Member News – January 24, 2024
Focus Central PA hosting Forum
Focus Central PA will be hosting an Industrial Development Forum on March 13, 2024. The forum will be held at Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg. Learn more on their website and check out the flyer.
IMC recognized for Offering Professional Development Credits
The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is thrilled to announce its recent recognition by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a SHRM Recertification General Provider. IMC is now authorized to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. Learn more.
Columbia Montour AVTS Hosting Open House
Columbia-Montour AVTS will be hosting an Open House on Feb 4, 2024 from 1-4pm. They are recruiting businesses to come in and be present for a career fair for prospective students and parents. The event will be focused on the career opportunities that companies may have to offer for prospective students and parents to start thinking toward their future. To learn more contact Pamela Slusser, 570-784-8040 ext.3345 OR at pslusser@cmvt.us.
Miller-Keystone Blood Center Launched New Website
Check out the new giveapint.org.
Commonwealth University of PA Spring Career Expo
Join Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Mansfield, Lock Haven & Bloomsburg campuses) as they present a variety of boutique-style career expos this spring. Reach out Darwin Kysor at dkysor@commonwealthu.edu or call 570-484-2181.
Community Giving Foundation 2024 Grant Round is Now Open!
Community Giving Foundation is pleased to announce 2024 competitive grant rounds are now open. Grant rounds include opportunities through Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Selinsgrove, and Sunbury affiliate foundations. The process opens January 2nd and closes February 29th. Learn more.
PCT Offering Spring Workforce Development Classes
Three levels of how to use Microsoft Excel are being offered this spring by the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Get full course descriptions and register here.
Commonwealth University offering CMA Training
Commonwealth University is hosting Clinical Medical Assistant training at the Bloomsburg Campus. Get trained to assist physicians with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. To get more information on the program here and to learn about scholarship opportunities here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces February Calendar
Get the full February Schedule here!
Non-Profits Serving Columbia County Invited to Open House
The Partners and Tenants of The Hub at Mulberry are inviting non-profits serving Columbia County to an open house on February 1st from 4:30 - 6:30. The evening will include light hors d'oeuvres, tours, and the opportunity to learn how to utilize the facility. See invite.
Ballet Hispánico Returns to the Weis Center on Feb. 6
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome back NYC-based contemporary dance powerhouse Ballet Hispánico on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn more about the production here!
Mission Autism Clinics announces new Bloomsburg Clinical Director
MAC is happy to introduce Rose F! She is the new Clinical Director at their Bloomsburg Clinic. She has worked with individuals with autism for over 15 years. Her goal to support bringing ABA services to kids in underserved communities aligns perfectly with MAC's goals. Welcome Rose!
DCDC Celebrating 50 Years
Danville Child Developing Center will be hosting a 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 5th. Check out the invitation.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event & Pursel Award Nominations
Community Giving Foundation Neighbors Helping Neighbors Event will be held Saturday April 20th. As part of that event the Pursel Award for Neighbor of the Year will be honored. Nominations for the 2024 Pursel Award are open until February 16th. Learn more and nominate an individual or organization here.
Teen Center Hosting Pasta Dinner Fundraiser
Teen Center of Berwick is hosting a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser on February 10th with 100% of the donations going towards the Orangeville Manor Veterans home. Click here to get all the details and register.
CMSU Hosting Recovery Simulation
February 16 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm CMSU will be hosting a Recovery Simulation. Join them for an interactive experience to understand the challenges faced by those in early recovery from Substance Use Disorder
Space is limited! For more information and to learn how to register click here by February 12th.
NonProfit Leadership Series Continues in February
Facilitated by the Community Giving Foundation and United Way Partners Addressing Burnout in the Non Profit Sector will be offered on February 22 1:00 - 4:00 at the Old Forge Brewing Company. Register Online for the Session by February 16th. This session is limited to 2 attendees per organization. If you have additional staff that would be interested in attending if capacity allows, you can add them to our waitlist by emailing ameyers-sanonu@csgiving.org.
