The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation (CSCF) has undertaken a 5 ½ countywide initiative to meet ever-changing community needs in Columbia, Lower-Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties. This work is supported through the Foundation’s Regional Impact Fund which is an unrestricted fund established to address a broad range of local needs. As a result, the CSCF is pleased to announce $50,000 in awards from the Regional Impact Fund to local nonprofit organizations, which included three Chamber members. Grant recipients received the awards during the Regional Impact Fund’s After-Hours Celebration on Aug. 15 in Lewisburg.

This year’s grant recipients include:
• American Red Cross – Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, $1,500
• Birthright of Sunbury, Inc. – Family Assistance for Emergency Infant Medicine Cabinet Supplies, $500
• Bloomsburg Fire Department – Thermal Imagine Camera, $1,585
• Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble – Theatre for All, $5,000
• Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way – Local Vision Project, $7,500
• HandUp Foundation – Re-entry and Job Readiness Program, $5,000
• McBride Memorial Library – Library Computers, $4,270
• Montgomery House Library – On Site and Mobile Internet Service and Gadget Help, $2,000
• Setebaid Services, Inc. – In-Kind Medical Supplies Tracking System Project, $3,500
• Snyder County Libraries – Dementia Friendly Libraries, $3,000
• Susquehanna Valley CASA – Voices for Children – Recruit, Train and Deploy Volunteers in Snyder, Union and Northumberland Counties, $4,500
• Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement Camp Cadet – Camp Cadet: Snyder, Union and Northumberland Counties Program, $1,645
• The Arc Susquehanna Valley – “Opportunity Imprints” All-Abilities Business Year One Start-Up, $2,500
• United Way of Columbia and Montour County – United in Recovery Regional Prevention Marketing Campaign, $7,500

Nonprofit organizations that provide programming in the Foundation’s 5 ½ county service area (Columbia, Lower-Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties) are encouraged to apply during the 2020 competitive grantround. Details will be available at csgiving.org.

A special thank you is extended to M&T Bank, the Regional Impact Fund corporate sponsor.

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

In its inaugural “Economic Diversity Index,” the financial news company Bloomberg has awarded Pennsylvania with the distinction of being the nation’s most diverse economy.

As reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Commonwealth edged out Texas for the No. 1 ranking after an analysis of the GDP generated in both the public and private sectors for each state.  According to the index, Pennsylvania ranked highest due to the balance in GDP among several key industries – real estate, manufacturing and health care.  When accounting for the public sector alone, Pennsylvania places third in the nation for GDP growth, with Colorado and Texas leading the rankings.

Toronto-Dominion Bank was quoted in the PG story as saying that “Pennsylvania’s proximity to large population centers and more affordable real estate remains fertile ground,” “Health care has been leading job creation for the past half-decade,” while “Pittsburgh is in the process of making the transition from steel city to tech town.”

These attributes – along with the state’s ample natural resources – will help to drive Pennsylvania’s economy forward in the 21^st century.  However, as a WalletHub survey recently proved, the state also has a long way to go in the way of its perceived business friendliness.  The PA Chamber is a leading voice in advocating for comprehensive state-level tax reforms, starting with lowering our 9.99 percent Corporate Net Income Tax rate; reducing the Commonwealth’s outdated and onerous regulatory policies; enacting civil justice reforms to bring fairness and predictability to Pennsylvania’s legal system; among other pro-business legislative priorities that are highlighted on our website.  Our organization looks forward to working with elected officials toward these policy goals when lawmakers return to session in September.

Congressman Dan Meuser visited with members of the Columbia Montour Chamber for the first time since he was elected to represent Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District last November at the Chamber’s annual legislative breakfast held on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at the Greenly Center in downtown Bloomsburg. The event was sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities.

Prior to Congressman Meuser’s remarks, PPL regional affairs director Tracie Witter highlighted PPL’s efforts in the community both directly related to its core business of electricity and power delivery as well as the work of the PPL Foundation, which recently awarded $450,000 in grants to 86 nonprofits throughout its service footprint, including to a quartet of Chamber members. PPL employees also routinely volunteer their time for special community events, including at the upcoming Bloomsburg Fair, for events the Children’s Museum, and is also working behind the scenes at highly visible events such as the Little League World Series and the recent Major League Baseball Little League Classic held in Williamsport, to ensure there are no interruptions to electricity for these nationally-televised events. Its Cover to Cover program purchases books to give to grade school children for summer reading, and that program benefited all students in grades K-3 in the Danville Area School District this summer. 

