From ChamberChoice Open enrollment can be a complicated process, especially if decisions surrounding the employee benefits plan selections are delayed. To make matters more interesting, there are legal changes affecting the design and administration of benefits for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2019, says Aaron Ochs, managing consultant at JRG Advisors. In addition, if any changes are made to your company’s health plan benefits for the 2019 plan year, those changes should be communicated to plan participants through an updated Summary Plan Description or a Summary of Material Modifications. Employers should confirm that open enrollment materials contain the required participant notices, when applicable. Some participant notices also must be provided annually or upon initial enrollment. With the assistance of a knowledgeable benefits professional, employers should thoroughly review plan documents to confirm they include any required changes in adherence to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Smart Business spoke with Ochs about a few important plan design considerations to carefully review at open enrollment. What’s important to understand about grandfathered status, the ACA affordability standard and out-of-pocket maximums? Grandfathered plan status — If an employer has a grandfathered plan, it needs to determine whether it will maintain its grandfathered status for the 2019 plan year. A grandfathered plan’s status affects its ACA compliance obligations from year to year. If an employer’s plan will maintain its grandfathered status, then the Notice of Grandfathered Status should be provided in the open enrollment materials. If the plan is losing its grandfathered status, the employer should confirm that the plan includes all of the additional patient rights and benefits required by the ACA. ACA affordability standard — Currently under the ACA, an applicable large employer’s health coverage is considered affordable if the employees’ required contribution does not exceed 9.5 percent of their household income for the taxable year. For plan years that begin on or after Jan. 1, 2019, the affordability percentage is 9.86 percent. Employers should ensure that at least one of the health plans offered satisfies the ACA’s affordability standard. Since the percentage increases from 2018, employers could have additional flexibility to increase the employee share of the premium while still avoiding a penalty under the pay or play rules. Out-of-pocket maximum — Employers should review the out-of-pocket maximum of their health plan to ensure that it complies with the ACA’s limits for the 2019 plan year. The limits for 2019 are $7,900 for self-only coverage and $15,800 for family coverage. It is important to remember that a high deductible health plan (HDHP) must be compatible with a health savings account (HSA), and the out-of-pocket maximum must be lower than the ACA’s limit. The out-of-pocket maximum for HDHPs beginning in 2019 is $6,750 for self-only coverage and $13,500 for family coverage. If the employer’s plan utilizes multiple service providers to administer benefits, it should ensure that the plan coordinates all claims for essential health benefits across the plan’s service providers, or that the plan divides the out-of-pocket maximum across the categories of benefits, with a combined limit that does not exceed the maximum for 2019. How are the HDHP and HSA limits changing? The IRS limits for HSA contributions and HDHP cost sharing are increasing for 2019. The HSA contribution limit increases from $3,450 to $3,500 effective Jan. 1, 2019. Effective for plan years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2019, the HDHP maximum out-of-pocket limit increases from $6,650 to $6,750 for self-only coverage and from $13,300 to $13,500 for family coverage. Employers should review their HDHP’s cost sharing limits and determine if an adjustment is required to meet the 2019 limits If an employer communicates HSA contribution limits to its employees as part of the open enrollment process, the enrollment materials should be updated to reflect the increased limits that apply for 2019.
Williams recently held a reception to thank all of the supports and contractors of the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project.
With the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline going into service in mid-October, Williams recently held a reception in Hershey to thank the supporters of the project, which included the Columbia Montour Chamber, as well as the contractors who worked on the project. Company representatives reported that approximately nine million man hours were spent constructing the 195 miles of pipeline and two compressor stations, including one in Columbia County. The extremely wet conditions, including flooding in a number of areas, did not extend the project’s timeline.
Land restoration will continue into the spring of 2019.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Act 107 of 2018 (formerly H.B. 1284) brought a welcomed and overdue reform to the permitting process in Pennsylvania when it was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf last week. The measure directs the state Department of Community and Economic Development to create a one-stop-shop online permitting portal for businesses, in order to help streamline and bring efficiency to existing permitting processes.
