Member News – May 24, 2023
Montour Preserve Trails and Pavilions Reopened to Use
Country Fresh Market and Hardware Store holds Grand Opening event
May 19th kicked off Country Fresh Market and Hardware Stores grand opening weekend. Festivities included a lunch to support the VFW and food bank, games and giveaways. Congressman Dan Mueser, Representative Robert Leadbeter, and Columbia County Commissioners David Kovach and Chris Young were on hand for a ribbon cutting that highlighted relationships between small businesses and community banks with the FHLBank Pittsburgh and First Columbia Bank & Trust Co. working together to support this family-run Benton business.
Sekisui Kydex Employee Sean Stabler Honored
Pennsylvania College of Technology honored Sean Stabler with a Distinguished Alumni Award at one of its Spring 2023 Commencement ceremonies, held May 12-13 at the Community Arts Center. Learn More here.
McKonly & Asbury has Internal Audit Recommendations
Learn from McKonly & Asbury about Managing the Internal Audit Function. Considering the fact that there are four Principles and seventeen Standards, each with its own rigorous guidelines within this Domain, you can likely sense the importance placed upon the role of the Chief Audit Executive. Learn more here.
Sarah Smith Represents at 2023 Credit Union Ambassador Contest
Service 1st Federal Credit Union Member Service Representative, Sarah Smith, represented the Northwest Susquehanna Chapter of Credit Unions at the CrossState Credit Union Association’s 2023 Credit Union Ambassador Contest held May 19th. Sarah was one of three finalists. Congratulations Sarah!
BNI Iron Valley recently celebrated its 3rd Anniversary
Over the past 3 years, the members of BNI Iron Valley have passed over $943,000 in closed business and in the last 6 months, have passed 138 referrals. BNI doesn’t just help you grow your business, it gives you the tools you need to build your network, build your relationships, and sharpen your skills. Interested in learning more about how you can be part of this referral network, consider being a visitor. BNI Iron Valley meets every Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Visit www.bnicentralpa.com or www.bni.com for more information.
Press Enterprise to hold "Best of the Best" Contest
2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns! - Experience Columbia -Montour Counties
Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area-covered bridges. The 2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest runs from Saturday, April 1st through Wednesday, May 31st at midnight EST. We’re excited to see another fantastic set of entries from everyone! Click HERE to learn how to enter!
Glen Brook hosting Cruise-In
Join Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on May 29th for an all-vehicle cruise-in. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 cars. For more details see their flyer here.
Workplace Safety Committee Certification Webinar
Introduce workplace safety committee members (management and employees) to the requirements of Act 34 for purposes of Workers’ Compensation policy credits and cost reductions on May 31st with a webinar hosted by PATH. Register here.
Governor's Safety Award Nominations Open
Proud of your safety and prevention program? Consider applying for the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence. Nominations are due June 1.
2nd Annual Recovery Picnic to be Held in June
Susquehanna United Way's United in Recovery program will be hosting its 2nd Annual Recovery Picnic on June 15, 11:00 am - 1:30 PM at 163 Briar Creek Lake Park Road, Berwick, PA, 18603. RSVP to the event here.
Berwick Historical Society to Host Grand Opening
June 24th will see the grand opening of the David A Sadock House in Berwick. Visit and tour the home of the Berwick Historical Society Library & Museum from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Some of the areas and displays include the Prominent Citizens of Berwick, Berwick Business, Historic Homes, ACF Military Room, Fashions of Berwick, Berwick Schools, Genealogy, and Book Room.
IMC to host Webinar Series
The Innovative Manufacturers' Center will be hosting a free four-part webinar series about attracting and retaining employees. The series starts July 25th. See full details.
The Debt Limit Stalemate and Your Small Business: Everything You Need to Know
Author: Thaddeus Swanek, Senior Writer and Editor, Strategic Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Small businesses would be affected by a default. Learn about the debt limit standoff and what small businesses can do to help stop a default and prepare for one if it does occur.
The U.S. federal government is nearing the limit on the amount of debt it is legally allowed to accrue. Congress sets this debt limit and has the power to raise it to meet the country’s financial obligations. If Congress doesn’t increase the limit before funds run out, the government would be unable to pay its bills on time, resulting in a first-ever default, which would be catastrophic for the U.S. economy.
Here's everything you need to know as a small business owner about the debt limit standoff and its possible repercussions for your business.
