Member News ~ January 30, 2025
Geisinger names Jason W. Mitchell, M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer
Following an extensive national search, Geisinger today named Jason W. Mitchell, M.D., its new executive vice president and chief medical officer, effective March 24, 2025. Learn more.
Community Giving Foundation announces new 2025 Board Members
The Community Giving Foundation is pleased to welcome five new members to its regional, Berwick, and Danville boards of directors in 2025. Learn more about the new board members.
Are you a Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau Member?
If you are a member of the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau don't forget to add your events to their online calendar. Get full requirements by reaching out to Jenn Puckett at jpuckett@cmvb.com.
Villager Realty, Inc. Celebrates Agents of the Fourth Quarter for 2024
Villager Realty, Inc. proudly concluded 2024 by announcing the Agents of the Fourth Quarter, recognizing exceptional Realtors® from each office for their achievements and contributions. Find out who the agents where here.
Millville Heating Plumbing Solar receives Accommodation
Congratulations to Millville Heating Plumbing Solar on being awarded a Certificate of Accommodation from the Better Business Bureau in recognition of distinguishing themselves in promoting the mission and principles of the Better Business Bureau by being a stalwart Accredited Business for 10 years.
PATHS offer over 50 training opportunities in February
Get PATHS training calendar here.
Columbia County Shares Training Announcement
There will be the Disaster Mental Health (DMH) Annual Webcast: “Effective Response to Chemical Disasters: Leadership, Communication, and Lessons Learned from East Palestine.” on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 2:00 - 3:30pm, and fulfills HPP Deliverable 5. Registration is open.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union joins businesses in Raising Awareness and Funds for Pediatric Cancer
During Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September, several local businesses, organizations and communities joined together to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and $12,250 in support. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces February Programs
Get the schedule of programs here.
Third Wednesdays at StartUp Danville
Join a community of entrepreneurs at StartUp Danville every Third Wednesday to connect with like-minded business owners, gain valuable insights, and tackle the pressing challenges in your business. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow! Next event: February 19 at 9am at 418 Railroad Street, Danville, PA.
New Healing Therapies membership at Together for Health & Wellness
Together for Health & Wellness is now offering a Healing Therapies Membership, which provides access to our Red Light Therapy, Salt Room, Cold Plunge, and Infrared Sauna. Learn more about the membership.
Save the Date for the 15th Annual ZIPD Conference
The Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD)'s Annual conference will be November 6th and 7th. Watch for future announcements with important participant information and survey links.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Berwick Blueprint Committee Hosting Community Conversation
Join the Berwick Blueprint Committee on February 6th for a Community Conversation on the future of Downtown Berwick. The conversation starts at 5:30 and is being held at the Berwick Theater & Center for Community Arts. Learn more.
Flamenco World Music and Dance Featured at the Weis Center –
Special Rate for HS Spanish Students
The Weis Center’s spring season kicks off with Pablo Giménez Spanish Ensemble on Friday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. Learn More about the Special rate for high school Spanish students.
Bloomsburg ArtFest Announced, Applications Live
The seventeenth ArtFest will occur on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ArtFest showcases regional artists' original work, accompanied by local food, live music, and activities. More details here. Read the call for entries.
Community Giving Foundation 2025 Grant round Open Through February 28
Community Giving Foundation will launch a simplified and shortened grant application in 2025 to make the process more efficient and effective for everyone. The application period for the 2025 grant round opened on January 2, 2025, and will close on February 28, 2025. Please visit the Foundation's grant website for more information.
New Resource For State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies. Check it out here.
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
New Member Highlight – Eco 1st Logistics
Eco 1st Logistics, LLC is a forward-thinking waste management company located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2022, Eco 1st Logistics is dedicated to providing cost-effective and reliable waste management solutions with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Our success is driven by our focus on customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. We have streamlined our operations to deliver cost conscious, prompt and dependable services, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our clients while minimizing our environmental impact. This dedication to excellence has earned us the trust of our community and established us as an industry leader.
Eco 1st Logistics offers a wide range of services, including dumpster rentals, commercial trash services, residential trash pick-ups, and cleanouts. We serve Bloomsburg, Berwick, Catawissa, Nescopeck, Danville, and surrounding areas, catering to the diverse needs of both residential and commercial clients.
