State Fiscal Office Warns of General Fund Surplus Depletion

August 7, 2024

State Fiscal Office Warns of General Fund Surplus Depletion

Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry

Pennsylvania’s nonpartisan Independent Fiscal Office recently issued a research brief that updates its revenue projections against expenditures based on the FY 2024-25 enacted budget. And, according to the IFO, spending is now outpacing revenue and the revenue estimate for the current fiscal year is $320 million lower than the official estimate certified by Gov. Josh Shapiro. This has the office warning that, unless steps are taken to lower spending or boost revenue, the result could be a budget deficit of close to $1.6 billion by next year.

The IFO projects that if education spending increases by 2.4 percent, human services spending increases by 5.2 percent, and personnel-related spending increases by 4.2 percent, the state budget will be close to $50 billion in 2025-26 even though the state is projected to only bring in about $45 billion in revenue.

“For FY 25-26, revenue growth is modest (1.4 percent) due to the ongoing corporate rate cut, the reduction in interest that accrues on General Fund balances (-$240 million) and the deduction of newly enacted tax law changes (-$304 million),” the IFO said in its analysis.

The IFO notes in its analysis that the Shapiro administration has projected that Pennsylvania will get $300 million more in revenue in this fiscal year than the IFO has projected, meaning the deficit would be slightly less (if the administration’s estimates hold true.)

The 2024-25 budget will require about $3 billion of surplus cash to balance, leaving about $10.5 billion in reserve.

The IFO’s analysis warns that the cost of tapping into its reserves to pay for this year’s budget will leave the state with just under $3 billion in general fund surplus at the end of 2024-25. That surplus is on pace to become a $1.57 billion deficit by the end of 2025-26.

The state ended 2023-24 with a $6.6 billion surplus, plus almost $7 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.

To read the full report, click here.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.

State Budget Included Several Pro Business Victories

August 7, 2024

State Budget Included Several Pro Business Victories

Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry

Pennsylvania’s recently enacted state budget includes several pro-business victories including eliminating Pennsylvania’s Startup Tax by raising the cap on net operating losses, modernizing our permitting processes, and advancing workforce initiatives. These provisions will help attract new economic opportunities, expedite project approvals so that businesses can grow and create jobs, help employers address workforce challenges, and equip Pennsylvanians with the skills needed for the future. See the highlights below!

Tax Reform

The 2024-25 PA budget eliminates the startup tax by improving the
treatment of net operating losses (NOLs). This change makes PA more attractive for new and growing businesses.
NOL reforms now aligns with federal tax standards on carrying business losses forward.

Permitting Reform

PA’s new state budget streamlines the permitting process, reducing costs and delays for businesses.
Reforms include third-party reviews and set response timelines.
PA's budget reforms our outdated permitting system, promoting transparency and efficiency.

Workforce Development

Investments in career and technical education, making it easier for qualified individuals to become CTE educators.
New scholarships for in-demand fields and greater funding for workforce housing.
Boosts investment in career and technical education and
incentivizes employer reimbursements for childcare expenses.

New Member Highlight-Next Gen Marketing Group

August 7, 2024

New Member Highlight-Next Gen Marketing Group

Next Gen Marketing Group is the passion of company president Suzanne Campo! She enjoys collaborating with small businesses to enhance their brand through professional photography, short-form videos, and content creation tailored for social media marketing. Next Gen Marketing is thrilled to join the Columbia Montour Chamber and enthusiastic about helping the community by applying its skills to provide value wherever necessary. The business's goal is to use short-form video cards to showcase their unique and distinct value to help drive business growth. Learn more about Suzanne and Next Gen Marketing Group here.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

August 7, 2024

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is critical for effective leadership, involving skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Leaders with high EQ can manage relationships and team dynamics better, fostering a culture of trust and teamwork.
Improving self-awareness is the first step to enhancing EQ, essential for aligning one's self-perception with team feedback and expectations.
High EQ leaders excel in communication, adapting their style to meet diverse team needs, resolving conflicts, and promoting an inclusive environment.
Emotional intelligence benefits the entire workplace, leading to a supportive environment where employees feel valued, boosting engagement, productivity, and retention.

