Michael Frauenhoffer of MePush
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
PA Chamber President Gene Barr participated last week in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey for a dialogue about federal trade policies impacting businesses in the Commonwealth. In addition to Barr, the event – which was held at the PA Manufacturers Association’s offices in Harrisburg – also welcomed PMA President Dave Taylor, business leaders and chambers of commerce.
Senator Toomey addressed a number of issues, including the importance of maintaining a strong trade relationship with Canada and protecting intellectual property rights. The discussion focused particularly on concerns with the Trump administration’s newly-imposed tariffs, including those imposed on goods from countries with which the United States has traditionally enjoyed a strong trade relationship – including Canada, which is undoubtedly the nation’s closet ally and trade partner. Toomey mentioned his sponsorship, along with U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-TN, of legislation that would require Congressional approval for the president to invoke tariffs against another country under the guise of national security.
As highlighted in a Pennlive article on the roundtable, the business leaders in attendance had plenty of stories to share regarding how their industries have been negatively impacted by the tariffs – either through the loss of sales, reduced export opportunities, material costs and a growing sense of uncertainty with respect to potential future tariffs or retaliatory tariffs from the countries being targeted.
For its part, the U.S. Chamber is resolved to educate elected officials, business leaders and the general public about the negative economic impact of these tariffs and launched a website, www.TheWrongApproach.com, which highlights the economic losses that each state could experience through the imposition of these tariffs. The website’s data shows that an emerging trade war brought on by tariffs threatens to undo the good that was achieved through last year’s Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, along with regulatory reforms that have been implemented since the start of the Trump administration. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. exports will make American-made goods more expensive, resulting in lost sales and potentially 1.6 million lost jobs. In Pennsylvania, $1.7 billion worth of exports are at risk, including coffee, motorcycles, and steel; along with 1,658,100 jobs in the Commonwealth that are supported by global trade.
Have the administration’s tariff decisions had an impact on your business, or do you foresee a future impact? If so, we’d like to hear from you. Per our international trade and exporting policy, the PA Chamber has traditionally advocated in support of public policy and initiatives that promote free and fair trade, open investment, and regulatory cooperation. Our organization also recently signed on to a U.S. Chamber-led letter in support of Toomey’s legislation, and raised concerns that unrestricted use of the laws regarding the levying of tariffs – as has been done with the recent steel and aluminum tariffs – could result in retaliatory tariffs from America’s largest trading partners and allies, which would have serious negative economic impacts on the United States.
Comments can be directed to PA Chamber Government Affairs Director Alex Halper by email or 717-720-5471. Members are also invited to provide information on any impacts of tariffs to Columbia Montour Chamber president Fred Gaffney at 570-784-2522 or email. Information can be kept anonymous at member request.
“Being a member of the Chamber has been a great benefit. It allows us to engage directly, one-on-one, with other professionals in the business community, and also provides simple, yet effective advertising opportunities to others in our service area.” – Harry Woytko, Owner, Boulder Landscape, LLC
Founded in 1988 by Harry Woytko, Boulder Landscape, LLC has evolved from a wholesale tree nursery and grown into a full service landscape design and building company as of 2006. The company has experienced a significant growth in recent years, allowing it to expand its capabilities into the outdoor living market.
Boulder Landscape offers professional landscape and hardscape design and construction services, with a specialty focus on outdoor living and professional property maintenance. Boulder’s honest and trustworthy approach to client needs, along with its attention to detail with an unmatched focus on customer service, partnered with a team of hardworking and educated professionals dedicated to the industry, allows it to continually provide creative outdoor solutions to both new and longtime customers.
Over the year, Boulder has assisted in several Eagle Scout projects, and has also donated labor and materials to the Berwick Community Pool at Ber-Vaughn, as well as more recently, the Berwick Community Dog Park. Boulder is proud to be a part of the business community in the Columbia/Montour region and is excited to continue its growth and success in the coming years.
Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for Aug. 29 at AGAPE.
Updated 10:00 a.m. 8/17/18
As flood waters are receding and cleanup and repair efforts are underway across the area, local officials are assessing the scope of damage in applying for federal disaster declarations. With such a declaration, federal assistance programs would become available for businesses and homeowners. Columbia County officials anticipate that the scope of damage to local infrastructure will be sufficient to receive disaster declarations. Therefore, it is not critical that businesses there report damage at this time. Montour County is urging all businesses and residents to document damage and report the information to their local municipality.
