Member News – September 20, 2023
IMC Hosting Problem Solving with Root Cause Analysis on September 21st
Root Cause Analysis is a method to properly identify, define, analyze, and solve a problem at its root. This webinar will provide a practical overview and teaches the basic concepts of Root Cause Analysis. Register here.
McKonly & Asbury Hosting non Profit Webinar September 21st
Gary Dubas and Jim Shellenberger, partners and leaders of McKonly & Asbury's Nonprofit segment, will participate in a lively discussion with Steve Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAid on the topic of continuous improvement. Learn more and register here.
Service 1st Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer
Susquehanna Valley United Way Kicks off 2023 Campaign with Breakfast
On September 21st, United Way will kick off their 2023 Campaign with an Ambassador Breakfast where they will announce their vision and goal for this year’s campaign. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Fair Starts FRIDAY!
The 168th Bloomsburg Fair will begin on September 22. Learn what you need to know!
Fromm Electric to Celebrate 100 years
Join Fromm Electric on September 28th from 11-1 pm at Fromm's Bloomsburg branch for an outdoor BBQ featuring a catered lunch and amazing giveaways from suppliers such as Milwaukee, Signify, and Eaton. The event is "rain or shine,". Find more details.
Bluegrass Grammy Winner Coming to Weis Center
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome bluegrass/roots band Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Friday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn More.
First Columbia Bank Photography back in 2023
Code Official Simplifying Functions
Ken Roberts, a 2 year employee at the Borough of Danville has simplified and improved many of the daily functions of the codes department. Learn more about Ken.
CSIU offers a Community Health Worker Training Program
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trained public health professionals who know their community and have the heart for helping others and serving their community. Learn more about the program the CSIU is offering here.
Commonwealth University Partnering with Google
Commonwealth University (CU) and Google are coming together to support a new public-private partnership to enable Commonwealth University students to earn industry-recognized certificates during their regular undergraduate programs to support their career readiness and help meet the workforce's evolving needs. Learn More.
PA CareerLink, Columbia Montour hosting Job Fair Oct. 5th
The 2023 Columbia-Montour Fall Job Fair will be held on Thursday, October 5th at the LCBC Church campus, 2421 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. Businesses interested in attending can register here. Space is limited.
Knoebels wins Golden Tickets
Non-Profit Leadership Series Happening October 4th.
Community Giving Foundation, in partnership with the United Way in our region, is excited to invite you to the next session of the 2023-2024 Nonprofit Leadership Series. The Nonprofit Leadership Series provides free professional development opportunities to nonprofit leaders on a variety of topics. Learn more.
GAF Helps the Savannah Convention Center
Sitting along the Savannah River in Georgia, the Savannah Convention Center supports a vibrant tourism and meetings industry. Growth in Savannah’s leisure and business travel led to increased demand for larger events and more space. That's where GAF came in. Learn more.
Covered Bridge Festival happening October 5 - 8
The 41st Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival will have something for everyone! The Festival is one of the largest craft festivals on the East Coast, and four-day annual attendance is typically near 150,000 visitors. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum October Events
Two special events are happening at the Bloomsburg Children's Museum in October. Mom & Son Dinosaur Brunch and Harry Potter Day. Learn more.
Apollo Point Hosting Dogtoberfest
October 13 - October 15 the first ever Dogtoberfest benefit will be held at Apollo Point. Learn more!
NEPIRC Manufacturing Day: October 13
Join NEPIRC on Friday, October 13th to celebrate the many contributions of our region’s manufacturing industry! At Manufacturing Day, you’ll be able to see product demonstrations; learn more about the cool products made right here in our local communities, and more!
Bloomsburg YMCA looking for Trunks
Bloomsburg YMCA is searching for families, businesses, and organizations to participate in Trunk or Treat! See more details.
Luzerne County Community College hosting Fall Career Fair
LCCC will be hosting a fall Trades & Technology Career Fair in November and is looking for businesses to participate. Learn more and register today!
Do personal stories help or hurt your business?
SUMMARY
- Telling personal stories is an effective way to engage customers and humanize your brand.
- Make sure the story relates to your company's values or mission.
- Use HubSpot's guide to business storytelling as a resource when crafting stories.
- Personal stories do not have to be about you—they can be about your customers too.
- When done well, telling personal stories can help you become known for what makes your business special and attract ideal clients.
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Telling a story is one of the oldest ways humans have of connecting with each other. When it comes to your business, how you share personal stories in public spaces such as social media matters. Recounting life lessons or turning points can inspire and uplift your audience. However, sharing your deepest or darkest experiences with an audience that encompasses long-time friends, employees, clients, and industry partners can negatively affect your business. So, how do you know which stories inspire trust and build your brand and which to avoid? Read on to learn more about how to ensure your personal brand aligns with your business.
