Special Edition E-Connection: April 24, 2020
ROAD TO REOPENING
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FEDERAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE: Additional Funding for CARES Act Programs
EIDL, PPP Programs to Reopen Soon after House Gives Final Passage to Stimulus Bill
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) should soon have more funds available to provide to small businesses, as the President is expected to sign the latest stimulus bill today. We will provide updates and details as they become available. Reminder: PPP applications are filed through local lenders (banks, credit unions.) If you already have an application filed under the EIDL program, updates may be available through a regional SBA office:
CONTACT INFO - SBA Regional Offices
Harrisburg Office: (717) 782-3840
Pittsburgh Office: (412) 395-6560
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U.S. Chamber/Inc. WEBINAR AT NOON TODAY
Topics to Include Funding for Small Business, Return To Work Plan
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Congress has passed new legislation to replenish the emergency loans available to small business through the CARES Act. The bill includes adding $320 billion into the Paycheck Protection Program, which had run dry. Where can small business owners turn for help? How should companies operate in this low-cash environment? And how and when should businesses plan for a return to work?
TODAY: Friday, April 24 at noon ET, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will join forces for a fifth virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help guide business owners through the resources available to them.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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GOVERNOR WOLF'S COLOR-CODED PLAN
TO RE-OPEN PENNSYLVANIA
Construction To Resume May 1, Some Other Areas/Industries May 8
Governor Tom Wolf Wednesday evening presented his detailed plan for reopening the commonwealth with a targeted May 8 start. The administration will categorize reopening into three phases: red, yellow, green. Phases will be assigned based on conditions in a county, counties or region.
The administration will first study conditions in the north-central and northwest regions with a target of moving from red to yellow on May 8. Additional monitoring will take place and direction will be provided in the next week.
READ MORE.
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Thank You to
Representative Jesse Topper
for discussing the latest
on the state's response to
COVID-19 on Thursday.
Recorded Zoom Call is Now available
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PA Chamber Announces "Bringing PA Back" Initiative
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The PA Chamber, working cooperatively with industry associations and Chambers of Commerce throughout the Commonwealth has started a conversation about energizing the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Learn more
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STATE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
INTERCHANGE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE
Sources for Personal Protective Equipment, Thermometers and More
As businesses look to ramp back up, we should begin considering what the post-COVID-19 shut-down will look like for your business, including industry guidelines concerning issues such as: cleaning/disinfecting guidelines, safety measures, liability, etc.
If your company needs Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's), you can view potential sources of several kinds of products on the state's
B2B Interchange Directory.
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U.S. Chamber PATH FORWARD
Path Forward, a new program from the U.S. Chamber Foundation, is designed help business and community leaders find the answers they need to develop a responsible reopening strategy.
When will it be safe to reopen? How do we protect employees and customers from the coronavirus? Where will my staff get COVID-19 tests? Masks? Gloves? Who’s going to pay for all this? Each episode features conversations between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce President, Suzanne Clark, and experts with practical recommendations for businesses of all sizes.
Path Forward events take place at 3 p.m. EST every Monday and Thursday.
Register Now.
If you can’t attend, you’ll find a recording of each episode on the Foundation’s website,
Facebook page, and
YouTube channel.
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Business Resources from the U.S. Chamber
Check out the latest guides and resources from the U.S. Chamber, including the new
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Thank you to Steltek Graphics for making these
SIGNS of SOLIDARITY
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Window Sign (12"x18") - $10
Yard Sign with stake (18' x 24") - $20
Color Banner (20"x24") - $20
or by calling or texting Kellie at 814-937-8049. Please include your name, business and request for signs (type and quantity).
Payment will be made directly to Steltek and we will let you know when they are ready for pick up or delivery.
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ADDICTIVE APPAREL
SHOP LOCAL T-SHIRTS
Thank you to Nicole at Addictive Apparel for offering these great Shop Local T-shirts, available to fellow businesses for $14.99.
Unisex tees, sizes Small thru 3XL available.
To Order, Call: 814-652-2394 or email
Deadline to Order: Mon. April 27
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Free Local Coaching for Small Businesses
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A Special Offer for Help from
Business Coach Tim Rooney:
To any small business owner: If this pandemic has you in fear of the now AND the future, I have a special offer. I have retired except for board work and would love to help.
Send me an email with your contact info and we can chat AT NO COST OR OBLIGATION EVER!! We can also see if there is an opportunity to form a "virtual" group of like minded business owners so we can continue the discussion well into the future. Some of you participate in executive groups like Vistage. GREAT!!
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A Message from the Bedford County Library
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While the library is closed, we're still working hard to serve the community!
also has a ton of excellent resources online, including CloudLibrary, an app-based ebook program, available with a valid library card.
To sign up for a library card (if you don't already have one), email your Name, address, phone number, birthdate, and municipality to
flscardsignup@gmail.com
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Friday, April 24
10 AM - Story Time with Miss Becky!
3 PM - a special video message.
5PM - Book Tasting as part of the
Bedford County Chamber Virtual
Mixer (see below.)
