One of the many benefits of joining the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce is the great volunteer opportunities that are provided. Committee work offers an opportunity to make an impact for the business and communities the Chamber serves, while forging friendships with other like-minded Chamber members.
Some of the standing committees include:
Agriculture Committee Chair: Mike Schrey, AgChoice Farm Credit, ACA
The Agriculture Committee works to ensure that the agricultural base of the Valley is maintained and helps promote a better understanding of its importance to the Valley’s economy. This Committee also works to see that the community better understands the role of agriculture and agribusiness in the Valley.
Ambassador Committee Co-Chair: Judi Karr, Nottingham Health Care Services
Meets: Second Thursday of the Month, 10:30 a.m., Rotating Venue The Ambassador Committee acts as goodwill representatives at various Chamber functions and community events. This group assists with welcoming, nurturing and aiding in the retention of members.
ATHENA® Committee
Chair: Barbara Mihalik, Swineford National Bank
Meets: As Needed, August - March, Rotating Venue The ATHENA® Committee seeks to develop, plan and execute the ATHENA® Award Program for the Greater Susquehanna Valley. This award recognizes individuals who actively assist women to realize their full potential, achieve professional excellence in their business, and improve the quality of life for others in the community.
Business and Education Committee
C0-Chair: Chad Cohrs, Selinsgrove Area School District
C0-Chair: Elaine Sautner, Selinsgrove Area School District
Meets: First Wednesday of the Month, 7:30 a.m., Rotating Venue The purpose of the Business & Education Committee is to work with area public school districts, career & technology centers, private schools, trade schools, career schools and universities to ensure that the workforce training needs of the Valley's employers are being met, and to provide opportunities for students to interact with business people both in and out of the classroom.
Downtown Affiliates
Chair: Kristin McLaughlin, Sunbury's Revitalization, Inc.
Meets: First Thursday of the Month, 9:30 a.m., Chamber Business Center
The purpose of the Downtown Affiliates Committee is to develop synergies by building collaboration and cooperation among the non-profit organizations whose missions are to revitalize the central business districts of their communities. The participants are: Danville Business Alliance, Lewisburg Downtown Partnership, Mifflinburg Heritage & Revitalization Association, Selinsgrove Projects Inc., Sunbury's Revitalization Inc., Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, and The Improved Milton Experience.
Governmental Affairs Committee
Co-Chair: Pat Marolo, Susquehanna Valley Mobility Services
Co-Chair: Jeff Reber, Mifflinburg Bank & Trust Co.
Meets: First Friday of the Month, 11:30 a.m., Sorella's, Northumberland
Develops, promotes and articulates the business viewpoint of federal, state, and local issues that impact the health and vitality of business in the Greater Susquehanna Valley.
Membership Committee Co-Chair: Donna Ross, Evangelical Community Hospital
Co-Chair: Truman Purdy, Purdy Insurance Agency
Meets: Fourth Tuesday of the Month, 7:45 a.m., Chamber Business Center
Develops programs to welcome new businesses to the Chamber and promotes Chamber Membership as a benefit for all business and professional firms in the region. In addition to participating in the Chamber’s Membership campaigns, the committee sponsors new members throughout the year and encourages their continued participation.
Programs & Development Committee Co-Chair: Alissa Evans, The Daily Item
Meets: Third Friday of the Month, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Business Center
The mission of the Small Business Support Group is to provide a forum for small business owners to exchange ideas, offer solutions, educate, support and motivate each other to try new initiatives for business growth and development.
Meets: Second Friday of the Month, 7:30 a.m., Hoss's Steak & Sea House
(Optional Breakfast at 7 a.m.)
This Committee encourages public sector support for improved roads, streets, highways, bridges, airports and traffic flow to enhance the Greater Susquehanna Valley as a place to operate a business.
Women's Leadership Symposium
Co-Chair: Rhonda Campbell, Jarhon Communications
Co-Chair: Amber Gabrielson, Swineford National Bank
Meets: First Friday of the Month, 8:30 a.m. Chamber Business Center
Visions and Connections is a women’s leadership symposium, inviting women to join their peers from the Valley to spend a day with highly experienced professionals. The conference gives attendees dozens of new ideas and action plans to boost their career, their attitude and their life. It is specially designed to give powerful information and profound insights that will make a lasting, positive impact on attendees’ lives.
Young Americans Committee
Chair: Angela Hummel, Evangelical Community Hospital
Meets: Third Friday of the Month, 12 p.m. Skeeter's Pit BBQ, Shamokin Dam
The Chamber is a leading advocate in the Valley for recognizing and promoting its future leaders. In cooperation with local school districts, media organizations and volunteers, the Chamber recognizes the scholastic, extracurricular and civic leadership qualities of more than ninety students from eleven school districts throughout the Greater Susquehanna Valley. In May, the Chamber invites the Young American award recipients, their parents and relatives to attend the Annual Young Americans Awards Banquet, featuring a guest speaker and a recognition ceremony.
Routes 11-15 • 2859 N. Susquehanna Trail • P.O. Box 10 • Shamokin Dam, PA 17876 • E-mail: info@gsvcc.org