Your Mission is Personal
A personal story is different from a ‘confessional’ story. And this distinction can help you separate what goes too far from what supports your business goals. For example, an inspiring story about overcoming an injury to win your college track competition is great, but if the focus is on your college awards or the fascinating details of your surgery it may come across as self-absorbed or out of touch. On the other hand, when you connect overcoming obstacles to your company's values or even your reason-for-being, it works toward creating a positive image of your business and shines a spotlight on your company’s mission.
Social media is a busy place and most consumers are there for deals and entertainment. Ensuring your content connects sends a clear message to your customers: you can trust me with your time.
Hubspot’s guide to business storytelling is a great resource for telling more engaging stories. They advise keeping the following points in mind to keep your stories—even personal ones—on target.
- Captivating stories keep the reader engaged and invested.
- Plausible tales create a believable version of reality for the reader.
- Educational pieces encourage curiosity and further knowledge.
- Relatable content connects readers with familiar people and places.
- Memorable stories use humor, inspiration, even shock.
Use Stories to Reveal Lessons
The best leaders share personal stories that inspire and reveal lessons about how they overcame obstacles and achieved success. Richard Branson does this well in his recent Master Class, where he describes his battle with dyslexia which effectively blocked his formal education. He turned this personal setback into a positive learning experience by sharing how his ability to collaborate, delegate, and see the world in a unique way helped build his business empire. The implied lesson to his audience is that your perceived weakness can become a strength, when you adapt a new mindset. Branson’s course is called “Disruptive Entrepreneurship,” which makes his personal story perfectly aligned. This connection is important because now his dyslexia is more than a confession but a source of inspiration.
Get Personal with Customer Stories
Not every story needs to be about yourself or even your team. Your customer’s lives are a great source of inspiration. Get strategic when you share stories that correspond to your customer avatars. Sometimes customers will voluntarily share their story with you, but expect to devote intentional time following up with customers. Use these tips, provided by Forbes' contributor Stephanie Burns, to collect compelling testimonials and tell better success stories.
- Make sure to ask the right questions. Instead of ‘Would you recommend me to a friend or family,’ try asking ‘How is your life better now that we’ve worked together?’
- When a client sends an email telling you about their success or posts a rave review online, follow up. Set up a time to ask more questions and gather details for your story.
- Don’t wait until the end of the process. Let your audience experience what it’s like to work with you by chronicling the customer journey in real time.
The Takeaway
Telling personal stories can be a great way to humanize your brand and connect with your customers. When you ensure your stories support your business’s goals and connect with your audience, you’ll become known for what makes your business special and attract your ideal clients.
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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.
The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.
New Member Highlight – Three Dog Vino
Three Dogs Vino has been making great wine since 2015, they offer over 25 dog-themed wines, including dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines.
The winery features a variety of red, white, blush, and fruit wines pleasing all palates. Stop by to enjoy a bottle or glass on the relaxing property overlooking a quaint pond.
Check out the winery hours and events here or on their Facebook page.
Member News – September 13, 2023
Penn College Launches First-Ever Podcast
Produced on the campus of Pennsylvania College of Technology, the “Tomorrow Makers: A Penn College Podcast” is now available on major listening platforms. Learn more.
Martha Graham Dance Company coming to Weis Center
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will welcome the renowned Martha Graham Dance Company (MGDC) on Thursday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn more.
Commonwealth University President Hosts Podcast
Dr. Bashar W. Hanna is the host of Common Ground, a higher education podcast that brings leaders from across Pennsylvania together to engage in meaningful conversations. Learn More.
Central Susquehanna Opportunities' Financial Workshops open for September
CSO offers a variety of free workshops to help you develop new skills and achieve your life goals. At our Community Action offices in Shamokin, Sunbury, and Bloomsburg, you can learn about budgeting, getting organized, improving your credit score, and more! See the full schedule here.
Community Giving Foundation welcomes new Director of Philanthropy
The Community Giving Foundation is excited to welcome Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu to the Foundation team as the Director of Philanthropy. Learn more about Alyssa.
Arts is Bloom welcomes Shayna Steele
Powerhouse vocalist Shayna Steele will kick off the 2023-2024 Season of Arts in Bloom at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg. Steele, at home singing soul, jazz, and blues, will perform Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Haas Center for the Arts, Mitrani Hall. Learn more.
Drive-Through Flu shot Event
Get your flu shot on Saturday, September 16th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at one of Geisinger's drive-through events. Find a drive-through location here.
