed permit delays as a deterrent to economic growth in the Commonwealth. Permit delays cost time, and money and ultimately may lead to projects being shelved completely, job loss, and missed economic opportunities in every region of the Commonwealth.
“Today, with this Executive Order, Governor Shapiro has launched Pennsylvania on a new path,” Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said in a press release. “People shouldn’t have to suffer through long wait times to put their skills and knowledge to good use. Together, with the Governor’s Office, we will work to ensure Pennsylvanians can get to work in a timely fashion without having red tape hold them back.”
More information about the executive order can be found in this Philadelphia Inquirer story.
Meuser Named Chair of Small Business Subcommittee
Congressman Dan Meuser has been named Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access of the Small Business Committee in the 118th Congress. Meuser has also been selected to serve on the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains. He is interested in speaking with local small business owners in a virtual meeting scheduled for February 15th.
"I look forward to returning to the Small Business Committee this Congress as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access where I will be fighting for small businesses in Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District and across the country as they continue to contest with the threats of increased taxes and burdensome regulations," said Rep. Meuser. "As chairman, I will be dedicated to focusing on issues vital to the success of Main Street America such as access to capital, examining the impact of federal taxes and regulations, and fostering an environment that allows our small businesses to thrive."
The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access jurisdiction includes evaluating the operation of the financial markets in the United States and their ability to provide needed capital to small businesses. In addition, the Subcommittee will review federal programs, especially those overseen by the SBA, aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining needed capital. Since the tax policy plays an integral role in access to capital, this Subcommittee also will examine the impact of federal tax policies on small businesses.
Members are invited to join Congressman Meuser for a Zoom event on February 15 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Contact Tom Gerhard, Deputy District Director, if you are interested in participating, at tom.gerhard@mail.house.gov.
Dissolution of a Business
Dissolving a business can be caused by many factors; some of which are good, and some not so good. A great reason for dissolving a business is when it is thriving, and a new type of business is needed or because of a transactional sale. Other reasons include failure to file annual reports or filing taxes, bankruptcy, or voluntarily closing it. A certificate of dissolution, also known as an article of dissolution, filed with your states Secretary of State will legally end your company’s existence in its respective state of incorporation.
If a business is not fully dissolved, the tax requirements will never close, and it is technically still in operation. The potential for late fees, failure to file notices and penalties could accumulate, despite having closed your business doors for the last year or more. By following the steps outlined below, taking proactive measures to formally end your business will help end reporting obligations and keep you from paying unnecessary late fees and penalties. The documents are included in your business records will determine how long your records should be retained. A good rule of thumb is at least seven years according to the AICPA. This link provides in-depth details on the IRS website to assist with dissolving your business.
Step One: Get Approval
Company owners must approve the dissolution of a corporation or LLC. With a corporation, all shareholders must approve the action. An LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) has members who need to grant approval. Shareholders and members of a small business tend to be involved in the day-to-day operations and will know more about the situation at large. The bylaws of a corporation, or operating agreement of an LLC should outline the dissolution process and who to obtain the approvals from. To comply with the formalities of a corporation, the Board of Directors should draft an approval to dissolve the business. The shareholders will then vote on this item and will document both actions to place in the corporate record book.
Step Two: File the Certificate of Dissolution with the State
Once the votes have been cast in favor of dissolution, the paperwork must be filed with the state where the corporation or LLC was originally formed. If a company is qualified to operate in other states, dissolution paperwork must also be filed in applicable states. Filing the Certificate of Dissolution or Articles of Dissolution may vary by state. Some states will require filing documents before notifying the creditors and resolving any claims. Other states will require a tax clearance certificate for the company before the certificate of dissolution can be filed. If there are any back taxes owed by the corporation or LLC, they must be resolved first before next steps can be taken.
Step Three: File Federal, State, and Local Tax Forms
Although the business is being dissolved and the operations will be ending, that does not mean that the tax obligations immediately cease to exist. The business closing must be formalized with the IRS, and the state and local taxing agencies. The IRS website includes a helpful business closing checklist; including helpful forms and links to applicable state and local dissolution obligations. If the business has employees, additional payroll specific account closures will need to be completed to close your employer withholding and unemployment accounts.
