Maximizing ROI on Employee Health Benefits: How Strategic Investments Improve Productivity & Retention
Source: My Benefit Advisor
The Business Case for Investing in Health Benefits
In today’s competitive talent landscape, business leaders face increasing
pressure to offer health benefits that not only support employee well-being but also drive measurable business outcomes. Rising healthcare costs, talent shortages, and employee burnout are challenges that cannot be ignored.
Many companies see employee health benefits as simply a necessary cost of doing business. But the most successful businesses treat them as an investment — one that directly affects the bottom line. Companies that invest strategically in health benefits often see real returns, including higher productivity, lower absenteeism, better retention, and a more engaged workforce.
Mid- and large-sized companies also face the challenge of offering benefits that fit a wide range of employees across different locations and job roles. By using data, tailoring benefits, and focusing on proactive care, businesses can maximize the return on their investment (ROI) while building a healthier, more loyal workforce.
This guide explores practical ways to maximize the ROI of employee health benefits by designing data-driven, holistic, and flexible plans that meet employees’ needs while supporting the company’s goals.
Key Strategies to Maximize ROI
Invest in Preventive Care & Wellness Programs
Preventive screenings, immunizations, fitness incentives, and wellness coaching help employees stay healthier, reducing long-term care costs. Employers see ROI through fewer high-cost events and improved productivity.
Align Benefits with Workforce Demographics
Tailor offerings to the specific needs of the employee population. Younger workforces may value student loan repayment or mental health support, while older employees may prioritize chronic condition management and retirement planning. Alignment ensures benefits are relevant and used.
Leverage Data & Analytics
Track performance indicators such as utilization, absenteeism, and claims data. Use analytics to identify trends, measure program effectiveness, and adjust offerings. Data-driven strategies ensure benefits spending leads to real, measurable outcomes.
Educate & Engage Employees
ROI only happens if employees understand and use their benefits. Clear communication, decision-support tools, and year-round education campaigns drive higher engagement and smarter health care choices.
Integrate Technology Solutions
Digital health platforms, telemedicine, and mobile apps improve access and reduce unnecessary ER or urgent care visits. Technology also enables employees to manage benefits more effectively, increasing satisfaction and efficiency.
Focus on Total Well-Being
Go beyond medical coverage to address mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and family benefits. A holistic approach reduces stress, boosts engagement, and supports long-term retention, key drivers of ROI.
Health Benefits Impacting Retention Rates
Comprehensive health benefits play a pivotal role in retaining top talent by fostering a sense of security, loyalty, and long-term commitment among employees. When companies offer strong medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with mental health resources, wellness programs, and family-friendly benefits, employees feel supported and valued. This sense of security builds trust and reduces turnover, especially during times of personal or financial stress.
In today’s market, employees pay close attention to the benefits a company offers. Workers who feel their employer supports both their physical and mental health are far less likely to look for other jobs. By investing in benefits that support the whole person — including health, peace of mind, and family needs — companies build a workplace where people want to stay. This stability leads to stronger retention and better performance across the organization.
Measuring Success: Key Metrics to Track
Measuring key metrics is essential for employers to truly understand the ROI on their employee health benefit program. By tracking outcomes such as healthcare utilization, absenteeism, employee productivity, and retention rates, employers can move beyond seeing benefits as a cost and begin viewing them as a strategic investment. Data-driven insights allow organizations to identify which programs drive the greatest value, whether it’s preventive care programs, wellness initiatives, or chronic condition management. Demonstrating clear correlations between benefit strategies and reduced claims costs, improved employee engagement, or stronger workforce performance provides employers with the evidence needed to justify investments and fine-tune future offerings.
In an increasingly competitive labor market, this tracking not only validates the financial impact but also reinforces the organization’s commitment to employee well-being, strengthening both recruitment and retention.
To demonstrate ROI and continuously improve health benefits programs, companies should track several key metrics.
- Health Care Claims Trends
- Absenteeism Rates
- Productivity Metrics Tied to Workforce Health Initiatives
- Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Scores
- Retention Rates & Exit Survey Data
Benchmarks should be reviewed quarterly and annually, and adjustments should be made based on the findings.
Anticipating Challenges
Building a strategic investment approach for employee benefits requires foresight, discipline, and an understanding of both market dynamics and workforce behavior. Without careful alignment between benefit objectives and broader organizational goals, strategies risk becoming disorganized or reactive. Overcoming these challenges demands consistent evaluation, good communication between departments, and a willingness to adapt as both workforce needs and economic conditions evolve.
Even with strategic planning, there are challenges companies may need to overcome when designing these strategies.
Health Care Issues
Employers must navigate fluctuating health care costs, evolving regulatory requirements, and an increasingly diverse workforce with varying priorities.
Data Collection & Privacy
Data collection and analysis can be difficult, as organizations often struggle to merge information from multiple carriers, vendors, and wellness platforms into a cohesive picture, while maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other data-protection regulations.
Engagement Barriers
Some employees may not immediately participate in wellness programs. Ongoing education and incentives can help.
Cost Management
Balancing cost containment with the need to remain competitive and attractive to current and prospective employees can be difficult. Additionally, benefit investments may take time to yield measurable results, making it challenging to demonstrate short-term ROI to leadership or finance teams.