With a steadfast commitment to reducing the community's waste footprint, Eco 1st Logistics provides weekly residential trash pick-ups, roll-off container rentals, and commercial services. Our team of dedicated professionals leverages extensive experience in logistics, operations, service, and quality to ensure efficient operations.
President’s Message: Dramatic Sips and Award Nominees
by Chris Berleth, President
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Last Friday evening, I sat down to dinner with my wife and sons, eager to tell them a story about a conversation held earlier that morning. As my carnivorous and fast-growing sons filled their mouths with the delicious meal, I recounted the story.
“We had a great conversation at the Awards Committee meeting this morning. Harry Mathias and Tim Wagner were passionately discussing the Chamber’s mission. They were talking about how important it is that the Chamber shine a spotlight on great businesses, praise strong leadership, and call attention to what these folks are doing to lift up the community. It was really cool to hear volunteers discuss our Chamber’s culture and what we stand for.” My six-year-old, Rutledge, looked up inquisitively and with a small mouthful said, “Daddy, what does the Chamber stand for?”, as if people somewhere were standing because I had told them to.
I said, “Buddy, when I say we stand for something, I’m saying that we’re telling the world, ‘This business or person is good, look at them! They’re important.’ So, our job at the Chamber is to point out to the community the very good things that are happening in our business community that often get missed by the rest of our community.”
At this, I lifted my glass halfway to my lips, and said, “And the businesses nominated for awards are amazing businesses” before taking a sip.
No sooner had my lips touched my glass, than my nine-year-old (Remy), who up to this point had been quiet, jumped up from his seat, pointed straight at me and yelled, “DRAMATIC SIP! DRAMATIC SIP!”
A giggling fit erupted around me, and my wife, loudest giggler and them all, laughed even louder at my quizzical look. Matter-of-factly, Remy explained, “Daddy, anytime you make an important point, you raise your glass halfway, end your story with a serious sentence, and then take a sip. We call it your “dramatic sips”. Now, we’ve caught you in it. Just wait ‘til you realize how much you do it!”
Cheeky bugger.
As it turns out, my family has been planning an intervention on this, going so far as to conspire with the rest of the Chamber staff to catch me red-handed on my flare for the dramatic in my storytelling. Glutton for punishment, I’m telling you now, so that you can imagine that it’s about to happen again.
Thanks to a very positive response from the Chamber membership and our Awards Committee’s efforts to objectively review the nominations, I’m pleased to announce that the nominees for the Chamber’s annual awards are as follows:
Large Business of the Year:
Dillon Floral
First Keystone Community Bank
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Small Business of the Year:
Boulder Landscape
Lylo Jewelers
ServPRO of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties
Sean Black Insurance- State Farm
Troop 47 Trading Co.
Nonprofit of the Year:
Berwick Area United Way
The Good Samaritan Mission
Community Progress Award:
Outta Boundz
Comfort Suites - Bloomsburg
Outstanding Citizen Award:
Rich Kisner, Community Strategies Group
Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu, Community Giving Foundation
These businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are to be commended for their efforts to make our amazing community a better place to live, work, and play.
To celebrate their accomplishments and commend them as the awardees are announced…
[Raises glass halfway to lips]
…join us at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on February 26, 2025 at Frosty Valley in Danville.
[Sip]
PA Chamber of Business and Industry reviews Executive Orders
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
President Donald Trump signed dozens of executive actions during his first week in office, setting a wide-ranging policy agenda aimed at boosting U.S. economic growth and reshaping regulations. The measures, which include initiatives on energy, trade, and government restructuring, are expected to have significant implications for businesses in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
Energy Expansion an Early Focus
Trump declared a “national energy emergency” and issued orders to expedite drilling permits on federal lands, expand natural gas production, and revive projects like the Keystone XL pipeline. These actions, the administration says, will create jobs and lower energy costs while strengthening energy independence. Pennsylvania, the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer, is well-positioned to benefit from greater development opportunities.
Trade Policies to Impact U.S. Industry
The president also threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on goods from Mexico and Canada, beginning February 1, and hinted at similar actions targeting Chinese imports. He also signed an order to establish an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs and duties, aiming to redirect foreign trade revenues into the U.S. economy.