Step Four: Closing Accounts and Obligations
Once the dissolution of the business has been approved and the correct tax forms, debts and obligations have been satisfied, the company needs to start winding down their business affairs. This could include settling debts, notifying customers, suppliers, landlords, insurers, and vendors. Employees need to be notified, all licenses, permits, and registrations need to be canceled. Once this dissolution has been approved and operations have ceased, the business will no longer be operatory or able to conduct business. Only final closing operations should be continued, including the liquidation of any assets.
Step Five: Notify Creditors of Closing
All company creditors should be notified by mail with ample information or by publicly posting in a creditable newspaper indicating their business’s intent to dissolve the business. Be sure to include an updated mailing address for any potential claims, a deadline for submitting applicable claims, and a statement that they will be barred if not received by the deadline.
Step Six: Settle Creditor’s Claims
A creditor’s claim can be accepted or rejected by the company. Any accepted claims must be paid, or arrangements made with the creditors for repayment. If there are any rejected claims, the creditors need to be advised in writing that the company has rejected the claim. Be sure to reach out to an attorney to assist and advise you on the process and related statutes.
Step Seven: Distribute Assets
After all the claims have been paid, the remaining assets may be distributed to the company owners. Assets are generally allocated according to shareholders or members based on their percentage of ownership. For example, if you own 80% of the business, you will receive 80% of the remaining assets. Any distributions must be reported to the IRS, normally on the Final Tax Return filed. If the corporation has multiple stock classes, the corporate bylaws will outline the procedure for asset disbursement to shareholders. For an LLC, disbursement procedures should be outlined in the underlying partner or operating agreement. If there are any specific questions on distributing assets, please be sure to contact your accountant, tax advisor or attorney for advice.
The article was shared with the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce by member McKonly & Asbury, which has a wonderful and knowledgeable team dedicated to helping with all of your business needs. They are available to help advise you on starting your business, best practices, tax planning, tax filing, and dissolving a business when needed. If you would like to talk to one of the professionals in their Entrepreneurial Support & Client Accounting Segment on this topic or any other business-related topic, please do not hesitate to contact McKonly & Asbury with the links included here.
Our Next Great Workforce Begins at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week!
The Columbia Montour Chamber Foundation is a proud supporter of Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, a hands-on program entirely funded and taught by PA business leaders. Please consider sharing this outstanding opportunity with students in your sphere of influence, so that they may become better and more productive members of the workforce.
Source: Foundation for Free Enterprise Education
“PFEW is unique in that it gave me a glimpse into the business world in a way that I don't think I could have experienced otherwise. There have also been incredible speakers with powerful messages that will change my life. The lessons in business and in life that I have learned here will be unmatched in any other event that I attend. Students need to experience this hands-on learning that will prepare future generations to become the next community leaders and understand what employers want and need.”
Julia is pictured here, front row, second from left, with her team, "Chewnines", a pet supply company, at PFEW 2022
This quote from PFEW 2022 graduate Julia Bianchin from Butler Area Senior High School in Butler County describes why we support Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. PFEW prepares students like Julia to assume roles as our next great employees, employers, and community leaders. Because workforce development remains the top priority of Pennsylvania businesses, this program is needed more than ever.
Julia is pictured here, front row, second from left, with her team, Chewnines, a Pet Supply Company, at PFEW 2022.
Offered by the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFEE), PFEW is a hands-on program entirely funded and taught by practitioners from the PA business community, and that’s why it is so effective. Students form teams and run a modern manufacturing company using a powerful college-level simulation. They make the same decisions you make every day. Volunteer mentors provide guidance and insight into modern business operations.
Students attend PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $695 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization, or individual, and they will discover business and the American free enterprise system, and develop the skills today’s employers need. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I encourage you to provide PFEW sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions.
FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for the workforce. The Stock Market Game (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and discover the knowledge and skills needed to become great employees. All Foundation programs are singularly focused on promoting the ideals of free enterprise and developing our young people into productive, engaged employees and leaders. To learn more about these fantastic FFEE programs, visit www.pfew.org or contact Scott Lee, VP of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.
Member News – February 1, 2023
PPL Addresses Issues With Billing, Responsiveness
PPL Electric Utilities President Stephanie Raymond reached out to customers to address recent issues with billing and responsiveness to customers. Read her message here. For PPL's Customer Bill Fact Sheet and support guide, click here.
Small Business Roundtable (Zoom) with Congressman Dan Meuser
Members are invited to join Congressman Dan Meuser for this Zoom event on February 15 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Contact Tom Gerhard, Deputy District Director with your interest.
Berwick Area YMCA Wellness Center Progressing
Recently, the Berwick Area YMCA shared a video about the progress of their new wellness Center and gymnasium. Check it out!
Beware Local Scam
First Keystone Community Bank has shared that a company going by the name of "Bench Craft Golf" is calling local businesses trying to sell them space on scorecards at local golf courses. This is a scam. Please share as you are able.
Susquehanna Valley Medical Specialties Welcomes Dr. Marek Kurowski
Dr. Kurowski, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.T. is board certified in Pain Management and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Exchange Gallery Concludes "Dreams" Event with Reception
The "Dreams" storytelling program featuring daydreams, aspirational dreams, nightmares, and other visions as content will culminate with a reception on February 3 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
Community Giving Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
Congratulations to John Grabusky, Geisinger, and Ryan McNally, Evangelical Community Hospital, on your appointments. Read more about John and Ryan.
Geisinger Promotes Interventional Cardiologist to Chief of Structural Heart Disease
Shikwar Agarwal, M.D., M.P.H., has been promoted and will oversee integration and growth of services across the health system for patients with disease of the heart valves. Read more.
Members Working Together: Wild for Salmon, Columbia County Christian School
Steve and Jen from Wild for Salmon brought an awesome presentation to the 1st through 5th graders last week. Check out some great photos!
Liberty Solar Farm Community Informational Meeting Tonight
Drop in anytime between 6 pm and 8 pm at the Pine Barn Inn as Lightsource bp introduces their solar team and answers questions about solar projects. For questions, send Lightsource bp an email.
Bloomsburg Public Library Hosts Valentine's Day Card-Making Event for Kids February 4 at 10 am
Extra cards will be delivered to local nursing homes.
Columbia Montour AVTS Welcomes Community February 5
CMAVTS will hold an Open House from 1 pm to 4 pm. See the graphic for more details. Prospective students are welcome from 1 pm to 2 pm, and the event opens to the general public from 2 pm to 4 pm. 
30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Program
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Campus will celebrate this annual lecture and presentation by welcoming Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela to campus. The event is set to take place Monday, February 6 at Carver Hall at 6 pm.
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. Invites Businesses & Local Residents February 7
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. (DBI) is hoping to hear from community stakeholders- including downtown businesses and local residents, to better support and energize the downtown. If you are interested in being a part of the conversation, join DBI's Board of Directors on Tuesday, February 7 at 6 pm at Brewskis.
RENAISSANCE JAMBOREE TO RETURN TO MAIN STREET
After four years, the downtown festival will return to Main Street in Bloomsburg on April 29. For more information, visit www.downtownbloomsburg.org.
BUCKNELL SBDC TO HOST BUSINESS STARTUP BASICS: THE FIRST STEP - FEBRUARY 9, 9:30 AM
Learn about applications and licenses needed to start a business, different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc., financing options, presented by a local banker, types of insurance a new business will typically need, presented by a local insurance agency, and SBDC Services available as you start your business.
Zartman Construction Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration
Mark your calendars and join Zartman Construction at their facility at 3000 Point Township Drive, Northumberland, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm on May 3, as they give tours of the facility, view and learn about a wide array of equipment and enjoy delicious catered food. RSVP to Peggy Hunt by Monday, April 24, 2023.
