Member Highlight – -Mind and Thrive Wellness
We are pleased to showcase Mind and Thrive Wellness, LLC of Danville. They joined the Chamber in January of 2023.
Making the choice to seek therapy requires strength and courage. Barriers such as time and cost can make the search difficult and dishearten so many. The therapists at Mind and Thrive Wellness, LLC, aim to increase access to mental health services via Telehealth. If you are in need of help or know someone who needs help reach out to Mind and Thrive Wellness to take that first step in your journey to wellness!
Chamber Joins Coalition Calling for Legal Immigration Reforms
On May 1, a bipartisan coalition of more than 430 business associations, including The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, launched the LIBERTY Campaign (Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reform This Year) with a letter to members of Congress, calling on them to address the crisis at our border and the workforce shortage crisis before the year’s end.
The majority of American voters – both Republican and Democrat – support policies to strengthen border security and make it easier to immigrate to the U.S., according to a recent Fox News poll. Three-quarters of voters (73%) favor making it easier to immigrate and increasing the number of border agents at the southern border (74%).
The LIBERTY Campaign is comprised of over 430 business associations from all 50 states and spanning across a host of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, restaurants, hospitality, retail, construction, agriculture, engineering, and food processing, among others. LIBERTY’s letter to Congress reads, in part:
“When it comes to individual priorities, our organizations may differ, but the one thing we agree on is that another year of inaction on border security and legal immigration reform is not an acceptable option. The failure to enact reforms will deepen these current crises.
“That is why we have formed the Legal Immigration and Border Enforcement Reforms This Year (LIBERTY) Campaign, to call upon Congress to enact measures this year to improve our borders and our legal immigration system. Any progress that Congress can make can become the foundation for additional reforms.
“Ultimately, elected officials will have to negotiate what can secure the necessary votes in both Houses of Congress and the President’s signature. We are committed to working with lawmakers who share our view that finding reasonable compromises is the only path forward to securing our borders, averting further humanitarian crises, and meeting the economic needs of the United States.”
Read the full letter sent to Congress and review the list of LIBERTY members.
Chamber to Host Candidate Forum Ahead of Primary Election
Voters in Columbia County will have a chance to learn more about registered Republican candidates vying for County Commissioner during a public candidate forum to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 7:00pm at the Central Columbia High School Auditorium. The event will be hosted by the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee, and is set to take place one week before the municipal primary election.
On the May 16 Republican primary ballot for Columbia County Commissioner, nine individuals are vying to represent their party on the general election ballot. Of those nine (Earl Skip Mordan, Dean A Brewer, Roger D. Glidewell, Kerry J Parkes, Tim Burke, Randy Karschner, Rich Ridgway, Andrew L Detwiler, and Matthew Good), only two will be selected by voters.
In the Democratic primary, there are two registered candidates for County Commissioner seeking two spots on the ballot: David M Kovach and Patricia Lawton.
“We think there’s an opportunity to offer voters an informative and meaningful forum” said Chamber president Chris Berleth, who will serve as the event’s moderator. “We’re also grateful to the students of the Central Columbia Communications and Technology Department who will be helping us live stream the event.”
The event is open to the public, pre-registration is required.
The format for the event will be a modified debate. Each candidate will be presented with the same questions in rotating order with two minutes for each response. Questions screened from the in-person audience may also be presented if time permits. Candidates will also be given time for closing remarks.
“As a Chamber, we continue to host these events for primary and general elections to spotlight important business issues and offer voters a chance to gain exposure to candidates. We don’t endorse candidates or parties,” said Berleth."
The Chamber has hosted candidate forums for several recent primary and general elections, including the general election forum for the 109th Legislative District (2022), the forum for the Democratic primary candidates in the Bloomsburg Mayoral Race (2021), and the Bloomsburg Town Council Candidate Forum (2021). To register for the event on May 9, visit www.columbiamontourchamber.com.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties.
Get Out the Vote: May 16th Primary & Special Elections
According to a new report from the U.S. Chamber Chamber of Commerce, public companies’ concerns about policy risks—like changes in taxes, regulations, and enforcement—have increased by 27% over the last decade.
“The data show what business leaders tell us every day—rising public policy risks threaten business growth and innovation and our country’s global competitiveness,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “In Washington, the polarization, gridlock, regulatory overreach, and inability to act smartly and strategically for our future are making it harder for businesses to do their jobs and move this country forward.”
The study analyzed how many times S&P 500 companies referenced terms commonly associated with public policy risk in their 10-K filings with the SEC from 2011 to 2021, finding that policy risk mentions dramatically increased over the last decade as compared with other risks, which were relatively flat.
The terms that saw the greatest percent increase in mentions were: “data privacy,” “immigration issues,” “labor” and “intellectual property.” The healthcare and utilities sectors saw the biggest increase in concerns about public policy risk over the last decade.
The most prominent drivers behind this significant jump in public policy risks are constant shifts in power in Washington, an increasingly partisan approach to lawmaking, and a growing willingness by both parties to pursue aggressive policy changes through regulation rather than Congressional legislation.
