Member News ~ April 10, 2025
PA Careerlink Hosting Unemployment Compensation Seminar
Get an overview of claims and determination process, as well as appeal rights at the PA Careerlink's in person Seminar on April 30th. The seminar will be held at The Careerlink's 421 Central Rd., Bloomsburg location from 3:30 - 4:30. Learn how to register for this free seminar here.
Service 1st Announces Johnson as Chief Lending Officer
Service 1st Federal Credit Union recently announced the promotion of Brett Johnson to Chief Lending Officer. Learn more.
Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate's Shannon Trivett Earns Designation
Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate proudly announces that Shannon Trivett has been awarded the Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). Learn more.
Direkt Recovery Bloomsburg Overhauling Scale
Direkt Recovery will be temporarily closing from May 1st - May 5th for a scheduled scale overhaul. During this time they will be open by appointment only to accommodate customers. Call (570) 380-1317 to schedule an appointment.
SEDA-COG MPO to host Public Meeting ON Electric Vehicles
The SEDA-Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization (SEDA-COG MPO) is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to sponsor an Electric Vehicle (EV) Community Charging Station public meeting. The event will happen May 8 from 1 - 3 at the Shamokin-Coal Township Library, 210 E. Independence St. Shamokin. Event free, registration requested: https://bit.ly/scevreg.
Individual Chamber Member Announces Candidacy for Mayor
Mark Gardner, an individual Chamber member, and a 25-year resident of Bloomsburg, has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Bloomsburg. Read his full press release here.
The Women's Center Sponsors Mother's Day Tea and Father's Day Celebration
Learn More here about the Mother's Day Tea and the Father's Day Celebration.
Registration is Open for Camps at Camp Victory
Camper Registration is now open, and Camp Victory and its partner camps are looking for campers to register for a summer full of unforgettable experiences. Visit campvictory.org/partnergroups for registration information about each camp.
Patsy Cline Musical Saunters onto BTE Mainstage
The biographical musical A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline will run on the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Mainstage from May 1st through 4th. Learn more.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Berwick YMCA offers Financial Foundations Workshop
The Good Neighbor Project is proud to offer its Financial Foundations workshop on Wednesday, April 30th, from 6pm – 7pm at the Berwick YMCA. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the basics of budgeting, setting financial goals, and how to properly use credit. If you’re interested in attending, you must contact the Berwick YMCA at (570) 752-5981.
Danville's 39th Spring Fling
The festivities take place on Mill St. from Rt. 11 to Front St.; Lower Mulberry to Ferry St.; and a portion of East and West Mahoning Streets and East and West Market Streets. Saturday, May 3rd from 9am to 4pm. Learn More
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Hosts 9th Annual High School Art Show
The Bloomsburg Children’s Art Museum proudly hosted the opening reception for its highly anticipated 9th Annual High School Art Show on Friday, March 28, 2025, showcasing the incredible creativity and talent of young artists in the community. The work will be on display at the museum until April 19, 2025. To read the full article, click here.
Grammy Award-Winning Blues Artist Concludes Weis Center’s Spring Season
The Weis Center will end its spring 2025 season with Grammy Award-winning blues artist Ruthie Foster on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces April Programs
Click Here for more information.
Sean Black State Farm Insurance hosts photo contest
This year's categories are People, Nature, Places, and Miscellaneous. Limit one entry per category. For more information and to submit your photos reach out to stephanie@insureberwick.com by May 16 at 8 p.m. to be considered!
Senator Lynda Culver hosts Free License Plate Exchange
Visit the Montour Township Police Department on April 11th from 11am-1pm to receive a new license plate. All paperwork and services are 100% free. Learn More
Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Day of Action is back!
On April 25, more than 390 volunteers will roll up their sleeves to support 36 Funded Partners and other local nonprofits—bringing practical, hands-on help to meet real needs in our communities. To learn more, click here.
YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS - Take the Creative Workforce Survey from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Their goal is to better understand the people and jobs that comprise Pennsylvania's creative workforce and creative industries. The survey is anonymous and does not include any questions that involve personally identifying information. Take the survey here.
VOTE NOW- Knoebels Nominated for 3 Awards
USA Today's "10 BEST" Readers' Choice Awards is open NOW! Click here to vote for Knoebels.
