Employer Tax Credits Available for PA 529, ABLE Contributions

November 5, 2024

Employer Tax Credits Available for PA 529, ABLE Contributions

SOURCE: PA CHAMBER OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

(Harrisburg) - According to a press release sent by State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, bipartisan state lawmakers, and the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, new tax credits will become available to Pennsylvania businesses beginning in January 2025. These credits, part of this year's state budget agreement, encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts.

The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program assists families in saving for education costs, and the PA ABLE program helps individuals with disabilities save for related expenses. Starting in January, employers who contribute to their employees’ PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts can get a 25 percent tax credit on up to $500 in matching contributions per employee per year.

“This is a win for our workforce, our families, and the future of Pennsylvania’s economy,” said PA Chamber of Business & Industry President Luke Bernstein. “By working closely with bipartisan leaders, we have new innovative tools that will help workers save for education and disability-related expenses while also giving employers more opportunities to recruit the top talent they need to compete.”

Additionally, PA Chamber Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Alex Halper joined Sen. Camera Bartolotta, Rep. Kristin Marcell, Rep. Paul Friel, and Rep. Greg Scott for a press conference at the State Capitol to encourage employers to take advantage of these tax credits.

To view video and photos from the press conference, please click here.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of Business^TM.

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 400 employers in Columbia and Montour Counties in support of vibrant, sustainable communities, is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry.

Columbia Montour Chamber Staff Recognized at Statewide Professionals Conference

November 5, 2024

Columbia Montour Chamber Staff Recognized at Statewide Professionals Conference

October 29, 2024

PACP Recognizes Chamber Professionals with Service Awards

Twelve chamber of commerce professionals were awarded the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) Distinguished Service Awards during the 2024 PACP Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, held this week at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster, PA. Each year, PACP recognizes chamber professionals who have served any five-year increment in chamber management.

To qualify for the award, candidates must have been in full-time chamber management for at least five years, must now serve in chamber management in Pennsylvania, and must have been a PACP member for at least three consecutive years. Brenda Flanagan, Administrative Assistant of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for five years of service to the Columbia Montour Chamber.

PACP’s Service Awards are meant to promote and recognize outstanding chamber service to the individual’s community and their professional association. The following chamber professionals were recognized for their service:

The Columbia Montour Chamber also extends our congratulations to our neighboring chambers of commerce, including the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber (Robert Garrett, 10 years), and the Schuylkill Chamber (Robert Carl Jr., 15 years). Schuylkill Chamber was also named Pennsylvania's Chamber of the Year.

PACP Announces 2025 Board of Directors

The Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) has announced its 2025 Officers and Board of Directors who will officially take office on January 1, 2025. Chris Berleth, President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, continues in his second term, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Professional Development & Recognition Committee. In this capacity, Chris helps to lead the Chamber industry toward meaningful professional development opportunities, scholarships to the PACP's events, and recognition for industry leaders.

Officers
Chair – Ron Aldom, Somerset County Chamber of Commerce
Chair-Elect – George Book, West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Secretary/Treasurer – Christa Lundy, Meadville Chamber of Commerce
Immediate Past Chair – Gina Suydam, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors

Jodi August, Greater DuBois Chamber of Commerce

Chris Berleth, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce

Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce

Dan DeBone, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

Alex Halper, PA Chamber of Business & Industry

Mark Hilliard, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce

Michelle Kreutzer, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

Heidi Scrivo, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce

Kat Thompson, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce

Heather Valudes, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

Board members serve in a volunteer leadership role for a specified term, developing and leading the annual Plan of Action to assist in the enhancement of quality education in professional and organizational development to its members. Key events for PACP include the annual Chamber Professionals & Leadership Conference, Chamber Day in Harrisburg, and ongoing professional development webinars and programs.

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The mission of PACP is to enhance the quality and relevance of chamber management in the Commonwealth of PA.

Member News ~ October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

Member News ~ October 31, 2024

RABBITTRANSIT's Stop Hopper Service Expanded to Berwick

rabbittransit's on-demand Stop Hopper service is now available in Berwick Borough, by popular request! Stop Hopper enables residents to schedule rides on smaller, neighborhood friendly-sized public transit vehicles using a smartphone app. It's just $2 per ride within the Bloomsburg-Berwick service zone, and registered seniors 65+ ride FREE. To learn more, visit www.ridethestophopper.org or call 1-800-632-9063.

