Revenue Growth: Companies excelling in personalization generate 40% more revenue than slower peers. Customer Expectations: 71% of consumers demand personalized experiences, with leaders like Netflix setting standards. Strategic Foundations: Effective personalization requires high-quality data, transparency, and advanced tools like CRMs and AI. Leader Benefits: Personalization drives loyalty, boosts sales conversions by up to 20%, and…
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Five Strategies for Leading Through Emotionally Charged Times Managing teams through stressful news cycles, like after an election, can test any leader’s flexibility and empathy. While current events are often beyond your control, how you respond as a leader can significantly impact your team’s morale and productivity. Here are five effective strategies to lead with…
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7 Key Lessons on Leading Without Formal Authority In today’s complex workplaces, influence is often more impactful than title. How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley tackles the art of leading from any position, providing actionable insights on how to foster influence and inspire others-even without formal authority. Here are…
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For today’s businesses, managing employee experience is both a priority and a challenge. Leaders who invest heavily in gathering employee feedback-through pulse surveys, town halls, and internal data analysis-often struggle to turn these insights into meaningful actions. While data collection has been streamlined by technology, the real challenge lies in interpreting and implementing this feedback…
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In today’s fast-paced business environment, many leaders know the importance of self-care but often fail to implement it in their daily routines. Why? Because they overlook the necessary mindset shifts that support sustainable self-care practices. In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Paulena Neale explores how leaders can use a simple checklist to help take better care…
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Remote Work: A Complicated and Evolving Concept My Benefit Advisor Just as many workers have been getting comfortable enjoying the benefits that remote work brings, employees are increasingly feeling pressure to return to the office. Numerous companies are beginning to cut back on various aspects of the hybrid work environment, either eliminating it entirely or…
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When you raise concerns about your team’s performance or behavior, it should ideally lead to constructive discussions and improvements. However, it’s not uncommon for these conversations to take an unexpected turn, with the spotlight shifting from the issue you’re raising to you, the messenger. Rather than focusing on the concern, people may become defensive, dismiss…
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In today’s fast-paced business world, workplace stress is nearly unavoidable. If this pressure isn’t managed, it can lead to a serious issue: ethical burnout. This happens when ongoing stress affects an employee’s ability to stick to their values, making it hard to maintain integrity in tough situations. As leaders, it’s important to spot the signs…
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Innovation is often viewed as essential for gaining a competitive edge, but new ideas frequently face pushback within organizations. Research indicates that the uniqueness of an idea can lead to rejection because of perceived risks. Recently, it’s become clear that there’s a bigger issue: decision-makers often lack shared standards for assessing the value of an…
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Self-awareness is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of professional success. In the context of leadership, it is often considered a key differentiator between high-performing teams and those that struggle with internal friction and inefficiency. A lack of self-awareness can lead to several issues, from poor communication and collaboration to a toxic work environment. Read on…
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As a small business owner or team leader, mentoring high achievers within your team can significantly enhance their potential and ultimately drive your business forward. A recent article in Harvard Business Review by leadership experts Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata highlights the necessity of sophisticated mentoring for high achievers, offering three effective strategies to ensure top performers…
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The FTC Ban on Fake Reviews and the Use of Bots: Implications for Small Businesses The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made an important move to ensure transparency and honesty in online reviews by banning deceptive practices that manipulate consumer opinions. This ban focuses on fake reviews and the use of bots to create…
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The Evolving Workplace: Viewing Changes Positively My Benefit Advisor The modern work environment is evolving at a remarkable pace. There are countless ways that the workplace today differs from that of just five years ago and it’s unlikely that the pace of change will slow anytime soon. For many people, changes in the workplace can…
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The Critical Role of Child Care in Boosting Economic Development and Supporting Small Business Employment Access to quality child care is a significant yet often overlooked factor that influences economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses. For small business owners and employers, understanding the vital role that reliable childcare services play in the workforce…
