From PA Chamber of Business & Industry Employers have the opportunity to provide comment on new rules regarding overtime eligibility standards. The Governor’s proposed changes are similar to a proposal put forth by former President Obama in 2015 which was widely opposed by the employer community and ultimately struck down by a federal court. In January 2018, the Wolf administration announced its intent to implement changes to the Commonwealth’s overtime eligibility rules for employees. The proposal, released this week, would dramatically change overtime eligibility rules imposed on Pennsylvania employers by requiring a wage threshold for “exempt status” that is more than double the current rate set by the federal government. The proposed changes further include significant revisions to the so-called “duties tests,” which are also used to determine eligibility. Finally, the rule establishes an automatic update to the salary threshold every three years beginning in 2023. When President Obama proposed this rule in 2015, the response from employers was swift and deeply negative, particularly among small businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions and the health service industry, among others. Employers not only described significant increases to the cost of providing services or doing businesses, but also the reality that this dramatic change would damage workplace culture and morale, as employers would be forced to shift employees from earning a salary to being paid by the hour. This transition typically requires employees to start clocking in and out, along with more burdensome record-keeping, less flexibility, a rigid work schedule and fewer training opportunities and benefits. Governor’s Wolf’s proposal has prompted the same concerns; and since it would only apply to Pennsylvania, it would further harm the Commonwealth’s competitiveness in relation to other states. If you are concerned with the negatives consequences this proposal would have on your business, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard. Governor Wolf’s proposal is pending with the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, which will accept comments through July 23, after which it will proceed to final rulemaking. Employers are encouraged to email the commission and offer their feedback on this ill-advised policy. IRRC is required to review all feedback and has previously taken action against a proposed rule based on the volume and nature of comments it receives. For more information or questions, contact Alex Halper at 717 720-5471 or email.Member News
- CSS Industries (Berwick Offray) will host another job fair at the Chamber office at 238 Market St., Bloomsburg, tomorrow, June 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CSS has multiple openings, including for full-time, part-time or summer only positions. Visit CSS’ careers site for a list of openings, and for any questions in advance, contact Melissa Burt via email.
- 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 Thursday, June 28 at noon at Community Options’ Bloomsburg office, located at 1117 Old Berwick Rd.
- Danville Borough uses the SwiftReach Swift911 notification system to send out voice messages to inform registered users about borough events such as road closures, utility service interruptions, and emergency situations. If you are currently signed up for SwiftReach notification, please make sure your contact information is up to date. Many people no longer use a land line telephone and may have forgotten to update the system with the cell phone number. The Borough has updated the addresses in the SwiftReach notification system based on the new 911 readdressing project, so now is the perfect time to log into your account and make sure your contact information is correct. Please log into your SwiftReach account by visiting the Danville Borough’s website and clicking on the Swift911 link at the bottom right side of the home page. If you do not currently have an account, you can create one at this same link. If you do not have internet access please contact Donna Murphy, borough receptionist, at 570-275-3901 ext. 0 about registering to receive the notifications.
- Earlier this year, the Bloomsburg Area YMCA accepted a $3,000 grant from YMCA of the USA to offer LIVESTRONG. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a 12-week program of group fitness classes and strength training programs provided at no cost to adult survivors of cancer. These sessions have been affirmed through years of evidence to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life as part of the recovery process for survivors. Last month, Bloomsburg Y CEO Joe Reinard and two directors, Noelle Pinchot and Emily Temple, visited YMCA of the USA in Chicago for a training session to properly launch LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The Bloomsburg Y is looking forward to embracing a new role in the community as a refuge for cancer survivors. The first session will begin at the Y in the fall, with applications available later this summer at the Y.
- The Bloomsburg Public Library will be holding a “Country Fair” on Saturday, July 14, to help kick off Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Charlotte’s Web, and is looking for a large popcorn machine to use for this event. If you or your organization has one available and would be willing to loan it to the Bloomsburg Public Library to use on this date, please contact Lydia Kegler, library director, at 570-784-0883 or email. The library is also looking for carnival type games that could be set up inside the children’s library or possibly outside in the parking lot.
- The Bucknell SBDC will host its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast, which will also mark a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bucknell SBDC, on Monday, July 16, from 8-10 a.m. at the Elaine Langone Center’s Terrace Room on the 2nd floor on the Bucknell campus. Business owners, legislators, economic development partners and startup enthusiasts are invited to join the SBDC for breakfast to recognize the entrepreneurs and leaders of the region. Special presentations will include the U.S. Small Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA, the Product Innovator of the Year and the Charles H. Coder Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the Bucknell SBDC’s founding director. Register online or call 570-577-1249.
