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What sets apart good leaders from great ones? The secret lies in the qualities they embody! Successful business owners acquire essential traits over time. 

Key qualities include a clear vision, adaptability, and relationship building. A compelling vision attracts the right talent. Articulating your vision clearly is a game-changer. Pivoting and innovating are valuable traits in a changing business landscape. Building meaningful connections, not just small talk, is crucial for success. 

Every leader has their own style, but with persistence and practice, anyone can become a great leader.

Learn more about these essential traits and how you can acquire them in our new article published on our blog.

Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority Approves Comprehensive Five-Year Action Plan To Expand Access Across the Commonwealth After meeting with hundreds of Pennsylvania residents, businesses and industry partners, PBDA incorporates feedback ...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2023

Contact:   Samantha Chivinski
                  570-622-1942
                  schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com

 Comcast to receive letter of support from Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force

Pottsville, PA (July 28, 2023) - As a collaborative leadership effort, the Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force (BTF) was assembled as a sub-committee of the Schuylkill Chamber Infrastructure Committee with leaders from the Schuylkill Chamber, Schuylkill County Government, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, network of County libraries, and community.

SUMMARY

• Introverts bring unique strengths to the workplace, including increased focus, productivity, and deep thinking abilities that stem from their comfort with solitude and their highly active brains, even at rest.
• Despite the perception of extroverts as better leaders due to their assertiveness and social ease, introverts often prove to be superior in leadership roles. Their natural predisposition towards listening, empathy, and forming deep connections is highly valued and, in fact, impressed investors the most in a study involving over 900 CEOs.
• For introverts to thrive in the workplace, an environment that respects their need for solitude and flexible communication styles is crucial. Spaces for quiet reflection, allowing written communication, and providing time for thoughtful responses can help introverts stand out and contribute their best ideas.

Mid Penn Bank (the “Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (“Mid Penn”) (Nasdaq: MPB), has received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to open a new full-service retail financial center in Cumberland County at 1196 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, PA 17015. 

Tompkins Community Bank has announced that Ginger Kunkel, market president of its Pennsylvania footprint, has joined Alvernia University’s Board of Trustees.

Pottsville, PA (June 12, 2023) As a collaborative leadership effort, the Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force (BTF) was assembled as a subcommittee of the Schuylkill Chamber Infrastructure Committee with leaders from the Schuylkill Chamber, Schuylkill County Government, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, and community. “The BTF has been instrumental in developing a multidimensional task force working in collaboration and partnership through coordinating efforts to seek out grant funding for our community members with a mission of “Internet for All.”, announced Robert S. Carl, Jr., President & CEO, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. “Access to Internet is the year 2023 is now as vitally important as access to our more traditional utilities in a world where access is critical for success.”

The Chester, Delaware, and Westmoreland Chambers of Commerce have spearheaded the effort leading to over 50 business organizations across the Commonwealth sending a joint letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Shapiro Administration, imploring them to address the crisis surrounding accessible and affordable childcare.

Jim & Peg Stine scholarships awarded

The Pennsylvania State University and the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2023-2024 winners of the Jim and Peg Stine Scholarships. The scholarships were endowed through a gift from the late James M. Stine and his wife, Peg. Penn State is pleased to award the 2023-2024 Jim and Peg Stine Scholarships to two first-year freshmen: Shane Smith, Schuylkill Campus Scholarship and Isabella Frederick, University Park Campus Scholarship.

The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation and Wise Owl Consulting are excited to announce the launch of their inaugural entrepreneurial development program, Ignite Schuylkill. This competition is for emerging entrepreneurs and designed to support and nurture the growth of early-stage businesses. 

On the latest Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Report segment on SSPTV, Sam talks with Dr. Gregory Koons, executive director, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.

Dr. Koons is the chair of the Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force.

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, Chamber President & CEO Robert S. Carl, Jr. and Executive Vice President Samantha Chivinski attended a media event hosted by NEPA Alliance and Arrow Studio & Events. 

Barley Snyder is proud to announce two attorneys have been recognized as “Law Firm Leaders” by Lawyers of Color.

Barley Snyder is pleased to announce the promotion of Dorothy Rund to Chief Operating Officer.

Expanding its business development team, Tompkins Community Bank has appointed Todd Ferrara to vice president, business development officer.

Most small businesses are at a competitive disadvantage when trying to hire and retain employees compared to their larger firm counterparts.

The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) has named Kevin and Morgan Bond as recipients of the 2023 Young Grower Award.

Congressman Dan Meuser (R-09) announced that his office has secured $750,000 in congressionally directed Community Project Funding through the USDA-Rural Development program for improvements to the Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall.

Solve IT Solutions, LLC announces Emily E. Unruh joins the team as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the establishment of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce 401K Pooled Employer Plan, a robust retirement solution offered to Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce members. Members now have access to a retirement plan designed to address cost efficiencies, simplify administration, and reduce fiduciary burden.

The recent news of President Carter’s decision to elect hospice care at home has been widely shared across all forms of media. Many Americans have heard of hospice before, but are unaware of the full benefits.

Barley Snyder is proud to share that the firm has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing firms in Pennsylvania by The Legal Intelligencer.

From a competitive pool of nationwide applicants, the Safe Routes Partnership has selected Schuylkill County’s VISION to join Safe Routes to Parks Pennsylvania Activating Communities, a technical assistance program focused on improving safe and equitable local park access. 

Congressman Dan Meuser (R-9) recently participated in a bipartisan Congressional Listening Session hosted by Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson in Harrisburg during the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Alex Halper, vice president of government affairs, was named among the top five policy professionals in City & State’s 2023 “Pennsylvania Government Relations Power 100” – the 100 most influential government affairs professionals in Pennsylvania.

Compassus – a leading national provider of hospice care, has moved to a new location in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. The new location will expand access to patients and families in Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. 

Dear Chamber Members, It is the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce’s sincere pleasure to introduce Samantha (Sam) Day as the new Events & Marketing Director, and newest member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce TEAM. Sam began on February ...

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has again been named among the Top 50 Personal Insurance Agencies in the nation by Insurance Journal.

Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced the implementation of an Inflation Reduction Act provision to provide tax credits to manufacturers in coal communities. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.