A New Approach to Business After Hours in 2026
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is now scheduling Business After Hours events for 2026. The Chamber is also introducing a new, refreshed approach intended to make these popular networking events more interactive and unique to each host business.
While the core structure of Business After Hours remains the same (events will continue to be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6:30 PM), the Chamber is encouraging hosts to move beyond traditional open-house networking and incorporate optional activities that highlight their mission and expertise. Hosts are now invited to consider elements such as behind-the-scenes tours, short programs or demonstrations, networking games, giveaways, or interactive experiences that help attendees connect more meaningfully with the host and one another. These enhancements are intended to create more memorable events while giving hosts greater flexibility to showcase what makes their business unique.
“Business After Hours events have always been about building relationships,” said Kyra McKinnon, Marketing & Events Coordinator. “This refreshed format is designed to improve engagement and marketability while providing greater value for both hosts and attendees, all while maintaining the same atmosphere these events are known for.”
To support this updated approach, the Chamber has launched a new online host form that streamlines scheduling and helps staff collaborate more closely with businesses throughout the planning process. Hosts do not need to have a finalized activity or program in mind when submitting the form; Chamber staff members are available to brainstorm ideas and assist with event development. Businesses interested in hosting a Business After Hours event in 2026 are encouraged to complete the online form, which can also be found on the Chamber’s website under the Events tab.
Berleth Announced as Board Secretary for Statewide Chamber Leadership Organization
Source: Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals
The Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) has announced its 2026 Officers and Board of Directors who will officially take office on January 1, 2026:
Officers Chair – George Book, West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Chair-Elect – Christa Lundy, Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce
Secretary/Treasurer – Chris Berleth, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Immediate Past Chair – Gina Suydam, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry
Board of Directors:
Jodi August, Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Capistrant, Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Savannah Casey, Warren County Chamber of Commerce
Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
Dan DeBone, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Alex Halper, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry
Mark Hilliard, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Kreutzer, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Heidi Scrivo, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce
Kat Thompson, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
Heather Valudes, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Board members serve in a volunteer leadership role for a specified term, developing and leading the annual Plan of Action to assist in the enhancement of quality education in professional and organizational development to its members. Key events for PACP include the annual Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, Chamber Day in Harrisburg, and ongoing professional development webinars and programs.
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The mission of PACP is to enhance the quality and relevance of Chamber management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
President’s Message: A Special Announcement for 2026
“You know, Chris, the best part of the Annual Meeting is the first 30 minutes, when people get there and see each other for the first time in a while, chat with each other, and have genuine catch-up time. That’s fun. The magic sort of fades when folks scramble to figure out where to sit for the next three hours. It can be hard to hear, you never remember what you ate, and three hours is a long time to sit.”
– Brenda Flanagan, CMCC Administrative Assistant
WE HAVE A BRENDA
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times – one of the biggest strengths of our Chamber is that “we have a Brenda.” As I struggled to simplify the great things coming out of your Chamber into a coherent message, Brenda’s comment (above) hit the nail on the head, and prompted this summary: “In 2026, we’re going to build on our strengths and eliminate the obvious to offer member experiences that feel fresh, lively, and more valuable.” I’m especially excited to share this special announcement with you about how we’re going to get it all kicked off.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will host our Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg’s Haas Center for the Performing Arts. This is more than a change of venue. It’s a reflection of how much this event has grown—and how intentional we’re being about making it truly special.
More space to do what matters most—connect
The Haas Center gives us a wide-open, two-story lobby designed for conversation, movement, and spontaneous connections. Instead of a plated meal, we’ll be offering heavy hors d’oeuvres, which means less time sitting and more time talking, reconnecting, and doing business. You’ll still eat well, we promise - but the focus shifts to where it belongs: on each other, and building on those first 30 minutes that Brenda spoke about!
