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, Justice Grown and Seven Point, to help us fulfill our mission. 
Justice Grown is a professional organization with roots in social justice that cultivates ways to improve the lives of patients, their communities and beyond by setting high expectations for standards, practices, and procedures. With growing support in Northeast Pennsylvania, it plans to open additional state-approved medical marijuana dispensaries in addition to the dispensary is already operates in Edwardsville, which it offers qualifying patients medical cannabis treatment. Justice Grown has now partnered with Seven Point, one of 54 state licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Illinois, to apply for a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in Columbia County. Seven Point also provides high-quality medical marijuana education through collaborating with nationally-leading medical marijuana experts. If awarded the license to operate the dispensary in Columbia County, Justice Grown and Seven Point is committed to creating well-paying jobs and contributing to other related economic development. For more information, visit Justice Grown’s website or Seven Point’s website, and they can be reached at 312-593-8448.
The 2017-18 class on its first class day at Quest at Bloomsburg University.
Leadership Central Penn, a program of The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, is currently seeking applications for its 2018-19 class. LCP is the Chamber’s community leadership program for working professionals, and seeks to identify and educate citizens from Columbia and Montour counties that exhibit leadership potential. Classes meet on the third Thursday of each month for a full day (approx. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) from September through May. There is also a brief (approx. 1 hour) program orientation on an afternoon in late August. Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to nominate and sponsor employees. Individuals may also apply. The application deadline is July 31.
The 2018-19 class will be the 20th since LCP’s inception in 1993. The 2017-18 class, which at 20 was the largest in program history, held its graduation last month.
Application (.docx)
Program promotional brochure (.pdf)
Below are links to articles that summarize each class date from this past year’s class (2017-18). Although the program curriculum, class sites, order of classes and various other aspects of the class can change from year to year, these summaries provide a good feel for the material covered through the course.
The 2017-18 class at its graduation at the Pine Barn Inn.
September 2017
October 2017
November 2017
December 2017
January 2018
February 2018
March 2018
April 2018
May 2018
L-R: Dr. Doug Coslett, chief medical officer, Commonwealth Health; Whitney Holloway, chief financial officer, Berwick Hospital Center; Dave Kovach, Columbia County Commissioner; Susan Lynn, director of physician practices, Berwick Hospital Center; Dr. Becky Long; Michelle Hall, CRNP; Tom Neal, chief executive officer, Berwick Hospital Center and Chamber board member; Maribeth Angeli, chief nursing officer, Berwick Hospital Center; Travis Petty, Law Offices of Lutz & Petty and Chamber board member; Karen Wood, Service 1st Federal Credit Union and Chamber board chair
On the evening of June 5, the Chamber helped the team at Commonwealth Health – Berwick Hospital Center welcome a trio of new medical providers to the Commonwealth Health network with a ribbon cutting at the Berwick Hospital Center medical arts building, which was followed by a brief reception for attendees.
Recently joining the Commonwealth Health team were Ryan Hawley, D.O., a general surgeon, Rebecca Long, M.D., a family medicine physician, and Michelle Hall, R.N., BSN, CCRN, MSN-FNP, a certified nurse practitioner. All three are currently accepting new patients, and all three see patients at the medical arts building, located at 751 East 16th St., Berwick. Dr. Long also sees patients at 3151 Columbia Blvd., (Rt. 11), Bloomsburg. To schedule an appointment, call (570) 759-5555.
Bloomsburg University rolled out the red carpet (actually maroon and gold to represent the school’s colors) for its fellow Chamber members as it hosted a large crowd at its newest building, Soltz Hall, for May’s second Business After Hours on May 30. Several dozen individuals from Chamber members and their guests had an opportunity to hear from representatives of a handful of BU departments, meet BU president Dr. Bashar Hanna, and take a tour of the new residence hall, all while enjoying a tasty buffet spread and drinks on a pleasant late spring afternoon.
Attendees also had an opportunity to take a tour of the new building, including a trip up to the sixth floor, where the views of downtown Bloomsburg and the surrounding area are unlike nearly any other building in the area. They also had a chance to meet with representatives of BU STEM Magnet program, it’s professional engagement staff and the IT department’s Institute of Interactive Technologies.
The view from the sixth floor lounge of Soltz Hall, looking south toward downtown Bloomsburg.
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 First Keystone Community Bank’s Berwick branch and headquarters, located at 111 West Front St., Berwick, on Wednesday, June 20, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The view from a different room on the sixth floor of Soltz Hall, looking east toward the Bloomsburg Municipal Airport and the river.
Late last month, President Trump signed into law legislation designed to help the nation’s small businesses grow by better tailoring regulations for community and regional banks. The Columbia Montour Chamber joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the PA Chamber of Business & Industry in calling for reforms to the rules of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which were put in place following the financial crisis in 2008.
