Pennsylvania’s Office of International Business Development (OIBD), part of the Department of Community & Economic Development, regularly receives economic development lead opportunities from its authorized international representatives concerning businesses that have expressed interest in locating in, investing in, trading with, contracting with, or partnering with businesses located in PA. Visit DCED’s website to view the latest opportunities from international companies interested in working with a Pennsylvania-based company. If you or your partner(s) are interested in learning more, please use the contact information at the end of this email to send your request for consideration. All information received will be kept confidential. Please follow this simple process first for any potential leads before sending inquiries to OIBD for consideration:- Contact your local company to confirm they are interested in initiating the conversation.
- Once confirmed, provide Cindy Hostetler at OIBD with the proper company/contact information.
- OIBD will then confirm with the international client that they are interested in initiating the conversation and will schedule the introductory conference call, including the local EDC when possible.
- Company Name, Address
- Phone, Fax, Email
- Website URL
- Principal Contact Name, Title
- Principal Contact Office Phone, Cell Phone, Email
- Project ID: JV####
Chambers members had an opportunity to check out the numerous floral and gift offerings from Berwick Floral & Gift at the first of two Business After Hours in November this past Wednesday, Nov. 15. Attendees enjoyed a warm fire on what a chilly night outside and a very homey atmosphere at Berwick Floral & Gift’s retail shop, located in the Shoppes at Woodin Place in downtown Berwick. Members also had the opportunity to network while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, wine, as well as beer from fellow Chamber member Berwick Brewing Company. All attendees also took home a gift bag courtesy of Berwick Floral & Gift, which offers flowers for all occasions, including holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, anniversaries, congratulations, get well, sympathy, weddings and much more. They also offer a full assortment of various arts, crafts, antiques and other decor for homes and businesses.
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 Bason Coffee Roasting, located at 14 Rear East Mahoning St., Danville, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
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, LCBC Church, to help us fulfill our mission.
Founded in 1986 in the Lancaster, Pa. area, LCBC Church is a non-denominational multi-site Christian church that has 11 campuses in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. The Columbia-Montour campus, located at 2421 Columbia Blvd. (Rt. 11), Bloomsburg, was launched in 2015, and earlier this year, moved into its new campus in the old Giant on Rt. 11 in Bloomsburg. It offers four separate worship services each week – Saturdays at 6:15 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 & 11 a.m., and Mondays at 6:30 p.m. It offers programs and worship services for people of all ages, from newborns/infants up through adults, and its members also aim to be active in the community. For more information, visit its website, call 570-784-2132 or email.
Member News
- State Rep. Dave Millard will host his third annual Veterans Expo this Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. – noon at Central Columbia High School, located at 4777 Old Berwick Rd., Bloomsburg. Exhibitors with veteran-related information will be available.
- The Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, which is operated by the Bloomsburg Municipal Authority, will hold a Fly-In/Drive-In/Walk-In Breakfast this Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. – noon at its location at 301 Airport Rd., Bloomsburg. The event is free and open to the public, however donations are suggested. It will feature both pumpkin and plain pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham and more.
- Co., a social and professional networking group that is run by the United Way of Columbia and Montour County, will host a dodgeball tournament on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomsburg Area YMCA. Co. was founded to give area residents the opportunity to take advantage of all the great things this area has to offer. This group is for everyone, which means any age, ability, or area of residence. It holds multiple events each month. For more information about Co., including future events, visit its Facebook page.
- Secret Agent 23 Skodoo will bring its unique kid-friendly hip-hop to the Weis Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
The performance is free and tickets are not required. More Fraggles than Wiggles, more Soul Train than Thomas the Train, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is equal parts Dr. Seuss and Dr. Dre. This Grammy-winning artist combines the excitement of hip-hop with the magical world of childhood. With sophisticated instrumental funk and positive, witty wordplay, he has earned a loyal national following. His latest album, Infinity Plus One, took home the Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album of the Year.
- The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) will hold the third and final part of a three-part series on supply chain leadership and strategy on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the NEPIRC Training Center, 75 Young St., Wilkes-Barre, from 8:30 a.m. – noon. The session is free, and is entitled “Competition is no Longer Between Companies – it is Between Supply Chains.”