PPL’s Tracie Witter summarized some of PPL’s philanthropic and work-related efforts in Columbia and Montour Counties.

Among the subjects that Congressman Meuser spoke about were federal regulations, promoting entrepreneurship, long-term planning by the government, Opportunity Zones and his vote on the recently passed federal budget. 

Although notable legislative action has been tough to come by in this current Congress due to the nature of divided government, Meuser said that one area that he and other colleagues are focusing on is federal regulatory reform, since federal regulations are controlled by the various executive branch cabinet-level departments. He has spent a good portion of his first seven months or so in Congress building and developing relationships with members of President Trump’s cabinet and advisers and they have been open to providing relief from regulations that adversely affect business. One current example of what they’re currently working on are regulations regarding stormwater runoff fees, which are costing farmers and other businesses in the district thousands of dollars. 

Congressman Meuser also noted his support for First Daughter Ivanka Trump’s entrepreneurship empowerment initiative, which is aimed by helping 50 million women around the world “realize their economic potential” by 2025. Meuser noted that Ms. Trump’s initial goal was to get 100,000 businesses to sign on to help with this initiative, and already more than 1 million have signaled their support. He also touched on the need for supporting continued job training, and referenced the Central Columbia School District’s Career Pathways program as an example. 

He also touched on the subject of Opportunity Zones, of which encouraging development is one of his top priorities in Congress. There are currently 10 Opportunity Zones in the 9th Congressional District, including in Berwick, Bloomsburg and Danville. A tax incentive related to Opportunity Zones was created as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and it includes tax breaks for investments in Opportunity Zones provided the investment stays for at least 10 years. For additional information, see this flyer and contact either of the individuals from Congressman Meuser’s office. 

Finally, the recently passed federal budget was discussed. While Congressman Meuser had serious reservations about supporting this proposal – and he noted that only a minority of the Republican caucus ended up voting in favor of it – in the end, he decided to support the legislation, mainly due to the additional funding it provided for the military and for border security. He noted that he did not like the idea of having to again raise the debt ceiling, and implored government in general to do a better job of long-term planning, something he noted is absolutely necessary in business yet is lacking in government. He recently introduced legislation to bring more transparency and accountability to the overall budgeting process. 

• Wild For Salmon will holds its annual Fishtival on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at its retail store at 521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11) in Bloomsburg. The annual event, which welcomes back the fishermen from a successful fishing season in Alaska, features an assortment of delicious dishes with the signature sockeye salmon and other fish and seafood, as well as several other vendors. There is no cost to attend. 

• The Penn State World Campus have hold a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 8-9:30 p.m. specifically for women interested in the Penn State Online MBA program offered through the World Campus. Faculty Director Dr. Janet Duck and Managing Director Stacey Dorang Peeler will share important information about the program, and will answer questions about program curriculum. They will review application requirements and explain the admissions process, while also sharing insight as to what you can expect as an online student. In addition, they will explain how this specific program can help women succeed and grow both professionally and personally. Current Penn State online MBA students will also share advice on how women interested in this program can fit it into an already busy schedule, and will give tips for balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Register online.

• Ryan Flannery Trio will perform their unique style of jazz music on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium to kick off the Weis Center’s 2019-20 season.
  

  Jazz musician Ryan Flannery.

  The family-friendly performance is free and tickets are not required. A native of Lewisburg and a recent graduate of the College of Charleston School of Music, guitarist/composer Ryan Flannery is steadily building his name as one of the most compelling and impressive young jazz artists in the South East. Flannery possesses a strong technique, a warm luminous tone, a natural sense of swing and distinctive chording. This trio includes Ron Nihoff on drums and McCarthy Fitch on bass.They will perform a memorable set of tunes including funk, ballads, and uptempo hard bop. For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts and its current season, visit it online. 

• This year will mark the fifth year that local organizations and communities have joined forces to help fight pediatric cancer and raise funds to benefit the ThinkBIG® Pediatric Cancer Fund. The Going Gold initiative, which began in 2015, continues to expand. To date, this initiative has raised $42,800. This year’s Going Gold kickoff events are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at Old Forge Brewing in Danville; Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at Marley’s Brewery & Grille in Bloomsburg; and Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at Brendan’s Towne Tavern in Lewisburg.