Saturday, April 25
10 AM, a very special STEM Saturday!
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Pennsylvania Launches COVID-19 Job Hiring Portal
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Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvanians looking for work can now find life-sustaining businesses that are hiring through a new online
COVID-19 job portal
the Department of Labor & Industry launched April 13, 2020.
“Many life-sustaining businesses across Pennsylvania are hiring and this new portal will help connect them with people looking for a job,” said L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak.
“A top priority of L&I is to provide businesses with access to the workforce they need to maintain their life-sustaining operations and help our workers find jobs, especially during this unprecedented and challenging time.”
People seeking employment can visit
www.PAcareerlink.pa.gov
and select the green “PA COVID-19 Jobs – Hiring Immediately” job portal banner to see active job openings. Selecting the “Apply Now” button for a listed position will redirect individuals to the employer’s website or email where they can apply directly with the employer and speed up the hiring process.
...Continued
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Join us for our weekly Virtual Mixer
Friday, April 24th - 5-6pm
Make connections in the business community with friends old and new...
A welcome break from the everyday stress!
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Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 857 7431 8447
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,85774318447# US (New York)
+13126266799,,85774318447# US (Chicago)
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NFIB Webinars Available to View
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The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has offered a series of webinars for small businesses related to COVID-19. These are available for view on demand.
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Governor Orders Masks for Essential Businesses
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Secretary of Health Signs Order re:
Worker Safety Measures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Effective Sunday, April 19th, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order
directing protections for critical workers who are employed at businesses that are authorized to maintain in-person operations during the COVID-19 disaster emergency. The order establishes protocols to help employees maintain a social distance during work as well as steps businesses are ordered to implement upon discovery of an exposure to a person who is a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19. In addition to the social distancing, mitigation and cleaning protocols, businesses that serve the public within a building or defined area are also ordered to implement a number of additional safety measures to help mitigate the spread of the disease. Additional information about the order – including a greater explanation of protocols and steps that are being required by the Department.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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Click the SBA logo above for information to help your business deal with some of the financial challenges of the COVID-19 Crisis.
Information includes:
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The PA Chamber is our partner for state legislative information and advocacy.
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Resources are available from Small Business Development Centers across the state to assist businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
CLICK HERE for Info
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The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies has established an emergency fund for non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
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Important Links to Information
Regarding the Coronavirus:
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DCED provides significant resources for businesses relative to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including:
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Link for Traditional Unemployment Benefits
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The Chamber office continues to be closed to public walk-ins, but our team is working remotely and available by email as needed (bulk mail, marketing, information, etc.)
For immediate assistance, please call the Chamber office at 814-623-2233 or email a member of our team:
If you are not able to reach our team through the Chamber phone number, you may call Kellie Goodman Shaffer (cell) at 814.937.8049.
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BULK MAIL ASSISTANCE
The Chamber is still assisting members with bulk mail.
Contact Delrae Hagstrom to schedule your mailing.
Thank you!
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CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
The Chamber is still providing members with
certificates of origin documentation.
Contact Kellie Goodman Shaffer
to arrange for processing.
Thank you!
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If you would like to offer your expertise to your fellow Chamber members in the form of a conference call, webinar, or one-on-one consult, let us know and we will make that information available to all.
We are planning educational and informational opportunities for our members utilizing technology - announcements on these programs will be forthcoming as additional information becomes available.
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Blood is needed during
this critical time.
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The Bedford County Visitors Bureau
has created a web page with a county-wide listing of restaurants offering take-out and/or delivery, another opportunity to support local businesses during the COVID-19 Crisis.
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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
(Subject to change depending on COVID-19 Status)
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Be Part of Our Signature Celebration of Spring!
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Vendor space indoors is
EXTREMELY LIMITED!
Call today to participate.
Outdoor space, sponsorships still available.
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Visit our Major Partners:
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Join us for our 7th Annual Conference
New Date: Tues. August 4th
at the Omni Bedford Springs
Mixer: Monday, August 3rd at SAMA
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Keynote Breakfast Panel Announced:
Women of Service:
Leadership Lessons from the Military
Presented by MyAdvisor
Jennifer Judd, US Air Force
Melony Lynch, US Navy & US Air Force
Tina Molski, US Army
Jayme Orr Rhodes, US Army
(Keynote Lunch Speaker Announcement Coming Soon)
Breakout Session Speakers
Full Schedule
Available Here:
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August 3rd - Evening Mixer at SAMA Bedford (6-8pm)
August 4th - Conference at Omni Bedford Springs Resort (8am-4pm)
Full Day - $199/Person ($169 for Chamber Members)
Omni Special Conference Room Rate Mon. & Tues.) - $139 with no Resort Fee
(Reserve your room soon! Call: 1-800-THE-OMNI)
Breakfast-Only Member Registration - $49 (Includes Gift Bag, Vendor Visits) Lunch-Only Member Registration - $69 (Includes Gift Bag, Vendor Visits)
Wed. Eve. Mixer: $20 per person
Sponsor, Vendor Opportunities Now Available.
