e-NEWS
Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
PVCC Events
July 30, 2020
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Business Roundtable
Our monthly Business Roundtable luncheons have gone virtual on ZOOM!
Join us for an interactive discussion and sharing of best practices among other business owners and key decision makers, right from the comforts of your home or office. 
 
3-Tier Event Registration (FREE event, donations welcome)
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
Discussion Topic: Business Challenges and Opportunities
How has the move to green impacted your business operations? Customer/employee safety measures, morale ,telework, travel policies, new business opportunities, mask policy for customers and employees
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
August 6, 2020
4:00pm
Community Town Hall
Dr. Broker is a Board Certified ENT specialist and surgeon who will answer your questions about COVID-19. In our next edition of Town Hall, Dr. Broker discusses new findings about how the virus is transmitted, why we are seeing spikes in the number of cases in the US, how other countries have kept infection rates down, the importance of social distancing and masks, ways to keep customers and employees safe, antibody testing, contact tracing and more.

3-Tier Event Registration (free, $10 or $25)
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
COVID-19 - The science behind the disease
What do the latest studies reveal about the disease? How other regions/countries kept infection rates low?
Does the antibody protect me?
Preparing to return to work place/schools

ASK THE EXPERT - Submit your question(s) for Dr. Broker when you register!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Virtual Town Hall with Gene Barr
Listen to our virtual town hall discussion with Gene Barr , President and CEO of PA Chamber of Business and Industry. Gene is regarded as the Voice of Business in the Commonwealth . With over 1,000 members ranging from mom-and-pop shops to industry leaders, Gene overseas all operations of the PA Chamber, the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy association. During the Virtual Town Hall event, Gene discussed advocacy initiatives to support small businesses, State guidelines, resources for employers and employees, legislative updates, policy recommendations and answered audience questions.
This program was pre-recorded
Sneak-Peak Mixer
SAVE THE DATE...
September 10, 2020
4:00pm - 6:00pm
PV Chamber Mixer
Salter's Fireplace, Patio and Grill

PV Chamber members and guests will enjoy a sneak-peak at Salter's Annual Sales Event which opens to the public Friday, September 11th 10am - 8pm and Saturday, September 12th 10am- 6pm. As we get closer to the date, we will determine if this will be an in-person or virtual event. Stay tuned for updates and registration link.
A Message From The Chamber Office
Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

I hope this message finds you healthy and you all finding ways to keep cool during the latest heat wave.

The PV Chamber along with regional Chambers/economic development organizations throughout Montgomery County participate in bi-weekly conference calls with County officials to share information to communicate to business and residents as well as to discuss the impact and recovery efforts of COVID-19.The following programs were discussed on our most recent call:
  • The new Restart Montco Initiative, is a planning approach for communities and businesses impacted by COVID-19 Please take a moment to look at what the Montgomery County Planning Commission has done with this so far as it is an incredible source of information and guidance with potential to evolve as our county’s needs evolve during the COVID-19 recovery.
  • Shared Work Program is an initiative that allows businesses to retain their workforce during a temporary slowdown and then quickly ramp up operations without the expense of recruiting, hiring and training new employees. 
  • The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 
  • PA Career Link of Montgomery County is relocating from 1855 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA to a newly renovated location within the Human Services Center (HSC) at 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown PA. The new office is scheduled to open to the public by appointment only on August 17, 2020.
  • Thank you to all members that participated in Montco Workforce Development Needs Assessment phone interviews last month. We will share the County's report when complete.
  • Last, but not least, the County is asking residents to complete their 2020 Census. 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! You can view PA response rates by County here. Visit www.2020census.gov

Much appreciation for your commitment to the Chamber and your community. Renewing your Chamber membership enables us to continue to advocate for business, develop programs and initiatives to help you stay connected and build relationships, promote local business and lead members through the recovery phase of COVID-19. If you have not receive your renewal invoice, or would like to set up a payment plan or learn about COVID-19 discounts, please send requests to info@pvchamber.net.

Stay safe and healthy!

Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net 
610-489-6660
Support Small Business, Friends and Neighbors!
Shop Local!
Small business is the backbone of our regional economy. Please look for ways to support these businesses during the pandemic. Please visit the  Chamber Directory  for a complete list of members. Consider purchasing gift cards for businesses that are not currently open (salons, restaurants, spas, retailers, etc) to support them now and use at a later date. 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.  
Please share your positive experiences with others and on social media platforms to help promote and support our local businesses. Should you have a less than satisfactory experience, please be patient; relay your concerns privately with the store manager so he/she can evaluate the issue and consider ways to improve for future visits. TOGETHER we will reset, restore and rebound our community!
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Welcome New Members!
Welcome our newest member!