What small businesses think about the debt limit standoff
Small businesses are deeply concerned about the possibility of the U.S. defaulting and its potential repercussions. The vast majority of small businesses want the U.S. to avoid a default:
- According to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices survey, 90% of small business owners want the government to avoid defaulting on the nation’s debt.
- In the same survey, 65% of small businesses say they would be negatively impacted if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling.
- 81% of small business owners want Congress to enact spending cuts in conjunction with raising the debt ceiling according to the survey.
In other words, most small business owners want their elected representatives to come to a bipartisan compromise to avoid default.
Tell Congress: Resolve the Debt Limit Impasse
Small businesses would be devastated by a default on the debt limit. At the Columbia Montour Chamber's "Breakfast with the Board" in February, members told Chamber leaders that they wanted more ways to get involved. Here's a key way: Urge Congress to avoid a catastrophic default. Contact Your Lawmaker
How small businesses could be impacted by a default
If there is no resolution and the U.S. goes into default, the repercussions could be devastating for small businesses. Here’s just a sampling of highly likely outcomes:
- Recession. Many analysts believe an already fragile economy could spiral into a long recession if there’s a default. It would also likely cause extreme turmoil in both stock and bond markets.
- The credit crunch could worsen. According to the MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, concerns over rising interest rates rose 9 points this year. Rates might go higher and credit could become even more scarce, preventing small businesses from accessing the credit they need to grow.
- Much higher inflation (and a much weaker dollar). The dollar is the globally-dominant reserve currency and is seen as a universal store of value. After a default that would no longer be the case. The role of the dollar would be weakened, perhaps permanently. This would mean less spending power for small businesses and higher inflation as the dollar weakens relative to global goods.
What small businesses can do now to prepare
There are a few things you can do to head off a default while preparing for its possible consequences, including:
- Emailing your Congressional representatives and telling them about how your small business in their home district would be impacted and how vitally important it is to reach an agreement.
- Making sure your business is prepared to navigate the changing economic landscape. A recent U.S. Chamber blog post by a real small business owner discusses strategies any small business can take to weather tough economic times.
To learn more:
Read the U.S. Chamber’s take on “The Dire Consequences of a U.S. Debt Default.”
Recap: May Business After Hours
Apollo Point was the center of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce's May 17th evening. A crowd of over 60 people got to take in live music, wine by Neighbor Lady Vino, food by Craft Catering. Tours ran continuously around the property highlighting new spaces. A space many guests got to learn about was Apollo Point's spacious conference room which is available for the community to use for their next meeting.
While Chamber members didn't take advantage of the heated pool conversations lasted into the evening with groups of attendees being able to move in and out of the main gathering space to an outdoor patio area next to the pool.
See a photo recap below.
State Election Recap
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last Tuesday was Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania, and millions of voters cast their ballots to help shape the future direction of our Commonwealth. Here is a summary of the major state contests in this year’s election.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Judge Carolyn Carluccio (R-Montgomery) prevailed with 53.55 percent of the Republican Primary vote for Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Daniel McCaffery (D-Philadelphia) defeated Judge Deb Kunselman (D-Beaver) in the Democrat Primary.
Judge Carluccio and Judge McCaffery will face off in the contest for Supreme Court in the Nov. 7 General Election. The winner will fill a vacancy on the court, where Democrats currently hold a 4-2 majority. Read more about the race here.
Pennsylvania Superior Court
Jill Beck (D-Allegheny) and Judge Timika Lane (D-Philadelphia) were the top two vote-getters in a three-way Democrat Primary for Pennsylvania Superior Court. They will face Judge Maria Battista (R-Clarion) and Judge Harry Smail (R-Westmoreland) in November in a four-way contest in which the top two vote getters will fill two open seats on the Superior Court.
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court
Judge Matt Wolf (D-Philadelphia) bested Bryan Neft (D-Allegheny) in the Democrat Primary, while Megan Martin (R-Cumberland) prevailed in the Republican Primary with 63 percent of the vote against Joshua Prince (R-Berks). Judge Matt Wolf and Megan Martin will compete in the General Election for one open seat on the Commonwealth Court.
Pennsylvania House Special Elections
Michael Stender (R-Northumberland) will represent House District 108 in the state House covering part of Northumberland and all of Montour counties, having won the Special Election to replace current state Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver. Stender received 64.54 percent of the vote. Read more about the race here.
