Berleth Selected as Chamber President
On Friday, the Chamber’s Board of Directors selected Chris Berleth, the organization’s Vice President, to succeed Fred Gaffney in the role of President. Gaffney will be leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities. The two will be working together through a transition period to be completed by March, 31st. The process to fill the Vice President position will begin immediately.
“On behalf of the entire board, I extend our sincere thanks and best wishes to Fred Gaffney who has provided inspiring and tireless leadership for the Chamber, its members, and the community at large,” said Chris Stamatedes, Chairperson of the Chamber Board. “While we are sad to see Fred move on, we do consider ourselves fortunate that we have a depth of talent in our staff, allowing us to quickly fill this position with our current Vice President, Chris Berleth.”
Berleth joined The Columbia Montour Chamber in August of 2022. Previously, Chris was with the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber in Shamokin Dam for six years as Executive Director of Membership and Leadership. In his role with the Columbia Montour Chamber, Berleth has provided leadership in delivering a high return on investment to members through the development and coordination of communications, programs, and events of the Chamber and its Foundation. He is an Eagle Scout and a 2015 graduate of Leadership Susquehanna Valley, and holds a B.A. in Political Science and French from Gettysburg College. Chris, his wife Kali, and their two children, Remington, and Rutledge, reside in Pine Township, Columbia County.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the Chamber in the counties I call home,” said Berleth. “For more than twenty years, Fred Gaffney has served the business community and the chamber industry, positively impacted countless organizations and individuals, and served as a mentor to many in the profession. I will work hard to continue his good work, learn from his example, and match his energy so that we may continue to prosper together.
I look forward to working with the Chamber’s board, members, volunteers, and staff to grow the organization, promote an increasingly vibrant community, and ensure the vitality of organizations in the region.”
Gaffney was first hired by the Chamber in March of 2002 as Director of Marketing and Communications. He was later promoted to Vice President and left the Chamber in November 2006 to become the Executive Director of the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce in Seneca Falls, NY. Gaffney was rehired by The Columbia Montour Chamber in May of 2010 as president upon the retirement of his predecessor and mentor, Ed Edwards.
“It has been my privilege to serve the Chamber and its members over a nearly 21-year timespan in my various capacities,” said Gaffney. “With a dedicated board and staff in place and Chris’ leadership, I am excited for the future of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and offer my assistance whenever appropriate.”
Recap: 2023 Annual Meeting
The 2023 Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities was a smashing success, with nearly 200 Chamber members in attendance at Frosty Valley Resort. Check out the photos taken by Kali Berleth of Cozy B Photography. Click on the album below and swipe left/right to advance the pictures!
Columbia Montour Chamber Announces 2023 – 2024 Board
The 2023 – 2024 Board of Directors of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce was announced at the organization’s Annual Meeting sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, held on Tuesday, February 8 at the Frosty Valley Resort in Danville.
The following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors and will begin serving on April 1, 2023.
Elected to serve a 3-year term on the Chamber Board:
Renee Gerringer, Ronald McDonald House of Danville
Adrienne Mael, Susquehanna Valley United Way
Bruce Schlichter, Kawneer
Chris Hill, Pine Barn Inn
Elected to serve a 1-year term on the Chamber Board:
Todd Shawver, Commonwealth University
Deb Shade, Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast
Dan Good, Marr Development
Elected to fill unexpired, three-year terms:
Mike Morgan, Geisinger
Travis Petty, Grieco & Petty
Elected to serve as Officers:
Chris Stamatedes, Chair
Bob Stoudt, Vice-Chair
Holly Morrison – Treasurer
Appointed by the Board Chair for 1-year terms:
Jason Huff, Autoneum
Aaron Stagliano, McKonly & Asbury
Jon Littlewood, First Keystone Community Bank
Other Board members continuing to serve:
Jeff Cerminaro, Walker’s Jewelers
Holly Morrison, Community Giving Foundation
Josh Nespoli, Community Strategies Group
Bob Stoudt, Montour Area Recreation Commission
Tim Wagner, Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.
Jeff Whitenight, First Columbia Bank & Trust
Megan Kiliti, Berwick Area YMCA, Dan Knorr, Commonwealth University of PA, Denise Stone, eXp Realty, Karen Wood, Service 1st Federal Credit Union, and Elaine Woodland, First Keystone Community Bank, were recognized for their service to the board as their terms expired.