- Best Theme Park
- Best Restaurant
- Best Roller Coaster
SBDC Hosts 'Starting A Small Business' Seminar
For more information, click here.
Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive is happening now
Join the Bloomsburg Rotary in their annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive. Find a drop-off location here. The drive runs now through April 18th. They have a goal of collecting 2,025 pounds of peanut butter and jelly! Monetary donations can be made to the club to purchase PNB and Jelly by mailing contributions to P.O. Box 842, Bloomsburg,PA,17815
Women's Giving Circle will hold next "On the Bright Side" April 17th
Join the Women's Giving Circle on April 17th at noon for our next "On the Bright Side" virtual session. Led by presenters Cynthia Schroll and Sally Meyer, both avid gardeners and members of the Fishing Creek Herb Guild, we'll look at the many benefits of including native plants and herbs in your gardening plans for this season. Register here.
Bloomsburg ArtFest Deadline May 2
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.
President’s Message: Travel with Your Chamber
In our recent Chamber member survey, we asked, “What’s your favorite part of your Chamber membership?” The answer was overwhelmingly one-sided: respondents said, “Naisc ghnó”.
Well, sort of.
“Naisc ghnó” is the Irish-gaelic translation of the answer we got, which is “connections”, and now you’re probably wondering, “Chris, why are you speaking Gaelic?”
I’m excited to share that the Chamber is taking a little trip to Ireland in March of 2026, and you’re invited!
For several years, we’ve heard that Chambers across Pennsylvania offer their communities an opportunity to travel internationally via Chamber facilitated group trips. We did a little research, and we were surprised to find that there isn’t anything like that nearby. So here’s the plan:
With our partner and newest Chamber member, Collette (of Wheel of Fortune fame), which is a family-owned business that’s been offering 100 years of travel excursions, the Columbia Montour Chamber will host a 10-day trip called “Shades of Ireland” from March 16 to March 25, 2026. We’re pulling out all the stops to make this trip affordable, convenient, fun, and engaging for any community member.
Our itinerary includes thirteen meals, four-star hotels (and a castle or two), and a healthy mix of expert-led tours and opportunities to adventure on one’s own across the incredible sights – Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, Waterford and the Crystal Factory, the Blarney Stone, the Cliffs of Moher, and Limeric, to name a few. We’re proud to help make traveling easy, departing as a group from Bloomsburg to Newark, and across the Atlantic, providing informational sessions, and giving you a chance to make new friends, or travel with “seanchairde” (old friends). We expect unparalleled sightseeing, comfortable on-tour transportation, and hotel-to-hotel baggage handling,.
To learn more about our “Shades of Ireland” trip, check out our website, or sign up for a June 11 informational meeting where we’ll go over all of the details. Adventurers need not be members of the Chamber to travel with us, and all are invited to learn more.
Financial Literacy in the Susquehanna Valley: Empowering Students Through Real-World Learning
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber is proud to partner with Journey Bank to launch Financial Literacy in the Susquehanna Valley, a new program designed to equip students with essential personal finance skills. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation for financial independence and long-term success.
Through a collaboration with Brighter Financial Futures, the program brings the Personal Finance Lab simulation into classrooms across the Columbia Montour region. The interactive platform allows students to manage virtual budgets, make investment decisions, and experience real-world financial scenarios—giving them the opportunity to apply financial concepts through practical, engaging simulations that translate into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that help prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
With Journey Bank’s generous sponsorship, area schools can access this valuable tool at no cost by enrolling in the program—helping more students gain essential financial skills through high-quality, real-world learning.
Financial Literacy in the Susquehanna Valley is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to connect education with opportunity, helping students develop the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about money, careers, and their future.
Tariff Survey: Tell Us the Good, the Bad, the Certain, and the Uncertain
Your Chamber is committed to representing your interests as we continue to advocate at the local, county, state, and federal level. Recently, members of our federal delegation sought input from the Chamber about the real-time impacts of trade policy, including tariffs, and asked what we know. While we have shared several anecdotes (with both pain points and positive experiences), we’d love for your feedback to serve as real data. We want to know it all – good, bad, indifferent, and uncertain.