2024 Small Business Advantage Grant Open

The 2024-2025 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is now open for applications. The grant provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by: upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. New program documents for 2024-2025 can be found here.

Camp Victory to Host Community Turkey Dinner

All are invited to join Camp Victory on Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for a Turkey Dinner that promises to be an unforgettable experience. Get more details here.

Coming Up at the Weis Center

Agape Seeking Volunteers for Code Blue Program

AGAPE requests volunteers to help with its new Code Blue Program (overnight temporary shelter for the homeless when temperatures are 32 degrees and below). An Orientation/Informational meeting will be held at the AGAPE Center 851 Railroad Street, Bloomsburg, PA at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on November 8, 2024. For more information call: 570-317-2210 or email: execassistant@agape-pa.org. Please include your name and phone number in all messages.

Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces October/November Programs

Get full schedule here.

Individual Member organizing a Veterans Community Day

Mark Lawrence Giesen is nearing his first year with the chamber and is organizing a Veterans Community Day on November 1st at the DACC. They're inviting veterans and their families to attend, with reps, recruiters, and info on fitness, wellness, careers, and outdoor activities tailored for veterans. Learn more about the day Mark has coordinated.

No-Cost Electrical Safety Training November 14th

IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers Association, is bringing this free, comprehensive electrical safety training program to Central PA. Learn more.

EOS hosting several events this November

Join EOS Therapeutic Riding Center for a Halloween with the House on November 1st followed by a Christmas Sleigh Photo Shoot November 13th. Check out everything they have going on here.

ReadyPA October Newsletter is out now!

The featured articles this month include: Cybersecurity Awareness Month-Four Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online; Staying Safe Using AI; Fire Prevention Week and Get Ready to Vote! Also included are the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBERSECURITY FOR OLDER ADULTS and the OCTOBER TIP SHEET: CYBER SAFETY FOR KIDS. Learn more.

Community Foundations Collaborate to Host Inaugural Nonprofit Conference, Elevate2

Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) proudly partnered to host Elevate², a groundbreaking new regional nonprofit conference held on October 14-15, 2024, at Bucknell University. Designed to empower nonprofit leaders across six counties in the Susquehanna Valley, the event drew over 200 attendees from 146 nonprofits eager to enhance their skills, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections. Learn more.

SBDC Shares Grant Information

The Agricultural Innovation Grant helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations – expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. Learn more about Agriculture Innovation Grant - Deadline November 15th

Happy Holidays in the Town of Bloomsburg

The Town of Bloomsburg meters on Main Street from East Street to Jefferson Street will be bagged starting November 29 through January 5th. Free parking in the municipal parking lots and metered side streets will start on December 14 and run through January 5th. Meters on E. 2nd St. are excluded.

Halloween Happenings

DCDC Annual Trunk or Treat October 31st
Town of Bloomsburg Trick of Treat Night - October 31st Rain or shine 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

First Friday's Happening November 1st in Bloomsburg

Find out all the details here.

N4C's hosting Community Lunch on November 3rd

Join N4C's for their Small Town Big Heart community Lunch on November 3rd with Keynote Speaker Zain Retherford. For tickets call 570-925-0163 or email danielle@n4cs.org.

Coming up at Arts in Bloom

On the Bright Side session Happening November 14th

The next Women's Giving Circle "On the Bright Side" session is on November 14th at 12pm. Open to all, this virtual session will connect participants from across the region as we pause from our busy schedules to empower, connect, and inspire each other. Register online here!

US Chamber of Commerce Hosting Special Year-End Financial Planning Workshop

Prepping for tax season and other year-end financial planning? Get advice from accounting and finance experts on how to prepare your bookkeeping, what financial reports to run, and how to reinforce financial resilience in 2025 and beyond. Happening November 14th - Register today.

Small Business Credit Survey

Attention Small Business owners! Time is running out to share your experiences over the past year. In just 12 minutes, you can provide valuable insights into your successes and challenges by participating in the Small Business Credit Survey, a partnership between the Pennsylvania SBDC and the Federal Reserve. The Survey closes on November 1, 2024.

Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available

Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp

Wilkes SBDC hosting open house at Bloomsburg Innovation Center

The Bloomsburg Innovation Center, located at 240 Market Street, will be hosting a grand opening of its small business incubator on Thursday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is organized in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center at Wilkes University and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. RSVP at https://bit.ly/BloomsburgInnovationCenterOpenHouse. For more information, reach out to the Wilkes University SBDC at sbdc@wilkes.edu.

Railroad Military Locomotives to be Used in Passenger Service for the First Time on November 9th

The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will be pulling passenger excursions (for the first time) with the newly dedicated LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit), for the Inaugural Veterans Benefit Voyage. Learn more.

Geisinger to host appreciation Dinners to Honor local Military Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are offered at no cost to participants. Get a list of all locations and register by November 1st here.

Third Quarter On Track Newsletter out NOW!

Check it out!

McKonly & Asbury hosting Advanced Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Issues Seminar

McKonly & Asbury’s Affordable Housing Seminar will be held in-person on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 9:30am – 3:30pm. Learn more.

Learning to Live Beloved Ministries hosting Pancake Breakfast November 2nd

Please join Learning to Live Beloved Ministries for breakfast to help raise the remaining funds for their Well House Renovation project. The Well House is to be used for emergency housing for adult females exiting human sex trafficking in our local region. Learn more.

The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration

The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley. Learn more about the celebration here.

Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes

5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.

Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!

Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!

2025 Annual Chamber Awards are open for Nominations

October 30, 2024

2025 Annual Chamber Awards are open for Nominations

Every community is shaped by remarkable individuals and businesses whose contributions deserve to be celebrated.

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards honor these extraordinary leaders and organizations for their lasting impact on our region. This year’s award categories include Outstanding Citizen, Small Business (1-30 employees), Large Business (30+ employees), Nonprofit, and Community Progress Awards. Nominate a business or person you feel should be recognized this coming year.

Nomination forms are available to be filled out online or by downloading the PDF version here, and emailing it to Brenda Flanagan, at bflanagan@columbiamontourchamber.com.

The deadline for submitting nominations is December 31, 2024.

Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to Air Candidate Conversation

October 30, 2024

Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to Air Candidate Conversation

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is set to release its “2024 Candidate Conversation” via YouTube Premiere on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6:00pm. The video is just over 1 hour, and features a question and response format with each of the candidates vying for the 109th legislative district seat in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The program, available via the Chamber’s YouTube channel, delves into candidates’ views on policy topics critical to business, workforce, and the economy, including the budget, housing, childcare, healthcare, school funding, energy, tax policy, infrastructure, population decline, leadership, and more.

The candidates participating in this program are:

Representative Robert Leadbeater, (R) (Incumbent)
Bloomsburg Town Councilman Nicholas McGaw, (D) (Challenger)

YouTube Premiere Air Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM

Video Location: https://youtu.be/J_t-yrJ3xtM?si=M69SZe6IRqr3xF_v
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@columbiamontourchamber

Transforming Employee Feedback into Actionable Insights: A Leader’s Guide

October 30, 2024

Transforming Employee Feedback into Actionable Insights: A Leader’s Guide

To manage employee experience effectively, leaders must turn data into action. Gathering feedback is easy; interpreting it to meet employee needs is the challenge. Leaders should focus on synthesizing insights from feedback tools into a clear, strategic response.

The Big Picture:

Managing employee experience is crucial, but the challenge lies in turning feedback data into actionable insights. Leaders must synthesize data from various feedback tools into a strategic, employee-centered response.

Why It Matters:

Collecting feedback is easy; using it effectively is not. Without a thoughtful approach, data risks becoming noise, leaving leaders struggling to make changes that genuinely improve employee engagement and retention.

Key Takeaways:

1. Data Collection Alone Isn’t Enough: Tools like pulse surveys and sentiment analysis provide data snapshots, but actionable insight requires a holistic view. Leaders need to understand patterns, not just isolated issues.

2. Synthesis is Essential: Look for recurring themes across feedback channels. For example, if surveys highlight work-life balance concerns and meetings reveal workload issues, address both through flexible hours or resource adjustments.

3. Build a Framework for Action:
- Prioritize Key Themes: Focus on feedback that aligns with organizational goals (e.g., career growth or flexibility).
- Assign Ownership: Designate leaders or departments to implement solutions.
- Set Measurable Goals: Use metrics like retention and engagement scores to gauge success.
- Communicate Progress: Show employees their feedback is valued with transparent updates.