- Looking to showcase your business to students at Bucknell while also getting some free consulting work? Bucknell is launching a new pre-orientation program, Design-Thinking Leadership (DTL), providing an opportunity for your business to connect with Bucknell’s newest students. Student teams in the DTL program will formulate actionable solutions to real-world problems posed by local business owners. The program, which runs Aug. 10-14, is seeking 4 -5 business owners to speak with students and present a problem or opportunity in their business. During the next two days student teams will conceptualize, research, and refine a solution; and then pitch to the business owner at the end of the program. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business, make lasting connections with students, and benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. If interested in participating in this program as a business owner, submit this Google form, and for questions, contact Bucknell SBDC director Steve Stumbris at 570-577-1249 or email.
Photo provided by Camp Victory
From PPL Electric Utilities
On a remote property in a small northeastern Pennsylvania community, some big things are happening for thousands of kids, thanks in part to the PPL Foundation.
It’s a place for young people to experience a wide range of personal victories. The aptly named Camp Victory in Greenwood Township, near Bloomsburg in Columbia County, has hosted nearly 30,000 overnight campers since it opened in 1994. The camp hosts children with any type of health problem or physical or mental disability.
It’s one of many organizations that benefit from the $2 million donated annually to nonprofit groups by the PPL Foundation to improve education, develop future workers and revitalize communities.
Lois and Dennis Wolff — inspired by their son, who was born with a life-threatening liver disease — created the camp and the Nicholas Wolff Foundation in 1986. The Wolffs donated 35 acres of farmland for Camp Victory, which was created as a “special camp for special kids.”
Since then, children from across Pennsylvania, the United States and even the world, have spent weekends and weeks at the camp to meet other children and take part in activities ranging from swimming and fishing and archery to wall climbing, zip lining and arts and crafts.
“It’s very rewarding and wonderful to see the kids come here and get to do all of the wonderful things that they do here,” said Jamie Huntley, the group’s executive director. “They also get to be with other children with whom they develop life-long relationships.”
Since opening, the camp property has expanded to 130 acres and hosts about 1,600 children, ages seven to 17, annually.
Tracie Witter, our regional affairs director in the area, said PPL is proud to be associated with an organization that has touched so many young lives and helped forge relationships among young people.
“Camp Victory has helped so many families and given so many kids an opportunity to have a special time away from home with others who face similar challenges,” Witter said. “Our area is fortunate to have a camp like this that gives these young campers a chance to be independent. It truly is a great program.”
To learn more about Camp Victory, visit its website.
Note: Camp Victory will host a Chamber Business After Hours on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
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, Columbia County, to help us fulfill our mission.
Previously a member that the Chamber is happy to welcome back, Columbia County employs over 300 (combined full and part-time employees). Its three current commissioners are Chris Young, Rich Ridgway, and David Kovach, who were all elected in 2015 and are currently serving four-year terms. Columbia County was formed in 1813 and is named after the poem Hail Columbia by Joseph Hopkinson. This poem celebrates America and uses the word “Columbia,” which was used by Europeans and Americans to describe the New World, specifically the United States, and which alludes to Christopher Columbus. Columbia County has a population of approximately 67,000, which ranks 39th among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. For more information, visit Columbia County’s website.
From ChamberChoice
ChamberChoice recently partnered with National Benefit Builders (NBBI) to offer discount programs to Chamber Members, their employees and family members.
Its new discount programs are a cost-effective way to enhance any benefits program! It provides people with choices that are affordable and voluntary. The benefits are portable and can fill the gaps in coverages – with significant savings for out-of-pocket expenses.
Do you pay full price for medications? Does your insurance force you to buy generic when you prefer the brand? Save an average of 15% on brand name and 55% on generic medications at over 80% of pharmacies. This discount prescription card can be used immediately and shared with family. You may also request additional cards for family and friends. Your personal information is never collected.
Available Programs include:
- Discount Rx
- DentaChoice Dental & Vision
- Health Discount Network
- Telehealth
- NBBI Senior
- NBBI Wellness
- NBBI Pet
- NBBI Lifestyles
- Keystroke GuardTM
For more information on the programs and pricing, review this two-page descriptions flyer.
From Gene Barr
President and CEO, PA Chamber of Business & Industry
With another election season upon us, a previously debunked but repeated falsehood is making its way across newspapers and campaign ads – that the previous governor cut education funding by nearly $1 billion.
Let’s set the record straight on what those who are paying attention refer to as the “$1 billion lie.” The funds in question were federal stimulus dollars that were never meant to be used for school districts’ operations and expired in the early days of the Corbett administration. A June 2013 report by the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials affirms that state funding was cut in the final Rendell years and backfilled with temporary stimulus money.
