President’s Message: A Great Place to Play (Especially Outside)
By Chris Berleth
I’ve heard it said, “If you don’t like the weather in central Pennsylvania, wait five minutes.” That may be a little on the nose, but if like me, you’re anxious to enjoy a more consistent weather pattern than the on again off-again blustery breezes of the last month, then I’ve got great news for you.
Yes, cloud cover may have made for a poor showing during the much-anticipated solar eclipse, and perhaps a freak wind and rainstorm briefly knocked out electricity in your neighborhood. (Special thanks to PPL Electric Utilities for a seriously speedy response time to the dozens of downed limbs and wires just a week ago.)
If you honored Vietnam Veterans in Berwick on April 13, you likely needed a winter coat, and just a day later, if you watched the inimitable Lady Lois and her parade from Berwick City Hall to the Stuart Tank Museum on N. Vine St, in shorts and tee shirts as the Catawissa Military Band played. Maybe you didn’t brave the cold for the B.A.R.T. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, but you did join the hundreds who walked the trail the following day.
Two weeks ago, I testified before the House Policy Committee about pro-business tax reform, and in so doing, I mentioned that residents of Columbia and Montour Counties are “sturdy people” when it comes to enduring the hardship of the tax burden. May it also be said of our community when it comes to the weather. “Weather be darned, we’re going to get ready to play.”
Opportunities to Play Abound
In Bloomsburg this Saturday, I hope you’ll join me for outdoor fun and festivities at Downtown Bloomsburg Inc.’s Renaissance Jamboree, which promises to be even better than last year’s. With vendors aplenty, Renaissance will be packed with food, shows, and fun for all ages. If you’ve tuned in to the Danville Business Alliance, you already know that the Danville Growers’ Market is back, and the 38th Annual Spring Fling is just over a week away on May 4th.
It's also a big weekend in Elysburg – this weekend marks Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Opening Weekend for its 98th season!
But even that’s not all the fun to be had outdoors.
It’s my joy to tell you about an awesome resource that I’ve just learned about – a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts in our region. In a meeting with Otto Kurecian and the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau this week, held at the Montour Preserve, I was enthralled to learn more about the partnerships that have created outdoor recreation maps for the area.
After all, it’s one thing to know that there are things to do, and another thing entirely to be able to plan an itinerary around those resources. Now, you can do just that.
Looking to fish and boat in Montour and Columbia Counties? There’s a map for that.
Want to enjoy the parks and trails in both counties, and do a little hiking? There’s a map for that too.
Maybe you’d like to see some of the history of Washingtonville, or get a better sense of the Chillisquaque Creek Watershed, with all of its natural beauty? Great news, there’s a map for that too. This map is probably my favorite - it even goes so far as to show known log-jams and hazards, so that if you were to drop a kayak into the creek, you can navigate accordingly.
Did you know that the region is increasingly popular with mountain bikers, and that the region is fast becoming a destination for biking trails, across Montour, Columbia, Union, Snyder and Northumberland Counties? There’s a map for that too.
As you know, the Chamber is committed to representing employers in support of vibrant and sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties. Today, we salute our friends at MARC and the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau, whose work catapults this region forward as a destination, and we ask you to join your Chamber in support of vibrant downtowns, celebrations of history (including the upcoming Ribbon Cutting for the Columbia County Historical Society), and a furthering of the message that here, we have a great place to live, work, and play.
One last plug – Hailstone Economic and their placemaking initiative is offering no-cost seminars to businesses, nonprofits and municipalities about the benefits of cross-sector collaboration, elements of successful partnerships, and more. If what we’ve seen from MARC and the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau are examples of the kind of work Hailstone is promoting, then we can’t help but endorse seminars like this. Check it out.
May the blustery days of early Spring give way to May flowers and outdoor fun – and just in case you need ideas for additional fun, I can think of at least two events that will bowl you over with a swingin’ good time.