4. Reduce Data Overwhelm: Prioritize key metrics tied directly to company and employee goals. Advanced analytics can also offer predictive insights, helping leaders act proactively on potential issues.

680 words ~ 3 minute read

For today’s businesses, managing employee experience is both a priority and a challenge. Leaders who invest heavily in gathering employee feedback—through pulse surveys, town halls, and internal data analysis—often struggle to turn these insights into meaningful actions. While data collection has been streamlined by technology, the real challenge lies in interpreting and implementing this feedback in a way that aligns with organizational goals and enhances the employee experience.

Why Data Collection Isn’t Enough

Businesses today are equipped with a myriad of tools to gather employee feedback. From pulse surveys to sentiment analysis within internal communications, technology has simplified the collection process. However, the true value of these data-gathering efforts is only realized when leaders can translate insights into tangible outcomes. Many executives feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, struggling to connect employee feedback with actionable strategy.

Data can provide a snapshot of employee sentiment but without a nuanced approach, leaders risk making changes that miss the mark or fail to address underlying issues. For example, data may show that employee engagement is low, but it won’t reveal the specific cultural or leadership dynamics causing it.

The Power of Synthesis

To truly improve the employee experience, leaders need to view data holistically. Rather than acting on individual data points, organizations should strive to understand broader trends and patterns that can inform strategic decision-making. Synthesis involves identifying recurring themes across different feedback channels and assessing their potential impact on organizational goals.

Consider a tech company that collects employee sentiment through multiple channels. While pulse surveys may highlight a need for work-life balance, data from team meetings might reveal specific workload issues. By synthesizing these insights, leaders can create more targeted responses, such as implementing flexible work hours or resource redistribution, rather than broadly attempting to “improve balance.”

Building a Framework for Action

After synthesizing data, the next step is to build a framework that can transform insights into measurable actions. A strategic framework should connect feedback themes to key organizational metrics, such as productivity, retention, and satisfaction. For example, if feedback indicates a need for career development, the framework might include new training programs, mentorship opportunities, or career pathway mapping aligned with business objectives.

Key Steps to Create an Actionable Framework:

1. Prioritize Key Themes: Identify the top recurring feedback themes that align with company goals. This could be anything from career growth opportunities to workplace flexibility.

2. Assign Ownership: Ensure that specific departments or leaders are responsible for implementing action items related to each feedback theme.

3. Set Measurable Goals: Define what success looks like. Use metrics that reflect both employee satisfaction and company outcomes—such as improved retention rates, higher productivity, or increased engagement scores.

4. Communicate Transparently: Update employees on progress, showing that their feedback has been acknowledged and acted upon. This transparency reinforces trust and encourages further participation in feedback initiatives.

Moving Beyond Data Overwhelm

To reduce the overwhelm that comes with data, leaders can use a “less is more” approach. This involves focusing on a limited number of metrics that are directly tied to the company’s goals and employee experience. By prioritizing relevant data, leaders can simplify decision-making, avoid unnecessary distractions, and focus on strategic priorities.

Using advanced analytics can also help turn raw data into refined insights. Predictive analytics, for example, can provide insights into future employee engagement trends, allowing leaders to proactively address potential issues before they escalate.

Turning Insight into Employee-Centric Culture

For leaders who can manage and make sense of employee data, the potential payoff is significant. An intentional, data-driven approach to employee experience fosters a culture that prioritizes empathy and responsiveness. Employees are more likely to feel valued when they see that their feedback is not only gathered but acted upon in ways that directly improve their work life.

To manage employee experience effectively, leaders must become adept at interpreting feedback, synthesizing insights, and crafting responses that reflect both employee needs and organizational priorities. Embracing these practices enables leaders to bridge the gap between data collection and meaningful action, ultimately enhancing the workplace culture and strengthening organizational performance.

For more strategies on managing employee experience, check out Harvard Business Review.

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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike.

Member News ~ October 24, 2024

October 24, 2024

Member News ~ October 24, 2024

Join United Way's Day of Giving Live Streams

Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Annual Campaign is underway and the community is invited to participate in their live stream event happening TODAY. Watch Live streams here.