Loci House LLC
The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this past year! 
 Click on a business name for more information. 
All Current PV Chamber Members can be found in the Directory on our Website
COVID-19 Resource Hubs
PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
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
  • Webinars & Recordings
  • Brighter Side
  • Event News
Montgomery County Resource Hubs
Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed here.
Zooming Around the 24th District
Senator Bob Mensch presents Zooming Around the 24th District, a series of virtual meetings with local businesses and organizations to discuss the experiences they have had during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of these meetings is for businesses to stay in touch with their communities, and for us to spread the word about some of the challenges facing our local businesses during this time. Watch the meetings here: https://www.senatormensch.com/zooming-around-the-24th-district/
PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Bringing PA Back is an initiative of the PA Chamber to help businesses re-open prepared and stronger. The site contains resources to help prepare your workplace, welcome back employees and customers.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

PA Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Portal


Note: $600/week additional benefit expires the week of July 25, 2020.
Small Business Funding
PA 30 Day Fund , provides forgivable loans for Pennsylvania-based small businesses and is eager to see an increase in applications from eligible small businesses in Montgomery County, particularly in applications from eligible minority and/or women owned businesses.  The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum 3 days).

COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Grants : $225 Million grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 are available through 3 programs; $100M for Main Street Business Revitalization; $100M for historically disadvantaged business revitalization program and $25M for loan payment deferment and loss reserve program. The program expects to begin accepting applications by the month's end and businesses must apply through an eligible CDFI.
COVID & THE WORKPLACE
Review business guidance on PA Dept of Community and Development Page and then print and sign safety procedure document.
CARES Act Information and Resources
IMPORTANT:
PPP funds are still available. Small businesses are encouraged to contact their banker for information.

President Trump signs law to change PPP rules, extending funds spending from 8 weeks to 24 weeks. Read more here.
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
Chamber Advocacy
On June 17, 2020, a coalition of 80 Chambers of Commerce sent a letter to Federal and State Lawmakers to support temporary, targeted legal safe harbor protection for employers and healthcare communities operating in good faith and complying with relevant requirements.

An open letter to state lawmakers expressed the deep concern Chamber leaders feel with both the pace and process of reopening businesses in the SE PA region . The letter, sent on May 28, 2020 was singed by 24 Chamber leaders, including myself. The letter urges legislatures to work with the Governor to revise metrics for reopening and with the Chambers' assistance, develop guidance and support to help businesses reopen safely. Read the letter here.

On April 3, 2020,  leaders from 50 Pennsylvania chambers  of commerce  signed a letter  to Pennsylvania  Governor Tom Wolf  requesting that the Administration allow more businesses to operate under CISA and CDC guidelines to ensure the critical infrastructure supply chains are protected during the COVID-19 crisis.  Read the letter here
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As you are recovering from the businesses shut downs, this is an opportunity to rebrand and polish your new image. Let us know if you have any photography needs. We have implemented contactless protocols to keep you, your staff and family safe. Contact us for more info: https://www.scilliaphotography.com/contact
Employment Opportunities
Kimberton Whole Foods is Hiring
Kimberton Whole Foods is looking for people who love food, care for the earth and enjoy building relationships with fellow team members and customers. At Kimberton Whole Foods we strive to create an environment where work is engaging and meaningful. Availability on weekends is required. Please note, we do not hire seasonal positions. To learn more and view positions, visit www.kimbertonwholefoods.com/career-opportunities/
Join the A& E Flooring
Installation : A&E Flooring is always looking to add installation teams that can offer a customer-first experience as well as genuine quality installations. Please send resumes to info@aandeflooring.com
Retail Sales Associate: A&E Flooring is currently looking to hire a retail sales associate to work in the showroom. Our Ideal candidate is someone who puts the customer first and is friendly and outgoing. Strong computer skills are a must. Flooring experience is a plus but not a requirement. Please send resumes to info@aandeflooring.com.
Dirk's Pest Management Specialists - Office Staff Position
Purpose:  To effectively and efficiently maintain a high level of organization within the office.
Responsibilities will include:
Schedule Routes/appointments; Generate daily route sheets/ work orders and invoices; Coordinate, scheduling and mailing termite renewal notices; Answer phones (with a smile); Enter all new customers / update current customer account information into the computer; Initiate and maintain customer accounts which include follow up; Communicate with technicians and sales staff of any changes to their work schedules and/or work; Add weekly Dirks Pest Management Specialist Facebook status; Responsible for account functions, including but not limited to accounts payable and accounts receivable; Issued Proposals for Termite Renewals/Service Plans 
Qualifications:
Good written, verbal, follow up and telephone communications skills; Abilities to sell and communicate; Excellent human-relations skills- a sense of humor, a quick smile and a thick skin; Basic skills in reading, writing and math; Extremely flexible, adaptable, quick to learn new skills /knowledge and handle rapid change effectively; Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail; Good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point. Ability and eagerness to learn a  robust pest control software (Pestpac); Must be a TEAM PLAYER- work as a competent member of the team and willingly provide back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively support team goals; The ability to self-start and work independently. Must be proactive!
To apply: send resume to office@dirkspms.com
First Financial Group - Philadelphia is Hiring!
First Financial Group - Philadelphia is looking to recruit Financial Representatives who have an entrepreneurial spirit and who are passionate about helping people live better financial lives. If you’re coming from a financial services background, we can help you take it to the next level. But, it doesn’t matter to us what your background is, as long as you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for helping people, are self-motivated, and have character and integrity. First Financial Group Philadelphia is located in the heart of King of Prussia and provides the training, structure, and support to help you create financial security for your clients, while creating a better life for you and your family. Please contact Steven D. Earhart, President (FFG PA, NJ, DE), at steven.earhart@ffgadvisors.com, or by phone at 610-293-8330.
Touching Hearts at Home is Hiring
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
Member News
Troubles End Brewing introduces outdoor dining and beer garden! Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Indoor seating is also available. Indoor dining reservations will be encouraged while we are under capacity restrictions, but walk ins are welcomed, for the time being we will be handling all reservations over the phone.
Please call 484-902-8076 - we will be taking reservations up to 7 days in advance.
Troubles End Brewing, 50 W. Third Street, Ste 310, Collegeville.