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The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving workplace, the role of dynamic leadership is critical. A key quality that sets apart successful leaders is emotional intelligence (EQ). Leaders with high EQ can effectively manage relationships, team dynamics, and face challenges head-on. Read on to learn why emotional intelligence matters…
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Supercharge Your Small Business Growth with Smart Acquisitions In the quest for growth, small business owners and entrepreneurs often focus on organic strategies like marketing, sales, and product development. But there’s another powerful strategy that can catapult your business to the next level-acquisitions. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of…
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The Impact of Abrasive Bosses on Employees’ Emotional Well-being: 4 Things Executive Leaders Need to Know by Bonnie Artman Fox Addressing the abrasive behavior of top-performing talent often takes a backseat. As an executive leader, the complexity of balancing outstanding results with a harmonious work environment can leave you wondering “Do I prioritize operational…
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Understanding the Role of GAP Plans My Benefit Advisor In the complex landscape that exists within healthcare, individuals often encounter unforeseen expenses that can put a substantial strain on their financial well-being. To help their workers better prepare for these situations, employers can install GAP health insurance options as a valuable component of their employee…
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Keeping your team together is key, especially for small businesses. Think about it: every time someone walks out the door, it’s not just a goodbye party you’re throwing; it’s time, money, and energy spent on finding someone new and getting them up to speed. Not to mention, it can really bring down morale when people…
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Employee satisfaction directly correlates with productivity, morale, and overall workplace harmony. Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts can significantly boost their job satisfaction. Read on to learn more about increasing workplace satisfaction through effective employee recognition programs and practical tips on implementing them. What Are Employee Recognition Programs? Employee recognition programs are formal or informal initiatives…
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Securing the right talent is crucial for growth, especially for small businesses facing unique recruitment challenges. The hiring landscape is constantly changing, requiring small business owners to be flexible and adopt innovative recruitment strategies to stay competitive. Leveraging social media and advanced technologies in recruitment can significantly enhance a small business’s ability to attract top…
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Leadership Westmoreland Alumni, alongside other industry representatives and professional speakers from around Westmoreland County, played a pivotal role in the success of Leadership Westmoreland Youth Academy 2024. Held from June 17-21, 2024, at the Westmoreland Conservation District’s location on Donahoe Road in Greensburg, the Academy hosted high school students from across Westmoreland County. The venue,…
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Youth Leadership 2024 Ten high school students from Derry Area High School, Southmoreland High School, Franklin Regional High School, Greensburg Salem High School, Penn-Trafford High School, Norwin High School, and Yough High School participated in the Leadership Westmoreland Youth Academy from June 17-21, 2024. Now in its sixth year, this week-long experience is supported by…
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Securing Funding for PA’s Critical Bridge Improvements By Dan DeBone, President/CEO, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Bridges provide crucial access between regions and cities, linking workers to jobs, goods to markets, and people to essential services. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), transportation agencies need $70.9 billion to overcome the current backlog of…
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Why Time Management Matters Small business owners and team leaders frequently handle a broad range of tasks, from strategic planning and operational oversight to customer service and team coordination. Without effective time management, these duties can quickly become overwhelming, leading to missed deadlines, subpar work quality, and burnout. By prioritizing tasks and managing time wisely,…
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Starting a business is an exciting venture with opportunities and challenges. As a small business owner or entrepreneur, having a brilliant idea and solid plan is not enough to ensure your business can grow and succeed. One crucial aspect often overlooked is establishing and maintaining good credit. This can be vital, especially during tough financial…
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Inbound Marketing vs. Outbound Marketing: What’s the Difference? Inbound Marketing focuses on attracting potential customers to your business through content marketing, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and other strategies designed to pull people in. It’s a permission-based approach where customers seek you out for valuable and relevant content. Some of the key elements of inbound marketing…
