55 Chambers Join Forces on Childcare Appeal
55 Chambers of Commerce from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, joined forces with the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association in an appeal to state officials regarding childcare this week. In a letter dated May 30, the appeal, which was sent to Governor Josh Shapiro, department secretaries, and leaders in the House and Senate, was led by Chester County, Delaware County, and Westmoreland Chambers respectively, asked legislators to take four key steps to make childcare
more accessible and affordable for workers, to assist in growing the workforce, and to reduce the more than $2.88 billion in losses to employers and $3.47 billion in losses to the Commonwealth. Legislative action advocated by the coalition includes:
- Employee Childcare Public Private Partnership - Legislation to create a tax credit for employers who furnish employee childcare in the amount of the employer's cost in furnishing employee childcare. Legislation to incentivize employers to fund childcare for their employees by splitting the cost with the state, and providing tax credit incentives to employers who participate.
- Childcare Tax Credit for Parents – Expanding the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Program. Last year’s budget included funds for up to 30% of childcare-related expenses that filers claim on their federal return. This program is meant to support working families by lessening their tax liability. A total of $24.6 million went into the program for last FY and is now a permanent fixture of the state’s tax code. However, expanding the program will allow more middle-income parents to return to the workforce is. $21,614 annually, an impact to all families of any income bracket.
- Retention and Recruitment – Proposals potentially being considered during the current state budget negotiation to offer rebates/incentives for nursing, teaching and policing jobs should be extended to the childcare community. Hiring incentives would be a great first step to address the ongoing issue of low wages ($12.43/hour statewide average) currently paid to childcare workers being a disincentive to join this critical field.
- Regulatory Reform – The Chamber Community is advocating that any future regulatory proposals must ensure proper stakeholder input from childcare providers with special consideration to infant care. In addition, any changes do not lead to increased costs for providers.
See the full list of signers below:
Kelly Goodman-Shaffer, Bedford County Chamber of Commerce
Joe Hurd, Blair County Chamber of Commerce
Jordan Grady, Butler County Chamber of Commerce
Amy Bradley, Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce
Nicole Deary, Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce
Tea Jay Aikey, Central PA Chamber of Commerce
Greg Scott, Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County
Laura Manion, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry
Courtney Herzing, Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry
Chris Berleth, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Emanuel, Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce
Steven L Christian, Cumberland Valley Business Alliance (CVBA)
Trish McFarland, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Jonathan Wright, Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce
Lori L. Moran, East Liberty Quarter Chamber of Commerce
Wendy Klinghoffer, Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Laurie Ryan, Exton Region Chamber of Commerce
Briana Tomack, Greater Latrobe - Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Pamela Kelly, Greater Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce
Chellie Cameron, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Matt Smith, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Mikitish, Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce
Jim Gerlach, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Bob Durkin, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Katie L. Walker, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
Lindsay Griffin-Boylan, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce & Chamber of Business & Industry
Mary Ann Severance, Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
Melody Longstreth, Greene County Chamber of Commerce
Beth Black, Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce
Ryan Unger, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC
Yvonne Martin, Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce
Mark Hilliard, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce
Rhonda Kelley, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Heather Valudes, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce
Karen Groh, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce
Amy Beitel, Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce
Gina Grone, North Side/Shore Chamber of Commerce
Rosanne Barry Novotnak, Norwin Chamber of Commerce
Christine Grove, Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Steve McKnight, Pennsylvania Economic Development Association
Brian Schill, Peters Township Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Capistrant Remington, Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl B. Kuhn, Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
Bernard Dagenais, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce
Robert S. Carl, Jr, The Schuylkill Chamber of Chamber
Eileen Dautrich, TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce
Chris Ardinger, Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce
Leanne Engle, Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce
Susan Williams, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce
Dan DeBone, West Moreland County Chamber of Commerce
George Book Jr., West Shore Chamber of Commerce
Rachel Cathell, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
Gina Suydam, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce
Kevin Schreiber, York County Economic Alliance
Member News – May 31, 2023
Bloomsburg Library to "Chill Out"
June 2 from 5:00 - 8:00 the Bloomsburg Library will host "Chill Out! Cool Science with Liquid Nitrogen". Gasp in amazement as rubber balls shatter and ice cream is made in seconds! Learn about how temperature affects metals and gases through plenty of hands-on demonstrations. This event is in collaboration with the Science in Motion program through Bloomsburg University with Brandon Brown as the presenter.
