From rabbittransit- Plan Ahead: Extreme winter weather may cause delays in paratransit service, so please plan ahead and allow extra time for travel. This is especially important if you’re making a new trip or one you are not completely familiar with. If you need to update a standing ride or cancel a trip, call our Customer Call Center at 1-800-632-9063.
- Dress Warmly: Remember to dress for winter conditions. Vehicles will become cold during the loading and unloading process.
- Step Carefully: Bus floors and steps become slippery from snow & ice. Kick the snow from your shoes before stepping on board. Use the handrails and take your time. Always maintain three points of contact—one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot—when boarding the bus.
- Stay Informed: In case of inclement weather, rabbittransit may have delays. Sign up for Rider Alerts to receive an email or text message about unexpected service changes. Visit rabbittransit.org to sign up today.
More than 400 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and our region. In many areas of life and business, there is strength in numbers, and that is certainly true when it comes to Chambers of Commerce as well. Increased membership in the Columbia Montour Chamber 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.
2018 was a near record year for the Chamber in terms of new members, as we had over 50 new organizations join the Chamber. We thank the following 53 businesses and organizations that we were proud to welcome as new Columbia Montour Chamber members during 2018, and who we’d like to once more recognize as the year comes to an end. We’re glad to have these members on board and we look forward to working with them and all of our members to help them grow their organizations and strengthen our community in 2019 and beyond.
January
WVIA
OneSource Staffing
Keystone Insurance Associates, Inc.
February
Century 21 Mertz & Associates
Equita Final Expense Services – Elizabeth Kelchner, Agent
Viamedia
Elmcroft Senior Living
LIVIC Civil
March
Budget Renovations & Roofing, Inc.
Community Options, Inc.
Rock God Brewing
April
XW Construction
May
Penn State World Campus
ALTERA Life, LLC
Traditional Home Care
Seven Point / Justice Grown
Dan Meuser
June
Denny Wolff
Columbia County
Advanced Realty Solutions
Edward Jones (Danville)
Framing by CJ
July
Henry Dunn, Inc.
For The Cause
Curves
Spherion
Carnegie Agency
Hope Enterprises
MaxWorx
August
Green Thumb Industries (GTI)
Profile Coffee and Roasters
Cherokee Tap Room
Danville Area School District
Lapels Dry Cleaning
Mayberry Hospitality, LLC
The Pub II
The Hilltop Bar & Grill
rabbittransit
September
Bloomsburg Area YMCA
incept
George Automotive Services
October
Lackawanna College (Sunbury Center)
Motel 6
JM Robbins & Associates
Hibu
Ameriprise Financial McKinnon Financial Group
Bloomsburg Music Therapy
November
Bloomsburg Care & Rehabilitation Center
Aggressive Realty
HR4ALL
Dutch Hill Painting Co.
Rainer’s Professional Painting & Wall Covering
December
Fulton Mortgage Company
What do a handful of initiatives and actions of Bloomsburg University and the Town of Bloomsburg, 2018 new members ALTERA Life, LLC and Green Thumb Industries, Leadership Central Penn’s largest class ever, a couple of initiatives of PPL Electric Utilities and its foundation, Department of Homeland Security resources and the Downtown Berwick enhancement committee all have in common?
Stories about these subjects and/or Chamber members were among the top 25 most read stories on the Chamber website in 2018.
Listed below are the 25 most-read stories from the Chamber website (according to website traffic numbers) in 2018 (through Dec. 26). Website traffic increased again in 2018 over 2017, meaning our content is increasingly meaningful to both our members and the public as we work to bring our audiences content that is relevant to them. We thank you all for your interest in our work and that of our members in 2018, and we look forward to again bringing everyone information that is of relevance to the local business community and much more in 2019.
