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, Rock God Brewing Co., to help us fulfill our mission. Opened in April 2017 by co-owners and Danville residents Ben Yagle and Gary Ernest, Rock God is a brewery/brew pub that brews its own hand crafted beers and serves them up in its music-themed pub. It will be celebrating its one-year anniversary next weekend on April 14, during which time it will also unveil its first limited-release bottled beer. It has various special events each month, including live musical acts and different musical genre-themed nights, trivia night, educational seminars and more. It also partners with different food trucks each month that come to its parking lot to serve food to its patrons to go along with the beers poured inside. Located at 459 Rooney Ave. in Danville, behind the Danville Borough building, it is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-9 p.m., Fridays from 3:30-11 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-11 p.m. For more information and for a schedule of its various special events, check out its website or Facebook page. 
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
We hear a lot of the word ‘fairness’ in Pennsylvania policy debates. But what does it mean? For business leaders, fairness means having a sense of what to expect so they can plan for the future; being able to operate without a constant, looming threat of frivolous litigation; competing on an equal playing field and having the time and financial freedom to hire and grow. The PA Chamber is working on all fronts to ensure that employers can proceed with confidence, and a big part of this means ensuring that the state’s labor laws are fair to both employers and their workers.
One recent example of how we’re working to accomplish this is through our advocacy on a bill to ban project labor agreements in the Commonwealth. A project labor agreement requires companies to commit to use unionized labor as a prerequisite to be considered for work on a public construction project. These types of policies tilt the playing field in favor of union workers, as they force non-union companies to either forgo bidding on the project altogether or hire workers from a union hall rather than allow their own employees to do work on the job. They are a prime example of the unfairness in Pennsylvania labor laws that we are targeting to change.
In addition to working on reforms to the labor laws that are already in place, we’re also fighting back against new proposals that would hurt Pennsylvania’s employers, its workers and its overall economic competitiveness. Earlier this year, Gov. Tom Wolf announced plans to change the Commonwealth’s overtime eligibility rules for employees, by requiring a wage threshold that is more than double the federal government’s current rate. Much like other government mandates on the private sector, this would only have a negative impact on employment and ultimately hurt many of the workers it’s intended to help – particularly among small businesses – by forcing companies to shift their employees from earning a salary to being paid by the hour, which gives them less flexibility and fewer training opportunities and benefits.
The PA Chamber is also urging lawmakers to enact updates to Pennsylvania’s incredibly outdated prevailing wage laws, which increase the cost of projects so sharply that many of them end up being shelved or not completed at all.
As Pennsylvania’s business community grapples with so many long-term efforts to move the needle toward fairness in labor laws, other states – more than half, in fact– have meanwhile made the transition to become Right to Work states. This means that they are states that give workers the freedom to choose whether or not to join a union by making employment no longer conditional upon union membership or paying union dues. Taking this one step has made Right to Work states incredibly competitive for a simple reason—employers feel that they have the flexibility and freedom to negotiate terms of employment. As more and more states adopt these policies for the economic benefits they provide, the PA Chamber is determined to continue our wide-ranging efforts to raise the confidence among Pennsylvania employers and would-be investors, which will in turn yield a brighter economic future for all.
From Keystone Insurance Associates
When shopping for insurance, there are a few pointers to take into consideration to help make sure you get the right coverage for your needs. Those not terribly familiar with insurance or with little time to research may not be aware of how to secure the best options for themselves or their families. These brief few tips are designed to help you successfully shop for insurance.
Tip 1: Shop Smart -> When you’re shopping for your insurance, finding the right coverage for yourself and your family is top priority. Yes, budget is important, but you need to make sure you have the right coverage. This should be prioritized over price. Once, you have found the right insurance you can begin to think about the price.
Tip 2: Look for Discounts -> After you decide on what your coverage needs are, factor in your budget and look for ways to save. Carriers often offer discounts for various reasons such as; paying your policy in full, being accident-free, or getting good grades in school. Another simple way to save, is by bundling multiple policies.
Tip 3: Fill in the Gaps -> An average policy only covers the basics. If you have unique insurance needs, you may need special coverage. For example, maybe you have an expensive piece of jewelry that would be financially difficult to replace. In this case, you may need additional coverage.
Tip 4: Talk to Multiple Agents -> When purchasing insurance, getting as many options as possible is essential to you, the buyer. One way to do this is by talking to multiple agents from different carriers, as well as independent agents, which work with multiple carriers (the Columbia Montour Chamber has several members in both categories). This can help to ensure that you’re getting the best coverage for the best price, as well as make sure all your assets are covered, all pertinent discounts are found, and any life changes are also factored in, because as your life changes, your insurance needs also can change.