Charging Ahead: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership Event
SEDA-COG and Penn College are hosting a Charging Ahead: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership Event on February 22. This EV "EVent" to be hosted at Penn College in Williamsport will feature interactive discussions on the challenges and opportunities of EV infrastructure, ways to increase public EV charging station availability, and consideration of funding opportunities for new charging infrastructure across the region. If you have any questions about the event please contact Don Kiel dkiel@seda-cog.org or 814-553-8689. To register click here.
Penn College to host Baja SAE Competition in May
Baja SAE challenges engineering students to design and build an off-road vehicle that will survive the severe punishment of rough terrain and in some competitions, water. Penn College will host a Baja SAE international competition, May 16–19, 2024, at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center’s heavy construction equipment operations training site. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the BAJA SAE Williamsport and ways to support the team.
Sustainability and Green Building Trends in Construction
Source: Daniel Dorgan, CPA, McKonly & Asbury
In recent years, the construction industry has taken major strides in designing and completing increasingly sustainable and environmentally conscious projects. This article will look at some of the underlying topics around this movement and address what is driving these changes, benefits, costs, and challenges of sustainable and green building.
Energy-efficient building designs are at the forefront of green construction. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications are the most prominent in the industry, promoting a “framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social, and governance benefits.” According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certifications have grown at an average of 20% over the past 5 years and over 6.99 billion gross square feet were registered from 2017-2021.
While seen as the gold standard of green building, there are drawbacks to the highly sought-after certification. Challenges include the additional cost of gaining and maintaining a LEED certification, as well as the availability and cost of obtaining green and sustainable materials. Studies conducted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) indicate that the cost on average of a green building compared to a traditional building would be 17% higher. The USGBC shares that the initial cost of a green building is only 2-3% higher than traditional building techniques.
Renewable energy, such as solar and wind, has also been a subject on the rise over the past few years. The industry saw record power capacity additions during 2022 with global investment across all energy transition technology reaching $1.3 USD, per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Benefits Sustainable Construction
The benefits to greener and more sustainable construction are clear. The decrease in carbon emissions and the reduction on the world’s dependence of fossil fuels serve as two primary drivers for the switch to green building. According to USGBC and EPA studies, a range of programs have helped lower carbon emissions by 30% along with reducing energy use by 26%.
Outside of the environmental impact, builders can expect incentives related to increased property values and can benefit from several tax incentives. Popular incentives include the IRC 179D energy efficient commercial buildings deduction for energy efficient commercial building property (EECBP) and/or energy efficient commercial building retrofit property (EEBRP), as well as the 45L tax credit for new energy efficient homes.
As described above, the idea of sustainable and green building is not simply a trend, but a global movement towards a more sustainable future. The architecture, engineering, and construction industry are at the forefront of this movement and, as such, will encounter their fair share of the benefits and challenges.
For more information regarding McKonly & Asbury’s Construction experience, be sure to visit the Construction Services page, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of the Construction team.
Congress Advances Bipartisan Tax Relief Legislation
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Congress unveiled the $78 billion Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. This bipartisan proposal aims to address critical economic challenges while promoting the financial well-being of working families, stimulating economic growth, bolstering American competitiveness, and strengthening communities, with a particular focus on small businesses.
The legislation, which represents a compromise between House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR), includes several provisions supported by the PA Chamber.
Specifically, the bill would restore immediate Research and Development (R&D) expensing, return to a pro-growth interest deductibility standard, and reinstate full expensing for businesses’ capital investments.
Immediate R&D expensing allows employers to instantly deduct research and development investments from their tax liability, while the pro-growth interest deductibility standard offers flexibility for employers dealing with higher interest rates.
Additionally, the reinstatement of full expensing for capital investments would allow Pennsylvania businesses to immediately deduct the entire cost of machinery and equipment, which provides an incentive for businesses to upgrade and modernize their infrastructure.
Significant limitations went into effect for R&D expensing and interest deductibility in 2022, and full expensing of capital equipment purchases began to phase out in 2023. In November, the PA Chamber joined a broad coalition in urging Congress to restore these pro-growth tax policies.
By restoring these provisions, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would empower employers to more easily navigate challenges, foster growth, and stay competitive, which would contribute to Pennsylvania’s (and the nation’s) economic resilience and prosperity.