Government Efficiency Overhaul
Trump reinstated a federal hiring freeze and signed an order creating the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to modernize federal operations and streamline bureaucracy. The initiative is designed to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses and improve government services.
Regulatory Rollbacks Begin
In a sweeping rollback of Biden-era policies, Trump rescinded 78 executive orders related to environmental protections and workplace diversity initiatives. The administration says these changes will lower compliance costs and foster a more business-friendly environment.
The PA Chamber will keep members informed of key federal policy developments as the new administration gets underway.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Mastering Emotional Agility: A Vital Leadership Skill for Modern Workplaces
Why it matters: Leaders equipped with emotional agility can adapt to challenges, manage stress, and foster stronger team dynamics. In today’s fast-paced workplace, emotional agility isn’t just a "soft skill"—it’s a critical leadership tool.
Key takeaway: Cultivating emotional agility involves acknowledging emotions without being controlled by them, aligning actions with values, and creating a culture of openness and resilience.
540 words ~ 2.5 min.
In today’s dynamic and often unpredictable business environment, leaders face a barrage of challenges—tight deadlines, economic uncertainty, and team complexities, to name a few. While technical expertise and strategic thinking remain critical, emotional agility is emerging as the cornerstone of effective leadership. This ability to manage emotions and adapt thoughtfully to changing circumstances is what separates reactive leaders from truly impactful ones.
Why Emotional Agility Matters
Coined by psychologist Susan David, emotional agility is defined as the capacity to acknowledge and understand your emotions, then respond to them in a way that aligns with your values and goals. For leaders, this means navigating emotional challenges without letting stress or negativity cloud their judgment.
When leaders demonstrate emotional agility, they:
- Build trust: Teams are more likely to rally behind leaders who show empathy and emotional balance during difficult times.
- Make better decisions: Regulating emotions allows leaders to stay focused and think critically, even under pressure.
- Inspire resilience: Teams often mirror the emotional tone set by their leader. Emotionally agile leaders cultivate an atmosphere of calm and confidence, encouraging their teams to persevere through challenges.
In contrast, leaders who struggle with emotional awareness risk alienating their teams or making impulsive decisions that derail progress.
Actionable Tips to Develop Emotional Agility
- Pause and Reflect
When faced with a challenge, resist the urge to react immediately. Take a moment to reflect on what you’re feeling and why. Naming emotions — whether it’s frustration, anxiety, or disappointment — can help diffuse their intensity. Journaling or talking to a trusted colleague can also provide clarity. - Focus on Your Values
Emotional agility isn’t about suppressing feelings; it’s about ensuring your actions align with your values. Ask yourself, “What outcome do I want from this situation?” and “How can I respond in a way that reflects my integrity and leadership goals?” - Practice Self-Compassion
Leaders often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, which can fuel self-doubt and burnout. Emotional agility requires treating yourself with kindness, acknowledging missteps without judgment, and committing to growth. - Create a Safe Emotional Space for Your Team
Foster a workplace culture where team members feel safe to express their emotions. This doesn’t mean tolerating unprofessional behavior, but rather encouraging honest conversations and providing support during tough times. - Invest in Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional agility goes hand in hand with emotional intelligence. Strengthen your EQ by actively listening to others, empathizing with their perspectives, and managing conflict constructively.
The Payoff for Leaders and Teams
Developing emotional agility isn’t just about personal growth — it’s a strategic advantage. Leaders who can navigate their emotions effectively create a ripple effect across their organizations. Teams feel more supported, morale improves, and productivity rises.
Research has shown that leaders with high emotional intelligence directly contribute to better employee engagement and performance. The same principle applies to emotional agility: when leaders model emotional resilience and adaptability, their teams are more likely to do the same.
In a world where change is constant, the ability to lead with emotional clarity and compassion is non-negotiable. By prioritizing emotional agility, leaders can inspire trust, drive innovation, and guide their teams through uncertainty with purpose and confidence.