In the years that followed, state spending for education soared to record levels and was at an all-time high by the time Governor Wolf took office. It continues to go up, despite declining enrollment. As budget negotiations take shape, lawmakers will promote higher education spending under the simple guise of needing more money. But studies show that both students and teachers in Pennsylvania actually fare quite well in terms of the amount of taxpayer spending that’s being allocated each year. Consider these findings: a 2015 report by the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Pennsylvania 10th among the states in total per pupil spending; a USA Today article from February found that about 95 percent of Pennsylvania’s public school students attend districts with higher than average per pupil expenditures; and a 2017 National Education Association report shows that Pennsylvania teachers are the 10th highest paid in the nation.
Whether education is a worthy investment isn’t up for debate – most people would agree it most definitely is. In our education policy, the Pennsylvania Chamber stresses that every student deserves the opportunity to earn a high quality education to become the next generation of productive workers. To that end, we promote the expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which awards tax credits to businesses that contribute toward scholarships for students to attend the school that best meets their needs. We also advocate for transparency in education funding; and last year, celebrated the enactment of an important reform that replaced the ineffective ‘last in, first out’ seniority-based system of furloughing teachers to one based on classroom performance. The PA Chamber is also in our second year of leading a dynamic workforce development program that is connecting students and their families, educators and hiring businesses with in- demand jobs in the skilled trades, and through collaboration with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and generous business donors is awarding scholarships to students who want to pursue this career route. You can learn more about this initiative and how to get involved at StartTheConversationHere.com.
At the same time that we’re engaged in these efforts we’re also working to advance a responsible state budget that doesn’t impose new tax burdens on businesses or individuals. That’s why our message to lawmakers as they craft this year’s spending plan is to ensure the investments they make in education are focused on promoting positive student outcomes.
The real driver of higher school district costs? The state’s public pension systems. Together, the Public School Employees Retirement System and the State Employees Retirement System have an unfunded liability of about $74 billion, which is due in large part to retroactive benefit increases that government unions are working to maintain through their continued calls for higher taxes. For the 2018-19 state budget, the state’s contribution to PSERS is estimated to be $2.5 billion – an 8.6 percent increase over the current year. Additional pension reforms are needed to get these costs under control and begin to make the real focus of education spending about the students, and not about propping up overly generous public pension benefits that state taxpayers can’t afford.
As budget season approaches, it’s expected that lawmakers will engage in deliberations related to education funding – but those discussions ought to be honest and grounded in the facts. Think of that the next time you hear the $1 billion lie.
Members of the business community gather at Central Columbia High School last month for senior exit interviews.
What do you get when you put a class of nervous graduating high school seniors in a room with community and business leaders? An amazing experience for seniors to see what real world interviews will be like in their careers. As Jeff Emanuel, director of The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber realized, you also get a great opportunity to see the hope for the future of our region. Emanuel was one of over 100 business and community leaders from throughout the region that participated in senior exit interviews at Central Columbia High School in late May.
The senior exit interview at Central Columbia is a culminating activity of a high school student’s career. In this joint effort between the school and local community leaders, students are interviewed and expected to engage in a conversation about their career action plan. Every year, more than 100 community leaders participate in this activity. In the minds of the students, the senior exit interview is arguably one of the most significant and worthwhile experiences in their high school career.
If you are interested in participating in this event in future years as a local business leader, contact Central Columbia High School principal Jeff Groshek at 784-2850 ex. 3444 or via email.
This fall, Bloomsburg University will welcome over 300 new-to-Bloomsburg transfer students. A team at BU is working to welcome those students and help them become part of the Bloomsburg Town community with a convenient card listing discounts offered by area restaurants and other businesses. BU Student Life will handle design and printing of the cards. There is no fee for participating businesses or students. If the pilot is successful, the program could be expanded to include all incoming BU students in the future.
If your business offers a discount to BU students, or is willing to create one, send the information to Toni Bell, BU professor and Town Council member via email as soon as possible.
Member News
- The Wilkes Small Business Development Center will also hold a First Step workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs that might be interested in starting their own business tonight, June 13 at 6 p.m. at its location on 85 South Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Registration is $20 for this event, and can be made online or by calling 570-408-3336.
- For the fifth straight year, Knoebels Amusement Resort has been named the favorite traditional amusement park in the country by the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA), which announced the results of its 32nd annual amusement park and attractions survey earlier this month. This survey is the oldest of its type and is done annually by NAPHA members, which are typically experienced riders who have visited countless amusement parks and have ridden a diverse assortment of roller coasters and other rides. The average NAPHA member has been to more than 113 different amusement parks and has ridden about 290 roller coasters. Also, for the seventh straight year, Knoebels’ Phoenix was named as the survey’s favorite wooden roller coaster.