An awards process that’s clearer, stronger, and more connected
Thanks to the great work of Chamber Intern Amber Hughes, each award now follows a board-approved rubric that brings added transparency and alignment with our community’s goals. The integrity of our awards has always mattered; now, the path to recognition is clearer for nominators and more meaningful for everyone in the room.
A ceremony that feels like a celebration
Our Awards Ceremony will take place in Mitrani Hall, a beautiful theater space where every guest has a seat, a view, and a shared experience. With help from Chamber Ambassadors and volunteers, the flow of the evening will feel smoother and more intentional. More than that, we’ll rely on professionals for sound and lighting – so that we can celebrate together the accomplishments of our members and keep the spotlight where it belongs—on our honorees.
More ways to participate and be seen
A new venue brings new opportunities, from expanded digital recognition to photo areas and premium seating that differ slightly from years past, but bring supporters close to the action nonetheless. If visibility and engagement matter to your business, this year’s sponsorship options are worth a look.
NOT THE ONLY REFRESH IN 2026
This refreshed Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony reflects the bigger picture for your Chamber in 2026 and is truly just the start. Our work across advocacy, business connections, benefits programs, employee development, and community strength remains firmly rooted in your expressed strategic interests and will continue to evolve with your feedback.
In the “State of the Chamber” update you’ll hear at the Annual Meeting, you can expect to hear more about our efforts to bring about clearer communication, easier mechanism to engage, and experiences that feel thoughtful, relevant, and worth your time. Those efforts will be rolling out all year long, and soon you’ll start to see subtle improvements to our website, ChamberPack, ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, even our member benefits packages and member verification form. This is part of our continued push toward excellence following our statewide accreditation in 2025, and our goal to continually raise the bar operationally.
JOIN US!
I hope you’ll join us on February 25 for an evening that celebrates our members, honors excellence, and sets the tone for the year ahead. This one is going to feel different—in all the right ways.
Happy New Year,
Chris
Member News ~ December 18, 2025
Chamber Annual Awards Nominations Open Through December 31st
Nominations for all five 2026 Chamber awards are now open through December 31. Click here to nominate a person or business before the deadline.
Chamber Now Scheduling Business After Hours Events for 2026
Interested in hosting a Business After Hours? These popular networking events are a great way to showcase your business and connect with Chamber members. Complete the Business After Hours application form to share your availability and get the planning process started.
Cardinal Estate Planning Releases Holiday Newsletter
Cardinal Estate Planning has released its 2025 Holiday Newsletter, highlighting a successful year and sharing a few festive recipes to enjoy this season. Click here to explore the highlights.
Commonwealth University to Host Employer Summit - January 20th
Commonwealth University’s Alumni & Professional Engagement team will host a virtual Employer Summit on January 20 from 12:00-12:45 PM to help employer partners effectively engage with students across the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses. The session will include an overview of employer engagement opportunities and a preview of Spring 2026 events designed to support internship and full-time hiring success. Advance registration is required via Zoom.
BNI Iron Valley Visitor Day - January 29th
Local business professionals are invited to attend BNI Iron Valley’s Visitor Day on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Elmdale Inn. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet local business owners, learn how BNI supports growth through structured word-of-mouth referrals, and make meaningful connections, with a brief presentation by Natalie Fox. RSVP by January 22 and be sure to bring business cards. Click here to view the flyer.
NSHR Announces $12,000 Raised in the Second Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) was honored to announce $12,000 was raised from the second annual Veterans Benefit Voyage - which took place in Lewisburg this past November. Read on.
Children’s Museum Announces December Programs
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, is pleased to announce its programs for December 2025. The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will be closed on December 6, 24, 25, and 26. To see the full calendar click here.
LCBC offering 4 Christmas Services this year - December 21st-24th
Join LCBC for one of its 4 Christmas Services this year. Each service will feature festive music, a message, and fellowship over a good cup of hot chocolate. Get a full list of services at the Columbia Montour Campus here!
