Talen Energy to Test Siren System Talen Energy will be sounding their siren systems within a 10 mile radius of the Susquehanna nuclear power plant near Berwick on Thursday, August 20th at 11 am, as part of an annual test of the system. No public action is required. The sirens will sound with a steady signal lasting three minutes. This is only a test. If you have any questions, or for more information, please call the Talen Energy, Susquehanna Energy Information Center at 1-866-832-4474. 
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Birthday Bash On August 15th, come join The Children’s Museum in Bloomsburg for fun, food, and entertainment for their 35th Birthday Bash! There will be free admission from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and let’s not forget the birthday cake! Without the support of the community, they would not be where they are today. So come join as we celebrate 35 years of fun and learning! Also, please consider donating to help fund further programs. 
ArtFest 2020 Postponed Until 2021 With the good health of the people in our community as by far the most important factor, The Exchange, Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. (DBI), and the Town of Bloomsburg have decided that ArtFest should not take place in 2020. The boards of the two non-profits and Town Council agree that the COVID-19 pandemic makes an event of ArtFest’s size unwise, even outdoors. In addition, making ArtFest a success would mean trying to draw enough attendees that it would bump up against if not exceed the number, 250, that the Governor of Pennsylvania has determined as the limit on gatherings. ArtFest would have taken place on Saturday, August 22nd, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. surrounding the fountain on the Square and up Market Street in downtown Bloomsburg, with more than thirty art and craft vendors, five food vendors, and live music by local performers all day. We now look forward to the 2021 event, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 21st. 
Internet Service for Students and Teachers Even though students will soon be preparing to return to school, there are many uncertainties and some may need to again rely on an eLearning environment. As a result, Service Electric Cablevision (SECV) will again offer 90 days free Internet service to students and teachers who do not already subscribe to SECV Internet. This offer includes the 40M x 4M tier of Internet service, along with a free cable modem rental. It applies only to persons who are not currently subscribed to SECV Internet service. Those persons who may have participated in the SECV spring Student offer and recently disconnected because the free offer period ended may once again participate in this fall offer. Other restrictions may apply including needing to resolve an unpaid balance for services previously provided. As before, Self-installation is required with the assistance of a technician outside the residence to ensure the safety of our employees. All new customers must provide written proof of their child’s current enrollment at a local school in SECV’s service area. All teachers must reside in SECV’s service area and provide evidence of current employment status with a school district. For more information or to enroll in the eLearning offer, please have students or teachers call us at 877.955.7328. Service 1st Donates Personal Protective Equipment to Two Local Hospitals
(l-r): Kendra Aucker, President/CEO, Evangelical Community Hospital; Michael Howe, Facilities & Maintenance Specialist, Service 1st; Jay Reed, Chief Information Officer, Service 1st; Jennifer Daddario, Regional Vice President, Service 1st; and Bill Lavage, President/CEO, Service 1st.
(l-r): Dave Shope, Assistant Vice President Business Development, Service 1st; Linda Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, Service 1st; Bill Lavage, President/CEO, Service 1st; Joseph Goyne, Senior Director of Logistics, Geisinger Medical Center; Tom Sokola, Chief Administrative Officer; Geisinger Medical Center; and Angela Brouse, Regional Director of the Geisinger Health Foundation.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
A few months after the Democratic-led U.S. House passed a $3 trillion COVID-19 pandemic federal relief package, the U.S. Senate released a plan of their own last week that would spend $1 trillion in an effort to help struggling businesses and individuals in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and contains important liability protections for employers complying with health and safety guidelines.
The Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act would also extend federal unemployment compensation benefits but reduce from $600 to $200 the additional amount claimants would receive on top of regular state benefits. Ultimately, states would have the option to transition from the fixed federal enhancement to an individualized formula that provides workers 70 percent of their previous wages, though state officials have expressed skepticism that Pennsylvania’s antiquated unemployment compensation system could accommodate a percentage-based approach.
The bill would also provide a second round of stimulus checks to taxpayers, an expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program that was originally included in the March CARES Act, and new tax credits for employers who purchase personal protective equipment for workers and customers.