The PA Chamber advocated in support of this measure as one bill within a broader legislative package of much-needed regulatory reforms, and had previously communicated to lawmakers that recent efforts to employ e-permitting within the Department of Environmental Protection have been met with success, including improved permit review times. “We have been encouraged so far with the results achieved by the Department of Environmental Protection moving to e-permitting in a number of their programs,” the PA Chamber wrote in a memo issued last month. “Additional deployment and use of this type of technology across all of DEP’s permit programs … will allow for better use of taxpayer resources and improve consistency and regulatory certainty for the business community.”
Member News
- Commonwealth Health – Berwick Hospital Center will hold an open house and community hernia screening from 6-8 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 8. The open house will include tours of the hospital and blood pressure checks, informational stations on Berwick Retirement Village and the hospital services, and a meet-and-greet with the primary care physicians affiliated with Berwick Medical Professionals. An educational session and hernia screenings – both free to the public – will be offered at this time by general surgeons who are on staff at Berwick Hospital. Light refreshments will be served. Anyone interested in scheduling a hernia screening is asked to call 570-354-6515 or visit MyBerwickHerniaSeminar.com. Berwick Hospital Center is located at 701 East 16th St., Berwick.
- Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital will once again offer a complimentary meal for veterans on Thursday, Nov. 8 in the GBH dining room. There will be four separate seatings – at 3, 4, 5 and 6 p.m., and the meal is complimentary for all U.S. veterans and one guest. Join GBH as they celebrate the service of our veterans to the U.S. Because seating is limited each hour, reservations are required. Call 570-387-2145 today to reserve your seat(s). The buffet dinner includes carved roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, green beans, beverages and cake and ice cream.
- The Ronald McDonald House of Danville will host an Open House tomorrow, Nov. 8, from 5-7 p.m. Light appetizers, refreshments and house tours will be provided. This is mainly an opportunity for any individuals interested in seeing the House that haven’t previously, as well as a chance for interested people to learn more about the House as well as opportunities for volunteerism. The RMHD is located at 100 N. Academy Ave. and Trembulak Way in Danville on the campus of Geisinger. If interested in attending, please RSVP to Ginnetta Reed at 570-271-7939 or email.
- The Penn State World Campus has a few upcoming information webinars during the month of November for those interested in learning more about classes and degrees from Penn State’s online classes. Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 8, from 9-10:30 p.m., there will be a virtual open house for military in which participants can meet staff and learn about the process for applying for and earning an undergraduate degree through the PSU World Campus. Next Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 8-9 p.m., there will be an undergraduate admissions and career services webinar for perspective PSU World Campus undergraduate students interested in learning about the World Campus experience and career services offered to students. On Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 12-1 p.m., there will be a webinar to learn more about the Master’s in Professional Studies, applied demography degree. It will focus on how the program is designed for working professionals, and how it focuses on concepts, measures, data, software and analytical skills used in the public and private sectors. Finally, on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 12-1 p.m., there will be a Master of Science in Nusing (MSN) informational webinar for those interested in the nurse administrator or nurse educator options of Penn State’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. As a reminder, employees of all Columbia Montour Chamber members, their spouses and dependents are eligible for a 5% discount on tuition through the PSU World Campus.
- The Berwick Elks Lodge 1138 will host a ceremony and dinner for Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 11 beginning at 4 p.m. at its location at 117 West 2nd St., Berwick. All veterans and the public are welcome to attend. The ceremony will be performed by the Elks Lodge beginning at 4 p.m., with a presentation of colors by the Berwick VFW. Guest speakers include state senator John Gordner and veteran Timothy Hutton. RSVPs are appreciated but not required at 570-759-8131, and please leave a message.
- LIFE Geisinger will host its annual Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 3-6 p.m. at its location at 1100 Spruce St., Kulpmont. There will be light refreshments, door prizes, tours of the facility, and an opportunity to learn about this innovative alternative care program for older adults intended to keep them living in their own homes. Please RSVP to Wendy Rishel by email or call 570-373-2100.
- The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) is creating a new development advisory committee to advise and assist MARC with fundraising for MARC’s long-term general operations and site specific needs at the Montour Preserve, Hess Recreation Area, North Branch Canal Trail, Hopewell Park/Danville Borough Farm Trail System and other sites. The committee will begin to meet in January 2019 on a schedule to be determined by committee members. Committee members will serve on an unpaid volunteer basis. Letters of interest are now being accepted from community members with a background in fundraising and a demonstrated commitment to supporting outdoor recreation in and around Montour County. Interested individuals are asked to provide a brief one to two-paragraph statement of their background, skill set and willingness to serve. Information should be emailed to Bob Stoudt, MARC director, by email no later than Friday, Nov. 16. Candidates will be considered by MARC’s board on Monday, Nov. 19, during MARC’s regularly scheduled meeting. MARC anticipates appointing up to eight community members to this committee.