670 ~ 3 min. read

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving workplace, the role of dynamic leadership is critical. A key quality that sets apart successful leaders is emotional intelligence (EQ). Leaders with high EQ can effectively manage relationships, team dynamics, and face challenges head-on. Read on to learn why emotional intelligence matters when it comes to leadership and how it contributes to a positive workplace.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is about understanding and managing your own emotions and those of others. It involves five main skills: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Leaders who are strong in these areas can build better relationships with their teams, creating a culture of trust and teamwork.

Unfortunately, leaders who lack emotional intelligence often find managing others frustrating, and unsurprisingly, their team members find their management frustrating. Low EQ can look like variations of the following:

Tension in conversations
Blaming others when a project fails
Emotional outbursts.

Improving EQ starts with the first skill, self-awareness. While many people believe they are self-aware, research shows that in reality only 10-15% of individuals in the workplace have this skill. To cultivate more self-awareness, make a practice of reviewing your performance and asking your team to do the same. Do the assessments match? Closing the gap between your self-perception and the experience of your team will help you build this essential muscle.

Managing Relationships

Leaders work with diverse teams. High EQ helps managers understand their team's feelings and adapt their communication style. This skill is crucial for building rapport, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

To improve your communication style, assess your own strengths and weaknesses. What kind of feedback have you received over the years about how you communicate? Where can you improve?

Employees represent the spectrum of human personality — get to know each person on your team and their communication preferences. Some people may like affirmation and recognition, others may value facts and information. Some may want autonomy and independence. A high EQ lets you vary your communication and interactions to build trust and relationships, even when differences are present.

Handling Team Dynamics

Good team dynamics are essential for productivity and morale. Emotionally intelligent leaders can spot and resolve conflicts early, encourage open communication, and promote collaborative problem-solving, leading to better teamwork. But this only happens when a leader is aware of their own shortcomings.

For instance, if you feel defensive when your ideas are challenged, you might become rigid and uncollaborative. When you understand your own challenges, you can self-regulate rather than react. In order to be effective at conflict resolution, practice active listening, responding with empathy, and provide constructive feedback, according to Michele D’Amico, an executive leadership coach and founder of Vetta Consultants. Mastering these skills not only enhances personal growth but also significantly improves your ability to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively.

Building a Positive Workplace

Emotional intelligence benefits the whole workplace, not just individual leaders. It leads to a supportive environment where employees feel valued. Experts in leadership argue that Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is crucial for addressing workforce phenomena like the Great Resignation and quiet quitting. This is because EQ encourages leaders to adopt a management style marked by openness, curiosity, and flexibility—traits that are fundamental components of emotional intelligence. Leaders who use these skills at work help to boost engagement, productivity, and retention, with team members more likely to work well together and contribute to success.

The Takeaway

Emotional intelligence is crucial for leadership. As the workplace changes, there's a growing need for leaders who are not just skilled in their job but who also have self-awareness, the ability to manage their emotions, listen openly, lead with curiosity, and resolve conflicts. This kind of intelligence is essential for great leadership because it builds trust, teamwork, and respect. Leaders who work on improving their self-awareness, self-control, motivation, empathy, and social skills can handle the challenges of leadership better. Looking ahead, it's important for leaders to focus on developing their emotional intelligence to succeed in the ever-evolving work environment.

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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.

Member News ~ August 5, 2024

August 2, 2024

Member News ~ August 5, 2024

Press Enterprise Commercial Printing Celebrates new Printer with Ribbon cutting

On August 1st Press Enterprise Commercial Printing cut the ribbon a new Digital Press. This new printer will help with faster turn around times for printing customers. Congratulations!

Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces August Programs and Camps

Check out all the programs and camps happening at the Bloomsburg Children's Museum in August.

Sugarloaf-Based HVAC Contractor, AC&R Services, Celebrates 45th Anniversary

AC & R's story began in 1979 when Dean Hilliard, current owner and company president, formed as a “service only” company. Congratulations to AC & R! Check out full press release here!

Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Community Day Fair & Carnival August 23rd

The BU Community Day Fair and Carnival provides an opportunity for new incoming students at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg to meet and begin to build relationships with the leaders and organizations that are part of the local community. Learn how to register your organization to attend.

The Best of the Best Announced by the Press Enterprise

On July 27th the Press Enterprise released the winners of their annual Best of the Best contest. Check out which Chamber members were finalists.