Heather Boyd (D-Delaware) defeated Katie Ford (R-Delaware) in the Special Election to represent House District 163, the seat vacated by former Rep. Mike Zabel (D-Delaware). Boyd won with 60.1 percent of the vote. Read more about the race here.
Full election results can be viewed at www.electionreturns.pa.gov.
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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.
Managing the Internal Audit Function
Source: Mckonly & Asbury
In our previous article 
that explored the domains of the IIA’s Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), we focused on Domain III which outlines the role of the Board (or the organizations equivalent senior management) in the Internal Audit (IA) function. In this article, we will discuss Domain IV: Managing the Internal Audit Function. This domain focuses exclusively on the role of the Chief Audit Executive (CAE). We will explore the four principles in this Domain which will outline the extensive responsibilities, experience, and skills that the CAE must possess to support their organization. Considering the fact that there are four Principles and seventeen Standards, each with their own rigorous guidelines within this Domain, you can likely sense the importance placed upon the role of the CAE.
Principle 9: Plans Strategically
Principle 9 is quite extensive. It contains six Standards that lay out the foundational knowledge that the CAE should have with the core of these being: Governance, Risk Management, and Control Processes. This knowledge will be key in developing appropriate methodologies, coordinating with the Board to develop IA strategies, and creating the IA Charter. The IA Charter is an important internal document that states the purpose of IA, commits the IA function to adhering to GIAS, shows organizational positions, and reports relationships and many other details that flesh out the goals of the IA function.
The CAE should, through discussion with the Board, have a firm grasp of what their organization’s strategic objectives are. Based on the organization’s objectives, strategies, and risk appetite, the CAE should then develop an Internal Audit Plan, which (in simple terms) offers the organization a document that says, “here is what we do and how we will do it.” The plan should also emphasize any limitations or conflicting demands that would impede the execution of the plan.
The CAE should act as the nexus of coordination for internal and external services and assurance providers. This includes developing a methodology for evaluating other providers of assurance and advisory services, which includes a basis for relying upon their work.
Principle 10: Manages Resources
The CAE is the steward of the IA function’s resources. The three primary resources are: Financial, Technological, and Human Resources. One of the most important aspects of this principle is the ability to develop and present a budget to the Board which includes the resources required to complete the plan, resource resources, and recommendations to fill any gaps. The gaps may be technological or staff qualifications. These gaps may also be filled by purchasing technology, training staff, or outsourcing external resources. If the IA function has insufficient access to the resources needed, the CAE must communicate to the Board detailed information on the impacts of not filling the gaps and costs to fill the gaps.
Principle 11: Communicates Effectively
As the face of the IA function, the CAE is the relationship builder and primary communicator when discussing organizational interests and concerns with stakeholders and the board, promoting a sense of trust and understanding of the IA function and its members. The CAE is also responsible for ensuring all communications on behalf of the IA function follows seven rules; they must be: accurate, objective, clear, concise, constructive, complete, and timely.
These rules apply particularly when communicating acceptance of risks, engagement conclusions, themes developed from the findings of multiple engagements, and conclusions at the level of the business unit or organization. When errors or omissions occur, the CAE ensures that all concerned parties who received inaccurate or incomplete information receive a corrected copy of that information.
Principle 12: Enhances Quality
The CAE ensures conformance with the standards and uses performance measures to continuously improve the performance of the IA function. The CAE establishes performance objectives and a methodology which includes measuring progress toward performance objectives, conformance with Standards, and periodic self-assessments. The self-assessments must be performed by persons within the organization with appropriate knowledge of the Standards and IA practices. The results of the self-assessments will drive the development of an action plan which addresses nonconformance with standards and identifies improvement opportunities. The CAE must also be the guiding hand in helping internal auditors achieve their objectives with the larger goal of improving engagement performance through proper supervision and verifying that the Standards are being followed. The CAE is also responsible for ensuring that a Quality Assurance and Improvement (QAIP) assessment is performed by a qualified third party.
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For more information on QAIP and regarding McKonly & Asbury's internal audit experience, be sure to visit their Internal Audit Services page and don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of their internal audit team, such as Elaine Nissley.
Member Highlight -Marker Development Group
We are pleased to showcase Marker Development Group who joined the Chamber in March of 2023.