Vendor Alignment
Work with a benefit advisor or provider who acts as a proactive, data-driven partner, not just a transactional vendor.
From Cost to Competitive Advantage
Maximizing ROI on employee health benefits does not come from one-size-fits-all plans. It takes thoughtful planning, the right mix of benefits, and ongoing evaluation to make sure your investment is delivering value. Companies that support employee well-being see improvements in productivity, engagement, retention, and overall performance. As health care costs rise and competition for talent increases, employers need clear guidance and a trusted partner who can help them make informed decisions that support their business goals.
My Benefit Advisor (MBA) provides the expertise, data insights, and support employers need to design, refine, and measure benefit strategies that make a real difference. Whether you want to strengthen retention, improve workforce health, reduce claims, or make better use of your benefits budget, MBA can guide you every step of the way.
To learn how your organization can start maximizing ROI on employee health benefits, contact MBA today.
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The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit their website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.
President’s Message: Thanks for the Ride…and for All the Rides
Chris Berleth Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
“Chris, we really need to do a camporee at Knoebels again. The kids always loved it.”
“What’s Knoebels?” I asked. The room got quiet.
It was February of 2013. I was new to the area, having just landed in Columbia County one year prior, tha
nks to wedding nuptials and a relocation from State College. I’d grown up in New England, and the area was still really new to me. I’d never heard of this place.
“We can’t describe it to you, Chris. Knoebels is something you need to experience first-hand. Go see it…trust us.”
That’s what the Activities Committee ordered, so that’s what I
was supposed to do. My mission was simple: go to Knoebels, meet with the leadership, and ask, plead, or beg to bring a robotics-themed camporee to the park. The committee gave me a few suggestions: “Tell them we’ll camp in the parking lot. Stay out of the way. Tell them we’ll buy the ticket books and feed the kids in the park. Get us there, and you’ll be a hero.”
I was nervous. The more I heard about this place and the more I imagined I would have to really sell this idea to the leadership team, the more nervous I got. I worked up a whole pitch, practiced it all morning. I gave myself time to navigate the park and showed up super early so I could find my way around without looking like a lost puppy. I walked through a very quiet park, through the pavilions, and past a few rides which were much larger than I expected. I’d been to plenty of amusement parks as a kid, so I wasn’t overly excited right away. (Please forgive an aside – kindly remember that it was February, and the season hadn’t yet begun.)
I’m sure I still looked like a lost puppy when I reached the office.
“Mr. Knoebel is out in the park and will be back shortly,” I was told. True to form, he walked in right on time, smirking a little when he saw me in my Scout uniform. I’m sure he could see how green I was, and he knew what to expect. No doubt, he’d encountered plenty of district executives in his time. A quick, firm handshake, and then he said, “Come with me, young man.”
There was no meeting, no pitch. At a glance, he’d clearly deduced that it was my first time in the park. I obeyed without a
Photo courtesy of Larry Deklinski
word and, at his bidding, jumped into the passenger side of his golf cart.
That’s when the whole thing went crazy.
What followed was the most insane and thrilling ride I’d ever been on in my life, as Dick Knoebel took me on a personal tour of his beloved Amusement Park, at what seemed like 100 mph, in 20-degree weather, with a light vest on.
Imagine getting an invitation to join Santa on his sleigh for a personal tour of the North Pole. In retrospect, that’s what this was.
Instead of “On Dasher, On Dancer”, he shouted “That’s the Paratrooper! The Log Flume. Cosmotron! Merry Mixer! Twister! Whipper!” calling out the names of the rides and their history, flying around corners as fast as the cart would go. This was no tame golf cart. This thing had no regulator. It squealed and shook to his will, as if he were still in the Marines driving a Jeep between battle stations.
I almost fell out twice and caught him grinning as he hit the corner around the carousel. It was right out of a silly Christmas movie. He was a gruff old elf, laughing while I jiggled like a bowl full of jelly - and not the other way around. I didn’t say a word. I knew from the first tire peel that it was a test of fortitude. I just held on for dear life.
He knew every employee’s name, waved, and said hello. The cart screeched to a halt as he popped out to help someone near the high-water mark, while telling me about flooding. Then we were off again, just as fast, but it suddenly felt like something was wrong.
Instead of returning to the office, he took me straight to the parking lot. I’d had time to tell him I was from Rhode Island, that I’d been in Scouts with my dad, that we’d love to bring the Scouts back for a camporee.
As we arrived at my car, with a sort of door-to-door delivery service, he said, “Well, we always have Scout Day at Knoebels. The Scouts never left.”
Then, like St. Nick turning back to the sky with a word of farewell, I watched in horror as he whipped the cart around and wished me goodbye. I was stunned. I had no idea what had happened or how I’d screwed this up. The meeting was over, the golf cart ride was it, and it had lasted all of 10 minutes.
For two days, I agonized over this encounter, trying to think up ways to re-engage this man and try again. While I was stewing, a letter arrived to the council office addressed to me.
