E-lert -- The Chamber's Bi-Weekly E-Newsletter             

Feb. 5, 2009 Edition

Special Events

February Monthly Meeting

When: Feb. 12, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Front Street Station, 2 Front St., Northumberland

Get ready as the Economic Development division presents: "Business Assistance Programs: Available Grant and Loan Opportunities." The "Made in the Valley" moment will feature Owens Farm of Sunbury.  Register Now

Joint Legislative Forum

When: Feb. 20, 2009, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Where: Country Cupboard, Lewisburg

Join the Central PA and Greater Susquehanna Valley chambers of commerce for their next Joint Legislative Forum. Breakfast will be served. Register Now

Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony -- Good to Greater: Chamber's 2008 Sweet Success

When: March 5, 2009

             10:30 -- 11:20 a.m. --Networking

             11:30 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m. -- Program

             *The program will start promptly, so please be in your seat by 11:30 a.m.

Where: Susquehanna University's Evert Dining Hall, Selinsgrove

The Small Business of the Year and Business of the Year awards will be given out at this time as well as the Karen L. Hackman Star of Excellence and Dan Foss Heritage awards. Space is limited, so please register now. Reservations are required.

March Business After Hours

When: March 24, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Where: Mid-State Occupational Health Services Inc., The Creamery Building, 130 Buffalo Road,

Suite 104, Lewisburg

Join Mid-State for a night of tours, networking and refreshments. Register Now

Community Development

Request For Proposal

A Request for Proposal (RFP) went out Jan. 27 for Chamber pens. If you did not receive a copy and would like one, please contact Dawn E. Raszcewski.

New Agritourism Site

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recently launched a new interactive Web site, Keystone Country, which highlights the state’s farm markets, county fairs, farm stays and wineries. To learn more, visit www.visitpa.com/KeystoneCountry.

Rural Education Award

The Pennsylvania State University’s Center on Rural Education & Communities and the Pennsylvania Association for Rural & Small Schools are accepting nominations for the Fifth Annual Building Community Through Rural Education Award.

This award recognizes rural schools or districts that have distinguished themselves through practices that contribute to the educational experiences of the students they serve, while reaching out to their broader community. 

To submit a nomination, call 814-863-2031 or visit www.ed.psu.edu/crec. Nominations are due no later than March 20, 2009.

Economic Development

Transportation Committee Re-Activated

There has been a lot of feedback from our members regarding transportation issues and the desire to re-activate the transportation group.  With our first committee meeting being planned for sometime in February, we would like to get some feedback from our Chamber members.  Please complete the attached questionnaire and either fax (570-743-1221) or e-mail to jdaddario@gsvcc.org. Thank You!

Upcoming Energy Workshop

SEDA-COG’s Energy Resource Center is pleased to announce another Building Green seminar: “Assessing Your Energy Use.” The seminar will be held on Feb. 19 , 2009, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Magee Center in Bloomsburg. For more information call Jess Scott at 570-524-4491.

Breaking Into The Trade Game Seminars

Do you want to expand your company’s sales by being involved in the international market?  “Breaking into the Trade Game,” a five-module course may be what you’re looking for. The course is carefully designed to provide the skills, strategies, insights, and network of contacts that are necessary to expand sales by exporting around the world.

Representatives from the SEDA-COG Export Development Program and the Pittsburgh U.S. Commercial Service will present the course material over five sessions while other various experts will also offer presentations. 

“Breaking into the Trade Game” will be held at The Center for Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) every other Tuesday starting Feb. 10, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Cost is $25 per session or $100 for the entire five-module course.  The deadline to register is the Friday before each session.  Morning refreshments will be provided.  A textbook and workbook are included in the course price.

Individuals may register online and view speaker bios at www.seda-cog.org/export.  Participants successfully completing a minimum of four sessions will receive a “Certificate of Export.”  Those seeking more information may contact SEDA-COG’s Amanda Latsha at 570-524-4491 or by e-mail at alatsha@seda-cog.org.

Membership Development

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Feb. 18, 2009 -           Mid State Occupational Health Services Inc.

1 p.m.                            130 Buffalo Road, Suite 104, Lewisburg

March 18, 2009 -           Shamokin Dam Health Center

Time - TBA                       3166 N. Old Trail, Shamokin Dam

Upcoming Chamber Learning Forum

When: March 18, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Chamber Business Center, Shamokin Dam

Join Rhonda Campbell, owner of Jarhon Communications, as she shows you how to love the job you have. Register Now

View Current Member-to-Member Discounts

A Special Thank You to our 2009 Chair's Circle