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.

From PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Pennsylvania’s existing, competitive impact fee tax structure is paying dividends for the Commonwealth.  The latest proof – a report from the state’s Independent Fiscal Office that shows the impact fee is set to produce $247 million in revenues for 2018 – $37.4 million more than was collected in 2017 – and which will be remitted in April of this year.  If this estimate is accurate, it will be the largest-ever annual revenue amount generated by the tax since its inception in the Corbett era.  The second-highest annual revenue amount would have been $223.5 million, which was generated in 2013. 

According to the IFO, the increase is due in part to activity from new wells and from collections from previously disputed wells and outstanding payments.  The Marcellus Shale Coalition responded to the positive report by saying that it shows the tax is working as intended.  “Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas, the impact fee, is working as designed and an important revenue source for statewide environmental and conservation programs, as well as communities in all 67 counties,” MSC President Dave Spigelmyer said.  “This report, along with strong support from local leaders, demonstrates the benefits and effectiveness of the tax … Additional and higher energy taxes, as some in Harrisburg have continued to misguidedly pursue, jeopardize these local benefits and will be shouldered by hard-working Pennsylvania families through higher home energy costs.”

While Gov. Wolf has publicly admitted that Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry is a benefit to the state’s economy, he has also repeatedly pursued another severance tax on natural gas companies.  The PA Chamber continues to lead a broad-based coalition against this proposal because it would jeopardize the continued growth of the industry and would otherwise limit drilling activity, which has generated so much local revenue through the impact tax.

Downtown Bloomsburg customers could receive a special “Thank you” in 2019. Through a contribution from the Duane and Susan Greenly Foundation, participating businesses will be presenting $20 gift certificates to random customers all year. No purchase necessary.

One gift certificate will be given away randomly every Monday through Friday (excluding major holidays), beginning Monday, Feb. 4. The more you shop downtown Bloomsburg, the better your chances of receiving a gift certificate. The certificates can be used at any local business that accepts checks. A list of participating businesses and more information about the promotion is available at VisitBloomsburg.com.  

Duane Greenly approached Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. (DBI) with the idea of thanking customers. “As a native of Bloomsburg, I have many fond memories of the downtown. We hope this promotion will reinforce to people how important it is to support downtown businesses, and possibly inspire other entrepreneurs to locate in downtown Bloomsburg.”

“Local businesses pride themselves on outstanding customer service,” said Tim Wagner, DBI Board Chair. “Thanks to the generous support of Duane and Sue Greenly, we’re able to show downtown customers just how much we appreciate their business.”

Recipients must agree to provide their name, town, and basic contact information. A list of winners’ names and towns will be promoted each month.  Business owners, their families, and employees are not eligible to receive the gift certificates.

• United in Recovery, the coalition of organizations and individuals headed up by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County that is working to address the opioid crisis in our community, put out its quarterly newsletter recently. Check it out for updates on what the coalition has been up to.

• McKonly & Asbury, a CPA firm based in Camp Hill, Pa., recently announced the acquisition of Brewer & Company, LLC and the addition of an office in Bloomsburg. Owner of Brewer & Company, Daniel Brewer, along with his dedicated staff have provided tax and business services to the Bloomsburg community for 17 years. The firm is highly regarded throughout Bloomsburg for their expertise in audit, tax compliance, and back-office consulting. Daniel and his staff will continue operating from their office located at 420 West Fifth Street, and the eight employees will become part of McKonly & Asbury team. For McKonly & Asbury, this acquisition provides a geographic presence that will utilize expansion as well as adding talented individuals that will support our firm’s future growth. This talent, when combined with McKonly & Asbury’s resources, offers a unique opportunity to clients and the Bloomsburg community to be associated with a firm with tremendous depth all while maintaining a dedication to providing superior client service.

• 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.

• The St. Olaf Orchestra, featuring Sarah Chang on violin, will perform a free classical music concert tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are not required, and this family-friendly performance is suggest for grades 5 and above. 

Named “one of the best college orchestras in the nation” by Time magazine‘s Richard Ostling, the St. Olaf Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra known for its passionate music-making and professional-level performances. Founded in 1906, the ensemble has been heralded as one of the best collegiate orchestras in the country and was named the winner of the 2013 American Prize for Orchestral Performance among colleges and universities. 

Recognized as one of the world’s foremost violinists, Sarah Chang has performed with the most esteemed orchestras, conductors and accompanists in an international career spanning more than two decades. While at the Weis Center, they will perform: Samuel Barber’s Overture to “The School for Scandal,” Missy Mazzoli’s These Worlds In Us, and Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 featuring Sarah Chang on violin. After intermission, they will perform Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64.

• The Bloomsburg University athletics department will celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day this Saturday, Feb. 2 with a couple of opportunities for youth. There will be a free basketball clinic at 10 a.m., followed by a speed and agilities clinic at 10:30 a.m., and an activities fair at 11:15 a.m. There will be free pizza for all participants at noon, followed by free admission to that day’s women’s basketball game at 1 p.m., and a postgame autograph session. This clinic is open to all boys and girls in grades K-8. Register by calling 570-389-3907 or by email. For more information, see the flyer. 

• 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 on Thursday, 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 510-271-6110 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 on 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.

• 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. 

