Anyone is welcome to attend the Columbia Montour Chamber’s Member Orientation, which will be held at one of its members, Hampton Inn, Thursday, March 12th from 8:00-9:30 a.m..  Whether you are a new or existing member, 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 light breakfast and beverages will be served, free of charge.

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

Member Orientations are sponsored by USG, Kawneer, Bloomsburg University, SEKISUI SPI, PPL Electric Utilities, and Geisinger. 

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 Beaver Valley Environmental, LLC to help us fulfill our mission.

Beaver Valley Environmental, LLC offers a range of services including: septic services, portable restrooms, cleaning & hauling services, septic systems inspections, and more.  They serve all of Bloomsburg, and the surrounding areas.  For more information, visit their website.

• N4C’s Open House- Saturday, March 7th
  Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center– N4C’s will have their Open House, Saturday, March 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Click here for the N4Cs Open House Itinerary.
  
  
• North Shore Railroad Invests in Regional Promotion to Attract Investment
  
  

  Shown Left to Right: Diana Williams, North Shore; Todd Hunter, North Shore; Loni Martz Briner, North Shore; Lauren Bryson, Focus Central PA; Jeb Stotter, North Shore; and Joe Kantz, North Shore

The North Shore Railroad Company (NSHR), rail freight service provider to the Central Pennsylvania region and proponent of community development, is investing $3,750 in Focus Central PA for regional promotion of the region to attract new investment.

Presenting the check to Lauren Bryson, Executive Director of Focus Central PA from North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates was Diana Williams, Treasurer/Controller; Todd Hunter, Chief Marketing Officer; Loni Martz Briner, Public Relations & Media Manager; Jeb Stotter, President & CEO; and Joe Kantz, Business & Development Manager.

Jeb Stotter, says Focus is an essential investment. “Our company strives to be civic partners with the communities we serve, and Focus Central PA plays an important part role, joining in that mission. The work and commitment of Focus helps bring business to our region.”

Joe Kantz added, “I have had the opportunity to be a part of many economic development entities, and we are very fortunate to have FOCUS Central PA in our portfolio here in Central PA. Every business in our market who relies on the economic growth of our area should be an investor in this wonderful economic development marketing organization.”

For the past 36 years, NSHR, a privately owned company, has provided rail freight service to the six short line railroads they operate. These short line properties span across almost 250 miles of track. They are: the Juniata Valley Railroad, the Lycoming Valley Railroad, the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, the North Shore Railroad, the Shamokin Valley Railroad, and the Union County Industrial Railroad. The company’s mission is to be the most customer focused and safest transportation system possible, provide quality regional rail freight service to customers in Central Pennsylvania, conduct our business with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism, and be responsible civic partners with the communities we serve.

“The quality rail service and infrastructure we have in the region is a significant competitive advantage for manufacturing and distribution prospects. It is of extreme value to have partners like North Shore Railroad engaged and supporting our efforts” said Bryson.

Focus Central Pennsylvania is part of a committed team in the region that is driving economic development for communities in Centre, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder, and Mifflin communities. The mission of Focus is to effectively promote new corporate investment that results in growth of family sustaining jobs in the region by being a premier economic development marketing alliance for committed partners. Focus pro-actively connects with site location consultants and companies looking to relocate or expand. This work helps our communities become an even greater place to live and work.  

For more information about the North Shore Railroad, contact:
Joe Kantz, 570.898.4910, jkantz@nshr.com

• PPL Electric Utilities Invests $9,500 for Smart Regional Economic Growth
  
  
  

  Image Shown left to right:  Lauren Bryson, Focus Central Pennsylvania and Tracie Witter, PPL Electric Utilities.

Focus Central Pennsylvania received a $9,500 check from PPL Electric Utilities to support the mission of Focus to attract and support expansion of capital investment that creates quality career opportunities for the families of Central Pennsylvania. The investment was presented by PPL’s Regional Affairs Director, Tracie Witter to Focus Central Pennsylvania‘s Executive Director, Lauren Bryson.

