The Advantage of a Well-Designed Communication and Education Strategy in Employee Benefits
Few business owners would disagree that a comprehensive employee benefit program plays a critical role in the acquisition and retention of key talent, fostering employee well-being and contributing to the overall success of a company. To ensure that employees can fully understand and appreciate the value of these offerings, effective communication and education is paramount. The importance of education and communication in employee benefit programs cannot be understated. Clear, targeted, and engaging
2023 Community Improvement Award Nominations Being Accepted
Community Improvement Award Nominations Now Being Accepted Once again, the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Huntingdon County Planning Commission to present Community Improvement Awards for projects completed in 2023. The Awards will be presented at the Planning Commission’s March Annual Dinner. Community Improvement Award nominations are being accepted in the categories of New Construction, Preservation, Community Spirit, and Special Merit. Nominations are due
New Chamber Leadership
New Chamber Leadership We are pleased to share the news with you that MacKenzie Huntsman will be returning to the Chamber on November 1 to become the new President/CEO. Last August, after nine years with the Chamber as the Program Director MacKenzie left to become Executive Director of Huntingdon County United Way. The current President/CEO, Yvonne Martin is retiring on October 31. We have no doubt that MacKenzie will be an excellent leader and she and the Program Director that we hired in February,
PA Chamber Statement on Pennsylvania's Tax Foundation Ranking
PA Chamber Statement on Pennsylvania's Tax Foundation Ranking HARRISBURG – Wednesday, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President & CEO Luke Bernstein made the following statement in response to the Tax Foundation's recently released report which saw Pennsylvania improve over last year in both its overall tax competitiveness and corporate tax rankings, while still ranking in the bottom half of states: "Last year's historic, bipartisan tax reforms sent a clear signal to the rest of the
Two Hutingdon County Schools Are the First in Pennsylvania To Embrace New Pen-Pal Program
Earlier this year our Chamber President/CEO was catching up on things with a long-time colleague from Virginia. During this conversation she learned that Chris Mead started a new pen pal program that he has been working on with the Odessa, Texas Chamber of Commerce. This extraordinary venture connects students from Odessa, Texas, with their counterparts in Odessa, Ukraine, enabling the Ukrainian students to learn English while fostering cross-cultural communication. Chris told Yvonne that he had a burning
'DYD' Campaign Raises $22K For Charities
'DYD' campaign raises $22K for charities By REBECCA BERDAR Staff Writer Aug 23, 2023 To conclude its first-ever Double Your Donation campaign, the Huntingdon County Foundation distributed over $22,000 in funds Monday afternoon to nine local charities. Taking part in the check presentation are, from the left: Bonnie Watkins, Southern Huntingdon Food Pantry; Samantha Ochs, Mount Union Food Pantry/Center for Community Action; Rachael Walters, Huntingdon House; MacKenzie Huntsman, Huntingdon County
Employee Benefit Cost Control Strategies
Employee Benefit Cost Control StrategiesIn a constantly evolving economic landscape, employers continue to seek effective strategies to optimize their operations, including the various aspects of employee benefits. Since ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of their workforce is central to their concerns, they seek cost-saving measures that can be implemented without compromising the overall value of benefits. As employers approach 2023 year-end benefit planning, there are a series of steps that can
2023 Annual Award Recipients
2023 Awards Gala From left to right: Jessie Williams, Diana McClure, Allison Goodman (accepting the award on behalf of Patricia Ann Dunlavy), Salvo Scaccia, Andrew Ritchey, Lynn Conaway, and Sarah Worley.We want to express our gratitude to everyone who made our Annual Awards Gala such a memorable and enjoyable night! Congratulations to all the outstanding award recipients! Your achievements are truly inspiring, and we're proud to honor your dedication and hard
The “Double Your Donation” Campaign Raises $22,000 for Charities
The “Double Your Donation” Campaign Raises $22,000 for Charities The Huntingdon County Foundation kicked off the campaign on May 1 and donations were collected through July 15. Huntingdon County Foundation Chair, Attorney Lawrence Newton said that the organization is pleased that, by working with the community at large, the foundation was able to “give over $22,000 back to our non-profits.” Foundation Treasurer, John Eastman said that the fundraising idea was inspired by similar matching programs adopted
Embracing Family Friendly Benefits
Embracing Family Friendly BenefitsIn today’s work environment, the line between personal and professional life is becoming increasingly blurred. As a result, employees are seeking more comprehensive benefits that accommodate their family responsibilities and foster a healthy work-life balance. More employers today have begun to understand that an expansion of family-friendly benefits above and beyond federal law requirements is a key facet to protecting the physical and mental health of their
Five Steps to a Well-Designed Benefit Strategy
