Chamber Welcomes ALTERA Life to Bloomsburg With Ribbon Cutting

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(L-R): Chamber president Fred Gaffney; ALTERA Life co-owner Shannon Koch; ALTERA Life co-owner Christian Force

The Chamber helped welcome one of its newest members and one of the newest businesses in Bloomsburg to the area on Thursday afternoon, June 21, with a ribbon cutting at ALTERA Life, located at 332 East 2nd St. in the Husky Corners building directly across the street from Bloomsburg Town Hall. Following the ribbon cutting, attendees had an opportunity to check out the facility and programs offered, as well as try some of the tasty, plant-based snacks on hand, which included a fruit bowl, black bean sweet potato cake with avocado, lemon quinoa vegetable salad and more. 

ALTERA Life is a locally-owned nutrition and wellness consulting company that help its clients transition to and maintain healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and physical activity. There is no membership commitment, and clients can participate as often as they choose. For more information on ALTERA Life’s products and services, visit its website or stop by the its facility in downtown Bloomsburg. 

 

Local Nonprofits Gather at Regional Impact Symposium

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On Wednesday, June 6, the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF) hosted an Impact Symposium at Bucknell University.  The goal was to bring together nonprofit partners to identify and evaluated unmet needs, network, learn and collaborate.  The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce director, Jeff Emanuel, was one of the nearly 125 nonprofit participants in the event.  There were representatives from organizations that span the six-county footprint served by CSCF. 

The program began with an introduction and welcome by Holly Morrison, president/CEO of CSCF, and Chamber board member, who introduced John Kurelja, regional impact fund campaign chair. Kurelja shared the story of a widowed mother with 10 kids and asked attendees what they thought happened to these kids as they grew. No one expected the results and the successes these children would have as they became adults.  All of them are successful and that success ranged from Phds, lawyers and executives. Kurelja’s story seemed so personal when he told it, and eventually, the crowd why. He was one of those children. The point was made — with with the right programs to assist families in this region, the sky is the limit for them.

Following Kurleja was the keynote speaker, Brad Ward, director of the community philanthropy with the Council on Foundations.  Ward interacts with hundreds of community foundations and place-based institutions across the country. He has directed, merged and witnessed the impact of community foundations first hand.  “Getting at the heart of nonprofits through community foundations” was the topic of his presentation. By the time he was done, there was no doubt of the sustainable impact and legacy that community foundations offer. 

Once the presentations were wrapped up it was time for the first of two breakout sessions.  The morning session was a county breakout of Columbia and Lower Luzerne Counties, Montour County, Northumberland County, Snyder County and Union County. The groups were tasked with identifying unmet needs in their counties and discussing how these relate to needs being served by the individual organizations. Everyone in the rooms got to learn from one another, and begin to envision how collaboration would benefit each county. 

The afternoon breakout sessions were focused on the program areas of arts and culture; civic and community development; education; health; human services; and youth and recreation. Again, the attendees were asked to speak about needs they are addressing, and identifying unmet needs in their program area. Everyone had the opportunity to offer suggestions of programs they offer that could benefit other organizations, and were again offered the opportunity to envision collaborative efforts. All the organizations have limited resources, but everyone strives to have maximum impact. There was a great deal of discussion about how pooling resources and increasing communication about efforts could increase the positive impacts on those served.  

At the conclusion of the program, Christine Pangelinan, CSCF program officer, shared a unique grant opportunity with those in attendance. Everyone in the room waited to hear the strings that were attached, but they never came.  CSCF’s first unrestricted grant round through the Regional Impact Fund was announced.  This grant round is open to the entire 5 ½ county service area. There are no geographic restrictions within counties for this grant opportunity. Charitable organizations investing in community programs and projects benefiting Lower Luzerne, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union and Snyder Counties are encouraged to apply. This year, the Regional Impact Fund is granting a total of $50,000 through this competitive grant round. Grant requests up to $10,000 are being considered. 

Grant requests must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Thursday, July 12. Grant decisions will be announced in October 2018.

