PA Chamber Issues Statement as Commonwealth Court Overturns RGGI
November 2, 2023
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
HARRISBURG – Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, issued the following statement in response to yesterday's Commonwealth Court decision that found former Gov. Tom Wolf’s attempt to enter Pennsylvania into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to be unconstitutional:
“We agree with the Commonwealth Court’s conclusion that joining RGGI would result in a tax on energy producers and that only the legislature has the power to tax. We emphasized this point in an amicus brief our organization submitted with several other groups, and we appreciate the Court’s recognition of our concerns.
“We also shared other concerns of business, labor, consumers, and state lawmakers that Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI would have threatened to significantly increase energy prices at a time when businesses and families are already facing high prices and the grid operator is raising red flags about the pace of power plant retirements. Policymakers should embrace abundant domestic energy production, facilitate building new infrastructure, support competitive markets, and set long-term policies that encourage innovation and prioritize reliability. This comprehensive approach is congruent with emissions reduction goals, and Pennsylvania – which is second nationally in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions since 2005 – should continue these efforts.
“However, as we noted at the onset and throughout the process, the regulation did not sufficiently protect the state’s electricity and manufacturing sectors, nor did it guard against the potential for significant run-up in electricity or commodity prices. Businesses, whether they generate or consume power, need both affordable energy and long-term certainty.
“We encourage the Governor to let the court’s decision stand and continue working with stakeholders and the General Assembly on a policy that leverages our state’s strengths for the benefit of our economy, national security, and the environment.”
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Election 2023: Commissioner Candidates Share Vision for County Leadership
As we prepare for the 2023 general election, The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to facilitate conversations with candidates for key political offices.
Montour County Commissioner Candidate Forum
On October 25, the Chamber hosted the candidates for Montour County Commissioner at the Montour Preserve, for a 90-minute candidate forum. Before the event, Chamber members submitted questions about economic development, energy, quality of life, transportation, childcare, leadership style, etc. Additionally, during a 10-minute break, live audience members submitted questions for the panel of candidates. The Chamber would like to thank Bob Stoudt and the team at MARC, whose facilities were perfect for the event. A recording of the event is embedded below. While several camera malfunctions occurred that prevented us from showing the video, our audio is crisp and no candidate response is edited. Additionally, to guide audience members, the Chamber has provided captions to show which candidate is responding to each question. We hope this helps you take full advantage of our panel discussion. Thanks to Trevor Finn, Rebecca Dressler, Scott Lynn, and Wesley Walters for participating in the event.
Columbia County Commissioners Candidate Forum
On Thursday, November 2, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum for the candidates for Columbia County Commissioner in the Hartline Building at 7:00pm at Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg. Special thanks to Tim Pelton and the University, who are helping us to livestream the event to our YouTube channel. Tune in here on Thursday!
Lastly, don't forget that November 7 is Election Day.
To prepare, here's some reminders from the PA Department of State:
- Check your county's website to preview a sample ballot!
- Check your voting status at vote.pa.gov/status. At the bottom of this page, you'll find your assigned polling place as well.
- Polling locations are open November 7 from 7:00a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- If it is your first time voting at your polling location, don't forget to bring an approved form of ID with you.
- Make sure that if you're voting by mail, that your mail-in ballot is received by your county board of elections by 8 p.m. on November 7.
- If you have a last minute emergency, you may be able to get an emergency absentee ballot. For more information, visit vote.pa.gov
New Member Highlight – Superior Housing Environments, LLC
Specializing in complete custom decorating services for common areas and offices for senior and multi-family complexes, as well as custom office designs and refurbishing existing complexes and nursing and assisted living facilities. Each project is custom designed.
Meet The Members Fall Initiative – Update
On September 13 the Columbia Montour Chamber launched our fall
Meet the Member Initiative. Since then Chris, Taryn, and our Chamber Ambassadors have been out visiting all of you! Just over 50 visits have happened in the last 35 business days. These active interactions with you our members is helping us build a supportive ecosystem around our 5 focus areas which are advocacy, benefits program, business connections, employee development, and strengthening our communities.
We are excited to continue to learn more about you, communicate updates on the 5 focus areas mentioned above, and have fun!
Make sure you are following our Facebook page to learn along with us about your member peers.
See you soon!
Why Social Time with Co-Workers is the Ultimate Office Perk
- Employees need meaningful connections in the workplace, and social time with co-workers can be a powerful office perk.
- 85%, 84%, 74%, and 73% of employees indicated that they would return to their offices if they could rebuild team bonds, socialize with coworkers, if their “work friends” were there or if their direct team members would be there.