Implementing these tips while shopping insurance is sure to help you find the right coverage. See a complete list of the Chamber’s members in the insurance category.
From PA Emergency Management Agency
Pennsylvania is committed to resilient communities and Pennsylvania’s businesses are a critical part of that. The Private Sector Integration Program fosters important relationships to increase information sharing between the private and public sectors before, during and after disasters. The Private Sector Integration Program engages businesses through:
1. Private-sector driven planning and discussion sessions
2. The PA Business Emergency Operations Center (PABEOC), located at the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
Resilient communities
Pennsylvania is susceptible to a wide range of threats and hazards ranging from severe weather and flooding to catastrophic acts of violence and terrorism. When disaster strikes, communities cannot truly recover until the businesses that citizens rely upon return to operations and the economy is restored.
In a crisis, close collaboration and open lines of communication between the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the private sector is critical to protecting citizens and rebuilding communities. The PA Business Emergency Operations Center (PA BEOC) helps to maintain that connection for the private sector and emergency management.
PA BEOC Objectives
• Improved awareness of the situation, risks, and status through a two-way exchange of information.
• Support a direct pathway back to normal operations as soon as possible.
• Engage key stakeholders who bring resources, capabilities, and expertise to bear during disaster response and recovery efforts to determine impacts on their ability to provide services to the public.
Trusted and cooperative relationships
Through information sharing, situational awareness, and resource requests, the PA BEOC is a physical and virtual hub allowing information that adds to the common operating picture in the response.
Relationships that start before, continue through, and extend after a disaster
Participation and coordination is mostly virtual – via conference calls, email, and web platforms. As a member of the PA BEOC, you can expect the following
To help you prepare:
• Opportunities to participate in exercises.
• Access to helpful business continuity resources.
To help you respond:
• Access to information to help you understand the current situation regarding potential incidents.
• Awareness of what state agencies and other businesses are doing to assist with the response including road restrictions on state roads and Interstates in Pennsylvania.
• Ability to participate in weather conference calls.
• Contact information for the Virtual PA Business Operations Center (when activated) to assist with issues.
• Provides information directly to members and through the Virtual Operations Center.
• Conduct conference calls (if needed).
To help you recover:
• Access to information including situation reports, state agency closures, evacuations, power outages, recovery information.
Participation in the PA BEOC is voluntary and open to all members of the private sector including large and small businesses, associations, universities, think tanks and non-profits. If you have questions, please contact PEMA, External Affairs.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Important legislation that would fix a serious business tax competitiveness issue in Pennsylvania advanced from the Senate Finance Committee last week.
House Bill 2017 would reverse a harmful Department of Revenue decision that was announced via a bulletin in late December 2017, and prohibits taxpayers from claiming a full 100 percent bonus depreciation dedication when filing their Pennsylvania taxes. The ruling also bars employers from applying a deduction until their assets are disposed of or sold; making the Commonwealth the only state in the nation to disallow any form of accelerated depreciation. This anti-business action, when combined with other counter-productive tax policies – such as our state having the highest effective Corporate Net Income tax rate in the nation and capping Net Operating Loss Carry forwards — strongly discourages businesses from investing in Pennsylvania.
The PA Chamber has been out in front on its support for H.B. 2017 since Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon, authored the bill early this year in response to the Department of Revenue’s ruling. After the House’s nearly unanimous passage of the bill a few weeks ago, PA Chamber President Gene Barr issued this statement; Vice President of Government Affairs Sam Denisco also sent a memo to the Senate Finance Committee prior to its consideration of the bill that urged committee lawmakers to vote ‘yes’ on the legislation. “Reacting to the accelerated depreciation provisions in the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Department takes an unfair and extreme position that runs counter to the legislative intent of the statute,” Denisco wrote. “The PA Chamber supports H.B. 2017 as it provides an accepted from of depreciation thereby providing more certainty and predictability for employers when investing in the Commonwealth.”
House Bill 2017 now awaits further consideration by the full Senate.
Member News
- North Branch Group/Thrivent Financial is seeking an office assistant to support the team at its Bloomsburg office located at 417 West Main St. Responsibilities includes handling incoming telephone calls,, routine administrative duties, and more. For more information, see the job description, or contact Kerry Maurer at 570-317-2111 or email.
