Regulations passed in 2019 permit employers regardless of size to offer an individual coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) as an alternative to offering a traditional health insurance plan.  The versatility of an ICHRA, employees can utilize pre-tax dollars to purchase health care coverage or pay for qualified medical expenses, such as out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and coinsurance.

Although an ICHRA is available for groups of any size, it’s up to each employer to determine if the ICHRA presents a strategy that will work for their particular circumstances and benefit objectives.  Over the first two years of its existence, these programs have become increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional, direct contribution model. 

An employee who elects to participate in an ICHRA offered through their employer must enroll (along with any covered dependents) in either individual health care coverage (through the Marketplace or through a private plan) or in Medicare Parts A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance) or Part C (Medicare Advantage).  Short term plans and limited benefit programs like dental or vision do not fulfill these coverage requirements.

It is necessary that coverage in one of the required programs start by the time the employee’s individual ICHRA begins.  And if the employee and any dependents are already enrolled in individual health insurance coverage at the time their ICHRA becomes effective, there’s no need to change that coverage.  Likewise, if someone is already enrolled in Medicare Part A, Part B or Part C, their enrollment will satisfy the ICHRA requirement.

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.

Berwick Area YMCA Announces Community Phase of Capital Campaign

At a groundbreaking ceremony for a new gymnasium, The Berwick Area YMCA announced the start of the community phase of fundraising for their planned capital project. The new gymnasium is Phase 1 of the $5.5 million expansion. Phases 2 and 3 include new wellness facilities to better meet the needs of community health, expanded parking and a new STEM activity lab to better prepare youth with 21^st century job skills. “We began planning for this moment almost immediately after our last capital expansion in 2010” said Berwick Y CEO Nick Pajovich. “We knew that to truly meet the needs in our community, we needed to continue to grow and develop more programs. To date we have raised $5.1 million dollars which equals 94% of our $5.5 million dollar project cost. This project is all about uniting our community and inviting the residents to join us in this exciting campaign that will ensure we can help even more people on their journey for a better life and give children the best start possible. .We need our community’s help to reach our goal so we can complete all three phases of the project. The opening of the new facilities will be a transformative moment for the community.”

Since the last capital expansion, YMCA membership has grown and the Y no longer has the space to accommodate the need for services and can no longer expand any new programs. The Berwick Y is now the largest provider of childcare services in the county, as well as one of the largest providers of anti-hunger programs. “We identify community needs and develop programs and solutions that meet those needs,” said Pajovich.  “These new facilities will allow us to expand programs that prevent chronic disease, develop other healthy lifestyle initiatives that will impact the health of our community, ensure that kids and teens have a safe place with positive role models, expand our anti-hunger programs to reduce food insecurity among kids and families in the community and create opportunities for seniors to stay active and social. The improved parking will eliminate barriers to seniors and the disabled and allow more people access to our programs, and the new STEM lab will give youth and teens the opportunity to discover skills and talents that will serve them for a lifetime. The possibilities of what we can accomplish with these new facilities are truly endless.”

To help the cause, the Community Giving Foundation has provided a challenge grant to the project. In addition to the $250,000.00 they have already committed, the Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, the next $50,000.00 pledged to the campaign. To support the campaign, contact the YMCA. Donations are also being accepted through the Berwick Area YMCA webpage, www.berwicky.org.

United In Recovery: Summer Recovery Picnic Scheduled 

This picnic brings the the community together to uplift and support those in recovery and celebrate the dedication of service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible. There will be free food, live music, stories of recovery, and community organizations providing recovery resource material. 

The event, which will be held rain or shine, will be held at Briar Creek Lake in Berwick on Thursday, June 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here to register and to learn more about the event. 

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce held its annual Golf Tournament on Thursday May 26^th at the Rolling Pines Golf Course. Thirty foursomes participated in the event, sponsored by Williams. The comfortable, 70-degree day started with lunch sponsored by Heritage Financial Services. Beverages throughout the day were sponsored by Wagner’s Trophies and Engraveables. Dinner, provided by Craft Catering, was sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank.

The overall winning team was 3B Consultant Services Inc., with a prize of 4-$50 gift cards to the Inn, Farmhouse & Brewery at Turkey Hill. The foursome from Williams finished second in the first flight and received 4-$25 gift cards to the Pine Barn Inn. Both teams shot 59 and the winner determined by a match of cards.

The foursome from Towne Camera was the top team in the second flight and received 4-$25 gift cards to Marley’s Brewery and Grille and Knoebels. The group from Commercial Stainless finished second and was awarded 4-$25 gift cards to Quaker Steak & Lube. Those two teams also shot the same score of 66.