(Compare this year’s top stories to 2017’s top stories)
1. Discount Card Pilot to Welcome New Bloomsburg University Students Underway (June 14, featuring Bloomsburg University and Town of Bloomsburg)
2. Bloomsburg University Working to Reverse Enrollment Trend (March 23, featuring Bloomsburg University)
3. Chamber Announces 2018-19 Board of Directors (Feb. 9, featuring Rolling Pines, PPL Electric Utilities, Bloomsburg University, Key Partners Realty, Geisinger, First Columbia Bank & Trust, GordnerCoombs Insurance, Service Electric, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, M&T Bank, Press Enterprise, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation and Commonwealth Health-Berwick Hospital Center)
4. Bloomsburg Town Gown Relations Committee Announces Block Party Weekend Parking Lot and On-Campus Residence Hall Visitation Restriction (April 20, featuring Bloomsburg University and Town of Bloomsburg)
5. Welcome ALTERA Life, LLC (May 15, featuring ALTERA Life, LLC)
6. PPL’s Operation Help Program Assists Families in Need (Jan. 5, featuring PPL Electric Utilities)
7. Department of Homeland Security Offers Bombing Preparedness Resources (March 24)
8. 40th Annual Renaissance Jamboree Set For Saturday, April 28 (April 27, featuring Bloomsburg University, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc., and Town of Bloomsburg)
9. Leadership Central Penn Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in Program History (May 29, featuring Pine Barn Inn, AGAPE, Camp Victory, The Women’s Center, For The Cause, Bloomsburg University, Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, PPL Electric Utilities, Geisinger, SEKISUI SPI, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, First Keystone Community Bank, Autoneum North America, Inc., Kawneer, Girton Manufacturing, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, First Columbia Bank & Trust, USG, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation and Welch Performance Consulting)
10. Holiday Season Kicks Off With Full Weekend of Events in Bloomsburg (Nov. 1, featuring Bloomsburg Fair, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc., Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, WHLM, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and Service 1st Federal Credit Union)
11. Leadership Central Penn Seeks Applications for 2018-19 Class (June 10, featuring Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber)
12. Downtown Berwick Enhancement Efforts Moving Forward (Oct. 5, featuring Community Strategies Group and Central Susquehanna Community Foundation)
13. REAL Id Mobile Verification Unit to Visit Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport (Nov. 4, featuring Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport)
14. Bloomsburg Ordinance Change Seeks to Increase Parking Availability (Dec. 14, featuring Town of Bloomsburg and Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.)
15. Bashar Hanna Inaugurated as 19th Bloomsburg University President (May 2, featuring Bloomsburg University)
16. Chamber Announces Additional Membership Category (May 31)
17. Bloomsburg Open to Mini Casinos (March 13, featuring Town of Bloomsburg)
18. Chamber Helps Welcome New Providers to Berwick Hospital Center With Ribbon Cutting (June 9, featuring Commonwealth Health-Berwick Hospital Center)
19. Member Spotlight: Boulder Landscape, LLC (Aug. 17, featuring Boulder Landscape, LLC)
20. Bonus Depreciation Bill Advances in State Senate (March 29)
21. Workforce Needs the Leading Issue for Members (April 19, featuring Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, Kawneer and Williams)
22. Annual Awards Winners Announced at Chamber’s Annual Meeting (Feb. 9, featuring Rolling Pines, PPL Electric Utilities, First Columbia Bank & Trust, Steph’s Subs, Columbia Alliance for Economic Growth, SEKISUI SPI, Commonwealth Health-Berwick Hospital Center, LCBC Church, Berwick Industrial Development Association and Geisinger)
23. Welcome Green Thumb Industries (GTI) (Aug. 20, featuring GTI)
24. Attendees Learn About State’s New Medical Marijuana Law, How to Apply it to Workplace Drug Policy (Nov. 23, featuring Columbia Colonnade, PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties, PPL Electric Utilities and Steph’s Subs)
25. Camp Victory a Haven for Personal Victories (June 19, featuring Camp Victory, PPL Electric Utilities and Dennis Wolff)
From ChamberChoice
An employer who employed an average of at least 50 full-time employees per month during the prior calendar year is an applicable large employer (ALE) for Affordable Care Act (ACA) purposes. ALE status must be determined each year, and ALEs are subject to the ACA employer shared responsibility and information reporting provisions for offers of minimum essential coverage to employees. There are many items to consider in determining whether an employer is an ALE. The first question an employer must consider is how are full-time employees defined under the ACA? Full-time employees include an employee who works 30 hours or more per week or employees working 130 or more hours in a calendar month.
Employers must also include full-time equivalent employees in the count of full-time employees. Full-time equivalent employees are not full-time employees; instead, the number of full-time equivalent employees is determined by combining the number of hours of service for all part-time and variable hours employees working 120 hours or less during the month and dividing that total by 120. This number only counts towards the total number of full-time employees for that month for determining if the employer is an ALE – it will not change an employee from part-time to full-time status for purposes of whether an offer of coverage must be made.
