The Town of Bloomsburg is providing clarification for businesses on the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings and enforcement of the state mask requirement. Information is provided in the attached letter.

Pictured (left to right): Josh Nespoli, deputy director, CSG & DBI Board member; Marcus Gordon, B.U. wresting head coach; Tim Wagner, DBI Board chair; Mike Zarrettt, DBI Board member.

Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. (DBI) and Community Strategies Group (CSG) are partnering to offer additional outdoor seating for patrons of restaurants in downtown Bloomsburg. Representatives of the DBI Board and CSG were recently assisted by members of the Bloomsburg University wrestling program in clearing a vacant lot along West Main Street of debris in preparation of placing picnic tables. Gloria Gearhart provided permission to use the lot which is across Main Street from West End Ale Haus and That’s Amore.

Leadercast Women is the world’s largest one-day leadership event featuring all women speakers, for which the Chamber will be serving as a host for the second time since its inaugural event last year.  This year will look a bit different to comply with social distancing and restrictions, therefore the Chamber will host Leadercast Women 2020, sponsored by Geisinger, via Zoom on Thursday, October 29th from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  This will include opening and closing remarks and a facilitated discussion between the three speakers. 

This year’s theme is Ripple Effect. The “ripple effect” is the continuous spread of an action or belief. At Leadercast Women, leaders in attendance will walk away knowing how to truly shape long-lasting change. Spend some time hearing thought-provoking leadership lessons and inspiring takeaways from soccer legend Abby Wambach, Fast Company Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Mehta, and Emmy-nominated Randi Zuckerberg. 

Register today! 

Chamber members: $30
Non-members: $40

Leadership Sponsor

Discussion Sponsor

Media Sponsor

In response to the heightened needs of area nonprofit organizations and its mission to enhance the quality of life in the region, the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation has partnered with Columbia and Montour Counties to administer the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant application process for nonprofit organizations. This grantround is designed to provide relief for costs incurred during the period from March 1, 2020, through December 30, 2020.

Any nonprofit organization (501c3 or 501c19) serving Columbia and/or Montour County is eligible to apply. Funding requests should primarily focus on meeting the organization’s needs due to loss of revenue, closures, event/fundraising cancellations, as well as other challenges.

Grant requests up to $15,000 are currently being accepted. Grant applications must be completed and submitted through a web-based program. Interested applicants can access the application by visiting www.csgiving.org.

Grant requests must be submitted online by 11:59 pm on Friday, September 11, 2020.

For grant-related questions, please contact Christine Orlando, CSCF Senior Program Officer, at 570-752-3930 ext. 2, or corlando@csgiving.org.

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 Diltz Equipment Sales.

Diltz Equipment Sales located in Bloomsburg has been providing service for over 48 years.  From service, equipment sales, to construction, they are there every step of the way for fueling and energy systems. In addition, they provide service for above ground tanks, underground tanks, tank setting, tank removal, and environmental services including remediation and testing. To find out more about Diltz Equipment Sales, visit their website and Facebook page. 

Danville School District Receives Funds for Head Start Program

Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that the Danville Area School District has been awarded a $1,011,753 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through their Head Start program. Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child. They strive to promote children’s growth in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, focusing on early learning, health, and family well-being.

“I have been a longtime, strong supporter of the Head Start Program,” said Rep. Meuser. “Every child deserves an equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream. Head Start helps give many underprivileged children this opportunity.”

The GSKIZ – Now in Berwick 

The Rural Business Innovation Corporation (RBI) has received the approval from Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development to expand the geographic footprint of the Greater Susquehanna Keystone Innovation Zone or KIZ program. The KIZ brings more opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups to set up and grow their businesses in Berwick. 

The KIZ program must have a University/Research Partner in order to qualify an area for a zone. B.I.D.A. and RBI could not have accomplished this zone expansion project without the support and involvement of Bloomsburg University.   

B.I.D.A. and Berwick Next Steps assisted in the designation of a new zone in Berwick that offers innovative entrepreneurs manufacturing space and contains a variety of office spaces within the main hub of activity in the heart of Berwick. 

There are eligibility requirements to become a KIZ designated business: business must be less than eight (8) years old; located in a designated zone and working in an approved industry sector. Qualifying businesses have the potential to be awarded up to $100,000 in tax credits during their third year in the program. Entrepreneurs also gain access to the intellectual capital in the higher education network which includes Bloomsburg and Bucknell Universities as well as Lackawanna College, to develop their products or business with guidance in commercialization and tech transfer.  

“This program was developed to provide start-ups with a financial incentive.  You get what you put into it. The program only benefits companies who have proven themselves through success,” says Ms. Craig.    

With backing from the educational partners and additional support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeast Pennsylvania, Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.), First Columbia Bank & Trust, First Keystone Community Bank, Northumberland County Industrial Development Authority, Service 1^st Federal Credit Union and local State Representatives David Millard, Kurt Masser and Lynda Schlegel Culver, the resources are in place to assist entrepreneurs and business start-ups.   

B.I.D.A. is proud to be a part of this program and our ability to assist in the support and sustainability of the program for our region and Berwick in particular.  

“B.I.D.A. currently supports existing business and industry through retention and recruitment efforts, this partnership gives B.I.D.A. a greater opportunity to work on a grassroots level. Our community deserves to have the support system in place to develop and grow their ideas in order to create local ventures,” states Ms. O’Brien 

For more information or access to the KIZ program, business consulting services and other financial incentive programs do not hesitate to contact B.I.D.A. by calling 570-752-3612 or by e-mail at info@bida.com.  

To see if your business qualifies for the KIZ program contact RBI at 570-245-0096 or by e-mailing info@ruralbusinessinnovation.org.   