Impacted businesses are advised to keep track of time and resources being used for recovery. A Disaster Survey Sheet from the U.S. Small Business Administration is attached to help document appropriate information. Details on assistance programs will be provided as they become available.
In the mean time, members are encouraged to contact the Chamber with any recovery related needs at 570-784-2522 or fgaffney@columbiamontourchamber.com.
The Columbia County Emergency Management Agency will be opening a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for any individual/family or business affected by the recent flooding event. The location will be the Benton High School in Benton Borough on Friday, August 17th and Saturday, August 18th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Columbia County EMA has confirmed that Rt. 487 between Bloomsburg and Benton is open. The following agencies will have a representative present for questions, concerns, and to provide information:
The American Red Cross
CMSU
Columbia County Agriculture Department
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Columbia County Emergency Management Agency
Tri County COG Inspection Services
Other State Agencies
Residents are encouraged to attend and bring their completed Damage Assessment Forms with them.
Update as of Aug. 20 – If you weren’t able to attend the MARC last weekend, please contact your local municipality for more information.
Member News
- The Penn State World Campus has a trio of upcoming informational webinars for individuals interested in possibly taking courses through Penn State’s online delivery unit. Tomorrow, Aug. 16 from 12-1 p.m., there will be a master of science in nursing (MSN) webinar. Also tomorrow, from 8-9 p.m., there will be an undergraduate admission and career services webinar. Finally, on Friday, Aug. 17, from 12-1 p.m., there will be an undergraduate business programs webinar. There is no cost to participate in these informational programs, which are intended to give interested individuals an opportunity to hear about these respective programs and ask any questions. As a reminder, employees of all Columbia Montour Chamber members, their spouses and legal dependents are able to receive a 5% tuition discount on all courses through the Penn State World Campus.
- There are currently a few opportunities for local businesses to connect with students at Bucknell University through the Bucknell SBDC, and possibly receive free consulting services in a variety of areas.
– Students in a Markets, Innovation and Design 300 class will make websites free of charge for local businesses and organizations. If interested, please submit this application by Aug. 29.
– Students in a 400-level computer science design course will work with local organizations to identify and specify a solution to a real-world, software-related problem in your business and deliver a working prototype by the end of the academic year, which will provide students with a realistic design experience where they can apply their software engineering knowledge. If interested, please submit an application by Aug. 15. Here are a few examples of previous projects.- The Electrical and Computer Engineering department is looking for electrical and computer engineering projects that include an element of both hardware and software development, through which students will learn design practices and gain experience in engineering design and project management. Projects at various technical stages are welcome, including proof-of-concept, prototype and deployment ready. To propose a project, contact Prof. Stu Thompson via email by Aug. 27.
– Finally, the Freeman College of Management is seeking local businesses to work with management students and faculty on projects of mutual interest. Projects may range from extensive interaction with students throughout a 14-week project to as simple as providing data, or may develop into a collaboration with a faculty member with analysis expertise. Topics may involve operations management, supply chain, or data-driven projects in any area of your business such as pricing, human resources, finance and more. If interested in exploring a way to collaborate in this broad and open-ended area, contact Missy Gutkowski via email.
- The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will open its 2018-19 season with a free outdoor concert on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. on the Weis Center Plaza featuring Banda Magda and its unique style of French pop, Latin and jazz music.
Banda Magda (photo by Shervin Lainez)
The family-friendly performance is free and tickets are not required, and patrons are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnic. Drawing on the band’s global background, which includes Greece, Argentina, Japan, Colombia and the United States, the group combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, cinematic arranging, sophisticated audience participation, mid-century classics and world chansons sung in six languages.
- Wild For Salmon will host its annual Fishtival on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at its retail location at 521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), Bloomsburg. This annual celebration of the return of the fishermen after another successful fishing season will feature samplings as well as several other vendors, including Turkey Hill Brewing.
- The ninth annual AGAPE Palooza will take place in Bloomsburg Town Park, located at Catherine St. and Fort McLure Blvd., from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. also on Saturday, Aug. 25. This event, which is organized by AGAPE, Love From Above To Our Community will feature over 100 craft and small business vendors as well as nonprofits and lots of “fair food” vendors, free music and family activities, including pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting. There is free admission, free parking and a free shuttle from Bloomsburg High School, which will also shuttle attendees to and from ArtFest.