Employers who exceed 50 full-time employees (including full-time equivalent employees) are not considered ALEs where the employer employs seasonal workers if certain conditions apply. First, the employer’s total workforce must only exceed 50 full-time employees for 120 or fewer days during the year. Second, the employees who exceed 50 full-time employees during those 120 or fewer days must be seasonal workers. Seasonal workers are generally defined as employees who work on a temporary or seasonal basis, such as retail employees who work during the holiday season or summer staff at a swimming pool.
Companies with common ownership may be part of a controlled group which requires employers to aggregate the total number of employees across the group in order to determine whether included companies are ALEs. The employees of every company within a controlled group determine whether any company within the controlled group is an ALE. Also, for a calendar year in which an employer is an ALE, the regulations applicable to ALEs apply to each company within the controlled group regardless of whether the individual company has 50 or more full-time employees or full-time equivalent employees.
The final item to consider is the definition of a common law employee. Common law employees are generally defined as workers whose work schedule is controlled by the employer (rather than the worker or another employer). Employers should closely review the job duties and expectations for workers from temporary staffing agencies and who are classified as independent contractors because their employment status can be easily confused, and they may be considered common law employees who count towards an employer’s full-time employee or full-time equivalent employee number. Failure to correctly account for these employees can result in a false conclusion as to whether an employer is an ALE.
Compliance is a critical component of any successful benefits plan. Contact our Compliance Team by email or at 888-279-5150 for help with ACA and ERISA requirements that may impact your business.
This article gives a basic overview of recent regulation as in effect on the date this notice was created. Please be aware that the determination of the requirements and the application of these rules to each employee welfare plan may differ for a number of variables. Nothing in this notice should be construed as legal advice.
From North Branch Group/Thrivent Financial
Mark Simenstad, CFA
Chief Investment Strategist, Thrivent Asset Management
David Francis, CFA
Vice President, Investment Equities, Thrivent Asset Management
Darren Bagwell, CFA
Chief Equity Strategist, Thrivent Asset Management
Steve Lowe, CFA
Head of Fixed-Income, Thrivent Asset Management
In the past year, the S&P 500 has gone through two corrections of 10% or more from peak to trough. This roller coaster market has left the S&P 500 with a modest loss of approximately 1.3% for 2018 through Dec. 10 (The S&P 500 Index is a market-cap-weighted index that represents the average performance of a group of 500 large-capitalization stocks).
And, like a roller coaster, it has left many investors with a great sense of unease, if not outright nausea.
Although there are many reasons for broad stock market moves, the following factors are the most important issues that we believe have been driving this volatile market. We also lay out our current views on the prospects of the market:
1. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has been systematically raising short term interest rates and has discontinued its large bond buying program after a period of increasing money supply and low rates following the financial crisis.
The result has been reduced liquidity throughout the capital markets. It has also led to meaningfully higher short-term bond yields, which now provides a more competitive return alternative to stocks. Our view is that this policy has been prudent thus far, and that the Fed may now be close to a level that they believe should be appropriate for an economic and inflationary environment that is approaching more normal levels.
2. Closely tied to Fed policy has been the relentless narrowing of the spread between long and shorter maturity bonds. This “flattening” of the yield curve, as short-term rates and long-terms rates begin to converge, has led to widespread concerns of outright “inversion”—a historical precursor to recession.
Our view is that although the yield curve has, in fact, flattened at the very short end of the curve, we don’t believe this is a classic inversion, where short-term rates are higher than long-term rates. In addition, although it is true that inversions often precede serious market and economic weakness, the length of time from the flattening/inversion of the yield curve and a bear market can vary greatly from one instance to another.
3. There are a multitude of disconcerting geopolitical events, particularly U.S.-China trade frictions and Brexit, which have injected a high degree of uncertainty and anxiety into the markets. Our view is that the outcome and ultimate impact of these developments are very hard to determine. Consequently, this uncertainty will continue to manifest itself in higher levels of volatility and more subdued market valuation (lower price-earnings ratios globally) (Price-earnings ratio refers to a stock valuation method in which the stock price of a company is divided by its annual earnings).
4. Corporate earnings have been exceptionally strong due to solid economic fundamentals and the recent corporate tax cuts. However, the market has been concerned that we have seen the peak in earnings, with revenue growth poised to decline as the economy moderates, as well as profit margins that may decline as employment and logistics costs escalate, and as the positive impact from lower tax rates fades.
Our view is that although the positive impact from lower tax rates will fade, earnings will still be quite healthy by historical standards if operating margins prove resilient. Also, we see little evidence that the economy will downshift materially such that corporate revenues will stop growing.