- Autoneum’s Bloomsburg plant, which is its largest in the United States, was recently honored with the 2018 Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. As one of only 23 facilities in Pennsylvania to receive the honor, Autoneum Bloomsburg was recognized for best environmental innovation and expertise for the implementation of waste recycling and water reuse initiatives. Thanks to these projects, the plant is now recycling 45 tons of scrap materials from carpet manufacturing per day. Additionally, water consumption has been significantly reduced. Last year, 63.9 million liters of cooling water were reused – the equivalent of 25 full Olympic swimming pools.
- 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.
- CSS Industries (Berwick Offray) will host another job fair at the Chamber office at 238 Market St., Bloomsburg, on Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CSS has multiple openings, including for full-time, part-time or summer only positions. Visit CSS’ careers site for a list of openings, and for any questions in advance, contact Melissa Burt via email.
- The Bloomsburg Public Library will be holding a “Country Fair” on Saturday, July 14, to help kick off Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s production of Charlotte’s Web, and is looking for a large popcorn machine to use for this event. If you or your organization has one available and would be willing to loan it to the Bloomsburg Public Library to use on this date, please contact Lydia Kegler, library director, at 570-784-0883 or email. The library is also looking for carnival type games that could be set up inside the children’s library or possibly outside in the parking lot.
- The Bucknell SBDC will host its annual Celebration of Small Business breakfast, which will also mark a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Bucknell SBDC, on Monday, July 16, from 8-10 a.m. at the Elaine Langone Center’s Terrace Room on the 2nd floor on the Bucknell campus. Business owners, legislators, economic development partners and startup enthusiasts are invited to join the SBDC for breakfast to recognize the entrepreneurs and leaders of the region. Special presentations will include the U.S. Small Business Association Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Eastern PA, the Product Innovator of the Year and the Charles H. Coder Entrepreneurial Leadership Award, named for the Bucknell SBDC’s founding director. Register online or call 570-577-1249.
- Looking to showcase your business to students at Bucknell while also getting some free consulting work? Bucknell is launching a new pre-orientation program, Design-Thinking Leadership (DTL), providing an opportunity for your business to connect with Bucknell’s newest students. Student teams in the DTL program will formulate actionable solutions to real-world problems posed by local business owners. The program, which runs Aug. 10-14, is seeking 4 -5 business owners to speak with students and present a problem or opportunity in their business. During the next two days student teams will conceptualize, research, and refine a solution; and then pitch to the business owner at the end of the program. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your business, make lasting connections with students, and benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas. If interested in participating in this program as a business owner, submit this Google form, and for questions, contact Bucknell SBDC director Steve Stumbris at 570-577-1249 or email.
With the state budget deadline quickly approaching and the General Election right around the corner, more than 100 state and local chamber representatives from across the Commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg on Tuesday, June 5 for Chamber Day at the State Capitol. The annual event, which is co-hosted by the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, provides a forum for constructive dialogue between representatives of local chambers and key policymakers on issues important to the state’s business community and the best ways to improve the Commonwealth’s business climate. Columbia Montour Chamber Board Vice Chair Dan Knorr (Bloomsburg University) and President Fred Gaffney were among the attendees.
“We are fortunate to have a strong network of chambers across Pennsylvania,” said Gaffney. “While the PA Chamber serves as our “boots on the ground” in Harrisburg, several of the legislators noted the importance of us coming together in Harrisburg to amplify our message. Being accompanied by members further strengthens the effort.”
Participants met with several elected officials throughout the day; including: Senate Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati, R-Jefferson; Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny; House Appropriations Majority Chairman Stan Saylor, R-York; and Democratic Chairman Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny. Policy discussions throughout the day were on a variety of topics, including: the 2018-19 state budget, the state’s opioid epidemic, workforce development, federal issues that impact employers, as well as the upcoming 2018 General Election. The luncheon speaker was Republican Gubernatorial candidate and former state Senator Scott Wagner.
As echoed at the Chamber’s recent legislative breakfast, it is expected that this year’s budget process will be less contentious than in recent years. Revenues are trending slightly higher than projected, making a balanced budget easier to achieve without borrowing from special funds and issuing bonds. Governor Wolf’s budget proposes an increase of 3.1 percent. Republican leaders stated that if the increase can be negotiated to around 2 percent, a budget could be finalized by June 30. There are no broad-based tax increases included in the Governor’s budget and Republican leaders do not expect some harmful business proposals to be in the final plan.