Attendees were able to view a short presentation that featured a pair of proposals for expansion at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School and also had an opportunity to take a tour of the school and its 17 current programs at the first Business After Hours of the year hosted by CMVT on Jan. 30.

A recent feasibility study gave three possible options for the school, two of which involved expanding the current programs to allow for more participants and possibly even adding new programs. Attendees were able to hear a little bit about these options, as well as some of the adult education programs offered at the school. A group also got a tour of the building and the 17 vocational programs currently offered. Many are out of space and cannot accept all of the students that wish to enroll in their first-choice program. One of the expansion options would allow for more space in certain programs and would allow not only more students that are accepted into the school to get their preferred program, but also potentially more slots for each participating school district, which would allow the school to accept more students overall. The “Taj Mahal” option would also expand the number of programs available to beyond 17. The school’s joint governing board, made up of two school board members from each participating district, will consider these plans in the coming months.

Attendees also enjoyed some delicious food prepared and served by students in CMVT’s food service & preparation program.

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 will be held at Bloomsburg University’s Gallery at Greenly Center, located at 50 East Main St., Bloomsburg, on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. 

With information provided by the PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Governor Tom Wolf and some lawmakers are calling for a significant increase in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage.  The plan calls for an increase in the wage to $12 an hour as early as July – with incremental increases until the wage reaches $15 an hour – as well as the elimination of the tipped wage.

PA Chamber President Gene Barr issued a statement in response to the plan, stressing that it would result in a 60 percent increase in entry level wages for businesses, with restaurants having to increase their minimum wage by more than 235 percent and ultimately by more than 500 percent.

In addition to reading stories of the negative impact that minimum wage increases have had in cities like Seattle (where the minimum wage is $15 an hour); and hearing real-world examples about the disparaging impact of minimum wage hikes; multiple independent studies have confirmed that these mandates lead to negative impacts on employment, including job loss. For instance, a Congressional Budget Office report found that an increase to $10.10 an hour would result in the loss of 500,000 to 1 million jobs nationwide, and a study by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office reached largely the same conclusions.  Given that the newly unveiled proposal would be even more far reaching, these negative impacts would only be exacerbated.

Rather than institute this “feel good” but out-of-touch mandate, the PA Chamber is promoting strengthened workforce development programs to help low-income workers advance through their careers and earn a better wage; along with other solutions like an Earned Income Tax Credit that aim to provide assistance to individuals in poverty without requiring employers to exclusively shoulder the financial burden. 

The PA Chamber continues to advocate against this mandate, and the Columbia Montour Chamber would like to send information to lawmakers about the job opportunities that are currently available in our area at higher than minimum wages. Businesses are asked to contact Chamber President Fred Gaffney with the number of available openings, and starting wage rates/ranges. Business names will be kept confidential.

In January, Leadership Central Penn (LCP) focused on green.  The color and word green are often associated with growth, environmental responsibility, money, ambition, renewal and rebirth.  That was the focus of this month when LCP learned about green energy, economic development and tourism, and boardsmanship.  The program was sponsored and hosted this month by Talen Energy at the Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant.  This location allowed the class to learn about the most efficient green energy on the planet from a few feet away from the awesome power contained inside the plant. 

To educated everyone on the reality of nuclear energy the class was introduced to Derrick Jones, plant manager, Andrew Rogers, training team, and Taryne Williams, media relations manager.  Worldwide nuclear energy accounts for 30% of the electricity produced.  In the U.S. 20% of electricity is generated with nuclear power, resulting in 63% of the carbon free (green) energy in the U.S.  Additionally, thanks to industry safety and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), nuclear is safe.  The media and many others focus on the disasters that have occurred at Three Mile Island and Fukushima, but these are rare and plants are built and upgraded to avoid issues of the past and future. 

The facts are that nuclear power in the 21^st century is safe and good for the environment. As with all things, there are risks, but with Talen’s safety-first approach, and the oversight of the NRC, nuclear energy in our community and the U.S. is not a public risk, but a benefit. The facility is secure and meets the highest standards with rigorous training metrics.  The class got to see the preparedness of the facility and staff first hand via a perimeter tour and walk through of the simulator for nuclear training.  The class observed a simulation with engineers that challenged them as a team and individuals to ensure safety and professional growth.  Simulations can include load needs, meltdown preventions, system failures and more to ensure safety of the plant, employees and community.  Their philosophy is simple, if one safety step is good, two is better, and three is necessary. 