- The Columbia-Montour Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold its Distinguished Citizen Dinner on Thursday, April 26 at the Pine Barn Inn, and will present its three awards to individuals that represent three Chamber members. Its Distinguished Citizen Award will be presented to the Nespoli Brothers – Marc, Jonathon and Joshua – of Berwick, for their efforts in making Berwick a place where people can be proud to live, work and play. Marc is a realtor at Villager Realty’s Bloomsburg office, Jonathon is the owner of Nespoli Jewelers, while Joshua is a community development specialist at the Community Strategies Group. The Distinguished Corporate Citizen Award will be presented to the Press Enterprise, which routinely features organizations that support the local community and also takes an active role itself, such as through its annual Brighter Christmas Fund. The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Bob Stoudt, executive director of the Montour Area Recreation Commission, whose volunteer services have touched numerous organizations and has worked with 21 Eagle Scout candidates on projects in Montour, Columbia and Northumberland counties, with an additional three projects in the planning stages. For more information on the dinner, contact Kirsten Moyer by email.
- The Weis Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and the Susquehanna River Arts initiative, will host a free art exhibit and installation featuring the work of 10 local artists from Tuesday, April 3 through Friday, May 25 in the Weis Center’s upper Atrium Lobby. The exhibit is free and takes place on the upper level of the Atrium Lobby, which is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Participating artists will include: Annie Barnhart, Robert Brown, Pete Grimord, Joan Grimord, Gail Fox, Glen Klein, Abigail Kurecian, Sara Mika, Pam Thomas and William Whitmoyer. Each artist will have several samples of artwork on display.
- Bloomsburg University will holds its third annual Advocacy, Connections and Empowerment for Older Adults Career and Community Expo on Thursday, April 5, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the lobby area of the 2303 auditorium in the McCormick building. The purpose of this expo is to connect undergraduate students from a variety of majors to professionals who work to meet the needs of and provide services to older adults. Following the expo, there will be a presentation by Amanda Cavaleri at 6 p.m. in the 2303 auditorium. Cavaleri is a entrepreneur from Colorado that is changing the landscape of careers in aging. Her current project is called “Connect The Ages,” whose mission is to “build multimedia awareness tools and grassroots campaigns to help younger generations see and experience the value in older generations and to bridge the gap between educators and students and the demands of an aging America.” Light refreshments will be provided. There is no cost to attend, however registration is required by contacting Mary Jo Larcom by email or phone at 570-389-4479.
- Geisinger Health Plan and the Columbia-Montour Aging Office, Inc. will team up to bring “A Matter of Balance,” an award-winning program, to the area for a series of presentations in April and May. This program for older adults and is designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. It is available to the public at no cost and will be held each Monday, beginning on April 9 and running through May 21, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, located at 1707 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), Danville. The program will also be held on Tuesday, May 29 due to Memorial Day, and this will be the last class. Attendees will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance. Registration is required, and to do so, call the GHP wellness team at 866-415-7138.
- Montour County, the Borough of Danville, and Child Care Information Services of Columbia, Montour & Northumberland Counties will celebrate the Week of the Young Child on Tuesday, April 10 at 10 a.m. on the steps of the Montour County Courthouse on Mill St. in Danville. The commissioners and mayor of Danville will read a proclamation of WOYC, there will be a reading of the children’s book My Cousin Momo by Zach O’Hara, and musical entertainment by “The Singing Mailman.” WOYC is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to raise awareness and advocacy surrounding the importance of early childhood programs and services.
- The Bucknell Small Business Development Center will offer a First Step Workshop on Wednesday, April 11, from 1-3 p.m. at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, located at 1985 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11), Danville. This “pre-business” workshop is intended to assist potential entrepreneurs that are considering starting a business but might not know where to start. Attendees will learn about legal structure, selection a location, licenses and forms, insurance needs, business planning, small business taxes, hiring employees and more. Cost is $25 for each workshop, and those interested can register online or by calling 570-577-1249.
- North Branch Group/Thrivent Financial will host a tax reform workshop on Thursday, April 12, at 6 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Public Library. Find out how you and your family will fare under the new changes to the U.S. federal tax code, which was changed due to the new law passed in December. Learn about those tax law changes that could impact you, and get positive, professional guidance from the professionals from Thrivent. No products or services will be sold at this event. Light refreshments will be served and there is no cost to attend, however and RSVP is requested by calling Richard Keller at 570-317-2111 or email.