“Companies of all sizes face increasing headwinds from Washington and those risks are diversifying and intensifying,” said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley. “This report confirms what we have been hearing from our member companies about the growing threat of government overreach and the risk it poses to their businesses.”
Management of Public Policy Risks
Like other risks, companies must anticipate, monitor, manage, and, when necessary, mitigate risks posed from changes in public policy. This includes closely monitoring public policy developments, engaging with policymakers, and—as we saw for example in response to trade restrictions—adjusting their business operations.
Against the backdrop of this unprecedented increase in public policy risks impacting businesses of all sizes, the U.S. Chamber has stepped up its efforts to help companies navigate legislative and regulatory risks, hold agency heads and regulators accountable, and challenge overreach at every turn.
The full report can be accessed here.
What We Can Do About It
This is simple: let's get out the vote, beginning with the upcoming May 16, 2023 municipal primary elections, and in Montour County, the special election to fill the open seat in the 108th PA Legislative District. "Primary elections are often overlooked by voters, and that's a mistake," says Chris Berleth, President of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. "We should take all elections as opportunities to bring our voices to the political conversations happening within our communities."
Thanks to technology and the resources provided by our local elections offices, its easier than ever to gain valuable information about what to expect when entering our polling places. Check out the links below to local county election resources and pdf version of the sample ballots for both parties in every community in the region.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties.
Celebrate National Small Business Week
In honor of National Small Business Week, The Columbia Montour Chamber is celebrating our members and continuing our efforts to provide local businesses the access they need to critical resources. As you celebrate your small business this week, don't forget that your membership entitles you to access to the Chamber's low-interest loan program, benefits consulting with My Benefit Advisor, a cost-reducing commercial and residential energy program with World Kinect Energy, and the dozens of networking and employee development programs developed throughout the year. Be sure to check out our website for all of these opportunities.
Our friends and partners at the Small Business Development Centers also have programs and grants which can help you to grow your business. Here are just a few:
May 4th - Business Startup Basics for Central PA - Register here.
May 10th - 1 Million Cups (1MC) Susquehanna Valley engages & empowers entrepreneurs - with conversation & coffee - at monthly events throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Register Here
May 18 - Strategies for Creating Your Marketing Identity - Register Here
Grants & Loans Available to Small Businesses
Value Added Producer Grant Program - helps agricultural producers generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase income. Here are a few examples of farms and food product companies recently receiving grants of up to $250,000. (Due 5/11/2023)
DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate - Farmers who are commercial agriculture producers are eligible to apply for rebates for energy efficiency projects such as LED lighting and variable frequency drives for milk vacuum pumps or ventilation fans . (Due 6/3023)
Economic Injury Disaster Loans - are available throughout the Bucknell SBDC's service region for agricultural cooperatives and small businesses engaged in aquaculture affected by drought from June 10 through August 31, 2022. (Due 8/21/23)
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program - provides up to $2,000 grants to PA-based creative entrepreneurs, prioritizing individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or persons of color, and those located in and whose work benefits low-income communities. (Ongoing)
Global Access Program Grant - reimburses businesses up to 75% of qualifying expenses for specific export promotion activities. Businesses can receive a maximum award of $10,000 per grant, and up to two awards per award period. (Ongoing)
Member News – May 3, 2023
Future Leaders in STEM Event - May 20
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. Register here.
Zartman Construction Celebrating 50 Years of Construction Excellence
Zartman Construction invites you to join in celebrating their 50-year milestone with an Open House TONIGHT from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please tour our facility and meet with our staff while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Learn more about the history of Zartman Construction here.
Glen Brook Rehab to Host Open House
On May 11th from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, Glen Brook Rehab is celebrating their newly renovated sub-acute rooms. See their Open House Flyer 5.11
Columbia County Farm Bureau Reads to Schools
As part of Agricultural Literacy Week over 30 volunteer readers read “The Day the Farmers’ Quit” to over 1900 students in 15 schools, 1 library, and 1 museum. What great work educating our community!
Wilkes University SBDC to Accept Award
On Monday, May 8, 2023, the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center will be presented with the Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award. The presentation will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the Wilkes University SBDC office located at 85 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. Congratulations to them!
OSHA - National Beat the Heat Contest
OSHA is sponsoring a “Beat the Heat Contest” to raise awareness about the hazards of heat exposure in indoor and outdoor workplaces and identify how businesses across the nation control these hazards. Participants are asked to submit an awareness tool (e.g., infographic, poster, training curriculum, webpage, logo, etc.,) to increase heat hazard recognition among employers and workers.
To enter the contest and get more details go here. The contest is open now through June 9, 2023.
THE EXCHANGE IS "GOING GREEN"
Now through May 5th, The Exchange will be featuring artwork featuring the color and/or the concept of “green”. All artists of all ages and levels of experience were encouraged to submit work, and all media accepted, 2D and 3D, with only one rule: The art must fit through the front door. More details are here.