A section-by-section breakdown of this legislation is available here.
On Friday, January 19th, the House Ways and Means Committee voted 40-3 to advance the legislation. It now awaits consideration by the full House.
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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 BusinessTM.
Why Treating All Employees As Leaders Can Benefit Your Company
- Empowering all employees can lead to a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Leaders at all levels of the organization can drive performance and results.
- Recognizing and rewarding leadership behavior can promote accountability and achievement.
- Empowered employees are more engaged and committed, leading to higher retention rates.
- Leadership development programs benefit the entire organization.
- Customizing training for each employee's role is key for effective leadership development.
- By treating all employees as leaders, companies can create an environment that encourages growth and drives success.
608 words ~ 2.5 min read
When it comes to building a strong, successful company, many business owners and organizations focus on cultivating the leadership skills of their top executives and managers. While this is certainly important, it's also crucial to recognize that every employee in your organization can be a leader in their own right. By treating all employees as leaders and giving them the support and resources they need to succeed, you can create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth that sets your company apart from the competition.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of treating all employees as leaders and provide practical tips for developing leadership skills in your entire team.
Empowering All Employees Boosts Innovation and Creativity
When you give all employees a sense of ownership and responsibility within the organization, they are more likely to feel invested in the success of the company. This can lead to a culture of innovation and creativity, as employees feel empowered to take risks, try new things, and bring fresh ideas to the table. By tapping into the collective brainpower of your entire team, you can identify new opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive innovation in your industry.
As Wharton psychologist Adam Grant reminds business leaders, “Knowledge is best sought from experts, but creativity and wisdom can come from anywhere.”
Leaders Across the Organization Can Drive Performance and Results
When you cultivate leadership skills in all employees, you create a team of drivers who can help move the company forward. Leaders at all levels of the organization can inspire and motivate their peers, take ownership of their work, and constantly strive to improve their performance.
By recognizing, cultivating, and rewarding leadership at all levels of the organization, companies can increase accountability, promote a culture of achievement, and ultimately drive results. Executive coach and Inc. contributor Robin Camarote recommends recognizing and rewarding employees for leadership behavior, including “celebrating successes, highlighting contributions, and promoting individuals who demonstrate leadership potential.”
Empowering Employees Can Boost Employee Engagement and Retention
When employees feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to feel engaged and committed to the company. This, in turn, can boost employee satisfaction and retention rates. When employees feel that their contributions are making a difference and that they are part of something meaningful, they are more likely to stay with the company for the long haul.
Leadership Development Programs Benefit the Entire Organization
To effectively cultivate leadership skills in all employees, it's important to provide professional development and training opportunities. By creating leadership development programs that are accessible to all employees, you can help everyone in the organization improve their skills, increase their knowledge, and become more effective leaders.
Leadership development training should be specific to an employee’s role. One employee may need more skill training to support their career development. Another may need coaching and mentoring to support their management responsibilities. Employees are likely to know what they need, so when it comes to leadership training, including them in the conversation will increase buy-in and long-term results.
The Bottom Line
By treating all employees as leaders and providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed, you can build a company-wide culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth that sets your company apart. Empowering all employees can lead to breakthrough ideas, drive performance and results, boost employee engagement and retention, and benefit the entire organization through leadership development programs. By treating all employees as leaders, you can create an environment in which everyone is encouraged to think outside the box and pursue their full potential, ultimately driving the success of your company.
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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.
Business Matters Hits Newsstands
Thanks again to our partner The Press Enterprise, the newest edition of Business Matters has officially hit newsstands (today)! Inside the edition, you'll see a recap of the last quarter's member news highlights, ribbon cuttings, events, and more. You'll also learn about upcoming programs and events, and business news that will impact your business in the coming months. Special thanks to Special Editions Editor Shawn Stair for another wonderful publication.
Member News – January 17, 2024
Focus Central PA hosting Forum
Focus Central PA will be hosting an Industrial Development Forum on March 13, 2024. The forum will be held at Commonwealth University- Bloomsburg. Learn more on their website and check out the flyer.