Inside were a few scribbled lines on Knoebel's letterhead, and two patches. “See? We’ve always loved the Scouts. Bring the kids to Scout Day and camp in the lot. Sincerely, Dick Knoebel.” In the envelope was the patch he’d been given when the council last held a camporee there…and along with it was a Knoebels Scout Day patch that they’d made up for the years when there wasn’t a formal Scouting event. The message was clear. “Scouts are always welcome at Knoebels, whether it’s an official event or not.”
That letter made me a hero. I reported back to the Activities Committee that we were good to go, and the kids had an amazing time. It was a great event because of the kindness and magic of Dick Knoebel, and the hard work of a lot of volunteers who always made me look better at my job than I actually was.
A few years after leaving the Scouting profession to go into Chamber work, I found myself at an event in Shamokin with Mr. Knoebel. His health had started to decline, but I wanted to thank him for that kindness, and told the story back to him and to the people within earshot. Our encounter
had been so brief and seemingly so insignificant in the grand scheme of what I’m sure he dealt with every day, that I didn’t expect him to remember it at all. He very politely smiled and let me share the tale, showing kindness yet again.
Two days later, I was surprised to receive at the Chamber a second note - this time, wishing me luck in my new career and reminding me that I, too, would always be welcome at Knoebels. Of course, that note was also accompanied by another patch, which seemed to emphasize his point.
As a father of two young boys, and now considerably more immersed in the community, I have been bewitched by the Knoebels Amusement Park in the same way everyone who goes there is. Considering his passing, I can’t help but recall how generous Dick Knoebel was to me personally and consider the gigantic legacy he leaves behind.
It still feels like I met Santa Claus, who had told me I was welcome to return to the North Pole anytime I wished, and as I mull over this comparison, I’m bewitched again by the magic again.
Thanks, Mr. Knoebel, for the notes, these precious mementos which I will treasure. And, thanks for the ride…thanks for ALL the rides.
Criterium-Peters Engineers, Inc. – New Member Highlight
Proudly Serving The Community Since 2001, Criterium-Peters Engineers, Inc. has been a trusted engineering consulting firm providing comprehensive building evaluation and engineering services throughout Pennsylvania. Their licensed Professional Engineers specialize in structural evaluations, forensic investigations, property condition assessments, construction quality assurance, building envelope consulting, and due diligence services for commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential clients. Known for their integrity, technical capabilities, and practical solutions, they help clients make informed decisions while protecting the value, safety, and performance of their properties.The Forge Pub & Eatery – New Member Highlight
Member News ~ July 16, 2026
Events & Dates:
Summer Movies in Danville - July 16
The Danville Business Alliance (DBA) and Danville Borough invite families and community members to grab their lawn chairs and head to Canal Park for the second installment of Downtown Danville's Summer Movie Series, featuring Disney's beloved classic, Lilo & Stitch, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Food and festivities begin at 6:00 PM, and the movie starts at 6:30 PM at Canal Park, located at 463 Mill Street, Danville. The event will be held rain or shine (in the event of inclement weather, the movie will be shown inside the Danville Borough Ballroom).
Groundbreaking ceremony for the new home of the Bloomsburg Children's Museum - July 21
Service 1st in Coordination with (PFEW) are Hosting Financial Reality Fairs this Summer for High School Students - July 22
Service 1st Federal Credit Union in coordination with Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) has been invited to lead programming for financial reality fairs being held throughout the month of July. They are inviting you to join them to experience this unique financial education experience on July 22, 2026 at Lycoming College in Williamsport.
BTE Stages Sensory Friendly Performance of Elephant & Piggie's "We Are In A Play"- July 25th
The Elephant & Piggies Performance is altered to accommodate patrons who experience heightened sensory input, anxiety, have
dementia or learning differences, or are on the autistic spectrum. The performance will start at 2pm. Click Here For More Information.
The Women's Center Red Sand Project - July 30
Join The Women's Center from 11am-1pm in Bloomsburg or Danville to spread awareness during World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Click Here for More Information.
Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver invites you to attend her upcoming grant seminar, “How to Be a Better Applicant,” - August 13
Join them from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Area High School Auditorium, 1200 Railroad St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815. RSVP: Please register by Tuesday, August 11 using this link or by calling their Shamokin Dam office at 570‑743‑1918.
Pine Barn Inn hosts Susquehanna Valley Business Mixer - August 17
Pine Barn Inn in partnership with 7 Mountain Media invites local business owners, professionals, chamber members, and community leaders to join them for the Susquehanna Valley Business Mixer. This free networking event will be held Monday August 17th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at the Pine Barn Inn Ballroom. Attendance is free, and registration is easy, reserve your spot here.
Wild for Salmon Fishtival - August 29
Join Wild for Salmon to celebrate wild seafood and welcome back their fishermen on Saturday August 29th from 9am-4pm! Bring the whole family for a day of games, local vendors, face painting, wild seafood tastings, and live grilling demonstrations. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!
Announcements:
Congratulations to Sergeant Quentin Reinford
The Town of Bloomsburg Council is proud to announce the promotion of Quentin Reinford to the rank of Sergeant effective July 26, 2026 with the Bloomsburg Police Department.
The Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) held its annual conference
Mr. Douglas G. Brown, Agricultural/Environmental Science Instructor and FFA Advisor at Central Columbia High School attended the conference. Mr. Brown was presented with numerous awards: PAAE Years of Service Award-Mr. Brown will be heading into his 36th year of teaching agricultural/environmental science at Central Columbia, PAAE public advocacy award in promoting agriculture across the commonwealth and outside of Pennsylvania boundaries, PAAE Incentive Award, and lastly Mr. Brown was presented with the PAAE Outstanding Service Award.
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosts 4th Annual Run Forest Run - July 18
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA is hosting its 4th Annual Run Forest Run on Saturday, July 18th, along the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest. Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or, new this year, a Half-Marathon, making the event a great fit for runners of all experience levels. The course follows an out-and-back route on mostly flat gravel and dirt roads. Proceeds support YMCA programs and projects that help make our facility more accessible to everyone in our community. Join us for a great morning on the course while supporting your local YMCA!"
Third Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage Train Rides Move to Berwick for WWII Weekend - July 18
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (“NSHR”) will be running their third annual Veterans Benefit Voyage. This year’s fundraiser train rides will be boarding at Berwick’s World War II Weekend out of Test Track Park located at S. Eaton St., Berwick, PA. Rides will depart at 10am and 1pm. These hour-long train rides (10am & 1pm) will travel south towards Bloomsburg (for 30 minutes) and return. The locomotives featured for these trips will be LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit). Learn More at: www.northshorewarehouse.com/usa
McKonly & Asbury Free WEBINAR - July 30
This free, one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. One “Specialized Knowledge” CPE credit is available for this webinar. The level for this webinar is intermediate, and working knowledge of the LIHTC program is required. This program is a live webinar which offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Registration Link: WEBINAR: Year 15 for LIHTC Partnerships | Mid Atlantic CPA
Community Giving Foundation Announces New $300,000 Grant - Due July 31
Community Giving Foundation, in collaboration with Amazon and the Luzerne Foundation, proudly announces the launch of the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund, a bold $300,000 aimed at empowering nonprofits serving Columbia and Luzerne Counties. The application process will open July 1, 2026, with a deadline of July 31, 2026. Learn More at Foundation Grants - Community Giving Foundation
Benton’s 41st Annual Frontier Days Rodeo - July 14 through 19
The Benton Rodeo is proud to be recognized as one of the very best among more than 65 rodeos east of the Mississippi River. Tickets are available online. Grounds open at 4pm, Vendors and food stands open between 4:30 and 5pm. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:30pm Championship Rodeo | Sunday Bull-A-Rama 7:30 pm
Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment - July 17 through 19
The 2026 Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment will take place at Riverfront Park (aka "The Test Track") at the end of South Eaton Street in Berwick, PA Friday July 17th through Sunday July 19th. Click here for more information
Rabbittransit introducing rabbitPAY - July 21
Rabbittransit is excited to announce a major upgrade, the launch of rabbitPAY, going live July 21, 2026. rabbitPAY introduces a smart card and mobile based payment system, making boarding faster, more convenient and more flexible than ever before. Riders can simply tap and go when boarding the bus. rabbitPAY will offer multiple smart card reloading options thru the app, online, at a machine or in person. In preparation for the launch, rabbittransit will offer community events to help riders sign up and answer questions. For more information visit www.rabbittransit.org.
KMA Hope on the Fairway- July 31
The KMA Hope on the Fairway Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser providing critical early momentum for the 2026 Walk goals. Open to golfers of all skill levels, it’s a great day on the greens for a meaningful cause. Click here to sign up your team!
Service 1st’s Annual Charity Duck Derby - August 1
The Service 1st Federal Credit Union rubber duckies are getting ready for their Annual Charity Duck Derby scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon on the Danville/Riverside Bridge in Danville. Don’t miss your chance to sponsor a duckie, or a flock of rubber duckies, in the big race! Tickets are on sale now through July 31, 2026
Bloomsburg Rotary Hosting 37th Annual Golf Tournament - August 12
President’s Message: Our Comprehensive Take on the New State Budge
Chris Berleth Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce CEO/President
By now, you’ve heard: Pennsylvania has a new state budget.
On July 12, the General Assembly completed work on the Commonwealth’s $50.8 billion spending plan for the 2026–27 fiscal year. While the budget was adopted after the July 1 start of the fiscal year, we are pleased that legislative leaders and the Governor reached an agreement and avoided a prolonged impasse.
The budget process is rarely straightforward. Competing political priorities, last-minute amendments, and pressure from organized interests can quickly reshape legislation—sometimes in ways that create serious unintended consequences for employers, nonprofits, and communities. The final agreement reflects the negotiation required to complete the budget, but it also demonstrates why close attention and rapid advocacy are often necessary until the final votes are cast.
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry led much of the statewide effort, while the Columbia Montour Chamber was actively engaged on issues with direct local consequences. Our legislators took seriously the concerns we brought before them.
Our most urgent concern involved proposed changes to Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
Legislation passed by the House would have ended the existing EITC and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs and replaced them with a substantially different structure. The proposal would have reduced the value of the tax benefit, restricted which students could benefit from scholarships, and imposed new limitations on how EITC funds could be used.