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Chamber Releases 2022-2023 Annual Report
At the Columbia Montour Chamber's Annual Meeting, sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities, Board Chair Chris Stamatedes reported on the health of the organization by way of the 2022-2023 Annual Report. Thanks to the ongoing support of members, the Chamber remains strong entering its 83rd year. In his review of the report's highlights, Stamatedes noted the uptick in in-person Chamber events, strong member engagement through local advocacy efforts, the hiring of new staff, and the strategic focus on the workforce by both the Chamber and its Foundation.
Check out the highlights of the past year here, in the 2022-2023 Annual Report.
Chamber Announces 2023 Award Nominees
The Chamber will honor one award recipient in each category at its annual dinner at Frosty Valley Resort on February 8, 2023.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the nominees for the organization’s 2023 Annual Awards. The awards will be presented at the Annual Meeting. This year’s event is the 82nd for the organization and will be held at the Frosty Valley Resort on February 8th at 5:00 p.m.
This meeting provides an opportunity to recognize organizations and individuals for their extraordinary efforts in serving the community throughout the year. The Chamber will present five awards: Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Community Progress Award, and the Outstanding Citizen Award.
The Outstanding Citizen Award, the longest-tenured award, was first presented in 1970. The organization added the Small Business of the Year, the Large Business of the Year, and the Community Progress Award in 2011. The Nonprofit of the Year was first introduced in 2020.
Criteria for the awards are as follows:
Businesses with less than 30 employees that have demonstrated business leadership as evidenced by diversification and creativity in the development of new products, services, and/or markets, and who have demonstrated staying power, positive response to adversity, and community involvement are eligible for the Small Business Award. Businesses which meet the same stringent criteria and have more than 31 employees are eligible for the Large Business Award.
501(c)3 organizations with fewer than 100 employees that have met the requirements of the business of the year award and have also demonstrated aid to the community through personal and/or business resources, leadership, or support of community projects or other board participation are eligible for the Chamber’s annual Nonprofit Award.
Organizations that improve the internal/external appearance of a commercial property through new construction, renovation/restoration, or remodeling and have completed construction within the last three calendar years qualify for the Chamber’s Community Progress Award.
Individuals who are employees or volunteers of a member of the Chamber and are involved in civic activities beneficial to the Columbia-Montour region and project a positive community image are eligible for the Chamber’s highest individual recognition, the Outstanding Citizen Award.
Nominees for the 2023 Annual Awards are as follows:
Nonprofit of the Year – Sponsored by PNC Bank
- The Good Samaritan Mission – Danville, PA
- Community Giving Foundation – Berwick, PA
- Hand in Hand Family Resource Center – Berwick, PA
- Bloomsburg Children’s Museum – Bloomsburg, PA
- Central Susquehanna Opportunities – Shamokin, PA
Community Progress Award – Sponsored by World Kinect Energy & My Benefit Advisor
- Lions Gate – Bloomsburg, PA
- Bason Coffee & More – Danville, PA
- Elmdale Inn Bed & Breakfast – Bloomsburg, PA
Outstanding Citizen – Sponsored by B.I.D.A.
- Rachel Shaffer, Bloomsburg University, Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
- Harry Mathias, Mathias Educational Leadership Consulting, LLC
Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by First Columbia Bank & Trust
- Shanty Secrets – Danville, PA
- InnoTek Computer Consulting – Bloomsburg, PA
Large Business of the Year– Sponsored by DRIVE
- Millville Mutual Insurance – Millville, PA
- MC Federal Credit Union – Danville, PA
To attend the dinner and awards ceremony in support of these outstanding nominees, register here.
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The mission of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is to represent local employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour counties.
Welcome New Member – The Venue at Liberty Valley
The Venue offers over 10,000 square feet of usable indoor space, including three main event rooms, a cocktail lounge sporting a nearly 40 foot bar, two luxury suites, and an outdoor seating area on the deck. Large windows offer ample natural lighting to illuminate the luxurious grey washed wood floors, crystal chandeliers, and elegant granite countertops.