During the perimeter tour the class challenged James Gorman, security and emergency preparedness manager.  The class asked about security and preparedness upgrades since September 11^th and after Fukishima.  Members also asked about drone attacks and cyberattacks.  Talen has a plan for every scenario the class could question.  The plant has had a quiet existence historically and the most extreme incident was solved with a Snickers Bar.  To learn more join us next year in LCP. 

The class was treated to a delicious lunch from Mayberry Hospitality before being joined by Fred Gaffney, president of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic development in the region.  The group learned about the successes and challenges of economic development efforts in our area related to government support, workforce development, and impact on public works.  One example that was shared is the ongoing Columbia County Business Park.  Additionally, the class learned about the economic development organizations that include Downtown Enhancement Groups, Industrial Development Corporations (IDCs), Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) and various regional organizations. 

Fred shared with everyone that economic development is many times thought of only as job creation.  The reality is that it can be about job preservation just as often.  This can come during economic downturns, advancements in technology, or societal shifts.  Focusing on a vibrant and diverse business community, ensuring a well skilled and flexible workforce, and educating the next generation of workers are the cornerstones for success.

The final presenter of the day was David “Otto” Kurecian, executive director of the Columbia-Montour Visitor’s Bureau.  First, Otto elaborated on the Visitor’s Bureau’s role in economic development and why a thriving tourism industry is crucial for economic success.  Everyone is aware that tourism is a large business for our area, especially during the spring, summer and fall seasons with fairs, wine and craft beer trails, outdoor activities and more.  In Pennsylvania, tourism is the #1 segment for economic impact with a local return on investment of $37 for every $1 spent.  Visitor spending on entertainment, transportation, recreation, retail, food and beverage, and accommodations had a direct, indirect and induced effect on production, jobs, wages and taxes. In 2016 visitors spent $627 million in the region that includes Columbia and Montour counties. This region is #1 in food and beverage, and #2 in recreation spending of all 11 tourism regions in the Commonwealth.

After discussion about tourism, Otto discussed boardmanship, what it means to serve on a local Board of Directors or Board of Trustees.  The presentation focused on how to decide if when and how to serve on these boards.  First, you never, ever say yes when initially asked to join a board.  Even if it is by your employer, and strongly encouraged, or your best friend, neighbor, etc.  There are questions you need to ask yourself and the organization. The first thing is why you want to join this organization in this capacity and what you offer them with your skills and interest.  You’ll be asked to express these very things when you formally apply to join and are being vetted.  You also need to ask to see the organization’s by-laws, financials, and strategic plan.  What is your expected time commitment, how long are you expected to serve, what is the financial situation of the organization, and where are they headed.  If you can’t be at the first Tuesday of each month meeting, then don’t join.  If you don’t agree with strategic plan, or finances worry you from the organization, don’t join.  This is much like looking for a job, and should be scrutinized as such. 

When you find the right fit, you will get extreme amounts of personal satisfaction from your service. The organization will benefit from your skills and passion.  The community will be impacted positively.  This is the goal of boardsmanship, and the LCP class in general. 

LCP is sponsored by Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, Kawneer, PPL Electric Utilities, SEKISUI SPI, USG and Williams.

Download the entire informational packet for the new Management and Leadership Certificate Program from Bloomsburg University. A program application with submission information is included on the last page.

• The February issue of Bloomsburg University’s community newsletter, On The Hill, is now available.

• AGAPE is in desperate need of warehouse and driver volunteers. Even if you might only be able to help one day per month, that would be of tremendous value to AGAPE as it works to ensure it serves those in need. If interested, or for questions, please contact AGAPE at 570-317-2210 or stop in their office at 19 East 7th St. in Bloomsburg and fill out an application.

• Geisinger HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital recently unveiled its new name and brand as part of its Company’s name change and rebranding initiative. As of Jan. 1, the inpatient rehabilitation hospital is now known as Geisinger Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. It will continue to provide the same high-quality, post-acute care for patients overcoming a variety of major illnesses and injuries. To commemorate the new name and brand, the hospital will be hosting a open community celebration event tomorrow, Feb. 7, from 3-6 p.m. The event will be held in the hospital dining room, located at 64 Rehab Ln., Danville. Tours and photo booths will be available for event attendees, and hor d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP prior to the event to 570-271-6110 or by email. Birmingham, Ala.-based HealthSouth Corporation launched its new name and brand on Jan. 1, 2018 and has been transitioning its 130 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and 273 home health and hospice locations serving 36 states and Puerto Rico over the last year, which will continue through 2019. All of the Company’s post-acute care service locations in Pennsylvania will migrate to the Encompass Health name and brand on Jan. 1.