The financial crisis led community, mid-size and regional banks to become regulated under a “one-size-fits-all” model that doesn’t take into account the institution’s actual risk profile. As a result, cost of credit for small businesses has increased, capital has slowed; along with relationship banking that is based upon local knowledge and judgment is hindered. The Chamber sent a letter to Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey in December, urging reforms that reduce burdensome regulations while maintaining reasonable controls.
Senate Bill 2155 passed in the Senate in March, and in the House on May 22, with the President signing the bill into law two days later. Senator Toomey and Congressman Barletta voted in favor of the legislation.
Member News
- Art of Floating will hold a open house and day of celebration for its fifth anniversary on Saturday, June 9, from 12-4 p.m. There will be live music, food and beverages, special offers, additional vendors, children’s activities and more. Art of Floating will also be collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House of Danville, and anyone that makes a donation will receive a 15% off coupon at Art of Floating. Visit the event page to see a full list of items that RMHD needs, as well as additional information about the vendors that will be attending, including fellow Chamber members Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Marley’s Brewery & Grille and Just a Drop.
- The Bloomsburg Area YMCA will hold its 11th annual community yard sale on Saturday, June 9, from 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in the community through programs at the Y. If you have stuff taking up space around your home that could become someone else’s treasure, look for the Steve Shannon truck in the Y parking lot to drop off your items and support a good cause. The Y will be accepting household items, bedding, games, toys, collectibles, small appliances in working condition, furniture, clean clothing, shoes and boots, dishes, holiday decorations, and more, but no TVs, printers, or computers. Any individuals or groups looking to volunteer for the yard sale or donate food for the bake sale can call the Y at 570-784-0188 or visit the front desk of the Y.
- The Columbia County Traveling Library will hold a Dinosaur Dance Party to kick off its summer reading program on Saturday, June 9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Rohrbach’s Farm Market, 240 Southern Dr., Catawissa. Dance with life-like Pennsylvania Dinosaurs and a live DJ from 12-1, and there will be music, stories, strawberries, and free books and prizes from the treasure chest. The theme of this year’s summer reading program is “libraries rock,” and along those lines, attendees can also learn about the rock cycle and see rocks and fossils with Dr. Ginny from the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum. They can also sign up for the summer reading club and borrow books from the bookmobile. Visit the Traveling Library’s website for its full summer reading line-up of five special events, weekly storytimes, and a Middle School Library Club.
From far left – Amanda Woolsey, sales manager; Kelly Fisher, Selinsgrove/Shamokin Dam general manager; and Kevin Marrs, Danville general manager, accept a check from representatives of Great Dane Trailers for the proceeds raised during April’s fundraising and awareness campaign for Autism Speaks.
The Hampton Inn by Hilton in Danville was recently presented with a check for over $2,600 from Great Dane Trailers to contribute to its annual fundraising and awareness campaign for Autism Speaks. Each April for the last four years, Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM), which operates the Hampton Inn Danville, has run a month long campaign at all of its hotels around the country to benefit Autism Speaks. For the last three years, the Hampton Inn Danville, as well as its sister property, the Hampton Inn Selinsgrove/Shamokin Dam, has partnered with Great Dane Trailers to raise money for this campaign, and proceeds from Great Dane’s efforts were presented to HHM representatives on May 31.
- MePush recently raised over $750 for Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement’s Camp Cadet, a nonprofit organization based in Milton that holds a summer camp for children ages 12-15 the reside in Union, Snyder, Northumberland and Montour counties that simulates police training and experiences. It raised these funds by having a day of paintball games vs. a group of local and state police officers last Saturday, June 2. The purpose of Camp Cadet is to provide insight into police training and the overall expectations of a police officer and is a true-to-life experience patterned after municipal and state police training. It focuses on self-esteem, discipline, structure and team work.
- 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 Bucknell Small Business Development Center will conduct a First Step Pre-Business Workshop for potential entrepreneurs interested in possibly starting their own business on Wednesday, June 13, from 9-11 a.m. at its location on 416 Market St., Lewisburg. This workshop answers typical questions that potential new business owners face such as “what kind of forms and licenses do I need?,” “what is a business plan and how do I prepare one?,” “where can I find financing?” and much more. Cost is $25 and registration can be done online or by calling 570-577-1249.
- The Wilkes Small Business Development Center will also hold a First Step workshop on Wednesday, 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.
- 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 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.
More than 400 businesses, organizations and individuals 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 and the second individual to join the Chamber under our new individual membership category, Denny Wolff, to help us fulfill our mission.
Denny Wolff is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district, which encompasses all of Columbia and Montour counties. A native and lifelong resident of Columbia County, he is a fifth-generation dairy farmer whose family has operated Pen-Col Farms out of Millville for several decades. He also previously served as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture under Gov. Ed Rendell, during which time he launched the “PA Preferred” program, which identifies and promotes agricultural products produced in the state. He is also the founder of fellow Chamber member Camp Victory, where he continues to be president and chairman. For more information about Wolff, his background and positions, or to contact his campaign, visit his campaign website.
