October news & updates
A Special Piece of History

On behalf of the Pocono Chamber, we were thrilled to donate a special painting to the Monroe Historical Society! There is much to see when you visit the Stroud Mansion, so please take some time to learn more about the great things happening under the direction of Executive Director, Amy Leiser! Keep an eye out for an upcoming Monday Night Mixer at the Mansion as we work on our 2021 schedule.

Marlyn
Marlyn Kissner, Executive Vice President, Northern Region
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Carbon Chamber and Economic Development
Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce
Mobile: 610.751.4932
Founded in 1921, the Monroe County Historical Association is charged with the important task of preserving the rich history of Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The organization is housed in the 1795 Stroud Mansion and maintains a local history museum and genealogical and research library.

Through informative and entertaining programming and tours, unique research materials, hands-on workshops, educational opportunities, museum exhibits, and special events, the Monroe County Historical Association continues to proudly serve the community by raising awareness about Monroe County’s past.

Monday, October 5th - October First Monday Mixer

Tuesday, October 13th - October Women in Business Luncheon

Tuesday, October 14th - October Membership Your Membership


Thursday, October 22nd - October Coffee & Commerce

Wednesday, October 28th - Mixoooology & Mingle
LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Join the Pocono Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, October 20th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on the Zoom Webinar Platform. During this webinar Rick Franzo, the Growth Coach of the Poconos will dive into how mindset, leadership skills, and behaviors all factor into how effective leaders can help their companies thrive.

During this workshop you will learn how to:
  • Slow down and reflect on your business - Elevate your personal leadership skills
  • Generate an action plan to increase revenue
  • Learn ways to grow your business
  • Drive performance management

POCONO CHAMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULE

First Tuesdays @ 9:00 am - West End Committee

First Wednesdays @ 8:30 am - Bizzy Awards Planning Committee

First Fridays @ 8:00 am - Pocono Public Policy Council

Second Wednesdays @ 11:00 am - Education Committee

Third Wednesdays @ 8:30 am - LGBTQ+ Business Council

Third Wednesdays @ 11:00 am - Digital Strategies Committee

Third Thursdays @ 8:30 am - Golf Committee

Fourth Wednesdays @ 8:30 am - PLOT Committee

Fourth Thursdays @ 8:30 am - Women in Business Council

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
CONTACT THE CHAMBER TODAY @ 570-421-4433!
2020 BIZZY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Pocono Chamber of Commerce and George Roberts Productions hosted the 2020 Bizzy Awards on Thursday, September 17, 2020, on the breathtaking outdoor veranda at Kalahari Resort in Pocono Manor, Pennsylvania. Over 150 Chamber Members and their guests from over 60 organizations were in attendance and enjoyed a Hollywood Academy Awards style event in the Pocono Mountains. This year’s theme was Race to the Bizzys, The Chamber partnered with the Pocono Raceway to integrate racecars, fan gear, race suits, official racing tires, and so much more into Thursday’s program. Guests showed off just how #PoconoProud they were by wearing their Pocono Raceway gear and things checkered.
The Pocono Chamber of Commerce invites the community to congratulate the 2020 Bizzy Award Winners:
 
  • Best Business Logo presented by Rick Franzo (Growth Coach of the Poconos) awarded to Off Your Rocker
  • Best Business Card Design presented by Melissa Moritz (TCB Promotions) awarded to Soundbar Entertainment
  • Best Curbside Appeal presented by Daryl Morris (Kalahari Resort) awarded to Mountain View Vineyards
  • Best Restaurant presented by William Colavito (Great Wolf Lodge) awarded to Sortino’s at Kalahari Resort
  • Best Business Leader presented by Chuck Niclaus (Barry Isett & Associates) awarded to Chris Barrett, President & CEO, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau
  • Best Non- Profit presented by Chrissi Wolosz (Pocono Raceway) awarded to Pocono Services for Families and Children
  • Best New Business presented by Trip Ruvane (Barley Creek Brewing Co.) awarded to Verde Mantis 3D-Printer at East Stroudsburg University
  • Best Tiny, but Mighty Business presented by Dawn Hart (Bulldog Liquidators) awarded to Sonia’s Sweet Inspirations
  • Best Small Business presented by Kristina Angeloni (Pocono Raceway) awarded to Bulldog Liquidators
  • Best Overall Business presented virtually by Elizabeth Wise (Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono) awarded to Barley Creek Brewing Co.
  • Best “Rockstar” Employee: The Elisa Chase Award presented by Bud Williamson (Neversink Media Group) awarded to Glen Lippincott, Director of Small Group Activities, Valor Clinic Foundation

MONROE COUNTY BLOCK GRANT

The first round of funding through the Monroe County COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant is wrapping up, with over 150 businesses and community entities qualifying for grant awards. There is still money available for those businesses, municipal and nonprofit organizations in Monroe County that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Your organization may qualify for a grant (not a loan) if it suffered a loss of revenue or if it incurred additional expense in making changes to protect staff, customers, or clients from COVID-19.