Please consider taking a moment to complete this 10-question survey. We hope to hear from all of our members and their various industries, and invite you to also share additional details via email if they do not fit in the comments section of the survey itself.
Examples of helpful recent comments include those by a local supply house, who shared a website they’d set up to keep customers apprised of anticipated cost increases. Another member shared about the specific types of goods that are being impacted in their storefront, compared to others. A wood-products manufacturer shared about an uptick in sales for their American-made product line. Comments like these help us paint a more complete picture.
Thanks for your consideration!
Recognition is Free—But It Might Be the Most Valuable Investment You Make
- Employee recognition costs nothing, but delivers massive returns.
Specific, timely praise boosts morale, retention, and productivity.
A consistent habit of appreciation builds a resilient, loyal culture.
Small acts of recognition create big business impact.
Leaders set the tone—start with one shout-out a day.
579 words ~ 3 min. read
What if one small leadership habit could boost morale, cut turnover, and increase productivity—without spending a single dollar?
For small businesses competing with larger companies offering higher pay and flashier perks, recognition can be the great equalizer. It’s free, immediate, and incredibly effective.
Why It Works
Employees crave meaning just as much as money. According to Gallup, only one in three workers strongly agree they received recognition in the last week. Yet those who do are more productive, more loyal, and less likely to burn out.
As Richard Branson famously said, “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
What Meaningful Recognition Looks Like
To make recognition effective, use the S.A.T. Method:
Specific: Don’t just say “great job.” Say “thank you for staying late to help that customer—you really went above and beyond.”
Authentic: Be genuine. Praise should come from a place of real appreciation, not obligation.
Timely: Deliver it close to the moment. Recognition loses power when it’s delayed.
The Cultural Multiplier
Recognition sets the tone for a culture of positivity and respect. When leaders model appreciation, others follow. This creates a ripple effect that lifts morale across the organization.
Recognition reinforces the behaviors and values you want to see more of—whether that’s teamwork, customer care, or problem-solving. Over time, this reinforcement becomes part of your business DNA.
Quick Wins for Busy Leaders
No time? No problem. Here are a few fast, high-impact ways to make recognition a regular habit without overhauling your schedule:
Start every team meeting with one shout-out: Kick off meetings by highlighting a recent win or effort by a team member. It sets a positive tone and encourages others to recognize good work, too.
End your day with one thank-you message: Before you log off or head out, take two minutes to send a quick thank-you email or Slack message to someone who made an impact that day. It’s a small gesture with lasting effects.
Post a “Win of the Week” on your team board: Dedicate a visible space—physical or digital—to spotlight one achievement each week. Rotate who gets featured and make sure it's tied to your values or goals.
Create a rotating “Peer Recognition” award: Empower your team to recognize each other by passing along a fun, informal award each week—like a baton, badge, or symbolic trophy. It builds community and encourages peer-to-peer appreciation.
These simple actions don’t require a budget—just intention. And the more consistently you practice them, the more embedded recognition becomes in your culture.
Build the Habit
It’s not about doing more. It’s about noticing more. Start with one authentic piece of recognition each day. Over time, you’ll notice the shift—not just in morale, but in performance, collaboration, and loyalty.
Recognition is a leadership practice, not a perk. It tells your people: You matter. I see you. Keep going.
Further Reading:
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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.
Understanding Leadership Styles: Which One Aligns With You?
Source: McKonly & Asbury
Leadership Styles Aren’t Prescriptions
There’s a chance that your company prefers a certain type of leadership style, for example, an acquaintance recently sat through training at their company around the approach of servant leadership. However, you’ll find that you cannot expect someone to perform successfully without giving thought or consideration to their own strengths, weaknesses, and individual dispositions—this speaks to role “fit,” which we will talk about shortly.
This is not to say managers (for example) can’t be taught or ever adapt to new styles of leadership; many who do can be very successful. But it cannot be overlooked that a part of their success likely stems from the fact that the types of leadership styles you’re utilizing already match their individual traits, skills, and personalities in some or many ways.
You may have seen individuals with good intentions try to adopt or mirror the approach of another leader who has been very successful. It’s possible that the approach to the leadership style was the same, but the application was lacking because of the differing traits and innate styles of the individuals.