The Chamber helped welcome one of its newest members to the area on Friday afternoon, July 31st, with a ribbon cutting at Helping Hands Home Health, located at 589 East 7th Street, Suite #3D, Bloomsburg. Attendees had the opportunity to check out the facility, enjoy refreshments, and learn about the services offered.
Helping Hands Home Health is a privately owned home-health business that offers in-home care services that can help prolong independent living. Services include: hygiene, mobility assistance, nutrition, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errand running, transportation to/from appointments, and medication reminders. They have been in business for three years in Williamsport, and the new Bloomsburg facility is the second location. To learn more about Helping Hands Home Health, visit their website, and their Facebook page.
The Columbia Montour Chamber’s Visionary Member Spotlight highlights Geisinger. For over 100 years, Geisinger has been one of the nation’s most innovative health services organizations, which includes 13 hospital campuses, a nearly 600,000-member health plan, two research centers, and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Geisinger takes pride in being a physician-led organization, with approximately 32,000 employees and more than 1,800 employed physicians, while leveraging a positive impact on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey economies.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce enjoys a strong working relationship with Geisinger, and their long-standing commitment to patient care, medical education, research, and community service. The organization has been a proud sponsor and participant of Chamber events such as the Leadercast Women event, Annual Meeting, and seminars held throughout the year. Geisinger is highly engaged in a number of initiatives to strengthen the workforce and enhance the communities in our region.
The Chamber looks forward to partnering with Geisinger on new initiatives to make our area even more attractive for people to live and work. For more information on Geisinger, visit their website, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Chamber members had the chance to spend a summer afternoon catching up with business connections at the Chamber’s Business After Hours, at the Quality Inn Bloomsburg on July 29th. Attendees were able to take a tour and see the new exercise room and the newly remodeled guest rooms while enjoying some delicious food from fellow Chamber member, Quaker Steak and Lube, along with beer, wine, and other beverages. At the end of the event, there was a raffle for gift baskets, and all attendees received gift bags.
Business After Hours provides regular opportunities to build business relationships while learning about the services offered by other Chamber members. Visit the Chamber’s Event Calendar to view upcoming Business After Hours events.
The next Federal stimulus package is now being negotiated in Washington. The Republican proposal would provide a $200 per week unemployment bonus for two months, down from the $600 bonus that ended at the end of July. After the two months, the benefit would cover 70% of the individual’s previous income through the end of the year. House Democrats are calling for the $600 benefit to extended until January.
As businesses resumed operations under yellow and green phases, The Chamber heard from a number of employers about pushback from employees being called back to work who were earning more on unemployment with the bonus. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is requesting that employers submit these stories to be shared in the negotiations. Any employer that is willing to share their information, which can be submitted anonymously, should contact Fred Gaffney at the Chamber.
Pennsylvania’s Community And Technical Colleges Launch A Simple Solution For Employers To Hire Their Students, For Free!
Pennsylvania employers seeking job-ready talent now have a FREE resource to post jobs: the Pennsylvania Community & Technical Colleges Jobs Consortium website, powered by College Central Network, Inc. (CCN).
The CollegeCentral.com/pactcjobs website makes it both FREE and easy for all employers—large and small, public and private—to register just once and then post an unlimited number of jobs to Pennsylvania’s community and technical college students and alumni! This is an extraordinarily useful resource for employers hiring in today’s climate, even with temporarily closed or restricted campuses, and students accessing career services from home.
Employers posting jobs today can simultaneously reach tens of thousands of job seekers from Butler County Community College; Community College of Allegheny County; Community College of Beaver County; Delaware County Community College; HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College; Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
With nearly 17,000 undergraduates*, the Community College of Allegheny County is the State’s largest community college located in the western half of the state. Bob Kmetz, CCAC Career Services Director, points out, “The new Pennsylvania Community & Technical Colleges Jobs Consortium will make it very easy for employers to register once, post an unlimited number of jobs, and reach candidates across Pennsylvania.”
United in Recovery 5k
This Recovery Month, join the United Way of Columbia & Montour Counties, and United in Recovery- Columbia & Montour for their annual United in Recovery 5k Run taking place September 1st – 21st.
Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19, they are partnering with Titan Event Company this year to offer a VIRTUAL 5k. Choose from multiple distances (1 mile, 5k, or 10k), and you can run or walk anytime, anywhere between Sept. 1st through Sept. 21st. Then, simply post your time on the virtual terminal.