Five Steps to a Well-Designed Benefit Strategy A well-designed employee benefit strategy can help build a significant advantage for any company seeking to grow through the acquisition and retention of key talent. The inability to hire and retain a strong workforce will affect an organization’s performance and inhibit its ability to achieve corporate goals and objectives. The ability to understand employee needs and craft a customized strategy is one of the more critical components of successful human
Annual Reports in Pennsylvania
Annual Reports in PennsylvaniaOn November 3, 2022, Governor Wolf signed into law Act 122 of 2022. Among the many changes made by this legislation, Act 122 created an annual report requirement (like that imposed by most states) for domestic and foreign filing associations. The long-time decennial report requirement for these associations has been repealed. The new annual report filing is required for:Domestic business corporationsDomestic nonprofit corporationsDomestic limited liability (general)
Chambers Address Childcare Crisis
Chambers Address Childcare Crisis The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce joined others across the state to send a joint letter to address the childcare crisis. The Chester, Delaware, and WestmorelandChambers of Commerce spearheaded the effort to send a joint letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Shapiro Administration, imploring them to address the crisis surrounding accessible and affordable childcare. The overwhelming support of 55 Chambers across the state, in addition to the PA
How to Choose the Right Insurer for Your Benefit Plans
How to Choose the Right Insurer for Your Benefit PlansOffering the right mix of benefits to employees is a daunting task for almost any company. Yet most business owners understand the importance and value a strong employee benefit portfolio has on their company’s growth and overall success. But choosing the best benefits is only part of the story. Choosing the right insurance carriers to provide those benefits is not only the other part of the story, but an often undervalued aspect as well.When
Building Successful Outcomes in a Hybrid Work Model
Building Successful Outcomes in a Hybrid Work Model One method by which employees today are looking to improve their overall health and well-being is through the establishment of a better balance between their home and work life. Although the shift to a more flexible work environment has been gaining momentum for some time, the pandemic has significantly accelerated its acceptance.The degree to which employers support a hybrid or remote work arrangement for their workforce can make a difference in their
Permitting Reform Key to a More Prosperous Pennsylvania
Permitting Reform Key to a More Prosperous Pennsylvania By Luke Bernstein In recent years, a leading manufacturing company headquartered in Pennsylvania was exploring locations for a $3 billion expansion that would support 900 jobs with an average salary in the six figures. Many states competed for the project. Ultimately, Arkansas landed the investment due to its “combination of public and private support, logistics and energy supply, and workforce availability,” according to the
Assisting community in need
Huntingdon County Foundation board member Phil Thompson, center, presented $1,000 each to Captain Elliott Higgins of the Salvation Army and the Rev. Brett Hoover, representing the Huntingdon Forum of Churches, for heating and utility assistance. This funding came from the Bill Alexander/General Fund of the foundation.Photo by KYLIE HAWNWith heating costs on the rise, board members of the Huntingdon County Foundation made a donation to the Huntingdon County Salvation Army and the Huntingdon Forum of
Work begins on food pantry
Work begins on food pantryBy REBECCA BERDAR Staff WriterWork is underway at the future home of the Huntingdon Area Food Pantry as the agency continues to seek funds to support the renovation and relocation project. Mel’s Concrete LLC, Huntingdon, started work on the former service station, located on the 700 block of Penn Street, the week of Dec. 5. Jean Feagley, the food pantry’s executive director, said Mel Woomer and crew are tasked with preparing the cinderblock structure for extensive interior and
Leone Family Scholarship Awarded
Starting on the left, Huntingdon County Foundation president Lawrence Newton, John Leone, Sophia Wood, and Ann Dunlavy of Lincoln Caverns. Sophia Wood, a sophomore at Penn State University, is the latest recipient of the Leone Family Scholarship. The scholarship was founded nearly a decade ago by Bonney Forge CEO John Leone and his family in memory of their son, Rick Leone, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2012. The Leones donated the sum of $150,000 to the Huntingdon County Foundation to be utilized
Donations help community center
Representatives of the Huntingdon County Foundation and the Huntingdon Moose Lodge #223 were on hand to present two donations of $1,600 each to the Huntingdon Community Center for the purchase of four automated external defibrillators for the center. Those on hand for the recent presentation were, from the left, Dave Fortson, representing the Moose, HCC executive director Ted Aurand, HCF treasurer John Eastman and HCF board member Phil Thompson. Photo by Kylie Hawn, The Huntingdon Daily NewsTwo
Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY POLICY STATEMENTAdopted June 6, 2016 The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce fully acknowledges and recognizes the emergence and influence of Social Media and Electronic Communications in the modern world, as well as the rights of individuals to actively participate in the undertaking of such activities. The goal of electronic communication from our organization is to cultivate an environment wherein the usage of electronic media contributes to the