Further Reading
The Science of Emotional Agility – Harvard Business Review
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters at Work – Forbes
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
1/27/25 Corporate Transparency Act Update
What's Current (As of 1/27/2025)
Summary: As of January 27, 2025, business ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act remain voluntary. Why? There is still a Business Ownership Information injunction in place. While the Supreme Court of the United States lifted an injunction in the Texas Top Cop Shop case last week, a second injunction, from the Samantha Smith case is keeping an injunction in place. Filing BOI reporting is voluntary until legal challenges are concluded.
The statement from FInCen says this:
“On January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court granted the government’s motion to stay a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge in Texas (Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry—formerly, Texas Top Cop Shop v. Garland). As a separate nationwide order issued by a different federal judge in Texas (Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury) still remains in place, reporting companies are not currently required to file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN despite the Supreme Court’s action in Texas Top Cop Shop. Reporting companies also are not subject to liability if they fail to file this information while the Smith order remains in force. However, reporting companies may continue to voluntarily submit beneficial ownership information reports.”
If you've been trying to follow this, then you know that it's been messy, but up-to-date information on this compliance issue is important for your business, and your Chamber is working to ensure you stay informed. Under the original rule, failure to comply with the reporting requirements meant that a business could be fined up to $591 per day for each person at the company who should have filed an accurate report. Penalties could also increase if the failure to report is linked to other criminal activities or the violation is ongoing.
Original Overview of Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements Under the CTA
Here's the original information that we distributed about the CTA:
Beginning January 1, 2024, the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires certain types of entities to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the United States Department of Treasury.
Each “reporting company” must file a BOI report with FinCEN. As the CTA defines, a “reporting company” is a corporation, limited liability company, or other similar entity created or registered to do business in the U.S. by filing a document with a secretary of state (or comparable office).
The CTA contains other important definitions; lists certain exemptions; specifies reportable information; and imposes both civil and criminal penalties for violations of the reporting requirements. The beneficial ownership information required by the CTA should only be submitted directly to FinCEN through its online Beneficial Ownership Secure System (BOSS).
To protect your privacy and avoid delays in processing documents submitted to this office, you should not include beneficial ownership information when forming or registering an entity to transact business in this state.
For additional information, please review the FinCEN resources listed below.
If you need further assistance understanding the CTA reporting requirements, you may wish to consult with a private attorney.
This overview and the resources provided are for general informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
FinCEN continues to be the best resource for up-to-date information about complying with the Corporate Transparency Act and its reporting requirements.
New Member Highlight – Direkt Recovery
Direkt Recovery is located just off Interstate 80 in Bloomsburg, PA. We accept all types and volumes of scrap metals – including old machines, appliances, equipment, and anything else metal! We operate shear cranes, magnets, material handlers, wire strippers, and balers to ensure your material is optimally processed, providing you with the highest payout possible. Our goal is to make scrapping as easy as possible. Our team works hard to keep our yard clean and dry all year long, allowing you to get in and out quickly so you can get on with your day. Our guiding principle has always been to treat others how we want to be treated. This means being a scrap metal provider you can trust and always striving to make your scrapping experience a positive one.
Member News ~ January 23, 2025
Berwick Blueprint Committee Hosting Community Conversation
Join the Berwick Blueprint Committee on February 6th for a Community Conversation on the future of Downtown Berwick. The conversation starts at 5:30 and is being held at the Berwick Theater & Center for Community Arts. Learn more.
ServPro’s Top 5 Tips for Cold Weather
When freezing temperatures hit, it’s important to act quickly to prevent damage and know what steps to take if pipes freeze. Get tips here and don't forget to connect with SERVPRO to learn more about their Emergency Response Plans, which can help businesses take proactive steps to ensure speedy responses and save valuable time and money when the unexpected happens.
Service 1st Donates $220K to 55 Local Charities
Service 1st Federal Credit Union presented 55 non-profits across the region with donations just in time for the holidays, as part of its Magic of the Season initiative. Learn more.
Higher Information Group Launcher New Division
HIG recently announced that we've launched a Technology & Advisory Consulting Division to help clients simplify complex tech challenges and make informed decisions. Learn more.