Chamber Coalitions Consider Far-Reaching Rules and Legislation
The Columbia Montour Chamber routinely partners with the PA Chamber of Business & Industry and the U.S. Chamber to consider rules and legislation that will have broad implications for member businesses and the region’s economic vitality. Recently, your Chamber has joined the U.S. Chamber’s federation of local chambers and the PA Chamber in coalitions to tackle issues that will impact our members. Here’s what we’ve been pursuing most recently:
Slow your roll: The PA Chamber joined the U.S. Chamber and more than 130 state and local chambers nationwide (including the Columbia Montour Chamber), last week in sending a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, asking the EPA to deny the California Air Resources Board’s application to exempt its In-Use Locomotive Regulation from the Clean Air Act. That move would require railroads to move to zero-emission locomotives in some cases by 2030 and in all cases by 2035, “even though the technologies necessary to achieve these reductions do not exist.” They say the CARB rule “threatens the supply chain” and would force freight off the rails and onto roads, among other harms. Read more.
FTC overreach: The Federal Trade Commission held a special Open Commission Meeting on Tuesday, April 23 to vote on whether to issue a proposed final rule that may prohibit almost all noncompete agreements in the workplace. The FTC proposed this rule in Jan. 2023, and the PA Chamber joined a coalition of over 260 business groups, including the Columbia Montour Chamber, in sending a letter to Congress opposing the FTC's proposal. If the FTC approves the rule, it is likely to be challenged in court. Read more.
Minimum wage proposal: New legislation aims to increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour and set tipped wages at 70 percent of the minimum wage. Speaking to WITF last week, PA Chamber Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Alex Halper said the proposal ignores the realities faced by employers and non-profits and pointed to IFO data indicating such an increase would result in job losses. He said the state should do more to bring business to the state. Read more.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce values member feedback regarding meaningful advocacy that impacts your business. To engage with the Chamber, please consider joining the Governmental Affairs Committee for our monthly meeting on the first Friday of the month at the Hub at Mulberry Mill at 8:15am in Bloomsburg. To join, email Chris Berleth, President, at cberleth@columbiamontourchamber.com. “
No cost Public-Private Partnerships Seminar
The Columbia County Placemaking Initiative is offering a no cost seminar about Public-Private Partnerships. The class, which is open to businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities, will cover:
- The benefits of cross-sector collaboration
- The elements of successful partnerships
- Ways to structure partnerships
- Project lifecycle and management
- Best practices and tips for success
Click here to learn more and to register.
Columbia County municipal leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, artists, and residents are working on several projects to make Columbia County an even better place to live, work, play, and learn. The Columbia County Placemaking Initiative ties several of these projects together to coordinate resources and enhance our collective impact.
Learn more about the Columbia County Placemaking Initiative.
New Member Highlight-Connections Life Care
Connections Life Care offers professional hospice, palliative, and supportive care services in homes, senior care facilities, and nursing homes.
Their knowledgeable team of professionals works together to provide personalized care. Their approach helps patients live as comfortably and pain-free as possible, while also respecting their wishes and maintaining dignity. In addition to patients, families are offered emotional and practical support. It is important to Connections Life Care that they can help patients and families find comfort, peace, and meaning amid a difficult time. At Connections Life Care, the team is committed to ensuring that you never feel alone during your hospice care journey.
They offer at least two nursing visits and additional visits from Hospice Aides, Social Workers, Chaplains, and Volunteers if needed. Our services are available in Northumberland, Berks, Columbia, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Montour, Union, and York Counties.
Click here for more information about Connections Life Care.
Public Comment Period for Regional Transportation Improvement Program Open
Through SEDA-COG, counties and municipalities in Central Pennsylvania have a voice in the state’s transportation plans. Working together with SEDA-COG, local government, the business community, and non-profit organizations establish the region’s transportation priorities. These priorities are detailed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is updated by SEDA-COG every two years and is often amended. There are numerous opportunities for public participation in developing the TIP, and the public comment period for the Draft TIP begins April 19, 2024. The public is encouraged to review the TIP documents, and offer written comments until 4:00 p.m. on May 20, 2024.