The Chamber mobilized quickly because the effects would have extended far beyond the political debate over school choice.
Educational Improvement Organizations use EITC contributions to support career exploration, workforce development, financial literacy, educational equipment, student experiences, and other programs delivered in partnership with local school districts.
Over the past decade, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber has translated more than $1 million in tax credits into programs, scholarships, equipment, and educational opportunities for local public-school students. Other nonprofits throughout our region also rely on EITC to provide services that schools and families value, which are innovative and supplement the curriculum at local public schools.
The proposed changes could have interrupted funding and placed significant new burdens on organizations already operating with limited staff and resources. We worked to ensure that lawmakers understood those local consequences, and they responded to our concerns.
Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, chair of the Senate Education Committee, also told our Government Affairs Committee that she understood the strain the proposed legislation would have placed on community organizations.
We are grateful that the changes were excluded from the final budget and the existing EITC structure was preserved. We support reasonable transparency and accountability, but reforms should strengthen successful partnerships—not unintentionally dismantle them.
The Chamber was also engaged on childcare.
Employers across Columbia and Montour counties continue to identify the lack of accessible, affordable childcare as a direct workforce barrier. That is why the Columbia Montour Chamber joined a coalition of 81 local Chambers advocating for additional state investment in childcare.
The final budget includes a $5 million increase for the Child Care Worker Retention and Recruitment Program, which supports bonuses intended to help providers attract and retain employees.
Additional funding is welcome, but money alone will not solve the problem. We have also been working with Representatives Leadbeter and Stender and getting critical feedback from childcare directors about common sense reforms that would address regulatory burdens and duplicative requirements that increase costs for providers. We are watching a package of 14 House bills, expected to address some of those issues.
For employers, the budget also produced several encouraging tax-policy outcomes.
Pennsylvania’s previously enacted Corporate Net Income Tax reductions remain on schedule. The rate is expected to decline to 6.99 percent in January and continue phasing down toward 4.99 percent. Maintaining that commitment improves Pennsylvania’s competitiveness and sends an important signal to businesses deciding where to invest, expand, and create jobs.
We are equally pleased that mandatory combined reporting and a new tax on digital advertising were not included in the final agreement.
In the days leading up to budget passage, the PA Chamber and its local partners had to mobilize quickly as these provisions were added to legislation moving through the House. The proposed digital advertising tax alone was estimated to impose approximately $500 million in additional costs, with small businesses likely absorbing much of that burden through higher advertising prices.
For many local businesses, digital advertising is one of the most affordable ways to reach customers. Excluding both proposals avoided new costs and uncertainty for Pennsylvania employers.
The budget also includes investments in education, workforce development, and infrastructure.
Funding for career and technical education increased by approximately $10 million following a year without additional funding. Resources were also directed toward employer-led training through WEDnetPA, veteran employment initiatives, and scholarships designed to encourage graduates to live and work in Pennsylvania.
These investments reflect a principle that guides much of the Chamber’s work: workforce development does not begin when an employer posts a job opening.
The budget also authorizes the release of $500 million from the Motor License Fund during the current fiscal year and another $275 million the following year to accelerate shovel-ready road and bridge projects.
No broader solution for public transit funding was included, so transportation will remain part of the Chamber’s advocacy agenda. Locally, services such as StopHopper demonstrate how reliable transportation can connect residents with employment, healthcare, education, and essential services.
Significant fiscal questions also remain.
Pennsylvania continues to face an estimated structural deficit of approximately $4.5 billion. The current budget relies partly on delayed Medicaid payments, transfers from other state funds, and other one-time financial measures.
While those decisions allowed lawmakers to reach an agreement without increasing broad-based taxes or drawing from the Commonwealth’s nearly $8 billion Rainy Day Fund, the choice to delay Medicaid payments for an historic two months into the next budget means that we’ll be dealing with the consequences of this year’s bills long after the next fiscal year is over. If there’s any encouragement, it is that state revenues exceeded projections by approximately $1 billion during the previous fiscal year, reinforcing the value of policies that promote economic growth.
Summary
This budget includes several outcomes the Columbia Montour Chamber actively supported: preservation of EITC, additional childcare investment, the continued phase-down of the Corporate Net Income Tax, and the exclusion of combined reporting and the digital advertising tax. Those outcomes reflect coordinated advocacy among local Chambers, statewide partners, employers, nonprofits, educators, and public officials.
The Columbia Montour Chamber will continue to be part of that work—not simply reporting what happens in Harrisburg, but representing the interests of employers and communities in Columbia and Montour counties before the final decisions are made.
The Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Program
Source: Dan Dorgan- McKonly & AsburyIn May, Governor Shapiro announced approximately $2.85 million in grants through Pennsylvania’s Foundations in Industry Training Program. The Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Program is a statewide initiative administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development to help employers and other apprenticeship sponsors expand access to registered apprenticeship programs. FIT funding is intended to offset the educational and technical instruction costs associated with apprenticeships. Eligible sponsors are able to receive up to $3,000 per apprentice per year for as many as three years.