Trivia Night
Wednesdays @ 7PM
(every Wednesday through Aug. 5th)

Davinci's Pub presents Thing and Drink Trivia Event hosted by Larry Hoffman. Join us every Wednesday, until August 5th for Happy Hump Day Trivia Nights!
DaVinci's Pub, 217 E. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426. 610-831-1955.
Open Studio Style Kid's Camp
(weekdays 1pm-4pm)

Pinot's Palette offers NEW Open Studio Style Kids Camp! Our young guests will choose their painting from our studio library.  Kids can opt to paint a single 16x20 canvas or two 8x10s.  Guests must be able to read, interpret instructions and paint independently.  Artists will be on site to offer clarification, but not formal instructions. Social distancing will be used to plan seating in our spacious studio. Guests are expected to wear face masks.
Pinot's Paltte, Providence Towne Center, 121 Market Street, Collegeville, PA
collegeville@pinotspalette.com 
610-285-9190
Summer Science Camp
July - August

Summer Science Academy features science-based day camp programs for children ages three through 6th grade.  If you child enjoys spending time outdoors and learning about about nature, they will love summer camp at the Conservancy!  All camps are held at the Conservancy's Brownstone Barn. 
Virtual Summer Lessons
July 6th - August 14th

Community Music School's 6-week private lesson summer schedule will continue in our virtual format from July 6th to August 14th. Virtual lessons can be scheduled flexibly depending on teacher availability. 

In addition to individual lessons, we are offering a discounted package for students that sign up for the entire summer session at once (6 lessons). 
E-mail info@cmsmusic.org for faculty availability or click here for more information. 
SCORE TriCounty Webinar
Reopening and Staying Open - How to Assess the Past 60 Days and Prepare for What's Next
August 6, 2020 @ 1:00PM

If you’re like many businesses, you are probably working overtime to navigate the ever-changing landscape created by C19. Whether you’ve already reopened or will be opening this summer, August will be an ideal time to assess what you’ve experienced already and develop a strategic plan for the rest of the year.

This session, presented by SCORE mentor Suzanne McGrath, will help business owners – including retailers and restaurants – learn from the experience they’ve had over the summer to:

  • Create a pro forma Profit & Loss statement as a basis for planning the next 12 months
  • Minimize costs and maximize revenue through market positioning
  • Develop strategies for dealing with capacity limits, especially in a restaurant context
  • Consider how to plan for a potential second wave as well as long term changes in consumer behavior
  • Analyze options for dealing with lease issues
  • The goal of this webinar is to address these very real issues that will continue to pose existential challenges to many businesses at least through the next year.
Half Time Report (Webinar)
presented by Kalejta Financial Management
August 13, 2020 @ 6:30pm

What’s next for the markets, and what forces will influence the economy during the 2nd half? Join us as we help put today’s economic landscape into perspective. Please invite your family and friends who would like to learn more about investing and the markets.
Thursday, Aug 13th at 6:30PM

WEBINAR (Due to COVID-19)
in our 2020 half time report, you will find answers to questions, such as:

• What will the Fed do next?
• Will more Americans get back to work?
• What might happen if there is a second wave of COVID-19?