Fitting Versus Forcing Different Leadership Styles
As we consider the individuality of our leaders, as well as the many different leadership types, matching an individual with a particular leadership style (as prescribed by the company) will need to consider fit (i.e., personality, communication approach, etc.) in conjunction with understanding the hallmarks that identify the prescribed leadership approach. This goes beyond simply prescribing a style that forces potential leaders to operate against their nature. In fact, part of a successful process means that the individual should have a deeper understanding of themselves as, after all, the consideration of role fit is a two-way street. Without this attention from both sides, businesses could be forcing a square peg of leadership into a round hole of skills, traits, and behaviors, leading to discouragement, frustration, and ineffectiveness for all.
In this manner and with input and effort from both sides, organizations that do want to adopt particular leadership styles can avoid training the wrong people for those positions by matching the individual hired or promoted to the leadership types desired. For example, if a company wanted to adopt servant leadership, they might not want to hire legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight—a man known for his volatile outbursts and outspoken nature. However, there’s no debate that Knight was a great leader, coaching over 900 games and winning numerous championships during his career. But if you had asked Knight to switch his style, he would likely not have been successful simply because it goes against his personality.
You Don’t Have to Choose Your Types of Leadership
The good news is that nothing says leaders need to adopt or stick to one leadership style. In fact, the best (and likely more realistic) situation involves a mix of many leadership skills and styles depending on the context. Of the thousands of people interviewed for Dale Carnegie’s research each year surrounding a variety of workplace topics that includes leadership, we cannot recall a response where a participant wished their company would adopt a leadership type. People are dynamic; the work environment is dynamic; your particular approach and combination to achieve success in these conditions will likely be just as varied.
Every type of leadership has its pros and cons, which makes it difficult to assign one “best” style to the needs of any organization. The fact that research into different leadership types remains so prevalent speaks to the fact that no single style holds the answer to effective leadership.
Start with the Individual
While adopting a leadership style within an organization and then searching for the right fit is one approach (somewhat of a hammer looking for a nail), consider starting with the individual first. Consider their existing qualities that have you interested in them for leadership in the first place. Together, identify their strengths, weaknesses, communication style, and other innate leadership skills as you help them cultivate an approach that not only fits them but also ultimately benefits the company. In doing so, you can then seek or provide tailored training to further develop that individual where they need improvement, and with this approach, you will likely find yourself pulling from various leadership styles to provide the greatest opportunity for effectiveness for not only that individual but ultimately your teams and organization as a result.
Whatever approach you choose, be sure that the needs of each leadership role align with the individual style and approach of the leader to create the greatest possible success. If you need help leveling up your workers to the leaders you want them to be, look to Dale Carnegie. Through their targeted training, we provide a chance for leaders to grow and find and develop the styles of leadership that work for them and your company for the greatest chance at success.
For more information, visit mid-atlantic.dalecarnegie.com.
As an owner of the Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic franchise, McKonly & Asbury is able to offer an extension of services to our clients and friends of the firm, expanding our expertise in the areas of leadership, team building, and people development as Dale Carnegie offers programs in leadership, management development, customer engagement, service, sales, communication, and more.
The post Understanding Leadership Styles: Which One Aligns With You? appeared first on McKonly & Asbury.
Member News ~ April 3rd, 2025
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA is launching a Full-Day Childcare Program
This DHS-licensed program, starting August 25, 2025, will be held at our Early Learning Center and is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and educational environment where your child can grow and thrive! Contact Stacy Wallick at swallick@bloomsburgy.org for more info.
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates - First Quarterly Newsletter Out Now
The Women's Center Sponsors Mother's Day Tea
Berwick YMCA offers Financial Foundations Workshop
The Good Neighbor Project is proud to offer their Financial Foundations workshop on Wednesday, April 30th, from 6pm – 7pm at the Berwick YMCA. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the basics of budgeting, setting financial goals, and how to properly use credit. If you’re interested in attending, you must contact the Berwick YMCA at (570) 752-5981.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Hosts 9th Annual High School Art Show
The Bloomsburg Children’s Art Museum proudly hosted the opening reception for its highly anticipated 9th Annual High School Art Show on Friday, March 28, 2025, showcasing the incredible creativity and talent of young artists in the community. The work will be on display at the museum until April 19, 2025. To read the full article, click here.