Service 1st Donates $220K to 55 Local Charities
Service 1st Federal Credit Union presented 55 non-profits across the region with donations just in time for the holidays, as part of its Magic of the Season charity initiative. Learn more.
Does your small business need a website?
Bucknell students will create websites for local businesses this semester in a Marketing and Design course in the Freeman College of Management. This web design project will provide a hands-on learning experience for students while also benefiting local organizations. Websites will be free of charge; with preference given to small local businesses and organizations with greater need for a free solution. Click to learn more and to apply by January 22nd, 2024.
Millville Area School District Triumphs in First Keystone Community Bank Fall Semester Challenge
Brighter Financial Futures (dba PennCFL) is proud to announce that Carson Bangs of Millville Area School District, who worked under the leadership of Jestine Myers, was a winner in its state investment challenge. The competitions are held in the classroom, both county-wide and state-wide. Bangs finished in first place for Columbia County and second place in the statewide competition in the Elementary Division. The program is sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank.
Columbia Montour AVTS Hosting Open House
Columbia-Montour AVTS will be hosting an Open House on Feb 4, 2024 from 1-4pm. They are recruiting businesses to come in and be present for a career fair for prospective students and parents. The event will be focused on the career opportunities that companies may have to offer for prospective students and parents to start thinking toward their future. To learn more contact Pamela Slusser, 570-784-8040 ext.3345 OR ar pslusser@cmvt.us.
Commonwealth University of PA Spring Career Expo
Join Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Mansfield, Lock Haven & Bloomsburg campuses) as they present a variety of boutique-style career expos this spring. Reach out Darwin Kysor at dkysor@commonwealthu.edu or call 570-484-2181.
Community Giving Foundation 2024 Grant Round is Now Open!
Community Giving Foundation is pleased to announce 2024 competitive grant rounds are now open. Grant rounds include opportunities through Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Selinsgrove, and Sunbury affiliate foundations. The process opens January 2nd and closes February 29th. Learn more.
PCT Offering Spring Workforce Development Classes
Three levels of how to use Microsoft Excel are being offered this spring by the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Get full course descriptions and register here.
Commonwealth University offering CMA Training
Get trained to assist physicians with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram,
obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. To get more information on the program here and to learn about scholarship opportunities here.
CMVB Quarterly Publication Out!
Check our the Columbia Montour Vistors Bureau's Quarterly publication.
Non-Profits Serving Columbia County Invited to Open House
The Partners and Tenants of The Hub at Mulberry are inviting non-profits serving Columbia County to an open house on February 1st from 4:30 - 6:30. The evening will include light hors d'oeuvres, tours, and the opportunity to learn how to utilize the facility. See invite.
Ballet Hispánico Returns to the Weis Center on Feb. 6
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome back NYC-based contemporary dance powerhouse Ballet Hispánico on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn more about the production here!
DCDC Celebrating 50 Years
Danville Child Developing Center will be hosting a 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 5th. Check out the invitation.
Teen Center Hosting Pasta Dinner Fundraiser
Teen Center of Berwick is hosting a Pasta Dinner Fundraiser on February 10th with 100% of the donations going towards the Orangeville Manor Veterans home. Click here to get all the details and register.
NonProfit Leadership Series Continues in February
Facilitated by the Community Giving Foundation and United Way Partners Addressing Burnout in the Non Profit Sector will be offered on February 22 1:00 - 4:00 at the Old Forge Brewing Company. Register Online for the Session by February 16th. This session is limited to 2 attendees per organization. If you have additional staff that would be interested in attending if capacity allows, you can add them to our waitlist by emailing ameyers-sanonu@csgiving.org.
Design Group has a New Hire
Design Group recently announced a new team member, Sydney, as a Human Resources Assistant in our Berwick, PA office. Please join us in welcoming Sydney!
Should You Add ‘Near Me’ to Your Business Name? Get the Lowdown on Google Search Rankings
- Adding 'near me' to a business name does not guarantee improved search rankings
- Google Business Profile is crucial for improving local search rankings
- Factors like relevance, distance, and prominence influence how businesses rank in local search results
- Building a strong online presence and optimizing for local keywords are effective strategies
- There are no shortcuts to improving search rankings - prioritize creating a visible, trustworthy and relevant brand.