The Skilled Labor Gap
As mentioned in previous articles, the country is experiencing a challenge recruiting, training, and retaining skilled employees. This issue is not industry specific, and its impact is being felt both nationally and regionally here in Pennsylvania. The National Manufacturer’s Association (NAM) reported that the United States could face a shortfall of 1.9 million manufacturing workers by 2033.
The skilled labor gap has caused employers to look internally to train and educate their current employee base to fill the growing skills gap in the labor market. In a recent survey from NAM, approximately $32 billion is being spent on annually on training programs. An increase of nearly $5 billion compared to 2019.
The construction industry has taken a closer look at this issue as well. According to the 2025 workforce survey published by the Associated General Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction Education Research, 92% of construction firms that are hiring report difficulty finding qualified workers, while 45% say labor shortages are causing project delays. The survey also found that 57% of firms report that available candidates lack the necessary skills, credentials, or licenses for the work.
Apprenticeship Costs and Returns
This skills gap is what makes the investment in the FIT program so important. Apprenticeship offers these businesses an avenue to recruit, train, and retain the necessary talent to meet their operational goals. The challenge with an apprenticeship approach is the cost associated with the program. In The Return on Investment (ROI) to Employers from Registered Apprenticeships, a 2024 U.S. Department of Labor review found that the most employer return on investment in a Registered Apprenticeship generally range from $1.40 to $1.90 returned for every $1.00 invested.
This return is significant, given the growing costs of starting or maintaining an apprenticeship program. Registered Apprenticeship programs come with a wide array of expenses, including wages, mentorship time, lost productivity, training materials, technical instruction costs, as well as other significant administrative costs to the program. The FIT program is well positioned to help not only alleviate these costs but allow employers to observe better return on investment.
An Important Investment
FIT funding is positioned to help alleviate the costs incurred by employers in an effort to address the skilled labor gap observed here in the state. In practice, these funds can assist employers by adding apprentices, sustain related technical instruction costs, or continue a program that otherwise would be scaled back because of cost.
Please reach out to a member of the Manufacturing & Distribution team for more information on the topic outlined above. For more information regarding their Manufacturing & Distribution experience, visit Manufacturing & Distribution industry page.
The Hidden Cost of Caregiver Stress
Source: My Benefit Advisor
Many employees are balancing their careers with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, spouses, children with special needs, or other family members. While these responsibilities occur outside the workplace, their impact is often felt throughout the organization.
Caregivers frequently face competing demands on their time, unexpected emergencies, and ongoing emotional stress. As a result, employers may experience increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher healthcare utilization, and greater turnover risk.
Because caregiving challenges are often personal and rarely discussed openly, many organizations underestimate how many employees are affected. Yet as the population ages, caregiver responsibilities are becoming increasingly common across all workforce demographics.
Forward-thinking employers are beginning to view caregiver support as a workforce strategy rather than simply an employee benefit. Flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and caregiver support services can help employees better manage their responsibilities while remaining engaged and productive.
Organizations that recognize and address caregiver stress may be better positioned to improve retention, support employee well-being, and strengthen overall workforce performance. The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.
The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit their website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.
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Looking to spread the word about your business without spending a cent? No matter what type of business you operate, these free digital marketing tools can help boost your visibility and bring in new business. Restaurants, retailers, and service professionals alike can all benefit from these free digital marketing tools.
Social media
Old-fashioned, organic social media posts are free, easy, and a staple in every digital marketer’s tool kit. Although there are dozens of strategies, formats, and tools for managing paid advertising on social media, every company should prioritize posting regularly on its business profiles. A simple news feed update once or twice a week shows your company is open for business and engaging with followers. Social media boosts your company’s SEO results as well as helps you connect with potential customers—and best of all, it’s completely free.
Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a hyperlocal social media platform that connects people who live in the same immediate geography. Users on the app are neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, and brands that join the platform to ask for recommendations, share safety alerts, and advertise their products or services.
Nextdoor claims that 25% of conversations on its platform involve neighbors asking for recommendations for local businesses. When you sign up for a business page on Nextdoor, you can share general business information such as your address, website, and open hours. Local customers can also leave recommendations and message you directly. Creating a business page is free; there’s also the option to pay for advertising on Nextdoor.
Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile is your most important free local marketing tool. Claim your profile to help people who search for your business on Google Search and Maps convert to customers. Add photos, open hours, posts, and more to your profile to highlight what makes your business unique. Here, you can also respond to Google Reviews and proactively manage customer feedback. Restaurants are also able to use their business profile to accept online orders for delivery or pickup.
Google reviews
Reviews on your Google Business Profile can be a gold mine for your digital marketing efforts. Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on Google after a positive interaction. You can do this in person, through email receipts, or with a business card with a QR code linking directly to your Google Business Profile. Then, showcase your positive feedback on your website and social media.
Build credibility by responding to all Google reviews, positive or negative. “Honest and balanced reviews can help potential customers decide. A mix of positive and negative feedback often feels more trustworthy. As best practice, reply to reviews and share your perspective,” wrote Google.
ChatGPT
ChatGPT and other generative AI for small busi
ness marketing can meet a range of different marketing needs. This AI-powered chat tool can suggest social media copy, help brainstorm marketing campaign ideas, generate product descriptions, and help you research industry trends. Best of all, ChatGPT is completely free to use.