Ag Awareness Day at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds
On Saturday, April 5th, 2025, from 10 am – 1 pm, the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds will host Agricultural Awareness Day, a free, kid-friendly event featuring interactive exhibits and educational opportunities showcasing the world of agriculture
Grammy Award-Winning Blues Artist Concludes Weis Center’s Spring Season
The Weis Center will end its spring 2025 season with Grammy Award-winning blues artist Ruthie Foster on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. For more information about this event, contact Lisa Leighton, marketing and outreach director, at 570-577-3727 or by e-mail at lisa.leighton@bucknell.edu.
Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Day of Action is back!
On April 25, more than 390 volunteers will roll up their sleeves to support 36 Funded Partners and other local nonprofits—bringing practical, hands-on help to meet real needs in our communities. To learn more,click here.
VOTE NOW- Knoebels Nominated for 3 Awards
USA Today "10BEST" Readers' Choice Awards is open NOW! Click here to vote for Knoebels
- Best Theme Park
- Best Restaurant
- Best Roller Coaster
Focus Central PA Recognizes Longtime Board Member- Larry Eckstine
The Focus Central PA Board of Directors recognized and honored longtime Board member and community leader Mr. Larry Eckstine. Jennifer Wakeman, Chair of Focus Central PA shared on behalf of the Board of Directors their profound gratitude for Larry’s leadership and dedication to the mission of Focus Central PA to attract investment that cultivates economic growth in Central PA. Read the full article here.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely
Danville's 39th Spring Fling
The festivities take place on Mill St. from Rt. 11 to Front St.; Lower Mulberry to Ferry St.; and a portion of East and West Mahoning Streets and East and West Market Streets. Saturday, May 3rd from 9am to 4pm. Learn More
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces April Programs
Click Here for more information
Sean Black State Farm Insurance hosts photo contest
This year's categories are People, Nature, Places, and Miscellaneous. Limit one entry per category. For more information and to submit your photos reach out to stephanie@insureberwick.com by May 16 at 8 p.m. to be considered!
Senator Lynda Culver hosts Free License Plate Exchange
Visit the Montour Township Police Department on April 11th from 11am-1pm to receive a new license plate. All paperwork and services are 100% free. Learn More
YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS - Take the Creative Workforce Survey from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Their goal is to better understand the people and jobs that comprise Pennsylvania's creative workforce and creative industries. The survey is anonymous and does not include any questions that involve personally identifying information. Take the survey here.
SBDC Hosts 'Starting A Small Business' Seminar
For more information, click here
Leadership Central Penn Class Project Help
Join members of the 2025 class of Leadership Central Penn as they work with the Red Cross to install free smoke alarms on April 5th. Learn more and sign up to volunteer here.
Bloomsburg Rotary's Annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive is happening now
Join the Bloomsburg Rotary in their annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive. Find a drop-off location here. The drive runs now through April 18th. They have a goal of collecting 2,025 pounds of peanut butter and jelly! Monetary donations can be made to the club to purchase PNB and Jelly by mailing contributions to P.O. Box 842, Bloomsburg,PA,17815
Women's Giving Circle will hold next "On the Bright Side" April 17th
Join the Women's Giving Circle on April 17th at noon for our next "On the Bright Side" virtual session. Led by presenters Cynthia Schroll and Sally Meyer, both avid gardeners and members of the Fishing Creek Herb Guild, we'll look at the many benefits of including native plants and herbs in your gardening plans for this season. Register here.
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.
Last Week In the Legislature
Source: PA Chamber for Business and Industry
Check out the updates that came out of the PA General Assembly last week with a recap from the PA Chamber for Business and Industry.
To learn more about the Columbia Montour Chamber's Advocacy efforts by coming to the virtual Governmental Affairs meeting this coming Friday, April 5th. All members of the Chamber are invited to attend and may do so by contacting Chris Berleth via email for meeting details. While no major business-related measures reached the floor, lawmakers moved forward with bills on taxes, employment law, workplace standards, and legal liability.
Here is a rundown of last week’s legislative action most relevant to employers.
CNIT Rate Reduction (S.B. 207; Rothman)
Last Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee voted 7-4 to advance Senate Bill 207.