The contribution includes funds to support the organization’s annual marketing initiatives as well as a grant to fund a Smart Capacity initiative. The initiative supports a comprehensive business attraction partnership to provide significant increased capacity that will leverage existing resources and efforts to effectively promote new corporate investment, career creating location decisions in Central Pennsylvania. This grant will provide a year of Site Location Partnership (SLP) business attraction services with specific deliverable metrics that include targeted industry prospect development, site selector appointment setting, trade show representation and online exposure.

“Delivering safe and reliable electric service is just a part of our commitment to the communities PPL Electric Utilities serves,” said Tracie Witter, PPL’s regional affairs director. “As a founding partner in Focus, PPL helps create strong and healthy communities where business and residential customers thrive.”

PPL Electric Utilities provides electric delivery service to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses in Pennsylvania and ranks among the best utility companies in the country for customer service and reliability. With 2,300 employees, PPL Electric Utilities is a major employer in the communities it serves. It is a subsidiary of PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL). For more information, visit www.pplelectric.com.

“Focus Central Pennsylvania’s efforts to attract quality investment and companies providing career opportunities are possible because of the generous investments and support from PPL Electric Utilities. Investors in Focus recognize that smart economic growth is achieved through collaboration, regional partnerships and effective promotion of what Central Pennsylvania has to offer growing companies” Focus Executive Director Lauren Bryson said.

Focus Central Pennsylvania is part of a committed team in the region that is driving economic development for communities in Centre, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder and Mifflin communities.  The mission of Focus is to attract and support expansion of capital investment that creates quality career opportunities for the families of Central Pennsylvania. Focus pro-actively connects with site location consultants and companies looking to expand.  This work helps our communities become an even greater place to live and work.  

• Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Sent Twelve Students to PA Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Science Fair, Six Heading to State Competition

  

  Pictured are: Emeline Snook, 11th grade, Selinsgrove High School, Katie Corbeill, 10th grade, Homeschool, Brett Covey, 11th grade, Bloomsburg Christian School, Nathan Corbeill, 7th grade, Homeschool, Micah Campbell, 8th grade, Bloomsburg Christian School, Robert Everly, PJAS Region 5 Coordinator, Susquehanna University, Brooke Rhoads, 9th grade, Bloomsburg Christian School, Kathryn Polstra, 9th grade, Bloomsburg Christian School, Abigail LaValley, 9th grade, Benton High School. Not pictured Katherine Rapp, 9th grade, Danville Area High School, Jyoti Alaparthi, 10th grade, Danville Area High School, Olivia Beishline, 9th grade, Benton Area High School, Chloe Musser. 9th grade, Benton Area High School.

  The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum sent twelve 7th-12th grade students to the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) science fair held on February 29, 2020 at Susquehanna University. The students, representing 4 area Middle/High Schools and Homeschoolers, placed in the top 30% of projects presented at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s science fair, sponsored by the PPL Foundation, which is held annually in January. This accomplishment qualified the students to attend the PJAS Regional Science Fair.

  Six of these students will be moving on to the PJAS State competition held on May 18, 2020 at Penn State University after scoring first awards at the regional competition. Two students, Brooke Rhoads and Jyoti Alaparthi, not only scored high enough to move on to the state competition, they received the top score in their section for the Regional Fair.
  
  Science Fair results:
  -Emeline Snook “Disintegration Rates of Over-the-Counter Pain Medication” 1st Award*
  -Katie Corbeill “Glowing Blue – Investigating the Luminol Reaction” 1st Award*
  -Brett Covey “Acid Rain” 2nd Award
  -Nathan Corbeill “Studying the Growth of the Magical Beanstalk” 1st Award*
  -Micah Campbell “Nucleation” 2nd Award
  -Brooke Rhoads “Gravitropism and Plant Growth” 1st Award* Junior High Top Score for Biological Sciences
  -Kathryn Polstra “Caffeine and Metabolic Rate” 2nd award
  -Abigail LaValley, “Does the Color of Text Affect Readability” 2nd Award
  -Katherine Rapp “Prediction of Somatic Cell Count Through Thermal Imaging” 1st Award*
  -Jyoti Alaparthi “Lemna Minors Cleaning Capacity of Oil Spills in Ponds” 1st Award* High School Biological Science Top Score Award
  -Olivia Beishline “Crystal Creations” 2nd Award
  -Chloe Musser “Growing Crystals” 2nd Award
  *Denotes a student moving on to the State Science Fair
  