Registration is $10 per person. Kids under 12 are FREE. You can register as an individual or as a team at https://unitedinrecovery5k.itsyourrace.com/
Everyone who participates will be entered for a chance to win PRIZES. Winners will be chosen at random! Commemorative T-shirts are also available for purchase for $15 each.
This is a great event for the whole family. You get the flexibility of choosing how and when you participate, and it’s for a good cause!
2020 Bloomsburg Fair Cancellation
In these uncertain and ever-changing times, the Board members of the Bloomsburg Fair Association found it necessary to gather and interpret vast amounts of information regarding the COVID 19 pandemic. Any decision that will ultimately affect thousands of people and an entire region should not be made casually. Each year the Fair is responsible to our 1,100 vendors, thousands of exhibitors, many local artists, our generous sponsors, and the families that enter our gates in search of education, fun, and memories that last a lifetime.
After much deliberation, local community concerns and concerns from local government, The Board has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Bloomsburg Fair. This was a very difficult decision, but our concern for the health and safety of our community outweighs our desire to host this year’s fair. The Bloomsburg Fair Association is committed to the overall well being of the entire region, and we do not wish to put anyone in jeopardy in order to open our gates. We will, instead, take this time to make improvements, train staff, and look to the future.
‘We are already busy planning the 2021 Bloomsburg Fair, which will be full of exciting opportunities for our visitors. Many entertainers have already agreed to perform on our grandstand stage in 2021, new and impressive free entertainment is planned, many innovative surprises will delight families, and, of course, all of our traditional food, livestock, and educational opportunities will be available for all to experience at our 2021 Bloomsburg Fair, to be held from September 24 through October 2. So, although many in our community will miss the fair, we look forward to providing a safe, secure and healthy event next year.’
McKonly & Asbury Announces Promotions
McKonly & Asbury – a regional accounting and business advisory services firm – recently announced promotions for nine of their team members. One joins the firm’s leadership team as Principal, five advance to Manager, one to Supervisor, and two to Senior Accountant.
Josh Bantz, CPA – Principal
Josh joined McKonly & Asbury in 2006. He is a key member of our firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment, primarily working with clients in the firm’s Affordable Housing and Service Organization Controls (SOC) practices. Josh has been an integral part of the firm’s Affordable Housing team since joining the firm. He has worked closely with affordable housing clients in all phases of the development process as well as during operations and specializes in preparing real estate development forecasting, cost certifications, and financial statement audits. Josh brings over 15 years of experience in performing pre-assessment services and attestation engagements over service organization controls. He has worked closely with clients during all phases of SOC engagements, including readiness assessments as well as execution of SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 examinations. Josh works out of our firm’s Lancaster office and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Juniata College.
Colleen Bantz – Manager
Colleen joined McKonly & Asbury in 2018. As a member of our firm’s Tax Segment, she primarily assists clients in our Entrepreneurial Support & Client Accounting Segment. She also works with our firm’s real estate and individual clients on their tax needs. Colleen works out of our firm’s Lancaster office and holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Grove City College.
Jessica Hutchinson – Manager
Jessica joined McKonly & Asbury in 2015. As a member of our firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment, she primarily works with clients in construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofit industries performing a variety of audit and assurance services, and earning recognition for auditing and implementing ASC 842 Leases. Jessica also serves on the firm’s PEP Squad, planning fun events for our team throughout the year. Jessica works out of our firm’s Lancaster office and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Elizabethtown College.
Stephanie Kramer – Manager
Stephanie joined McKonly & Asbury in 2016. As a member of our firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment, she audits a broad spectrum of employee benefit plans, including 401(k), 403(b), retirement, profit sharing, health and welfare, and VEBA plans. She also serves on the firm’s Wellness Committee, a group committed to ensuring that firm employees have a variety of outlets to stay healthy, active, and fit. Stephanie works out of our firm’s Camp Hill office and holds a B.S. in Accounting from Susquehanna University.