This legislation would build on bipartisan tax reform enacted in 2022 by immediately reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) to 4.00% effective January 1, 2026.
This legislation would maximize the benefits of a lower CNI by immediately lowering the rate to 4.00%. Under current law, the tax rate will gradually be lowered from the current 7.99% to 4.99% in 2031.
A lower CNI won’t just generate more overall investment; studies show economic gains across the board when the corporate tax rate is reduced, including increased GDP, higher wages, increased home values and job creation at larger and smaller businesses.
The PA Chamber for Business and Industry was proud to support this bill (CLICK HERE for their memo) and applauded its passage, as reported in the Central Penn Business Journal last week. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Increasing the Vendor Discount (S.B. 473; Phillips-Hill)
The Senate Finance Committee also voted 8-3 to advance Senate Bill 473 last Wednesday. Minority Chair Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) was the lone Democrat to vote “yes” on the bill.
This legislation would amend the Tax Reform Code by increasing the vendor discount to businesses for collecting and remitting sales tax.
Prior to 2016, businesses that timely submitted their sales tax collections were able to keep one percent of the total collected to offset the costs incurred by businesses in collecting and remitting sales tax.
This offset, known as the vendor discount, was severely limited in 2016 to a maximum of $300 annually. S.B. 473 would allow businesses to keep one percent on the first one million dollars collected and one-quarter of a percent on any amount above one million dollars. This will provide relief for businesses that have been experiencing increased cost pressures.
The PA Chamber for Business and Industry supported this bill (CLICK HERE for their memo) and similarly applauded its passage. Senate Bill 473 now moves to the full Senate.
Weaponizing the Equal Pay Law (H.B. 630; Shusterman)
The House Labor & Industry Committee voted 14-12 to advance House Bill 630 last Tuesday.
This legislation would make drastic changes to Pennsylvania’s Equal Pay law, adding new vague standards, essentially gutting the exceptions section of the law and making it nearly impossible for an employer to defend against a legal action brought under this Act.
The bill would also restrict the type of questions employers may ask job applicants related to wages, significantly increase penalties, create new causes of action, extend the statute of limitations from two to three years, and allow for uncapped punitive damages.
Federal and state laws require employers to pay women and men equally for equal work. The law has also always recognized pay disparities often do exist for reasons that have nothing to do with discrimination and therefore provides several exceptions.
This law guts these exceptions, putting the burden on employers to demonstrate that discrimination was not a factor and setting an impossibly high bar to do so. This legislation will expose honest, law-abiding employers to lawsuits and severe penalties, which may particularly harm small businesses.
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry opposed this bill (CLICK HERE for their memo); it now advances to the full House.
Healthcare Facility Regulations (H.B. 926; Krueger)
The House Labor & Industry Committee also voted 14-12 to advance House Bill 926 last Tuesday.
This legislation proposes a comprehensive set of regulations on healthcare facilities including policies related to safety standards, training, reporting, establishing internal committees, risk assessment, among other areas.
As well-intended as it may be, legislation of this significance should at least be carefully developed in consultation with the employers who will be required to implement and operate under it.
This bill has also prompted concerns that it is duplicative with existing federal standards, creating compliance traps, and may encourage unfair or unfounded lawsuits against healthcare facilities.
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry opposed this bill (CLICK HERE for their memo); it now advances to the full House.
Veteran-Owned Small Business Designation (H.B. 993; Inglis)
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously voted to advance House Bill 993 last Tuesday.
This legislation would direct the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs to create a logo designating that a business is owned and operated by a veteran.
House Bill 993 will provide another incentive to encourage entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth. Given Pennsylvania’s low ranking in yearly entrepreneurship, any opportunity to promote small business development is a step toward fostering a more vibrant and competitive business environment.
We proudly supported this bill (CLICK HERE for their memo); it now moves to the full House for consideration.
Limited Liability for Food Donations (H.B. 615; Khan)
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance House Billl 615 last Tuesday.
This legislation would amend the Donated Food Limited Liability Act to expand the current immunity from civil and criminal liability to apply to the donation of food that has exceeded the manufacturer’s recommended label date but is still fit for human consumption.
