New Member Benefit Program Could Increase Profitability

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Chamber members now have access to a group-buying option for processing credit and debit cards.

This new member benefit program is with Ignite Payments – Preferred Client Group. Ignite Payments is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Data Corp, one of the largest credit card processors in the U.S. Pennsylvania-based customer service specialists are available to help members understand new EMV “smart chip” and other requirements.

There are no set up fees, hidden charges, or termination fees. Participants do not need to change their financial institutions for deposits or other banking services. Existing equipment can often be reprogrammed.

Before the holiday rush, call Ignite Payments – Preferred Client Group at 877-470-8472 for program details to see if this new program can increase your profitability!

Ribbon Cutting for New Pet Store in Bloomsburg

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The Chamber is welcoming PetValu to its new location at the Dillon Center, 1009 Scott Town Center in Bloomsburg on Saturday, October 24. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. and will continue throughout the day with sales, free refreshments for pets and their owners, face painting, prizes and more. Pets that arrive in their Halloween costumes from noon – 3 p.m. will be entered to win a Greenies Prize Pack. For more information and coupons click here.

Candidates Provide Views on Business Issues

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The six candidates who will be on the ballot for Bloomsburg Town Council in the November 3rd general election answered a series of questions related to business and other issues on Wednesday, October 7th. The Candidate Forum, sponsored by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and Visitors Bureau, was held at the Bloomsburg High School Auditorium.

The questions focused on a wide range of topics including the Town’s business climate, parking, the growth of Bloomsburg University, flood protection, and more. Questions were developed by the Governmental Affairs Committee as well as accepted from the audience. Audio from the event is available here. The first question is answered by Joe Martarano, followed by Fred Trump, Chuck Wagner, Eric Bower, Jim Huber, and Diane Levan. The second question was answered first by Mr. Trump, with the same subsequent order, and so on.

Prior to the Spring primary, the Committee submitted a series of questions to the candidates for Commissioner in both Columbia and Montour County. The responses from those candidates who are on the Fall ballot are also available.

Columbia County Commissioner candidate responses here.

Montour County Commissioner candidate responses here.

Bloomsburg Town Council candidates address business owners

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Candidate Forum: The six  on the ballot for Bloomsburg Town Council in the November 3rd general election answered a series of questions related to business and other issues during a candidate forum on Wednesday, October 7th. The event, sponsored by the Joint Governmental Affairs Committee of the Chamber and Visitors Bureau, was held at the Bloomsburg High School Auditorium. Fred Gaffney, Chamber President, moderated the forum.

Questions were developed by the Committee as well as accepted from the audience. Topics included: the Town’s business climate, parking, the growth of Bloomsburg University, and flood protection.

Click here for audio.

Member Spotlight

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BigHeartPetLogoThe Big Heart Pet Brands facility started with the Hunts Company in 1963.  It was purchased by Campbell’s Soup, then Heinz. In the early 2000s it was then purchased by DelMonte. In 2013, DelMonte split the fruit and vegetable business from the pet food business and they became Big Heart Pet Brands.  This year they were purchased by The J.M. Smucker Company.

Big Heart Pet Brands manufactures and distributes wet and dry dog and cat food under labels such as 9Lives, Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘n Bits, Skippy, Gravy Train, Natural Balance and Nature’s Recipe.

Big Heart Pet Brands is active in the community by serving on boards at Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg Enactus, United Water Customer Advisory Council, Agape, and North Shore Railroad.  They have active members in various dog and cat rescues – Fabulous Felines, PA Pets Feral Program, Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute, Therapy Dog International, and CART. Other employees are active responders for the various emergency response organizations including the Bloomsburg Fire Department, Berwick Fire Department, Espy Fire Department, Lime Ridge Fire Department, and Bloomsburg Ambulance. Big Heart Pet Brands employees are soccer coaches, scout leaders, etc. They also participate in various fundraisers such as research for Cancer and Alzheimer’s, Toys for Tots, and Veterans Programs.

Big Heart Pet Brands is proud of their facility and the employees who work there. They look forward to continuing to be a prominent employer in a great area like Bloomsburg.

For more information visit www.bigheartpet.com.

The subject of each month’s Member Spotlight is selected from attendees of Chamber events.