Work search requirements for individuals receiving unemployment benefits will restart no later than the week of July 11, with individuals to begin certifying on July 18 that they have looked for work during the previous week. Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier made the announcement on Monday, May 24^th. Legislation is currently advancing through both the House and Senate that would reinstitute the requirement sooner. 

Under the current L&I timeline, beginning July 18, individuals receiving benefits through any unemployment program in Pennsylvania (including Unemployment Compensation, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) will need to certify each week that during the previous week they fulfilled the work search requirement by applying for two jobs and participating in one work search activity each week.

Eligible work search activities are:

• Attending a job fair
• Searching positions posted on the PA CareerLink® system or Internet job banks
• Creating or posting a résumé in the PA CareerLink® system or posting a résumé in other résumé-posting services
• Contacting colleagues, former co-workers or other individuals in similar professions or occupations to make known your availability for employment or obtain information about available positions, prospective employers or other employment opportunities
• Utilizing an employment agency, employment registry or school placement service
• Taking a civil service test or other pre-employment test
• Participating in a program or activity offered through the PA CareerLink® system. If you live outside of Pennsylvania, you may participate in these types of activities offered by your state employment service.

Unemployment program benefit recipients are also required to accept an offer of suitable work. Individuals are also required to keep a log of their work search activities, which is subject to audit. A form to log work search activities is on L&I’s website.

More information about work search, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on L&I’s website.

From McKonly and Asbury

Are you unsure if your company’s retirement plan requires an audit? According to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules, a retirement plan must be audited if it meets certain requirements as laid out by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the federal law which establishes standards for retirement plans in the private industry and helps protect the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries. Although some plans are exempt from ERISA (e.g., governmental plans and church plans), a majority of plans are subject to its reporting requirements, including:

• Defined benefit plans
• Defined contribution plans (e.g., profit sharing plans, 401(k) plans, employee stock ownership plans, and 403(b) plans)
• Welfare benefit plans (insured or otherwise) providing health insurance, group life insurance, long-term disability income, severance pay, vacation benefits and other benefits
• Health Reimbursements Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts

The penalties for late filing of a properly prepared Form 5500 are significant: IRS penalties are $25 per day, up to a maximum of $15,000, and Department of Labor (DOL) penalties can run up to $1,100 per day, with no maximum. To avoid these penalties, you need to know if your plan requires an audit.

Generally speaking, only when your participant count exceeds 100 will you be required to conduct a benefit plan audit. However, there is one exception to this general rule. Under the “80-120 rule,” as it is commonly known, plans are allowed to file Form 5500s as “small” plans, and do not require an audit, as long as their plan does not exceed 120 eligible participants on the first day of the plan year. Once the plan has exceeded 120 eligible participants at the beginning of a plan year, the plan is considered to be a “large” plan and must have annual audits completed in succeeding years. If the plan would ever fall below 100 eligible participants at the beginning of a following plan year, the plan could then again file as a small plan and no audit would be required.

It is important to note that a company can easily have 120 or more eligible participants, but have less than 120 current employees, so the terminology of the 80-120 rule is key. Eligible participants include all employees who are eligible to contribute to the plan, not just employees that actually contribute or have account balances. Eligibility requirements vary from plan-to-plan and plan administrators should be knowledgeable of their plan’s definition of eligibility, constantly monitoring the number of “eligible” participants to ensure they do not require annual audits.

As mentioned above, retirement plans that are filed as “large” plans on Form 5500 must be audited by an external and independent accounting firm. These audits ensure that you are operating your retirement plan in accordance with DOL and IRS requirements. While you, as the plan owners, will always have fiduciary duty over your plan no matter its size, an external audit can provide that extra level of assurance that you are acting in your participants’ best interests.

For plans that do require annual audits, audited financial statements are required to be submitted with the Form 5500, Annual Return of Employee Benefit Plans, on the last day of the seventh month after the plan year end. There is an optional extension of 2 ½ months.

If your company is approaching the 120-participant threshold, it’s important to become familiar with the plan audit process. Financial statement audits of retirement plans are heavily compliance-driven. While the external accounting firm will audit the financial statements and disclosures, most of their time will be spent testing compliance. This includes:

• Participant eligibility
• Timing of contributions to the plan
• Plan compensation
• Disclosure of prohibited transactions
• Other compliance matters applicable to the plan

To prepare for your first audit, make sure you are compliant with your plan document and with DOL and IRS rules. In addition, begin to gather the myriad of documents that the auditor will request, including the plan document and amendments, participant data (census, contribution detail, distribution detail, loan detail, etc.), investment information details, payroll records, minutes of meetings related to the plan, nondiscrimination testing, and identification of any communications from the DOL. Finally, consider partnering with a fiduciary to administer your retirement plan. A fiduciary will help you comply with regulatory requirements and minimize the risk of future audits revealing problems with your plan. This will make your annual audits even easier!