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Dean Fox
kalejtafinmgmt@kalejta.com
610-831-2195
Kalejta Financial Management
SCORE Tri-County is seeking volunteers!

Now more so than any recent time, our volunteers are hard at work side-by-side to assist small businesses through education and mentorship.
As our requests for assistance remain steady, so is the genuine need for more qualified SCORE volunteers. If you are recently retired or thinking about retirement and are looking for ways to give back to your community, then becoming a SCORE volunteer just might be a rewarding fit. Email us at tricounty@scorevolunteer.org.

We look forward to hearing from you because YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Music on Main
September 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm
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.
Integrate for Good
Community Heroes
September 10, 2020 @ 6:00pm - 9:30pm
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. Bet with "funny money" and win fabulous prizes and raffles baskets! Keynote speaker,  Rohan Murphy .

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. 

Sign up for a Sponsorship! Donate a raffle prize! Place an ad in our program! Buy your tickets!  Be part of our inclusive community. Integrate for Good can't wait to celebrate with you. 
Perkiomen Sojourn
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
Join in the adventure on Saturday, September 12th as we paddle a ten-mile stretch of the Perkiomen Creek from Schwenksville to Oaks! Explore the scenic beauty and hidden treasures of the Perkiomen. Do some boulder dodging. Battle the dams and rapids. Chat with old friends and make some new ones.

Take home a copy of the Perkiomen Creek Paddler's Guide so you can explore on your own.

Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent from us!

In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we've implemented new safety protocols this year. Read more here.
Lenape Challenge - New Date!
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am

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. Register Here

Location: Start at The Conservancy
Check-in opens: 7:30 am
Event start: 9:00 am
High-water date*: September 26
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.
Donations Needed at Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
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!

Order Ahead Meals
Order Home Style Comfort Food for a delicious meals available for pickup on Wednesdays and Fridays. Let Chef Sodiah Thomas, S&B Events Concepts and Catering do the cooking! Order form and details: www.snbevents.com/events or call 267-263-2616. 
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NEW Escape Room "Among Thieves" is OPEN!
Our new escape room "Among Thieves" is NOW AVAILABLE for booking! We have worked very hard to build an escape room we think you all will love and we are so excited to show you!

Escape Trappe - all   gift vouchers 20% off and never expire. Use discount code "lockdown20"
(Coming soon..."Among Thieves", Escape Trappe's 4th room!)
To learn more visit  www.escapetrappe.com  and remember to enter code LOCKDOWN20 at checkout.
Escape Trappe,130 W. Main Street, Trappe. 610-489-3877. 


Ursinus College Offering Business Assistance During COVID-19

During this unprecedented time, Ursinus College is committed to supporting the local community. We recognize that, while these are difficult times for many, small and medium sized businesses are uniquely affected by the quarantine.

Ursinus students seeking remote/virtual work opportunities can assist you with promoting your business, advertising your services, redesigning a business plan, driving commerce, promoting or building online platforms, and more. We believe this will not only help local businesses, but also provide learning and practical opportunities for our students. Possible projects may include: social media and online marketing, website building, payment processing, writing a business plan, and researching assistance for loans.

Please fill out this form with as much details as possible to indicate your interest. We will review the submission within 2 business days. Appropriate opportunities will be shared with our students within 5 business days or less. While we hope you will receive interest from our students, we cannot guarantee applications. Please note that Ursinus College reserves the right to determine the eligibility of a posting and to delete postings deemed unsuitable for our students. 

Ursinus College values our local business partners and hopes to play a role in navigating through these difficult times. Please email Olivia Correll, Assistant Director for Employer Engagement, at ocorrell@ursinus.edu, with questions or for additional information.
Montgomery County Updates
MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program Awards
Montco Strong Small Business Grant Round 3 awardee list has been posted and can be found  HERE . 60 grants for a total of $631,500 awarded.
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 .
Take the US Census
As of 7/28/20, the countywide response rate was 73%. 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! 
Small Business Gift Card Program
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.
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 
Montgomery County COVID-19 Testing

Montgomery County is now offering free COVID-19 testing, for all ages, at six sites across the county. This testing is made possible by CARES Act funding that has been allocated directly to the County.
Montgomery County released guidance for reopening Pre-K to 12 schools for Fall 2020. Montgomery County officials and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health in collaboration with Montgomery County school superintendents have developed general recommendations to support the prevention of the spread of coronavirus in the school environment as they plan to open for the 2020-21 school year. The complete recommended guidelines can be found here .
We want to share YOUR upcoming events in E-News and Community Calendar.
Pass It On
The PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates. For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director. 
 
521 W Main Street, Suite 103 | Trappe, PA 19426
Telephone:  (610) 489-6660 | FAX: (610) 454-1270