SEDA-COG Receives $1 Million EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grant
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been awarded a highly competitive $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This award will create the opportunity to assist the SEDA-COG region by capitalizing a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and further expanding its already established and successful EPA Brownfields program under the SEDA-COG Community Services Division.
June 8th Dale Carnegie Webinar
This free webinar will take place on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. EST. This program is a live webinar that offers the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the presenters. Please note this webinar is limited to the first 100 participants. Register here.
CSIU To Hold Free Trainings
Educators, First Responders, and Community Members register today for free trainings on Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention. See a full list of dates and times here.
Hayden Power Group Lawyer Speaks at National Cybersecurity Summit
Hayden Power Group's General Counsel, Rebecca Warren, was selected through a nationally competitive search process to be a speaker at the 2023 ACC Foundation's Cybersecurity Summit, which was held May 8 and May 9 in Los Angeles, California, at UCLA's Luskin Conference Center. Warren presented on the topic: "Ransomware v. Extortionware: Evolving Threats."
Williams Regional Energy Access Project Update
The Regional Energy Access Expansion project will help ease supply constraints affecting customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, providing enough natural gas supply to serve approximately 3 million homes. Learn more about the progress of this project here.
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 TONIGHT at midnight EST. We’re excited to see another fantastic set of entries from everyone! Click HERE to learn how to enter!
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.
Last Week in the Legislature, This Week at the Chamber
LAST WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE
Source: PA Chamber of Business & Industry
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives returned to session last week, advancing legislation dealing with the state budget, infrastructure, energy, retirement, and rail safety. Here is a rundown of what happened last week in the legislature:
House Bill 611
House lawmakers took the first steps in the annual budget process last week by advancing a budget bill out of committee and past second consideration when amendments can be offered. House Bill 611 currently contains Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal and is now expected to be the legislative “vehicle” for enacting this year’s budget.
While advancing the budget bill begins the legislative process (which requires three separate days in both the House and Senate), the bill is expected to be amended to reflect the final budgetary agreement reached following negotiations between the governor and legislature.
Once that agreement is reached, the House will still need to pass H.B. 611 in order to enact the final, annual budget.
House Bill 1162
On Monday, the House Transportation Committee met to consider House Bill 1162. Sponsored by Rep. Ed Neilson (D-Philadelphia), this legislation would limit expenditures of the state’s Motor License Fund (funded by gas and diesel taxes) solely to the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects.
In the past decade, considerable funds from the Motor License Fund have been diverted to the Pennsylvania State Police. House Bill 1162 would gradually phase down these diversions over a four-year period and create a separate funding mechanism for the State Police at the Treasury.
The PA Chamber supports a sustainable, comprehensive funding system for transportation and infrastructure. As such, we supported this measure (CLICK HERE for our memo), which later passed committee by unanimous vote.
House Resolution 79
On Tuesday, the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee met to consider House Resolution 79. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), formally urges the Biden administration to site at least one of its planned hydrogen hubs in Pennsylvania.
The federal infrastructure law provides for $8 billion to be invested by the U.S. Department of Energy in hydrogen hubs across the nation. Hydrogen can be used as a low-carbon fuel for various industrial, power generation, and transportation markets.
Given our state’s historic strengths in these industrial sectors, the PA Chamber was proud to support this resolution (CLICK HERE for the PA Chamber's memo), which later passed the committee by a vote of 20-1.
House Bill 577
On Wednesday, lawmakers voted to pass House Bill 577. Sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna), this legislation would establish a state-run, auto-IRA program dubbed “Keystone Saves.” The program would be mandatory for all Pennsylvania employers with five or more employees that do not currently offer their own retirement savings plans.