For more information about how to get involved, documents, and to review upcoming projects in Columbia and Montour Counties, click here: https://seda-cog.org/departments/transportation/transportation-improvement-program/
Extreme Ownership: How Leaders Can Transform Business Culture with Radical Responsibility
- Extreme ownership is a mindset shift that emphasizes complete accountability in leadership, as explained by Jocko Willink, a former Navy SEAL officer.
- This philosophy leads to enhanced respect and fosters a culture of effective problem-solving and trust within teams.
- True leaders embrace their failures and successes, fostering an atmosphere of trust, communication, and continuous improvement.
- Implementing extreme ownership involves setting high standards, leading by example, and ensuring personal and professional development.
- Adopting this approach improves team and business performance by promoting proactivity, accountability, and a culture of learning from mistakes and achieving goals together.
514 words ~ 2 min. read
Jocko Willink explains that extreme ownership is more than a strategy; it's a mindset shift that changes how we see leadership. Willink, a highly decorated former Navy SEAL officer and bestselling author of Extreme Ownership, recounts a harrowing incident from Ramadi, Iraq, in his 2017 TedTalk. This incident involved a tragic case of friendly fire, where allied forces mistakenly engaged each other. Despite several factors being beyond his control, Willink, as the SEAL team commander, assumed full responsibility for the travesty. He leverages this experience as a powerful metaphor to underscore the critical importance of leaders embracing complete accountability for their team's failures and successes alike. Surprisingly, this approach significantly enhances respect among team members and fosters a culture of effective problem-solving that is unattainable when leaders shy away from ownership. Ultimately, Willink demonstrates that these military skills can be adapted for business to tackle challenges, make bold decisions, and lead with confidence. Read on to learn more about how extreme ownership works.
Accountability Boosts Trust
The extreme ownership philosophy centers on the belief that true leaders own up to both their failures and successes. Willink, who supports this idea, says real leaders don't shift blame or avoid responsibility. They fully accept their mistakes, use them as chances to learn, and build on these lessons for future wins. Leaders who embrace this approach show their true character and strength, creating a trustworthy and accountable atmosphere. This mindset leads to better communication within teams and fosters a culture aimed at constant improvement. Such an environment not only pushes individuals to excel but also helps the whole organization reach its goals more effectively. Research from Deloitte has shown that high-performing leaders demonstrate a growth mindset, understanding that failure is a part of development. When leaders own their mistakes, they show their humanity and willingness to learn from errors.
How to Role Model High Standards
The concept of extreme ownership is all about setting high standards and leading by example. It means expecting the best from your team and showing them how it's done through your actions. Leaders who adopt these principles create an environment that values problem solving and a strong commitment to achieving goals with precision and excellence. This kind of leadership pushes teams to exceed their preconceived limits, making sure everyone knows their role and works hard for collective success. In the fast-paced world of operating a business and managing employees, leaders can overlook their own development. The kind of accountability Willink promotes comes from leaders who are highly self-aware. Professional leadership development, in addition to personal practices such as a morning routine or time off, ensures leaders are rested and ready to lead.
The Takeaway
Switching to extreme ownership can greatly enhance team and business performance. It requires leaders to be more proactive, accountable, and committed to truly developing and empowering their team members. This approach is hands-on, with leaders setting the pace and encouraging their teams to reach high. Extreme ownership also means building trust and transparency, treating mistakes as lessons, and finding success together. To see Willink’s full TedTalk, go here.
---
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber Hires New Foundation Director
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber has hired Tonya Smith to be their full-time Director. The Foundation has developed programs that focus on workplace wellness, leadership and skills development, and career exploration.
As a 501(c)3 charitable organization and subsidiary of the Chamber, the Foundation is intimately tied to the priorities of the Chamber and its members, while remaining laser-focused on programming which inspires the 21st-century workforce and strengthens the bridge between business, industry, and education.