Jonathan Else from the McKonly & Asbury’s foursome hit the longest drive for the men, while Jodi Alley from First Keystone Community Bank was the lady’s big hitter. Both were awarded watches from J. Lylo Jewelers. From the Trivium Packaging foursome, Mike Dixon claimed closest to the pin, winning tickets to any upcoming show at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble.

In two big raffles at the event,  Mike Upton won the 58” TV, which was donated by Walmart. Commercial Stainless’ Brian Wawroski won the Pit Boss Table Top Griddle, which was provided by Cole’s Hardware.

The Chamber wishes to thank all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and staffs of Rolling Pines and Craft Catering for helping to make the 2022 Golf Tournament a success.

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces Pennsylvania’s State Junior Academy of Science State Winners

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum hosts a science fair for local students every January. This past January, 35 students from 8 schools competed in the fair which was held at the Bloomsburg Fire Company. From that, 17 students were sent to the regional Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PJAS) fair at Susquehanna University on February 26. At the regional fair, students from 10 counties compete for a chance to move on to states. Seven of the 17 students the Museum sponsored at this fair moved on to the PJAS state science fair.  

This past Monday, May 16th, these 7 students joined over 1200 other students from across the state at Penn State University to showcase their work and compete for prizes.  

Philip Polstra Jr. (Bloomsburg Christian School) captured a First Award in Junior High School Chemistry for his project “Acid Erosion.” Kathryn Polstra (Bloomsburg Christian School) was awarded a Second Award in Highschool Biochemistry for her project “The Digestibility of Gum.” Brooke Rhoads (Bloomsburg Christian School) was awarded a Second Award in Highschool Chemistry for “Freezing Point Depression.” Josiah Stoffer (Bloomsburg Christian School) won a Second Award in Highschool Biology for his project “How Well Brine Shrimp Hatch in Different Salinities.” Kaitlyn Westover (Benton Area High School) was awarded a Second Award in Biology for her presentation on “What Fruit Produces More DNA?” Brooke Woll (Danville High School) took home a Second Award in Highschool Behavioral Science for her project “Does highlighting text help or hinder memorability.” Gwendolyn Greene won a Third Award in Highschool Biology for her project “Beet This.”

“We want to congratulate each of these amazing students. They worked for months on their projects and rose to the top level of competition,” Dr. Ginny Weibel, the Director of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum said. “I also want to recognize the contributions of the students’ parents and teachers who worked with the students and supported them through this.”  

Sekisui/Kydex, the PPL Foundation, and The Friends of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum helped to sponsor these students as they advanced through all levels of the science fairs.  

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. This organization strives to offer unique, sustainable, and dynamic learning opportunities for youth through year-round interactive exhibits, programming, and community outreach. For more information, please visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/

Bloomsburg YMCA Announces EITC Accreditation

The Bloomsburg Area YMCA (BAY) has announced its approval as an accredited Educational Improvement Tax Credit Organization for its Summer Day Camp and Afterschool programs. The YMCA now is approved as both an Educational Improvement Organization and a Pre-k Scholarship Organization.

The approval will allow BAY to continue its commitment to youth and families throughout Columbia County by partnering with local businesses that can help ensure quality programs while earning valuable tax credits.

“The Bloomsburg Area YMCA offers an array of innovative educational and socialization programs that address the needs of youth of all ages in Columbia County,” said CEO Wayne Stump. “The EITC accreditation will help us grow and enhance our school age childcare program that are vital to so many families in our area.”

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, allows the business community to get more involved in children’s education by redirecting their tax dollars to support local non-profit scholarship organizations.

By contributing to an authorized non-profit organization like the Bloomsburg Area YMCA, EITC will provide companies with a 75% tax credit for a one-year commitment, or 90% for a two-year commitment. Credits are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, with the maximum tax credit companies could earn of $750,000.

“EITC scholarships have provided thousands of opportunities to families throughout the state, and we are proud to offer this incentive in our own community,” Stump said. “This funding is a chance to reaffirm BAY’s commitment to young people today and in the years to come. We’re excited to welcome delegates from the community to join us in this journey.”

“This accreditation is just one example of how BAY is deepening its commitment to the development of our youth, and how it enables the business community to help young people achieve their goals every single day,” Stump said. “We have seen first-hand how the local business community has overwhelming supported our programs, and we are hopeful this new funding opportunity will continue that support.”