Knoebels Named #1 Park in Northeast

Knoebels once again continues to top the U.S. amusement park leader boards. The ultimate fun, food and fantasy experience is just a car ride away.

2020 USA Today Readers’ Choice 10 Best Amusement Parks:

• #7 Best Amusement Park in the U.S.
  Voted #1 Park in PA and #1 Park in the Northeast.
• #1 Amusement Park Restaurant in the U.S.: Cesari’s Pizza
• #3 Best Roller Coaster in the U.S.: Phoenix
  The highest-rated wooden coaster on the list – and the oldest!

Susquehanna Nuclear to Test Emergency Notification Sirens on Thursday, August 20

Sirens will sound at 11 a.m. for approximately three minutes; no public action required

Susquehanna Nuclear will test all sirens that are part of Susquehanna Steam Electric Station’s (“SSES”) Emergency Notification System on Thursday, August 20 at 11 a.m.  During the test, all sirens within a 10-mile radius of SSES will sound in a steady tone for approximately three minutes. 

“We test sirens periodically, with a full-scale test conducted annually, to ensure that the Station’s Emergency Notification System is working properly,” said James Gorman, Manager – Security and Emergency Planning. “The sirens are an important part of our Emergency Notification System, signaling the public to tune in to local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television stations for information and instructions.”

After the sirens sound, local EAS radio and television stations will carry a message about the test. Emergency notification features on mobile devices also may be activated during this test.  No public action is required during this test.

In addition to notifying the public of SSES events, county emergency management agencies also can use these sirens during other events including floods, chemical spills or severe weather.  In all cases, the sirens sounding is not a signal to evacuate, but rather a way to alert individuals to tune in to an EAS television or radio station for information and instructions. 

A list of EAS stations can be found in SSES’ Emergency Preparedness Guide, mailed annually to households and businesses in the Station’s 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone, or online at www.susquehannanuclear.com/emergency-planning/

As elected officials on the state and federal levels debate possibly extending enhanced unemployment benefits – including calls from some lawmakers to continue the additional federal $600 weekly payment – the PA Chamber issued a statement cautioning that as businesses reopen, lawmakers must carefully balance efforts to restart the economy and get individuals back to work with the overall public health. The Columbia Montour Chamber Board of Directors is supporting a U.S. Senate plan which would provide an additional weekly payment of $200 through September, then be adjusted by state to provide 70% of base wages.

PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr pointed out that throughout the re-opening process, the PA Chamber has heard from businesses from across the state that the additional federal UC benefit payment has served as a deterrent for employees to return to work.  This point was further illustrated in a recent Federal Reserve report – in which employers in the Third Federal Reserve District, which includes much of Pennsylvania, noted ‘difficulties attracting workers despite high unemployment rates.’ A group of manufacturers echoed the same challenges in a meeting held recently by the Columbia Montour Chamber.

“While policymakers are contemplating extending enhanced unemployment benefits they must also develop clear eligibility standards and address misperceptions that individuals may quit their job or refuse offers of suitable work in order to continue collecting benefits,” Barr said. Contrary to statements made by Governor Wolf, refusing to return to work due to receiving more on unemployment constitutes fraud. The PA Department of Labor has an online form for employers to report individuals committing UC fraud.

Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the Montour County Small Business/Tourism Grant administered by Montour County Commissioners, which will provide up to $15,000 in funds to qualifying businesses.

Businesses that did not receive a loan or grant through the Federal Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Disaster Loan Program will be given priority.

Eligibility:
-Any for-profit business or individuals operating businesses with a base location in Montour County.
-One owner per business may apply.

Requirements:
-Must be based in Montour County
-Must be in business by March 1, 2019 and still in business on July 1, 2020
-Must intend to stay in business until at least July 1, 2021
-Must employ less than 100 employees or be an entity primarily engaged in the tourism industry.
-Net profit from March 1 – June 30, 2020 must be less than net profit from March 1 – June 30, 2019
-Must not be in arrears on federal, state, or local taxes
-Must not be subject to criminal justice process as stated in the application

Document Requirements:
-Most recently filed federal tax return
-Entity documents including DBA or FBN certificate and proof of ownership
-Business license (if sole proprietor)
-Government-issued ID
-Evidence of fixed costs, including mortgage/rent/lease payments, utility costs, license fees, property tax bills, property and liability insurance bills, attest to any lost inventory

The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation’s web-based grant management system will be utilized as a technical assistance resource. The review process, grant awards and funding will be the responsibility of Montour County Commissioners.

Grant applications must be completed and submitted through the Foundations’ grant website. To access the grant application, go to www.csgiving.org. Click on the homepage banner Covid-19 Relief Block Grants (Small Business/Tourism Grant Program) Columbia and Montour Counties.

The online application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 21. For questions about the online grant application, contact Christine Orlando, CSCF Senior Program Officer, corlando@csgiving.org, 570-752-3930, extension 2.

The Columbia Montour Chamber’s Visionary Member Spotlight highlights Kawneer. Founded in 1906, the company has shaped the facade industry with its innovative, high-performing building envelope solutions.  Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, the company has offices in 13 countries in North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia, with Bloomsburg being home to one of the manufacturing facilities.

Kawneer is highly engaged in a number of initiatives to strengthen the workforce and enhance the communities in our region. Throughout the years, the company has been a proud sponsor and participant of Chamber events such as Annual Meeting, Holiday Open House and seminars held throughout the year. In the past, they have participated in the Foundation’s Leadership Central Penn program as well as the Management & Leadership program offered in partnership with Bloomsburg University.

The Chamber looks forward to partnering with Kawneer on new initiatives to make our area a better place for people to live and work. For more information on Kawneer, visit their website, or connect with them on Facebook.