President’s Message: Chamber Adds Paylocity as a New Preferred HR & Payroll Software Provider
New ChamberChoice benefit gives Columbia Montour Chamber members access to exclusive pricing, dedicated support and a comprehensive HR and payroll platform.
Source: Chris Berleth Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
September 2, 2026
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is expanding its portfolio of member benefits with the addition of Paylocity as a new preferred HR and payroll software provider, effective September 2.
The new benefit is being offered through Chambers of Commerce Service Corporation (CCSC), branded as ChamberChoice, the regional partnership responsible for several benefits already available to Columbia Montour Chamber members. The Chamber continues to be pleased with the value and service provided through existing ChamberChoice partners MyBenefit Advisor, World Kinect Energy and Penn National Insurance, and Paylocity now joins that growing portfolio of member-focused offerings.
The addition of Paylocity comes after months of research by CCSC and its participating chambers into new benefits that could provide meaningful value to chamber members across the region. Columbia Montour Chamber President/CEO Chris Berleth serves on the CCSC regional board and participated in the review of potential partners and benefit offerings.
A consistent priority throughout that process was identifying services that address real needs facing employers. HR and payroll technology emerged as an area where chambers believed a negotiated member benefit could provide significant value, leading CCSC to evaluate potential partners and ultimately add Paylocity to the ChamberChoice portfolio.
"We want Chamber membership to create real value for employers - not just through connections and advocacy, but in places where businesses can actually save money and operate more effectively," said Chris Berleth, President/CEO of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. "A 25% discount on a major business system can add up quickly. Through ChamberChoice, we are able to bring our members access to pricing and support they may not be able to secure on their own, and Paylocity adds another significant tool to that growing portfolio."
Through the new partnership, active Columbia Montour Chamber members will have access to exclusive negotiated pricing on Paylocity, including a 25% discount on ongoing and setup fees, along with dedicated implementation and service support.
Paylocity offers a unified platform that brings together functions across the employee lifecycle, including recruiting and onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance, performance management, learning and employee engagement. The platform also extends into finance and IT functions and is designed to reduce administrative work by connecting information and processes that employers may otherwise manage through multiple systems.
Paylocity offers pre-built connections with more than 450 retirement, benefits and other business systems, along with open APIs for additional integrations. The ChamberChoice program includes no-cost integrations with systems such as 401(k) providers, benefits platforms, ERP systems and general ledger systems. Members should confirm with Paylocity how the discount and integration benefits apply to their organization's specific systems and configuration.
Paylocity's HR tools include employee self-service, automated workflows, compliance resources and centralized document management. Its payroll tools include payroll audits, general ledger solutions, expense management and other functions intended to reduce manual entry and improve accuracy.
The Chamber is not suggesting that one technology platform will be the right fit for every employer. Members interested in the benefit are encouraged to talk directly with the representatives assigned to the Columbia Montour Chamber, discuss their organization's current HR and payroll needs, and determine whether the ChamberChoice offering makes sense for them.
Meet Dane Purdy and Bridget Woods
Dane Purdy and Bridget Woods will serve as the dedicated Paylocity representatives supporting Columbia Montour Chamber members. They will participate in upcoming Chamber events and webinars, giving members an opportunity to meet them, see more of the platform, and ask questions about pricing, implementation, integrations and how Paylocity could fit within their existing operations.
Members interested in exploring the new benefit or receiving a customized quote can contact:
Dane Purdy
Phone: (215) 495-8329
Email: dpurdy@paylocity.com
Bridget Woods
Phone: (412) 598-2257
Email: bwoods@paylocity.com
Member eligibility: Organizations must maintain an active Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce membership to access the exclusive group pricing and benefits available through the ChamberChoice partnership.
Paylocity serves more than 40,000 clients and describes its approach as bringing HR, finance and IT into a connected platform designed to streamline processes, improve efficiency and reduce administrative work.
The addition of Paylocity continues a broader effort through ChamberChoice to use the collective purchasing power and reach of chambers of commerce to secure benefits that individual businesses - particularly small and mid-sized employers - may have difficulty accessing on their own.
PA Chamber Seeks Changes to Proposed Corporate Tax Rules
The PA Chamber is urging the State Department of Revenue to revise its proposed regulations governing how businesses determine which sales of services count as Pennsylvania sales when calculating their corporate net income tax.
The Chamber submitted comments last week to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), raising concerns that portions of the proposed regulations go beyond existing state law and could create additional uncertainty and compliance costs for employers.
Pennsylvania adopted a new system for calculating corporate income tax in 2013 that generally looks at where a company makes its sales. For businesses that provide services (such as accounting, consulting, legal, engineering, and technology services), sales are generally counted in Pennsylvania based on where the customer receives the benefit of the service.
The Department of Revenue issued guidance in 2014, and tax practitioners and the business community have long sought formal regulations to provide greater clarity and certainty. The PA Chamber supports that goal but said the proposed regulations would, in several areas, change existing policy rather than formalize it.
“We believe a well-crafted regulation could provide certainty and be mutually beneficial to taxpayers and the Department,” PA Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Neal Lesher wrote in public comments submitted to the IRRC on Aug. 24.
The comments focus on provisions it believes deviate from state law and others that would create rules that could favor the Department of Revenue in determining where a company’s sales should be counted, rather than requiring the department to make findings required by law.
