The Chamber’s Annual Meeting, held virtually on February 10th, not only highlighted members but benefitted them. Included in the $35 registration was a $25 gift certificate for a member restaurant- Turkey Hill, Pine Barn Inn, or a Chamber Gift Certificate, which can be used at any of our members. Registrations for the event resulted in $2,250 going back to member restaurants in the Columbia and Montour area during the slower winter months.
Members have already expressed their appreciation for your support, but let’s continue to show these restaurants how much they mean to our community. Take advantage of safe dine-in, curbside/pickup services or purchase gift cards to use at a later date.
Residents in an eight-county area of central Pennsylvania are invited to give their input and share transportation issues to help shape the region’s next major transportation plan.
The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating its Long Range Transportation Plan which proposes practical solutions to transportation safety, maintenance, congestion, and mobility needs for Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.
The plan identifies transportation needs, goals, projects, and policies for a 20-year planning horizon, and is required to be updated at five-year intervals. The plan establishes the vision and objectives that guide public decisions affecting transportation facilities and services in the region.
Jim Saylor, director of SEDA-COG’s Transportation Planning program, said one of the best ways the public can provide input is through SEDA-COG’s online transportation survey.
“The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete but it provides valuable information for us. Are there issues we’ve missed? Does what we’ve gathered reflect your experience?” Saylor said. “This the first time we’ve asked for input using a tool like this and it will help us complete the plan and better focus on identifying transportation needs.”
The survey is open now through March 3 and can be found at a website dedicated to the plan: https://lrtp-seda-cog.hub.arcgis.com/
The website also features an interactive map that shows proposed projects, traffic volumes and congestion, bridge and pavement conditions, freight generators, safety problem areas, flooding and rockfall prone areas, and railroads.
Don Kiel, senior principal program analyst for SEDA-COG’s Transportation program, is leading the planning effort.
“We’ve added new data that people can look at and to help focus feedback on the region’s transportation system and proposed new approaches to ranking our regional transportation projects for priority funding. We are employing new and better data that is important in selecting or prioritizing projects,” Kiel said.
Additional public outreach will occur from March to April, along with plan finalization. The finalized plan will be up for adoption at the May public MPO meeting.
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 its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.
More than 425 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 1847Financial.
Located in Berwick, 1847Financial helps individuals, families, and businesses plan ahead for a secure financial future while offering financial services, insurance, and planning. Whether you are just starting out in life, or have already forged a path, they are committed to supplying the financial solutions you need now and through all life’s stages.
For more information on 1847Financial visit its website, Facebook page or call 570-759-2216.
The Chamber wishes to sincerely thank all of the valuable contributors that helped make the 2021 Chamber Annual Meeting a successful and enjoyable event for its members and guests. It is the continued support of these businesses, organizations and individuals that helps the Chamber fulfill its mission of offering programs, benefits and events to its members, giving them a stronger voice and advocacy and being involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities.
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this year’s Annual Meeting.
Event Sponsor
PPL Electric Utilities
Small Business of the Year Award Sponsor
First Columbia Bank & Trust
Large Business of the Year Award Sponsor
DRIVE
Community Progress Award Sponsor
Atlantic Broadband
Outstanding Citizen Award Sponsor
Berwick Industrial Development Association
Mask up Sponsor
Geisinger
Media Sponsor
Bold Gold Media
Nonprofit Leadership Series Announced
The Community Giving Foundation in partnership with the Berwick Area United Way and the United Way of Columbia and Montour County are excited to share the attached schedule for the 2021 Nonprofit Leadership Series! These professional development opportunities are free to attend for Nonprofit executives and staff serving the Columbia and Montour County area.
The first session, Content Marketing and Strategy Workshop, is scheduled for February 23rd, 8:30 am – 10:30 am, via Zoom. All 2021 session and registration information is posted to our website www.csgiving.org/npleaders. We hope to see you throughout the year!
Bloomsburg University Police Department Earns Accreditation from Chiefs of Police Association
The Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Police Department (BUPD) has earned accreditation from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association through its Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.
BU is now one of only seven accredited Institutions of Higher Education Law Enforcement Agencies within Pennsylvania to be accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Of the 1,117 law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania, only 127 are accredited.
Accreditation is a progressive and proven way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. The process takes between 18 and 24 months and covers 136 standards and 184 sub-standards. The cornerstone of this strategy lies in the pronouncement of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives.
When the procedures are in place, a team of independent professionals is assigned to verify that all applicable standards have been successfully implemented. The process culminates with a decision by an authoritative body that the institution is worthy of accreditation.