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The Power of Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Boosting Your Brand and Sales In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, small business owners are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to engage their audience, grow their following, and ultimately, increase sales. One trend that has been gaining significant traction is the creation of behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos.…
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Pheple Federal Credit Union: June 2024 Chamber Champion Pheple Federal Credit Union has been honored as the Westmoreland County Chamber Champion for June 2024, a prestigious recognition that underscores their exceptional contributions to the community and unwavering commitment to enhancing financial wellness for their members. This accolade, awarded by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, highlights…
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Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival: Non-Profit of the Month for June The Westmoreland County Heritage & Arts Festival has been named the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit of the Month for June 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights the festival’s significant contributions to the local community, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and fostering a vibrant…
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Op Ed: Reforming NOL Provisions is Crucial for Pennsylvania’s Economic Future by Dan DeBone, President/CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce As Pennsylvania’s budget discussions and negotiations continue, there is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention: the state’s outdated and restrictive Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforward provisions. For too long, Pennsylvania has…
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5 Emails That Will Grow Your Business Not all visitors are immediately prepared to make a purchase. However, a significant number are eager to learn from you. This underscores the importance of having a lead magnet on your website-a complimentary resource, training, or course for which visitors are willing to exchange their email addresses. Unlike social media…
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10 Innovative (and Cost-Free) Strategies to Grow Your Small Business Growing a small business can often seem daunting, especially when you don’t have the same marketing budget as large corporations. However, it’s a mistake to think that you can’t afford to market your business effectively. There are numerous creative and budget-friendly ways to attract new…
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The Tool Belt Generation: Revitalizing Our Workforce, One Trade at a Time In today’s workforce, a new generation is adapting their skills to meet the demands of a changing job market. With the rising cost of college education, Gen Z is finding alternative career paths, turning to trades such as construction, mechanics and electronics. This…
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Maximizing Your Influence in the Workplace: Strategies from Communication Expert Matt Abrahams In the rapid and competitive nature of today’s work environment, possessing the skills to influence others, make decisive choices, and steer projects to success has never been more crucial. Matt Abrahams, a communications expert, Stanford professor, and the author of Think Faster, Talk…
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9 Essential Retail Marketing Strategies for 2024 In an era where e-commerce giants seem to be taking over, the significance of brick-and-mortar retail can’t be overlooked. Generational preferences, along with the 24/7 convenience of online shopping, account for much of the differences between online buying habits compared to in- store. Still, many consumers note that…
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Our Region’s Business with Bill Flanagan- A Collaborative Effort by Westmoreland County Chamber, Trying Together & Duolingo The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce recently featured on “Our Region’s Business” with Bill Flanagan, showcased its commitment to addressing the critical issue of childcare accessibility and affordability in the region. In collaboration with Chamber member Trying…
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FEATURED ARTICLE: FTF Bans Non-Competes As the President of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, it’s important for me to keep you informed about regulatory changes that could impact your businesses. One such change that I want to bring to your attention is the recent decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ban most…
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Celebrating Achieving True Self: Chamber Champion for May The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce Achieving True Self as the esteemed “Chamber Champion” for the month of May. This honor is a testament to their exceptional commitment to serving the community and their relentless dedication to improving lives through their innovative approach…
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Extreme Ownership: How Leaders Can Transform Business Culture with Radical Responsibility Jocko Willink explains that extreme ownership is more than a strategy; it’s a mindset shift that changes how we see leadership. Willink, a highly decorated former Navy SEAL officer and bestselling author of Extreme Ownership, recounts a harrowing incident from Ramadi, Iraq, in his 2017 TedTalk.…
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Understanding the Complex Role of HR in Today’s Workplace The HR Paradox: Balancing Unity and Division Many people think HR is just there to enforce management’s rules without question. But the reality is more complex. A successful company depends on HR’s skill in balancing what the bosses want with taking care of employees’ needs. In…