The Women's Center hosting Cell Phone Drive in January
The Women's Center, Inc. is hosting a cell phone drive for the month of January in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month! All viable 911 cell phones will be distributed to victims of domestic/sexual violence. Broken or outdated cell phones will be recycled through SmartPhoneRecycling for a cash donation back to The Women's Center. Find drop off box locations here.
Does your small business need a website?
Bucknell students will create websites for local businesses and organizations this coming semester as a part of their Marketing and Design course. This web design project will provide them a hands-on learning experience while also benefiting local organizations. Websites will be free of charge, with preference given to those with a greater need for a free solution. Apply by January 30th.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Welcomes 2025 Board
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is proud to announce the election of its 2025 Board Officers, a group of dedicated community leaders who will guide the Museum’s mission to inspire, enrich, and engage children and families through education, play, and exploration. Learn more.
Flamenco World Music and Dance Featured at the Weis Center –
Special Rate for HS Spanish Students
The Weis Center’s spring season kicks off with Pablo Giménez Spanish Ensemble on Friday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. Learn More about the Special rate for high school Spanish students.
Shatter the Stigma: Supporting Recovery in the Workplace Virtual Series
This free virtual series provides practical tools and information to reduce the stigma around recovery, prevent terminations for treatable instances of subsequent use, and support your team no matter where you’re starting from. Get details about the series, schedule, and registration at: https://ctsi.psu.edu/echo/topics/#topic-shatterthestigmasupportingrecoveryintheworkplace
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Join Bloomsburg YMCA for PA Broadband Development Authority
You are cordially invited to attend an event on January 29 announcing the presentation of a state Digital Technology Grant to the Bloomsburg Area YMCA (BAY). PA Broadband Development Authority Executive Director Brandon Carson and Bloomsburg Area YMCA CEO Wayne Stump will host the event acknowledging the award of 20 laptops to the YMCA. Please join the presentation at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA located at 30 E. 7th St., Bloomsburg, starting at 1 PM. The BAY is the location of this statewide announcement for this region. RSVP via email to Emily Corbin at ecorbin@bloomsburgy.org. and include the number of attendees.
Bloomsburg ArtFest Announced, Applications Live
The seventeenth ArtFest will occur on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ArtFest showcases regional artists' original work, accompanied by local food, live music, and activities. More details here. Read the call for entries.
Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)
On December 26, 2024, a second panel from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstituted the nationwide injunction on the CTA BOI, halting its enforcement. Learn more.
Community Giving Foundation 2025 Grant round Open Through February 28
Community Giving Foundation will launch a simplified and shortened grant application in 2025 to make the process more efficient and effective for everyone. The application period for the 2025 grant round opened on January 2, 2025, and will close on February 28, 2025. Please visit the Foundation's grant website for more information.
New Resource For State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies. Check it out here.
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
Navigating Business Challenges in 2025: Tax Changes, Reporting Requirements, and What You Need to Know
Source: McKonly & Asbury
The path businesses have been forced to take over these past few years has been anything but predictable. There have been detours to nowhere, road closures, gridlock, sudden mirages of smooth sailing – and the occasional sinkhole. It’s been nothing short of a mix between National Lampoon’s Vacation and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
I would love to tell you that the end is near. If I did that, I’d be lying. What businesses are facing right now is another year of (at least potential) changes, both from an income tax standpoint and a general business reporting standpoint.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
First up is the elephant in the room: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which largely took effect in 2018 and is set to have its individual income tax provisions expire. This includes lower rates overall, larger rate brackets, an increased standard deduction, elimination of personal exemptions, the QBI deduction, the SALT cap, and an increased estate tax exemption (among other things). These items are all set to expire at the end of 2025. With the exception of the SALT cap and the personal exemptions, each would increase your tax liability.
What should be done isn’t terribly complicated. It’s how to get it done that is the issue. Even with a single party-controlled government, there are safeguards in place to prevent perpetual material increases in the budget deficit which requires 60 votes to pass. No party holds 60 votes, so there will have to be some serious bargaining going on, along with some serious spending cuts – the details of which are anyone’s guess.