Commonwealth University offering CMA program
The Clinical Medical Assistant certification course from Commonwealth University is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. See the program flyer.
Ken Pollock Ford Dealership Hosting Benefit Car Show
The annual Car Show to benefit Johns Hopkins Stepping Stones Transplant Patient Fund is being held at the Ken Pollock Ford Dealership in Berwick on Sunday September 17, 2023. Learn More.
Columbia County Placemaking Initiative Meetings Happening September 20th
Gatherings to learn about the new Columbia County Placemaking plan to make our community an even better place to live, work, and play are happening across the county on September 20th. See full list of times and locations.
Glen Brook teaming up for Estate Planning Seminar
Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is hosting a free seminar on estate planning with Eric Young from Steinbacher, Goodall, and Yurchak on September 19th. Learn More.
Berwick YMCA cuts ribbon on new Gym
Saturday, September 9th saw the ribbon cut on the Berwick YMCA's new gym. Congratulations!
McKonly & Asbury Hosting non Profit Webinar September 21st
Gary Dubas and Jim Shellenberger, partners and leaders of McKonly & Asbury's Nonprofit segment, will participate in a lively discussion with Steve Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAid on the topic of continuous improvement. Learn more and register here.
Fromm Electric to Celebrate 100 years
Join Fromm Electric on September 28th from 11-1 pm at Fromm's Bloomsburg branch for an outdoor BBQ featuring a catered lunch and amazing giveaways from suppliers such as Milwaukee, Signify, and Eaton. The event is "rain or shine,". Find more details.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble relaunches podcast
Making a comeback after a 3-year break Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble relaunches "Down Center". This is a monthly podcast putting Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's company, art, people, and town front and (down) center. See all episodes.
United in Recovery announces SCOPE Trainings
SCOPE Trainings provide evidence-based education for first responders, fire, EMS, police, employees, volunteers, and others affiliated with the agency on SUD, especially OUD. See full list of training dates.
NEPA Vascular Celebrates new Treatment room
On September 6th the team at NEPA Vascular celebrated the addition of 2 new hyperbaric chambers at their 1918 W Front St. location. These chambers will aid in treating wounds in our region. Congratulations!
Press Enterprise Commercial Printing Goes Social
Press Enterprise Commercial Printing recently created a Facebook page to bring print to a new platform. Follow them at pressenterpriseprinting to see employee and company news, product and service promotions, and production spotlights. Chamber members who follow the page will be entered into a contest. Learn more about the contest here!
September is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month gives us an entire month to focus Pennsylvanians on being prepared. Learn about more ways to be prepared.
Bloomsburg Fair Starts in 9 days!
The 168th Bloomsburg Fair will begin on September 22 with a preview day from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Get your grandstand, admission, parking, and ride tickets now!
First Columbia Bank Photography back in 2023
CSIU offers a Community Health Worker Training Program
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trained public health professionals who know their community and have the heart for helping others and serving their community. Learn more about the program the CSIU is offering here.
PA CareerLink, Columbia Montour hosting Job Fair Oct. 5th
The 2023 Columbia-Montour Fall Job Fair will be held on Thursday, October 5th at the LCBC Church campus, 2421 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. Businesses interested in attending can register here. Space is limited.
SBDC Fall Training Events
In-person and virtual events are happening at SBDC this fall. Check out the full schedule.
Non-Profit Leadership Series Happening October 4th.
Community Giving Foundation, in partnership with the United Way in our region, is excited to invite you to the next session of the 2023-2024 Nonprofit Leadership Series. The Nonprofit Leadership Series provides free professional development opportunities to nonprofit leaders on a variety of topics. Learn more.
Covered Bridge Festival happening October 5 - 8
The 41st Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival will have something for everyone! The Festival is one of the largest craft festivals on the East Coast, and four-day annual attendance is typically near 150,000 visitors. Learn more.
Mom and Son Dinosaur Brunch happening on October 8th
The Friends of the Bloomsburg Children's Museum will host its 2nd Annual Mom and Son Dinosaur Brunch on Sunday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy dino-themed games, crafts, bounce houses, face painting, tractor rides, a brunch buffet, and so much more.
NEPIRC Manufacturing Day: October 13
Join NEPIRC on Friday, October 13th to celebrate the many contributions of our region’s manufacturing industry! At Manufacturing Day, you’ll be able to see product demonstrations; learn more about the cool products made right here in our local communities, and more!
Bloomsburg YMCA looking for Trunks
Bloomsburg YMCA is searching for families, businesses, and organizations to participate in Trunk or Treat! See more details.
