With the challenges of hiring and retaining quality employees, employers have been increasingly benchmarking their wage rates to ensure they are competitive. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry provides labor market information by county and wage rate information by Metropolitan Statistical Area. Links to those resources are available on the Facts & Figures page of the Chamber’s website.
The wage rate information provided by L&I is from 2020. Advance Central PA, the regional workforce board, accesses a database that pulls from a variety of sources, including current job postings. The contact for that most up-to-date information is William Berry, Research Analyst, at 570-568-6868 or wberry@advancecentralpa.org.
Adapted from the PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier provided updates regarding the agency’s challenges in paying out unemployment compensation benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic; their efforts to fight fraudulent UC claims that have skyrocketed since the pandemic began; new technology infrastructure and more at a hearing last week with the House Labor and Industry Committee.
The massive number of pandemic-related jobless claims last year overwhelmed the UC system and led to a backlog of thousands of Pennsylvanians waiting months for payments and unable to reach anyone from the department for assistance. The department reported that long-awaited updates to the system were completed this year which brought the backlog from around 320,000 to 91,826 pending determinations; and more than 525,000 people receiving more than $3 billion in benefits since June.
As the department tackled pandemic-related backlogs, a related challenge began to emerge and wreak havoc on the UC system – a significant uptick in UC fraud. L&I has struggled to root out fraudulent claims, and although the UC system upgrades have been generally lauded, it is suspected the transition likely opened a window of opportunity for fraudsters. In September, L&I representatives told a group of chambers that the ID.me verification system had reduced fraudulent claims dramatically. However, members of The Columbia Montour Chamber are still reporting fraudulent claims, including from employees that have never received benefits. The Chamber has provided that feedback to L&I but has not received a response.
L&I representatives were questioned if they believe a former employee should be eligible for UC if they quit because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. “It’s very much on a case-by-case basis,” Deputy Secretary for Unemployment Compensation Susan Dickinson said. “If we determine that the person quit, then the burden of proof is on that person to show that they had a good reason to quit. If the case is discharge, then the burden of proof is on the employer to show that the discharge was necessary,” Dickinson added.
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
In September, President Biden issued executive orders (EOs)—a summary of which can be found here regarding new policies to combat the COVID virus.
On Tuesday, October 12th, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sent the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which will require employers with at least 100 employees to ensure their employees are vaccinated or that they submit a negative COVID test on a weekly basis.
The specifics of the ETS or how long it’s expected to remain at OIRA have not been released, but it could take effect within a week.
The ETS will take effect once published in the Federal Register—at which point it will also be open for comments. Under the OSH Act, the ETS will remain in place for six months. After the six months, OSHA can either replace it with a permanent standard that reflects the comments or discontinue the standard altogether. At this time, we expect that the ETS will require employers to provide some paid time off for employees to get vaccinated or to recover from getting vaccinated—though the specificities are unknown.
As more information becomes available on the ETS, this post will be updated.
Candidates for Bloomsburg Town Council discussed a variety of issues including the downtown, infrastructure, and taxes during a candidate forum held Tuesday, October 12th. Incumbents Bonnie Crawford and James Garman along with challengers Eric Bower, Nicholas McGaw, and Janine Penman participated in the forum. The event was co-hosted by Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. and Bloomsburg University’s American Democracy Project at Bloomsburg University’s McCormick Center.
Among the questions asked of the candidates was if they support a pledge developed by The Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. To date, candidates Bonnie Crawford and James Garman have signed the pledge. Mayor Bill Kreisher also signed the pledge earlier this year.
A recording of the forum is available on the Chamber’s YouTube channel, which can be viewed HERE.
Community Giving Foundation Fund to Support Berwick Life Skills Students
The Community Giving Foundation: Berwick is pleased to announce the creation of a new designated fund in memory of Lisa Canouse, a dedicated wife and mother who impacted the lives of many children in the Berwick Area School District through her passion and big heart.
The Fund will provide charitable grants to the Berwick Area School District to support life skills students, K-12, who demonstrate financial need for necessities that help them thrive as individuals.
Lisa fell in love with the Berwick community after marrying her husband, Barry, and always considered the area home. When her three children were grown, she began to work in the Berwick Area School District, where she continued to show a motherly love by supporting the children at the school.
Miller – Keystone Blood Center Asking for Critical Supply Help
Two weeks ago, an emergency statement was issued by America’s Blood Centers (ABC) regarding the status of the nation’s blood supply:
“The blood supply in the United States is dangerously low – an uncommon occurrence for this time of year. It is safe to donate blood and all eligible individuals – including those who have received a COVID19 vaccine – are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets now to ensure that blood products will be available for all patients when needed. Blood centers across the country are currently reporting low blood supplies. Some blood collection organizations are experiencing an abnormal decline in donor turnout; others are experiencing blood drive cancellations at schools and businesses limiting the number of individuals allowed onsite as a precautionary pandemic practice. These collection challenges have disrupted the nation’s blood supply, resulting in dangerously low inventories of life-saving blood products across the country for patients in need.”
As your community blood center, Miller-Keystone Blood Center is also challenged with meeting the needs of our local hospitals and the patients they serve. We currently have between one and two days of inventory that can be quickly decimated with one major local trauma event. We expect this emergency situation to continue through the end of 2021 unless we can get assistance from the community and respond to this appeal for blood donations. Miller-Keystone Blood Center needs individuals to donate blood at our regional donation centers. As a leader of a local organization, we urge you to help our team by getting the message out and helping us help our hospitals by doing the following:
- Encourage your employees, staff, members, and students to call 1-800-223-6667 or visit giveapint.org to schedule a donation at one of our 17 regional blood centers and community satellite locations that are close to where they live or work.