  

  Members of the Going Gold Committee recently announced events being held throughout September 2019 to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and support the ThinkBIG® Pediatric Cancer Fund.
  L-R: Colleen Phillips, Service 1st Federal Credit Union; Cassandra Niglio, ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund; Colby Wesner, ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund; Jace Rovenolt, Old Forge Brewing Company; Carol Tevis, ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund; and Kelly Miller Barrick, Lewisburg.

  Each event will feature a proclamation, entertainment, and much more. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.  Going Gold shirts will be sold during the events for $15. In September, shirts will also be available at any Service 1st Federal Credit Union location, while supplies last. Marley’s and Old Forge have collaborated on a special brew called Gold Dust pale ale for this year’s Going Gold initiative. $1 from each pint of Gold Dust purchased throughout the month will be donated to this cause. Additionally, Rusty Rail Brewing Company is donating $1 from every goblet of their Fool’s Gold that is sold during September. All proceeds will benefit the ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund. Additionally, other events throughout the month of September will also benefit ThinkBIG, including at Chamber members Columbia Colonnade and Nickle Plate Bar & Grill. See the complete list of events and ways to support this initiative.

• The Bloomsburg Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, will hold its annual luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 12-1:30 p.m. The event will take place at Monty’s on the campus of Bloomsburg University. This luncheon celebrates the investments made to community organizations through the work of the Bloomsburg Area Community Foundation. Local nonprofit organizations will be presented with 2019 grant awards during the event. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Reserve your seat online or by emailing by Aug. 29. 

• Camp Victory will host its annual Community Open House on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 12-3 p.m. This free afternoon of family fun includes its rock climbing wall, zip line and paddle boats on the pond as well as hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, an arts and crafts project, a moon bounce, wagon rides and live music. at 1 p.m., there will also be a ribbon cutting to celebrate the recent expansion of the Welcome Center. 

The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted unanimously at its August meeting to support a petition calling for a review of sewer rates for new customers in Cooper Township, Montour County. Construction of a new line in portions of the township, including the Rt. 11 corridor, was recently completed under a mandate by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. A number of businesses have expressed concerns that the fees associated with connecting to the sewer could jeopardize their business viability.

Fees for connecting to the system and monthly rates were set based on the anticipated number of connections to the system and flow from existing residences and businesses. Several businesses have reported that their total costs for connecting to the system would be in excess of $10,000. Additionally, the monthly rates do not account for specific business hours or other practical considerations. The Authority has stated that it is willing to review monthly rates for businesses upon request.

The Chamber’s position includes an offer to assist with the rate review and identifying other options. “Development along the Rt. 11 corridor between Danville and Bloomsburg has been hindered by a lack of infrastructure,” said Fred Gaffney, Chamber president. “Finding ways to lower these sewer costs will not only help existing businesses and residents, but encourage the growth of businesses, jobs, and the tax base in the township.”

From Town of Bloomsburg

The Town of Bloomsburg is creating a Walk, Bike, Connectivity Master Plan and invites the community to participate in the planning process. The public is encouraged to attend public meetings, take the online public opinion survey, and give virtual feedback via WikiMapping.

The Connectivity Master Plan will analyze existing pedestrian & bicycle infrastructure, and propose improvements to increase overall safety & connectivity in Bloomsburg.

Public meetings to discuss the Walk, Bike, Connectivity Master Plan will take place at the Bloomsburg Fire Hall: 911 Market St, Bloomsburg.

• Public Meeting #1 will take place Tuesday Sept. 17, 2019 at 7 p.m.
• Public Meeting #2 will take place Wednesday Oct. 30, 2019 at 7 p.m.
• Public Meeting #3 will take place Tuesday Jan. 21, 2020 at 7 p.m.
• Public Meeting #4 will take place Wednesday April 29, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Through the public opinion survey residents may comment on current pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, safety concerns, as well as desired connectivity improvements.

Through the online WikiMapping platform, responders can pin comments directly to a map of Bloomsburg. Responders can mark important destinations, sidewalk gaps, desired locations for new sidewalks, desired locations for new trails, and any other information relevant to the project.