Opinion: Long-standing partners will consider best interest of community
The article below was submitted to The Danville News and the Press Enterprise as an op-ed by Columbia Montour Chamber President Fred Gaffney, following the January 25 zoning hearing in the Danville Borough.
I attended Danville Council’s public hearing on January 25th to provide The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors’ comments in support of a change of zoning on a parcel of land to allow for the development of a behavioral health hospital. Several others who provided public comments expressed concern for the well-being of the current property owners, the Sisters of Saints Cyril & Methodius. Those concerns demonstrate the appreciation for the Sisters and their property. Consider all that they have developed and maintained on those properties over many years: the Basilica, Maria Hall, Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, and the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs. Clearly, the Sisters are much more than caring ladies in service, but also smart, successful businesswomen who have contributed significantly to the health and economic vitality of the area.
Now, the Sisters have recognized that maintaining the aging structures on this one parcel are not financially viable for them. They are attempting to work with Geisinger, a long-standing partner in providing care, to maintain as many of these structures as possible, while addressing an urgent need for behavioral care in our area. Based upon comments by Sisters Barbara Sable and Michael Ann Orlik at the hearing, I am confident that these two long-standing Danville entities will do what is in the best interests of the community and its residents if this project is allowed to move forward.
Fred Gaffney
President
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Announces 2023 Award Nominees
The Chamber will honor one award recipient in each category at its annual dinner at Frosty Valley Resort on February 8, 2023.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for the organization’s 2023 Annual Awards. The awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting. This year’s event is the 82nd for the organization and will be held at the Frosty Valley Resort on February 8th at 5:00 p.m.
This meeting provides an opportunity to recognize organizations and individuals for their extraordinary efforts in serving the community throughout the year. The Chamber will present five awards: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Community Progress Award, and the Outstanding Citizen Award.
The Outstanding Citizen Award, the longest-tenured award, was first presented in 1970. The organization added the Small Business of the Year, the Large Business of the Year, and the Community Progress Award in 2011. The Nonprofit of the Year was first introduced in 2020.
Criteria for the awards are as follows:
Businesses with less than 30 employees that have demonstrated business leadership as evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services, and/or markets, and who have demonstrated staying power, positive response to adversity, and community involvement are eligible for the Small Business Award. Businesses which meet the same stringent criteria and have more than 31 employees are eligible for the Large Business Award.
501(c)3 organizations with fewer than 100 employees that have met the requirements of the business of the year award and have also demonstrated aid to the community through personal and/or business resources, leadership, or support of community projects or other board participation are eligible for the Chamber’s annual Nonprofit Award.
Organizations that improve the internal/external appearance of a commercial property through new construction, renovation/restoration, or remodeling and have completed construction within the last three calendar years qualify for the Chamber’s Community Progress Award.
Individuals who are employees or volunteers of a member of the Chamber and are involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia-Montour region and project a positive community image are eligible for the Chamber’s highest individual recognition, the Outstanding Citizen Award.
Nominees for the 2023 Annual Awards are as follows:
Nonprofit of the Year – Sponsored by PNC Bank
- The Good Samaritan Mission – Danville, PA
- Community Giving Foundation – Berwick, PA
- Hand in Hand Family Resource Center – Berwick, PA
- Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – Bloomsburg, PA
- Central Susquehanna Opportunities – Shamokin, PA
Community Progress Award – Sponsored by World Kinect Energy & My Benefit Advisor
- Lions Gate – Bloomsburg, PA
- Bason Coffee & More – Danville, PA
- Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast – Bloomsburg, PA
Outstanding Citizen – Sponsored by B.I.D.A.
- Rachel Shaffer, Bloomsburg University, Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
- Harry Mathias, Mathias Educational Leadership Consulting, LLC
Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust
- Shanty Secrets – Danville, PA
- InnoTek Computer Consulting – Bloomsburg, PA
Large Business of the Year– Sponsored by DRIVE
- Millville Mutual Insurance – Millville, PA
- MC Federal Credit Union – Danville, PA
To attend the dinner and awards ceremony in support of these outstanding nominees, register here.