- Dr. David Hamilton of Hamilton Dental Care and president of the The Jubilate Choir and Orchestra, is pleased to announce The Jubilate Choir and Orchestra’s Annual Christmas Concert, A Holy Night of Angels, will be on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. The choir and orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Alan J. Hack, is made up of community singers and instrumentalists along with Mrs. Kathy George accompanying on the piano. It invites all to join them at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 123 Market St., Bloomsburg for this exciting concert, a high point of the Christmas season celebration in our area!
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging residents, businesses, local leaders and other concerned parties – especially in rural communities – to contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of efforts to preserve nearly $140 million in funding intended to increase access to high speed internet service in underserved areas in Pennsylvania.
Earlier this year, the PUC and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) filed a joint petition with the FCC as part of an ongoing effort to address Pennsylvania’s “digital divide” by preserving millions of dollars in federal funding intended to increase access to high speed internet service in rural communities across the Commonwealth.
Funding for the Connect America Fund Phase II program (CAF II) is drawn from the federal universal service surcharges paid by state residents and businesses. It is intended to support the deployment of broadband service in high-cost areas, including many rural communities. Most incumbent local telephone companies serving Pennsylvania’s high-cost areas accepted the CAF II funding, along with the commitment to meet federal benchmarks for broadband speed (10 Mbps download & 1 Mbps upload), but the Verizon companies did not, jeopardizing the continued availability of millions of dollars in broadband support throughout Pennsylvania. While this funding is currently only available to regulated utilities, there are other internet providers in the region willing to work with communities and businesses. The Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to state legislators in June asking for more flexibility in how these dollars can be allocated to expand broadband in rural areas.
“The FCC plans to conduct an auction to allocate the broadband funding that was not accepted by Verizon, and the PUC has been encouraging all concerned parties to work together to keep these dollars in our state,” said PUC Commissioner David W. Sweet. “We remain hopeful that the FCC will consider the joint petition by the PUC and DCED to approve a Pennsylvania-specific weighting factor to the upcoming CAF II auction.”
Information regarding how to submit comments electronically or by mail to the FCC on this issue is available on the PUC’s website.
Additionally, the Commission continues to encourage state and local leaders to continue exploring mechanisms to enhance financial support for rural broadband projects – which could help influence the FCC’s decision about where funds should be directed.
Middle and high school students from the region and their parents explored career options at the 3rd Future Careers Expo held Thursday, Nov. 9 at Bloomsburg University. Nearly 40 employers and education providers were on hand to talk to young people about opportunities that exist in our area. The event was held in the evening at the Kehr Union so that parents could be part of the conversation.
The event is a partnership between the Bloomsburg University STEM Magnet program and the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, and was supported by the Arconic Foundation and Williams. The Foundation works to support area employers through workforce development initiatives. In addition to this Expo, programs such as School Counts, Classroom on Main Street, and The Leader in Me develop employability skills in young people and provide exposure to a wide variety of career options.
Among the participating employer and education providers were Chamber members Arconic/Kawneer Company, Bloomsburg University, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School, First Columbia Bank, First Keystone Community Bank, Geisinger, Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, McTish, Kunkel & Associates, PA CareerLink Columbia/Montour Counties, Pennsylvania College of Technology, PPL Electric Utilities, SEKISUI SPI, Susquehanna Nuclear/Talen Energy and Williams.
Chamber President Fred Gaffney
Columbia Montour Chamber president Fred Gaffney was recently reappointed to another term on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP) at its recent annual conference held in late October in Clarion, Pa. Gaffney was also one of eight Chamber professional from across the state to receive a PACP Service Award, as he was honored for 15 years of service as a Chamber professional.
Board members serve in the 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.
Each year PACP recognizes chamber professionals who have served any five-year increment in chamber management. To qualify, candidates must have been in full-time chamber or chamber-sponsored affiliate management for at least five years, must now be serving in chamber management in Pennsylvania, and must have been a PACP member for at least three consecutive years. PACP’s Service Awards are meant to promote and recognize outstanding chamber service not only to the individual’s community but also to their professional association.
