In an effort to better quantify and understand the workforce challenges facing employers locally and across the nation, The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other chambers of commerce to conduct a quick survey about labor force conditions across the country.
Please complete this brief survey by clicking here. It should take less than 3 minutes to complete. We ask that you please complete the survey by Monday, March 28, 2022.
Thank you in advance for your input and participation.
The No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition has formed to oppose PennDOT’s proposal to toll nine interstate bridges across Pennsylvania. This statewide coalition is comprised of local chambers, economic development entities, statewide business organizations, businesses, affected communities, and citizens. The Board of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce recently voted to join this growing coalition.
In 2021, PennDOT held public information sessions to provide details on the nine projects identified, which includes the Nescopeck Creek Bridge on Interstate 80 in lower-Luzerne County. Initially, the plan included tolling in both directions, but was later modified to toll each project area in only one direction. With the anticipation that some volume of traffic will divert around tolled areas, PennDOT identified diversion routes. For the Nescopeck Creek project, the diversion route is Exit 256 onto Route 93 through Nescopeck and Berwick boroughs.
While PennDOT is seeking to address infrastructure funding shortfalls, the costs to install and manage these tolls are likely to outpace revenue collected. The cost per bridge toll will be $1-$2/car and $8-$12/truck and other large wheelbase vehicles including RVs. According to the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, the cost to operate a truck in PA will increase by over $6,000 annually. These costs will be passed on to consumers, exacerbating an already inflated market. PennDOT recently announced the intention to award the contract to build and manage these tolls to an Australian company, even while affected communities and business groups are challenging PennDOT’s process.
The members of the No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition agree that PennDOT should have sustainable sources for infrastructure funding, but the proposed tolling will cause disruptions to local communities and increase costs for businesses and consumers. Once PennDOT begins this spot-tolling, the practice is likely to be replicated in other areas across the state. Coalition members believe that PennDOT and the Wolf Administration should work with the legislature to remove non-infrastructure related costs from the Motor License Fund and find solutions that will not disrupt local communities and unfairly burden businesses.
Follow the efforts of the No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition at facebook.com/NoP3BridgeTolls.
On Tuesday, March 15, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced an additional deferment of principal and interest payments for existing COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) borrowers for a total of 30 months from loan inception.
Key information regarding deferment:
- This deferment extension is effective for all COVID-EIDL Loans approved in calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022. Loans now have a total deferment of 30 months from the date of the Note. Interest will continue to accrue on the loans during the deferment.
- Borrowers may make partial or full payments during the deferment period but are not required to. The SBA recommends using www.pay.gov.
- The SBA will not send monthly SBA Form 1201 payment notices; however, the SBA will send regular payment reminders via email.
- Existing COVID EIDL borrowers can find account balances and payment due dates in the SBA Capital Access Financial System (CAFS) and learn how to set up an account in the CAFS system by logging in at Capital Access Financial System (sba.gov).
- Deferments may result in balloon payments. The deferment will not stop any established Preauthorized Debit (PAD) or recurring payments on the loan. COVID-EIDL borrowers with an SBA established PAD must contact their SBA servicing center to stop recurring payments during the extended deferment period. COVID-EIDL borrowers who have established a PAD through Pay.Gov or any other bill pay service are responsible for terminating recurring payments during the extended deferment period.
- After the deferment period ends, COVID-EIDL borrowers will be required to make regular principal and interest payments beginning 30 months from the date of the Note.
Borrowers with questions can call SBA’s COVID EIDL Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-833-853-5638 (borrowers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Multilingual representatives are available. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance. For additional information on COVID EIDL, visit www.sba.gov/relief.
A reminder that organizations that received an EIDL advance do not have to repay those funds.
6th Annual High School Art Show Now on Display: Winners Announced
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum held its 6th Annual High School Art Show on Friday, March 4th. The show featured 54 pieces from local high school students. The event was sponsored by the Exchange in Bloomsburg. Prizes were sponsored by Blick Art Materials and Cheap Joe’s Art Supplies. Cabot Cheese provided refreshments. The show will be on exhibit until April 22, 2022.
The exhibits ranged from watercolors to woodburning and acrylics to photography. They were produced by students from Bloomsburg Christian School, Danville Area High School, Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Benton Area High School, Bloomsburg High School, and homeschooled students.
Oren Helbok, the Executive Director of the Exchange in Bloomsburg, felt grateful to participate as a judge in the event.
“As an organization dedicated to bringing the arts to all communities throughout our region, The Exchange commends and celebrates the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum for its energetic support of high-school artists, and we feel grateful to have the Museum as a partner. We look forward to these young people bringing their artwork for Exchange Gallery shows as well,” he said.
- 1st Place Overall: Brooke Woll, “Bee,” Danville Area high school, grade 10
- 2nd Place Overall: Felicia C., “Me, Myself & I” Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Grade 12
- 3rd Place Overall: Sam S., “Vroom Vroom,” Bloomsburg High School, Grade 11
- Honorable Mention Overall: Kaitlyn Gabel, “If I Could Fly,” Danville High School, Grade 11
- 1st Place Best Collection: Riley S., Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Grade 11 with “Bear,” “Chickadee,” and “Nefertiti.”
