Columbia Montour Chamber Statement on the Cleveland Township Amusement Ordinance
By Chris Berleth, President
Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
On behalf of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, I write to express extreme disappointment and concern at the decision by the Cleveland Township Supervisors to pass an ill-advised amusement tax ordinance. Further, I urge the supervisors to repeal this ordinance immediately in favor of the good-will alternatives proposed and negotiated in public Township meetings over the last several months.
While the Chamber understands and respects the responsibility of the Township Supervisors to steward Township resources and balance its budget, we call this ordinance “ill-advised” for several key reasons:
First, the issues facing the Township’s budget, including an anticipated adjustment in the cost of police coverage coupled with systemic road repair issues (which Supervisors indicated as the key factors behind the need for the ordinance) cannot possibly be addressed by such a tax. (It would take years of tax collection to generate the millions necessary for the extensive road repairs.) Rather, the Township would be better suited to take advantage of the assistance offered by several organizations to identify and apply for grants, including a portion of the nearly $86 million in newly allotted liquid fuels discretionary funds built into this year’s state budget.
Second, the family of businesses most impacted by this industry-specific tax is located inside three townships and two counties and already pays a hefty share in local taxes. That family of businesses, which has long acknowledged that its operation impacts local services, has for decades gone above and beyond to mitigate this impact by assisting with Township expenses and by offering sizable and regular voluntary contributions to all three townships.
Third, upon learning of this proposed ordinance, the Chamber advocated for data-driven decision-making in collaboration with potentially impacted businesses. In four months, no new data has been presented which suggests this tax is appropriate or proportional as an "impact fee" on Cleveland Township roads.
Fourth, when included in discussions with the Supervisors, impacted businesses repeatedly expressed alarm at:
- the proposed ordinance’s impact and misunderstanding of their business model
- anticipated additional operational expenses, especially those expected for the purpose of tracking the tax in one township and in ensuring compliance
- a new township-specific, industry-specific required license to operate
- a massive increase in their tax liability beyond their perceived sustainability
- the vagueness of the ordinance itself.
Fifth, in good faith, those businesses offered to significantly increase their voluntary contributions to the local governments, and enlisted staff to research additional ways to assist. (This came after the organization increased their contribution earlier this year.)
Sixth, this Chamber holds that no business owner acting in good faith should be asked to endure four months of uncertainty if it can be helped, especially when that good faith and excellent business practices have generated decades of goodwill, inspired accolades at a national level, and resulted in nearly 100 years of longevity.
Seventh, the passage of such an ordinance will likely damage the trust between excellent businesses and local government.
Eighth, any tax which targets a successful industry runs the risk of disincentivizing expansion or growth of that industry within the footprint of said tax.
Ninth, a tax of this magnitude affecting so few businesses is likely to be subject to strong legal scrutiny, which is likely to cost taxpayers unnecessary additional legal expense.
For all these reasons, the Columbia Montour Chamber stands with local business in opposition to the Cleveland Township Amusement Tax Ordinance set to go into effect January 1, 2025.
New Member Highlight – Driven to Be Better
What if changing the way you talk to yourself could completely transform your relationship with food, your confidence, and your self-worth? Lenora Edwards—2x TEDx speaker, published author, Board-Certified Speech-Language Pathologist, and Certified Holographic Memory Resolution Practitioner—offers a fresh, evidence-based approach to achieving personal and professional breakthroughs.
Lenora works 1:1 with clients and leads dynamic workshops for businesses, universities, and organizations. Her Eat, Love, Heal program helps individuals break free from the mercy of food and overcome emotional eating, while her SHIFT Protocol equips people with the tools to silence negative self-talk and build unshakable confidence.
For businesses, Lenora delivers engaging, results-driven workshops on topics such as enhancing communication, closing sales effectively, building confidence, and reducing the impact of negative internal dialogue on performance. She also specializes in guiding professionals to improve public speaking skills, develop a powerful presence, and connect authentically with audiences. Her teaching goes beyond mindfulness, offering actionable strategies and techniques rooted in science to create meaningful, lasting change.
With over a decade of experience, Lenora has empowered countless individuals and teams to communicate more effectively, embrace their true worth, and achieve their goals with clarity and confidence. Whether you're looking to transform your relationship with food, elevate your workplace communication and leadership skills, or master public speaking, Lenora’s compassionate, practical approach delivers real results.