5. The high and growing level of global debt and other liabilities, including pension and health benefit obligations, are beginning to weigh on longer term investor perceptions. Historically low interest rates have significantly mitigated the near-term cost of servicing these liabilities.
Our view is that high debt levels are indeed an issue of concern, particularly if interest rates were to rise further. Partially offsetting this concern is the fact that consumer debt has not increased to excessive levels since the last recession, and thus should not be a contributing catalyst for potential problems. However, elevated corporate and government debt will weigh on global economies and markets as interest rates increase.
As discussed above, there are many risks that will continue to weigh on market returns, with high and rising debt levels being the most problematic risk from a longer-term standpoint. Given the diminished level of liquidity in the market, volatility will remain high, and further equity market declines are certainly possible.
However, we believe a healthy domestic economy, sustained relatively strong corporate earnings, low interest rates, and relatively moderate valuations may counteract the rising tide of late cycle risks. We continue to believe that long term returns will be muted as compared to the very strong returns over the past number of years.
Finally, in periods such as this, it is important for investors to again assess their real risk temperament relative to the time frame of their investment objectives and to ensure that their overall portfolios remain properly balanced and diversified across asset classes.
All information and representations herein are as of Dec. 10, 2018, unless otherwise noted.
Past performance is no indication of future results.
The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change, and may differ from views expressed by other Thrivent Asset Management associates. Actual investment decisions made by Thrivent Asset Management will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or product.
Thrivent Asset Management, a registered investment advisor, is the asset manager for Thrivent Mutual Funds. Thrivent Distributors, LLC is the principal underwriter for Thrivent Mutual Funds. Thrivent Distributors, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC.
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From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Happy Holidays! With December now nearly over, the PA Chamber is geared up to start 2019 with an aggressive pro-growth agenda. As we work to ensure that the legislature is aware of our members’ major advocacy goals before lawmakers are sworn in on New Year’s Day, we’re taking stock of what we’ve achieved on behalf of our broad-based membership during the session that just wrapped up.
Among the strongest achievements was a legislative fix to a state Supreme Court case that is bringing clarity and cost-savings to employers within the workers’ compensation system; and a bonus depreciation bill that helped resolve a major competitiveness hurdle for employers. You can read about the highs and lows of the past two years in our comprehensive 2017-18 End of Session Report.
With an eye toward 2019, our legislative agenda for the New Year is heavy on tax reform. Armed with facts in the Tax Foundation’s recent report on the Commonwealth’s business climate, the PA Chamber is making the case to lawmakers this coming session that Pennsylvania needs to implement tax reforms that will mirror reforms at the federal level. Chief among these goals is the reduction of our state’s Corporate Net Income Tax, which at 9.99 percent is among the highest effective rates in the nation and presents one of the largest hurdles for attracting new investment and creating jobs.
In a recent op-ed in Lancaster Online, PA Chamber President Gene Barr emphasizes the need for this and other long-overdue tax reforms while reflecting on Amazon’s recent decision to bring 50,000 new jobs and $5 billion in new investment to two areas outside of Pennsylvania. While the Keystone State has a lot going for it in terms of cost of living, geography, vast resources and other key assets, our tax structure has consistently led companies to invest and grow elsewhere – and that’s a trend we’re committed to stop in its tracks.
The Chamber offers a big thank you to all of the individuals that attended this year’s Holiday Open House on Dec. 13, as well as the staff at the Pine Barn Inn, the event host, and the volunteers and Chamber staff that helped the event run smoothly. It is the continued support of these businesses, organizations and individuals that helps the Chamber fulfill its mission of offering programs, benefits and events to its members, giving them a stronger voice and advocacy and being involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities.
The success of this annual event depends on the continued attendance of members and guests and because they enjoy the Holiday Open House year after year, they keep coming back. This year saw record registration, so much in fact that the event sold out about a week prior. This can’t happen without the support of our members, so we give one last thank you to them and we look forward to next year’s event.
A special thank you also goes out to the staff at the Pine Barn. The sales, kitchen and hospitality staff routinely go above and beyond with their service and without their help (not to mention great-tasting food), this event wouldn’t be nearly as successful. Also, special thanks to them for once again donating a menu selection as an Angel Sponsor.