- The Exchange will hold the 11th annual ArtFest from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Aug. 25 in downtown Bloomsburg, surround the fountain on Bloomsburg’s Square. It will showcase more than 35 regional artists’ original work and be accompanied by live music, local food and activities for the whole family. For additional information, visit the Facebook event page.
- Community Options, Inc., a provider of residential and employment support to people with disabilities, is seeking individuals interested in serving on a new business advisory committee for Community Options’ Bloomsburg office. Community Options’ mission is to promote the integration of persons with disabilities within the communities in which they reside, enabling them to become viable and contributing neighbors, employees and citizens of the community. The purpose of this committee is to discuss and implement ways to help the organization better integrate into the community and bridge the gap between the community and the individuals it serves. If you may be interested in serving on this committee, or for questions, contact associate executive director David McConaghy at 570-638-6007 or email. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 30 at noon at Community Options’ Bloomsburg office, located at 1117 Old Berwick Rd.
- In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Camp Victory will hold a special free family fun day for the community on Sunday, Sept. 9, from 12-3 p.m. Its swimming pool, climbing wall and zip line will be open and there will be hot dogs, ice cream, drinks, an arts and crafts project, a moon bounce, wagon rides and live music. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
- The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation will hold a luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 11, from 12-1:30 p.m. at Monty’s on the Bloomsburg University campus to celebrate the grants made to community organizations through the Bloomsburg Area Community Foundation. Local nonprofit organizations will be presented with the 2018 grant awards. There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is requested. RSVP online or by emailing or calling Karri Harter at 570-752-3930 ext. 6.
- MePush will be hosting a series of study sessions throughout the fall at its conference room at 130 Buffalo Rd., Lewisburg, for information technology professionals that are taking and interested in getting together to study for the Cisco CCNA exam. This major certification in the IT industry is a big undertaking for some, so MePush would like to offer a forum to help other IT pros in the area improve their skills and certifications. If interested, please email Art so MePush can have a headcount.
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, MaxWorx, to help us fulfill our mission.
MaxWorx is the employment services arm of Hope Enterprises, Inc., which also just joined the Columbia Montour Chamber. MaxWorx provides solutions previously provided by Hope for business and industry. Services provided include custodial services, vendor managed inventory services, mobile car wash services and industrial solutions, which includes such tasks as shrink wrapping, light manufacturing, packaging, bulk mailings, fulfillment and others. MaxWorx is located at 2401 Reach Rd., Williamsport, and serves the entire surrounding areas. It can be reached at 272-202-4435, by email, or visit its website.
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, Hope Enterprises, Inc., to help us fulfill our mission.
Hope Enterprises’ mission is to enhance the lives of people with developmental disABILITIES by providing them with caring supports and responsive programs and services. Founded in 1952 in Williamsport, where its headquarters remain, Hope is a leading organization in Pennsylvania in providing community services to people with development disABILITIES. Its services are focused in four main areas:
– Children – providing early intervention and therapies for young children that have been identified as having a developmental disABILITY
– Residential – providing an array of programs that allow adults with developmental disABILITIES to live on their own
– Employment – putting adults with developmental disABILITIES in ideal places to work based on their strengths and interests
– Home and Community Support – this includes companion services, home support, building life and work skills, and engaging adults in community participation
For over 10 years now, since 2007, Hope has had a presence in Columbia and Montour counties ever since it merged with the former CMSU Service System. It has an office in Danville located at 351 Church St., and also provides several residential homes for adults that it serves in this two-county area. Its Danville office can be reached at 570-275-8691, or visit its website or Facebook page.
PPL Electric Utilities offers major grants once a year to nonprofit organizations through its charitable Foundation and is now accepting applications for major grants. The grant application period opened on Aug. 1 and will close Sept. 15.
The PPL Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to partnering with community organizations to improve the lives of people in the communities in the 29 counties the PPL serves in North and Central Pennsylvania. The PPL Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special focus on those that support education and sustainable communities.
Grant applications are reviewed by regional review committees made up of PPL employees that live and work in the communities PPL serves. Recommendations are made to the PPL Foundation board, which makes the final decision. Major grants range between $25,000 and $100,000, and the application process is competitive.
Interested organizations can learn more and apply at pplcares.com.