Take your business to the next level and grow your C-Suite Level Contacts.
Whether your needs are hosted VOIP migration, security, asset tracking, safety surrounding your business or the latest technology in Body Worn Cameras - Marker Development Group can help you develop, define and close business relationships through consultative selling strategies.
Member News – May 17, 2023
Press Enterprise to hold "Best of the Best" Contest
2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Returns! - Experience Columbia -Montour Counties
Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area-covered bridges. The 2023 Covered Bridge Photo Contest runs from Saturday, April 1st through Wednesday, May 31st at midnight EST. We’re excited to see another fantastic set of entries from everyone! Click HERE to learn how to enter!
PATHS Training May Webinars
The Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Health & Safety, will be offering numerous FREE safety webinars in May 2023. To access the PATHS Training Calendar visit www.dli.pa.gov/paths
First Commonwealth Bank Offering Virtual Seminar
Do you have customers that have questions about Buying a New Home? First Commonwealth Bank is offering a virtual seminar Thursday, May 18, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Jeff Woodward, FCB Senior Mortgage Loan Originator Feel free to join or alert your clients. To RSVP, please visit here: Home Buyer Seminars | First Commonwealth Bank (fcbanking.com)
Armed Forces Day at Knoebels
As a way of saying thank-you for serving our country, Knoebels Amusement Resort invites members of the US Armed Forces to enjoy a free ride pass on May 20.
Service 1st Retirement & Investment Center Welcomes Culver and Announces DeFalco as Financial Advisor
Two familiar faces at Service 1st Federal Credit Union are now assisting members in their new roles with the Service 1st Retirement & Investment Center. Read the full story.
First Keystone Corporation Holds Annual Meeting, Announces Re-Elections and Promotions
Congratulations to the following individuals, whose promotions were announced at the recent annual shareholder meeting of First Keystone Corporation, the parent company of First Keystone Community Bank: evin Krieger, Compliance Officer, and Rebecca Hooper, Senior Trust Officer, were promoted to Senior Vice President. Lauren Duane, Business Services Manager; Kathy Jarski, Regional Branch Administrator; Sandy Cole, Community Office Manager II; John Dougherty, Community Office Manager II; and Kim Shiner, Community Officer Manager II, were promoted to Vice President. Stacy Gordner, Accounting Manager; Yolanda Francis, Regional Branch Administrator/Training Specialist; Levi Diltz, Compliance Administrator; and Melanie Fisher, Credit Analyst II, were promoted to Assistant Vice President. Joan Henry, Loan Operations Supervisor; Geovany Elias, Commercial Services Officer I; Jennifer Groblewski, Community Office Manager I; Dylan Woodard, Systems Engineer/Assistant IT Manager; Alex Klinger, Accountant I/Loan Data Specialist; Dawn Bettinger, Commercial Loan Documentation Specialist I; and Jordan Beach, Collector/Loan Servicer, were promoted to Officer. For the full story, click here.
Governor's Safety Award Nominations Open
Proud of your safety and prevention program? Consider applying for the Governor's Award for Safety Excellence. Nominations are due June 1.
2nd Annual Recovery Picnic to be Held in June
Susquehanna United Way's United in Recovery program will be hosting its 2nd Annual Recovery Picnic on June 15, 11:00 am - 1:30 PM at 163 Briar Creek Lake Park Road, Berwick, PA, 18603. RSVP to the event here.
IMC to host Webinar Series
The Innovative Manufacturers' Center will be hosting a free four-part webinar series about attracting and retaining employees. The series starts July 25th. See full details.
Future Leaders in STEM Event Postponed to Fall 2023
The Bloomsburg Children's Museum, The Foundation of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, The Bloomsburg YMCA, and the Teen Center are working together to bring TEDx-style talks, vendors, activities, and workshops. The event is free but registration is required. Stay tuned for more information!
Access Local Election Results
Last week, the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce had the privilege to offer the community a glimpse into the candidates vying to serve as County Commissioners in Columbia County through our candidate forum. With the primary election concluded, we look forward to the general election, where we hope to play a continued role in learning more about those interested in serving in leadership positions and holding public office. Most of all, the Chamber is committed to elevating the level of professionalism, decorum, civility, and transparency across our footprint, setting aside the vitriol of the national political atmosphere.