State law generally requires professional services to be counted where they are delivered, but the proposed regulations would instead establish rules based on factors such as a customer’s primary residence, where a business contract is managed, or where an affiliated company’s employees are located.
The PA Chamber argues that those locations do not necessarily show where a customer receives the benefit of a service. It is asking the department to make the proposed rules optional safe harbors — approaches businesses can choose to use — rather than replacing the standard established by state law.
The Chamber also raised concerns regarding proposed rules for internet-access services, how the department can require a different method for deciding where a company’s sales should be counted, documentation requirements, and a provision that could allow the department to treat up to 100 percent of an employer’s sales as Pennsylvania sales if its records are deemed insufficient.
Another provision would require taxpayers to explain differences between how they count sales in Pennsylvania and how those same sales are treated in other states. The Chamber said this could impose significant compliance costs when differences simply result from states having different tax laws.
The PA Chamber also asked the department to provide guidance on common business arrangements, including contract manufacturing and research and development services.
“Better clarity and certainty in this area is something we all desire,” Lesher wrote.
The full public comment letter is available here.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the PA Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided. If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.
Small Business Accounting Setup: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Finances
Accounting is a critical business task that every company has to contend with, regardless of industry, business model or sales method. Setting up your accounting correctly from the very beginning will save you a lot of headaches and hassle as you grow.
"You need to sit with a lawyer and CPA [and make] a plan," said Paul Miller, CPA and Managing Partner of Miller and Company LLP. "Which software am I going to use? Who is going to do the bookkeeping? Should I outsource it or is my CPA doing it?"
To help you answer all these questions and more, here is a step-by-step guide to establishing your business accounting processes and setting yourself up for financial success in the future.
Cash vs. accrual accounting: which method is right for your business stage?
There are two primary methods of tracking your business income and expenses: cash basis and accrual basis.
Many small businesses choose the cash accounting method because it's simpler: Income is recorded when a customer makes a payment, and expenses are recorded when you incur them. The accrual accounting method, on the other hand, requires you to record income when you invoice your customer, regardless of when they actually make a payment.
Each method has its pros and cons, and if your business earns less than $25 million in revenue, you can choose whichever one suits you best (businesses must use the accrual method beyond the $25 million mark). It's important to choose carefully, though, as you will need to stick with the same accounting method from year to year when you file your tax return.
How to open a dedicated business bank account (and why it matters legally)
Before you can begin thinking about your business's accounting practices, you'll want to open a dedicated business bank account and/or credit card, if you don't already have one. It's tempting to mix business and personal finances, especially if you're a sole proprietor, but keeping those finances separate will make it much easier to keep track of your income and expenses when tax time comes.
Reasons for opening a business bank account include:
- Asset protection: A dedicated business account provides proof that your company funds are separate from personal finances. The legal system looks at this type of proof when owners limit personal liability through an entity such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC).
- Tax compliance: If your company undergoes an IRS audit, a business bank account helps prove that you run a business for profit, not as a hobby. It also makes it easier to verify deductions and track funds.
- Business credit: A bank account builds your company’s financial identity. It can improve business loans, corporate credit cards, or merchant services approval rates.
Miller advised choosing a bank with a good reputation for its small business services so you can establish a long-term vendor relationship.
"[Ask yourself], how well do they treat new businesses? What is my potential to get a loan from them? Who is going to be my credit card processor?" he told CO—.
How to build your chart of accounts from scratch
To keep your business finances organized, you'll need to categorize each transaction within your chart of accounts (COA). At the highest level, your income and expenses can be broken up into assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and equity.
Each of these "accounts" can be further divided into sub-accounts to help you better track your money. For instance, your expenses account may have multiple sub-accounts like advertising, office supplies, employee wages, payroll taxes, software subscriptions, and more.
Most small business accounting tools offer COA templates for quicker set up. Some will generate a chart of accounts based on your industry. For example, a construction firm may use Equipment Rental for Jobs as a cost of goods sold (COGS) expense, while a restaurant tracks food costs separately from kitchen hardware.
Any tax professional who helps your business will want to see your transactions categorized in this way, so it's good to get in the habit of organizing your finances into accounts early on in your business.
Choosing the right accounting software: top options for small businesses compared
Nearly every modern business uses some kind of accounting software to keep track of its income and expenses. While you can use spreadsheets or paper ledgers, these methods require a lot more manual effort, which increases your chances of making a mistake.
Today's accounting software programs are often affordable and user-friendly, and they come with convenient integrations and automation features to streamline your accounting processes. Your two main options are desktop-based downloadable programs or cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) programs.
When choosing an accounting software, look for one that can grow with your business and offer top-notch customer service when you have questions or concerns. All-in-one accounting solutions that offer bookkeeping, invoicing, payroll, tax support and other features are great if you want the most value for your subscription price; however, you may want to invest in separate programs for invoicing or payroll if you need more robust help.
Top small business accounting options include:
- QuickBooks Online: Starting at $38 monthly, QuickBooks Online tracks income and expenses, automates bank reconciliation, and integrates with popular apps, including Shopify and Square. It also has built-in inventory tools and payment processing.
- Xero: Pricing ranges from $25 to $90 per month for Xero. It reconciles bank transactions, offers customizable performance dashboards, and forecasts cash flow for 30 to 180 days.