Member News ~ November 27, 2024
Support Local This Small Business this Saturday!
November 30th is Small Business Saturday, let's rally behind our amazing local businesses! From unique gifts to delicious eats, our small businesses are the heart of our community. When you shop small, you’re supporting Local jobs, Community growth, and One-of-a-kind finds. Check out things happening in Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville and around the Columbia Montour Region.
RABBITTRANSIT's Stop Hopper Service Expanded to Berwick
rabbittransit expanded their microtransit service, Stop Hopper, to a new area in Berwick, Columbia County, PA last month. As an introduction to the new service, rabbittransit is offering two free rides to new riders through December 31, 2024. To redeem the offer, individuals must download the Stop Hopper smartphone app from the App Store or Google Play, and enter the code HOP4FREE under promo codes in the menu section of the app. The two rides will be automatically credited to the rider’s account. Learn more.
McKonly & Asbury Hosting Income Tax Webinar December 29th
Join the McKonly & Asbury Tax team leader and Partner Mark Heath for an insightful webinar on December 19, 2024, at 2pm for an outline of the evolving landscape of income taxes. Learn More and register.
November ReadyPA Newsletter out now
Agape Seeking Volunteers for Code Blue Program
AGAPE requests volunteers to help with its new Code Blue Program (overnight temporary shelter for the homeless when temperatures are 32 degrees and below). An Orientation/Informational meeting will be held at the AGAPE Center 851 Railroad Street, Bloomsburg, PA at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on December 5, 2024. For more information call: 570-317-2210 or email: execassistant@agape-pa.org. Please include your name and phone number in all messages.
Learning To Live Beloved Ministries to hold Gala January 11th
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be holding its First Annual Well House Gala on January 11th at the Pine Barn. Learn more.
PACareerlink Effective Employee Performance Reviews Virtual Seminar happening December 12th
Join PA Careerlink for a virtual seminar to learn impactful review techniques that inspire and guide your employees. Gain insights from industry experts who will share proven strategies for handling employee feedback and creating structured, results-focused conversations that drive success. Learn how to register here.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces "A Christmas Carol" Cast
BTE proudly presents the cast for its upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, running from November 29 through December 28. Three actors play every character in this new adaptation written and directed by BTE resident actor Amy Rene Byrne. The six-member cast is divided into teams that will rotate performances. Learn more.
PATHS Free Virtual Safety Training December 2024
PATHS will offer over 30 training sessions in December to raise awareness of holiday safety, weather safety, and more. Take a look at the full PATHS Training Calendar.
2024-2025 PDA Senior Community Center Grant Application Open
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has opened the Senior Community Center Grant Program for the 2024-25 year. All applications and application materials for the competitive grant funding must be received electronically through the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system from eligible AAA-affiliated SCCs no later than 5 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 13. Additional information, including the application submission instructions, can be found here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces December Programs
Get full list of programs and events here.
PPL Electric Utilities Quarterly Newsletter is out now
Check out the newsletter here.
America250PA Launches First Round of Semiquincentennial Grants
America250PA is now accepting applications for the first round of semiquincentennial grants to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America through December 15th. For additional information about how to apply, including a schedule of virtual office hours to answer questions about the program, click here.
Hand in Hand hosting Sensory Santa
Sensory Santa is offered in a quiet, relaxed environment for children who need extra time to experience this cherished Christmas activity. Children can sit on the floor, play with blocks and cars, or color a picture. No one is rushed, and each child gets the time they need. Santa comes to Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville each December. Get the full schedule here.
Coming Up at the Weis Center
Railroad Military Locomotives Used to Raise Money for Veteran Nonprofit Groups
The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) was honored to announce $19,690 was raised from this past month’s fundraiser – the first one held by the company. The fundraiser consisted of train rides out of Lewisburg, a large basket raffle, and merchandise sales. Read full Press release here.
Santa, Ghosts, and Free Books at 36th Annual Treefest November 29 - December 1 and December 6 - 8
TreeFest ushers in the holiday season with new and returning special events at the Caldwell Consistory, starting November 29th. Learn more.