While the PA Chamber fully supports encouraging citizens to save for retirement, this bill represents a sweeping change for the Commonwealth, our citizens, and the businesses who are required to implement it. The sheer magnitude of this program, which mandates business participation and would manage the retirement savings of millions of Pennsylvania citizens, calls for thorough vetting and discussion to ensure that all proper safeguards have been put in place
We supported amendments to this legislation to shift the administrative burden from employers to the Treasury Department and give businesses the freedom to opt out of the program; the former amendment passed and was reflected in the final bill, while the latter was defeated.
House Bill 577 later passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 106-95. CLICK HERE for the memo that the PA Chamber of Business & Industry sent to House members prior to the vote.
THIS WEEK AT THE COLUMBIA MONTOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
While you'll frequently find updates about state and federal issues in the publications of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, you'll note that the CMCC does not have a political action committee, does not endorse candidates, and is most active in local, county, and state issues. We work with borough, town, township, and city councils, County Commissioners, local mayors, school districts, and more, advocating on behalf of the membership of the Chamber. On Friday of this week, June 2, 2023, we'll host the monthly Joint Governmental Affairs Committee meeting via Zoom at 8:15 am, and all Chamber members are invited to participate. Please reach out to Chamber President Chris Berleth via email to request the Zoom meeting information. Please note the meeting does follow an agenda, and is led by volunteers. Topics to be discussed include upcoming candidate forums, legislative events for 2023 and 2024, current issues, and more. Local officials are invited to share what they're working on at this monthly meeting.
Annual Golf Tournament Recap: Sun, Golf and Prizes
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Outing sponsored by Williams and played at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course started with bright sun, cool air, and strong breezes and ended with 30 teams enjoying the world-famous Knoebels roasted chicken dinner. It would be hard to find a day more perfect than this one.
Golfers moved through registration 
at a brisk pace thanks to Chamber Ambassadors Sandy Cole, Lauren Duane, Michelle Boone, Denise Stone, Ruth Wardrop, and Chamber Administrative Assistant Brenda Flanagan. With over $2,000 value in prizes across several contests, Chamber Board Directors Renee Gerringer and Tim Wagner had their hands full directing our golfers to see all of the amazing things provided by Chamber members.
Before taking to their ServPro-sponsored golf carts at 1:00, golfers were fueled for the day filled with a lunch of hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chips, and soda sponsored by the Community Giving Foundation and First Keystone Community Bank.
Chamber President Chris Berleth served as a self-proclaimed, "host with the most", enjoying the opportunity to meet with members between drives while manning the snack cart, complete with candy, chips, water provided by ServPro, and specialty sodas provided by Catawissa Bottling Company. (On several occasions, Chris had to restock the ever-popular Sarsparilla for thirsty golfers!)
The day came to a close with the above-mentioned chicken dinner and the announcement of the flight and contest winners. The first flight saw a tie between the Kawneer team of Bruce Schlichter, Mark Hepler, Jason Smith, and Maxx Wrobel and the ServePro Team of Sean McCabe, Doug Ritter, James Trojan, and Ryan Booth winning a ticket package including tickets to Arts In Bloom, The Bloomsburg Fair, and Knoebels, and $50 gift cards to the Inn and Brewery at Turkey Hill respectively.
The second flight was led by the Commercial Stainless team of Brian Wawroski, Fred Clark, John Thompson, and Gary Girton followed by the Alexander Family Buick GMC of John Panko, Pat Long, Ray Merril, and Mike Reichenbach winning watches from Walker's Jewelers, gift cards to Ultimate Car Wash, and passes to the Bloomsburg Fair respectively.
The Chamber could not have pulled off such a wonderful day without each and every one of our sponsors. A full list can be found below along with photos from the day. Don't forget to mark your calendars for our 2024 tournament - May 23, 2024 location to be determined. (As you know, in fairness to our members, member golf courses interested in hosting have an equal chance each year, and may contact Taryn Crayton, Director of Member Engagement, at tcrayton@columbiamontourchamber.com for the next request for proposal.)