If you have questions about the information outlined above, our seasoned and experienced employee benefit plan professionals are here to help. You can learn more about our Employee Benefit Plan services by visiting our website and don’t hesitate to contact Dan Sturm, Partner & Director of ERISA Services at dsturm@macpas.com.

More than 430 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and the region. Increased membership allows the Chamber to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives. The Chamber welcomes The Gate House Shelter.

The Gate House was founded in 1997 to provide safe shelter to homeless families. It provides a secure environment to residents in Montour and Columbia Counties. The support and emergency services that are provided are a direct solution to families who are facing personal crises to include but are not limited to; abandonment, divorce, illness, accidents such as fire, flood, rent increases, or evictions. 

For more information on The Gate House Shelter visit its website, Facebook page or call 570-275-6766.

The final phase of a COVID-19 relief grant is now open for eligible hospitality industry businesses through SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), and they have until June 15 to apply or until the funds are spent – and then the grant program ends.

The seven counties that have remaining funds are Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder.

Following are the remaining Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funds per county, totaling $1.2 million:

• Northumberland: $539,401
• Snyder: $249,208
• Juniata: $173,435
• Mifflin: $116,456
• Columbia: $103,906
• Clinton: $21,440
• Montour: $13,420

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said with the end of the new grant program approaching, she hopes more businesses will apply.

“We know there are more businesses in these counties that could use these free funds, so we urge you to apply as soon as you can. We understand that times are busy and stressful, so we are here to help you through the process,” Wheeler said.

Those with questions may contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.

For-profit hospitality businesses can apply until funds are spent or June 15 at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses and pay for eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible hospitality industry businesses must be for-profit businesses which include hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, bars, taverns, catering companies, and food trucks. These businesses must fall within eligible industry codes which include the Accommodations subsector NAICS code (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722) found here: https://www.naics.com/search/

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, having fewer than 300 full-time employees; a net worth that does not exceed $15 million; a 25% reduction in gross receipts in 2020 compared to 2019; and be located within Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, or Snyder counties.

Priority will be given to businesses that did not already receive COVID relief funds; that were subject to closure following the disaster emergency declared by Gov. Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020; or had more than a 50% reduction in gross receipts from March 31, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. For a full listing of eligibility requirements and prioritization guidelines, visit www.csgiving.org/chirp

SEDA-COG contracted with 10 of its member counties to manage a total of $7.3 million in grants on their behalf. SEDA-COG receives the applications and determines eligibility and grant amounts. SEDA-COG also disburses the funds to awarded businesses.

The grant program was created from the law Act 1 of 2021, which was passed Feb. 5, 2021. Statewide, it provides $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Tied for Favorite Traditional Park

The National Amusement Park Historical Association has released the results of a 2020 survey of their members, ranking the top amusement parks in the nation on a variety of categories. Knoebels Amusement Resort tied with Kennywood Park for first place for Favorite Traditional Park. The Phoenix at Knoebels was also voted the nation’s favorite wooden roller coaster.

Bloomsburg University Held In-Person Commencement Ceremonies

 Bloomsburg University celebrated the achievement of 1,300 students who earned bachelor’s degrees and 200 students who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in five ceremonies.  The ceremonies were held outdoors at Redman Stadium on May 14th through the 16th. 

NEPIRC Will Hold a Rebroadcast of Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Webinar

On Tuesday, May 25th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. join the PA IRC Network (NEPIRC) for the rebroadcast of Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Pt. 2, virtually through Microsoft Teams.  Register here.

On Tuesday, May 18^th, the Board of Directors of The Chamber of Commerce discussed two pieces of legislation and other efforts to help increase the region’s workforce. Filling open positions is a major issue for employers of all types and sizes. Factors keeping people from reentering the workforce include health concerns, school schedules, and the $300 per week federal unemployment bonus. The Board supports the following measures related to these issues:

State House Bill 406– Would reinstate the active work search requirement in order to receive unemployment benefits. The requirement was waived at the beginning of the pandemic.

State House Bill 596– Would require an individual to demonstrate health or safety concerns when refusing work or quitting work in order to receive unemployment benefits.