- Honorable Mention Best Collection: Anna Maffei, Danville Area High School, Grade 11 with “Her Ambience,” “Chloe’s Mind,” and “Mother Nature’s Outcry”
- Best Acrylic: Lydia S., “Feathered Fiasco” Acrylic Paint, Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Grade 10
- Best Charcoal: Helenne B., “Father” Charcoal, Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Grade 12
- Best Digital Art: Felicia C., “Dark Academia” Digital, Hazleton Area Arts & Humanities Academy, Grade 12
- Best Mixed Media: Ryan-Elizabeth Fluke, “Venus in Mixed Media,” Bloomsburg Christian School
- Curator’s Choice: Malakai S., “Elk” and “Safari” Pyrography, homeschool, Grade 10
Pictures can be found here.
Arc of Pennsylvania is a 72-year-old non-profit organization that provides advocacy and resources for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc is the largest advocacy organization in the United States for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In conjunction with its local chapters and the national organization, The Arc of Pennsylvania works every day to carry out its mission – to work to include all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in every community.
The Arc of Pennsylvania focuses on systems advocacy and governmental affairs, demonstrating leadership and guidance among all disability organizations in Pennsylvania.
The Arc of Pennsylvania joins over 425 members of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.
Some of the most impactful decisions a person makes during the course of a year regards those pertaining to personal healthcare for themselves and any affected family members. For those who are employed, company benefit programs can provide a safety net that offers significant financial protection against any financial obligations arising from such medical situations.
For employers this presents a challenge, especially in today’s work-from-home environment. The process of communicating benefit options and boosting employee engagement can be complex and time-consuming as human resource staff must consider the mixed demographics, capabilities and diverse needs of the workforce. Complicating matters, there’s no one-size-fits all communication method to reach all employees.
But the importance of designing an effective communication strategy cannot be overstated. The value placed on a company benefit program is a key component in the employer’s ability to attract and retain quality talent. And employees who understand and utilize a well-designed benefit program are typically more engaged, resulting in a workforce that is typically more productive…resulting in a win for both employer and employees.
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 Glynis Roberts at (800) 377-3539.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job openings at the end of January were 11.3 million. Openings remain significantly higher than historical norms and makes clear we still have a severe worker shortage.
The 11.3 million openings in January were the second highest all time. The record was in December when we had 11.5 million openings. There are now more than 4.75 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Put another way, for every 100 job openings there are only 58 people who are unemployed and looking for work.
More than 4.25 million people quit their jobs in January – below the all-time high in November of 4.5 million. The quits rate was 2.8% in January. That is just under the all-time high of 3% which we hit in November and December. Job openings decreased in several industries, with the largest decreases in accommodation and food services (-288,000); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-132,000); and federal government (-60,000). Job openings increased in other services (+136,000) and in durable goods manufacturing (+85,000).
The ongoing worker shortage is hindering the economy’s recovery by worsening supply chain issues and increasing inflationary pressure. That is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce continues to work to solve this problem through our America Works Initiative
Africa’s First Female Griot Kora Virtuoso Performs at Weis Center in Free Concert
Sona Jobarteh, the first and only female kora player educating the next generation about their West African traditions, will perform on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The performance is free and tickets are not required.
Masks are required.
The performance is sponsored, in part, by Jazz at Bucknell, the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives & Cultures at Bucknell University and the Bucknell University Music Department Gallery Series – spotlighting new and world music.
Sona Jobarteh preserves her musical past while innovating to support a more humanitarian future. The spirit of her musical work stands on the mighty shoulders of the West African Griot tradition; she is a living archive of the Gambian people. With one ear on the family’s historic reputation, one on the all-important future legacy and her heart in both places, she is preparing a place today for the next generation.
Her singing and kora playing while fronting her band spring directly from this tradition. The extent of her recognition is evidenced by more than 17 million watchers on YouTube and considerable numbers on other digital platforms. All this despite singing in her native languages and keeping to her own path within the music industry.
Jobarteh’s dedication to spreading powerful humanitarian messages through her songs and her stage performances makes her much more than a musician; she is active in social change and leads by her own example. She singlehandedly set up The Gambia Academy, a pioneering institution dedicated to achieving educational reform across the continent of Africa. This academy is the first of its kind to deliver a mainstream academic curriculum at a high level, while also bringing front and center the culture, traditions and history that belong to its students into their everyday education.
These efforts have led to invitations for Jobarteh to deliver speeches at high-profile events around the world, including summits for the U.N., the World Trade Organization and UNICEF.
While on campus, patrons must abide by all Bucknell University health and safety guidelines, including maintaining social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings. All visitors are required to wear a face covering when indoors. We reserve the right to request that any visitors who do not follow University protocols leave the premises.
These protocols may be subject to change at any time. Please continue to visit our website for the most up-to-date information at Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter.
For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.