CALL TO ACTION: Wolf Administration Proposes Overtime Eligibility Changes

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From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Employers have the opportunity to provide comment on new rules regarding overtime eligibility standards.  The Governor’s proposed changes are similar to a proposal put forth by former President Obama in 2015 which was widely opposed by the employer community and ultimately struck down by a federal court.

In January 2018, the Wolf administration announced its intent to implement changes to the Commonwealth’s overtime eligibility rules for employees.  The proposal, released this week, would dramatically change overtime eligibility rules imposed on Pennsylvania employers by requiring a wage threshold for “exempt status”  that is more than double the current rate set by the federal government.  The proposed changes further include significant revisions to the so-called “duties tests,” which are also used to determine eligibility.  Finally, the rule establishes an automatic update to the salary threshold every three years beginning in 2023.

When President Obama proposed this rule in 2015, the response from employers was swift and deeply negative, particularly among small businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and the health service industry, among others. Employers not only described significant increases to the cost of providing services or doing businesses, but also the reality that this dramatic change would damage workplace culture and morale, as employers would be forced to shift employees from earning a salary to being paid by the hour. This transition typically requires employees to start clocking in and out, along with more burdensome record-keeping, less flexibility, a rigid work schedule and fewer training opportunities and benefits.

Governor’s Wolf’s proposal has prompted the same concerns; and since it would only apply to Pennsylvania, it would further harm the Commonwealth’s competitiveness in relation to other states.

If you are concerned with the negatives consequences this proposal would have on your business, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Governor Wolf’s proposal is pending with the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, which will accept comments through July 23, after which it will proceed to final rulemaking.  Employers are encouraged to email the commission and offer their feedback on this ill-advised policy.  IRRC is required to review all feedback and has previously taken action against a proposed rule based on the volume and nature of comments it receives.

For more information or questions, contact Alex Halper at 717 720-5471 or email.

Member News – June 20, 2018

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Member News

  • CSS Industries (Berwick Offray) will host another job fair at the Chamber office at 238 Market St., Bloomsburg, tomorrow, June 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CSS has multiple openings, including for full-time, part-time or summer only positions. Visit CSS’ careers site for a list of openings, and for any questions in advance, contact Melissa Burt via email.  

 

  • Community Options, Inc., a provider of residential and employment support to people with disabilities, is seeking individuals interested in serving on a new business advisory committee for Community Options’ Bloomsburg office. Community Options’ mission is to promote the integration of persons with disabilities within the communities in which they reside, enabling them to become viable and contributing neighbors, employees and citizens of the community. The purpose of this committee is to discuss and implement ways to help the organization better integrate into the community and bridge the gap between the community and the individuals it serves. If you may be interested in serving on this committee, or for questions, contact associate executive director David McConaghy at 570-638-6007 or email. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 28 at noon at Community Options’ Bloomsburg office, located at 1117 Old Berwick Rd.

 

  • Danville Borough uses the SwiftReach Swift911 notification system to send out voice messages to inform registered users about borough events such as road closures, utility service interruptions, and emergency situations. If you are currently signed up for SwiftReach notification, please make sure your contact information is up to date. Many people no longer use a land line telephone and may have forgotten to update the system with the cell phone number. The Borough has updated the addresses in the SwiftReach notification system based on the new 911 readdressing project, so now is the perfect time to log into your account and make sure your contact information is correct. Please log into your SwiftReach account by visiting the Danville Borough’s website and clicking on the Swift911 link at the bottom right side of the home page. If you do not currently have an account, you can create one at this same link. If you do not have internet access please contact Donna Murphy, borough receptionist, at 570-275-3901 ext. 0 about registering to receive the notifications.

