e-NEWS
Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
PVCC Events
June 24, 2020
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual Town Hall with Gene Barr
All welcome to attend!
FREE Event
We are thrilled to present a 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. Gene will discuss the newly launched Bring PA Back Initiative, advocacy efforts pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic, business resources, educational opportunities and more.

Since May 1st, Gene has been hosting weekly calls with Chamber’s throughout the State, providing a forum for Chamber Executives to work together to provide guidance, advocacy and programs to assist businesses during these challenges times.

This program will include time for audience Q&A. Submit your questions when registering for the event.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
June 30, 2020
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Business Roundtable
FREE Event
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. 
Pre-registration is required. 
FREE Event for our members.
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
Discussion Topic: Green Phase
How has the move to green impacted your business operations? Customer/employee safety measures, moral , telework, and more...
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
A Message From The Chamber Office
Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

Great news!!!! Governor Wolf announced today that Montgomery County will officially be moved to the GREEN PHASE of the pandemic reopening plan on Friday, June 26th! There will still be restrictions for the "new normal", but I sure feel like celebrating after 15 weeks of shutdown! We can finally schedule a haircut, visit the gym and entertainment venues will open at 50% occupancy. Telework is still "strongly encouraged", and businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements.

The State requires businesses with in-person operations or serving the public to print, sign and post the "COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses" flyer on their premises. Download and print flyers onto legal size or 2-page letter size paper.

Juneteenth is a day of incredible significance . On June 19, 1865 word finally arrived in Galveston, Texas that slavery was abolished—more than two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This date became known as Juneteenth, also sometimes called “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day,” and was celebrated as marking the official end of slavery in the US. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and achievement, promotes self-development, and is a time for reflection and rejoicing. 

Please remember to register for PV Chamber's Town Hall with Gene Barr on Wednesday, June 24th. Gene, President and CEO of PA Chamber of Business and Industry, is regarded as the Voice of Business in the Commonwealth. Gene will answer your questions and share information about Bring PA Back Initiative, advocacy efforts pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic, business resources and educational opportunities and legislative issues. Register for this FREE event here.

Montco Works recruited the help of chambers of Commerce to conduct in-depth interviews with members to determine current and future workforce planning needs. We are seeking members to participate in one-on-one interviews (approx 20-30 minutes) this month. Contact Renee to request an appointment. 610-489-6660 or email renee@pvchamber.net.

There are still many funding programs available to qualified business:
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.

PPP SBA Loan program has seen a resurgence in recent days, as the June 30th application dealine approaches. Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act to make it easier for small businesses and other PPP borrowers to qualify for full loan forgiveness. Among the changes in the act are an expansion of the “covered period” for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks from eight weeks, a reduction of the proportion of proceeds that must be spent on payroll costs to 60% from 75%, and the establishment of a safe harbor for businesses that have been unable to return to the level of business activity they had before the COVID-19 pandemic due to compliance with health and safety guidelines for slowing the spread of the virus. Click here to hear the recording of the Chamber's recent SBA and Business Funding Webinar.

If your business hours and operations have changed, please send details to info@pvchamber.net and we will share on our website and social media platforms.

Stay safe and healthy! Have a wonderful Father's Day Weekend!

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!
Supplies Needed for Phoenixville Hospital
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. 
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
  • Gift Card Program
  • Shop Local
  • Brighter Side
  • Event News
Montgomery County Resource Hubs
Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed here.
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).

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
The Bright Side :)
Now more than ever, we love sharing stories of great things happening in our community, reflective thoughts and positive vibes. 

  • Senator Bob Mensch is helping businesses around the community stay in touch during this time through his virtual meeting series, Zooming Around the 24th  District,’ in which the Senator meets one-on-one over Zoom with businesses around the District.
  • Davinci's is bringing back Live Entertainment with the first performance next Wednsday, June 24th featuring Rich DeSimone singing Frank Sinatra hits! Enjoy outdoor dining on their covered front porch and newly renovated patio. Takeout/no touch curbside pickup for food and drinks is also available along with family meal deals and date night dinners for two!
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who BOOK NOW ~ SHOOT LATER
Celebrate your Amazing Achievement and your Bright Future.
We are still booking Graduation and Senior portraits for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. Give us a call Now at (610) 608-6095
Employment Opportunities
Member News
Ursius 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
THE COMPLETE LIST OF MONTCOSTRONG SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM ROUND 2 GRANT AWARDS HAVE BEEN POSTED. THE LIST AND GRANT AWARD INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND  HERE .
** NEW ** Montco Regional Business Survey
The purpose of this survey is to assess the needs of businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region in order to help us to develop guidance and resources to help you safely and speedily reopen after the COVID-19 business closures. Please note that these questions are NOT intended to reflect the specific timing of reopening, which will depend on decisions made by the Governor’s office. Survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. In addition, there are three optional sections relating to workforce, transportation, and finances that you may wish to complete.
Take the US Census
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! 
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 .
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 
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.
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.