Beverage Sponsor: PNC Bank
Hole in One Sponsor: Alexander Family Buick GMC
Longest Drive Prizes: Women's Prize - A gift basket from Blossoms in Bloom by Megan; Men's Prize - A gift basket from Quaker Steak and Lube
Hole Sponsors: Bird Printing, Bodnar Sales & Services, Chevrolet of Bloomsburg, Commercial Stainless, Community Giving Foundation, Henry Dunn Inc, First Keystone Community Bank, Fulton Bank, McKonly & Asbury, Peters Consultants, Inc, Pine Barn Inn, Preferred Portables, Press Enterprise - Commercial Printing, Service Electric, ServPro of Columbia Montour and Sullivan Counties, Steph's Subs, T-Ross Brothers Construction, Trivium, Walker's Jewelers, Williams, Zimmer Insurance
Prize & Gift Sponsors: Aaron Stagliano, Apollo Point, Arts In Bloom, Cole’s Hardware - Bloomsburg, Chris Stamatedes, Dead Man Walking Distillery, Design Group, Elmdale Inn Freas Farm Winery, Henry Dunn Inc, Holly Morrison, Innotek Computer Consulting, Josh Nespoli, Key Partners Reality, Neighbor Lady Vino, Renee Gerringer, Scott's Floral, Webstaurant
Leadership Central Penn Graduates 24th Class
Leadership Central Penn (LCP), a program run by the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber, celebrated the graduation of the class of
2023 on May 18th at the Venue at Liberty Valley. This year’s class marked the 24th cohort. The program included a Keynote address from Megan Brosious, Chief Administrative Officer Geisinger, and class speaker Ernesto Perez, Great Dane.
Before the certificates were awarded, members of the class presented their community impact projects. LCP class members split into four groups to maximize their community impact and partnered with four nonprofits serving our communities. One project helped clean out and waterproof a storage area at the Good Sarmatian Mission in Danville. A second group worked with the Teen Center of Berwick to develop a 9-month teen entrepreneurship academy for high school students that will launch in the fall. The Danville Child Development Center was in need of repainting work in their cafeteria and adjacent areas, so a team took on this task. The last group worked with Beyond Violence of Berwick to paint an entryway and organize donations for the women to use while they are staying at the center. All of the projects were demanding, but fulfilling to the LCP members, nonprofit partners, and community members impacted by these organizations.
The event concluded with honoring the LCP Graduating Class of 2023:
Alexandra Baney – Service 1st FCU
Karla Chapman - Agape
Brent Eckart – First Keystone Community Bank
Chris Farr - PPL
Melanie Fisher – First Keystone Community Bank
Kristie Garancosky - Geisigner
Stacy Gordner – First Keystone Community Bank
Karri Harter – Community Giving Foundation
Kasey Hashagen- Kawneer
Jason Huff - Autoneum
Wade Jones – Hope Enterprise
Sadie Jordan – The Women’s Center
Shelby Kellner – The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum
Shannon Lewczyk – Danville Child Development Center
Sarah Meyer – Columbia Child Development Program
Benjamin Morano - Geisinger
Danielle Pearson – N4Cs
Ernesto Perez – Sponsored by Sekisui Kydex
Jason Ploppert - Girton
Faith Rierson – Columbia Child Development Program
Betsy Rubio – Columbia County Housing and Red. Authority
Melissa Stout – Community Strategies Group
Lindsay Sykes – Bloomsburg Carpet
Leadership Central Penn (LCP) is now accepting nominations for the class of 202-2024. LCP is a nine-month program designed to educate, involve, and motivate a select group of area resident for positions of leadership. The goals are to seek a diverse group or individuals with an interest in assuming effective leadership roles in their organizations and our communities. Participants in the program are chosen based on their commitment to the community and their demonstrated leadership potential. To learn more and apply here.
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.