“I am extremely proud of this accomplishment,” said Leo Sokoloski, director of the BU police department. “When I arrived back at BU more than three years ago, I told our then Vice President for Finance and Administration John Loonan that I could reshape the BU PD into a model 21st-century department.”
“To be a model department, we had to transform training, develop and write 21st-century policies and then put into practice what we said we were doing. BU PD needed minor physical changes to retrofit the facilities to be compliant to accreditation standards.”
The accreditation process has continued under the new VP for Finance and Administration Claudia Thrush and Associate VP for Facilities Management Eric Ness, who saw the value and importance of the effort.
“The safety and welfare of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus are of paramount importance,” said Thrush. “The efforts of Director Sokoloski and his team have led to transformational change within the BU PD. This accreditation is a feather in the University’s cap as it confirms the department is operating at an exemplary level and providing best in class service. I congratulate him and his team on behalf of everyone at the University.”
Sokoloski is quick to point out the many individuals involved with the effort.
“Sargent Rob Neiderhiser and officer Jeff Bachinger played significant roles and were focused on driving this initiative to completion after many, many months of work,” said Sokoloski. “Also, BU’s skilled craftsman did great work for us. The plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, and many more worked tirelessly to make the changes we needed in our facilities.”
“The accreditation assessors exit interview was complimentary and found no significant deficiencies that were not corrected before their departure,” Sokoloski added, “The assessors’ reports and findings will be sent to the commission for review where the official announcement acknowledging BU PD’s accredited status will be coming in March at the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission meeting.”
The Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program was designed and developed by professional law enforcement executives to provide a reasonable and cost-effective plan for the professionalization of law enforcement agencies within the Commonwealth. The underlying philosophy of the program is to have a user-friendly undertaking for the departments that will result in a “success” oriented outcome.
The accreditation is an ongoing process the University will be re-evaluated in three years to show if it remains in compliance with the standards.
Liz Masich of KEY Partners Realty Receives Awards
Liz Masich of KEY Partners Realty LLC, recently received the award for Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent for 2020.
Masich had $7.4 million in listings and sales in 2020, according to a press release.
She serves as an active board member and director with Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors, and is the 2021 president of the board for the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties.
Member businesses and individuals of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce were recognized during the organization’s Annual Meeting held virtually on Wednesday, February 10th, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities.
Nearly 100 people attended the event which celebrated outstanding member achievements, elected members to the Board of Directors, highlighted Chamber activities of the past year, and previewed the year ahead. The membership also approved an updated, more concise mission statement for the organization. The new statement is “To represent local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour counties.”
The Chamber’s five annual awards were presented to businesses and individuals for their significant contributions to the community. The following awards were presented to the following recipients:
Small Business of the Year
(Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust)
Bason Coffee Roasting
Large Business of the Year
(Sponsored by DRIVE
First Columbia Bank & Trust
Nonprofit of the Year
(Sponsored by PNC Bank)
Community Giving Foundation
Community Progress Award
(Sponsored by Atlantic Broadband)
PB&J Bar
Outstanding Citizen
(Sponsored by Berwick Industrial Development Association)
Frontline Healthcare Workers
The Small Business of the Year award is presented to a member business or organization of 30 employees or fewer than has done one or more of the following: demonstrated business or community leadership evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services and/or markets; demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity; or demonstrated community involvement.
The genesis of the business began in 2006 as the Basons began roasting small batches of coffee for their personal use. During a meeting with their friend and Pastor, he noted how much different fresh roasted coffee tasted. Of course the Pastor was right and the obsession grew as friends also enjoyed the Basons’ quickly expanding hobby.
In 2011, Bason Coffee Roasting was formed after they realized that a commercial roaster was needed to keep up with the demand. Their third bay garage was quickly turned into our roastery, production, and warehousing area.
As they embark on their 10th year in business in 2021, they look back on great success. They are a staple at the Bloomsburg Fair, have found success in wholesale, retail, private label and had a positive impact on local schools, sports teams and nonprofits with their fundraisers. The Bason family has a giving spirit. From Christmas morning coffee delivery to frontline heath care workers annually, to supporting special events and foreign missions, they are always eager to support the community. No first responder on duty pays for a cup of coffee at Bason. When the pandemic hit, they were quick to respond with a coffee delivery to the hospital for front line workers, they developed a special blend with a label “I am a Warrior on the Frontline” with a portion of each bag’s proceeds supporting the local food bank.
The Large Business of the Year Award, is presented to a business with 31 or more employees, and the criteria is the same as for the Small Business of the Year.
