Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
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Self-employed,
independent contractors, gig workers, and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
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CARES Act Information and Resources
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The US Senate Approved Additional Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The House will be voting on this bill on Thursday, April 23.
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Employee Retention Tax Credit
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.
NOTE: Borrowers cannot use PPP and tax credit. However, small businesses can receive EIDL and PPP funds, but they cannot be used to cover the same costs. Speak with your financial advisor for best option
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Montgomery County Gift Card Program
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Help save your favorite local business one gift card at a time.
Support your local restaurants and shops by buying gift cards during the COVID-19 shutdown.
You'll help them get the cash they need now, so you can enjoy their business later.
This is a County-wide program that was developed through input from local chambers and key stakeholders.
Small businesses can sign up using the link below
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A Message From The Chamber Office
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Dear Chamber Members and Friends,
I hope this email finds you, your family and colleagues well, both physically and emotionally. There are so many people I know that are working the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are too many to single out, I want to thank everyone willing to sacrifice their own safety and well-being to care and provide for others. And to our friends that have lost loved ones, we are keeping you close in our thoughts.
A
s we continue to navigate life and business in a COVID-19 world, the Chamber is here to support our members, local businesses and residents during these challenging times. If you have questions about relief programs, mandates/guidelines, employment opportunities, UC questions, etc, please do not hesitate to contact the chamber office for assistance. 610-489-6660.
We will continue to provide our small business owners and employees with resources to carry them through this period;
time-sensitive announcements/resource links
can be found in
email messages
sent from PV Chamber
.
Visit the
COVID-19 Resource Hub
for links to find answers to FAQ, local deals and
positive things
happening in our community!
The sooner we
flatten the curve, the sooner we can begin to rebuild
.
Thank you for your patience and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net
610-489-6660
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Support Small Business, Friends and Neighbors!
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Small business is the backbone of our regional economy. Please look for ways to support these businesses during the pandemic.
Restaurants, Catering, Groceries and Wholesale Clubs:
Please call your senior neighbors and friends to lift their spirits and ensure they have food and proper medication. Contact the
Community Food Pantry
for updated hours of operation and needed supplies.
Be Safe and Healthy!
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Supplies Needed for Phoenixville Hospital
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P
hoenixville, PA (March 2020) - In the past week, Phoenixville Hospital has received an outpouring of calls, emails and social pings from the community asking how they can help the hospital during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health outbreak.
"We have received medical supplies and food treats for our staff and are so grateful to each and every person or business that makes a contribution to Phoenixville Hospital," said Steven Tullman, President and CEO. "Phoenixville is an amazing hamlet, and I couldn't be prouder to be a part of the fabric of this community."
Phoenixville Hospital is in immediate need of the below Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items for their staff:
* Masks: looped procedure masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks
Note to seamstress in our community: WE ARE ACCEPTING CLOTH MASKS!
* Gowns: surgical and Isolation gowns
* Eye ware: protective googles and face shields
* Disinfectant wipes and sanitizers
* Surgical gloves
Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to email PhoenixvilleHospitalPrograms@towerhealth.org to arrange delivery.
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The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this year!
Click on a business name for more information.
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Mary Allen - Kelly Williams Realty
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All Current PV Chamber Members can be found in the Directory on our Website
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Do you want that special graduation picture but cannot get a professional portrait done because of the stay-at-home guidelines?
This is where Scillia Photography can help. We can safely give you the graduation picture you want. See our website for more information.
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Montgomery County Resource Hub
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Follow the protocols posted on Montgomery County's COVID-19 data hub
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PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
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Bookmark the PV Chamber's COVID-19 Resource Hub for up-to-date information for business owners, employers and residents.
- County, State and Federal Resource Links
- Member-to-Member Resources
- Gift Card Program
- Shop Local
- Brighter Side
- Event News
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MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund Helps Non Profits
Montgomery County officials in partnership with local donors today are announcing that $212,000 has been awarded to 63 nonprofit organizations through the MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read more.
US Chamber Save Small Business Fund
Due to overwhelming demand, the US Chamber Foundation is unable to accept new applications for Save Small Business grants.
SBA Announces Lapse in Appropriations
Last week, the $349 billion emergency small business lending program officially tapped out.
Read more
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Now more than ever, we love sharing stories of great things happening in our community, reflective thoughts and positive vibes.