IMC hosting AI to Support HR webinar December 5th
Join the IMC for a free one-hour webinar where an internationally renowned HR expert shares how AI can elevate your HR operations. From streamlining recruitment to crafting personalized employee development plans, this session will give you the tools to future-proof your HR strategy. Learn more and register here.
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
Coming up at Arts in Bloom
Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available
Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
Unlocking Growth: How Personalization and Data Analytics Empower Business Leaders
- Revenue Growth: Companies excelling in personalization generate 40% more revenue than slower peers.
- Customer Expectations: 71% of consumers demand personalized experiences, with leaders like Netflix setting standards.
- Strategic Foundations: Effective personalization requires high-quality data, transparency, and advanced tools like CRMs and AI.
- Leader Benefits: Personalization drives loyalty, boosts sales conversions by up to 20%, and streamlines operations.
- Challenges & Action: Overcome privacy concerns and resource barriers with pilot programs and continuous strategy refinement.
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In today’s hyper-competitive market, businesses must go beyond offering great products and services—they need to deliver personalized experiences that resonate with individual customers. Powered by advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), personalization is now more accessible than ever, providing businesses with a critical edge. According to research from McKinsey & Company, companies excelling in personalization generate 40% more revenue than their peers. Here’s how business leaders can leverage this transformative strategy.
Why Personalization Matters
Personalization drives customer loyalty and satisfaction by tailoring interactions to individual preferences. Forbes highlights that 71% of consumers expect personalized experiences, and businesses that fail to deliver risk losing customers to competitors. Amazon and Netflix exemplify this trend, using sophisticated algorithms to anticipate customer needs and offer relevant recommendations. Their success underscores personalization’s power to deepen engagement and boost profitability.
Moreover, personalization helps differentiate brands in crowded markets. By understanding customers’ unique needs, businesses can build emotional connections, fostering trust and loyalty.
Building a Personalization Strategy
Implementing a successful personalization strategy requires careful planning and execution.
- Data Collection and Management
Gathering high-quality data is the foundation of personalization. Business leaders should invest in tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems and analytics platforms to capture meaningful insights. Business experts emphasize that transparency in data collection is essential, as customers demand trust and adherence to privacy regulations. - Advanced Analytics and AI
Using predictive analytics, businesses can anticipate customer needs and refine strategies in real time. AI tools enable dynamic segmentation, breaking down audiences into actionable groups based on behavior and preferences. This ensures marketing efforts are not just effective but also scalable. - Customer-Centric Segmentation
Personalization thrives on understanding diverse customer segments. Segmenting audiences by demographics, purchasing behavior, and preferences allows companies to craft targeted campaigns. Forbes recommends regularly updating customer profiles to stay relevant in an ever-changing market.
Benefits for Business Leaders
Investing in personalization delivers tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Engagement: Customized experiences lead to higher customer retention and loyalty.
- Revenue Growth: According to a McKinsey report, businesses using data-driven personalization see up to a 20% increase in sales conversions.
- Operational Efficiency: Automating processes reduces manual labor, freeing resources for strategic innovation.
Challenges to Address
While personalization offers immense potential, it also comes with challenges. Data privacy remains a top concern. Leaders must navigate complex regulations while ensuring customer trust. Additionally, implementing these strategies requires upfront investment in technology and staff training.
Getting Started
- Audit Current Capabilities: Assess existing data infrastructure to identify gaps.
- Develop a Framework: Define clear goals and metrics for personalization efforts.
- Pilot Programs: Test small-scale campaigns before scaling up.
- Monitor and Adapt: Use feedback to continuously optimize your strategy.
The Takeaway
Personalization is not just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. By leveraging data analytics and AI, businesses can deliver meaningful customer experiences that drive loyalty and growth. Business leaders who embrace this approach today will be the ones thriving tomorrow.
Permitting Reform
Source: PA Chamber for Business and Industry
The Shapiro Administration is committed to Getting Stuff Done for Pennsylvania businesses while maintaining the environmental and public health protection that Pennsylvanians expect and deserve.
DEP is modernizing the permit review process to increase certainty for applicants, increase transparency for residents, and increase the quality of permit applications that DEP is receiving. This effort is critical in managing the more than 40,000 permits DEP reviews every year.
Through new systems, upgraded technology, and improved customer service, DEP is Delivering on Every Promise when it comes to environmental protection and permitting.
Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED)
The Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program was created in July 2024 to continue the DEP’s Permit Modernization effort to move further and faster in permit processing and keep Pennsylvania moving at the speed of business.
Through SPEED, permit applications for select permits will be able to use DEP-approved qualified contractors to conduct initial reviews of applications for expedited review. DEP staff will review recommendations from the qualified contractor and make the decision to approve or deny the permit or issue a technical deficiency letter to the applicant.
Eligible permit Types
- Air Quality plan approvals (state-only) (Chp. 127)
- Earth Disturbance permits (Chp. 102)
- Individual Water Obstruction and Encroachment permits (Chp. 105)
- Dam Safety permits (Chp. 105)
DEP is coordinating activities across the state to meet the implementation deadline. Permit Decision Guarantee and PAyback review timeframes will still apply to SPEED permits.
Qualified Professional Requirements
The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking to engage qualified professionals to review permits on an expedited basis as part of the SPEED Program. Below are the requirements to become a DEP-approved qualified contractor:
- Licensed professional who may be necessary to review applications under the eligible permitting program.
- Has five years of experience of relevant permitting experience in PA.
- Holds all professional licenses as required by law.
- Has not been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime
- Has not had a professional license revoked by the state license board within the previous 10 years.
- Agrees to be responsible for the review costs if the review is deemed inadequate or untimely.
- Has not performed work for the applicant in the last 3 years.
- No other conflicts of interest.
If you're interested in becoming a DEP-approved qualified contractor, please review the invitations for bid (IFB) below:
Individual Water Obstruction and Encroachment
Please continue to check back for any additional updates on the SPEED Program. If you have questions, please reach out to Brian Franklin: bfranklin@pa.gov or calling 717-787-2471
Also, happening in Permitting Reform:
Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an Executive Order creating the PA Permit Fast Track Program, which aims to streamline the Commonwealth’s permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, increase transparency, and accelerate timelines to ensure state government delivers results quickly and efficiently. It would achieve this mainly through a public-facing online dashboard that tracks permit progress, timelines, and feedback from project sponsors. This helps develop transparency in permitting, along with accountability for all parties.
Get more details about the order from the PA Chamber of Business and Industry.
Small Businesses – How to Comply with the Corporate Transparency Act
Source: U.S Chamber of Commerce
Under the Corporate Transparency Act, U.S. small businesses need to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025.
Why it matters: Not filing by the deadline puts small business owners at risk of fines and criminal penalties.
Big picture: The law was enacted in 2021 to combat illicit activity, including tax fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing, by capturing more ownership information for specific U.S. businesses.
Details: Businesses must provide their legal name and trademarks, as well as their current U.S. address. They’ll also need to provide a taxpayer identification number and specify the jurisdiction where they were formed or registered.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce put together a step-by-step guide to help complete the reports.
Dig deeper
New Member Highlight – Horst Insurance
Horst Insurance provides commercial insurance, risk management and reduction programs, employee group benefits plans, and personal insurance policies. We’re a leading regional independent insurance agency serving Central PA and its surrounding areas for over 100 years.
Member News ~ November 21, 2024
Member Offers Help on Federal Judge's ruling on Salary threshold for Exempt Positions
It was announced that a federal judge halted the salary threshold changes for Exempt positions that were approved earlier this year. Interestingly the ruling not only blocks the change to $1128/week planned for 1/1/25, it also blocks the increases that took effect in July, and is blocking the planned 3-year escalator policy that was to occur.
What does this mean for you?
- There may need to be a wait and see approach, while still planning for several “what if” scenarios to be prepared when any final determination is made.
- It is expected that the DOL will appeal this decision and if the courts act quickly; there is a chance the appeal will be overturned, and employers will need to comply with the original ruling.
- If the appeals are delayed and any decision comes after the January 20, 2025 inauguration, the new administration may take a different approach. What that might be is a little early to tell.
Regardless of what happens, employers should be taking the time to assess their current situation, communication that may be needed for employees in the interim, and potential approaches to take. Contact Welch Performance Consulting at tina.welch@wpchr.com or go to https://wpchr.com/ if you are interested in learning more.
MC Federal Supports Local Women’s Center
MC FCU hosted a clothing, hygiene item, and nonperishable food
drive to support The Women's Center, Inc. of Columbia and Montour Counties. Learn more.