Eliminating the $300/week unemployment compensation bonus – The federal bonus was extended until September 6^th as part of the American Rescue Plan. At least 21 states are ending the bonus program prior to that date, though Governor Wolf has not indicated that he would do so. Legislation is being drafted that would end that benefit early in Pennsylvania.

Encouraging individuals to get vaccinated – The Chamber is partnering with Geisinger to encourage people to voluntarily get vaccinated by sharing information on social media and in other messaging. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also developed resources to help employers communicate with their employees that are hesitant about the vaccine.

“Our area’s economy is getting stronger, but we could be doing so much better if area employers were operating at full capacity.” said Fred Gaffney, Chamber president. “People have done a lot to support one another and area businesses through the pandemic. Now, we all need to do our part to get out of it.”

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement that fully vaccinated individuals only need to wear masks in certain settings, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding Pennsylvanians that fully vaccinated individuals may choose not to wear a mask, unless a business or organization, such as a school, requires that added layer of protection.

The CDC guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals – two weeks after their final dose — can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still being required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters.

The State Secretary of Health’s face covering order remains in effect for people who are not fully vaccinated, including children. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, Pennsylvania will lift the masking order. As of May 14, 47.4 percent of adults 18 and older were fully vaccinated in Pennsylvania.

Employers are considering how to manage this latest guidance. Many are erring on the side of caution by continuing to require masks for all employees in the workplace. OSHA has not yet updated its guidance, but references the latest CDC guidance, which creates regulatory uncertainty. The Chamber of Commerce will provide further updates and guidance as it becomes available.

Most businesses today have come to the realization that the traditional 9-5 in-office workday has permanently transitioned to a hybrid environment where employees work from the office some days and from home other days.  Although for many firms this transition began over the past several years, the COVID-19 pandemic only served to hasten the process.

Employers and their employees, however, are finding that although there are many advantages to the hybrid work environment, there are also a few challenges. 

Aside from the technical and logistical challenges of creating a hybrid workforce (which have largely been addressed at this point), many business owners and HR professionals are now focusing on rebuilding policies and processes to maintain employee engagement and a unified culture. As many business owners will attest, a sound culture is critical to any company’s success with the payoff showing in revenue growth, retention and increased operating income.

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 our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Tanya Ruiz at (800) 377-3539.

COVID Vaccination Clinic in Danville

Danville Pharmacy is hosting a COVID vaccination clinic today, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The clinic is first come, first served but they do not anticipate running out.

Spring Graduation to be held in person at Redman Stadium

Bloomsburg University is thrilled to announce plans to host in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021! The ceremonies will be held outdoors (rain or shine) at Redman Stadium from May 14 to 16. Each ceremony will follow the appropriate COVID-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, the PA Department of Health, and Gov. Tom Wolf’s office.

Youth in Philanthropy Awards- 2021 Grants

Youth in Philanthropy is a philanthropic-oriented education program offered by the Community Giving Foundation. The purpose of the program is for youth to understand the meaning of philanthropy, learn about the local nonprofit world, and take part in the grantmaking process. Through this program, students are empowered to make a positive impact in their communities now and in the future.

In 2020-21, groups consisting of approximately 15 high school students from 11 school districts in our region completed their annual grant round. The program was adapted to suit social distancing guidelines due to the pandemic. Christine Orlando, senior program officer of the Foundation, explained, “The students met virtually to review and discuss their grant recommendations. Our grant awards ceremony was also held in a virtual format and checks were mailed to the nonprofit organizations in support of the valuable services they provide youth across our region.”

Students presented their awards and recapped this year’s program through ceremonies held on April 28th and May 5th. This year, 47 grants totaling $53,500 were awarded. These grants were funded by generous community support. Lists of 2020-21 program sponsors and grant recipients are included below.

Youth in Philanthropy Donors

• Anonymous
• Berwick Health and Wellness Fund
• Mr. Jeremy Betz
• Central Columbia Educational Foundation
• Danville Superintendent’s Educational Initiative Awards Fund
• Ms. Michelle Ebner
• ERDI Partners, Inc.
• First Columbia Bank and Trust Company Employees
• Dr. Alan Hack
• Joan and Fred Miller Family Fund
• Dr. John M. and Mrs. Jacqueline Kurelja
• Marr Development
• Ms. Nancy Mathna
• Mr. Robert J. and Mrs. Kathleen A. McWilliams, Jr.
• Millville Community Foundation, Inc.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors Unrestricted Fund
• Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Fund
• Ms. Julie Petrin
• Robinson Donor Advised Fund
• Seebold Family Fund
• The Booth Family Fund
• The Cole Family Fund