Luzerne County Community College hosting Fall Career Fair
LCCC will be hosting a fall Trades & Technology Career Fair in November and is looking for businesses to participate. Learn more and register today!
Meet The Members Fall Initiative
One of the guiding principles of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is "We represent employers by engaging with them".
Engaging with you our members is crucial for us to build a supportive ecosystem around our 5 focus areas which are advocacy, benefits program, business connections, employee development, and strengthening our communities.
Active interactions with our members can significantly enhance our overall business community success and in that spirit, your chamber is embarking on the #MeetTheMembers initiative.
Starting today, September 13th through December 14 Chamber President Chris Berleth, Director of Member Engagement Taryn Crayton, and 12 of our chamber ambassadors are coming to you, our members! We are excited 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 Serving Your Community Can Grow Your Business
SUMMARY
• Engaging in community service builds a positive reputation, encourages staff retention and loyalty, and amplifies core values.
• Serving your community may help you hire and retain employees who are a better culture fit—younger generations of jobseekers want to find fulfillment in their work.
• When picking partners for community engagement, choose those that align with your company’s core values and areas of expertise.
• Businesses should be creative in their approach and enjoy participating in projects that get them excited.
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Running a small business requires dedication and time. But have you ever considered the benefits of community service? It may seem like one more thing to add, but research shows that helping your community can actually support your business goals. Serving your community helps boost your reputation, retain top talent, and create a more positive workplace. Keep reading to discover more about the power of giving back to your community.
Change How the Community Sees Your Business
Business owners start up because they want to solve a problem or fulfill a need in the community. However, once you’re up and running, making a profit often becomes the top priority. When this happens, members of the community may see you as someone who is just there to make a buck.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and organizations stepped up to serve their community and live out their core values. Entrepreneur magazine reported that during the shutdown, After-School-All-Stars, a national nonprofit that runs after school programs, tuned into the needs of their local communities and started providing meals, distance learning, and mental health support for students and families.
You don’t need an economic crisis to show up for your community. You can demonstrate your company’s values by volunteering as a group or sponsoring an event you believe in. One study found that a whopping 78% of consumers want businesses to take the lead on social issues. In other words, when you invest your time or money into important service opportunities customers take notice. When you give back, people see you as part of the community and are more likely to use your business.
Hire and Retain Employees that Share Your Values
If your business’s number one goal is profit, you will attract employees who feel the same way. Their loyalty will be limited to the next paycheck, and for the most part, they won't go above and beyond when you need it. However, when your company lives its core values within the community, retention rates will be higher, and you will attract skilled people who want to do more than simply show up.
This strategy is especially important if you hire younger employees. Forbes reported that 83% of millennials said they would be more loyal to a company that contributed to social and environmental issues. They also found that Gen Z, the newest group to enter the workforce, expect their employer to have a purpose beyond profit. Gen Z job candidates even showed they are more likely to read mission statements and value documents.
When you have a company culture that includes giving back, you can attract aspirational employees. These workers want to be connected to something bigger than themselves, and when your business gives them that opportunity, they find more than employment–they find fulfillment.
Pick the Right Partners
Of course, when you choose to do community outreach, it needs to fit with your organization's core values and areas of expertise. To find opportunities that are right for you and your business, try some of the strategies listed below.
- What problems exist in my community today? Whether it’s supporting local schools or animal shelters, find a cause that aligns with your values.
- Encourage employees to volunteer during work hours. Maybe it’s just one hour a month, but when employees can give back during work hours they don’t have to choose between serving and time off.
- Create a custom plan for volunteering based on what matters to your employees.
- Share about the time and investment your employees give on social media or your website. People love feel-good stories and this will help boost the perception of your business.
The Bottom Line
Above all, be creative in your approach and choose projects that get you excited. Your enthusiasm will shine through and make your business memorable in the eyes of your community.
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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.
The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.
Hyperautomation in Manufacturing
Source: Angie Miller, McKonly & Asbury
In the heart of today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, a new way of doing things is dawning – one that promises to redefine how industries operate and innovate. Enter hyperautomation. Hyperautomation is a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional siloed automation by integrating various technologies to create a seamless and intelligent automation ecosystem. It involves identifying processes that can be automated, optimizing them using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, leveraging robotic process automation (RPA) to execute routine tasks, and incorporating data-driven insights for continuous improvement. By combining these technologies, businesses can achieve enhanced operational agility, improved decision-making, and streamlined processes.
At its core, hyperautomation in manufacturing is not just about machines performing tasks—it’s a shift that fosters a culture of innovation. A shift that is reshaping factories, supply chains, and entire business ecosystems.