Berwick Historical Society To Offer Christmas Tours - Through December 30
Celebrate the season with the Berwick Historical Society's Jackson Mansion Christmas tours! Beginning November 28th through December 30th, tour the Jackson Mansion while learning about German and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions! Tours are sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank. Please call (570) 520-4110 for details.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Brings Extra Holiday Fun to This Year’s Production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, running through December 27
Families can enjoy pre- and post-show activities including Thrifty Thursday restaurant discounts, Cocoa & Cocktail Jazz Hour, Sing-Along Saturdays with local choirs, and Make-a-Memory Matinees featuring photos with Snoopy and Woodstock. More information is available here. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the Holidays with That's Amore!
Susquehanna Kids' Holiday Happenings Guide 2025
Get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable! The 2025 Susquehanna Kids Holiday Guide is packed with everything you need to celebrate—from sparkling light displays to festive parades, Santa visits, and family events happening all across the region. View the guide by clicking here.
Ken Pollock Auto Group is Giving Back this Holiday Season - Through January 5th
Ken Pollock Auto Group is continuing its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Coat Drive, running now through January 5, 2026. Each year, the dealership group collects new and gently used coats at all Ken Pollock locations to support families across Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, and Berwick. This annual effort reflects the company’s enduring commitment to caring for and strengthening the communities it serves. Learn more.
Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum
Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org
Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!
5 Key Connections Every Leader Must Have in Their Professional Network
Source: Chamber Today
- Cultivating strategic connections is crucial for leadership success, like a chessboard where every piece is key.
- Engaging with industry insiders provides insights and competitive edge.
- Mentors offer personalized advice to navigate leadership challenges.
- Collaborating with innovators sparks new strategies, keeping leadership forward-thinking.
- Connectors open doors to new collaborations and opportunities with their wide networks.
- Challengers in your network test ideas, preventing groupthink and ensuring decisions are well-analyzed.
- Building a diverse network enhances leadership growth, as each unique connection boosts the team's potential.
702 ~ 3.5 minute read
The path to successful leadership often depends on your network. Your connections shape who you are and who you'll become. Cultivating connections is strategic, like building a chessboard where each piece is vital.
To be an effective leader, surround yourself with those who expand your horizons, challenge you, and support your growth. Each leadership role requires a unique set of people, but there are key professionals every leader should connect with, regardless of industry or career stage.
Read on to learn more about five essential connections you want in your network and how they benefit your leadership development.
1. The Industry Insider
The industry insider is a living database of your field. They work on the frontline and understand the industry rigor and nuances better than anyone. Engaging with them provides valuable insights, trends, and industry secrets not easily found online or in formal education.
How to Spot Them
Industry insiders are often thought leaders, veteran practitioners, or top-level executives who have a wealth of experience and a robust professional network.
Why You Need Them
By forging connections with these insiders, you gain access to a tapestry of experiences, emerging patterns, and predictive wisdom that can keep you two steps ahead of the competition.
2. The Mentor
The mentor is your guiding star, offering personalized advice and direction based on their own career triumphs and hard-won wisdom. They are the lifeline that can help you weather the inevitable ups and downs of your leadership journey.
How to Spot Them
Mentors are typically individuals you admire, who have achieved a measure of the success you aspire to reach, and who have a vested interest in your growth.
Why You Need Them
Mentors can provide valuable coaching to develop your leadership style, offer insights into navigating organizational politics, and act as a sounding board for your professional dilemmas.
3. The Innovator
The innovator stays steps ahead, constantly generating and executing ideas that challenge boundaries. Collaborating with innovative minds can bring new perspectives, modern solutions, and adaptability to your leadership style. When it comes to your personal aspirations, Entrepreneur suggests businesses owners and entrepreneurs aim to become industry innovators rather than industry leaders.
How to Spot Them
Innovators are the creators, the disruptors, and the visionaries who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and are often at the forefront of change in your industry.
Why You Need Them
Networking with innovators can inspire you to experiment with new strategies, systems, and technologies, ensuring that your leadership is progressive and not pigeonholed in outdated methodologies.