Be aware of the limitations of AI. Studies show that AI can often be inaccurate and even biased. Review any marketing claims your AI tool generates to make sure you aren’t overpromising to your customers or making false claims.
MailChimp
It may surprise you that this incredibly popular email marketing platform has a free option. MailChimp is free for up to 250 contacts and 500 monthly email sends. If you contact a small but mighty email list, MailChimp has tons of features to help you engage regularly and build relationships with your customers.
Help A Reporter Out
Help A Reporter Out (HARO) is a good resource for getting free media coverage for your company. Journalists post requests for sources on particular topics related to stories they are working on. You can sign up for a “source” account and respond to journalist requests for a chance to be featured in a local news story. These opportunities help position small business owners as subject matter experts and can get media attention for your company.
Google Search Console
Google Search Console is where you can start to optimize your site for
SEO. Search Console helps you measure your site’s search traffic and performance. It takes a little time to get set up, and a bit of a learning curve to understand how your site is performing. But, along with Google Analytics, this is a good source of insight into your web traffic.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is complementary to Google Search Console. If Google Search Console tells you how your website performs in search results—where it ranks, how many people click your website, and what search terms they use—Google Analytics provides data about visitors on your website.
Analytics reveals what someone does on your page, such as what pages they visit, how long they stay, and what actions they take. With Analytics, you can measure the effectiveness of your traffic channels to see whether your marketing efforts are working.
“Comparing Search Console performance data with Google Analytics organic traffic can be particularly helpful when attributing conversions (such as ecommerce transactions, newsletter signups, lead generation form fill) to Google Search traffic,” wrote Google.
How to build a simple digital marketing stack on zero budget
In 2025, Scott Brinker, known as the “godfather of martech,” created a map of all the martech (marketing technology) products in markets around the world. The map includes more than 15,000 products. There are an overwhelming number of digital marketing products on the market, and finding the right combination takes a fair amount of prep work.
Before exploring the free digital marketing tools available, start by taking stock of your existing operations and your marketing goals. “Knowing how customers interact with your company—the channels through which they come to you, how they move through the purchase cycle and how they become repeat customers—can help you zero in on the appropriate marketing channels and technology to support customer engagement and reach business goals,” wrote Northwestern Medill.
Once you have this path laid out clearly, identify areas where there may be friction. What marketing touchpoints are failing to convert leads? Where is data siloed? What causes frustration for marketing team members? These questions can help you figure out what marketing solutions you need.
The experts at Northwestern Medill then recommend breaking your digital marketing stack into four outcomes:
- Tools that unify customer data in one view;
- Tools that optimize campaign performance;
- Tools that automate workflows and manual tasks; and
- Tools for managing marketing projects internally.
For instance, if you realize you don’t have the right data analytics to understand how your website performs, start your tech stack with Google Search Console and Analytics. If you need to improve your email conversion rates, try a tool like MailChimp.
How to measure what's actually working across your free tools
Once you’ve defined your marketing goals, you can start to measure against concrete KPIs to see what’s working. Most of these free tools include some native analytics that give you deeper marketing insight.
Free tools are only worth it if they are truly free—that is, they’re not draining your team of time and energy. Some free tools billed as “user-friendly” aren’t as simple as advertised. It’s worth keeping tabs on how these free tools perform so you can assess when it’s time to upgrade. Track additional KPIs like time saved and value generated.
- Time saved: Track the hours previously spent on a task and multiply those hours by your hourly rate.
- Value generated: Assign a monetary value to the outcome your tool generates. For instance, a sales lead could be worth $500. If your free tool costs $0 and generates $1000, then it’s a strong ROI.
Together, these metrics can help you improve your digital marketing tech.
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.
Member News ~ July 9, 2026
Events & Dates:
Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Danville - July 10 & 11
Get ready to shop local and save big during the annual Downtown Danville & Beyond Sidewalk Sales, taking place Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026. Participating businesses throughout Danville will offer special promotions, sales, and sidewalk displays, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy a weekend of shopping and community spirit. Check Out the Flyer Here!
Children's Icons Elephant & Piggie Bring Literacy and Summer Fun to the BTE Stage - Jul 16 through Aug 2
Looking for something fun for the whole family this summer? Enjoy engaging, community-centered entertainment like Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!” at Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, featuring beloved storybook characters, local talent, and plenty of laughs for all ages. Don’t miss the special sensory-friendly performance designed to make theater accessible and welcoming for everyone. Learn More
Bloomsburg Area YMCA hosts 4th Annual Run Forest Run - July 18
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA is hosting its 4th Annual Run Forest Run on Saturday, July 18th, along the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest. Participants can choose from a 5K, 10K, or, new this year, a Half-Marathon, making the event a great fit for runners of all experience levels. The course follows an out-and-back route on mostly flat gravel and dirt roads. Proceeds support YMCA programs and projects that help make our facility more accessible to everyone in our community. Join us for a great morning on the course while supporting your local YMCA!"