Candidates and local organizations interested in joining the Chamber's vision for public service are invited to sign and return the Chamber's Code of Conduct.
Congratulations to the candidates who participated in the most recent election - a primary election in Columbia County, and a primary and special election in Montour County. For up-to-date election results, please visit your county's election websites, listed below:
Columbia County Election Results
Montour County Election Results
For local coverage or interpretation of these results, please reach out to local media.
Leverage Small Business Resources Year-Round
Sources: US Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Many organizations provide support and online tools for small business owners and employees. Take advantage of these free resources during Small Business Month and throughout the year. Trying to keep costs down? There are plenty of free business resources online...and plenty more that are just around the corner.
Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning about their industry, business, and customers. They look for ongoing training opportunities for themselves and their staff. Free resources for small business owners help you break into the global marketplace, assess economic growth, and identify new business opportunities. Celebrate Small Business Month and improve your company year-round using small business resources and online tools to reach your goals. Each of the following organizations and websites provides actionable information requiring just a few clicks.
1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Local SBDCs
Learn how to start, grow, or sell your business using the SBA’s free resources. The SBA offers informative content, interactive online tools, and a video library for entrepreneurs. These range from business planning solutions to mentoring services.
You can explore export assistance programs and financial resources. Both help grow businesses and enable entrepreneurs to strengthen their market position. Or learn how to qualify for government contracts, get funding for your company, and explore business certifications.
Check out these SBA tools and content:
- Small Business Development Centers: Attend in-person events and get individualized assistance from small business centers near you. In Montour County, connect with the Bucknell Small Business Development Center. In Columbia County, connect with the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center.
- SBA’s Ascent: Explore Ascent—a free learning platform for women entrepreneurs—by choosing your journey and topics to master. Content options include fireside chats, self-assessments, discussion guides, and exercises.
- Learning center courses: The SBA’s learning center video courses cover starting up to selling your business and everything in between. Most topics have several videos, with many around a minute long.
- Boots to Business: If you’re a transitioning service member (including National Guard and Reserve) or a spouse with access to a military installation, check out the Boots to Business program. Alternatively, Reboot courses are available to veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and military spouses.
- Leadership Programs: If you have at least one employee besides yourself, have been in business for three years, and have annual revenues of at least $250,000, consider the six-month T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined program. It provides MBA-equivalent knowledge, and you’ll create a three-year strategic business growth action plan. Looking for something more local and community-specific? How about developing your team through the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber's Leadership Central Penn program? Thirty years of alumni speak glowingly of the program.Need more information about importing and exporting? Have you connected with the experts over at SEDA-COG?
2. WedNET
Created by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and made available through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania, the WEDnetPA program provides qualified employers training funds for new and existing employees. WEDnetPA is a unique, collaborative partnership of community colleges, state system universities and other educational institutions working together to be responsive to the needs of Pennsylvania’s business community. Better yet? Our local WEDnetPA Partner is none other than Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Campus, and the program that the Chamber partners with the university to deliver, the Management & Leadership Certificate program, is an approved program! Contact Jennifer Williams for more information on WEDnetPA funding and stay tuned here for more about the next Management & Leadership Cohort (Fall 2023)!
3. HubSpot
HubSpot is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) tool offering free and paid courses. It also provides the HubSpot Academy for ongoing education geared toward your entire team, including leaders, department supervisors, and employees. There are dozens of programs, including free online courses and longer certification sessions, and you can display earned badges on websites and company bios.
Achieve certifications through business courses, such as:
- Digital marketing.
- Inbound sales.
- Growth-driven graphic design.
- Content marketing.
- Digital advertising.
- Sales management.
- Email marketing.
Also, check out HubSpot’s Website Grader. Enter your company’s website and email address and click “get your score.” HubSpot grades your site based on performance, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile, and security. It also provides a list of recommendations for site improvements.
4. Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE provides many great resources for small business owners, including webinars, interactive courses, business templates, and local workshops. SCORE partnered with Google and the International Downtown Association (IDA) to develop a free digital readiness series. Each module provides digital tools, webinars, and videos on how to grow your business with Google.
Recently, SCORE added The Startup Roadmap. It’s an excellent guide for individuals wanting to start a company. An entrepreneur can complete the step-by-step tutorial alone or with a mentor. It has 12 modules, which you can complete in any order. Each module offers actionable steps, free resources, and other online tools to complete the steps.
