New Reports Detail Impact of Pennsylvania’s Continued Child Care Crisis Source: Ready Nation: Council for a Stronger America Members of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Early Learning Investment Committee were joined on Friday by State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and members of the community to discuss new research detailing the worsening impacts of Pennsylvania’s continued childcare…

Welcome New Member: Caldwell Consistory Built in 1906, the Caldwell Consistory is a historic building on the town square that is owned and operated by the Valley of Bloomsburg Scottish Rite, a fraternal organization dedicated to giving back to the community. The building is a centrally located venue for parties, proms, receptions, promotional events, concerts…

PA CHAMBER-LED COALITION STANDS READY TO PARTNER WITH SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION, LEGISLATURE ON PRO-GROWTH ENERGY POLICY Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry A PA Chamber-led coalition of Pennsylvania’s leading business and industry associations sent a letter last week to Governor Josh Shapiro and the General Assembly promoting Pennsylvania as a 21st century global energy hub. The coalition wrote…

Member News – March 1, 2023 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces Regional Science Fair winners The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is excited to announce that ten students that participated in the Museum’s Science Fair held in January are moving on to the state Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) after finishing first in the Regional PJAS Fair.…

Culver Sworn in to PA Senate Source: PA Senate Republicans Newsroom HARRISBURG – Yesterday in Harrisburg, State Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) was sworn in to serve as the new senator for Pennsylvania’s 27th District representing residents in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties, and part of Luzerne County. “It is an honor to serve…

Welcome New Member: Aloysius, Butler, & Clark The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome one of its newest members, Aloysius, Butler & Clark, one of the largest full-service, independent ad agencies in the mid-Atlantic and one of Adweek’s 50 “Top Shops” in America.  Some agencies are purely PR shops.  Other firms are…

A New Type of Retirement Plan: The PEP Source: A New Type of Retirement Plan: The PEP, by McKonly & Asbury In the U.S., employees generally rely on 401(k) plans for retirement savings. However, surprisingly, almost half of U.S. employers do not offer this benefit, including 70% of small businesses. This forces employees to seek…

FTC Rule Would Ban Noncompete Agreements for All Employees and Independent Contractors The U.S. Chamber is calling on Congress to oppose the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed rule banning almost all non-compete agreements.  The U.S. Chamber is very concerned that the FTC’s proposed rule exceeds its statutory legal authority, and they argue that if it…

CANDIDATE ACADEMY OFFERS GUIDANCE ON RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE The program is available at no charge to the public via this site and YouTube.  Panelists enjoy a laugh during the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Candidate Academy, as they share about the rewards and challenges of public office. Pictured from left are: Chamber President Fred…

FIVE GROUP BENEFITS EMPLOYEES WILL LOOK FOR IN 2023 Source: My Benefit Advisor Most small businesses are at a competitive disadvantage when trying to hire and retain employees compared to their larger firm counterparts. The smaller firms are typically more limited in their budgetary capabilities and unable to provide a high level of comprehensive benefit…