- Employers should also integrate social time, breaks, and movement at work to create a positive workplace climate
- The hybrid work model is likely here to stay and employers who offer remote working flexibility while creating an inviting in-person environment will attract talented and loyal workers
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The concept of a "workplace" has evolved significantly over the past three
years. Remote offices and hybrid work models have disrupted the organic social interactions that once unfolded effortlessly around the water cooler. Employers have also recognized that offering remote working options not only attracts top talent but also grapples with the challenge of enticing employees back to the physical office full-time.
Regardless of whether your workplace is completely remote, fully in-office, or somewhere in between, there is an undeniable magic that occurs when employees come together in person. After all, workers are human beings, and as humans, we possess an innate need for social connection. Continue reading to explore how you can effectively harness your employees' social needs and foster meaningful connections.
The Importance of Social Connections
Many individuals who work from home miss the social connections that come with working in an office environment. However, simply returning to the office to spend the entire day responding to emails and joining Zoom calls can dampen their enthusiasm. If managers can find opportunities for team collaboration and foster connections, employees are more likely to feel energized and eager to return to the office.
In a Harvard Business Review article, employees listed the following as top reasons to return to the workplace:
- 85% of employees would be motivated to go into the office to rebuild team bonds.
- 84% of employees would be motivated to go into the office if they could socialize with coworkers
- 74% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their “work friends” were there.
- 73% of employees would go to the office more frequently if they knew their direct team members would be there.
Humans are inherently social beings, and it is no surprise that the top motivator for in-person work includes other people. Workplace satisfaction experts agree that the days of simply punching the clock are over for modern employees. Work should provide a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself, and tapping into team-building and relationships is a great way to do just that.
Workplace Social Time Goes a Long Way
Employees who have grown accustomed to zero commute time and flexible schedules may require more persuasion when it comes to returning to the office. To encourage employees' desire to be in the office, Sammi Caramela, a contributor to the US Chamber of Commerce, proposes five compelling incentives. These include setting clear expectations, maintaining consistent communication, accommodating family and illness situations, and fostering a workplace culture that values genuine human connections.
Caramela promotes a workplace culture that values social connections and prioritizes employee well-being. This includes integrating activities like team lunches, office birthday celebrations, and casual Friday treats such as bagels and fruit. In addition, Caramela recognizes the importance of granting employees autonomy in determining when they need a break. Whether it's enjoying lunch at a favorite restaurant or finding solace in a book in the office lounge, these breaks contribute to overall well-being.
Encouraging walks, exercise classes, and empowering employees with more control over their work day will combat afternoon fatigue, improve productivity, even strengthen the immune system. Employers can leverage this opportunity to create a supportive work environment, offsetting the drawbacks of remote working such as distractions and imbalanced work days. Prioritizing rest and movement at work can help workplaces excel amidst the unique demands of work from home.
The Hybrid Work Model Is Likely Here to Stay
Not everyone finds motivation through socializing, and some employees get enough social interaction outside of work. Employers can attract and retain exceptional workers by embracing this trend. By fostering an inviting in-person work environment and allowing remote work flexibility, everyone can feel connected and purposeful in their roles. The key is to enrich the in-office workday while remaining adaptable to the changing landscape of work and the needs of the modern workforce.
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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.
Employee Retention Credit Update
Source: McKonly & Asbury
It seems about every two weeks something related to the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is back in the news and is largely ignored by the public. The vast majority of valid claims have been filed and most of those have received their refunds. Those who are still paying attention to the ERC headlines are probably one of three individuals:
- A tax consultant (who oddly enough enjoys reading about this stuff);
- Someone who just realized that they do qualify (there still are a few of those); or
- An applicant who got tricked into “self-certifying” without even knowing it (and is now having trouble sleeping at night).
A Quick Recap of the ERC
In June, the IRS released guidance largely debunking the arguably most abused eligibility argument – the supply chain partial shutdown. Granted, those who are not interested in filing false claims already knew this, but it was helpful info, nonetheless.
Then in September, the IRS announced that they were going to stop processing new claims until at least 2024 in an attempt to halt the filing of fraudulent claims.
Fast forward to today, where the IRS announced a withdrawal process for taxpayers who are concerned about ineligible claims.
Undoubtedly, there are some out there who filed claims under the presumption that the consultant they were working with was the expert, which said expert then certified that the individual filing a claim should be the one to qualify. This is where the tricky self-certifying situation that was mentioned earlier comes into play. If someone who worked with one of these consultants goes back and reads their engagement letter (everyone reads those, right?), there’s a good possibility that there’s language in there stating something to the effect that the consultant is vouching for literally nothing – they’re simply taking the information that was provided, multiplying it by 50% for 2020 and 70% for 2021, and then telling their client to put some numbers on a 941X. If the client’s lucky, their “expert” consultant looked at $10k per employee limitations and PPP overlap, but there are some situations where even that is not happening. I even had an ERC mill personally insult me for pointing out that they had removed one month of gross receipts from a quarter-to-quarter comparison before sending the numbers back to the client to have them certify that the numbers were correct. Yes, it’s crazy.