PACP is the professional association of Pennsylvania local chambers of commerce executives and professionals whose mission is to enhance the quality and relevance of chamber management in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
From ChamberChoice
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — when the IRS announces limits and adjustments on employee benefit plans. On Oct. 19, the IRS released its 2018 Cost-Of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for tax-related employee benefits in Revenue Procedure 2017-58 and in IRS Notice 2017-64. Some limits have increased while others remained the same.
What Employers Need to Know
• Health Flexible Spending Accounts Increased. The annual employee salary contribution limit to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will increase to $2,650 for 2018 (a $50 increase from 2017). An employer may decide to have a different limitation on employee health FSA contributions, it just cannot be more than the IRS limit. The limit applies on an employee-by-employee basis. Any non-elective employer contributions generally do not count toward the employee’s dollar limit.
• The monthly limit under IRC Section 132 for fringe benefits is $260 for the combined monthly limit for transit pass and vanpooling expenses. The monthly limit for parking expenses is also $260 per month.
• Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) is an HRA that is available only to small employers that are not subject to the employer shared responsibility penalties under health care reform. As of January 1, 2018, the limitation for QSEHRA payments and reimbursements is $5,050 for an individual and $10,250 for family. This is a $50 increase for individual reimbursements and a $250 increase for family reimbursements.
• The penalty for failure to file correct information returns (which include W-2s, W-3s, 1095 and 1094-C’s will increase to $270 per failure. This increased penalty will be applicable for returns required to be filed in 2019.
The table above demonstrates the 2018 limits for many of the common benefits offered by employers. This is not a comprehensive list.
Employers should begin to review their payroll and plan administration systems for the 2018 adjustments. When preparing open enrollment materials, an employer should incorporate these limits in any communications.
Finally, the employer should determine to distribute updated Summary Plan Descriptions (SPD) or provide a Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) for any required amendments.
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, GAF, to help us fulfill our mission.
GAF, as it is commonly referred to, is an acronym for General Aniline & Film, was founded in 1886, and is North America’s largest roofing materials manufacturer. Currently headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., GAF recently opened a new manufacturing facility in New Columbia, Pa., just off Interstate 80 at 2093 Old Route 15, which already has or will create more than 40 new jobs in the area. It currently has open positions at its new facility. GAF produces materials for both commercial and residential roofing systems, and the New Columbia plant is the latest of a more than $2 billion investment that GAF has contributed in the roofing industry over the last 10 years. GAF has been the recipient of numerous awards in recent years as it has grown to nearly $3 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit its website.
“The Chamber is a vital partner in economic development. Business should have a voice in local and state government and the Chamber provides that service. DRIVE and the Chamber work collaboratively to help current businesses prosper and provide a climate for new business development.”
– Jennifer Wakeman, Executive Director, DRIVE
DRIVE stands for Driving Real Innovation for a Vibrant Economy, and was formed in 2015 by a task force from Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE is organized as a council of governments to take a regional approach to economic development.
DRIVE works with both established businesses in the region looking to grow their operations, and also performs a full range of services focused on business attraction – bringing new companies to the area. It does everything including but not limited to project management, site selection, assistance with zoning/planning and permitting, workforce development, networking and transportation & logistics. DRIVE is a one-stop shop for businesses in Columbia and Montour County or those looking to bring their business into the area.
DRIVE was created to take a regional approach to economic development. Businesses can choose to locate or expand here and the entire region benefits. Pooling resources allows for more to be done by working together and provides efficiency in having a single point of contact for companies looking to grow or establish operations in this area.
The DRIVE staff is doing its best to meet and learn about all the different businesses and industries in the region. If you or someone from your business or organization wants us to talk about the opportunities that may exist for your business, please contact DRIVE . It wants to hear from you about the good, the bad and the ugly so it can better assist your business here in Columbia and Montour Counties. DRIVE can be reached at 570-284-4296, via email, or visit its website.
Member spotlights are chosen via a random drawing from members that submit their business cards at a Business After Hours event. The next Business After Hours is scheduled for Nov. 15 at Berwick Floral, 201 West 2nd St., Berwick.