Youth in Philanthropy Grant Recipients

Benton students awarded the following grants:

• Benton Area School District—Adapting with Job Boxes, $1,500
• Benton Area School District—Animals for Mental Health, $650
• Benton Area School District—Rebuilding our Future Through Social and Emotional Care, $800
• Benton AYSO—Purchase New Goals, $850
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $200
• Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center—Summer Camp Mental Health Initiative, $1,000

Berwick students awarded the following grants:

• Berwick Area YMCA—Esports Lab at the Berwick YMCA, $1,500
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $2,500
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—All Abilities Swim at the Berwick YMCA, $330
• The Children’s Museum, Inc.—All STEAM Ahead!, $670

Central Columbia students awarded the following grants:

• AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $1,000
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $1,000
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1.000
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—Creating Sensory Safe Environments at Community Events – $1,000
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000

Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech students awarded the following grants:

• Central PA Business & Education Association—College & Career Preparedness Opportunities & Outreach, $500
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $400
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $850
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—CAMPS (Construction, Art, Music, Play, Sensory), $500
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000
• The Children’s Museum, Inc.—Materials Support for Summer Maker Camp, $750
• Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Therapy Dog, $1,000

Danville students awarded the following grants:

• Danville Child Development Center—Engaging School Age Children in SEL & Bullying Prevention, $750
• Montour Area Recreation Commission—Chillisquaque Creek Access Project, $1,000
• The Good Samaritan Mission—Beds for Kids Program, $2,250
• The Good Samaritan Mission—Many Hands Helping Others Program, $1,000

Midd-West students awarded the following grants:

• Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $750
• Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—GSVUW Youth Mental Health Assistance Fund, $1,710
• Middlecreek Area Community Center—Recreational Activity for Youth through the MACC Kid’s Night / Teen Night Events, $2,540

Millville students awarded the following grants:

• AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $250
• Millville Borough—Little Fishing Creek Area Swimming Pool Improvement, $3,500
• Millville Little League—Registration Sponsorship & Field Upkeep, $500
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
• Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Zoey, $250

Northwest students awarded the following grants:

• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1,500
• Northwest Area School District—Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, $1,500
• Northwest Area School District—My Plate Food Project, $1,000
• Susquehanna Warrior Trail Council—Mile Marker Project, $1,000

Selinsgrove students awarded the following grants:

• DIG Furniture Bank—Providing Good Night’s Sleep to Selinsgrove Youth, $250
• Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—Youth Mental Health Financial Assistance Fund, $250
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
• Regional Engagement Center (REC)—After School Drop-In Program and Food Pantry Support, $2,000
• Selinsgrove Area School District—Seals in the Garden, $2,000

Shikellamy students awarded the following grants:

• Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $1,000
• Shikellamy High School—Bikes and Hikes Program, $4,000

Warrior Run students awarded the following grants:

• Father’s Hope—Hope for the Holidays, $500
• Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA—Growth of Our Community, $3,000

If approved by the PASSHE Board of Governors this summer, the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield universities is expected to happen by July of 2022. The Northeast Integration plan was released recently and public comments are being accepted through June 30^th. According to system officials, students and the communities where those institutions are located should see little change initially.

More than 500 students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community leaders helped shape the plan. Some of the highlights are as follows:

• A single faculty providing instruction in a unified academic program array. Students will be able to select from an expanded array of academic programs, including nearly double the program options for Mansfield and Lock Haven students.
• 75% of enrollment is clustered in 8-10 disciplinary areas and these academic programs will continue to be delivered 100% in-person on all three campuses. A typical student will take most in-person courses at their home campus and some courses through real-time remote learning.
• Expanded opportunities for adult students seeking to re-skill and up-skill through non-degree credentialing courses.
• Each institution’s name, logo, mascot, and identity will be preserved. An integrated entity name will be established and used for accreditation purposes.
• Students will have access to on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and other activities on all three campuses. The system is pursuing a path with the NCAA for each campus to retain its current complement of teams.
• Students can design a university experience that works for them with dedicated support services on each campus.
• A single President and leadership team with one reporting relationship to the Board of Governors through the Chancellor.

A link to the plan, FAQs, and a form to submit comments are available at bloomu.edu/integration (link). On Thursday, May 6^th, B.U. President Bashar Hanna, Ph.D., and Chamber President Fred Gaffney participated in an hour-long discussion about the integration on WVIA’s Keystone Edition program. That video is available here.