What’s Next?
McKonly & Asbury has helped countless clients file qualified ERC claims, and our Tax team is starting to review the ERC claims for applicants who are worried about their claim that was filed by another consultant. If you think you may have an issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can review the documentation supporting eligibility along with the calculation. Guidance through the new withdrawal process can be provided for any problems our team finds. Even if it’s a ten-minute conversation to give you peace of mind, we’re happy to help.
Member News – November 1, 2023
First Friday Happening November 3rd in Bloomsburg
First Fridays is a collaboration between DBI and downtown businesses. From 5 pm to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month, participating businesses will feature specials and there will be live music, children's activities, pop-up vendors & more!
Geisinger hosting Veteran's Appreciation Dinner
Geisinger will be hosting a complimentary drive through appreciation dinner at 11 locations across the region. See the full list of locations and to register click here.
Pennsylvania College of Technology Offering EMT Course
An Emergency Medical Technician course, beginning the week of Jan. 8 and running through early May, will be offered at three locations by Workforce Development at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The schedule is flexible, with in-class sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. twice a week. Seating is limited and the registration deadline is 1 p.m. on December 15. Learn more about this course.
Learn more about Small Business Resources
American Express offers several resources for Small Businesses Saturday. Learn more about how to take advantage of them.
Weis Center welcomes Performers
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome Terry Jenoure on November 1, La Banda Morisca on November 4, and the Danish String Quartet on November 5th. Learn more about these performers and get tickets here.
Non Profit Leadership Series continues November 17h
Community Giving Foundation, in partnership with the United Way’s in our region, is excited to invite you to our next session of the 2023-2024 Nonprofit Leadership Series. This session “The Art of Communication”, a workshop that will focus on listening, emotional intelligence, crucial conversations, asking great questions, and candor vs. kindness will be offered on November 17th. The last day to register for “The Art of Communication” is November 14th.
Bloomsburg YMCA hosting Open House
November 13th through November 17th the Bloomsburg YMCA will be hosting a Fitness Center Open house. Check out their new equipment, tour the facility, and enter to win giveaways. Check out their website for more details.
2023 Danville Holiday Market Sign-ups Open
Hometown Holiday Market happening December 2nd from 11 am - 4 pm is open for vendor registrations. Follow the links to sign up online or download a printable form to mail in. If you have any questions please contact us at 570-284-4502 or dba.visitdanvillepa@gmail.com
VITA Volunteers Needed
The Susquehanna Valley United Way is looking for volunteers for their annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Learn more.
T-Ross looking for Business to join 2023 Susquehanna Valley Scavenger Hunt
T-Ross Brothers is looking to work with local businesses, organizations, and museums to help them get more visitors and attention. Learn more about the Scavenger Hunt. or reach out to Robert Tomlinson at 570-699-9745 or email him at robertt@trossbrothers.com Deadline to sign up is November 3rd.
Columbia County Family Center Coordinating Coat Drive
The Columbia County Family Center is coordinating a winter coat drive for children in Columbia County. They have 40 children still in need of a coat sponsor. Please reach out to Ashley Mensch to get information on the sizes they still need to fill. Ashley can be reached at 570-387-9086 ext. 1.
Free No Cost Electrical Safety Training Available
IMC, in partnership with The Manufacturers’ Association, is bringing No-Cost Electrical Safety Training for General Industry to Central PA. Learn more.
Bucknell SBDC hosting Burn Out Webinar November 16th
Burnout affects your people and your bottom line with high turnover and low productivity. Learn more about this webinar and sign up today!
Commonwealth University of PA - Bloomsburg hosting public lecture series starting November 1
Please join us at the Commonwealth University of PA, Bloomsburg campus on the following dates for a public economic lecture series. These events will be live-streamed please visit their website for more information.
Chocolate & Wine Festival Happening November 5
7 Mountains Media hosting Chocolate & Wine Festival on November 5 benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Danville. Learn more and get your tickets.
Camp Victory Hosting Community Turkey Dinner
All are invited to join Camp Victory on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM for a Turkey Dinner that promises to be an unforgettable experience, all while contributing to the wonderful mission. Learn more.
14th Annual Parade of Lights Signs-up Open
November 24th will see the 14th annual Parade of Lights make its way through Bloomsburg. Registration to participate is required and end November 21st. Sign up today!