- First Columbia Bank & Trust will holds its 8th annual Teen Star musical competition on Sunday, May 20 as Haas Auditorium on the campus of Bloomsburg University. Audition registration is now open through Friday, April 20. Auditions will be held at Millville Area High School on Wednesday, April 25 and Saturday, April 28. This annual competition is open to any freshman, sophomore, junior or senior that attends high school in Columbia County or the Danville School District, or that permanently resides in Columbia County or within the Danville Area School District but attends a school outside the county or district. For more information and to register, visit the Teen Star website.
- State Rep. David Millard will host a drug forum on Tuesday, April 24 at Benton High School, from 6-8 p.m. Adults and children are invited to attend these events, which are designed to share information about drug abuse, the opioid crisis and how to avoid drug addiction. Speakers include Jeremy Reese, Columbia County coroner, representatives from Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, and representatives from a local rehabilitation facility. These forums are free and open to the public, and registration is not required. Visit Rep. Millard’s website or call 570-759-8734 or 570-387-0246 for more information.
- The local PA CareerLink centers have scheduled their 2018 job fairs. The local one in our area will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, located at 5050 Sweppenheiser Dr., Bloomsburg. There will also be job fairs during May just outside of the area at Shikellamy High School in Sunbury on May 2 and at the Selinsgrove VFW in May 30. Later in the year, there will be one at the Best Western in Lewisburg on Sept. 6. The registration links for employers are now open for the three May events. See the flyer for more information as well as registration links.
Students from Bloomsburg University as well as high schools from across Pennsylvania will be competing in a “Shark Tank” inspired business competition on campus on Thursday, April 26. The second annual Husky Dog Pound is being presented by the Zeigler College of Business. Chamber members are being invited to help judge the high school competition.
Each team will make a brief presentation about their product or business idea before a panel of judges. Prizes totaling $25,000 will be awarded, which will include limited memberships in the Chamber and access to the Chamber’s revolving loan program.
The time commitment for judges is 7 a.m. through 1 p.m. on April 26. Breakfast and lunch will be available to all judges. A brief orientation meeting will be held first thing to review the rubric and expectations.
Anyone interested in being a judge should contact Dr. Christina Force by email.
More than 400 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and our region. Increased membership allows us to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives in our communities. The Chamber welcomes its newest member, Community Options, Inc., to help us fulfill our mission.
Founded in 1989 and now with locations in 11 states, Community Options, Inc. is a nationally-based nonprofit organization with headquarters in Princeton, N.J. that serves thousands of people with disabilities through numerous programs and services, including residential supports, and by providing housing and employment opportunities for these people. Locally, Community Options recently opened an office in Columbia County at 1117 Old Berwick Rd., Bloomsburg and is looking forward to continuing to develop relationships with the various businesses and organizations in the area. Community Options’ Bloomsburg office can be reached at 570-638-6007 and the office’s associate executive director, David McConaghy, can also be reached via email. Visit its website for more information.
After a 24-hour delay due to the early-spring nor’easter that hit the area on Wednesday, the Columbia Montour Chamber had its March Business After Hours on Thursday, March 22 at Wild For Salmon, which welcomed a large crowd of Chamber members and guests to its retail store and warehouse on Rt. 11 between Bloomsburg and Danville for a late afternoon of great tasting food and drink, networking and learning about the sometimes complicated but never dull business of commercial fishing and seafood.
Attendees were treated to a tasty selection of dishes made up by Chef Josh, Wild For Salmon’s in-house chef, including albacore tuna poke, halibut cheek ceviche, sweet and savory sole soup, salmon nicoise pasta salad and roasted shrimp salad. There were also a couple of beer selections from fellow Chamber member Turkey Hill Brewing, and attendees had an opportunity to spin the “wheel of opportunity” for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Tours of the warehouse were given, and members also had an opportunity to learn about what goes into making sure the freshest fish make it directly from Bristol Bay in Alaska to your plate here in Columbia and Montour counties and other Wild For Salmon customers throughout the country. There is an approximate six-week fishing season for salmon in Bristol Bay each June and July, and after Wild For Salmon’s owners and staff catch the fish each year, the fish are processed, preserved, packed and shipped to a refrigerated warehouse in Seattle, where there are a large number of seafood warehouses to support the large fishing industry in and around the Pacific. Here, they are stored until they are needed to ship to the warehouse here in Bloomsburg to fulfill customer orders. There is limited cooler space in the warehouse here, so inventory must be carefully managed based on demand and projected sales, and there is very little room for error since fish can easily spoil. Weather events are also something that must be taken into consideration when the shipping schedule is put together, as dry ice only preserves the fish for 48 hours, and any shipping delays due to weather will result in spoilage.