- Zoho Books: For a low-cost, all-in-one platform, consider Zoho Books. It has a free plan for companies with $50,000 or less yearly revenue, and paid versions start at $20 per month. Zoho Books provides tools for managing inventory, budgeting projects, and automating invoice reminders.
- Wave Accounting: Create bookkeeping records and invoices with a free Wave plan or upgrade to a paid version to automatically import and categorize bank transactions, upload unlimited receipts, and accept deposits through estimates.
- Freshbooks: Choose between Freshbooks plans for freelancers, employers, and businesses with contractors. Pricing starts at $23 per month. It offers built-in time tracking tools and generates tax, financial, and accounting reports.
Schedule time to review your finances and reconcile accounts
Laying the foundation for your business accounting is only half the battle. Once your software and accounts are set up, you'll need to continually monitor your finances and ensure that every transaction has been properly recorded and categorized. Even if you use an automatic transaction import feature, you'll still want to set aside time each month to review and reconcile your business's financial accounts and ensure nothing was omitted or miscategorized.
Key financial reports every small business owner should review monthly
Small business owners should check three reports monthly: a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. In addition, reviewing a budget vs. actual report to see where your estimates were solid or not. Businesses who invoice customers should also run a monthly accounts receivable (AR) aging report.
Owners may view other financial reports like a stockholders’ equity statement quarterly. However, if your business is preparing to take a major step, like opening a new location, consider scheduling more time to review this statement monthly.
When to hire a bookkeeper vs. an accountant vs. doing it yourself
You don't have to handle accounting tasks by yourself, and in some cases, it’s better if you don’t, especially when dealing with compliance or taxes. That doesn’t mean you need a full-time accountant or bookkeeper. Instead, consider payroll and HR systems that offer expert support services.
"I recommend outsourcing [payroll], especially in the beginning," Miller noted. "Go with ADP or a similar service [to get] all the insurance and registrations taken care of."
Alternatively, you can outsource your bookkeeping and payroll needs to a specialized firm or consult with a financial adviser. These services provide guidance when you need it without increasing your headcount.
"You need to get the right legal and accounting advice before you launch your business," said Miller. "There are many [financial] items that need to be addressed … and it would be optimal if you have a person who can help you with all your needs."
Here’s what to consider before doing it yourself or hiring it out:
- DIY financials: DIY makes sense for startups with simple finances and free time to learn the ins and outs of accounting. Complexity increases as you add inventory, revenue streams, or employees. If you spend several hours weekly on basic accounting tasks, it may be time to outsource.
- Bookkeeper: Keeping a clean general ledger is more challenging when your business has multiple bank and credit card accounts, processes payroll, and handles many invoices and bills. A bookkeeper can run payroll, reconcile bank statements, and categorize expenses to ensure accurate financial reports.
- Accountant: As your business grows, an accountant provides additional support. Consider hiring when you want to apply for business loans, expand across state lines, or have complicated tax write-offs. Accountants prepare financial reports, provide year-round tax guidance, and assist with compliance.
Common small business accounting mistakes, and how to fix them
A seemingly small accounting error can snowball into a disaster. Cash flow problems might go unnoticed or expenses may not be recorded.
Avoid the following mistakes (or fix them as soon as possible):
- Recording e-commerce or marketplace payments incorrectly: Shopify or Amazon settlements may include refunds, platform fees, or shipping costs. Entering a lump sum payment as revenue may affect your margins. Avoid this mistake by syncing sales channels to accounting software.
- Confusing expense accounts with liability accounts: Small businesses may record sales tax or credit card transactions as expenses instead of liabilities. Expenses are what you pay to generate revenue, whereas liabilities are debts you owe. Ensure accuracy by reviewing entries for state tax payments, tax paid by customers, and credit cards.
- Failing to follow-up on past-due invoices: Late or missed payments may go unnoticed until a major expense is due and the funds aren’t there. Accounting and invoicing tools can automate alerts and follow-up reminders. Use these automations along with looking over your AR aging report monthly.
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.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and an active part of the U.S. Chamber Federation of small and regional chambers, which routinely provides content like the article above. The content above does not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice but is for general informational purposes. For accurate, complete advice, readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors before making any decisions based on the information provided. If you need help finding qualified help, please contact the Chamber for a list of our members.
Healthcare Revenue Recognition
When healthcare entities record patient service revenue, ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers governs how it is recorded. ASC 606 requires a five-step process to recognize revenue. The fifth step, recognizing revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation, can be challenging for healthcare organizations, since the healthcare revenue cycle is complex. For example, the timing of the billing for the revenue often lags behind the date of service due to internal processing time, billings to primary insurance, and billings to secondary insurance. Because of this, healthcare organizations must take steps to ensure that revenue is properly recorded and recognized, as recognizing revenue when a patient is billed or when a service is paid is incorrect reporting under the guidance of ASC 606’s step five when reporting under US GAAP.
For example, a healthcare organization may record revenue into the general ledger when it is billed. In this scenario, the healthcare organization has a Board Meeting in January to review the December monthly results. If there are services provided in December that are not billed until January, then the December financial results will not include all the revenue that was earned during December. To combat this issue, healthcare organizations can implement the following:
- Maintain revenue reports that capture data by patient date of service and include charges, adjustments, and payments received relevant to a particular service. The focus should be on recognizing revenue at the date of service as required under ASC 606.