Timothy Showers – Manager
Tim joined McKonly & Asbury in 2012. As a member of our firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment, he primarily works with clients in the manufacturing and construction industries and also performs employee benefit plan audits. He is an active member of the firm’s Audit and Attestation Committee, which exercises oversight over the firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment and ensures that team members and clients are apprised of the most recent developments in technical literature. Tim works out of our firm’s Camp Hill office and holds a B.S. in Accounting and Economics from Messiah College.
Zachery Starner, MBA – Manager
Zach joined McKonly & Asbury in 2013. As a member of our firm’s Audit & Assurance Segment, he serves clients in a number of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and healthcare with compilation and review engagements. He also serves the employee benefit plan industry by performing financial statement audits, ESOP audits, and other services. Zach works out of our firm’s Camp Hill office and holds a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA from York College of Pennsylvania.
Kellye Leitholf – Supervisor
Kellye joined McKonly & Asbury in 2013. As a member of our firm’s Entrepreneurial Support & Client Accounting Segment, she provides accounting, consulting, and auditing services with an emphasis on small business including family-owned business. Kellye also performs a variety of back office accounting services including assisting with accounts payable and receivable; financial statement preparation; and various accounting software review/assistance, including QuickBooks, Sage and Xero. Kellye works out of our firm’s Camp Hill office and holds a B.S. in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University. She has also completed her training and earned the recognition of a QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor.
Matthew Burns – Senior Accountant
Matthew joined McKonly & Asbury in 2018. As a member of our firm’s Entrepreneurial Support & Client Accounting Segment, he provides back office accounting and tax services for a variety of clients, including small and family-owned businesses. Matthew also assists clients with accounts payable and receivable, monthly close, sales tax compliance, financial statement preparation, and QuickBooks. Matthew works out of our firm’s Camp Hill office and holds a B.S. in Accounting from University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Michelle Herman – Senior Accountant
Michelle joined McKonly & Asbury in 2018. As a member of our firm’s Tax Segment, she performs tax compliance services for corporations, partnerships, and individuals. Michelle serves clients in various industries including construction, manufacturing, retail, and real estate. She is also a member of the firm’s Service Committee, assisting in organizing firm-sponsored community events. Michelle works out of our firm’s Lancaster office and holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Millersville University.
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 Swift Kennedy & Associates.
Swift Kennedy & Associates, an insurance brokerage firm, is now offering Swift Virtual, a digital employee benefits platform, to help employers, human resources/benefits staff, and employees face the challenges of the current fast-paced, ever-changing business environment.
“The reason we’re offering these virtual services is that we believe employee benefits are personal and understand that the current business environment has created many new challenges for purchasing and renewing plan offerings, day-to-day administration, employee engagement, and education of new hires,” said Jerry Calistri, Swift Kennedy’s President and CEO.
This digital platform will give business owners the option of virtual face-to-face meetings with benefit specialists to review and discuss insurance options, strategies, and renewals in the comfort of their own office. It will also provide decision makers with online benefit administration, virtual open enrollment meetings, group outreach opportunities, employee education, and day-to-day support.
In addition, this communications portal will offer employee engagement, individualized employee enrollments, Benefits App (Apple/Android and desktop) for benefit communication, and identification cards. Employees will also have access to a virtual benefit support team that is available via phone, webchat, or video conference to review and discuss benefit related items.
Swift Kennedy, which is offering its clients this service for free, will also remain available for employer onsite meetings when clients request them.
“We believe that going virtual should be an integral part of any employer’s group benefit planning, because modernizing this aspect of their business will allow them to keep up with the many important changes now happening in health insurance and benefits administration,” said Calistri.
Swift Kennedy & Associates, which specializes in group employee benefits, individual plans, and senior policies, helps businesses find affordable employee benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and alternative funding options. This full-service agency offers all health insurance carriers in Pennsylvania and has offices in Williamsport, State College, DuBois, Wilkes-Barre, and Virginia Beach.
To learn more about their services, visit their website or Facebook page.
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 ZenBusiness.
ZenBusiness is an online platform that provides everything needed to start, manage and grow a company. Some of the services offered include: business formation, business name availability, LLC formation, DBA registration, domain name registration, and more. Additional services to help manage and expand a business are also available.
To learn more about ZenBusiness, visit their website or Facebook page.