  

The program developed to help people build basic management and team leadership skills will begin sessions March 17. This five-module management and leadership certificate program is appropriate for existing leaders, managers, and supervisors; or those who are new or emerging in any business sector. The Chamber collaborated with Bloomsburg University to launch the program this spring with applications for the Spring cohort due Friday, March 6th.

Professional course materials include assessments, activities, and other learning enhancement components to help each participant individualize their learning experience. Participants will receive a certificate from Bloomsburg University upon completion and will have identified personal development goals to provide to their employers.

The five, three-hour modules are: supervisor effectiveness; effective communication for managers; conflict management; navigating a multi-generational workforce; and being a great mentor or coach.

Click here (link to: https://columbiamontourchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/Management__Leadership_Spr20.pdf) for additional information, including a program application. The program qualifies for WEDnet funding. For eligibility information, visit wednetpa.com or contact Jennifer Williams at 570-389-4004.

From the PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Despite a strong state and national economy, Governor Tom Wolf’s budget proposal is not realistic according to legislative leaders. The PA Chamber Foundation and the PA Bankers Association joined forces to host the Eighth Annual Economic Forecast and Business Leadership Summit in late February, where leading economic experts weighed in on the state and national fiscal outlook and legislators talked about the upcoming budget negotiations. 

The event kicked off with a presentation by Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, who went over details of the governor’s 2020-21 state budget proposal.  He explained that while the economy is performing well and revenues are slightly above estimates for the year, the gains are not sustainable enough to increase spending by 6 percent, which is what Gov. Wolf has proposed for the coming Fiscal Year in his $36.1 billion budget plan.

Senator Browne touched on the governor’s plan to institute a $15 an hour minimum wage increase, saying that it’s because of the PA Chamber’s leadership that a compromise measure was reached between the Wolf administration and Senate Republicans last year to raise the wage to a more reasonable $9.50 in exchange for rescinding a controversial overtime eligibility expansion.  The state House has not yet taken up this legislation after the Senate’s passage, and the overtime regulation has since been approved by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and is currently being reviewed by the legislature (the PA Chamber supports a disapproval resolution pending before the General Assembly.)

Browne also noted that the administration’s proposed implementation of combined reporting – a complex and costly tax reporting scheme that the PA Chamber has long opposed – has not been shown to have a positive economic outcome and that it has raised concerns among legislative leaders.  He expressed that the best thing for elected officials to do in crafting the budget is to remain fiscally responsible which includes: managing obligations including pension payments and human services payments; holding the line in spending; prioritizing workforce development; and making sure that the programs the state is funding are producing the desired result.

Downtown Bloomsburg Inc, invites you to join the Easter Bunny, Winnie the Pooh, and others on a one hour train ride, Saturday, April 4, 2020 with 3 scheduled rides at: 10:00 am; 12:00 noon; 2:00 pm! Listen to festive music and hear the story of Peter Cottontail while you enjoy the ride. On the return trip, the Easter Bunny makes an appearance and greets children of all ages on board the train. 

All trains depart from Sherwin Williams parking lot at 607 Market Street in Bloomsburg, PA.  FREE parking is available at the Bloomsburg YMCA (30 East 7th Street), and along Market Street.  NO parking in Sherwin Williams parking lot. Arrive approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled train ride. The train departs from Sherwin Williams in Bloomsburg and travels west, towards Catawissa, for approximately two miles past the Rupert Covered Bridge.  It follows the same route on its return trip to Bloomsburg. 