Hyperautomation can manage both routine and complex tasks, freeing up human resources. When employees are freed up from repetitive tasks, human expertise is redirected towards strategic thinking and innovation. Employees are empowered to reimagine processes, explore new technologies, and pioneer alternative solutions. This leads to increased productivity and better resource utilization.
Supply chains, often intricate webs, become tightly woven systems that respond in real-time to market fluctuations. Hyperautomation’ s use of real-time data collection and analysis enable faster and more informed decision-making, allowing manufacturers to respond quickly to market changes and production issues. By automating processes across the supply chain, manufacturers can achieve better coordination, reduce lead times, and enhance inventory management.
Quality control takes on a new dimension. With the precision of AI and the vigilance of automation, manufacturers can intercept defects or deviations in real time before they make the final product, thereby reducing the likelihood of faulty products reaching customers and increasing customer satisfaction and overall brand reputation.
Cost savings find fresh avenues through hyperautomation. Automation can lead to reduced reliance on manual labor and diligent waste management, which contribute to leaner operations, resulting in a healthier bottom line.
As with any change, challenges are bound to surface. Integrating different technologies, coordinating their performance, and ensuring seamless operations require careful planning and expertise. Data security and privacy concerns also arise, underscoring the need for robust safeguards.
In this process, collaboration emerges as a key ally. Manufacturers, technologists, and domain experts must collaborate to navigate this complex landscape and steer hyperautomation towards its fullest potential. The path forward demands not just technical skill but also a visionary outlook—an understanding that hyperautomation is not an endpoint but an ongoing evolution.
In summary, hyperautomation in the manufacturing industry offers a comprehensive approach to process optimization, resource utilization, and innovation. By integrating various automation technologies, manufacturers can achieve significant operational improvements and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.
For more information regarding our manufacturing experience, be sure to visit our Manufacturing Services page and don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our manufacturing team.
New Member Highlight – Dr. Brown’s Eye Care
Located at 660 W Main St # 1 in Bloomsburg, Dr. Brown's Eye Care has decades of experience treating patient's eyes. Call them at (570) 389-1445 if you are in need of a vision check-up!
PA Senate Sends code bills Back to House
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a pair of budget-related bills last week, sending fiscal code legislation back to the House of Representatives where their fate remains uncertain as lawmakers continue to negotiate key components of the state budget.
Although Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s main budget last month, disagreements between the administration, Republican-controlled Senate, and Democrat-controlled House have stalled progress on code legislation needed to direct more than $1.1 billion in state spending and other policy priorities.
One of the Senate-passed fiscal code bills, House Bill 1300, includes several important provisions: it authorizes funding for increased reimbursement rates for first responders; provides regular allocations for hospitals and judicial fees; and formally approves already in-progress expenditures related to community colleges, public libraries, and school breakfast programs. The bill also provides a tuition freeze for state system schools.
Some Senate Democrats criticized H.B. 1300 for not including other measures, such as funding for the Whole Home Repairs program or a stipend for student teachers. Amendments seeking to secure funds for these programs were defeated earlier on Wednesday. The bill ultimately passed in a bipartisan vote of 29-18, with Sens. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) and Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) voting for it with Senate Republicans.
Separately, Senate Bill 757 addresses other areas of the original budget deal reportedly brokered between Senate Republicans and Gov. Shapiro, including the creation of the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) scholarship program and $150 million in new funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. This legislation passed by a vote of 28-19.
In a joint statement, Senate GOP leaders characterized the passage of these bills as another step in the negotiation process.
“With today’s action by the Senate, it is imperative that the House return quickly to session to complete the work of the people they represent, even if to provide a counteroffer to what has been passed,” Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) said.
The state House of Representatives is currently scheduled to reconvene in late September, though a spokesperson for House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) has previously indicated the lower chamber may return sooner “if an agreement is reached.”
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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.
US Department of Labor Proposed Overtime Rule
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The U.S. Department of Labor announced last week that it intends to increase the minimum salary level necessary for an employee to potentially be classified as an executive, administrative, or professional employee and therefore exempt from the Fair Labor Standard Act’s overtime requirements.
The salary threshold was last increased four years ago to its current level of $684 per week or $35,568 annually. USDOL is proposing an increase to $1,059 per week or $55,068 annually, with automatic increases every three years thereafter.
The PA Chamber is carefully reviewing this proposal as similar increases in the past have triggered concerns among nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, small businesses, and employees who may be forced to transition from salaried to hourly. Read more.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is monitoring the salary threshold issue very closely. For a deeper dive, read this recommended additional reading from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.