- Collegeville Rotarians are giving back during this difficult Year of the Pandemic 2020. All this week S&B Event Concepts & Catering is bringing Collegeville Police, Collegeville Fire Company, and Trappe Fire & Ambulance workers 150 home-cooked dinners that owner and head chef Sodiah Thomas made, two for each first responder.
- Keenan, Ciccitto & Associates is offering a FREE Healthcare Power of Attorney / Advance Directive to all members of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce.
- Lily Laser and Beauty tutorial to make your own hand mask.
- Learning Express order online for next day pickup.
- Bella Persone Salon is offering curbside pickup every Saturday. If you have any questions please call at 610-489-4444 or email us at angela@bellapersonesalon.com
- "Thank you to all Essential Employees" lawn signs are available for purchase at Signarama Limerick; proceeds will be donated to Open Door Ministry and Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
- While Elmwood Park Zoo presents Facebook live broadcast, weekdays at 11am. If you can’t watch the videos live, they will still appear on Facebook, our YouTube channel, and on our website.
- Main Street Nutrition is hosting a "Pay it Forward Campaign" to treat essential workers all month. For every dollar that comes in, Main Street Nutrition will match it.
- Need a little pampering? Giselle Knoblauch , Rodan + Fields, is offering to mail FREE Self- Care Packets to any member interested. In addition to FREE enrollment fee ($19.95) for all PVCC members receive additional 10% cash rebate for any order $80 or greater. I can be reached at gk585284@gmail.com or 610-716-7823. I'm also available to chat about R+F employment opportunities.
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Touching Hearts at Home is Hiring
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Touching Hearts at Home
is seeking Part-Time Employed In-Home Caregivers to provide one-on-one care for the elderly and disabled. We are a RAPIDLY growing home care agency and are looking for dedicated and compassionate Caregivers with a true calling to help others! Our Caregivers provide individuals with extra support to keep up with life's daily tasks. We value our clients AND those that serve alongside us! Our goal is to give our Caregivers the support, training, and confidence they need in order to be successful. Our territory spans across all of Montgomery County.
Call 484-854-9300
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Ursinus
Career and Post-Graduate Development would very much like to hear from smaller businesses in regard to their plans for summer internships and hiring for permanent positions for graduating seniors. The information will also be shared with PVCC to better help us "get a pulse" future small business planning.
Survey Questions:
1. What should students expect in terms of interviews in light of this pandemic?
2. What can students do now who are looking for summer 2020 internships and jobs after graduation?
3. How can students be proactive in offering "alternative" arrangements for interviews with employers? Do employers prefer visual calls (like skype, zoom, etc) or is phone good?
Email responses to Olivia Correll at ocorrell@ursinus.edu
Thank you!
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MONTCO ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE RESPONSE TEAM
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PV Chamber urges
businesses to participate in Southeast PA Regional Business Impacts of COVID-19 Survey.
The survey was compiled by stakeholders in the 5 Counties to better understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the regional business community, as well as develop policy and program.
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As of 4/22/20, the countywide response rate was 61.2%.
You can view the latest response rate at the county and community level here.
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
With just a 5% undercount in 2020, we could lose $72,336,780 annually in funding for Montgomery County
schools, infrastructure, Medicaid, SNAP, housing choice vouchers, head start, senior programs, and more!
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Updates from Gov. Wolf
- Governor Wolf held a press conference on April 22nd at 7pm to present his unveil additional details on reopening plan for the Commonwealth. Read more.
- Gov. Wolf Signs Senate Bill 841 to Provide Flexibility to Local Governments and Businesses. Read more.
- Gov. Wolf Announces Online Vehicle Sale Process, Construction Restart Date, PLCB Curbside Pick Up. Read more
- Governor Wolf signs order for new regulations for essential businesses including requiring masks for employees and customers. Read more
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Watch Out for COVID19, Federal Stimulus Check Scams
The PA Attorney General is warning consumers to be on the lookout for scams that involve the new coronavirus. Do not take unsolicited calls related to unemployment compensation and financial support for business. There are not 3rd party apps to assist in unemployment compensation claims. In addition, there have been reports of scams involving SBA loans (PPP and EIDL). Please work with your lender - do not give personal information to unsolicited callers.
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Message from Senator Mensch
April 13, 2020
The spike in the number of applicants in the
Unemployment Compensation
system has created longer response times and a large backlog of cases that sometimes take weeks to resolve. A number of services are available online at
www.uc.pa.gov.