- Set strategies to encourage timely billing and establish specific deadlines to have billings completed, such as within five business days. This allows organizations to have confidence that the revenue will be completely represented in the reporting period.
- After each period’s billing deadline, reconcile the general ledger amounts recorded to the revenue report that shows revenue earned by date of service for the same period.
- Verify that revenue recorded in the general ledger is representative of the revenue by date of service. In this step, it is important for management to ensure that the proper entries are made so that net patient service revenue reflects what is reasonably expected to be collected on the services. This is discussed further in the article “Calculating Contractual Adjustments and Allowances for Implicit Price Concessions.”
Healthcare organizations can face challenges in financial reporting given the complex nature of the healthcare revenue cycle. The principle of recognizing revenue when the healthcare organization has earned the patient service revenue is important to have consistent and proper reporting in accordance with ASC 606. Because of this, healthcare entities must implement methods to ensure revenue is being recorded and recognized properly.
If you have questions about the information outlined above, McKonly & Asbury’s experienced professionals are here to help. Learn more about their Healthcare practice by visiting their Healthcare industry page or by contacting the Director of our Healthcare practice, Partner Janice Snyder.
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Statement on Candidate Events
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted unanimously to forego hosting a candidate forum or debate in 2026.
In place of candidate forums this year, the Chamber will pursue other ways to inform its members, including a legislative event featuring guest speakers Novak and Rooney, tentatively scheduled for October 13. Other civic, educational, media, or community organizations may choose to host candidate forums or voter education events this year, and the Chamber welcomes fair, nonpartisan, and accessible efforts to help voters hear from candidates.
The decision followed review by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Executive Committee after the Chamber received a request from a campaign to host a candidate event during the 2026 election cycle. Because the request involved election-season programming, the Chamber reviewed the matter through its normal committee and Board process before responding.
The Chamber has historically served, at times, as a nonpartisan convener of candidate forums for local, county, and state races. These events have been organized by the Chamber at its own expense and offered at no charge to candidates, attendees, or the community. The purpose of those forums has been to provide structured, civil opportunities for voters to hear directly from candidates and better understand issues affecting the community.
For 2026, the Board determined that the Chamber’s time, resources, and staff capacity are better directed toward legislative events, policy communications, and educational resources that align with the Chamber’s focus areas and mission.
This decision was not made in favor of or against any candidate, campaign, political party, or race. Rather, it reflects the Board’s responsibility to steward the organization’s resources, maintain the Chamber’s nonpartisan position, and focus programming where it can provide the greatest value to members and the broader business community.
The Chamber remains committed to helping members understand public policy issues, legislative activity, and decisions affecting employers in Columbia and Montour counties, while continuing to advocate for its members with public officials at all levels.
The Chamber continues to value civic education, civil public discourse, and access to meaningful information. That commitment remains unchanged. In 2026, the Chamber will advance that work through member-focused legislative programming, policy communications, and educational resources.
Member News ~ August 27, 2026
Events & Dates:
Susquehanna Valley United Way Launches Drop-In Center - Aug 31
A brand new space will open on August 31st at the Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW). The Wellness Hub, a brand-new resource and recovery drop-in center located in the rear of the SVUW office at 228 Arch Street in Sunbury, aims to assist those in recovery seeking resources to assist them with their futures. Weekly hours at The Wellness Hub will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm-4pm. Guests can expect a welcoming environment with the opportunity to learn about different resources available to them, and personalized interactions. Staff at SVUW, all of which are Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) or Certified Peer Specialists (CPS), will run the new space.
Kick-off Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month with Service 1st - Aug 31
Join Service 1st FCU for a Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month Kick-off Event in Danville on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy raffles, drink specials, and the debut of Going Gold Lager. The event aims to raise awareness, inspire community support, and remind local children and families battling cancer that they are not alone. For more information, call Service 1st at 800.562.6049, or visit thinkbigpa.org
Thomas Beaver Free Library Fall Event- Sept 1
Jazz Artist Endea Owens Performs with her Ensemble at the Weis Center - Sept 17
The Weis Center will welcome jazz ensemble Endea Owens and The Cookout on Thursday, Sept. 17 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.
Save the date for Ronald McDonald House Day at the Bloomsburg Fair on Tuesday- Sept 29
On Tuesday, Sept 29th, 1$ from every Bloomsburg Fair general admission ticket will go toward supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Danville.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum is in Need of Stuffed Animals- Now through Sept 30
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum is in need of stuffed animals for an upcoming class at the museum. Clean, new or gently used stuffed animals may be donated at the Bloomsburg Children's Museum now through the month of September. They are open Mondays - Saturdays from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. (Please note: They will be closed 9/12/26 and 9/22/26.)
The Fall Foliage and Halloween Train Rides are Back - Oct 18
On Saturday, October 17, DBI and the Bloomsburg Public Library will offer three train ride excursions. The family-oriented Halloween train rides last only a little over an hour and are at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. These trips have plenty of child-centered activities including music, costumed characters, and a Halloween costume contest. Each train car will have one first place winner in the costume contest. More information is available through the downtownbloomsburg.org and bloomsburgpl.org websites as well as in person at the Bloomsburg Public Library during their regular operating hours.