• The Berwick Elks Lodge 1138 will offer a free breakfast for veterans this Saturday, Feb. 9, from 8-10 a.m. at its location on 117 West 2nd St., Berwick. Scrambled eggs, french toast, bacon, sausage, homefries, juice, coffee and tea are on the menu. All veterans eat free, and all others are just $5.

• Koto visionary Yumi Kurosawa will be joined by world-renowned tabla player Anubrata Chatterjee for a performance that bridges the cultures of Japan and India on Sunday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. in the Weis Center Atrium. The performance is free and tickets are not required. The performance illuminates the deep-rooted similarities of their craft while highlighting their affinity and respect for one another as virtuosic performers. Kurosawa and Chatterjee spin mesmerizing musical tales as they enchant the audience and reinforce the powerful idea of music as a means to enhance the collaborative spirit of the global community.

• Beginning the week of Feb. 11 and running through April 4, the United Way of Columbia and Montour County will once again offer free basic tax help to low and moderate-income residents in the community. This program will be held Tuesdays and Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 130 W. 3rd St., Bloomsburg (use the rear entrance). No appointments are necessary, only drop-offs and walk-ins will be accepted. For questions, call the United Way at 570-784-3134 or email, and see the flyer for additional information.

• Mexican folk music will be performed by Sonia De Los Santos and her multicultural band on Monday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at theWeis Center. Note that this takes place on a school holiday, President’s Day. This performance is free and tickets are not required. It is suggested for ages 4 and older and the run time is 60 minutes, no intermission. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item, which will be distributed to local families in need. This unique concert is filled with original songs, Latin American party tunes and new bilingual versions of American classics. De Los Santos has been hailed by Billboard as “one of the Latin children’s music artists you should know,” and her music has been featured on NBC’s Visiones, Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live and WXPN’s Kids Corner, among others.

• A free job fair will be held at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds on Feb. 21, 22 and 23 in the Industrial, Arts & Crafts and Educational buildings. Any business interested in booking a space should complete the one-page vendor application. For questions, please call Diane Considine at 570-479-0636 or Barb Belles at 570-387-4144.

• The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit is seeking professionals in the business community to serve as judges in specific categories at its PA Media and Design Competition (formerly called the PA State Computer Fair). There will be separate regional competitions, one for middle school students on Monday, March 4, and one for high school students on Monday, March 25, both at CSIU #16 located at 90 Lawton Lane, Milton. If interested in participating in these events as a judge, please email Bill Herald by Feb. 22. For more information about the event, including a list of categories, visit the event’s website.

• Knoebels Amusement Resort will hold its annual job fair on Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Elysburg Fire Department, located at 1 East Mill St., Elysburg. There are seasonal positions available in games, ride operations, food service, gift shops, grounds crew, security & first aid, admissions, crystal pool, campground, guest services, and more. If you have a particular interest or skill set, Knoebels has a job for you. Visit the Facebook event for more information. 

• Larson Design Group recently made a $500 contribution to Focus Central Pennsylvania to support regional economic growth by promoting the Region to attract new corporate investment. Larson Design Group is a nationally emerging, employee-owned architecture and survey firm that teams with clients to provide responsive, innovative solutions to facility, transportation, land development and environmental needs. Focus Central Pennsylvania is a non-profit dedicating 100 percent of its time and resources to attracting corporate investment in the region to create jobs. Focus currently serves seven contiguous counties in the central part of Pennsylvania, with a total population of 471,367, a total labor force of 226,048 and nearly 17,381 business establishments.

• Six employees of the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES) located outside Berwick recently celebrated a major career milestone.  Each achieved over 40 years of employment with the organization. Those reaching this milestone include:   

Walter C. Hess, Weatherly, currently serves as mechanical planning supervisor, planning/welding/code repair.  He joined SSES in 1979 as a laborer in the construction department.  He says that the best thing about his career at Susquehanna is the people he’s worked with. 

Senior Drafter Mechanical, Lou Miksits of Bloomsburg, started with the company in the automated graphics department producing milestone building schedules for Susquehanna prior to start-up.  During his tenure, he also participated in projects to convert Susquehanna’s piping and instrumentation diagrams into CAD based drawings.  Today, he serves as senior drafter, mechanical.  When asked what the best part of his career is, he said that he loves what he does.  “As a draftsman, I get to take what is in an engineers’ mind and translate it into a medium that craft workers can use to build from.  There is no better satisfaction than seeing what I have drawn installed in the plant the way it was originally intended.”