This legislation is a commonsense update to existing law that ensures businesses that donate surplus food can donate food that may be past the manufacturer’s “best by” date but is still safe to consume. Doing so will reduce food waste and support non-profits who rely on these donations to serve people in need.
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry supported this bill, which now moves to the full House.
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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.
FinCEN Drops Reporting Requirements for U.S. Employers
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
In a major shift, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently announced that U.S.-based companies will no longer be required to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Originally designed to combat financial crime, the CTA had required both domestic and foreign companies to disclose their beneficial owners. The new rule eliminates that obligation for U.S. entities, instead focusing reporting requirements only on foreign companies operating in the U.S.
Foreign entities must adhere to new reporting deadlines:
- Registered before March 21, 2025: BOI reports are due within 30 days of that date.
- Registered on or after March 21, 2025: BOI reports are due within 30 days of receiving notice of effective registration.
This shift follows FinCEN’s February 27 announcement that it would suspend fines and penalties for companies failing to meet prior BOI reporting deadlines. It also aligns with the Treasury Department’s March 2 decision to pause CTA enforcement.
FinCEN is still seeking public comments before finalizing the rule later this year. For more information, see the official FinCEN announcement.
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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.
The Leadership Edge You’re Overlooking: Why Volunteering Pays Off
- Volunteering builds leadership skills like empathy, strategy, and communication
- Giving back enhances employee engagement, company culture, and your network.
- You don’t need extra time or money—start small, start now.
- Volunteering often opens doors to unexpected personal and professional growth.
- Leaders who volunteer are more fulfilled and connected to their communities.
604 words ~ 3 min read
In today’s fast-paced business world, leaders are constantly searching for ways to grow—both personally and professionally. But there’s one path to growth that’s often overlooked: volunteering.
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s a leadership accelerator that builds empathy, sharpens strategic thinking, and fosters stronger connections. And the best part? You don’t have to wait until you have “extra” time or resources to get started. Small actions today can lead to profound impacts tomorrow.
The Case for Volunteering
The personal benefits of volunteering are well-documented. People who volunteer report 27% higher levels of life satisfaction. They experience lower stress and greater emotional well-being (CNCS).
For professionals and business leaders, the payoff is even greater:
- Volunteering develops empathy, an essential leadership trait.
Serving on nonprofit boards or committees strengthens governance and decision-making skills. - Community involvement expands your professional network and boosts your personal brand.
Deloitte’s research highlights that employees who participate in workplace volunteer activities are 57% more likely to feel connected to their company’s culture and mission (Deloitte Volunteerism Survey).
Start Small—But Start Now
Many professionals put off volunteering, waiting for the “right” time—when they’re more successful, financially secure, or less busy. But if you wait for perfect conditions, you could be waiting forever.
Here’s a simple three-step plan to get started within the next 30 days:
- Clarify your passion. What causes matter to you—education, health, economic development? Start with what resonates.
- Leverage your network. Ask colleagues or friends where they volunteer. You’ll be surprised by the connections and opportunities close by.
- Commit to one small action. Whether it’s one hour a month or lending your skills to a nonprofit’s strategic plan, start with what fits your life right now.
What Happens Next May Surprise You
Volunteering often leads to unexpected opportunities. You may start by helping at a local event and end up joining a nonprofit board. Or you might discover a passion that redefines your personal mission—or even sparks a career pivot.
As Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter International, shares in his leadership insights:
“Start small, but be open to where volunteering takes you. Over time, you can grow into roles that allow you to make an even greater impact.”
You’ll also become a stronger leader. Volunteering hones key leadership skills: listening, empathy, resilience, and decision-making in complex environments. These are the same traits that set successful business leaders apart.
Lead by Example—And Create a Culture of Giving Back
If you lead a team or a business, encouraging volunteerism can strengthen your entire organization. Companies that prioritize volunteering experience higher employee engagement, improved morale, and stronger ties to their communities.
Consider these steps:
- Offer paid volunteer days or flexible schedules to encourage employees to give back.
- Partner with local nonprofits for company-wide volunteer initiatives.
- Recognize and celebrate volunteer efforts within your team.
The Bottom Line
Volunteering isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a leadership strategy that pays dividends. You grow as a leader, build your network, and create lasting positive change.
Why wait? Start today. Your future self—and your community—will thank you.
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