While First Columbia supports many community organizations and events, they have a particular focus on our area youth. To help young people establish good money management skills, they sponsor the Everfi Financial Education curriculum in five local high schools and two middle schools. In addition, their bankers visit classrooms to talk with students about personal finance, banking and internet security.
First Columbia has also offered internship opportunities and part time employment for both high school and college students, giving them real world, hands on experience. They’ve hired a number of area graduates from Bloomsburg University and local high schools.
And each year, First Columbia proudly offers scholarships to local graduating seniors.
In support of athletics, First Columbia is a Gold Plus sponsor of BU Husky athletics which provides scholarships to student athletes. At the high school level, the Bank has purchased a number of scoreboards for school gymnasiums and athletic fields. They also support America’s favorite pastime, with sponsorship of area’s Little League organizations.
The Teen Star Musical Competition has become the Bank’s signature annual event. Wanting to do more to encourage youth in music and the performing arts, the Bank created this musical competition for high school students in 2011. Since its debut in 2011, First Columbia has donated $40,000 in ticket proceeds back to the finalists’ high school music departments and awarded another $40,000 to the winners and finalists of the competition. While the Bank could simply write a check to support the schools’ music programs, they chose instead to create a rewarding and exciting experience for students-and a great afternoon of entertainment for our community. This program continued virtually in 2020 to ensure the opportunity for talented teens in our area continued.
The Independent Community Bankers of America and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers have recognized First Columbia for this creative and engaging program.
The Community Progress Award goes to a member business or organization that showed improvement in the internal or external appearance of a commercial property through either new construction, renovation, restoration or remodeling, and completed that construction within the last three calendar years or by December 2020.
PB&J Bar, which is short for The Plant-Based and Juice Bar, is located on Mill Street in Danville in the former Pappas Restaurant location. The iconic green building was in need of repair and was deteriorating on the outside from sitting vacant for a number of years. Owners Christian and Shannon have done much of the work themselves.
PB&J offers breakfast, lunch, and food to go, providing healthier plant-based options and fresh juices and smoothies.
The Outstanding Citizen Award is presented to an individual that is an employee or volunteer of a member organization who is involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia Montour region and who projects a positive community image.
Our area nurses, doctors, and support staff have had to continually adapt to meet the demands of the health care crisis. While shifting resources to deal with the influx of COVID-19 patients, they have continued to meet the urgent medical needs of area residents. Required safety protocols and equipment have made these duties even more challenging, and a number of them have become infected themselves despite their best efforts. They’ve sacrificed time away from their families in an effort to keep them safe and serve patients. There are not enough words to express our gratitude to all of these people who have been on the front line of this crisis throughout. And their work is far from over.
The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to a nonprofit organization with 100 or fewer employees that has provided diversified and creative aid to the Columbia Montour region utilizing business, personal, and community resources.
The Community Giving Foundation has truly demonstrated nonprofit leadership within our community in so many ways. Its Disaster Relief Fund provided over $368,000 in grants to 78 non-profit organizations to allow them to continue to provide critical services during the COVID-19 crisis. The Foundation also worked with both Columbia and Montour counties to quickly set up an online application and process grant applications for non-profits and businesses. Sixty-two non-profits and 206 businesses received financial assistance through these programs funded by the CARES Act. The Berwick Health & Wellness Fund advisory committee also provided small grants to help boost the mental and physical health of non-profit teams with a “Healthy workplace” grant program.
In December, the Foundation re-branded as Community Giving Foundation though the commitment to the region and the many stakeholders that make its work possible remains the same. The Foundation continues to expand its impact by working with donors to establish funds that change lives, creating increased funding for vital and changing charitable needs.
The staff is also engaged in the community through serving on various boards and committees and in activities throughout the year.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that represents nearly 430 businesses and organizations from the Columbia and Montour region.
From the PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The legislature passed and Gov. Tom Wolf quickly signed the first bill of the 2021-22 session last week. Act 1 of 2021 includes more than $900 million in financial aid to Pennsylvanians impacted by COVID-19, including small businesses.
Notably, Act 1 exempts from state taxation federal Paycheck Protection Program loans that were subsequently forgiven. Congress established the PPP as part of the CARES Act that was signed last April, and the program has helped employers financially withstand this difficult and uncertain time and, in particular, keep employees on payroll.
The legislation also creates a $145 million grant program to help businesses in the hospitality industry that have been financially impacted due to the pandemic. The program is funded by transferring money from the employer-funded Workers’ Compensation Security Fund, which provides workers’ compensation benefits in the event that an insurance carrier becomes insolvent. Local economic development agencies would administer the program and employers could be eligible for grants of up to $50,000.