Announcements:
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized as Nation’s Best
Four Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2026–2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings, with two hospitals ranking among the top in the state. Of the 4,400 hospitals evaluated, 43% received any kind of award and only 16% earned a numerical ranking in a state, metro area or medical specialty. Click here to view the hospitals that were recognized for honors.
Susquehanna Kids Shares Fall Activities Guide
Fall activity signups are here, and with them comes the yearly scramble to figure out which classes, activities, and programs are actually worth your family’s time (and calendar space). Whether you’re looking for a music or theatre class that sparks a lifelong passion, a rec sports league that gets your kid moving or learning a new skill, or a low-key craft program for an after school activity, this guide rounds up the best out-of-school options for fall — organized by category so you can find a fit fast and lock in a spot before registration fills up.
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA is Looking for Volunteers
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Cardinal Estate Planning Free Workshop- Sept 1
Join them for The 3 Cardinal Rules for Planning Your Estate and Protecting Your Assets. To reserve your spot, simply fill out this form or call their office at (570) 252-9043.
PA CareerLink Day Event- Sept 3
Join them for an in-person seminar and learn how to reduce Unemployment Compensation costs by filing for relief from charges! Email dedsell@tiu11.org to register! Thursday, September 3 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. This seminar covers: Eligibility and filing steps, Notifications and key documents, Impact of separations and appeal rights & Critical deadlines to avoid charges.
The Weis Center’s New Season Will Kick Off - Sept. 11
The Weis Center will kick off its new season with bluegrass and Americana artist Bronwyn on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. Learn more by calling 570-577-1000 or online at Bucknell.edu/BoxOffice
Journey Bank Photography Contest Submission Deadline - DUE September 18th
Arts in Bloom Performing Arts Series - Sept 18
The Journey Bank Arts in Bloom Performing Arts Series at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg will open with a performance of “Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story” on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., in Carver Hall, K.S. Gross Auditorium. “Behind The Lines: A 9/11 Story” is produced by Modern Warrior Live, a production team that works closely with veterans, including co-founder Jaymes Poling, to tell “personal stories of loss, endurance, and how people carry life-changing experiences forward.” Read more.
HearingLife Invites You To Free Educational Seminar- Sept 24
Join their hearing care experts to learn why hearing health is so important and learn how today’s technology can help you stay connected and engaged. Thursday, September 24, 2026, Starting at 5pm. Learn More
2027 Chamber Outstanding Citizen Nominations Open Now!
Let's recognize our outstanding citizens in Columbia & Montour: Nominate The 2027 Outstanding Citizen Now!
PPL Electric Utilities- The Powerline Newsletter is Out Now
PPL’s Powerline Newsletters most recent edition is out now. The edition includes updates on, PPL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grid reliability, customer resources, the launch of PPL’s new data center resource page and more. You can find the Newsletter here.
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center Celebrates Graduation of its 121st Class of Practical Nursing Students
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center celebrated the graduation of its 121st class of Practical Nursing Students. The ceremony was held on August 13th at 7pm in the Lewisburg Area High School auditorium to honor the accomplishments and dedication of 39 graduating students. For more information about the CSLPNCC, visit https://lpn.csiu.org/
Lake Chillisquaque Spillway Update
The spillway upgrade project has been in the excavation phase since spring and remains on schedule. The following activities are expected to take place in the coming months: Excavated material will be crushed on site and trucked to an area on the Montour power plant property. Beginning the week of August 24, truck traffic will increase along Preserve Road to Strawberry Ridge Road as crushed excavated material is moved. This will occur during daylight hours, Monday through Friday and is expected to take a number of weeks to complete. This information will be posted on the project website at https://spillwayupgrade.com/.
MC Federal Credit Union Celebrates New Berwick Office Opening
A bright future is ahead for MC Federal Credit Union and the Berwick community. On Friday, August 21, the community gathered alongside the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of MC Federal Credit Union’s new Berwick office at 200 S. Poplar Street. Surrounded by employees, Chamber members, leaders, and supporters, MC Federal Credit Union President & CEO Elba Arenas officially marked the occasion by cutting the ribbon on the credit union’s newest location.
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Who can help with natural gas procurement in the U.S.?
Source: World KinectUnderstanding the role of the natural gas marketer in modern energy procurement
A natural gas marketer helps U.S. organizations with natural gas procurement by sourcing supply, structuring contracts, managing price risk, and supporting broader energy procurement, energy management, and operational strategies.
Introduction: When natural gas procurement becomes strategic
Natural gas procurement has changed. What was once a routine purchasing decision is now a strategic function that directly impacts operating budgets, risk exposure, and business continuity.
Across the U.S., manufacturers, healthcare systems, data centers, and commercial portfolios rely on natural gas every day. Yet the market supplying it is increasingly volatile. Weather events, storage levels, pipeline constraints, and growing global LNG exports all influence pricing. For energy procurement managers and CFOs, this volatility creates pressure to explain results, manage budgets, and avoid surprises.
This is where many leaders pause to ask an important question: Who can actually help me manage natural gas procurement more effectively?
The answer is not just “a supplier.” In many cases, the most impactful support comes from a natural gas marketer - an expert who helps organizations navigate pricing, contract structure, and risk as part of a broader energy management strategy.