Claimants who have filed an initial claim in mid-March who have not received a PIN should contact the Department of Labor and Industry as soon as possible.
The same guidance applies to individuals who tried to re-open an existing claim in mid-March and are still listed as “inactive” when they try to file a bi-weekly claim.
If you reside in Senator Mensch District, please contact the Red Hill office at 215-541-2388. If you reside outside of the district, please
contact your home Senator.
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An 18-day detour is planned for Swamp Pike beginning Monday, April 20, 2020
Ridge Swamp Associates, LP is planning to close Swamp Pike between Kugler Road and Ridge Pike in Limerick on April 20, through Friday, May 8, for excavation and paving operations, according to PennDOT.
During the closure, Swamp Pike motorists will be detoured over Kugler Road and Ridge Pike. Local access will be maintained up to the work zone. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
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Montgomery County COVID-19 Press Conference Today at 3:00pm
Watch Montco Live Press Conference on Thursday, April 23, 2020 @ 3pm on Facebook Live
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Montgomery County Call for Help to Supply PPE
Montgomery County is asking for donations for commercial masks, surgical masks and impervious (waterproof) gowns. Any business that has an interest in or capacity to turn their existing supply chain into the PPE output that the health care industry so desperately needs to please contact Montgomery County Commerce Department by emailing:
COVID19@montco.org
.
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MontcoStrong T-Shirts
MontcoStrong T-Shirts are for sale as a great initiative through our partners at
VFTCB
. The t-shirt fundraiser is to help support Montgomery County PA’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which was recently established to support local relief efforts in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The t-shirts can be purchased
here
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MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program
Round 1 Update
Awards have been announced for the MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program. Several PV Chamber members were awarded grants! Information on the grant awards can found
here
. Applicants that did not receive an award will be sent notification from the County via Constant Contact email. The County is evaluating resources available for a new round of funding and/or additional business assistance initiatives. Please check this site regularly for updates and watch the daily briefings from the Board of Commissioners for all the latest information on how Montgomery County is addressing the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.
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Home Tutoring Services
With schools now resorting to virtual classrooms, are you worried about your child falling behind in their math? Even if schools are closed until the end of the school-year, LEARNING CAN'T STOP!
We are here to help! Discover how we can provide face-to-face interactive math instruction and meet your child's math needs with Mathnasium @Home.
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An 8 Week FREE Summer Program to Help Businesses Grow by Ursinus College
May 26 - July 17
The program pays stipends for students to provide digital marketing support to 10 select businesses for 8 weeks during the summer, free of charge.
Application deadline extended to April 24, 2020
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Donations Needed at Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
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Due to COVID-19, the number of families we support has grown considerably.
CURRENT NEEDS:
Any canned meat, cereal, juice, tomato products, spaghetti sauce, juice, jelly, and canned pastas. We also need personal care items: baby wipes, bars of soap, laundry/dish soap, tissues, and any cleaning products. For many of our families your donations are a lifeline. If they do not get it here they must go without! Thank you everyone for your kindness and support!
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20% off at Escape Trappe!
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(Coming soon..."Among Thieves", Escape Trappe's 4th room!)
Escape Trappe,130 W. Main Street, Trappe. 610-489-3877.
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Eden Day Spa - Gift Card Sale
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Now through April 16th, receive 15% off for gift card purchases of $50 or more at Eden Day Spa and Salon.
Order online
.
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Shop Local - Toys for All Ages
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Learning Express - Collegeville is offering curbside pickup. Place your order online for next day 100% contactless curbside pickup.
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Nothing bundt Cakes
May 1st Re-Opening!
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We are excited to announce that on May1st
Nothing bundt Cakes at Providence Towne Center will reopen, offering contactless curbside pickup. Local delivery available with a minimum purchase of $22.
New Hours of Operation are Noon - 5pm Tuesday thru Saturday
610-989-CAKE
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PWC Plant Sale May 1st - May 31st
Picku up orders May 9th - 31st
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Beautify your yard and protect your local environment with native plants.
The native plant sale has gone virual!
More info
- From more information about plants you are likely to find during the sale visit our Native Plant Sale Guide Booklet.
- Over 130 different native plant species including flowering perennials, ferns, vines, and grasses in 4 inch pots. Prices start at $4.00 per plant.