Brian Snyder of Bloomsburg currently serves as senior technology specialist.  He states that the people he has met over the years are the best part of his time at Susquehanna.  Snyder started his career with the company in August 1978 as a handyman at its Montour plant in Washingtonville, Pa, and transferred to SSES in May 1979.

Level II Instrument technician, Steven Schooley, Danville, also celebrated over 40 years with SSES.  He notes that throughout his career, which began in 1978 as an auxiliary systems operator, he was able to create many lasting relationships within the station’s “small nuclear family and community.”   His current responsibilities include calibrating and maintaining station instrumentation including the reactor manual control system, main turbine controls, radiation monitors and fire protection equipment.

Gerald Maertz, Bloomsburg, currently serves as branch manager – Engineering Fix-it-Now (EFIN) for Susquehanna Steam Electric Station.  During his tenure, he witnessed the construction of Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, getting a rare glimpse of parts of the station being built that are no longer easily accessible.  He participated in initial plant testing and start-up of both units and has played a role in numerous refueling outages and upgrades.  Maertz states, “I was proud to be part of an excellent team that has seen successful operation of both units.”  He also notes the valued friendships he’s made along the way. 

Paul Homnick, Jr., Shickshinny, became a licensed reactor operator for Susquehanna Steam Electric Station in 1984 and currently works as a plant control operator.  Prior to assuming his operator position, he played an active role in the station’s construction, pre-operational testing and start-up testing. 

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Earlier this week, Gov. Tom Wolf gave his fifth budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly. This annual speech is the official kickoff to the state’s budget season and gives the governor the opportunity to outline his policy goals for the year ahead. While there’s good news on the state’s fiscal front, with state revenues coming above projections throughout the first half of the 2019-20 fiscal year, that’s not to say it will be an easy road to a final budget. As it was during Gov. Wolf’s first term, Pennsylvania continues to have divided government, with Republicans maintaining majority control in both the House and Senate. Each legislative chamber – and each caucus for that matter – has its own legislative priorities. And while there are many issues on which there continues to be disagreement (more on that below), as the governor noted in his inaugural address, there are areas where all parties can find common ground in order to move Pennsylvania forward.

One major area that we expect to be a focus is workforce development. This isn’t a partisan issue – it’s a Pennsylvania issue, one that is impacting every corner of the state. When Amazon passed over both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia for its HQ2 headquarters, one factor that played a key role in its decision was the state of the Commonwealth’s skilled workforce. This is a growing concern among employers – as evidenced in the PA Chamber’s 28th Economic Survey which was conducted in August 2018. For the first time ever, job creators listed difficulties finding skilled and qualified employees to fill open positions as the biggest problem facing their companies. The PA Chamber is working to reverse that trend through our “Start the Conversation HERE” workforce initiative, a grassroots campaign aimed at creating a meaningful dialogue among employers, educators and students about the opportunities that exist in the skilled trades and other growing career fields in the Commonwealth. We’ve also supported and continue to support smart workforce-centric public policies that give more people access to the skills and training they need to obtain a good paying job.

Another area that the PA Chamber will be seeking to build consensus on is reforming our state tax structure. We’ve witnessed the positive impact the federal tax reform package has had on the nation’s economy and it’s time to take a hard look at instituting reforms at the state level that will increase the Commonwealth’s competitiveness. Pennsylvania’s corporate tax structure – particularly the Corporate Net Income tax, which is among the nation’s highest, continues to be a major red flag for potential investors.

We’ll also be working to combat ill-thought policies that will negatively impact Pennsylvania’s overall business climate and will further burden job creators. This includes pushing back against government mandated minimum wage increases. In late January, the governor unveiled an aggressive proposal that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour in July with incremental increases to $15, as well as the elimination of the tipped wage. As I noted in a statement following the governor’s press conference, this mandated hike – which would increase entry level wages by more than 60 percent – would lead to many unintended consequences. Countless non-partisan studies have shown that these policies lead to negative impacts on employment, including reduced hours and sometimes even job loss. The PA Chamber is instead urging lawmakers to focus on helping individuals out of poverty through job training programs that will help low-wage workers advance through the workforce, along with programs like an Earned Income Tax Credit that wouldn’t require the business community to exclusively shoulder the burden.