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The mission of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is to represent local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour counties.
How to Improve Work Performance in 2023
When we think about how to improve our productivity, we see there are three areas that need improvement to increase professional performance: emotions, mindset, and physical health. When we harness these three aspects of our lives, then we can master our performance at work.
Mindset Mastery
Of all the things you can improve at work, mastering your mental state might be the most important. When we’re feeling negative at work, we will be less productive. Feeling stressed or depressed puts cognitive function in decline and makes problem-solving more difficult.
To master our mindset, we must start with being intentional. Being intentional means slowly and consistently directing/redirecting our thoughts to more positive outcomes. The more we do this, the more automatic it will become.
Mindset also means staying open-minded. In the changing modern business landscape, problems are best solved with novel solutions that move the company forward. Mastering your mindset means you can harness your productivity and creative output.
Emotional Mastery
When it comes to the emotional side of life, there are always opportunities for improvement at work. Emotions are a part of being human, and the goal, therefore, is not to remove our emotions but simply to recognize them for what they are saying and then consciously choose our actions rather than blindly reacting.
To master our emotions, we must be intentional in our actions. When an emotional situation comes up, try to identify the emotion you’re experiencing, ask yourself what the feeling is telling you, and then choose a responsible action in response. Being emotional—such as thinking negatively or being angry—at work can distract you from work and lower productivity.
Another aspect of mastering emotions is being in a psychologically safe space. Coming to work every day with a feeling of fear is no way to increase productivity. If you’re a leader, make sure you’re fostering a truly psychologically safe space. If you’re a worker feeling unsafe, find a trusted coworker or manager and let them know how you’re feeling. You won’t be truly productive until you feel safe at work.
Physical Mastery
Whether we’re tired, our back aches, or we have a sniffly nose, it is impossible to be at our best at work when our physical body isn’t well. Overworking, especially pushing ourselves when we’re sick, can result in burnout, chronic illness, and absenteeism—not to mention a drop in productivity.
To master our health at work, we must make changes. If you aren’t taking time for lunch or aren’t eating a balanced meal, then make an effort to do so from here on out. Ask if your company provides standing desks, which have been shown to increase productivity by up to 46%. Take breaks during the day to rest your eyes, get fresh air, or do some light stretching. When you aren’t distracted by your body, you’ll improve your performance at work.
Work – Productivity Tips
Try Calendar Blocking
Be protective of your time. Consider how much time you will need for each project and find a chunk of your calendar to schedule it in. Use these blocks for dedicated working time, and don’t allow any meetings or distractions during those hours.
Be Aware of Timing
Remember Parkinson’s Law? Your work will stretch to take up the time you give it. When calendar blocking your tasks, don’t overextend yourself. Deep work can only occur for a couple of hours at a time. Productivity goes down after that. Schedule work in small chunks and learn to manage your time.
Avoid Task Switching
Multitasking is a lie. What’s really happening is that your brain is task-switching between the two tasks quickly, which causes us to lose focus on one thing or another for a few seconds as our brain switches. This kills productivity. Avoid task switching/multitasking at all costs.
Use Performance Reviews
During a performance review, areas of improvement may not be listed or discussed. If they are, pay particular attention to what is suggested and see how it might integrate with your new productivity hacks and habits. If not, don’t be afraid to ask your leaders for more specific feedback.
Final Thoughts
There will always be opportunities for improvement at work. If you want to learn more about harnessing your power and becoming more productive, then you should explore Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Book. From controlling mindset and emotions to setting up an intentional life, this book can help put you on a path to better work (and life) performance.
As an owner of the Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic franchise, McKonly & Asbury is able to offer an extension of services to our clients and friends of the firm, expanding our expertise in the areas of leadership, team building, and people development as Dale Carnegie offers programs in leadership, management development, customer engagement, service, sales, communication, and more.