In this blog, we will cover:
- Why natural gas procurement is complex in the U.S.
- What a natural gas marketer actually does
- How marketers support energy procurement and energy management
- A real-world example of marketer-led procurement
- Clear, actionable takeaways for energy leaders
Why natural gas procurement is so challenging
Volatility is the real risk
Many organizations focus on price alone when evaluating natural gas procurement. But volatility, not the average price, is what can disrupt budgets.
Common challenges include:
- Sudden price swings driven by weather.
- Regional basis differences between hubs and delivery points.
- Pipeline congestion and infrastructure outages.
- Contract structures that behave differently than expected.
A fixed-price contract may feel safe, but it can lock in poor timing. An indexed contract offers flexibility, but it can expose the organization to short-term spikes. Without a clear strategy, procurement decisions often become reactive.
Energy procurement and energy strategy are connected
Natural gas procurement does not exist in isolation. Decisions affect:
- Budget forecasting
- Financial risk
- Operational planning
- Broader energy management goals
When procurement is handled as a one-off transaction, organizations lose visibility and control. This is why many energy leaders seek expert support rather than relying on internal resources alone.
How a natural gas marketer can help
What is a natural gas marketer?
A natural gas marketer acts as the bridge between producers, pipelines, and end-use customers. But modern marketers do much more than simply sell gas.
In effective energy procurement programs, a natural gas marketer provides:
- Market access and competitive pricing
- Contract design and negotiation support
- Risk management insight
- Ongoing market updates and guidance
Any supplier can simply offer a quote, but a marketer’s value lies not just in supply, but in helping organizations make better decisions over time.
How natural gas marketers support energy procurement
A knowledgeable natural gas marketer helps organizations move from reactive buying to disciplined energy procurement by:
- Monitoring markets in real time: Tracking price trends, weather risk, and supply dynamics
- Structuring contracts: Advising on fixed, indexed, layered, or hybrid approaches
- Supporting timing decisions: Reducing emotional or last-minute buying
- Aligning portfolios: Coordinating procurement across multiple sites
Contract language and cash-out provisions are critical details that many consumers overlook. This approach strengthens both energy procurement and energy management outcomes.
A procurement example from the U.S.
An industrial organization operated several facilities across different regions. Each site handled natural gas procurement independently, renewing fixed contracts once per year.
Over time, leadership noticed:
- Wide price variations between sites
- Limited understanding of risk exposure
- Repeated budget overruns despite “safe” contracts
The organization engaged a single natural gas marketer to centralize its approach. The marketer:
- Analyzed historical usage and pricing
- Identified regional basis risk
- Introduced a layered natural gas procurement strategy
- Provided regular market updates to finance and operations
Within one year, forecast accuracy improved, and budget variance declined. More importantly, leadership gained confidence in its energy management decisions.
The outcome was not just savings - it was control.
Actionable takeaways for energy leaders
If you are responsible for natural gas procurement in the U.S., consider these next steps:
- Review your current contract structure: Understand embedded risk, not just price.
- Engage a capable natural gas marketer: Look for strategy, not just quotes.
- Use layered procurement: Reduce timing risk and smooth volatility.
- Connect procurement to energy and operational management: Align decisions with budgets.
- Revisit strategy regularly: Markets change - your approach should too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a natural gas marketer do?
A natural gas marketer sources supply, structures contracts, and supports pricing and risk decisions as part of a broader energy procurement strategy.
Is a natural gas marketer the same as a broker?
Not always. Many marketers take a more active role in pricing, contract execution , and ongoing market support. Some brokers only earn a fee when the supply contract is executed, so their incentives and timing may be misaligned with the consumer.
How does a marketer help manage energy volatility?
By offering flexible procurement structures, market insight, and timing guidance that align with energy management goals.
Should natural gas procurement be part of energy management?
Yes. Integrating procurement into energy management improves visibility, predictability , and risk control.
Conclusion: Turning natural gas procurement into a managed and competitive advantage
Natural gas procurement in the U.S. will always involve uncertainty. Prices move, weather changes, and markets react quickly. The organizations that perform best are not those that try to predict the market perfectly, but those that manage risk deliberately.
A knowledgeable natural gas marketer plays a central role in that discipline. By combining market insight, contract expertise , and risk awareness, marketers help organizations align natural gas procurement with broader energy procurement and energy management objectives.
Instead of asking, Did we buy at the lowest price?, energy leaders can ask better questions:
- Did we manage risk appropriately?
- Does this strategy support our budget?
- Are we prepared for future volatility?
When natural gas procurement is treated as a strategic function, it stops being a recurring problem and becomes a manageable and competitive advantage.
What Is P.L. 86-272 and How Can It Be Beneficial for State Compliance?
State nexus is the connection between a business and a state that gives the state authority to impose tax obligations, including income tax filing requirements. In some states, nexus is easy to identify because the law uses a bright-line test, such as a specific sales threshold; if a business exceeds that threshold, nexus generally exists. Although, many states do not provide that kind of clear rule.
When there is no bright-line test, nexus becomes a facts-and-circumstances question. Instead of asking whether the business crossed a single numerical threshold, the state looks at the nature and regularity of the company’s in-state activities; this can include employee visits, inventory, representatives, service activity, or other purposeful contacts with the state. The result is uncertainty: a business may not know whether it has nexus until it compares its facts to state statutes, regulations, and court decisions.