4. The Connector
Connectors aren't defined by industry prowess or innovation, but by their network. They're social butterflies, with connections to key players in your industry. A strong bond with a connector can unlock doors to new collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities you didn't realize were possible.
How to Spot Them
According to Simon Zyrd, investor and business mentor, connectors are valuable allies who genuinely enjoy introducing others, value relationships, and are trusted by many in their network to curate connections.
Why You Need Them
Connectors can significantly expand your reach, facilitate strategic partnerships, and grant you access to the inner circles of influencers and decision-makers.
5. The Challenger
This last type in your leadership network is just as critical. The challenger is the contrarian, the devil's advocate who will test your ideas, plans, and positions. Although they may often seem like the thorn in your side, they provide an invaluable service by preventing groupthink and pushing you to articulate and defend your convictions.
How to Spot Them
Challengers present as individuals who are outspoken, unafraid to go against the grain, and who consistently offer alternative perspectives. On the outside, they may look like the innovator but in a professional relationship they may impact your development by acting as a challenger.
Why You Need Them
Challengers help you to refine your thinking, challenge assumptions, and ensure that your leadership isn't just about making decisions but making the right decisions through logical analysis and thorough examination.
Conclusion
Building a diverse professional network is like forming a versatile team. Each member adds unique value, boosting the group's potential. By connecting with the five types of individuals outlined, you'll create a strong ecosystem for your growth as a leader.
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. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies
Senate Advances Unemployment Compensation Reform Bill
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 274, a bipartisan package of unemployment compensation reforms. The bill includes a number of PA Chamber priorities: it targets “ghosting” in the hiring process, fixes a technical issue that would have raised system costs, strengthens requirements on claimants recently deemed ineligible, and adds new measures to help employers avoid tax increases when former workers qualify for benefits. The bill also includes legislation the PA Chamber had previously opposed to delay implementation of a new method for determining benefits levels that the PA Chamber had first proposed years ago,
“This bill takes several important steps to improve the unemployment compensation system,” PA Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Alex Halper said in a statement.
“At the same time, we are concerned about the delay of the updated benefit formula set for 2026, which was designed to make benefits fairer and ease long-term pressure on the UC Trust Fund. As discussions continue, we urge lawmakers to focus on the system’s financial stability, which remains below federal solvency benchmarks even as Pennsylvania employers pay among the highest UC taxes in the country.”
“We appreciate the work of Senate Republicans, and especially Labor and Industry Committee Chair Devlin Robinson, to move this bipartisan unemployment compensation legislation that includes several PA Chamber priorities to improve how the system is run.”
Background
H.B. 274 incorporates legislation introduced by Senator Michelle Brooks (R-Crawford) to address “ghosting,” in which claimants skip interviews or ignore job offers to keep receiving benefits. Employers have raised concerns about this for years, and the bill codifies that claimants who discourage their own employment are not eligible for benefits.
H.B. 274 includes several other provisions supported by the PA Chamber:
- Strengthens requirements for individuals who were recently deemed ineligible to show a clear tie to the workforce before reapplying for benefits.
- Corrects a technical error that would have expanded eligibility and increased system costs.
- Adds new situations where employers are automatically granted relief from charges, helping them avoid UC tax hikes.
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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.
How Can I Make New Year’s Resolutions for My Business That I’ll Be Sure to Keep?
Source: CO, by U.S. Chamber, Anna Baluch , Contributor
In this edition of “Ask the Board,” Brenda Christensen, CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc., explains how you can make resolutions for 2024 that you’ll follow through on.
If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert how you can make and keep New Year’s resolutions for your business.
Research shows that of the 41% of Americans who make New Year's resolutions, only 9% were successful in keeping them. If you’d like to make resolutions for your startup or small business in 2024 that you’ll keep, these tips from Brenda Christensen, an Inc. 500 executive and CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc., are sure to come in handy.