The public survey and WikiMapping can be accessed online. 

Hard copies of the survey may be picked up and returned completed to the Bloomsburg Town Hall (301 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815). The survey will be active until Jan. 20, 2020.

For additional information contact Charles Fritz at (570) 784-4532 or by email.

From ChamberChoice

On June 24, 2019, President Trump signed an executive order calling for hospitals and other healthcare providers to publicly disclose pricing. This is part of a longrunning effort to increase transparency in the cost of healthcare and assist consumers in making educated decisions in how to use tax-preferred accounts, such as HSAs, to pay for health services.

Hospitals, insurers, and drug manufacturers criticized several aspects of the June 24 Executive Order, including the requirement for providers to publicly disclose negotiated rates with insurance companies. However, many features of the Order will not take effect until the Department of Health and Human Services issues regulations consistent with the Order. It is possible, if not probable, that these eventual regulations could face legal challenges given the far-reaching effects of the rules and the characterization of much of this data as proprietary or protected by providers.

A similar, earlier rule advanced by the Trump Administration required prescription drug manufacturers to list the price of medication in television ads. This rule was intended to assist consumers in making an educated decision on the cost of certain medications versus other potential alternatives, and it naturally attracted significant criticism from the pharmaceutical industry. Drugs with a list price under $35.00 per month would not have been affected by the rule; practically speaking, this exception would not have reached most of the drugs frequently advertised on television.

Drug manufacturers scored a win against this rule on July 8, 2019, when a federal judge blocked the rule from taking effect. The basis for this decision was that the Department of Health and Human Services (which issued the rule) lacked the jurisdiction to compel manufacturers to include pricing in television commercials. Note that this ruling does not address the merit of the rule and its effectiveness – those are separate issues from whether HHS is able to impose this requirement on manufacturers. Potentially, this rule could still take effect in the future with congressional action or if the Administration successfully appeals the July 8, 2019 ruling.

The goal of these transparency initiatives is to drive down healthcare costs through a combination of educating consumers so that they may make cost-saving decisions, forcing providers to disclose favorable network rates (potentially leading to lower rates overall), and bringing public attention to unconscionably high drug and provider costs that could “shame” these entities into reducing costs. Whether these initiatives will succeed, or are even allowed to take effect, is an open question.

This article gives a basic overview of recent regulation as in effect on the date of the article. Please be aware that the determination of the requirements and the application of these rules to each employer may differ due to a number of variables. Nothing in this newsletter should be construed as legal advice.

Over the summer, the PPL Foundation announced that it will award $450,000 in grants to 86 nonprofits organizations throughout its service footprint. Included in this grant round are four members of the Columbia Montour Chamber: The Children’s Museum, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Community Arts Center and Foundation, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber and the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. 

These grants are part of the PPL Foundation’s sustaining grants program, which provides up to $25,000 to support education, workforce development and community revitalization initiatives. The PPL Foundation is proud to support nonprofit organizations that are making a real and lasting difference in their communities. These organizations are working to improve students’ chances of academic success, to encourage conservation of our natural resources, to revitalize downtown districts and to deliver positive outcomes that change lives. For example, the Chamber Foundation’s grant will be used to support Classroom in the Workplace programming. 

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Two weeks ago, a column in the online media outlet Capitolwire responded to ongoing efforts by some policymakers to enact a higher statewide minimum wage by sharing facts about the real impact these mandates have on the private sector and the number of people who would actually benefit from them.

The piece points out that the vast majority of workers statewide already make more than the state minimum of $7.25 an hour.  According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, only 1.2 percent of Pennsylvanians are making that hourly wage. In addition to more than doubling the minimum wage, the Wolf administration also wants to eliminate Pennsylvania’s $2.83 tipped wage, which would force employers at restaurants to pay their workers up to 500 times more than is currently required. “An important note: a significant portion of tipped employees oppose a change of the tipped rate since they claim it will result in lower tips from patrons and, consequently, lower take-home pay,” the article states.