Note: The Columbia Montour Chamber does not endorse political candidates and this in no way should be taken as an endorsement for any candidate over another.
More than 400 businesses, organizations and individuals 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 and the first individual to join the Chamber under our new individual membership category, Dan Meuser, to help us fulfill our mission.
Dan Meuser is the Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Pennsylvania’s 9th congressional district, which encompasses all of Columbia and Montour counties. He was previously the president of the Pride Mobility Corporation, a manufacturer of motorized wheelchairs based in the greater Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, and also served as the Secretary of Revenue under Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett. For more information about Dan Meuser, his background and positions, or to contact his campaign, visit his campaign website.
Note: The Columbia Montour Chamber does not endorse political candidates and this in no way should be taken as an endorsement for any candidate over another.
Personal interaction is the best way for the Chamber to learn about member needs, help you make connections, and identify other ways we can support your organization. Downtown Bloomsburg Inc., the Montour County Task Force, and Berwick merchants are among the groups the Chamber supports in bringing businesses together to discuss and address issues. We are now proposing to form a manufacturers’ council, which would meet quarterly.
An initial meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 29, from 9-10:30 a.m. at The Greenly Center in downtown Bloomsburg. The focus will be on workforce development, specifically for existing employees. Any business interested in learning more about the manufacturers’ council should contact Fred Gaffney at the Chamber at 570-784-2522 or email.
From ChamberChoice and Smart Business Pittsburgh
As a trusted partner and advisor, benefits brokers have the opportunity to educate and counsel employees year-round on benefits offerings to keep them engaged. All too often though, benefits professionals become entangled in the process — only focusing on the employer or HR director. They develop tunnel vision when it comes to recognizing and minimizing the impact selecting benefits each year has on employees.
“The bottom line, benefits are confusing and stressful. Many employees make their benefits decisions without fully understanding the offerings available to them, how they work and more importantly whether or not a plan is suited for their unique needs,” says Ron Carmassi, sales executive at JRG Advisors.
Smart Business spoke with Carmassi about how alternative benefits can help alleviate dissatisfaction with benefits programs.
Where do some benefits programs fall short and how can employers fix this?
A 2016 Harris Poll revealed that half of employees find benefits decisions to be stressful, 20 percent regretted their choices and 41 percent found open enrollment to be extremely confusing. The poll also found that while HR directors spend a significant amount of time and effort throughout the year preparing and sourcing options for employees, only one-third of employees actually read the material. This lack of education and knowledge creates anxiety and dissatisfaction around the benefits program.
The secret ingredient lies in education. Most employees associate ‘benefits’ with ‘health insurance.’ While health insurance is the main staple, there are a wide array of lesser-known benefits to offer and employees may not be aware of all their options. Alternative benefits offerings, aside from standard health insurance, can play a vital role in increasing employee satisfaction and ultimately their engagement.
What are examples of alternative benefits?
Voluntary benefits: These benefits are a great way to enhance your total program and increase employee satisfaction, with little impact on the budget. Some types of voluntary benefits that can deliver convenience and value are accident, critical illness and pet insurance. Employees need a clear understanding of not only how the coverage works, but also the benefits of having coverage and the potential risks of going without.
Life insurance: While it can be depressing to prepare for your mortality, it’s an important topic. LIMRA, a research and consulting firm, determined that 30 percent of Americans don’t have life insurance, and 48 percent of households have an insurance gap of $200,000 or greater. The research also found that from 2010 to 2016, life insurance enrollment increased 10 percent among millennials as they began aging, buying homes and having children. A life insurance plan can be valuable to younger employees who may be starting families. If you already offer life insurance, all employees should be reminded to review and update their policies.
Short-term/long-term disability: Regardless of whether your workforce is young or old, long-term disability should be considered. No one is immune, so take a multi-generational approach. Many of the older employee population have families and recognize the importance of protecting themselves in the event they’re unable to work. For younger employees, it’s an opportunity to remind them that disabilities are a real possibility. While ‘disability’ is commonly associated with a catastrophic condition, it could simply mean being temporarily unable to work due to back problems or surgery. In any case, it’s always better for employees to be safe than sorry.
Retirement plans/401(k): Whether employees are close to retirement or have decades left in the workforce, saving for retirement is a key component of financial security. Offering a 401(k) or other retirement benefits can increase employee loyalty and is a great recruitment and retention tool. But they are only helpful if employees are aware of and understand them. Many people participate in a 401(k) contribution plan and develop an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mindset. Open enrollment is the perfect time to review retirement savings. If an employer provides a 401(k) match up to a certain percentage, employees should be encouraged to increase their contribution to that threshold.
Insights Employee Benefits is brought to you by JRG Advisors.