Tickets are $12 for ages 1 and up.  Children under 1 that can sit on an adult’s lap are FREE!   
Tickets can be purchased online, or in person at:
The Exchange, 24 East Main Street, M-F 10 am – 6 pm
Exclusively You, 53 West Main Street, T, Th, F  11 am – 5 pm,  M&W 11 am – 8 pm, Sat 10 am – 4 pm.
Towne Camera, 154 West Main Street,  M-F 10 am – 5 pm, Sat 10 am – 1 pm

Downtown Bloomsburg Inc., partners with the North Shore Railroad, Penn Valley Railroad, LLC, and the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a report examining the impact of childcare issues on Pennsylvania’s state economy. The report is part of a broader “Untapped Potential” study of four U.S. states – Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania – that reveals the cost of childcare challenges in each state and provides opportunities to unlock economic potential for states and employers.

The study found that Pennsylvania loses an estimated $3.47 billion annually for the state’s economy. This number includes an estimated $591 million annual loss in tax revenue as well as an estimated annual loss to Pennsylvania employers of $2.88 billion on absences and employee turnover as a result of childcare breakdowns.

“The lack of affordable, quality childcare is a critical component of the workforce issues plaguing Pennsylvania and states across the country,” said Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Gene Barr. “This issue has acted as a barrier for many people to enter the workforce – leaving an entire segment of the population that is ready and able to work, out of career paths that pay family-sustaining incomes. As part of the Pennsylvania Chamber’s workforce initiative, Start the Conversation Here, we are pleased to partner with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and elected officials across the Commonwealth and nation on solutions to address this workforce challenge.”

Key study findings include:

• Childcare issues result in an estimated $3.47 billion loss annually for Pennsylvania’s economy.
• Pennsylvania loses an estimated $591 million annually in tax revenue due to childcare issues.
• Absences and employee turnover cost Pennsylvania employers an estimated $2.88 billion per year.
• At least 55 percent of parents in Pennsylvania reported missing work due to childcare issues in the past 3 months.
• Approximately four in 10 parents in Pennsylvania postponed school or a training program due to childcare issues.

“Each state’s challenges are unique – as are their childcare systems, and the diversity of their employers – so the solutions that tackle these challenges must be unique as well,” said Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Education and Workforce. “To solve this complex issue, it will take a collaboration of partners, including federal and state investment, support from the business community, philanthropic organizations, and expertise from early education advocates and providers.”

The series of reports was unveiled at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s national Early Ed Summit at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., where workforce leaders and early education advocates discussed the economic impact of childcare breakdowns, unique challenges faced by each state, and the role of business in solving this childcare crisis.

The full reports, videos, report methodology, and other resources can be found on the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s website.

Clean mud, catching fish you couldn’t see in the pond, and rescuing a gummy worm with a life jacket were among several children’s activities that Danville Child Development Center’s children do each day and were also experienced by attendees at February’s Business After Hours hosted by DCDC. Members were given a card when they walked into the event and a sticker added after they completed each of the activities. Those that completed each one and got all of their stickers were entered into a drawing for tickets to DCDC’s upcoming Dueling Pianos event. Members also had an opportunity to catch up with and meet others in the local business community, while also learning about the influence early childhood education plays in our future workforce. They also enjoyed some delicious food made specially for the event by the DCDC kitchen staff, as well as coffee from Java Momma.

Business After Hours provide regular opportunities to build business relationships while learning about the services offered by other Chamber members. The next Business After Hours is slated for Wednesday, March 18th at eXp Realty, 106 E Front St, Berwick. The 2020 Business After Hours schedule for the year is available on our website.

• Original Foundation Board Member Establishes Fund in Family Name
  The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new field of interest fund, established by an original Foundation board member. The Bittenbender-Henry Fund will provide grants to support community programs and projects benefiting residents of the Shickshinny and Northwest Area School District service area.
  
  Freddie Bittenbender Henry is no stranger to the Community Foundation. As a member of the Foundation’s founding board of directors, she understood the way generous hearts can make a difference in improving local communities both now and in the future. Together with a small group of hospital board members, Freddie helped negotiate the sale of the Berwick Hospital to a for-profit organization, which created a $28 million endowment to forever benefit the greater Berwick area.
  