Knoebel's Announce Joy Through the Grove dates
This year's Joy through the Grove will run November 24th through December 31st 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm nightly. Learn more.
A Christmas Story Returns to BTE stage this Holiday Season
A holiday favorite for the whole family! Young Ralphie's Christmas quest for a coveted Red Ryder BB gun turns into a lesson about what can happen when you finally get what you ask for! Get tickets here!
New Member Highlight – Fromm
Fromm was founded in 1923 in a small storefront by Alexander Fromm with four employees selling kitchen appliances. 100 years later, Fromm is one of the largest electrical supply companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving customers in the construction, manufacturing, property management, defense, and utility industries. The company operates eight supply counters, a design center, and a main warehouse in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Regain Control Over Your Calendar with the ‘4 Buckets’ Trick
• Strategizing time management and prioritization can help busy CEOs and managers remain productive.
• Bill Gates utilizes a technique of 5-minute slots to ensure he completes all of his important tasks.
• Tobias Lütke of Shopify employs the use of four bucket categories, accompanied with color-coding to better display his workflow.
• Color coding can also be used to indicate breaks, family commitments, and workout times for balanced work/life activity.
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In the dynamic world of running a business, where each day brings a cascade of seemingly urgent tasks, it's easy to pack your calendar to the brim. How do you ensure that your days are productive and contribute to your overall goals? One of the best ways is to look at highly successful leaders who have mastered prioritization and time management.
Bill Gates' Approach to Reducing Procrastination
Bill Gates, who founded the world's biggest software company, Microsoft, in 1975, is someone who you would expect to be busy and have many demands on his time. You might be surprised to learn, however, that Gates divides his schedule into 5-minute slots. This methodology is not the only tool Gates uses to accomplish his most important tasks. After all, it is possible to complete tasks throughout the work day and never get to the most important ones, a procrastination phenomenon known as "priority dilution."
So, Gates uses a trick to make sure his work contributes to his overall goals. He divides his task list into four "buckets," each taking up 25% of his time. When it comes to your work day, choose categories, or buckets, that apply to you and your organization. For example, you could divide your work up into people tasks, such as hiring, recruiting and time management, company management, marketing and customers. If one of these buckets starts to get too full, it might be time to reorganize. For example, if your "people" bucket is getting overloaded, you might need to look at hiring more HR staff you can delegate to. If your "customers" bucket is taking up too much time, perhaps consider bringing in a customer services manager.
Try Color Coding Your Buckets
Some CEOs use a similar system to Bill Gates', but with their own refinements. Tobias Lütke, the founder of online retail giant Shopify, has four categories he uses, similarly to Gates, but blocks them out on his schedule by color. Using this approach, he is able to see at a quick glance if the week's schedule is in line with his overall priorities. Lütke is also a proponent of working smarter, not simply working more hours. As he’s shared in interviews, Lütke believes that everyone gets only 5 creative hours a day. The important thing is to make the most of those hours.
Beyond the buckets, color can also help you visualize your week at a glance. Using color to ‘block time’ on your calendar can illustrate more than tasks or projects meant for work time. Color coding can also be used to indicate breaks, family time, and workouts—all important elements to a maintaining a work/life balance.
The Takeaway
The key to this four buckets system is to align it with the primary goals of your organization or the department you manage. Over time, these priorities may change, as in any kind of business planning, so be prepared to adapt as you go.
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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.
Youth Entrepreneurship Academy Launches
On October 10th the Academy of Young Entrepreneurs (AYE), a program created by For the Cause in partnership with the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, launched at the Berwick Innovation Center, owned by Jessica and Greg Martz of Martz Technologies.
This groundbreaking initiative, designed to inspire and equip young minds with the skills to become future business leaders, is made possible through generous grant funding from the PPL Foundation and The 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation. The grant funding for this initiative was obtained through a larger grant, Today’s Teens, Tomorrow’s Leaders, from the Community Giving Foundation, Susquehanna Valley United Way and the Arconic Foundation.
On the second Tuesday of every month, students from Berwick, Benton,
Bloomsburg, Central Columbia, and Columbia Montour Area Vocational School will be in a session at a different business location within Columbia County organized by the staff of The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this groundbreaking initiative to life! It’s like handing our local high school students the key to unlocking their entrepreneurial potential. What an exciting and fantastic opportunity.” said Teresa Peters, For the Cause Regional Director.
For the Cause, Inc. is a Berwick based 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to empower community members to revitalize Columbia and Luzerne Counties by linking community members to resources in support of professional and social sustainability with a significant emphasis on youth engagement. The Youth Entrepreneurship Program is a testament to our dedication to inspiring the next generation of business leaders.