March 14, 2025

We apologize for sending this newsletter twice. Important information was cut off in the Lake Raystown article and we wanted to make sure you received it.

Lake Raystown Closures Due to Executive Order Driven Staffing Shortages

The Chamber is fully aware of the current situation with the closures at Lake Raystown. As of right now, we're advocating for a few very important matters.

First, we're advocating that a continuing resolution be passed to avoid the Federal Government shut down. If the Senate fails to pass the bill that was already adopted by the House of Representatives, all non-essential federal employees will be furloughed. That means as of Monday, March 17th, all access gates to the Raystown Lake Project will be locked, including the boat launches and Seven Points Recreation Area. These locks will remain on until the shutdown ends of normal operating dates for commercially leased facilities like Seven Points Marina begin.

Second, we're advocating that the administration open up the hiring of at least seasonal employees for the US Army Corps of Engineers. A hiring freeze is already in place which is preventing the US Army Corps of Engineers from hiring its seasonal maintenance workers and rangers to safely manage all facilities. If the hiring freeze isn't lifted by the middle of April, all three federal campgrounds will not open for the 2025 season.

Third, we're advocating to end the moratorium on the use of government credit cards by USACE employees. Federal employees are working without access to their governemtn credit card spending. This prevents the Raystown Lake staff from sending water samples to the laboratory for safety testing. The immediate impact of this is a boil water notice for all drinking water on the project. If the credit card spending moratorium continues into the summer, then USACE will not be able to open beach areas, as they must be tested weekly as public swimming areas.

How You Can Help:

1. Contact your U.S. Congressional delegation and tell them to pass a continuing resolution. https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
2. Pressure the administration to open up the hiring of at least seasonal employees for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

We were beyond honored to be part of the Upward Broadband Three Springs Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday morning, marking a transformative moment in our community! Thanks to the power of Tarana Technology, Upward Broadband is bringing high-speed internet to even more people across Huntingdon County!

We're thrilled to see Upward Broadband expanding essential internet services to some of the most rural areas in the county, connecting families, businesses, and communities that need it most.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in making this incredible milestone a reality!

Understanding the Workforce Shift

With Millennials and Gen Z now comprising most of the workforce, businesses must rethink their approach to employee benefits. These generations prioritize flexibility, mental health, financial wellness, and purpose-driven work environments over traditional perks. In a competitive job market, offering the right benefits package can significantly impact the talent attraction, retention, and engagement.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, prioritize work-life balance, career growth, and financial stability. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, values flexibility, mental health support and diversity in the workplace. While each generation has distinct preferences, both groups share an expectation that workplaces will offer benefits that support not just their professional development but also their personal well-being.

Work-life balance is particularly important to these employees. Millennials appreciate flexible work schedules and remote work options, while Gen Z pushes for even greater workplace fluidity, preferring hybrid setups or fewer traditional work hours. Career development is another significant factor. Millennials look for tuition reimbursement and mentorship programs, while Gen Z prefers digital learning opportunities, upskilling, and the ability to advance quickly through job-hopping. Financial wellness plays a crucial role in their decision-making, with Millennials drawn to student loan assistance and 401(k) matching, whereas Gen Z favors instant payroll access and budgeting tools. Health and well-being are also essential, as both groups demand comprehensive wellness programs, including therapy coverage and stress management apps.

To attract and retain these employees, organizations must rethink their benefits models and provide options that are personalized, flexible, and inclusive.

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at hccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritss at (800) 377-3536.

 HIRING – $60K+ OPPORTUNITY



Looking for a self-motivated go-getter who wants to make money and build a career in insurance. No experience? No problem! I’ll pay for your licensing courses—but you have to follow through.

•  $20/hr to start
•  Bonuses + commissions after training
•  Life & health insurance available
•  Annual team trips to Costa Rica! 
•  Must have PA Property & Casualty + Life & Health licenses to start. First person to complete both is hired!

This is a public-facing role in Orby, M-F, 8-5 (with a mandatory 11:30-12:30 lunch break). Occasional remote work possible, but this is NOT a work-from-home job.

We're thrilled to announce that Huntingdon County Night at the Altoona Curve will take place on Saturday, July 26th!

This year, we're proud to support The Salvation Army as the beneficiary of the event. Your participation will help make a lasting impact on our community, all while enjoying a night at the ballpark!

Business Owners - Looking for way to give back while rewarding your team? Consider a sponsor package! This is your chance to connect with your employees and their families and support a great cause at the same time!

Individual tickets are also available! It's going to be a night you don't want to miss!

Important Reminder: All sponsor packages and tickets MUST be purchased through our representative, Dylan Sim, to ensure The Salvation Army benefits from your support.

We can't wait to see you at the ballpark and make this night one to remember!

We're excited to announce we have confirmed the following Elected Officials to be in attendance:

A representative from Congressman John Joyce's Office

A representative from Senator John Fetterman's Office

Senator Judy Ward

Representative Rich Irvin

Representative Scott Barger

Huntingdon County Commissioners Scott Walls and Patrick Reeder

Interested in advertising in our enews?

Contact MacKenzie at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com.

The cost is $25.00; $10.00 for 501(3) organizations. Yearly rates are available.

If you are hiring, please send position information to mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com or login to the member section of our website to post your jobs.

Contact Us

MacKenzie Huntsman

President/ CEO

mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com

Lorena LaGroue

Program Director

lorena@huntingdonchamber.com

500 Allegheny Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Phone: 814-643-1110

Fax: 814-643-1115

www.huntingdonchamber.com