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh
Many of us spend our work time sitting at a desk, staring at the computer screen, straining our eyes and wondering why we have a nagging ache in our neck and shoulders.
“We are all guilty of not taking enough breaks at work — or any at all,” says Doug Fleisner, sales executive at JRG Advisors. “A workday without breaks drains our mental capacity and lowers productivity; while taking breaks throughout the day is extremely beneficial, both physically and mentally.”
Smart Business spoke with Fleisner about the benefits of stepping away from your office or workstation to take a breather and recharge.
What impact can short breaks have on employees?
- It promotes creativity and passion. Even if you do not think of yourself as the meditating type, studies have proven that breaks during which meditation and mindfulness are applied lead to a boost in creativity, both in and out of the office. Mindfulness and meditation also increases your compassion and reduces your stress level, which could play a major factor in getting through your work day without flying off the handle at a co-worker, depending on your office environment.
- It re-focuses your attention and concentration. Did you know that the average attention span for adults ranges from 15 to 40 minutes? Everything that you do throughout the course of a day subtracts from your cognitive resources, which can leave you feeling like you are running on empty at times. Your attention span and concentration need to be rebooted at several points throughout a day. Simply stepping away from your desk to take a walk can actually help the brain regroup, get back on track and focus better.
- It trims the waistline. Who isn’t looking to trim a few inches from their waistline, right? Turns out a fancy gym membership isn’t the only solution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting up and moving around for five minutes every hour, which can lower your body mass index and help your waistline, too. Although it’s not rigorous exercise, getting up to stretch and get a glass of water for a few minutes is body movement and every little bit helps.
- It improves brain function with lunch. Remember mom preaching that breakfast was the most important meal of the day? A midday meal is equally as important. While taking time out for lunch increases productivity, it is important to remember to choose foods that don’t make you feel tired and sluggish. Recommended foods include fish, vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts and even dark chocolate.
- It protects against job-related accidents. Exhaustion and fatigue are the two main causes of on-the-job accidents. Keeping yourself mentally refreshed and alert with regular breaks can help prevent clouded judgement and keep on-the-job accidents to a minimum. Contact Miami law firm area wrongful death cases, for fatal situation due to accidents.
- It promotes healthy and happy eyes. Constantly staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can lead to a condition called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Symptoms of CVS include eye strain, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain. Taking your eyes away from your computer screen, phone or tablet every two hours for 15 minutes, and looking into the distance for 20 seconds will help keep your eyes, head, neck and shoulders feeling great.
What else should employees expect from taking regular breaks?
It keeps your stress at a minimum. Overloading your brain with continuous thoughts and concerns is not healthy. According to the American Psychological Association, taking time to step away, recharge and relax has a major impact on lowering stress and preventing work burnout.
Developing a ‘break routine’ will force you to stick to a schedule and improve your work effectiveness and productivity. Our thought process isn’t built to be continuous; it needs a breather as much as the rest of our body.
President Donald Trump held a rally Aug. 2 in Wilkes-Barre, where he touted his “America First” trade policy that has included the imposition of tariffs on a variety of goods from countries with which the United States has traditionally enjoyed a strong trade partnership, including Canada and Mexico. These tariffs have prompted approximately $75 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on American products – increasing costs on American families, workers, consumers and job creators. The Chamber is seeking input from members on positive and negative impacts of these tariffs on businesses in our area.
The administration is reportedly considering hundreds of billions of dollars in additional tariffs – including on autos and auto parts – which many business leaders and economists are saying will invite more retaliation against American businesses. The U.S. Chamber is leading an effort to educate the business community and the general public about the negative economic impact of these tariffs through a comprehensive website, TheWrongApproach.com, which highlights the economic losses that each state could endure through the imposition of these tariffs.
The data on the website shows that this emerging trade war is threatening to undo the good that was achieved through last year’s Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, along with regulatory reforms that have been implemented since the start of the Trump administration. Retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries on U.S. exports will make American-made goods more expensive, resulting in lost sales and potentially 1.6 million lost jobs. In Pennsylvania, $1.7 billion worth of exports are at risk, including coffee, motorcycles, and steel; along with 1,658,100 jobs in the Commonwealth that are supported by global trade.
Members are invited to provide information on any impacts of tariffs to Chamber President Fred Gaffney at 570-784-2522 or email. Information can be kept anonymous at member request.