Learn more about Tonya and her mission and focus for The Foundation below.
About Me: I am a firm believer in the power of faith, family, and community. These pillars have guided me throughout my life, shaping my values and priorities.
Background: Since the age of 19, I have been immersed in the world of business, founding and managing five successful ventures over the years. Alongside my entrepreneurial endeavors, I dedicated 18 years of service to assisting landowners and farmers at the USDA FSA/NRCS, where I honed my expertise in agricultural matters.
Passions: My greatest joy comes from spending quality time with my husband Kirby, our children, and grandchildren. They are the heart of my world, and I cherish every moment we share together.
Mission: I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey as the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Foundation Director, where I will collaborate with educators and employers in Columbia and Montour Counties to foster a vibrant and skilled workforce. By working side by side with these stakeholders, I aim to contribute to the creation of a successful and thriving community for generations to come.
Current Focus: Currently, my focus is on leveraging my experience and expertise to support workforce development initiatives in the Columbia and Montour Counties. I am eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations to empower our youth and workforce, ensuring a prosperous future for our communities.
Get in Touch: I am passionate about forging meaningful connections and partnerships. If you share my commitment to building a stronger community, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me at 570-784-2522.
Businesses look at their R&D spending as a tax bill sits in the Senate
Source: US Chamber of Commerce
R&D Expensing Uncertainty Puts Jobs and Innovation at Risk
A bill that would restore a trio of key business tax provisions, including the deduction for domestic research and development (R&D) expenses, remains stuck in the Senate.
Why it matters: Delaying action could reduce R&D spending and penalize investment in R&D-intensive industries. The innovations that come from that investment are also at risk.
Details: The Wall Street Journal reports that because of the uncertainty, some companies are reconsidering how much they invest in R&D.
• One manufacturer told the Journal that because of the expired provision, their tax bill is $25 million higher: “So that’s $25 million less that I have to invest back into my business, whether it’s R&D, whether it’s plants and equipment, hiring new people.”
Small business impact: Small businesses spend a much higher percentage of their sales on R&D than larger ones.
• Many have suffered cash flow and liquidity issues because of the expired provision.
• Some small and midsize research-intensive companies have been forced to take out high-interest loans, raise prices, and stop hiring just to survive and pay their taxes.
• John Adams, CFO of Kaddas Enterprises, told the Chamber that if Congress fails to retroactively restore R&D expensing, his company will face an increased tax burden of up to 35% for 2023.
Our take: “Many employers, especially small businesses, have struggled with the unexpected tax bill created by the lapse in these provisions,” Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told The Washington Post. “Asking employers to wait until the next Congress is effectively asking them to make a loan to the federal government in the hopes that they might get paid back in 2025 or 2026.”
---
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States is the world’s largest business organization. Members range from the small businesses and chambers of commerce across the country that support their communities to the leading industry associations and global corporations that innovate and solve for the world’s challenges, to the emerging and fast-growing industries that are shaping the future.
Chamber President Testifies to House Committee on Pro-Business Tax Reform
Bloomsburg, PA - On Thursday, April 11, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce hosted the PA House Republican Policy Committee for the first in a series of hearings on pro-business tax reform. Chris Berleth, Chamber President, testified regarding the impact of the complex and burdensome tax code on the small businesses in the region.
After reiterating the litany of taxes paid directly and indirectly by businesses, Berleth testified, "The culmination of [this] tax burden makes it darn hard for a business to be successful in a rural area. The biggest takeaway that I can implore is that most businesses have to hire professionals to manage the paying of all these taxes on their behalf. If they attempt to manage all this on their own, there's no time left to run their businesses." He further testified that radical proposals at both the federal and state levels are counterintuitive to relocation, expansion, and growth. "Businesses are looking for predictability and consistency, with no surprises. They want the ability to project and clarify upfront on what an investment project's tax commitments will be."
