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Report: State tax burdens inch outlook higher

Tax burdens growing a tick lighter for residents and businesses alike in Pennsylvania pushed the state’s economic outlook a tick higher, according to a recent report from the American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC, as it’s called for short, publishes the annual analysis “Rich States, Poor States” and rates each state based on labor policies the conservative organization deems better for personal and corporate wealth. Pennsylvania’s economic performance ranked 43rd and its outlook came in 34th. The former looks back at how policy has shaped migration patterns, gross ...

Regional bank selects mortgage lending leader

Woodlands Bank recently announced Wanda Marie Fortin is joining the bank’s mortgage lending team. Throughout her 40 years in the industry, “Fortin has helped thousands of clients finance the purchase of new homes, construction projects, and refinancing opportunities,” a news release said. “Her extensive knowledge and commitment to top-notch customer service supports Woodlands Bank’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals.” “I’m happy to join Woodlands Bank because they are a strong local community bank that prioritizes personal ...

3 attorneys join law firm with Williamsport, Muncy offices

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, an elder law firm with seven locations across northeastern and central Pennsylvania, recently announced the addition of Attorney Joseph Fiorillo, Attorney Kaitlyn Force and Attorney John Gomolchak to the firm as associate attorneys, a news release said. Fiorillo works out of the firm’s Wyalusing and Wysox offices, Force will be working out of the Muncy, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport offices, and Gomolchak will be working out of the Williamsport office. All three come to Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak with previous legal experience. Fiorillo comes ...

Woodlands Bank welcomes new Mortgage Loan Officer/Sales Manager

Woodlands Bank is proud to announce and welcome Wanda Marie Fortin to their Mortgage Lending team. Throughout her 40 years in the industry, Fortin has helped thousands of clients finance the purchase of new homes, construction projects, and refinancing opportunities. Her extensive ...

Business owner places 2nd in coffee tasting competition

Brittney Gross, coffee director and business partner at Sweetspire Coffee in Williamsport, placed second in the annual US Coffee Cup Tasting Championship competition hosted in Raleigh, North Carolina this year during the weekend of March 26-29. According to a news release, this competition challenges coffee experts from around the country to test their sensory skills in a coffee triangulation challenge. Gross earned second place in a field of 48 behind returning champion Mehmet Sogan. The US Cup Tasting Championship is one segment of the US Coffee Championships, a yearly ...

5 Pennsylvania lawmakers join wealth tax push

Five Pennsylvania Democrats support an effort to implement a wealth tax on fortunes above $50 million. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-2nd District, announced on March 27 that he, along with U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., are once again leading the effort in the U.S. House to pass the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act. “A secretary shouldn’t pay a higher tax rate than the CEO,” Boyle said. “The current tax code is rigged against working people and the middle class. Our proposal finally changes this and makes billionaires pay their fair share.” In addition to Boyle and Jayapal, ...