590 words ~ 2.5 min read
Picture this: a hungry customer searches for the nearest Chinese food restaurant on Google. If you're the restaurant owner, how do you ensure that your business pops up in the customer’s search results? One popular SEO trend is to include the phrase 'near me' in your business name. But does it really work? In this article, we'll answer this question and highlight other proven methods to improve your Google search ranking.
Results Are Mixed
So, does adding 'near me' to your business name actually work? Research around SEO indicates mixed results. While some studies show that businesses with 'near me' in their name receive higher search rankings, other research suggests that it doesn't make a significant difference. Destination businesses that experience increased traffic from this naming method are often employing other strategies that boost their search rankings. And the downside of including ‘near me’ in your business name is that you may come across as spammy to both customers and search engines.
Proven SEO Strategies
If adding 'near me' to your business name isn't a surefire way to improve your search ranking, what should you do instead? SEO experts agree that having a Google Business Profile is crucial. This means creating a listing for your business on Google, which includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours. The more complete and accurate your GMB profile is, the more likely Google is to prioritize your business in search results.
When it comes to ranking businesses in local search results, Google takes into account three key factors: relevance, distance, and prominence. To boost your local ranking, Google advises businesses to provide comprehensive information on their profile. This goes beyond the basics like updated operating hours and accurate location details and also includes actively engaging with reviews, posting photos, and showcasing individual items on your Google page.
The prominence measure in Google Maps incorporates data from the web, such as links to the business, its ranking in traditional search results, and press coverage. This means that SEO plays a role in how a business appears in local search results, and factors like news articles and links help Google determine the relevance of a page.
Finally, focus on building a strong online presence overall. This includes having a mobile-friendly website, creating content that is relevant to your target audience, and getting backlinks from reputable sources. By building a brand that is both visible and trustworthy, you'll naturally climb the search rankings.
The Takeaway
Of course, this is easier said than done. As a small business owner, you likely have limited time and resources to devote to SEO. That's why it's important to prioritize the strategies that are most likely to have a significant impact. In addition to creating a GMB profile and building a strong online presence, you may want to consider other tactics, such as optimizing your website for local keywords and getting listed in local directories.
In the end, the conversation around whether or not to add 'near me' to your business name is just a small piece of the larger SEO puzzle. While it may be tempting to try every trick in the book to improve your Google search ranking, the truth is that there are no shortcuts. Instead, focus on building a brand that is visible, trustworthy, and relevant to your target audience. By doing so, you'll not only climb the search rankings – you'll also build a stronger business overall.
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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.
ID Theft and Mitigation of Risk
With the widespread acceptance of the remote work environment,
identity theft has become a greater concern than perhaps ever before. In spite of heightened levels of awareness and implementation of improved technologies aimed at prevention and protection, identity theft continues to increase at an alarming rate, putting both employees and employers at significant risk.
The issue has become serious enough that many employers are including an identity theft protection program in their employee benefit package. A quality ID protection program will include credit monitoring and credit change notifications, unauthorized account access alerts, compromised password warnings and communication regarding address changes, fund transfers, public record alerts and more.
The following represent some of the more commonly utilized methods whereby criminals seek to gain access to an individual’s personal information and what someone can do to mitigate the risk:
- Lost Wallet or Purse: Logins, passwords, Social Security cards and excess credit cards should not be kept in a wallet or purse. Copies of the front and back of all credit cards should be made and card issuers should be called as soon as possible after a loss.
- Mailbox Theft: Secure mailbox, pick up mail promptly and sign up for USPS Informed Delivery which will provide an email containing images of the items that should be delivered so the recipient will know if anything is missing.
- Through Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for anything where personal information may be used, like for shopping, banking, or other sensitive transactions. VPNs (virtual private networks) can create a secure connection.
- Database breaches: Assume that personal data has already been accessed and take appropriate precautions. Monitor credit scores and reports routinely, watch for unexpected changes, and read financial and insurance statements carefully.
- Phishing: Don’t give out personal data in response to an email or call but instead look up contact information from a trusted source, such as the institution’s website to verify the legitimacy of the call or email.