Finally, thanks to a couple of volunteers – Mary Ann Rizzo from the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, who once again assisted at the registration table with the more than 400 name tags to give out, as well as our two guest bartenders: Mark Gardner of M&T Bank and Pamela Anderson of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty. Their valuable time spent helping this event run smoothly as well as raise funds for the winning nonprofit organization (Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber) from the guest bartending competition, is greatly appreciated. Also, thanks to the Chamber and Chamber Foundation staff — Matt Beltz, Phyllis Jones, Deb Sokol and Jeff Emanuel — for their continued efforts in making sure this event is successful each year.
The Chamber extends a big thank you to the member organizations that donated a gift for the door prize drawing at the Holiday Open House. It is the continued support of these businesses, organizations and individuals that helps the Chamber fulfill its mission of offering programs, benefits and events to its members, giving them a stronger voice and advocacy and being involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities.
These eight organizations included included five members that were also Angel Sponsors, as well as our floral arrangement provider for the second straight year, Pretty Petals & Gifts by Susan.
The Nickle Plate Bar & Grill at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course
Pretty Petals & Gifts by Susan
Turkey Hill Brewing Co. & The Farmhouse at Turkey Hill
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, Fulton Mortgage Company, to help us fulfill our mission. To hire the best mortgage companny, see more information about Orange Mortgage and Finance Brokers
The Fulton Mortgage Company has offices in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and provides a full range of products and services to the Fulton Financial Corporation’s family of banks, which in Pennsylvania are now all known as Fulton Bank (formerly FNB Bank and Swineford National Bank locally). For more information, see at their website. Fulton has banks in 18 counties in Pennsylvania, including both Columbia and Montour, and provides consumer and business customers with banking services and products, investment management and trust services. Locally, there are four Fulton Bank locations in Columbia and Montour counties: 37 West Main St., Bloomsburg; 1113 Bloom Rd., Danville; 630 Mill St., Danville; and 200 South Poplar St., Berwick. For more information, visit the company’s website.
The Chamber extends a big thank you to the record 13 Angel Sponsors of this year’s Holiday Open House. It is the continued support of these businesses, organizations and individuals that helps the Chamber fulfill its mission of offering programs, benefits and events to its members, giving them a stronger voice and advocacy and being involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities. Thank you again to our sponsors for their generosity and support of this event.
Angel Sponsors are Chamber members in the food, beverage or catering businesses that serve samples of their own products at the Holiday Open House. Angel Sponsors always add a nice element to the event with their tasty food and drink, and we hope that all of the attendees that had a chance to sample their offerings and liked them will patronize these businesses over the next year. For those that may have enjoyed a particular food sample but can’t remember what it was or which Angel Sponsor it might have been from, each sponsor’s menu from the Holiday Open House is also listed.
Special thanks also goes out to the six first-time Angel Sponsors (noted below), including four of which that joined the Chamber over the last 12 months since last year’s Holiday Open House. Also special thanks to the Pine Barn Inn, which annually provides one special dish as an Angel Sponsor in addition to the several other food items for this event.
ALTERA Life (first-time Angel Sponsor and 2018 new member)
Mini black bean sweet potato cakes with avocado lime cream, cucumber hummus sliders; meatless meatballs; oatmeal, chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies; cranberry bars
Cherokee Tap Room (first-time Angel Sponsor and 2018 new member)
Chipotle butternut squash soup
Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Food Preparation & Service Program (first-time Angel Sponsor)
Puff pastry cups with spinach dip or roasted pepper cream; shrimp & pesto crostini; bruschetta; open-faced tea sandwiches featuring fruit chutney with ham & cheddar and cucumber with citrus herb aioli; chocolate bark; sweet rolls; ricotta cookies
Le Jeune Chef at Penn College (first-time Angel Sponsor)
Assorted mini dessert items
Lucy’s Kitchen & Catering
Famous mac & cheese and seasonal Christmas cookies
The Farmhouse & Brewing Co. at Turkey Hill
Pumpkin ravioli, buffalo chicken dip w/chips, beer samples
Nickle Plate Bar & Grill at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course
Pulled pork sliders and Steve’s homemade meatballs
Profile Coffee & Roasters (first-time Angel Sponsor and 2018 new member)
Coffee samples
Rock God Brewing (first-time Angel Sponsor and 2018 new member)
Beer on tap – the specific beers were Black Hole Sun and Cherry Pie Cream Ale
Steph’s Subs
Assorted cold sub platter
T.K. Witch
Pumpkin hummus and turmeric-tahini sauce w/dipping items
Wild For Salmon
Salmon wrap bites, Asian salmon salad wrap bites