  When the opportunity for family to honor her life and work arose, Freddie turned to the Foundation to meet her charitable goals and create the largest community impact. The Shickshinny and Northwest areas are near and dear to Freddie’s heart. Her desire was to support community engagement opportunities, local projects and nonprofits that help these residents. As a field of interest fund, the Bittenbender-Henry Fund will continue to serve this community in perpetuity by annually making grants in her family name.
  
  “Freddie represents the quintessential philanthropist. Her connection with the Foundation began with its inception over 20 years ago. She helped to give our Foundation life and served as a role model and mentor to those of us brought onto the Board in its earlier years,” explains Holly Morrison, D.Ed., CSCF president and CEO. “We are excited to work with Freddie again as she creates a legacy through a fund that means a great deal to her and her family.”
  
  Contributions can be made to this Fund online at csgiving.org (click Donate and search “Bittenbender”), or mail to the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, Attn: BittenbenderHenry Fund, 725 West Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603.
  
  The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation manages more than 280 charitable funds and makes grant investments throughout the region to improve the quality of life in the Central Susquehanna area. For more information, visit csgiving.org or call the Foundation at 1-866-454-6692
  
  
• Ongoing Commitment to Service Earns Agents 2019 Quality Service Pinnacle Award
  Madison, NJ (Grassroots Newswire)– Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized the following sales affiliates with the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award. The annual award is based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey (QSS) which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home. To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, an agent must receive completed customer surveys for at least 50 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 – December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percent or better for 2 consecutive years.
  
  * Angela Young, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  * Dorothy Rhone, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  * Karen Roadarmel, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  * Renee Sewall, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  * Ruth A. Killian, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  * Theresa Krasucki, of CENTURY 21 Covered Bridges Realty, Inc., of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference. 
  
  “The Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award is an integral part of our brand’s commitment to excellence and recognizes their dedication to making each and every client interaction a positive one,” said Mike Miedler, chief executive officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “They provide their clients with knowledge and advice related to their real estate transaction and offers them confidence during what may be the most significant purchase of a lifetime.”
  
  About Century 21 Real Estate LLC
  Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 11,500 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 84 countries and territories worldwide with more than 131,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.
  
  

• Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces March 2020 Kids Programs
  
  The Children’s Museum, 2 West Seventh Street, Bloomsburg is pleased to announce its programs for March 2020.

   

  Paint Me A Story: Hoo Hoo Who?
  Tuesday, March 3; 1-2 p.m.
  This Tuesday afternoon story time art-studio-mashup is a whole lot of fun for your little ones ages 2-6. Hands-on activities while exploring rotating themes are available on a walk-in basis, while supplies last. Free with Museum admission.

  Little Sprouts: March Madness
  March Session: March 5, 12, 19, and 26, 10:15-10:45 a.m.
  Ages 2-6 and their caregivers will tumble and move, experiencing whole body motion through fun themes each week. Taught by Katie Rude of MomBoss Fitness. Four class session is $28 per family (same household); registration required.

  Girls Who Code
  Thursday, March 5 and 19
  4:30-5:30 p.m.
  Girls Who Code is a FREE after-school program for 3rd-5th grade girls. Learn the concepts of loops, variables, conditionals and functions that form the basis for all programming languages. All while having fun and making friends!

  4th Annual High School Art Show Open House
  Friday, March 6, opens at 5 p.m.
  Talented young adult artists from area high schools will be showcased in this exclusive juried art exhibition. Photography, drawing, painting and collage are all part of the fun. Prizes awarded to top-scoring artists.

  First Lego League Expo
  Friday, March 6, 5-6 p.m.
  This year’s challenge is Boomtown Build. Kids will showcase their team projects they have been working on. We will also have LEGO activities and other area LEGO clubs. Discounted admission is $5.