Employers are generally paying their workers well above the statewide minimum, which shows the strength of the economy.  However, the article notes that government-forced increases don’t work well for the private sector because so many businesses operate on razor-thin profit margins, a reality often cited by the PA Chamber and others concerned with the unintended consequences of minimum wage hikes.  The article echoes another fact the PA Chamber often raises – that minimum wage increases reduce employment opportunities for young, lower-skilled workers seeking to gain workforce experience and learn the “soft skills” necessary to excel in their future careers.  “That’s something to seriously consider because while Pennsylvania’s overall unemployment rate has improved, those age 16 through 19 had an unemployment rate of 11.5 percent in 2018, with those age 20 through 24, having a rate of 7 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,” the article states.

The PA Chamber continues to be a leading voice against the proposal to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $15.  On our website and, most recently, in a letter to the editor that appeared in the Carlisle Sentinel, we highlight various independent studies – including a recent report from the state’s Independent Fiscal Office that shows increasing the Commonwealth’s rate to $12 an hour could lead to the loss of 34,000 Pennsylvania jobs; and another Congressional Budget Office report showing that raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour would lead to an estimated 1.3 million jobs lost, with that number possibly being as high as 3.7 million.

• The Bucknell University Small Business Development Center invites interested businesses in need of website development to connect with Bucknell students in the “Markets, Innovation, and Design 300” class in the Freeman College of Management. Each semester, these students make websites free of charge for local small businesses. These projects provide a hands-on learning experience for the students while bringing new ideas to these organizations. In early September, the students will be introduced to this assignment and divided into teams. Then the teams will have the liberty to choose with which businesses and organizations they would like to work. By early October, each student team will meet with their client to learn about the specific needs and goals of the organization and the purpose that the site should serve. Over the course of the semester, the students will then design and build the website with an online website software program, incorporating text and photographs provided by the organization. If your business or organization is in need of a website, or if it would benefit from a redesigned site, then please fill out this online form by Aug. 15 to ensure your organization is considered. Additional information is available on this form. 

• Susquehanna Nuclear will test all sirens that are part of Susquehanna Steam Electric Station’s (SSES) Emergency Notification System this Thursday Aug. 15 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. 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.

• Wild For Salmon will holds its annual Fishtival on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at its retail store at 521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11) in Bloomsburg. The annual event, which welcomes back the fishermen from a successful fishing season in Alaska, features an assortment of delicious dishes with the signature sockeye salmon and other fish and seafood, as well as several other vendors. There is no cost to attend. 

• The Penn State World Campus have hold a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 8-9:30 p.m. specifically for women interested in the Penn State Online MBA program offered through the World Campus. Faculty Director Dr. Janet Duck and Managing Director Stacey Dorang Peelerwill share important information about the program, and will answer questions about program curriculum. They will review application requirements and explain the admissions process, while also sharing insight as to what you can expect as an online student. In addition, they will explain how this specific program can help women succeed and grow both professionally and personally. Current Penn State online MBA students will also share advice on how women interested in this program can fit it into an already busy schedule, and will give tips for balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Register online.

• Ryan Flannery Trio will perform their unique style of jazz music on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium to kick off the Weis Center’s 2019-20 season.
  

  Jazz musician Ryan Flannery.

  The family-friendly performance is free and tickets are not required. A native of Lewisburg and a recent graduate of the College of Charleston School of Music, guitarist/composer Ryan Flannery is steadily building his name as one of the most compelling and impressive young jazz artists in the South East. Flannery possesses a strong technique, a warm luminous tone, a natural sense of swing and distinctive chording. This trio includes Ron Nihoff on drums and McCarthy Fitch on bass.They will perform a memorable set of tunes including funk, ballads, and uptempo hard bop. For more information about the Weis Center for the Performing Arts and its current season, visit it online. 

• The Bloomsburg Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, will hold its annual luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 12-1:30 p.m. The event will take place at Monty’s on the campus of Bloomsburg University. This luncheon celebrates the investments made to community organizations through the work of the Bloomsburg Area Community Foundation. Local nonprofit organizations will be presented with 2019 grant awards during the event. There is no cost to attend, but reservations are required. Reserve your seat online or by emailing by Aug. 29. 

• Camp Victory will host its annual Community Open House on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 12-3 p.m. This free afternoon of family fun includes its rock climbing wall, zip line and paddle boats on the pond as well as hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, an arts and crafts project, a moon bounce, wagon rides and live music. at 1 p.m., there will also be a ribbon cutting to celebrate the recent expansion of the Welcome Center.