"Recently, Central PA has heard radical ideas that would drastically impact business costs as unpredictable parts of the state budget. Ideas such as the tolling of bridges on Interstate 80, past proposals to tax drivers a per-mile fee in place of a gas tax, and massive increases to the minimum salary threshold for overtime compensation - these policy suggestions give our members pause, especially without the predictability of a slow-rollout and an on-time budget."
Berleth lauded programs like WedNET PA and the EITC, which allow businesses the ability to invest in their employees through reimbursable training or direct their tax-deductible contributions to programs benefiting students. "Over the past three years alone, an estimated 20 businesses have directed EITC contributions of more than $215,000 to student programs in theater, entrepreneurship, career exploration, financial literacy and STEM. We encourage the legislature to expand EITC credits, and make it easier for businesses to enroll in the program for the first time."
Read Chris's written testimony here.
To view the full hearing, including Chris's testimony and the Q&A session, watch below:
Member News April 19, 2024
Freas Farm Winery Opens Satellite location
On April 11th, Freas Farm Winery cut the ribbon on a satellite location in That's Amore Restaurant which is at the corner of Market and Main Streets in Bloomsburg.
Stuart Tank Memorial Association Welcomed Home Lady Lois
On April 14th, Lady Lois drove through the streets of Berwick with two honor guards, a parade led by the Berwick Borough Police and escorted by five fire trucks. A crowd gathered at the Stuart Tank Memorial Association to celebrate the homecoming with fanfare and joyful, patriotic music by the Catawissa Military Band.
B.I.D.A.’s Executive Director Appointed to Pennsylvania Department of Treasury Advisory Council
Berwick Industrial Development Association, Inc. (B.I.D.A.) Executive Director, Kelly O’Brien, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury’s Advisor Council. Congratulations Kelly!
Bloomsburg Theater ensemble presents Showstoppers: A Broadway Revue
Back again due to popular demand! All new materials for its second presentation, Showstoppers, is a performance not to be missed! May 1-5, 2024 | Tickets on sale now! www.bte.org
Bloomsburg YMCA Healthy Kids Day and the Mini Maker Faire
THIS SATURDAY from 10AM-4PM! Come join the Bloomsburg YMCA for a Healthy Kids Day Mini Market, carnival games, farm vendors and tons of exciting activities and games! And next door at The Bloomsburg Children's Museum's Marker from 10 am to 4pm as well.
Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Car Show May 19th
Join Glen Brook Rehab at their 2nd Annual Car Show Sunday, May 19th from 11 am-3 pm. They will be having food trucks, music, prizes, craft vendors, and so much more! For any questions, please contact Maria Fazio at (570) 204-8308 or mfazio@glenbrookrhc.com.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union hosting seminar on April 23rd
Individuals with disabilities, along with their families, friends and caretakers, are invited to attend the “Financial Services & You Seminar” beginning at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, April 23, at CSIU Work Foundations+, 911 Greenough Street, Sunbury. Learn more and to register click here. Registration is required.
Sean-Black State Farm insurance Agent Photo contest
Have you entered yet? This year's categories are People, Nature, Places, and Miscellaneous. Limit one entry per category. Submissions must be sent to stephanie@insureberwick.com by May 17 at 8 p.m. to be considered!
Fromm Launches Services Division
Fromm, a 100-year-old distributor of electrical supplies and automation products, announced the launch of FrommConnect, a division that offers engineering, fabrication and labor-saving services to manufacturers and electrical contractors. Learn more.
Wilkes University SBDC's April Updates
- Check out a new video that the Wilkes University SBDC has put out about their services.
- $2,000 Grant Opportunity for Creative Entrepreneurs
- National Small Business Week Virtual Summit
Workshop Series for Nonprofits in Columbia County
As part of the Columbia County Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge, a series of workshops will be held for nonprofits in May and June. See the flyer for dates and topics, and visit the project website for more descriptions/locations/times. These workshops are free to all Columbia County nonprofit employees, so please share with anyone you think might be interested.