- Or, contact us to discuss how your organization can arrange a special event, Adopt-A-Day blood Drive, at one of our locations. Please contact Krista Hill at (610)-691-5850 extension 1254 for more information.
Miller-Keystone is committed to maintaining the stability of the region’s blood supply, while ensuring the safety of our donors and staff. We continue to adapt our safety protocols to align with local, state, and federal guidance to ensure the safest possible experience for donors, staff and blood drive hosts.
Boroughs’ List Trick-or-Treating Nights & Times
The kids are counting down the days to one of their favorite night(s) of the year, Trick-or-Treating. The excitement of kids dressing up in a unique costume and getting candy is an all-time favorite memory for kids of all ages. The following nights and times are set up for Trick-or-Treating in the area.
Berwick Borough – October 29 & October 30 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Bloomsburg Borough – October 30 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Danville Borough – October 30 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
These webinars will provide general information and answer your questions about health insurance as 2021 open enrollment is right around the corner for most employers. This is the perfect opportunity to explore plan options and learn more about the latest laws, carrier news, and how the MBA program can benefit you. Register for one of our upcoming sessions.
- Tuesday, October 26 at 1:00 p.m. | Register Now
- Monday, November 1 at 12:00 p.m. | Register Now
- Friday, November 5 at 9:30 a.m. | Register Now
AGENDA
- Overview of Insurance Marketplace
- Projected Renewal Increases
- Carrier Updates
- Cost Saving Strategies
- Employer Resources
My Benefit Advisor (MBA) is an employee benefits platform designed to guide employers through the complexity of planning, communicating and managing a successful employee benefits program.
After many years working in the real estate field as an agent, Chris Pardee decided to become a broker and open his own agency in order to create a new kind of customer-focused, local real estate agency to better serve the changing needs of north central Pennsylvania. Partnering with Macy Benson, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency, the duo pioneered new and innovative marketing ideas that exceeded the expectations of their clients. Their main goal has always been to help buyers and sellers through even the most complicated situation with ease and help them realize their dreams.
They have assembled a group of real estate professionals who are capable of handling all the real estate needs. With over 60 years of real estate experience among its agents, Premier Real Estate Agency has the knowledge and expertise to handle all your residential, commercial and investment real estate transactions. The team of Real Estate professionals looks forward to guiding you through the process of buying or selling your home, business or investment property.
Our client first, that is the philosophy of Premier Real Estate Agency. The Premier philosophy of commitment and dedication to clients’ needs fits their own personal and professional ideals and are proud to be aligned with one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services.
Visit Premier Real Estate Agency’s website at www.premierparealestate.com for more information.
Premiere Real Estate Agency joins over 415 members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Pennsylvania SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) have a plethora of FREE webinars to help teach you about web-based marketing and the importance of cybersecurity. Do your part and #BeCyberSmart.
The schedule of webinars is as follows:
10/14 – Protect Yourself From Online Scams
10/19 – Website Planning Series: Let’s Secure Your Website
10/19 – WordPress for Beginners Part 3: Building Your Site Part II
10/20 – Cybersecurity Basics for Remote Work
10/20 – Free Library Digital Resources to Help Your Business
The Good Samaritan Mission’s ribbon cutting will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 23rd and last until 2:00 p.m. Following the ribbon cutting there will be a tribute to Sandy O’Rourke, building tours and a basket raffle fundraiser. The basket raffle winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. The GSM is run primarily by volunteers who give countless hours of their time to keep programs running.
The ribbon cutting will take place in Danville at 568 Ferry Street, its new, expanded location.
As part of its commitment to supporting the community in which it operates, Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Susquehanna) recently announced that it donated over $103,000 to the Berwick Area United Way. Susquehanna raised the funds through its 11th annual Susquehanna/United Way Charity Golf Tournament and its 3rd annual Susquehanna/United Way Sporting Clay and Trap Shoot event. Collectively, Susquehanna has raised nearly $900,000 through these events since their inception.
“Susquehanna Station is proud to support the Berwick Area United Way through our annual golf tournament and sporting clay and trap shoot,” said senior vice president Chief Nuclear Officer, Brad Berryman. “We are grateful to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped to make these events a success, especially Kip McCabe, project manager – Work Management, who again served as golf tournament Chairperson, and Joey Alba, Electrical Maintenance superintendent, who chaired the shoot fundraiser. Our thanks also extend to our committee members and vendor partners for their participation and support.”
Susquehanna employees organize and participate in these annual events to raise funds for the many local programs and agencies that the Berwick Area United Way supports. Susquehanna’s vendors and key partners also participate and help sponsor the events, and this year, vendors constructing Talen’s Cumulus data center campus also joined and supported the events. In addition to these events, Susquehanna supports the Berwick Area United Way through an annual employee giving campaign, donations for their Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and volunteer resources for their annual Day of Caring.
The Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, located about seven miles north of Berwick, Pennsylvania, is owned jointly by Susquehanna Nuclear LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by Susquehanna Nuclear. Its two units generate approximately 2,500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power two million homes. For information, visit www.susquehannanuclear.com.
Susquehanna Nuclear LLC is one of Talen Energy’s generating affiliates. Talen Energy is one of the largest competitive power generation and infrastructure companies in North America. Talen Energy owns and/or controls approximately 13,000 megawatts of generating capacity in wholesale U.S. power markets, principally in the Mid-Atlantic, Texas and Montana. Talen Energy, through its subsidiary Cumulus Growth, is also developing a large-scale portfolio of renewable energy, battery storage, and digital infrastructure assets across its expansive footprint with a goal of leading the clean energy and digital infrastructure transition and being a Force for Good for its people and communities along the way. For more information, visit https://www.talenenergy.com/about-talen/