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April & May First Thursday Networking Breakfast is cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19. We will plan a virtual networking event for these days! (Details Coming Soon.)
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Our next in-person networking breakfast is scheduled for August7th at Homewood at Spring House Estates. HOPE TO SEE YOU!
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2020 Program
& Events Guide
Now Available!
The Chamber is pleased to present our catalog of programs and events for the new year. Sponsorships, exhibitor opportunities, networking, exposure and more.
Call us to discuss your ideas and goals for 2020 and let us help you customize an opportunity perfect for you!
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A podcast featuring the businesses, leaders, and activities of Bedford County.
Produced in partnership with Headline Marketing & Communications and with additional exposure on the radio stations of Cessna Broadcasting
Sponsorships available:
Call Deanna Weaverling: 285-1235
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The Chamber is proud to partner with our friends from
Only in the Cove to provide new social media platforms:
Everything Bedford County
showcasing businesses, events and happenings
in Bedford County.
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The Chamber Advantage program promotes buy-local spending habits while serving our membership in multiple ways:
(1) provide an offer to your fellow members and drive business through your door
AND/OR (2) give this valuable card with dozens of offers to your employees (FREE)
AND/OR (3) use the card for special discounts/offers from local businesses, saving you money while benefiting our local economy.
Call Delrae for more info on how to use this FREE MEMBER BENEFIT
NEW IN 2020: Sponsorship Opportunity (your logo on thousands of new Chamber Advantage Cards! (Call Kellie for details: 623-2233.)
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For Your Calendar:
Chamber & Chamber Foundation Save the Dates - 2020
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Events Scheduled (may change due to DCD recommendations)
Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show (New date to be announced ASAP)
Byrne and Kelly Concert at Woodhaven (Foundation) - New Date TBD ASAP
June 20 - Bridges & Barns Farm to Table Progressive Dining Tour
June 23 - Technology Conference
July 18 - Foundation 20th Anniversary Celebration
July 24 - Chamber Golf Tournament
Aug 3-4
Women in Business Conference
August 8 - Olde Bedford Brews & Spirits Market at the PA Lumberjack & Outdoor Show
September 12th - Bike Bedford County
Sept. 17 - Business Community Showcase & Fashion Showcase Mixer
Sept. 24 - Downtown on the Farm
October TBD - Leadercast
Sept. 12 Bike Bedford County (tentative)
November 19 - Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
November 28 - Shop Small Saturday
December 10 - Holiday Business After Hours & Open House
December 12 - Breakfast with Santa
December 11-13, 17-23, 26-27 - Holiday Nights of Lights
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Do you have something to celebrate?
Call us at 623-2233 to schedule your...
Ribbon Cutting
Anniversary Celebration
Key Transfer (New Owners)
Groundbreaking
We love to celebrate local business milestones!
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Chamber Foundation
News & Opportunities
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Tickets Now On Sale for 2020 Concert Event featuring Celtic Thunder's Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly
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POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO COME
All tickets sold will be transferred to new date, to be announced ASAP
Tickets: $50
Benefitting the Programs
of the 501-c3
Bedford County Chamber
Education Foundation
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You can now register and pay for Chamber events online.
Make sure you have created your ChamberMaster login so you can enjoy the convenience of online registration.
Here's how:
1) Visit the event calendar on our website and click on the event of interest.
2) Click the green "Register Now" button to take you to the member registration page.
3) If you don't have a password or don't remember it, simply click "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions to re-set your password. Then complete your registration as a member. (You can also use your email address if you are a registered contact for your company.)
Members receive special discounts and access at many of our events, so registering as a member rather than checking out as a guest is better.
If you have any questions about how to register for an event or create your password, feel free to call 814-623-2233 for assistance.
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Chamber Member & Community News
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LAST WEEKEND FOR BABIES & BLOOMS!
DRIVE THRU & Enjoy
(Lambs, Bunnies, Chicks,New Piglets and more...)
Farm Store Open with Local Meat, Vegetables, Gardening Supplies, Books
Natural Soap, Lotions, Hand-made and Made in the USA Products,
(Cash or check only)
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Bedford Rotary Announces
Cancellation of Surf & Turf Event
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The Bedford Rotary Club has announced that their May Surf & Turf Event, formerly Lobsterfest, has been canceled. The Club looks forward to holding this event nest year!
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During the Coronavirus Lockdown,
SAMA Bedford is holding Facebook Live Stream classes featuring a variety of subjects, skill sets, disciplines and instructors. Check out the
SAMA Facebook page for more info!
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Chamber Member UDNI Offers Remote Technology Assistance to Local Businesses
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Learn more about Victoria House: the area's premier offerings in Personal Care Living: Inclusive pricing, caring staff, beautiful, comfortable rooms that
feel like home.
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Bedford County
Chamber of Commerce
203 South Juliana Street
Bedford, PA 15522 - USA
Phone: 814.623.2233
Fax: 814.623.6089
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