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, RE/MAX Edge, to help us fulfill our mission. 

RE/MAX Edge is a locally-owned franchise of the national realty company, RE/MAX. It is located locally in Danville at 37 East Mahoning St. (just across the street from Bason Coffee Roasting), where it moved into last year from its previous location on Mill St., and it also has an office in Muncy. Founded in 2012, it is a full service real estate company, and also has its own in-house mortgage company. The Danville office is served by real estate agents Jason Ottmann, Sarah Dutweiler, Jesse Williams, Alllison Ernst, and owner Cynthia Appleman. RE/MAX Edge can be reached in Danville at 570-275-7555, or visit their website or Facebook page.

From ChamberChoice

Note: For additional information about PA’s new medical marijuana law, watch the Chamber’s Lunch Seminar on medical marijuana and workplace drug policy from Nov. 2018.

Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana for the treatment of certain medical conditions in 2016, but marijuana still remains a controlled substance under federal law. In 2019, the infrastructure of licensed growers and dispensaries is well-developed throughout the Commonwealth, and many Pennsylvanians holding prescriptions for medical marijuana have been able to obtain medical marijuana for therapeutic use. For that reason, Pennsylvania employers who employ or may someday employ medical marijuana users must review their employment policies to avoid conflicting with the new law.

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act (“MMA”) bans employers from discriminating against an employee solely on the basis of the employee being permitted to use medical marijuana. For example, an employer cannot fire or refuse to hire an employee or applicant after learning that the employee carries the ID card required to purchase medical marijuana. An employer generally should not inquire about whether an employee or applicant possesses a medical marijuana prescription and/or ID card to purchase medical marijuana. Also, employers should have specific policies about drug use and testing in the workplace that consider the effects of the MMA.

Zero-tolerance drug policies are still permitted under the MMA, but employers should closely review these policies to avoid discrimination. If you are looking for an expert to guide you, see more about Ohio Green Team – Columbus to learn about the laws surrounding the industry. Employees who possess the ID card to purchase medical marijuana may be prohibited from using or being under the influence of marijuana at work. Drug testing, if conducted, should be done pursuant to an established policy made available to employees.

If drug testing is performed within the guidelines of the established policy, then an employer is more likely to avoid discrimination claims; drug testing should also be conducted and enforced consistently. It is possible that drug testing would reveal off-site marijuana use that does not indicate the employee is currently under the influence. In these cases, employers should exercise caution before terminating an employee (if the policy authorizes termination) to avoid potential discrimination based on the underlying medical condition being treated by medical marijuana – there should be a connection between the off-site marijuana use and workplace activities warranting the termination.

Finally, the MMA restricts medical marijuana users from working in certain dangerous occupations, including work related to public utilities, mining, and in settings deemed by the employer to be life-threatening. Further, federal laws requiring drug testing and restricting marijuana use in certain occupations are unaffected by the MMA; therefore, employers currently required to conduct testing under federal law must continue to do so.

Complying with the MMA will not require most employers to make major changes to the way they operate or how they screen employees, but sensitivity to the nondiscrimination provisions in the MMA will go a long way to avoiding potential discrimination claims and compliance issues as medical marijuana use becomes more common in the coming years.

Over the past 21 years, the Columbia Montour Chamber, through the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, and several Chamber members have been supporters of the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW).  This unique educational summer program provides students from across the state the unique opportunity to learn about business and manufacturing.  Thanks to continued generous support of members through The Foundation, the Chamber has been able to provide 167 local students with the experience of running their own simulated company.

On the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 23, two of those students, Lillian Aronson and Allie Diehl, joined a room full of educators and companies to share their experiences at PFEW last summer.  Both young ladies are currently seniors at Millville High School and were selected by their peers to be CEOs of their companies during the week at Lycoming College.  The students shared the rich, life changing program and experiences PFEW brought to their lives.  With dynamic and diverse groups of teens from around the state, these young people learned to work on complex, real world rooted problems facing businesses every day.

Hearing the stories from the students themselves was truly inspiring. Scott Lee, PFEW’s VP of marketing and development, was on hand to share the history and impact of PFEW.  Scott has appreciated the PFEW experience as a mentor, father of a graduate, and now as an employee.  He shared that PFEW isn’t about business, but about the experience.  Working with students from around the state, all with different backgrounds and futures, results in friendships and memories that last well beyond the week, a sentiment shared by our students presenters.  Scott also shared the value of local partners in the success of PFEW.  The Foundation, through generous donations from Chamber members and others, has provided $72,000 to fund 167 scholarships over the past 21 years through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and corporate sponsors. Other Chamber businesses like PPL Electric Utilities, First Columbia Bank & Trust, SEKISUI SPI, and USG have all contributed in 2018 to provide an additional $10,400 to fund an additional 18 scholarships.

Last to take the podium was Mark Burke, founder and lead consultant and educational planner of THINK’ID8.  Mark has been a company mentor (aka company advisor) over the past few years.  He shared his experiences as a former educator being trust into this new week long experience.  The biggest challenge was the first year learning the company advisor’s directive is to not answer any question directly.  They learn to guide the students through a process of problem solving on their own, using their combined skills.

To learn more and support students’ abilities to attend PFEW contact the Foundation at 570-784-2522 or by email.