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.

Anyone is welcome to attend the Columbia Montour Chamber’s Member Orientation, which will be held at Montour Preserve, Thursday, August 20th from 12:00-1:30 p.m..  Whether you are a new or existing member, or interested in learning how the Chamber could support your organization, this orientation will help you discover the multitude of benefits and marketing opportunities offered through the Chamber, as well as its ongoing initiatives aimed at economic and community development.  A boxed lunch and beverages will be provided, free of charge.

Register today online or by calling 570-784-2522.

Member Orientations are sponsored by USG, Kawneer, Bloomsburg University, First Columbia Bank & Trust Co., SEKISUI KYDEX, PPL Electric Utilities, and Geisinger. 

Shoplifting Ring Alert in Danville

The Danville Business Alliance was notified that a ring of shoplifters is working downtown Danville. They include 2 men and at least 3-4 women, all white Caucasian. All appear to be in their early to mid-twenties. They have been seen driving a rough-looking teal/green Honda Civic with a temporary tag (LGR 1028) and a white Oldsmobile Alero (HFD 4601) – this vehicle has no door covering the gas cap and is easily spotted).

They tend to travel in groups of 2-3; one of the men with one or two of the women. The women often carry large over-sized purses/tote bags or have backpacks. They have been known to be on the phone while shopping and it is believed that they are in communication with other members of the ring outside or in another store. Part of their M.O. is to gather and stash merchandise for a later team who come in later in the day or sometimes even the next day.

If they come into your store, or you witness them entering another business, the Danville Police Department has asked that you call them at 570-275-2101.

Hopewell Park Pump Track Public Input Session

The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) and representatives of DirtSculpt will be hosting a public input session at Hopewell Park on Monday, July 27, beginning at 6:30 pm. Representatives of MARC and DirtSculpt will discuss options for the possible creation of a pump track at the site and will seek public input for the site’s design.

According to DirtSculpt, a pump track provides a community hub where the fundamentals of bicycle riding are learned and perfected. Starting on a raised platform, the rider rides around the track by pumping (pulling over and pushing down) a series of rollers (mounds). These rollers are connected by a series of berms (banked turns). The flow of these features provides the rider with an endless circuit of pump lines (routes) to enjoy. An optimal track layout will provide fun and challenging opportunities for riders of all skill levels. From children just learning to ride, to expert cyclists, the rider is only limited by their imagination of how to approach the course.

Hopewell Park is located at 1758 Montour Blvd, Danville, PA 17821. More information about Hopewell Park is available here.

More information about DirtSculpt, including examples of pump tracks and other bike park features, is available here.

For more information, please contact Bob Stoudt, MARC Director, at (570) 336-2060 or RStoudt@MontourRec.com. Masks will be required for all attendees and social distancing will be enforced. The meeting will be held rain or shine.

The Retirement & Investment Center Located at Service 1st Federal Credit Union Welcomes Two New Team Members

Service 1st Federal Credit Union welcomes Rachel Higgins and Charles Martin to their Retirement & Investment Center team. The Service 1st Retirement & Investment Center provides retirement, insurance, and investment services to credit union members.

Rachel Higgins joins the team as a Financial Services Coordinator. She will assist in planning seminars, events, and provides essential administrative support to the Center. Rachel earned her Associate of Arts degree from Central Carolina Community College.

Charles Martin, CFP, is an Associate Financial Advisor. He brings over seven years of experience as a licensed financial professional. He will be working directly with members to help them reach their retirement and investment goals. Charles earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania.

“I am delighted to have Charlie and Rachel join the Service 1st Retirement & Investment team,” said Gary Surak, Vice President Wealth Management, Service 1st Retirement & Investment Center. “They bring expertise and excitement to the team, and I look forward to working closely with them as we help members prepare for their futures.”

Rachel and Charles join three other Retirement & Investment Center colleagues: Gary Surak, Vice President Wealth Management; Ed Moyer, Registered Representative; and Matt Gardill, Registered Representative. Combined, they have over 40 years of experience in the financial industry.

For more information, visit www.service1.org, or call our Contact Center at 800.562.6049.

Camp Victory Special Events Coming Up

At Camp Victory, we’ve adapted our special event fundraisers to work around social distancing.  Attached are flyers for our Annual Golf for Victory outing, and a new event – Camp Victory 5k Sept 2020, a virtual ‘5k fun run, walk, ride, and roll’.

The golf outing will be at Eagles Mere County Club this September – October on a voucher system over a six week period instead of a one-day gathering.

The 5k can be done anywhere during the month of September. We are specifically keeping it very simple (for example, no timing/awards) to be inclusive of all abilities. All participants will get a shirt.

Staples Offering Coupons for Chamber Members

Staples in Bloomsburg is offering coupons that are exclusively for Chamber of Commerce members! The first coupon is for 10% off an in-store purchase of regular priced items.  The second coupon is for 20% off an in-store order of $50 or more on Print and Marketing Services.  Both of the coupons are good until October 3, 2020. 

Stop in the Chamber office to pick up your coupons today.