RABBITTRANSIT's Stop Hopper Service Expanded to Berwick
rabbittransit's on-demand Stop Hopper service is now available in Berwick Borough, by popular request! Stop Hopper enables residents to schedule rides on smaller, neighborhood friendly-sized public transit vehicles using a smartphone app. It's just $2 per ride within the Bloomsburg-Berwick service zone, and registered seniors 65+ ride FREE. To learn more, visit www.ridethestophopper.org or call 1-800-632-9063.
McKonly & Asbury Named #1 Best Accounting Firm for Young Accountants in 2024
McKonly & Asbury, a leading Mid-Atlantic accounting and business advisory services firm, is proud to announce it has been recognized as the #1 Best Accounting Firm to Work for Young Accountants in 2024 by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group. Learn more.
November ReadyPA Newsletter out now
Learning To Live Beloved Ministries to hold Gala January 11th
Learning to Live Beloved Ministries will be holding its First Annual Well House Gala on January 11th at the Pine Barn. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces "A Christmas Carol" Cast
BTE proudly presents the cast for its upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, running from November 29 through December 28. Three actors play every character in this new adaptation written and directed by BTE resident actor Amy Rene Byrne. The six-member cast is divided into teams that will rotate performances. Learn more.
United Way Selected to Oversee Distribution of Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Funds to Local Agencies
Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) has been chosen to oversee the distribution of $100,013 in federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program. Learn more.
2024-2025 PDA Senior Community Center Grant Application Open
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has opened the Senior Community Center Grant Program for the 2024-25 year. All applications and application materials for the competitive grant funding must be received electronically through the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system from eligible AAA-affiliated SCCs no later than 5 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 13. Additional information, including the application submission instructions, can be found here.
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announce December Programs
Get full list of programs and events here.
PPL Rate to Compare Changes December 1
PPL Electric Utilities’ Price to Compare (PTC), or default rate, will change on Dec. 1, 2024. The new PTC for residential customers will be 10.771¢/kWh for residential customers and 10.446¢/kWh for small business customers. Learn more.
Wilkes SBDC dedicates new Incubator Space
On Thursday, November 14, the Wilkes University SBDC and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA dedicated our small business incubator at the Bloomsburg Innovation Center. The incubator is designed to support the growth of emerging businesses and entrepreneurs in our community by offering modern, flexible office spaces and shared resources like high-speed internet, conference rooms, and office equipment. Congratulations to Dorothy Lane and the Staff of the Wilkes SBDC.
America250PA Launches First Round of Semiquincentennial Grants
America250PA is now accepting applications for the first round of semiquincentennial grants to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. For additional information about how to apply, including a schedule of virtual office hours to answer questions about the program, click here.
Coming Up at the Weis Center
Santa, Ghosts, and Free Books at 36th Annual Treefest November 29 - December 1 and December 6 - 8
TreeFest ushers in the holiday season with new and returning special events at the Caldwell Consistory, starting November 29th. Learn more.
IMC hosting AI to Support HR webinar December 5th
Join the IMC for a free one-hour webinar where an internationally renowned HR expert shares how AI can elevate your HR operations. From streamlining recruitment to crafting personalized employee development plans, this session will give you the tools to future-proof your HR strategy. Learn more and register here.
LCBC hosting Night to Shine
On Friday, February 7, 2025, LCBC will once again partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs. Night to Shine is a worldwide movement that will include special needs proms in 50 states and 7 countries. This is LCBC’s 10th year hosting this unforgettable night in NEPA. Learn more here.
Happy Holidays in the Town of Bloomsburg
The Town of Bloomsburg meters on Main Street from East Street to Jefferson Street will be bagged starting November 29 through January 5th. Free parking in the municipal parking lots and metered side streets will start on December 14 and run through January 5th. Meters on E. 2nd St. are excluded.
Coming up at Arts in Bloom
Luzerne County Community College's Spring Semester Class schedule now available
Luzerne County Community College’s Berwick campus is accepting registrations for their spring semester. Classes are available in a wide ranges of subjects including interpersonal communications, advanced composition, and Basic EMT. For a full class list and to get dates/times for classes check out their course catalog at https://www.luzerne.edu/cl/index.jsp
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
Save the Date - DCDC's Dueling Piano's Coming back April 2025!
Please stay tuned for details on how you can be a part of this great event!