In a memo sent to lawmakers, the PA Chamber expressed that, while the $145 million for the grant program would ideally have come from another source, the PA Chamber appreciated that the transfer was structured as a loan and requires replenishment of the fund with federal dollars should Congress appropriate additional funding to mitigate revenue shortfalls as a result of the pandemic.
Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) released the following statement after being named as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access for the Small Business Committee in the 117th Congress. Meuser also has been selected to serve on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations:
“As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access this Congress, I look forward to fighting for small businesses across the country, many of which have suffered from unfair treatment over the past year due to arbitrary lockdowns,” said Rep. Meuser. “To mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am committed to removing red tape, improving access to capital, and working with the Small Business Administration to make the Paycheck Protection Program as available and workable for those businesses that need it to survive.”
“I am eager to work alongside Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access ranking member Dan Meuser to fight for pro-growth policies while reducing overreaching red tape for our nation’s small businesses,” said the ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03). “Our committee is comprised of Republican Members from all backgrounds with one common goal: we must allow our country’s small businesses to safely open their doors once again. I am looking forward to providing much needed relief to America’s hardworking men and women to ensure they have the tools and the freedom they deserve to thrive.”
In Congress, the ranking member is the most senior (though not necessarily the longest-serving) member of the minority party on a committee (or subcommittee). The ranking member typically oversees minority committee staff and may coordinate involvement of the minority party committee members in committee activities. To learn more about the House Small Business Committee, please click HERE.
A Look Inside PPL Electric’s Website
PPL Electric Utilities is happy to announce the next webinar, which will be held on February 24th from 2 PM-3 PM.
During this webinar, you’ll take a look inside pplelectric.com and view what the website has to offer.
PPL project manager, Susie Smith, will demonstrate how to complete the following items and more:
• Register your account.
• Sign up for alerts.
• Monitor your usage.
• Enter a request for service.
• Report an outage.
Then, we’ll take some time to answer your questions on any topic. We’ll also ask what information you’d like to hear about during future webinars.
Register today and reserve your spot for this engaging webinar:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N3JPDDC
NEPIRC & IRC Network to Host Free Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Webinar
In response to industry inquiries, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) and the Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network will host a no-cost “Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers” webinar for manufacturing firms of all sizes on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM. The live interactive webinar will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams and advance registration is required.
The webinar will be moderated by NEPIRC and the featured presenter will be James Devine, a partner of Cipriani & Werner – a nationwide legal firm that specializes in representing employers in this niche aspect of HR and employment law. Among other topics, the event will cover the legal ramifications of mandating vaccination for employees, how to address the concerns of workers opposed to vaccination, the extent to which employers can disclose the vaccination status of co-workers and similar topics.
Manufacturing sector managers, supervisors, HR professionals and executives desiring to register for the event should email CLICK HERE to immediately register. While the event is free to attend, electronic “seating” is limited to 250 attendees.
Bason Coffee has always held their desire to serve as a core value of their business. From waking Christmas morning each year to bring coffee to the hospital for employees who are working the holiday, to hosting fundraisers and supporting area nonprofits, organizations, and sports teams. The family is always looking for ways to give back. When the virus hit that didn’t change but ramped up. No frontline worker (police, paramedic, USPS, UPS and FedEx worker, etc.) on duty pays for a cup of coffee. They brewed boxes of coffee for the Geisinger admission and screening tents, sent coffee to the units, and always asked if there was any more they could do.
When the vaccines hit, they learned of the hours being worked by the staff and the number of vaccines being given and once again said, “how can we serve?”. Jeff Emanuel, Director of the Columbia Montour Chamber Foundation connected them with Ann Mooney, Improvement Optimization Specialist and coordinator of the Hughes Center Vaccine site. She said the staff was running on K-Cups. Brad and JoAnn Bason said, we can do that. Their staff loaded up 100 fresh K-Cups and labeled them with their “I Am a Warrior on the Front Line” to honor the Front Line Heroes working, and individuals getting the vaccine. This brew and idea began at the start of the pandemic to honor those working the front lines and also to generate funds for the local foodbank. The response from the staff was overwhelming while distributing the K-Cups and thanking them. Brad and Jeff were so inspired by the efficiency, compassion, hope, and dedication that were on display at the vaccine site. It was wonderful to see the efforts and progress in fighting this crazy virus by the healthcare workers and those getting the vaccine.
Front Line Healthcare workers could use your encouragement to help keep them running, in case the caffeine runs out. To send them a note to say thanks or just encourage them to keep going, go to the Geisinger Thank you, heroes page.
Remember when it is your turn and you are able- be willing and get the shot.