Momentum Magazine August 2019 Edition | Page 3

CHAMBER NEWS Government Affairs News The Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee recently hosted a meeting of government officials to discuss proposed changes to Scranton City and School District tax structures. At issue was a recommendation in the City’s Act 47 Recovery Plan to eliminate Gross Receipts (Business Privilege and Mercantile) taxes currently levied on select categories of businesses, in favor of a Payroll Preparation Tax, to be applied to all Scranton businesses (except exempt categories of non-profit organizations). The Chamber extends its deepest sympathy to the family of former Keystone College President Edward G. Boehm, Jr., as well as to the entire Keystone College community. President Boehm served on the board of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce from 1997-2000, and on the board of SLIBCO from 2001-2014. Representatives of the city, the Act 47 coordinator from the Pennsylvania Economy League, the school district and the state-appointed chief recovery officer met with the committee to discuss issues that would have to be addressed to implement the proposed change. The Chamber has long been on record in opposition to the current business-specific taxes, which are considered inequitable, difficult to monitor for compliance and a disincentive for affected businesses to locate or stay within the city. The Government Affairs Committee will continue to monitor this issue and report to the Chamber Board and membership as this matter unfolds. The Chamber helped celebrate the grand opening of Lean Back Vapes in Wilkes-Barre. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS? Eric Darling Twenty-two veterans kill themselves every day—have you ever wondered why veterans are two-and-a-half times more likely to die by suicide than our civilian counterparts? We at Valhalla Veterans Services believe we know why veterans are more prone to suicide and how to reduce those numbers. Since 2001, I have personally witnessed the loss of seven soldiers in combat, eight to suicide, and three to the use of prescription drugs and alcohol. In 2012, I began studying veteran suicide to understand why so many of my brothers had chosen to kill themselves. Valhalla Veterans Services was incorporated in 2016 to provide free counseling, suicide prevention training, and to serve as a link between local veteran groups so we could all make the process of finding help easier. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT DOING BUSINESS LOCALLY? Valhalla Veterans Services Clarks Summit, PA Member since 2019 Northeastern Pennsylvania is a truly patriotic region with a heart for veteran- related issues. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE CHAMBER? The fight against veteran suicide is a fight for our lives and the task is immense. We can’t do it alone and we hope that members of the Chamber will get involved and help us win this battle. www.scrantonchamber.com • 3