Third Annual Veterans Benefit Voyage Train Rides Move to Berwick for WWII Weekend - July 18
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (“NSHR”) will be running their third annual Veterans Benefit Voyage. This year’s fundraiser train rides will be boarding at Berwick’s World War II Weekend out of Test Track Park located at S. Eaton St., Berwick, PA. Rides will depart at 10am and 1pm. These hour-long train rides (10am & 1pm) will travel south towards Bloomsburg (for 30 minutes) and return. The locomotives featured for these trips will be LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit). Learn More at: www.northshorewarehouse.com/usa
McKonly & Asbury Free WEBINAR - July 30
This free, one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. One “Specialized Knowledge” CPE credit is available for this webinar. The level for this webinar is intermediate, and working knowledge of the LIHTC program is required. This program is a live webinar which offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Registration Link: WEBINAR: Year 15 for LIHTC Partnerships | Mid Atlantic CPA
Community Giving Foundation Announces New $300,000 Grant - Due July 31
Community Giving Foundation, in collaboration with Amazon and the Luzerne Foundation, proudly announces the launch of the Amazon Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Fund, a bold $300,000 aimed at empowering nonprofits serving Columbia and Luzerne Counties. The application process will open July 1, 2026, with a deadline of July 31, 2026. Learn More at Foundation Grants - Community Giving Foundation
Service 1st’s Annual Charity Duck Derby - August 1
The Service 1st Federal Credit Union rubber duckies are getting ready for their Annual Charity Duck Derby scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon on the Danville/Riverside Bridge in Danville. Don’t miss your chance to sponsor a duckie, or a flock of rubber duckies, in the big race! Tickets are on sale now through July 31, 2026
Bloomsburg Rotary Hosting 37th Annual Golf Tournament - August 12
Announcements:
InnoTek Computer Consulting Breaks into Top 200 of Channel Futures MSP 501
InnoTek Computer Consulting, a leading provider of managed IT services, cybersecurity, and computer consulting for small and mid-sized businesses, announced it has been ranked #124 on the 2026 Channel Futures MSP 501 — the most prestigious and comprehensive ranking of managed service providers in the world. The 2026 ranking marks a landmark achievement for InnoTek on multiple fronts: a 253-spot improvement from the company's 2025 position, and a decisive break of its previous best ranking of #207, set in 2022. Great Job Innotek!
Susquehanna Valley United Way Celebrates Successful Campaign
The Susquehanna Valley United Way announced that their 2025-2026 Campaign has raised over $560,000 to support regional programs. The funds raised will directly benefit individuals in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. $250,000 will be distributed in direct allocations to local partners, supporting critical services in early and STEAM education, after-school programming, food security, mental health, housing and more across the five-county region. SVUW thanks all their campaign contributors.
PPL Electric Utilities has restored power to more than 245,000 customers after severe storms over the Fourth of July weekend
IMC Announces New Members to its Board of Directors
The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. announces the appointment of Ken Healy, Executive Vice President and Director of Engineering at PMF Industries, Inc. and the appointment of Tammy Bubb, Corporate Controller at Remmy- The Pallet Company, to its Board of Directors.
Weis Center Announces 2026-27 Season
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts announced their 2026-27 season including 26 professional performances. Check out the full lineup of performances and visit the season brochure here.
LCCC Awarded $1 Million Dual Credit Innovation Grant
LCCC was awarded a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The grant will expand access to college-level coursework for rural and underserved high school students through a regional partnership serving Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. Learn More
Did You Miss Last Week's Member News? Here's News That's Still Timely:
Wellness Wednesdays continue in downtown Danville - July 15
Free programs designed to promote health, relaxation, and movement for community members of all ages and abilities. Hosted in Canal Park, Wellness Wednesdays are generously sponsored by Geisinger and funded through a grant partnership with the Community Giving Foundation. July 15 | 6:00 PM - Simple Strength Training with Resurrection Movement Studio.
Benton’s 41st Annual Frontier Days Rodeo - July 14 through 19
The Benton Rodeo is proud to be recognized as one of the very best among more than 65 rodeos east of the Mississippi River. Tickets are available online. Grounds open at 4pm, Vendors and food stands open between 4:30 and 5pm. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 7:30pm Championship Rodeo | Sunday Bull-A-Rama 7:30 pm
Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment - July 17 through 19
The 2026 Berwick World War II Weekend Reenactment will take place at Riverfront Park (aka "The Test Track") at the end of South Eaton Street in Berwick, PA Friday July 17th through Sunday July 19th. Click here for more information
Rabbittransit introducing rabbitPAY - July 21
Rabbittransit is excited to announce a major upgrade, the launch of rabbitPAY, going live July 21, 2026. rabbitPAY introduces a smart card and mobile based payment system, making boarding faster, more convenient and more flexible than ever before. Riders can simply tap and go when boarding the bus. rabbitPAY will offer multiple smart card reloading options thru the app, online, at a machine or in person. In preparation for the launch, rabbittransit will offer community events to help riders sign up and answer questions. For more information visit www.rabbittransit.org.
KMA Hope on the Fairway- July 31
The KMA Hope on the Fairway Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser providing critical early momentum for the 2026 Walk goals. Open to golfers of all skill levels, it’s a great day on the greens for a meaningful cause. Click here to sign up your team!