  First Friday: Rock Painting
  Friday, March 6, 5-6 p.m.
  The first Friday of every month the Museum will be open until 7 p.m. Check out our First Friday Workshops from 5-6 p.m. Workshops are $2.00/per person plus Museum admission. Registration required.

  Music Together ® Family Classes
  Demo Class Friday, March 6, 9:15-10 a.m.
  This internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program is led by certified music teacher, Kerry Kenny. Music Together ® stimulates a love for music, movement, and learning in children ages new-born to kindergarten and the adults who love them. Music CD and songbook included. Registration required. Register at www.MusicTogetherofbloomsburg.com or email musictogetherofbloom@gmail.com.

  Preschool Discovery Days; Monthly on the first Saturday
  March 7: Under the Sea, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  This monthly Saturday morning program is a whole lot of fun for your little ones ages 2-6. Hands-on activities exploring rotating themes are available on a walk-in basis, while supplies last. Free with Museum admission.

  Art Lab: Painted Rainbows and Shamrocks
  Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.-12 noon
  A one-hour class exploring and introducing fine art techniques. Recommended for ages 6 and up. $6 per student plus Museum admission. Space is limited, register online today.

  Homeschool Hangouts
  Wednesday, March 11 and 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Parent/child activities designed to complement concepts taught in homeschool curriculum, grades K-12. Topics include: Kitchen Chemistry, Lego Engineering, Healthy Hearts, Financial Fitness. Discounted admission for homeschool families.

  Panera Bakers in Training
  Wednesday, March 11, 4:30 p.m.
  During this fun-filled culinary experience, your child will try their hand at bread making by stretching and scoring a mini French baguette. They will also sample from Panera’s Clean Kids Menu, and decorate their own cookie with pro tips from Panera’s artisan bakers. Register online at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. Class is held at the Panera Bakery, 60 Plaza Drive, Bloomsburg. $25/child, includes chef’s hat, apron, tastings, and baking activity.

  Grossology Lab: Squid Dissection
  Saturday, March 14
  Session A: 10-11 a.m. and Session B: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
  Ewww gross! Get hands-on with Bloomsburg University’s Biology Club for a one-hour dissection activity using real scientists’ equipment. Students will dissect a squid in this lab. Free with admission, registration required.

  National Pi Day
  Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Join the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum for a celebration of Pi. Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and eat pie! Free with Museum admission.

  Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast
  March 14, 8-10 a.m.
  All you can eat pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Bloomsburg benefiting the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. $4.50 Child Ticket, $7.00 Adult Ticket

  American Girl Club
  Monthly on the second Saturday, Saturday, March 14, 1-2:30 p.m.
  Explore the world of American Girl characters at this monthly club with make-and-take crafts and games inspired by a character’s time in history. Bring a doll or stuffed animal to join the fun. $12/class or $40 for Spring Session.

  Explorer Club
  Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday; March 17, 4:30 p.m.
  Exploring Club is for boys and girls ages 10 –17 who are interested in learn-ing about exciting career choices through activities, guest speakers and field trips to take an in-depth look at a wide variety of careers. Exploring Club is run through the Boy Scouts of America’s Learning for Life. $140/student for the entire year. (No meetings in July and August)

  Two Dollar Tuesday
  Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Third Tuesday of the month, $2 admission all day. The Exchange will host hands-on Art Cart projects 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

  Peking Acrobats
  Friday, March 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Join the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum at the Weis Center in Lewisburg for FREE pre-show activities. Peking Acrobats perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. For ticket information contact the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University.

  Scout Badge Program: Soldering
  Saturday, March 21
  Session A: 1-2 p.m. and Session B: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
  Scouts will solder together a light sensing micro bot. Soldering procedure, safety, fixing mistakes, robot sensors, transistors, and resistors will be covered in the class. Registration includes a fun patch and materials for class.

  Kid Power Self Defense
  Saturday, March 21
  Session A: 10-11:00 a.m. and Session B: 11:15-12:15 p.m.
  Students will get empowered by learning to use key phrases and “get away” moves based on martial arts. Taught by teen instructor, Erik Weibel, black belt in taekwondo and Karate with ten years of martial arts experience. Adults must stay at program with children under 12. $2 fee plus regular admission.

