Member News – November 9, 2022 BASHAR W. HANNA APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR WOLF Dr. Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University has been appointed to serve on Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program (TAP) Advisory Board by Gov. Tom Wolf. Hanna’s appointment runs from September 2022 to September 2026.  The board advises on the work of the…

Not Satisfied with Your Current Health Insurance? Source: MyBenefit Advisor It’s not too late to make a switch. Open enrollment brings an opportunity to look at things from a fresh perspective. That’s what the My Benefit Advisor (MBA) program offers. Whatever your pain points are — local insurance experts are available to help you find…

Weighing Resilience Options for Critical Facilities Energy resilience and reliability has become more important than ever, especially with the more frequent occurrence of adverse events such as severe weather and cyber threats. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection is searching for owners and operators of critical facilities who are interested in increasing resilience to participate in a…

PA CLIMBS THE COMPETITIVENESS RANKINGS Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry Site Selection Magazine released its 2022 Business Climate Rankings, and Pennsylvania climbed six spots to No. 16. The rankings consider several factors, including workforce skills; state and local tax scheme; workforce development; transportation infrastructure; ease of permitting and regulatory procedures; land/building prices and supply; utilities;…

Welcome New Member – VirtuStudio 360 The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome its newest member, VirtuStudio 360, and owner David Fetterman. VirtuStudio 360 has been in business since 2019 specializing in Drone Services. Founder/Owner Dave Fetterman saw an opportunity to take his love of photography and film making, combining it with…

Member News – November 2, 2022 Farm Bureau Announces 2023 Farm Bill Priorities In the next U.S. Congress, the PA delegation will have at least eight members who have not yet been through the Farm Bill process.  This year’s AFBF priorities, which local farm bureau chapters like the Columbia County Farm Bureau contribute to, include…

National Veterans Small Business Week This week, the Small Business Administration celebrates, connects with, and empowers aspiring and current service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs during National Veterans Small Business Week. Through November 4, SBA and its extensive partner network will celebrate the strength and resilience of the #VetBiz…

Chamber Seeking Applicants for Board Consideration Members interested in being considered for the Chamber board should submit information by Monday. The Board of the Chamber of Commerce is organizing a nominating committee to consider new members. Board members set policy and the strategic direction for the organization. A slate of candidates will be selected by…

Welcome New Member – Compassus The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to welcome as its newest member Compassus, whose Circle of Care now brings to Columbia, Montour & Northumberland counties comfort, safety and quality of life during the transition of life’s journey. Compassus focuses on the person – who they are, how they feel and…

U.S. Chamber Discusses Possible Rail Strike In their Friday Chamber Federation call, the U.S. Chamber discussed the possibility of an impending rail strike, and the costly effect it could have on the U.S. economy. While a tentative agreement had been reached between labor unions and employers in September (pursuant to guidance from a Presidential Emergency…