Set realistic goals
The key to keeping New Year's resolutions is to make them realistic and achievable. Instead of setting overly ambitious goals that may be unattainable, focus on smaller, measurable objectives that can lead to significant improvements over time.
Break them down
Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This approach makes the process more manageable and provides a clear road map you can follow.
Track your progress
Regularly tracking your progress is crucial. It not only keeps you accountable, but it also allows you to adjust your strategies as needed. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Involve your team
If you have a team, involve them in setting and achieving your resolutions. Doing so promotes a sense of collective responsibility and can lead to more creative and effective approaches.
Be flexible and adapt
The business landscape is constantly changing. Be prepared to adapt your resolutions as new challenges and opportunities arise. Flexibility is key to long-term success.
Ensure that your resolutions also include aspects of work-life balance. A healthy balance is essential for long-term sustainability and personal well-being.Brenda Christenssen, CEO of Stellar Public Relations Inc.
Seek feedback and support
Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your team, customers, or a business coach. Support from others can provide new perspectives and strategies that you might not have considered.
Utilize technology and tools
Make use of technology and tools to automate tasks, organize workflows, and track progress. This can increase efficiency and free up time to focus on more strategic aspects of your business.
Prioritize work-life balance
Lastly, ensure that your resolutions also include aspects of work-life balance. A healthy balance is essential for long-term sustainability and personal well-being.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
Follow us on Instagram for more expert tips & business owners’ stories.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
Member News ~ December 11, 2025
LCBC offering 4 Christmas Services this year - December 21st-24th
Join LCBC for one of its 4 Christmas Services this year. Each service will feature festive music, a message, and fellowship over a good cup of hot chocolate. Get a full list of services at the Columbia Montour Campus here!
Ken Pollock Auto Group is Giving Back this Holiday Season - Through January 5th
Ken Pollock Auto Group is continuing its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Coat Drive, running now through January 5, 2026. Each year, the dealership group collects new and gently used coats at all Ken Pollock locations to support families across Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, and Berwick. This annual effort reflects the company’s enduring commitment to caring for and strengthening the communities it serves. Learn more.
Columbia County Recognized With Premier County Award
Columbia County Farm Bureau was honored with the prestigious Premier County Award on Sunday, Nov. 16, at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 75th Annual Meeting. The award, presented annually, is the highest honor bestowed upon a county Farm Bureau in Pennsylvania.
Quantraic Marks Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Quantraic officially opened its doors on October 1, 2025, launching intelligent workflow automation and tech education services from its new office at the DRIVE facility. For more information please visit their website at www.quantraic.com or follow them on LinkedIn, IG and Facebook.
Community Giving Foundation Partners to Establish the Bloomsburg EMS Training Institute (BETI) Fund
Community Giving Foundation: Bloomsburg is honored to partner with Dr. Marilyn and Eugene Witherup to establish the Bloomsburg EMS Training Institute (BETI) Fund. Honoring their family’s connection to and appreciation for the vital role of Emergency Medical Services in our communities, this generous and timely endowment arrives at a critical juncture for EMS as ambulance services are struggling and the availability of quality, hands-on education for providers is dwindling. Read on.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces New Art Exhibit by Bloomsburg artist Joan Gallup Grimord
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is pleased to host a new art exhibit that features Bloomsburg artist Joan Gallup Grimord. Ms. Grimord’s work will be on exhibit at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum from now through April 2026, during regular Museum hours and is included with admission. The museum currently has some of Joan’s books available for purchase as well.
Susquehanna United Way Announces Record-Breaking Diaper Dash Results
Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) is proud to announce the results of this year’s Diaper Dash, which brought in 18,892 diapers and pull-ups, 131 packs of wipes, and dozens of essential baby care items for families across the region. This marks SVUW’s most successful collection to date, surpassing last year’s total of 12,490 diapers.