  Teddy Bear Clinic
  Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  At The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum students will walk in the shoes of health professionals by guiding their teddy bear “patient” through a hospital/clinic experience. Students will become familiar with medical equipment, resolve common misconceptions about the healthcare environment and lay the groundwork for healthy choices. Free with Museum admission.

  Nerf Modifications
  Fourth Saturday of the Month; March 28, 1-3 p.m.
  Join the Museum for this NEW club! Modifying your Nerf blaster is a fun and interesting way to expand on your new hobby. When done safely, modding can be a fun lesson in physics and mechanics. $25.00 for the year, ages 8 and up. March meeting held at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.

  HAK-4-KIDZ
  Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Bloomsburg University is hosting their fifth annual BloomCON cyber security conference. To get kids in on the fun, The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum organized the Hak4Kidz event to coincide with the adult conference. Kids ages 7-17 are invited to attend kid-friendly presentations and activities on info security, electronics, programming and all kinds of hacks. An adult must attend with their child. Free t-shirt to the first 100 kids in attendance. Check https://bloomconhak4kidz.wordpress.com/ for updates.

  The Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization with a mission to enrich the lives of people in the 10-county region by fostering a lifelong love of learning through interactive programs and exhibits that bring out the imagination in every child and the child in every visitor. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.the-childrens-museum.org or call 570-389-9206 for more information.  

With content provided by the PA Chamber of Business & Industry

A daily focus at the PA Chamber and Columbia Montour Chamber was a major theme in Governor Tom Wolf’s sixth state budget address in early February: workforce development.

In 2016, the PA Chamber’s statewide Workforce Development Survey confirmed what local employers have been saying for quite some time, that Pennsylvania’s jobs skills gap was holding the state’s employers and workers back from realizing their full economic potential. The PA Chamber and Columbia Montour Chamber have since been committed to improving the lines of communication among students, educators and business leaders and arming them with information about the skills and training needed to pursue in-demand jobs in the 21st century.

The PA Chamber is partnering directly with Gov. Wolf and a bipartisan contingent of lawmakers and stakeholders to tackle Pennsylvania’s workforce needs head-on – including the enactment of a first-of-its-kind ‘Clean Slate’ law that’s giving former low-level offenders a second chance to secure employment.  Last fall, the governor signed a PA Chamber-backed measure — Act 76 of 2019 – with a number of workforce development reforms that expand information available to students and help them better prepare for their post-secondary education and training.  And right now, the PA Chamber is advocating in favor of H.B. 1477, which would help to facilitate employment for people with prior criminal records by making it easier for them to obtain an occupational license and reenter and maintain employment.  

With PA Chamber President Gene Barr serving as a co-chair on Gov. Wolf’s Economic Development and Workforce Command Center, there are a number of other solid workforce development solutions being discussed that will help build a workforce that’s not only equipped to compete in the global economy, but will encourage skilled workers to stay in PA.   The Command Center’s recent report (link to: https://www.governor.pa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200127-Workforce-Command-Center-Annual-Report.pdf)– which was unveiled at a news conference at the state Capitol – has identified and is addressing five major barriers to employment in Pennsylvania:  access to affordable childcare; job training or transportation; occupational licensing requirements; and challenges for those re-entering the workforce from the criminal justice system. 

The Columbia Montour Chamber and its Foundation have a strong working relationship with the PA Chamber and communicate regularly on legislative and policy issues. In 2019, Foundation Director Jeff Emanuel met with other chambers from across Pennsylvania to share ideas on workforce challenges and strategies with PA Chamber staff. This spring, Fred Gaffney, Columbia Montour Chamber President, will be chairing the annual Chamber Day at the Capitol, which brings chambers from across the Commonwealth to Harrisburg to meet with Legislative and Administration officials to discuss issues of importance to business. Workforce will again be among the topics discussed.