This uncertainty is one reason Public Law 86-272 remains so important. P.L. 86-272 is a federal law that limits a state’s ability to impose a net income tax on an out-of-state business, but the protection is narrow. It applies only when the business sells tangible personal property, its only in-state activity is soliciting orders, the orders are approved outside the state, and the goods are shipped from outside the state via common carrier.
What Is Covered Under P.L. 86-272 and What Is Not?
The key concept is “solicitation.” Under the Supreme Court’s decision in WI Dept. of Rev v. William Wrigley, JR., solicitation includes not only directly asking customers to buy products, but also activities that are entirely ancillary to requesting orders. In other words, the activity must exist solely to support the sales request and must not serve an independent business function.
Generally protected solicitation activities include:
- Direct sales calls
- Promotional discussions that encourage purchases
- Carrying free samples or promotional materials
- Furnishing display racks or helping arrange product displays without charge
- Missionary sales activity
- Encouraging retailers to buy the seller’s products from wholesalers
- Forwarding orders or customer inquiries to the home office
- Coordinating shipment information
- Checking inventory for reorder purposes
- Training or supervising sales personnel when those activities are tied to solicitation
- Mediating customer complaints may be protected if it is done only to maintain goodwill and encourage future orders. However, this can be a fine line, and some states may consider it to exceed the protections of P.L. 86-272.
Generally nonprotected activities include:
- Repairs / Maintenance
- Installation
- Technical Support
- Collections
- Credit investigations
- Replacing damaged or stale goods as a regular practice
- Maintaining inventory for non-solicitation purposes or operating an office in the state
- Delivering goods via company owned transportation
Note: Even if the above nonprotected activities help generate sales, they are not considered solicitation because they serve operational or service functions separate from requesting orders.
The common thread is that these activities are part of asking for sales, not part of performing the broader business of selling and servicing products. That distinction matters because P.L. 86-272 protection is lost when in-state activities go beyond solicitation and begin serving an independent business purpose.
This narrow definition of solicitation also affects filing strategy. Some businesses choose to file a return in a state while claiming P.L. 86-272 protection. Since many states are narrowing their view of protected activities under P.L. 86-272, this can be a good idea to shield against unexpected liability in a state.
Should a Business File a Return in a State While Claiming Protection Under P.L. 86-272?
The Benefits of Filing
- Filing may start the statute of limitations. In many states, if no return is filed, the state may argue that it can assess tax indefinitely. Filing a return that clearly claims P.L. 86-272 can help limit how long the state has to challenge the position, generally limiting the lookback period to 3 years.
- Filing creates a formal record that the business is not ignoring the state. Instead, it is affirmatively taking the position that federal law prevents the state from imposing income tax. This can be helpful if the state later audits the company.
- Filing may help the business maintain a more organized compliance posture. Some taxpayers prefer to disclose their position rather than remain silent, especially when nexus is uncertain.
The Disadvantages of Filing
- Filing can attract attention. A return claiming P.L. 86-272 may invite the state to examine whether the company’s activities were truly limited to protected solicitation. However, in this case, most business owners would prefer to uncover the liability, so they can be compliant going forward, rather than discovering a larger liability later on.
- There is also an all-or-nothing risk. If the company engaged in even a small amount of unprotected activity during the year, the protection may be lost for the entire year; that makes the position vulnerable if the company’s salespeople, service team, or online operations crossed the line.
- L. 86-272 does not shield the business from every state tax. A company may still face other tax obligations, even if it is protected from net income tax. Examples may include sales, franchise, net worth, and gross receipts taxes. Filing may also create administrative cost, especially for businesses operating in many states.
Final Thoughts
State nexus rules determine whether a state can tax a business, and the analysis becomes much harder when there is no bright-line rule. P.L. 86-272 offers a limited federal shield, but only for sellers of tangible personal property whose in-state activities are confined to solicitation and conduct entirely ancillary to solicitation. For businesses operating across state lines, understanding exactly what counts as solicitation is critical to preserving that protection.
For more information, or if you have thoughts and/or questions about the information outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact them; their seasoned and experienced tax professionals are always here to help. You can also learn more by visiting our Tax service page.
Member News ~ August 20, 2026
Events & Dates:
MC Federal Credit Union Ribbon Cutting- August 21
Join us to celebrate MC Federal Credit Union as they open their new Berwick office with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Come tour the new location, meet the team, and help mark this exciting milestone! Register Here
Cardinal Estate Planning Free Workshop- Sept 1
Join them for The 3 Cardinal Rules for Planning Your Estate and Protecting Your Assets. To reserve your spot, simply fill out this form or call their office at (570) 252-9043.
PA CareerLink Day Event- Sept 3
Join them for an in-person seminar and learn how to reduce Unemployment Compensation costs by filing for relief from charges! Email dedsell@tiu11.org to register! Thursday, September 3 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. This seminar covers: Eligibility and filing steps, Notifications and key documents, Impact of separations and appeal rights & Critical deadlines to avoid charges.