- Profile Coffee and Roasters will be hosting several other local small businesses at its coffee shop, located at 185 S. Market St., Elysburg, for a Small Business Saturday shop local event on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no cost to attend. There will be 8-10 craft vendors and other small businesses featured.
- NEPIRC will conduct a free leadership training seminar titled “Leadership Development Essentials” on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, located at 725 West Front St. (Rt. 11) in Berwick. This program is intended to help individuals become stronger, more impactful leaders. While joining other managers and supervisors to discuss workplace challenges, attendees will explore topics that include self-awareness, power & authority, risk & failure and leadership style. Using self-assessment tools and experiential learning, attendees will examine their strengths and weaknesses while exploring best practices of exceptional leaders. Register via the NEPIRC event website.
- Wild For Salmon will host a holiday tasting event at its retail store on 521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11) in Bloomsburg on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Much like its other public tasting events throughout the year, this event will feature some dishes specially prepared by Wild For Salmon’s in-house chef featuring salmon and other seafood for attendees to taste, only this time, there will be a winter and holiday theme to the menu selections.
Attendees had an opportunity to take a tour of Camp Victory on a tractor-pulled wagon while also learning about the camp’s history and opportunities to get involved as volunteers as Camp Victory continued its ongoing celebration of its 25th anniversary by hosting the second of two Business After Hours in October.
Camp Victory, founded by Denny Wolff, who made a brief appearance at the event, hosted its first residential campers in 1994, making 2018 the 25th year of overnight camps. In 1994, there were five camps that brought about 325 campers to Millville. Since then, Camp Victory has hosted over 30,000 overnight campers and counselors, and today offers over 30 camps annually from February-November. For those interested in volunteering, there are numerous opportunities to do so. Anyone interested can contact the camp at 570-458-6530.
Members also had an opportunity to enjoy some great-tasting food, including some seasonal fall treats such as apple cider, prepared by Camp Victory’s in-house food services director, Gail Truax, who also doubles as assistant camp director.
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 the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, located at 725 W. Front St., Berwick, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Businesses and non-profit organizations in the Berwick area are invited to attend a free training session on Thursday to help with marketing efforts. The Berwick: The Next Step committee has worked with a consultant this fall to develop marketing materials to promote healthy living in Berwick, using the online design platform Canva.com. The committee is now inviting Berwick area businesses to a free training workshop to learn how to use the website, and the materials that have been developed. Canva offers a free version so that businesses can easily develop their own marketing materials.
The workshop is Thursday, Nov. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation. Attendees should bring a laptop to get hands-on exposure. There is no cost to attend the workshop or obligation to purchase any software or subscription.
Anyone interested in attending should RSVP to Josh Nespoli at Community Strategies Group via email.
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, Motel 6, to help us fulfill our mission.
Motel 6 is the former Budget Host – Patriot Inn, which is under new ownership and just last month was rebranded as a Motel 6. It offers 59 total rooms, as well as amenities that include but aren’t limited to wireless internet, laundry service, irons and ironing boards in rooms, and a meeting room facility. Also attached to the hotel is the Morris Family Restaurant. Located at 6305 Columbia Blvd. (Rt. 11) in Bloomsburg, Motel 6 can be reached at 570-387-1776, or visit its website.
From Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport
Will you need a REAL ID for air travel? Get an early start on the verification process and eliminate your trip to a PennDOT Driver’s License Center by visiting the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018.
AVP is hosting a REAL ID Mobile Verification Unit (also known as a REAL ID Pop-Up), which allows Pennsylvania residents to pre-verify for REAL ID without visiting a PennDOT Driver License Center. PennDOT staff will scan the required documents to a particular driver’s record and mark it as “REAL ID Eligible.” The REAL ID Mobile Verification Unit is scheduled to be at AVP on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 from 5–8 p.m. in the Terminal Building, Main Level.