Mark your Calendars for Danville Third Thursday Events

Happening August 15th from 5:00 - 7:00 Danville will host Third Thursday events! Live music, sidewalk sales, food & drink features, and more!

Girton Manufacturing celebrate employee milestone

Congratulations to James Pensyl, Sales Manager for the Thermal Division and Leadership Central Penn Class of 2022 Graduate, for 25 years at Girton Manufacturing Co., Inc.!

For the Cause Hosting Annual Gala

For the Cause is hosting their Annual Gala on Friday August 9th. The evening will include live music, dinner, a silent auction and raffles. To learn more and RSVP to the event click here.

PA Careerlink Awareness Day Happening in September

Save the date for PA CareerLink® Awareness Day, 2024! All six PA CareerLink® sites in the Central Region will be holding events on Thursday, September 12th from 11am - 2pm. More details to follow as the day approaches!

BIDA co-Hosting Active Shooter Workshop

B.I.D.A. is co-hosting an Active Shooter Workshop with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is on Tuesday, August 13th in the large community room in the Eagles Building. To register, you MUST create a student profile using this link. This workshop is free and is expected to fill up fast. Learn more about the workshop.

T-Ross Brothers hosting Scavenger Hunt

Back by popular demand! Starting November 1st The Susquehanna Valley Scavenger Hunt, presented by T-Ross Brothers Construction, is in the works! Participants will navigate a gauntlet of puzzles, decode cryptic clues, and complete fun challenges throughout our community! If your business or organization would like to be apart of this event contact robertt@trossbrothers.com.

IMC Partnering to Offer Electrical Safety Training

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to announce its continued partnership with The Manufacturers' Association to support training in electrical safety in central and southcentral Pennsylvania through December 2024. Open enrollment opportunities scheduled are as August 7 – Altoona, August 21 – Williamsport, September 9 – Lewisburg, and October 8 – State College. Learn more.

Commonwealth University Hosting Fall Management, Supply Chain, Marketing, Technology & Analytics Career Expo

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce its Fall 2024 Management, Supply Chain, Marketing, Technology & Analytics Career Expo at the Bloomsburg campus. Meet students and potential hires from Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield who are interested in careers in Logistics, Information Technology, and Management. For more information reach out to Darwin Kysor at dkysor@commonwealthu.edu or call 570-484-2181.

Pennsylvania College of Technology offers Workforce Development Courses

Check out PCT's full listing of Workforce Development Courses happening all year long! Courses include Excel Training and Fundamentals of GD & T.

Camp Victory hosting Dr. O's Victory Ride August 25th

Camp Victory in Millville, PA is hosting Dr. O’s Ride for Victory on August 25th. The event will feature a scenic ride through the mountains surrounding Camp Victory. Learn more.

Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes

5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.

LCBC hosting annual Global Leadership Summit

For over 30 years, the Global Leadership Summit has been empowering leaders worldwide. LCBC will be hosting this virtual summit at their Columbia - Montour Campus on August 8-9. Learn more.

Bloomsburg Rotary Hosting 30th Annual Jeffrey H. Lewis Memorial "Kids Klassic"

Wednesday, August 14th will see the 30th Annual Jeffrey H. Lewis Memorial "Kids Klassic" at Frosty Valley Resort. Learn more.

3rd Annual Photo contest hosted by Journey Bank

Calling all local photographers! Registration is now open for the 2024 Journey Bank Photography Competition. Explore this year's categories, as well as the brand-new Hometown Pride category! Download your registration packet. Registration closes Friday, September 13th.

Community Giving Foundation partnering on a regional nonprofit Conference in October

Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) are thrilled to partner together to create Elevate2, a new regional nonprofit conference. The inaugural conference will be held on October 14-15, 2024, at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. More information is available online at elevate2.org

From Main Street: Pro-growth Tax Policy Is Vital for Small Business

July 31, 2024

From Main Street: Pro-growth Tax Policy Is Vital for Small Business

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

When Main Street businesses have a competitive tax code, local economies grow and prosper, and workers across the country benefit from higher paychecks and more job opportunities.