Business After Hours provide regular opportunities to build business relationships while learning about the services offered by other Chamber members. The next Business After Hours will be held at the Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, which is owned and run by the Town of Bloomsburg and located at 301 Airport Rd. Bloomsburg, on Wednesday, April 18, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Please note this location change from the previously scheduled location of Ken Pollock Ford Lincoln, which instead will host a public grand reopening of its newly-remodeled showroom on Saturday, April 21 at 1 p.m. The Chamber will be on hand to cut the ribbon at the beginning of the event.
From U.S. Department of Homeland Security
As result of the recent bombings in Texas, many organizations are reviewing their preparedness plans & procedures for prevention, response and recovery to bombing incidents. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to review their emergency plans and procedures and make sure they are up to date and cover bombing incidents, suspicious packages, and proper mail procedures. The information below are resources available from the U.S Department of Homeland Security.
How to React Quickly and Safely to Suspicious Packages and Bomb Threats:
Bomb threats are a rare but serious event. How quickly and safely you react can save lives, including your own:
- DO report suspicious activity, unattended packages, or a potential bomb threat to authorities immediately, follow instructions, and evacuate the area
- DO provide as much detail as possible to authorities
- DO seek distance and cover – they are the best means to reduce the risk of injury
- DO NOT approach or inspect suspicious items or unattended packages
- DO NOT congregate near the incident scene – it may impede first responders and there could be a risk of secondary attacks
Be Prepared for IEDs and Play a Role in Prevention!
Below are counter-IED resources appropriate for individuals, families, travelers, educational and religious institutions, and businesses, as well as law enforcement, emergency services, or security professionals, which provide insight to help increase preparedness and reduce risks associated with potential bombings.
Bomb Threat Guidance:
- Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) Video
- Bomb Threat Checklist
- Bomb Threat Stand-Off Card
- Bomb Threat Management Guidance Quad-Fold
- Bomb Threat Management Video
- Bombing Prevention Lanyard Cards (Lined Version)
- Bombing Prevention Lanyard Cards (Unlined Version)
- (NEW) Sports and Entertainment Venues Bombing Prevention Solutions Portfolio (The best source of comprehensive counter-IED products, tools, training and resources)
Awareness Materials:
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Ammonium Nitrate- & Urea-Based Fertilizers Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Hazardous Chemicals Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Hazardous Chemicals Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Peroxide Products Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Peroxide Products Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Suspicious Purchasing Behavior Awareness Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Suspicious Purchasing Behavior Awareness Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory – Retail and Shopping Center Advisory
- Mail and Suspicious Package Guidance Poster
Virtual Training:
These web-based courses provide general awareness-level, counter-IED information to a broad audience via an online virtual training experience with a live instructor, using Adobe Connect through the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). These courses are designed for small group instruction of 15 to 25 participants.
A FEMA Student ID (FEMA SID) is required to participate in all VILT OBP course offerings. To obtain a FEMA SID, visit FEMA’s website to apply.
To view the VILT training schedule and register for a course, please visit the VILT website.
- Homemade Explosive (HME) and Precursor Awareness (AWR-338)
- Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Construction and Classification Course (AWR-333)
- Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Explosive Effects Mitigation Course (AWR-337)
- Introduction to the Terrorist Attack Cycle Course (AWR-334)
- Protective Measures Awareness Course (AWR-340)
- Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items Course (AWR-335)
Computer-Based Training:
Homemade Explosives and Precursor Chemicals Awareness for Public Safety Computer Based Training (AWR-349)
This one-hour, awareness-level, computer-based course, available through TRIPwire, educates law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other public safety personnel about homemade explosives—commonly referred to as HME—the precursor chemicals that are used to manufacture HME, and actions to take if HME precursor chemicals or equipment are thought to be present during a routine service call.
Improvised Explosive Device Awareness and Safety Procedures Computer Based Training (AWR-341)
This one-hour, awareness-level, computer-based course, available on TRIPwire, provides foundational knowledge concerning improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and proper safety precautions and procedures for reacting and responding to unattended and suspicious items.
If you are a law enforcement, emergency services, or security professional, much more information is available through free registration to the full TRIPwire website. Inside you will find valuable resources and much more detail on IED threats and counter-IED activities.
Find more information on the DHS Office for Bombing Prevention.
For additional information on how to identify suspicious activity, safety and effectively react to bomb threats, or get additional counter-IED awareness, or planning resources, contact your local Protective Security Advisor.