Central Columbia FFA Spreads Holiday Joy
Berwick Historical Society To Offer Christmas Tours - November 28 - December 30
Celebrate the season with the Berwick Historical Society's Jackson Mansion Christmas tours! Beginning November 28th through December 30th, tour the Jackson Mansion while learning about German and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions! Tours are sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank. Please call (570) 520-4110 for details.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Brings Extra Holiday Fun to This Year’s Production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, running through December 27
Families can enjoy pre- and post-show activities including Thrifty Thursday restaurant discounts, Cocoa & Cocktail Jazz Hour, Sing-Along Saturdays with local choirs, and Make-a-Memory Matinees featuring photos with Snoopy and Woodstock. More information is available here. Visit this link to purchase tickets.
Celebrate the Holidays with That's Amore!
Susquehanna Kids' Holiday Happenings Guide 2025
Get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable! The 2025 Susquehanna Kids Holiday Guide is packed with everything you need to celebrate—from sparkling light displays to festive parades, Santa visits, and family events happening all across the region. View the guide by clicking here.
Save the Date: Focus Central PA 2026 Industrial Development Forum
Mark your calendars for the Focus Central PA Industrial Development Forum on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, PA. This forward-thinking event brings together leaders in industrial innovation and economic growth to explore opportunities shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Learn more at FocusCentralPA.org
Are you planning an event for the United States' 250th anniversary?
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the Chamber is proud to be part of the Columbia and Montour Counties America 250th planning committee. We’re calling on local organizations to share their plans for celebrations and events. If your organization is planning an activity, please contact Beth Goldman at gold1beth@gmail.com, Co-Chair of the Columbia Montour County America 250th Committee. Stay tuned for more details as our community prepares to celebrate this historic milestone!
This Year, Make a Marketing Plan
Source: Chamber Today
As the new year draws near, small businesses are celebrating with employees and families alike. Holiday preparations go beyond planning parties and gatherings though as the new year lurks just around the corner and brings new opportunities that can be capitalized upon. Working within our community has shown that creating a marketing plan is the foundation for successful campaigns and new businesses. We've put together some of the key pillars of marketing plans to help boost our region's businesses to new heights.
It All Begins With a Proper Budget
Creating a budget may seem like a straightforward endeavor but many businesses can struggle determining what's worth being added to the marketing plan. One of the most common mistakes we see is setting expectations far too high and investing a large portion of the budget into various expenses that don't create a return. It's important to focus on the primary market that truly drives the business.
Once a budget is established the next difficult step is staying within the limits of that budget. Going over budget can stop a marketing plan in its tracks and have a negative impact on the other areas of the business an owner has to manage. Pulling funds between different projects can be a useful tactic but not if that money is being used for a fruitless endeavor. Making a marketing plan helps keep it contained without spilling over into other responsibilities.
Review Business Goals and How They Can Be Achieved
The bones of a marketing plan are simple as they're simply the milestones an owner wants to hit regarding sales, digital presence and product launches. While many sales endeavors can be carefully calculated using traditional tools, creating a strong presence online takes a unique touch that often requires outside assistance from a professional marketer or agency. Building upon existing networks can then add more eyes to every event, new product and sale that goes on.
Passing down details on the new goals and how resources will be allocated to reach them can keep all employees on the same page. Making sure they understand why certain team members are responsible for new tasks will create confidence in the new marketing plan. When employees can get behind the goals, it adds extra motivation and drive to achieve the goals set for the business as a whole.
Determine Processes and Marketing Avenues
It may seem tedious to outline processes for every aspect of a marketing plan but the value created goes beyond successful marketing. Processes help remove redundancies, improve productivity and save hours of unnecessary leg work that can be spent working on implementing the plan itself.
To create processes, an owner has to work with their team to decide on the channels being used to deliver ads and marketing material. Researching a target demographic can uncover how they primarily obtain their information. It could be a traditional source such as radio and local television or a digital delivery through social media platforms.