 

  • Earlier this year, the Bloomsburg Area YMCA accepted a $3,000 grant from YMCA of the USA to offer LIVESTRONG.  LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week program of group fitness classes and strength training programs provided at no cost to adult survivors of cancer.  These sessions have been affirmed through years of evidence to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life as part of the recovery process for survivors.  Last month, Bloomsburg Y CEO Joe Reinard and two directors, Noelle Pinchot and Emily Temple, visited YMCA of the USA in Chicago for a training session to properly launch LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The Bloomsburg Y is looking forward to embracing a new role in the community as a refuge for cancer survivors. The first session will begin at the Y in the fall, with applications available later this summer at the Y. 

 

  • The Bloomsburg Public Library will be holding a “Country Fair” on Saturday, July 14, to help kick off Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Charlotte’s Web, and is looking for a large popcorn machine to use for this event. If you or your organization has one available and would be willing to loan it to the Bloomsburg Public Library to use on this date, please contact Lydia Kegler, library director, at 570-784-0883 or email. The library is also looking for carnival type games that could be set up inside the children’s library or possibly outside in the parking lot. 

 

  • The Bucknell SBDC will host its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast, which will also mark a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bucknell SBDC, on Monday, July 16, from 8-10 a.m. at the Elaine Langone Center’s Terrace Room on the 2nd floor on the Bucknell campus. Business owners, legislators, economic development partners and startup enthusiasts are invited to join the SBDC for breakfast to recognize the entrepreneurs and leaders of the region. Special presentations will include the U.S. Small Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA, the Product Innovator of the Year and the Charles H. Coder Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the Bucknell SBDC’s founding director. Register online or call 570-577-1249.

 

  • Looking to showcase your business to students at Bucknell while also getting some free consulting work? Bucknell is launching a new pre-orientation program, Design-Thinking Leadership (DTL), providing an opportunity for your business to connect with Bucknell’s newest students. Student teams in the DTL program will formulate actionable solutions to real-world problems posed by local business owners. The program, which runs Aug. 10-14, is seeking 4 -5 business owners to speak with students and present a problem or opportunity in their business. During the next two days student teams will conceptualize, research, and refine a solution; and then pitch to the business owner at the end of the program. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business, make lasting connections with students, and benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. If interested in participating in this program as a business owner, submit this Google form, and for questions, contact Bucknell SBDC director Steve Stumbris at 570-577-1249 or email. 

Camp Victory a Haven For Personal Victories

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Photo provided by Camp Victory

From PPL Electric Utilities

On a remote property in a small northeastern Pennsylvania community, some big things are happening for thousands of kids, thanks in part to the PPL Foundation.

It’s a place for young people to experience a wide range of personal victories. The aptly named Camp Victory in Greenwood Township, near Bloomsburg in Columbia County, has hosted nearly 30,000 overnight campers since it opened in 1994. The camp hosts children with any type of health problem or physical or mental disability.

It’s one of many organizations that benefit from the $2 million donated annually to nonprofit groups by the PPL Foundation to improve education, develop future workers and revitalize communities.

Lois and Dennis Wolff — inspired by their son, who was born with a life-threatening liver disease — created the camp and the Nicholas Wolff Foundation in 1986. The Wolffs donated 35 acres of farmland for Camp Victory, which was created as a “special camp for special kids.”

Since then, children from across Pennsylvania, the United States and even the world, have spent weekends and weeks at the camp to meet other children and take part in activities ranging from swimming and fishing and archery to wall climbing, zip lining and arts and crafts.

“It’s very rewarding and wonderful to see the kids come here and get to do all of the wonderful things that they do here,” said Jamie Huntley, the group’s executive director. “They also get to be with other children with whom they develop life-long relationships.”

Since opening, the camp property has expanded to 130 acres and hosts about 1,600 children, ages seven to 17, annually.

Tracie Witter, our regional affairs director in the area, said PPL is proud to be associated with an organization that has touched so many young lives and helped forge relationships among young people.

“Camp Victory has helped so many families and given so many kids an opportunity to have a special time away from home with others who face similar challenges,” Witter said. “Our area is fortunate to have a camp like this that gives these young campers a chance to be independent. It truly is a great program.”

To learn more about Camp Victory, visit its website. 

Note: Camp Victory will host a Chamber Business After Hours on Wednesday, Oct. 24.