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AI is a Tool, Not an Employee Submitted by Mark Whittaker, Whitmark Digital Have you been paying attention to the artificial intelligence revolution? I have, and many of us in digital marketing find it hard to talk about anything else these days. It’s hard to summarize “AI” in just a few paragraphs, and new AI…
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Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, famously criticized the practice of valuing employees solely based on their brilliance. She coined the term “brilliant jerks” for those who excel in their job but have a negative impact on the workplace. While it can be tempting to ignore interpersonal flaws for talent’s sake, promoting or hiring such individuals…
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Mutual Aid EMS Named Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Profit of the Month. On behalf of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce, we are thrilled to announce Mutual Aid Ambulance Service as the recipient of our prestigious “Non-Profit of the Month” award for April. Mutual Aid is a cornerstone of our community, providing essential emergency…
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Celebrating April’s Chamber Champion: Dan Galbraith – Solutionist Wearables & Advertising Giveaways The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is delighted to recognize Dan Galbraith, affectionately known as “Dan the Swag Man,” as our Chamber Champion for the month of April. Dan serves as the President and Owner of Solutionist Wearables & Advertising Giveaways, a…
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The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the establishment of its inaugural Young Professional group, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of business leaders. With a steadfast commitment to collaboration, innovation, and amplifying the collective voice of emerging professionals, this initiative stands as a beacon of opportunity…
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In today’s job market, it’s quite common for applicants to exaggerate on their resumes. A surprising find by CareerBuilder shows that 75% of hiring managers have spotted lies on resumes. This highlights a big problem in hiring – how can employers trust what’s on a resume? With the honesty of candidate qualifications on the line, it’s important…
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Small business owners face marketing challenges with limited resources. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to play the game, and it starts with making the most of your budget. When you focus on knowing your numbers, strengths, and connecting with customers, you can make smarter decisions with your marketing dollars. Read on to discover…
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In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of employee health and well-being in the workplace. While physical health has traditionally been the focus of employee health insurance, mental health has emerged as an equally vital aspect of overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss the relevance of mental health…
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The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to safeguarding your interests and ensuring the security of your valuable information. Recently, we’ve become aware of a concerning issue affecting some of our members – phishing attempts aimed at extracting sensitive data. The Threat at Hand It has come to our attention that certain members have…
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The path to successful leadership often depends on your network. Your connections shape who you are and who you’ll become. Cultivating connections is strategic, like building a chessboard where each piece is vital. To be an effective leader, surround yourself with those who expand your horizons, challenge you, and support your growth. Each leadership role…
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Building strong connections with clients is an essential part of the sales process, and one effective way to achieve this is by taking them out to dinner, golf outings, or events. However, successfully navigating these social situations requires a delicate balance between professionalism and personal engagement. Here are some tips to ensure a successful connection…
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You know the drill. Click “join meeting,” watch the webcam flicker on, and hope the faces you’re staring at feel more enthusiastic than you. How is it that 87% of workers report wanting work-from-home flexibility yet most of us dread virtual meetings? And what’s the cost of boring meetings? Employee disengagement, lost productivity, and poor workplace satisfaction.…
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Case for a Four Day Work Week If you’ve ever felt trapped at your desk on a Friday, anxiously watching the clock until the weekend arrives, you’re not alone. The four-day work week is like a mythical land of increased productivity, reduced burnout, and better work-life balance. But what if this utopia could be a…
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The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is extremely proud to select New Century Careers as the Chamber Champion for the month of February . New Century Careers was established as a nonprofit organization in 1999. Since then, New Century Careers has strived to grow the skills of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s manufacturing workforce to improve the lives…
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Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce’s Inaugural Roundtable Sparks Insightful Dialogue on Regional Growth The Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce recently convened its inaugural Roundtable discussion for 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration among diverse business leaders, board members, and stakeholders. The event aimed to facilitate an open exchange of concerns and ideas, not confined…