In December 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the most comprehensive tax reform legislation since 1986. The TCJA significantly reduced and simplified the federal income tax burden for American families and workers and modernized the taxation of business income. However, many of the TCJA's key reforms were temporary and are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Recent polling from the Chamber shows that a majority (80%) of voters expressed concern that increasing taxes on U.S. businesses will lead to higher prices. Ninety-three percent (93%) think American families and businesses are already paying enough in taxes.

The Chamber recently spoke with several small business owners on our Small Business Council about the impact of the 2017 tax reforms and what’s at stake if they’re allowed to expire at the end of 2025.

What does a competitive tax code mean for small businesses?

A competitive tax code means small businesses like Kaddas Enterprises, a plastic fabrication company in Salt Lake City, Utah, can invest in their operations and workforce.

“For us to make an investment in robotics, for example, as a small business, it's over a $1 million dollar investment. That is substantial and having a tax policy that helps us write that off quickly and use accelerated depreciation helps us reinvest back into our organization,” says CEO Natalie Kaddas.

Traci Tapani, co-president of sheet metal workshop Wyoming Machine Inc. in Stacy, Minnesota, says her small businesses needs a competitive tax code that provides certainty for planning business operations.

“I need to plan and know how much money I'm going to be paying the federal government so that I can make decisions about what I can invest in my business to continually improve it,” says Tapani. “As a small manufacturer, I just can't keep spending and spending to cover unplanned expenses. It makes business harder to do.”

Why should Congress extend the 2017 tax reforms?

Larry Kidd, president and CEO of :hire, a staffing agency in Columbus, Ohio, says taking away tax cuts hinders future growth.

“I'm not concerned about competition. I'm not as concerned about the economy; I'm concerned about government regulation and overtaxing. Because when they take that kind of tax cut away from us, it will substantially decrease our ability to grow,” says Kidd.

Some businesses, like Kaddas Enterprises, have already seen the effect of expiring tax cuts.

“Some of them [tax reforms] have already expired. Our tax liability has gone up by almost 30%, and that limits our ability to invest in additional jobs, make new products, and innovate in new areas of opportunity,” says Kaddas. “I am worried about 2025 and the additional tax cliffs that we're facing if something drastically different isn’t done quickly."

The 2017 tax reforms created opportunity for growth and investment in businesses across the country, and business owners are worried a roll back now would hamstring their ability to capitalize on important investments—including those made possible by other federal legislation to modernize America’s infrastructure and bolster domestic research and development and manufacturing supply chains.

“Think about the Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS Act, which are important legislation that can drive manufacturing forward in the United States,” says Tapani. “If we start piling more taxes on top of that, and extra expenses on whatever front, it's going to be hard for us to take advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime investments in manufacturing.”

What is the 20% deduction for pass-through businesses and why is it important?

In 2017, as part of the TCJA, Congress passed a permanent reduction to the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. And to ensure that pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations weren’t put at a tax disadvantage relative to C corporations, Congress created a new 20% deduction for qualified business income.

Unlike the lower corporate rate, the 20% deduction for pass-through businesses is temporary and scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. Small business owners like Kidd say those who feel the impact of this deduction the most are the smallest businesses because they have the least number of employees.

“With high inflation, high interest rates, high cost of labor, and difficulty in finding people, this is not the time to let this [20% pass-through deduction] expire. We have to get this pushed through. We have to extend it, and frankly, we need to make it permanent, " says Kidd.

Traci Tapani says the 20% pass-through deduction is important for businesses she works with in the manufacturing supply chain.

“We work as part of a supply chain that supplies larger manufacturers in Minnesota and some other states throughout the country. It's a mix of small businesses and large businesses working together to create a supply chain. So, I know that for many of my customers and suppliers that the 20% pass-through tax deduction really made a difference.”

To learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy in support of a pro-growth, globally competitive tax system, click here.

About the author:

Rachel Ledbetter is a senior manager for communications and strategy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Resources for Manufactures from Team PA and the Chamber

July 31, 2024

Resources for Manufactures from Team PA and the Chamber

Team PA "Factory of the Future"

A new resource became available this month from Team PA. Their free online “Factory of the Future” – hopes to demystify the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies and to connect manufacturers with local organizations who can support them throughout the process.

Use their Discovery Form to find out where you are on the Factory of the Future path or search through their Knowledge Bank to find company stories and industry reports.