For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, go to Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter or search for the Weis Center on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
What the Integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Means
The integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities is a bold investment in the communities and people of Pennsylvania. Our mission is to expand high-quality, affordable academic opportunities to support the needs of all learners.
Powerful ideas start here, carried by dynamic stories and voices, resulting in empowered students. Together, we provide financially responsible degree options that maximize experiential learning, career preparation, and efficient time to degree completion. Click here to read more.
Promotion in SEDA-COG’s Administration
SEDA-COG has recently created a new role within their administration: Chief of Staff. Promoted to that position, is Kristen Moyer. Moyer has worked within SEDA-COG for 30 years and was previously the Director of Community Relations.
Moyer serves the entire organization and each department in this role. Due to her 30-year tenure, she has a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the organization, its partners, and the region’s needs. Moyer began her career at SEDA-COG as a Project Coordinator in Community Development, after which she worked with Procurement Technical Assistance staff helping businesses obtain government contracts. She had been the Director of Community Relations since 2019.
The Chief of Staff will serve as the Agency’s main point of contact and advocate with external partners, lead and manage special projects, and provide oversight and guidance to staff for projects of high importance. In this role, Moyer will remain the primary connection between SEDA-COG and the federal and state legislative offices.
“As my Chief of Staff, Kristen will be utilizing all of her knowledge, experience and gained insights to advise the Executive Team when it comes to external issues and how it affects the organization and its operations. Today’s landscape outside of our walls looks very different than it did 5 or 10 years ago. Having her in this position will allow the organization to more efficiently handle the complex set of circumstances and issues that we contend with. It is wonderful to have Kristen, with such astounding tenure and experience, step up into this important role for the region,” said Kim Wheeler, Executive Director of SEDA-COG.
Wheeler continued, “I look forward to working with Kristen in this new capacity that will help lead SEDA-COG’s strategic direction for the next generations.”
IMC Welcomes Frederick “Rick” Terry to the Team
The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to welcome Frederick “Rick” Terry as an IMC Business Advisor. As Business Advisor, Rick will work closely with Central PA manufacturers PA to provide objective, expert advice, and actionable solutions to drive economic success and profitable growth.
“Rick has the background and expertise that will help IMC improve its core services while also allowing for additional pathways of highly specialized services. We are delighted he has joined our team and we are looking forward to his contributions playing a significant role in helping us achieve our mission.” Dennis Gilbert, IMC President.
Rick has experience working with various industries in the areas of process improvement, strategic planning, energy management, and root cause analysis. His areas of expertise are on the business and operations side of industry with a heavy focus on building science, project management, LEAN, and Six Sigma. Rick has proven success in developing and facilitating training, research, and education for industry as well as consulting on energy related verification programs.
“I am very excited to be a part of the team at IMC and to have the opportunity to assist manufacturers succeed in their industries. IMC has a demonstrated history of delivering positive results to manufacturers who utilize their many tools and resources for the benefit of their organization. I look forward to contributing to that mission.” Rick Terry, IMC Business Advisor.
He has an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Penn State University, a Lean-Six Sigma Graduate Certificate from Villanova University, and a Secondary Education Social Studies Degree and a BS in Management Science both from Lock Haven University. Rick also holds various certifications in the areas of Lean, Six Sigma, and Energy.
A virtual public meeting for the Bloomsburg Reconstruction Project will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting can be found by clicking the below link, by calling the numbers provided below, or by searching for “Bloomsburg SR 0011-114” in your web browser.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 213-336-0442,,43138897# United States, Los Angeles
Phone Conference ID: 431 388 97#
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Officials will provide an overview for this year’s construction which will include reconstruction of Route 11 (East Street). This work will take place from Main Street to Columbia Boulevard in Bloomsburg. The project includes new drainage, curbs, curb ramps, and traffic signal upgrades, street scape project, sidewalks, and lighting where planned.
For more information on the project visit Bloomsburg SR 0011-114 Project on the www.penndot.gov/District3 website.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Tioga, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Montour and Columbia counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District3.
Information about infrastructure in District 3 including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D3Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot/.
MEDIA CONTACT: Maggie Baker, 570-368-4202 or magbaker@pa.gov.
Chevrolet of Bloomsburg has been proudly serving the Columbia, Montour area for 16 years. A business dedicated to supplying the community with high-quality automobiles, expert automotive service, and friendly customer assistance.
As a full-service dealership, Chevrolet of Bloomsburg strives to meet their drivers’ every automotive need. Whether it’s finding a new family vehicle, automotive repairs, quality parts, or vehicle information, Chevrolet of Bloomsburg has you covered.
They are a five-time mark of excellence award winner with the highest service retention in the NEPA region. Customer experience has been their number one priority since they opened the doors in 2006. Another main objective is that you have a fast and easy car-buying experience. You can find out more information by visiting their website at www.bloomsburgchevy.com, or by stopping in for visit and seeing them in person at 420 Central Rd in Bloomsburg.
Chevrolet of Bloomsburg joins over 427 members of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.