“AVP is committed to ensuring our passengers understand the importance of REAL ID and making the resources available before it becomes mandatory for air travel in October 2020,” said Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., AVP Executive Director
Once REAL ID’s are available in March 2019, Pennsylvania residents can apply for their REAL ID online, pay the applicable fees, and it will be mailed to them directly within ten (10) business days. PennDOT is required to verify original versions or certified copies of the documents listed below:
- Proof of Identity – Examples: Original or certified copy of a birth certificate with raised seal; valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card, etc.
- Proof of Social Security Number – Original social security card (cannot be laminated or sealed in plastic)
- Proof of PA Residency (TWO documents) – Examples: Current, unexpired PA driver’s license or photo ID card, No more than 90-day-old bank statement or utility bill with the same name and address, W-2 Form, etc.
- Proof of all Legal Name Changes – Examples: Marriage certificate or court order issued by your county’s family court, etc.
If you’re unable to make the Nov. 8 date but will eventually need a REAL ID, additional dates for the REAL ID Pop-Up at AVP have already been added: Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 and Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019.
Some long-running and traditional events highlight the holiday activities schedule in Berwick, which kicks off with the 109th Run for the Diamonds on Thanksgiving.
The following day, Black Friday, Nov. 23, will mark Santa’s first appearance of the year in our area as the Santa Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Crispin Field and runs down Mulberry, West Front, Market & 11th Streets. Later in the day, Santa will also make an appearance at WHLM’s Parade of Lights in Bloomsburg, and then in Danville the following weekend on Nov. 30 in Danville’s Welcome Santa Parade, sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust. Berwick will also have a Small Business Saturday event on Nov. 24 to promote patronage of small businesses in town. 
Berwick’s WinterFest will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, and will feature numerous activities in the downtown including free cookie decorating, horse & carriage rides, a gingerbread house contest, crafts, face painting, marshmallow roasting stations and more. Enjoy live music from The Bennett Brothers Band and ice sculpting while walking the streets. Santa will make another appearance at 5 p.m. before heading to the opening of the Christmas Boulevard at 6 p.m., which the tree will be lit up in St. Charles Park. Sponsors and vendors are still being accepted for WinterFest. Contact the Berwick United Way or visit the Experience Berwick website for more information.
McBride Memorial Library will also host a Holiday Party on Monday, Dec. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., that will feature holiday crafts, do-it-yourself presents and carol singing. There will also be an opportunity to make homemade ornaments and cards for members of the community. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information on events in Berwick, visit ExperienceBerwick.com.
The holiday season will feature several unique and traditional activities in downtown Danville, as well as a series of individual events meant to encourage patronage of small businesses based in Danville. The Danville Business Alliance is coordinating these activities, and it all gets started just prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 17.
That date will feature DBA’s Holiday Open House (not to be confused with the Chamber’s Holiday Open House, which is on Dec. 13). From 5-9 p.m. Saturday and again from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, the shops in downtown Danville, as well as the bars and restaurants, will roll out the welcome mat and help shoppers find early Christmas gifts or just what is needed for a Thanksgiving centerpiece. There will be special offers and refreshments from participating shops and restaurants. Nov. 17 will also be the first of four days that will features free horse drawn carriage rides. The other dates of the carriage rides will be Dec. 14, Dec. 22 and Dec. 23. Saturday, Nov. 24 is Small Business Saturday throughout the country, and Danville will be taking part in that as well.
Of course, no series of holiday events would be complete without a visit from the man from the North Pole himself, and Santa will be featured a couple of times in Danville. First, on Friday, Nov. 30, there will be a parade down Mill St. from 6-8 p.m. to welcome Santa, sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust. Santa’s Cottage will again be open at Canal Park on Mill St. for seven dates through December, beginning with Saturday, Dec. 1 from 12-3 p.m. Other dates the cottage will be open include Dec. 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22. Santa’s Cottage is sponsored by Service 1st Federal Credit Union.
Finally, the Danville Hometown Holiday Celebration will be the weekend of Dec. 14-16, and will feature a full slate activities throughout the downtown. These include a late shopper’s night, a Geisinger free flu clinic, free carriage rides and sidewalk cocoa stations and wine tastings on Friday; a children’s parade, art cart sponsored by The Exchange, balloons, gift wrapping, fire pit and music in the park on Saturday; and more shopping and gift wrapping on Sunday.