You can find SCORE events and workshops near you by entering your state or zip code and filtering the results according to business stage, topic, and format. SCORE also offers mentorship opportunities to any citizen or permanent resident who owns a business or wants to start one. The interactions happen virtually so that you can communicate with your mentor via email, phone, and video.
5. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce (Your existing member benefits)
You've invested in membership, but are you aware of all of the benefits that go with it? These benefits are constantly improving and changing, and we want to help you make the most of them. Whether that's connecting you with members, community partners, local governments, helping you find answers to questions, or advocating on your behalf, your Chamber exists to represent your business in building vibrant and sustainable communities. You have access to Chamber committees, ribbon cutting and celebration resources, marketing efforts, communications, events, and so much more.
There's barely enough space to write about our partnerships with MyBenefit Advisor (more below), energy consultants at World Kinect Energy, the dividend-paying Chamber program with Penn National Business Insurance,
Through the Chamber, you also get the benefits of our relationships with state and national partners - the PA Chamber of Business & Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which host resources like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business page and its Small Business Weekly Forecast. You can also view videos, forums and interviews with experts, business leaders, and officials on the U.S. Chamber's Chamber OnDemand platform or expand your small business knowledge on CO, which delivers fact-based articles on best practices for how to start, grow, and run your company.
6. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional-focused social media platform used by entrepreneurs globally. You can showcase your company and build relationships with business customers and future employees. It’s also a key spot to highlight your expertise as an entrepreneur in your personal profile. Get started with LinkedIn’s Action Plan for Small Businesses. It’s a five-page guide to completing your page, growing your follower count, and posting the right content.
But don’t stop there! LinkedIn has a small business resource center packed with free content. It offers virtual events, free online courses, and livestreams. The virtual sessions are geared toward entrepreneurs at all levels, including managers and leaders, talent acquisition professionals, remote workers, and sales teams. We recommend Boost Your Business With LinkedIn for existing businesses, as it’s a video guide to using LinkedIn for branding, lead generation, and hiring.
7. Constant Contact
Constant Contact is an online marketing platform tailored to small businesses. It offers various free tools and other resources for small businesses. Topics include email, social media, SMS texting, online stores, and websites. Constant Contact also provides educational webinars, seminars, and local events year-round.
This platform can help your team members level up their skills while improving operations. It includes small business resources for digital marketing tailored to your skill level—just starting out, up and running, or advanced marketer.
8. HR.com and MyBenefit Advisor
Manage human resources effectively with a free membership and resources from HR.com. It has e-learning lessons, webcasts, and virtual events. You can learn about upcoming changes to regulations and help your HR employees achieve Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications.
Free resources for small businesses consist of:
- HR compliance posters.
- Industry trends and research papers.
- HR certification prep courses.
- More than 5,000 educational webcasts.
- Recertification credits.
- HR forms, templates, and tools.
- Publications in more than 13 verticals.
Looking for more HR tools and a live person to talk to? Look no further than the Chamber's MyBenefit Advisor partnership for even more quality resources.
9. Networking Groups
Networking groups for entrepreneurs like BNI Central PA, One Million Cups Susquehanna Valley and industry specific groups like IMC (Innovative Manufacturers Council) can help you make meaningful local connections. Don't forget the Chamber's monthly Business After Hours too...events that are free to attend for members and non-members alike. In case you haven't heard, we've got these special monthly events scheduled 10 months out now!
10. Google
A Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, can drive customers to your brick-and-mortar storefront and online platform. It also offers many free tools for entrepreneurs and small teams, including Google Workspace and Google Drive. The Google for Small Business page provides a wealth of information for small business owners, helping you navigate SEO, advertising, and marketing.
Course topics include:
- Getting your business online.
- Standing out on Search and Maps.
- Understanding SEO.
- Gathering insights.
- Starting an online store.
- Using email marketing.
- Advertising online.
The small business lesson collection helps you research your market, develop a business plan, and prepare to request funding. Also, check out the Grow with Google small business showcase on YouTube. It offers more than 250 videos covering topics like project management and data analytics.
LinkedIn has a small business resource center packed with free content. It offers virtual events, free online courses, and livestreams.
11. MIT Open Learning Library
Expand into a new industry and explore diverse courses through the MIT Open Learning Library. These self-paced lessons are free to download. Most courses include interactive content and exercises, which provide immediate feedback. These sessions are a great free resource for businesses wanting to offer professional development options for employees.