Leadership Central Penn (LCP) celebrated the graduation of the class of 2022 last Thursday at the Pine Barn Inn.  This year’s class was the largest in history with 25 graduates and marked the 23^rd cohort. The program included a Keynote address from Holly Morrison, President and CEO of the Community Giving Foundation. Holly shared that she has seen first hand the benefits of LCP on individuals as a donor, employer and mother. She hopes that everyone in the program grew in their capacity as community leaders as she has seen with so many graduates in the past. This program allows you to develop the 76% of leadership that is learned according to statistics Holly has seen. It is up to all of us to work on understanding ourselves, our capacities and our areas for improvement. The class is the start of that journey, and it should continue.

This year’s class presenter was Brian Houser, PPL. The first focus of his speech was about the Leadership component of the program. He shared the program was never just a lecture or death by Power Point but was an engaging experience in a safe and trusted environment. This was created by Jeff Emanuel, Director and Rick Flynn, Leadership Facilitator. Brian shared that the theories taught in the program were immediately useful back in the work setting. The second focus was on the community portion of the program. The class introduced the class to many organizations that help our community move and thrive. Brian shared his appreciation for the challenges facing the people of our communities and all the organizations like nonprofits, the judicial system, education, economic development and more that work together to help. Brian shared this experience made him realize “it turns out there is a lot more to leadership than just commanding a group. It isn’t about forcing others to listen, but about listening to others.” After going through this program, he understands why there are over 60,000 books for sale on leadership and he appreciates having more insight and knowledge thanks to LCP.

Before the certificates were awarded, there was a third component of the celebration. Recognizing the community impact projects of this year’s class. The first was group that assisted AGAPE with their move to their new location. They loaded food, clothing, pet food, household items and more onto pallet, into trucks and relocated and organized it all to help AGAPE continue its mission from their new home. The second group shared with involvement with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s Hak4Kids program. This kid-friendly hacking event is the only one of its kind in PA. The event was free and included 28 workshops and activities for kids ages 7-17. Finally, the third project was in partnership with the United Way of Berwick and their Day of Caring. This project included alumni from previous LCP cohorts who work at First Keystone Community Bank. The team assisted with clean-up of the Berwick YMCA to assist with preparing the facility for construction project improvements in the coming weeks. All of the projects were demanding, but fulfilling to the LCP members, nonprofit partners and community members served by these organizations.

The event concluded with honoring the LCP Graduating Class of 2022:

Kevin Ball – Geisinger
Scott Bellum – SEKISUI KYDEX
Tiffany Bienkowski – First Keystone Community Bank
Lisa Brelsford – Columbia Child Development Head Start
Audra Briggs – Bloomsburg Carpet
LuCinda Craig – Rural Business Innovation Corp.
Taryn Crayton – Press Enterprise
Daniel Diehl – First Columbia Bank & Trust
Benjamin Gonzalez – Geisinger
John Harahus – Geisinger
Brian Houser – PPL Electric
Trygve Jensen – Geisinger
Hamid Khan – Autoneum
Holly Madden – Hope Enterprises, Inc.
Christopher Matthews – First Keystone Community Bank
Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu – Berwick YMCA
Dawn Orzehowski – Maria Joseph CCC
Jessica Pastuszek – Geisinger
James Pensyl – Girton Manufacturing
Angela Prajzner – Autoneum
Kristy Strain – Geisinger
Melisa Thomas – Service 1st FCU
Danielle Velkoff – United Way CMC
Rebecca White – Columbia Child Development Head Start
Phillip Yoder – Columbia County EMA

The Chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously supports legislation that would reduce Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income tax rate from the second highest in the nation. Senate Bill 771, co-sponsored by Senator John Gordner, would begin to reduce the current rate of 9.99% as of January 1, 2023, to 6.99% in 2025, and even as low in 5.99% by 2026 should revenue exceed projections for 2025 at the 9.99% rate.

The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate and has bipartisan support. Governor Wolf called for an immediate reduction in the CNI to as low as 4.99% in his 2022-23 budget plan.

On Wednesday, May 18^th, a Commonwealth Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on PennDOT’s plan to implement tolling on nine interstate bridges, including the Nescopeck Creek bridges in lower Luzerne County. The order prevents PennDOT from executing any other agreements or contracts, conducting hearings or meetings, or moving forward with design or construction of tolling structures identified in the Major Bridge P3 Initiative. A lawsuit challenging PennDOT’s process and authority was filed in March by Cumberland County and seven municipalities.

Click here for more from the Associated Press. 

PennDOT can appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will be participating in a rally in Harrisburg on June 8^th with other members of the No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition from across the state to urge PennDOT to abandon this plan altogether.