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Government Affairs & General Updates October 20, 2023 1. Pennsylvania House passes bill to prohibit ‘speculative ticketing’ The Pennsylvania House passed legislation earlier this week that would prohibit speculative ticketing. That’s when ticket resellers list event tickets for resale even though they haven’t obtained the tickets yet. House Bill 1658, which advanced Wednesday, would bar…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates September 22, 2023 1. Senate begins moving ‘curriculum transparency’ bill. A Senate committee this week approved legislation that would require school districts to post information about what teachers are teaching in class and the books they are using to conduct those lessons. Senate Bill 340 would require schools to post…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates September 25, 2023 1. Pa. chambers eye impact of special election Lindsay Powell’s victory in Tuesday’s special election allowed Pennsylvania Democrats to retain their razor-thin 102-101 majority in the state’s House of Representatives. While the election was decided by voters in Pittsburgh, its impact will be felt far beyond the…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates September 11, 2023 1. Special election in western Pennsylvania to determine if Democrats or GOP take control of the House – Majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will again come down to a special election later this month, when Republican voters attempt to flip power back to their…
Read More Government Affairs & General UpdatesSeptember 8, 2023 1. The last part of the Pa. budget standoff is costing state courts millions of dollars Thanks to budget dysfunction in the state Capitol, people filing divorces, estates, and many other legal actions across Pennsylvania are getting a financial break while courts lose millions of dollars. Authorization under…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates August 31, 2023 1. Senate passes pair of code bills but House Democrats say there’s no agreement on the provisions in the legislation. The state Senate sent a pair of budget-related bills Wednesday though it’s unclear how much, if any, progress the effort made toward settling the unresolved issues with…
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New to Our Website: Resume Posting The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce has expanded its website to include features for employers and job seekers. Posting your resume on the Chamber’s website can indeed offer several benefits. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider using this feature: Targeted Exposure: The Chamber of Commerce…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates August 25, 2023 1. Who’s to blame for the budget delays? Poll suggests voters aren’t sure but Shapiro remains historically popular. The new Franklin and Marshall poll suggests voters are more likely to blame lawmakers for the budget delay than they are to blame the governor. While voters surveyed by…
Read More Government Affairs & General Updates August 23, 2023 1. Business leaders, lawmakers hope for bipartisan action on permitting reform – Leaders from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with two state senators on Tuesday to push for state-level permitting reforms, making the case that a streamlined and…
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Remove Barriers to Doing Business in Westmoreland County Business leaders can face a lot of red tape and hurdles when moving into a new area or expanding current operations. Everything from funding to local ordinances to neighbor goodwill can hamstring even the most basic decisions. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a business shaman…
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Defining Corporations Corporations get a bad rap. People seem to think they only destroy Main Streets. But nothing is ever as clear as day or night. Defining corporations and how they benefit communities requires a more in-depth look. What’s A Corporation? The label of corporation refers mostly to taxes. On a basic level, a corporation…
Read More Government Affairs & General UpdatesAugust 3, 2023 1 .Senate returning to Capitol today to sign budget as negotiations on code bills continue. Senate President Pro Tem Kim Ward announced Wednesday evening that the Ssnate will hold a session day Thursday so the budget can be signed after weeks of delay that prevented the state from paying…
Read More Government Affairs & General UpdatesAugust 1, 2023 1. House lawmaker seeks to ensure funding for essential services during impasse. A House lawmaker wants to ensure that state payment for delivery of essential services continues during a state budget impasse. Rep. Marla Brown, R-Lawrence, plans to introduce a bill to declare payments funneled by three state…
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August 2023 (ed. 8) In this edition: Feature Article: Did You Know? 5 ways the Chamber Works for YOU! From the Desk of Dan DeBone: Toxic Workplaces and Bosses Have These in Common Non-Profit of the Month: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region Chamber Champion of the Month: True Light Communications LLC Financial…
Read More Government Affairs & General UpdatesJuly 18, 2023 1. What’s next as Pa. prepares to spend $1.2B on broadband – Before Pennsylvania can spend an almost $1.2 billion windfall of federal funding for high-speed internet, it must figure out how to use it. More than 270,000 locations across the commonwealth can’t get internet at speeds…
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