The topics include:
- Aeronautics and astronautics.
- Biology.
- Comparative media studies and writing.
- Earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences.
- Electrical engineering and computer science.
- Global languages.
- Linguistics and philosophy.
- Management.
- Materials science and engineering.
- Mathematics.
- Nuclear sciences and engineering.
- Physics.
- Urban studies and planning.
- Harvard-MIT program in health sciences and technology (HST).
12. FDIC: Money Smart for Small Business
Boost your financial literacy with 13 modules for starting and managing a business. The materials and instructor-led curriculum were developed jointly by the Small Business Administration and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). You can download financial resources at Money Smart – Teach – For Small Business.
The lessons consist of:
- "Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?"
- "Planning for a Healthy Business"
- "Banking Services Available for a Small Business"
13. National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
NFIB has many free guides and online presentations. It offers additional resources for members. We recommend checking out NFIB’s research, webinars, Small Business Rundown podcast, and legal channels. A recent podcast discusses the health insurance affordability crisis, while webinars cover HR, marketing, tax, legal, and credit and finance.
14. National Retail Federation (NRF)
NRF is a must-visit site if you’re a retail business. It provides tons of research for planning upcoming campaigns and making seasonal financial projections. NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association and completes studies throughout the year, including sections for various holidays where you can compare consumer shopping figures from the past several years.
We suggest using NRF’s research to inform your campaigns and strategies. Two of the latest reports are the NRF 2023 Sales Forecast and the NRF State of Retail & the Consumer.
15. IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center
Get answers to your small business tax questions at the IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center. It provides free resources for taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040-SR and small companies with assets under $10 million.
Access information for:
- Preparing your taxes.
- Filing and paying taxes.
- Stages of owning a business.
- General topics.
- Online learning.
We're going to keep publishing information like this to keep you informed, because as far as resources go, this quick list is really only scratching the surface. We haven't even started referencing the local university resources, non-profit opportunities, grants, or community partners like DRIVE (economic development) and Advance Central PA and the PA CareerLink. Stay tuned! Still don't have what you need? Call Brenda Flanagan, Administrative Assistant at the Columbia Montour Chamber, and we'll be happy to brainstorm additional ways to get you and your organization the resources you need to be successful. 570-784-2522.
How to Choose the Right Insurer for Your Benefit Plans
Source: MyBenefit Advisor
Author: Renay Gontis
Offering the right mix of benefits to employees is a daunting task for almost any company. Yet most business owners understand the importance and value a strong employee benefit portfolio has on their company’s growth and overall success. But choosing the best benefits is only part of the story. Choosing the right insurance carriers to provide those benefits is not only the other part of the story, but an often undervalued aspect as well.
When evaluating different carriers for benefit plans, there are several things employers should consider prior to making a decision. While working with a benefits broker or consultant will greatly simplify this process, it is ultimately up to the business owner to assure the carrier selection is the best fit for their company. Here are a few points to consider:
Carrier Credentials…In addition to checking that carriers are licensed to do business in any state(s) with client locations, decision makers should also seek assurance that the carrier is financially sound and meets all state requirements such as those involving required premium reserve levels.
Diversity of Products and Services…Most companies today, especially those with more than a few employees, tend to offer multiples plan options for their employees to choose from. The right carrier should have a wide portfolio of plans available for any group. Which of those plans should be in the company benefit package? That should be based on the specific demographics of each business, the health care needs of that population and the company budget.
Provider Networks…Prior to including a plan in the company’s benefit portfolio, the decision maker should be assured that employees and their families will be comfortable choosing from the physicians and hospitals within the provider’s network.
Cost Competitiveness…This is obvious, but with all other factors being equal, the plan premiums for both the company and it’s employees are a major factor in any decision to choose or bypass a carrier.
Level of Technology…Online access to health information, digital tools and monitoring and other technology can assist in the management of health issues, taking stress away from employees seeking enhanced well-being and providing employers utilization based savings in the process.
Customer Service Experience…Research the level of personalized customer service that the provider offers members. Especially in smaller businesses, where there are fewer if any human resource personnel for employees to turn to for help with claim issues, a friendly, responsive and effective call center can make or break the employee experience.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Stephen Lylo at (800) 377-3539.