Keep in mind that every part of a marketing plan needs to be deliberate in planning and execution in order to maximize return on investment. When done right, a brand's voice can shine through with every ad to create more meaningful connections. Following these basics to get started can give any business owner a strong start in the new year.
Preparing to Close the Year: Key Items to Review in Your Financial Statements
Source: McKonly & Asbury, Emily Zeger
With the year-end quickly approaching, the time has come to start reviewing financial statements. Here’s a brief overview of the reports to run and what to look for while preparing for tax season.
Arguably, the most important reports to run are the Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss Statement (P&L).
- The Balance Sheet provides a snapshot of the business’s financial position at a specific point in time, typically at the end of each month or year. This is useful when reviewing where one’s business stands financially, providing balances for all of the business’s assets and liabilities.
- The Profit and Loss Statement will provide an overview of the business’s performance over the reporting period, including income, expenses, and general profitability. It is perfect when wanting to see where the most money was spent and what brought in the most money.
There are some crucial things every business owner should look for when reviewing the balances and totals in each statement.
Cash/Credit Card Reconciliations
A great way to start reviewing the financial statements is to reconcile the business’s bank accounts monthly. From credit cards to checking accounts, reconcile each one to make sure that all transactions are present and that there are no duplicates. If an item is missing, determine if the item just has yet to come through the bank feed or if it needs to be manually added. This helps catch missing or extra transactions early, rather than further down the line when one may forget about checks written or why a transaction was made.
Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
Now is also the perfect time to review Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) balances in the Balance Sheet. Check the AP balance to make sure that outstanding amounts are not still owed to vendors and check the AR balance to make sure the business is not still owed anything in return. If there are outstanding balances in either of these accounts, determine if there is a valid reason or if it needs to be followed up on.
Fixed Assets
With tax season right around the corner, checking in on Fixed Asset accounts is crucial. Making sure that all disposals are recorded and that all assets listed in the Fixed Asset accounts belong there. A good idea would be to check other accounts, such as Repairs and Maintenance and Office Supplies, to see if there are any items over $2,500 that could potentially be considered fixed assets. Once the totals have been verified, consider working with a tax advisor to ensure that depreciation has been calculated and recorded properly.
Loans/Payables Reconciliations
Another crucial reconciliation is checking in with any payable accounts. If it’s a loan, make sure any necessary payments have been made and that the outstanding balance is reasonable. Also, ensure that interest expense is split out from the principal payment and tie the balance to a loan statement, if possible. Similarly, for other payables, make sure payments are up to date and regular. If a balance is too large, consider making some payments and staying ahead for the year-end.
Profit and Loss Review
While a lot of focus is spent on the Balance Sheet, the Profit and Loss Statement cannot be left out.
- Check Repairs and Maintenance expense accounts to see if anything can be capitalized.
- If classes are used, does every transaction have a class assigned?
- Make sure payroll accounts tie out to any payroll reports.
- Review revenue and expense accounts to confirm that all income and expenses have been properly recorded.
General Ledger
Don’t forget to check in with the General Ledger. It’s helpful to run through the General Ledger and make sure that all transactions have been recorded properly. Make sure that each transaction has a customer or vendor attached and that all transactions in each account make sense and belong there. Keeping vendors up to date makes it easier to determine which ones will need 1099s when the time comes, and who to request W-9s from.
Planning for the New Year
Finally, don’t forget to take this time to start planning and budgeting for next year. Take a look at where the most money was spent and what brought in the most money to get an idea of what is working and what can be improved. Taking the time to review these financials can be very beneficial when planning for the year to come.
For more information on year-end preparations, consider checking with our previous related articles, such as “Year-End Preparations with EAS” or “Streamline Your Business’s Year-End,” both of which go over some other key considerations when handling the coming year-end.
Also, be sure to continue along with our Entrepreneurial Accounting Solutions (EAS) team’s 4-part series for National Entrepreneurship Month, as our authors will cover the current upcoming year-end and things small business owners can expect.