- Wide selection of PA native trees and shrubs from Behmerwald Nursery
- Staggered and scheduled plant order pick-up times. Pick-up timing is selected while ordering. Plants are to be picked-up from 2020 Schultz Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 during your scheduled pick-up time.
- Advice from Conservancy staff is still available! Email our Conservationist, Beth, for assistance: bmyers@perkiomenwatershed.org
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May 5, 2020 @ 4:000pm - 5:30pm
Integrate for Good "Because We're Better Together" Zoom Party!
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Networking! Games! Prizes! Join Integrate for Good for a fun Zoom-based networking event on in honor of
#GivingTuesdayNow
, a global day of giving and unity that will take place as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
Participate in live games and raffles
Share your 30 second commercial (optional!)
Make new connections
Support a local nonprofit organization
...all at the same time!
We are offering two ticket options..
As a thank you to our "early birds," we will be doing a special drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card! The first 25 people who sign up will be entered!
Limited to 60 participants.
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The Perkiomen Creek Sojourn
Schwenksville to Oaks
Traditional: June 6th @ 9:00 am
Virtual: Choose Your Date
Traditional or Virtual, the Sojourn is ON! Go with the group on June 6, or choose a virtual adventure and pick your own date. This is our version of a choose-your-own-adventure and one that you can do any day or time. When you register for the virtual option, we'll mail you one of our bright and shiny waterproof Paddler's Guides, AND we'll send you a link to our Perkiomen Creek Video Series. These videos will give you all the info you need to paddle safely down the creek. Wait... there's more... send us a photo of you and your socially-distanced paddling crew and we'll send you the official Perkiomen Sojourn T-Shirt... so avoid the crowded trails and hit the open water!!
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May 30, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 4:00pm
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The
2020 PV Art and Food Truck Festival
will host a wide range of artists and vendors from within and outside of the Perkiomen Valley community. Our event is open to professional and student painters, woodworkers, ceramists, jewelry designers, photographers, fiber artists, etc.
We believe the arts in our community fosters social connection that bonds people.
The Berman booth will be in the main venue area "where the artistic process comes alive" with our demonstrating students, professional artists, and our K-12 Art gallery. They will also select the Best of Show Awards for the student art featured in our K-12 gallery.
PV High School Campus, 509 Gravel Pike, Collegeville
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September 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm
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MUSIC ON MAIN,
ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 4TH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020.
Plans are underway to celebrate our 150th Anniversary and the opening of
Ursinus College's
new Commons building by turning Main Street into a festival venue, featuring more than 25 performances and something for everyone - rock & roll, pop, classical, jazz, country, R&B, rap, theater, dance, puppets and more than a few surprises.
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September 10, 2020 @ 6:00pm - 9:30pm
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THE EVENT SCHEDULED ON APRIL 23RD HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020!
Integrate for Good
is excited to present our Community Heroes 2020 Gala at Talamore Country Club. Our Night at the Races will have you on the edge of your seat, cheering for your horses as we recreate the excitement of the race track! Bet with "funny money" and win fabulous prizes and raffles baskets!
You won't want to miss our nationally-acclaimed keynote speaker,
Rohan Murphy
. Seen on ABC's 20/20, in Sports Illustrated and featured in his own Nike ad, Rohan's story is one you will be talking about long after our event!
Proceeds from our Community Heroes 2020 Gala will benefit Integrate for Good and our Opening Doors on Campus initiatives at Ursinus College, Montgomery County Community College, Temple Ambler and Gwynedd Mercy University.
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September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
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Lenape Challenge - New Date!
In keeping with the
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's
mission, this unique race celebrates the connection between land and water.5 miles on the trail plus 2+ miles on the creek
Two-person Team Race -OR- Solo Challenge
Location: Start at The Conservancy
Check-in opens: 7:30 am
Event start: 9:00 am
High-water date*: September 26
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After 56 years of representing his company, State Farm Agent Larry Hoak, has decided to retire October 31st!
Property for Sale or Lease:
Office building with rented apartment on top at 363 E. Main Street, Collegeville.
Apartment building, 361 E. Main Street Collegeville (next door) has two residential apartments and a 3rd room commercial occupancy in the front
For more information, contact Paul Roberto at Weichert Realty 610-804-3218.
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We want to share YOUR upcoming events in E-News and Community Calendar.
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The PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates. For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director.
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521 W Main Street, Suite 103 | Trappe, PA 19426
Telephone:
(610) 489-6660
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FAX: (610) 454-1270
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