Management and Leadership Certificate Program

The Columbia Montour Chamber has the Management and Leadership Certificate program in partnership with Commonwealth University Bloomsburg Area to help train your new or emerging leaders who have not previously been exposed to leadership training. Learn more about the Management and Leadership Certificate program here.

Supercharge Your Small Business Growth with Smart Acquisitions

July 31, 2024

Supercharge Your Small Business Growth with Smart Acquisitions

Acquisitions can quickly grow small businesses by opening up new markets, bringing in new customers, and getting ahead of competitors.
It's vital to thoroughly assess the value of a business you want to acquire. This means digging into its assets, debts, and standing in the market.
Acquiring another business comes with legal hurdles. It's wise to get expert advice to navigate through the process smoothly, including working out the deal's details and handling permits.
After buying a business, merging it successfully requires careful planning. Focus on the staff, tech, and how you talk to customers to keep everyone happy and loyal.
It's also important to handle any cultural differences and make sure key staff stick around. This helps keep the business valuable and running smoothly after the merger.

697 words ~ 3.5 min. read

In the quest for growth, small business owners and entrepreneurs often focus on organic strategies like marketing, sales, and product development. But there's another powerful strategy that can catapult your business to the next level—acquisitions. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of business acquisitions as a small business growth strategy. You'll learn how to identify potential targets, assess their value, finance your acquisition, and successfully integrate the new business into your existing operations.

Why Consider Acquisitions?

Acquiring another business may seem daunting, but it offers compelling benefits. It provides immediate access to new markets and customers, allowing you to inherit an entire customer base overnight. Additionally, acquisitions can diversify your product or service offerings, enhancing resilience against market fluctuations. They can also eliminate competitors, increasing your market share. To identify potential targets, look for businesses that complement your operations, like a coffee shop for a bakery. Use industry reports and networking to find opportunities that add value to your business.

Evaluating the Value of a Target

Identifying a potential acquisition target requires evaluating its value beyond financial statements. A comprehensive due diligence process examining assets, liabilities, customer base, and market position is crucial. Consider a professional valuation for an accurate business worth. Financing challenges include options like bank loans, seller financing, and private investors, with SBA loans as a possibility for small businesses. Choosing the right financing option is essential for alignment with financial and growth goals.

Navigating the Legal Landscape

The legal aspects of business acquisition can be complex. Key considerations include negotiating the purchase agreement and transferring licenses and permits. Hiring an attorney with experience in business acquisitions can help you address these legalities effectively, ultimately preventing future disputes and ensuring a smooth transition.

Creating a Transition Plan

A detailed transition plan is essential for integrating the acquired business into your operations. Focus on key areas such as staffing, technology integration, and customer communication. The aim is to create a seamless experience for employees and customers, which is vital for maintaining morale and loyalty.

Retaining Key Employees

Human capital is one of the most valuable assets in an acquisition. To ensure stability, focus on retaining key employees from the acquired business. Offering competitive compensation and engaging in open communication will encourage these valuable team members to stay, bringing their experience and knowledge to the new organization.

Communicating with Customers

Transparent communication with customers during the acquisition process is crucial. Inform your existing customers about the acquisition and its implications for them. Additionally, reach out to customers of the acquired business to reassure them of continuity and highlight any expected improvements. Maintaining trust and loyalty during transitions is essential.

Leveraging New Market Opportunities

Acquiring another business provides access to new markets that can significantly boost revenue. Utilize this opportunity to cross-sell products or services to the new customer base. Conducting thorough market research can help you understand the needs of these new customers, allowing you to tailor your offerings effectively.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Acquisitions can lead to increased operational efficiency. By integrating resources, you can achieve economies of scale that lower costs and enhance profitability. Evaluate areas such as supply chain management, marketing, and administrative functions for potential integration to streamline processes and realize cost savings.

Managing Cultural Differences

Integrating an acquired business necessitates managing cultural differences. The culture of an organization significantly influences employee satisfaction and productivity. Take time to understand the culture of both businesses and work towards harmonizing them. Activities such as team-building and encouraging open dialogue can facilitate a unified corporate culture.

Monitoring and Measuring Success

To assess the success of the acquisition, establish clear objectives and track your progress through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue growth and customer retention. Regularly reviewing these metrics ensures that the acquisition meets its expected benefits, allowing you to make adjustments as necessary.