Hand in Hand - I AM Safe meetings
I AM Safe! provides support and encouragement for individuals looking to live their best life, promoting self-advocacy and safety. Safety in the home and the community, digital citizenship, and safety within ourselves. Learn more about I AM Safe at handinhandpa.org/programs/i-am-safe
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)
Welcome New Member – Mapes Mulch & Stone
Welcome Mapes Mulch and Stone to the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. Located at 6055 Columbia Blvd., in Bloomsburg Mapes Mulch and Stone offers mulch, stone, soil and sand, landscaping rentals, and tools for sale. They offer delivery and have a professional landscaper on staff to answer questions. Stop by and welcome them when you are working on your spring outdoor projects.
Recap: Business After Hours at the Stuie a Breezy Celebration
Following weeks of inconsistent weather, guests who attended the Chamber’s April Business After Hours at the Stuart Tank Memorial Association’s Museum experienced a real treat – cool and breezy without a cloud in the sky, the weather was perfect for an event which spanned both the exterior and interior of the facility which serves as a tribute to those who served in World War II. The museum was on full display for the nearly sixty guests who stopped in to network and make connections, and that nearly perfect weather allowed the Association’s Board of Directors to do something very, very cool – they opened the Kawneer-built glass doors directly in front of the Stuart tank which is on permanent loan to them from the National Museum of the Marine Corps. This one, simple act made the entire museum come to life, and magnified the experience for all who got lost in their surroundings.
As guests moved across the interior of the museum, they observed the newly painted mural of the production line of AC&F and stood beside a WWII era flamethrower. First time guests of the museum - parents and grandparents alike- could be heard mumbling, “I had no idea…I’ve got to bring the (grand) kids here.” Stopping by to chat with Patti Leighow and Freas Farm Winery and enjoy some of their wine, guests were also enraptured in the tales of the museum benefactors, and how it came to be filled with generous donations from across the community.
At every turn, there was something new and wonderful to see, and once guests walked through museum, they were also treated to a more temporary but no less impressive visual. A 10x10 pop-up tent covered from wall to wall with photos of the restoration of “Lady Lois” (who expects to make her restored debut later this year), adorned the front yard alongside a war-era Jeep.
When Chamber members weren’t talking about the museum itself, or reveling in the stories told by our hosts, they enjoyed discussing the 1940’s attire donned by Stuart Tank Memorial Association Board members donned 1940’s and the goodie bags complete with ‘40’s era candy, and branded M&Ms (complete with tiny tanks in place of M’s)!
Special thanks to all who attended, and especially to the gracious hosts at the Stuart Tank Memorial Association who put on a fantastic after hours in celebration of the first anniversary of this marvelous museum, and the 80th anniversary of the last tank to roll off the line!
A Long Story Short: Form 990
Source: Chris Richardson, Mckonly & Asbury
A nonprofit’s Form 990 is far more important than just being the annual IRS filing to maintain tax-exempt status. It is a tool for your organization to reach a much wider and potentially helpful audience. This audience includes donors and grantors, potential board members, creditors and banks, vendors, and external evaluators, such as Charity Navigator. With that said, your Form 990 should target these current donors, create a unique selling proposition to attract donor prospects, focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, as well as justice elements of your activities, and enhance your online presence.There are three areas where your Form 990 can enhance your story by considering your audience.
Part I, Summary
Explain your mission. State what the organization does and for whom. Make sure the messaging in this section aligns with the core messaging of your organization as noted on your website and/or marketing information. This section also discloses information on the amount of funding the organization receives and spends. Additionally, information regarding the breakdown between program, management, and fundraising expenses demonstrates how the organization is spending its money. Finally, net assets show the financial health of the organization.
Part III, Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
Describe the success stories of your organization. This is an excellent opportunity to provide qualitative and quantitative details about the success of your organization during the year. Explain the magnitude and effectiveness of the programs and the impact these programs have.
Schedule O, Supplemental Information
Expand upon the success of your top performing programs, accomplishments, and outcomes with more information. Some examples include information on the volunteer base, value and impact of volunteer time, and support received from various public and private entities. Detail this information in a way that prompts the reader to take action.
Form 990 is a public document and one that you should consider making available on your website. Your website is an effective communication tool and a portal for your organization. Make sure you provide information that will lay the foundation to build trust, help you attract donors, sway a grantor, appeal to potential board members, establish a beneficial vendor relationship, reassure creditors, and work in tandem with external evaluators.
By providing your 990 on your website, it will make it easier for your donors to know they are making a good investment in a worthy cause and increase the transparency of your organization. The information you provide will build a trusting relationship with your constituents. Your difference-making in the community will become the way they make a difference. Grant makers will certainly seek out this information, and its availability on your website will help make their decision easier.
Form 990 is a long and often complicated compliance document, but it doesn’t have to be. Make this long story short for your reader by highlighting (as noted in the sections above) the important work your organization performs.
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McKonly & Asbury has built a special reputation for service to the nonprofit sector of the economy. We are proud to serve the area’s most recognized organizations as they strive toward their mission of community support and development. You can learn more about our Nonprofit services by visiting our website.
Recap: Fun, Learning and Reflection at Leadercast Event
While words can do so much, we're delighted to have some wonderful photos of the event, included in an album below. IF you missed this opportunity to connect, do not fear - thanks to Geisinger's sponsorship, Leadercast Women: Amplify events will follow in the coming months, beginning June 8 at Rolling Pines. To register for that event, go here.