Grants are available to:
  • Municipalities
  • Tourism businesses
  • Small businesses
  • Nonproft Organizations

Grant applications are available on the Monroe County web site (www. MonroeCountyPa.gov). Select the application form that most closely describes your organization, complete the form, supply the requested information, and submit via email to MCcares@monroecountypa.gov. Submissions will also be accepted via mail or drop off to the Monroe County Commissioners’ Office, 1 Quaker Plaza, Room 201, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. 

Completed applications and supporting materials must be received by the close of business October 9, 2020.
Attract and retain employees with benefit solutions!

To request a quote, ask your broker about Chamber Health Insurance for Monroe County with Aetna Funding Advantage or contact Jessica Gary with Chamber Health Marketplace at 610-349-8226.

CERTIFY YOUR RESTAURANT

Restaurants can now access the online self-certification form on PA.gov/COVID. The recently announced self-certification process enables restaurants, private social clubs and food service businesses that serve dine-in, sit down food in a regular, non-event capacity to increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent while adhering to mitigation efforts that will keep employees and customers safe.

Enforcement of the 50 percent indoor capacity will begin on October 5, so restaurants that choose to increase indoor capacity to 50 percent before October 5 must complete the online self-certification process by that date. However, the self-certification process will remain available after October 5 for restaurants that choose to self-certify in the future.
POCONO PRIDE COMMUNITY DAY
September 26th 2020
FREE 20-MINUTES LEGAL CONSULTATION FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

To support our members, The Chamber is offering member businesses a FREE 20-minute legal consultation with one of our four Chamber Law Firm Partners.
 
  • Gross McGinley FOR Business, Corporate, Employment and Real Estate;
  • King Spry Herman Freund & Faul FOR Employment and Labor, Employee Benefits;
  • Lesavoy Butz & Seitz FOR Business, Corporate, Real Estate, Estate Planning & Litigation Needs; and
  • Zator Law FOR Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, Business/Commercial Law, Real Estate, Criminal Defense, and Workers’ Compensation.

This new benefit is designed to provide our members with access to general legal guidance concerning the required safety regulations and procedures on the reopening of their business.
FREE 20-MINUTES ACCOUNTING CONSULTATION FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

To support our members, The Chamber is offering member businesses a FREE 20-minute accounting consultation with one of our three Chamber Accounting/ CPA Partners.

  • Buckno Lisicky & Company, CPA's - From basic accounting expertise to the most complex accounting information, the CPA's of Buckno Lisicky & Company have developed knowledge and expertise in a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional service areas.
  • Foresight Business Solutions - Foresight offers an integrated tax, accounting and business management solution for small businesses.
  • RLB Accountants – RLB provides full-service accounting, tax, and financial management support to all clients, including: established closely held businesses, corporations, institutions, and individuals. RLB also provides remote accounting/bookkeeping services and is certified with Quickbooks and XERO.

This new benefit is designed to provide our members with access to general accounting guidance concerning the impacts COVID-19 on their business financials.
ADD YOUR ORGANIZATIONS EVENT TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Hosting a event or webinar?
Don't forget to add it to our Community Event Calendar on the PCC website. Add your even through the Member Information Center or click on the button below. It's FREE!
POCONO CHAMBER CURRENTLY SEEKING INTERNS!

Students pursuing a college degree can sharpen their skills and build their resumes though an internship with the Pocono Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber is currently looking for three to four students majoring or minoring in marketing, communications, public relations or business administration. The interns will work out of the Lehighton chamber office doing a variety of tasks.The Chamber is following the PA Governor’s Phases while navigating COVID 19 – Red, Yellow and Green, in addition to following federal, state and local government authorities. Interns have the opportunity to work from home/remotely while completing projects and required hours.

Any students interested in this semester's internship opportunities can contact the chamber office for more information at 570-421-4433.
Questions?
Call us, 570-421-4433