Financial Crimes Network BOI Reporting
Second is required reporting. The Financial Crimes Network BOI (Beneficial Ownership Information) reporting is currently on hold but could come back at a moment’s notice. If businesses haven’t filed already, it’s important to understand the requirements, as the penalties are pretty hefty.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Required Reporting
Part 2a on the required reporting front is mandated business reporting by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beginning in 2025, all businesses and organizations doing business in Pennsylvania are required to submit an annual report, which must include the following:
- Business name
- Jurisdiction of formation
- Registered office address
- Principal office address
- Name of at least one governor (director, member, partner, etc., depending on type of association)
- Names and titles of the principal officers, if any
- Entity number issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State
The fee for the new Annual Report is $7 for business corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), and limited liability general partnerships (LLPs), with a $0 fee for nonprofit corporations and any LPs or LLCs with a not-for-profit purpose.
The first deadline to file is June 30th – which will be here before you know it.
Tariffs
Now’s the part where we get to the complete unknown – the biggest headline of which is Tariffs. The idea (at least what’s been floated publicly) is that Tariffs will serve to fill funding gaps in the budget. When you dig a little bit into how Tariffs work, it’s difficult to see how this would work. Nonetheless, it’s another potential change point in our economy.
So, buckle up because as Heraclitus always said, “The only constant is change…” or something to that effect.
Stay ahead of the curve in 2025! Make sure your business is prepared for upcoming tax changes and new reporting requirements. Review your filing obligations today and consult with a professional to ensure you’re fully compliant. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have thoughts or questions about the information outlined above; our seasoned and experienced tax professionals are always here to help. You can also learn more on our Tax services page.
The post Navigating Business Challenges in 2025: Tax Changes, Reporting Requirements, and What You Need to Know appeared first on McKonly & Asbury.
Bipartisan PA Competitiveness Caucus Launched to Boost State’s Economy
Source: PA Chamber for Business and Industry
In an encouraging show of bipartisan cooperation, Pennsylvania lawmakers last week announced the formation of the Pennsylvania Competitiveness Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral group focused on strengthening the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. The caucus aims to pursue public policy that will help attract investment, retain businesses, and reverse population decline.
Led by state Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), and Reps. Paul Friel (D-Chester) and Josh Kail (R-Beaver), the caucus seeks to foster collaboration between parties and chambers to advance pro-growth policies and ensure Pennsylvania’s economy remains vibrant and dynamic.
PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein applauded the formation of the caucus, calling it a critical step toward achieving a more competitive economic landscape.
“This new caucus is exactly the kind of bold, bipartisan leadership our state needs,” Bernstein said. “Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are serious about making Pennsylvania a top destination for jobs and investment. We’re encouraged by the creation of this caucus and look forward to working with its members to make Pennsylvania more competitive.”
Lawmakers Highlight Key Goals
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill:
“Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, we are united in our belief that making Pennsylvania more economically competitive through the advancement of pro-growth policies will benefit working-class families, reverse our stagnant population growth, and ensure our commonwealth is an attractive place to live, work and raise a family for generations to come.”
Sen. Lisa Boscola:
“The most recent budget was a giant step forward in making Pennsylvania more competitive today and building the workforce of tomorrow. We need to keep the momentum going, and that takes both parties and both chambers working together to create common-sense policies that help our businesses thrive and create family-sustaining jobs.”
Rep. Paul Friel:
“Our Competitiveness Caucus recognizes the enormous potential of Pennsylvania to be a global leader in industry, technology, and innovation. We are dedicated to developing legislative approaches that strengthen our families, our businesses, and our commonwealth.”
Rep. Josh Kail:
“The time to unleash Pennsylvania’s potential as an economic powerhouse is now. I am grateful for the opportunity to co-chair the bipartisan, bicameral Competitiveness Caucus, and look forward to collaborating on actionable policies that will spur prosperity in Pennsylvania.”
Looking Ahead
The caucus will hold its inaugural press conference on Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Main Capitol Rotunda to outline its priorities and goals for the legislative session. Following the press conference, members will convene for their first caucus meeting.
For more updates on the PA Chamber’s efforts to improve Pennsylvania’s business climate, visit our advocacy page at www.pachamber.org/advocacy and register to attend the Columbia Montour Chamber's Legislative Luncheon on February 6th where we will hear from Luke Bernstein, PA Chamber of Business and Industry President/CEO.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.