House and Senate Elect Leadership Teams for 2025-26 Session
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last week, the Republican and Democratic caucuses in the state House and Senate selected their respective leadership teams for the next session beginning in January 2025.
The Senate Republican leadership team was all re-elected to their positions, with the re-elections of Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland); Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana); Whip Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster); Caucus Chair Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York); Caucus Secretary Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington); and Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster).
The Senate Democrats elected Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny); Whip Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia); Caucus Chair Maria Collett (D-Montgomery); Caucus Secretary Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks); Caucus Administrator Judy Schwank (D-Berks); Policy Chair Nick Miller (D-Lehigh); and Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia).
In the House, the Democratic one-seat majority plans to nominate Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) to continue serving as Speaker of the House and will be led by Leader Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery); Whip Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh); Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia); Policy Chair Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie); Caucus Chair Rob Matzie (D-Beaver); Caucus Secretary Tina Davis (D-Bucks); and Caucus Administrator Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware).
The House Republican leadership slate consists of Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford); Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington); Appropriations Chair Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana); Policy Chair David Rowe (R-Union); Caucus Chair Martina White (R-Philadelphia); Caucus Secretary Clint Owlett (R-Tioga); Caucus Administrator Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland).
In a statement, PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein congratulated the new leadership teams and expressed optimism about how they can collaborate toward a stronger economic future in Pennsylvania. “When the new General Assembly convenes in January, the party breakdown in both chambers will look the same as the past two years, reinforcing the continued need for bipartisan consensus around issues that will improve Pennsylvanians’ lives and move our state forward,” Bernstein said. The PA Chamber is ready and eager to partner with these leaders and their caucuses to make the commonwealth the most competitive state in the nation for investment, job growth, and economic prosperity.”
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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.
Five Strategies for Leading Through Emotionally Charged Times
In emotionally charged times, strong leaders adopt flexible strategies to help teams stay focused and grounded. Here are five ways leaders can support employees through change and uncertainty — or any time outside events disrupt the workplace.
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Managing teams through stressful news cycles, like after an election, can test any leader’s flexibility and empathy. While current events are often beyond your control, how you respond as a leader can significantly impact your team’s morale and productivity. Here are five effective strategies to lead with clarity and empathy in emotionally charged environments.
1. Acknowledge the Climate
Ignoring external pressures like election results or significant news events can alienate employees. Instead, create a space where your team feels seen by acknowledging the collective emotional tension. Starting a team meeting with a short, empathetic acknowledgement —“I know this week has been intense for many of us”—can set a tone of understanding. Harvard Business Review notes that leaders who recognize their team’s emotional state foster stronger team cohesion and resilience.
2. Promote Flexibility and Autonomy
High-stress periods often affect employees’ focus and availability. Offering flexible scheduling options, whether that means remote work or adjusted hours, can reduce stress and empower team members to manage their time more effectively. Research from Forbes suggests that employees with greater autonomy during challenging times experience higher job satisfaction and lower anxiety, contributing positively to overall productivity.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Create an open dialogue by regularly checking in with team members individually and collectively. Encourage team members to voice concerns, not just about work but also about how current events may be affecting them. Leaders who normalize these conversations foster a psychologically safe environment where employees feel supported and respected.
4. Model Emotional Resilience
Demonstrate calmness and resilience to help your team navigate uncertainty. Displaying emotional steadiness encourages employees to mirror these behaviors. Additionally, showing a healthy approach to stress—by openly discussing positive coping mechanisms—sets an example for managing emotions productively. Studies published by Inc. suggest that employees often mimic the emotional cues of their leaders, making it crucial for managers to exemplify balanced reactions.
5. Refocus on Purpose and Values
In times of anxiety, reconnecting employees with the organization’s mission can help ground their focus. Reinforcing the team’s shared goals and values can remind employees of the broader purpose behind their work. This strategy not only strengthens commitment but also promotes resilience as it refocuses energy from external events back to collective goals.
Final Thoughts
In times of high external stress, flexibility, empathy, and clear communication are critical leadership qualities. By acknowledging the emotional climate and prioritizing open support, leaders can help their teams remain engaged and resilient, no matter what’s happening in the world outside. These strategies are invaluable for any organization committed to fostering a compassionate and adaptive workplace culture.
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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.