PPL Electric Utilities will plant a Tree for new paperless bill sign up
In celebration of Earth Month this April, for every PPL Electric Utilities customer who signs up for paperless billing during the month, the company will plant a tree through its Community Roots program. Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by making the switch to paperless billing. Learn more.
Central Susquehanna Opportunities hosting two resource fairs
CSO is planning a Resource Fair for both Bloomsburg and Berwick. The Bloomsburg event will be held on Tuesday, May 28th, 9am - 12pm, and the Berwick event on Thursday, May 30th, 11am - 2pm. Please see flyers for more information and coordinator contact information to sign up to participate. CSO is also in the process of gathering information for their community needs assessment. Fill out that survey here. This survey will be open through April 30, 2024.
Bucknell SBDC Announces BizPitch Winners
Bucknell’s 12th annual Shark Tank-style pitch competition on Monday, April 8th showcased students’ new business ideas, ranging from medical devices that provide better comfort for users, innovations in agriculture to help feed the world and innovations in sustainability in consumer products. Learn more about the winners.
Camp Victory Remarkable day of golf
Join Camp Victory for a remarkable day of golf while supporting a great cause! Camp Victory proudly presents its 18th Annual Golf for Victory event. Register Now at: campvictory.org/golf Date: Monday, June 26th, 2024
Bloomsburg Rotary PB & J Drive underway
Now through April 25th the Bloomsburg Rotary is collecting PB & Jelly to be distributed through the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard. Get a list of drop off locations here.
Millville Insurance receives A Rating
AM Best the world's largest credit rating agency focusing on the insurance industry, affirmed Millville Insurance's A (Excellent) rating. Congratulations Millville Insurance!
PA Careerlink Spring Career Fair
The Columbia-Montour Spring Career Fair will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024. For more details and to learn how to register for space click here.
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
Renaissance Jamboree April 27th
Renaissance Jamboree will be happening Rain or shine 10 am - 5:00 pm on April 27th at Main and Market Streets in Downtown Bloomsburg. Get all the details here.
United In Recovery Naloxone Distribution Dates
United in Recovery is organizing free community naloxone giveaways. Community members can pick up naloxone kits along with information on substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support, and basic needs assistance. Fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, along with other harm reduction, recovery, and treatment resources, are also available. Get a list of locations and dates here.
Together Health And Wellness Hosting Cold Plunge for a Cause
On May 4th from 9am-1pm, Together Health and Wellness will have a Cold Plunge for a Cause, where half of the proceeds will go to WholeSchool Mindfullness. For more information call 570-238-9080.
BOOM Camps happening
Better Orientation Onboarding & Mentoring (BOOM) Camps will be hosted free and online April - July. Get dates, session topics and to register by clicking here.
38th Annual Spring Fling Happening May 4th
Held the first Saturday in May, Danville's 38th Spring Fling is a celebration of the foods, shopping, and sounds that make it a special place. The all-ages outdoor event features over 200 downtown and area businesses, food trucks, craft vendors selling their handmade wares; activities for the kids, and entertainment on the Canal Park stage. Mark your calendars & don't miss the food, drink, music, arts, shopping and fun in downtown Danville on Saturday, May 4th from 9am-4pm.
Penn College to host Baja SAE Competition in May
Baja SAE challenges engineering students to design and build an off-road vehicle that will survive the severe punishment of rough terrain and in some competitions, water. Penn College will host a Baja SAE international competition, May 16–19, 2024, at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center’s heavy construction equipment operations training site. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the BAJA SAE Williamsport and ways to support the team.
3rd Annual Recovery Picnic Happening June 13
Bringing the community together to uplift and support those in recovery and celebrate the dedication of service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible. Learn more and RSVP here.
Save the Date for Agapepalooza
Save the Date for Agapepalooza July 20th, 2024. This is a day of free fun for the whole family with activities, local vendors, and food. Learn more.