Enjoy a panoramic view under airy 19 foot ceilings in The Main Ballroom, privacy and rays of natural sunlight in The Liberty Room, and the perfect meeting and reception space in The Valley Room. Outdoor events space is also available, but all of the space is amplified by a professional staff and in-house caterers who can help with your wedding, bridal shower, birthday party, or corporate meeting.
Welcome to the Chamber!
Learn more about The Venue at Liberty Valley by visiting their website.
Welcome New Member – Fabtex, Inc.
Since serving its first customer in 1986, Fabtex, Inc. has become one of the largest fabricators of American made bed coverings and window treatments for the hospitality, cruise, healthcare and government industries. As a design leader, Fabtex credits collaboration with creative clients and interior designers for many of its most successful installations. Further, it places high value in research and analysis, identifying with its customers to deliver quality products that surpass client expectations. Fabtex believes American made products are the kindest to the planet and of the highest quality. No other country in the world protects the water and the air with such diligence.
While Fabtex has operations in North Carolina and California, the Columbia Montour Chamber is proudest to connect with its founding location in Danville, Pennsylvania, and are especially excited to welcome them to the Chamber.
For more information on Fabtex, and to connect with their team, visit their website.
Welcome New Member – Sean Black State Farm Insurance Agency – Bloomsburg
After a decade of service in Berwick, Sean is beyond proud to celebrate the opening of a second office in Pennsylvania, located in downtown Bloomsburg across the street from the beautiful David Stroup Fountain.
Committed to the same high level of service and customer care in both the Berwick and Bloomsburg offices, you're invited to come pay the team a visit at whichever location is more convenient for you! Sean Black State Farm Insurance Agency extends their services to residents across the great state of Pennsylvania and regularly works with people in Williamsport, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Allentown.
Sean is a second-generation State Farm Agent and has more than 26 years of experience with the company. After working in an internal capacity for State Farm for nearly fifteen years, he made the decision to start his own business in 2012 and hasn't looked back.
His team, comprised of Daniel, Erin, and Alicia, are standing by to make sure your insurance plans are in order, and they can assist you with your Auto, Life, Business, and Home Insurance needs. If you ride a motorcycle or own a boat, consider their help to get you covered. They are also happy to provide you with FREE quotes for any of their insurance offerings, so just reach out!
Of special note: Sean Black State Farm Insurance Agency supports the Berwick Area United Way and Berwick's Women's Shelter, and they are active participants in several community events throughout the year. In the past, Sean has served as board president for the Berwick Area YMCA. He's a big outdoorsman, and is always looking for an excuse to get outside and particularly enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.
Connect with Sean and his team through their website, www.insurebloomsburg.com - and don't miss it - they're hiring!
Welcome New Member – Wrk Inside Out, LLC
The Columbia Montour Chamber is pleased to welcome Wrk Inside Out, LLC, as its newest member. While the health and wellness industry promises quick fixes and focuses on extreme elimination, restriction, and forced ideology that makes the ultimate indicator of health a scale, Wrk Inside Out stands out from the crowd.
Owner and coach Jess Fester works to help her clients do three things: embrace food, embrace movement, and embrace life so that they can live it more abundantly. With Jess, you'll do this by improving physical, mental, emotional, environmental, existential, and relational health.
Find out what works best for you to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Life is hard enough by itself, let alone trying to force something that doesn’t consider all of who you are and what you currently do on a day to day basis. Wrk Inside Out is not designed to be a quick fix, but if you embrace the journey you will take all that you have learned and use it for the rest of your life.
Using both online and in-person coaching and training options, Jess is ready to help you meet your goals!
Welcome New Member – Together for Health & Wellness, LLC
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome to its membership Together for Health and Wellness, LLC.
What does healthcare mean to you? For many, the current models leave your pocketbook empty and you without answers. You've probably experienced long wait times, quick appointments, and the feeling of being unable to get your questions answered. You may even leave thinking, "Something's being overlooked." Together for Health and Wellness is committed to bringing old-fashioned medicine back with a modern model that allows direct access, more time with your practitioner and a team that is advocating for your whole health with a traditional and functional medicine approach. Their goal: Together for Health and Wellness may be your place to heal.
On Monday, November 14, the Chamber was pleased to celebrate with Together for Health and Wellness as they cut the ribbon on their new location on Columbia Boulevard in Bloomsburg. Stop in and visit!