The Weis Center’s New Season Will Kick Off - Sept. 11
The Weis Center will kick off its new season with bluegrass and Americana artist Bronwyn on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Concert Hall. Learn more by calling 570-577-1000 or online at Bucknell.edu/BoxOffice
Journey Bank Photography Contest Submission Deadline - DUE September 18th
Arts in Bloom Performing Arts Series - Sept 18
The Journey Bank Arts in Bloom Performing Arts Series at Commonwealth University Bloomsburg will open with a performance of “Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story” on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., in Carver Hall, K.S. Gross Auditorium. “Behind The Lines: A 9/11 Story” is produced by Modern Warrior Live, a production team that works closely with veterans, including co-founder Jaymes Poling, to tell “personal stories of loss, endurance, and how people carry life-changing experiences forward.” Read more.
HearingLife Invites You To Free Educational Seminar- Sept 24
Join their hearing care experts to learn why hearing health is so important and learn how today’s technology can help you stay connected and engaged. Thursday, September 24, 2026, Starting at 5pm. Learn More
Announcements:
2027 Chamber Outstanding Citizen Nominations Open Now!
Let's recognize our outstanding citizens in Columbia & Montour: Nominate The 2027 Outstanding Citizen Now!
PPL Electric Utilities- The Powerline Newsletter is Out Now
PPL’s Powerline Newsletters most recent edition is out now. The edition includes updates on, PPL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen grid reliability, customer resources, the launch of PPL’s new data center resource page and more. You can find the Newsletter here.
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center Celebrates Graduation of its 121st Class of Practical Nursing Students
Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center celebrated the graduation of its 121st class of Practical Nursing Students. The ceremony was held on August 13th at 7pm in the Lewisburg Area High School auditorium to honor the accomplishments and dedication of 39 graduating students. For more information about the CSLPNCC, visit https://lpn.csiu.org/
Lake Chillisquaque Spillway Update
The spillway upgrade project has been in the excavation phase since spring and remains on schedule. The following activities are expected to take place in the coming months: Excavated material will be crushed on site and trucked to an area on the Montour power plant property. Beginning the week of August 24, truck traffic will increase along Preserve Road to Strawberry Ridge Road as crushed excavated material is moved. This will occur during daylight hours, Monday through Friday and is expected to take a number of weeks to complete. This information will be posted on the project website at https://spillwayupgrade.com/.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Presents Knorrwood - Aug 21 & 22
Knorrwood returns to the stage at the Alvina Krause theatre with a return of “Over the Shire and Far Away” on Friday, August 21 and August 22. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. There will be a beer garden open to ticket holders before the Saturday performance at 5 pm on Center Street in front of the theatre featuring specialty Knorrwood lager from Rock God Brewery as well as pizza from Project Pizza and more! Learn More
Fun Fest and Poker Run to Benefit the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum - Aug 22
Fun Fest will be held August 22nd, 2026 from 11am-5pm at the future home of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 317 Montour Blvd, Bloomsburg. There will be fun for all ages including food trucks, children’s crafts and actives, raffles and prizes! A poker run will be held, registration is 9:00am- 10:30am at the Danville Moose Lodge and the ride will start at 11:00am ending at Vreeland’s Harley Davidson (future home of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum). More information here.
Camp Victory is Hosts Campfire Gala - Aug 27
This semi-formal evening will include a cocktail hour, seated dinner and presentation of awards. It will be held in our Waterfront Pavilion, from 5 - 8:30pm. The evening will include recognition of two honorees. Visit their website for more information
Active Transportation Plan Survey
The SEDA-COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is gathering public input for the MPO’s next Active Transportation Plan (ATP) covering Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties. Everyone is invited and encouraged to complete an online survey to share your active transportation concerns and priorities for shaping the next ATP. For more information about the Active Transportation Plan update, visit the project page here.
Bloomsburg Fair Announces Queen
Ms. Brynn Karnes, 2026 Central Columbia FFA Graduate, was crowned the 2026 Bloomsburg Fair Queen. Brynn served as the 2025 Bloomsburg Fair Queen Alternate and now will step into the role of queen for the 2026 season. Brynn will attend Penn State University majoring in Agribusiness Management. Ms. Kadence Rhone, also a 2026 Central Columbia FFA Graduate, retired from the Bloomsburg Fair Queen as she served as the 2024 alternate and 2025 queen.
Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak Named on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List
Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, an elder law firm with seven locations in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, announced it has been ranked No. 3728 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.
Central Columbia FFA Earns Three-Star Gold Rating
The Central Columbia FFA Chapter of Bloomsburg, PA was recently awarded a Three-Star Gold Rating by the National FFA Organization through the National Chapter Rating Award application. Chapters are recognized through an application highlighting their achievements, community involvement and supervised agricultural experience projects. The Central Columbia FFA Chapter ranks in the top 1% of all programs and chapters in the United States. Central Columbia FFA will be recognized at the 2026 National FFA Convention in October in Indianapolis, IN. Learn more about Pennsylvania FFA at www.paffa.org/about-ffa.
B.I.D.A Elects New Board President
The Berwick Industrial Development Association, Inc. (B.I.D.A.) is pleased to announce the election of Rhonda Wieners as the organization’s newest Board President. Mrs. Wieners brings a strong commitment to economic development and community advancement to her new leadership role. As Board President, she will work alongside B.I.D.A.’s Board of Directors and staff to advance the organization’s mission of strengthening the regional economy through business development, strategic partnerships, and community investments.