- Gas Pump Skimming: Use credit cards with chip protection or pay inside the station to decrease risk. Detect fraudulent activity early by setting email or text alerts that let you know when your credit cards are used. If a card is used without your authorization, call the issuer immediately.
- Phone Scams: Be alert for scams…don’t give personal information to callers over the phone. Most legitimate institutions will not ask for personal information on the phone
- Eying Code/Pin Entry: To avoid having someone watch you enter a password or pin, be aware of surroundings and block others from seeing sensitive data. Don’t leave information where others can view or access it.
- Malware: Caution should be used when visiting websites, and before clicking on attachments or links in emails. Use of a password manager is a good idea.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3539.
IRS Changes 1099 Regulations
by Becky Lauffer, McKonly & Asbury
January not only brings a new year, resolutions, and pork and sauerkraut, it also kicks off the 1099 filing season! If a business has paid over $600 this year to their vendors, they may need to file 1099s.
Filing Changes
The IRS has made changes to their e-filing regulations. In prior years, a taxpayer was able to file 1099s on paper if they had fewer than 250 forms of each type of 1099. However, this number has been reduced for 2023 down to 10 forms in total. If a taxpayer has 10 or more 1099 forms, including all types of 1099s, to file, they must now e-file the forms.
The IRS has created a free online portal for filers known as IRIS (Information Returns Intake System). The IRIS is a secure service which requires no special software. Enrollment is open to apply for a Transmitter Control Code (TCC), which may take up to 45 days for processing. The TCC is a 5-digit code that is used to identify a business during e-filing; it is only used with IRIS.
Using IRIS, a taxpayer can file any Form 1099 for tax year 2022 and later. This e-filing system also allows taxpayers to file corrections and request automatic extensions for 1099s. It is a free system that permits one to e-file up to 100 returns at a time either manually or using an upload file. It will also keep a record of the forms that have been completed, filed, and distributed. IRIS is available to businesses of all sizes but may be especially helpful to small businesses that currently send paper 1099 forms to the IRS.
If one has used the IRS FIRE (Filing Information Returns Electronically) system in the past to e-file 1099s, they are still able to use that system for 2023. Please note that the TCC for FIRE is different than the TCC for IRIS.
Why the Changes?
Availability of e-filing systems has increased, and it is becoming preferred to file online rather than by paper. Not only does it reduce the volume of paper returns, but it also reduces postage, printing, and shipping costs. Moving to an online filing system frees up IRS staff and resources and also saves time and money for business owners.
The deadline for filing 1099s is January 31, 2024. If a taxpayer files late, files with incomplete information, or fails to file, they are subject to penalties between $50-$580 per form for failing to file correctly.
In conclusion, if a business has made payments that exceed $600 to vendors, they may need to file 1099s. If one has ten or more 1099 forms to file, they must e-file per the new regulations. If someone is unsure if their business needs to file 1099s or if they have more than ten forms and are uncertain of next steps, they should reach out to an accounting professional for guidance and assistance.
For specific questions or additional information, please contact Becky Lauffer and/or Micah Mance. If you would like to talk to one of our professionals on any other business-related topic, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Advisory and Business Consulting team.
This article was co-authored by Senior Accountant Becky Lauffer and Accounting Administrator Micah Mance.
The Columbia Montour Chamber is Moving!
We would like to provide an important update regarding our office location. We’re pleased to share that the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bloomsburg Inc., and the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will be moving to The Hub at Mulberry Mill.
We have started moving many of the smaller items and the office will be closed for the moving of the larger items from January 11th - to January 15th and we will reopen on January 16th.
Effective January 31st, our new address will be:
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
160 W 6th Street
Suite 103
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.
160 W 6th Street
Suite 103
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour of Commerce
160 W 6th Street
Suite 103
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
We are excited about this move as it will offer us a more conducive space to accommodate our team and better serve the public. The last day in our current office at 238 Market St will be January 26, 2024.
Please update your records with our new address to ensure seamless communication.
Our contact number (570)784-2522 and email address will remain the same.
If you have any questions or concerns about the relocation, please feel free to reach out to Chris Berleth, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce President at the number listed above.