Additionally, the PA Chamber continues to lead a multi-industry coalition against additional taxes on the natural gas industry. Access to affordable energy is one of the Commonwealth’s strongest competitive advantages. And yet, some elected officials continue to target the natural gas industry for additional taxes – despite the fact that the industry’s impact tax is on track to bring in record high collections for 2018. The mentality of taxing any industry that shows growth potential must stop if we hope to economically prosper.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will be keeping a close eye on the budget process – working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle on those policy issues that we can build consensus on; pushing back on proposals that will negatively impact the Commonwealth’s business climate; and advocating for reforms that will improve our overall competitiveness.

More than 400 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and our region. Increased membership allows us to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities. The Chamber welcomes its newest member, A. Pickett Construction, Inc, to help us fulfill our mission. 

A. Pickett Construction is a construction contracting firm that was founded in 1985. Based in Kingston, Pa., A. Pickett Construction has earned a reputation over the years for unique expertise and sensitivity toward quality craftsmanship. It specializes in the commercial, restaurant & hospitality, industrial, healthcare and institutional markets. Some of its work includes the Geisinger Careworks urgent care clinics in both Hazleton and Tannersville, Pa. For more information, or if your organization would like to include A. Pickett Construction in any upcoming construction bids, visit its website, call 570-283-2057 or email.

From ChamberChoice & Smart Business Pittsburgh

While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has resulted in significant health insurance plan premium increases, employers continue to seek the magic bullet to manage health care costs within the constraints of the ACA while still providing a comprehensive benefits package to their employees.

Historically, self-funded health plans have only been utilized by larger employer groups. However, the ACA’s small group community rating rules continue to result in unsustainable premium increases for small employers, making self-funding a viable alternative to ACA in the form of level-funded health plans.

Smart Business spoke with Craig Pritts, sales executive at JRG Advisors, about this self-insured hybrid health plan and whether it makes sense for your organization.

What is a level-funded health plan?

A level-funded health plan is an underwritten administrative services only or ASO product with integrated stop loss coverage offered by insurance companies and third party administrators (TPAs). As the name suggests, a level-funded plan has fixed or level monthly costs associated with the funding of the employees’ health coverage.

The level cost typically comprises three components: a claims allowance, a TPA fee and a stop-loss coverage premium. The claims allowance is utilized to fund employee medical costs. The TPA fee pays for the administration of the plan, which includes adjudicating claims. The stop-loss premium is utilized toward the coverage to protect the employer against any catastrophic claims.

How does a level-funded plan work?

As claims are incurred on a monthly basis, the insurance company or TPA pays them out of the claims allowance. If there is an extraordinary claim on an individual or aggregate basis, the stop-loss insurance kicks in. At no time does the employer pay more than the level premium amount.

At the end of the plan year, the employer group performance is evaluated. If the group performs well with little or no claims, a portion or all of the unused claim allowance is returned to the group. Additionally, the group could benefit from a lower rate for the following plan year since the monthly allowance and stoploss premium should be less. If the group performs as originally expected, there is minimal or no premium increase — a stark contrast to the ACA world.

What if the employer has a bad year?

The stop-loss coverage component of a level-funded plan protects the employer in the event of high claims or a catastrophic claim within their employee population. Again, the entire concept of a level-funded plan is that the employer never has to pay more than the level monthly premium.

Since these plans are medically underwritten, it could be realistic to expect a premium increase at renewal. A small employer group in this scenario has an advantage over its larger group counterparts. They can simply revert back to a community rated (non-underwritten) ACA plan, which would likely be to their benefit financially.

How can level-funded plans benefit employers?

Level-funded plans offer the best of both worlds, combining features of fully and self-insured plans. They offer the cost predictability of fully insured while eliminating the risk exposure of self-insured plans. An employer only pays for incurred health care costs and can share savings at renewal if the plan year ran well.

Level-funded plans do not have the same regulatory requirements as fully insured plans, which eliminates the administrative burden on employers and reduces overhead expenses.

What’s the takeaway for employers?

Level-funded plans are more complex than fully insured plans, but also can provide employers a long-term strategy and solution to combat the ACA community rating rules and subsequent surprise premium increases. Employers should consult with an experienced insurance professional who is well versed in the structure, features, implementation and costs of level-funded health plans to determine if this alternative funding strategy is right for their company.

The Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth is expected to vote to dissolve at its upcoming annual meeting. The Alliance Board has already transferred its assets and responsibilities for managing the Columbia County Business Park to DRIVE, a council of governments formed to coordinate economic development efforts in Columbia and Montour counties. More information about DRIVE is available at its website.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 19^h at 4:30 p.m. at The Inn at Turkey Hill. Members of the Chamber are automatically members of the Alliance and are invited to attend the business meeting. RSVP to Tim Hippensteel at 570-284-4296 or email.